2021 started out pretty much a continuation of 2020 with all the Covid precautions, Dr. visits, lots of visits with all the kids. Ken was still doing pretty well, so things weren't so bad. In fact, most of the year wasn't bad. Still made some drive-to vacations, started going out to eat again once the vaccinations came out, we were able to get into pretty much a normal routine.
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| 1-1-21 |
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| 1-1-21 |
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| 1-1-21 |
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| 1-7-21 |
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| 1-12-21 |
As soon as I heard that the vaccine was being released, I got Ken on the list (in 2 places) to get his shot. Being immune compromised because of his cancer, he was able to get it right after medical staff was offered it. I had to work a little harder at it, but Paulding county let me get it at the same time since I'm Ken's caregiver.
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| 1-14-21 first of the 3 covid vaccines |
I didn't get to go in to Ken's infusions very often, but if the place had cleared out by the end of his infusion, they usually called me back. I actually came to enjoy my 1 1/2 hour or so time to myself to update my journal or make a million phone calls to fix stuff. At first I hung out in the little cafe. Later I started hanging out in our car.
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| 1-20-21 every 2 week Avastin ifusions |
Looking good at 69!
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| 1-28-21 Ken's 69th birthday |
Everyone here to celebrate with him. Angie even made a St. Louis gooey butter cake for him.
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| 1-28-21 Ken's 69th birthday |
The first MRI after his cyber knife and start of Avastin treatments. Now considered "stable".
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| 1-28-21 scan after cyber knife and avastin |
Ken wanted to do like my Dad did and give the kids a chunk of money so we could see them enjoy it now. I don't even remember what we did with "our" chunks of money from Mom and Dad! So I was happy to see the kids get something they wouldn't have ordinarily gotten. Tim got a Gibson guitar, Angie got a Rolex watch, Faith got 2 kayaks and carrier, and Josh and Layla were boring with putting it in an account for Layla.
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| 1-28-21 Ken showing off his Gibson with his gift money |
We finally decided it would be a good idea to get a reclining lift chair for ken. Actually got a matching pair to unify the furnishings. At about $850@, it was a bit of a splurge. Just wish I knew before I bought them that they really aren't that comfortable. Needs to have more padding for the lower back instead of for the head.
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| 1-30-21 our new lift chairs |
Layla's other portrait area. Fun seeing how much she's grown over time.
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| 2-2-21 1st day of preschool for this year |
Neat, too, that her pre-school teacher post pictures from the classroom. Would have been neat if that was possible when my kids were little.
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| 2-2-21 |
As soon as we could get the 2nd vaccine, we got that, too. With the Moderna, we had to wait 4 weeks. Fortunately we only had minor reactions----sore arm and minor body aches.
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| 2-11-21 2nd Moderna vaccine |
I'm really shocked at how many people refuse to get the vaccination! Only about 50% of the population got it when they were eligible. I was glad the kids were among them.
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| 2-11-21 fully vaccinated |
Valentine's Day --- I took a big card over to the kids' house for Layla to decorate with stickers and give to her Mommy and Daddy.
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| 2-14-21 sunday social |
We even had a little bit of snow. And a spell of cold weather lasting a good month. I hate the cold! At least we're not still in St. Louis
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| 2-16-21 snow |
Knoxs kids down for the weekend again. We try to do something special when they're here. This time we found a park to check out. We were looking for a fishing area. Didn't have much luck with that, but Layla loved the playground---even though she doesn't look like it here.
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| 2-20-21 white oak park |
Now that Ken and I are fully vaccinated and past the 4 week time for the antibodies to develop, we went out to eat for the first time in about a year! Restaurants are having a hard time being open with the work force being sick and the government giving them money, but Totopos is open. It was so nice being able to go out again.
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| 2-23-21 Totopos |
The Edge finally developed tire problems. So time to get new tires. Mavis was close and could take us right away. So aired up the leaking tire and off we went. Ended up replacing all the tires. They were the original tires with about 65000 miles on them.
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| 2-24-21 Mavis |
Feb. 2021 trip to Wyndham Lake Marion, SC
Time to get out and vacation a bit, too. ANgie wanted Grandpa to teach Layla to fish. So she found a Wyndham 3 bedroom condo at Lake Marion, SC. It's about 6 hours away, but it was a nice drive. We drove separately since we have so much stuff to take now---and so do they.
The lake was really nice---as was the Wyndham.
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| 2-26-21 |
But the fishing sucked. Didn't get a bite or even see a fish the whole 4 days we were there.
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| 2-26-21 |
But Layla enjoyed a couple of the playgrounds. And pushing Grandpa around.
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| 2-26-21 |
We also found a drive through wildlife preserve close by that was fun to drive through.
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| 2-27-21 |
and more boardwalks where we could take Ken along.
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| 2-28-21 |
It was a beautiful area.
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| 2-28-21 |
with lots of neat wildlife.
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| 2-28-21 |
back in Atlanta, Layla found a catepiller and tried to "grow" it. I think it died in it's cacoon.
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| 3-3-21 |
Ken made it to all his Avastin appointments and had his own chemo nurse, Marie, who is so nice.
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| 3-3-21 |
When Ken got an in grown toenail that kept bleeding, I made him and appointment to see a podiatrist. I found it amusing that they wouldn't let me in the room with him---initially. After countless cancer and charcot's appointments that I'm allowed into, the podiatry office kicked me out. But when they needed Ken to get in the chair, they had to come to the car and get me to help him. Fortunately the bleeding wasn't too bad. Avastin tends to cause excessive bleeding. But I didn't tell them he was getting that done, so I don't know if they would have wanted him off the Avastin first. Figured it was bleeding anyway, so it was probably better to get it done so it might heal.
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| 3-8-21 |
A very pleasant surprise!!!! Our x-neighbors from Buford sent us this Harry and David package out of the blue. So nice to be thought of.
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| 3-11-21 |
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| 3-13-21 |
I had to get to Gibbs for the daffodils!!!! Ken even went and sat in the car.
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| 3-19-21 Gibbs gardens |
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| 3-19-21 |
Ken and I started going out to eat more and more. Freddie's is one of the fast food places I like. Great ice cream!
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| 3-26-21 |
I was really happy to see my transplanted lilac cutting had a flower on it. I read lilacs don't grow well in Georgia. Sure hope it survives. The one in St. Louis is over 50 years old!
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| 3-29-21 |
Easter---and our little ham.
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| 4-4-21 Easter |
Layla and Grandpa toasting each other with their snacks.
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| 4-9-21 |
Sunday social at our house
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| 4-9-21 |
The kids often came up with activities for us all to do, too. This time it was a "sip and strokes home style". I really enjoyed it!
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| 4-10-21 luau and sip and strokes home addition |
Angie led us in the activity and I was amazed at how different the paintings were. Especially Ken's.
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| 4-10-21 |
My 2nd year of doing the taxes. But this year I had the sell of 2 houses and 2 states with a change of residency on them. Fortunately Tim checked it over for me and corrected a few of my entries.
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| 4-11-21 taxes |
There was a dead tree propped up in our side back yard that whined when the wind blew. It was so annoying that we had it cut down---for $300. The arborist guy mentioned we have a LOT of poison ivy back there (which I found later!)
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| 4-12-21 |
Grandpa lived for times like this with Layla
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| 4-20-21 |
Faith's purchases with her gift money.
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| 4-22-21 kayaks with Faith's gift money |
The kids all got their vaccinations.
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| 4-22-21 2nd vaccination for the Knox kids |
Layla's turn to be line leader for the week.
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| 4-27-21 line leader |
Finally went back to my expensive hair stylist. Thought I'd go gray, but decided I just look like an old lady, so ended up dying it later.
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| 4-29-21 hair cut and going gray |
Angie finally went back to her Dr. They decided it was time to have a hysterectomy. So she got that on the same day Ken had a STAT meeting. So we took Layla with us from the hospital so josh could stay with Angie. Angie was released about 10 hours later! I had basically the same surgery 30 years ago and they kept me for about a week! Now it's done laparoscopically and as an out-patient!
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| 5-5-21 hysterectomy day |
Layla spending the day with us as Momma has surgery
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| 5-5-21 watching Layla while Moms in the hospital |
May 2021---I go on Medicare!!!! I was actually looking forward to that! Instead of paying $700/month for insurance with a high deductible. Now I'm on a medicare advantage plan. Seeing how well Ken's medical problems are covered, I was happy to get on it. First up---finding a new electro-physiologist. He said now that I'm 65, I should be on a blood thinner. I was shocked when it showed up, along with a $420 bill! So I sent it back (to get in 2022 when my new insurance covered it for $60)
On a side note---I found out in Jan. that Ken's retiree benefits included a nice FSA account---but when I changed his insurance in Nov. 2020 with the change of residency, I didn't go through the retiree company and they, unbeknownst to us, kicked us out. When they sent me a notice in Jan. to sign up for Medicare, I found that out and I spent countless hours writing letters, talking on the phone to Aon, Ameren, and UHC to try and get us back in Ameren.s good graces. Took 6 months, but they finally gave in. I think they were all tired of me pestering them all the time.
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| 5-7-21 electorphysiologist dr Piedad |
Kids back in town and celebrating Mother's day with breakfast here.
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| 5-9-21 mother's day |
The Knox kids are tea drinkers like me (at least Tim is), so they bought me a tea pot. I got to pick the color---pineapple gold. They get to use it when they're here.
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| 5-9-21 Mother's day teapot |
Layla's A-day! We will continue to celebrate that!!!! Such a great addition to our family!!!!
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| 5-11-21 A-day |
Layla's end of school year concert. One of the cute little gifts the kids made for their parents.
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| 5-13-21 |
Even Mema and Papa were here for the concert (and one of their other Grand daughter's high school graduation).
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| 5-13-21 |
My 65th birthday!!!! That really seems old! But I don't really think of myself as old! The Kennesaw kids got me this cute "bird house" made of carved wood.
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| 5-16-21 my birthday fishie |
They also had us over for dinner.
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| 5-16-21 |
8 nights at Reunion near Orlando! We were about to loose points with Worldmark, so we looked for a drive to resort to use them at. Not many on the East coast. Turned out Reunion was available. Originally Angie and Josh were going to stay there for a few nights, then go to S. Florida, then drive home from there. Ken decided he was well enough to go so we figured we'd go to Reunion and stay with the kids. But wanted to be there more then 3 nights to make it long enough to make it worthwhile. So I booked it starting 3 nights before their trip. The kids ended up deciding they would just stay in Orlando, so we ended up stayin with them longer then we had anticipated---8 nights. But it was really nice and we had a great time. I still miss Florida!
I've really been enjoying our drives to these vacations. The skies have been amazing.
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| 5-17-21 to Orlando |
Since we were there a few days before the kids came down, Ken and I went to a couple places we didn't think the kids would want to go to---like this park about 30 minutes south west of Orlando. We found it a few years ago when we needed new tires for the Taurus while we were on vacation to Orange Lake Resort.
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| 5-19-21 Lakefront park |
There were even more birds there this year then the past time we were there. And it was a rookery this time of year!
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| 5-19-21 lakefront park |
Angie and Josh headed down as soon as Layla got out of school on her last day of school.
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| 5-20-21 last day of school |
Next day we started our Disney vacaton. Starting with Disney Springs.
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| 5-21-21 Disney Springs |
Wanted to ride the shuttle boats, but they still weren't running due to Covid.
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| 5-21-21 Disney Springs |
Next day we went to Animal Kingdom. They had just lifted the mask mandate in outdoor spaces at Disney that very week. But in line and on rides and indoors you had to wear them. They still were restricting occupancy, though, and reservations had to be made. Animal Kingdom was the only one Angie could find availability to, so that's where we went. Fine with me! And I don't think Ken had ever been there.
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| 5-22-21 Animal Kingdom |
Layla was obsessed with the Expedition Everest ride that Angie and Josh went on. She wasn't big enough to ride it so we watched her. She heard the screams and kept asking what was going on. I told her about the Yetti pulling up the tracks and scaring everyone.
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| 5-22-21 Animal Kingdom |
Angie took videos while on the ride and showed it to her----over and over again. Layla didn't stop talking about it for months!
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| 5-22-21 Animal Kingdom |
My favorite ride is the Kilimanjaro ride. Love all the wildlife
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| 5-22-21 Animal Kingdom |
Ken's favorite ride was the scooter. I was afraid we wouldn't get there in time to get one and I knew I wouldn't be able to push Ken around for very long in his wheel chair. But he got one and it was very reasonably priced---something like $50 with an additional $20 refundable deposit. We walked about 6 miles, so I'm sure glad Ken had the scooter. Even so, Ken was exhausted by the time we left. The kids even rented a stroller for Layla for $15 and turned out to be really handy.
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| 5-22-21 Animal Kingdom |
He did whack his knees up. The scooters are a little small for a 6'1" rider.
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| 5-22-21 Animal Kingdom |
Angie got the photo package, too, so we stopped for every photographer we could find. I liked this guy. He actually posed people.
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| 5-22-21 Animal Kingdom |
By the time we were done with Disney, Layla was coming down with something. The next day we headed to Clearwater. I was able to get the kids a couple nights on the coast there. But with the Covid rules right now with Wyndham, that was a resort that guests couldn't check into. So we checked them in, hung around for the day, then went back to Reunion for 1 more night.
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| 5-24-21 clearwater |
But I loved seeing the Wyndham resort (the first ones on the left). Too bad Layla wasn't feeling good, but I think they still enjoyed their 2 nights on the beach.
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| 5-24-21 clearwater |
Back at home and celebrating Memorial Day weekend.
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| 5-29-21 Memorial weekend |
Layla recovered quickly and was soon hamming it up with Grandpa again.
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| 5-29-21 Memorial weekend |
And the Knoxville kids came down again.
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| 5-29-21 Memorial weekend |
I had about given up on getting back into Ameren's good graces and getting the FSA reinstated when we got this email saying we owed them $1400! Time to start pushing some more. Finally got someone from Aon who said all we needed to do was get UHC to do a change of agent back to Aon---although it wouldn't be easy. So back to bugging UHC. They actually said it was done back in March! Finally got someone from Ameren who was helpful, too. After about 6 months, I finally got a message on my phone from Ameren that said, "give us a call. It's good news". So I did and they explained since they didn't send us a letter when we changed plans, they were reinstating Ken's HSA. I asked why we owed $1400 and she said they had inadvertantly added my HSA amount when I turned 65. She also said their big problem was what to do with me since my insurance should have been canceled when Ken switched plans. I started to argue that I should get the $700/month back then. But let it go. I purposely hadn't gone to any Drs at the time so it really wasn't a problem for them monetarily! I was just happy to be done with the fight. And excited to learn that I get an FSA amount, too!
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| 6-8-21 |
Plus it was time to hit the road again. This time to St. Louis. Another beautiful drive.
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| 6-11-21 to St. Louis |
Ken's 50 year reunion was being held after being postponed a year and he was looking forward to seeing friends again. He spent the whole previous year on the Mercy Facebook reunion page reconnecting with classmates. I had met NOrb and Dianne years ago and was happy to see them again. Dianne emails Kens regularly which I know is a big lift for him. Norb was his best friend in high school. It was nice seeing them again.
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| 6-12-21 Ken's 51st class reunion |
I was surprised how many people were there from his class of about 250. I was also surprised at what a good time I had.
I also enjoyed seeing my brother and SIL when we had a family get together at Stef's the day after the class reunion. Jane is having big problems with her liver now and she's never even been a drinker. They're actually talking about doing a transplant. David was even diagnosed with A-fib shortly after this meeting. The end of 2021 marked 50 years of them being married----that beats anyone else in our family! Mom and Dad almost made it there, but Mom died at 49 years of marriage.
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| 5-13-21 |
It was a fun time at Stefs. We visited for about 6 hours and most of the LaBeaumes made it there. Maybe the last photo of Ken and his brothers (minus Mike, whom died in 2020)
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| 5-13-21 |
Another day we visited with some long time friends and drove by our old house. Really weird knowing it's no longer ours! We actually stayed in a hotel while we were there.
we were only there 4 nights---and it turned out a lot more fun then I anticipated), then we were off to Knoxville. It was another fantastic day for a drive.
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| 5-15-21 stl - knox |
We hadn't been to Knoxville since Ken's dx. We did have to stay in a hotel since the kids' house is a tri-level, but it was nice seeing them on their turf. Even took them out to eat---which we found out later was the first time they had been out to eat during the pandemic.
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| 6-16-21 |
We also had a few meals on their back porch. It was really nice having picnics at the house. We were even there for Faith's birthday, so Tim made home made strawberry biscuits and sausage. They were really good.
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| 6-17-21 Faith's birthday |
Ken also got to play our old pinball machine that Tim had claimed and fixed. He found a mail order place to order parts from and totally revamped it. Lots of welding and replacing fuses and what all else. He think he found a new hobby. Ken even posted this picture to the Mercy site and a former classmate wrote him back that he had one just like it in his basement. Tim asked if he wanted to sell it and the guy told him to come get it and he could have it. So tim did, and had to clean it up and repair it, too. Now he has 2 of the same machines. And he's talking about selling one and getting another one.
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| 6-16-21 we use to play this game a lot back in the good 'ole days!!!! |
Even the day we left Knoxville and continued on to Georgia was pretty. All in all, the 8 night St. Louis/Knoxville trip turned out a lot better then I expected! So glad we went.
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| 6-18-21 knox-dallas |
Of course, things can't go right for very long. Shortly after we got back, the garage door "broke". Ken called a repair man. the first company he called put us off 2 times. I looked them up and told Ken they were based in Dallas, Tx, but he wouldn't believe me. They were trying to out-source it, but not doing a very good job. After the door being stuck open for 2 full days, he finally called someone else. This time he made sure they were local. The guy was able to come out the next day and replaced springs and got it working in a couple hours. About a $300 fix.
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| 6-28-21 fixing garage door opener |
4th of July weekend---kids in town again! This time we ate dinner on the back patio.
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| 7-4-21 weekend |
Josh cooked a big brisket. Dinner was great---as was eating outside
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| 7-4-21 weekend |
Although the next day the kids wanted to eat inside. They didn't like fighting the flies. For some reason, there were a ton of flies that time of year!
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| 7-4-21 weekend |
We had a lot of pool time, too! LOVE having a pool!!!! Wish I could use it year around!
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| 7-4-21 weekend |
Our activity this time----tie dying shirts. I was amazed at how different and good they all turned out.
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| 7-4-21 weekend |
A couple weeks later we got to celebrate Christmas in July in downtown Dallas with the Hicks kids.
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| 7-17-21 xmas in July |
Now that our current President had a son who died of GBM, there's a GBM awareness day. Gotta acknowledge that.
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| 7-21-21 GBM awareness day |
Ken didn't use the pool too often, but we did finally change out the seat shell. The other one was cracked and Ken looked like he was going to eventually fall off. So Angie and I made him let us change it out. I had bought the shell a few months before for about $150.
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| 7-26-21 |
By the end of July, Layla was doing so many new things in the pool every day! She went from using a puddle jumper, to water wings, to short swims holding her breath, to breathing and swimming, to diving---all in a couple weeks. Definately not afraid of the water.
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| 7-30-21 our little diver |
Ken found more free outdoor concerts in Dallas and we enjoyed going. Too bad he didn't find them earlier.
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| 8-7-21 dallas free concert |
Layla starting pre-school again.
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| 8-9-21 1st day of school-older 3s |
Still enjoying the pool with all the kids.
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| 8-14-21 weekend |
Ken found a couple restaurants to try with the kids. ONe had a corn hole game that Layla got a kick out of. So he had me go out and get one. Layla and Ken got a kick out of playing with it.
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| 8-14-21 weekend |
another activity---painting rocks. Turned out a lot harder then I expected!
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| 8-14-21 weekend |
A lunch in downtown Dallas with Layla and her mom
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| 8-24-21 lunch in downtown Dallas |
I always wonder who was responsible for keeping the entrance to our subdivision nice. Turns out a resident had been doing it. She put on the 12 Oaks group facebook page that she couldn't get to it and would someone else do it, so I decided to give it some work. Used my cordless trimmers and trimmed the pushes and used a shovel and dug up a ton of weeds. It was hot, and took me 2 days, but gave me a sense of pride.
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| 8-27-21 |
I was also spending a LOT of time working on our back hill. It had been covered with weeds and saplings and lots and lots of dead,dying yew vines above and below ground. After spending weeks clearing it out, I got some bushes and planted and transplanted them a few time. Even found a bunch of ornamental grass growing in the woods at the side of our house and dug a bunch of them up to put in the groupings---only to find some of the poison ivy the tree guys talked about earlier. Ended up going to the clinic to get steroids after getting poison ivy all over my face.
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| 8-31-21 |
Kids back in town. Love that they're coming down so often!
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| 9-6-21 |
Ken found another concert he wanted to go to. This one at the amphitheater in Villa Rica. It was another fun evening with great music. We had actually seen this group when we lived in Buford. They're an Eagle's tribute band from SC.
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| 9-10-21 |
Bill and Lena have been really good about coming down for visits. Sometimes they stay with us, sometimes they stay in hotels. They always were very family oriented.
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| 9-12-21 |
Angie signed Layla up on a soccer team. Unfortunately it was a 3-6 year olds co-ed team and the boys terrified her. She didn't make it through the first game. Hopefully it doesn't turn her off soccer forever. She really does seem to have a lot of athletic skills. She is doing gymnastics and seems to really enjoy that. Even has a good friend there.
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| 9-18-21 |
Booster time. Ken was able to get it before it was approved for the general public due to his cancer. Since we were there, he suggested we get our flu shots too. So we both got that, too.
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| 9-22-21 ken gets boosted and flu shot |
After getting our shots, we went by our local waterfall and I wandered down to check it out. It now even has a proper parking lot! Such a nice little walk and nice water fall and only about 5 miles from home.
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| 9-22-21 High Shoals Falls |
Apparently getting 2 big shots didn't sit well with Ken. He was weaker then normal the next day and ended up needing his first (of 3 in 2021) lift assists to get back to bed. These firemen were so personable and nice!
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| 9-23-21 |
North Myrtle Beach:
Thought that was going to be it for Ken's and my trip to N. Myrtle beach with the Hicks kids, but Ken was back to his old self in a couple days. So we joined the kids in a 3 bedroom Wyndham condo on the beach. It was fantastic (although Ken did have some trouble with sleeping the first night). We were only there 4 nights, but I fell in love with N. Myrtle beach, too. Guess I'm in love with any beach!
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| 9-25-21 |
Our view from our room!
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| 9-25-21 |
Ken even made it to the lanai.
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| 9-25-21 |
Layla thoroughly enjoyed the sand this time. Until now, she's been hesitant or downright terrified to touch the sand.
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| 9-N myrtle beach trip |
This beach was great! So easy to walk along the water's edge and shallow for a long ways out. Layla ran and ran and ran chasing the birds. Next day she said she was walking like Grandma. The 4 nights went by too quickly.
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| 9-N myrtle beach trip |
Back at home and taking Layla to the play ground a lot.
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| 9-30-21 |
Even Grandpa could go to this one, Sara Bab and watch her play. We even had a picnic or 2 here.
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| 9-30-21 |
Knox kids in town again. This time they brought gingerbread cookie hearts that they had made and we had a decorating party. Tim even made the icing, with the help of Layla.
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| 10-1-21 weekend |
It was fun getting my cake decorating stuff out and using them again.
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| 10-1-21 weekend |
Then we ate our creations.
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| 10-1-21 weekend |
Figured now that I'm on government insurance, it's time to go to the pulmonary Dr. and get may C-pap stuff covered again. Shortly after making the appointment, my PHillips machine was actually recalled (for possibley causing cancer!). So registered it to be replaced (still waiting on that Feb. 2022!). In the meantime, the Dr. said I'm due for a new machine through insurance but would need a new sleep study. Now it's done at home with this cool little machine! It even fits over my carpal tunnel brace that I have to wear at night now---on both wrists. Wear it 2 nights and it records sleep, obstruction, heart rate, breathing, pulse ... . So cool and easy. And the results were the same as 5 years ago---severe sleep apnea. New C-pap machine ordered (finally suppose to be delivered Feb. 16th, 2022---Covid is causing all kinds of shortages still. At least you can get toilet paper and sanitizer again! Just not furniture and medical equipment.
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| 10-9-21 Sleep study device! |
Ken actually suggested going to Chalktoberfest. Usually he doesn't like crowded places, so I was surprised he mentioned it. I'd always been curious about it, so he and I went. I didn't expect to find parking, but we did and we enjoyed the outing. Ken saw a little bit of the artwork, then sat in Marietta square and watched people and listened to the live music while I checked out all the art.
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| 10-10-21 marietta Chalktoberfest |
Layla's been keeping Grandpa's head blessed with holy water. Maybe that's whey he's doing so well.
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| 10-11-21 |
Time to get to Gibbs garden again. Ken even went along for the 1 or so ride, each way, and sat in the car.
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| 10-13-21 Gibbs |
They advertised wild flowers, which I hadn't seen before, so wanted to check it out. Not really wild flowers, but purposely planted cosmos flowers. Still beautiful!
Another day Ken suggested we go for a ride and I suggested Amicalola Falls in the N. Georgia mountains. He agreed, so we rode up there. He sat in the car while I hiked the falls. Then we went for a wonderful dinner in the lodge. Then I hiked the falls from another stop.
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| 10-23-21 Amicalola Falls |
Then I returned to a dead battery. Apparently we left the auxiliary electrical system on. Fortunately a couple young guys had a portable battery and gave us a jump. Nice to know there are still strangers out there willing to help strangers.
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| 10-23-21 Amicalola Falls |
Finally got my turn to get the booster. Still surprised how many people won't get it. Especially since new strains keep popping up and being more transmissible. Good thing is, it doesn't seem to be as deadly. But it's still a threat to old people. Faith's Dad and Brenda refuse to get it and Brenda ended up in the hospital for 3 nights. Our neighbors got it and were really sick for over a week. Her Dad died from Covid and her mother now has to live with them. One of my volleyball acquaintances died early on. But we all seem to have avoided it. I still wear a mask in most places. But Ken and I still go out to eat. That's the only thing he's able to do, so we do it. Almost 2 years now and there's still a lot of lock downs. Schools are in and out of virtual learning. Seems so strange to me! Nothing like this has happened in my lifetime---that we were affected by. As I heard recently, the vaccine isn't a true vaccine---it doesn't prevent the virus. It's more like a flu shot that helps ward off the virus and has to be repeated. Just hope it doesn't have to be repeated 3 times a year like this year!
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| 10-26-21 Paulding Health Dept. |
Time for another Knox kids' visit. Planned to carve pumpkins, but the Knox kids went furniture hunting instead---and found a really nice set.
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| 10-31 weekend |
Layla wanted to be Doc McStuffins for Halloween this year.
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| 10-31-21 Doc McStuffins |
After getting to watch the Cardinals all season courtesy of T-Mobile and the MLB TV app for free, we got to finish off the season watching the Braves win the World Series for the first time in 25 years.
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| 11-2-21 Braves---the new World Champs |
Time for more home repairs. Woke up to no hot water. Got someone out right away. The old water heater was about 18 years old, so we bought a new one.
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| 11-2-21 new water heater |
And all too soon it was time to close up the pool again! Took the salt chlorinater off and put the spacer in it's place.
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| 11-4-21 pool closed |
Finally figured out how to get to this neat area to wait while Ken's in his infusions. Too bad this was the last time it was warm enough to sit here this year.
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| 11-10-21 |
Just a shout out to Ken's cancer team.
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| 11-10-21 |
Loving the Fall colors in Ga.
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| 11-12-21 |
Loving the Fall colors so much it was time to head up to Gibbs again.
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| 11-13-21 Gibbs |
Watching Micky while the kids are in Nashville. Josh actually got a new job!!! Now Nashville is part of his territory with Shore Packaging. He interviewed 10 times after being head hunted. We didn't even know he was interviewing until they offered him the job. I stopped into their house one day and saw congratulatory balloons. Asked if Josh got a promotion or new job and then Angie told me. He was accepting the job that day. Had to do a lot of traveling the first 8 weeks---Chicago, Nashville, Louisville, Dallas tx, ... . On one of his trips to Nashville, Angie and Layla went with him. So we watched Micky. He dug a HUGE hole under the back patio chasing chipmunks. I had to dig shovels full of dirt from the woods to fill it. That got me determined to catch the critters and relocate them. So I bought a Chipmunkanator. And surprisingly enough, caught 2 chipmunks and one rat in about a 2 week period of time. Relocated them to a nearby park.
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| 11-21-21 diggin for chipmunks |
Thanksgiving---have a lot to be Thankful for this year. Ken's still doing pretty good---at least mentally. Kids are very supportive. Covid hasn't hit us. Can't ask for much more.
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| 11-25-21 weekend |
Had Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year. First time in awhile. So nice having our dining room so convenient. Never thought I would use it so much, but we sure are! Hardly ever used the one in St. louis.
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| 11-25-21 weekend |
Nice selfie of Angie and Josh
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| 11-25-21 weekend |
Once a turkey, always a turkey.
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| 11-25-21 weekend |
Loving all the family photos we're taking now, too!
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| 11-25-21 weekend |
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| Our bunch of goof balls |
Faith even put up our big Xmas tree while I put up the 2 smaller ones by the door. They even got Layla involved.
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| 11-25-21 weekend |
And Tim tried to sturdy up the side fence a bit.
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| 11-25-21 weekend |
Layla turned 4!!!! Where has the time gone???!!!!
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| 11-29-21 Layla's 4th birthday |
She kept telling Angie she wanted a real cake and not a pancake cake like last year.
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| 11-29-21 Layla's 4th birthday |
Ken took a couple months off the Avastin treatments. Had a broken tooth that needed to be pulled and couldn't be done while on Avastin. So while he was off, we did a follow up with Dr. Terrell, the orthopedic Dr. Xrays all looked good.
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| 12-6-21 terrell appt |
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| the man who saved Ken's leg. Been to him over 35 times in 3 years. So personable, too. Know more about him and his family then many of our friends. |
The Chipmunkanator works! This was actually the 3rd guy we caught. Took him to find his buddy. Hopefully Micky quits digging now!
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| 12-8-21 |
A month after Ken was off the Avastin, he went for his deep teeth cleaning. He had an appointment a couple days later for the extraction only to be told at the cleaning that they weren't pulling it. I had to find an oral surgeon and I had to do it fast. Spent a couple hours on the phone to find one that could do it the next week. Finally did and he was great. But Ken had to go for a consult first. Then I had to get the release from Dr. Klass. Took some doing, but got it done. Nothing like a little more stress. Speaking of stress, we also had to change insurance plans again, due to all our Drs dropping UHC from their in network coverage. I signed Ken up with Aetna (through Amerens benefits company, Aon) and I went with Wellcare (to get the Eliquis for $60/90 days). At least I think I have the Medicare stuff figured out now! Anyway, the oral surgeon was even able to pull Ken's tooth with him sitting in his wheel chair. So nice to be accommodated! All went well and the bleeding wasn't bad. A month later, Ken was back on Avastin with seemingly no problems for being off it for 2 months. His kidney function had started decreasing, so maybe the 2 month break was a help.
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| 12-9-21 tooth extraction |
Bill and Lena drove down for the day to visit. So nice to see family.
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| 12-11-21 |
Layla loves Santa now.
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| 12-12-21 |
I had noticed a long time ago that UHC covered membership to the YMCA here. There's one right by the kids' house and it has an indoor pool! I decided to check it out before we lost our UHC coverage. I was surprised when they paid for the whole year up front! So I signed us both up and Ken actually went a couple times. They have this one machine designed for people in wheel chairs. Still didn't get to the pool, but as excited to have the whole year to go. The kids joined a month or so later and have been working out every day. Even Layla loves going to the free child care center there. UHC was the only plan that included this, so hopefully they work out their problems with Wellstar before 2023!
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| 12-14-21 YMCA members |
Layla helping me decorate cupcakes. I went to take care of Ken and she used all the sprinkles!
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| 12-15-21 |
Layla's xmas concert. This time she had to stand on stage. She was terrified. But Mila held her hand and calmed her down. She's made some really neat friends there and has lots of play dates now. We are seeing her less and less, but I'm so glad she has real friends. Even one little boy named Caleb. She doesn't talk when she meets someone, but she runs and plays with them.
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| 12-15-21 laylas end of year concert |
time for another little excursion. this time we drove 45 minutes away to a Buckee's gas station. Asked if Layla wanted to go with us and Angie wanted to go ,too. Fun little excursion on a nice Dec. day.
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| 12-16-21 Buckees |
Layla wrote a letter (or colored one) to Santa again. Santa has a mailbox in our neighborhood.
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| 12-16-21 |
And Santa sent her a letter back!
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| 12-22-21 |
the kids came for Christmas. We had an old fashioned LaBeaume xmas eve party, complete with lots of finger foods like in the old days. Even had a Moonshine tasting courtesy of Faith. It was a fun night
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| 12-24-21 new xmas eve tradition? |
Ken was progressively more tired, though. Lots of napping going on. Even naps in bed a lot now. But still mentally good. We don't get out quite as much. Don't know if it's the lack of Avastin or progression of GBM.
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| 12-24-21 |
The Christmas cards I sent out to about 20 people this year. Sending fewer and fewer out.
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| our 2021 xmas card |
In cases I didn't have enough stress this year, I couldn't even get us matching pjs without stress! Ordered some on Dec. 1st and reordered them around Dec. 20th. The others were stuck in Fed X here in Atlanta. The reordered ones showed up Dec. 23rd, the original showed up Dec. 27th. I returned the original ones and had actually been refunded the cost of them previously, so ended up not paying anything for all our pjs.
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| 12-25-21 |
Tim and Micky having an eye to eye moment
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| 12-25-21 |
Angie with the ornament of Layla's hand print that Layla and I made for her.
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| 12-25-21 |
Grandpa and his little chef buddy.
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| 12-25-21 |
The kids taking Onyx out for a xmas ride. You know the kids are doing well when they have a golf cart to ride around in their neighborhood!
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| 12-25-21 |
Layla photo bombing Tim and FAith.
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| 12-25-21 |
a rare photo of just Ken and me.
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| 12-25-21 |
LOVE our group pictures! Especially this one! Angie props up her cell phone and does delayed shutter.
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| 12-25-21 |
This will definitely be next year's xmas card.
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| our 2022 xmas card? |
Tim doing the Green Man dance for Layla. Bill got her hooked on it!
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| 12-27-21 green man dance |
Layla loves her Aunt and Uncle and they sure do a great job loving her back!
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| 12-27-21 knox kids packing up and heading home |
The year ended with some incredibly nice warm 70 degree weather for a week. Finally had a few storms and rain and Layla had a blast playing in our big mud puddle of a back yard.
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| 12-30-21 70s and wet |
The end of another year. But not without a little more stress. We went out to an early dinner. Ken didn't make the transfer to his wheelchair once we got home and I had to call 911 for another lift assist. 3rd one this year. They were great as always, but figure it's time to check with the Dr. about a Hoyer lift. (did that in Jan and got one delivered in Feb. Hopefully we won't need it, but it's here)
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| 12-31-21 The End |
The year actually went better then I expected. Ken did pretty well. We made some more great memories. Still had our share of stresses: insurance; medical; house repairs; stupid little stuff like medical supplies and pjs not showing up as expected. But the good outweighs the bad.
