Sunday, March 18, 2007
Hello all!
Today is my birthday. I am enjoying a rare day with no work and no homework to do (I start class again Tuesday). I'm savoring today especially because I return to work tomorrow. Also, my nose surgery is this week and I must do pre-surgical visits with a couple of my doctors in preparation for the big day.
The fun news is the vacation our family took the first half of March. We went to Ohio and Pennsylvania to visit both sides of the family. I got a kick out of telling the guys at work I was going to Columbus, Ohio for vacation. Wouldn't you know? It rained the day we got there and it rained the day we left. In between there was snow.
Now, it wouldn't be fair to describe the weather as all bad. My parents hosted a gathering for family and friends. The weather was pristine for that. One of the attached photos is a snapshot of the fiesta, with dad in the background and our friends L (left) and J enjoying themselves.
You'll see a photo with me on a tractor holding S. This is dad's Kubota he uses to mow his many acres, drag felled trees and plow snow. Years ago when dad secured a loan so I might finance my coffee shop, this very tractor was collateral (thanks, mom and dad). S and I dragged a few bundles of saplings out of the woods with the trusty machine, and J got a really good photo.
The remaining photo shows S hard at work in front of the bonfire. Mom and dad live out in the country, so a bonfire is the perfect way to dispose of brush or wood not suitable for fireplaces. S had a ball helping his dad and papa (paternal grandfather) pile brush and logs into a tepee. A little diesel fuel from dad's yellow container was all it took! The bonfire was a beauty to behold.
We also spent time in Pittsburgh with J's side of the family. I have assured J subsequent posts will contain Pittsburgh photos, but for now they aren't handy to share with everyone. (Soon!) While in Pittsburgh, we visited J's maternal grandmother, M. She hosted our little family for a couple of nights while we visited cousins, aunts and uncles. The highlight of our trip to Pennsylvania was dinner with everyone at the Olive Garden. There were plenty of hugs and photos as we haven't seen some of these family members for a couple of years.
# posted by No Rain In Arizona @ 7:18 PM 
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Hi R,J & S,
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip to Ohio and Pa. I get the same response here in Charleston, SC, when I say I'm going on a vacation to Columbus, Oh. But its in our blood and we have so many good friends and good times in Columbus. Wish I could have come up to visit you also. S is getting so big and handsome. I know his 5th birthday is coming up in April. Seems like yesterday you & J had that cute little fella. I will keep you in my prayers concerning your surgery Ry. You are a trooper and a hero to all.
Love
Marcy & David
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip to Ohio and Pa. I get the same response here in Charleston, SC, when I say I'm going on a vacation to Columbus, Oh. But its in our blood and we have so many good friends and good times in Columbus. Wish I could have come up to visit you also. S is getting so big and handsome. I know his 5th birthday is coming up in April. Seems like yesterday you & J had that cute little fella. I will keep you in my prayers concerning your surgery Ry. You are a trooper and a hero to all.
Love
Marcy & David
# posted by 
: 11:46 AM
: 11:46 AM
Hey! Happy Belated Birthday, R! My oldest son's birthday was the day before; I'm now the mother of a teen!
The photos are great; makes me lonesome for the MN forests. MT has beautiful mountains, but it's a high plains desert where I live, so everything is brown much of the time ... or on fire in the summer!
It's a new normal for you, my dear friend. How very wonderful! I hope your sinus surgery is successful and the stuffiness goes away. Congratulations all the way around.
I'm not coming to AZ for graduation; just can't swing it. I'll come up with another reason to visit your area and say hello! Take care and stay in touch.
Always,
fischnmt
The photos are great; makes me lonesome for the MN forests. MT has beautiful mountains, but it's a high plains desert where I live, so everything is brown much of the time ... or on fire in the summer!
It's a new normal for you, my dear friend. How very wonderful! I hope your sinus surgery is successful and the stuffiness goes away. Congratulations all the way around.
I'm not coming to AZ for graduation; just can't swing it. I'll come up with another reason to visit your area and say hello! Take care and stay in touch.
Always,
fischnmt
# posted by : 7:23 PM
: 7:23 PM
We loved having you here, we loved the time together with you all, we loved every minute, and we love the pictures and the memories that are still glowing. It couldn't have been better.
...Now,how soon did you say you'll be back? We'll even put the cat out in the barn next time.
Love you so much,
Mom & Dad
...Now,how soon did you say you'll be back? We'll even put the cat out in the barn next time.
Love you so much,
Mom & Dad
# posted by : 4:44 PM
: 4:44 PM
I have been following your blog as i have a good friend going through this same nasty cancer and the chemo and radiation. he is in his third week of radiation and is now starting to feel the effects. I am interested to know how you are doing now. You have such a good sense of humor and I am interested in your progress. You have been an inspiration to me as I watch my friend go through this. I hope you are doing well and you will update soon.
Thank you.
Kelley in Michigan
Thank you.
Kelley in Michigan
# posted by : 11:18 AM
: 11:18 AM
Hey, Buddy!
It's been 3 months; we're all ready for an update! I'm trusting that the news continues to be good. All three of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care!
fischnmt
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It's been 3 months; we're all ready for an update! I'm trusting that the news continues to be good. All three of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care!
fischnmt
# posted by : 1:41 PM
: 1:41 PM << Home
