Karen went to San Diego to Kaiser Hospital to have her tests this morning. She didn't tell us much about it, they will let her know later. But we will see her tomorrow, and we'll learn more about it. She and Terry went to the movies this afternoon. Carla called, and they have 21 wild turkeys in the yard at the golf course! They can't shoot any, so they just have to shoo them off somehow. We had our lunch and a short rest and then we went to the store for a few items we had run out of. Brittany left to go to the gym about noon, and she will go from there to her girlfriends house in Riverside for a New Year's party tonight. She will be back Friday night, after having an interview with a woman at Cal. State U. at Fullerton. Kaye called, and she's getting over her M. S. shot, and she talked to Stellan and Caden has all IVs taken out. I hope he gets along OK without them His blood pressure is high, though.

This morning Brittany drove us down to San Diego to the Vandever Kaiser clinic, where Chris (Russ) had an appointment to have his eyes examined again. The doctor told us there was no change in their condition, and it was decided that he wouldn't give him the injection, because it's dangerous, and the condition doesn't warrant it now. He is to come back in another six weeks. On the way home we stopped at an In-and-Out Burger place for lunch. Then we came home. We all had a rest, and I played some Christmas songs on the piano (softly, so the others couldn't hear me). Some of the time I used the earphones, and nobody but me could hear it. My wrists were up to about a half an hour's playing. Karen went to the doctor about her twisted knee, and she is to go to San Diego to the Zion Kaiser Hospital to have it checked out there. They have more diagnostic tools there than up this way.

We loved the pictures of Caden you put on the blog, Kaye. Thank you so much. I'll just add a few words about our day. We didn't do much; I answered Christmas cards and Chris (Russ) transplanted some of the amaryllis from the pots to the back yard evergreen beds. I don't know why, but I guess he thought they would do better there. Then the gardener came over and put plant killer on the weeds that quickly sprang up after the rain of the last few days, among the colored gravel we have instead of lawn. I prepared dinner, and Brittany joined us eating the salad which Karen and Danya had made for Christmas dinner; I mean, I had made again, with the same sort of ingredients.

From the North

Santa Arrives: Caden after Christmas... and more:

We went to Church this morning, and stayed for sacrament Meeting and came home. Kaye called, to tell us they were over the top of the pass on the way home from Seattle. They just barely got through before the road was closed because of the danger of avalanches. Later she called when they had got home. The snow was melting, and they had no trouble. Brittany went to the singles ward and got home just in time to have dinner with us. She goes to Cal. State U. next week for another interview; she has had to change her major, but she's happy with it. I've been trying to finish the Book of Mormon; I got behind when we were ill. I want to finish it by the end of the year, like everybody else in the Gospel Doctrine class. We have slowed down on getting rid of things, but Danya may relieve us of more when she comes down next time. We had a nice call from Logan, it was good to hear from him. He and Maret have been married just a year now, and are still happy, thank goodness.

This morning I got my hair done again. I will have to do it myself net week, the shop will be closed for three days over New Year's celebration. I could go somewhere else, but they all cost more. Karen and Danya had been at our house, with things for dinner. They promised to come back later when we were home. And they did. Danya told us about her special ed. classes she teaches. I wouldn't have the patience she does in teaching them. She is amazing that she can handle it. Brittany got here also. She was tired, stayed up late with Bianca and the friends they have. She stayed up while the others were here, but she has gone to bed now. Danya will be leaving tomorrow at noon to go by train back to Porterville. She will come back as soon as she can, and visit and then take a couple of end tables, a folding table, and maybe something else they can use in their house. That helps us get rid of a few things. Oh yes, she also took linens. We had dinner and now will watch our Saturday night Brit comedies.

The day after Christmas.

I didn't get a blog written Christmas Day, so I finally persuaded my husband to let me use his. He goes into politics at the end, I wouldn't usually do that, especially on Christmas. But I'll add a little of my ideas to it. We had an enjoyable dinner with Karen, Terry, Danya, Candace and family, and Uncle Al. Karen had twisted her knee and had trouble walking, so Mike (also a chef) cooked the dinner, using notes she had put on all the food. Danya and Candace made the salad and did the serving. It was nice to be with family. Today was different. I answered briefly the Christmas cards we have received. We intended to go out and do a little grocery shopping, but Terry had told Karen the crowds were awful everywhere, when he went out to get a few things. Danya went shopping for the special Ed. classroom where she teaches, so she and Karen didn't come over. They will tomorrow. And Brittany will be back sometime tomorrow, too.

It is Christmas day and we still have presents to buy

It is Christmas day and we still have presents to buy. I must confess my mind has not been on buying things this year but more on getting rid of things. We have done much cleaning out but have hardly scratched the surface. Another significant diversion has been the welfare of Caden. Although I could not do anything for him or change the outcomes, still I have spent much effort in trying; at least pondering the many problems he faces. The only conclusion I can reach is that we are all in His hands and in general He loves us. A few days ago Bush went to Iraq to do something, and in the process a reporter threw his shoe at him, which he successfully ducked. This act seems to be symbolic of the penultimate symbol of disdain. The reporter became an instant hero in the Muslim world and we have inherited another Bush mountain to climb. While Bush has brought into focus the sickness that has overtaken our nation he was not the sole contributor. His Democrat predecessor advanced the errors of Bush Senior and Ronald Reagan; the best one liner America has ever placed in the white house. Of course he was also the only professional actor to hold the job. We are quick to blame our elected government for creating all the problems we face, but we also miss the main point. We are ultimately the ones to blame. We have allowed the corporate propagandists to choose elected officials with significant power to govern. We have allowed them to install a power selfish two party system who have converted National dialog and debate into a contest of red and blue as though they are two competing football teams and not to discuss policies which are of significance to each of us.

Christmas Eve

This morning we did some last-minute shopping, and then we went to take the gifts to Russ's, or Chris's, Home-teaching widows. One recently had a heart attack and was asleep,her daughter told us, the next was out shopping, and the third was home, and we had a short visit. On the way home we picked up to-go lunch at Burger King, and I went shopping at Mervin's, which is going out of business. It was crowded with people, and the things left didn't look good, so I left. At home again Karen, Danya and Candace came over for a short visit. After they left we had our lunch. Then we watched TV and rested a while. Tonight I wrapped the few presents I had to give at Karen's tomorrow when we go over for Christmas dinner with the families there, and Uncle Al. Then we heard the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing on TV, which was our program for Christmas Eve.

Things are going well.

The pictures of Caden are great! We have played them over and over. And of course we were glad to know that you had arrived in Seattle, Kaye and Kyle. We always wonder about that pass over the mountains, and we are concerned until we know you are there OK. Today we did go to see the apartment available at Villas of Carlsbad. It was all right, except it was on the free-way side of the buildings, which we don't want. Anyway, we want to wait a while before going in there. It's a matter of getting rid of things, and of the cost of the places. We'll see. Anyway, I had my questions answered, and I measured the places I had forgotten. Karen came with us, but she didn't go see the apartment, because her knee is still bothering her. She goes to see the doctor about it on Dec. 30.

Another rainy day.

I'm glad Chris postponed his Dr appointment in San Diego. It has rained almost all day, until just before night, when a little blue showed in the sky. The traffic is bad, and now we won't be going down there until Dec.30. It should be easier to drive then. And maybe Karen will feel up to going with us. Roy came to clean the house, and I have forgotten he was coming. We hadn't even had breakfast when he got here. Finally I got busy writing Christmas cards, answering those that have already come to us. I have at least another day to get all answered. Tomorrow we are going to the Villas of Carlsbad and look at an apartment. I just need some more measurements, to fit the furniture in, and to ask a couple of questions I forgot about before.

I got my hair done this morning, and Chris bought some groceries while I was in the beauty shop, so I don't have to. At home again we found some more things to discard, and took them to the Veterans pickup place. I got 7 more Christmas cards written and ready to go. There's still a lot of them here to do. We got pictures of Caden from Kaye, and also talked to her. The baby seems more alert, and I hope and pray he keeps getting better, and the new heart works well. Karen is having trouble with her left knee, and Terry came over and borrowed one of the walkers to help her get around. She won't be going to church in the morning, and we are going to postpone Chris' Dr. appointment in San Diego on Monday; Karen had planned to take us down. But she won't feel like it, and besides, we don't want to fight the traffic just before Christmas.

Busy again.

Last night and this morning I put the decorations we want to give away on the Christmas tree. We now have a wreath on each of the swinging iron gates in the front of the house. That is about all the decorating I intend to do. There are still the 3 small artificial trees in the shed, but they may just stay there. The 2 outdoor trees kept blowing over in former years, and that was always a pain. At 10:30 Jessie got here to do the washing and whatever else needs doing. And Karen arrived to take me with her to visit teach Loraine Pepper. She (Loraine) had her back surgery postponed until after Christmas, because she has an infection somewhere in her back. Later Chris drove us down to the Veterans pick-up place and we gave away the rest of the Christmas decorations. That was our day.

We have the Christmas tree up in the living room, but we needed an extension cord. We drove to Home Depot and got one. Now the tree is lit, and I spent a good part of the day decorating it. After Christmas we will give away the tree and the ornaments; I have saved for us all the ornaments people have made and given to us, and we can use those on a smaller tree for next Christmas. Karen called, and we arranged to have lunch together at Taco Bell close to our house. The traffic on even the side streets is horrendous even in the daytime. After the lunch we went to the Veterans storehouse and gave away the rest of the books and videos we don't want, plus some Christmas strings of lights we can't use. Maybe someone else can hang them on their house. Tonight we watched an old episode of Sherlock Holmes as we rested and admired our tree.

Brittany leaves until after Christmas.

It rained again all day. We did go out once, to get some milk and dryer sheets, but we came right back home. Brittany didn't get away until 1 p.m., so I was afraid she would miss her plane. But she did get there on time, and then the plane was delayed by the storm. Carla called later and assured us she would be home in Eugene by 1 a.m. We will call in the morning. Kaye called, and told us Caden is improving. And Kaye offered to do my Christmas letter, but I can't think clearly enough to do it tonight. Maybe tomorrow I can deal with it. We watched another Harry Potter movie, and that took up the evening.

Today I started answering Christmas card that have arrived. I got only three done, the rest will have to wait until tomorrow. My wrist is hurting again, and it's hard to write. Brittany was going to help me write a letter to all on the computer, but she is leaving in the morning to go to Oregon to spend Christmas with her parents, sister, and brother and his wife. Tonight I went to the Relief Society dinner. While I was there, somehow my phone called Kaye, and she heard what went on there! I had no idea it was going on, the cell phone was in my fanny pack purse around my waist. Chris told me about it when I got home. My cell phone was out of power then. Chris and I watched the end of another Harry Potter movie we had started earlier in the day. Now we are helping Brittany look for her car keys.

Our first good rain of the season.

It rained quite hard today, so we didn't go out anywhere. I did clean out the top of my desk, something I haven't done since Chris broke his hip. Now I can start my Christmas cards there; we received 8 today, so it's definitely time to begin. The list gets shorter every year, we don't always find new friends to replace the older ones who have gone on. Brittany did go out to the gym, but she spent the rest of the day here, updating her resume, and fighting off another migraine headache. Baby Caden is still improving; he was breast fed today, and that's a good sign. The hospital also gives him supplements. As he gets better, I'm sure Kaye will be eased in her mind, too. We did find that the patio room still leaks, so we will have to get a new shed set up. Chris has already talked to a member of our Ward who needs work, and he will level the ground and line the spot.

For some reason I didn't write last night. The good news of the day, though, was that Caden's mother was reading to him from a book that had little fuzzy things on each page, and he put up his hand and touched each one as she turned the pages! He is improving, thank the Lord. Today Kaye sent us a picture of him with his dad, who was wearing a mask. Caden is still in the ICU, and they are taking special care of him. I must call my nurse friend and tell her the good news, too. This morning we went to Sacrament Meeting and sat with Karen. Afterwards she drove us to a restaurant where we had lunch. That's a far cry from when she used to work as a waitress and said we shouldn't go out for meals on Sunday, because that caused the cooks and waitresses to work on the Sabbath. At home again Chris played the tapes I made in Europe when I went with Carla. I could scarcely understand me, I talked so fast then,'way back in 1974. Brittany is looking for a new part-time job for when she goes back to college in January. I hope she finds something satisfactory.

I slept in this morning. When I finally got going, Chris and I drove to Smart and Final and bought 5 lbs of cheese and a cocoa mix, and some cans of caffeine-free Dr. Pepper. Then we went to the bank and sent to Kaye the money we owed her. By then it was noon, so we went to Burger King and had big fish sandwiches. Later in the afternoon Karen and I went out to do our visiting teaching. Nancy Barnhard (92Yrs old) has her daughter, grandson and his girlfriend all living with her now. Nancy spends most of her time in her sewing room, making cute little dresses for granddaughters, and piecing quilts.. Then we went to see Jane Odou, and she has her granddaughter, about 2, with her. The granddaughter spent the time eating the candied popcorn Karen had made, and used stuff a little Santa she bought, that had a jar for the middle of his body. Karen had given one to Nancy, too. Our last lady called a little earlier to tell us she couldn't have us visit today, but next week instead. Our latest news of Caden is that he tries to open his eyes and kicks his little feet. He is alive!

This morning Chris went to the dentist, and had a temporary tooth removed. In January he is to return and get the permanent one put in. While we were out we stopped and bought bananas and a few more things. After lunch Brittany and I went back to a larger grocery and bought quite a few things! At home again I was tired, and Chris was watching a Miss Marple movie, so I watched it with him, while he played it over again; he had napped through part of it, so he watched, too. Later Kaye called, and she has a short movie of Caden, and I will look at it later. She did tell us that he was awake, and wanted to sit up, but he wasn't allowed to. And the family could be with him, but could touch only his head. I will go look at the copy of the skipe and then I'll go to bed, it's time again.

About Caden.

It has been an anxious day; Caden went into surgery at 4 a.m. to get his heart replacement. About 9:30 Kaye called to say that the new heart was beating in his little chest, and by noon everything was sewed up, and he was awake, more or less. He tried to sit up, so they gave him more morphine. Now it will be a long recovery, which will be hard on him, and on his family. I am worried about Kaye, that her condition may become worse because of the strain she's under. But she is resting, and that's good. About 11 Linda Sheldon came over to take me to lunch. She had a report on the hospital where Caden is, and she said it is one of the best Children's Hospital in the country, for heart replacements. She is a nurse, and I trust her judgment, along with the proof she brought along. The rest of the day I have been resting and reading Scriptures, to calm my nerves. It helps, I've found out. It's bedtime, so I'll close and get ready for it.

We did get some things done.

This morning Roy came to clean the house. While he was here, he helped us remove the headboard from our bed, and also the pieces of wood that were keeping the bed with the head higher than the foot. The sheets and blankets won't slide down now. After Roy left we met Karen at Carl's Jr. and she told us all about the wedding. All of that family were there for it. I'm glad Karen has kept track of the step-grandchildren, that helps make up for not having other grandchildren. At home I worked on sorting out books again. We will have lots to store; I won't give away any that are gifts to us, nor Patricia Briggs' books, or the Harry Potter books, or the Pern books, or the Avalon books, or the King Arthur books. Or the photo albums. We talked to Carla and to Kaye, and all seems well with them. Caden isn't gaining weight, but the doctors may put the feeding tube farther down in his little body.

Great pictures of Caden.

Today I went to the beauty shop and had a perm. I think it turned out well; we will see as the week progresses. While I was there, Chris did some grocery shopping and also got a new MP3 player. But he may take it back, he says. His old one is broken beyond repair. No, he just said he'd keep it. After lunch we sat in the recliners with the idea of having a rest. Chris went to sleep, but I didn't. Now I'm tired and ready for bed. I did look at few more books, but I didn't pack many. We are going to put some things we don't need in the patio room, and tell the Relief Society women to come take what they want. That goes, too, for our shelf of Church books, provided they aren't gifts. We have been looking at more movies of Caden, and he is such a sweet baby! We pray for him every day.

ANother busy day.

Jesse came today to help out. While the clothes were in the washer and drier, I had her helping me pack up the table linens and hand crocheted items. By the time they were packed and I had explained to Jesse where they had come from, I was really upset. So, Chris took me out to lunch and then to the tire place to have one of ours fixed. We walked around the area while they were taking the nail out of the tire and fixing it, the tire, I mean. When we got home Jesse was finished with her work. She will come back in 2 weeks. We tried to go through the files and separate out the things to save, but then we quit and rested instead. Tonight we had dinner, Brittany was here, too. Tomorrow she is going up to L.A. to see friends and will be back Monday. Karen and and Terry have gone to Pismo Beach for the wedding of her step-grandson, Trevor.

Planning, planning.

This morning the men came and repaired the roof of the house and also a spot in the garage that we didn't know was there. They left about noon. We did a quick shopping trip for milk and bananas, and then came home for lunch. the boss of the repair men came later and looked at the job they did, and Chris had him pour water on the roof to make sure it wasn't still leaking. Then we paid him. Chris made small cutouts of the furniture we want to take to the apartment, and then we fitted them on the floor plan. If we have to take a one-bedroom unit, we will have to get rid of more stuff than we thought. Brittany suggested Bianca may want some of it. We will of course have her choose whatever she wants.

I'm going to write this before the evening starts, because I may forget later. This morning the roofer estimator came over, and tomorrow morning the workmen will come and fix all three of the leaks in the roof. After he left Chris and I went out to the patio room, and he drew up a larger floor plan of the apartment and I cleaned up the patio room. There were spiderwebs on the walls and dead leaves from the plants on top of the wall, on the wall and on the the floor. The floor plan is done, but I haven't yet made up the little copies of the furniture that we need to find out where everything can go. We had a rest, and then I bought some tamales from the man that comes around about once every two weeks selling them. They were hot, and I ate one right away. I hope I don't regret eating them!

We couldn't install the pictures of Caden which the computer said were on my blog. But they aren't anywhere there. After I finish this, I'll get Chris to look for them on his. This morning we went to the apartment with Karen and measured the walls, so we can make little pieces of furniture and fit them around. After that we went to Denny's for lunch. I left the measurements in the car, so we couldn't really talk about where we would put what. Chris and I were at odds about whether we would put the living room furniture in what was supposed to be the living room or in the large bedroom. I am in favor of using the smaller room for the living room, because it's part of the kitchenette and opens onto the balcony outside. The little bedroom is only a foot bigger than our computer room here in the house. One thing for sure, we will keep the house, in case we want to move back! Brittany has gone to Fullerton for her interview there and will be back on Wednesday.

Great Grandson

Exploits of November 28. He's watching his Baby Einstein movie, and his daddy juggle. Multitasking at seven months...

More planning.

Again Brittany left before we got up, but we did rush around eventually and went to the post office and sent Kaye the nightgown she left last time she was here. We called later and asked her if she would like one of the three down comforters we have, and she said yes. So, We'll do that next week. I had my hair done at 1:30, and then we went to Burger King for a fish sandwich. Chris was unable to find a player for our little tapes we have, so we will have to take our music setup with us when, and if, we go to the apartment this coming year. In the meantime we can look further for a player. At home we had a rest, and then a brief supper. Brittany got home in time to have some with us. Tonight we finished measuring furniture we forgot about the other day. Now we are ready to go to the apartment and measure the wall spaces, so we can see what we can take when we go there.

Brittany went to work before we got up this morning. She has to be there by 7:30. It was a good day for her, lots of tips. When we finally got going, I started on books again, and Chris worked on getting things organized in the computer room. Karen came over and brought us Thanksgiving TV dinners she made up from yesterday, including pie. She visited a while and then left. We had a piece of pie with lunch, had a nap, and then went back to checking out the things in the house. I measured all the furniture we will take with us to the apartment, and Karen had said she will come over there with us maybe Monday to measure the wall spaces, so we will know just what we can and can't take with us. We are sure about one thing, we will keep this house in case we want to move back. That's what some friends of ours did, and they came back in three months.

It has been a nice Thanksgiving day. We had our breakfast while we listened to the Salt Lake Mormon Choir on TV. That was a nice surprise; we didn't know it would be on. For a while Chris worked on sorting out things in the computer room, and I sorted more books. Then we were able to see, and talk, to Kaye, Caden, Kyle and Race on Brittany's computer, with a device called a "Skype". That's a great device. Caden has gained 5 grams of weight in this past week, which is a very good sign. We went to Karen and Terry's for Thanksgiving dinner. Al was there, also Terry's grandson, Tanner. It was a real traditional dinner with all the trimmings, and three kinds of pies and ice cream for dessert. Afterward we saw and talked to Danya on Karen's computer with a "Skype" on it, too. After dinner and talking to Danya, Brittany drove us home. Then she went to see Travis and family.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Today I worked a little while getting rid of old magazines and papers, and then about 11 we left to pick up prescriptions at the Oceanside Kaiser clinic. After that we drove to Carl's Jr. where we met Karen for lunch. I couldn't remember the name of the Mexican dish I wanted, and I ordered the wrong one. So, it wasn't as good a lunch as I had anticipated. However, Karen had brought us half an apple pie, and that certainly made up for a not-so-good lunch! Brittany was home today, and we spent some time trying to help her with her problems. I'm afraid we weren't any help; she just worried that we were worried. We talked to Kaye, and she and Kyle were driving to Seattle to see the baby, and she arranged that we could see Caden on Brittany's computer tomorrow morning.Tonight we watched a Miss Marple movie, and that was the end of our day.

Roy came to clean the house, so we got up early to make room for him to work. We got phone calls from all three of our daughters, wishing us a Happy 67th Anniversary. About 1 o'clock we and Brittany went out to lunch at the Soup Plantation restaurant to celebrate. We got home just as Peggy Plylor arrrived; she is my visiting teacher. After she left I sat down to watch the news on TV. A little after 5 p.m. I fell asleep and slept until 7 p.m. We had our dinner, and then I started reading Helen's story of the Christensen family. I read until I got cold, and came into the computer room to write this. Chris and I talked a little more about the move to Las Villas de Carlsbad, but we didn't do any more about getting ready for it. Tomorrow is another day.

We went to Sacrament Meeting, and then we came back home. Chris' hip doesn't sit very well for very long, especially on the pews there. But we were able to meet some friends and a new couple from the Tremonton area. At home we read the paper and rested a while. Then we went to Karen and Terry's house for hamburgers and the rest of a nice dinner. Brittany went, too, and then afterwards she drove us home again in the dark. Chris and I can drive at night, but it might be dangerous for us or other people, since we don't see so well anymore. Karen has arranged for us to meet Linda and Charles and Mabel on Dec 9 for lunch at a restaurant about half was between Oceanside and and their house in Downey. We haven't seen them for a long time, and we miss them.

I had my hair fixed, and then Chris and I went to Home Depot. We complained about the shed they sent out, and then they removed the $999 on our charge account. We went home and considered what to do. I thought it would be OK to store things in the patio room and lock the doors. But Chris thought we should investigate another shed. We'll wait a while and then decide. We had lunch and then went back to sorting out the tapes and videos we want to give away, and I also checked over the books we don't want to keep. Now there are three boxes of each to give away. At last we have started weeding things out, although we have at least three months to complete the lists of furniture and things to take to the apartment and what to store. We talked to Kaye, and Caden is still in ICU, and we are praying for him. We talked to Bianca, and she's worried and studying for exams at her Medical School. Carla says to pray for her, and we are.

It has been a rather puzzling day. One thing was regular, Jessie from Angel Care came. She washed all the clothes and changed the sheets and washed them and the towels. Then she helped me make hand lotion, cleaned the non-skid tub and shower liner, and helped me pick out and pack up the books we want to get rid of, and fixed our lunch. Brittany was here, and is having her own problems I won't enumerate here, but they worry me, too. Kaye called, and Caden is back in intensive care in the Seattle hospital. Kaye was sick yesterday, but Patty Briggs is helping to cheer her up. They went to the shooting range, where Kaye demonstrated the different types of guns, so Patty can get familiar with them, so she won't make mistakes in her books. By the way, the new one comes out in hardback in February.

A dull day.

We talked about what to store in the new shed, and what to throw away, and what take to Las Villas. Then we went to the bank and our safety deposit box and got out everything to see what was not in the Trust. The Eugene duplexes and and a lot of Series E bonds are not. Carla will check on the Eugene properties. Then we got some groceries, forgetting some, and came home. Karen came over and brought some more packing boxes, but we didn't get any filled this afternoon. We just checked through the stuff from the safety deposit box. Tonight we will watch an old episode of Sherlock Holmes and then go to bed.

We checked out our will.

I went through some books to see what we should keep, and Chris went through some old videos with the same in mind. He did better than I did. Karen came over about 11:30 and we drove to San Marcos, had lunch at Fry's, and then went to see our Lawyer about up-dating our will. He wasn't a lot of help, but his secretary was on the ball. She made copies of things we needed copies of, and was very efficient. The lawyer got me all confused, because the will said I wanted to be cremated, and I have never made up my mind about that. So, he took that part out. We came home, settled down a little, then had dinner that Brittany prepared. She is a sweet granddaughter. Tonight the High Priest group leaders came over to get acquainted.

We have done a lot of talking and planning about what to store and what to take to the apartment, but we really haven't accomplished anything. Karen came over and helped us, and we measured pieces of furniture and tried to picture them in the apartment. Carla had a good idea when we talked to her tonight. She suggested the Villas de Carlsbad probably have already measured the exact length of all the pieces of wall in the apartment, and we won't have to go measure them ourselves. I'll call in the morning and see if they do. I may have to exchange the piano for a shorter one. I'll talk to the store about that next time we have to go to the Kaiser Clinic in San Marcos; the store is close by. Brittany has gone to Bianca's place to help her celebrate her birthday.

A good Sunday.

We went to Sacrament Meeting this morning. One of the speakers, both of whom were very good, was our former Sunday School teacher, who is now on the Stake Board. It was good to see and hear him again. We sat with Karen, and after the meeting, the Bishop said he would come over in the afternoon; he is our home teacher. I was shaky, so we came home after that meeting. The Bishop came about 4 p.m. We told him about our projected move to Villas De Carlsbad, and he said we could stay in his ward; it takes only the permission of one of the Stake Presidency to approve it. And he didn't think there would be any problem with that. Brittany went to work at the golf course and then to the gym, so she didn't get back until about 7p.m. Later we watched an interview with the Obamas after their visit to the White House.

The final rites for the boy across the street were today. We saw the hearse come to the house, and lots of people gathered, and later the ceremony was over. I didn't see it, but Brittany saw the hearse drive away sometime later and the people leaving the house. This morning I had my hair done, and Chris did some shopping while I was there. We came home and had some lunch, and then we went back to Home Depot and paid for the new storage shed with a discover card instead of a check. This afternoon Brittany went down to the beach for a while, and it was hot even there. I fell asleep in one of the blue-green rockers; I didn't think I would, because it isn't a recliner. Later we saw our usual Saturday night shows. Brittany got back just as were about to have dinner. She sat with us, and ate her own special food. I'd like to cook for her, but darned if we don't have something in our food often, that she won't eat, being a vegetarian.

We did mean to go pay for the new shed, but we never did get to it. Tomorrow is another day. We spent most of the day trying to plan a move to the apartment, except for going out to lunch for a fish sandwich. We did go buy a plant and a sympathy card to take to the Lopez family . A young member of the family was killed in an auto accident; he was only 18 years. old! We took the plant and card over to the house (across the street on the corner) and sympathized with the family for a while, then came home. They had invited us to the funeral, but we didn't want to go, it would no doubt be in Spanish, and Catholic. Brittany's work at Disneyland has been postponed a week, and she's at loose ends right now. We are not very good company for her.

It has been a

We made another step today in getting ready for the apartment; we found a storage shed, similar to the one already on the south of the house, at Home Depot. It's 10ft. by 12ft. and will fit right next to the one Al bought. Tomorrow we will go back and arrange for it to be delivered and set up (included in the price of $1,000). Karen called while we were there, and she came over to Home Depot and looked at it, too. Then all three of us went to McDonald's for a drink and a nice chat. At home again we went through a couple of shelves of videos, and picked out the ones we had DVD's of, and set aside the rest to check out to see if we want to save them. There's lots of stuff to sort out.

A momentous discision.

We finally made a decision about moving to the senior place; we will move into a two-bedroom two- bath apartment and see how we like it. We will rent out this house and not try to sell it, in case we want to move back here. Maybe we will be like Mac and Marge McDonald, and come back again. We will store what furniture we don't want to take, but maybe get rid of some of it. In any case, we will store what we would need back here again. Ever since we made our deposit and got on the waiting list, we have been trying to decide what to take and what to store. There's just so much stuff! .

Two new considerations.

We didn't do much this morning, but this afternoon Karen drove us to the Vandever Kaiser Offices, where Chris had an appointment to have his eye tested again. We were afraid that his vision would be worse, and the doctor would start a series of eye injections. But, fortunately, the eye wasn't any worse and he didn't have the injection. He will have to go back Dec. 22 for another test. I was supposed to go the the Alpha Chi auction and boutique tomorrow, but I canceled out on it. I just want to go back the Las Villas de Carlsbad tomorrow; Chris made an appointment to do that, and I would rather do that, and check out details I forgot about the day we were there. Both Karen and Carla have seen the place, and they think we should move in, at least for a trial of a few months. We will keep this house, in case we want to move back.

Brittany went to work early at the golf course, and we got up up early, too, because Roy was coming to clean the house. While he was here, Mr. Lopez, the gardener from across the street and on the corner came over. He told us that his nephew, who lived there, too,was killed in an accident on Friday night. That explains all the cars parked around the house on Saturday and Sunday. We will send flowers when we learn where and when the funeral will be. Karen came over in the afternoon and brought Mitzy for a visit. She meant to leave her here while she went on some errands, but the little cat tried her best to get out the screen door to go, too. So, after a little longer visit Karen left with her, too. Brittany got home a while ago, and she was tired and disgusted with her job. But next week she will be working at Disneyland, and that will be better.

Our Sunday.

We went to one session of church and then came home. For some odd reason my balance wasn't working right. I took a pill for that, read the paper and had a little nap. I felt better. We went to Karen's for dinner. We waited half and hour for Brittany, who was coming from work on the Carlsbad Crossings golf course. She got there just after we sat down at the table. It was a nice dinner, as it always is at Karen's. We played a little with the cat and then came home. It was almost dark by the time we got here. Brittany came by the freeway and beat us home! Tonight we talked to Carla and then to Kaye. Kaye told us our great grand baby left the hospital and is staying with his parents at Ronald McDonald house close by, in Seattle, while waiting for a new heart. We all are hoping and praying it won't be a long wait.

It has been a quiet day. Jesse called and said she wouldn't be here until 11a.m. so we just slowed down a little more. After she arrived, she put some clothes in the washing machine and then helped me get a pan to soak my feet. After they soaked 20 minutes, Jesse cut my toenails. She was too careful and didn't get them short enough. I guess I'll have the regular beauty operator, who does my hair, to do it next time. At noon Jesse got our lunch, and then she finished the washing and put things away. She is a good worker, she grew up on a farm. We were talking about the Villas de Carlsbad, and she wanted to know about them. So I showed her the brochure we got Sunday. Chris also talked about building a storage garage on the south lot to keep our extra things if and when we go to the Villas. We can still come back to the house if we don't like it there.

Today we were a little more active. We went to the beach, where we met Karen for lunch. We furnished the sandwiches this time; we got a new kind of pizza sandwich, also with lettuce, tomato and pickles on it. It was quite different; I had trouble with mine when the chicken pieces kept falling out! But it was a good sandwich, and we had sodas with the sandwiches. It was a beautiful day, but the wind was blowing so hard I didn't dare go for the walk I wanted, because I was just over the earache I have had for more than a week. At home again we talked to Brittany, and she doesn't work at the Carlsbad golf course again until Sunday, so she is going to visit in the L.A. area and also go to Cal. State at Fullerton to check on her registration in January, to make sure it's all set up. She'll be back here Saturday night.

Im back again

This is the first time I've felt like writing in several days. We did have some news, on Suday after church we went to see Las Villas de Carlsbad , a retirement community. It looks like a place we could move to, if we can no longer stay in our house. But that will not be very soon. We are both in quite good condition now. And it would be a real effort to get down to the furniture that would fit into a two-bedroom apartment, to say nothing of all the other stuff we have in this house. But they do have a pool there, and water exercises three times a week. That's a big draw. But we have Brittany living with us now, and we don't want to leave until she is settled in a place of her own or a dorm at school in January. We have plenty to time to think about it.

Caden on GreatGrandad's birthday

This was a nice day. Carla drove us to the hair dressers' shop, and I had my hair washed and set and Chris had his toenails treated and trimmed. Carla picked us up, and we came home and had some lunch. Then Carla baked her dad a birthday cake. Brittany came back from working at the Carlsbad Crossing golf course, and then we went to Karen and Terry's house for the birthday dinner. Uncle Al was there, too, and we all enjoyed Chris' birthday. At home again Carla and Brittany got dressed us for a party at Travis Westermeyer's house, and they left, and we watched a little TV. Then we looked at the picture of Caden in his Halloween costume. We talked to Danya and watched her as we talked on the computer. This is something quite new to me. We also talked to Bianca and Candace and Kaye on the cell phone.

A different kind of day.

This morning I woke up dizzy. I managed to get dressed and fix my breakfast. My visiting teacher called, and wanted to come over. I told her to come right away, because I was afraid my dizziness would get worse. Kaye called, and she reminded me about the exercise a doctor had given me, to get over it and get the ear protein particles moving again. After my teacher had left, I did it, and sure enough the dizziness eased. So I was able to go with my hubby and daughter Karen to the movie "M" after lunch. Brittany had gone to Disneyland to spend the day with Bianca, Christen and another man. She said she would be back later tonight. She will be working at Carlsbad Crossings golf course tomorrow, and back to spend time working at Disneyland over the weekend. my teacher's husband came for her, saw the broken latch on the screen door, and took it off to fix.

I'm back again.

I meant to write early today, but I just never got to it. We were busy around the house until noon, when we turned on Perry Mason. We watched that while we had lunch. Then we went for a walk at the beach. It was a lovely day, blue sky, only a little breeze, and only a few people there. There were about 8 surfers, and they rode the quiet waves successfully. We walked farther than we have since before we were ill, and it was great! I used the walker, and sat and rested in it several times back and forth along the seawall walk. At home again we rested a while, and then talked to family. Karen came over and brought foodstuffs and then Brittany came home with more, including Halloween candy, a lot of it. She misunderstood what I told her about the amount, and we have loads! Maybe I can give some to the Primary party. Brittany has work at Disneyland, and with that and the golf course, she may work 7 days a Week!

I'm trying to blog again.

Somehow I'm not getting through to my blog, so I'll try tonight again to write something. Karen and Terry got home from Pismo Beach last night, but I haven't heard again from her. Brittany worked today at the Carlsbad Crossings golf course, and she'll work there again on Thursday. Disneyland also wants her at times, so I hope she can juggle the two jobs OK. Roy came to clean today, and then we went to pick up some prescriptions and came home again. A package arrived from a mail order place with pants for my hubby and a short coat for me. I didn't remember ordering it, must have been to match my cast, which was purple, and the coat is plum colored. It fits, so I guess I'll keep it. That was our day.

My wrist is finally well

My wrist is finally well enough to try writing again. We haven't done anything exciting today, but I can write about the rest of the family. Brittany is on her way back from working at Disneyland and will soon be here. Carla had a root canal done today, and I hope it turned out better than mine did! Kaye has a new medication, and it seemed to work. Karen brought our Chinese screen back, because it didn't stop her kitten; the kitten just climbed up one side and down the other and into the space they didn't want her in. Bianca brought her German boyfriend over, and we quite liked him. Russ (or Chris, I don't remember how I put it down) is having some trouble with one eye, and he will see the specialist again next month, to see if they should start treatment on it. I hope that works out. He doesn't drive much now, and I hope he doesn't have have to give it up. Here's Brittany.

Stellan rocks his Baby

Northern Cliimbs

From the North

Caden watching the aquarium dvd that he loves...and of course, being cuddled by the mom that he really loves... Taken last Friday.

Robersons

Baby movie from the northland

Secretary is posting new movie of Caden from Seattle Oct. 4, 2008. The hot pink strings he's wrapped around his hands are his "playing wires"; he and Grandma crochet it and play and then Grandma untangles it for the next time. (Nothing interests him more than the wires from monitors attached to him and his IV. The Oxymeter currently wrapped on his foot is a big hit, too: When it was on his toe, he kept trying to get its red light into his mouth.) And another:

For Heaven's Sakes

Secretary posts after telling her the time: "Oh, Land," she says.

Secretary Posts

Today Almeda got a new perm and it was another hot day. (She seems fairly happy about the heat :-) Here's another movie of Caden Sept 4 in his mom's lap getting clean pants while we talk about him batting at his ear so much. Turns out the doctor did check them, and they're ok.

Secretary Posts Again

Secretary is posting again. The bandage came off today where the skin had been pushed off her upper arm and tomorrow the carpet cleaners are coming that a Real Estate friend had recommended. Fish tacos followed in a Mexican place in Carlsbad which were good, but drowned (fish pun here) out by overly loud Mexican music. And there was no air conditioner. Secretary thinks that going without air conditioning too much like real Mexico and not Mexicano Norte... In far northern news, here are today's videos of Great Grandson Caden: And another from today.

Healing

Secretary is posting this tardy update. Cast was removed then xray'd and replaced. Hair fixed yesterday and pedicure, and one church meeting today. I'll try to get the details when I actually have her on the phone. Since this is so short, I'll also post another vid of Great grandbaby Caden...

Watching his own Movie

Baby Caden likes to watch Baby Einstein movies -- It was Mozart this time, but below are samples of others: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn9WicuXSco http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA0vF808oZo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjKPTsmIGs0

cracked carpal

Secretary posts that Almeda left the hospital in San Diego with a cast on one wrist due to a cracked carpal, and a removable brace on the other to protect it. Luckily, she feels, the cast is fiberglass and lighter weight than the standard model. Unfortunately, the other brace is irritating and with Velcro that keeps catching. (It lasted one day, secretary notes.) She's managing the pain with ibuprofen.

Wrists sore

This is secretary posting as Almeda rides to Zion hospital to get another x-ray of her wrist after last night's fall. She scraped a large swath of skin off which Karen bandaged with the gauze and materials they had. Today, Almeda went to nurse to get new one with better dressings (who pulled the skin back over the wound before re-bandaging) and the doctor x-ray'd hand and lower arms and decided there may be break in little wrist bones and sent her to the big hospital in San Diego. Karen was waiting outside Danya's conference (also in San Diego when she got Almeda's call about it and went to take them to the appointment. She is feeling that Bandon reunion may not happen as they don't want to be a bother.

Two days in one.

I missed last night's blog, so I'll just sort of put the days together. Yesterday we checked out the oven, and it is working again! We don't know what is happening with it. Today Chris went to Home Depot where we bought it, but they said they couldn't do anything about it, but to get in touch with a local Maytag repair person, and have him look at it. So, I guess we will do that.

We enjoyed our dinner last night with Karen, Danya and Terry. We even brought home enough meat and potatoes to use with our dinner tonight. Danya came for us in her new car, and took us home again afterwards. She stayed a while and we visited. After she left I read some more in Pattie's new book. It's really good. When we were out today I bought a new yellow quart water jug to replace my old black one that was really getting smelly. Even when I put it in the dish washer it didn't come clean. It's time to get ready for bed, so I'll stop for tonight.

A different day.

This morning Roy was coming to clean the house, so we got up a little earlier and had our breakfast before he got here. Chris watered the orchids, but I guess they won't bloom this year after all. I neglected them while he was in the hospital and extended care facilities. Karen watered them, but I forgot to tell her to use filtered water. Maybe next year all will bloom. After Roy left we had our lunch and then a rest. Afterwards I finally got busy and sent a sympathy card to Aunt Margie's family, through Tom and Joan. I also sent two regrets, to a great grandniece and a great grandnephew, in answer to invitations to their weddings. I re-read the beginning to Patrica Briggs' new book, and now it makes sense to me. Chris tried to make a loaf of bread, but our almost- new oven won't work. So, we cut the loaf up in biscuit-sized units, and cooked some on the stove-top and some in the toaster oven. They make biscuits OK.

A regular Sunday.

This morning we went to Sacrament Meeting , meeting Karen at the church. We sat together, and it was a full church, but unfortunately there were lots of babies. I'm beginning to agree with Terry, it's just too hard to hear the speakers with all the baby commotion. We came home after the meeting, had a bite of lunch, and then had our usual nap. I had meant to send wedding cards to the great nieces and nephews and a sympathy card to Aunt Margie's families, but I didn't get it done. Instead, I read again about the retirement communities, and it was a waste of time, we just aren't going to move to one now. The Sunday paper took up the rest of the time after our dinner. We talked to Karen, Carla and Kaye today, and things seem to be well with them. Bianca is flying back from France to Salt Lake on Tuesday, for a wedding of a friend. I don't know where she'll go from there. She passed her finals, so now she is a 2nd year medical student, and will be back at medical school in the fall.

Things are looking up.

Today has gone well. I had my hair cut and set and my toenails cut. When Chris came to pick me up, we went to lunch at Taco Bell. It was nice and cool, and the food good. I'm done with my antibiotics, and I can live a normal life again. This afternoon I wanted to go walking, but a stiff breeze came up, and I thought better of it. We had our usual afternoon nap, and woke up ready to do most anything. But instead we stayed home and repaired some equipment. I forgot to say yesterday we saw an old friend, and he and and his wife had spent three months in a retirement facility and have since moved back into their house, that fortunately they still owned. They just weren't happy in the facility. I wonder if that would happen to us, if we tried it. We have talked to Karen, Carla, Kaye, and Brittany. It's nice to have cell phones, isn't it. Tonight we will watch our usual Brit shows on public TV and maybe a movie.

Things are relativly well.

I didn't get a blog written last night. We were late getting to bed, and I just gave up on it. Karen got home, and our lady to help me around the house was sick and couldn't come. In spite of all my protests, Chris insisted on getting three loads of wash done. He had to skip doing the beds, but they are OK for another week. I finished one of my antibiotics today, and I'll be done with the other by tomorrow night. I'm sure I'll be settled down after that. It seems I must be allergic to milk and any milk products. That's a blow, because I've been drinking at least two glasses a day, and I really like cheese. Today Karen met us at Burger King for lunch, but it was so hot in there, we didn't stay to visit. She said Danya will be here next Monday for a short visit before attending a conference in San Diego. Everything seems well with the rest of the family, including Charles and Mabel.

Things are looking better.

I woke up feeling completely well this morning. Of course it didn't last long. But I did go with Chris when he went grocery shopping. I stayed in the car while he did it, and then we went to Burger King and had a hamburger and a drink. I brought the last of my burger home and finished it here. Then I had a rest, and then re-read the short story that leads to Pattie's new book, which Kaye sent, which arrived this afternoon. We talked to Carla about coming up to Bandon in Sept., but we decided to wait a week or two before making definite plans. I'm quite well now, but not up to traveling yet. Karen hasn't called today, but we expect her home sometime tomorrow. My new root canal is doing better than the first one, thank goodness.

We look forward to a better day.

This morning we got up, and had our showers, and then the water heater broke, and flooded the garage! Chris located a plumber who will come between 12 and 2, so we hurried and got ready for our dental appointments. It's so good to have an emergency water supply on hand. I got my new crown put on my second root canal tooth, and I will have the tooth pulled next time one wears out. The antibiotic the dentist had given me both times caused a bad stomach condition. I had forgotten that, and I had a miserable few weeks each time. We got home and Chris had his protime blood test and picked up 3 prescriptions at Kaiser in Oceanside. Then the plumber came and replaced the water heater. It cost $1490, which we put on our Discover card.

Lots of comings and goings.

Last night Brittany arrived about 9 p.m. She seemed so tired, we suggested she go right to bed. She did, and then she slept in until I woke her at about 12:30. She had some lunch with us, then she showed us some of her pictures of Japan and when she met Bianca in France. She left here about 3:30 to pick up her friend in San Diego and drive to Anaheim . She called tonight and they had arrived OK in Anaheim. Karen called that she had arrived in Pismo Beach, and later Carla called to tell us she and Rex got home from Hawaii about 3a.m. this morning. I guess we can settle down now, and just confine our worries to ourselves. I'm done with one of the antibiotics, and now just have to take 3 a day of the other one. I should feel much better soon.

So, eveyrthing worked out well.

Last night when Chris had this coughing fit, the Lopez family, first the papa, who helped Chris to a chair on the front patio. Then the mama, daughter, and sister came over bringing herb tea, made of cinnamon bark and a mixture of honey and spices, including garlic. This tea worked wonders, and coughing stopped, along with a special menthol rub the mama put on his chest. She went home again, and made another quart of the tea and brought it over. They stayed a while, and she offered, through her husband, to massage my legs to take the swelling down. I declined, and I'll ask Dr. Donahoe first. Anyway, we slept well, and went to Sacrament Meeting this morning. I was tired, and my back hurt, so we went home after that, and had a snack and then I went back to bed. I slept until the Bishop called, and he came for his home teaching visit. He told a really interesting story of his conversion and baptism. Then we went to Karen's for dinner, and are home again. Eddy Lopez just came over to see how Chris is. l

We now have Mexican cough meds.

I took my 6 o'clock meds and then went back to sleep until 8 and took some more and went back to sleep until 9. And it was hard to get up then. We had our breakfast and then Chris drove me to get my hair set. It was done in an hour, so he didn't go home, but shopped at a new Dollar store in the same strip mall. We went home, had our lunch and then a nap. It seems I can't get by without that nap! Karen came over and brought us a main course for our dinner and some veggies. It really helps for her to do these things for us. And she's invited us to dinner at their house tomorrow. I'm hoping to be feeling well enough to go to Church tomorrow, but we'll have to see how things are in the morning. Right now Chris is having a coughing fit. The neighbors came to help.

A satisfactory visit With Dr. Donahoe

We did go to see Dr. Donahoe this morning, and he said Chris was doing very well, and didn't need any more medication. And he told me I was doing well, just keep up with my medications, which are really working for the first time today. He didn't comment on my swollen legs and feet, but I can live with them more easily when my diarrhea and bladder infections are gone. After our visit with the Dr. we drove down to Tamarack Beach and parked and watched the surfers ride the big waves for a while. Then we came home for lunch and a nap. Brittany and Eric came back, so Brittany could borrow a pair of old lady shoes. She picked out my SAS oxfords. I hope she brings them back. But I don't need anything now but a pair of strap sandals, with extra holes in the straps,because I can't get anything else on, besides flip-flops. Brittany and Eric left, and Brittany will be back on Monday.

A surprise arrival

I'm going to write this quickly, so I'll be sure to get it done. Last night about 10:p.m. Brittany arrived, several days before we expected her. She had with her Eric, the young man who draws the comics Brittany writes. They intended to stay at Travis' house, but they had other guests. so they came here. Of course we were glad to have them here, as they were on their way to the Comic Con in San Diego. We all went to bed early, because we were tired, and Brittany had just flown in from France, and Eric had driven all the way from Eugene, Ore. stopping only once to at a rest area, and to buy gas! I woke up at 1 a.m. to take my pill, and I had real trouble going to sleep again. I finally got up at 6 and took another pill, but didn't go back to sleep. Brittany made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, and I had one. I shouldn't have I guess. Anyway, I couldn't rest, so finally Brittany an Eric decided to go down to Travis' house, and go to the Comic Con from there. She will come back on Sunday. I did nap a while this afternoon, and I'm feeling a little better. Tomorrow we see Dr. Donahoe again.

That's another nice little movie of Caden! The only thing, we can't see what he is doing with his feet. Maybe the next one will show that. For some reason I'm not doing well with this blog. I guess that's because I didn't write one last night. I was too tired to do it. Today we went to the Oceanside Kaiser clinic where I picked up a new prescription to stop another infection, and I had a blood test. Tonight the doctor's office called and said I should double my potassium intake. I guess that's because I haven't taken any. Karen came over and brought our dinner to us, the same as they were eating at home. So I didn't feel quite as indebted to her. Later tonight my visiting teacher is coming by. I think I hear her now.

That is another cute picture of Caden. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in person in September when we come to Bandon! I'm trying hard to get entirely well by then. I have new medication that should help. I go back to the doctor next Friday, when Chris is going in, too. We want to whip this thing now, and be our old selves. This morning we drove to the Carlsbad Clinic to turn in some three days of samples and pick up the new prescription. It was a nice day, so we drove to Tamarack Beach and went for a very short walk. It was wonderful to be able to do it, and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean. There is nice obituary ofAunt Margery on the internet. I hope all of you will be able to see it.

Tall Enough

Caden's grandma is posting this MOVIE to show he's tall enough already to jump up himself in his toy. He's doing everything himself and really likes it!

We didn't go to Church this morning, because I haven't yet put a stop to my diarrhea. I have one more day of checks on it, and then I hope things will be OK again. We had a nice breakfast of cereal, soy milk and fruit. It stayed down and was all right. We have spent a quiet day, watching BYU channel and reading the Sunday paper. It's huge, when you see all the ads, which we don't do! There's nothing I want to buy, and I seriously considered giving a lot of stuff to a yard sale, supporting one of the men who works with Terry on the parole board. But Karen said the things I had on my list were to expensive for a yard sale, but to just give a donation to the fund, for the cancer treatment for the man that the insurance won't pay for. We'll go call Carla now, and wish her a Happy Birthday. Kaye just reminded us.

This morning I was feeling better again, and I made scrambled eggs and toast for our breakfast. It was wonderful to be eating real food again! This new diet is called a soft diet, but it's fine with me. I can live with it easily while I'm taking my new medication. After breakfast Chris drove down to the local stores for two items, and I sat down in my recliner to read the paper. After Chris got home I kept on sitting, and I fell asleep and slept for two hours! I guess I'm just relaxed that I'm feeling better. I've managed to stay awake the rest of the day. We watched our usual Saturday shows, and Karen came over and brought our dinner, and it was very good. Carla called, and they got to Hawaii OK. Tom Christensen called, and he told us his mother, Aunt Margie, died this morning. She was 91. We called the rest of our family, and Uncle Al, and told them.

I didn't realize I had missed a day of blogging, I guess it was because I wasn't feeling too well. Now that I have been to see Dr. Donahoe, I'm feeling better about my condition. He proscribed a new medication and I feel better about things. I still must take some more tests, but I think it will all work out OK. Karen drove us to the Carlsbad Clinic, and we didn't get back home until noon, after the 9:3o appointment, but that was all right. I have a much more lenient diet, and I really like that. We had lunch and then a nap, and then saw a Netflix movie. It wasn't that good, so we are going to take a rest from them, and maybe get hooked up again, when they have better movies. We had dinner, and I'm afraid I ate too much, after practically starving myself for almost a week. My stomach should settle down soon, and I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Karen came over and brought soup for our lunch. She didn't stay long because she had forgotten she had a job to do at GIA. I guess she relaxed so much over the weekend that she plumb forgot. After she left I went back to bed, until Seluia, our Polynesian help with the laundry and things, arrived. I got up and went into the living room. Chris and I watched another "Miss Marple" mystery. Now I'm going back into the living room, and I'll rest through the news, and maybe read a while in the new short story book that has Patricia Briggs's story as the first one in it. I just talked to Kaye, and she has a new air conditioner in her bedroom, and hopefully that will make her sleeping better.

I didn't write last night, because I still didn't feel well. But tonight things are going better. we saw the pictures of Caden turning over, but I couldn't see an actual roll-over. I'll have to find out how to do that on the email. Karen and Terry got home last night, and she came over and brought us some fresh veggies and dinner. We were glad for that, and especially to see her. She said the wedding was a lot like the last Jewish one, but maybe not quite as lavish. But she said maybe she was not so surprised this time, and more or less knew what to expect. After she left I had a good rest and I feel better tonight. I think I'll call and find out if Dr. Donahoe is back from his vacation. I think I know why I've been ill; the aftereffects of taking a course of Amoxicillin before each of the two root canals. That killed all the good bacteria and left only the C. Difficile, which made me sick.

Since this is Sunday, we decided to go to at least the Sacrament Service. We saw friends, and that was nice. but we were both tired, so we came home afterwards. I wasn't feeling particularly well, so I didn't eat much lunch. Later I decided it was the fault of the cheese pizza I ate last night. I guess I'm really allergic to milk and milk products. And of course the old beans I ate later didn't help. This afternoon we watched a new version of "Phantom of the Opera". I didn't like it as well as earlier versions. The stage version Carla and I saw in London is the best, I think. Even better than the stage one Lenon Bezzant and I saw in Los Angeles. We talked to Kaye today, but not to the other daughters. I guess Karen and Terry are still at his nephew's wedding. We'll call Carla later.

We really enjoyed the little movie of Caden, our great grandchild. He is a cute baby, and "talked," too! Now I'll go on to our more mundane life. I had my hair done as usual on Saturday. While I was in the shop, Chris wandered around in a new Dollar Store in that little strip mall and bought a few things. We went home for lunch, then rested a while, and watched another "Miss Marple" episode. As long as I have my hearing aid attached, I can understand the British accents most of the time. We went for a short walk in the neighborhood. Today was cooler, and it was pleasant outside. I had hoped to go farther, but we both got tired. Then it was time for dinner, and also the Brit shows on TV.

Another movie

Caden's grandma is posting this one. It was actually taken on July 6 with the others, but I didn't think it was small enough to fit. Disclaimer is: my speakers are broken, so no guarantee to the sound, but the the visual is just too cute to pass up...

We stayed home this morning and had our leisurely breakfast. Then we went for a short walk along the street to the path to the college back of this street. We looked down at it and saw a round spot of bare ground, with a small fenced-off area in the middle. We couldn't think of any athletic thing they plan to do in it. Maybe it's to train horses, or something. Any ideas? We came home, in time to receive a call from Brittany and Bianca in Southern France! They were calling on the computer program that Brittany used to call us from Japan. Karen called, too, from New York. They will go to Long Island tomorrow, and the wedding will be on Sunday. (The Jewish Sabbath is Saturday, and ours should be also). Then they will come home on Monday. This afternoon we watched another "Miss Marple" episode. About half was through, we remembered seeing it with Elizabeth Taylor as the actress. This is another version.

We went to Right Aid this morning and returned some zories Chris bought, he can't get his feet into them. We also stopped at both banks, and by then it was noon, so we stopped at Taco Bell. This particular one gives free small drinks to seniors who come in for tacos or whatever. When we got home the sun had come out, so we moved the gardenia bush into the shade. It doesn't look very good out in the sun. And we put a little more water around. Back in the house we watched a movie that NetFlix sent, and it wasn't very good; so we watched an old Miss Marple episode. I liked it because it didn't have a lot background music, that makes it hard for me to hear the characters talking, even with a hearing aid. Tonight Chris is baking some brownies from a mix, because he says he knows I like them! How's that for a thoughtful husband?

Another trip to the dentist.

When we went to the dentist at 10 a.m. I didn't know if I wanted another root canal or have the tooth pulled. Well, I decided on the root canal. Chris went for a walk, then came back to the waiting room and had a little nap. We finally left there about noon. We came home, and I did manage to have lunch of a half a peanut butter sandwich, dipped a piece at a time, in cocoa. I had a rest in the recliner, and the afternoon just passed away in a short nap and half a movie. After dinner we watched the rest of the movie. Then my visiting teacher came by, with some watermelon and a pot with several baby succulents in it. I had intended to offer some of ours to her and her husband, but I couldn't very well do that! Karen called that they had arrived in New York, We talked to Kaye and Carla, too.

This morning we took our Transit ride to San Marcos Kaiser Clinic. The bus arrived here promptly and drove us and another woman to San Marcos. She went shopping there, and we went to the Clinic. Chris had his bone scan, and the report was osteoporosis, just like me. However, his hip joint has healed fine. But now he has more medications to take. When he was done, the bus was there promptly, and took us back home. It was an interesting experience! At home we had lunch, a rest, and then drove to the local Kaiser Pharmacy to fill the 4 prescriptions he needs. Karen came over, and brought a pack of soda pop for us. They leave in the morning for New York, and Terry's brother has made a reservation at a nice hotel near Central Park for them. They will visit museums the first day, and go to Long Island for the wedding the next day. I've finished reading Karen's book of "Jesus Christ and the World of the New Testament" and it's erudite and really fabulous.

Getting out and about a little.

We set the alarm and woke up at a reasonable time this morning. Roy came to do the house cleaning, and Chris and I watered and fertilized the orchids and the gardenia. The latter is covered with bugs, so we drove to Home Depot and got a spray for it. From there we drove to Rite Aid and bought a few things, and then drove to the Kaiser blo Pharmacy here in Oceanside and picked up a prescription. Chris also had Protime test. At home again, we had just sat down for a rest, when Karen arrived. So, she sat with us for a while. She had brought a spinach salad for our dinner, to go with what she had brought before. Then she went home to pack for their trip to New York and Long Island. We are looking forward to our transit system ride to San Marcos tomorrow. More about it later.

This is to go with the pictures of Caden in the jumper toy. I had no idea it would have all those gadgets on it. I'm glad he has it, that will keep him busy a long time. Carla told us she and Rex had a nice visit with Kaye, Kyle, Stellan, Sara and Caden. I'm glad they were able to stoop by on their way home. Carla just called us to say they were home again, and Brittany and Bianca met successfully in Paris today, but missed their train to coastal France. Karen came over and brought us our dinner again, and it was very nice of her. We will miss her and all her attention when they go to Long Island, N.Y. this next week. We slept in this morning and missed going to Church. We will just have to set an alarm after this, I don't know why we haven't done so since we moved back into the front bedroom. By the way, that reminds me, it's time to think about going to bed again.

New tech Jumping/twisting toy

Said toy that Karen and his great grandparents gave Caden. and... And another :-)

Wonderful trips for grandchildren.

I had a bad night with my leg. I decided to stop taking the antibiotic, but this morning Kaye talked me into going back to it. Also, I talked to Bianca who was in Chicago waiting for her flight to Paris, where she is to meet Brittany, who is coming from Sri Lanka. Isn't it wonderful these grandchildren can fly around like that! Think of all the things they will have to remember and treasure later in their lives. Then I talked to Carla and Rex, and they also gave me tips on how to manage my swollen legs and the burn I inflicted on myself by accident. Bianca had already told me to walk, so my muscles would constrict and help force the blood back up to my heart, so I wouldn't have more trouble from the plebitis. We had planned to go to the drugstore, but somehow we never did make it. Karen came over and brought dinner for us for tonight. Then we had a nap, and just stayed home.

The glorious 4th!

This will a short blog, because I have have been watching all the fireworks shows I can find. First there was the program from Washington DC, then what I think was one south at Leggoland, that we could see from the path to the college, then through the trees to the west, which was at Oceanside, and a few a little northeast of there. After that, we watched a show telling all about getting ready for the one at DC. It was a half hour show. So that gets me past my usual time for teeth brushing, etc. and getting ready for bed. But to go back to this morning. We went to Walmart for a new electric toothbrush and a bottle of Acidophilus pills to counteract the antibiotic that wipes out all the good bacteria with the bad ones. We also got a few groceries, and since it was time for lunch, we stopped at Taco Bell for that. This whole thing is backwards, but bear with me, I'm tired tonight.

Last night I had put a hot pad on my ankle where it was hurting. I was watching a movie and forgot about it. I actually burned myself without knowing it. Today it has been sore, so I haven't done much. Kaye says I should use cold packs, so I tried it, and it seems to help. We did go to Karen's for lunch, and we enjoyed it. she really likes lunch, more than the other meals, and she does a great job preparing and serving them. Uncle Al was there, and we were glad to talk to him, also. Karen is really doing well with her watercolors. I'm glad she had taken up this hobby. We tried to make an appointment with the "Lift" service that will take seniors and others needing help to their doctor's appointments, and bringing them home. They will call us back.

A stay-at -home day.

This is an edition to the picture of Caden that Kaye has already put on my blog. Isn't he a really cute baby? No wonder Kaye goes to see him every chance she gets. I hope our and Karen's gift will work as well for him. My ankles are swollen again, so I didn't do much today. I did separate the laundry, so Seluia will be able to get the washing done in the three hours she has to spend here. I guess our washer and dryer are sort of slow. But she does do other things, too. I helped Chris clean up the patio room, so we can use it now the warm weather has come. We had bought a small vacuum to clean up out there, but it just isn't good enough. So we used the regular vac out there. We put a slightly dark plastic sheeting up on the windows back of the plants, so they won't get too much sun. We hope Kaye and Carla will be able to get together while Carla will be in eastern Oregon.

Another Caden movie

This one was taken at his house, in his play yard (new marketing-speak for playpen...)

We have busy grandchildren.

We did call Carla this morning, and asked about Bianca. She said Bianca had a 9-hour exam, and part of it was exams she had already passed, as well as one she failed! That was a dirty trick by the college, I think. Anyway, Carla and Rex are leaving for their camping trip tomorrow, and then Bianca leaves for France on Saturday. What busy people. Logan and Maret are back from China, and Logan has already started college. Kaye had her shot today, so she wasn't going anywhere. I'm so sorry she has to do that, but I guess it's the best thing the medical system has come up with. I understand D'Ann is having trouble with her insurance. I hope they get it straightened out, so she can continue her treatments. I finally got caught up with the medical records I've been keeping all these years, but messed up all of the last six months. I'm glad that's done. We went to Home Depot to get things to repair a cabinet outside the kitchen window. It had been damaged by the years of weather.

I had another toothache in the night, so I called for an appointment with the dentist. I'm to go in on July 9th. I asked if I could get a cancellation appointment , and the girl gave me today at 1:30. I had x-rays and the doctor looked at them and at me. He recommended another root canal, but I said I would think about it, and call later to tell them my decision. I'm still not sure what that will be. When I got home Karen was here, and she had brought us dinner. I think she is maybe feeling she is deserting us again, when she flies with Terry to Long Island for his nephew's wedding. Anyway, it was nice to have her visit, and it was a good dinner. Also, we decided on a jump toy for Caden, for him to jump up and down in. We haven't heard from Bianca, to know if she thought she did well on her final exam. Maybe we will call Carla, and ask her, because Bianca flew home this afternoon or tonight.

A quiet Sunday.

Chris wasn't feeling too well this morning, so I went to Sacrament Meeting by myself. I sat by Karen, and after the meeting I came home. I had worn both hearing aids, and the sounds of all the children were drowning out the speakers! I'll only wear one hearing aid after this. I know now why Terry was upset by all the children; he has hearing aids, too. We spent the rest of the morning reading the Sunday newspaper. It's always huge, and we don't ever read all of it. After the other two church meetings Karen came over and brought us dinner. She is always so thoughtful. She has also been the compassionate service leader, and I think she is really doing more than she should, including us in it all. We finished watching the rest of "Hawaii", and I'm glad they left some of it out. It was still a long movie, though. We'll watch Masterpiece Theater later tonight. It's always good.

On Saturday

My usual hair dresser is away having surgery, so I had a new girl do my hair today. After I was done, I called Karen, and she said we wouldn't go until about 2 to visit Nancy Barnhart. So Chris and I went to Burger King for a big fish sandwich. We missed having our weekly fish during the week. Later Karen and I went to Nancy's, and she is now 91, but still making quilts by hand for all her relatives' babies. She ties, instead of hand quilting them for other people. It's amazing to me; I don't even sew anymore. Her daughter, Jean, who lives with her, gave us each two avocados when we left. Jean does a great job keeping up the house and yard for her mother. Tonight we started watching another CD, this one on the book "Hawaii." I don't remember the book with much enthusiasm.

A stay-at-home day.

I was expecting to go visiting teaching with Karen, but when I called her, she said it was tomorrow. My visiting teacher came over with her husband, to see if he wanted any of the tools Chris is going to give away. He took only a "come-along" to pull trees, and another length of chain. I wanted him to take the table saw, but Chris didn't want to part with it. The man came and got the hospital bed, so we finally got that out of the house. I want to have the carpets cleaned now, maybe in the next couple of weeks. This afternoon and evening we watched the CD of "The Mists of Avalon." It was a little more raw than I remember the book, but then I've read so many Arthurian legends, having had a class on it in college, although that was many years ago. The "Merlin" CD was gentler. Today the Supreme Court approved the gun laws, so I guess I'm in the minority on that issue.

Mainly a checkup with the doctor.

Our big news for today was about Chris' trip to see Dr. Donahoe. We left home just in time to get to Carlsbad for the appointment. The nurse put us in a waiting room, and we waited 25 minutes for the Dr. to come in. But when he got there, he was thorough, and he ordered six different blood tests to find out why Chris' blood is low in red cells, and why he has a rash on his stomach and lower legs. We won't know the results of the tests for a day or two. We stopped for lunch on the way home, and then went to the Grocery Outlet for bananas and soy milk. I seem to be allergic to regular milk and milk products, just like all three of Carla and Rex' s offspring. We talked to Kaye in Portland, where she and Kyle are attending a shooting meet, Race called us to thank us for his birthday present, and we called Carla to find out how they were, and how Bianca was doing studying for her final exam on June30.

This morning I tried again to straighten out our medical records that I have been keeping all these years, but I finally gave up again. Too much has happened since the first of the year. Karen called after her stint at GIA and we arranged to meet at Carl's Jr. for lunch. It's the first we have seen her since their trip to Denver. At home again, I tried to do the medical records , but finally gave up. We started watching the "Merlin" CD Kaye had sent, then we stopped for dinner. After that we watched the rest of it. It was a good take on the Arthurian legends. There's another CD of the same Legends here, and we will watch it maybe tomorrow, and compare them. We talked to Kaye and Carla, and Kaye and Kyle got to Seattle OK, and Carla and Rex are going camping over July 4th with friends and relatives.

We did get out of the house.

Karen and Terry got home tonight, and that was good news. Kaye and Kyle are on their was to Seattle to spend birthday time with Race. I'm waiting to hear they arrived safely. We went for our walk today in Wal-Mart store near here, and got a few things we needed, including a long-handled shoe horn for Chris, so hopefully he can put on his shoe and sock on his right foot; he can manage the left one just fine. It's the hip replacement that keeps him from doing the right. It's a little cooler here today, but we still had to turn on the air conditioner. We watched "The Lion in Winter" on the disk, but it stalled part way through. Bit we did manage to figure out the rest of the movie watching it jump through it. Great acting, though. The healthcare people haven't come for the hospital bed yet, but that's OK.

Thank you for the great little movie of our great grandson! I hope this can be added to the blog with his picture and movie. This is a new thing, adding to a blog - I hope it works. That's amazing that you could send it this way, Grandma Kaye. From your mother, and Kaden's great grandma..

Great Grandson

Our day with Bianca.

Bianca arrived about 11 p.m. last night. We talked for a short time, then we got ready for bed. Bianca studied for at least two hours before turning out the lights and going to bed. This morning we all went to Sacrament Meeting. Several seminary teachers gave short talks, but only one student. I wondered about that, then afterwards someone said some students were boycotting the meeting! I can't imagine that. We came home and had a light lunch. Then Bianca went to see Uncle Al, and we read the paper and rested and waited for her to come back. When she did, we went out to dinner at the Sizzler, and I remembered why we hadn't been there for a while; the steaks, we went for, now are too heavily seasoned for my taste. Bianca went back to school, and she called us when she arrived. I appreciate that.

Still hot here.

Chris won't let me cut his toenails, so he came with me to the beauty shop, and he had a pedicure while I had my hair set. It worked out fine. He said his feet felt really good. After that we shopped but didn't buy anything in the drug store, and then had lunch at Taco Bell. At home it was hot again today, so we didn't do much. I wrote some cards and then watched Rick Steves on TV. Chris and I collaborated on dinner, and it turned out quite good. Especially the cookies afterwards. Bianca called, and she will be over sometime this evening and will spend the night with us. I'm glad she'll be here; I've been wondering how her studies are coming. She has her last exam on the 30th. I know I was always worried about final exams when I was at college, both times. I'll go now and get clean towels for the back bathroom, and check on the bedroom.

Weather, mostly.

We were slow getting going this morning, because it was hot to begin with, 85 degrees just outside our front door. But we did finally go get the prescription. Then we went to Wal-Mart to return a shaver that fell apart. From there we went down winding Tamarack Road to the Beach. There was absolutely no parking anywhere there. We came back to Burger King for a Big Fish sandwich, and it was good. We came home, watched a British movie, and I simply couldn't understand what the people were saying. I think I may really be losing my hearing. My hearing aid is turned up as much as possible now. Later, though, we watched just U.S. TV, and I could understand that! Karen called from Denver, and it's hot there, too. And Candace told her it was 101 degrees in Pismo Beach yesterday! The weather all over has just gone crazy.

We are busy again.

We went to the Kaiser Clinic here in Oceanside this morning for Chris to have a blood test and to pick up some prescriptions. Mine was supposed to be there, but it wasn't. We'll have to go back tomorrow for that. On the way home we stopped to have Chris' glasses adjusted and to pick up a few groceries. When we got home Karen came over for a little while. They will be flying to Denver tomorrow, for Terry's birthday. He has some children and grandchildren there. Terry wants to travel as long as he can; I guess you can't tell about that with Parkinson's. I've been going over Terry's pictures of the trip to Greece and Croatia, etc. There are a lot more Greek ruins than I realized. These are interesting pictures of the old things and the new. I finally got hold of the people that furnished the hospital bed. They'll come for it in a week.

Two days' blog.

I didn't write last night, so here is a quick review of what happened. We were expecting our laundry lady at 10 a.m., but she didn't show up. I called, but she wasn't home. After a while she called back, and we arranged that she would come on Wednesday at 2 p.m. when she got done with her job at a rest home. After she left we had lunch, and then Karen called to say she was back from her visit in L.A. with Danya. That was good news. The traffic is still heavy in spite of the price of gas. Today, we went shopping at Boney's grocery, had lunch at Burger King, and came home to rest and read the paper. My husband slept; he was tired after sleeping in our our regular bed after spending all that time sleeping in the hospital bed. We didn't put clean sheets on the hospital bed, so he will try the regular bed again tonight. I'd like to get rid of the hospital bed and have the carpets cleaned; they are a mess.

Great Grandson, again

Most recent of his movies...now over 11.5 lbs....

Great Grandson

Today is Father's Day, so we did just what Chris wanted to do . First, we had a breakfast, and then at about 10:40 we drove to the church for Sacrament Service. All the talks were good, even the one by the Harris' young grandson. He must be about 14 now. The chapel and the overflow were all full of people, and of course a lot of children. We came home and spent the next about three and a half hours, reading the paper and taking our pills, and resting. About 4:15 we drove to Karen's house, where we were invited to dinner. Terry barbecued the best pork ribs I have eaten, and we had sugar-free ice cream pie for dessert. I started looking at Terry's book of photos from their last trip, and asked if I could bring it home to finish it. He said yes, so I did. Chris got gifts from Karen, Kaye, and Carla's hasn't arrived yet. It's in the mail.

Karen came for me and the chairs about 10:30. We drove to the Bishop's house, where the baby shower was to be. In the house everyone seemed to be getting the lunch ready. I helped with canapes, then I went outside, where the tables and gifts were, and talked to the older women. But the wind was blowing, and I was afraid of getting my eye trouble back if I stayed. Karen said something about getting two more folding chairs from her house, so I asked her to take me home. Only the Relief Society president knew about it, so we just left. After a short rest at home, Chris and I drove to the Mall and had lunch. Then we went to J.C. Penney' s to find a gift for his Father's Day. We didn't find anything he wanted, so we came home again. We watched another episode of " the Tudors" and it was a good one. After dinner we saw one of our usual Brit shows, and then turned the TV off. Rex is going to come by tonight, so I'll clear up the kitchen before he gets here.