Dad

Thinking fond memories of Dad on his birthday. He loved a good story and was always interested in what someone was saying. We were blesses to have such a solid Head of Household.

Sonja update: Not able to make the planned flight, but new medication for her leg pain will, hopefully, make a difference soon.

Our condolences to Joe and Jen at the passing of Joe's mother.  Our thoughts are with you.

What a good time we had at Tracie and Paul's wedding reception. A beautiful couple you two make, and more than just looks. With the weather cooperating everything seemed perfect. I'm not trying to be funny, the outdoor patio was a nice touch. The dance floor acted like a magnet. Without mentioning myself even Mother seemed to enjoy herself on the raised wood.. Mom, were you really doing the boogie? The picture booth was a big hit! Memories for many and what a scrapbook those pics will make. Sally, you looked busy and were very accommodating, your photos will be a hit. Vicki and Ted, I know you are proud. Congratulations to you as well as Tracie and Paul.
Thanks for a memorable evening.
Jane & Skip
PS   Paul, Tell your two buds thanks for the help.

Good news on Sonja - she is scheduled to come in at the end of the month (29 or 30).

Vicki

What a fine looking start Vicki and I'm jealous! When I tear down the old section of our house I want to use a post and beam frame. I would leave a majority of the overhead beams exposed with a cathedral ceiling, same as what I have now. Log cabin siding to match would keep the house looking original. I'm afraid using my second floor will soon be coming to an end. Enough of me. Called the hospital to talk to Sonja last night and they said she was discharged. Tried calling her at home tonight and an answering machine refused to have a conversation with me. We celebrated what seemed like a lot of birthdays Saturday, David, Will, Emma, and of course we could not leave Drew out. A perfect day was had at our expanded beach with a chicken BBQ and blueberry picking and eating. Eighteen yards of new sand gave all the kids a new adventure. Winter is coming. My outdoor evening working minutes grow shorter with each passing day. After the predicted 100 degree heat Tuesday this is about the only clue as to the impending cold. We did get more than an inch of rain on Sunday. This morning the brown grass offered a green tint to the discerning eye. By this afternoon the blandness brown was dominant once again.

The Post and Beam construction is up!  Wish we didn't have to add walls and ceiling.

Happy Birthday to Will

Vicki

Will's birthday is the 16th not the 6th. Becky and Ezra are celebrating their third wedding anniversary today, the 11th.

Yesterday evening we met Chad and his family for pizza. This spot features an outdoor deck allowing its discerning diners an opportunity to enjoy the loud traffic and their exhaust fumes intertwined with the pizza aromas. This affair continued the celebration of my and Jane's 36th. wedding anniversary. After Ted and Vicki's 39th, congratulations by the way, it's not much of an achievement for our family's generation. I almost forgot, are we counting common-in-law marriages? Of course we are. By my calculations this fall will mark Lindley and Sonja's 41st. Getting back to our evening, I was looking at Chad and felt there was something different with his appearance. It looked as though he was starting to grow a beard, probably displaying a week's worth of stubble. Somehow it slipped my mind that the last time I saw him he already sported a full beard. Almost through our meal he asked his mother if she saw any difference in his looks. It took her some time but she finally saw that his hair was more than a foot shorter, to the top of his ears, She had to be told about his missing beard. Honestly, I love her dearly but I will say her observations skills are lacking.

I attempted to publish a new post 30 minutes ago but somehow lost it as I was attempting to edit my words. If  it does end up on the blog please ignore it as this one would be my edited version of what I was attempting to write before. If the opposite happens, as I suspect it will, please continue reading as this post relates to Sonja. I called her phone number ninety minutes ago. Lindley answered and said he took her to the hospital Monday evening and she was admitted. I attempted to call her there but she didn't answer my calls. I figure either she was asleep or sensed it was me calling. Finally I called the nurse's station on her floor and after checking on her room they informed me she was sleeping. She was admitted for the fear her infection might be MRSA. Once at the hospital the doctors found a slew of other problems. She's not in ICU but where she is vacationing is considered one step down. The nurse said Sonja is on a heart monitor and is being carefully watched and is now resting comfortably. The hospital phone number is 831-462-7700  Rm. 2213. Anytime I feel a mite low I hook up with Sonja either by phone or thought. She brings me back up as she is one tough kid. Throw her a few encouraging words.

Hello Everyone,

I was so sorry to hear about Sonja not being able to make the trip.  We were really looking forward to seeing her.  I hope she is able to make it out later.  I was looking at the calendar and noticed there are tons of birthdays this month.  Happy birthday to everyone born in July.  I also wanted to tell everyone that Nathan, the kids and I really really enjoyed getting together with everyone at the reunion and we can't wait for the wedding.  Living so far away from everyone is hard on me at times so I feel very lucky that the family has so many opportunities to see each other this summer.  Speaking of seeing things, we saw our first rattle snake on Sunday.  Luckily we were in the car and the snake was crossing the road in front of us.  We stopped to get pictures and take a video though and to make sure no other cars came by and hit it.  It was pretty exciting for all of us. 
Deanna

Sonja

Sad News:  I had to cancel Sonja's ticket to come East.  She had an allergic reaction to elastic stockings causing leg infection and got food poisoning in Lake Tahoe.  She is also having increased back and leg pain and is afraid another round of back surgery is going to be necessary.  Hopefully, she will recover enough to be able to make the trip later this summer.  In the meantime, cards or notes of encouragement might help - though you can imagine her disappointment.

Yes it is hot! But I have given up the elastic stockings and enjoying the pond again. The water is warm enough even for Vicki.

High Score

I need to brag  about my high scores in scrabble . l am afraid no one will want to play with me my any more. My high score for ONE play is 203 points against Sally and Vicki with fashions (a seven letter covering two triple word scores). Who knows what I could have done if I wasn't on the phone to Alice at the same time talking about the prayer list.  Now all of you have a challenge to beat the matriarch.

A good time was had by all from our segment of the "family. I especially enjoyed showing off my kids and grand kids. It's great being a Dad but I'm also lucky enough to have the opportunity to enjoy my grandchildren. Of course none of this would be possible without my Jane. A special thanks for everyone who worked hard making this fun day possible. Not trying to sound sappy I thank everyone from Aunt Betty on down, as for age, for my going to bed tonight feeling those special memories that only a close knit clan can give. I'm looking forward to next year.