The Passing of a Year

It's been almost a year since I have posted on this blog. I'm not sure anyone reads this but me because I haven't had any comments about not blogging. I have been retired now for ten months and I love it. I have been very busy with the "honey-do-list" that seems to grow longer every day. Recently, I have installed a pre-finished hardwood floor in our livingroom. It looks great and I am very proud of my work. It took about three thousand nails to complete the floor and eleven boxes of flooring.

I have recently had cataracts removed and lens implants. It is so great to be able to see at a distance without any glasses. I have worn eyeglasses since the fourth grade. Before the operations, I was near sighted and now I am far sighted. I only need glasses for reading. I can even work on the laptop, like I am doing now, without any glasses. It is great. I have to thank Dr. Hageman with Kernersville Eye Surgeons for his talented work and the staff at the new Kernersville Medical Center for their friendly and professional service. I would recommend both for any eye surgery needed.

Today, the Dixie Classic Fair begins in Winston Salem, NC, at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds. My family and I plan to go tomorrow to enjoy all the exhibits and animals and especially the food. Even ordinary food seems to taste better at the Fair. Can't wait.

Til next time....

Good News

In reference to my previous blog, I saw Dr. Marks on Friday, 11-19-2010. He read my test results and decided to do a deeper biopsy, leaving me with three stitches. The biopsy was OK but the numbing was horrible. He went ahead and scheduled me to have the mole removed on Wednesday, 11-24-2010. He stated he would be surprised if the melanoma had gone any deeper than a millimeter. If it had, he would reschedule me for surgery in the OR and they would check my lymph nodes. On Tuesday, 11-23-2010, the appointment scheduler called and said she had good news. My most recent biopsy showed the cancer had not grown down past one millimeter and I could have it removed on Wednesday at 10:00. Praise God for his infinite grace and mercy. On Wednesday, Dr. Marks removed the mole and melonoma with a "wide" incision as to not miss any of the melonoma. He stated this melanoma was discovered early and for me not to worry about it any longer. My back has been sore since, but I will take soreness over cancer anytime. I'm not supposed to lift anything heavy or do anything strenuously for about 3 to 4 weeks according to the Doc as to not open my wound. I had some extensive Christmas decorating planned, but I guess I will scale back on that. Maybe my grandson Dylan can help me do most of it. He is 14 and all muscle. He is as tall as me, now. My wife, Brenda, said she wasn't worried about the decorating and that she would rather have me than all the decorating I could do. She loves me more than life itself.

Today, my family and I celebrated Thanksgiving with a huge meal. Everyone pitched in and brought part of the meal. My oldest daughter, Jennifer, brought sweet potato casserole and deviled eggs. My youngest daughter, Missy, brought corn pudding, a pumpkin roll and a pumpkin pie(my favorite). My wife, Brenda, and I supplied the turkey, candied yams, green beans with whole potatoes, yeast rolls, cranberry salad, jellied cranberry sauce (for me and my son-by-law Zach), and watergate salad. Oh and don't forget Brenda's wonderful dressing. We all ate until we were past full, cleaned up the kitchen and then sat back down for pumpkin pie and pumpkin roll. Wow, were we all stuffed. My grandchildren, Ayden(1 year) and Alyson (6 years) also ate with us. Little Ayden will eat about anything and is such a good eater. He even liked the cranberry sauce and especially the marshmallows from the candied yams that his Aunt Jenn fed him. Alyson is a picky eater and ended up eating sandwich slices of honey ham and yeast rolls. Go fiqure. My oldest grandson, Dylan (14 years) decided to spend the weekend with his best friend, Seth, and his family at Seth's grandmother's house. He enjoys going there and they are his second family. He spent all day yesterday with us and helped us fix some things aroung the house. We all missed him, but we knew he was having a good time with his "brother" Seth and his family.

Only two more work days, Monday and Tuesday, until retirement. I don't plan on doing much work those two days, but I will be there. The people I work with are throwing me a party on Tuesday afternoon. I hope to see all my coworkers there and many that I have worked with in the past. I'm going to miss most of the people I work with now, but I won't miss the job. Too many stresses and too much to remember to do my job. It will be really strange being retired. I've had a job since I was 15 1/2 and I just turned 58. I don't think I will ever get bored. I can think of a hundred things I need to do around the house and yard. I'm sure Brenda has a list of her own for me and that's OK.

Better go. Have a wonderful Thankgiving weekend and a wonderful Christmas season.

Further Countdown to Retirement

After today, I have only 6 more work days until retirement. I would have 7, but I am off tomorrow for a doctor's appointment. It seems a couple of weeks ago, my dermitoligist finally biopsied a mole on my back that he had been watching for about a year. Yep, you guessed it--melanoma. I went last week to have it removed at a skin surgery center. I was there and ready for the in office surgery. The nurse even described the football shaped incision that the doctor would do to make it easier to close. He came in and sat down, Dr. Leshin, who had begun the skin surgery center. He said he had looked at the biopsy results and the lab technician who did the analysis reported that there were cancer cells at the bottom of the biopsy. My doctor said he did not feel good about doing the surgery, not knowing how deep the melanoma was. He said he would get me an appointment with a doctor friend of his at WFU Baptist Medical Center. He stated his doctor friend is head of the department. My doctor proposed his friend check my lymph nodes and then remove the melanoma. I go tomorrow for a consultation with Dr. Malcolm Marks, head of dermatology at Baptist Hospital. I feel really good about all this. I may be more nervous than I realize, but I know it is in God's hands and he has always looked after me in the good times and the bad times. He will not place anything on us that is too much to bear. He has always been faithful. I will trust Him.

Countdown to Retirement

I have about 32 working days until my retirement. The guys at work say I'm too happy about retiring. I think they are wrong. Eventhough it is a little scary, I am so excited about this new chapter in my life. I'll be able to be at home everyday with the love of my life, my wife of 37 years. No more waiting til Saturday to get the yard work done, wash the car and truck, painting, woodworking, setting up my workshop.....When will I have time for it all. Answer: EVERYDAY. Sure we will have to watch our budget closely, but we can do that and some expenses will no longer be there, like gas money for driving to work everyday, lunch money, etc. I'm not wishing my life away, but I really can't wait.

On another note, my grandson, Ayden, has started walking. He will be a year old on the 20th of the month and he is doing well just learning to walk. He is such a joy and a good natured baby. We call him the little man. His sister is 6 1/2 years old and she is also a joy when she wants to be. Today was one of those days. She has started cheerleading for her school football(flag) team. She really enjoys it. While I'm talking about my grandchildren, my oldest is Dylan, age 14. He is a great soccer player and an all out athlete. He recently ran a 6:24 mile and 3 miles in 24 minutes. Soccer is the only sport he will play organized. He is great at throwing, hitting and catching a baseball and has a real strong sidearm pitch, but he is just not interested in playing on a team.

That's all for now. I am about out of battery and too lazy to go get the cord.

Here I am. It has been months since I posted on this blog. A lot of things have happened since that time. Recently, I filed my papers for retirement. Thirty-seven years working for a government agency is enough, don't you think. It is amazing what stress can do to your body and how the lack of it can heal. I went to give platelets at the Red Cross near the first of September, which I do once a month. My blood pressure was 132/ 62, the lowest it has been in years.
Since I filed my retirement, my supervisor has taken me off the on-call list and other activities. Boy, it feels good. I'm looking forward to December 1st, my first day of retirement and my wife's birthday. She says this is the best birthday ever. She is also looking forward to my being home with her everyday and so am I. She is the love of my life. We seem to love each other more and more each day. I guess being newly weds of 37 years is the reason. I miss her everyday when I am at work. We argue over who loves the other the most. I don't know how I could love her more or she love me more.
Retiement is going to be different to say the least. I have had a job since I was 15 1/2 years old. But guess what? They are going to pay me to stay home. What a deal!
I will try to post more often, especially after Dec. 1st....

Losing A Close Friend

Last week, I lost a very close friend, John Woodward. I miss him greatly already and will continue through the years. John was my prayer and accountabilty partner and kept me on the straight and narrow way, God's way. I have never seen anyone who was concerned over the salvation of everyone he met. He was eager to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and how He saves us from our sins and separation from God, to anyone who would listen.
John was riding his bike around the trail of Salem Lake here in Winston Salem when he had some kind of accident and ended up in the water. A jogger saw him and got him out of the water. The medical examiner said he did not drown. They are perplexed at the cause of death. There were no signs of trauma from a fall. Maybe God just took him home to be with Him.
John will be missed by many, illustrated by the number of people who took time to attend his memorial service. I know John is in heaven with the Father and is asking all the questions he could not answer from reading his Bible. We all miss you, John, and we will meet again someday in the Love of the Father God.

These are pictures of Ayden Craig, my new grandson. The bottom photo is of him only 11 minutes old. The other is a little later in the nursery. He was born Tuesday, October 20, 2010, at 3:12 PM. He is doing well and so is Mom and Dad.

Return to Posting

It has been over a year since I have posted on this blog. I don't know if anyone if following it, but I apoligize for the lack of posting. Right now, we are eagerly awaiting the birth of our 3rd grandchild, Ayden Craig, aka Baby Coconut, a name given him by his big sister, Alyson. He is due on Monday, October 19th. I keep telling my daughter, Missy, that he is coming today. She said she is definitely ready. The doctor measured little Ayden on Thursday and says he is 8 lbs. 6 oz. If he doesn't come before, the doctors will induce labor on Tuesday, October 20th. His big sister, Alyson, is anxious to meet her little brother and his Dad, Zach, is also.
A few months ago, my wife, Brenda, finally retired, after working for church offices for 20+ years. She hasn't been able to do all the things she wanted to do due to anemia. She is taking iron supplements and treatments now and is doing much better. I told her she is becoming re-domesticated, cooking wonderful meals and taking care of me. I am still working, eventhough I have been eligible for retirement for about 6 years (30 years with local government). I feel I am getting the urge to be home with Brenda, so maybe, Dec 2010, will be my time for retirement if our budget goes well. Brenda has numerous projects she has planned for me, now and after retirement.
I have a good friend, John, who is struggling with depression after losing a textile job he had been working at for 26 years. Please pray for John that healing would come to him and he can return to the "John" that we know and love.
The slow economy has destroyed many lives through the loss of jobs and businesses. To quote Ross Perot, when he was running for President," If we sign this NAFTA agreement, we will hear this huge sucking sound as our jobs go out of the country." This has been so true. It baffles me that a product can be produced, packaged and shipped half-way around the world and still be cheaper than producing it in the good ole USA. The products can't be of good quality. Just look at all the recalls on electrical and electronic products that come out of China.
It is Saturday morning and I am being lazy. It is 10:20 and I haven't done anything but eat breakfast and drink my coffee. I hope to post a photo of my new grandson in the next few days.

Our 35th Anniversary

My wife and I celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary on August 5th, 2008. We went to one of our favorite places, the Pilot Knob Bed & Breakfast Inn at Pilot Mountain, NC. Usually we stay in one of the cabins which are made of the logs from two tobacco barns. This time we chose to stay in the Pilot Knob Inn Suite, which consisted of a large bedroom, a large sitting room with satelite TV and a hot tub, enclosed by four walls and open to the sky. It was a wonderful relaxing time. Full breakfast was served each morning with eggs, bacon or sausage, waffles, toast and jelly, fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. The Inn Keeper, Jennifer, was very cordial and brought us breakfast to our table.
For our supper on the evening of our anniversary, we dined at the Scuppernong Restaurant which is part of the Old North State Winery in Mt. Airy, NC. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was unique. The restaurant building was formerly a hardware store and was later bought by Belks Department Store. The story is that the front of the store was destroyed by a dynamite blast and the store closed and was not repaired until years later. During the renovations, the skeletal remains of a human arm was found, possibly from the person who set off the dynamite. There was a lot of competition in the hardware business in that day due to the newly opened white granite quarry where dynamite was used to mine the rock. The floors were tongue and groove wooden planks and the ceiling had tin tiles. We would recommend this restaurant for good food and atmosphere.

Alone At Last

It's been a month since I posted, but a lot has been going on. For the first time in 32 years, my wife and I are living alone. Our oldest daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1976. Our youngest daughter, Missy, was born in 1980. Missy married the love of her life, Zach, in 2002, and they have lived on their own ever since. Jennifer came home from college at ASU and finished at UNCG. She and our grandson, Dylan, have lived with us since he was born in 1996. Jennifer has recently purchased a home for her and Dylan. Don't get me wrong. I love both of our daughters and grandchildren, but it was time for me and the wife to have "our" time. We suffered through "Empty Nest Syndrone" for about 3 minutes. We enjoy so much being married to each other and we hope to have a long life together. This August we will be married 35 years. It sure doesn't seem like it. We've had some rough times, but some very good times and memories.
It's hard to believe that summer is half way through. We have just set up our Easy Set pool for the back yard. I can't wait to have it ready to jump in on these hot July and August days. I hope to post again soon.

Well, it's happening again. I remember a few years ago, ice a the store came in 10 lb bags for 99 cents. Then they went to 7 lb bags for 99 cents. Now it's back to 10 lb bags for $1.69. The same was with loaf bread. They went from a 24 ounce loaf to a 20 ounce loaf for the same money. Have you noticed the ice cream "half gallons". Bryers first went from 1/2 gallons to 1.75 gallons. Now they are 1.5 gallons for the same price. I guess we continue to get less for more money. Don't get me started about the price of gasoline. The oil companies don't care how much crude oil is a barrel because they ultimately pass the cost along to the consumer and their profits remain the same. I blame the jokers on Wall Street who keep bidding higher and higher, as if the oil suppliers aren't going to sell crude unless they keep bidding higher. Tell me what you think....

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but it seems life has speeded up lately. My wife and I have just taken a long, much needed, weekend away to the mountains. We towed our travel trailer up to Grandfather Mountain Campground, near Boone, NC. It was so enjoyable to relax in the mountains and go rving. During the weekend, we were joined by our youngest daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter and also our oldest daughter and our grandson. The guys went fishing in a pond while the ladies went shopping. I caught two rainbow trout and another got off just as I got it to the bank. I burned a lot of gas towing the camper, but there is just something about rving and sleeping on our own sheets. Our meals ranged from hamburger and hotdogs to waffles to lasagna. It was a wonderful time.

During the weekend, we went to Blowing Rock the city and Blowing Rock, the state park. The legend of the Blowing Rock states that two Indian lovers were about to be separated by his moving back with his tribe. He leaped off the mountain. His female friend prayed the spirits would lift him back up. Suddenly, the wind lifted the Brave back onto the rock. To this day, there is a constant heavy wind blowing up the valley to the top of Blowing Rock.

40th Anniversary of death of M.l. King, Jr.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have been under the weather, so to speak, after spending 3 days in the hospital at the result of a nasty stomach virus that shut down my digestive system and dehydrated me. But enough of that.
This week was the 40th anniversary of the assassination of MLK, Jr. I spotted a web site on a billboard that seemed very interesting. It was www.whokilledMLK.com. Larry Ray, the brother of James Earl Ray is contending that his brother was set up by a government conspiracy. James Earl Ray admitted to the killing after being captured, but recanted his story after three days. According to Larry Ray, James Ray plead guilty to the murder under pressure of federal agents. Read for yourself and make your own conclusions.

A Day at Prime Care and the Emergency Room

My wife had been having unbearable pain in her left shoulder and arm. Her doctor had given her pain medicine, which did not touch the pain and made her extremely nauseous. After a night of no sleep and sickness, we went to Prime Care, and waited in line for 3 hours. She was so miserable, she returned to the car where she could lie down while I waited for her to call her name. After being taken to the exam room, an EKG and x-rays were done. There was no conclusive idea from the doctor from those tests. As a theory, they tried nitroglycerine tablets and the pain seemed to lessen. They immediately called for an ambulance and sent her to the Emergency Room at Forsyth Medical Center, thinking it was her heart. Her family has a history of heart disease. I prayed all the way to the hospital. Upon being treated at the ED, another EKG was done in the ambulance. It was insignificant. An x-ray was done again of her back and neck. One intern looked her over and had no real diagnosis. She was given pain medicine to make her able to rest some. Another doctor came in and located what he believed a pinched nerve at a disc in her spine. He stated he did not believe it was her heart and seemed very knowledgeable. He pressed on the area he suspected was the disc causing the problem and it was tender. He gave prescriptions for an anti-inflammatory drug and a steroid to reduce any swelling to the disc. We were so relieved that it was not her heart. She had lost her Dad in his forties to a heart attack and her brother in his 30's. We thanked God for his mercy and guidance of the doctors. She was able to sleep fairly well last night, eventhough she awakened several times. Her pain is bearable now and the new pain medicine doesn't make her sick. Praise God. The ED doctor said to try the medications for about a week and then see her family doctor. If it isn't better by then, he recommended seeing a spine specialist and get an MRI. I am so glad her pain has lessened and that she can now sit and rest without having to lie down...

Week End Away

Last weekend, my wife and I were able to spend a weekend in Asheville and visit the Biltmore House and grounds. It is unfathomable to me that someone could have that much money to build a private residence the size of a castle during the Great Depression. The fourth floor has now opened since the last time we visited. If you've never been, the house has an indoor pool, a bowling alley, exercise room, and everything else in a private residence, only on a larger scale. There are still several areas not open to the general public, but can be seen during the "Behind the Scenes" tour for an additional cost ($15.00). We plan to do that the next time we visit. If a person gets there after 3:00 PM, he can return the next day under the same ticket. We plan to do the behind the scenes tour in the evening and go back the next day for the house and gardens. I will try to post some photos later of the house and grounds. The flowers were not yet in bloom. Spring is the best time to enjoy the gardens.

Back to Work

Well, today was my first day back at work after 11 weeks. I am on light duty for the next 6 weeks, which means I am not to use my left arm for lifting, reaching or holding any items "heavier than a coffee cup" as described by my doctor. I was fortunate to have enough sick time to cover my time out of work, so I missed no paychecks. Upon returning to work, I had a little trouble logging into certain programs I use in my job. I couldn't remember at first what icons to click on to get to the programs I needed. It was a little tiring today, being use to being at home and taking a nap if needed.
My co-workers appeared glad to see me back and some of us ate lunch together at my favorite lunch place, Mountain Fried Chicken. They have the best wings, bar none. The wings are deep fried, but never greasy. They also have potato wedges and other vegetables for your meal. I always get the wings and wedges. What a meal.
I have to praise my wife for the great care she has given me during my recovery. She has taken extra special care to make sure I didn't injure my arm or shoulder. She drove me everywhere I needed to go for the first six weeks and made sure I was always as comfortable as possible. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful caring woman.

Primaries are Upon Us

Super Tuesday has come and gone. NC will not get to vote in the primaries until May 6th. Romney has dropped out and it looks like McCain is going to get the nomination for the Republican Party. It's still a toss up for the Democratic Party between Clinton and Obama. There is talk about them joining together for running mates. That's a scary thought. My choice is Huckabee, but I doubt he will get the nomination. I will place my vote anyway. How about you?

My recuperation is going well and I'm getting more use of my arm and shoulder everyday. My physical therapist said I was coming along well. We started some strengthening training yesterday. It feels good the use that arm, kind of like what it feels like to get up and walk around after sitting for a long time. I should return to work in about two weeks with limitations. I haven't really missed work, but I guess it will be good to be back in the groove.

What about the recent weather here in NC. Highs in the 70's lately, but it seems we are returning to seasonal temperatures as I write this. Lows in the 30's and highs in the 50's. Some say global warming is causing this. Maybe so, if there is such a thing. Many scientists have their own ideas about what is causing the global warming. In my opinion, there are more people and animals in the world than ever before and all of us are breathing out carbon dioxide, the supposed cause. Doesn't that make a little since. Another problem in my opinion is plastics. Have you noticed the film on the inside car windows even though no one has been smoking in the car. I comes from plasticizing, the release of some chemicals from the heating of the plastics. How about all the houses with vinyl siding. I rest my case. Later.....

Recuperation Continuing

I am continuing to improve with my shoulder. Wednesday, Jan. 16th, I can finally get rid of this sling and I will be allowed to drive short trips to the store, etc.. My doctor's aide stated, " Don't plan any driving trips to Atlanta or anything like that. Freedom at last. I still will not be able to use my left arm until physical therapy says so. I go to therapy On Wednesday. I will see what occurs.

I was able to sing in the church choir on this past Sunday, with help from my good friend, John. He held the book so I could see because I couldn't hold my book and turn pages, too. My sling and left arm were under the choir robe with my left sleeve empty. I got a few comments about that.

I read in the newspaper today that there is a bow season for deer inside the city of Elkin, NC, this month. The deer have gotten so abundant there without natural predators that it is dangerous to drive for fear of striking a deer. One comment in the paper stated that 1200 deer could be harvested and there would still be plenty of deer in the area. I will be looking for the harvest count.

Still Recuperating

I'm still recuperating at home and typing with one hand. At the advice of my good friend, 007, I am writing this update. I feel I am making progress because my stretching exercises are getting easier. I still am not supposed to move my left arm with the muscles in my left arm and shoulder. Passive movements only. I guess I will get an update on my progress when I return to my doctor on Jan. 7th. Hopefully, I can get rid of my sling which is still with me 24 hours a day.

A lifelong friend of mine took me to breakfast at Zoe Restaurant in Kernersville this morning. It was good to get out. The food and fellowship were great. It's always good to get together with friends, especially if they buy the meal. Ha Ha.

The primary elections are upon us. Pick your candidate wisely and those who will try to fulfill the campaign promises. Remember, children in the womb are just as important as those already born. If you believe this, it can help you with your selection.

For those of you who like astronomy, a winter meteor shower is supposed to occur tonight. It will peak between midnight and 7:00 AM, beginning in the northen sky and moving more upward through the night. For those who can't stay up, maybe a pre-dawn viewing will be best.

Recuperating

It's been three weeks since my rotator cuff surgery and I'm still wearing my "buddy"(my sling), 24 hours a day except for showers and stretching exercises. May I give some advice to those who might have the same surgery? Beforehand, buy some elastic waistband pants that don't have to be fastened and shirts that don't have to be tucked in. It will make getting dressed a lot easier and without help. There is practically no way to tuck in a shirt tail and fasten your pants with one hand. After the surgery, I am not allowed to move my left arm with the muscles in that arm or shoulder. All stretching exercises are passive at this point. I am looking forward to going back to the doctor on Jan. 7, 2008, so maybe I can get rid of the sling at least. I still will not be allowed to lift anything with the left arm for four to six weeks after losing the sling. In spite of the surgery and recovery, I have had a wonderful Christmas holiday. My wife and family have been so helpful in doing things for me that I have been unable to do with one hand. I thank God for their compassion and help and for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to save me from my sins. How about you?