2011 - Incoming!

You should have seen Mark dancing at his bldg's New Year's party. It was hot! He even did his PeeWee Herman dance. They had the assisted living bldg. party at noon, with a fantastic band and talented singers. We ate game hens and rice, green beans and chocolate cream pie. Oi! Deedee and Melissa and others danced up a storm. Some of the residents did, too. (I think they may have 'professional' experience. : ) Mark and I danced together some, especially to Unchained Melody - our song. It was so romantic! We counted down to the new year on Australia's time (because the residents will likely be in bed at midnight). Then we went over to Mark's bldg., where we all wore party hats and used our noisemakers for the countdown. They also had a terrific male singer. Then we were served cake and ice cream. Oi vey! I couldn't finish any of the food, which is a good thing! The people here are happy and friendly and genuine, even if they're having problems. I like that. It is a whole 'nother place, and it's fun to observe and participate. I met Don, the owner, today. He was very personable, but he didn't stick around a long time because he and his paramour were flying to California to get away. Tonight, we'll probably put a movie on in the theatre, and we can pop popcorn (in their machine). Deedee and Melissa will probably join us. This is the most celebration I've had on New Year's Eve - it's like Defending Your Life, all the time (all except the no calories part). I love that we're getting further on in the 2000's. We're the Jetsons! 2010 brought a lot of changes for our family and our pets. Seth got his driver's license and his first accident, he started on his EMT training (interrupted by health and other problems), and now he rents a room and has Leto with him. Hope all goes well for him, and for Leto. Phillip went to training in Louisiana, and he'll deploy to Afghanistan in February, I believe (for 13 mos.). Mark and I were apart for four months! Crazy! But you do what you have to do. I wouldn't have made it without the family's support. Now we are reunited, and that's why Unchained Melody is newly meaningful to us. Tut is here, hiding/sleeping most of the day, then coming out and getting right in the middle of whatever we're doing. I mean, as close as he can possible get, with his stretchy body knocking everything out of the way. He is a hoot. So, I want to wish you a Happy New Year. Praying that Kittle Litty is found soon (we should all fast on Sunday for her return...Please, please, please, please!). I hope your year is full of joy! I'll take some pictures, I promise! xoxoxo

Sunny Nevada (!)

Hello! Long time no post! A bunch has happened since I last posted (a month and a half ago). I've been in the hospital several times for dehydration and my kidneys functioning on low, Seth has become independent and is renting a room from James and Rebecca and their children - Leto will be joining him there, Mark flew up for Christmas (courtesy of Julie, a part-owner of Willow Creek) at Melinda and Danny's home, and Phillip was there too. It was great to see the kids open presents, including Alex's Big Foot, an Imaginex toy from Fisher Price. It's so cool! Melinda and Danny had been keeping Leto for us, and he was fine till I got there, when he became anxious. When Mark arrived, he really wanted to go with him everywhere, to the extent of tearing up the downstairs door. How sad and crazy that was! Leto has now been staying at Ben and Linda's, with a bed in the garage. He has breaks outside, and I hear things are okay for now. I'm so grateful for family members who stepped up to help us. I think of Leto often, and all his hours of watching over our household. I hope he will be thrilled to see Seth when someone can get him back to Pocatello. Melinda and Danny did so much for us for Christmas, including giving us our own stocking. I can't wait for Seth to get his presents. We ate at Ben and Linda's on Christmas Day. Linda had a beautiful setting of china and a full menu, including turkey, stuffing, potatoes and chocolate chip cookies! The day after Christmas we ate ham, potatoes and hors d'oeuvres (spell ck. says this is the wrong spelling, but doesn't offer a better alternative - oh well...). Haley and Dallin joined us, as well as Hunter. He's so cute. Ben and Linda came with Josh who was also really cute. They're at such funny ages, where they have lots of personality and no inhibitions once they warm up to people. Josh was hugging Hunter, or trying to pick him up, which frightened Hunter. They were like puppies playing rough with each other, only one is the larger puppy and the smaller one isn't quite sure about this playing thing. Phillip was there at the dinner also, and Justin, who really did so much for everyone. Mark and I left that night for Las Vegas, and we got here Monday morning at 7 a.m. Tut rode behind Mark's feet the whole way, and I slept. The skies were sunny and continue so, and the weather is very comfortable this time of year. It's cool that there isn't ever any winter here (as long as there is air conditioning). Willow Creek is so luxurious. We are staying on the second floor in a very private section, and our windows look over a long, landscaped courtyard. There is a chapel, pub, gaming room, exercise room, salon, theatre room (just like a real theatre), a huge gathering room, and huge dining room where they take orders like a restaurant would. The architecture is so beautiful here, with high ceilings and large crown moldings. The light fixtures are uniquely made (I'll get pictures asap) and the furniture is luxurious and comfortable, all accessible. I can even roll up under the sink, without needing to stretch for the faucets! There are two big-screen tvs in the rooms, a really tall bookcase, a chest and bedstands, a couch and huge beveled marble coffee table and a dining table. There is also a computer table right by one of the windows. Our first night here, Mark and I dined on filet mignon in the dining room, and last night we went out with Mark's assistant, Melissa, and Deedee, the boss's sister and head of the assisted living building. We ate at Mimi's Cafe (I think), and the food was quite good. My favorite thing was fried zucchini strips! Melissa and Deedee are both very likeable and we enjoyed our evening with them, which wound up with Deedee getting a call about a fire in the bldg. Turned out it was a small thing, thank goodness, but it goes to show how anything can happen at any time and you have to be right on your toes. I'm glad I don't have all that responsibility! I went out to the large gathering room yesterday, to see a female singer that was performing. It's just funny that it was right around the corner. I haven't looked up what there is to do here or in the area yet, but I know there is a lot. I've just been getting familiar with things. Mark drove me around a little. Outside the bldg. you can see Home Goods and TJ Maxx about half a block away! Also, Glazier's Food Market, the top-rated grocery in the city. It's really kind of unbelievable with all the options for things to see and do! You can get rides right from here, in Willow Creek's van (with a wheelchair lift, I think). Well, Tut is getting in the middle of things here, so I'd better close. We keep him brushed and it really cuts down on the hair. Tut loves sleeping under our bed, but he comes out when he's needy for play, petting, eating, or sitting in the window. I hope your holidays are happy, and I'll post later about things I forgot. Thank you! xoxoxo