tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187397832024-03-23T11:10:56.312-07:00Wroamin'Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-51212710828681060962014-01-23T21:14:00.001-07:002014-01-23T21:29:32.233-07:00Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-16257986510811520102013-12-19T17:39:00.000-07:002013-12-19T17:39:23.585-07:00too muchOkay----its been while since I posted. Sometimes I wonder why I post..I'm not sure anyone but me reads this. However, it seems to help me put things in writing. <br />
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Since I last posted, things have gone horribly wrong. October was fine; the first part of November was okay; then I see that Schuster, my big, black, adorable poodle, who is 12, started to show signs of going downhill. He was in no pain so I could see no need to see the vet. On Nov. 22 I got the phone call every mother dreads. Al's youngest son, Ric, who is batting cancer, has taken a turn for the worse and is in the hospital again. I throw a few things in a suitcase, call my good friend Barb who drives across town to pick up the dogs; call Gary & Jeannette who agree to take care of cats and take me to the airport. I fly to Seattle the next day. Yes, Ric is really struggling to breathe; but the doctors think they can help him. So that Jenn and I don't completely tire him out, we opt to not go to the hospital on Sun and Mon.<br />
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Monday night I get a call from Barb. Schuster has died. My world starts to implode on me once again. I know, I know, he is just a dog to some, but to me, he and Beau are my constant companions, being with me all the time. RIP my beautiful boy. <br />
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The next morning I go to the hospital to be with Janet while Ric under goes a procedure to have drains put in his lungs to help the lungs drain fluid. While they are rolling him to the operating room he goes into cardiac arrest. The doctors revive him; but the news is not good. He will not recover. A different oncologist is called in for second opinion, which it is confirmed Ric will not survive. He is on a ventilator; basically that is what is keeping him alive. Brothers are called to come home; all friends and family gather. All of us are in shock. From Tuesday to Saturday we all live at the hospital. Saturday, Nov 30, 11:50 a.m. Ric is gone. A feeling of total disbelief has taken over all of us. How can someone, so vital, full of life and had so much to give, be dead? <i> I HATE <b>CANCER</b>!!!</i><br />
I have often thought how horrible it would be to lose a child. -- now, unfortunately, I know. I miss him so much. <br />
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Ron, Melanie's husband is having surgery on his brain to removed an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arteriovenous_malformation">arteriouvenous malformation </a>(a tangle os excessive veins & arteries in the brain, aka AVM) , so I head to Portland to be with them. <i> </i>I decide there is no reason to go back to Tucson immediately. My family is needing me here. Thank God, Ron comes through his surgery with flying colors. In fact, he is doing so well, he is released from the hospital 2 days early! FINALLY, good news. I stayed with them for 10 wonderful days, spending time enjoying being with them. I did, however, manage to fall down the outside steps at Melanie's and sprain my ankle. Yes, I am still hobbling around. Then back to Seattle last weekend to pester Jenn for 2 more weeks. <br />
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I did visit with Joyce, Al's sister & Michelle (niece) today. They both look great and seem to be doing well. <br />
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I plan to fly back home on Dec. 30th. I miss home. I love to visit, travel, etc., but there is no place like home. AND, I am freezing up here! Need my heat. <br />
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I hope this finds everyone doing well, healthy & happy. My wish for you all is a very. Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2014! Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-49789415187535888122013-10-06T15:34:00.002-07:002013-10-06T15:34:52.882-07:00Ahhh -- Fall is in the airFINALLY----the thermometer has dropped below triple digits...yes, Fall has hit Tucson. It is only 89 here today. A much welcomed cool down. Or at least that is what the weather guesser said. Yes, I will admit, it is a cool down, compared to the last 4 months of mostly 100+ temps. And it feels like Fall....just the way the sun is positioned, etc. And for the first time in four months, I don't have the A/C on!!! It is actually nice to be able to have the doors open and fresh air in for a change. The cats are lovin' it...one is sleeping by the front door and the other is at the patio door. Jose, well, he is used to this by now and he's on the couch!<br />
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The last few weeks have been a bit stressful for my family. Al's youngest son, Ric, has been diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer, which has spread to his lungs and hip joint. He had his right kidney removed on Aug. 28, with expectations of being healed and ready for chemo in late Sept. Well, surgery went fine, but the healing has taken a bit longer, and he still has one incision that is not healed completely. Until it does, he can't start chemo. This set back he didn't need, but he is outwardly dealing with it. I know him well enough to know he is worried and scared...hell, I am too! I just pray that he will bounce back better than ever from all of this. <br />
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The RV Park that I live in is starting to get busy again with the winter visitors returning. Yes, the snow bird flock is flying south with the rest of the birds. I liked it this summer when it was so nice and peaceful; but I enjoy all the activity that the winter brings as well. I am volunteering in the mail room 3 days a week now and I really enjoy it. I also signed up for the quilting group and I am playing Canasta once a week as well. Slowly, I am getting into things. I also signed up for beginning line dance class, which starts at the end of the month, so me and my four left feet will see if we can do this!! Some days I am too busy; over scheduling myself, but I manage to get it all done. I have met a lot of new friends here and really beginning to appreciate the live I have here.<br />
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The kittens are growing fast. Annabelle is going to be one big cat...Bella, on the other hand is going to be tiny. Jose keeps them in line; every once in a while I see a cat flying across the room...Jose teaching them manners. :-)<br />
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Not much else happening now. I hope all is well at your end of the world. The holidays are right around the corner and I can't believe that time has passed so quickly......before we know it 2014 will be here! Until next time....Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-29600840555014670822012-05-20T11:16:00.001-07:002012-05-20T11:16:50.350-07:00Wow A month?Here I am again...a month has flown by and I haven't blogged! WHAT is wrong with me? I ALWAYS have something to say! Sometimes it's not worth listening to, but I always have words ready to spout out of my mouth or mind!<br />
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Let's see...where did this last month go? Well, for starters, Ric and Janet were here for Al's 78th birthday in April. It was fun having them here and we always enjoy being with them...even if it is always too short of a time.<br />
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Then the first part of May our good friend Suzi had knee replacement surgery and they stayed here for a few days after surgery instead of going home to Rio Rico. I don't know how they felt about it, but it made me feel better knowing she was closer to the doctor in case she needed him...however, she did wonderful. As Jenn calls here "Miss Over achiever" Suzi tends to amaze me in her ability to recover from anything in the shortest amount of time. And no whining! I WOULD be whining...I know I would.<br />
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The last four days Mike and Bev have been here. We had a great time as usual; Bev and I out and about a couple of days at Quilt Shops, etc. We all went to Mt. Lemmon one day. The regrowth from the fire a few years ago is amazing. And the new restaurant in Summerhaven was very good and very much needed. It was a fun day. Then last night we all went out to dinner at Michealanglo's. We celebrated Suzi's birthday a bit early as well. Had a fabulous dinner and good company. Mike and Bev left today and the house seems very empty. Mike had a few "honey do" chores he did for me as well...a few things I can't do anymore he did for me. THANK YOU MIKE.<br />
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Al and I have been sitting here discussing how blessed we are to have such wonderful children; children who are happy, sucessful, and loving. And not necessarily all of them are our biological children. A few we have "adopted" along the way...and they are just as important to us. You know who you are. And then there are our grandchildren...what a delight they all are to us, and then, there are the greats....and they are just that! We are so fortunate in our lives to have all these wonderful people. THEN, we are also so rich in the friends we have. Our lives are so blessed with the family and friends we have. We love you all.<br />
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Al is doing well...his hospice nursing visits down to once a week for now. He has managed to get out a bit more in the last month and enjoys that. We might even try to do a longer ride (gulp) down to Rio Rico in the near future....maybe, if I get up my courage. I just don't like to be very far from home with him. <br />
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Weather is getting hotter...it's that time of year. We have already had several days of over 100....air conditioner running full time...I can see the $$$$ floating away. I keep the ac set at 80, and when I get too hot inside, I go outside for a minute and then come back in...and surprise...it's cool inside for a while. Me and my mind games!<br />
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So until next time, live life like it is your last day on earth....it could be.<br />
<br />Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-60579887193740946762012-04-19T11:03:00.000-07:002012-04-19T11:03:25.543-07:00So long good friends..until we meet againGood friends of ours, Pat and Patti left this morning to return to their summer home. No bid deal, right? WRONG....next year they will be spending their winter in FLORIDA!! HEY! What about me??? You are leaving me behind! At least that's what I wanted to scream last night. We will really, really miss them. But a new chapter in life keeps opening up every time I turn around it seems. <br />
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I just updated our profile on Blogger as well...it was a little out of date. Yes, I miss the traveling we did...my feet start itching this time of year to get going...but it won't happen ... even if I think I can make it happen I know I can't. Al is just too frail to try a trip anywhere. Going out to dinner is a challenge and scary some times. He, too, is asking me "when are we leaving" and it is so hard for me to try and explain to him that we aren't going anywhere and why. In his mind he is still able to travel. Heck, in my mind he is! But then reality (damn it) sets in quickly. So we will be here for the summer, fall, winter and spring.<br />
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Speaking of summer, I think it is here. It was 95 yesterday, suppose to be 96 today and 97-98 all weekend. We are breaking all kinds of records here with the heat. I like the heat opposed to the cold, but this is just a little to early. Another month or so, and I would expect it; but I haven't had any time to "ease" into it yet. Last weekend it was so cold we had the heater on...go figure.<br />
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My youngest nephew, Michael was in town last weekend. He and his band are on tour and were here for a couple of days. We got to have dinner with him and it was fun getting caught up on what is going on in his life. He sure is a nice young man....<br />
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Dick and Lano were here for a week and their whirlwind dog, Misty. Misty is Beau's great niece and she is only 15 mos old....still a puppy. I chuckled at my two old men dogs...they used to want to play ALL THE TIME with Dick and Lano's old dog Buddy and Buddy would snap at them to STOP. NOW, the tide has turned and my two are snapping at Misty to stop! <br />
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And on a final note, RIP Dick Clark, you were one of my idols. My youth is gone.<br />
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And yes, we are in the winter of our lives now....just don't want to see a blizzard anytime soon. Friends and acquaintances are dying off at an alarming rate....I remember when this was happening to my parents and I thought it was so horrible...well, here we are and I still think it is horrible.<br />
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ON that note, live life to the fullest every day...you may not have a tomorrow.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-15470473399448171382012-04-05T11:56:00.001-07:002012-04-05T11:56:23.237-07:00It's Spring....ACHOO!!So, yes, my allergies have decided to kick in overtime. Every time the wind even thinks about blowing my eyes water, my nose stops up (or drips--depending on it's mood) and I start to sneeze. And not just one sneeze...I sneeze in series...4-5 first, then a break; then 4-5 more. I may, or may not, be done then. I may or may not repeat cycle for 2-3 more times. Then I am worn out! ACHOO<br />
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Yes, it is spring in Tucson. One day it is 90 and the next it is 60. We have had the a/c and heat on in the same day. And EVERYTHING is in bloom; even things that don't bloom are in bloom I think! And the wind...today is suppose to be "breezy", what ever that means...right now it is blowing hard. So much for "breezy". And when the wind blows here where we live, it usually doesn't blow where our cousins live in S.E. Tucson. Go figure!<br />
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Company is a comin'. Dick and Lano will be here this weekend with Misty (Beau's great niece) who is still a puppy (even tho she is 17 mos old)...both dogs just groan when I say she is coming. They so quickly forget they were like this not too long ago! Then son Ric and wife Janet will be here on the 20th for a few days. Can't wait! Then it looks like we will have a very, long, dry season...summer will be here and NO ONE wants to come then. And I understand. However, my favorite part of the summer are the monsoons...as long as they don't take out my road. I love the lightning and thunder...as long as it is in the mountains and not near me. See, I seem to have a caveat for everything today!<br />
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Al is doing well, or as well as can be expected. Some days better than others. He went out to dinner twice last weekend and survived it (so did I) and did well. He rode with me to Costco and other errands this week, just stayed in the car, but he got out of the house. Blood sugar is a little on the high side, but we are dealing with it. Blood pressure is good; weight is good; appetite is good; kidney's are still questionable, but they always will be. Parkinson's shows it's ugly head at the weirdest times; but we deal with it. So all-in-all, things are going good. Lets just hope he stays on this plateau for a while. Hospice is wonderful and ever so helpful. The nurse comes twice a week and the CNA comes 3 times a week. Volunteer to stay with him while I get out comes once a week and our paid care giver comes once a week...so we have it pretty well covered.....as long as he stays this way.<br />
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Not much else new or exciting going on in our lives. Snow birds have started their migration north so traffic is lighter, we can get in to restaurants, grocery shopping is pleasant again, and things are quieter. Seems like the snowbirds migrated earlier this year...probably due to the nicer weather in the north, except the Pacific NW....<br />
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Hope all is well with everyone....have a wonderful, joyous Easter and may the Easter Bunny be good to you and lay plenty of eggs.....that is still a question unanswered in my mind...but that is for a later blog.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-52861595845103453162012-03-16T16:26:00.000-07:002012-03-16T16:26:18.767-07:00Goodbye to another wonderful lady...Tucson<br />
This is getting to be a regular "thing" for us lately, and I, for one, would appreciate it if it would stop. But then again, we are at the age where our friends and relatives of our generation are dying. <br />
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Last night we said goodbye to another wonderful lady. Shirley Spaid...rest in peace. Shirley was my cousin Ted's wife. Shirley, Ted, Al and I have been close in the past 20+ years, traveling together; visiting each other (they live in Colorado) and keeping in touch. They traveled with us to Alaska in 2003, with the long, long trailer in tow. Six weeks of "togetherness" in the 5th wheel...and yet we remained close! Shirley and I had a special bond I felt. She was so wonderfully talented with her knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She liked to try new recipes; was fun loving and and so much fun to be with. Ted said that sometimes you had to "speak Shirley" to understand her, I must have succeeded,. because I never had a problem understanding her. :-) She was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother and friend. <br />
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Shirley had a massive stroke on Saturday, March 10. She went to sleep Friday night and just never woke up. No suffering, no pain, just went to sleep. She did it the right way. They removed life support on Wednesday and she took her final breath last night. We grieve her death, but rejoice in the fact that she is at peace. We grieve with her family, but rejoice in the knowledge that they will go on to a new and different life without her, but hold her in their hearts forever and have wonderful memories. She has left them behind, but new children will come and hear the stories of their great grandmother and what a wonderful woman she was. Yes, she will be missed greatly, but she lives on in our hearts and memories. It is sad that she will never get to hold her first great grandchild, which is due in June. <br />
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On another note, our weather has been wonderful the last week...today it is suppose to be 85! Wait, this is March, right? Well tomorrow it is suppose to be only 58....I think the got the numbers transposed! We are going to have a "cool down" as the weather guesser calls it. I think so...from 85 to 58...I would call that a cool down! However, I am not complaining, before to long the only "cool down" we will get will be sitting under our air conditioners!<br />
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Al continues to do the same. He has good days and awful days, nothing in-between. Today we are going on an outing. He has been wanting sushi, and has asked several times to go to the "sushi garden" which advertises a lot on TV. It also has been our favorite sushi place for many years, however, he has forgotten that. So today we are going to attempt an "outing". <br />
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Until next time, enjoy life, it is the only one you get.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-63756983779010893072012-03-08T21:56:00.000-07:002012-03-08T21:56:02.294-07:00Grands and GreatsTucson<br />
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March 8, 2012<br />
I have just returned from a week vacation in Missouri. See, Missouri is where all my great grand children live. I haven't seen them in over two years, so I had a great desire to go to Missouri. It wouldn't be my normal choice of a winter vacation spot, but, with them there I had no doubt where I wanted to go on my break. Needless to say I had a great time. My daughter-in-law Beverly carted me from St. Louis where two of my greats live to Kansas City where 3 of them live. And as an added bonus I was able to visit with two of my grand children. I needed a break.<br />
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Granddaughter Sarah and her two girls, Natasha (12) and Nadia (4) live in the St Louis area; so I got to have a longer visit with them. Natasha has had some serious health problems the last couple of years, so I really wanted to see her for myself and make sure she was doing well. Nadia is a hoot! She is a very lively 4 yr old and I enjoyed every minute with her and her sister.<br />
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In Kansas City I visited with grandson David and his 3 girls; Sophie (4) Ada (3) and Molly (2), and yes, he definitely has his hands full with three little active girls. I enjoyed just watching them interact with each other as siblings. They really are good and play well with each other. I can't wait until he has 3 teenage girls to deal with! What fun that is going to be...all those hormones....ugh! <br />
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The weather in Missouri was pretty decent...we had some wind, and a couple of cool days, but not bad at all. We did get to experience a fierce thunder and lightning storm early one morning...the same storm that turned into tornados in Indiana later that day. No thanks! I did see the area of the tornado on Good Friday last year in St Louis...too close to the kids for my comfort. Even after a year you could see the damage. Give me an earth quake any time over a tornado. I would prefer neither, but since I am a California girl earthquakes don't scare me like tornados do....just sayin'. <br />
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I came back to a cold Tucson last night....it was 42 when I drove up to our house! What the heck? It was 80 when I left. However, weather is to warm up again this weekend....and pretty soon I will be howling about the heat again!<br />
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While I was gone Al's caregiver Pat was with him for two days; then he went to La Canada Care Center (where he was while in skilled nursing) for 5 days. Hospice gives me 5 days of respite every 90 days. He is doing amazingly well. He has lost another 6 pounds; which I am sure I have found. He is getting a bit weaker I noticed today or maybe I just noticed it after being gone for a week. But he is eating well and still is able to walk with the assistance of the walker. <br />
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He was glad to get home today and the dogs, cat and I were happy to see him home. He is stable and that is all I can ask for at this point in time. Every day is a blessing.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-54829769677078414772012-01-27T12:37:00.001-07:002012-01-27T12:37:55.741-07:00Goodbye to a wonderful ladyLast night the world lost a very special lady. At least my world did. Or I should say our world...but let me start at the beginning.<br />
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Jude Hubbell and her husband Roger met Al over 50 years ago and they have all been good friends since. I entered the picture over 30 years ago and I must say I was a nervous wreck to meet her. I had been warned by Al that Jude could be "difficult" and if she didn't like you, she didn't like you..period! I must have been okay, or a keeper as they say these days, because Jude and I hit it off right away. I will admit there were times I wanted to throttle her; argue with her (which wasn't possible I learned), or just stand up to her. She was one stubborn gal. And I loved her. She had the biggest heart of gold I have ever seen. Very opinionated---very. Some times it was her way .. only. Yet our friendship grew and deepened. <br />
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Roger and Jude moved from Seattle to Tucson in 2000. We hadn't really given Tucson, or any place a thought to retire since we were still in our RV travel mode. However, we wound up buying a house about 3 miles from them. It is always so comforting to know they were just "up the road" from us. <br />
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In the last few months Jude's health has taken a sharp decline. She has been in and out of the hospital several times. Two weeks ago she came home under Hospice. Her children, siblings and several friends have made their way to Tucson to see her and say their goodbyes. Those who couldn't make it have called. She was well loved.<br />
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Last night Jude gave up her fight and died peacefully. I thought I was prepared for this. Wrong....I wasn't. No matter how prepared you think you are, you aren't. With heavy heart, I pray for eternal life for her. We who are left behind are sad, because she is no longer here; however, we are also happy celebrating her wonderful life and the impact she had on others.<br />
Our world is a little more empty today, a little more sad, and once again, our lives have changed. We will go on, remembering the good times with Jude and our memories we have.<br />
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Rest in Peace our wonderful friend, Jude. We love and miss you. Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-39360791354065170682012-01-19T17:19:00.001-07:002012-01-19T17:19:32.320-07:00It's a New Year...Six days into 2012, so far so good. I peeked out from under my covers on Jan 1 just to make sure 2011 was gone for good. BAD year!<br />
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Al is feeling okay. He is weak, can't walk very far, but at this point in time I will take anything he can do as a plus. His appetite is very small, which for him is very unusual. He usually eats good at breakfast, but by dinner he really doesn't want anything to do with it. But then again, that can vary day by day. Hospice is wonderful...so caring, and not just for him, but for me as well. For the first time I feel like I really have help anytime I need it. Al took a fall one day last week that necessitated a call to my friends at the fire dept. Also called Hospice and my wonderful neighbor barb.<br />
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Jan 19<br />
Apparently, I got side tracked and never got back to the blog I started earlier this month. Oh well, story of my life lately. I start something, get distracted, and sometimes never get back to what I started.<br />
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It has been a busy month. Our good friend Jude is very ill and as a result we have had some company. Good friends Frank and Garrett came from Seattle to see Jude...however, Jude's house was full, so they stayed with us. We had a great visit with them and Al really enjoyed it.<br />
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Last weekend son Mike and granddaughter Sarah were here from St. Louis. They only stayed for 2 nights, but we really were happy to see them. It does Al good when company comes. Now, we are waiting for granddaughter Cammie to arrive. Actually, she was suppose to come in from Seattle yesterday, but due to the snow flights and life was cancelled in Seattle. She is now due in tomorrow...but from the sounds of the news Seattle may still be frozen tomorrow. We are anxiously waiting to see her.<br />
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Nieces Sherrie and Denice from Seattle and Ephrata respectively are scheduled in at the end of the month. And yes, I have been busy washing sheets and towels. As long as I don't have to fold said sheets I am fine. I HATE FOLDING SHEETS! Always have, always will! Especially the fitted sheet, which usually winds up wadded up! And don't try to tell me to fit one corner into the other, etc. Doesn't work for me.<br />
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Weather here has been absolutely wonderful, except when we have company! Then the weather usually tries to be cold, windy, rainy. This week has been so pretty and the forecast runs 68, 70, 69, 71, etc. NICE<br />
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Al is about the same. I can see him slide downhill more everyday. His appetite is good some days and not so good others. He sleeps a lot and is always tired. At least he is home and comfortable. Hospice is wonderful. I also hired the caregiver we had from my brother to come in once a week and sit with Al while I get away for a few hours. And Hospice provides a volunteer 2 hours a week to sit with him as well, so I do get a break. And Barb also gives me a break on the weekend. Don't know how I would do this without her. She is definitely my rock.<br />
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So that is all that is happening around here for the time being. Hope this finds you all doing well and living life the way you want.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-52841470840342201842011-12-28T16:44:00.000-07:002011-12-28T16:44:08.571-07:00As usual, I am behind...Where in the heck did the last month go???? I know I was here, but sure can't believe it is almost the end of December!<br />
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Let's see, where do I begin? Skunk problem was solved Monday after Thanksgiving...thanks to a great service I found here in Tucson called "animal experts" Yes, we had a dead skunk up in the insulation under the kitchen. Took a while to neutralize the odor, but it is gone.<br />
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We had company the first week in December...friends from Minnesota came for a few days. We hadn't seen them in a few (15) years so we had a lot of catching up to do. Sure enjoyed them.<br />
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Then good friends Kathy and Rowland were here from Seattle for a few days. They are thinking about becoming snow birds some day and wanted to check out the area ... we are hoping they will decide on Tucson. Had a great visit and always hate to see them go home!<br />
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Al came home from the Skilled Nursing Facility on Dec. 19; under Hospice care. What a great organization this is. We are using Casa de la Luz, which is the same hospice we used with my brother. They are so caring and helpful. Plus my neighbor and good friend Barb is a Nursing Supervisor there. He is doing well, even after all the company we have had for the holidays.<br />
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Friends Dick and Lano came from Yuma on Dec. 20 and what a great help and support they are to me. They left to go home this morning and Al is already asking when they are coming back.<br />
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Jenn arrived on the 22nd and grandson Danny arrived on the 23rd. So nice to have them both here for Christmas. And for the first time in 50 years I didn't cook Christmas breakfast or dinner...Jenn did it all with assistance from Danny and a few others. Nice to have a break, but it did seem odd not being in the middle of it.<br />
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Jenn left Monday to go back to Seattle, Danny leaves early (1:45 a.m.) tomorrow to go back to Washington DC. We had both Washington's represented here for Christmas. :-) <br />
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Our good friend Jude is in the hospital and not doing too well, so I try and go to see her every chance I get. Today Barb's dad Carl sat with Al...I appreciate all the help and support I have. I don't think I could do this with out it.<br />
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So here is wishing you a great 2012....Happy New Year.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-23558617195798792882011-11-24T20:19:00.001-07:002011-11-24T20:45:23.272-07:00The Skunk that came to Thanksgiving DinnerTucson, Az<br />
Nov. 24, 2011<br />
Happy Birthday Denise!<br />
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Happy Stinky Thanksgiving...you might ask why "stinky". We lets start at the very beginning.<br />
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Last week a critter got under the house and died...it smelled horrible for a few days, but finally cleared out and all was well. And before you ask, there is no way I will ever crawl under this house...I know evil things must live under there! Spiders, snakes, etc. <br />
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Today I was busy cooking my favorite meal of the year...I LOVE TO COOK THANKSGIVING DINNER! It brings back so many great memories of my childhood and cooking with my mom; and of when my children were little and they would help me. Now Jenn and I have a tradition of cooking together, even if we are 1800 miles apart. She calls me and I call her to see what stage of prep she is in, or what little oops she might have had, or more than likely here lately, how many oops I have had. (like forgetting to put the turkey in the oven on time or not putting slits in the cooking bag.) ANYWAY, as I was saying about 11:00 a.m. I got a whiff of a javalina...they smell like a skunk...kinda that musky odor. Hmmm...I looked out side and didn't see any thing but the smell was getting stronger by the minute. By the time Gary and Jeannette arrived about 11:30 it was really smelling like SKUNK....pee yew! Still thinking it was probably just a herd of Javalina, Gary and I walked around the house...couldn't see any of those pesky things, but did notice where something had clawed it's way under the deck, which goes directly under the house. By this time the smell was getting very bad. Barb and her parents arrived and agreed....something stinks. Messed up the great smell of dinner cooking. GRRRR. So Carl (Barb's dad) and Gary took off all three of the access covers to under the house, got out the flashlight and looked but couldn't see anything, but wow...the smell was, well, skunky.<br />
And of course the strongest smell was under the kitchen. This skunk wanted to eat with us! Great.<br />
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Barb, Gary and Carl went to pick Al up ... he got to come home for four hours today for dinner. Did my heart good. It was hard on me today not having him around while I was prepping and cooking. He was always my potato peeler, taster, etc. AND I realized I will probably never cook another Thanksgiving dinner in this house as it goes on the market the first of the year. Kind of melancholy....sad. But it was wonderful to have him home and I am so thankful for that. He did really well, however, he still isn't very strong. <br />
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Everyone enjoyed dinner, even with the horrible smell. Which seemed to come and go. But when we were in the kitchen doing dishes it really got powerful....but I also thought I smelled gas. I did some sniffing and did smell gas. So I called the gas company and they said to evacuate the house, do not turn on any lights, etc. and they would be right out. Thank goodness it was nice outside and we all went out and sat on the deck, still smelling skunk! How can one little critter smell so bad? But now it is smelling like a family has moved in. And of course, no pest company was open today, or even taking calls. <br />
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Gas company arrived and the first thing the guy said is SKUNK! NO KIDDING! He did a check and found a small gas leak, so my very sensitive nose is still working. That repaired, he left, but we still had the skunk. FIRST THING IN THE MORNING I AM CALLING THE PEST PEOPLE.<br />
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Al was happy to be home, but he was very tired when he went back to the care center. We sent him back with pie, so that made him happy. We all stuffed ourselves and had a lot of fun, regardless of the smell. It wasn't a perfect day, but fun one and we all enjoyed each others company. I would have loved to have my entire family here, but know that will never happen, so I take what I can get. I am just very thankful that Al was able to come home. <br />
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So here's hoping you all had a wonderful day and are happy and stuffed, just like I am. Now let the holiday madness begin.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-13820993702874413102011-11-09T19:41:00.000-07:002011-11-09T19:41:10.559-07:00Hey...who changed the blog format?Nov. 9, 2011<br />
Okay, since I have been gone someone (Google?) changed my blog format. Confusion I don't need.<br />
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I feel like the last few weeks I have been on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride! After I posted my last blog on Oct. 16, that day, Al took a fall that landed him back in the hospital. He didn't get hurt but was so weak he couldn't stand. He spent a few days in the hospital and then was transferred to Health South Rehab where he spent 2 weeks. He gained some strength back, started walking again and getting better. Then on Nov. 1 Al was moved back to LaCanada Care Center from HealthSouth. HealthSouth said he wasn't improving enough and wasn't ready for more rehab at their level. Poor guy is so confused! And it is very frustrating for me. Just when it looks like he is doing better, he slides back down the slippery slope again. <br />
He was welcomed back at LaCanada warmly. Even though it is a Skilled Nursing Facility, it is still a nursing home and very depressing to me. I gritted my teeth going in there. However, in the nine days he has been in there I have seen some improvement. I have no idea how long he will be there. All I know is by Dec. 9 he will be out of there...he will have used up his 100 days of medicare coverage for the year. UGH.<br />
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On a brighter note, I celebrated my birthday recently and all of our friends and family here made sure I had a great day! And all my kids checked in and I received a ton of cards...so I say thank you to you all. I needed that.<br />
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Friends Ann and Gene from Bellingham are in Tucson for a month and I have been able to connect with them. Good to see them. And Gary and Jeannette are back for the winter as well. As are a lot of the snowbirds! <br />
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Our friends Jude and Roger are celebrating their 50th anniversary on Nov. 11. Unfortunately, Jude is having some health issues so they plan on spending it very quietly, but I want to wish them a Happy 50th. <br />
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Our weather has been cold lately. Well, cold for us. It went from being 90 for days on end to 50 in the day and low 40's at night. Today it managed to get to 67...brrrr. We didn't go gradually into cold, it changed quickly. <br />
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So until next time...keep living your lives...enjoy each day. Remember to smile.<br />
<br />Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-140560905467985282011-10-16T11:12:00.000-07:002011-10-16T11:12:54.533-07:00OOOOKKKKAAAAYYYYYOkay, so I am a little behind here on my blog. I read Jenn's blog and then I start to think "I need to write on my blog"...they someone hollers for something (not saying Al would do that) and I lose my train of thought. Well, my train has been derailed for many years. Just sayin'<br />
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Al got home from rehab/skilled nursing/hospital on Sept 30. He spent a grand total of 75 days in one or the other of those facilities. He did really well when he came home, for about 3 days! Now he seems to be on the long downhill slide again. Complaining his legs/knees/back/hips hurt. He saw the back doctor a week ago and he will see him again this week, however, doctor thinks he may have to have another round of epidural shots in the back. They seemed to help him last time. Let's hope they will help this time. As his son Ric said "Dad getting up is a noisy affair!" and that is right, he groans/moans/grunts etc. I don't mind it during the day, however, at night I do get just a little testy when he does it...espeically when I am woken up from a sound sleep. Which, speaking of, I don't get very much of.<br />
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The weather is fall"ish" here. We had 3 days of real fall weather, then, summer returned with a vengance. It was 103 Friday and yesterday and suppose to be today. I am so ready for the 90 degree weather of fall...I need some "Cool" weather. 90 degree I can stand right now, 80 would be nice, but that isn't until usually November. However, you can feel fall in the air, if you sit just right, at the right light, at the right time of day/night. And it does cool down to 70's at night. And the few tree's that we have are dropping some leaves as is my Ocatillo, which is dropping it's tiny leaves all over the front deck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rHwL6LoB_QUj2_4lH9SSXW7EkJVFaPWR2GqwRWiykkz2i-e2vgJS9sK6vUhnjg-M5qqrmoKCaJRwbK1LFUbaoDNDTFgRVB3oe4XOrBHuWlhChGOmk7W4hvwplxVvizVfSKGL/s1600/328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rHwL6LoB_QUj2_4lH9SSXW7EkJVFaPWR2GqwRWiykkz2i-e2vgJS9sK6vUhnjg-M5qqrmoKCaJRwbK1LFUbaoDNDTFgRVB3oe4XOrBHuWlhChGOmk7W4hvwplxVvizVfSKGL/s320/328.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I didn't mention a few blogs ago that we had to put one of our cats to sleep in August. Juanito lost his fight with kidney failure on Aug. 30. I am still crying. Jose, our other cat and Juanito's brother is stuck to me like glue. The dogs are finally accepting that Juanito isn't coming home; Jose and I are having a harder time of it. He was a great kitty...I called him my lover kitty as he loved to cuddle with me -- only me. No one else! Yes, he was definitely MY CAT. <br />
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Ric and Janet were here for a week...well, Janet was here for 5 days and Ric for a couple of days. He was on a business trip to Mesa, so Janet came a long and stayed with us. It was sure good to have her here and I truly enjoyed the visit. Wish we could see our kids more, but that would be almost impossible since they are scattered from Portland, OR/ Lancaster, CA/Seattle, Redmond WA/ and St. Louis MO! Oh well, we take what we can get and be happy with it. I think our traveling days are over...until Al recovers much more than he is now. And I just don't think that will happen. So I look at our albums and cherish the great memories we have of our travels. I am so glad we traveled when we could.<br />
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Hope this finds you all happy and living life the way you want!Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-75712002342782434432011-09-22T10:12:00.000-07:002011-09-22T10:12:54.774-07:00Things are looking up!Well, things are finally beginning to look up. Al was moved to Oro valley hospital rehab center yesterday to begin extensive therapy to strengthen him so he will be able to come home. He has been doing well at the Skilled Nursing Facility and the powers that be feel he no longer needs that level of care. Good news for us. Now I pray he can maintain the therapy level required as he has to do 3 hours a day to remain in this facility. Of course, those 3 hours are broken up to different segments during the day.<br />
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It was like old home week at rehab. The nurses, CNA's and staff all were glad to see him and see him doing so well. When he left there last July he was really in bad shape, so this made them happy. They are really a great team to work with....we have been there enough, this is Al's 5th visit there.<br />
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The weather has finally started to cool off and feel a little like Fall. Right now (10:00 a.m.) it is only 73 outside...of course that is in the shade...it is 93 in the sun. Still it is better than the 110+ we had there for a while. And the weather guesser's say the monsoons are over. So much for our rain. We had a few good storms, but we still need rain. However, once I said that, I realize we ARE living in the middle of the Sonoran Desert!!!! :-)<br />
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Son Ric, Daughter-in-law Janet and niece Sherrie just finished walking the 3 - Day, 60 Mile Susan G Komen walk for the cure in Seattle last weekend. Daughter Jenn and Granddaughter Cammie were the best walker stalkers as well. Great job; so proud of all of them for supporting such a good cause.<br />
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Not much else new to report for this time. I will keep posting to the Caring Bridge site for Al 's progress....check it out at <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alfredwraspir">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alfredwraspir</a><br />
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Until next time, hope this finds all of you happy, healthy and living life.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-27569499129584368272011-09-07T21:41:00.000-07:002011-09-07T21:41:56.070-07:00Doctor VisitsI took Al to two doctor visits today. He saw the "ologist" brothers, neurologist and nephrologist. It is quite a chore to take him to these appointments. First I have to let the SNF know in advance (usually they like 2-3 days notice) then I have to get him into the car (a chore in itself) then put the wheel chair in the car, which I swear weights 70 lbs by itself. Drive to the docs office, retrieve the wheelchair, get Al in it; wheel him into the doc's office without taking out people, door jambs, etc. Get him into the exam room with out doing the same as above. Then repeat the process all over again to get him back in the car. I did this twice today, no wonder I am exhausted tonight. <br />
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Both the ologist has good reports. Al's neurologist was amazed at his memory test...he scored higher today than he ever has...EVER! Glad Al didn't have to take this test last Sunday...he was having a very confusing day then. Doc said that will happen, but Al seemed very alert today. Then to the nephrologist (Kidney)...he too was amazed. Al's creatinin was almost perfect! Kidneys functioning at about 50%..doc says that very rarely EVER happens. So two good reports today. <br />
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However, by the time I got him back to the SNF he was completely worn out. Definitely not ready to come home -- even Al admitted that. <br />
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Tomorrow is our 30th wedding anniversary. We won't be celebrating it by going out on the town...or even going out to dinner. Al's favorite meal is pot roast, so I will cook one and take it to him and we will have a romantic (?) dinner at the SNF. (Skilled Nursing Facility) We would both rather be on a cruise somewhere instead. But that isn't about to happen.<br />
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The weather is still, hot, hotter, hottest, and more hot. I love the heat, but even I am tired of it. I am just thankful that we aren't in Texas. I feel so bad for those poor people. The weather has just be weird all over this year. My mom used to say that when the weather got weird it was because of all the "rockets" that were sent into space...I am beginning to wonder if she wasn't right!Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-910474997590667662011-08-28T21:49:00.000-07:002011-08-28T21:49:46.066-07:0011 days later...I am really not doing a good job at this blog anymore. Guess I have a little too much on my mind.<br />
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Al is doing much better, matter-of-fact, he MAY come home this week. Of course we will either Hospice or Home Health Care and at this point in time it is unclear which one it will be. It initally started out as Hospice, but the doctor at the Care Center wants AL's primary doc to sign the order. However, because of Medicrap Al can't see his primary doc until he is discharged from the Care Center. I feel like I am in a real Catch 22 here. I have an appointment with our primary doc tomorrow and I will talk to him about the best way to handle this. If he determines that Al doesn't need Hospice, all the better; I just want to make sure Al has the best of what he needs.<br />
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I haven't been doing too much lately. It has been too hot to do too much. Was 114 one day; and of course that was the day I had multiple appointments. I have discovered the inside of my car can get to 140 degrees...at least that is what it felt like. And parking in the shade in Arizona is almost impossible (cactus do not make shade trees!) <br />
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I decided while Al was not home I would clean out our closet. I didn't think it would take me 2 weeks, but it has. Because of my back, I work a little on the closet, then I rest, and then the process repeats. So far I have been able to do this without hurting my back too much. And not it is crunch time, I HAVE to finish the closet tomorrow. Golden Goose (local thrift shop) here I come.<br />
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I also want to paint a wall in our guest room, but I don't think that will be done before Al gets home. It is too hot to do anything out side...even at 6:00 in the morning it is in the high 80's and the other night at 10:0 p.m. it was still 92. I usually don't mind the heat and much prefer it over cold, but for some reason I am having issues with heat this year. Of course, our monsoons haven't really been great this year, a lot of humidity and very little rain. <br />
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Friends Dick and Lano were here for a few days last week...with their puppy Misty. Misty is Beau's great niece and is 8 mos old. She sure is cute, but, oh boy, is she ever full of energy. Wore me out just watching her. Beau, has become an old man and will growl at her. Or maybe he is trying to teach her manners, I don't know. All I know she is so cute and I really enjoy her. Schuster just ignores her for the most part...<br />
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More when more happens. Hope all is well with everyone else.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-6135152817926049082011-08-17T20:15:00.000-07:002011-08-17T20:15:54.666-07:00A month laterYep...I haven't posted a blog in a month. This is because it has been too depressing for me to even think about posting a blog. Instead of trying to catch up, I will just insert my posts to the Caring Bridge web site that Jenn created for AL. Just so you know, Al is still in the "skilled nursing factility" ... a fancy name for a nursing home. He is doing better...but he is still in "that place" as I call it. I get instantly depressed when I go to see him. <br />
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Tuesday, July 26, 2011 11:26 PM, MST<br />
Okay...here we go. Al has not improved .. and unfortunately, medicrap guidelines say if he isn't doing 3 hrs of therapy a day he must be moved. And I guess I can see why. Al has NO DESIRE to do any of the therapy. He did walk down the hall yesterday, but that can't really qualify for 3 hrs of therapy. Everytime they get him up he says he has to get back in bed he is too tired to do anything. Docs can't find any reason for this. My thought? He is just giving up. I can't convince him to do therapy so he can come home. Usually this is his motivation, but not this time. Now he is to weak to do anything. Can't get him to eat much. Yesterday he ate none of his breakfast; third of his lunch and dinner. Need I say more? When asked if he is in pain he will say no, not really. He is still taking pain meds when needed, but he doesn't seem to remember if he has had them or not. And ugly, ole, Alzheimers is kicking in big time. And depression as well. I have been told they go hand in hand. Great!<br />
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He will be moved to a Skilled Nursing Facility in the near future. It will depend on which one they can get him into. Splendito is close by and a very good facility, but usually there is a waiting list. He has been on the list before and never made it--so we will see. <br />
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I have to say I am hating all of this, but knew at some point in time this would happen. <br />
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011 8:48 PM, MST <br />
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Oh my, I NEVER expected the response on this site like I have gotten. Thank you all so very much for your love and support. <br />
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Mike (Al's oldest son) arrived today and I am so glad he is here. I didn't really realize how much a burden I was carrying by my self! <br />
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Al's condition is deteriorating. When Mike and I got to the hospital today he was sleeping, the nurse told us he hasn't been really awake all day. I think Mike termed it correctly, it seems as if he is not asleep, but just "checked out". Al acknowledged that Mike was there; but couldn't stay alert enough to carry on even a minimal a conversation with him. He isn't eating much at all, He ate part of his breakfast, none of his lunch and I fed him his dinner which he ate only a small portion. Nurse said she had to feed him his breakfast and he ate two bites of his lunch before he threw it up. <br />
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They were going to move him to a skilled nursing facility tomorrow, but that has been postponed for a day or so. Also they were going to give him the epidural shots in his back tomorrow for pain, but that has been postponed as well. Instead the hospital doctor has requested Al's neurologist to come in and has also requested an MRI and other tests. All of Al's body functions seem to be okay and all the tests on all major organs have been good as well. So the doctors are as stumped as I am on why he is like he is. I pray they get to the bottom of it soon. I asked the doctor today if it was possible that Al has just given up and his response was that at this moment Al doesn't have the mental capacity to do this, however, he possibly could have made this decision a few days ago and this is the result. Hopefully we will know more tomorrow. <br />
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Thursday, July 28, 2011 10:08 PM, MST<br />
Al's condition continues to decline. Mike and I were at the hospital most of the day. Doctors have finally found out what is causing Al to be so sleepy and confused. He is in acute renal failure and has an acute (I hate this word) Unrinary Tract Infection. I won't go into the numbers and all the clinical details of renal failure, but it is bad. They moved Al from the rehab unit to the Telementery ward today. I had to ask what the Telementery ward was; it is for critically ill patients who need to be monitored closely. They have started an IV with antibiotics to hopefully get the UTI under control and pump fluids into him to hopefully reverse some of the kidney failure. However, his kidneys have been at 20% for over a year. His Nephrologist (Kidney doc) hasn't given up yet, and says maybe Al will bounce back. His Neurologist (we saw the oligist brothers today!!) did an EEG to measure his brain wave function today and as expected it revealed the brain waves were slow, from the renal failure. Hope this makes sense to you.<br />
Al was a little more alert today and talked a bit more. He still isn't eating much, I fed him lunch and dinner and he ate about 1/8th of both. And I can't get him to drink much water either. <br />
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Friday, July 29, 2011 9:43 PM, MST<br />
A much better day today. Al has improved! The antibiotics have kicked in and his numbers are much better...not great, but much better. Creatinine is down to 3.2; BUN is down to 59 and white blood cells are at 12.8. So maybe we are on the road to recovery. His kidney doctor was very encouraged today of the better numbers and said he has a chance for his kidneys to perhaps go back to at least 20% function. However, Al is a long way from being out of the woods. He is eating a little bit, so that has encouraged us. Prayers are so powerful! Thank you all again. I can't say how much your prayers and messages mean to the family and I. <br />
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Al is still "out of it" for the most part. No strong pain killers for him either. However, the kidney failure will cause mental confusion. He does know people now though, so that is a step forward. He will remain in acute care for a while; then will be moved to skilled nursing facility when the time is right. He has to be much better before he can be moved. <br />
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Mike will be here until Sunday and I can't say how good it has been for me to have him here. What a great son and person he is. He has helped me through all of this with his calm, sensible way. What a blessing for me.<br />
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Saturday. July 30<br />
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Al is getting stronger every day. Praise the Lord!!! He could actually stand for a minute on his own today. That is huge progress. However, he still isn't eating very much & still on IV. His creatinine is down to 2.2 and his BUN is 44 and white cell count is 8, which is normal. <br />
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Of course today he is 4 of the 7 dwarfs---sleepy, grumpy, dopey & doc!! He is mad at me because I won't take him home or to the motel!?!? So confusion is still here, however the docs said it would be the last to leave. <br />
Al is smiling some which does my heart good. <br />
Mike is so good & patient with his dad. I am sad to see Mike leave tomorrow, but ever so thankful for him being here<br />
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Sunday, July 31, 2011 10:19 PM, MST <br />
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UGH! A roller coaster of emotions day for me. I took Mike to the airport this morning...I was so thankful to have him here and sad to see him go home. He was such a huge help to me and Dad.<br />
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I got back to the hospital around 1:00 p.m. Al was doing so well. His creatinine was back to normal as was all the other "numbers". His doctors came in around 2:00 p.m. and said they were going to release him to Skilled Nursing Facility!! OK...on the road to real progress and recovery. A few days ago I didn't think we would make it this far. Al is still confused; but not as bad as he has been. And the doctors said this will take a while to clear up. AND he walked up and down the hall this afternoon with the physical therapist!!! <br />
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I have seen him bounce back like this before, but I was surprised he did such a major turn around. Amazing what fluid and antibiotics can do. AND Al has lost 30 lbs in two weeks. Can't say I approve of his diet plan though. He is eating better, but didn't eat much of his dinner tonight. <br />
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So we were told that he would be going to LaCanada SNF. The one I really wanted him in was Splendido, but they had no beds. They were to transfer him in a few hours (Waiting on transportation). I headed home to feed dogs and cats, etc. While on my way home the case manager called and said Splendido just called and they had a bed and she was trying to snag the bed for Al, did we still want it? YES! A few minutes later she called and said Splendido REFUSED Al the bed....didn't know why, just said they didn't want him. REALLY??? Can they do this? Can they just pick and choose who they want??? I DON"T THINK SO....and I will be at Splendido in the morning to find out why! <br />
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So to La Canada SNF we went. By all standards it is okay; but a nursing home is a nursing home, no matter how fancy you make it sound. It was so hard to leave him there. I cried all the way home. He is in a very small room with another man who lives there permanently and will tell you that he is just waiting to die. UGH!<br />
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Al has barely enough room; he is shoved into a corner with a bed and a night stand. PERIOD. He needs a large bed and I requested one, but we will see if we get it. He isn't happy there either. It just about broke my heart to leave him there. <br />
I can only hope he will get better quickly and get back into Rehab at the Oro Valley Hospital center. <br />
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I need a dislike button tonight.<br />
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Tuesday, August 2, 2011 7:33 AM, MST <br />
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Al continues to get stronger. In Skilled Nursing they are less aggressive with the physical therapy; however, he is walking down the hall with assistance. Still not crazy about him being in Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) but it did look better in the light of day. He is still shoved into a corner of a small room; and his room mate will tell you over and over he wants to die. I did get a tour of the facility today and it is very nice and clean. I guess it is what it is. <br />
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Al was less confused yesterday, knew where he was and was more communicative. He is happy that I can bring the dogs in to see him; which I will do today. His numbers are still good and his blood sugar is excellent. He is eating; just not very much. He finally did eat a nectarine that I brought him a few days ago and asked for another one. The facility has an ice cream social everyday at 1:30-2:00 and he enjoyed that yesterday. There are plenty of activities for him to participate in if he chooses to; and I hope he does some of them, however, I have my doubts. <br />
If you would have told any of us that saw him this time last week that he would be in a SNF in a week we would have argued with you. All of us are still amazed at the turn around (even the doctors); just shows you the power of prayer. Thank you all again for all of your prayers, love and support. Without them I doubt we would be where we are today. <br />
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Wednesday, August 3, 2011 10:07 PM, MST<br />
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I could only visit with Al for an hour today....he was too busy going to different therapies! He had physical therapy; occupational therapy and group therapy. He seemed to be okay with going to all of them. And instead of having his dinner brought to his room he went to the dining room tonight for dinner. Progress!<br />
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He is still a bit confused; yesterday he asked me if I had milked the cows that morning!! Uh, yes??? Then today he wanted to know what hotel I was staying in. When I told him I was staying at home he couldn't figure out where home was. Then I figured out he didn't know he was in Tucson. After I told him we were in Tucson he understood why I was staying at home. The doctors said it would take some time for the confusion to leave; however, I think Al is doing much better than expected.<br />
I had a chat with the social worker assigned to Al's case today. She estimated that he would be in SNF for at least 2 more weeks; then probably he would be transferred to Oro Valley Hospital Rehab for more PT/OT. All depends on how he does. I think I got him to understand the more he did for himself the quicker he would get out of the SNF and on the way to coming home. <br />
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Friday, August 5, 2011 6:53 PM, MST<br />
Al continues to get stronger every day. Jennifer arrived yesterday & that made him happy. <br />
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We visited him today & he went to the dining room for lunch. We are taking <br />
him dinner tonight. he is going to PT & doing well. He still remains somewhat confused but that is also getting better. Praise the Lord!,! <br />
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Wednesday, August 10, 2011 4:21 PM, MST <br />
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I just got home from a meeting with all of Al's therapists & nurses. His progress is average; still not wanting to do the more aggressive therapies, however they say that due to his back pain that is normal. They are encouraging him to get out of his room more, he tends to just stay in his room when not at therapy. Also encouraging him to go to the dining room instead of having a tray brought to his room. I solved that problem by switching him to dining room only service. They will make him go to the dining room for meals. This way he will have to get out of his room at least 3 times a day. Having said that, I had lunch with him today & it was pretty disgusting!! The salad was good..... :-/<br />
They estimate he will be in the nursing home at least 2-3 more weeks. I am calling his doctor to see if he can give Al the shots in his back for pain. They highly recommend it. <br />
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His attitude could use at little boost. He doesn't want to participate in anything & he is pretty grumpy. Of course I can see why...I would be as well given the circumstances!! That place depresses me. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice, clean, well run & maintained facility --- but it is still a nursing home. I see all these people that once, I assume, led active, productive lives and now are dependent, in some cases, for everything, on someone else. UGH!! So sad. They asked me today if I would be interested in volunteering there and I had to turn them down. Just couldn't do it right now. Maybe someday, but not now.<br />
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Aug 17<br />
Tomorrow Al will go in for the epidural shots. I am praying that they will help him. He has been good about doing the therapy this week and he is getting out of bed and out of the room more, which is good. I took him to the cardiologist yesterday and that trip wore him out. I have arranged for transportation for him tomorrow from the SNF to Oro Valley Hospital where the procedure will be done. I didn't want to take a chance on me taking him and then him not being able to sit or walk after the procedure. They say that rarely happens, but with my luck I didn't want to take the chance. <br />
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Check out <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alfredwraspir">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alfredwraspir</a> for the latest and greatest on Al. <br />
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I am doing okay, trying to keep my back from doing me in. Had pilates today and feel good right now, but I know not to over do it. HAHAHA<br />
So after reading the LONG blog, I hope my next one will be sooner and shorter.<br />
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Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-79213353413051941732011-07-18T08:22:00.000-07:002011-07-18T08:22:02.340-07:00BACK in the hospital againJuly 18<br />
Al has been complaining, whining, screaming in agaony about his back. Poor guy really has been suffering. Xrays showed nothing more that arthritis. HOWEVER, yesterday morning he couldn't get out of bed and I couldn't get him out of bed! So I called 911. My favorite fire department EMT's showed up (they have been here several times in the past couple of years) and off we went to the hospital.<br />
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ER doc immediately gave him a strong dose of Dilaudid, which is morphine. Finally, AL is out of pain. Then off to have an MRI and it showed not only arthritis, but spinal stenosis AND a compression fracture at Lumbar 3!!! Holy Smokes, no wonder he was in so much pain! So, he is in the hospital awaiting the back doctor to come in and see what our options are. He is resting comfortably now and getting some sleep. AND I finally got some sleep last night as well. I will keep you posted as we go.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-5851013175391880082011-07-18T08:16:00.000-07:002011-07-18T08:16:39.146-07:00AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHomeTucson<br />
Ah, it feels so good to be home. It always is fun (?) to travel but it is always good to get home. And our cats let us know that we were gone a total of 40 days! I cannot get out of their sight. And I can't get my pillow back at night either...but that's another story for another day!<br />
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We left Odessa planning on heading home; however, we got to the main road where I was to turn right and head to Tucson I looked at Al and said "Montana?" to which he said YES! So I turned left and off we went! We spent two days in Noxon, got some minor repairs done on the trailer and visited with Gordon and Denise and Charles; Lou and Chris and Mike and Louise. The weather was perfect with the exception of the 40, 000 mosquito's that thought I was a buffet!<br />
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We left Noxon on July 7 and this time we really were heading home. We decided to go to Butte, MT and catch I-15 south home. First of all, what a beautiful drive from Noxon to Butte. We followed the Clark Fork river for 3 days...just as soon as I would say, well, we haven't seen the Clark Fork, we would be crossing it! We spent one night in Deer Lodge, MT right on the banks of a very high Clark Fork River, and the rest of the mosquito's that hadn't had dinner!!! <br />
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The next day (July 8)we went through Dillon, MT and it was lunch time and of course our stomachs were sounding off. We were about ready to settle for a McDonalds (not my favorite) when we stumbled across "Sparky's Diner"...we had the best BBQ Brisket sandwich we have ever had. Spent that night in Pocatello, ID...lovely little town.<br />
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July 9 (Happy Birthday SIS) Next big hurdle was to get through Salt Lake City and all the construction around it. I-15 is a mess!!! Construction everywhere. But it was the worse right south of Salt Lake City. I found my self driving this huge beast in very narrow lanes, up against a concrete barrier. Didn't matter which of the two lanes I was in, there was a concrete barrier next to me. UGH! Nerve racking to say the least but at least we were better off than the traffic going north, we measured a 37 mile back up! No thanks! That night found us in one of our favorite KOA's, Fillmore UT. We have stayed there several times and enjoyed it each time and this time it was no different. The camp owner guided me into a nice spot; then the gentleman parked behind us came over and hooked up our water, electric and sewer while I was getting Al settled. That was so nice of him. And by that time I needed some relief.<br />
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Next morning (July 10) we are off again, planning on heading down Hwy 89 to Kanab, UT and Page, AZ. I was dreading going down the grade in Page, but figured the truck and I could do it. But then, the camp owner had said they were expecting heavy rain all along Hwy 89 that day. I decided that I would make the decision when I got to the turn off for 89. Well, let's just say, we continued on down I-15 into Las Vegas. The weather looked really mean to the east when we were to turn off. We did have a huge monsoon storm hit us near Mesquite, NV...not fun to drive in. Spent the night in a warm Las Vegas, at Sam's Town RV Park, which is basically just a large parking lot. Doesn't even have a shuttle to the casino!! But that was okay with us because we weren't interested in going. <br />
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By now, we can see the end of the trip....July 11, and we are getting closer to home. Over the new bridge over Hoover Dam, which, you don't even know you are going over, and down the road we went. Woo Hoo, we are in Arizona. Truck running great; dogs and Al sleeping off and on (mostly on) and me driving with my music on. We encountered quite a monsoon rain just out of Flagstaff, high winds and all. But I persisted and we finally stopped at another of our favorite RV parks (when you travel this route as much as we have, you tend to have favorites) Distant Drums RV Park in Camp Verde, AZ. They offer a shuttle to the casino, so that night I dug my heels in and said I wasn't cooking! Over to the casino we went for a good dinner.<br />
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July 12 and home around 3:00 p.m. Hot drive today and I had to slow down a bit at times, but we made it. Glad to be home safe and sound. I am very tired, but there is still a lot of work to do. Truck and trailer are parked in front of the house and I am unloading it little by little (more like when I need something!) and it may not be parked in its place for a while. It is hooked up to electric and the a/c is running so the trailer will be fine. I am going to take my kids and friends advice and unload it slowly. I am too tired to do any different.<br />
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Al's back has been bothering him and we went to see the doc the day after we got home...arthritis has set in and there really isn't much to do for him but give him a pain pill when needed. He can't sleep at night in bed, so he has found his recliner to be his new bed for now. So I get the bed, 2 dogs and 2 cats all to myself. Me thinks I should go sleep in my recliner!!!!<br />
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So for now we are home and happy to be here. More later...Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-75432430841663205512011-07-04T23:00:00.000-07:002011-07-04T23:00:08.323-07:00Small town USA and the 4th of JulyJuly 4 -- Odessa, WA<br />
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Odessa, small town USA...never fails to impress me how they celebrate the 4th of July. The only "official" celebration is at noon at the town park where the Fire Department holds a BBQ. However, sometime around dusk the "unofficial" celebration begins. Fireworks to rival the best fireworks shows I have ever seen! Every time I see them it truly amazes me! It is 10:45 p.m. now and it is still going on. For at least 2 hours we are treated to amazing fireworks...some legal, some not. All the same, it is a great show.<br />
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Tomorrow we are on the road again. The truck is hooked to the trailer, trailer is pretty much packed and ready to roll. Now it is all up to me to get us home. We were going to go to Montana to visit Gordon and Denise; then to Colorado to see my cousin and brother. However, since my back is really bothering me, we are heading home. Hated to have to cut the trip short, but I just don't think it would be wise to do more driving than necessary. However, after saying that, we may make a left turn and head up to Noxon, MT for a day or two tomorrow...it will depend on how I feel at the time.<br />
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We have been busy while we were here. We got to see a lot of Al's cousins...had dinner with Neil, Bobbi and Harley one night. Too short of a visit, but at least we got to see them. Yesterday we went to see Myrna and Arley Bishoff, had a short but nice visit with them. Love them all so much. Today niece Claudia and her husband Larry; niece Denice; nephew Todd (where we have our trailer parked, our old house) and wife Vickie, and Alyssa and Austin were all together for a bbq rib dinner. Todd has learned from Al how to bbq ribs and they were great. Unfortunately, Al is having a hard time getting around, but did enjoy most of the day with everyone. We have got to visit some with Al's sister Joyce and her husband Bud, but unfortunately she has been sick part of the time we were here so it limited our time with them.<br />
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I will miss Alyssa and Austin...Alyssa is 8 and Austin is 6 and they sure are good kids. Austin is all boy and Alyssa is all girl. Alyssa has been my shadow the entire time we have been here.<br />
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We did go to Spokane last week to see sister in law, Gloria and took her to lunch; then went to Gary and Jeannettes for dinner. We also went to Ephrata last week and had lunch with Denice and took Simon (the other big black poodle who belongs to son Jerry) in to be groomed. So we have kept as busy as we want to be.<br />
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So the next time you hear from us, who knows where we will be!! On the road again, ........Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-43723732790093890432011-06-30T20:20:00.000-07:002011-06-30T20:20:57.154-07:00Happy Birthday Lori...you are 18!And to my youngest grandchild...Lori...Happy Birthday Sweetheart...you are already 18. Once again I blinked and you grew up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuoBZrbdxf5w0eZcfBlt4670lVUtvSDjsOn8lSvT67s-6p8DqTRE44w8rmBGlW-TkBAo4RQ_JH_wHwzNv5yOPOg3WVeZzUVy2iShyez6Gj35z7twIRuquDr7ZmymNZwOt3vlB/s1600/lori+grad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuoBZrbdxf5w0eZcfBlt4670lVUtvSDjsOn8lSvT67s-6p8DqTRE44w8rmBGlW-TkBAo4RQ_JH_wHwzNv5yOPOg3WVeZzUVy2iShyez6Gj35z7twIRuquDr7ZmymNZwOt3vlB/s320/lori+grad+2.jpg" t8="true" width="212" /></a><br />
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Lori, here is kiss to you...so you can wipe it off your cheek and say "ick". This was a game we played from when she was very young...at least I think it was a game, regardless, I kissed her anyway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzpdTHFyeh8T7GYmCScT5cQF2MfaJnVkkg2BdXEiDTYdww1evuJo-wh4sMBKjXEuFjs1kitXo0H8QViGBYzwRhJ0llnlz_vZFYtRq0jlIaKTDRmGeFyLU5w35-AQs878ulwlD/s1600/scan0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzpdTHFyeh8T7GYmCScT5cQF2MfaJnVkkg2BdXEiDTYdww1evuJo-wh4sMBKjXEuFjs1kitXo0H8QViGBYzwRhJ0llnlz_vZFYtRq0jlIaKTDRmGeFyLU5w35-AQs878ulwlD/s320/scan0010.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a><br />
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Lori was born in California, but she and her parents moved to Portland, OR when she was a little over a year old. She was an early bloomer...walking at just 7 mos old. And let me tell you, she hasn't let any grass grow under her feet since! And she definitely has a bit of me in her....very independent, sometimes to her parents dismay! However, after saying that, she is a very thoughtful young lady and very focused. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKfQfrEfAjA4VhQB4QsX43Vl621pm6aDDVg_OgvjdqR9FyKLApZzJGZQwteOMbYrGGhpjqc8gwtif1CJNriMO6wYzm-gdx5BO5hQRw9CS7yOsw5ZUvYZEZqzm0zAcUvkTjB0y/s1600/scan0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKfQfrEfAjA4VhQB4QsX43Vl621pm6aDDVg_OgvjdqR9FyKLApZzJGZQwteOMbYrGGhpjqc8gwtif1CJNriMO6wYzm-gdx5BO5hQRw9CS7yOsw5ZUvYZEZqzm0zAcUvkTjB0y/s320/scan0015.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74sNvHV0xEpNJSHFz4gYGN7zKfuSrO5u-0wm_peCK_5fLKqIvwSj6paGkpADg5idNkrruO8sEj_t-kctnBxRb35u_WyXoVFTVG3oJuLHfDxHSOWUZYpKHDmCi5BG3dxHinavo/s1600/scan0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74sNvHV0xEpNJSHFz4gYGN7zKfuSrO5u-0wm_peCK_5fLKqIvwSj6paGkpADg5idNkrruO8sEj_t-kctnBxRb35u_WyXoVFTVG3oJuLHfDxHSOWUZYpKHDmCi5BG3dxHinavo/s320/scan0009.jpg" t8="true" width="226" /></a><br />
She knew one speed growing up and it was fast. I can remember her riding her bike as fast as her little legs would pedal...and she didn't know how to brake...just run into something, fall, get up and do it all over again. I can't tell you how many times she scared the daylights out of me. <br />
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Then she found horses. We sent her to horse camp in 2002...and the love with horses still continues today. She is an excellent rider, has competed in Rodeo's, and trains horses as well. She loves all animals and if her parents would let her she would have a gazillion animals. She has raised lambs, llamas, alpaca's, rabbits, chickens, horses, and dogs. <br />
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<div style="border: currentColor;">Lori graduated from high school this year...and she is one smart young lady. Still isn't sure what she wants to be, so far it has ranged from being a vet, to a coroner, nurse, surgeon, etc. However, she has some interest in political science as well...so only time will tell. </div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMb-lMXLWr7jpsObKBiznqYQxUh0xeToy6DNflLbsoa0YdF28r3uxtmqCH1TDtvBy-Chu7A08iXYUCf9qZQEHrDYuJ0l1byOc4HB4Mnr7-eUoEZgVQS-X8aiQXthDDP3Li5dK/s1600/scan0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMb-lMXLWr7jpsObKBiznqYQxUh0xeToy6DNflLbsoa0YdF28r3uxtmqCH1TDtvBy-Chu7A08iXYUCf9qZQEHrDYuJ0l1byOc4HB4Mnr7-eUoEZgVQS-X8aiQXthDDP3Li5dK/s320/scan0012.jpg" t8="true" width="234" /></a><br />
<div style="border: currentColor;">Whatever she decides will be her life calling, she will be very good at it. That is just the kind of person she is. Happy 18th Birthday sweetheart....we love you.</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-38603591298737239902011-06-25T18:19:00.000-07:002011-06-25T18:19:59.824-07:00Whoa....where did the time go?Odessa, or Odessolet, Wa<br />
Okay, so I promised myself I would blog at every stop of this trip. Hmmm..that didn't last long. The time has litterally flown by. <br />
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We are sitting in our 5th wheel in Odessa. I am still marveling at how we got here and how fast the time has gone. So lets start where I last left off...Portland.<br />
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We headed out of Portland on June 13 headed for Seattle. We had a nice, slow drive up, it must have been uneventful because I don't remember much of it! After unloading the car at Jenn's (all 3 flights of stairs) I was done for the day.<br />
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The next day, Tuesday, Al had a dentist appointment in the afternoon. In the morning Jenn took me out to her friends house in the middle of nowhere Bothell, Woodinville, Carnation, for a massage. I WAIT to get to Seattle so Jackie can give me a massage. Ah...felt soooo good.<br />
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Wednesday was busy, for lunch we drove to North Bend to meet granddaughter Cammie and her friend Lorissa for lunch. Cammie and Lorissa are living in Cle Elum now and both are working for the summer. Cammie is planning on going back to school in the fall. She looked so good and seem to be really happy. Then that night we met good friends Bill and Lorie Lince for dinner at Cafe Purple in Kirkland for dinner. This restaurant was reviewed on the TV show "The best thing I ever ate" and I knew I had to try it. And it lived up to it's reputation...I have some wonderful lobster risotto...yum. I was so stuffed, but I had to try the coffee sundae as well...burp!<br />
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Thursday rolled around and it was back to the dentist for Al for 2 hour appointment. Sheech. I went over and visited Seattle daughter in law Janet while Al was in the dentist chair. I about froze to death...brrr...I definitely have Tucson blood now. That night neice Sherrie came over and we ordered in pizza. <br />
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Friday arrived and we had lunch with long time friends Frank and Lynn Conger at the Beachhouse Cafe in Kirkland (used to be the Foghorn for those of you who would remember it). We had a good, but way to short visit with them. Then that night Ric was panhandling for the Cure near Jenn's house. Now let me explain that one...Ric walks in the 3 day, 60 mile Walk for the Cure for breast cancer. He does his "panhandling" on freeway offramps...has a sandwich board that says "$$ for boob's not Booze". This night he made over $200 in donations. Pretty good for a couple hours work. Jenn and I hopped in the convertible and took a picture of him<br />
<img height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbn2CSV6xdS8k1FfAzYIw5Dd_dMVyWik1COHLUuWq-atDrOc1p3YE5uzL-WpaE7kZ4kaMNOI3gB2JX1Aq_lHpBbZmGYHMMkgPUyxEL-Xet9pH_5_ebXbElG9vhxS_UquqZZ4rgA/s1600/Panhandling.jpg" width="403" /><br />
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Yes, this is our son.<br />
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Saturday dawned gray and raining (we are in Seattle). Jenn had a function to go to that morning so Al and I just rested. That afternoon we went to good friends Rowland and Kathy's house for dinner. As always we enjoyed our visit with them, but it was just too darn short. I don't want to move back to Seattle, but I sure do miss our friends.<br />
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Sunday was Father's Day and we went to Ric and Janets for dinner. Granddaughter Ashley was there as well as Janet's parents and Al's ex wife Marilyn. We had a good visit and Al enjoyed his day.<br />
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Monday Jenn, AL and I went to our favorite place for breakfast, Lil Jon's Cafe in Bellevue. It is just down the street from where we used to live and has been there for 47 years and hasn't changed. YUM. I spent the rest of the day packing. That evening Jenn, Sherrie, Al and I went to COHO Cafe for dinner...if you are even in the area, defintely try this place.<br />
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Tuesday Al had a 3 HOUR, yes, 3 hour dentist appointment. I dropped him off and came back to Jenn's to load the car. After his appointment we headed over the mountains to Odessa. But, we did stop in Cle Elum to have an early dinner with Cammie and Lorissa and to see their place. Very nice apartment, just right for someone with young legs...it is a 3 story place as well. We arrived in Odessa around 8:00 that night and I just crashed.<br />
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Wednesday we were up and at 'em; had to take the rental car back to Spokane to turn it in. It was a Chevy Traverse and boy I really did like it. I am not much of a GM fan, but I liked this one. Nephew Todd followed us in with our truck; then we hit Costco, Walmart, etc. for supplies. We also stopped and bought a new recliner for the 5th wheel as the old one was worn out. On our way home we stopped at Todd's parents house and his dad Larry told us of a Lift recliner that was for sale in Odessa. Yes, we bought it...it is perfect for Al and it is practically new. So now I have two new recliners. <br />
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The rest of the time in Odessa has been spent cleaning the 5th wheel. It was in storage all winter and was really dirty. My back has paid for this little cleaning spree....<br />
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Today was Al's high school all school reunion. His school was so small that they have reunion's every 3 years. There was a good turn out this year, however, as expected, there were 26 who have died in the last year! OUCH! It was bittersweet for us to be there without Bob. Didn't seem right. <br />
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Weather here has been different. Usually by this time it is pretty hot, but not this year. Everything is late this year as well. Harvest will definitely late. <br />
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We will be here until next Thursday, when we head north towards Noxon, Montana. <br />
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Al has been doing pretty good. He had a heck of time with all the stairs at Jenn's, but is finally getting his legs back now. The stairs into the trailer are steep but he seems to be navigating them okay. My back is doing okay, sore some days, worse others. But it is what it is. <br />
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Hopefully I will be back on track and blog more frequently now. So until then....Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-71971467252803300802011-06-12T12:08:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:08:49.938-07:00Tonapah to PortlandSunday June 12<br />
We had a wonderful trip from Tonopah Nevada to Central Point, OR. We decided we wanted to go through Mt Lassen National Park so we detoured after Reno to take us through the park. Very beautiful drive. However, when we turned off to go through the park the roads were closed due to SNOW! We still had a pretty drive. <br />
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We arrived at my sister's house in Central Point on Monday afternoon. We really took our time and stopped often. Two of my nieces were there for dinner that night and we had a good visit. We layed pretty low the entire time we were there. We went out to my niece Kay and her husband Mark's house on Wednesday night for dinner. They have a beautiful home in Jacksonville. <br />
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Thursday morning we headed north to Portland, well, actually Canby at our daughter Melanie's house. Her and her husband Ron just bought a new house with acreage. Very nice house and grounds. They have 4 horses, chickens, ducks, and cats and dogs....oh, and did I mention our two grandchildren Victor and Lori???? Wheee..grandchildren. <br />
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Friday Victor graduated from Clackamas Community College with an AA in General Studies. For Vic this is a real accomplishment. He really had the determination to finish this. We are so proud of him.<br />
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Yesterday we had a slow day....just rested and had a nice dinner for the grads last night. I offered to take them out, but they both opted for steak at home.<br />
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Today Lori graduates from Oregon City High School. I can't believe ALL of my grandchildren are out of high school....sheesh...how did that happen? I am so proud of all of them, they are all upstanding citizens. Two with families; the rest doing what they want with their lives. We are so blessed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKYx7ubJstiFJffRiut5jaDR2bOzD7_ixHYhwwsfI9D-jDoaavqsrj3msmaoOtOBijx63nStYahfy7X3J8c2uhDQ7wxARYaeDIBd-aAWB6-E9OFHU_2T7Plx-8Hp1i5wASF7m/s1600/vic+and+lori+with+gps+grad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKYx7ubJstiFJffRiut5jaDR2bOzD7_ixHYhwwsfI9D-jDoaavqsrj3msmaoOtOBijx63nStYahfy7X3J8c2uhDQ7wxARYaeDIBd-aAWB6-E9OFHU_2T7Plx-8Hp1i5wASF7m/s320/vic+and+lori+with+gps+grad.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grandpa, Vic, Lori, Gramma</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Victor and Lori</div>Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18739783.post-25720062251839837372011-06-04T21:32:00.000-07:002011-06-04T21:32:45.396-07:00Tonopah, NVWe are wroamin' again! It's been a long time since I could say that. We are heading north for a few weeks...Oregon, Washington, Montana and Colorado are in our plans. <br />
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We left yesterday morning from Tucson; made it to Kingman Arizona before I gave up...was too tired to go any further. I wonder if the wind ever stops blowing in Kingman? <br />
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On the road by 9:00 a.m. today...anxious to go over the new bridge over Hoover Dam. I was planning on stopping to take pictures. We went over it and never knew it! It is called Kingman Canyon Bridge or something like that. Darn! We also got hit by a swarm of bugs/bee's this morning...sounded like hail hitting the car. The windshield was a mess of bug splatters. I stopped as soon as I could find a gas station to clean the windshield...that was a job...what an icky mess.<br />
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We spent over 2 hours in Pahrump, NV. We now own a lot in Pahrump; part of our rental house sale in Tucson. And I must admit it is a great lot; 1 1/2 acres and is surrounded by HUGE, expensive homes. However, just like everywhere else, there is no building going on in Pahrump. So we will just hang on to the lot. It has a great view of Mt. Charleston from the front of the lot and a mountain view (I don't know which mountains they are) from the back. Pahrump reminds me a lot of Lake Havasu City, AZ, only without the lake. We both really liked it. We then went to the Pahrump Valley Winery, which we have heard so much about from Gary and Jeannette. Great wine! We wound up buying a case of it and stuffing it in an already too crowded car! We had lunch at the restaurant at the winery and it was top notch. <br />
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After lunch we decided we should probably get back on the road...boring drive from Pahrump to here..not much to see. It is cool here, weather being very unusual for this time of year. It was 74 when we arrived and it is down to 60 now. BRRRRR<br />
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Dogs and Al are doing fine riding along. It is a lot of work for me on this trip...Al can do nothing so I have to not only drive, but lug suitcases in and out and put his walker in and out of the car; walk the dogs; etc. Hope my back holds out. So far, so good. I am doing my exercises faithfully! <br />
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Tomorrow we are headed to Reno; then to Northern California and through Lassen Park to I-5. Hope to be in Medford, OR by Monday afternoon.<br />
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We are driving a rental car and it is a dream to drive. It is a Chevy Traverse and I am really liking it. Once we get to Odessa, we will turn it in (in Spokane) and pickup our truck and 5th wheel and bring it back to Arizona. <br />
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So until then next post in a few days...we are Wroamin' again and it feels good.Al & Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219655823063763911noreply@blogger.com0