Our Stories

Mission Inn, Riverside. I'm sure there are lots of stories here. The LA Times article on love and enduring relationships said that those who manage to have long-term relationships have the same "story" and stick to it. For example there is the fairy tale story (prince and princess), the visionist story (a business model, accumulating homes, goods and successful children), travel story (life is a journey), police story (good guy, bad guy), and war story (constant fights). Their research says that those that have matching story profiles tend to be more satisfied.

Makes sense to me. I'm a traveler and believe life is a journey. So does my husband. When I was still single a serious suitor had the prince/princess story. I didn't want to be put on a pedestal - wanted more of an equitable partnership so I knew that relationship wouldn't work. I'm much happier with my "life is a journey" husband. We still do wonderful things for each other and he does spoil me outrageously but we're not the prince/princess model. However we do have a princess in our family - it's called a cat. She definitely lives that story!

Daughter's last day in rehab keeps changing and now it's scheduled for the 11th of August. She and her youngest son are scheduled for another meeting with her counselor this Friday. He'd rather skip the whole thing but it's important to her. And he is at the age (13) where he never seems eager to do anything but once he's into it, it's okay.

We still don't have an appointment for husband's CT-scan. I wondered if he was getting anxious and just wanted to hurry up and get the operation over with. Nope. He's in no hurry to lose his bladder. Of course. I should have known better.

It Makes The World Go Round

Painting done by aunt. I was reading an article in the LA Times this morning about brains and relationships. It said that one of the reasons relationships last is that "long-term couples don't update their images of each other." They stick with their initial view and don't update as they get older and less attractive.

Isn't that great? So when husband says I look beautiful, I do to him - he sees me with eyes of love and I still see the man that won my heart when I look at him. And think about it - seeing someone as they were and knowing them as they are. Perfect.

We had a former neighbor visit today. They took California profits with them to Oklahoma and bought the home of their dreams - only it's in Oklahoma. Not that there's anything wrong with that. He told her that if she wasn't happy there they could always come back but realistically she knows that's not an option. Her family is here and she comes out to visit as often as she can. The trip today was because they'd learned about husband's bladder cancer and wanted to offer support. Where would we be without friends - they lighten our load. Okay, now I'm being silly but differences between male and female friendships? Male: many hands make light work. Female: Too many cooks spoil the broth. Just kidding. I get confused with those things anyway and never know if the squeaky wheel gets the grease or gets replaced.

Husband's best friend in Montana called yesterday and said his surgeon would perform the surgery needed if husband wanted a new bladder created out of his intestine. Husband thanked him but said no. He could have the surgery if he wanted to go to LA but he has decided to keep the surgeon he has and go with his recommendation. Just take the bladder out, wear a bag and hope that's it.

We should be hearing from the lab later today or tomorrow to find out when they are ready for his CT-scan. Bone scan, August 14th. Then - operation.

Re love and relationships? More tomorrow.

North To Alaska

And I only have one. We are adjusting to the fact that he has bladder cancer. Now I'm asking questions re the things I know nothing about but need to - how do we reset the sprinkler system, how often do we hand water the flowers, what is the combination to the padlocks on the sheds. We have a division of labor that works for us and these are the things that he takes care of. I handle the spa, finances and we work out the inside stuff.

Daughter will need lots of household items when she gets out of rehab and I have begun going through our things to see how we can help. I have lots of dishes, silverware, cookware, extra towels, linens, etc. We also have an extra refrigerator in the garage if she needs one. We are giving her both twin beds and getting a new queen-sized bed for the grandson that will be staying with us for a while.

While going through things I came across the souvenir husband brought me back from his first trip to Alaska. He bought a billiken necklace, some silver jewelry and this polyester pillow cover.

I never knew what to do with it but couldn't bear to throw it away - he loves it! I'm glad I didn't get ride of it (brings back memories) but still don't know what to do with it so back into the closet it goes.

I said we were adjusting to the bladder cancer. We are. We know that what matters most is that it hasn't spread. There was an article in the LA Times yesterday about a young man that was operated on for cancer. While removing the lymph nodes behind the major organs in the abdomen they think the surgeon accidently splashed cancerous lymphatic fluid in the abdominal cavity which created many more tumors. That is their theory. They think they've taken care of the tumors with chemo and this man who is studying to be a doctor and returning to med school in the fall says "a positive attitude and fighting spirit is a way to improve the odds, but also a way to live in the process."

The Four-Hour Pass

Farmer's Market, Riverside

The day started off with a quick trip to the farmer's market, downtown Riverside. They have the most wonderful organic fruits and vegetables, artisan breads and hummus. I picked up another tub of cilantro hummus which is fabulous with just about anything, a loaf of miner's sourdough bread, a variety of summer squash and a few peaches.

Today daughter got her first pass from rehab - four hours to fill anyway she chose. So how does a girl spend time? Shopping of course. We went to the Plaza and our first stop was at Borders where she and the boys had a Javanilla shake topped with a huge mound of whipped cream. Spent some time in the bookstore before we headed to Gottschalks. She wanted an outfit she could wear to future interviews and needed some shoes. We bought a black,brown and white print shell, slim brown skirt, brown slacks, 2 pair of shoes and a leather purse. She said that when she went out last week job hunting the only shoes she had were a half size too small and her feet hurt all day. She looked great in all the purchases and though this shouldn't matter - everything was on sale.

We then went to Islands for lunch and it was great to watch her interact with the boys. The atmosphere was very relaxed and we all had a good time.

After lunch we went to Paneras so she could bring a treat back to the girls in her apartment. We bought chocolate chip, oatmeal-raisin and shortbread cookies for them and I picked up a couple of cinnamon rolls for the husband that stayed home.

It was then back to the bookstore to pick up a few more items before we brought her back to her facility. We got there about 10 minutes before her deadline; if they are late it is a very serious matter. Lots of hugs, kisses and off she went. She is such a short-timer that that is probably her first and last pass. What a great day!

Friday At Home

In 2006, the Cat Fanciers' Association recognized 41 cat breeds, based mostly on appearance. The American Kennel Club recognized more than 150 dog breeds, divided into seven groups according to their use. In general, utility just isn't a cat thing. My iPod and I went out for a walk this morning and I think I love that darn thing. I can't believe I put off getting one for so long - so much nicer than strapping a cd player around my waist before I set out the door. Not having a bulky belt thing around my waist makes me feel thinner too - not that that matters of course.

I walked for the first time in a sort-of jogging bra thing - it has a built-in bra with narrow straps and looks okay under a track suit or alone. Anyway, when I got back from my walk the Mr. said we'd been invited out to breakfast with some friends so I prepared to change and shower quickly. I was a little (very) sweaty and this darn top had become welded to my body. I tried to pull it over my head and became stuck about half way - couldn't get it off and couldn't get it back down either. With that thing sort of engulfing my head, I thought about yelling for help but then reconsidered knowing how stupid this would look. So I waited a few minutes sort of suspended and then tried again. Success - I was able to get it all the way over my head and fling it onto the bed. Don't know if I'll use it again. And I know, Miss Nagel (old English teacher) that people perspire and horses sweat but honestly, I was sweating.

Breakfast with friends was fun this morning - we both needed a diverison. They told us about two of their friends currently living in Utah that have had bladders removed and both are doing fine. One of them had his operation about 20 years ago.

Grandson went to a midnight showing of The Simpson Movie and had a wonderful time. He had an early breakfast at Dennys before he came home. The last time husband and I went to a midnight show was for LOTR Return of The King. The theater and a nearby restaurant worked together and made it an Event. We purchased tickets that entitled us to dinner, door prizes, posters, bookmarks and prior seating in the theater. We got home around 3:30am and I got up to go to work around 5:00am. Didn't mind it a bit. Don't know if I'd do it for the Simpsons but then again, I'm not 17.

Another Day

Mission Inn, Riverside

We have the bladder removal surgery always in the back of our minds but our day is also filled with the usual mundane things that thankfully divert our attention from the surgery. There is a lot of information re the removal of a bladder online and one of the most important things we've learned is that delaying the surgery can be fatal. Husband's primary physician called him and said he'd viewed all the info and he concurred with the surgeon's recommendation - take it out.

If husband doesn't change his mind, that will probably be shortly after his bone scan, August 14th.


Husband's best friend called from Montana and broke down and couldn't finish the converstion when he heard the news. He hung up and then his wife called back. Turns out their 40+ daughter-in-law has brain cancer and doesn't have much time left. This daughter-in-law and her husband (our friend's son) just bought their dream house, are at great spots in their careers and then this. She doesn't have much hope but in our situation, as long as the cancer hasn't spread - well, we have better odds. Husband has been uncomfortable with the idea of wearing a pouch but seeing some pictures in today's paper of GI's with artificial legs and arms reminded him that life was the most important thing - not body parts.

Now how do I handle stress? Music, shop or/and eat ice-cream. So I finally broke down and bought an iPod and have been moving my albums onto it. Now I'm going to have a dish of ice-cream with fresh peaches while listening to my music.

Knowlege is Power, Right?

Mission Inn, Riverside

I now have a new title - Research Assistant. We are looking into everything we can re bladder cancer and treatments. He woke up this morning not sure if he wants to have the surgery but also knowing he wants to put the odds on his side - so we are busy researching everything we can about the surgery and possible treatments. We have some time before a decision needs to be made; his bone scan is scheduled for August 14th, and we are waiting for an appointment for the ct-scan. He wants to be around long enough to see our daughter doing well and I want him around much longer than that.

Results

We looked for signs and when the doctor averted his eyes slightly when he saw us, we knew. It is not only bad but even worse than we expected, much worse. They are now scheduling a bone scan, ct-scan and there will probably be surgery within a month to remove the bladder. It's a lot to absorb and I'm glad I was there with him to hear the doctor's report. They don't think cancer has spread beyond the bladder but the additional tests are necessary to be sure. He's my hero and we're in this together.

The Week Begins

Andrew, Andy, AndyPandy, AndyRoonie, OldMan

The doctor said husband would be very irritable and justifiably so with the catheter but he has kept his feelings and frustrations pretty much in check. Mechanically it has been easier to deal with than either of us expected. The doctor said water was his friend so he has been drinking lots and lots of water which means many trips to the bathroom - his walking exercise. He hasn't experienced any pain so though on my insistence we got and filled a prescription for pain, he hasn't needed it. Tomorrow is the big day - catheter out and biopsy results in.

Grandson and I visited daughter in rehab yesterday and it was another very good visit. She told us that she and a roommate had gone to the doctor together and there was a "thug" in the waiting room with them. He never even gave them a glance and they were both used to lots of male attention. They wondered if they were losing it, getting old or what and then realized they just aren't attracting the same type of leering looks they were used to because they're no longer dressing like tramps. Our daughter's manner is so different now that I think that even if she did dress like a "hootchie-mama" she still wouldn't attract the bums - she's simply not projecting the same type of attitude. Her boys used to be embarrassed at the way she dressed - as were we - but that's changed. We are looking forward to the four hour pass she gets next weekend. There are ground rules - she can't come here, must be back on time and there will be a drug test when she returns to her apartment. She wants to go to the Riverside Plaza - shopping and fun places to eat. She also starts a job search this week and we're crossing our fingers about the apartment when she gets out - apparently it's not a slam-dunk but she is on the list.

Had a little rain this morning - typical monsoon weather for this time of year. They say we may have more rain and lightning and thunder tonight or tomorrow. Lightning is the only thing hubby is afraid of. When he was a young boy in Montana, one of his best friends was killed by lightning and he's never gotten over it. He knows what the odds are re being struck by lightning but it doesn't matter - he doesn't like it.

And Now We Wait

Samantha, Sam, Sam-What-Am, Sammykins, SweetPea, Trouble

The operation is over and he is home. The doctor reiterated that the tumor was very, very large and though he is optimistic, it is very, very large. We will see him next Tuesday for the results of the biopsy. We hope it's not invasive but are taking this as it comes - one day at a time for us too.

Yesterday was a long day. We were at the hospital before noon and I wasn't back home until around 7:30pm, feeling totally drained. Didn't feel like doing much of anything. His doctor came to me after the surgery with a blunt assessment of how things went. A woman in the waiting area overheard the conversation and when he left she identified herself as a trauma nurse with another hospital. She said she was impressed with the doctor because of his directness and she thought it sounded pretty good for husband.

Checking out of the hospital today was an exercise in patience and frustration. The doctor wanted me there early (8:00am) so he could go over things with both of us. He signed discharge papers at 8:30 though we didn't get out of there until 11:00. He didn't want us to leave until a nurse showed us how to use the catheter that hubby will need to wear until Tuesday. I made five trips to the nursing station - asking politely, asking with a sense of frustration, asking with an edge to my voice, insisting, and then pleading for a nurse to assist us. I was ready to bribe but finally we got help. The nurse assigned to us was new and somehow misplaced our papers. He apologized profusely, gave us our catheter lessons, asked for some help processing the papers and then we were on our way.

The catheter isn't as bad as I thought it would be but then again I'm not the one using it. Doctor said husband would be ultra-irritable for a few days but so far he is just happy to be home. And we're happy he is too.

And So It Goes

Why haven't I always known how wonderful cats are? My best birthday present ever!

The meeting with our daughter, her therapist and youngest son went well. He got to vent and it was important to him that she listened. He knew she had been using drugs for a long time and felt a little guilty that when she used and he knew it, in a way it was okay because it made her happy and she left them alone. The biggest tip-off she was using? She cleaned non-stop.

Husband is having his transurethral bladder tumor resection tomorrow under general anesthesia. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight, surgery at noon, one night in the hospital, and then home. I hope I'm a good nurse! No, I will be a good nurse.

On another note -son went to the doctor today for his checkup and doctor ordered him to get back on the crutches and quit the cigarettes. Between what the doctor told him and what his dad is going through, yes. He's ready to quit.

Just Stuff

Tomorrow our daughter's youngest son is joining her for a session with one of her therapists, at our daughter's request. He didn't want to go to any of the open meetings but is okay with this more private session.

He has had the more difficult time adjusting to his parent's absence and has recently begun talking more about his we-don't know-where-he-is dad. Based on the info we got from the social worker when we picked up the boys in Vegas, we thought he might be dead. Then out of the blue some years ago we got a check from the County referencing their dad. I called to get some more info on it and it turns out that when we got insurance coverage on the boys, a case for support was opened. Obviously he was still alive and working (!) but where was he? The workers I talked to would not give out any info at all - even as to whether or not he was in the state. I asked their opinion as to whether or not I should tell the boys about receiving the check and one suggested I wait and see if more arrived and then let them know that their dad was at least contributing to their support. Well, we got one more and then nothing. So I've never told them. The oldest one has said he would rather think his dad was dead than to think he wouldn't take care of them. The younger one remembers good and bad times but the older one has more bad memories.

Husband had his pre-op workup today and is gearing up for the operation Thursday. I'm going to take Thursday and Friday off and play nurse.

Update

Picture taken when they were just developing. They've grown and we're now eating them and giving bunches to neighbors. They are sweet and delicious! The red-flame grapes are still a work in progress.

Over the weekend I took our middle visiting-grandson out for the day. I decided no matter what I wasn't going to rush or hurry him in any way while we were out shopping. And I didn't but my patience was sorely tested on our visit to Toys R'Us. He looked at, handled, played with lots of stuff but after about 90 minutes, decided not to buy anything there. On we went to Best Buy. See how they grow?

On our way home there was a young man walking and carrying his shirt. It was 90+ outside and I said, "Boy, that guy sure looks hot." Grandson: "Oh, grandma. What you said!" Me: "I said he looked hot." Him, laughing: "Grandma, you said it again." Then I realized there was a generation gap going on and "hot" didn't mean the same thing to both of us. But, I'm not that old. He did look hot and hot.

Yesterday we visited our daughter. It has been about two weeks since husband last visited her and he couldn't believe how much she changed in those two weeks. We see her maturing right before our eyes and she seems to be getting a good sense of self. She will be through with the program August 3rd, and then enter a sober living program. She still has to deal with some of the consequences of her many years of using drugs and an assisted-living arrangement will definitely help with that. She also hasn't "mothered" for a long time and that will be a challenge - even trying to balance between guilt, overly permissive, and responsibilities. But we know they are equipping her with the tools to handle these things. It seems to boil down to meetings, meetings, meeetings and working the program. And taking it one day at a time.

Husband going in for pre-op tests tomorrow. He has confidence in his urologist and is ready for the operation on Thursday. He was extremely uncomfortable after his last exam and probably will be the same if not worse after the operation but I told him that's what drugs are for. They take the tumor out through the urethra. Don't know how that works but then we give birth and that doesn't seem possible either.

Rosemary, if you're in this area later this summer, we are definitely getting together. Ruining a blog friendship? Did I forget to tell you I adopted you? Stephanie, any ideas as to where we all should meet? And I'd love you both to meet my daughter - you've helped me understand a little of what she's going through. One more thing, son just graduated to using a cane - goodby crutches. It's the little things!

More Info

Now we know a little more. The tumor he has on his bladder is large - very large - and it will be removed next Thursday. The doctor told him he could thank his years of cigarette smoking for it. I've never smoked (and he always smoked outside the house) but when I think of the dangers of smoking, I always think of lung cancer, heart and circulation problems - not this. The tests were extremely uncomfortable but he knew they would be. He said he now knows what it feels like to have a sword run right through you. And how far did the sword go? I don't know but he said he now hears better. :-)

The New Yorker

There is a cartoon in The New Yorker showing a worried dog on the psychiatrist's couch. The psychiatrist says, "Protect your family, protect your yard, and stop obsessing about port security." I get it.

The Results

Appointment for him at 9:30am to get the results of his medical tests. I know he's nervous but before I left this morning we decided he wouldn't call me at the office with the results - either way, good or bad. I don't want to hear any bad news over the phone. However, around 12:30 or so I couldn't stand it so I phoned home. He answered. I say, so - how did things go? On the other end he clears his throat and says - well, it's a bladder tumor. Now I'm glad I called so he can't see my face but I say, oh - well you know "tumor" doesn't necessarily mean "cancer." And he says he knows - which I know he knows but I needed to hear it said. He talked about further tests this Thursday and as I listened I started checking things on the internet. First thing I see are that several factors are associated with bladder cancer - smoking, which he quit about three years ago and working with rubber - he was a chemist when I met him and worked with rubber compounds developing seals for government contracts. We talked for a few more minutes and I said I'd be home soon - left right after the market closed.

When I got home I showed him all the info I'd found and we both read some of the articles together. His doctor said more will be learned after the tests on Thursday and that this is manageable. And we will manage it.

So we continue on with routines. Our oldest grandson works at a theater a few miles from home and won't be through until 12:30 tonight. Husband drives him to work and picks him up because he doesn't have his DL yet. Grandson will call home for his ride about 12:31am, husband (the grandpa who never but never complains) will reach for his keys on the nightstand, roll over and give me a kiss and say he'll be right back. And he will.

Progress

Japanese Gardens, site of our niece's wedding

Yesterday was visiting day again for our daughter and I continue to be amazed at the change(s) in her. She said she's been told you only have to change one thing - everything. A lesson she's taken to heart. I always knew that once she became sober again her boys would have no trouble accepting her back into their lives and hold no grudges. What surprises me is that we feel the same way. Actually, it really would do no good to be upset with her past behavior as she's not that person anymore and the person we see now hasn't done anything to be upset about.

Does that make sense?

Our oldest grandson has a friend that just graduated out of the foster care system. His dad is dead, his mother is still living but is unable or unwilling to be there for him and the young man is floundering. He has no place to live and when we were gone came to the house and asked our grandson if he could pitch a tent in the backyard. Our grandson told him we had our hands full just taking care of him and his brother and gave him a few ideas of where to go for help. When he related this story to me he added how glad he was that we had taken him in because he and his brother were spared being in foster care - there are no other relatives that could have helped. It made me think of some well-meaning friends who said how "lucky" the boys were to have had us take them in and I always think that if they were really lucky they would have both parents and an intact home.

An interesting catch-22 re all this: trying to get them covered with health insurance was quite an exercise. Husband is retired, I have an individual policy through work but can't add the boys because we don't have legal custody. Couldn't buy individual policies for them because though we have the legal right to make health and school decisions, it's still not "legal" custody. Mother has the legal right but no money and we didn't always know where mother was, we had money but not the legal right. So a teacher had me apply to a California program called Healthy Families. Financially we didn't qualify so they said to use the boys' income which was zero at the time I applied - they finally got coverage. Now the County is paying for something when we have the ability and desire to pay for it - but aren't allowed to. Frustrating.

We are now preparing for the transitioning that will take place when our daughter is through with her residential program. It's time for us to get back to being the grandparents that spoil and not the grandparents that help with homework and discipline.

Our Town

You are what you eat or you are what you carry? This is for you, Rosemary! Fox Theater in the process of being renovated. The premiere of Gone With the Wind was held here. Can you imagine all the stars trooping out to Riverside?

After a visit to the downtown Farmer's Market, we went for a walk. Riverside is as close to a small town atmosphere as you can get (considering the population is approximately 290,000) and the downtown is very accessible for pedestrians. Often there is a pan-handler carrying a sign and looking for a handout. One carried a sign saying "ugly and broke." And he was. Ugly that is. Don't know about the broke part. They aren't aggressive, not like the ones in NY or LA.

My favorite in LA walks around muttering to himself and yelling, "You're going to hell," to everyone that walks by. Adds to the local color.

Hubby gets results of his medical tests on Tuesday.

Summer

Night blooming jasmine - lines the back fence and smells wonderful on these warm summer evenings.

Hubby still having medical "issues" and is scheduled for more tests tomorrow morning. To keep his mind off of things I suggested we go to the mall and just walk around - he never goes to the mall but there's a lot of new building going on and he knows a lot of contractors and thought he might run into someone he knew. He didn't but we had a good time anyway. Looked at some new furniture but didn't buy anything, just collecting ideas. We are both such impulse buyers and this time we want to take our time and do it right.

The extreme heat predicted didn't materialize - we didn't even hit 100 today and it's supposed to start cooling a little over the next few days. What in the world did people do before air conditioning? I know we didn't always have it in cars but I never remember being uncomfortable while riding or driving, just rolled the windows down. Wait, I remember a Volvo we bought when we moved down here from Washington. The salesman said we wouldn't need air-conditioning as we lived in Orange Co - we believed him until the first heatwave. Husband took pity on me (his company car had a/c) and he rigged up a fan on the dashboard. It was controlled by a toggle switch. The first time it was really warm, I turned on the switch and the fan blew hot, hot, hot air in my face. Not quite what I expected. Gave us a good laugh though.

Happy 4th

And so proudly it waves! Flowers left over from our Texas grandson's birthday. We always have a 4th of July theme for his birthdays.

A little break in the action right now. This evening we're going to see the fireworks at Mt. Rubidoux - they always put on a nice show. Last night there were a few fireworks going off in the neighborhood which drove the dog nuts. The cat - always cool, never lets us see her sweat.

One neighbor has had a fantastic fireworks display for the last three years. I mean a professional show with huge bursts in the air and loud ka-booms. Last year just as his show began a sheriff's car drove by and - busted. End of show and I don't expect he will have anything this year, lesson learned. Probably a good idea as it's so dry right now that any spark in the wrong area would be disastrous.

The 4th was always our son's favorite holiday. When we lived in Washington he would ride his bike to the fireworks stand and carefully make his purchases. He was allowed to buy them even though an adult wasn't along. When we moved to California he learned he had to have an adult with him and he was so disappointed. Then one by one the counties began restricting not only selling but using them. Now they're not allowed at all in Riverside Co so we all go to community events if we want to see fireworks.

Our favorite firework display was in West Seattle when the Buddhist monks put on a show. We were at Alki Point and the evening was beautiful and the display dazzling. Aren't memories wonderful!

Am I the only one having problems with spacing my paragraphs?

And So It Goes

Sad little face because she wants to be outdoors. I have learned how to slip on her harness in one fast move and tighten it but somehow she still manages to slip out. Maybe this indoor-outdoor cat thing isn't such a good idea. I'll keep working on it.

My Month of Not Buying was a bad idea and the execution was even worse. Nuff said.

Have met a couple of women that walk together every morning and they've invited me to join them - I haven't decided yet if I will or not. I enjoy good conversation but also like a little solitude and my music. Maybe later, not ready to yet. Hmm, looks like I just decided.

Husband had some upsetting physical symptoms and made fast tracks to the doctor. Lab work done today and we should know more pretty soon. We have been unbelievably fortunate re our physical situation - no surgeries or any adverse medical conditions.

Market closed early today so I beat most of the holiday traffic on the 91. Enjoyed some time with the oldest grandson (the same one that found my last blog and is responsibe for all the pronouns now used!) and he said that he was given some training in the projection room of the theater. He's doing very well there and though it is still w-o-r-k, he likes it.

Our green grapes are almost ready to eat but we haven't had many tomatoes. The current heat-wave we're having isn't doing them any good either.

Heat-wave? Yes, supposed to be 107 tomorrow but the mornings are wonderful. Course you have to be up at 5:00AM. :-)

Just Another Day

Our niece's wedding. Perfect wedding, perfect setting.


Much quieter around here today. It was even slow at the office. Everyone and everything getting ready for the 4th. Gas prices down, temperatures up.

Visit with daughter yesterday went well. She will be getting out sooner than we expected and is excited about a 4-hour pass she will be eligible for in about two weeks. Naturally she wants to go shopping.

Her ex-boyfriend is still around - he was spotted by one of her roommates outside the apartments. The facility has told her to get a restraining order when she's out. I'd like to see this resolved while she is in such a protective environment but guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. We still have a hard time understanding why she called him from the facility in the first place - especially after we went to so much trouble to drive her car to our son's place so the ex wouldn't know where she was. She agrees it was a mistake but says it was done before she learned just how bad he was for her and she never told him where she was living - just what program she was in. Sigh.

Have wonderful plans for the 4th - consisting entirely of breathing out.....breathing in.....breathing out.......breathing in. About finished with the Balance book and may start something else. Or not.

Happy Birthday Grandson

Happy Birthday Sweet Child!

The big day. He started celebrating his birthday the moment his feet hit the ground this morning. We had breakfast on the patio, visited his aunt (our daughter), played with the neighbor's corgis for an hour or so, decorated the house for the party, went shopping for last minute favors and silly string, played with this cousins, had a great party, blew out all the candles (on two trys), tried on some of his new clothes, played some more and finally the day was over and away he went with his daddy and step-mother. And what impressed him most? The fact that I could blow up all the balloons and he couldn't do anything but spit into them. It didn't even matter that I couldn't turn them into animals or crazy hats - just blow them up. Sometimes it takes so little.

All dog pictures taken by the birthday boy.

Wore the dogs but not the boy out.