No reason except that nothing has been happening around here and we haven't been doing anything outside of our home here. So I didn't write. I guess I felt I needed a break.
Got a message from Bonnie and Edna, Paul's sisters, that they thought I was only on Facebook now. (They get my post on e-mail, which means they miss the purty background of my blog. But that's okay. No - Bonnie and Edna - I haven't been writing at all. I just couldn't think of things that were exciting. I know that shouldn't be a reason not to write. But, if I didn't have anything to write about - why do it? No. It wasn't on Facebook.
We're getting ready to go South next Wednesday, the 28th - so we'll be stopping to see you, Edna and Mike. Looking forward to the nice lunch you prepare every time we're there! It is certainly appreciated. Bonnie - we're sorry you have to go through chemo for the lymphoma they found, but glad the doctor said it was curable. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Paul thanks you for his birthday card and note.
My new knee is working marvelously well. I am so pleased with it. My other knee has had a shot of cortisone and is feeling well also, so I can say between the two of them I am feeling great! Oh, yes. I don't think I've felt this good in a long time. Perhaps I'll take up tap-dancing. No surgery on the other knee for the time being. Very happy.
Paul has had a back that had been bothering him and it got worse and worse. He tried a chiropractor that his GP sent him to, but he only made it worse. The chiropractor suggested he go to a pain clinic. Our GP got him set up with one. He had two shots - one in each side of his lower spine. The doctor cautioned that it may take several shots in several locations before they found the spot that was the culprit. But - glory be - it WAS the correct spot, and he's been pain free since going. He may need a shot again in a couple of months, but hooray - he's doing very well.
Of course, I think (?) feel (?) that his work in the cellar has done a number on his back. He's done 4/5ths of the job this year, and will finish it next year. As planned. Carrying the 5 X 8 pieces of sheet rock couldn't be the culprit, could it? Or putting up the drop ceiling? Note my sarcasm. But it is in Paul's nature to do that sort of thing and not to end it until it's finished.
We have been skyping with Bill every Sunday at 9:00PM. I visited Nancy last weekend and I skyped from there. Vincent had a chance to talk with him as did Nancy. They had a chance to see Flor and Samantha too. Nancy is going to Skype with him at 9:30 AM his time (when we hang up). There is exactly 12 hours difference in time. Except for Nancy who's in Central time. So it will be 8:30 PM her time.
We are skyping with Brenda also - every Tuesday at 9PM. It's enjoyable to talk with her and see her. She usually has her papillon, Bode, on her lap. Gracie enjoys seeing him. She really does. We had a wonderful surprise (not especially happy, since it involved a funeral of her friend's husband). Brenda came home last weekend and kept Paul company while I was in Chicago with Nancy. It's been too long a time since we've seen her. I'm glad we set up this Tuesday evening time to visit with her.
So - yes, I visited with Nancy and her family - Dan, Vincent (9), Evie (5) Walter (2 yrs. 9 mos.) It was hectic, but fun. I arrived in time for dinner Friday night. Flight was wonderful - and I can say that honestly. I requested a wheelchair, which was wise, considering the distance I had to walk. When I got to the gates, I found that they'd changed my seat each time to a better one, closer to the door, so I could get on and off easier. And they let me on early. They really treated me very well. I was very pleased with Delta.
I walked with Nancy and the kids each day - to Chase Park - a couple of blocks away from her apartment. I walked up and down the stairs. Each time. Slowly, but easily. Evie had ballet lessons there on Saturday morning. Saturday at noon, Vincent had a soccer game down at the Lakeside park. Sunday Evie had soccer at Chase park again.
Walter is getting over the terrible twos. It has not been easy on Nancy. He's almost a joy to be around! I found him very loveable. Most of the time - as toddlers are. He is very vocal and cute as a button.
Tomorrow is Paul's 81st birthday. Last year we had that big party for him - but this year will be only family. I set the dining room table today for 13 people. And it stretches out all the way. Of course, there's lots of room between everyone, so we can all be comfortable. It looks so pretty. It'll be a nice celebration for a wonderful man whose life I am so glad to be a part of. Ended that sentence with a participle. I know that's wrong, but what the heck.
Cousin Carol is still struggling with her dialysis but working hard at doing her best, as usual. I can't believe the strength she shows in all her undertakings with this condition. I'm very proud to be her cousin and want her to know that I love her very much.
I just finished reading a Facebook entry about how to cope with things when they aren't going the way you expect and thought of Bonnie, Carol, and my friend and college roommate Carol, who is battling cancer also. Heed the following, if you can:
"Think positively. Eat healthy. Exercise today. Worry less. Work hard. Laugh often. Sleep well.
Repeat . . . "
Guess that's all for now.
