Education Brings True Confession November 9, 2009

I’ve never had a strong political opinion…mainly because I didn’t understand what everyone was arguing about. Finally, a true “confession.” I’m ignorant of political issues.

Now that I’ve taken the first part of U.S. History, I find that I have a much stronger political opinion knowing the history of what it took for us to BE the United States. I have just enough information to make me dangerous. No wonder some leaders wanted (and want) to keep knowledge from their underlings…makes them dangerous. Well, watch out leaders because next semester I’m taking U.S. History II!

If history is supposed to help us to make smarter decisions today, how is it that as I study the economic situation of the U.S. right after The Revolution it looks an awful lot like our economic situation today. I fear I’ve left quite a mess for my kids to sort out. Maybe there will be a “Jefferson” among them who will come up with an idea to cut 1/4 of the debt. Just don’t get rid of the Navy, okay?

Schoolhouse Rock – No more King!

22 Years Ago… November 1, 2009

A tribute to Lydia, born November 1, 1987 in Margate, FL.

Dad and Lydia

Mom and Lydia

One of Lydia's favorite toys.

My favorite story that I found looking through Lydia’s baby book this morning was a time shortly after the tea party picture. Lydia was getting undressed for a bath. I had Grace (our 2nd daughter – a newborn) in the bathroom with me. After Lydia undressed she looked over and noticed that her baby sister was looking at her. She said, “Look mommy, Gracie wants to nurse on my ‘westies.’” (Yes, Lydia, I had to bring up nursing. HA!)

Happy Birthday, Lydia. You have brought tremendous joy into our lives the last 22 years. Have a wonderful birthday.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Recovery September 28, 2009

My brave dad has been at it again…another surgery.

It was decided that the two probes were not positioned properly to eliminate the tremor in dad’s left hand. The question: Add another probe or move the two that were already in place? We weren’t sure what the final decision was until after the surgery. They moved one probe and repositioned it. Next Wednesday he will return to Ann Arbor, the generator will be turned back on, and the settings will be adjusted. Technology is so amazing, isn’t it?

It was an agonizing day for me as I waited for news in Tennessee…the whole time asking myself “WHY!” I didn’t go up again – regardless of what it did to the family and school schedules. My good friend, Mary, reminded me, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippeans 4:6-7)

Before surgery.

As you can see from these pictures, my dad looks so peaceful. He knew what was coming, what it would take to endure it, and was at peace. He did say that it was much more difficult to sit still, even though it was shorter.

They brought laptops so we were able to Skype while they waited and I saw dad when he returned to his room. He looked SO MUCH BETTER – no discoloration or swelling like the last time.

I am so thankful that Raymond and Becky were able to get the day off work again – and for Tracy who will tag team with them. She will spend the night with mom tonight and drive them home tomorrow so Raymond and Becky don’t miss another day of work.

I love you, dad and mom. I’m so thankful this part of your journey is over.

After surgery

Why, Oh Why? September 21, 2009

These two grandkids have NO problem giving thanks!

I love rainy days…and it’s a good thing because it’s been raining a lot recently. I’m sitting in the library at Northeast State, where I’m currently a college freshman, at a table in front of a wall of glass overlooking the mountains. It’s beautiful, even with the rain. It’s making me a bit sleepy but don’t worry, the chairs aren’t THAT comfortable. If they had Starbucks chairs in here, I’d be in trouble…although the signs only say “no food or drinks,” not “no snoring.”

The rain is adding to my sad mood today though. My dad, mom, brother and sister headed to Ann Arbor yesterday. My dad’s “do-over” brain surgery was scheduled for this morning. It was postponed two weeks ago because the surgeon was sick. This morning, my dad woke up with a temperature of 102. They are driving back home this morning and surgery is now REscheduled for next Monday. It’s so disappointing. He thought he’d be back in his workshop by now from the first surgery.

He says he’s going to “give thanks in all circumstances.” So, what choice do I have but to join him. I will say that my “thankfulness” will look a lot better when his tremor is gone.

Coming Together September 15, 2009

27 years ago Tom and I were in Dave and Sue Hodson’s wedding. We did not get “paired” at this wedding. In fact, it would take us another 2-1/2 years to get together. Our oldest daughter, Lydia, ended up rooming with the Hodson’s youngest daughter their freshmen year at Lee University. Life long friends are great!

5-15-82 Hodson Wedding

Surgery Delayed September 15, 2009

Dad arrived in Ann Arbor Sunday night with mom, Raymo and Becky…only to be called the next morning at 5:00 a.m. to find that the surgeon was sick and wouldn’t be able to do the procedure. New date is Monday, September 28.

Well, I figure this gives God a bit more time just to heal the tremor so he doesn’t have to have the halo put on again. That’s what I’M praying for anyway.

The Saga Continues… August 12, 2009

September 14th dad will return to Ann Arbor where his doctor will move his current probes a bit deeper. It will mean the torture treatment once again – the halo. I know this is a necessary evil, but it sure looks barberic.

Flowers for April August 7, 2009

This is a special post for April, who loves sunflowers.

We put in square foot gardens this year. I must confess I did NOT follow the directions exactly and will correct my mistake before next summer. While the green beans, zucchini, and red peppers failed, the sunflowers and black-eyed susan population flourished. They LOVE this spot in the garden.

So, April, this one’s for you!

Love, Aunt Rhonda

Dad’s Tremor – Back with a Vengence August 7, 2009

One step forward, two steps back. That’s what it feels like with dad’s tremor. He had four good days after his last appointment where they were able to slow the tremor down again. Now it’s back. Is it really worse or does it just seem like it because we desire so badly for it to be gone completely?

Next Tuesday dad meets again with his doctor and they will decide what the next step is. Some possible options are:

1. Move the current probes – it seems that his doctors are not in favor of this because they are getting response from the tremor with this position.
2. Add another generator on the right site and install new probes to get better response from the tremor.

I’ll keep you posted.

Cinnamon-Roasted Almonds July 30, 2009

Thought I’d share a great recipe from my long-time friend, Sue (sounded nicer than “old friend”). I believe they lasted two whole days.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3-4 cups whole/plain/unsalted almonds
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Lightly grease a 10 x 15 inch jellyroll pan.
2. Lightly beat the egg white; add water and vanilla – beat until it is very foamy but not stiff. Add the nuts and stir until well coated. Mix the brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon – sprinkle over the nuts. Toss to coat and spread evenly on the prepared pan.
3. Bake for a total of 1-1/2 hours. After the first hour, stir and bake another 15 minutes – then stir and bake a final 15 minutes. Allow to cool. Store nuts in an airtight container.