I JUST READ

several of my friends' blogs, and they all sounded so very interesting. I hardly know what to say. My computer has been ill, and I haven't been able to get on---but now it's better and I think I have caught up with all my interesting blogging friends.

Not too much new here. I cut the boys hair a few days ago (& Dean's). I love cutting hair, and I think I'm getting better at scissor-cutting. Anyway Dean's always looks pretty good.

We've been on antenna for several years now, and we were going to get the converter boxes for HD TV. But..... I read an article that says they don't all work, and some don't work well. So we decided to get DISH Network instead of fooling w/the boxes. We got the family package and I really like all the channels we get, plus it's the most inexpensive one they had! I especially like Hallmark and Hallmark Movie Channel and the DIY and ID channels. And of course the kids love Boomerang and Animal Planet etc. So I think we made good choice.

I've been reading a lot this summer, and really enjoying it. So many good books and so little time!

I'm taking the boys tomorrow and Friday as Sherri is busy as usual. All of her children are pleasant to have and are at such a good (& easy) age to have around! In two years we will have the trauma (like my friend Trish) of having to go through Bekah learning to drive and taking Driver's Ed. I'm thinking we should start teaching her now. Back in the "olden days" when I learned to drive, everyone could already drive by the time they had driver's ed. Believe it or not, I could drive at 9. And we had stick-shifts! Bekah does drive the tractor, but I think she and Katie actually could learn some basics in a big parking lot. Hmmmmmm. :-)

My theory (not having kids to take care of most of the time) is that during the HOT summer, we should sleep in the day and do work at night. Does anyone agree with this, or am I crazy?

Well, good night for now.........

PATRIMONY

is the name of the book we discussed at our "book-talk" group at the library tonight. It's written by Philip Roth---author of PORTNEY'S COMPLAINT & GOODBY COLUMBUS and others. It's a moving, somewhat depressing (but good) memoir about his relationship with his father, particulary the last year of his life. Patrimony is the legacy or birthright from father to son in the Jewish Community. This book is "real", sad, and touching. Most of us like it and thought it well-written and honest. This book was very different for this author, and he did a great job.

Sherri and I brought the snacks tonight, and after we cleaned up (they only ate her dessert b/c it was soooooo good & mine was just brownies!) we went to the sidewalk cafe for a sandwich and soda. We had such a good time gabbing we sat outside until after 10 p.m.! So fun to do stuff without kids once in awhile. Let's do it again Sherri!!

However both of the girls are in Little Rock with their "other" grandma, and we miss them terribly. I won't see them until next week! sigh...

I'm reading a David Baldacci book right now and enjoying the fluff! Hope everyone is reading great books this summer!

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!

What a difference a year makes. Last year in Aug. Dean was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) which sounds so much worse than it is. It's chronic, but progresses slowly. It can change (to acute), but usually it doesn't. Usually you don't die from the leukemia, but from some other illness you can't fight because of the leukemia. We are not the type of people who say "why me?" but rather----"ok, how do we deal with this now?" By the Grace of God, of course.

But at first we were devastated. Dean was depressed for about 3 months. Then slowly we got used to it, and the only real difference it has made in our life is we go to the doctor a little more for him to get blood counts, and we try very hard to keep all sick people away from Dean. So when the kids are sick I go over to their house to help Sherri and I found out when I get sick I too----need to stay away from Dean. Because when he does get sick----he gets it worse and for a longer period of time. He caught a cold from me in May & was sick for 4-6 weeks and even had to go on antibiotics. So hand sanitizer goes with us everywhere. He uses it often. Other than that----things are great!

And now the good news. We accidently found out ( a long story----call me if you want to know the details) that his CLL may be related to his Viet Nam tour. After a very short period of time we found out it was, and he has received full disability from the US Government which gives a monthly check and 100% free medical including eyes and dental! This----is----HUGE!!!!! It has totally changed our life for the better. Both of our attitudes are FANTASTIC, and we know we can deal with the challenges and changes that life brings us. Halleluiah!!! Thank You God.