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.