22 July 2009

Thought someone needed to do an update on Mom's stay in the hospital. For those who didn't know Mom had surgery for a by pass in her leg. She had very little blood flow to her feet and was facing some real problems. Her surgery lasted almost six hours, and the result has been very good. She now has good blood flow to her feet which will really help with walking. She is still in REHAB, but gaining every day, she hopes to be home by the weekend. It was a tough time for her but she is a tough ole bird and will be back at Bingo very soon.

Pics of Mom's Party

Thanks to Karen

July 18 2009

I have been wanting to do a "Vacation" post since I got home but have not had the time. Its Sunday afternoon and I am home alone, so some quiet time put some thoughts on the blog.

Vacation, a time to get away and rest, have fun, see relatives and a few old friends. Well I accomplished all of the above and then some.

Vacation of course started with a plane ride, this was the part that I was not looking forward to, I was flying with Hannah, Wes, Addie and THE TWINS. A pleasant surprise was that part went very well, took a bit to get three kids, plus car seats for all three and a large stroller through security at the airport, then wait for the plane. The ride went well, John and Whitney were good and Addie played the whole way. Off the plane and we all piled into the rental van and headed for South Royalton, Hannah and family stayed with Ted and Ellen and Nancy and I at Mothers, different from years past but conditions change. It all worked out well for all.

Most of my time was helping plan two parties that turned into three. On the 3d we had a Party for our niece Lucy, she graduated from High School and is planning attending UVM this fall. This party was at the farm, with me grilling, chicken, ribs, burgers and steaks. This was family and a few Friends, a good time was had by all.

Decorations by Sarah,Britt, and Anna

LUCY HOWE
Andrew and Uncle Brent supervising the cook

On the 4th we did the traditional trip to Randolph to watch the parade, we always go and watch it on the lawn at Nancy's aunt Abbie. This is always a high light of our 4th activities. About 50 family members were there, including our whole family. After the parade it was back to the farm to celebrate Gram Howe's 86 birthday, another small party.

Gram Howe 4 July 2009

On the 5th we had a 80th Birthday party for my mother, even though her birthday was in May we felt with everyone in Vermont it would be a good time to have a party. Every member of Mom's family was in attendance, all children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I have a picture of everyone, what a feat and what a good day for Mom. Many friends and relatives came and what a good time we all had. After the party Stew and I took Nancy to Burlington to catch a plane for North Carolina. When we got back, the party had moved to Ted's where we had a big fire, sat around and eat someores. What a great weekend for one and all.

Den,Stew,Ted, Jeannette, Patrick
MOM---5 July 2009

The whole Gang 7 July 2009

I have to make note that I was able to have a good visit with My #1 fan at Mom's party. So good to see you and have a visit Diane. Diane reads everything I write and then rereads it to Jim to put him to sleep at night. Diane also always leaves me comments which makes this old man feel good. Thank you Diane , it was great to see you and Jim.

There are a few more stories of the week, put they will be for another time.