They got back

I called Jessica and Diane on progress of their trip when they were there ... I got "we got lost, but are now back on track".

singles shingles

Cripes! I suppose since no one else will post on this, I will.

Lois injured her wrist last Tuesday. She had it X-Rayed and they found nothing. She is going in for more tests on other areas tomorrow. She is taking physical therapy for her hip. Other than that ... she is OK, all things considered.

Thomas has had good reports from the doctor regarding his PSA as it is lowering. He has been able to golf this year at the dome. The courses are still muddy, yucky, unprepared.

Debbie made it back fine from the doctor's with her surgery!

Marcus has tried to help family and friends with little issues. Diane has her share of dumb things happening to her.

A family member was diagnosed with shingles.

I wish that family member very well and a speedy recovery.

Father and I got home and found that there was a possible shingle loose on the roof. Yep, fudge and darn. I will replace that on a solidly dry day.

I helped Thomas get the mower ready for summer.

That kids, is the end of this story.

mouse?

Diane has a small issue. It happens to be a mouse. Maybe, just maybe, it will be caught or leave on its own accord. I suggested a cat, Jessica relished the idea of a kitten. Lilly may not agree.

remembering

MR found this in his yearbook and sent it to me. Hmm. I suppose that it was a long time, or rather it seemed like a long time in my youth to get through school. Later, I went again and got a degree. It might be that I get yet another, yet different degree. Hopefully this one will net real money.

Thanks folks, family, friends for encouragement throughout my many years on Earth!

She likes cookies

Now where did those cookies go?

Gah! I'm getting older!

Here I either have to shake my head and say "No, no, no" like the Emperor in Revenge of the Sith or I have to say, "no" like this:

Winter, not winner

Well, we have power and heat again. It was still a might chilly at 60 F when we entered. After some time and more lights shining (heating) it was a nicer near-70 F. Yea!

To Diane,

Ho Ho, uh oh

It's that time of year again when Grandpa Claus gets gifts for everyone including and especially his favorite -- animal crackers. Look for yours today!

Standing Still on Boot Hill

"Normally I'd be dead now, but my new [heart] worked great!"+

I should be dead afraid of how much of a financial mess I have. I should be sweating bullets and thinking of eat a few high-velocity ones, but instead I am standing still. I can see the grim carnage of what I did to bring this on myself. I also have lived to see another day and likely more after that.

I'm not a new man, not really any different save one small detail...
I have hope.

While I won't soap box God, as I have been typically-human wishy-washy, I thank God for a will to live (better). God also sent me someone to help. She is my closest friend and knows what and who I am. We have kept each other in the shadows for a long time. We are soon on our way to more perfectly blend our families and friends together. She and her daughter got to meet some of my family. [photo]. I hope slowly we can integrate our lives into one.


No, there aren't marriage plans now and there aren't "little ones" on the way. She has braved much to get to where she is and I still have more broken glass to get to the end. I don't have a problem using the "love" word. Here she is with her daughter who agreed to meet me.

+ John Candy as Den, Heavy Metal

just funny

It looks like Greg is unavailable.

Doing a search, I wonder . . .

Who is this knocking, knocking on my door?+

+ Raven, Edgar Allen Poe

grandmas'

I found lots of old cards. This collection is dedicated to Grandmas who are not with us anymore.
I am sad to write that I cannot hug them now. I cannot thank them, while looking into their eyes. I am, as are we all, left with memories. I only hope I was a "smidgen" as positive of a force for them as they were for me.

names and cards

I do not want anyone to feel slighted in the least here. I kept lots of cards, not every single one. I have to note that the folks left me with many cards, sisters (and families) too. By far the most consistent closing was this.

I am thankful, so thankful that I can share this with you. I love you Jack and Dorothy. I never really expressed it very powerfully or meaningfully to you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The rummage sale

She ran the show. I think she would like to remain anonymous for the moment. She cannot be found on the net.

Well, my friend did a rummage sale and made, seemingly meager money, but it continues. When I was there the first day you could find tables filled. One was like this:

I hope that she does better this weekend. I donated a TV for sale. It garnered a pittance. It was worth a try anyway.

ear parts

We aren't talking about the stapes. Thomas had a battery of tests today, taking all day to do them. He had a CAT scan, blood drawn, other tests ... filling. Around 3:30, he called me for he didn't have the ear doctor's number. "A plastic piece is stuck in my ear."

He asked me to call the doc to tell them he is coming in to get it out. That was no good, the doctor wasn't in. The nurse there suggested that he use an ear wash. It didn't work. In the end, Marcus used tweezers to remove the plastic piece. Hasbro's Operation game experience came in handy!