Meet Alexander James Hooper

Rachael's parents did arrive in time for the birth. Everyone came through the experience in fine shape. Alexander weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21" long. We all tried to guess the weight and length ahead of time and the price was a $100,000 bar. I'm not going to even get a crumb as I was way off.

welcome Alexander

8lb 60z 21 inches

Dick

Done deal

and we are 1 more strong :)

Congrats to Andrew and Rachel.

Dick

Jim and Sandy

are waiting in the hall 5:27pm

family reunion Emigrant lake Aug6-8

please save a site at 1-541-774-8183 or Jacksoncountyparks.com

sites at $18 per a night for tents. Im in site #35 i think. under lueria miller by the RV area's . Check in is at 2pm. 8 people per site 2 tents max

Waterslide  $7 for 1 1/2  and $12 for 3 hour play on waterslide.

only 2 cars per a site and the second car is $6 a night added. 

5505 hwy 66, Ashland Ore

from 1-5, take Ashland exit 14, east on highway 66 approximately three 1/2 miles to park turnoff.  

Hi, just a update about Alicia. My mom.........

Hi, I talked to my mom and she said she would like you to know.  She is having surgery June 3rd at 9am . They will put some tube in her, her kidney is not working well.  She has had some tough news for her and I. She needs to start dialyses. She will be having it 3 times a week i believe and go to a clinic for it.  I don't know the name of the hospital. I know its in Vancouver Wa. I feel so sorry about this news.  I took her to the beach for mothers day weekend. We had a blast together. She says she wants to come to the family reunion. But we will see how she feels.  Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Rick has been helping her with these issues.  I don't much details so any questions please ask Mom or any of them. My mom does not mind them sharing information.  Uncle Jess and Alilia have also been invited to all the meeting. Its great to know she has great support group. I feel blessed mom has her sister's there for her. She is happy. Please feel free to call my mom Alicia anytime. She is a night owl now days so call anytime. hugs

Baby Watch-Wednesday

No baby as of 7:44.50 PM.

They're ready, just add baby.

Rachael and Andrew are ready for a baby! She is due on Wednesday, May 19. Alexander will be making his presence known any time now. In fact there are already large signs around town that say things like 'Alexander for D.A.' (Daddy's Adulation).  Randy and Claudia are due on Friday, May 28. As I said before, we're going to be knee deep in Hoopers around here pretty soon.

Jim

Family Reunion

Hey All;

Well every year my kids and I have tried to make it. But as our family grows and finances grow shorter, it is not easy to take the time off and travel each year. Well this year, Bianca turns 21. Big year for us. She chose the place to celebrate; not Las Vegas as we were sure she would, but Florence, because she has a quad and her mom and her are addicted to the dunes. So we've rented a vacation house and will be there for the weekend of July 30-Aug. 1. If anyone cares to join us there, you are welcome. It's under an hour from Eugene. So the Lange/Schells will be having thier own family reunion..we'll miss you all. Hopefully all 30 + family members that are north will consider driving to Florence for the weekend.

Suzanne

Sandi and I went to see the Lupines on Saturday.

Click on the title.

not to over ride PnKs post...

But i made a major accomplishment tonight. I made fish for Chuck. This is a first in my 35+ some years. and he ate it. Which in its self is an accomplishment.

Thats all i have to say.

LOOKS LIKE 3/C !

OK, looks like 3/C. Let's go for it! Anyone who wants to go into a family camp site, Lueria has a large group tent site spotted. It'll hold a bunch of people, and it appears large enough where we can have our meals. Contact Lueria she'll fill you on the cost- which split up does't sound like very much. We're looking forward to seeing all who can make it. Love you all, PnK

A man (eventually) and his remote is a beautiful thing.

Now that I have your attention let's vote on a possible time and place. As I see it we have three possible places (1) Florence (2) Valley of the Rogue Campground in Rogue River (3) Emigrant Lake Campground and Waterslide in Ashland, that have been suggested and three possible dates. (A) June 18-20, (B) July 30-Aug. 1. I think that this is the where Suzi and family have a prior plans. (C) August 6-8.

Speak now or forever hold your peas.

Jim

just trying to get a clear picture.

So it looks like the reunion this year is a bust? Seems we all cant make a decision on when, where, or who can make it. Last I saw posted was the idea of June, which only makes it a month away.

Some other locations have been suggested, but to far for us down south to drive or to far for those up north to drive. Dates are an issue for others that already have prior commitments that dont make it feasible to take time of so close together.

Trying to get a reservation this late in the year could prove to be a challenge.

Not trying to be negative. Just want to keep the possibility of it still happening a probability for those that can make it.

Dick

This was in my creek a while back

I thought since we don't have a whole lot going on the blog you might be interested in some of the creatures that visit our creek. I snuck up on it as it was easting huge quantities of periwinkles. Love you guys. PnK

Future plans

An article on CNN caught my eye a month ago, and I mentioned it on the blog. Thanks to everyone that e-mailed me privately about their future hopes, objectives, and desires. I feel that goals, plans, and aspirations can include many things. They can be large or small, long-term or short-term. They can be kind gestures, long-term goals, personal achievements and travel destinations. It made me think about the future but more importantly to focus on enjoying the present.

Like I said, I would post mine later. I have two lists, one for specific goals to be accomplished during 2010 and one for long-term goals. For me, I find that if I don’t have goals written down they are not likely to happen and life leads me rather than me leading life. This will  be an evolving list, but it's a list.

Camp / fish on lake in Alaska with HB   
Hike the Chilkoot Trail again this time w/ HB   
*Many many road trips with HB
Many many road trips with HB 
 *Share as much time as possible with kids, girls,  and grandkids
*Get to understand biological family better
See Death Valley with HB    
*Hike portion of PCT (Seiad to Mt. Ashland) 
*Put a geocache on Hooper Peak 
Take grandkids on trips with HB  (road, kayaking, fishing) 
Go on motorcycle trip with HB  
See the Great Wall of China with HB  
Search out unique geological experiences with HB
Find a volunteer program to support with my time  
Write a book 
Make another list.

* means the summer of 2010
HB means Honey Bunny (Sandi)

Jim

MRI

We went in for the MRI tonight, I asked when they would have the results. I expected them to tell me 6 weeks. Well come to find out they will have the results tomorrow and in the system by wednesday.

So hopefully we will be hearing something by the end of the week.

Ill update via e-mail.

im to tired to give this a title so you figure it out

My 'graduation' acknowledgement tonight

Click on the title.

Sandi's Good Idea

Let's try to get everyone to say when they CAN meet. Make your connections give you at least 5 different weekend that work for them. Then we can match dates and get the greatest common factor. The sooner we can get these dates, the sooner we can make a plan. Sandi (and Peter says) By the way. Florence is good, but a bit far for some perhaps; and a bit cool for others.

reunion

http://www.loonlakerv.com/oregon-coast-weddings-locations-family-reunion-sites.html

Just a suggestion. We've already paid for a vacation house in Florence for the weekned of the 30th. Bianca's 21st Bd. Florence is a lovely little town.

LET'S KEEP TRYING!

OK, it looks like we hit a major snafu. Let's try this again. As I see it, neither of these dates work. If we choose either date, we'll be missing a very large block of the family either way. Let's try anther weekend. Let's try to chime in early on a suggested weekend. WE CAN DO THIS, KEEP TRYING!

This we know: Chuck, Lisi and anyone close to them can't commit to any date, but we know they will come if they can---it's the larger (connected) family groups that have so many obligations that have the most difficulty. Karen and I, and other 'independents' have more open schedules. The reality is, it's up to the busiest of us- the big connected families, to arrange these dates (sorry). So get on it! By the way, Karen and I really want to see each of you- even the black sheep. (I think it's our sister Glenda this year)

long walk off a short pier.

Well not quite. im not Jim ;) I did think about going for a swim, then i used common sense.

I got to get away for awhile today. I have been looking forward to going up to Donner Lake for 4 years. Driven past it many times, but never gat a chance to stop. So i decided that i would take the trip today.

Donner Lake is about 35 miles west of Reno, which I thought seriously about going to, but thought best to save that for a better time.

The lake is at 6800 foot elevation. The weather there was BEAUTIFUL, as you can tell. I just hung out by the lake and enjoyed the mountain air.

I really do love this are, only problem it is California.

Emigrant Lake link

Click the title.

Emigrant Lake for the reunion?

I'm going to suggest Emigrant Lake for the reunion. If you click on the title it'll take you to a link that tells more about it. I've taken my class to the waterslides there before, and we've always had a great time. I'm thinking of doing it again if I can put it together as an end of the year field trip. It's really close to Ashland and just before you get to the lake there's a KOA. Since it's a good halfway point for everyone it would entail equal amounts of travel for all that choose to come. BJ, it's only about 15 miles from the Rogue River campground but there's more to do that is closer. I'm thinking the first part of August???

Click Here for Reunion Discussion

I took the boys fishing today. The girls stayed home and did a craft project. This is Noah's largest Trout he's caught so far- 17.5"! We weren't even sure if they could fish, it's the first day the pond has thawed enough to get a hook in. Noah is 14 years old, and still likes hanging with grandpa!

On the Road

Karen and I are off to see the kids in Colorado. Right now we're in Grand Junction, CO. On the drive today we got out and enjoyed a walk down the main street of an old mining town, Helper, Utah. This poster was on the door of one of the buildings. It's titled 'child miner'. Just a kid with a pipe & pick. There was almost no occupied building, just a lot of old buildings, circa late 1800's, with updated facade to various times. 70 today in Grand Junction, just beautiful. We'll reach our destination and our grandchildren tomorrow.

Family reunion

Are we planning a family reunion this year? We for one family needs to plan around family trips, kids vacations and Bianca's 21st BD.

Living as if they had only one day left

I just ran across an interesting article about what I queried everyone about. The article inspired me to add to my list. The last thing on my list now is 'Make another list.' It's interesting to read the comments at the end of the article. Click the title.
Jim

Broken Hearts

What Bon and Sandi were speaking of ("emotional intelligence" and "love held back") it reminded me of all the people I've read about, or known who have died of a broken hearts. Do you suppose there is a relationship to people getting sick from depression, anxiety, stress etc. What about these rich guys who end up in prison, then get sick. What was that Enron guys name? Then Madoff, he ended up in the hospital soon after his incarceration. Just recently, and elderly couple I know, died within two months of each other! Happens all the time. Do you know anyone like that? I think there's a lot to 'the joy of the Lord is our strength' kind of disposition. Think about it, how many people do you know who have died of broken hearts?

Susan Davis

Chuck and I got togeter with Susan last night at Mitches place. For someone that just had a major surgery, she looks real good. I think the last time i saw her was in 92 ish.

She will be here for 2 months, so hopefully she will be able to spend some time with Chuck. she has a busy schedule on her hands, so we will see.

What is LOVE anyway?

As an attempt to contribute to this blog- per Jim's hopes for the family's involvement. However, not wishing to overwhelm this blog by being too wordy. Here's a subject I think is relevant to everyone; You can click on the title to see these thoughts.

WHAT IS LOVE?

Have you ever thought about it? What is love? What actually happens when two sets of eyes meet and they 'fall in love'? Is there something physical, or is it something spiritual? What is the actual mechanism that triggers this feeling of 'being in love'?

If you watch much TV, you hear it all the time, “I just don't love him anymore”, or, "mom, I think I'm in love". When you hear something like that, shouldn't it provoke questions like, what has happened? What actually ceased or started, that was there or stopped in their relationship?

Love is often defined as an emotion, an action; a.......

Sorry I've not been as active.  I'm just popping on to say that I love you all, turned in the last of my work for Japanese Thought, got an 85% on my term paper (whoever wants to read it, email me and I'll send an attachment in my reply) and an A-  that the professor hadn't gotten a chance to post, but he sent me an email letting me know my grade.  So, 3/4 classes for the semester are done, and the 4th 1/2 way done, and a 4.0 average so far.

I'm bushed.  And I'm probably going to take my last English class next semester, just to get it out of the way...

Kids are doing well.  Athena had her open house last night.  I forgot to take the camera with me, so I didn't get a picture of her mission project, so I'll have to take a picture of it once it gets to come home again.  She worked really hard on building her model.

Merlin also decided that he wanted a "boy haircut."  So he has short hair nnow, which he likes.  I knew that waiting until he was ready for and wanted one, instead of fighting him, would pay off.

Good night family.  We love you.  Those that are not so healthy, I'm looking forward to you feeling better.  Those that are healthy, stay that way please.

today

was a busy day. we had our last PT visit today. now one of the challenges is to get Chuck to cooperate in continuing on with the things that she gave us.

after she left the VA nurse came and did an evaluation and checked out what i was doing. :)

one of the things that she asked chuck was "what is your goal?" he said to start driving again. She made the comment that that probably wasnt going to happen. then asked him his realistic goal. he really had no comment.

so the plans are that we will finally have a dietician come in and go over his diet and help to do meal planning.

they are also going to have a psychologist come in. she could see that there are some mental issues there. why ? who knows for sure. and how to treat them.

i did talk to her personally about some of the things that i have that concern me. she told me that what i was doing was the only way to handle things sometimes. i really dont want to be specific on the blogg. what she told me was a reiteration of the same things that Suzi told me also. Thanks Suzi.

chucks eye app

we are trying to get his MRI to a earlier date. as per the eye Dr. his vision is 20/25 and he sees color very well.

so far this is what the Doc is saying. this refers to what is know as 3rd nerve palsy, he dosnt think that there is a tumor or damaged gland behind his eye. The damage may of been a result of his lack to maintain his BS and his mini strokes. I think that one led to the other. But thats just my thought.

here is some reading.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1198462-overview

Family

I enjoy this blog and would like it kept active. I do read it to keep up on family. I enjoy the pictures, I just have so little time and to tell you the truth, I am not sure what to say to family. We're like strangers at times. But I love you all and hope we decide to be more active on this family blog !

Who knows what this is?????

Jims ninja rabbit

Proton Description and Pictures

I've written a description of the proton treatment process and had the technicians take some pictures. Click on the title.

Gonzo is walking......or dancing.

He starting walking since I've been down in Loma Linda. Randy and Claudia sent me a video and he looks really cute. Actually, now that I look at him he could be leading an orchestra.
Jim

eye dr

took chuck to the eye exam today. the nurse made the comment that she thinks that it looks like the issue with his eyes may be related to a thyroid issue. so they made 2 more appointments with some specialist. we see them on the 25th. in one eye he has 20/25 the other wasnt as good. but dont know what it was.

Big announcement

Follow the title link for details on an anthology for kids and by kids.  If you know any kids (or people that know kids) that would like to send submissions, please feel free to spread the word.

~Teresa

Summer is Coming!

This was last summer. The girls were running our .001 class rapids.

Do you mean this one?

Jim

I need one of those signs that you saw in the bathroom ;)

Saying Hi.

BJ's in the Paper!

Left to Right

Front Row:
Explorers Todd Cain, Dylan Baldini, Kody Williams, and Zack Fernandez

Row Two:
Firefighter Ben Garcia (yay bro!), Assistant Chief Alan Bodiford, Firefighter Coleton Baldini, and Firefighter Paul Fernandez

Row Three:
Firefighter Ralph Dalessio, Firefighter Wes Brow (he got Firefighter of the Year for the Department), Captain Rick McGowan, and Captain Debbie Kleinhans

Row Four:
Firefighter Tim Ferguson, Firefighter Tim Dickinson, Firefighter Bruce Robison, and Chief Rick Dexter.

new friend

Sunday Glenda and i went to the Embarcadero. I dont ever remembering being there before. walking along jack made a new friend. You should of seen the look on the guys face when i asked him if i could take a picture with my jack-a-lope and his pet. It was the kind of reaction you would expect in San Francisco.

Anyway it was a good day and the air was fresh and fishy.

Sandi came down for the weekend!!!!

We had a great time. On Saturday we went to Palm Springs and saw where the tram operated, marveled at all wind turbines in the area, drove around town, visited an art festival, and almost viewed the longest playing movie in town 'The Sex Life of Dates.' A town near there is reputed to be the Date Capital of the California. I'm not a big date fan as they're too close to raisins, and I'm not a big raisin fan either.

Sunday we drove out to the desert to Joshua Tree National Park and I almost froze my tail off. It got down to 33* at the higher elevations. We had to turn around when we tried to go over there by way of Lake Arrowhead as there were chain restrictions in effect.
While at the park we saw a sign that said "Exhibit" but we drove past it as I thought it was too cold for any kind of exhibiting. Maybe if we come here later on I'll consider it.

Gonz March 6, Sat.

 

 It's been awhile since I've posted a picture of Gonz, but here's one that Randy and Claudia sent us today.

Jim

I thought of Illa when I saw this:

No, it's not a story on angels. It's a story on hyper-sensitivity to radio waves and such. Illa doesn't have it this bad, but apparently there are people out there who can't be around technology at all. One wonders about so many allergies; odd miladies like Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue; a myriad of auto immune diseases, and on and on. I remember June Lange telling me that women had narrow hips because of all the hormones in beef cattle. I think about what she said every time I hear of someone with one of these odd ailments. Click on title above.

Chuck

The nurse came in today and was very pleased with Chucks BS readings. And his Carb intake for meals. Infact she was so pleased that we have been maintaining the levels, that she told us that she saw no reason that she needed to come out anymore. The VA will be sending one of their own nurses out once a month.

We will still have the PT here 3xs a week for the next month. Yesterday she put Chuck thru a good work out. I had to go out of the room because it reminded me of the PT that i had to do for 6 weeks after my motorcycle accident. But he only gets about an hour compared to my 4+.

We went for a walk today around the block. Remember the first time it took 2 hours? Well this time it took about 45 minutes. He even walked a pretty good pace. Sometimes even without shuffling.

alls quiet...

around here. The PT came today and spent about an hour with Chuck. Looked over the house, as far as safety, and did some strength evaluations with Chuck. I would think that she did that to evaluate what kind of PT shes going to give him.

She will be here 3xs a week, for 4 weeks at this time. She told Chuck that she wanted to see him walk every day :) So that is good . for both of us.

At the end of the week we have a Dr. appointment with an Endocrinoligist. I guess they examine Glands that are responsible for the secretion of hormones into the blood stream, from what i see. But ill have to look for more info on it.

Anyway thats it for now.

Thanks for all your encouragement and support in this adventure.

My scary term paper is done

It's done, and I feel like I gave birth. Well, without the whole "oh my, I've been split open and laid a cannon ball" caliber of physical pain. My Buddhism paper is finished, checked, had some minor redrafting, another good proofing, a tumble through the turn it in checker... and has been submitted.

Ahhhhh... It feels good. I feel accomplished. I also feel like it ate me alive.

With it done, I'll have a little time to read in Steven Disney's manuscript and get caught up on that! Whooo!

I still need to come up with a topic for my Japanese Thought paper that will be due in four weeks, but I think I've done really darn good considering how much time early on was lost to that power outage. I'm darn impressed with myself that I managed to catch up and keep up after that.

*flexes muscles*

Now I'd better go before since my "boss" from Dragon Hearts yells at me YET AGAIN to go to bed. Rowan and I tend to keep each other company while we work on our schoolwork even though he and his wife to be are currently on a working holiday in New Zealand. He's done it (telling me to go to sleep) several times today since I got home, and he's been doing it so often lately while I've been hammering everything out that I've totally lost track.. and don't want to go count them, or how many times he's threatened (good naturedly as I'm stubborn) various retributions if I didn't.

Anyway, this was a pretty big thing for me since I was worrying about it more than my COLL100 (Intro to Online Learning) paper. Now I just have a paper for Japanese Thought due in another month, and probably one due in two months for my Asian Peoples class that starts on the 1st.

Thanks so much for posting about everyone's various doctor appointments, house things, and social stuff. I really appreciate being able to come here to read, and also seeing various updates on Facebook.

• Mood: accomplished and thankful!

Also, in not so happy news, Athena's weird tooth infection has come back again. She's on antibiotics yet again and has another appointment with the dentist next Friday. They plan to do a full root canal on that tooth, want it watched for a month or so again after that. If it comes back after THAT, then they will remove it, but are reluctant to do so as she is so young, it's a key tooth, and it's a permanent tooth.

I just want all that over as she's missed so much school due to recurrent problems that she is getting held back to repeat the 3rd grade (in addition to some disagreements with the teacher).

Merlin at least is doing well and healthy as an ox. He's actually started doing classwork in school now! He's been bringing home papers on math and money stapled to his daily report, in his own handwriting.

~Teresa

Peter, Peter, Peter....

Do you know anything about this?

Dr visit

Well we had the neurologist appointment today.

When we got to the hospital it was raining. This is like the 4th time that it has since Ive been here. It is so refreshing and almost feels like home. Anybody know where that is? I let chuck out at the main door. The hospital has these little ON-demand golf carts that will zoom you to your destination if you cant crawl there. So chuck go taken to the building that he was supposed to have his appointment at and I went and parked and walked to the building. I told him to wait for me and dont go anywhere. I got there and no Chuck. The cart was there but not Chuck. I looked all over and couldn't find him. I decided to go and check the back entrance to the hospital and there chuck was wondering around.

We had to take the elevator to the 2nd floor. I would have walked but that would have taken another 1/2 hour Except with Chuck.

Jim, I know what you mean by listening to people in the waiting room. Except it was more like.

"well i had a knee replacement last year, and now im making another for 2 months from now"

" i had my hip replaced 2 yrs. ago. and a rotator cup last month"

"ya my knee is bothering me and the dr. wants to replace it"

We went to the Dr and she asked chuck several questions and he did pretty good in answering.

She watched him walk and listened to him talk. Some questions he gave his view and i had to correct him in areas.

She started him on a new med :( It is supposed to help with some seizures that he has.

Although she made a statement about how not maintaing his BS and not taking his meds might of brought on some of the newest issues. But was encouraged that we had gotten his BS on track without the BS meds.

She confirmed my suspicion. But what do I know, im not a Dr. and dont claim to be all knowledgeable.

They are going to do an MRI, EEG, and some other alphabet letters that I missed.

Anyway we were there talking to the Dr. and I had to take off to get to the Pharmacy to get his new meds before it closed. The Dr. finished up with him and took him down stairs to wait for me. I got there and went up to pick him up. And guess what. He wasn't there. At this time the offices were supposed to be closed. So the security guard asked me "what you want son?" This office is in the same building as the mental health facility.

This guy looks just like the guy from "family matters" 300+lbs black and really a nice guy. But also a little imposing. He called on his radio and a couple minutes later here comes chuck with a VA cop. I think ill get one of those leashes that you see mothers have on their kids so they dont run off.

So now hes in his favorite position, sawing logs.

nurses visit

The home nurse came in today and checked Chuck out. She was happy with his BS over the last week. Its been in the 109 -148 range. only twice have we had it above 135. With no meds for the BS.

His BP was good. a little on the higher side of good, but she wasn't to concerned. We went over the diet a little bit. Some things will change, but not to drastic.

She was a little concerned that we had not heard from the PT/OT yet. but we should hear from them today or on monday.

Jim

You know that the white is to warn you to go. the red guy is to tell you to Run like crazy :)

the other side

We went for a ride today up to Georgetown. 44 miles from Folsom up in the Hills. This is the same area that is part of the Rubicon trail. Its really a beautiful area and away from the city.

We drove about another 14 miles past Georgetown and ran into snow, so we turned around and found some of road roads.

Lili

All is good here, so busy and looking to be doing a lot more stuff,.......... so don't be surprised if you don't hear from me. As now all are on line, with Lisi also. With facebook, I am also on line to connect with my older sister Joyce. It's great. I do go there more as so many family member's are there and the children.

Jess is doing great, but he wishes to stay away from the drama of the family, as I do. Life is toooooooo short, in that department, and all we wish to do if have some fun, have him getting better, ...

I have talked to him about the motorcycles, and that it would be great to have him sale these and get the Harley he has been wishing. With working on the place with myself, and Rick, he is realizing he's needing to take it more easy, and working area's of the body, he is getting stronger. But, also feels it. I just make sure he does not over due, also when he takes a break, Rick takes a break. They both tend to want to keep going, so as it is, when I need to take a brake, I make sure they do this also. All is good.

The place is really clearing out, and both Rick and Jess are having fun working on it, all I am there for is to make sure, they don't over do. Also I have the help of both, when needed, or I do have other's to do the heavy stuff with me.

WE are all happy, and I look forwards to when I can go back to work in the area I so love to do.
I will be reading the posts, but I am like Suzy, out there in life also.

News from Loma Linda

I'm keeping a journal because........I don't know, just because. Click the title if you have the time.
Jim

Hi from Lisi

I now have my own laptop. I'm just learning how to use it. Bonnie is helping me. She is wonderful . I'm blessed to have her. I'm doing great and I love you all.

for Jim

Chuck and a buddy

If you dont recognize him, thats John Schneider from the "Dukes of Hazard". He was at the Auto-Rama hot rod show. We got there at 10 Am and left at 4 PM. This is the most walking i have seen Chuck do since I have been here. (which is a good thing)

Really some nice custom cars there, but i really prefer the restored cars more

new events

Well the good news is we finally are getting Chuck some expert help. This is probably overdue months ago.

A nurse came to the house today and talked to us about home care. One of the things shes doing is to come and check him out every Friday. BP, BS, BM, Med Management. The nice thing is there will be someone that i am accountable to. What a relief.

Then we are also be having a dietician come to the house to go over meal planning, and diabetes education. Although ive gone thru the classes before, I would not even assume that i know everything there is to know. Especially with other peoples lives at steak. I dont think you ever do.

Then, he will be getting PT. A therapist will be coming to the house and doing it here. I think this will be one of the best things for him.

I had a dr. visit at the VA today, same as Chucks Dr. I was very happy with my the physical. liver was not inflamed :) all the internal organs sounded good. she looked in my ear with the light and didnt see out the other side. might set me up for an eye exam.

we are going to do blood to check on the things for the HCV and the diabetes, and go from there.

I am really excited with whats going on with Chuck, "I" really think that with all the people that are going to be here to work with him, we could see a big changes. if he co-operates.

It goes to show you that Gods word is true. and i shared it with Chuck.

What the devil meant for harm. God turned it around for Good.

were happy

so far.

after dinner tonight chuck wanted to walk out to the mailbox. so i asked if he wanted me to go with him. he gave me a definite yes.

after we went to the box we were coming back and i "asked" him do you want to go for a little walk. he said, sure why not. I was like really surprised. He never says that. i asked are you felling pretty energetic. Yes. :)

so we walked to the end of the block and back. took about an hour. but it was his decision to go. WOW.

his spirits are up and he even got my humor - a little.

I took his BS at 6:00 170. at 8:00 171. I am not happy, I am very happy :)

Im excited to see what it is in the morning,

Thanks everyone for your encouragement and help.

Chuck

Chuck in ICU as of 10:30pm

Just in a nut shell chucks BS got very very low. 30s/40s range. I took him to the hospital today and they gave him some gloucose and raised it to 219. an hour later it was 141. an hour after that it was in the 50s. They tried for 9 hours to make it stable and it would get to a reasonable rate (75-150 is good) and within the hour it would drop below 50. so they decided to put him in ICU and will be testing every hour. then if its a decent level twice in a row, they will check every 2 hours.

if it maintains 2xs every 4 hours they will move him from ICU.

Thank you Suzi for your help in making the decision i should of made yesterday. Im really upset with myself that I didnt follow my first instincts.

thats all for now after spending 9 hours in ER.

YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE WHO I SAW WALKING IN TO GET PROTON TREATMENT THERAPY!!!

HI FAMILY

Hi ya all,

We are still among the living. Just got hooked up to Internet today and caught up on every ones news.

We are having a great time with Lili and Jess and Lisi. It has been amazing how God has been leading in our lives. It's been a wild ride and so rewarding. We still have the same cell numbers. We are in Vancouver and live in the same apartment complex as Lisi. Lisi is doing really great and is very happy. We love being together and even found a great church we go together to every Sunday. Except we we are sick. We have been taking turn with this stupid flu. I have had it 3 times since we moved out West.

It's great to be able to catch up on everyone again. Our prayers are with each of you. Love Rick and Bonnie

Trip doooowwwwwn

Click the title to read the latest from LA.
Jim

sending love to all

Just wished to let you all know how much I love each and very one of you, on this special day............ Hugs and kisses to all. Lili

Family History

I think I told you about a 'Rouzaud' emailing us, saying our home town is in The Pyrenees Mt. of France. I knew my great grandfather's name was Geronimo, and I ran across this image online. Turns out the fellow who posted it it is a distant cousin. He told me he has 2500 entries in his family tree. He's going to send me a copy. This genealogy stuff is fun, but I think it's going to be a lot of work.

I can't really add much of anything to what has been said by everyone involved about Chuck's situation. Ultimately, it's better to be proactive than reactive. I'm glad, in a sense, for Dick. He has said in the past that he wants to work in the service industry. Now, although it may be a different service than what he'd hoped, it is, never-the-less, a service in the industry, albeit the service of the industry or experience of life.

I think there is something in all of our genes about the wanting to, or the need to serve. Everyone in our family unit has worked, or works in some facet of a service industry. Where this comes from is any one's guess. I believe that some in this experience of life are 'takers' and some are 'givers.' I believe that we choose who we are based on our past life experiences. Some are 'late bloomers' that only recognize our place when we are directed into it. I see myself as a 'late bloomer.'

I must defer to Dick, Illa, and Mitch's judgment as to Chuck's state of being. Also though, I will be interested to hear what the neurologist has to say about Chuck's mental state. I have to believe that the combination of improper diet, job stress; which I believe has led to strokes, and lack of taking prescribed medications has led to Chuck's present condition.

Thank you, Dick, Illa, Carlene, Lili, and Mitch for all you've accomplished.

Jim

Latest from me

Well, it's been quiet here in McCloud for a while now. Everyone is long ago dug out, the lights are on, and the snow is melting enough that when you drive over the hill, you can see even more of the trees that fell over. School is going well for me, not so well for Athena due to some oddness between her and the teacher... Merlin is doing well and beginning to work with other students.

It's not going as well for a couple of my friends though. One (whose name I can not give out publicly, but can mention in email as long as you also promise not to mention her name openly) has had her husband lose his job and may lose the home that they, her mother, and her pets shared. Mom in her awesomeness will be letting them pull an RV in to dad's hookup if it comes down to that and they aren't able to find somewhere else where he can get work, until they are on their feet... meaning that the software man may have to commute to Redding looking for work in that eventuality.

My friend that edited my latest book for me is losing her welfare funding, and is trying to get her SSI. She has severe diabetes and can't stay on her feet for long at all due to some very bad arthritis and other things. So she is pushing harder at trying to get her freelance editing going. If you click the title link, it will take you to a post on StarDragon Press's blog giving more info and contact information. So if you know anyone needing books edited or even a college student needing a paper looked over, please pass her info along. She has a large family and both her and her husband are disabled.

Adam has also been hit by the bad luck stick, and tore the ligaments of his left foot off the bone, so he's currently on Vicodin and crutches. He was trying to help a friend of his that had been cutting out in the woods and had the misfortune of the battery going dead in his rig. So Adam, being helpful, went out to bring a spare and intended to bring the other battery to his house to charge it... and stepped in a hole out there, necessitating a jaunt to ER.

So keep these people in your prayers please. Much love to you all!

~Teresa

LA mudslides

If you read my blog about our trip to LA 2 weeks ago you'll remember that the GPS-in-the-car-lady was not as knowledgeable, nice, and sweet as I first thought her to be. Remember, she's the one that led us off on that small windy two-lane pot-holed road with no traffic called ‘Flint Ridge Road’ and who I learned some new four-letter words from. Unfortunately, they were all directed at me. Well, I was just listening to the news on CNN and it seems that in LA there have been some mudslides on, yes, Flint Ridge Road.
Next time I think I'll just use the map on my phone, at least it doesn't yell at me. I may even drive around by Death Valley just so I don't have to drive near Flint Ridge Road.

Jim

incase you didnt know

im one of them in the family that can admit it

This weekend

I get to go see my sister for a couple of days. She "says" were going to go to Church street. Ill make sure i take pics. Maybe "she" will follow the caution signs this time. But i wouldn't guarantee it, but I am going to watch my step around her anyway.

mustang and crown

We hare having them restored, so that we can have fun showing them, also fixing the motorcycles to ride.........................

Sandi said it right....

"Who believes a rodent from PA anyway? I refuse to believe it. Spring is coming!!! I saw a lot of little lambs and calves and trees budding and the daffies are sprouting in the yard. Winter is over, you hear? Get your shades out and handy!"

I'm ready, Besides, I got my blood work done and my PSA was 7.0. I guess the 8.5 previous increase was from the kayaking the night before, but I'm still going for treatment on the 16th.
Jim

Just wanted to share a sunset over Lake Folsom

Jim

so hows your tree doing? :)

Trip south

Click on the title to read about our trip to LA.
Jim

JnS's Gone South

I heard from JnS, around 4 o:clock they were down as far as Pasadena. They didn't have much further to go. Let's keep them in our prayers. And, let's pray they don't fall in love with the energy and excitement of Southern California, and want to move there! Yeah right.

That's Karen's and my old stompen grounds, and I can't stand it down there. It's likely when Jim gets back, he'll kiss the soggy earth as soon as he feels the North Californian mud under his feet.

wow

I have been having a hard time getting Chuck to use the toilet to pee. Last night i went into the other room for awhile and when i came back the smell was strong, This was about 11:00. I told him that we were going to talk to the Dr. about a catheter because of his lack of willingness to try to use the toilet.

This morning he says to me " I want to try to go the day with out a diaper, i thought about what you were talking about with the catheter and i dont want that."

Mind you, we have been going thru this about 5xs a week. Sometimes things are more clear to him. I really think part of it is how he is communicated to.

butternut squash

3.95, butter- 1.50, brown sugar-.50, gas to go to store 1.00, time to bake-45 min, time to fix to get ready to eat 10 min.

The look on Chucks face when he took his first bite.... PRICELESS.

He didnt care for it much. it was like a kid trying a lemon for the first time. Thats ok, more for me.

Its kind of strange. he will watch the same thing 2 or 3 times in a row, and each time its like the first time he has seen it.

Geez Dad!

I didn't think I'd have to wade-high and wade-low, digging through months of posts and comments to find those treasured little nuggets of information that you'll be going down to Loma Linda from January 27 - 29 and then treatment will start February 8.

Backstory: From my mother one morning over coffee I hear that he'll be starting treatment soon. So, I text him asking, "Hey, when are you leaving to Loma Linda to start your treatment?" He must have been extremely busy (it was a working day...Wednesday, I think) because the response I got back was..."It's on the family blog and my personal blog."

Now, let me ask each of you reading this: Do you check this blog everyday? Every week? Once a month? Or just before family reunions to catch up on everything before you meet everyone?

Back to the story: So, after work, taking care of the Wife, finding out I've got a baby of my own coming, and trying to have some fun with my brother and friends online (think Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for the XBox360) I sit down on this fine Saturday morning with a GIGANTIC cup of coffee and start reading the blog...and reading...and reading...and reading and then I FOUND IT!!! Eureka!

So, dad, thanks for posting it and sorry I don't read the blog more often.

On a side note: The blog is like being in the room with all of you. It's amazing the things that pop into our minds and what matter to us. Everything from family history genetics to Bibles in dangerous translations to snow on the road to Chuck...I love it...and I really hope all this stays "out there" on the world wide web so that 2o years from now my little boy (Alexander....coming soon) can read what all his relatives (especially his grandpa) had to say to each other and about each other. I know that it was hard to "contribute" to the family dialogue when I was between the ages of 0-18 at family reunions because I knew so little of the HUGE family history that already existed between everyone. Starting out, as the "younger generation" at the family reunions I really was at a disadvantage because everyone else there had spent the last 20+ years (lifetime, really) building the relationships and conversations. As I've grown older and not been the "youngest generation" anymore, for example at this latest family reunion, I found it much easier to mix with and know other family members and I really liked it. I think it just comes with becoming an adult.

I think if we just make sure that the "younger generation" has fun when we get together, then they'll keep coming back and from there the relationships and conversations will grow.

Where ever you and are and whatever you're doing, Have a Good One. And thanks for posting Dad!

Its in the oven

NOOO!!!! not a baby :)

Well i got inspired and made banana bread. But i am using Blue Agave sweetener in it. The batter is reallly good. I just hope i didnt mess up by using wd-40 to coat the pan.

There is goodness left in the world.

Sandi belongs to an online group and was sharing the fact that I have prostate cancer. This group of ladies, that we've never met, responded not by just saying that they're sorry and are praying for us, but they actually went to the time, effort, and expense of making me this prayer quilt. They prayed over it and asked for my healing. We've never met them, but they felt compelled to do this for me. I think that I'm in good hands.
Jim

P.S. If you're up for a good read, click the title.

that is so yesterday

well, maybe a little longer than that.

Rick and Bonnie

Just wanted all to know that Rick and Bonnie took the course to become Lisi care provider's, in the wonderful State of Washington, as both passes, by 100% percent.

They do understand why I love working with the State of Washington, I am so happy for them, and they are so happy. They are understanding why I love working within this State, and my love for it...............

they follow you everywhere

had a really, really nice day. took a little with Glenda, her son and the 3 girls. they weather was typical SF until later tonight when it started raining. lightly. took a walk to work off the sugar off of dinner and found some steep hills.

its really nice to get away for a bit and have some ME time.

Jackalope decide he wanted to see the sights also. He was really impressed with the Golden Gate and seeing the dolphins. He got some very interesting looks because of his strange appearance.

Me and my "Great big sister

My granddaught, Gracie

When she grows up, Gracie will have to find 'just the right man'.

Something to Ponder about Earthquakes

The Earthquake

President Obama, Pat Robertson (700 Club) made some remarks about the earthquake in Haiti that popped some red flags in my mind. First, you probably know what Anthropomorphism is; attributing human characteristics to animals. Well, there is probably a big word for doing the same thing to God - maybe Theomorphism, I don't know.

Anyway, President Obama said about the Haitian earthquake "This Tragedy Seems Especially Cruel And Incomprehensible! "

What bothers me about this statement, is that word "cruel". You see, only men and devils can be cruel! Like the phrase, 'she was viciously attacked by the shark'. Only people and devils can be vicious.!Or the phrase, the like I've heard , and read many times, 'the murderous bear". Strictly, and legally 'murder' must be accompanied by forethought and malice. It is also understood, that it is a crime, outside the accepted societal behavior. Bears, chimps, sharks, cats with mice, they all do what is natural to their species; nothing cruel about it.

All that to say, it is subtle messages like President Obama's, that implies that there is some intelligent force behind the events of the Haitian earthquake of 2010. And who else? Well it must be God! He is the only one capable of pulling off this kind of catastrophe!

Sadly, Pat Robertson (a proven false prophet) supports President Obama's premise. Robertson said the the reason behind the earthquake is because the Haitians sold out to the devil to escape French rule. (Apparently this happened a couple of centuries ago).

Both of these gentlemen are wrong. Certainly God is capable of judging Haiti, but it would be presumptuous to represent God this way. What if it were simply a matter of being on a very bad tectonic fault line, and bad building practices? Add a population that is crammed together; God would not have to have anything to do with it. For example, let's say I smoked for fifty years of my life; worked forty years in a coal mine, lining air ducts with asbestos: If I died of lung disease at sixty, is it God's fault? Is God cruel?

Mr 13:8 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there will be earthquakes in many places, and there will be famines, and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."

As I see it. God, in his foreknowledge, is trying to warn mankind of what is going to happen on our earth. A loving parent will alway attempt to warn his child of impending disaster. This does not mean that the parent is causing the disaster! Then there is this scripture to answer the Pat Robertson types: (Jesus said this)"Luke 13.4-5 ^"What about those eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Do you think they were worse than everyone else in Jerusalem? ⁵Not at all! But you can be sure that if you don't turn back to God, every one of you will also die".

Clearly Jesus is telling us, (I'm using a paraphrase here) "don't be so self righteous and look down on those folks who died under the towers, saying, 'they must have been terrible sinners'. Instead repent, because certainly death is coming to any who are not turning to God".

So family, watch what you hear, repeat, and especially how your represent our loving and merciful God. Peter

funny thing

so yesterday Chuck and I went to get our haircuts. We walked thru the door and the guy says "twins". i said nope. just brothers.

Today we were at Chucks auto mechanic. we walked thru the door and the guy says "your brothers, huh?" His first thought was father and son. When i told him we were only 3 years apart he felt bad.

I dont know how to feel about this.

howdee

Chuck is doing pretty good. he has his lucid times of day, usually shuts down about 2-3pm. Hes actually doing a little more walking without the walker, but its very limited. I really think its an issue with his brain not connecting messages to his legs. or vise-versa. he comes to a complete stop. if i take the walker away and let him use me to balance himself he does great. I did hear an odd noise in the bathroom the other day. i walked in and he was just getting up from a little fall. nothing hurt or bruised or bleeding or broken. I asked him what happened. he said "nothing" i told him he was lying to me and he laughed and them admitted he lost his balance.

anyway that is all that is happening in the world of the commiefornia. going to go see Glenda for the weekend. FINALLY get some time off. Carlene has been coming over on sundays so i can go to church and have a couple of hours to myself, and give chuck a break.

Chuck says Hi to everybody!!! no lie.

Dick

EARTHQUAKE!!

Big Earthquake in California, is everyone ok?

What a week

its been a tough one. but we are surviving and i believe its because of your prayers.

Chuck has had a rough couple of days. I have been letting him do some things on his own. This morning we walked out to the living room and i asked him where his where is your walker? he walked out without his walker :). so while the going was good we went to go to his bank. he walked from the car to the inside and back out again on his own :) :) Then we had to go to the store. he did real good for a while, but then his brain started not communicating with his legs :( but thats ok. This is the first day since hes been released that he actually could walk even 10 feet with out the walker. its like i told him, one step at a time.

Gonz's birthday on Tuesday

Yes, that's right. He will be 1 year old, Jan. 5. Randy will be 28 tomorrow. Wow, how did that happen? Where have I been? I think I just turned 28 a few days ago.

Oops, I made a mistake. Sandi informed me that Randy is 29 not 28. Now I'm really confused. Oh well, I got half of their ages correct. Gonz really is one year old today.

Also, Andrew and Rachael came over this evening to show us the results of the sonogram that they had taken this afternoon. It's no joke, Rachael really does have a baby in there. It's grown from the size of a pickle to a banana. You really have to use your imagination when you look at one of those sonograms. One thing that they did find out is the baby has all the plumbing of a boy. Rachael is due May 19. Claudia is due May 24. We're going to be knee deep in little Hoopers here pretty soon.
Jim

Any epiphanies?