Hello everyone;

I am writing this post today to both inform everyone and also to ask for some help and guidance.

My father, Lou Spencer, is not doing well and shows no sign of getting any better. He has the worst case of diabetes that anyone can have which is also teamed up with a severe case of crones disease. With the two combined he has lived the last 20-30 years fighting to try and keep his health in check. Between medicine and a strict diet, he has managed to keep both diseases in check. As of the past couple years his health has taken a spill off the deep end. Within the past year alone he fights his blood sugars counts going from dangerous low counts to off the charts high counts. The doctors only answer to this was a change in his diet; to the point where he literally eats nothing at all. Right now he has limited to no use of his hand, fights to get even an hour or two of sleep per night, and to aid my mother who is also fighting now for her health.

My mother, Jean Spencer, went to an appointment today because she has been having chest problems that was obvious it was not natural. More tests are in line to be done, but she is believed by doctors to have cancer in her chest area. The doctors do not know as for where it is coming from or even how strong it is, but tests are being planned to figure them out. I will be updated with information as it comes to me.

A lot of burden falls on to me right now being the one who lives the closest to my parents. Jen has agreed and offered to help as much as she can with everything. As I sit here writing this I am already feeling overwhelmed because I have this on me plus trying to give 150% to my job and support Jen and help Jim with things that may come their way. I am not asking for money help. I am not asking for sympathy. I am reaching out to everyone and asking for prayer and guidance through all of this.

I thank you all for your time and prayers if you choose to offer any.

Love;
Joe

I still can't comment on other's posts either Sahara :(

Congrats Joe and Jen on the new addition to your family!

Sahara and Nanc, have fun in Rhode Island!

Counting down the days til Australia, but also hoping the time passes slowly because I know that when we come home it will be about time for school again!

For those of you who haven't heard, Andy got a job in South Carolina working for a company who makes car parts (seats, front ends, doors, etc). He starts July 25th, and will be in the same city as his girlfriend (finally, no more bi-weekly flights to see each other!).

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion!

Very cute doggie, Jen and Joe!

Aunt Vicki, have you figured anything out with being able to comment on people's blogs... or am I the only one having issues?

Now I am up to over 30 squash, a few pie pumpkins, and a few gourds... Though my mother and I are heading to Rhode Island for the week on Saturday, so I hope my plants survive my husband's green thumb!

That's all, just enjoying summer break! :)

Hello everyone!

If you are asking who the dog is in the pic to the right, it is the newest addition to the Spencer family. I have had the past few days off due to equipment trouble, so Jen and I took a trip down to Heart of the Catskills to take a look around. We fell in love with Crimson, soon to be Opie, and two other puppies while we were there. After spending time alone with the dog in the pic and the two others, we decided to ask Opie if he would like to join our family. With his tail wagging and laying on his back so we could pet his tummy, he said yes!! We filled out the application, we now wait for him to be neutered and on Monday, July 11, 2011 Jen can go down and bring Opie home to our new apartment. Jen and I are very excited and cannot wait for Opie to bless our lives and home for the next 10-15 years!

Sally,Here's hoping for a fast recovery!

My garden story - too much of a good thing (lettuce). When I tried our new local farmer's market they said I needed insurance. Ted is insured against everything so I sent in proof and was told they were "booked" for the season. Last year - at another market - I was told I would have to sign up for the full season. I guess farm markets are for those whose full time business is farm markets with no room for competition from those with garden surplus.

Great weekend with the Grandkids at a firefly/lightning bug celebration

Wanted to let you all know that Sally is back in the hospital again for a bit of unplanned surgery. Seems she had a twisted gut or something. The did an arthroscopic untwist and she expects to be home in a day (or two if the accommodations are to her liking).

On another note, I am reporting the onset of some very small tomatoes and jalapeno peppers, and my lettuce and asparagus have been delicious.

The rain and cool air have kept me out of the pool today, but th epond has been more than pleasant.

And school is OUT!!!

Congratulations, Bill and Jessica! Woo hoo! :) I have news that pales in comparison... I have seventeen squash (squashes? squashi?) on my plants. And contrary to my mother's belief, they are not the blossoms, they are actually squash. I guess I will be sharing with my mom, who has................zero :( hehehe...

I hear (from a pretty reliable source) that Jim will be answering to Grandpa by this time next year. So happy for you, Bill and Jessica!

Happy Father's Day to all Dads

I can't respond to posts either... :(

Jim's new house (Keep your fingers crossed - closing in a few weeks) I think it is an architectural gem from the outside. Country cottage style would you say?

Since I can no longer comment on a post, I'll have to just write a new one. I am envious of the Chenango County gardens. Bens sound good and Sahara's is really taking off. I got nipped by frost the beginning of June, and look pretty pitiful. I did pick some lettuce today.
Really looking forward to school ending. I'm supposed to be working on averages right now, but just gor back from a PTA meeting and have a headache.
Saw a bear at the neighbor's the other night. That was after having a stray goat living in the barn for a few days. Then I saw a new fawn today and have twin baby woodchucks in the front yard. I love this country life.
Later

From Ben:

Hi everyone.  The corn is up and the garden seems to be doing great.  The lilacs, rhododendron and bulbs had a good year, but it's all come and gone.  Just a few iris and peonies and bleeding heart holding on.

Paul has settled in for the summer, working two jobs again.  We'll be wrapping up the school year with David and Sylvia this week.  David is getting some kind of award in a few days - we'll have to see what it is.  We're hoping he's ready for the leap to high school.  We had a grueling CSE meeting for Sylvia, but she is a willing and conscientious student.

Can't wait to see the new babies.  I thought about doing a Gavett Blog poll on whether Andrew Weiner should resign (I say he should get censured out), but I decided to stick to less controversial subjects.

Love Ben

Looks like we are in need of some more events for June. Send me your special dates.