Pics and News from Steph in Alaska

Stephanie

Donnie

Their puppies.

I was so happy to get a couple of emails and a note from Stephanie tonight. She says it is so beautiful there and changing every day. She is working at the University of Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus in registration and as an office assistant to professors and instructors.

I took a day off today from all activity and just stayed on the couch and in bed. I was very tired and hurting in my chest, so I just did some reading, sleeping, and watching TV. Tomorrow the girls will be here while the boys and Carrie and Tony go to Rockford to the State Cup soccer tournament. On Saturday we have an evening birthday gathering, and on Sunday, QND has graduation, and we have a couple of parties to attend. So I do want to get myself in good shape for the weekend.

Tuesday was Judy's mom's memorial service. It was beautifully and simply done, and I think there's something to be said for that. We had a very nice dinner afterwards with the family at the country club. Judy's relatives went home today. She will miss her mom and their weekly outings and daily phone conversations. I will remember her mom as a sweet lady who liked to have tea and cookies and enjoy music. My favorite memory with her is when I got the 4 Andy Williams Christmas show tickets in QND's silent auction and invited Judy and her mom and a friend to go. It was at the Fox Theater in St. Louis. Mary Jane was quite a fan of Andy Williams, and I think she truly enjoyed seeing him still hitting all those high notes. It was a great concert, and we had terrific seats. It was a big trip for her, and I am glad to have shared that memory.

Our Blessing Hospital Breast Cancer Support Group, or the party pals as I prefer to call the gathering, met this week. The theme for the evening surrounded the dress, food, and customs of the Titanic. I invited my friend Norma from Bible Study to go. She enjoyed it, and so did I!

I was ready for Ty to get the boot from Dancing With the Stars. It was hard to see Danny go from Idol. I thought he did "You are So Beautiful" as well as the song could be sung. Next week will be very interesting. Kris the heartthrob against Adam the rock god. Can't wait to see what they do next.

Mario is winding down at QND. Their last days of exams are next Wed. and Thurs. He is ready to be out of school. His translating job will wind down too. He has been a busy fellow over the past month. But he still has time for softball 2 nights a week and indoor soccer.

And me....well I read a lot, help in whatever way I can with grandkids, and do whatever I can to be strong. I have some little jobs to do for St. Peter's Church that I enjoy. I seem to be weak again in my upper digestive tract, in spite of eating a pretty bland diet, no acidic foods, very little gluten, no soda or alcohol. Thankfully I have medicine that pretty well controls the pain that comes with the digestive upset. My oncology report this week was stable, so I am still blessed to have no recurrence of those aggressive, angry cancer cells (that's what they called them). Now that's something to celebrate!!!

Everybody have a great weekend. Love ya all.

PS Heard from Emily Johnson...dont' think I am newsbusting...she is getting married January 1st. Now that will be an easy anniversary to remember. Congratulations, Emily.
Also, Mary Beth is having surgery Friday; please remember her in your prayers. Best wishes to you MB for a successful procedure. :o)