Farm School
Before we left Indiana last week, we took the boys to the Fair Oaks dairy. It was quite an adventure. We rode a bus around the farm and saw the cows, the calves, the feed and the milking rotary station. Then we went to the interactive cow museum where we could practice milking cow statues with the mechanical milkers, watch a movie about how cows convert feed to milk, and play other milk-related games. Next we stopped by the restaurant for grilled sweet swiss cheese sandwiches and ice cream. The day was topped off with a romp outside in the hay maze. (We didn't have time for the corn maze, but it looked awesome). It really was an impressive operation and, if you're in northern Indiana (or Illinois), I'd highly recommend it. (And its free, too!)

Call To Prayer For Our Nation
from Dutch Sheets Ministries

Do not make the fatal mistake of laying the results of this election solely on the will and sovereignty of God. As He did in 2000, God is requiring a partnership with the praying church in order for righteousness to prevail. We must not allow a faulty theology that simply says “we have asked God to intervene, the rest is up to Him” to give us a false sense of security.

Sometimes asking is all that is necessary, sometimes not. In this battle it absolutely is not. Just as when Israel did not possess Canaan, and also when Jerusalem missed a visitation from Heaven in Christ's day, God's will alone will not decide this election (Hebrews 3:18-19; Luke 19:44). In 1963 we forfeited God's will by removing His influence from our schools; in 1973 we missed God's will by allowing abortion to be legalized. And make no mistake about it, our lack of action at this point in time can cause us to miss God's will and send us spiraling downward again.

We must move into spiritual warfare now as never before. There is a persistence that must be exercised, striking the ground until complete victory is assured (2 Kings 13:14 -19). By those who understand the principles of spiritual warfare, there is a kingdom force that must be employed in the spirit until the powers of darkness yield to the forces of light (Daniel 10:12-14; Matthew 11:12; Ephesians 6:12). There is a binding and loosing that must occur until confusion reigns in the enemy's camp (Matthew 16:18 -19). The kingdom rule and will of God must be released in intercession and declaration until Heaven's desires prevail on earth (Matthew 6:10 ).
Don't let up. Intensify! The next 3 days will determine the fate of America for decades—maybe forever.

Back Home Again
We have returned home from Indiana and my dad's funeral. I have experienced so much in the past week, I don't know where to begin. I guess I'll start from the beginning.

My dad died Friday night (October 22). I was on the way to the nursing home when he died. Despite his decline during the past month I thought he was getting better, so I wasn't expecting the end to come Friday. But it did. Hospice arrived shortly after I did, and I can't begin to tell you how helpful they were.

Saturday I made arrangements all day while James packed. Some wonderful friends came by with dinner and lots of snacks for our trip. What a blessing. We were ready to go by 8:00 p.m., but too tired to drive. We slept and then left at 3:30 in the morning. The drive to Indiana was 14 hours. After the boys went to bed, I went to see my brother.

Monday was spent making more arrangments for Tuesday's funeral. I was so thankful for my relatives, who helped me remember what I needed to get done and even helped me get some of it done. Margaret was there for advice, Carol for hemming, David for errands, and Woody to make phone calls. I am blessed with a loving and supportive family, I can tell you that. I know some people experience arguments and pettiness during such stressful times, but not me. I got nothing but love and affirmation. Joy.

Tuesday was the funeral. Up until the funeral began, I was questioning whether I did the right thing by taking my dad's body to Indiana. He hadn't lived there in 40 years, after all. But as the funeral home filled with relatives and friends far beyond my expectations, I became certain I had made the right decision. There were many relatives I had never met, but I could see part of me in there faces. And they came. They came. What an honor. They came.

Among the friends and relatives was my best friend Meg, who came from Chicago to be with me. We have been friends for 30 years. It was a great comfort to have her there.

Northern Indiana has a strong hold on my heart. Although I have never lived there, it is home. No other place is as beautiful to me. The fields are always the same. The fall colors are incredible. I can walk anywhere in town and, when I do, I pass by house after house full of memories. Grandpa Roger lived there (he had a top I loved), Grandma Josie lived there (she kept the marbles in the closet behind the vacuum), Aunt Jean and Uncle Frank lived just down the street from Grandpa Keith and Grandma Norinne, behind them lived my Grandma and Grandpa Wilson. Then, just a few blocks away on the corner of the town square, lived Grandma Hazel. If I need help "in town," I can stop in any shop or office and tell them who I am and they'll help me out. I usually go to Sharpe's because the shop owner went to school with my mom and is always delighted to see me.

After the funeral I drove around in the country where my dad used to take me for drives in his Pontiac convertible. I headed east past the lime quarry and into the farmlands where my parents were reared. The roads are now paved, but I imagined the gravel road and the wind (and lime) whipping my hair around. My dad always drove too fast. Even in the country, there are memories in so many of the houses I pass. This is home.

In Indiana.

My dad.
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I was browsing around shopgoodwill.com and found this gem, and owl napkin holder. Who doesn't remember these? Every grandmother had one, I'm sure. Mine did, anyway. I remember exactly where it sat in the kitchen. I was tempted to bid on this one, but I didn't. Still, it has some charm for me.
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More Strange Japanese Food Stuff
Get your eggs here. Thanks to Lileks.

The Stakes Are Too High
by Mathew Manweller
"In that this will be my last column before the presidential election, there will be no sarcasm, no attempts at witty repartee. The topic is too serious,and the stakes are too high. This November we will vote in the only election during our lifetime that will truly matter. Because America is at a once-in-a-generation crossroads, more than an election hangs in the balance. Down one path lies retreat, abdication and a reign of ambivalence. Down the other lies a nation that is aware of its past and accepts the daunting obligation its future demands. If we choose poorly, the consequences will echo through the next 50 years of history. If we, in a spasm of frustration, turn out the current occupant of the White House, the message to the world and ourselves will be two-fold. First, we will reject the notion that America can do big things. Once a nation that tamed a frontier, stood down the Nazis and stood upon the moon, we will announce to the world that bringing democracy to the Middle East is too big a task for us. But more significantly, we will signal to future presidents that as voters, we are unwilling to tackle difficult challenges, preferring caution to boldness, embracing the mediocrity that has characterized other civilizations.

"The defeat of President Bush will send a chilling message to future presidents who may need to make difficult, yet unpopular decisions. America has always been a nation that rises to the demands of history regardless of the costs or appeal. If we turn away from that legacy, we turn away from who we are. Second, we inform every terrorist organization on the globe that the lesson of Somalia was well learned. In Somalia we showed terrorists that you don't need to defeat America on the battlefield when you can defeat them in the news room. They learned that a wounded America can become a defeated America. Twenty-four hour news stations and daily tracing polls will do the heavy lifting, turning a cut into a fatal blow. Except that Iraq is Somalia times 10.

"The election of John Kerry will serve notice to every terrorist in every cave that the soft underbelly of American power is the timidity of American voters. Terrorists will know that a steady stream of grizzly photos for CNN is all you need to break the will of the American people. Our own self-doubt will take it from there. Bin Laden will recognize that he can topple any American administration without setting foot on the homeland.

"It is said that America's WWII generation is its "greatest generation." But my greatest fear is that it will become known as America's "last generation." Born in the bleakness of the Great Depression and hardened in the fire of WWII, they may be the last American generation that understands the meaning of duty, honor, and sacrifice. It is difficult to admit, but I know these terms are spoken with only hollow detachment by many (but not all) in my generation. Too many citizens today mistake "living in America" as "being an American." But America has always been more of an idea than a place. When you sign on, you do more than buy real estate. You accept a set of values and responsibilities. This November, my generation, which has been absent too long, must grasp that 100 years from now historians will look back at the election of 2004 and see it as the decisive election of our century. Depending on the outcome, they will describe it as the moment America joined the ranks of ordinary nations; or they will describe it as the moment the prodigal sons and daughters of the greatest generation accepted their burden as caretakers of the City on the Hill."

Mathew Manweller is a political science professor at Central Washington University

In Response to This and This:
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle." George Washington (from his farewell address of September 17, 1796)

Change of Plans
I've decided to move the updates about my dad to an email. I'll send the email out every day, and it may include more specific information than I've included on the blog in the past. I'm doing this for two reasons: (1) privacy and (2) so that only the people who want the information will get it. If you would like to be on the email list, please send a message to me at fourbosts -at- yahoo.com. Thanks.

Sunday Update
Sorry I missed the update yesterday. Truth is, I was too upset to type. I went to the nursing home after dinner and found my dad in poor condition. He was slumped down low in his bed, he had removed his clothes and sheets because he was hot, he had not been fed, he had a pressure wound on his ankle, he had a rash, and he begged to go back to the hospital. He had not been turned since he arrived 24 hours earlier and they did not get him into a chair all day. I found the nurse and told her I was not happy with his care. I stayed until he was bathed and repositioned. I fed him dinner. While he was eating the med nurse came in and gave him medications that seemed all wrong. I was back at the nurse station to review his chart and ask questions about that. Nobody knew why his meds were changed. Apparently the hospital doctor changed a few things around, but the chart did not show why. I did some passive manipulation of dad's arms and legs and left to call hospice.

Did I say I love hospice?? The nurse called me right back and I told her my list of complaints. We agreed to meet first thing this morning, and we did. She came in, took my list, and went to work. Dad was slumped down in his bed again, so we got his bed adjusted so he can't slide, we fed him breakfast, propped his feet up so they don't touch the bed, called the doctor and got his meds changed back, ordered pain meds, ordered an air-circulation mattress, dressed his wound, did passive manipulation, massaged his arms, legs and shoulders and generally fluffed him up. The hospice nurse talked to the staff about what she expected (turn him every 2 hours, get him in a chair....). I opened the windows before I left, and dad looked like a new man. He couldn't move his arms or legs when I arrived this morning, but he was moving both after the massage.

Tomorrow will be a big day. He'll get a shower, he'll meet his new hospice nurse, he'll meet the physical therapist and the social worker and the chaplain. And if his new bed doesn't arrive today, it will arrive tomorrow. If he's up to it, I'm going to take him outside in a wheelchair on Tuesday. And, once again, I love hospice.

Kissing Cousins?
Here's an interesting bio of John Kerry's cousin and good friend, Brice Lalonde. I picked this up after reading a european blog mentioning their close ties and the fact that they are trying to keep it in low profile. The blogger had quoted Ecoute, but I can't find the article AND I lost the blog. Sorry about that.

Friday Update
Dad was taken back to the nursing home (skilled care wing) this afternoon. He is very tired from the move. I met the hospice admissions nurse there and we got him checked in. He will recieve care from the nursing home AND from hospice. While he is on the skilled wing, both will be covered by Medicare, which is nice. (Hospice will always be covered by medicare.) Some of the good things about hospice include: (1) he will have ONE hospice nurse (probably a man), who will check on him at least 2 times a week, more if needed, (2) they will provide any equipment he needs (wheelchairs, beds, etc.), (3) he will have a volunteer assigned to him who will visit twice a week to help me by reading to him, taking him outside, running errands for him or whatever is needed, (4) they have access to his chart and can keep me better informed of his health, and (5) most of his medicine will be covered by Medicare. All of this provides a significant relief financially, physically and emotionally. I am very thankful for it.

This is Mamie. She has been my cat for about 16 years. When Colin was born, she lived up to her name. She was always in the room with Colin and would come to get me if he needed anything. She watched over him carefully. She did the same with Spencer. She's a good cat. Her liver is failing her, though. She will be euthanized today. We will miss her beyond words.
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Debatable
I got this message from a friend last night. It was emailed to a group of friends seeking discussion. I would love it if some of my readers could add to the discussion.

"I haven't had any thoughts about John Kerry good or bad and have felt rather neutral about Bush but with a slight sense of unease. I have to admit that during the 3 debates I feel John Kerry's point of view has resonated with me much more that Bush. I'm curious to know what everyone's thoughts have been regarding the debates. Not looking to get nasty sniping comments just thoughtful commentary. Anybody want to chime in?"

And here are a few comments I've received via email:

"I also try to remain open-minded and watched the debates in a non-judgmental manner. However, nothing that George W., Dickie, or ANY Bush supporter can say ANYTHING to begin to explain to me why the He** I would/should vote Republican. I'm not asking much; just give me a reason. They can't do it. Plus, that wild-eyed look in Bush's eyes added with the foaming at the mouth (I'm NOT joking; did you see last night?) give me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach."

"I will say that I've tried to listen with a neutral ear to try to see things from another's perspective. I've also tried to focus on the facts--the results of the last four years. I can't see Bush's policies or practices getting any better."

"I think that wide eyed look was an effort not to scowl and in defense of the President I have to say that if someone were dissing me like that I would probably scowl."

"This guy has many valid points but it boils down to whether or not diplomacy can still make effective change. Even a liberal going into this situation knows that there is a battle out there. This hatred the Muslims have of the western world spans over a thousand years and the western world has certainly played a part in the situation. I've just been reading about European history and it strikes me that there has never been a period of time where brutality and war has not existed - even in civilized nations. There won't be world peace until Christ returns.

"I believe President Bush when he says spreading liberty is the answer to the problem but I don't think the US and Great Britain can spread liberty throughout the world on their own. I also believe it is going to take more than military strength to do it. I believe it will have to be a two pronged attack diplomacy and military.

"Alas, even with the points made in this article my core values are still reflected in the liberal side. I'm a much more middle of the road liberal though."

Thursday Update
Dad is still improving. Spencer and I went this morning. He had all of his tubes out, so he's not hooked up to anything anymore. He was glad to see Spencer. I turned his brain stimulators back on and he said it felt good. He asked me if I had been to "this place" before, and then said, "Oh, I remember you were here yesterday." We weren't there long before he fell back asleep.

I'll be going back up in a few hours to meet his new hospice nurse. I told dad I got him a nurse that will check on him every day and make sure he gets good care. I did not, and will not, call her a hospice nurse.

Fall Trees, by Colin
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COBURN MUST WIN
Okay, friends. I want to draw your attention to a clever campaign strategy. You've got to hand it to Carson's team, they really know what they are doing. They know the Coburn/Carson race is key. It will likely determine whether the republicans or the democrats have control of the Senate. It is a VERY IMPORTANT race.

Carson's team decided to stay away from what divides this country: liberalism v. conservatism. Oklahoma is conservative, so that would be a losing strategy. Instead, Carson is being portrayed as more likeable and more likely to bring home the pork to Oklahoma. (That's not the way they phrase it, but that's what they're saying). They appeal to emotion (have you seen the ad regarding the tornado with the older woman giving us the tsk tsk at the end?). They are successfully distracting us from the importance of the race and the way our vote will affect the entire country.

If President Bush wins and Coburn wins, conservatives will have the ability to get work done like never before. If President Kerry wins and Carson wins, say bye bye to your conservative values. There is more riding on this race than we can imagine...and I'm getting the idea that many republicans are thinking about voting for Carson because, "he seems like a nice guy," or "I kind of like him." He's a wolf in sheeps clothing for our country. He may, indeed, be likeable. Don't cast your vote on such a flimsy basis.

Two Can Toucan
Spencer got his costume this morning: a toucan. Colin loved it so much, he decided to be a toucan, too. So, we went back to the store, Spencer already in his costume. As we were walking in, Spencer said proudly, "Man, I love this costume." When we got home they looked in the mirror, laughed hysterically and began hugging each other and jumping together! Hilarious.

Good News
I went to see dad at lunch today and he was sitting in a chair!! The nurse was feeding him his pureed lunch and he ate everything except the peaches, and then asked for ice cream! I asked him if he feels better and he said yes. The nurse said he asked to sit up. As soon as he finished his ice cream, he fell asleep. But sitting up is a BIG step and it was very encouraging.

Me and my dad 40 years ago.
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Tuesday Update
Well, I'm not even sure what to report about dad's condition. First of all, he says he feels better. He is eating pureed meals today. He is moving his hands more. It all looks better, but I am discouraged. I was hoping once he was hydrated and fighting infection with antibiotics, he would "come around," but he really isn't. He still falls asleep easily (and deeply) and his eyes look lost and tired. Maybe he's still just too tired. Maybe it will come around. I don't know.

I did forget to tell one good thing from Sunday night. He looked like he wanted to say something, so I go real close and said, "Did you want to tell me something." He blinked and said, "I wish...... I were an Oscar Mayer weiner." That is SO my dad and it showed that he is still there.

Anyway, I did arrange hospice today. The doctor said she had a neurologist look at him yesterday and he thinks he is in the final stages of Parkinson's. I question that diagnosis, but it will get him hospice care so I'll leave it at that for another day. She is thinking she'll send him back to the nursing home in two days. I told her I want to be sure hospice is in place before he goes and she agreed with that.

Update
Dad has a blood infection. This can be very serious, but I'm not getting much information except that they are still monitoring it and testing it. I asked if it is sepsis and they give the same response. Dad is awake and talks a little, pretty much like yesterday.

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Behold Colin's latest masterpieces. This is art he calls "Action Flags." As he describes: "They are not really flags. They aren't rectangles. They are just parts of flags in different shapes on top of real flags." I think its cool!
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Regularly Scheduled Programming
When I've deemed my father "out of the woods" we will return to my regularly scheduled programming, including karaoke Friday nights, politics, Bible and some fun stuff. For now, this is a great forum for passing information to my relatives and close friends. Thank you, dear readers, for reading. You have been a blessing to me.

Sunday Afternoon Update
Dad looked MUCH better this afternoon. He had his eyes open and his eyes were dialating together (they were not this morning). He couldn't talk when I first got there, but he was able to squeeze my hand for yes and not squeeze for no. His nurse said he had talked plainly while I was at church. After I swabbed his mouth and let him suck water out of the swabs, he was able to talk a little better. He really wanted ice. I knew the nurse didn't want him to have it, but I decided to sneak it to him anyway. It really made him feel better. The funny thing was, a nurse came in while I was giving it to him. I had told him to stop chewing if anyone came in, and he did. I hid the cup. But she was there to take his temperature orally!!! She was so suprised that his temperature was down to 97 degrees from 100 degrees!!! I was just glad that it was 97 and not 42!

I am much more optimistic after this afternoon. I'm sure he'll be able to eat tomorrow (he has a feeding tube in his nose right now), and I don't think he seems confused. He mostly seems weak and tired. More later.

Sunday morning update
I went to see dad before church this morning. When I arrived his eyes were open. He recognized me and asked me where he was. I told him he would feel terrible for just a little while longer, but we were getting him good care and he should feel better soon. He said, "Great." He told me he loved me then tried to tell me something else, but he just ran out of energy and couldn't get the words out strong enough. I'm on my way back up to check on him and I'll keep you posted.

This is part of Colin's Sunday school lesson for today. The children were asked to draw in what was missing. Colin added a candle, a flame, a basket handle, many wedding rings, some smiles and, my favorite, a baby for the bride to carry down the aisle.
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Update
Dad is now resting at Baptist. They determined he has pneumonia in his left lung and he is dehydrated. They have put him on antibiotics and giving him hydration through an IV. Everything else checks out normal. They are hoping he will wake up in 24-48 hours after the hydration and antibiotics have some time to work. Then they will assess him neurologically. I have asked the nurse to make sure physical therapy begins tomorrow (passive manipulation). Tomorrow I will check into getting him hospice care. My friend worked hospice and said it would help him get better care. I feel much better having him at the hospital. He even looked better to me before I left tonight. He wasn't acting better, but he looked more at ease somehow.

Back to the Hospital
I had dad transferred to Baptist this afternoon. His temperature is rising (102.2) and he cannot be awakened. The only food has eaten in two days is what Woody and I gave him yesterday. I thought they could do more testing, keep him hydrated and get a second opinion at the hospital (thereby solving yesterday's problem). I came home to get his insurance cards and advanced directive while they are doing a CT on his head. I'll be back at the hospital shortly. I'll have my cell phone if anyone wants me.

Update
We met Woody and Evelyn at the nursing home today. We tried many times to wake dad up, but couldn't get him up. His nurse said he had missed breakfast and lunch because they couldn't wake him. Finally, with both Woody and I in the room, he opened his eyes. We washed his face and Woody put a cool towel on his head. (He has had a fever for about 60 hours). He drank about 40 ounces of ice water and I ordered his lunch. He ate about half of that but fell back asleep while eating. He did recognize Woody and squeezed his hand tight.

Dr. Devore met with Woody and Evelyn before I arrived and said he didn't have much hope, "but miracles happen." However, he doesn't give any reasons for his opinion. He doesn't give me any information that I can't gather from 30 minutes in the room with dad and no medical training. I do know I've seen my mother much worse and she came back. So, we're still on wait and see status.

Can anyone give me advice about having another doctor look at him? Dr. Devore is the nursing home doctor, and I'm quite certain he would take offense and me getting another doc in there, but that's not my problem. How would I go about it? Are there travelling doctors? Would they go into another doctor's territory? Can you recommend anyone? Would Medicare pay him? Also, physical therapy hasn't done anything with him since Monday because he is non-responsive. (I just learned this). Shouldn't they be manipulating his arms and legs for him if he can't do it himself? Or put pressure hose on him or something???? Please advise.

Flowers
You know how it goes, half the flowers from funerals are sent to a nursing home. Always sounded like a nice idea to me. But now I'm not so sure. My dad has lived in a nursing home for 4 years now. He has lost countless acquaintances to death, many of them in the bed just a few feet away. Death looms in a nursing home. And, just for a reminder, here's a nice coffin arrangement!! Yes, you too, on your way to the cafeteria can view the myriad beautiful arrangements fresh from the grave. Too maudlin for you? I know. That's how I felt walking past them tonight. I was thinking, if they were pulled out of the arrangements and made into fresh arrangements for the dining room tables or TV rooms, maybe it wouldn't be so shocking. I suppose that could be a good ministry for someone who has talent with flowers.

Of course, there was also the giant and ironic urn I passed by the front door. Its the centerpiece to the nursing home's landscape. Never noticed it before, but couldn't help but notice it tonight. What were they thinking?

Update
All the tests that came back today are pretty close to normal. So, there is nothing to indicate what could be wrong with dad. He is eating then going right back to sleep. His brother Woody will be here tomorrow.

A Now This From a Pajama Patriot
The best review of the presidential debate I have seen.

Update
Dad's doctor called this afternoon to say he was disappointed in dad's condition. He feels he is getting worse instead of better. He has ordered a full battery of tests, and we should have the results tomorrow. I went up to see dad this evening. He recognized me and asked for water. He kept his eyes closed except for about one minute, during which he had just one eye open. I washed his face and helped him drink a large cup of ice water with a straw, then he fell asleep. His nurse said he ate a full meal for dinner, but never opened his eyes then, either. She said he was mostly non-responsive all day long. I'll let you know what the tests show tomorrow.

Prayer Warriors
I got this in an email today. You probably got it too, but just in case, here it is:

In W.W.II there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace.There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. There is a national call, starting this Friday night for 40 days of Prayer. In forty days starting Friday we will have an election for the President of the United States of America. No matter which party you support, please pray each day that the Lord will bless our Nation and place in power, the man that needs to be our leader in these troubled years ahead. The Bible uses the 40 days numerous times, maybe this will be good for this nation.If you would like to participate, every evening at 9:00pm Eastern Time, 8:00 pm Central, 7:00 pm Mountain, 6:00 pm Pacific, stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for the elections and for peace in the world. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Together, we "CAN" make a difference! Thank You, and God Bless America.

Coleus "Inky Fingers" I'd like to grow this in my garden next year. Has anyone seen it in an Oklahoma nursery???
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Comments Anyone?
Some of my new blogfollowers have experienced some confusion about how to comment to this blog. Because I am a blogger, blogspot recognizes me when I try to comment, so I don't have to do much of anything. Therefore, I'm no help. If a person wants to comment without registering with blogspot, how is it done? I was thinking you just signed in as "annonymous," but I'm not sure. If you know how, please comment with instructions. Thanks.

Friday Night Bites
I got an email from my friend Penny about food memories. She likes to throw things out in emails for discussion. I love that about her. Here's an excerpt:

"We took the kids to TGI Friday's a couple of weeks ago (great kid place, by the way), and on the way out, I saw a guy with an order of potato skins on his table - the appetizer kind with bacon on them and a big bowl of sour cream right in the middle of the plate. I could just taste them! Then I tried to remember the last time I'd had any of them, but I can't even think back that far. I just know that I ate LOTS of them in high school and college. Mostly at Friday's, but probably at Pump's or Dakota's or Bennigan's, too. And pounds of fried cheese, I'm sure."

I have a food memory involving Godfather's Pizza. In Enid the band members and friends always went to Godfather's on Friday nights after the football games. We completely filled the place at about 10:00, and we all ate pizza. Most of us bought personal pizzas. It was the only social event I was always invited to, and I suspect that was the case for most of us there. There was always drama, love, love lost, lust, laughter and, of course pizza and coke. I can still taste the pizza, hear the sound and even feel the crush on the senior tuba player.

Of course, none of us wanted to wear our band uniforms to go out, so there was always a race home to change and then a race over to Godfather's so we could have as much fun as possible before curfew. Often one person would drive several people from home to home and then over to Godfather's. We would each jump out of the car, run in while the others waited, and emerge minutes later dressed for fun.

One Friday, I was in such a hurry I mistakenly wore mismatched shoes. Somebody at Godfather's noticed before I did and made sure to announce it to everyone. The following Monday before band I was called forward by a Senior member for the traditional, "You've messed up now and you have to pay the price" ritual. You see, every year the Senior band members got a cow bell and painted it in school colors with the year they would graduate and the mascot or school letters. When someone was caught doing something stupid, we had a cow bell ritual. The senior would explain to the entire band what had happened, and then the transgressor had to wear the cow bell to school for the rest of the day. That way everyone else in school would say, "What did you do to deserve that?"

Good times.

PoP Update
The latest is that there is very little change with dad. His eyes point forward, he doesn't move them. His left eye is barely open. His speech is very difficult to understand. He's confused.

"Where are you staying?"
"At my house."
"In Kentland?"
"No, in Oklahoma City."
long silence
"I guess I passed out back at Bellevue or something."
"Yes, you did. You're at Bellevue now. But your heart was working slow and you passed out and then you had surgery. Do you remember about that?
"No."
"So you still have anesthesia and you need to rest and stay in bed."
silence
"Why do I feel like I'm in prison?"

I also asked him if he was confused and he said he is. I just got the feeling he's swimming around inside his head looking for himself. He seems there but unable to get out, like a person might feel waking in strange surroundings in the middle of the night with total darkeness. Its the person, but he's too groggy to think straight and nothing is familiar. He knows me, though, and that gives me hope that he doesn't have brain damage but is just struggling with the anesthesia.

Dear God
We had a Bible study at our home this evening. After the lesson and the singing, Colin volunteered to say a prayer.

Dear God,
Thank you for Sydney and Alexis. Please help them to be good girls. They are awesome girls. And help them to be as smart as as I am and to know all their flags and countries like I do. Amen.

PoP Update
Not much to report today. Dad will be taking a swallowing test tomorrow because his speech therapist is concerned that he is having some trouble. They'll set him up in front of video x-ray machine and have him swallow some barium, which is mixed into a white paste that is about the same texture as spackling and about as palatable. I'm sure he'll really enjoy that!! Sorry for the lack of updates this weekend. I know I have lots of family members who are checking in daily for news. I'll try to be more daily about it. Thanks. Oh, and if you want to pray for more than dad's health, pray for me. I am short on patience with my family because my head is overloaded right now. So, pray for God to give me an extra measure this week. You're the best. Thanks.

Its Karaoke Friday Night!

Heartache Tonight
There's gonna be a heartache tonight
A heartache tonight, I know
There's gonna be a heartache tonight
A heartache tonight, I know....

Hmmmph.
Today we got the latest edition of Kids Discover magazine. The issue is devoted to skin.

I've been annoyed that since I turned 40 little black hairs have been appearing on my face. Every day I must make a careful scan on my face so I can pluck those annoying little things before they have a chance to take over. So, I'm scanning the magazine and found some alarming information: "There are two types of hair - vellus and TERMINAL (!!!!!!! (-.ed!)). Vellus hairs are the soft, delicate hairs on your arms and legs. Terminal hairs are the courser hairs on your head (aka chinny chin chin (-.ed))...."

Terminal. Another way to say "the other side of the hill" I suppose. Man oh Man.