Isn't nature so beautiful!!

Oh, so refreshing!!

Did you see and hear the thunder and lightening last night, it was so beautiful.  I love that sound and seeing the lights in the sky.  And today the down pour was so soothing I even went out  front  and sat on our bench for a while.  I find it all very comforting hearing the rain drops all around me.  It seems as if they are all dancing in the street and bouncing up and down with happiness.
I turned on our little heater this morning to warm up the bathrm. so I could take a shower in a warm room.  I had been very chilled, in fact I wore sweats and socks the entire day.
Bill took our dog's to the groomery this morning, ran a couple of errands, went to Janene's to pick up the rhubarb pie and then came home.  I then cut a piece, sat down with this beautiful, bitter/sweet pie in my lap and enjoyed each bite,....slowly.
Since our fish died the tank looks so empty so while Bill was out he picked up a couple of lion head, gold fish.  They are so happy swimming around in their new home.
When Sandy and Pieper came home they both looked so pretty, all clean and shiny and smelling good.



THE ZEN OF SARCASM
  Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
  A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

This is the planter box that Nicole made. It's not crooked,  just the picture taker, and that was me.

Do you think we had enough desert!!!  Every thing was home made and very good.  There's the cake Andrew made, the Rhubarb pie and frozen choc. pie Janene made and the choc. ice box cake Kristene made.

This is Ryan (Great Grandson) with his Granddad, Richard.

This has been a fun filled day.  I am going to type this as fast as I can because I am a bit tired and so I want to get this done before I forget everything I did today.  Got up, which can be a big first step in the day, then got phone calls from our children, then went over to Pasco to have brunch at I-Hop, then picked up a couple of items from Walmart, then went to the movie, "Charlie St. Cloud"  which we thought was very good, then home for a little rest, then over to the Law's for a family dinner and wonderful gifts.  Our children and spouses got me a  "Nook"  E-reader, which I have been reading a lot about.  It was a very big, wonderful, surprise.  Bill got me a candle warmer, real different, that I had picked out some time ago.  He also got me a cover for the "Nook".  Janene made me a strawberry, rhubarb pie, which happens to be my favorite food.  Remember a picture of our granddaughter, I had on my blog, July 5th, showing her working on a porch in a class she was taking.  Well, she made me a wooden planter with petunias planted inside.  She is very good at what she does.  Maybe she will build her own house someday or better yet one for us.  :-)  Andrew made my Birthday cake, which I have commissioned him to do every year. Very yummy!!  The Relief Society Presidency gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a darling little Birthday cake.  Our Great Grandson was there also, what a cutie and Sam is the best mom.  Well, now is the end of a perfect day.


SENIOR MOMENTS
  An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years.  He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%  The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, "Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again."  The gentleman replied, "Oh, I haven't told my family yet.  I just sit around and listen to the conversations.  I've changed my will three times!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
  I always know...God won't give me more than I can handle.  There are times I just wish He didn't trust me quite so much.

It's not as bad as it looks.  It's just a big donut!

I had the cat scan today and all went very well, fast and easy.  I laid on the table and under me was some type of moldable mat.  The Dr. came in and drew all around the area for radiation with a regular marker.  Then the technician took little wires (about the size of twisty ties) and taped them on the markings and took a picture.  I told him not to put it on facebook, he promised he wouldn't.  Then he placed tattoo's in 5 different places with a needle, very sharp, painful needle.  I did not like that needle.  He did this without warning, if I knew what was coming It would have been better.  He needs to be educated, in that area.  He was very nice and said he will be celebrating his 10th yr. class reunion next week.  Then he did the scan, which was very short.  I won't start radiation for another week or so, so they have time to do all the figuring and everything I don't understand, at all, and that is just fine with me.  So is said, one gets tired later into the radiation but not always.  It really is very interesting.  Being a lab tech., of some sort, seems like it would be fun.


RED SKELTON'S RECIPE FOR THE PERFECT MARRIAGE
  We always hold hands because if I let go, she goes shopping.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
  Everyone has a photographic memory.  Some, like me, just don't have any film.

The nurse removing 22 staples and it didn't even hurt, that much.

Look Ma!  No staples!!

Today was very eventful cause I got to have the staples taken out.....yea.  I need to ween myself off the splint as in two hrs. off one day and three the next and etc.  By Aug. 2nd I should be able to put the splint away to gather dust from somewhere.  Kristene and Nicole came by a couple of times and Janene and Emilie came by and my Visiting Teacher came to visit.  Very busy day.  I can now type a little faster with my two fingers not being so numb and with the splint off.  Life-is-good.  Now I can slowly start getting some of this weight off that I had so much fun putting on.  I read radiation can help with this----works for me.
Well, my two hrs. are up so on goes the splint.


LITTLE LARRY
  A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses.  She started her class by saying, 'Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!'  After a few seconds, Little Larry stood up.  The teacher said, 'Do you think you're stupid, Larry?'  'No Ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!'


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."

Aren't we just a happy, handsome group of friends.  I love it!!!

Look what Diane brought to our luncheon today, a cupcake/cake.  You know I'm not any more special than any of you so I vote we celebrate everyone's Birthday in some way.  That was very special. Our luncheon was the best part of my day.  Very happy thoughts.

Lunch today, was wonderful, to be able to see everyone and especially the Torrey's.  So happy I felt good enough to be there and enjoy the company of our wonderful classmates of 1962.  We will go down in history as the best class to have ever graduated from KHS.  The support and love from everyone is incredible, fantastic, amazing,  remarkable, unbelievable and wonderful.  I couldn't pick just one so I chose all of them. :-)
Saw Dr. Giever today (radiation Dr.).  Here's the plan.  I go back Thurs. 29th and they do what is called a simulation.  Definition is,  lays the ground work to develop my radiation administration plan.   Simulation.....is the process where images are taken and body molds and other devices that keep me from moving during treatment are designed.  These devices will be used each time I have treatment to be sure that I am positioned correctly.  In other wards I said...... DON'T MOVE.
We are not sure of the exact date that I will be starting radiation treatments so we will find out Thurs.  I have spent many hrs. online trying to find as much as I can about radiation.  There are side effects....duh....but it is different for everyone so I will just have to wait and see what mine will be.  I'm sure they will be very special.  One did say loss of appetite, so if I have any, that is the one I really want. Oh please, oh please body, give me that one.


DEFINITIONS
   ADULT
A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If it weren't for...STRESS...I'd have no energy at all.

A bubbling brook

Just 2 more days and I get this sling and splint off, anyway I hope so.  It is a pain, literally and figuratively.  I woke up with a bit of energy this morning but by 3 I was wiped out, so, I haven't done much since.  When all of this first started back in March, I was told a bunch of 'do nots' and one of them was to not clean out the cat box, so I haven't.  Bill has taken over that lovely job but not for much longer.  If I get this splint off on Wed. I will be taking on this coveted job.  I know Bill will miss not scooping up whats in the cat box but reluctantly he will pass the wand to me.  I had an ultrasound done, on my left leg, to determine if I have any blood clots, since I have been so swollen but good news, no clots.  Must be another reason.
Looking forward to lunch tomorrow and then on to the radiation Dr. to come up with a plan.


RISING TO THE OCCASION
When my son was 8, we were driving early in the morning and there was a beautiful sunrise.  I said, "I think God made this pretty sunrise just for us."
My son responded, "I think the car in front of us can see it too."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The bubbling brook would lose it's song if you removed the rocks.

I knew he was gone because he wasn't moving and usually he was a little pig nearly jumping out of his home to get fed.  His name was fish.  We thought it was a very original name for a fish.

Bill was in the mood to make cookies.  He is getting very good at this.

Diane, you are one busy, active, lady, which is, the way to be.  Yes I still have a lot of pain, mostly my arm now, but a little white pill, every two hrs. makes a world of difference.  Our Bishop and his very, tall, wonderful, son (Tanner over 6') came by this eve. to Home Teach us.  We had a great visit.  Then we went over to Janene and Kevin's for dinner, which was amazingly wonderful, as usual.  I don't think I mentioned this but a couple of days ago my, one and only, fish just up and went to fish heaven.  I guess he missed his friends.  One less mouth to feed.
Stay cool.


This was in the Sunday paper.  For those of you that didn't get a chance to read the funny's I thought i would add this to my blog.

HAGAR the horrible by Dik Browne
Old man with graduation cap on talking to Hagar and two others.
I know a lot of people think, "Do we really need philosophers?"
Well, I can be very philosophical about this.
I've devoted my life to discovering the basic purpose of life!
I've studied at prestigous universities and examined the writings of famous scholars the world over!
I've consulted with philosophers, theologians, doctors, lawyers, politicians and other learned people!
All my research has led me to this conclusion...
WHAT IS IT, PROFESSOR?  WHAT IS IT?!!!
"Every day,    live it up a little"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
You can't stay young forever. but you can be immature for the rest of your life.

Dictionary definition for immature:  Not fully grown or developed.  Well, I know I'm not fully grown and I will be developing the rest of my life and beyond.

I was talking to my brother today and he wanted to see a picture of my arm so here it is.  When I get the splint taken off on Wed. I will show off my scar since I can't show the other scar,  sorry.

I spent most of the day horizontal, just kept falling asleep, guess I needed it after my big day yesterday at the Art-in-the-park. 
Bill is becoming very proficient at doing the laundry.  He even sets his phone alarm to go off when the washer or dryer are done.  I usually wait until the next day and figure it must be done by now, works for me.  Bill cut his finger and nail, nearly off, yesterday while he was cutting up fruit for me.  Pain and blood immediately followed, in gusto.  Still hurts today and I can see why.
I mentioned to My Dr. that I was retaining a lot of fluid and then I told him how much liquid I was drinking,  (4 quarts a day) and he said maybe I should cut back to at least 5 cups and then I would lose some of the liquid.  I sure hope so.  I feel like a balloon ready to pop.  One advantage though it fills in some of the wrinkles.   :-)


LITTLE HUMOR
Pigs on the Prairie
  When our girls were small, we traveled from Montana back to Missouri to see my parents.  On one visit, as the girls admired a new litter of pigs, Dad explained that the girl pigs were called gilts, the boys were boars and the mothers were sows.
  The drive back to Montana, a few days later, was a long one, and my wife and I were discussing whether to keep driving or stop at a motel.  We were surprised to hear a tired little voice from the back say, "Here we are, driving along the prairie--three gilts, one old sow and one boar!"  We had a good laugh--and yes, we stopped for the night.
  Bill Duncan


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

Hawaiian Sunset.

Got up way too early this morning just to get to the art show in Richland early and while it was cool, since I had a Dr. appointment at 11:30.  We saw a lot of pretty things but for the most part everything was too expensive for us.  I did find a couple pair of earrings though at a good price.  I wore Bill out pushing the wheelchair, on the grass and tree roots, sticking out of the ground.  Dr. Droesch said I was doing very well.  Felt very good getting the second tube out, very funny sensation. 
I hope you all are doing very well and happy.


THE OLDER CROWD
A distraught senior citizen phoned her Dr's office.  "Is it true," she wanted to know, "that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?"   "Yes I'm afraid so,"  the Dr. told her.  There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied,  "I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is marked"    "NO REFILLS!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.

Another picture from nephew Bill.  He says to keep your hands out of the mouths of eels, it can really hurt.

Diane, first to answer your questions.  We found a wheelchair to rent, for the art show, which we plan to be there by 9:00.  We are hoping it will work in the grass.  Our family reunion is Aug. 13th at Sun River.  We are all very excited.  I have a Dr. appointment at 11:30 to get my tube taken out.  This will be very nice to have done.  What's this about Shirley and why knee surgery?   Is that why she has been going to Yakima?  And also, naps are very good for a person.  It's a good diet plan because we can't eat and sleep at the same time.  We are watching  "Bones" and someone just used the word  "cow-a-bunga"  It's a fun word to say and can be used in all conversations, give it a try and you will see.  Maybe we will see you at the park.
Have a great day.


CHILDREN'S SCIENCE EXAM
Q:  What are steroids?
A:   Things for keeping carpets on the stairs.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

My brother and Barb bought this beautiful bracelet while they were in Italy in Lavoma, on the Italian Riviera. It came in this cute little red box.  The picture is of the shop.  What looks like stone and railings is actually paint.  They plaster many of the buildings and then paint them to look like stone.

Can you believe it, this is Thurs. already and we are fast approaching the end of the month.  Time goes by so fast.  We need to enjoy each day and if that isn't possible at least some part of the day.  Try not to fret over small and even big things because it causes unnecessary stress and worry.  I got my bandages changed on my arm today and next Wed. I will have the stapes out and I will have use of my arm again.
I don't know when I will be having radiation but hoping it will be after our family reunion. 
I am looking for a wheelchair that will work in grass.  We have a small one but it sticks to the grass.  It is a tradition for us to attend the Allied Art Show, in Richland and I won't be able to walk that much.  If anyone has one, please let us know by Thurs. eve.  Thank you.


CHILDRENS SCIENCE EXAM
Q:  How is dew formed?
A:  The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
  "Maya Angelou"

This is a rare dragon eel that our nephew Bill caught and donated to the Waikiki Aquarium which they published on the cover of thier quarterly magazine.

My appointment with Dr. Rado (cancer Dr.) went very well.  He presented us with very good news, which we never expected.  No more chemo, that's right,   . no.......more.......chemo,  music to my ears.  Let's put our hands in the air and clap and dance to the tune of    NO----MORE----CHE----MO----THER----A----PY----A   LA--LA...LA   and A   RAW--RAW--RAW  and A  HIP--HIP--HOORAY.  I am really excited, not that receiving chemo was difficult, but just knowing I can start getting some energy back and my hair can start growing again is exciting.  Getting my energy up and running will take a long time but that's OK.  Now the rest of the story is, I will receive radiation for six weeks, Mon. through Fri.  Dr. Rado says radiation can really wipe a person out, so I will be wiped out for a while and then I guess I am done until my next check-up. He said I was a bit  anemic but nothing to brag about, should take care of itself.  Tomorrow I have an appointment with Dr. Fischer to have the bandages changed, on my arm.  I will have the splint on for 1 to 2 more weeks.  I figure by Christmas I will have a little more energy, a bit more hair, two arms in working order, be able to drive alone again, relieve Bill from his extra duties and much more.  Couldn't ask for a better Christmas gift.



THE ZEN OF SARCASM
It's always darkest before the dawn.  So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If the shoe fits....Buy a pair in every color.

This is a Squat Lobster that nephew Bill had caught.  They are quite colorful.

Robin doesn't sleep well at night, but did catch up a little this morning.  This afternoon we ran a couple of errands and grabed dinner at Safeway (Chinese take home).  Tomorrow we see Dr. Rado, so we should find out when she starts with chemo again and whether they will include radiation treatments.

THE ZEN OF SARCASM
Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Compromise is a sign of strength not weakness.

As mentioned yesterday, the next few days we'll show pictures from our nephew Bill.  This is nephew Bill working.  The picture is taken from 100' down as he is decompressing on his way back to the surface.  The white containers are used to keep this dive's catch.

I wish you could see me now. Very comfy.
This morning Janene and family called and invited us for dinner, for around 5:00 pm.  I spent most of the day reading, drinking my juice, resting (the pain pills make me sleepy), and more drinking and thinking about dinner.  It is quite a challenge without the use of my right arm.  Bill has to do many things for me and help me with alot of things that I normally do......all......by......myself. (I can do it myself   :-)   )  Very busy, busy day   :-) .  I only wish I could attend church, it won't be long though and I will.
I can't polish my own toe nails and they were in need of new polishing, so I thought I would ask Emilie, age 8, to give me a pedicure.  I gathered up my things and off we went to their home.  When I asked Emilie if she wanted to polish my nails, she was very excited and so was I.  After an amazing dinner (as always) she proceeded to take off the old and put on the new, along with a foot rub.  Then we were served homemade ice cream with all the fixins.  Those grandkids, of ours, just don't realize, how fortunate they are, to have such a wonderful meal every night, together.  A lost art for many families.
The end of a wonderful day.

Emilie doing my toe nails.

Oh, sooo nice!

THE ZEN OF SARCASM

Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Life is not one big To-Do List.

Our nephew Bill and his wife Joni.

I'm still filling in for Robin.  She rested most of the day.  Later this afternoon we went to the store to pick up a couple of things and to let her get some fresh air. I'm learning how to do more around the house, ie. the laundry.  There isn't alot she can wear over the BIG bandage she has on her arm, so doing some laundry day to keep up.
I don't do facebook, but she showed me how to go in and look at our nephew's facebook which is quite interesting, so I thought I would share alittle about what he does for a living and over the next few days share some of his photos.  He lives in Hawaii and has his own business called "Pacific Tropics", which is a salt water fish wholesaler.  He deep water dives and catches fish and sells them all over the world.  He dives 4 to 5 days a week and ships two day a week.  He has alot of large tanks to keep the fish in after a days haul.  He keeps all the fish seperated individually and by day, and has a records of where they were caught, and how deep plus other info along with how many oxygen tanks he used that day.  His customers go onto his web site (pacifictropics.com) to see what he currently has in stock and places their orders accordingly.
Shipping day is really interesting also.  He restricts thier food intake for a specific amount of time so they will arrive in nice clean water.  He double bags each one with newspaper between the bags so they can't see out, as some are very aggressive and could bite thru the bag to try and get to the fish in the bag next to them.  After adding the water and the fish, he add oxygen and then folds and crimps off the end so they are air tight.  He fills styrofoam shipping cartons with the bags of fish and puts the shipping carton into a cardboard box, made to order for the styrofoam cartons, labelled and off to the airport to meet the afternoon flights so his customers will have them within two days.


THE ZEN OF SARCASM
Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Thanks" and "Love" are two words not used enough.

Our new glasses look cute on the bear and lion, don't you think?

It's me again, Bill.  Robin had her appointment with Dr. Droesch this morning and he took out one of her drain tubes and the results of her pathology report showed that only 10% of her lymph nodes were positive.  We'll have to wait until next week when we meet with Dr. Rado to see what our path forward will be.
On our way home we stopped at Costco to pick up our new glasses we ordered last week, as we both wanted photo-grey lenses.  Then on to the cannery to do the banking and monthly reports.
Kevin and the boys went on father's and son's campout, so Janene and the girls came over and we had pizza and watched a movie.


THE ZEN OF SARCASM
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.  Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Only through focus can you do world-class things, no matter how capable you are."
    Bill Gates

My sweetheart and I in Cozumel.

Robin was too tired tonight to dictate to me so I'll fill you in.  She is still in alot of pain, but trying to stay on top of it with the pain pills.  She is currently wearing one of my shirts, as it is all we have that will fit over the large bandage on her arm.  Went to Goodwill to pick up some large blouses but their arms aren't big enough, so we are going to undue the seam in the right sleeve in hopes that it will then fit.  She has an appointment with Dr. Droesch tomorrow morning and hoping to have her two drain tubes taken out and find out the results of the biopsy on her lymph knoads.


THE ZEN OF SARCASM
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.  That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Each day is a new chance to begin again.

I thought I would try to post a short video to see how it works.  This is a video of a couple of Antelopes fighting that we came upon while riding thru Custer State Park on our way to Mt Rushmore.

I am now setting in a very comfortable recliner, of coarse I'm reclined,  :).... with my pj's on, large pillow in my lap with my arm, in a splint, covered with a black sling with an ice pack between pillow and arm and I am watching TV, feelin great, popping drugs.  This morning I had to get up at 5:00....UGH, cause I needed to be at the Surgery Center by 7:00, got trapped by a couple of very sweet nurses, surgery at 8:00, then recovery and home by 10:30.  I predicted I would be home by 10:30.... WOW....am I good or what.   Bill typed this for me because I only have five good'working fingers, which happens to be my left fingers and I am right handed, so this means we are going to have a jolly good time for the next three weeks.


THE ZEN OF SARCARM
Always remember that you're unique.  Just like everyone else.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"If you don't like something, change it.  If you can't change it, change your attitude.  Don't complain."
    Maya Angelou

This is the new gym and it is really big with a very nice swimming pool.  I'm excited to get started.

Had a much better nights sleep last night, a bit cooler.  Had our big, wonderful, air conditioner fixed, early this morning.  Once it got all cranked up I put on slippers and a robe, I was cold, but I knew it wouldn't be long and I would be, over-heated, again.  It just happens. 
I have always wanted to join a gym but either they were too expensive or too far away, for my convenience.  Well when I heard there was going to be a Gold's Gym going in approx. 2 miles from us, I got excited, thinking I might want to do this, if the price was right.  For the month of May they were offering a, no joining fee, however, with all that was happening, with me, I let the offer slip by.  Well I asked Janene if she could talk with someone, at Gold's Gym, about any offers going on and it seems there is, for just a couple of days, until their Grand Opening Sat.  This sounds a little silly but Janene and I took a little drive to "The Gym" and I joined up, yup I did.  Here, I had surgery last Thurs. and I am going in tomorrow for my next one and I joined a gym.  I think that is the height of optimism.  This to shall pass. There is a pool, which really is my main interest. 
Have a great day!


THE ZEN OF SARCASM
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Always put people before things.

With this heat and no air conditioning, I'm trying to think "cool".  Bill took this picture of a cow moose and her baby outside his apartment while he was in Alaska working.

Welcome home Mick and Barb, so happy to have you safely home.  Now we can talk reunion...I'm so excited for all of us to get together again.  We have Birthdays to celebrate. 
A little hard getting a good nights sleep last night due to the heat but we won't have that problem tonight cause it wasn't as hot today and then tomorrow at 7:30 A.M. we have Chinook coming so it won't be long and the heat in our house will become cool again. 
Went to Kenn. Gen. today to have my blood drawn and... WOW... they wanted a lot this time.  If this goes on much longer I will need a blood transfusion.  :-)
Shirley, I hear ya talkin.


THE ZEN OF SARCASM
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Answer the phone every day like it's your Birthday.

When we planted these they were just little tiny babies.  And look at them now, they grew up to be so pretty.  Part of our back yard.

Next Weds. I will be having my arm surgery, because it bothers me more and more each day, so I might as well get it over with and re-coop from both at the same time.  Janene and family brought over dinner this eve., which was a very nice surprise and of course tasted wonderful.  I am glad I felt good enough to visit with everyone. 
Yesterday our air conditioner went out, no warning just flat stopped working on a very hot day, how rude can that be.  Fortunately we have a good air conditioner in our family room, however it doesn't reach the other rooms in the house.  We use a fan and that helps a little, very little.  Tomorrow at 8:00 A.M. we are calling Chinook, heating and air conditioning, to get this thing fixed.  They have the best prices in town.


THE ZEN OF SARCASM
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Dance like no one is watching.

We have a nephew living in Hawaii.  It's a fun place to visit, but really expensive to live there.

I had a very good day.  Bill is a very good care/giver, sorry he's not for hire.  I am amazed at the little amount of pain I am experiencing, since I have a 7 inch scar.  Yup, 7 inches and I can't even show it off, darn. 
I am very thankful for everyones love, prayers, thoughts and concerns, sent my way.  I know without all of you and the blessing I received, all of this wouldn't have gone as well as it has.  Remember I have said how much my dogs love to sleep with me, well they are really loving this, since I sleep more than usual.
Actually I'm livin the good life, a great excuse to be lazy, no responsibilities, so no worrys, get to stay in my Pjs all day (that's the best part)  lots of attention, which I really don't deserve, since there are so many millions of people worse off, much worse off than I.


CHILDREN'S SCIENCE EXAM ANSWERS
Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"May you recognize and receive each blessing that is sent to you each day."

More Progress

Now doesn't that look inviting on a hot day.

Robin wanted me to elaborate a little more as to what the Dr. had to say this morning.  The nurse had told her that she could take a shower for 48 hrs, so when Dr. Droesch came she asked him when she could take a shower and he said any time.  And she said, "you mean right now" and he said "right now".  Needless to say, she was very excited.  She immediately jumped into the shower after he left.  After her shower we packed and waited for a chariot ride to the front door.  She said the whole experience was much easier than she had anticipated.  And of course she did have a blessing prior to the surgery.  Her room was on the 6th floor which is the new area they just opened two weeks ago.  The room and everything was so nice, she said she could have stayed another night. 
After we got home she slept most of the day with the help of her wonderful drugs.

SCIENCE EXAM ANSWERS
Q:  Name the four seasons.
A:  Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Life has many different chapters for us.
One bad chapter does not mean the end of the book.

Robin's Progress

She was up every two hours last night going to the bathroom, which is normal.  I know, because I was there to help her. :)  She had breakfast around 7:30 and had a fruit bowl, applesauce w/ cinnamon,  and a bowl of sliced bananas which was very very good.  The Dr. came in around 8:30 to see how she was doing and said he was write a release order.  Sooo, she got up and took a shower and is now (9:45) ready to go home.  She's feeling good as long as she keep taking her pain pills.
More tonight.

Robin's Surgery

The kids brought in these beautiful flowers and stuffed cocker for Robin to enjoy when she woke up. 

We checked into Kadlec at 10:45 this morning so she could go thru the pre-op formality.  All the kids came around 11:30 to spend time with her before she went into surgery.  The nurses came in just before 1:00 to take her to surgery.   She came out about 3:00 and the Dr. came in to talk to us to let us know the surgery went very well and should be out of recovery by 4:00.  She didn't get to her room until 4:30 where we joined her.  She was hot and in alot of pain.  We finally got some pain meds and a fan.  The fan really helped, but the pain meds weren't doing a thing.  Got more pain meds and she is currently resting and now it's 6:00.

7:30 - Robin is sitting up and taking nourishment (a cut up banana and 7-UP).  The nurse wanted her to have something in her stomach before her next pain medication which will be a pill this time.

9:15 - The pain pill is working as it should and she is resting now.  I will go ahead and post this now, but may add more later.

We found a new friend to ride on top of our trailer.  We'll have to think of a name for this one.

Well, I'm at my 13th hr. now,  just a count-down until surgery at 12:30.  I feel very good and positive even though I don't know much, that's OK.  You will be hearing from Bill for a few days now.
I must get to bed now for my big day tomorrow.
Night all!


RED SKELTON'S RECIPE FOR THE PERFECT MARRIAGE
Two times a week we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, good food and companionship.  She goes on Tuesdays; I go on Fridays.

Can't you just hear him saying that.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I always know...
God won't give me more than I can handle.
There are times I just wish He didn't trust
me quite so much.

Mick and Barb this message is just for you, since you are still on your vacation and I can't get ahold of you and I keep missing your calls.  I am feeling great and ready for my surgery.  :-) .... I just talked to a friend that had the same surgery 5 yrs. ago and she said her surgery went very well, better than she expected.  She thought the chemo was awful and I had no problem with the chemo. She said she feels better now, than she ever has.  Everything has changed so much in the past 5 yrs. like everything else in the medical field.  I have no worries or problems just the being so tired gets to me but this to will pass. :-) .... I will have Bill blog you right as soon as he can after I'm done with the surgery.  I know it is hard you being so far away at this time but please remember I am in great hands.  Philip and Bill are giving me a blessing tonight so you have nothing to worry about....  (-:  Keep happy thoughts....(-:   We have been through a lot together so this is a piece of cake, chocolate of course....:-)
When you get back we will plan our reunion.... (-:
I love you both, your very favorite sister in the whole world, of course I am your only sister but if I wasn't I would still be your favorite.... :-)  Keep smiling, take lots of pictures and we will show them at the reunion.  Maybe we can take a vacation together some day.


We just got a call from the hospital and my surgery is at 12:30.  I was hoping for earlier but,....oh well.

I took this picture a couple of years ago when we rode the bike to Mt. Rushmore.  I think the one donkey was laughing at the stuffed animals we had on the back of our trailer.

When I registered at the hospital I was given, what is called, a necessities bag that had things in it for my recovery at home, like bandages, tape and other necessary things.  One item was a 8 page pamphlet with very useful information about what to take to the hospital and what to wear home but one thing that was said was what to get done before surgery.  It made me chuckle.
You are scheduled for surgery and knowing you will be out of action for a while, you make a list and hit the ground running.  The frig. is stocked, laundry is washed, cleaning done and etc. My personal list is much longer than that one.  I was told no finger nail polish, however nothing was said about toe nail polish, which are polished and ready to go, pretty in pink with sparkles. 
Another thing said: The morning of surgery take a very long shower and wash your hair all 1/4th inch of it.  I thought I would dye it pink but I am sure that wouldn't be appreciated.  I feel bad for Bill, he has the hard part.  It's not easy taking care of someone but maybe I will sleep a lot.  He will be doing the blogs for a while to keep everyone up to date.


One more "Senior personal ads"
MINT CONDITION
Male, 1932, high mileage,
good condition, some hair,
many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves.
Isn't in running condition, but walks well


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is aways another chance for you.
What we call failure, is not the falling down but the staying down".
   Mary Pickford

Our grand-daughter Nicole had been taking a summer construction class for the last two years.

The guy that I told you about, last night, that blew his left arm off, well, I read an article today that said he was in critical condition and the Dr's couldn't reattach his arm.  So sad for something like this to happen on such a special day, we are celebrating. 
Kristene and Nicole came by this evening  bearing food and goodies.  We ate while watching the movie "Benjamin Button".  I had heard about this movie quite some time ago and have been wanting to see it ever since. What imaginations some writers have.  If I had written the story I would have done it completely different, but then I am pretty critical about a lot of movies I see.
My surgery is at Kadlec,  but we won't know the time until we get a call Weds. eve.  I wish we would know about the time sooner but there must be a reason it is done this way.  I don't want to hurt any ones feelings but since I don't know what to expect I am a bit nervous about all of this so I really don't want any one to see me in this condition.


SENIOR PERSONAL ADS
Memories
I can usually remember
Monday through Thursday.
If you can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
let's put our two heads together.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Wisdom outweighs any wealth."
   Sophocles

Bill and I are very thankful for family and friends and everyone's support in our adventure.  We are also thankful the many freedoms we enjoy.

I hope everyone celebrated the 4th in a safe way.  Did you have the chance to read about the man, from N.Y., who blew his left arm off, while lighting fireworks?  What a shock!  I hope the Dr's. succeed in trying to reattach the limb.  Can you imagine waking up in the hospital wondering, "what the heck happened to me".  Do you think he will be the "chief fireworks lighter" next year or any year after that?, I hope not.  I had a good day, how about you?




The Grandmother of all Blonde Jokes
This  blonde decides one day that she is sick and tired of all these blonde jokes and how all blondes are perceived as stupid, so she decides to show her husband that blondes really are smart.
While her husband is off at work, she decides that she is going to paint a couple of rooms in the house.  The next day, right after her husband leaves for work, she gets down to the task at hand.
Her husband arrives home at 5:30 and smells the distinctive smell of paint.    He walks into the living room and finds his wife lying on the floor in a pool of sweat.  He notices that she is wearing a heavy parka and a leather jacket at the same time.  He goes over and asks her if she is OK.  She replies "Yes".  He asks what she is doing and she replies that she wanted to prove to him that not all blonde women are dumb, and she wanted to do it by painting the house.
He then asks her why she has a parka over her leather jacket.  she replies that she was reading the directions on the paint can and it said...


Are you ready for this?
You'll love it
I know you will.




"FOR BEST RESULTS, PUT ON TWO COATS."






THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Bills travel through the mail...
At twice the speed of checks.

We are so grateful for all those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Oh boy, it's hard to write about something since I didn't do much of anything to write about.  I wanted to go to our monthly class luncheon but by the time I got ready I was too tired to go.  The tired part of this is hard but as we say....'This to shall pass'.  I spent a good part of the day horizontal, with my dogs at my feet.  They love it when I lie down.



WHAT LOVE IS
And the final one.
The winner was a four year old child whose
next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman
who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went
into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his
lap, and just sat there.
When his mother asked what he had said to
the neighbor, the little boy said,
"Nothing, I just helped him cry"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"It is curious that physical courage should be so common
in the world and moral courage so rare."
   Mark Twain

Rain Forest

So, how was your day?  Mine was good, a slower pace, which is good.  Vacations are fun but we need to come home and get some rest. I will have to admit we did take way to many clothes but at least I didn't have to wash every thing when we got home because half of it was clean so actually it felt good to be able to hang most of the clothes back up.  So the logic to this is take more than you will need and when you get home you won't have to wash as much and it will feel good to put most of it away.  I just love my logic.
 I loved the rain today, I find the sound of rain very therapeutic, calming and refreshing. 
Have a great day!



"Senior" personal ads
BEATLES OR STONES
I still like to rock,
still like to cruise in my Camaro on Sat. nights
and still like to play the guitar.
If you were a groovy chick, or are now a groovy hen,
let's get together and listen to my eight-track tapes.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"A room without books is like a body without
a soul.
   G.K.  Chesterton

After my long blog last night I will make this short and sweet.  Have you ever heard of a hotel charging for the use of their frig and microwave?  Well, the Double Tree in Boise charges $10.00 a night per item, pretty sad.  Last night we stayed at a motel in Baker City called the Oregon trail, which we highly recommend.  It isn't a whole lot to look at but it is clean and they offer everything, even bicycles for ones use. Friendly place with great rates.  Got up this morning and rode our bike home, found everything in great order, picked up our dogs, they were happy, we are happy to be home, every things good.


"Senior" personal ads
WINNING SMILE
Active grandmother with original teeth,
seeking dedicated flosser to share rare
steaks, corn on the cob and carmel candy.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I have learned that being with those
I love and those that love me is
enough.