Government Reply to Katrina
Mood:  don't ask
I have to admit that I stand amazed at the slowness of the Federal Government in its reply to the disaster caused by Katrina. There are so many things that we are able to do under pressure but this sure wasn't one of them. Maybe there wasn't enough planning nor was there enough care about the situation. To me, it isn't feasible to let people die in wheel chairs and infants to die while the government just plans to do womething and then does it days later. This buck is going to stop with congress and the president. While they are not responsible for the storm itself, they are responsible for the timing and the response of the Federal Government. I would give our representatives an "F" on their report card for this action.

Getting ready for Summer
Mood:  bright
Now Playing: Doctors, Doctors, Doctors
Topic: A New Town
Well, here we are back in Roanoke after a quick tour out to the midwest to visit some of the family members. We are trying to get settled in to our new home and still trying to find a new church. We have several possibilities but nothing definite yet. The Lord has something in store for us and we will find out what that is in His time. I like being able to go to the back of the patio and pick strawberries off of the ledge. We don't even have to stoop down to pick them up. We did take a day trip to the famous Mabry Mill and then back up to the Peaks of Otter. We ate too much food that day. Well, we are off to another doctor this afternoon as we head in to town to see a podiatrist for Diane. Then, off to a birthday celebration for one of the youngest of the 8 grandchildren. Well, see you all later. Stop by and visit.

New beginnings
Mood:  energetic
Topic: Seniors
Things are getting settled in our new home. We are doing a lot of gardening and little repair jobs here and there, but overall, things are looking up. We just returned from a trip to Illinois and Parkersburg West Virginia. I had a visit with the doctor and was looking for my latest PSA test, which didn't show up. While the house is going well, the services in the area of Roanoke have really left something to be desired. That is, nothing seems to go right. The PSA test was supposed to be sent to the doctor and had 10 days to get there but, it didn't. Who knows where that is. Plus, everything that we have purchased here, some of the items rather larege, have shown up with some defect. Even a new Clarinet came with a bent key and has to be sent to the repair shop even before the first note is ever played. One of the hardest things is looking for a new church. We have been bouncing around with about 3 different churches and are really not sure as to which one is the best. Well, have a good day to you all and check back some other time.

First doctor's visit after surgery
Mood:  happy
Well, now the clamps are out and we will go to have the catheter taken out on Friday. Can't wait for that to happen. Still sore. The report was good as the lymph nodes were all negative. There was more cancer present than he thought as the gleason score was 7 on both sides but it looks as if it didn't break through in any place. In other words, The Lord saw to it that we got it just in time. I praise God for that. Things are beginning to brighten just a little.

Trooper's Gone
Mood:  sad
Topic: Trooper
We had to put Trooper to sleep on the 11th because of too much fluid on his lungs. He was one of the most faithful pets we have ever had. Always loyal, affectionate and only a little stubborn at times. He will be greatly missed.

It's Getting Close
Well, we are in the final week heading for the cancer surgery. As I get closer to the surgery time, I guess the one thing that concerns me is waking up and getting bad news, like, "Well, you had a lot more cancer than we thought and it has spread all over your body." That would be the worst type of news. But, on the other hand, that would mean a closer home going to be with the Lord. So, it's a mixed bag, so to speak. To say that I am getting a bit anxious is sure the truth. I go in for a type and cross match of my blood on Thursday morning and then I have to drink the large cocktail that makes you sit on the throne for the rest of the day. Then, a scrub down with antibacterial soap the next morning and off to the hospital to be there at 6:00 AM for a 7:30 AM surgery. Check on in to see what's going on with us.

Mood:  d'oh
Topic: Cancer
Don't catch a cold. Wow! That is a profound statement. But, I caught one anyway whether I wanted it or not. Just one more thing to add to the list of things I didn't want for Christmas. Operation is still scheduled. Stress test, a thallium one, is coming up on Friday. Had this type before and I don't like laying on that skinny slab for 45 minutes or so, but it has to be done. Trying to get some of the books packed at the office as I probably won't be wanting to do much of that after the surgery. Also, still thinking about my future ministry and where the Lord will lead us. At least, something is exciting. Hang in there. Check back soon.

Off Visiting
Mood:  spacey
Topic: Cancer
Still off visiting family but it's beginning to get like a fish. After three days, it begins to smell a little. I think I just long to be home and to be able to live out of the house than out of the suitcase and to do my own things. Still thinking about the surgery and getting plent of advice from people who have been through it and those who have not. Some of it might be good. I will probably do my own thing in the end anyway. I have a full week of tests when I get back between a stress test and going to the VA hospital for a cardiac check-up. After we get back, I will only have three months left with the church as they won't be keeping me on after March 31.But, for now, we will be ending 2004 and heading for 2005. May the Lord bless us as we end this year and get ready for the next.

Down South
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Cancer
The air is rather brisk as the temperatures are still low. No snow in the forecast but cooler temperatures. Heading to a basketball game this evening over at Virginia Tech. Haven't been to a game for a long time. Still down in Virginia as we get ready to go to our son's family on Wednesday. Still thinking about the surgery and hope that everything goes OK. Good Sunday School Class yesterday. We listened to a tape from David Jeremiah. Why worry about the things you can't control anyway? Trying to put it into practice. Every now and then I wonder what's going on in my body. Check in later for more on preparing for surgery involving cancer and who knows what else.

Full Speed Ahead
Mood:  energetic
Topic: Cancer
Well, it's Christmas Eve and we are still home as sickness has caused us to delay our trip south at present. We will be leaving tomorrow morning. Also, I will be having another test...a stress test on January 6 before I can have the surgery. This is to make sure that the heart is all right. No doubt about the surgery as being the way to go. After talking with my doctor, he confirmed that this would be the best route. So, we are going full speed ahead. If anyone is in a praying posture out there, I would appreciate the prayers. Check in later to see what's going on.