Greer's Humble Abode

2011-12-19T07:39:00.003-07:00

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December 2011
Best wishes to all of you for a happy Christmas Season as we remember the reason for our celebrations. We have been blessed greatly again this year and are so grateful for knowing and having you as an important part of our lives. We have received many wonderful visitors this year including some of Frank's St. Johns high school classmates. It has truly blessed and lifted his spirits.

Our children are doing well, all are very busy and trying to do what's right. Wendy, Dave and their 4 children still at home moved about 5-6 miles away to Pinetop and are getting settled in a new Ward. Their oldest son, Skyler, just this week was operated on (14 hours in two surgeries) in Flagstaff for severe scoliosis of the spine and now has a permanent rod there. The S curves are gone and he will be 2" taller--7 feet tall! Hopefully his recovery will be speedy and he'll be back to normal soon. Right now the pain is pretty severe but he's a trooper. An ongoing problem is finding shoes, pants, etc. big enough to fit his tall frame. Their oldest daughter, Summer, was married in Las Vegas to Tarik Kojah in June and they are very happy and doing well. Autumn stays at home babysitting occasionally and helping her mom. Skyler is a junior in HS and will be home-schooled during his recuperation. Hunter is a freshman, plays basketball on the team and loves life. Clay does well in 6th grade and keeps them on their toes.

Lance, Shannon and their five children manage to keep afloat in their busy lives. Lance was just released as Bishop of their ward and is now on the High Council. He opened his fourth hearing clinic this year, this one in Hurricane and has started a new enterprise, Intra-operative monitoring, for which he hired a new audiologist who is expert in this field and will operate this procedure at the St. George Regional Hospital. Skyler had this done during his surgery to monitor if the knife was getting too close to nerves in his back. It can also work for brain surgeries. Shannon is the new Stake YW President and Vice President Elect of the school board and keeps their kids on track at school and elsewhere. Their three oldest, Kayla-8th grade, Hailey-5th, and Carson, 3rd, excel on swim teams and at school and Brinley does well in Kindergarten. Their baby Porter, 1 year, is such a cute happy little boy and keeps them all laughing.

Kristal's husband, Jason graduated from the U of U in SLC in architecture and obtained a good job with a firm there. They moved out of student housing into a duplex in south Salt Lake (Midvale) just before their 3rd little girl, Allie, was born the end of November. Regan-5 and in Kindergarten and Sophie-4, love being the big sisters to such a sweet little baby and sing primary songs to her often. They are also getting settled in their home and adjusting to their new ward.

Kandra, Jared and boys are keeping busy in Las Vegas. Jared is now working for a law firm after two years as a law clerk for a judge. He loves his new job and is doing well at that as well as Executive Secretary for their ward. Their two little boys are live-wires, so funny and active and just what Kandra needs to keep her on her toes. Three year old Gavin is already in soccer and loves it; one year old Brett just started walking and is into e-v-e--r-y-thing. Those funny boys always lift Frank's spirits on their frequent visits to Heber.

An update on Frank for those who haven't heard lately: He transferred his care to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale this summer as it seemed his oncologist in Show Low had hit a brick wall and didn't know how to proceed, as his previous treatment had proven too toxic and lowered his blood count dangerously low. The doctor at Mayo said he had ”many weapons in his arsenal" and said it's possible for Frank to live a number of years. Currently he is taking Thalidomide every other night and a steroid once a week; these have knocked his malignant cell count down by 2/3 and allowed his good blood cells--red, white and platelets--to rise to an acceptable level and protect his immune system. He was hospitalized twice the first half of this year with lung infections but managed to fight them off each time. (He's learning where the best and worst hospitals are located!) Though he doesn't often have an appetite and has lost 100# in the last 3 years, he has started to gain a little back. He has also lost 6-8 inches in height because of compression fractures in his spine due to the cancer but the pain is managed pretty well with pain meds. A nice aspect to the new treatment is that it is in pill form instead of IV's which had to be administered in the doctor's office. A lot less travel! Hooray! We are really impressed with this new myeloma specialist, a doctor who is not only very knowledgeable but really seems to listen and is willing to adjust his treatment to Frank's wants and needs.

In June we were invited to go to Puerto Vallarta to stay at a time-share at the beautiful and relaxing Rancho Banderas Resort with Bill Beecroft and family and other friends. So nice!!

In July we travelled back to Upstate New York for the third time to be Hosts at the Peter Whitmer Farm in Fayette during the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Another great experience meeting thousands of visitors to the site!

In August we went to St. George to a resort with all our children and their families and it was great seeing them having fun together. Lots of good memories were made as we swam, ate and played at the Worldmark Resort.

We have enjoyed visits from our children and especially Kandra and her two little boys who came from Las Vegas in November to stay with her dad as he wasn't feeling well enough to go to Salt Lake City with me to help Kristal at the time of the birth of our 15th grandchild, a precious beautiful little girl. All are doing well.

Frank and I are going to become "Snowbirds" for the first time ever and spend a couple of months in Mesa where its nice and warm and get out of the frigid snowy winter weather that began earlier than I can remember. We'll leave after the first of the year.

There have been many good friends, neighbors and family who have provided so much service to us this year and it is truly appreciated and means everything to us. We love you all and hope the true spirit of Christ abides in your heart this holiday season and through the new year. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for his many tender mercies throughout the year.

*Photo: Frank and I in Hawaii in the fall of 2010 having a wonderful time exploring the island of Kauai.

Some thoughts to ponder. . .

2011-10-03T23:40:00.002-07:00

Einstein once said, 'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."

Come what MAY

2011-05-31T20:26:00.004-07:00

I've been trying to post for a week or so but at the top of my blog where the sign- in bar is supposed to be there was only a blank white space. . .:( Don't know what that was all about. Anyway things look back to normal now so I hope I can remember what I was going to blog about.

Let's see--the wind continues to blow and blow most of the time which makes it pretty miserable to get outside to work in my yard or garden. Uhg! However, every time I feel like complaining, I think of the people in the midwest who have lost their homes or even lives and I feel very grateful that we and our homes are still intact.

I had managed to put 3 dozen sixpacks of flowers into pots ready to put out in the yard (grass and weeds don't seem to find their way into the pots--yeah!!) and then last night it froze good and lots of vinca and marigolds suffered accordingly. I'll have to replace them. Rats. I've been working on getting a water line (drip) to my newly planted grape and berry plants so I don't have to hand water them, but I keep having problems with too many leaks, etc. Will keep working on that. We bought a new riding lawn mower so now Frank does the mowing--nice. I also got a new weed-eater as my old one had completely worn out so now now there's no excuse I can't continue to do that job regularly.

We will leave for Las Vegas tomorrow and the wedding of our oldest grand daughter, Summer on Friday. We're looking forward to that. Before we leave Frank has a doctor's appt. in Show Low to see what direction he wants to go with his treatment. Always that hanging over his head. . .

We were looking forward to seeing all our kids in Las Vegas for the wedding but Kristal has been too sick with her pregnancy (has a feeding tube in which bypasses her stomach and goes into the small intestine)in order that she can get any nourishment to herself and the baby. The tube is VERY uncomfortable in her throat, making it raw and swollen and we're hoping she won't have to have it in the 4 to 8 weeks the doctor indicated. Anyway she won't be able to go to LV. Bless her heart!

Bone Marrow Biopsy, Fathers' and Sons' Outing in Pine Valley

2011-05-17T21:44:00.008-07:00

The day after we returned from Puerto Vallarta, Frank went to the hospital for a bone marrow biopsy (BMB), the first since his multiple myeloma diagnosis the beginning of 2009. Since the cancer is of the newly forming white (plasma) blood cells in the bone marrow, it is important to occasionally see how it is progressing. The procedure, done under general anesthesia, was uneventful but he was quite sore for a few days.

A couple of days later we drove to St George where he planned to go with our son, Lance and his son 7-year-old son Carson on a Father and son's outing to Pine Valley, where their ancestors had helped settle. They had a great time and Saturday after the outing which included about 60 or more men/boys, Frank, Lance and Carson went to Enterprise Lake and fished, catching many large 12-16" trout which they brought home and cooked for us. Yum!

While they were gone, we girls all went to the movie "Gnomeo and Juliet" for our Mother Daughter date. Lots of fun! We also attended the Hershey track meet and Kayla took third place in the long jump. Hailey also participated. We had an enjoyable time in St George and were glad for the opportunity to spend time with family.

Kayla on the stand receiving her award

This Monday we returned to the doctor for the results of the BMB. The first one he had done in 2009 revealed that 50-60% of the cells were malignant. This time the percentage was 40, which is not good but the chemo had decreased them quite a bit. Since he hasn't been able to continue the chemo beyond 2 treatments in the last 6 weeks because of neutropenia, (see previous post) his M-spike continues to rise. He had had 4 Neupogen shots the past month which had raised the neutrophil count but it dropped on its own and this week when we found out the results, he is neutropenic again. Uhg!! He got another Neupogen shot and we will have more labs next week to see if the neutrophils have risen and he can get more chemo. The problem is, he was feeling quite good until he got the shot. It made every bone in his body hurt and he feels like he has a terrible case of the flu. Each time he gets the shot that happens. (The chemo does the same thing). The doctor is concerned about the effect the chemo (Velcade/dexamethasone) will have on his white count and feels it is time to start looking for another option. He feels that exposing him to a high risk of infection would be asking for major problems. Dr. T is checking into a suitable (if there is one) clinical trial at the Mayo clinic in Scottsdale and will find out if he can qualify for it, based on what has/is happening and the chemo he has already received. We'll return to see him in a couple of weeks and see what he has found out.

No Chemo, Loss of Great Grandchild, trip to Rancho Banderas

2011-05-08T20:43:00.011-07:00

A lot has happened since my last post. Frank has been off chemo for about 6 weeks to give his body a chance to recover. Dr. T. is very cautious which is good as too much could be toxic to Frank. He got myeloma labs last week and will have a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow (under general anesthesia) and then next week we'll go find out the good/bad results and go from there. In the meantime we have been busy--can't let moss grow under our feet, as he would say!

Kandra brought her two cute little boys and stayed a week before Easter to give Gavin a chance to run around in the woods playing with cousins, etc. instead of indoors all the time in LV. Those boys are sure cuties. Check Kandra's blog for more info. on that!

Unexpectedly, Wendy and I went to Las Vegas just before Easter when we found out that it was determined that Summer's baby (our first great-grandchild) and 34 weeks in utero, had no heartbeat. We made it to the hospital that night and after a LONG labor, she delivered a precious little stillborn son named Eric Ryan, weighing 3#15 oz and 19" long. We planned a memorial service there in her ward with her bishop presiding and speaking. Lance also spoke, gave a very touching talk and there were several beautiful musical numbers. Tarik's family was there as well as Kandra and her family and Lance and his. When the paperwork was completed, Wendy, Summer and Tarik drove home with the little body and a graveside service was held in Lakeside and he was buried in the cemetery there.It was nice to get to know his family better and find out what special people they are. Tarik's family with Summer, Wendy and myself after the memorial service.

The next day Frank and I flew from Phoenix to Puerto Vallarta and then traveled to Rancho Banderas where we spent a week relaxing with several friends from Heber and had a great time relaxing on a beautiful beach with amazing sunsets, great waves for boogie boarding and yummy food.

View of the beautiful gardens at Rancho Banderas Resort

Frank and Ron Squire looking out from our balconyMore shots around the resort:

Sunsets at the resort were spectacular when it wasn't too cloudy or hazy to see them.

I'm getting buckled in ready to go parasailing! What an adventure!

Up, Up and away!

All and all, a wonderful vacation with special friends! Frank was ready to just stay there, said he feels better at sea level--who wouldn't!

Neutropenia

2011-04-17T23:00:00.002-07:00

That word means having an extremely low neutrophil count in the white blood cells which is definitely not good because those little tiny beggars are the body's heroic infection fighters. They are the immune system. When they drop out of site then extreme precautions must be taken to stay alive and reasonably healthy. Since chemotherapy happens to have as a nasty side effect the ability to wipe out the good cells as well as the bad, that explains why Frank's labs (expecially neutrophils) this week were too low for him to get chemo the third round. That didn't hurt his feelings at all but instead he was given injections (neupogen) two days in a row to help stimulate his body to start making more of them. Those gave him flu-like symptoms--achiness all over, etc., so he might as well have had the chemo for how it made him feel. Anyway, Dr. T has decided to give him the chemo two weeks on and one week off with the neupogen injections starting the day after his second chemo dose. In a couple of weeks he'll find out if the chemo has dropped the bad myeloma count (M-spike) at all. Certainly hope so. He still does remarkably well considering all that's working against him. He's my hero! Kandra drove all the way from Las Vegas on Thursday with her two little boys so she could get to spend some time at home, especially with her dad. Jared will fly here this Thursday and they will spend Easter weekend (and Jared's birthday) in town. Saturday Frank was feeling well enough we drove to the lovely stream and lakes in Greer (founded by his great-great grandfathers) in the White Mountains two hours away to do a little fishing. Gavin had a great time throwing rocks in the water, throwing out the fishline and reeling the bobber back in and having a picnic lunch. It was a beautiful day, one of the best we've had and we were reminded that if the only reason you go fishing is to catch fish, you've missed the point. Frank has meetings in Phoenix this week (Tech Prep [vocational education]) so we all will go down for two or three days and shop or whatever while he is in meetings. Gavin will probably get to stay with his Grandma Owens in Heber since he does better having a whole outdoors to run around in instead of being put on a leash (figuratively) while we're trying to do our thing in the big city. It looks like the funding for Frank's job will end soon and I think he'll actually be kind of relieved not to have to worry about it any more, though we have enjoyed having a little extra income to be able to go on a trip or so a year.

Spring has sprong!!

2011-04-10T22:35:00.004-07:00

This week has been kinda crazy but actually very typical of this time of year here--warm sunny weather one day, wind the next (I'm not talking a little breeze here) and snow the next! After nights of little or no frost, last night was 7 degrees! The daffodils had been so pretty and perky and now have droopy little heads down on the ground. I picked a bouquet of them and put them in a tall vase to prop them up--a quick salvage to enjoy them indoors for a few days.

The last week or so I've dug 22 holes in my garden to plant grape vines, raspberry bushes and yes, even blueberries in this high altitude alkaline environment. This meant modifying the soil with lots of amendments--peat moss, vinegar water, elemental sulfer, water crystals, pine needles, dead leaves and anything else I could think of, all to help acidify the soil for the blueberries especially, which require a ph of under 5. Our soil as I tested it was 7.0, very alkaline. No surprise there. The day I finished adding all these things to the holes and watering them good, it tested at about 6 so I am making progress. With the lovely rain that came all night Wednesday and then the rain and snow on Saturday, I'm thinking it will be lower still, especially as the mulch breaks down. I collected pure rainwater and it tested at about 5. Keep the rain coming! I am still waiting on the plants to arrive ( I have a notice of a package at the P.O. so maybe they're here). I'll test the soil again before I plant them to see if the ph has improved. I ordered the most cold hardy varieties of each so hopefully we'll be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor eventually.

Frank had his second dose of chemo last Tuesday and the reaction was totally different from the week before. While the first round caused extreme tiredness and some fever for a few days, this week the stuff (Velcade and dexamethasone) made him jittery, sleepless and he had two scarey bouts of nosebleed (one and a half hours non-stop each time). His platelet count (measure for blood clotting) was better than the week before so don't know what the deal is. He'll go in for blood tests tomorrow and then get the third dose Tuesday in Show Low.

We were able to attend the wedding of his brother Paul in Mesa on Friday evening, which was lovely, and the weather decided to cooperate at the last hour. He had the ceremony outside in his back yard by the pool but it was so windy all day that the decorating couldn't be finished until the last. His bride told him she had been praying for the wind to stop all day. There were many friends and family in attendance and lots of well-wishes for their happiness. They seem a perfect couple. She's a welcome addition to our family.

Counting Blessings

2011-04-03T18:14:00.004-07:00

After listening to general conference today from Salt Lake City and feeling inspired by the uplifting messages of hope, encouragement, and many other needful topics I feel an urge to resume blogging. We have as a family and couple, been blessed in so many ways. Its always easy to complain about our problems and trials that tend to get us down, but there are so many blessings to more than offset them--all we have to do is look and they are everywhere. Another year has passed and Frank is still able to get around and do many enjoyable activities, despite his diagnosis of multiple myeloma more than 2 years ago, a cancer of the blood, located in the bone marrow. A year ago he found it had invaded his spine and had made multiple large and small holes in it. He started chemotherapy and then because of severe pain, was given 10 radiation treatments. Many more months of chemo followed to knock down the malignant count (M-spike). In between treatments however, we were able to do lots of fun and enjoyable activities.

The end of May we gathered as a family with our kids at the Worldmark Resort in Tucson (Oro Valley) for a 5 day vacation which was fun and memorable for all as we swam, ate, visited Kartchner Caverns, took family pictures, played games and other relaxing activities. During the time we were there, our oldest daughter Wendy was able to connect with her birth mother, Shawn, with the help of a volunteer organization called Search Angels. What an exciting time for her and us. She had desired this for years but had hit only dead ends.

In July we flew to New York for the Hill Cumorah Pageant and again served as volunteer hosts at the historical Peter Whitmer farm in Fayette for two weeks. What an enjoyable time we had. Its good to know that even though Frank's health isn't such that he could serve a full-time mission, yet we can still offer our services in a small way to help the thousands of people who come through at that time have an enjoyable visit. We enjoyed spending time with Lance and his family when they flew back to NY and had the opportunity to go with them to Palmyra to watch the pageant, Niagara Falls, cruise the Erie Canal as well as travel to Kirtland, Ohio and surrounding area, and many other scenic and historic places. We also enjoyed visits from Dustin Franco and family and Paul and Chantel Reidhead while we were there. We again signed up to return this year, have made our plane reservations and are looking forward to that assignment.

During August we traveled by car to Salt Lake City to visit Kristal and her family a few days and then went to Orem to stay with long-time friends, the Judds, while we attended the annual Education Week classes at BYU in Provo in the Marriot Center. That is a choice opportunity to sit in the presence of very knowledgeable scholars of Church History, ancient religious studies, etc. and to be edified and rejuvenated by them. This year we have made campus reservations and will stay in an apartment with my sister Carol and her husband Pat as we attend classes.

Frank was taken off the chemo in October because he could no longer fight off infections. Not only does it wipe out the good cells with the bad but it turns out that the radiation had basically paralyzed the right lower lobe of lung and diaphragm which allowed fluids and infection to build up and he was unable to fight it off. The reprieve from chemo was a welcome break and by continuing to take antibiotics interspersed with the many (uhg!) alternative supplements I have researched and determined to be helpful to him, and with his great determination, he has kept relatively healthy most of the time and has continued to go and do many worthwhile things.

With October came the birth of another beautiful grandson, Lance and Shannon's baby Porter Dallin, and another opportunity to travel to St George to help out for a few days and then to return in November for his blessing. New babies bring such a sweet spirit into the home! The kids all came to Heber in the fall to help with the annual wood splitting-and-stacking-under-the-patio project for good ole' Mom and Dad. It is so nice to have it stacked neatly just outside our back door instead of having to worry about getting wheel-barrow loads from our woodpile all winter and splitting kindling regularly. It was good to have a visit from most of the family at home again for Thanksgiving. There is nothing like family!!

December was busy and eventful, this time for Kandra in Las Vegas as she gave birth to Brett Franklin, our 7th grandson and 14th grandchild. We were privileged to be in attendance and witness this exciting occasion. The Christmas season was special and again reminded us of the importance of the birth and life of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. When we consider what he sacrificed for each of us that we might obtain Eternal life, our trials seem trivial in comparison. Visits from children and grandchildren helped to keep our spirits bright!

Because Frank seemed to be doing better and said he felt good, we agreed to go to Lance's in St. George in January to babysit his four older children while they made a brief get-away in San Francisco to celebrate his landmark 4-0 birthday. It was to be a surprise to him. However the night we arrived, Frank began feeling ill, got the chills then high fever and began coughing up blood during the night. Needless to say, he ended up in the E.R. and was admitted to Dixie Regional Medical Center where he spent nearly a week. . .and Lance and Shannon stayed home :-( We were very impressed with the care we received at DRMC and were glad that we were there when he became sick.

For several months our ever-scheming children planned a surprise 70th birthday party for Frank which happened the 19th of March. They used a 50's theme with lots of nostalgia. To get the scoop, go to Kandra's blog. They did an awesome job and Frank claims he was truly surprised. It was very uplifting for him to have many family members and friends there for him.

The last three months have been filled with doctor appointments and other usual activities including regular attendance at our usual Sunday meetings, frequent visits to Mesa to witness the courtship of Frank's brother Paul to a wonderful lady, Lee, and her baptism into the church. They will be married this weekend and we're really happy for both of them and the opportunity for happiness together.

Frank has resumed chemo this month and it will continue indefinitely because the M-spike is rising (not good). Even though he has frequent ups and downs, yet we feel very blessed that he is still with us and not confined to bed or with severe disabilities. We look at our children and are so grateful for the love we all share and for their good and productive lives. We feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity and privilege of being their parents and the wonderful grandchildren we have been blessed with. We are thankful for great neighbors that are always here and willing to help out whenever needed. We appreciate the warm spring days that are finally arriving and the cheerful daffodils blooming outside our door.

We know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and loves us unconditionally. We trust Him and can accept that our time on earth may be shortened but are willing to accept His will. I've been blessed with a wonderful husband for nearly 46 years and counting. . .

Maybe next post, I'll try to add a picture or two here or there but that seems to be where I got into trouble before--they wouldn't upload after waiting and trying over and over so I finally gave up.

Life is good.

Celebration of 45 Years of marriage

2010-05-22T08:05:00.011-07:00

During the middle of May we celebrated our 45 anniversary on Vancouver Island in Victoria, BC and stayed at the WorldMark Resort. We first flew into Seattle where we were picked up by some friends who live south of Seattle and stayed with them a few days at their lovely home in Bonney Lake. They then drove their car and we all traveled over to Vancouver Island by ferry, leaving from Anacortes.

It was really green and beautiful in Victoria but a little rainy, windy and cold most of the time, normal for this time of the year, I guess. These pictures were taken while I walked early one morning near our Worldmark Resort.

Note that the sign "Welcome to Victoria" was provided by beautiful pink and white English Daisies. See the closeup below.

We went to the world famous Butchart gardens and certainly weren't disappointed. Wish I could transport just a small version of one or two of them to my yard in Heber. . . Sigh. . . Not the cloudy, gloomy weather though. Note the smokestack in the background of the above picture. There used to be a limestone quarry in the area. The Buchart family transformed the big hole left in the ground into the beautiful pool with fountain as you see.
More lovely garden areas. . .I wanted to put my bed underneath a tree and never leave.

The next picture shows a 'bear' formed of moss. We also saw other 'animals'--deer, boar, etc., formed likewise. Very creative.

Though Frank wasn't able to go everywhere in the garden, he and our good friend, Truman had an enjoyable day at the gardens.

A light at the end of the tunnel for Jason!

2010-05-12T20:20:00.003-07:00

We were so glad to be able to fly to Salt Lake City to see Jason receive his undergraduate degree in Architecture. Frank handled the trip well. The smile on Jason's face as he 'walked' was worth the trip. So many long days and nights away from his little family as he studied and worked on projects. . . Great job! Since he was accepted into the accelerated program for his master's degree, he will only have 15 more months to go, then he will be finished with school in August 2011.

Seeing Kristal and the two little girls was definitely an added bonus. They are a laugh a minute. Kandra and her family and Lance came also and we had a good visit. Check out Kandra's blog http://kandjowens.blogspot.com/for pictures and more details. Her little boy, Gavin, (20 months) thought he was at Disneyland when he got on the elevators at our hotel. He didn't want to get off but rather to keep pushing buttons, going up and down, down and up, around and around, over and over.

When we returned from our trip, we stopped in Mesa for another chemo treatment for Frank and a zometa infusion for his bones. Ugh! He decided to split up his Decadron dose from 40 mg all at once to 20 mg two days in a row so it isn't so hard on him. Don't know if it helps or just prolongs the misery. He has a bright red rash on both legs--don't know what that's from. The doctor wants to wait a week or so and see if it goes away on its own. (Maybe the augmentin which he took for a week??) Tomorrow we will go down to Mesa again for more chemo., then spend the night and fly to Seattle for the first part of a week long trip to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary which was April 16. On that day he had to have a dose of chemo. We scheduled this trip during what we thought was an off week but with his eratic treatments due to low blood counts, fevers, etc. our schedule is off. However since flight and hotel reservations had been made, we told the doctor the chemo could wait a week. As we see it, if we have no quality of life and can't do anything but get treatments, then what's the point??

We will stay near Seattle a few days with friends we met a few years ago on a cruise and then the four of us will travel by car and ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island, B.C. We've wanted to do this for a long time and are really looking forward to the trip. Hopefully I'll have some nice pictures to post when we get back.

Zippety Do Dah. . .what a wonderful day!

2010-05-04T20:23:00.004-07:00

After a week of not so fun times, we felt like dancing as we left the doctor's office in Mesa today. As late as last night, Frank was still running a nocturnal fever and we were dreading going in to see the doctor for fear he would want to put him in the hospital "to find out what's going on" or something, not to mention give him another dose of chemo, which totally wipes him out and causes back and leg pain. Since we have plane tickets to Salt Lake City on Thursday, that would have been very sad and ruined our plans. Well, the doctor just said that his labs looked good and to wait until Frank finished the prescription to start chemo again. When we pressed him about the labs, we found that the IgG protein in his blood had gone down from about 2000 a month ago to 1068 this week. Hallelujah! Unbelievably, that is in the normal (great) range!!! In spite of the fact that he had only had two chemo treatments in the past 6 weeks (he should have had 11 in that time). . . The doctor said that it must be due to the chemo he got and I said "or the supplements I give him" :) The doctor said that he and I are a team. I'll accept that!

So what's going on here really?

2010-05-02T12:18:00.006-07:00

So... we came home from the Valley and like a good boy, Frank took his antibiotic, lalalala...He felt fine Friday night and all day Saturday, then that night his temperature spiked again. Not daring to ignore it, we called the doctor in Mesa, got the answering service of course and a doctor (not his regular one) called back, said we needed to change perscriptions, that Cipro wasn't strong enough. So after finding which pharmacy was open earliest Sunday morning (Walgreens in Show Low--45 min. away) we called the doctor back (got another different one) to give her the phone # so she could call in the rx; I made a trip there to pick up it up--Augmentin this time. Hopefully it will do the job. Frank still feels pretty good but will stay home from church to protect himself, mostly.

Just after I got back home, we had another 30 minute blizzard blanketing everything in white! Thirty minutes later it had all melted and the sun was out! Crazy Arizona weather.

No chemo after all

2010-04-30T22:27:00.002-07:00

After traveling clear to Mesa today, the doctor didn't want Frank to take a dose of chemo because of the fever two nights in a row. Instead he ordered 2 blood cultures 15 minutes apart from two separate locations and also a urine culture to see if they could find a reason for the fevers. He also wrote an rx for an antibiotic. Other than the fever he has had no other symptoms--no sore throat, cough, aches, etc., etc. Next time he runs a fever, we will definitely call first before we make the trip down.

Hurray for natural immune boosters:)

2010-04-29T19:48:00.004-07:00

Frank is doing better this week. He had a CBC done on Monday so on Tuesday the doctor's office called and said his white counts had gone up and wanted us to go down to Mesa for a dose of chemo. We were already on the road so that worked out well. The doctor said he doesn't have to have labs so often anymore--less needle sticks :)) and they've reduced his dose of chemo so that's g-r-e-a-t news! The doctor feels he is responding well to the treatment. He seems to be tolerating it pretty well although last night he suddenly felt like someone had pulled a plug and drained all his energy like a deflated balloon; he also had a fever of 100.9. Today he is better, no fever. It seems like the fever always happens a day or so after each chemo treatment but only lasts a day. He'll have another dose tomorrow in Mesa. We're working on getting his records copied to the oncology center in Show Low so he can take it there when he doesn't need to see his doctor. That will save lots of time, money and aggravation in travel :) especially during the summer months going to the hot Valley. Yeah!

The last two days have been so-o-o windy it sounded like our home, trees and all would be blown to the Utah border. Nasty!! We needed rocks in our pockets to even go outside so needless to say, we pretty much stayed inside. Suddenly this afternoon the wind totally stopped, it became calm, cloudy and cold for a few hours and then--a white-out snowstorm, covering the ground as night fell. Crazy end-of-April weather in the high country of Arizona!

Multiple Myeloma Mayhem and Madness

2010-04-26T23:11:00.007-07:00

Sorry for not blogging for the past several months but first of all my computer was giving me fits, then I was having back problems and couldn't sit at the computer for more than 5 minutes at a time. Well, Christmas brought me a beautiful new computer but so much was going on with Frank that I spent any time I could at the computer doing research of alternative/complementary treatments for his multiple myeloma (mm) cancer. He had been taking Curcumin and other natural anti-cancer substances for many months, including H2O2 and because his is the most aggressive form of mm [chromosome 13q deletion], I had tried many substances. When he complained, I would tell him that the handfuls of pills he was taking were the salad and vegetables he should be eating but doesn't like:)

Back in October Frank was helping to clean up the millions of fallen leaves in our yard and was lifting a huge garbage bag full into his truck to haul off when suddenly he felt a "pop" and pain in his back. He felt he had pulled a muscle because though he was stiff and sore, the pain seemed to move around, mostly in the soft tissues. Just when it started to feel better, he lifted a heavy suitcase before a trip and the pain returned in a different location. This type of thing happened regularly each time he thought things were beginning to improve. After a couple of months, when the pain had worsened, he went to his family doctor who prescribed physical therapy. I also had hurt my back again late in September and was suffering from sciatica [which I wouldn't wish on an enemy!]. We both started going to p.t. and eventually, after both of us spent Christmas pretty much incapacitated, I was improving, but his pain got worse instead of better. When he told his oncologist about the pain, he of course wanted to immediately do an MRI of Frank's spine. I had read that the contrast agent used, gadolinium, caused his type of cancer to proliferate and the malignant protein in his blood to spike. We told the doctor that we would agree to the MRI if it could be done without contrast, which he agreed to. It was done but the results were inconclusive, so a CT scan and x-rays were done which revealed compression fractures in his lower thoracic and lumbar spine. The doctor wanted a clear view of just what was going on so we finally agreed to the MRI with contrast. This showed lytic lesions of his entire lumbar spine with the biggest tumor nearly an inch in diameter. All of these were causing weakening and collapsing of the vertebrae and severe pain.

Up until this point, he had been considered being in the smoldering (or sleeping)myeloma stage. There are 4 symptoms which would indicate his cancer had become active and together have the anacronym CRAB. C stands for elevated calcium, R is for renal (kidney) failure, A is for anemia (low red blood cells) and B is for bone lesions. Up until then those had not been present and oncologists don't treat the disease because it doesn't improve the outcoome or extend life. However, with the invasion of the cancer from the bone marrow into the bones, he officially is in the active stage, which necessitates strong measures.

He was going to start Lenolidamide, an oral chemotherapy agent, which would be really convenient and he could take it at home, but decided to opt out of that when we found it would cost us several thousand dollars a month out of pocket:( He took two weeks of IV chemo (Velcade) (twice a week) and we would come home in between doses [300 miles rt each time]. It only took a few minutes to administer and he never felt nauseated from it which is a blessing, but it caused extreme tiredness and severe pain in his back and legs. After one cycle the doctor decided he needed radiation in his back to help alleviate pain and knock down the tumors in his spine so he had two weeks of that (five days a week) directed at his entire lumbar spine, administered first in front and then in back.

We stayed with his brother Bud, in Gilbert during the week and went home on weekends. During the second week he was hospitalized for 24 hours with sudden upper chest pain. After an E.K.G., scans, x-rays, enzyme tests, etc. it was determined it was not his heart, a blood clot in his lung, or pneumonia but probably a tear or pulled muscle, the results of severe coughing, as he had picked up an infection when some of our kids had come home to see him a month before. He had to make up the day of missed radiation so that took him into the third week. Then he started another cycle of chemo. . .

He always gets a CBC (complete blood count to check his immune system) the day before the chemo and after one dose of this second cycle, his white count (infection fighters) has been too low and puts him at great danger of infection without an immune system to fight it so they didn't give him any chemo at all last week. At least it saved us a couple of trips to the Valley! We'll see how things go this week. We have to go down there to obtain and hand carry an RX for a narcotic pain reliever for him, the only thing that makes life bearable.They can't fax or phone it to the pharmacy, state law. He also takes a mega-dose of Decadron (a potent steroid)once a week which hopefully helps wipe out some of the cancer cells, increases his appetite [he has lost more than 40 pounds the last few months] but also wrecks havoc with his immune system along with the chemo and radiation.

Anyway, things have been interesting here to say the least. He has a good attitude but wonders what the Lord wants him to learn from all this. We are flying to Salt Lake City in May for Kristal's husband's graduation (BS in Architecture) from the U of U. Just don't have the time with chemo [if he can take it] to make a two day trip each way and it would be too hard for him to drive the whole way in a day so we have made plane reservations. I'll certainly have to give him lots of immune boosters before the flight.

Lance and Wendy and families came home this weekend to take care of things that needed to be done: rake mountains of leaves in my flower beds, clean up chips at the wood pile, plow our garden spot, mow our huge lawn, haul off broken tree branches & bags and bags of leaves, etc., etc. Our good neighbor, Dustin, was in on the project all the way. His wife brings us tasty meals regularly, which helps perk up his appetite. Its been wonderful--so appreciated. I had been working outside when I could but there was so much to do it seemed overwhelming.

New York or Bust!

2009-08-16T22:03:00.012-07:00

Sorry to be so slow to update this blog but computer problems are the main culprit. I started downloading (uploading?) pictures in reverse order so they will be chronological but this program won't let me download any more at this time so when I can get the earlier ones put in, you'll see the first part of our trip.

One afternoon after we finished our shift at the Whitmer Farm in Fayette, NY, another couple asked if we wanted to go on a dinner cruise that evening on the Erie Canal. Of course we, as well as Louis and Louise did! We drove to Fairport to embark, an hour or so west of Palmyra. About 15 or 20 other couples from our site as well as Palmyra were also on the cruise.

The entire trip was a lot of fun, very romantic and scenic with beautiful homes with their own boat docks all along the way.

Modern equipment has enabled the canal to be widened and deepened to allow bigger boats onto the canal. There are a total of 32 locks going the length. We went through one then turned around and came back, arriving after dark.

Another day before our afternoon shift started, we drove an hour or so into Amish country and stopped at a little country store where they had all manner of beautiful homemade crafts for sale. I especially enjoyed looking at these amazing quilts.

We saw this cute buggy--the common mode of transportation of the Amish--parked in front of a well-kept farm with a boy in bib overalls out riding his bike. We hoped to see them working in their fields but they were scarce.

One afternoon we drove up to Fair Haven State Park on the shore of Lake Ontario on the northern border of NY with Louis and Louise. We all had a good laugh about these birds who congregated in flocks everywhere waiting for a handout of food and thought they reminded us of the Obama Democrats!

We took a little picnic and enjoyed the beauty of the park by the lake.

This is a typical picture of the beautiful farms, barns, corn fields, etc. that we saw every day wherever we traveled.

On our P-day, we decided to spend the day in Palmyra, to take the scenic tour as well as have a spiritual tour. As we arrived, first at the Grandin Print Shop, it was pouring rain. We got a little drenched waiting to go inside for the tour to start.

One morning the four of us got up early and attended a session here at the beautiful Palmyra Temple.

The first home of Joseph Smith's family in Palmyra.

The entrance to the Sacred Grove. There were several other paths leading in and out and as we were leaving, a rather hard-looking woman who seemed rather out of place (tattoos, etc., etc., probably in her 30's) met up with us, merging from a different path.

She seemed rather teary eyed and affected by her experience in the grove. She seemed to want to talk so we asked her where she was from and she said Louisiana. We told her of our daughter and husband who had spent two years there going to school and who had learned to love the people and everything about the state because of the warm hospitality of the people there.

We asked her if she was a member of the Church and she said yes, that her mother had joined when she was 3 years old. She said that as a teenager, she became rebellious and started doing things she shouldn't and eventually lost her membership in the Church. After some time she began missing feeling the Spirit and wanted to get back in the church. She became very ill, was hospitalized and felt that she would die. She prayed and prayed that she would live long enough so that she could be re-baptized. After contacting her Bishop to ask if she could be, he began the process for her. She did recover and was able to again receive her membership through re-baptism and to once again feel the spirit.

She told us she never wanted to be without that feeling again but that life was very hard because she had married a non-member and while he allowed her to attend meetings, yet he wasn't interested in the Church. She and her husband and two other friends had left their hometown on motorcycles and were on their way to visit friends elsewhere, but she told them she didn't care where else they went, she was going to stop in and spend some time in the Sacred Grove! They agreed but didn't go in themselves. We talked a while and encouraged her to always make good choices and set a good example for them and said that she would be blessed in her life for doing so. She gave us both big hugs and said how much she had appreciated being able to talk with us. A while later we watched as she donned her bandana, helmet and black leather jacket and rode off on her motorcycle with her husband and friends, waving at us as she left. It was a special experience for us.

Frank in Palmyra before the Hill Cumorah Pageant with two of the awesome Sister Missionaries we had the privilege of working with at the Whitmer farm. They didn't get to stay for the pageant because they hadn't found an investigator to bring and it would be after hours before it ended. Mission
rule. . .

We loved going two or three hours early to watch the pageant because all the participants got their costumes and make-up on early and mixed and mingled with the crowds of people until dark. Their costumes were so amazing and they were very friendly and loved the chance to share a spiritual thought with us. We talked with many young people, even very young ones who weren't afraid to speak up and share their testimony. We marveled at how prepared they were becoming to be future full-time missionaries.

The first night we went to the pageant it started pouring rain about 20 minutes before the end and ended up getting cancelled for the night, due to the danger of lightening to the crew and cast up on the hill. Only the 3rd time in pageant history for that to happen! We were glad we were able to attend again a few days later.

The beautiful Fayette Ward chapel and visitors center at the Whitmer farm. It was designed, both inside and outside, to look like other churches of the period. Note especially the gold domed steeple. Inside was very beautiful with lots of dark wood and red carpets. One tribute to our modern era was the cultural hall with basketball standards! We spent nearly two weeks here during the pageant, serving as volunteer hosts to help the hundreds of people who came through each day to have an enjoyable time. We met so many wonderful people from all over the country and world. There were lots of tour buses full of youth groups as well as others, coming from the Bronx, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, and elsewhere. What a choice experience for them, many getting ready to serve missions.

Below is a replica of the Peter Whitmer home, where the Church was organized April 6, 1830.

Frank at Station # 2, at the rear of the building where the tours started. From there, he greeted them and then directed them inside where I would show them to the drinking fountain, bathroom, etc. before they started their tour. We rotated between 4 stations during our 5-6 hour shift, with a different assignment at each.

We were amazed when we arrived for orientation to find that a missionary from Frank's mission to New England many years ago was also serving with us, Marvin Tolman from Provo. He and his wife had been called literally the weekend before time to come to fill in for a couple who had gotten half way to NY and the wife had had to have emergency abd. surgery in Omaha. Bro. Tolman had 2 brothers and wives also serving and had wanted to come. One of his brothers was there FT as a Senior missionary. What a fun time we all had getting acquainted!

This is the William Cunche family from Paris France, that we met and visited with in Palmyra at the pageant the last Saturday night we were there. They asked where we were going to church and we said the Fayette Ward as we needed to work our last shift there Sunday after Church. They came there and we had a chance to visit with them and learn more about this special family. They said if we ever go to Paris, they want to be our guide!

As we returned toward Arizona we went a more southerly route and spent one night in Indianapolis and then stopped at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. It is constructed of steel and is triangular in shape with a tramway inside that we traveled 630 feet up all the way to the top where there were windows that we could look out all over the city. A real architectural marvel. Definitely worth seeing!

After leaving St. Louis, we went to Branson MO. where we spent 3 nights and got to see lots of wonderful shows, all family friendly, with a patriotic and religious ending. Very uplifting entertainment in a beautiful location.

The weather was wonderful the entire trip, never too hot and only a couple of rains.

Multiple Myeloma update

2009-07-28T20:44:00.004-07:00

We just returned from a month-long trip by car to New York State and back--will post more about that later with pictures. Friday as we left Branson to start our journey home we stopped in Springfield, Missouri at Labcorp for Frank's monthly blood draw to check various aspects of his disease. His appointment was Monday and it takes a few days for the results to be sent to the doctor's office in Mesa, AZ. The doctor said that while his various values weren't bad, they weren't that good either--his white count has continued to slowly drop again and his platelets as well. Not good. Frank asked him if he is still in the smoldering myeloma stage or if it is active. The doctor explained that its a little of both. His kidneys and bones haven't been affected yet but he has over 50% malignant cells in his bone marrow which are crowding out the good cells--especially the platelets and white cells. He said Frank could start on the chemotherapy if he wanted (which would destroy malignant cells with lots of nasty side effects [including destroying his immune system]), or if not, continue on the supplements I have been giving him. For now we will continue on the supplements. I am researching and deciding where I can tweak dosages, etc.
He had another phlebotomy to remove a pint of blood in order to keep the iron level in his blood in control (because of hemachromatosis, a common blood disease). Cancer loves iron.

If Frank felt terrible, we would be more concerned, but he has felt good the entire month we were gone, not getting sick or requiring any antibiotics. A couple of times when he started getting a sore throat or chest congestion I had him gargle with salt water or take Echinacea, Proligna (a pinecone extract) and L-lysine and they worked like a charm (they are all immune system boosters). He will have a CBC and Ferritin level (iron) check in two weeks and then all the rest before his next appt. in a month.

The following are some of his worrisome low lab values:
RBC (Red Blood Count)--carries oxygen to cells throughout body. Normal range:4.10 to 5.60. His: 3.46 (down from 4.14 in February)
WBC (White Blood Count)--the body's defense system against infection. Normal range: 4-10.5. His: 2.4 (down from 2.8. In April it was at 4.1--higher than it had been in 10 years.) He is at greater risk for infection and tries to avoid sick people and crowds.
Neutrophil%--A type of white blood cell. Normal range: 40-74%. His: 38%(down from 48%). Some cancers may cause a decrease in the body’s ability to form normal new neutrophils. People with neutropenia (low neutrophil count) have a low number of these white blood cells, so it is harder for their bodies to fight infection.
Platelets They are formed in the bone marrow and cause the blood to clot. Normal range 140-415. His: 109 (down from 141 in March).The platelet count may decrease if the bone marrow does not produce enough platelets. Blood cancers and a variety of other bone marrow disorders can have this effect. Several of the anti-cancer supplements he is taking have an anticoagulant effect (including Curcumin) and since he is not bruising easily or bleeding abnormally, the doctor didn't seem overly concerned. Better too low than high and be at risk of heart attack/stroke!

These values all flucuate month to month so we just pray that that the change isn't too drastic.

New Camera, Fun Vacation in Puerta Vallarta, Boogie Boarding

2009-06-20T14:02:00.019-07:00

My my, its been a long time since I've posted anything. We both were pretty busy going back and forth to doctors. Frank had two cataract surgeries and both eyes are doing well--for the first time since he was in 5th grade, NO glasses! Amazing! I had two benign lesions on my cervix removed. A urologist blasted (with sound waves) an 8mm stone in my kidney and Frank had a lesion on his arm removed (probably skin cancer). Along with these procedures there were many trips to doctors (the closest an hour away) for checkups, xrays, CT Scan, Ultrasound, blood tests, etc. etc. I had an emergency trip to the hospital for an injured spine and was down pretty much flat for 10 days. Anyway, we are finally doing great and are ready for some fun.

My digital camera suddenly without warning, died, quit--it went totally kaput. Frank bought me a new one for my birthday so I've been trying it out. My first subjects were of course my flowers--first signs of spring after months of cold WINDY weather. It was amazing but while Frank was gone helping Kandra and Jared move from Ohio to L.V., the trees overnight leaved out! One week they were bare and the next, brilliant green. Good thing they know what to do in spite of weather that made us wonder if spring would come at all.

Our longtime friends, the Beecroft's, invited us to spend a week with them at their timeshare (penthouse suite!) in Puerto Vallarta--a perfect opportunity to try out my new camera. We had a wonderful, relaxing time and enjoyed everything about our trip--the exotic resort, listening to the ocean waves, boogie boarding, long walks on the beach, late night movies on the VCR, lazy mornings and even keeping up with the "news" at home, courtesy of FOX news. It was a very relaxing week, just what the doctor ordered!

Sorry for so many pictures--I could have posted many more--my point and click camera does an awesome job. I will try to post pictures of the newest additions (!) at our Humble Abode this week if I have time. We are preparing to go on a road trip to New York for the pageant in Palmyra. We have been asked to serve as Hosts at the Peter Whitmer Farm during that time, along with my brother and his wife Louis and Louise. We will be gone a month (end of June to end of July) so of course you can count on getting a travelogue of that trip when we get back!

Supplement Sources

2009-05-17T22:57:00.002-07:00

Because I have had lots of inquiries about where I purchase the various herbs and supplements Frank and I have taken, here are some of the sources for the things I buy. You can compare prices, etc. and see if there are better sources. Because I live in a small town without readily available products at a health food store, it is easy to go online to make most of my purchases. I think some sources just want to sell their products and may not have standardized optimal products. The book "Cancer Free" by Bill Henderson has lots of tips for good sources of the supplements he recommends also.

www.swansonvitamins.com Quercetin 650 mg; Saw palmetto 540 mg; Boswellia 800 mg; Dual Ginseng Plus; Evening Primrose Flowers 500 mg

www.vitacost.com NSI artemisinin 500 mg, NSI resveratrol+grapeseed, NSI Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg, NSI Glucosamine condroitin + MSM; Doctors Best Curcumin C3 Complex w/bioperine 1000 mg or (Frank prefers--easier to swallow) NSI Turmeric Extract Curcumin C3 complex1000 mg w/bioperene [I read where they are made by the same company, the first is a hard caplet and the second is in a gelatin capsule], NSI CoQ10 600 mg; NSI Pancreatin 10X (digestive Enzyme)

www.iherb.com Allera immune extra; Jarrow Green Tea 500 mg, Vitality Works; Oregano Oil Carvacrol 70; Doctor's best MSM, 1000 mg

www.nutritiongeeks.com Calcium citrate 600 mg, Niacin 500 mg, Theanine serene w/GABA,

http://physicianformulas.com Astragalus root, Feverfew (parthenolide)

I've also bought lots of things at Wal-mart: Multi- vitamins (no iron), etc. Hope this helps. For the regimen he follows go back a few posts to the one that lists what he takes and why.

Thoughts on Mother's Day, Cancer Scare, back pain

2009-05-10T22:22:00.004-07:00

Today was Mother's day and a very enjoyable one--was able to talk to all my children plus my mom on the phone. Church services were very touching as outstanding talks were given by Craig Blackburn and Rick Turley. In the past I have not always enjoyed this day of the year because I guess my expectations exceeded the reality. As I listened to the stories at church every year about exemplary mothers, I always would feel depressed and like a failure for not being the kind of mother who had raised 10 wonderful children as a widow on a shoestring budget, etc., etc. Anyway, now that my children are gone and some of the small details of my past imperfections are forgotten (unless with humor I am reminded of such by my children!), I can look at our four kids and feel like I must have done a few things right because each of them have become outstanding responsible adults.

The past few months there has been a little cloud hanging over me as I worried on and off about the cause of occasional blood in my urine. Having been more concerned about Frank's diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer, I had for the most part, ignored my own painless symptom as I continuously researched natural treatment for him so that he wouldn't have to endure chemotherapy/radiation. I had gone to doctors a few times and eventually a CT scan of my kidneys and bladder was ordered, then an ultrasound of the same region because of 'something' they thought they saw on the CT scan. Finally, two weeks ago I was able to get into see a Urologist to learn the results of the tests done. I was told I had two problems, an 8mm kidney stone which will need to be blasted and a 'mass' in my bladder(!!) Great. The doctor scheduled me to come back the 9th (yesterday) for a cystoscopy (a fiber optic cable with a light inserted into my bladder) to determine the type of abnormal tissue and what needed to be done. I went in and was able to watch on a monitor screen as he look all around inside and never found anything abnormal and said I had a very normal healthy bladder! What I didn't tell him was that the day I found out I had a mass in there, I immediately started taking the 'atomic bomb'--what I call the handful of anti-cancer supplements that Frank has been taking successfully the past two months (see my earlier blog for his regimen). I call them our "afternoon delight" as they need to be taken on an empty stomach with a hot liquid for absorbability purposes, either hot chocolate or hot apple cider. Anyway we were both thrilled and very relieved at the good news. I'll keep on taking them but perhaps not as many of the curcumin now (12 grams).

Three or 4 days after I saw the urologist for the first time, I was working in the yard, raking leaves from our back area where my fruit trees are and also pulling up sucker roots that come from the white poplar tree and are trying to take over the back yard. Anyway, as I pulled on an extra stubborn root, I felt a severe pain travel from my lower back down my left leg to my foot and was unable to put weight on it--excruciating. Frank took me to the ER and they did a CT scan. They didn't find any mis-alignment but said it was spinal stenosis which is a narrowing of the openings from the spine that the nerves pass through which causes damage to and inflammation of the nerves. I was pretty much flat in bed or a recliner for about a week, got up only with the help of Frank's strong arm or a walker loaned by a friend. Kristal came down from SLC to stay and help several days. With the help of her great leg massages, painkillers and heating pads to my back, the pain and inflammation gradually subsided and I am able to be up and about--carefully. However, Kandra's move from Ohio to Las Vegas this week will have to take place without me :( Jared is graduating Law School at OSU (Hurray for him!) and will work for a judge there. Frank left this morning to go St George, the first leg of the trip where he will leave from LV with Kristal and Jason on Southwest Airlines; they will also go help pack, clean, drive vehicles, etc. Jason's architecture classes ended last week so he volunteered to take my place, bless his heart.

Las Vegas, St. George, Washington State, Myeloma Checkup

2009-04-25T21:06:00.015-07:00

April has been a busy but enjoyable month for us. We drove to Las Vegas where we met and picked up Kandra and Jared (and of course Gavin) at the airport. They had come to find a house to live in before they move out from Ohio next month. After crisscrossing the city many times and checking out hundreds of places, they settled on a very nice house in the Summerlin area (check out her blog for more details). We all stayed at South Point, a very nice resort a few miles south of the strip. Jared had found a smokin' deal on the room rates (thanks)! We had an enjoyable time eating and visiting with our oldest grand daughter, Summer (who is living there) one evening. After K & J found the home they wanted (no gang graffiti on the walls!) we went to St. George and spent a couple days celebrating Easter with Lance and family and Kristal et al. The weather had turned somewhat cold but nevertheless we had an enjoyable time together. Sunday afternoon we took Kandra and Jared back to LV where they caught their plane back to Ohio.
The next morning Frank and I flew to Seattle and then on to Bellingham, Washington. We rented a car there and drove to Birch Bay where we stayed a week at a lovely Worldmark condominium there. We explored the area that I had lived in for 14 months when I was a child--very scenic. I was able to locate the actual site where our home was on South Pass Road though the house was no longer standing--it was old when my family lived in it 50+ years ago!
Frank and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary while in Washington--hurray!
Worldmark Resort with gorgeous blooming trees and flowers.

Birch Bay across the street from the resort.

Dusk at Discovery Bay and receding tide.

Golf course behind the resort where I enjoyed early morning walks.

This church building in Everson is 3-4 years old and 2 wards meet there. When we lived in the area no one had even heard of the church! There are also several others in the area now.

The beautiful valley near Mt. Baker where our home was located.

We saw many fields which looked like this. After examining the vines closely, I found they are raspberry vines which are trained in this fashion, several canes are tied together and then as they grow taller they are bent over and tied into the next bundle--apparently to make harvesting easier.

Friends we met on a cruise a few years ago drove up from Seattle on the weekend and we had a wonderful time together. A highlight was driving down to Skagit Valley where some of the world's largest growers of tulips and other flowers are grown--fields and fields of them. It was totally amazing.

Field of tulips in Skagit Valley.

Beauty everywhere! I was really envious of the tall stems and unbelievably huge blooms on all the tulips. Pictures don't do them justice. At home my tulips grow to about 5 or 6" tall and the flowers are small--totally stunted by our cold windy weather. Sixty-70 mph winds at home were one thing we were glad we missed while we were gone.

There were thousands of people everywhere in the fields (some even coming in tour buses) to view the tulip gardens.

Some of the families brought very colorful kites to fly.

Waves and waves of beautifully color-coordinated flowers in park-like settings.

A colorful windmill gave the atmosphere of being in Holland.

Rows and Rows of many colored tulips.

Purple tulips in a tub.

On our last day in Washington we traveled to British Columbia before heading to the Bellingham airport. This is the famous Peace Arch between the two friendly countries.

The city of White Rock sits by the ocean with lovely beach and many birds on one side of the highway and row after row of condos and apartments rising up the hill on the other side, very scenic.
BTW, forgot to mention that Frank had gone into Bellingham to a Labcorp to have vials of blood drawn while we were there so that the results would be ready when he went in for a checkup with his oncologist in Arizona the day we returned. Some of them still weren't back yet but his white blood cell count which is the one the doctor has been most worried about had risen again, from 3.2 to 4.1--the highest its been in several years!!! He has an immune system again! Though we had gone prepared with an antibiotic just in case, he hasn't needed one for 2 1/2 months. Yippee :) The doctor said things looked great, that what we are doing is apparently working and to not come back for 2 months. GREAT news!

Alternative Myeloma Regimen

2009-04-03T21:21:00.005-07:00

For those dealing with the same disease as Frank, I will present the protocol I have developed based on my studies and what I think will help Frank's body fight the malignant cells in his bone marrow. It is still evolving and not set in concrete. Follow the advice of your own physician as I certainly am not advocating this as a cure for anyone else. There are 7 forms of Myeloma with many variations in those and everyone reacts differently to the same treatment. I am including my reasoning for giving him the various supplements. I will probably increase/decrease/stop/add others as time goes on. . . . If you haven't checked out Margaret's myeloma blog, you would be ahead to do so. She has been at her research of the same subject for many years and is very knowledgeable--I'm a beginner. Anyway, on to my regimen.

This is what he takes in the AM after breakfast: [I'm not including his rx's for other conditions.]
Multi-vitamin without iron
Omega 3 Fish Oil 1000 mg-1 DHA and EPA in fish oil lowers triglycerides, blood thinner, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques
CoQ10 1000 mg (Ubiquinone)—all tissues, heart muscle, anticancer--helps restore aerobic metabolism
Green Tea—antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, induces apoptosis in MM; may negate the benefits of Velcade®
Proteolytic (pancreatic) enzymes--blood thinner, anti-neoplastic
Super B complex-1
Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc 1-- Calcium and magnesium help maintain healthy bones while zinc is essential for cell division and growth. Zinc is an essential element needed to support the body's immune system.
Niacin TR 1000 mg --heart, lowers cholesterol, plays a role in DNA repair.
MSM 1000 mg—anti-inflammatory (arthritis), antioxidant, oxygen transporter Milk Thistle 1 cap (silymarin)—liver support; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, makes chemotherapy less toxic and more effective, slows the growth of cancer cells.
Sea kelp--Thyroid support
Vitamin C 1000 mg, 2 pills—antioxidant, oxygen transporter, lowers cholesterol, promotes production of CoQ10; may interfere with Velcade (Bortezomib,)
Vitamin E 400 mg—antioxidant, synergistic with Vitamin C to transport oxygen to mitochondria (oil soluble), blood thinner,
plays a role in immune function, in DNA repair, and other metabolic processes
Ginkgo Biloba (blood thinner, antioxidant) combats chemotherapy side effects (memory loss)
Pomegranate—super antioxidant; contains the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other juices, red wine, green tea, tomatoes, vitamin E;
pomegranate juice decreased LDL ("bad cholesterol") and increased HDL ("good cholesterol") by 20% in humans. The oxidation of LDL was reduced by up to 90%.

Takes about 4- 6 pm (On empty stomach with water) then drinks hot apple cider with 1/2 tsp coconut or olive oil to increase efficacy of curcumin x 12
Curcumin 8-12 gm (Doctors Best 95% pure with 5% Bioperine)
anti-carcinogenic (apoptosis), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anticoagulant, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-protozoal, antiviral, anti-fibrotic, anti-venom, anti-ulcer, hypotensive, hypocholesteremic activities, protects against radiation. Bioperine from black pepper increases its absorption by up to 2000%, Add in others like green tea extract and ginkgo biloba and the antioxidant powers are magnified greatly due to the interaction or synergy, increasing the ability to help fight many diseases and premature aging. Heating Curcumin improves the solubility and bioavailability. Curcumin may lessen the anti-cancer efficacy of some chemo drugs, such as doxorubicin and dexamethazone. In studies all doses tested decreased cancer cell growth and triggered cell death. Higher doses were more effective, and the higher the dose used, the more cancer cells died.(3)[Siwak DR, Shishodia S, Aggarwal BB, Kurzrock R.] Curcumin-induced antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in melanoma cells are associated with suppression of IkappaB kinase and nuclear factor kappaB activity and are independent of the B-Raf/mitogen-activated/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway and the Akt pathway.[Cancer. 2005 Jul 11] Non-toxic.
Omega 3 Fish Oil 1000 mg-- DHA and EPA in fish oil lowers triglycerides, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques, reduces cholesterol
Flaxseed oil 1000 mg--omega-3 fatty acid, contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other health conditions. Flaxseed, in addition to ALA, contains a group of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of cancer.
Selenium 100 mcg--necessary for cellular function; antioxidant, synergistic with Vit E.
Vitamin E 400 mg antioxidant, synergistic with Vitamin C to transport oxygen to mitochondria (oil soluble), blood thinner,
plays a role in immune function, in DNA repair, and other metabolic processes
Vit D3 1000 IU/Calcium 160 mg—fat soluble, prevent bone loss, osteoporosis, skin cancer;) promotes phagocytosis, anti-tumor activity, and immunomodulatory functions.
Boswellia 800 mg 2 tabs--Boswellic acid blocks signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling, proliferation, and survival of
multiple myeloma via the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Blocks IL-6’s activation of the STAT3 pathway, antiangiogenesis, inhibits osteoclastogenesis, is a novel inhibitor of STAT3 activation and has potential in the treatment of cancer.
Capsaicin 1 cap- is a blocker of the STAT3 activation pathway, with a potential role in the prevention and treatment of multiple myeloma and other cancers.
Ginseng 2 cap--induces apoptosis and inhibits FGFR3 expression, lowers cholesterol, reduces fatigue (don’t take with coumadin)
Resveratrol 2 caps –inhibits tumorigenesis, causes apoptosis, prevents osteoclast formation, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-brain aging.7

Frank—Bedtime
Artemisinin 200 mg—(not water soluble) apoptosis (attracted to cancer cells with iron, kills them) (combine with green
tea, CoQ10 and pancreatic enzyme)
MSM 2000 mg 2 cap--anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, oxygen transporter
Aspirin 81 gr (EC)-1--blood thinner
Melatonin 3-6 mg-- kills directly many different types of human tumor cells.It is a naturally produced cytotoxin, which can induce tumor cell death (apoptosis); exhibits natural oncostatic activity and inhibits cancer cell growth
growth; inhibit development of new tumor blood vessels; suppresses corticosteroid activity—don’t take with steroids
Parthenolide (feverfew)—(not water soluble) induces apoptosis, inhibits angiogenesis induced by MM cells
Probiotic—1—provide beneficial intestinal bacteria suppressed by antibiotics, antacids
Niacin 1-2000 TR--acts by protecting cells and tissues from damage by toxic molecules or free radicals. Kidney tissue is protected by niacinamide, (1) niacin lowers cholesterol and, (2) decreases frequency of fibrillation and tissue damage.
Green Tea 2 caps-- antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, induces apoptosis in MM,
L-lysine 500 mg 2 cap—stops invasion of CA cells
Milk Thistle 1 (silymarin)—liver support; makes chemotherapy less toxic, more effective, slows the growth of cancer cells
Theanine 1—stress reliever, calming
Ginkgo Biloba 60 mg—blood thinner, antioxidant, combats chemotherapy side effects (memory loss)
Proteolytic enzyme 2 cap--Control/modulate molecules that tend to inhibit the immune system and/or provide anchor to metastatic cancer
cells (Sakalova, 1993);
Ester C 2000 mg—antioxidant

I found this quote from a Hematologist and liked what he said:
"Although cure is the ultimate goal of our long-term research, we need more data from randomized trials before resorting to highly intense therapy that is more toxic and unlikely to lead to a cure outside the setting of a clinical trial."

"Should we treat patients ... with the goal of potentially curing a subset of patients, recognizing that the risk of adverse events and effect on quality of life will be substantial?

"Or should we address myeloma as a chronic incurable condition with the goal of disease control, using the least toxic regimens, emphasizing a balance between efficacy and quality of life ... ?"
Mayo hematologist S. Vincent Rajkumar, M.D.,

Roller Coaster ride with Myeloma at the controls

2009-03-29T21:41:00.007-07:00

Life has its ups and downs, highs and lows for everyone. Lately we've certainly felt like we've been on one, traveling at breakneck speed, mostly downhill. We had accepted Frank's diagnosis of cancer in February and the change in many life plans that it implies and certainly have faith that whatever happens is the Lord's will. We all will die sometime anyway, right?

We however, are not ready to give in to this demon without a fight--our very best efforts. After the diagnosis, I spent many hours every day researching the internet and reading books about cancer and non-toxic ways to heal. I carry bags of books with me when we travel, I often stay up till 1 or 2am, trying to absorb and retain the mountains of information available. We both feel strongly that since the chemotherapy he had 17 years ago for a previous cancer plus radiation he had received as a "downwinder" growing up in St. Johns were the cause of his present non-curable cancer, we don't want to go that route again if there is another way. We have felt the guiding hand of the Lord in helping to lead us, step by step, to information that has been helpful.

Well, I purchased from various places (mostly online) numerous supplements that have shown through many clinical trials to be effective against cancer in general and Multiple Myeloma specifically. He takes handfulls of pills a day (not his favorite thing to do) and trusts my judgement that they will work. The most promising one, curcumin, took awhile to arrive and since he takes 8 grams a day (8 LARGE pills) I started him on a low dose and gradually built up to full strength. The great news was that none of the many supplements he is taking including the curcumin, have caused side effects and are non-toxic! Yeah!!

A few days later he had his monthly lab tests and then a checkup by his Oncologist. Not good. His white cell count (his immune system) had dropped like a rock. The doctor wanted to start him on chemotherapy immediately, said his genetic studies showed he had an aggressive kind and that the malignant cells were crowding out his good cells in the bone marrow. What a blow! We had really hoped and expected better, not worse results. Well, Frank had taken his day planner and he opened it and showed the doctor his schedule for the next few months and said he didn't have time for that [to spend 4 days a week in Mesa getting toxic chemo plus labs in between]! He had other things to do. The doctor finally agreed that for now he could just take a powerful steroid plus an antibiotic and we would return in one week.

We filled the 2 prescriptions and drove back to Heber. I reviewed the research I had done on Curcumin and still felt good about it. Then I looked up dexamethazone, the steroid, and found some benefits but many serious side effects including lowering of the white count. Great. . .so that's why he wanted Frank on the antibiotic even though Frank told him he felt good. Not only that but in clinical trials, it had worked against curcumin, negating its effectiveness. Anyway, we discussed the whole scenario and decided that he not take the prescriptions and continue the curcumin and other supplements for the next week, giving them more time to work, figuring it might take 4-8 weeks to see a positive result.

The following week was very stressful as we prayed that the regimen I have him on would work and we would be able to continue with our normal plans. He cancelled cataract surgery planned for the next couple of weeks because an eye infection with no immune system could cause blindness. Not a good prospect. Will have to wait till later for that and put up with foggy vision till then. We also increased his curcumin to 12 grams daily.

He held off till the last day to get his labs done then last Friday we returned to the Oncologist. When the doctor came in he looked at the chart and then told us that Frank's white count had greatly improved--by 100% over the week before! [It's still below 4, below normal but not in the critical range] Then he said, "Those steroids really worked!" We looked at each other and replied that he hadn't taken them and explained why. I had brought a stack of papers with much of the research I had done on curcumin and told the doctor he could make a copy. He wrote the word 'Curcumin' down and said, 'No, by next month I'll know all about it.' We wanted to dance and shout at the good news of Frank's labs and also were happy 1)that the doctor didn't throw us out of his office, 2)that he has an open mind and will do his own research, and 3) that he didn't want to see Frank for another month!

Can't argue with success!!!

Friday the 13th

2009-03-14T22:58:00.010-07:00

Frank was born on Friday, March the 13th, many years ago--68 to be exact. He always considered Friday the 13th to be lucky for him and said that the best birthday present he ever got was when his daughter Kristal was born on his birthday. As I lay hour after hour in labor that day I said, 'what a way to spend your birthday!' and he replied that he couldn't ask for a better present! She truly was a wonderful gift to all of us and was called the miracle baby because we had waited so long for her to come. I wanted to post baby pictures of both of them but my scanner isn't recognizing the computer or vise versa, anyway I can't scan the pictures in so will have to settle for those that are already in. I was going to post 13 nice things about each of them but since Frank decided to go to the Mountain West basketball Conference championships in LV this weekend with his brother and nephew to celebrate his birthday (and left me to the nasty job of getting the inside of the house painted) I didn't have time. So these 13 pictures of them will have to do.
Kristal graduates from Dixie as a Dental Hygenist

Little Celeste Franco with Grandpa 'n Grandma Greer

In Lake Charles after Hurricane Rita went through; Frank and Lance are sharpening a saw to help clear out broken trees from property.

Little grandaughter Kayla with silly Grandpa--peace out!

Grandpa Greer with two precious little grand daughters, Brinley and Regan

Celebrating a surprise 40th anniversary party given by our kids in 2005

Kristal with her two beautiful girls, Regan and Sophie

Kristal and Little Sophie Joy

Kristal, the bathing beauty!

Frank Shoveling snow that came a couple of years ago at this time--typical weather of the day he was born.

Frank with 4 handsome sons and equally handsome grandsons

Cookout at Black Canyon with the grandkids

Coach Frank giving the team the word. Kristal 3rd from left

Spring has Sprung or Wind has Won??

2009-03-08T22:41:00.004-07:00

At this time of the year, that is always the big question. Am I going to spot the tiny signs of spring as they arrive in my yard, crocuses blooming and tulip and daffodil leaves poking through the dried out ground? Or am I going to vent my frustration at the unending wind and cold without moisture that it brings? Needless to say, the cute little flowers are a very welcome sight and give me hope.

A few years ago I planted tons of showy big purple crocuses like this one scattered throughout the lawn but this is the only brave one to survive, it seems.

Thought this was a cute picture of Frank getting a blood draw before his bone marrow biopsy. There was a time when he had to have this done that his free arm would be raised with a clenched fist and he would say to the Lab Tech, "We're not going to hurt one another, are we?" It has become very routine now (and will continue to be so) and he has become very mellow about it. For the most part, they are very skilled with their needles and he doesn't mind them at all.

Smoldering Myeloma

2009-02-24T22:27:00.008-07:00

Yesterday Frank went for F/U with the doctor in Mesa and he said the same thing as before, that the cancer is still smoldering (i.e. in the bone marrow, not in the blood) and at stage 1 so they won't start any treatment until it has become active. The new blood tests he had done looked good. He will have to have blood work every month to monitor things and at the point that things change, they will determine what to do. The genetic profile that they will use to see whether he has an aggressive kind still hadn't come in yet so we don't know those results but based on everything else, we are confident that it is a very slow growing kind (there are 7 different kinds of myeloma!). The doctor said that Frank has probably had this for a number of years.

We stayed overnight and returned from Mesa today after dropping Kandra and Gavin off at the airport. He was a little sick, must have picked it up from Kristal's two little girls who we took to the ER Sunday night because of continued high fevers (105+) and coughs. Thankfully they are feeling a lot better and she will leave with them to go to St George in the morning to visit the other grandparents a few days before going to SLC. It has been fun having them all here for a chance to visit and have fun together. BTW, in case you hadn't noticed, the wallpaper on my blog has been changed, with thanks to Kristal.

Tomorrow Frank will go to Show Low for a Cardiolyte Stress Test to determine how his heart is holding up. In March he will start the process for Cataract surgery on both eyes. Always something with him.

To My Honey

2009-02-20T22:06:00.008-07:00

This has been a very different Valentines month for us this year. We were eagerly anticipating the chance to attend the Marvin Goldstein concert in St. George Utah on Valentines Day. All four of our kids were able to travel to it and we all had a wonderful time together listening to his music. He is a world class pianist and played one song after another seamlessly, only stopping to change to a different theme, such as from love songs to a medly from Fiddler on the Roof, then The Sound of Music, then The Phantom of the Opera, etc. He even took many requests from the audience, wrote the titles down and then played them one after another without stopping. He never used music and played everything from memory. He interspersed his music with lots of good humor and was very entertaining. The concert was wonderful and I would love to go to another of his. We had an awesome weekend with all our kids and most of our grandkids in St George.

All that being said, we had a rather dark cloud hanging over our heads as we had just found out a few days previously that Frank has a malignant blood disease called Multiple Myeloma. It was diagnosed through a bone marrow biopsy done to determine why his white cell count had continued to slowly drop to a dangerously low point over a period of several years. This diagnosis has been totally unexpected but explains his tiredness and frequent colds and chest infections which he couldn't fight off without antibiotics. The doctor (Oncologist/Hematologist) feels that the chemotherapy he received 17 years ago for Lymphoma cancer caused mutations in his chromosomes that are now causing mutations in his plasma cells and turning them malignant. We will find out more about what treatment, etc. the doctor wants to do when we go back to Mesa on Monday for another follow-up to find results of other tests that have been done (genetics, etc). The doctor is thinking at this point that it is in the 'smoldering' stage and has not entered Frank's bloodstream to start causing damage. He says if that is the case, chemotherapy won't do any good until the disease becomes active. I am very leery of chemo at this point for many reasons, not the least of which is that it is very toxic to the body, normal cells as well as the cancerous ones.

We both have found comfort in a wonderful blessing given to Frank by his good friend Bill Beecroft, in which he was told that he would live a normal life and be able to accomplish the things he wanted and needed to do. Only the Lord knows how that will be fulfilled but when the doctor said that his disease was 'smoldering' and has not affected any of his organs--kidneys, bones, red blood cells, etc. at this point, Frank felt like a great weight had been lifted and feels very peaceful.

I am so grateful to him for the many good years we have had together, for his strength, example, humor and leadership and especially for his great faith in the Lord. He has always been there for me when I needed it. Honey, I love you more than I can say.

Wrestle a velociraptor????????

2009-02-07T00:10:00.002-07:00

60 seconds

How many people have your name?

2009-01-25T21:40:00.006-07:00

This is kind of interesting to know. Go to the web site below and put in your first and last name and see how many people in the USA have your exact name as well. Let me know how many!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
2
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Final pre-mission cookout for Squire's

2009-01-18T22:26:00.012-07:00

Ron and Janice are going to spend the next two years, after leaving the MTC in Provo, in Samoa, as Church Service Missionaries, teaching English and other duties in the church school there. As neighbors, no one could ask for better, and we know the people of that island will be greatly blessed by their service, as we all have here for many years. Frank and I planned a final get-to-gether for the neighborhood before they left. It was a beautiful January day (high 40's) so we cooked hamburgers, etc. outside and had a special afternoon with friends.

The Squire's were waiting anxiously for news of the birth of a new grandson, Jake and Rachel's first baby, in St. George UT. At 3pm she was dilated to 8 cm's. The big 9# 7oz. boy didn't come until more than 12 hours later, at 3:30 am, finally delivered by c-section. Squire's left Sunday morning after being set apart by the Stake Presidency for their mission. They will spend a few days in St. George with Jake and his family then in Provo with Janice's parents and enter the MTC Monday the 26th. They will be missed by all.

There were lots of other little kids that missed getting their picture taken because they were too busy playing on the mountain or in patches of snow elsewhere. Susie, Sam and Monty Williams and also Bishop Crandell and Alice left before I got the camera out. The food was gone or cleaned up by then but there was plenty of good food and friendship brought by all.

Janice, Sarai and Robbie

Ron and Frank

Monty Hancock, Dustin, Reed Hancock, Janice and Ron

Robbie and Janice

Dawna and Janice

Analise, Paula, Marcie

Ron, Janice, Dawna and Frank

Paula, Analise and Marcie

Paula, Ron, Sarai, and Celeste

Christian Franco, Landon Blackburn and Ellie Hancock breaking the ice on the little pond

Chealynne, Marcie, Daniel and Robbie

Haidyn Franco on the rocking horse

Daniel, Craig, Reed and Monty discussing an upcoming hunting trip into Mexico

Alice, Tyson Franco, Bob, Chealynne and Janice

Shana Clark, Ron and granddaughter Kamarie, and Frank

Final farewell Sunday morning after being set apart at Squire's home

Kristal's digital wizardry

2009-01-13T20:34:00.003-07:00

This Christmas Kristal made most of her Christmas gifts to economize and to get back to basics. She had been at our home in October for Kandra's baby's blessing and had taken a lot of random photos around my yard. When I opened my present from her at Christmas, it was this beautiful butterfly collage, matted (in white) and framed in black and was stunning! It took me a minute to start recognizing various parts of the collage--little frogs near a pond, funny troll in the front yard, bee birdhouse, row of flowerpots hanging under the eaves, etc. before I realized all the pictures (including the background) came from my yard. It is amazing what she can do with her photoshop program! Thanks again Kristal for a treasure! Just click on the picture to enlarge it to see the details. You can check for yourself her work at www.joyclan.blogspot.com or kristalsdigitalcreations.blogspot.com

Odds and Ends

2009-01-11T21:15:00.005-07:00

Just downloaded this cute picture taken the evening we arrived in St George (Halloween) to stay with Lance's kids while he and Shannon went on a cruise to the Mediterranean. The kids were all storybook characters: Carson was Indiana Jones, Kayla (I don't remember), Brinley a Ladybug, and Hailey a skunk.

Since Gavin doesn't have a lot of hair right now, Kandra was experimenting to see what color might look best on him when he gets some--what do you think?

Recently after a snow storm in Heber Frank came in and said to come outside and see the beautiful flowers that were blooming out front. Very skeptical of what flowers might be blooming at this time of year in Heber, I went out and this is what I found. He really wasn't exaggerating!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T20:22:00.004-07:00

Now that the holiday rush is over, the presents completed and unwrapped, the company gone and the mess cleaned up (well, the Christmas decorations have not all been tucked away for another year. . .but I've been gone), I thought that its time to get on to the next big assignment--the making of New Year's resolutions! Of couse I look at the Dark Dreary Deep Doldrums of Winter as hardly the time to get overly ambitious and make promises I probably won't keep. . . . Maybe the first day of Spring will be a good time to start them. . . . However, I'll make a list anyway to mull over and who knows what I may actually get accomplished? Here goes: 1. I'd like to spend more time studying the scriptures and other church publications 2. Get back into my exercise routine (which I abandoned a month ago in order to have time to complete Christmas sewing projects), and 3. Work on Family History again. Not a long list but then I don't want to overwhelm myself.

It was great having all our girls and their families here for Christmas--in spite of icy roads, long airport delays, etc. The little ones are so precious and fun to have around. Wendy and Family only spent Christmas day with us since Dave had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas night. Because Lance and family stayed in Utah, we traveled there afterwards to take gifts to them and spend a couple of days, bringing in the new year at First Night in St George then going to their cabin in Pine Valley for fun in the snow (lots of it!) the next day.

It has been fun watching all our kids be parents and see the love they have for their children and also the thoughtfulness and service they give to others. It really pleases us also to see our kids try to prepare themselves for what may await them in the uncertain future. Its actually an exciting time to be alive and we feel so blessed for the health that we have as we look forward to this new year.

Home for the Holidays

2008-11-30T13:25:00.005-07:00

The three youngest grandkids getting acquainted--Sophie, Gavin and Regan

Frank and Jared at an Ohio State football game vs Penn State. Very cold but fun.

Well, after several months of being gone more than we were home, it looks like we will get to spend time in Heber for a while. Though it has turned cold and the trees have lost their leaves and the flowers are frozen, yet it feels good to stay warm and cozy by a nice wood stove.

Raking leaves has been an endless job this fall. I realize now that I planted way too many trees over the years and am paying the price. In between trips and this past week Frank and I have raked and bagged 26 large bags of leaves and other debris blown down by the wind. Frank was not looking forward to plowing them into the garden or hauling them off and I was not looking forward to another job--digging canna and dahlia tubers and storing them. Suddenly I had an epiphany--why not put all the bags of leaves on top of the row of flower bulbs to mulch them and let them stay in their underground beds! It would save both of us lots of work. . . . The next morning after lining the bags on top of the plants neatly, I found lots of the bags torn open and leaves scattered everywhere in the garden along with telltale elk tracks and droppings. The elk obviously liked the bags of leaves--thought they were put there especially for them to munch on. Anyway, we rebagged leaves, plowed some under and then added ladders and fencing used for green bean poles, etc. to anchor the bags down and hopefully keep the @#&*^# elk at bay. I know it looks tacky but seems to be working so far. Hopefully the bulbs won't freeze.

We also noticed the water in our fishpond was looking like a well-brewed cup of tea--almost black from leaves blowing in and fouling the water. The little goldfish were coming to the top gasping for fresh air. Even though we had cleaned the pond (a nasty, time-consuming job)a few weeks before, we decided it definitely needed to be cleaned again. We scooped out buckets of the dark water and used a wet-dry vacuum to suction the water out, catching the fish, which were very hard to see in the murky water, with a little net along with leaves and other trash that got scooped up. We put them in a bucket of clean water while we cleaned out the pond. When we got all the water out, I realized that there was one fish missing, a little black one that had not turned gold yet. I had seen it that morning. We had checked carefully as we emptied each bucket or vacuum full of water but had not seen it. We didn't know what had happened to it but a while later after I had started filling the pond with water and put the plants, rocks and fish back in the the pond, I noticed laying on a pile of leaves nearby, the little black fish. It seemed lifeless, but because it was a cold, cloudy day, I put the fish back in the pond and it immediately swam away! It had been out of the water 30 minutes to an hour but amazingly had survived. If that had happened in the summer, the story would have ended much differently.

We've had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday with Wendy and Lance and their families but missed Kristal and Kandra and families; neither of then could be here. It was somewhat cold and wet but didn't put a damper on activities. Lance and family helped put wood under our porch to be readily available when needed. We also took a little trip north of the high school to look at ancient petroglyphs on some of the canyon walls. We played dominoes and other games together which was fun. Frank and some of his family, Lance, Carson and Dave and his family, all went to Flagstaff to watch high school state football championship games on Saturday. St. Johns won the 2A title and Blue Ridge (Pinetop-Lakeside), a 3A team, played Payson but lost in the second overtime--a heartbreaking championship loss for them. Our own Mogollon High School won the state 1A title a couple of weeks ago. Hooray for our mountain teams!

Now that we're home its time to get ready for Christmas. I have lots of sewing to do and hopefully can get it done in time to get it mailed all off. . .

Off again, on again, gone again Finnigan

2008-10-28T21:00:00.007-07:00

The last couple of months have been kinda crazy and a hectic pace for a couple of old duffers like us. I was home from Columbus a couple of weeks trying to catch up on three weeks worth of projects inside and out and enjoying the beautiful fall weather and then had all the family home the first weekend in October for Gavin's baby blessing at our home, since it was General Conference that weekend. We had a really nice time with everyone, including Jared's family at both that event and a baby shower for Kandra the day before. Kristal and Kandra and kiddies stayed an extra 2-3 weeks & enjoyed getting to know the newest little member of the family.

After that we accompanied Kandra and Gavin on their flight back home to Ohio, since Frank had meetings in Cincinnati for a week. Jared had gone back two weeks previously as his Fall Break from school had ended. He was definitely glad to see the return of his little family and had the house clean and decorated for fall plus plenty of Halloween treats on hand.

We are home again for a couple of days, doing laundry, paying bills and other necessities before we go on the road again.

Regan modeling an apron her mother sewed for her. I was amazed at how quickly and expertly she got it done!

Sophie getting to know her cute little cousin Gavin

Couldn't resist an opportunity to get all three of the littlest grandkids at one time in one place.

Grandpa and Gavin in Ohio

What a handsome little boy and as good as he is good looking!

Kandra has Gavin ready to go Trunk or Treating in his cute little pumpkin costume. It fit him just right--he didn't need any stuffing to fill it out!

Naptime for all! Taking care of baby is an exhausting job.

Four generations--Kandra, Gavin, Great Grandma Burnham and Grandma Greer (me) at my mom's home in Mesa. Her yard always has lots of pretty flowers blooming.

Well, now its off to the Rez for a couple of days while Frank does Tech Prep stuff in Chinle, Kayenta and Ganado, then he will take me to St. George. He will have to return to Arizona a few days while he attends meetings in Prescott and then he will return to Utah. We will take care of Lance's four children while he and Shannon head to the Mediterranean for a cruise to several ports in Italy plus Malta, Spain, etc. We tried to convince them we needed to go also to help them celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary but no deal.

Trendy Pendants

2008-09-27T21:49:00.003-07:00

I love the new pendants Kristal has available in 'Kristal's Digital Creations' store. Here is the link to look at them. Perhaps you can win one as a prize. Check it out! Just cut and paste this address into your browser and Voila!
http://joyclan.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-product-in-my-store.html

Back Home for a Time

2008-09-21T14:18:00.007-07:00

Guess a month is long enough to go between blogs. Like exercise or dieting, it is hard to get back into after stopping for a while. The past couple of months have been busy, first in Utah helping Kristal and family move to Salt Lake and then this month in Ohio with Kandra, first awaiting the birth of her baby and then the event and aftermath. I had rushed out there ahead of schedule because the doctor assured her that the baby would come that week. Well. . .a week and a half later, when she had continued to dilate and efface but no labor, the doctor decided that Kandra might be able to use a little help. That Thursday, the 4th of September, she was admitted and induced. Things progressed slowly due to the baby's big head but that evening about 7pm a beautiful little baby boy, Gavin Reid Owens, was born weighing 7# 14 oz, 21" long and with a 14 1/2 inch circ. head. With long legs, he should be a natural athlete like his parents and just bulging with brains!

It was fun spending time with the new parents and 12th grandchild and hard to leave them. What made it easier was knowing that they will be here the first part of October during Jared's fall break; all of our kids will come for Gavin's baby blessing. As we were reminded today at church, our posterity brings us our greatest joys in life.

Daddy's Boy--just minutes old
Precious Bundle--worth waiting for!
Proud Grandpa--number 12 grandchild and 5th grandson
Dr.'s Diagnosis: Perfect in every way!
Go Ohio State Buckeyes! Ready for the big game--at least Gavin was, the team was not.

Off to Ohio

2008-08-25T16:23:00.016-07:00

Well, I'm leaving for Ohio in the norning to await the arrival of Kandra's baby and stay a while to help out. I'm really excited to go but I'm kind of sad that when I come home, our yard, which has benefitted from the wonderful rains this summer, will most likely have had frosts and won't be lovely like now. So in order that I don't have withdrawals while I'm away, I'm posting more pictures that I can look at and remember. .

Pretty Pennstemon

Fragrant Phlox

Bold Black-eyed Susan

Perennial pansies

Dazzling Daylily
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2008-08-23T10:05:00.006-07:00

I am working toward a whole foood, plant based diet, eliminating animal protein, as recommended by Dr. Campbell in the book, The China Study (see below). It is very satisfying and has taken away my cravings for sweets. Its amazing to me that what he advocates in his book is basically exactly what we find in the Word of Wisdom.

I have gone on the internet to look for recipes that don't contain any and they are very plentiful. Just do a search for 'vegetarian recipes' or 'vegan recipes'. Lots of them contain ingredients that are kinda hard to come by in Heber, such as Tofu Cream Cheese, etc. There are still many things available even in our little Heber Country Store that make satisfying and nutritious meals.

When we were coming home from Utah, we stopped at a Sizzler to eat and I got a big green salad with all the trimmings, including peas, garbanza beans, beets, sunflower seeds, etc. and then had a plate of fruit. It was really good and I certainly didn't miss the meat, cheese, ice cream, etc.

Yesterday I tried this recipe for muffins which I have had for years, but which was originally for a cake. I decreased the sugar by half but I think if I make it again I would decrease it by half again because it is pretty sweet. You could also substitute raw apple, pineapple, carrots, zucchini or any thing you want instead of the applesauce.

Eggless, Butterless, Milkless Muffins
1 c brown sugar
1 c applesauce
2 c. seedless raisins
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp salt

Boil together 5 minutes. Let cool; when completely cold, add:
3 c whole wheat flour
3 tsp baking soda
1/2-1 c nuts if desired

Pour into 9x13 pan or muffin cups.
Bake in 325 oven till done.

Return from Utah

2008-08-19T20:46:00.003-07:00

Today we got back from Utah where we helped Kristal & family move from St George to SLC where Jason is enrolled in the Architecture school at the University of Utah. I spent days putting things in boxes, at first trying to keep everything organized with objects that all would be put in the same room. As time went on, it was an accomplishment to just fill a box, regardless of where it would go. Jason's family was so helpful with taking care of the little girls while we packed, with loading, with cleaning and with getting them up to SL. It'll be hard not to have that support system nearby. We wish Kristal and Jason well on their new adventure.

Lately I have been trying to find information on what to do about painful arthritis besides popping a stronger pain pill, which is about all that doctors recommend, without any thought of cure. I've been reading a couple of books that have been helpful, especially one called "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell that has a lot of very valuable information about how diet is a key to preventing and overcoming not only arthritis but cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders and about anything else you might be suffering from. Its amazing how much of this information has been known for 50 years or more but has been suppressed by the very ones who should be helping people find the truth--doctors, scientists, etc., primarily because of financial reasons. Anyway I am planning to totally change my eating habits and will try to post my successes, failures as I learn what to do.

This Doctor, a biochemist and nutritionist, recommends a whole food, plant based diet with no animal protein (including dairy products and eggs) and no refined, processed foods. His book gives details of nearly 50 years of research to verify his findings.

Garden Mini-class

2008-08-03T20:03:00.007-07:00

Recently I was asked to teach a Relief Society mini-class at home about gardening, since I've had a few years experience. I had about a dozen ladies attend and we met by the south patio and little pond. They had a lot of questions which hopefully I answered. I love this time of year in Heber--especially after we've had good rains and everything is green and blooming.

Our south patio and little pond with flowerbed of daylilies, phlox and mint. The frogs are happy!

This is our flower bed which Dave (Wendy's husband) thinks looks like a good spot for our final resting place!

Our large pond with goldfish, surrounded by a huge white fir tree, wild grape vines, vinca, columbine, lilies and other plants and an occasional snake (ick!) which likes the goldfish :(

View of our new north patio, a shady cool spot to relax in or barbeque.

Another view of pond, a magnetic attraction to all the neighborhood kids.

Looking south from patio

Looking out toward pond from new north patio

Gorgeous daylilies blooming in their best frocks

What year do you belong in

2008-07-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

You Belong in 1953

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?

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Burnham Family Reunion

2008-07-11T19:57:00.017-07:00

Been a while since I posted but for good reason. I was preparing for a big get-together with my family to be held near Heber over the 4th of July weekend. My mother who is 93 years old had requested that I plan one last year and there was lots to do to get ready but it was all worth it because many of my family came and we had a great time. Each living sibling was represented by at least one family of their posterity. Frank and I had all our kids here except Wendy who was down with a detached retina in her right eye.[Check her blog to be updated on that.] We brought her 5 kids out so there were 19 and 7/9 of us Greer's. All together there were over 80 in attendance, about half of the Burnham Bunch! We figured Mom has 115 total great grand children. Family came from Oregon, Ohio, various parts of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona; some flew, most drove. Many had never met before but there was lots of bonding and catching up on old times. We agreed we needed to do it again, but not wait so long for another.
There were lots of games and activities including horseshoes, frisbee golf, a treasure hunt, rocket launching, and a Burnham Family Olympics with 5 teams participating in 3 games at each of 5 stations. Many volunteer coaches, officials and other workers made the games successful and a little was learned about the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Rides in a cart and on 4-wheelers were fun for the kids.
Saturday night many attended the fireworks in Heber and were not disappointed. They're always awesome. Sunday Morning those who stayed attended a worship service/testimony meeting in Camp, conducted by Lance which was good.
We gave Kandra a baby shower to celebrate her much anticipated little boy in September.
In picture, Catherine, Emma, Kayla and Skyler try out Lance's 4-wheeler

Getting ready for Frisbee Golf: l-r, me, Rachel, Margeret, Scott, Catherine, Shirley, Craig, Trisha, Becca, Anna, Kim, Margaret, Danny, Garrett, Timothy and Jacob

Gloves and bat in hand, Garrett, Jacob, Sean, Lucky Lucy, Carolee, Emily, and Hunter are ready for a game.

Alyson, Jared, Kandra, Sophie, Jason, me, and Kristal are all working on clues for the Treasure Hunt.
Naomi modeling a cute T-shirt she made in YW especially for the Burnham Reunion

Just to recap what I thought were a few highlights of the event:
Those who traveled farthest by car to attend: Danny and Alyson from Denver, their second time ever to camp out! Curtis and Karalee with cousin Arlene from northern Utah
Those who traveled greatest distance by plane/car: Kandra/Jared from Ohio and Becky/Dean/children from Oregon
Family with highest percentage in attendance: Greer's with 19 out of 21 members
Total in attendance--nearly 90!
Oldest person in attendance, of course was Mom (Grandma Burnham) at 93 years
Oldest grandchild was here: Leonard with Christy;
Youngest grandchild: Samuel (Jimmy's)
Oldest great-grandchild here: Summer Skousen (Wendy's)
Youngest great-grandchild (to be) in attendance: Kandra's soon-to-be-born son (will be number 115, according to Curtis)
Families bringing grandchildren without the parents: LaVerne, 2; Carol, 4; Dawna, 5;
Lots of fun games: Frisbee Golf (Craig's several tree's-in-one!), Horseshoes (Who was the Champ??), Treasure Hunt
15 Olympic game competitions with the Fish (Janene's team) victorious!!! Go Fish!
Grandma Burnham a competitor on the Antelope Team in the Olympic games, winning points for her team--Way to go! What an example for everyone! How many will equal that at her age??
Many cousins who had never met, bonding as Best Friends
The soft dirt which the little ones loved to play and roll around in, eat, throw, stir up, dig in--way to go Sophie!
The Fish Pond with many great prizes for all by Carol and LaVerne
Each of Clinton and Rose's living children represented by at least one family
Snow cones by Tammi and Christy for the kids when it got hot
Rain which cooled everything off
Great fireworks show Saturday night
Sunday Worship services with testimonies for those who stayed

Olympic teams with coaches

2008-07-11T18:45:00.018-07:00

Swallow team Coach Stephanie with team members Rachel, Sam, Naomi,Isaac and Emma
Flame Coach Lance with team members Hunter, Clay, Jacob, Jaelan, Hailey
Antelope coach Kim with team members Grandma Burnham, Shirley, Hunter, Becca and Margaret
Fish Team Coach Janene and assistant Chivonne with Kayla, Garrett, Carson, Tricia and Hyrum

Panda Coach Craig with Catherine, Anna, Ammon, Patrick and Skyler.

Each coach was very complimentary of each team member and how they had all contributed.

Burnham Family Reunion July 2-7, 2008

2008-07-11T16:20:00.005-07:00

Tenille and Scott Avery with their children Bryon, Alyson, and Timothy relaxing in shade.

Carol, LaVerne and Mom enjoying visit
Men hard at work--Frank, Pat, Chase and Gene
Leonard and Christy Boughan enjoying the coolness of the mountains.
Carol's grandchildren ride the cart.

Updating and remodeling our house

2008-06-15T20:13:00.005-07:00

The past several weeks we have been working hard trying to do some long-overdue remodeling, namely, replacing all our windows and doors and adding a deck to our north patio, plus scraping chipped paint, getting ready to repaint the house. Anyway the worst of it is over, just some cleaning up to do around the house, trying to figure out what to do with stored treasures that came from our greenhouse, which is no more! We hired Jonathan Cheney to to the carpentry work and he did an awesome job, taking out the old and making the new fit.

This shows the new windows for the garage and sewing room
Here, Jonathan Cheney is using a sledge hammer to tear out the old steps from our house to the back patio. He is a great carpenter! He's hoping Lance isn't mad at him for tearing them out. He remembers how upset Kristal and Kandra were at him for tearing down the fort Lance built across the road on property before Cheney's bought it.
The new windows for the front of the house.
Now the painters, Boyd Austin and crew from Snowflake, are done with the painting and I have been able to start putting out flowers and furniture on the south patio.
View of the front of the house with the new paint, etc. Like the blue trim?
New railing on the back deck. Still need to paint and replace the benches. Looking better though.

Prince Rupert, BC

2008-06-15T19:26:00.005-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I've posted so will finish up showing the last stop of our Alaska trip.

When we arrived in the port at Prince Rupert, we saw bald eagles everywhere, perched on posts, in trees, on roofs. A local said just look for golf balls in trees and that's the eagles. They are huge and really beautiful.

Downtown area of Prince Rupert.
We are out and about in the pretty city of Prince Rupert. They say it has the best salmon fishing, better than Alaska, and closer.
We went on a boat tour and were taken further out in the harbor where the bald eagles gather for food. The guide would throw chunks of bacon fat into the water and the eagles would circle and then one would swoop down for a tasty snack. It was fun to watch.

Snowy day in Skagway

2008-06-01T12:56:00.003-07:00

This train engine with snowblower in front is used for clearing the tracks to keep the railway open to the summit of White Pass during tourist season. We saw where it had been used recently to clear huge drifts from the tracks. The summit is at an elevation of about 3200 feet.
When we arrived in Skagway we boarded the White Pass and Yukon Railway for a ride to the top of the summit, traveling where the miners of the Klondike Gold Rush era went to the gold fields in the late 1890's. Unfortunately, by the time the railroad was finished, the gold rush was about over. The miners were required by the Canadian government to take a full year's supply of everything to enter the Klondike in Canada so they either carried them on their backs, one load at a time for 40 or so trips up the treacherous trail to the summit or purchased pack animals to do the same. We traveled in comfort enjoying beautiful scenery and as we got higher a snowstorm blew in. We felt right at home.

Beautiful view of Skagway and the harbor from the train.
After we got back we went on a streetcar tour of the small but bustling town of Skagway. Our guides looked like Mary Poppins and gave a fun and colorful history of the lore and legends of the early years of the area. We passed an LDS chapel as we zigzagged through town.

We heard our tour guide said, "I've been doing this 14 years and its never snowed in Skagway this time of year before!" Though we were wet and cold when we got back to the ship, we had had a good day. Last stop, Prince Rupert. . .

Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier

2008-05-22T21:50:00.005-07:00

After leaving Juneau early afternoon, we went by cruise ship very slowly up the Tracy Arm Fjord to the Sawyer Glacier, not wanting to hit icebergs in the water. The captain wasn't worried about the ice piercing the hull of the ship but rather that an iceberg could damage a propeller and then we would have been in trouble. We were told that this fjord is the longest navigable fjord in the world. The scenery was beautiful. We eventually reached as close as we could go to the glacier, then the ship slowly turned around and we were able to see the area from all angles before going back. It was daylight until after 9:30 at night so we were able to spend many hours in this fjord before finally reaching Skagway the following morning.

Port in Juneau

2008-05-21T20:15:00.002-07:00

After leaving Ketchikan, our next stop was Juneau. Because all the ports are at sea level (obviously) they are in what is called a temperate rainforest, which means that even though we were far north, there is very little snow during the winter but they can get lots of rain. Ketchikan is one of the rainiest places on earth with over 160" of rain per year. Juneau gets quite a bit but not that much. The day we were there it rained, not 'misted' which was again unusual but it wasn't as cold as the day before. We were able to take a tour of Glacier Gardens, a privately owned property that had been developed a few years ago from land that had had a huge landslide and took down a lot of tall Fir and Cedar trees. The man was trying to reclaim the land and restore it and got the idea to take all the dead, uprooted trees and put them in the ground up-side-down with the roots on top. You can see the results. He uses them as hanging gardens with all kinds of exotic plants such as fuscias and begonias as well as petunias, ferns, etc. He has created by hand by himself about 50 acres of beautiful gardens, built ponds, planted each bush and plant that's in the ground as well. He certainly took a lemon and made lemonade. He has 3 huge greenhouses where he overwinters plants for the local people plus grows any kind of plant you'd want for sale. This garden tour was really the highlight of my trip. I think I could live there! We were taken by a 20 passenger golf cart 600 feet to the top, to an awesome view of Juneau.

We also went to the Mendenhall Glacier which is the only one that you can drive to by car. It was really awesome. The ice has been under pressure for years and years of snow piling on and as it comes to the bottom, it is crystal clear ice and very blue and melts about 1/4 as fast as regular ice. The parts of the iceberg in the water you can see are only about 1/10 of its actual size. We were told that the glacier is actually receding at a rate of about 60 feet per year although last year it receded 200 feet!

Port Juneau

2008-05-20T20:48:00.001-07:00

Port Ketchikan

2008-05-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

The storm followed us as we entered Ketchikan early Monday morning and it was very cold, windy and the rain blowing horizontally. People said it was very unusual to have more than a 'mist' at this time of year in their city. We heard that often the next few ports. However, undaunted, we bundled up and headed for the town and and an excursion to the many totem poles in Totem Bight Park and learn of their history and legend. We then found our way to the shopping district right by the harbor. We were one of the first cruise ships of the season and of course the locals were happy to see their business swell after a long winter. With a coupon book given us on the ship, we found lots of bargains (and otherwise), but a lot of fun. I noticed almost all the native Alaskan souveniers were 'Made in China'! Whatever did we do before China knew exactly what we would want to buy?

2008-05-20T20:23:00.001-07:00

Boats in Ketchikan harbor and a few of the many totems in Totem Bight Park

Rainy, windy and COLD in Ketchikan

2008-05-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

2008-05-20T20:06:00.001-07:00

I found Santa in the Christmas Store in Ketchikan along with many beautiful decorations.

North to Alaska

2008-05-19T21:20:00.001-07:00

After spending a wonderful week on the beautiful peninsula of Olympia,Washington we returned to Seattle where we boarded our cruise ship, the Norwegian Star, a huge and beautiful ship with more than 3000 passengers (including crew) and headed for Alaska. The main dining room where we ate many of our sumptious meals was the elegant Versailles. Sometimes we went to the buffet for more casual meals. We enjoyed watching first class shows in the Stardust Theater in the evenings which included a magic show, singing, Chinese Acrobats, a singing and dancing troupe and others. At times it was fun listening to all kinds of music from the Blues to Easy Listening to Classical in various lounges and in the Atrium. My favorite combo was a 3 member band with instruments consisting of a violin, a guitar and a flute. They played almost continuously every kind of music from Country to Jazz to Classical or whatever. As the cruise got underway, a nasty storm came up which traveled with us most of the week. The waves were high and the sea rough; I woke up Mother's Day very seasick and nauseated. Ugh! Motion sickness pills helped but I spent most of the day in bed. Monday morning we arrived at our first port: Ketchikan, with the rain blowing sideways. Nevertheless, we were not deterred on our adventure. Pictures to follow. . .

2008-05-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Discovery Bay

2008-05-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time on our trip north. Everywhere we went looked like the Garden of Eden. We spent several days at a resort near Port Townsend in Washington. It was cloudy most of the time but only 'misted' occasionally. Our friends, Truman and Jeanette Jepson, were wonderful, picked us up at the Seattle Airport on Monday, greeted us with candy lei's and took us to the resort, crossing on a ferry, car and all. On Saturday they returned us to Seattle to the port where we embarked on our cruise. Later they again picked us up at the port and took us to the airport. We saw many wonderful towns that looked very inviting, drove into the beautiful Tongass National Forest where we saw deer, spawning salmon and other amazing and beautiful sites and then went on a cruise to the San Juan Islands where we saw many whales. We enjoyed the hot tub at night and had a delightful time with the Jepson's. This will be continued. . .stay tuned :)

Down and Gone Ahead of the Wind

2008-05-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

As you can see, our greenhouse is gone. We got Les Parham with his backhoe and truck to come and in a few hours he had the whole mess down and gone. Good thing we decided to take it down when we did because the very next day we had ferocious gale force winds that would surely have blown the whole thing up to Joe City or beyond! We're still debating on what kind of greenhouse we will put in its place, probably a smaller one from a kit.
All week we have been trying to get ready to head north for an exciting adventure. Early Monday morning we will leave from Sky Harbor to fly to Seattle where we will meet friends and travel to the tip of the penninsula in Washington to a Trendwest resort in Discovery Bay. We will stay there all week and then next Saturday we will return to Seattle and embark on a 7 day Alaskan cruise. I'll post again when I get home, hopefully with pictures of whales, glaciers, totem poles and the usual touristy things.

New Bishopric

2008-04-27T21:14:00.001-07:00

Today was an exciting day in Heber Second Ward as we saw the release of the existing Bishopric and the calling and sustaining of a new one. Bishop Squire and his counselors will be hard to follow but I know Bishop Chester Crandell, First Counselor Dustin Franco and Second Counselor Rodney Porter will do an awesome job. As our Stake President Farr said to Bishop Crandell, you don't need to worry about filling Bishop Squire's shoes, but rather the sandals of the Master.

It's About Time

2008-04-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well, after months of avoiding this, I decided it was time to add an update to my page. Not a lot happens here at our humble abode so we travel to see our kids and grandkids when we can. Lately we have decided that we needed to repair our greenhouse as it was starting to fall apart. As we got into the job we found that the baseboard on the foundation had rotted completely out so the only option is to tear the whole thing down. Sad, like loosing a good friend.

Kandra's early birthday present

2007-10-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Kandra has a little electronic piano which she loves to play while Jared is studying and to practice for Choir since she is the pianist for that. The wall behind it was bare so I hunted on the internet for musical decorations that could be grouped together. What do you think of the results?

My first blog!

2007-10-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

We flew into Louisville for a convention that Frank had to attend and then Kandra came down from Columbus to pick us up. So here are some pictures of our trip in Kentucky and then on into Ohio.

When we got to Kandra's apartment we went on a walk to a park near her house.

Then, we went to Kandra and Jared's old apartment that they just moved out of 2 months ago to see if some flowers that they planted this summer had survived..........and they did! I am soooo proud of them!