HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!!

Wishing you a WONDERFUL Birthday!!

Hugs from the 'Skis

A Quickie Update

We've had a super busy first 1/2 of the month of August.  Whew!

First I want to thank everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. We are so blessed and grateful to have so many people that are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers.

Dad went in for his surgery on August 4 and in true dad style, the surgery happened, KIND OF......

The plan was to remove the gall bladder and then do the esophagectomy. The gall bladder removal DID happen, the esophagectomy DIDN'T. Once the surgery team was able to get inside and survey the playing field, they found that main artery that provides blood flow to the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, stomach and large intestine was sandwiched between the bottom of the stomach wall and quite a bit of scar tissue (likely created from the radiation therapy). They tried to separate this artery from the scar tissue and the stomach but were unable to do this safely as any misstep could prove disasterous to many other important organs.

So, instead of attempting to be heroes and TRYING to do the surgery, they stopped. Safety was more important and we feel that the decision that was made was the RIGHT one. We still have dad here with us. And THAT is the most important thing.

So, he spent 8 days in the  progressive care unit (PCU) at the VA hospital - it's not surgical ICU but the next step up. He was pretty rough the first few days, with good cause. The incision that was made is about 12" or so long from the belly button upwards toward the breast bone. Luckily, no additional incisions were made which would have proved even more painful in the chest and neck, so it is just the large incision that he will have to recover from.

Pain management was one of the roughest parts of this process.  It took several days for the team to get the pain meds administered correctly, but it seems as of now we are on the right track.  He's moving around pretty well now, a little more easily each day.  The strength God has given him amazes me - he is so strong and such a trooper through all this.

Our next steps - well, that's something we're trying to get a handle on. Recovery from this surgery is something that is top priority. It is likely that we will meet with dad's oncologist and the radiation oncology team to determine next steps. Nothing in way of treatment or procedures for the next 6 weeks or so - just recovery.

He's slowly reintroducing food into his system again.  Right now, his main source or nutrition is coming from his tube feedings that he does at night.  However, he's given mashed potatoes and canned peaches a try and they seem to be okay with his system.  We continue to take each day as it comes.

We continue to pray knowing that God has a plan and pray that maybe, just maybe the cancer has gone after the radiation and chemo and the full surgery not happening yesterday was God's way of telling us that he has it under control. We continue to be positive and look forward. Each day is a gift and for that we are blessed.

We can not thank everyone enough for all your prayers and support. I know I say this every time, but thank you just doesn't seem like enough to do or say for all the kindness and compassion you have shown our family.

We spent the day at the farm today working on the deck steps and of course HARVESTING a crazy amount of veggies.  Dad is doing better each day.  He spent a little time with us sitting on the deck when we were taking some of our TO's - it was so darn hot and humid today.  It's good to see dad up and moving around again - taking it a little bit at a time.

We thought we'd share just SOME of the veggies from today.  I think we ended up with about 3-4 pounds or green beans, so you know what we'll be doing tomorrow for our anniversary?  Canning them.  We didn't pick all the onions, there are still a crazy amount more to pick as well as cherry tomatoes and the roma tomatoes are just about ready for pickin' too.  I have to imagine with all the bean flowers, we'll have at least this many beans to pick again next weekend or more.  I think I counted 18 or 20 Green peppers alone!

So, that's the update from the barn.

We hope you are all doing well and enjoying your summer!

Hugs - Min & Glen

Holy Beans Batman!

Happy August 1st - Man, WHERE has the summer gone???

Well, we don't have beans, YET, however when these suckers start growing, holy cow, we're going to have beans coming out our EARS!!!

Mom calls this the bean volcano.  :) 

Don't mind the barn, that's on our list of projects to work on this summer yet.

Can't wait to show you the plethora of beans when they start growing. 

There are actually radishes in the middle of this Bean Volcano.  This weekend we were able to start picking green peppers and they are absolutely fabulous.  MORE Cucumbers, MORE Banana Peppers MORE Leeks and even a few Tomatoes.   

The plan for this week - dad's surgery is scheduled for this Wednesday morning.  Any prayers you could say for him would be greatly appreciated!!

Hugs - Min & Glen

Grilled Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry

I forgot to share with you a photo of the Grilled Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry Glen and I made the other night.

Looks pretty yummy, wouldn't you say?  It sure was!  I even took some left overs to mom yesterday and she gave it 2 thumbs up!

Hugs - Min & Glen

WOW!

Can you say WHAT A CUCUMBER?! 

This MONSTER was plucked from our garden tonight.  It probably weighed 2 pounds, was 12" long and the diameter of a tennis ball.  WOW!  And boy oh boy did the Sour Cream and Vinegar Cucumbers hit the spot tonight for dinner!!

I need to share too a "NEW" way to us to eat cucumbers - Cucumbers and Hummus!  My mom introduced me to that last night and can you say YUMMO?!  Guess what's for lunch tomorrow?!  I'm even going to see if I can't find my own Hummus recipe instead of spending $4.99 for a container.  Anyone have a good hummus recipe??

Would love to hear if you do.  I'm going to see what we can find and I'll be sure to post once we give it a try.

Hugs - Min & Glen

Making Strides

Dad has been home now 2 weeks today and is making progress.  We had an appointment Wednesday with dad's thorasic surgery team and all things are go -  his surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, August 4.  We continue to pray that he stays healthy and continues to get stronger each day.

Tomorrow we're going out to the farm and going to take dad to Costco for a little while - we've been trying to get him doing lots of walking, however with this terribly humid weather and head is not real good for walking outside.  Tuesday we spent about an hour walking around Tractor Supply - Sheeze, who would have imagined all the STUFF they have there!  Dad and I had a nice time.

We thank you all for your prayers, thoughts and continued support. 

We appreciate it more than we can ever tell you!

I wanted to share some really cool photos that we took, maybe 10 minutes ago - the sky was just an amazing orange hue and I just looked out the back door and the sky is dark.

This was what it looked like off the deck -

This was out the front door.  Isn't it weird?

We hope you made it through this last storm unharmed and are looking forward to the weekend.

Hugs - Min & Glen

Happy 4th of July!

God Bless America!

That kind of Day......

Yep, this is what Gizmo thinks of Summer....

Ba-Humbug

Hope you got a nice cold something in your hand enjoying this weather!

Min & Glen

What an AMAZING Day!

It's always a good day when we get to spend time with our 'rents and today was one of those days - we got to enjoy the day out on the farm with my mom and dad and Glen's mom.  We got to celebrate a little late mom's day with Glen's mom and also celebrate her birthday a bit. 

Happy Belated Birthday Mom!

Today was deck day - we have some of the railings to finish on the deck project we've been working on.  So, today we got the railings built (and of course, a little grass mowin' too).  The AMAZING part of the day - just how good dad was feeling.  It's been months since we've seen dad out and about like he was today.  I have to think he'll be sleeping very well tonight!

It was such an AMAZING day that dad even tried to EAT today - he had a small piece of pizza (PIZZA of all things) and a bread stick.  This bit of news is FABULOUS - it's been since JANUARY that he's had solid food.  And it was a SUCCESS.  Just a little bit, but SUCCESS none the less!! 
Glen and I haven't seen dad grinning from ear to ear like this for quite some time when it came to FOOD.

Looks pretty happy with that Jet's Pizza box in his lap, doesn't he?!

And then of course, the pet photo of the day - one of my mom and dad's dogs - fat little Royy - his body's gettin' bigger and his legs are gettin' shorter - wonder if it's too many rides on the golf cart and not enough walking?!  Ha Ha!  If you get on the golf cart, he's goin' with you.  He kept Glen's mom SUPER good company this afternoon! 

We hope you all had a nice day today - thank you all so much for your continued support and prayers for Dad.  He has the last of his tests on Wednesday and then we'll just be waiting for the appointment with his Oncologist and the Thorasic surgery team to give us dates, times and a game plan moving forward.

We'll be sure to keep you updated as things start moving forward again.

Hugs - Min & Glen

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Wishing all the Special Mom's in our lives including both of our VERY SPECIAL MOM'S
A very Happy Mother's Day!

We Love You!

Min & Glen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

To TWO very special people in our lives!

Mom K and my favorite Summer Pen Pal Claire who are celebrating birthday's today!

Wishing you both a WONDERFUL Birthday!

We LOVE You!

Min & Glen

Country

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day that we decided to head over to mom and dad's to do some stuff around the farm.  Grass needed to be mowed, trimmed and anything else we could get done.

I snapped a few photos yesterday - You can never go wrong with the beauty of nature!

Annie (in serious need of a brushing)

Annie & Claire enjoying their new pasture

Mom's Apple blossom tree bloomin' like crazy!

Dad is doing well - he enjoyed some fresh air yesterday and came out often to check on us.

Tests are being done - he has two more next week and one the following week.  Hopefully by the end of the month, we'll be able to sit down with his oncologist and the thorasic surgeons and determine the next course of action.

Thank you as always for your continued prayers, thoughts and cards!  You really have no idea how those things brighten my dad's day

Hugs - Min & Glen

#65

The Ice Cream will be on us!  No Fat-Free Stuff Either!!

We Love You!

Min & Glen

WARNING! REMOTELY FUNNY FAMILY STORY

We spent the day today at mom and dad's. We were thankful that there wasn't any rain, but boy was the wind fierce! Glen's mom joined us too - both mom's worked on getting the flower beds ready for spring. The Grass needed to be mowed, brush needed to be cut and pasture fences needed to be fixed after a winter of deer running thru them - so Glen and I cranked at those projects.

Anyway, around 4 or so, we heard gobbling. Now, if you don't know the turkey gobbling story, I'll try & keep it short. A few years ago, my mom INSISTED that she saw TURKEYS in the trees on the front part of their property in the pine trees - there was no alcohol involved in the seeing of the turkeys in the trees (just had to include that disclaimer). First of all, I didn't think turkeys could fly and honestly, I've never really looked into whether or not they can, or weather or not they perch in trees. My mom didn't have her camera at the time, so presently we've written it off as urban legend that we haven't been able to confirm.

So today, we were taking a time out. Mower needed gas, brush cutter needed gas and we all needed a beverage. So, we hear the gobbling and realize that there were turkeys in the back field of the neighbors property. Luckily, I had my camera and snapped a few photos. My mom joked that she was so happy I had my camera because my dad never believed her about the turkeys. Now I believe in the Turkeys, just still unsure about Turkeys in Trees. We counted 7 of them - 4 male (we thing b/c they were all 'puffed' up) and 3 female.

Yep, WILD TURKEY (no, not the stuff in the bottle, lol), real feather bearing, gobblin' wild turkeys (on the ground, not in the trees).

Thanks so much for stickin' around for the whole blah blah blah Wild Turkey story. lol I'll be sure to let you know when I find out about Turkeys in Trees!

Ha Ha! Happy Weekend!

Min & Glen

TGIF!

So glad we've made it to the weekend!!  Is it just me or do things seem to get busy in the spring & summer?!

We've been busy busy around our house - no little squirrels trying to get in like at Easter, just those darn mosquitoes.  UGH!!

We have good news - after dad's oncology appointment, presently he is finished with both Radiation AND Chemo!  Yep, we're doing a crazy happy dance around our house!  Next up - tests to one confirm that the cancer cells are gone and two, more tests to determine his fitness for surgery.  So for a little while anyway he can continue to get stronger each day and recover from the radiation & chemo that were pretty tough on him.  His white blood cell count is pretty low right now, even after the injections he was doing to help boost reproduction of the cells and his platelettes are pretty low also, but I'm sure the R&R, no radiation and no chemo will do mind, body & soul good!

We're headed over to my folks tomorrow - now that everything is growing, the grass needs to be mowed, brush needs to be cut (we got my dad a new toy that we had to quality test to make sure it was a good gift), restring fences in the front pasture and clean out flower beds and the like.  Hmmm, with all this time we're spending at my folks, we might just plant a garden there one weekend!  Now that'd be a few things we could 'harvest'.  :)

Speaking of gardening and harvesting, we've picked up our hanging contraption for our tomatoes AND strawberries this year.  We're hoping that both produce like we want them to.  That way we can make strawberry jam with home grown berries and salsa and tomato sauce with the home grown tomatoes.  Glen and I area already making a list of what we plan to can this summer/fall.  Of course we've been talking about it with both moms too and pickles and beans have also made it onto our list.  :o)

Now that the nice weather has arrived (THANK GOODNESS), the grill is being used like crazy.  I have to share a YUMM-O DO-OVER recipe we made last night.  Probably not so light on calories, but it sure was good.  Instead of sauteing the chicken, we grilled it and then cubed it up. 

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

(insert mmmmmmmmm here)

1 package (12 ounces) fettuccine

8 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

6 green onions, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Additional shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Cook fettuccine according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain, reserving 1-2 tablespoons drippings. Saute chicken in drippings until no longer pink. Add mushrooms and green onions until mushrooms are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Stir in the cream, cheese, paprika and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes. Stir in the reserved bacon. Drain fettuccine; place in a serving bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Garnish with additional cheese. Yield: 6 servings.

Happy Easter!

While we didn't get to share Easter with my dad (but we did get to spend time with him on Friday), we did get to spend time with Glen's wonderful family and my mom.

We took a 'family' photo because in addition to Dad not being with us, Glen's brother wasn't able to make it into town either.

So, this was our family photo - I LOVE how this turned out and the angle (and love self timers too!)

And then we had a dinner guest that was trying to get his little paws on Rick's portion of my family famous 'basa & kraut'.

He sure looks like he's lickin' his chops, doesn't he?!  LOL!

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter spending time with your family and friends.

Min & Glen

Whew, What a Day!

I thought I'd post a few photos from yesterday.  We ended up going to my mom and dad's for the day to clear brush and restring fences in the fields for the horses.  Even though dad is home from the hospital, we try to do as much as we can around the house to help.  And yesterday was no different.  Dad was feeling good.  We got the good news that his last radiation treatment is April 14 and his last chemo treatment is this Thursday through Monday.  We'll be so happy when he is finished with his treatments and is on his way to recovery.  We are so proud of him!!

Yesterday we got a ton done (body is certainly feeling EVERY bit of it today!!).  We had HUGE trees that in the fall and winter through storms had fallen into the fields and taken out the fences.  So, between my mom, Glen's mom and Glen and I, we were able to get three of the fields rewired and ready for the horses to enjoy this spring.

We've also learned WHERE we need to go and pick wild raspberries this summer!  I have the thorn marks in my hands and legs as a reminder!  Because we were so busy, I only took one photo during our field work.  Being in the woods yesterday reminded me of growing up.  Gosh, it's been YEARS since I've been in those woods!!  We even had a quick lunch in the field - Momma K enjoying her 'recliner'.  There's just something about lunch in the fresh air that really makes the day!

This was the biggest tree we had to cut down - Glen ended up hand sawing this big fella (this is AFTER we pulled all of the brush & dead tree limbs away from the fences and out of the fields)!  Dad even came outside for a few minutes to check on our progress thanks to Kristine and the girls and their golf cart ride. 

And we also got to see Marilyn and Cindy - they kept my dad company for the afternoon while we worked outside.  Marilyn was nice enough to bring my dad a funny wig too as a joke, so he had that on with his baseball hat.  We all had a good chuckle. 

About 8:30 last night when we were finishing up the last of the fences, Mike (my mom & dad's neighbor, Kristine's hubby), brought over the two new baby goats (they're about two or three weeks old).  They were ready for their bottles, so we got to play with these cute little kids!  Ruby and Peanut Butter.

How cute are they?! 

So, today after all the manual labor yesterday, there are lots of Oh's and Ouches coming from all of us.  DOH!  Who would have though clearing brush, cutting trees down and restringing fences could be so tough on the body?  I've got blisters on places on my feet I didn't think you COULD get blisters!!

We hope you all had a great weekend!

Min & Glen

It's a GREAT Friday!

The sun is shining and prayers are being answered!!  Dad is coming home later this evening.  They've finally gotten everything under control and they are comfortable sending him home.  We are all so happy he's going home, possibly almost as happy as he IS about coming home!!

Thank you all for your continued prayers!! 

Min & Glen

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May your blessings outnumber

The shamrocks that grow,

And may trouble avoid you

Wherever you go.

~Irish Blessing

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Min & Glen

After a long winter......

They have finally arrived!  We've been looking for these guys all winter long.  Glen has been feeding them, but we haven't seen anyone but the fat squirrel and the well fed chipmunk. 

Today though, they stopped by - four of them.  And they've been back twice since they found the corn - We think they're feeding hourly!

And  believe it or not, even after a week of 50-60 degree weather, we STILL have snow left!!

Happy Saturday!

Min & Glen

A Perplexing Coney Dog Mystery

Yesterday afternoon I got a call from my hubby that we had a 'BOX' on the front porch and he was perplexed and confused. It was a box of 'Perishable Hot Dogs' and 'Dry Ice' and 'Leave on Porch'.

I mention this because he was reading what was on the outside of the brown box it was shipped in........

Because it wasn't anything either of us had ordered and because the outside of the box was addressed correctly and when I say correctly, I mean that Glen's name was spelled right with one n and mine was spelled right with an i instead of a y (Mindi).

So now, we're both perplexed and of course, because I couldn't wait the 2 hours until I got home from work, I told him to open the box and see what was inside - yep, curiosity abuses the cat in our house!

Turns out there was a letter from American Coney Island - a Coney hot spot in Detroit, telling us about the history behind the restaurant that opened in 1917. Okay, so we're both thinking - is this some sort of marketing promotion? Yep, Great Marketing minds think alike in our house.....since there wasn't a card anywhere to be found.

Then I wondered if my nephew had been selling Coney kits as part of his fund raiser recently and I'd ordered one and forgot I ordered it - so of course I had to check with Amy and Susan to make sure I hadn't lost my marbles (lost marbles are a regular occurring thing in our house, it's usually mine that have gone missing.....).

For those of you that know my husband - and those of you who don't - HOT DOGS/CHILI DOGS are one of this man's most favorite foods in the entire world. That is an item that is a MUST GET every time we go to a baseball game (right after the bag of peanuts he shares with my dad). His mom joked when we met, were dating and got married she was so glad he'd met me because she was afraid he would eat hot dogs the rest of his life (if only she'd known that I coudln't boil water before I met my husband - we all laugh about that now!!!).

Still, we were both perplexed - no note, just the letter from American Coney Island.

Well, when I got home from work, we continued to open the box further - there MUST be a note somewhere!!! We found the dogs and the container of chili boxed in the 'American Coney Island' kit box with dry ice, a fresh onion, a bag of buns and a hat. And you better believe we BOTH had to have a photo taken in the hat - what's that they say about things happening in life - "If it ain't in the scrapbook, it didn't happen!"

So, after STILL not finding a card, we finally called the American Coney Island headquarters inquiring - I say we, but Glen called (I read the phone number to him and he dialed & talked) trying to find out the WHO because we were obviously and totally confused.

They informed us that someone did in fact send it to us, but would have to look into WHO sent it. Of course, we couldn't enjoy these Coney Dogs until we knew who sent them......They said they'd let us know before the day was out. So like 15 minutes later we get a call that the card is tucked in the hat..........

Drumroll please.........

HA HA, you didn't think I was going to give you a quick end to the story, did you?? Especially since we spent ALL AFTERNOON yesterday trying to figure out where these things came from........

I'm not going to tell you today - instead, I'm going to have a little "Coney Contest". Because this will end up on a scrapbook page in our album, leave me a comment with WHO you think sent them and a title for the scrapbook page.

I'll reveal WHO sent the package this Friday. For everyone who participates, I'll put your name in a drawing and pick one lucky winner to receive some yummy scrappy goodness and maybe if you ask real nice, Glen will share one of the Coney Dogs with you too!

Hugs - Min & Glen

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad!

We hope you have a wonderful day!

Love Glen & Min

Happy Anniversary!

A good end to a tough 4 weeks

So, my dad was admitted to the VA hospital in Ann Arbor earlier this week.  We've been waiting since the middle of January for updates and a game plan for the treatment of his Esophageal Cancer.  We knew that he would have a tougher and tougher time eating and drinking and finally, he would need some assistance.  That is where we were on Tuesday. 

The doctors, nurses and volunteer staff at the VA have been wonderful.  They have provided us with as much information as they possibly can or have at the moment.  Today, dad had his PET scan which we were waiting for in order to determine the treatment.  Tonight about 8:30 we got the download and are moving forward with a treatment to get my dad well.  Of course we have several other doctors we're supposed to see tomorrow and it doesn't look like dad will be home this weekend, but there is the possibility that they'll start his treatment as early as Monday.  This is a big relief for all of us.  The cancer seems to be in one location.  Prayers have certainly been answered.  We continue to pray God gives him the strength as he moves through this.  My friend Amy wrote me the other day and made reference to the Footprints story, where in the toughest time in our lives, the reason there is only one set of footprints is because God loved us enough to carry us through the tough times.  How true.

A little before the doctors made it in, we were greeted by a group of U of M athletes who were visiting the veterans as part of the Michigan From The Heart program.  There was a Michigan gymnist, women's field hockey player, assistant football coach and two football players, one that was actually on his way into the NFL draft - Zoltan Mesko and Patrick Omemeh (Offensive Line). 

Of course, the camera is always in my purse, so we were able to click a quick photo -

I have a lot of respect for these athletes (pro bound or not) and the kindness they showed by stopping by and spending time with our veterans.

Thank everyone for all your prayers!  We continue to pray and spend time with my folks.  We are so blessed for all the wonderful family and friends we have supporting us in this tough time. 

Thank you all for everything.

 Min & Glen

De-Christmassing

This photo is pretty representative on WHY it sometimes takes me so long to get things done.  We De-Christmased (yep, that's a word in our house) yesterday.  Yep, our Christmas lights and decorations were still up and believe it or not, other than the outside lights, the Christmas tree and the village were still being lit up every night.  :)  Never enough time to enjoy the Christmas decorations.

So, yesterday as we're trying to get the tree disassembled, Tucker decided that she wasn't havin' any of us moving HER tree or HER tree skirt.  She's been wandering around the house all day today trying to find her NEW comfy spot.

So, what's going on in your neighborhood so far this year?

Hugs - Min & Glen

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Here's to a wonderful 2010!!

Min & Glen