Donald with his grandsons
Friday, March 25, 2005
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Here is an interesting e-mail response from Brother Joe about family history:
Joe, we don't have any comments because we don't know anything. We really appreciate all the research you are doing.
COMMENT: The book you had when you lived in Springfield, I think it was about Holy Trinity Catholic Church, had a good bit of information on the LaFoe Family. Does it show anything that is not mentioned in my e-mail?
Where are Katie and Jacob, our father's parents, buried in?
COMMENT: In the same plot as our Mom & Dad & our siblings, in the Marshfield Cemetery.
Why do some Felins spell our name with one 'l' and others with two?
COMMENT: The document "First Naturalization Paper" dated 5th day of Nov, 1889 shows the name Giacomo Feelin The document is barely legible, but the date, name, etc. are very clear & appears to have been filed in Kansas. The next document, this time much clearer, is dated 22-Mar-1904, in Webster County & it is the final naturalization papers. It mentions the Nov. 5/1884 document as being filed in Cherokee County, KS.
As far as the proper spelling, including the LaFoe Clan, there are different spellings. The wedding of Edward LaFoe & spouse, in l866, are both signed with their "X". For these immigrants to enter the U.S. & unable to read or write or speak english must have been a challenge in itself. Probably anything to get them through the gates & move on to the next group of immigrants was the major goal?
How does it happen that we are not related to Mary Felin and Henry Felin when they had money? How is it all our relations are poor and some even crazy? We don't mean to be flip, but crazy and POOR? That's our heritage?????
COMMENT: Our brother Bob once said that Jake & Sam Andreatta were friends in Austria before coming to the U.S. Jake went on to work in the Colorado coal mines & kept in touch with Sam. There are still some Andreatta's living in Colorado. (ask Pete). Anyway Sam, back in MO, mentioned some Fellin's in Webster County, Jake came to see if they were related, found out they were not, but he settled down & married. That may account for the first naturalization papers being filed in Cherokee County KS (Pittsburg?)
Leslie and Chase are coming up tomorrow for a family thing. They are staying overnight with us. Which, of course, brings up a Big Question: When are YOU coming up?
COMMENT: I am getting mossed in & find it to be a rather comfortable way to be. May get out some when Spring get here.
Here is an interesting e-mail response from Brother Joe about family history:
Joe, we don't have any comments because we don't know anything. We really appreciate all the research you are doing.
COMMENT: The book you had when you lived in Springfield, I think it was about Holy Trinity Catholic Church, had a good bit of information on the LaFoe Family. Does it show anything that is not mentioned in my e-mail?
Where are Katie and Jacob, our father's parents, buried in?
COMMENT: In the same plot as our Mom & Dad & our siblings, in the Marshfield Cemetery.
Why do some Felins spell our name with one 'l' and others with two?
COMMENT: The document "First Naturalization Paper" dated 5th day of Nov, 1889 shows the name Giacomo Feelin The document is barely legible, but the date, name, etc. are very clear & appears to have been filed in Kansas. The next document, this time much clearer, is dated 22-Mar-1904, in Webster County & it is the final naturalization papers. It mentions the Nov. 5/1884 document as being filed in Cherokee County, KS.
As far as the proper spelling, including the LaFoe Clan, there are different spellings. The wedding of Edward LaFoe & spouse, in l866, are both signed with their "X". For these immigrants to enter the U.S. & unable to read or write or speak english must have been a challenge in itself. Probably anything to get them through the gates & move on to the next group of immigrants was the major goal?
How does it happen that we are not related to Mary Felin and Henry Felin when they had money? How is it all our relations are poor and some even crazy? We don't mean to be flip, but crazy and POOR? That's our heritage?????
COMMENT: Our brother Bob once said that Jake & Sam Andreatta were friends in Austria before coming to the U.S. Jake went on to work in the Colorado coal mines & kept in touch with Sam. There are still some Andreatta's living in Colorado. (ask Pete). Anyway Sam, back in MO, mentioned some Fellin's in Webster County, Jake came to see if they were related, found out they were not, but he settled down & married. That may account for the first naturalization papers being filed in Cherokee County KS (Pittsburg?)
Leslie and Chase are coming up tomorrow for a family thing. They are staying overnight with us. Which, of course, brings up a Big Question: When are YOU coming up?
COMMENT: I am getting mossed in & find it to be a rather comfortable way to be. May get out some when Spring get here.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Mark Lary called this evening Last Friday he had an emergency appendectomy. The surgery was done by laparoscopy so was no big deal. He was back at work today. However, when he went for his follow-up exam, his doctor told him the pathology reports showed carcinoma. On Friday, April 1, he goes back into the hospital for removal of a portion of his colon. He will be at Missouri Baptist for six days. We are concerned but trust that this will soon be over and ancient history. Meanwhile, cast a few prayers heavenward for his speedy recovery.
Word from the worker bees at the lake is that, in spite of no heat or hot water, lots of rain and no sunshine, a good deal of progress has been made on the deck. Doug, Mark Goldman, and Maddog have been working feverishly. Dave Smith went there today to look over the painting needs, and Chris is going tomorrow to lend his help. Scott was upset when I told him about the project because he would love to have been a part of it. Seldom have I seen so many young people so willing to volunteer their time and talent the way this bunch does. Goldman calls himself the "Cabin Bitch" because he is in charge of kitchen and cooking. He made a brisket on Sunday which all said turned out wonderfully.
I spent the weekend with the Abbotts. We had a great time, BUT the question of the cow that I thought was settled is back. Turns out, Pete says HE milked the cow because Joe had a job at Peo Fellin's grocery store on the square. Furthermore, we didn't board the cow at the Alexanders but kept her in our own pasture. Margaret was adamant that SHE was the ONLY one who cleaned the milk strainer. I thought I did. Rose said, "What the hell is a milk strainer." No doubt, she was reading a book.
As our Dear Readers can easily see, these are matters of historical significance in the family history. Just like national history, there is a good deal of dispute about who did what, when. However, just as in national history, the ones who WRITE the story determine the truth. Rose and I will soon decree just who it was milked that cow. [Stepped on WHAT out in the barn!!!!???? We thought we sold the cow.]
While Margaret and Norman and I were discussing these weighty matters, Bernie called. He didn't know who milked the cow but figured it was probably him. Actually, he didn't care who it was. He was able to fill in other historical facts, like Dad's having spent the night in jail shortly before he died. Bernie remembers going with Bob and Joe to 'spring him,' and that he had been arrested for driving erratically around the square. In modern terms, DUI.
A long-term friend of Rose and Shirley's was in town over the weekend to give a workshop for the local Jung Society. He and his wife Marjorie stayed at the Oakland house and very graciously invited us there for a lucious dinner. Shirley, unfortunately, missed both the dinner and the workshop because she left for Chicago on Wednesday.
On Thursday evening, Leslie and her son Chase (former Springfield neighbors) were in town for Leslie's brother's 50th birthday and for St. Pat's. Leslie and Chase overnighted with us. Part of their agenda for travelling from Springfield to St. Louis was to see Den. I have known Chase since he was about 10 and just a little fellow. Well, now Chase is over six feet and is 18 years old. As we were leaving the Extended Care Facility, Rose explained she had had to park some distance away. Without a word, Chase scooped me up and carried me to the car! He will go to Denver in the Fall to study photography, his passionate avocation, in the fall. He is one wonderful young man. His brother Jeffrey has returned from service in Iraq and is now stationed in Fort Lewis Washington where we all fervently hope he stays.
We are invited to the Abbotts for Easter Sunday. We're looking forward to the egg hunt and the dinner. Sabrina is making her world-famous potato salad, which I taught her to make. [That little fact may get lost in the history books, so I put it here in plain print.]
Kim and family are in Cancun for spring break. They chose a good time to get out of the rainy and generally miserable weather here. In Kim's absence, we really note how very much she does for her dad. My wonderful son Chris continues to be his cheerful and helpful self. On Monday he took Den and me to the first liver transplant meeting for potential recipients and families. Yesterday, he and Shelly went with me to a seminar on preserving assets in the face of catastrophic illness. About 5 minutes into the deal, Chris passed a note to Shelly and me that read, "Snake Oil." And it was. We got out as soon as we comfortably could, but it was still two hours of one harrangue. No Help. After that, Chris picked Den up from Rehab and took him back to the facility.
Last night Rose and I stopped by the college where Chris teaches computer technology. He has come a long way from the Apple I bought him and Scott when they were in high school! It was heartwarming to see the comraderie between Chris and his students. And we learned more about IP addresses, bytes, and routers than we had any need to know.
Rose and I are planning a quick trip to the Lake on Monday to check out progress on the roof and the deck. We asked Brother Joe to drive up for lunch with us. He said he would but wanted us to know he's maxed out Pete's credit card. Pete, could you pay it down before Monday?
Mark Lary called this evening Last Friday he had an emergency appendectomy. The surgery was done by laparoscopy so was no big deal. He was back at work today. However, when he went for his follow-up exam, his doctor told him the pathology reports showed carcinoma. On Friday, April 1, he goes back into the hospital for removal of a portion of his colon. He will be at Missouri Baptist for six days. We are concerned but trust that this will soon be over and ancient history. Meanwhile, cast a few prayers heavenward for his speedy recovery.
Word from the worker bees at the lake is that, in spite of no heat or hot water, lots of rain and no sunshine, a good deal of progress has been made on the deck. Doug, Mark Goldman, and Maddog have been working feverishly. Dave Smith went there today to look over the painting needs, and Chris is going tomorrow to lend his help. Scott was upset when I told him about the project because he would love to have been a part of it. Seldom have I seen so many young people so willing to volunteer their time and talent the way this bunch does. Goldman calls himself the "Cabin Bitch" because he is in charge of kitchen and cooking. He made a brisket on Sunday which all said turned out wonderfully.
I spent the weekend with the Abbotts. We had a great time, BUT the question of the cow that I thought was settled is back. Turns out, Pete says HE milked the cow because Joe had a job at Peo Fellin's grocery store on the square. Furthermore, we didn't board the cow at the Alexanders but kept her in our own pasture. Margaret was adamant that SHE was the ONLY one who cleaned the milk strainer. I thought I did. Rose said, "What the hell is a milk strainer." No doubt, she was reading a book.
As our Dear Readers can easily see, these are matters of historical significance in the family history. Just like national history, there is a good deal of dispute about who did what, when. However, just as in national history, the ones who WRITE the story determine the truth. Rose and I will soon decree just who it was milked that cow. [Stepped on WHAT out in the barn!!!!???? We thought we sold the cow.]
While Margaret and Norman and I were discussing these weighty matters, Bernie called. He didn't know who milked the cow but figured it was probably him. Actually, he didn't care who it was. He was able to fill in other historical facts, like Dad's having spent the night in jail shortly before he died. Bernie remembers going with Bob and Joe to 'spring him,' and that he had been arrested for driving erratically around the square. In modern terms, DUI.
A long-term friend of Rose and Shirley's was in town over the weekend to give a workshop for the local Jung Society. He and his wife Marjorie stayed at the Oakland house and very graciously invited us there for a lucious dinner. Shirley, unfortunately, missed both the dinner and the workshop because she left for Chicago on Wednesday.
On Thursday evening, Leslie and her son Chase (former Springfield neighbors) were in town for Leslie's brother's 50th birthday and for St. Pat's. Leslie and Chase overnighted with us. Part of their agenda for travelling from Springfield to St. Louis was to see Den. I have known Chase since he was about 10 and just a little fellow. Well, now Chase is over six feet and is 18 years old. As we were leaving the Extended Care Facility, Rose explained she had had to park some distance away. Without a word, Chase scooped me up and carried me to the car! He will go to Denver in the Fall to study photography, his passionate avocation, in the fall. He is one wonderful young man. His brother Jeffrey has returned from service in Iraq and is now stationed in Fort Lewis Washington where we all fervently hope he stays.
We are invited to the Abbotts for Easter Sunday. We're looking forward to the egg hunt and the dinner. Sabrina is making her world-famous potato salad, which I taught her to make. [That little fact may get lost in the history books, so I put it here in plain print.]
Kim and family are in Cancun for spring break. They chose a good time to get out of the rainy and generally miserable weather here. In Kim's absence, we really note how very much she does for her dad. My wonderful son Chris continues to be his cheerful and helpful self. On Monday he took Den and me to the first liver transplant meeting for potential recipients and families. Yesterday, he and Shelly went with me to a seminar on preserving assets in the face of catastrophic illness. About 5 minutes into the deal, Chris passed a note to Shelly and me that read, "Snake Oil." And it was. We got out as soon as we comfortably could, but it was still two hours of one harrangue. No Help. After that, Chris picked Den up from Rehab and took him back to the facility.
Last night Rose and I stopped by the college where Chris teaches computer technology. He has come a long way from the Apple I bought him and Scott when they were in high school! It was heartwarming to see the comraderie between Chris and his students. And we learned more about IP addresses, bytes, and routers than we had any need to know.
Rose and I are planning a quick trip to the Lake on Monday to check out progress on the roof and the deck. We asked Brother Joe to drive up for lunch with us. He said he would but wanted us to know he's maxed out Pete's credit card. Pete, could you pay it down before Monday?
Saturday, March 12, 2005
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Having settled the cow question, we can move on to other topics.
Shirley and her sister Lorretta arrived here late Sunday evening. Rose and I had spent the evening with Mark and Karen, Karen's son Dennis, Shelly and Chris at Karen's house over a wonderful dinner. Karen lives not far from the airport so we went from there to pick up the travelers.
Monday was a shop and get-ready day. Tuesday right after my physical therapy appointments, the four of us drove to the Lake of the Ozarks for a few days. We traded cars with Chris and Shelly for the trip which meant we had a luxurious SUV to drive with plenty of space for our stuff.
Once again, this time at the Lake, the Mississippi Gambler from New Orleans, Loretta, cleaned our plows. If we knew how to spell the game she taught us (sounds like boo ray), we might look up some strategies on how to play. She is a card shark at that game. It was so bad that Rose and I were writing IOU's on tissue paper when we ran out of money the first evening. We really just play for small change BUT with Loretta it added up to larger denominational paper. Shirley didn't do badly either. Rose and I were the big losers.
Our wonderful neighbors, Dave and Judy, Mike, and Jack were around and we were glad to see them. I continue to appreciate the Meisels for all their thoughtful care and vigilance in our absence. They are truly great neighbors and wonderful friends. Dave told us they read this blog but could do with fewer photos of those grandchildren. Sorry, Dave and Judy, we'll post many more as soon as we get some.
We drove home Friday, and I went straight to the facility to see Den. His kids, with my Chris' help, had done a great job filling in our absence. Den was happy to see me. He is doing quite well and got along great without me.
Loretta left for New Orleans early this morning with her pot of gold. We look forward to having her come again and would love to go visit her in her habitat. Alas, it is difficult to get away for any extended period these days.
We hear that Pete and Janet are back in the US of A. Bernie and Maudie are back in Spokane. Donald and Vita have a new grandson.
Today I talked with Scott who said he and Brayden had gone to Jalen's class 'Family Time.' Part of the agenda was that the teacher read out loud the stories her first graders had written as an assignment. Most of the stories were one or two sentences, three at the most. Jalen's was five pages long! One of the parts of his paper outlined five steps for becoming a better listener. Step One, paraphrased, was: Don't talk during quiet time at school because you might get a yellow frog.
That's all we have new to report from Lake Woe Be Gone.
Having settled the cow question, we can move on to other topics.
Shirley and her sister Lorretta arrived here late Sunday evening. Rose and I had spent the evening with Mark and Karen, Karen's son Dennis, Shelly and Chris at Karen's house over a wonderful dinner. Karen lives not far from the airport so we went from there to pick up the travelers.
Monday was a shop and get-ready day. Tuesday right after my physical therapy appointments, the four of us drove to the Lake of the Ozarks for a few days. We traded cars with Chris and Shelly for the trip which meant we had a luxurious SUV to drive with plenty of space for our stuff.
Once again, this time at the Lake, the Mississippi Gambler from New Orleans, Loretta, cleaned our plows. If we knew how to spell the game she taught us (sounds like boo ray), we might look up some strategies on how to play. She is a card shark at that game. It was so bad that Rose and I were writing IOU's on tissue paper when we ran out of money the first evening. We really just play for small change BUT with Loretta it added up to larger denominational paper. Shirley didn't do badly either. Rose and I were the big losers.
Our wonderful neighbors, Dave and Judy, Mike, and Jack were around and we were glad to see them. I continue to appreciate the Meisels for all their thoughtful care and vigilance in our absence. They are truly great neighbors and wonderful friends. Dave told us they read this blog but could do with fewer photos of those grandchildren. Sorry, Dave and Judy, we'll post many more as soon as we get some.
We drove home Friday, and I went straight to the facility to see Den. His kids, with my Chris' help, had done a great job filling in our absence. Den was happy to see me. He is doing quite well and got along great without me.
Loretta left for New Orleans early this morning with her pot of gold. We look forward to having her come again and would love to go visit her in her habitat. Alas, it is difficult to get away for any extended period these days.
We hear that Pete and Janet are back in the US of A. Bernie and Maudie are back in Spokane. Donald and Vita have a new grandson.
Today I talked with Scott who said he and Brayden had gone to Jalen's class 'Family Time.' Part of the agenda was that the teacher read out loud the stories her first graders had written as an assignment. Most of the stories were one or two sentences, three at the most. Jalen's was five pages long! One of the parts of his paper outlined five steps for becoming a better listener. Step One, paraphrased, was: Don't talk during quiet time at school because you might get a yellow frog.
That's all we have new to report from Lake Woe Be Gone.
Monday, March 07, 2005
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Rose and I sent an e-mail to Brother Joe with questions about our early life in Marshfield, specifically, did we have a cow when we moved from the farm to town. This is our list of questions with Joe's responses (in Bold):
Dear Joe,
Rose and I are trying to settle a question. Did we have a cow after we moved to town?
ANSWER: YES
Or, What! Stepped on What?! I thought we sold the cow. Just when did we get rid of the cow?
ANSWER: WHEN WE MOVED TO TOWN, WE TOOK ONE COW. LATER MOM TRADED HER TO BILL BERTHOLDIE FOR A SMALLER COW. MY GUESS IS WE SOLD THE LAST COW ABOUT 50-51?
Who milked?
ANSWER: MOST OF THE TIME I DID THE MILKING & CARING FOR THE COW. IN THE SUMMER, WE BOARDED THE COW ON ALEXANDER'S FARM, JUST WEST & SOUTH OF THE HOUSE. MOM LET BE DRIVE THE CAR TO & FROM MILKING, EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT YET 16.
What did we do with the milk?
ANSWER: WE USED THE MILK, MADE BUTTER AND ALSO SOLD SOME MILK TO THE RENTERS IN THE NORTH PORTION OF THE HOUSE. THE BOY DID NOT LIKE CREAM IN HIS MILK SO I TWISTED THE COWS HORN & TOLD HIM I HAD TURNED THE CREAM OFF. HE BELIEVED IT! ONE TIME PETE ASKED IT THE MILK IN THE REFRIGERATOR WAS HOT? (JUST MILKED) DONALD TOLD HIM NO. PETE TOOK A DRINK & SAID DONALD, THIS MILK IS HOT. DONALD REPLIED BACK & SAID IT WAS WARM BUT NOT HOT.
And what was the cow's name?
ANSWER: I DON'T REMEMBER BUT MARGE MAY BE CORRECT ON ONE OF THE COWS NAME?
Margaret thinks it was something like "Amelia."
And did mother rent a horse to plow the garden in the spring?
ANSWER: THE GUY THAT LIVED IN THE HOUSE IN MARSHFIELD THAT HE PURCHASED FROM BONNIE OSREDKER OWNED A TEAM & PLOWED THE GARDEN. HE REFERRED TO THE OSREDKER'S AS SOMETHING LIKE "OSENREADY'
You can see that we are dealing with weighty matters these days.
Love, Pe-Pe [For those who don't know, "Pe-Pe" is Joe's nickname for me from 50-plus years ago when ONE TIME I re-enacted something from a cartoon character about a skunk.]
Rose and I sent an e-mail to Brother Joe with questions about our early life in Marshfield, specifically, did we have a cow when we moved from the farm to town. This is our list of questions with Joe's responses (in Bold):
Dear Joe,
Rose and I are trying to settle a question. Did we have a cow after we moved to town?
ANSWER: YES
Or, What! Stepped on What?! I thought we sold the cow. Just when did we get rid of the cow?
ANSWER: WHEN WE MOVED TO TOWN, WE TOOK ONE COW. LATER MOM TRADED HER TO BILL BERTHOLDIE FOR A SMALLER COW. MY GUESS IS WE SOLD THE LAST COW ABOUT 50-51?
Who milked?
ANSWER: MOST OF THE TIME I DID THE MILKING & CARING FOR THE COW. IN THE SUMMER, WE BOARDED THE COW ON ALEXANDER'S FARM, JUST WEST & SOUTH OF THE HOUSE. MOM LET BE DRIVE THE CAR TO & FROM MILKING, EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT YET 16.
What did we do with the milk?
ANSWER: WE USED THE MILK, MADE BUTTER AND ALSO SOLD SOME MILK TO THE RENTERS IN THE NORTH PORTION OF THE HOUSE. THE BOY DID NOT LIKE CREAM IN HIS MILK SO I TWISTED THE COWS HORN & TOLD HIM I HAD TURNED THE CREAM OFF. HE BELIEVED IT! ONE TIME PETE ASKED IT THE MILK IN THE REFRIGERATOR WAS HOT? (JUST MILKED) DONALD TOLD HIM NO. PETE TOOK A DRINK & SAID DONALD, THIS MILK IS HOT. DONALD REPLIED BACK & SAID IT WAS WARM BUT NOT HOT.
And what was the cow's name?
ANSWER: I DON'T REMEMBER BUT MARGE MAY BE CORRECT ON ONE OF THE COWS NAME?
Margaret thinks it was something like "Amelia."
And did mother rent a horse to plow the garden in the spring?
ANSWER: THE GUY THAT LIVED IN THE HOUSE IN MARSHFIELD THAT HE PURCHASED FROM BONNIE OSREDKER OWNED A TEAM & PLOWED THE GARDEN. HE REFERRED TO THE OSREDKER'S AS SOMETHING LIKE "OSENREADY'
You can see that we are dealing with weighty matters these days.
Love, Pe-Pe [For those who don't know, "Pe-Pe" is Joe's nickname for me from 50-plus years ago when ONE TIME I re-enacted something from a cartoon character about a skunk.]
Saturday, March 05, 2005
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Bernie called this week. He and Maudie were in Quartzsite, AZ, sitting outside Pete and Janet's home there. They were looking for Pete and Janet. Last we heard from Pete and Janet was about a week ago. They were headed to Mexico City to attend the bull fights on Sunday. Bernie and Maudie were going to hang around Quartzsite for a couple of days, hoping to hear from Pete and Janet, and then were going to start their trip home to Spokane.
We knew Bernie and Maudie were in Arizona to attend the wedding of one of their grandchildren. If any of our Dear Readers attended that wedding, would you please post an account by clicking on the 'comments' icon at the end of each blog entry.
Brother Joe sent us an interesting notice about Marshfield history, specifically about Sheriff Isam Cunningham and the period from 1945-55. [For all those 'in the know,' and with very long memories, Isam is also known as '63.']
I think we failed to post the news that Harriet Lafoe's husband died sometime during the holiday season. Harriet is a second cousin who is related through our father's family. Harriet lives in Hoffman Estates, a suburb in the Chicago area. She was one of the movers and shakers who helped pull together our family reunion in 1998. She had done a fairly comprehensive family tree and gave us all copies of her work. We were very sorry to hear about the loss of her husband.
Catrina and Robbie are putting together supporters for Sam's baseball team, which Robbie will coach. They are raising funds to buy hats, t-shirts, and equipment for the team. The main sponsor is Picture Perfect Painting (Randy's company), but all help is appreciated! It's a good cause. And Sam is delighted to have his dad coaching. We don't know what position Sam plays but are sure he will be a team star.
In Greenwood Items language, Den is "some better." [For those who didn't read recent entries, he has had a cold.]
Shirley is in Louisiana, visiting family for the weekend. She and her sister Loretta will fly here tomorrow evening, and the four of us will spend a few days at the Lake.
This is all the news from Lake Woebegone for now.
Bernie called this week. He and Maudie were in Quartzsite, AZ, sitting outside Pete and Janet's home there. They were looking for Pete and Janet. Last we heard from Pete and Janet was about a week ago. They were headed to Mexico City to attend the bull fights on Sunday. Bernie and Maudie were going to hang around Quartzsite for a couple of days, hoping to hear from Pete and Janet, and then were going to start their trip home to Spokane.
We knew Bernie and Maudie were in Arizona to attend the wedding of one of their grandchildren. If any of our Dear Readers attended that wedding, would you please post an account by clicking on the 'comments' icon at the end of each blog entry.
Brother Joe sent us an interesting notice about Marshfield history, specifically about Sheriff Isam Cunningham and the period from 1945-55. [For all those 'in the know,' and with very long memories, Isam is also known as '63.']
I think we failed to post the news that Harriet Lafoe's husband died sometime during the holiday season. Harriet is a second cousin who is related through our father's family. Harriet lives in Hoffman Estates, a suburb in the Chicago area. She was one of the movers and shakers who helped pull together our family reunion in 1998. She had done a fairly comprehensive family tree and gave us all copies of her work. We were very sorry to hear about the loss of her husband.
Catrina and Robbie are putting together supporters for Sam's baseball team, which Robbie will coach. They are raising funds to buy hats, t-shirts, and equipment for the team. The main sponsor is Picture Perfect Painting (Randy's company), but all help is appreciated! It's a good cause. And Sam is delighted to have his dad coaching. We don't know what position Sam plays but are sure he will be a team star.
In Greenwood Items language, Den is "some better." [For those who didn't read recent entries, he has had a cold.]
Shirley is in Louisiana, visiting family for the weekend. She and her sister Loretta will fly here tomorrow evening, and the four of us will spend a few days at the Lake.
This is all the news from Lake Woebegone for now.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
For Christmas, Chris and Shelly got us an eyeglass cleaner from Sharper Image. It was missing the solution, so Shelly got that for us. Quickly this gadget has turned from a luxury into a necessity. All of us clean our glasses in it at least once a day. While we were taking Rose to the airport last Saturday, we both told Chris how much we like the thing. This was our conversation:
Rose: Chris, be sure to tell Shelly that the eyeglass cleaner you two got us is a marvel. We can't do without it now.
Chris: I'll tell her, Auntie, but it's going to hurt.
Mama: Why?
Chris: Well, when Shelly suggested we order one for the "Ladies Over There," you three, I said, 'Trust me, Shelly. That is not a good idea. For years Scott and I gave Mama gadgets that she oohed and aahed over, then stuck up in the pantry forever. This is just such a gadget. I suggest we get them a box of Kleenex.' So, you see, I'm going to have to eat some crow."
-------------------
Chris and I had breakfast after we dropped Rose off that morning, then he left me at the facility to spend some time with Den. Later in the day, Margaret and Norm, after getting lost for 45 minutes, called for me, and we went directly to Catrina and Robbie's for dinner. And for Trivial Pursuit. The dinner was delicious. Catrina is her mother's daughter, and Robbie is not Norm's son! The two of them put on a feast. I surely enjoyed my time with the Abbotts and their family!
Sunday Den's daughter Kim picked him up and he spent the day with her and her family. I had the day off.
Monday Kim and I took Den for his routine appointment with the gastroenterologist, Dr. Bacon. No news there. It is looking more and more like Den will be in line for a liver transplant. Den goes back in 30 days for a test to determine the size of the spot on his liver and to assess its growth rate. On Wednesday Den came down with a bad cold so he is staying in and skipping his rehab appointments until he's better and not contagious. There is some kind of bug going around the extended care facility, so it's no surprise Den got it.
Shirley came home from Chicago on Monday, Rose on Tuesday. Things are pretty much back to normal here but not for long. Shirley leaves for Louisiana on Friday, and will return with her sister Loretta on Sunday. Loretta will spend a week with us, and the four of us will go for our annual trip to the Lake during that time.
I heard from Scott this week about his next trip to St. Louis. Jalen is on Spring Break in early April. Scott will come in on Saturday, April 2, and stay until that Monday when Shirley returns from Chicago. We will keep Jalen and Brayden until Saturday. We had the boys early in February, so it will be several weeks until we get them again. At his age, two years plus, Brayden will be a changed boy. Even as a six-month old, we think he remembered us. [That's what we LIKE to think.] Now, for sure, he does. Scott said that Jalen got a great report card and is reading at a third grade level.
For Christmas, Chris and Shelly got us an eyeglass cleaner from Sharper Image. It was missing the solution, so Shelly got that for us. Quickly this gadget has turned from a luxury into a necessity. All of us clean our glasses in it at least once a day. While we were taking Rose to the airport last Saturday, we both told Chris how much we like the thing. This was our conversation:
Rose: Chris, be sure to tell Shelly that the eyeglass cleaner you two got us is a marvel. We can't do without it now.
Chris: I'll tell her, Auntie, but it's going to hurt.
Mama: Why?
Chris: Well, when Shelly suggested we order one for the "Ladies Over There," you three, I said, 'Trust me, Shelly. That is not a good idea. For years Scott and I gave Mama gadgets that she oohed and aahed over, then stuck up in the pantry forever. This is just such a gadget. I suggest we get them a box of Kleenex.' So, you see, I'm going to have to eat some crow."
-------------------
Chris and I had breakfast after we dropped Rose off that morning, then he left me at the facility to spend some time with Den. Later in the day, Margaret and Norm, after getting lost for 45 minutes, called for me, and we went directly to Catrina and Robbie's for dinner. And for Trivial Pursuit. The dinner was delicious. Catrina is her mother's daughter, and Robbie is not Norm's son! The two of them put on a feast. I surely enjoyed my time with the Abbotts and their family!
Sunday Den's daughter Kim picked him up and he spent the day with her and her family. I had the day off.
Monday Kim and I took Den for his routine appointment with the gastroenterologist, Dr. Bacon. No news there. It is looking more and more like Den will be in line for a liver transplant. Den goes back in 30 days for a test to determine the size of the spot on his liver and to assess its growth rate. On Wednesday Den came down with a bad cold so he is staying in and skipping his rehab appointments until he's better and not contagious. There is some kind of bug going around the extended care facility, so it's no surprise Den got it.
Shirley came home from Chicago on Monday, Rose on Tuesday. Things are pretty much back to normal here but not for long. Shirley leaves for Louisiana on Friday, and will return with her sister Loretta on Sunday. Loretta will spend a week with us, and the four of us will go for our annual trip to the Lake during that time.
I heard from Scott this week about his next trip to St. Louis. Jalen is on Spring Break in early April. Scott will come in on Saturday, April 2, and stay until that Monday when Shirley returns from Chicago. We will keep Jalen and Brayden until Saturday. We had the boys early in February, so it will be several weeks until we get them again. At his age, two years plus, Brayden will be a changed boy. Even as a six-month old, we think he remembered us. [That's what we LIKE to think.] Now, for sure, he does. Scott said that Jalen got a great report card and is reading at a third grade level.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Hello, this is Rose with a quick update. I want to share an exchange I heard between Sue and Chris. Most of you probably know Sue doesn't care much for dogs and that Chris and Shelly love dogs and have two of them. Sue, Den, and I were going somewhere the other day. Sue was in the backseat where she thought she found a dog hair. In mock anger, she said she thought she would just call Chris, and she did. This was their exchange:
Sue: Chris, this is your mama. I think I found a dog hair in the back seat of my car.
Chris: So, why are you calling me, Mama?
Sue: You're the only one who uses my car who has dogs.
Chris: Can't be my dogs' hair. They ride in the front seat.
This is exactly the kind of thing Sue would say!
-----------------
Things are quiet here these days. There is a routine in place for seeing that Den gets to his therapy appointments, usually three days per week for six hours each day, and to his various physician appointments. This morning Sue and Aaron have taken Den to see a nephrologist and a psychiatrist--all a part of the evaluation for a possible liver transplant. If the surgeon who will do the transplant is available, they will meet with him today also.
Kim has been sick with the flu so Aaron has filled in with driving for her. Chris and I pick up and help out where Kim and Aaron can't. Some of Den's siblings are pitching in with visits, goodies that Den likes, movies, and the like. Lori, Den's sister, will help with the transportation when she can.
Serious illness alone is enough to contend with. Tack on all the expense, the logistics, the worry, and the responsibility--the stress is something to behold. Den still gets confused, particularly about time, the days of the week, the appointments, etc., so everything about his care falls to Sue and his kids to manage. Of course, Sue is not well herself so this mess is awfully hard on her. Shirley, Chris, and I try to help as we can, but the lion's share of the problems and responsiblities fall squarely on Sue.
One happy note in the midst of everything is that Sue is walking better than she has in a year. She seldom uses a wheelchair and can pretty much go in and out of the extended care facility unaided unless she has a lot of stuff to carry. For this happy note, we are extremely grateful!
Please keep Sue and Den in your prayers.
Hello, this is Rose with a quick update. I want to share an exchange I heard between Sue and Chris. Most of you probably know Sue doesn't care much for dogs and that Chris and Shelly love dogs and have two of them. Sue, Den, and I were going somewhere the other day. Sue was in the backseat where she thought she found a dog hair. In mock anger, she said she thought she would just call Chris, and she did. This was their exchange:
Sue: Chris, this is your mama. I think I found a dog hair in the back seat of my car.
Chris: So, why are you calling me, Mama?
Sue: You're the only one who uses my car who has dogs.
Chris: Can't be my dogs' hair. They ride in the front seat.
This is exactly the kind of thing Sue would say!
-----------------
Things are quiet here these days. There is a routine in place for seeing that Den gets to his therapy appointments, usually three days per week for six hours each day, and to his various physician appointments. This morning Sue and Aaron have taken Den to see a nephrologist and a psychiatrist--all a part of the evaluation for a possible liver transplant. If the surgeon who will do the transplant is available, they will meet with him today also.
Kim has been sick with the flu so Aaron has filled in with driving for her. Chris and I pick up and help out where Kim and Aaron can't. Some of Den's siblings are pitching in with visits, goodies that Den likes, movies, and the like. Lori, Den's sister, will help with the transportation when she can.
Serious illness alone is enough to contend with. Tack on all the expense, the logistics, the worry, and the responsibility--the stress is something to behold. Den still gets confused, particularly about time, the days of the week, the appointments, etc., so everything about his care falls to Sue and his kids to manage. Of course, Sue is not well herself so this mess is awfully hard on her. Shirley, Chris, and I try to help as we can, but the lion's share of the problems and responsiblities fall squarely on Sue.
One happy note in the midst of everything is that Sue is walking better than she has in a year. She seldom uses a wheelchair and can pretty much go in and out of the extended care facility unaided unless she has a lot of stuff to carry. For this happy note, we are extremely grateful!
Please keep Sue and Den in your prayers.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
The last time we updated this blog with something other than photos was February 5. Scott and sons came from Louisville late on the 4th. On the 5th Scott and I took Den for an outing. Rose, Shirley, and I kept Jalen and Brayden on Saturday night so that Scott could go to the Big Fight (Judah and Spinks), then Scott and Jalen had to return to Louisville on Sunday, leaving Brayden with us. Brayden's second birthday was on the 12th. We celebrated with Scott and Jalen on Sunday morning. Some of the photos we posted here are of Brayden opening his gifts. We kept him until Scott and Sherry picked him up on Thursday evening. We certainly enjoyed having the two boys even though Jalen's visit was brief because he had to go to school.
Brayden is maturing beautifully. We love taking him out because people make over him constantly. One man at the facility where Den is in residence told us there was an old Yiddish expression for a boy like Brayden, "sweet and pretty face." Brayden is very shy around strangers and that seems to endear him even more. We took him with us when Den went to the Rehabilitation Institute. He was a model child until he thought he should push Papa's wheelchair. Then he and I had an altercation that I thought he might actually win because he is one strong little boy. Fortunately, Rose arrived in time to save Den from being recklessly wheeled about by a two-year-old. Brayden loves 'Papa' and likes to say "Hi, Papa," the way he likes to say "Hi Pete." We think he likes the way the words sound for he say them over and over--even though he hasn't seen Pete in several months.
Brayden is extremely attached to his Daddy, and when Scott arrived on Thursday his joy was not to be contained. As Scott and Sherry packed the car, Brayden's excitement grew. He knew he was going home with Daddy. Just in case, he absolutely did not let Daddy out of his sight until the three of them were in the car, waving goodbye.
Den went to the Rehabilitation Institute for testing on Wednesday and for an MRI on Monday. These two visits were for an initial evaluation that is part of an NIH (National Institute of Health) study for how stroke patients' recoveries affect their brains. He will have follow-up tests in six months.
Also, now Den is going to the Rehabilitation Institute two to three times each week for intensive physical and occupational therapy. After his second visit today, he said he felt better than he had felt in 30 days. His day consists of six hours of very exhaustive therapies, so he comes away very tired. The Institute is located just east of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and is an easy commute from the extended care facility in Clayton. So far, we've worked out a schedule with Den's son and daughter, with Chris, and with Rose that makes the ferrying not difficult for any one person. I have been going along as moral support and as the one who coordinates with all the physicians, therapists, and family to keep this considerable effort going.
Vivian, a friend of Rose's and mine and a regular reader of this blog, told Rose she wasn't really clear from the reading just what Den's problems were. So, let's recapitulate. Den suffered a CVA (cardio-vascular accident), or stroke, on November 4 or 5 while in New Hampshire on business. He was first very ill from what he thought was the flu. Turns out he had bleeding vessels in his stomach due to his undiagnosed end-stage liver disease. It was the bleeding that first made it imperative that he get himself to an emergency room.
It was after this initial hospitalization on November 4 that he had the stroke. While in the hospital in New Hampshire, Den had a "TIPS" procedure which is a shunt that allows blood to bypass a portion of the liver that is not functioning. About the same time the physicians at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire told us Den had a suspicious spot on his liver.
After Den was transferred to St. Mary's Rehabilitation Center in St. Louis, he has been seeing an gastroenterologist at St. Louis University Hospital. This man, Dr. Bruce Bacon, is evaluating Den for a possible liver transplant. Dr. Bacon has found a small malignancy on Den's liver and is watching it to determine how fast it is growing. Of course, all this means a ton of extensive testing and evaluation to see if Den can indeed benefit from a liver transplant. We don't know yet what the outcome of the testing and evaluation will be. Den and I remain frightened and also very hopeful.
Shirley made her normal trip to Chicago last Wednesday, and Rose made hers on Saturday. I spent the weekend with the Abbotts once again and enjoyed it a lot. What with the Lenten Season, Chris picked up fish dinners from his old parish last Friday, and he, Rose, and I had a feast. Poor Shelly had to work.
Shirley returned on Monday, Rose on Tuesday. Life is pretty much back to normal here--whatever that is.
The last time we updated this blog with something other than photos was February 5. Scott and sons came from Louisville late on the 4th. On the 5th Scott and I took Den for an outing. Rose, Shirley, and I kept Jalen and Brayden on Saturday night so that Scott could go to the Big Fight (Judah and Spinks), then Scott and Jalen had to return to Louisville on Sunday, leaving Brayden with us. Brayden's second birthday was on the 12th. We celebrated with Scott and Jalen on Sunday morning. Some of the photos we posted here are of Brayden opening his gifts. We kept him until Scott and Sherry picked him up on Thursday evening. We certainly enjoyed having the two boys even though Jalen's visit was brief because he had to go to school.
Brayden is maturing beautifully. We love taking him out because people make over him constantly. One man at the facility where Den is in residence told us there was an old Yiddish expression for a boy like Brayden, "sweet and pretty face." Brayden is very shy around strangers and that seems to endear him even more. We took him with us when Den went to the Rehabilitation Institute. He was a model child until he thought he should push Papa's wheelchair. Then he and I had an altercation that I thought he might actually win because he is one strong little boy. Fortunately, Rose arrived in time to save Den from being recklessly wheeled about by a two-year-old. Brayden loves 'Papa' and likes to say "Hi, Papa," the way he likes to say "Hi Pete." We think he likes the way the words sound for he say them over and over--even though he hasn't seen Pete in several months.
Brayden is extremely attached to his Daddy, and when Scott arrived on Thursday his joy was not to be contained. As Scott and Sherry packed the car, Brayden's excitement grew. He knew he was going home with Daddy. Just in case, he absolutely did not let Daddy out of his sight until the three of them were in the car, waving goodbye.
Den went to the Rehabilitation Institute for testing on Wednesday and for an MRI on Monday. These two visits were for an initial evaluation that is part of an NIH (National Institute of Health) study for how stroke patients' recoveries affect their brains. He will have follow-up tests in six months.
Also, now Den is going to the Rehabilitation Institute two to three times each week for intensive physical and occupational therapy. After his second visit today, he said he felt better than he had felt in 30 days. His day consists of six hours of very exhaustive therapies, so he comes away very tired. The Institute is located just east of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and is an easy commute from the extended care facility in Clayton. So far, we've worked out a schedule with Den's son and daughter, with Chris, and with Rose that makes the ferrying not difficult for any one person. I have been going along as moral support and as the one who coordinates with all the physicians, therapists, and family to keep this considerable effort going.
Vivian, a friend of Rose's and mine and a regular reader of this blog, told Rose she wasn't really clear from the reading just what Den's problems were. So, let's recapitulate. Den suffered a CVA (cardio-vascular accident), or stroke, on November 4 or 5 while in New Hampshire on business. He was first very ill from what he thought was the flu. Turns out he had bleeding vessels in his stomach due to his undiagnosed end-stage liver disease. It was the bleeding that first made it imperative that he get himself to an emergency room.
It was after this initial hospitalization on November 4 that he had the stroke. While in the hospital in New Hampshire, Den had a "TIPS" procedure which is a shunt that allows blood to bypass a portion of the liver that is not functioning. About the same time the physicians at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire told us Den had a suspicious spot on his liver.
After Den was transferred to St. Mary's Rehabilitation Center in St. Louis, he has been seeing an gastroenterologist at St. Louis University Hospital. This man, Dr. Bruce Bacon, is evaluating Den for a possible liver transplant. Dr. Bacon has found a small malignancy on Den's liver and is watching it to determine how fast it is growing. Of course, all this means a ton of extensive testing and evaluation to see if Den can indeed benefit from a liver transplant. We don't know yet what the outcome of the testing and evaluation will be. Den and I remain frightened and also very hopeful.
Shirley made her normal trip to Chicago last Wednesday, and Rose made hers on Saturday. I spent the weekend with the Abbotts once again and enjoyed it a lot. What with the Lenten Season, Chris picked up fish dinners from his old parish last Friday, and he, Rose, and I had a feast. Poor Shelly had to work.
Shirley returned on Monday, Rose on Tuesday. Life is pretty much back to normal here--whatever that is.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)