Wendell saw the endocrinologist this week. He was pleased with Wendell's labs and his progress. His A1C went from 9.something to 7.1 . Thanks Mandy for the meals that make the difference!

We had a cookout birthday

Annabelle and David made faces

Licking used candles

Bubbles

Annabelle and Joyce play bubbles

Happy Birthday Wendell

Today is Wendell's birthday

I took him to lunch

wherever he wanted...

He chose Mama Rosa's Italian Restaurant

I had charbroiled chicken with a side of spaghetti

He had a fish sandwich.. huge!!!!

We went to the DQ for ice cream tonite too. He says he had a nice birthday..

This is the ring that Wendell gave me for our 40th wedding anniversary.
It's an aquamarine, but you can't appreciate the blue color in the photo.
It's a gorgeous ring!

40th anniversary

Annabelle enjoying ice cream and cake

Keith and John trying to fly a kite.. it's a beauty,

but it won't fly.

"Davey Rockmonster Jones"

40th ANNIVERSARY

When we planned this picnic today, I neglected to mention

to my dear children that they needn't bother to bring gifts..

Their presence was all we desired..and a little cake too..

The picnic basket with all the goodies inside was from Paul and Amy and family.. It is absolutely perfect for us! I've always wanted one, but wouldn't spend the money on it..Thank you so much for the wonderful surprise.

The placque is from Joyce and will look so lovely on our walls in our new place.. It's the Lord's Prayer.

Thank you Joyce!!!

JJ and Keith gave us BIG towels.. so soft and colorful. We were going to buy some in the near future.. new ones.. this is a beautiful start. Thank you , JJ and Keith.. you are so special.

The Olive Garden gift card is from John and Mandy. They know how much I love going there.. especially with them.

Thank you a thousand times over!!

Wendell and I feel so blessed

40th anniversary

40TH ANNIVERSARY

This started out as a huge big box.. and then it had 8 more boxes inside individually wrapped. The kids thought it was a howl!! And I had helpers to keep unwrapping..

If I look stunned, it's because I was very much so..

It was a beautiful ring.. I believe this is an aquamarine..

and it was from Wendell. My gift to him will appear in a couple

of weeks.. till then, WOW!

40th ANNIVERSARY

CAKE AND THE TOPPER

FATHERS DAY

Just a couple of gifts Wendell got today for

Father's Day- Not only this.. but 15 pairs of diabetic socks!

Wendell says to tell you all

THANK YOU!

40th anniversary

Today is our 40th anniversary

The bariatric surgeon's office called this evening and has accepted Wendell into their program! He will have his surgery !!Follow along with us on the DOWNSIZING blog at your right.

BARIATRIC SURGERY

If you are interested in what we learned at our education session last evening, check the DOWNSIZING blog at the right. We learned a lot about bariatric surgeries and have pretty much decided which is for us..

Well, tonite I called the surgeon for Wendell. He has to go to an education session in Cranberry next Wednesday and apply .. fill out forms and get information for the various testing he needs.
Insurance requires 6 months of supervised diet with his PCP and he's already got 3 under his belt. Just 3 more to go. By the time we get everything in order, we should be ready to go .. he will get a call from the doctor's office to let him know if they will accept him for the surgery.

Winter..

It's official.. we have snow on the ground this morning.. well, not on the ground, but my car is coated with it and it's a small car close to the ground. Wendy said they were expecting 3-7" last night up on the NY/PA border. Ours is substantially less, but it's there just the same. It won't stay around long.. the high is to be 37 today, and it's 34 right now.

Today Wendell sees his PCP. I'll be going with him. His blood sugars have been jumping up and down like a yoyo. The prospect of him joining the YMCA with us is encouraging. He needs exercise to get his BS under control. The other choice is an endocrinologist.

It's just a little after 5am. I've slept well again. It has to be the pool exercises. Feeling good here.

WENDELL ARTHROSCOPY

Wendell is doing well post surgery..home and not even using the crutches.. He has a cane that he's using for balance, but the pain is so much less. He had a bad tear that the doctor repaired.
Thanks, JJ, for providing his transportation and moral support too..

THUMBS UP !

If you don't think prayer is not effectual.. read on...
I did a lot of complaining about my thumbs this week and last night had so much pain and soreness and frustration, I had to share it with you all.. and though I feel sorry that I have been complaining so bitterly, you have apparently heard my request for prayer..
This morning the swelling is down and the pain is substantially reduced with just general discomfort. I picked up my coffee cup gingerly this morning and immediately noted that there was no sharp ripping pain in my thumbs or wrists. The redness is gone..and the joints have cooled down. Indeed, even my shoulders and back are more settled today.
I thank you all for prayer and I thank the Lord for the relief.
It is 2:30am.. I'm awake and don't plan to go back to bed at this point.. I've slept 6 hours and am feeling so much better. I have paper work to take care of for work today, and then after seeing my dear patients, I'll do some general cleaning of my office areas and get things back in order. Next week Kathy will be covering for me (her regular day) and I'll just do some clerical work.
Today JJ will be picking Wendell up for his surgery on his knee. Keep them all in prayer please.. the surgeon, anesthesia, etc.. all those who will be caring for him.
On to the day.. early as it is.. good to get a head start..

MEMORIAL DAY- VIET NAM

The war in Viet Nam is one very close to my life. In this war, I lost many of my high school classmates. One day we graduated and in a few months we saw the names again in the news- died in action. Young men whose bright futures were snuffed out in a matter of moments it seemed. They gave their very lives for freedom's cause.
Wendell also served in Viet Nam. He was drafted, then enlisted and went to Radar school at Ft Monmouth New Jersey. Soon after graduation, he was shipped out to Viet Nam. He spent his time at Vinh Long watching the radar screen. He sent me a recording of actual incoming mortar rounds- he was running to the bunker for shelter, and once inside the recording reveals the excitement and fears of those with him.
He sent home pictures of the countryside and has many memories- some good, some not so good. He doesn't talk about the bad times.
This Memorial Day weekend, we will be thinking a lot about the valiant men and women who selflessly serve on our behalf. Please take a look at the WALL erected to honor those who died serving this great nation in Viet Nam.

IT'S BEEN A GOOD DAY

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. " Romans 5:1-5

What a delightful day I had at work. I'm covering for Nell in the office while she has to be away. I love the girls I work with and Dr Mitra is probably the best employer anyone could ever have. I'm glad I have these few extra days to help out.
After 2 days of not even seeing Wendell, I got home tonite and he was resting in the recliner. He's in good spirits and says he's had a couple of good days too. He doesn't look haggard or stressed out- but more relaxed than anything. The guys at the park are truly looking out for him- urging him to rest and helping him do the things that are required.
Everyone understands the limitations and they seem happy to have him back.
I brought home grilled chicken salad for supper. It was supplied to me by a drug rep at the office today, but I'd eaten before I left, so I saved it for supper tonite. It was sooooo good!
Way too much for one person- Wendell and I split it and were quite satisfied.
He still doesn't have a schedule, but was told he'd be off this weekend. I will be working every day- Wednesday again for Nell, then Thursday for Remicade, and Fri, Sat, and Sunday at the hospital. I'll be ready for a day off on Monday. I've offered to fill in then too, but I think Nell will perhaps return by then.
Lots to do here..... I best get busy. Keep praying for us.. we appreciate it!

10:50 pm

What a lovely day it has been today. No glitches to keep us from worship, and though it was a tad chilly, the sun shown brightly. We were able to attend church this morning finally. It felt like being back home again.

I took a short walk today up to the garden to check the asparagus- the frost last night got them pretty good. All the stalks were a funny color and when I tried to snap them, they went to mush in my hand. There was a lot there to lose, but more will come in its place in a few days.

JJ and Keith dropped by for a visit, and to drop off our laundry. It's hard to know how to say thank you when someone looks out for you in this way.. but ..... thanks... you are so appreciated... and I'm glad we have time to chat.
Keep up the great work, Keith.. we are proud of you! You'll be a manager one day of your own shop- I feel sure of it.

I stopped over to see Becky the office manager and also a cousin today too. We had such a lovely visit. Lots to talk about.

Besides the normal chores that have to be done, I took the big trash can to the road for the first time tonite. It's heavy !! But it's done. I got Wendell's work clothes out for him and got little jars of fruit and sugar free pudding ready for his lunch tomorrow. It'll be his first day back.
I pray he'll do all right.

I am also scheduled to work tomorrow, but the odd shift 11am-7:30pm. It takes such a chunk out of the day. I asked to be downsized for that day or half a shift. They may not need me, and I'd be 'on call' for them, making time for me to get more done here. Spring cleaning has just begun, and already I'm looking for time to do it. With Nell going to Mississippi for the funeral, I am hoping to fill in for her on Tuesday and/or Wednesday this week + my Remicade day in the office. It'll be a crazy busy week.

Wendell is already in bed and probably sleeping.. I should do the same. So I 'll say goodnight to all my blogger buddies.. sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite!
Keep us in prayer please.......