It has been a while since we updated this blog. We have been in Florida, basking in the sunshine. Truth to tell, we didn't give updating a lot of thought. Also, we didn't have access to the internet. Our weather for our twelve-day stay was spectacular, the best we ever had. It was about 80 degrees F max during the day and down to 50 or so at night. And not a cloud on any horizon. We played a lot of cards, walked our legs off, ate, and rested. I was most happy to discover than my walking has so improved that I actually got up to a four-mile distance on the last two days. Not four miles uninterrupted, but four miles total in a day.
We came home Wednesday night to cold, windy St. Louis. Nice to be home, but much nicer to be in Stef and Dan's Florida digs. THANKS, STEPHANIE AND DAN!!!!!
Brother Bernie is having his ups and downs, health-wise. I talked with both him and Maudie today. They, and some of their offspring, are planning on traveling to St. Louis in early June for the family reunion. Right now, though, Bernie is having to stay close to home because his heart has slowed down and may be having some effect on his liver and kidneys. He is tough as a boot so we fully expect him to travel here in June. He and Maudie plan to bring the Fifth Wheel (whatever that is!) to make their stay even more enjoyable.
Bernie and Maudie's oldest daughter, Anna, was in Florida in the Miami area at the same time we were across the state. The distance was too great for any visiting. Anna is studying at a university in Florida and travels there periodically.
I saw my neurologist, Dr. Dooley, on Thursday. He was delighted, DELIGHTED with my progress since my last IVIG treatment. He is a kindly old fella, but truth is I mostly tell him what I need and when I need it. It was in November 2004 that Chris Costas in Chicago arranged my first IVIG, which Dooley had previously pooh-poohed. Now, four treatments later, Dooley has come around but not without a lot of prodding and poking from me.
Jana (Bob's granddaughter) and her husband John are expecting their first child around April 1. They live in west St. Louis County, and we are hoping to develop a close relationship with this new baby as all three of us LOVE BABIES. We are working on plans for a Sunday brunch get-together for members of the St. Louis family branch to get better acquainted with Jana and John.
Today Chris, Mark, and I had one of our Friday luncheon dates. I must say it is a distinct pleasure to sashay out in public with two such good-looking and charming young men. I am reminded of how much Mother used to love to take Donald and Vita to church with her in Marshfield to "show them off." She said she sometimes felt guilty about her motivation.
We need more feedback about the family reunion so we can make more detailed plans. Pete has agreed to be our M.C. Joe is gathering family history. Stephanie has old photos to scan and copy. We are thinking that on Saturday evening, June 3rd, we would have the Big Gathering, probably at the clubhouse in Chris and Shelly's subdivision. If we can't get the clubhouse (and we won't know until a later date), we will move the gathering to the afternoon in a local park. Mainly, for now we need a ballpark figure on attendance and some volunteers to help organize some activities. For example, would a trip to Webster County and old historical family sites be of interest to anyone? And does anyone have suggestions for the weekend?
Friday, February 24, 2006
Friday, February 10, 2006
I went to Louisville on Saturday to spend a few days with Scott, Sherry, Jalen, and Brayden. It was a grand time for me. Brayden turns three on Sunday, February 12 (Abraham Lincoln's birthday as Jalen proudly points out). Brayden doesn't quite know what it all means but knows he will get presents. Scott is taking them to the circus on Sunday.
What was sad for me is that Brayden has turned from a little toddler into a "Big Boy" in the few weeks since he was here at Christmas. He has a new haircut, very modern, that makes him look extremely mature. Jalen, who is very agile and coordinated, serves as a fine role model older brother most of the time. Brayden tries to do everything Jalen does with a lot more scrapes and scratches than his brother suffers.
Jalen is an excellent student. His school is one of the better ones in Louisville and it shows from all the learning this little man does. He is learning English and math concepts that I didn't learn until Junior High School, and he is in the second grade!
I came home on Wednesday. Shirley and Rose were in Chicago, Shirley returned on Monday and Rose on Tuesday. Today Mark and Chris and I had lunch in Kirkwood after we toured the new old home that Mark and Karen are in the process of buying. It is in an old established part of Kirkwood, and is one fine residence.
Tomorrow Rose, Shirley, and I leave for Florida where we will stay almost two weeks in Stef and Dan's condo on Palm Island. Loretta, Shirley's sister, will meet us at the Tampa airport tomorrow. From there we will make our way south to paradise with numerous stops along the way to buy our provisions. Once on the island, we won't leave unless absolutely necessary. There is not much to be had there so we have to take all food and other luxuries with us. This is our favorite vacation, one we have had to miss for the past two years. Circumstances prevented us from going, so now we are four excited Ya-Yas.
We are awaiting word from Brother Bernie on February 13th after he has his doctor's visit. Although we will be somewhat out of touch, we will have our cell phones and voice mails.
Stephanie has taken a lot of old family photos home with her to scan and otherwise copy on her computer system. She is one organized young lady, so all of us can look forward to much family history available next June. She put together beautiful albums of photos she took at my 60th birthday party which I cherish and look at often.
We are taking the computer to Florida with us, but probably won't have much to write about because card hands make for boring reading. Sunsets too.
What was sad for me is that Brayden has turned from a little toddler into a "Big Boy" in the few weeks since he was here at Christmas. He has a new haircut, very modern, that makes him look extremely mature. Jalen, who is very agile and coordinated, serves as a fine role model older brother most of the time. Brayden tries to do everything Jalen does with a lot more scrapes and scratches than his brother suffers.
Jalen is an excellent student. His school is one of the better ones in Louisville and it shows from all the learning this little man does. He is learning English and math concepts that I didn't learn until Junior High School, and he is in the second grade!
I came home on Wednesday. Shirley and Rose were in Chicago, Shirley returned on Monday and Rose on Tuesday. Today Mark and Chris and I had lunch in Kirkwood after we toured the new old home that Mark and Karen are in the process of buying. It is in an old established part of Kirkwood, and is one fine residence.
Tomorrow Rose, Shirley, and I leave for Florida where we will stay almost two weeks in Stef and Dan's condo on Palm Island. Loretta, Shirley's sister, will meet us at the Tampa airport tomorrow. From there we will make our way south to paradise with numerous stops along the way to buy our provisions. Once on the island, we won't leave unless absolutely necessary. There is not much to be had there so we have to take all food and other luxuries with us. This is our favorite vacation, one we have had to miss for the past two years. Circumstances prevented us from going, so now we are four excited Ya-Yas.
We are awaiting word from Brother Bernie on February 13th after he has his doctor's visit. Although we will be somewhat out of touch, we will have our cell phones and voice mails.
Stephanie has taken a lot of old family photos home with her to scan and otherwise copy on her computer system. She is one organized young lady, so all of us can look forward to much family history available next June. She put together beautiful albums of photos she took at my 60th birthday party which I cherish and look at often.
We are taking the computer to Florida with us, but probably won't have much to write about because card hands make for boring reading. Sunsets too.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
We talked with Pete and Janet today. The news they had from Bernie as of yesterday is that Bernie has to go back to his doctor on February 13. If the doctor says it is alright, Bernie and Maudie will head toward Quartzsite on the 14th.
Leslie was here overnight Thursday. We had a great visit and are glad to see Leslie so very happy in her newly-wed bliss. Leslie's son Jeff has volunteered to go back to Iraq after training in Alabama in explosives. Jeff is now in Fort Lewis, WA. Chase, Leslie's younger son, is in school in Denver. She is enjoying her empty nest.
On Friday, Mark, Chris, and I went over to Evansville, IL, where Brick is buried. We had lunch at a little "Muzzy-type" cafe as Brown's Tavern is gone. Our waitress told us that some of Brick's sister's family live in Grandma and Grandpa's old house. Grandpa's Southside Service Station is still next door but is no longer servicing. We drove through the town, which didn't take long, population 750. [Marshfield is probably four times that now.] My boys still have cousins in Evansville, but we didn't find any of them. We knocked on the door of one family, but no one was home.
Chris and Shelly came for dinner last night, toting a delicious apple pie that Shelly made. Chris, our technical guru-genius, hooked up Shirley's DVD player/recorder, something we were unable to do.
Maddog and I continue to sort through the memorabilia and trash as the Oakland House. I can't believe some of the stuff I've been hauling around for 40 years. Not good enough to keep but too good to throw away.
Rose led a workshop yesterday for the local St. Louis Jung Society about working with dreams. Shirley and I attended. It was an interesting and informative workshop. It was nice to see Rose in her professional role.
Pete's birthday is Wednesday, the Big One, Number 70. Today he told us he had been out riding on his new $10 bicycle and discovered that every direction from their Arizona home is UP.
Pete had talked to Donald yesterday. They are planning their annual fishing trip to Florida for April 27. Janet is to have surgery on her shoulder when they return to Idaho. Pete won't go on the fishing trip unless Janet is fully recovered by then. Their daughter, Merri, just underwent a similar surgery and is doing great.
Again, we are asking for feedback about the family reunion. All you need do is e-mail us or click on the 'Comments' icon on this blog and weigh in. We think Pete will make a fine MC and are hoping he accepts the job. It doesn't pay much, however.
Leslie was here overnight Thursday. We had a great visit and are glad to see Leslie so very happy in her newly-wed bliss. Leslie's son Jeff has volunteered to go back to Iraq after training in Alabama in explosives. Jeff is now in Fort Lewis, WA. Chase, Leslie's younger son, is in school in Denver. She is enjoying her empty nest.
On Friday, Mark, Chris, and I went over to Evansville, IL, where Brick is buried. We had lunch at a little "Muzzy-type" cafe as Brown's Tavern is gone. Our waitress told us that some of Brick's sister's family live in Grandma and Grandpa's old house. Grandpa's Southside Service Station is still next door but is no longer servicing. We drove through the town, which didn't take long, population 750. [Marshfield is probably four times that now.] My boys still have cousins in Evansville, but we didn't find any of them. We knocked on the door of one family, but no one was home.
Chris and Shelly came for dinner last night, toting a delicious apple pie that Shelly made. Chris, our technical guru-genius, hooked up Shirley's DVD player/recorder, something we were unable to do.
Maddog and I continue to sort through the memorabilia and trash as the Oakland House. I can't believe some of the stuff I've been hauling around for 40 years. Not good enough to keep but too good to throw away.
Rose led a workshop yesterday for the local St. Louis Jung Society about working with dreams. Shirley and I attended. It was an interesting and informative workshop. It was nice to see Rose in her professional role.
Pete's birthday is Wednesday, the Big One, Number 70. Today he told us he had been out riding on his new $10 bicycle and discovered that every direction from their Arizona home is UP.
Pete had talked to Donald yesterday. They are planning their annual fishing trip to Florida for April 27. Janet is to have surgery on her shoulder when they return to Idaho. Pete won't go on the fishing trip unless Janet is fully recovered by then. Their daughter, Merri, just underwent a similar surgery and is doing great.
Again, we are asking for feedback about the family reunion. All you need do is e-mail us or click on the 'Comments' icon on this blog and weigh in. We think Pete will make a fine MC and are hoping he accepts the job. It doesn't pay much, however.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Jalen, who just turned eight, is quite the creative artist. We three old ladies take great delight in his artwork, especially Shirley who spent many years as a first grade teacher. Here is a page of figures Jalen dashed off in about ten minutes out of his own imagination and a whole lot of video game playing:
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Margaret called last night to let us know Brother Bernie was in the hospital in Spokane, suffering from congestive heart failure. He went in last Wednesday and was released yesterday. He will have further tests in about a month. Margaret said he called her to give her the update. None of us here in the east knew he was ailing.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Our brother Pete will turn 70 on February 1. Because he and Janet look so much younger than their age, Rose and I are considering asking them to shave off a decade. Then we'll all do likewise. Who can believe 70 anyway????? What happened to 50 and 60? They were a mere blink of the eye.
As usual every month, January is a busy time. I spent a very enjoyable weekend with the Abbotts on the 7th, 8th, and 9th. Then on January 15, Rose and I went to Margaret's for a candle party and that evening out to dinner with the family to celebrate Alex' 12th birthday.
On Monday, January 16, I had my fourth intravenous immuno-globulin (IVIG) treatment. This time I had to go to the St. Luke's Infusion Center at St. Luke's Hospital for the day. The treatment was easy, the people at the Center efficient and thoughtful. So far, I can't tell any difference in my condition. No miracle occurred. Although my hands are still fairly useless, the rest of me is improving. I walk, drive, shop, eat, visit as always. Brother Joe, whom I had not seen for two months, thought my hands were better.
Speaking of Brother Joe, Rose and I went to the Lake on Tuesday, January 17, to meet with a contractor who is going to redo my bathroom at the lake house. Joe drove up and met us for dinner, and the three of us stayed overnight. We had a wine time with Joe. We met with the contractor (who looks like Willie Nelson) Wednesday morning, then drove home. This Willie will remove the old bathtub and replace it with a walk-in shower.
On Saturday Chris, Shelly, and I went to Eric and Julie Nichols' for dinner. Eric and Chris have been friends since high school. Eric, as a kid, used to give me advice on how to raise Scott and Chris. From my vantage point today, it was good advice. We had a lovely evening. The Nichols have two sons, Ryan and John, and a nice home.
Jack Delaney, my old friend from Midwest Recovery, is ailing. He is in St. Claire Rehabilitation Center in Alton, IL. Chris and I are going to visit him on Wednesday.
On Thursday, my former neighbor Leslie will be here for dinner and overnight. [She is the one who is married to 'that King boy,' Joe's description of him.]
Friday Mark, Chris, and I are going to Evansville, IL, where Brick is buried. We'll visit the cemetery and look around the town. I haven't been there for several years and neither have the boys. We'll have lunch at Brown's Tavern if it's still there. That is the place Brick sat on Saturdays during tax season doing town folk taxes.
Early in February I am going to Scott's in Louisville for a few days. I look forward to seeing my babies, the old ones and the new ones. We understand the 'swingset' that we got the boys for Christmas is a BIG HIT. Brayden said I could climb into the playhouse and on the mountain. All this will make more sense when I see the thing, I am sure. Brayden calls every few days. He talks excitedly for a bit, then says "BYE" and clicks the phone shut. Often I can hear Scott in the background, saying, "Don't hang up. Don't hang up," even as the phone is clicking off.
Rose, Shirley, Shirley's sister, and I are into planning for our trip to Florida in February. Stephanie and Dan lend us their condo each year at this time. The past two years we were unable to go, so our anticipation for this trip is HIGH.
A big topic with Joe over our dinner was the family reunion this JUNE 3 AND 4 IN ST. LOUIS. Joe brought along his family history file. We'll post a couple of items we borrowed from it when we have time.
These are all the 'Greenwood Items' we can think of at the moment.
As usual every month, January is a busy time. I spent a very enjoyable weekend with the Abbotts on the 7th, 8th, and 9th. Then on January 15, Rose and I went to Margaret's for a candle party and that evening out to dinner with the family to celebrate Alex' 12th birthday.
On Monday, January 16, I had my fourth intravenous immuno-globulin (IVIG) treatment. This time I had to go to the St. Luke's Infusion Center at St. Luke's Hospital for the day. The treatment was easy, the people at the Center efficient and thoughtful. So far, I can't tell any difference in my condition. No miracle occurred. Although my hands are still fairly useless, the rest of me is improving. I walk, drive, shop, eat, visit as always. Brother Joe, whom I had not seen for two months, thought my hands were better.
Speaking of Brother Joe, Rose and I went to the Lake on Tuesday, January 17, to meet with a contractor who is going to redo my bathroom at the lake house. Joe drove up and met us for dinner, and the three of us stayed overnight. We had a wine time with Joe. We met with the contractor (who looks like Willie Nelson) Wednesday morning, then drove home. This Willie will remove the old bathtub and replace it with a walk-in shower.
On Saturday Chris, Shelly, and I went to Eric and Julie Nichols' for dinner. Eric and Chris have been friends since high school. Eric, as a kid, used to give me advice on how to raise Scott and Chris. From my vantage point today, it was good advice. We had a lovely evening. The Nichols have two sons, Ryan and John, and a nice home.
Jack Delaney, my old friend from Midwest Recovery, is ailing. He is in St. Claire Rehabilitation Center in Alton, IL. Chris and I are going to visit him on Wednesday.
On Thursday, my former neighbor Leslie will be here for dinner and overnight. [She is the one who is married to 'that King boy,' Joe's description of him.]
Friday Mark, Chris, and I are going to Evansville, IL, where Brick is buried. We'll visit the cemetery and look around the town. I haven't been there for several years and neither have the boys. We'll have lunch at Brown's Tavern if it's still there. That is the place Brick sat on Saturdays during tax season doing town folk taxes.
Early in February I am going to Scott's in Louisville for a few days. I look forward to seeing my babies, the old ones and the new ones. We understand the 'swingset' that we got the boys for Christmas is a BIG HIT. Brayden said I could climb into the playhouse and on the mountain. All this will make more sense when I see the thing, I am sure. Brayden calls every few days. He talks excitedly for a bit, then says "BYE" and clicks the phone shut. Often I can hear Scott in the background, saying, "Don't hang up. Don't hang up," even as the phone is clicking off.
Rose, Shirley, Shirley's sister, and I are into planning for our trip to Florida in February. Stephanie and Dan lend us their condo each year at this time. The past two years we were unable to go, so our anticipation for this trip is HIGH.
A big topic with Joe over our dinner was the family reunion this JUNE 3 AND 4 IN ST. LOUIS. Joe brought along his family history file. We'll post a couple of items we borrowed from it when we have time.
These are all the 'Greenwood Items' we can think of at the moment.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Friday, January 06, 2006
Just a quick update:
Sue saw her neurologist yesterday. He has reluctantly agreed to do another IVIG treatment even though he would rather hold off doing so as long as Sue continues to improve. However, in her consultation with Dr. Chris Costas, the physician who has been the most helpful of all those she has seen, she and Costas agreed that another treatment could not hurt and might possibly help. This treatment, like the last one, will be done in Dooley's office, probably one day next week. It has been clear for over a year now that Sue has to take the lead in her own recovery because there has been far too much conflicting opinion from various 'experts.'
I am off to Chicago tomorrow where Shirley has been working now since Wednesday. Sue will spend the weekend at the Abbotts' and is looking forward to it. She says she is taking a very warm coat because the Abbotts love to sit outside even in cold weather, huddled around their outdoor fireplace.
Sue and I returned Jalen and Brayden to their father on Monday. They were overjoyed to see him, especially the little guy. We got them a swingset for Jalen's birthday and for Christmas, and it was to be a surprise when they got home and found it installed during their absence. However, as is often the case, the installation was behind schedule so the surprise was a mixed one. Perhaps this weekend with sunshine and temperate days, the boys will fully realize and enjoy their gift. We have been exhausted and lonely without them.
Sue has resorted to some old Joe Felin tricks to play with Brayden. For example, she will say, "I woke up last night and thought nobody loves me." Brayden, in response, will say, "I LOVE YOU, Granny." Sue is considering an old trick of pretending to fall off the sofa. For all those who know Joe Felin, you recognize these ploys done out of love, affection, and humor.
Sue saw her neurologist yesterday. He has reluctantly agreed to do another IVIG treatment even though he would rather hold off doing so as long as Sue continues to improve. However, in her consultation with Dr. Chris Costas, the physician who has been the most helpful of all those she has seen, she and Costas agreed that another treatment could not hurt and might possibly help. This treatment, like the last one, will be done in Dooley's office, probably one day next week. It has been clear for over a year now that Sue has to take the lead in her own recovery because there has been far too much conflicting opinion from various 'experts.'
I am off to Chicago tomorrow where Shirley has been working now since Wednesday. Sue will spend the weekend at the Abbotts' and is looking forward to it. She says she is taking a very warm coat because the Abbotts love to sit outside even in cold weather, huddled around their outdoor fireplace.
Sue and I returned Jalen and Brayden to their father on Monday. They were overjoyed to see him, especially the little guy. We got them a swingset for Jalen's birthday and for Christmas, and it was to be a surprise when they got home and found it installed during their absence. However, as is often the case, the installation was behind schedule so the surprise was a mixed one. Perhaps this weekend with sunshine and temperate days, the boys will fully realize and enjoy their gift. We have been exhausted and lonely without them.
Sue has resorted to some old Joe Felin tricks to play with Brayden. For example, she will say, "I woke up last night and thought nobody loves me." Brayden, in response, will say, "I LOVE YOU, Granny." Sue is considering an old trick of pretending to fall off the sofa. For all those who know Joe Felin, you recognize these ploys done out of love, affection, and humor.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)