Keeping on!

 Our dear dog Goldie, has always loved walking us. She carried the leash in her mouth and was all business while doing her job. This was all her decision, not us teaching or training her. When we returned from walks she’d jump into her pool and lounge in the water. Some time ago we realized she’d had a stroke as her face was no longer symmetrical.  Gradually she had more and more difficulty walking around the temple. We shortened our walks but finally, when she no longer could get up to greet us or get in her pool, we knew it was time to let her go. She was a delightful dog! We miss her.

We had a fun time with all the Bears!

We had our 42nd wedding anniversary! Our kids will recognize their Dad’s favorite meal..and we used the  china!

To celebrate we indulged in a trip to San Diego Ca. We stayed at the hotel Coronado…a very ‘posh’ place, with great name recognition, but we were not particularly impressed with it. It is right on the beach but the building next to us was under construction so we were awakened by the noise. The room didn’t  have the amenities I would have expected in Europe like snacks or drinks, pool towels, hot tub or such.

We were near a military base, saw the jet maneuvers and some trainees working with boats. It was interesting 

We did get a little sunburned….oh well.

In the end we did truly enjoy ourselves because being together will always be the best part!

It was a lovely view!

We finally got our door replaced. I had never liked the ‘half French door’ onto our patio. As part of the remodel, we had a sliding door put in. With the supply chain difficulties, it took a couple of months to come in.

It sure looks good at brightens up the room!

Our dear Susan Miles Hubbard sent these beautiful flowers. Several others brought flowers too but these really touched me!

Rod went to the dermatologist. Turns out he had a small basal carcinoma, which was removed but  there was so much bruising it had to be drained. I guess he just wanted to get in on the attention.

Grandson, Miles was getting baptized so we decided to risk a plane ride even with COVID and my depressed immune system to attend! It’s so good to see everyone again.

Rod also helped Geneva put up the decorative brick panels. They were soon painted black. Very striking!

Junie likes donuts!

They are all growing up so very fast 

We went to the farmers market with Elena and family. Perfect weather! Fun food too!

It was a privilege to attend Miles baptism.

We went to dinner at the tipsy Cow. Miles loves his games!

He had milkshake and deep fried bacon!??

Impressive young man paying attention to our little boy!

It was so good to be with them!

My April fools day 2021

I had my first chemo treatment on April first! As it turned out, it was an appropriate date. There were four preliminary meds given which went as expected. Then they started the Paclitaxel. It’s fairly common to have some reaction, chest tightness and red face but it usually goes away when the drug is stopped. Then after a little wait, they can restart the infusion without problems. My reaction started as soon as they began the infusion but was quite severe and didn’t go away when they stopped the drip. They repeated the steroid and Benadryl and then called paramedics in case I needed intubation. I remember feeling my lungs fill up so that each breath was smaller. I was also shivering violently. Rod wasn’t allowed to be with me because of COVID so he had gone to a store. The nurse called him, asked how far away he was, then advised him to come as quickly as possible. He knew that meant there was a big problem so he came as fast as he could. He was Speeding down the freeway in a panic when he saw the spire of the Gilbert Temple. He said he heard a voice say Slow down. As he did, he was comforted. He arrived as the paramedics were getting me on a gurney to go to the ER. Needless to say, I didn’t get chemo that day. 

It was decided I would receive the Carboplatin and then get radiation. The radiation dropped my white count so low that my chemo was postponed almost every time. We limited our interaction with people , but still managed to have some adventures.

I got back some pieces I’d made in ceramics 

We went to Dad’s grave with Mom and Bonita.  We decorated it for Veterans Day.

We didn’t get to go to Yellowstone for our family camping trip and family portrait as we’d planned (COVID) so as an alternative family portrait I made matching masks and had each family send their Covid family picture, with and without masks and put them in this clear frame, one side with and one without!

Darling grandkids and a niece and her kids sent flowers they made and letters of love!

For a couple of years I’ve made extra effort to call my sons just to visit. It’s a great joy to me that they are willing to just chat with me. The daughters always have done this. Since my diagnosis they all have called and visited more…a blessing I cherish!

 There is nothing like a serious illness to make one value  time spent with loved ones! Dear Alicia came over several Sunday evenings and shared music and spiritual thoughts with us!

I am still a little surprised and very impressed with my daughter’s musical skill! She has managed to become a wonderful musician in spite of her teacher (me).

My darling Seattle daughters came to visit for a weekend. I was so touched! It was such a joy and comfort to feel their love and hugs! 

I have cherished my son’s hugs too! They are so warm and reassuring! I’m so blessed!

My dear kids got together for dinner at Garcías! It was delicious and so fun! How did we end up with family that love each other  and truly enjoy spending time together! It was wonderful!

We continue to clean out closets. 

His letterman’s sweater 

Bell bottom pants…”stayin alive”.

It’s off to a niece who is a current MHS student. She loves it!

I especially enjoy the garden…things growing.. it helps to remember the cycle of life!

And they smell so good too!

We tore out the arch into the living room as well as a couple of feet of wall. It gives us a much more open feel!  This necessitated  redoing the floors so Rod decided to get our bedroom done first so that there would be a clean fresh place if I need it!

Dear Todd came and helped! We’re so blessed!

I love how it looks!

My darling sister put together a gift for me, a chemo bag with contributions from my kids and Mom! I am so touched!

It was just full of thoughtful gifts!

We decided to share out the drama hats. They sure look darling on our girls!

I was impressed that Weston wanted one! Artful dodger?

A few days after the surgery, I had a port put in to make chemo easier. The procedure was no problem but the dressing actually tore my skin. I think the surgery bothered me less, at least after  I got home.

A plastic chamber is put under the skin and a catheter is threaded up to the neck and inserted into an artery then threaded into the heart. Aren’t you glad I was asleep for the surgery?