Trying to burn back field

Well, I have no fear of being picked up as an arsonist. I have been trying to burn the back field for 2 days now. It just doesn't want to burn. It really should have been done a month ago to burn off right. Oh well, will just have to keep at it. Needs a bit more wind and I have the edges done now so I don't have to worry about setting off the neighbors fields.

Ben is still hanging on. He hasn't had any more siezures since taking his medication. His breathing is really shallow and is only conscious once in a while now. He sleeps most of the time even with the TV on. He is seeing things now. He rarely eats and drinks only when I prod him. He prefers ice to anything else. At least if he doesn't eat he doesn't get nauseaous. He is so weak now that he can't pull himself up in bed. I hate to see him this way. I pray the Lord takes him home soon so that he doesn't have to suffer anymore. I am so glad that you all got to see him out of the hospital. He hated to have you see him that way. He wants you to remember him as the person who was always doing things, physically active.

Well, I had better go and get dinner. I love you all

Love Ben and Illa

Thanksgiving at the Garcia's and most importantly BJ's and April's WEDDING DAY

We had a great day. Ben was not able to come to the table but we set a place for him anyway. the whole family was there. At least Ben was able to see all the kids and visit for a while. BJ and April told Ben their news in that they are Engaged. As we know that Ben most likely will not make a Civil Service, we had a Celtic Handfasting so that he would be able to be present at their Union. It was quick and spur of the moment but at least he was able to see it and be included. They will do the Civil Ceremony at a later date when we are all able to be present.

Pictures to follow as soon as I can figure this stupid thing out.

With LOVe from ALL of us.

Ben, Illa,
Teresa, Adam, Athena, Merlin,
BJ, April, Sam, Liz

Bigfoot stopped in for breakfast!

Click on the title to see more pics.

Things really aren't bigger in Texas.

From 11-27-08 Thanksgiving Day with HB

See, it was like this. I returned from looking for some firewood and there he was. I quietly walked up behind him and took his picture. I was going to tap him on the shoulder and say "BOO," but I didn't want to scare him.

Sandi and I spent the day up taking a hike and driving around in the hills for Thanksgiving. We even cut some wood! The guys had plans so we won't have dinner with them until Saturday. We wanted to hike to one of our favorite summer places but there was a gate across the road for the winter. Sandi woke me up at 5:00.....a.m..... and I got up. She wanted to be cooking breakfast with the sun coming up over the mountain....and we were.
Jim

having fun at Judy Schell, with family

Havin Suzt put my picture on the blog.....hope you like I, as Peter asked me to put my picture on the family blog.

Rick Says

Hi everyone. It is good to be home with my snuggle bug for a week. The road has been very long road. We have been to California and back about six times and to Chicago once. I really miss all of you and hope we can be at the next family reunion this next year. Ben, we are pulling for you and praying for you. Hang in there.

Our home is such a cozy place and Bonnie keeps it looking really nice. It is great to be home.

As you know, this nation is going through some wild and crazy times. I hope all of you are surviving OK. Better set aside some beans and rice for a rainy day. It may take some time to get out of this present slump.

Love to all of you and God Bless. Rick

Ben 11-25-08

Ben had a bad night last night at 4:40 am. He had another seizure which effects lasted for an hour and a half. I called the Hospice nurse and she came and checked Ben out. She had a hard time finding the place and Teresa and I watched her turn up and down the road several times looking for the road to turn onto. Ben came too while she was checking him out. I thought that as he was out so long that he had slipped into a coma as he didn't respond to any stimuli. He is resting quietly right now.

BJ and everyone will definitely be here for Thanksgiving. BJ has news for us. So waiting to hear everything. The house is fairly clean, not as clean and spotless as Sandi's, (wouldn't eat off the floor here tho), but at least you can see the table top and you can walk around without running into piles of junk. Main thing is the pool table is cleared off so the kids can play pool and we can clear of the rest of the stuff that collects on the table for FOOD. Yeah!!! Me and counters and tables don't get along very well. I have a tendency to just put things down on them instead of putting them up or throwing it away. I can't seem to throw anything away. Who knows, might need it someday and if you throw it away, then you will just have to go get another one of what ever it is, was.

Hope all have a good Thanksgiving day.

Love and Light,
Ben, Illa, Teresa, BJ and all

Hello family! I thought that I'd take the time to let you know that I'm only a few chapters away from finishing my current manuscript, then I can go through it for final editing before release, which has been pushed back to hopefully early 2009.

My good friend, Victoria Davis, has kindly done the cover for me so that I can concentrate more on the writing, editing, and the family stuff going on right now. I thought that you might like to see it (and yes, this and the rest of the novel series will come out under my maiden name).



~Teresa

Not going to Redding

Well, it doesn't look like we will be going to Redding today. Ben is so weak that he can't get out of bed and I am not going to submit him to that long journey which would still take 2 days even to make it more comfortable for him. He is throwing up more often and not taking in enough fluids to compensate.

Ben talked to Nancy Ross Tikker on Saturday evening. It was a surprise that she called. I had called her son, Clay, on Friday and left a message. Not really thinking that he would pass on the message to her. I didn't get to talk to her long but it was nice that she called.

I still haven't figured out what you all were talking to Ben about for February. The only place that I can think of is Burney Falls and it is a State Park. There are cabins there I do believe. It is 1 hour west of us. There are only a few motels around us. One in Adin and one in Bieber. Feb. is a bad time to camp due to the temps unless you have an electric heater to put in the trailer or tent. It could be -35 degrees then. That is usually when we have the long cold snaps. Sometimes lasting 2-3 weeks. It is about time for one of those to hit as we haven't had one that bad for a long time. But looking at the Farmer's Almanac I don't think it will get that cold this year but I could be wrong. That only happens once in a Blue Moon but it does happen.

So untill later. Love to ALL.

Ben, Illa, Teresa, BJ and extended family.

all kids

it would be great if all of you kids of our group would put in a picture of yourself and your family, with names and who is your mom and dad, how you are with us, the crazy 10, as us old geezers, love ya all!!!! Aunty Lili and all the children and their children what a wonderful. Gift to all, we love a all.

Any resident mushroom experts out there????

Ben and Illa, thanks for the news. We hope that you have a good trip to Redding and Thanksgiving is a great time with family. As Peter said, let us know of a good place to stay around there when we come over the first part of February.

Sandi and I went on a hike today to one of our favorite places. We were to go to Cave Junction, another of our favorite places, but we decided not too. We came back by way of another favorite place and did one of my favorite things to do, cut some firewood. Yeh, it's the weekend and I'm trying to avoid some unfavorite things that I don't want to do.

On another note, and I even sent this comment in to Anderson Cooper at CNN, do you think that the Big 3 automakers would have had a different reception when in front of the members of Congress if they had driven to Washington, D.C in an electric vehicle or a hybrid that they're developing, rather than flown in on private jets? If I were a congressman listening to them it sure would have made me listen to them.
Jim

Hey!! Where is everyone????

Just because we went underground doesn't mean that everyone else should.

Ben is really tired and having trouble getting around. We are going to Redding on Monday as he has several Dr. appts. and tests on Tuesday. He is hanging in there.

We are having the kids (all extended family) here for Thanksgiving. It will be a full house and hopefully a great time. Thank heavens we have room for them all. Some may be sleeping out in the trailer but that will be ok. Will put a TV and DVD player out there so the girls can watch videos as long as they want and not keep us all up.

It is partly cloudy here today. Cool. Looks like it wants to rain and I hope if it does, it does it and snow before going over the hill and coming back. At least I know that I won't have any trouble with the Suburban.

So, just because we are hiding, somebody else post so that we know that you are still here.

Love and Light to ALL

Ben, Illa, Teresa, BJ and the rest of the families.

GAS IS SO CHEAP THAT.........

cheap gas

Heard Reno sells at some places for $1.99.00 (this was on the news tonight. Also, we toped off in Redding at $ 1.00 !! What a surprise.

We found Bigfoot too!

Here are some pictures of our feet also. Hope these come thru. The kids had fun rying to do this. Try the link to see all our pictures of the trip. Still trying to figure this out. Click on the title.

Illa

Yeh, Bigfoot, we saw him too!!!!!!

This is a pic I took of Andrew and Rachael when we stopped there in October.

Sounds like you all had a great trip. It was good to see everyone. I think that someone brought some great weather with them. Whoever it was, you're welcome anytime!!! When I went to Medford on Friday it was overcast and when I left on Saturday it was still overcast. I got back to CC it was sunny and warm. 78* on Sunday.
Jim

Back from Coast

Well, we are back!!! It was a great trip. I think we all needed the trip. I feel so refreshed when at Patrick's point. On the way back we stopped at Willow Creek and took pictures of Bigfoot. Then at the Joss House in Weaverville. Got the grandkids back home. We got in about 8:30 or so last night. Long trip. We are resting today. So pictures will follow as soon as I get them downloaded. We had a great time visiting everyone and thank you ALL for everything. Will write more later. You all have a good day.

Love Ben, Illa, and Teresa!!!!

Sandi and Athena

Did you know - Jesus REALLY liked kids. Think about it. Kids can be a real nuisance. They can be loud, demanding, discourteous; they take tons of time and energy; you gotta tell them just about everything, then you have later remind them (about a 1000 times). But Jesus really, really loved kids. I think one of the reasons is demonstrated in the pic of Athena. Full of faith, hope and love; Pure, innocent, non-prideful, simple believing and wholly real. In fact, Jesus said we have to be like a kid to enter into his kingdom (Matt.18.3). God, make me more like a kid. Peter

some pics. and Ben without a hat

From crescent city 11.11.08

when it takes you to the source. click slideshow at the top of the page/

Beautiful and Peaceful Day

Friday was an incredibly beautiful day at the coast while visiting with Ben and family. Lili, Lisi and Jess brought up a walker. Ben and Dick took off with it for a walk to the docks, I came later, drove and I figure Ben had walked about a 1/4 mile! Then we hopped in the pickup and checked out some of the other views. It was really a wonderful day, I wish everyone could have been there to enjoy it.

Friday

Please what did you all do, called Karen, sounded from the background she was having fun with her sister!!!! Glad to see you all spending time and hope taking pictures, put on the blog. Suzy sends her love, she would have liked to have come down also.

Thursday, Nov. 13

seven feathers

6:30 pm, just left, had to stop for good luck!!! We saw some great area's, Jim your pulled in on this, laugh! Just looked and coming back, we picked up some matches, for good luck!!!! Lisi is so happy and so loved see Ben and you all, life is wonderful, with having our brother's and sister's in our life, this also goes for the spouses, what a wonderful nutty group!! And what plan's,.... In each of our future for each as we shared this special time, hugs and kisses......

How's this?

you losers

it's 6:30 pm.
Why hasn't anyone posted. What is up with that.

Ben, Illa, Teresa, Athena, and Merlin are in CC

We met them at Battery Point Lighthouse this morning. They're parked in our driveway for tonight at least and Ben and Illa are staying in the apartment.

Jim

on our way

on hwy 30 going to pick up Lisi and heading down, first stop Suzy then heading over towards Cresent Ciy will let you know where we stop, have chains if needed. Jesse and Lili oxox

I heard from Ben.......part II

Of course, just when we went to town this evening Teresa called to let us know that they arrived in Crescent City and are at the KOA. I called and talked to Ben. He sounded good but tired. He said that they drove up the coast about 40 miles and realized that where they wanted to go was quite a ways north so they turned around and came to Crescent City.

We're going to meet them at the Battery Point Lighthouse parking lot at 11:00 tomorrow morning. We'll keep you posted as soon as we find out anything new.

Jim

I heard from Ben

I thought everyone might like to know that Ben had made it to our last reunion site at the Rogue river and spent the night. They left there this morning (Monday) to go to Crescent City. It's 5:30pm now and I still haven't heard if he got there.

Dick and I will be heading South Wednesday AM and joining them down there. Ben said he's planning on staying on the coast for a week or so. Keep praying for strength for all of them. Peter

Bonnie

Ben and Illa. I know you are on your way to Jims and Sandi' and don't have your lap top but I'm sure Jim and Sandi will be checking theirs. My stepson told me about this product that a scientist discovered that has awesome affects on cancers. You can look it up and order it on the internet and ready different peoples comments on the results they have had with it. It is from the Rainforest and is called: Graviola from the Raintree company. I guess you can order a bottle of capsules for about $20.00. It may be worth trying. People with extreme advanced cancers have had remarkable results. You can punch in either Raintree.com or Graviola for cancers. It is also highly affective for a lot of other illnesses. LOL

westward hooo

Well,here it it sun 1030 and we are packing packing and ready for the oceans perfumes. With luck we should hear part of the sympathy !! Very cool LOL!!! We will not have the laptops put should hear the music with no problems. We won't help
Thanx for the prayers. I am certain without them things wound have been worse. xox bg

Raging Storm last night

We had a raging storm here last night. hail, rain in buckets, lightning and thunder. It was awesome. I love storms like that. We really needed the rain tho. Will play havoc in trying to burn the field in a few weeks tho. Unless it dries out good. At least it didn't snow. Not ready for that yet. And no, I didn't think to take any pictures. Probably good thing as some of the strikes were really close.

Don't know if I posted it or not, but BJ finally got a job last week. He had his first training day yesterday and another today. He will be working at the local Chevron station in Mc Cloud. Not far from their house which is good. He will be opening and closing. I am sure he will be trained for the other positions too. This is good news as he had been out of work for so long. He is pretty happy. Not too happy about having to get up at 5 am to open at 6 am but oh well. We all have to do things like that to get to work. We are so happy for him. I guess he had to pass quite a few regulations and tests.

Ben is doing ok today. He had a good day yesterday. Teresa is sick today. Hope it doesn't last too long. She was finally getting some rest since being at home. Hope I got the leak fixed in the trailer. Will have to check today to make sure. I really hope so. It has had several good days to dry.

So hope to talk to all of you later.

Love Ben and Illa

Norman Nelson

had a wonderful gathering with his friends, his father has never meet them as Norman cut off his connection with his father. Is was wonderful seeing the kids. They are close to Jess and myself and we know that he was loved. His friends are a wonderful group and it was wonderful to share the memory of his life. Jesse and Lili

I said, "Get in the truck, not the trunk!"

life is full of joy for me, thinking possitive, thank God I'm in my 50's, and don't have to go threw my youth again. I've learned a lot in my life. My team wants me to work in mental health because I am so positive and learned so much. They want me to teach recovery, in drug and alcohal with mental health as I worked with it in Longview, for 10 years. That is called the duelling program, that is called DVR. Put it in my way of life that I walked in my younger years working in the bars and other jobs, I've walked the walk, and can talk the talk, as I've experenced it with the people and friends that I have incountered in my personal and work. Plan on going back to school, with the support of my pack team. Have so much more to learn and share.

Renewed my license

So i went to the dmv. walked in and realize i forgot my Social Security info. went home and got it.
went back to the DMV and they told me i had to have a copy of my birth certificate. it has to be an original and stamped.
I go home and get it.
So i made my 3rd trip back and finally got renewed.
So i must be getting that thing that you get when you cant remember that thing that you forgot. :)
and so since Ben cant say it...
maybe its time for another colonoscopy.

Prayer of a Lonely Heart

Will there be a friend in heaven, Someone my heart to share? Someone to walk side by side. And to say "I love you". Will no one come to see me, Because I am different then they; And have an excuse to pass me by. Forever day after day? Will I be lonely in heaven, With always. Longing heart? And see good friends go hand in hand, while others stand apart? This it is here Father, And that they are going with thee, To that glorious place called heaven, But, Father, how about me? Maybe I don'd want to go there, With always a longing heart? And see their faces, averted and proud. I know that two is company; And know that thee is a crowd. If I were in heaven I'd find someone Or two or three or more. As lonely as I am in my heart. As lonely as I am in my heart. And open wide my door. We'd have a feast of friendship. And all, alone and apart. Would find the pathway to that door. And a welcome on my heart. But my Father said to me kindly, " you may make your home on earth, A friendly place to the sad and lone, With a welcome at your hearth". "You will never again be lonely, If to Them, your lift to be, A beacon that shines on that open door. That leads to Heaven and Me". Oh, I learn the lession Fsther. As I talk to thee up there. It's not "they" or "them" but me, oh Lord. That's really in need of Prayer.---June. Please family this why Jess and me have always had our home, as we found with our own family, the dis-connection we knew how we were treated. This spoke so much our heartfelt hearts and our love to God. Also the doors of our Chapel,....it's open to all, no one will be turned away.....

Jesse nephew

just want you to know that the brother of jess, lost the life of his son. It happened Saturday night, with a self inflected gun shot, he could not get work, three months behind on his house and other issues. We just found out and it's hit Jess and me hard. Wish we would have known, he was a wonderful person and had a beauiful soul. Aunty Lili

Illa

I just want you to know how much we, and i think im talking for the whole family, appreciate you. your commitment and dedication to taking care of your husband and our brother. I also appreciate the time you take, after a long day of working and taking care of Ben, to stop and let us know what is going on. Days must seem so short after all you do. I am glad that the kids are there to help you around the house and give you some relief.
In the short time that i have gotten to know Ben I believe that he is overwhelmed by the love and compassion and the sacrifice that you are making for him. I think that Bens heart is just pumping with pride over his wife.
I believe that if the roles were reversed that he would be doing the same for you.
Dick

Ben is finally home

Well, we are here. Tired, grumpy but clean now. Ben is finally asleep so now maybe I can get something done. Teresa had the house clean except for all the crap we have laying around. Dont know what we want to keep or throw away. Or where to put it for that matter. But she did a great job. Still have to put away all the stuff we brought home that is needed and decide what is junk and get rid of it. Left some stuff. Now to order stuff and they are supposed to provide it. I still believe that they charge our insurance for the supplies. Hospice was here and hooked Ben back up to his pain pump. Having to change his bandages more often again. He is at least eating something. Sherbet.

We have to let them know when we plan to head to the coast so that they can send up with enough meds and will probably have to check in with Hospice over there in case we need anything and it sounds to have them change the drug cassette. Pain in the butt thing but i guess they do have their policies to follow also regarding narcotics. None of us was too impressed with the ladies today. But they brought the stuff needed so I will keep my mouth shut as long as they provide the supplies. I still have to get a prescription for Ben for sleep as I didn't want him to have to sit for very long in the car. The 2 hour trip was bad enough even tho he took it pretty well. Only a little spitting of snow. boy was I glad about that. The day before it snowed good on Hatchet. Melted mostly by the time we came thru but you could tell it was there.

Well, I am going to close for now and see what I can do before going to bed. I know I am not going to get much sleep if the past 2 night are anything to go by. Talk to you all later. We still monitor the phone. I am sure glad that this election stuff in done. Now hopefully they will quit calling.

Love Ben and Illa

Bonnie

Hi everyone, I was also getting concerned about Ben. I am so glad is is going home. Let us know how things go when you can Illa.
Amy is here spending a week with me, it is so awesome. First time in 15 years.
Glenda, I am off the road for good, about a month now. Rick has a new partner and will be home about the 24th, he will have been gone 1 1/2 months. He hope to get off the when he turn 62 next October. Love ya all. Amy says hi to everyone.

Glenda

Wheres your pictures? Do I have to come down there and do it for you? :)
Boy with your education (and age) i would think that you could figure it out.
Love ya

Dick

family of Love

Oh, what a family, a family of love. Oh, what a story we could tell this special family that shines. The joys and the sorrows and the journey we each have walked. Though we've lived in different families, how much we to share. We have been enriched through the spices of life, that each have walked. Oh, how blessed we are in our golden years, the love of the families, added with the sisters and the brothers, from the branches in twined with other members, how special we are. We DO fight and bicker just as brothers and sisters, in the world. So, don't doubt the love we share, as we hug and we live. How Blessed I am knowing my sisters and brothers as I walk the path of life. No more apart, when we see the heavenly gates,.... How I look to the day, when we are re-uninted, the the families that raised us, to see the joy on their face, as we hug them and love them, and show them this family of children, that are all re-united, added with hugs to their child en... now let's see them keep up with the group, and they'll say, WHAT HAVE WE CREATED IN THIS FAMILY OF CHILDREN,... WILL WE BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THIS GROUP OF CHILDREN, LET'S COUNT ALL THEIR HEADS, As they refer as brothers and sisters, how many children do we have?

I Love the fall too!

It's a beautiful Saturday morning and I am sitting with a great cup of coffee watching the storm move in from the ocean. My most favorite weather has finally arrived in the bay area. The clouds have so many different shades of gray, that I find it hard to believe. The wind is singing in gusts at high octaves that whistle thru the cracks in my windows and harmonizes with the low sounds through the trees and bushes.

I am thrilled to have this weekend at home without the worry of preparing for a study group for the first time in many weeks...the only thing missing is a fireplace with all of you right here with me. However, it has been fun catching up on the blog and it is almost like you are here. You know what I find fun? Reading a post and being able to know who wrote it without having to read the name! Isn't it amazing how different we are in how we express ourselves?! I think that is very kool!! I like to think of this blog as similar to a beautiful fabric that we are weaving. Each one of us add a different color or thread to the tapestry, creating a dimension and depth that would not be possible without the touch of that special individual that we each of been created to be. I am grateful for each of you and feel very blessed that we have had this opportunity at this place in time to get to know each other.

Oh, wow, the storm is getting really good!!! I am going to get out in it while I can and see if I can take a couple of pictures to put up a little later today. More later.