First, Ben is in great health. WooHoo! He sees the oncologist here now, instead of us having to travel to Houston to MD Anderson. His scans are all clear, and so he only has to see the oncology doc every 6 months, along with his regular MD. He sees him next week.
Ben still is very active cycling whenever he can. He was involved this past year on the search/transition committee for finding us a new diocesan bishop here in KY. Finally, this past weekend, all the hard work culminated in a great banquet, where Ben emceed, and then the next day with the consecration of our new bishop, Terry White.
Ben is now in the process of building the beginning of a new stone path out to the back garden area. The area being covered takes care of the huge expanse of yard where the former tulip poplar met it's maker. Ben is still working as priest in charge at a mission church downtown, and three days a week at the Episcopal Church Home, as a chaplain. All this in his so called "retirement."
This past year, I was involved with the search committee for finding our church a new rector. I travelled to several cities to visit prospects, and we finally called a new rector , and he was installed in September. A very nice young (31) priest, Jonathan Erdman, along with his lovely wife and two young children. By all reports and feedback, we did a great job, and everyone seems pleased by our choice. Hopefully, Jonathan will remain for many years at Calvary. Ben was priest there for 19 years, and I am so happy to be a part of that congregation again.
I took a watercolor class and art jewelry wire wrapping class this past year. Both were a lot of fun. I am making jewelry now in small quantities, and have sold a few pieces. I have them listed along with the baby items I make, on my Etsy site : www.peonylane.etsy.com. I am in the process of having my things listed on a Louisville based website too, so maybe I can sell a few more things.
I haven't felt like doing much the last few months, as I ended up in the ER, then at the gastroenterologist's with severe stomach pain. After several outpatient scans, they discovered I had three ulcers. Several meds later, I then had several more scans to be sure they were cured, then I had tests for liver and gall bladder . All turned out normal. My stomach still is tender at times, but I can eat an occasional spicy meal without pain.
I started an exercise regime last January, and I go workout with friends about 4 days a week. Lots of had work, but good results. I feel so much better and stronger, and have had less episodes of migraines. Usually, I only get those now when the barometric pressure changes.
Last Christmas, all the boys except John were able to come for Christmas with their families. Had a great time, but it was wild with two young grandchildren and Santa Claus coming!. John couldn't get away, but he is making up for it now. He and his girlfriend Larisa have moved to KY and in with us, while they attend Sullivan University Culinary School. Classes started last week, and they are both working too.
They also brought their dog Caigeann, a coon hound, to join in the mix with our Tillie and Barley labradoodles. Never a dull moment! I am so thrilled to have John and Larisa move back to KY from CA. It is so far away, and we didn't get to see much of them in the past 13 years he has lived out there.
Grandaughter Katie and boyfriend Greg, moved from Atlanta to Cincinnati, and they have visited here, and us there. It's only abut 2 hours from here. So nice to have them close by. Katie's Mom, Anna, moved out to Seattle and is living near her sister Amy. Both are leading very busy lives out there. We hope to get out there to visit soon.
This summer has been unbearably hot, with record temperatures for Louisville. We have had no rain in forever! It has finally dropped to the 60's, but promises to go back up in the 80's the end of the week, with no rain forecast. The grass, or what is left of it crunches when you walk outside. I hate to see our next water bill! I had to water all the plants and the vegetable garden everyday.
Talked with Michael and Jeannine last night, and Greg and Megan the other day. Lots of things happening in their busy lives too. Hope we can all get together over the holidays this year.
Not much else happening at the moment. I will try to be better about posting. Love to all!
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