Munday's the Arizona Roadrunners

Taking advantage of the lovely day (no rain) we met up with one of my most very oldest and dearest friends and took drive out to see the Falls. Lovely day with color splashed everywhere of reds, golds and yellows and greens... so wonderful to get out and about a little. Earl did good too. Not too much for him so that was good... fun visiting with Jack and who would not enjoy so much color!

Now that Early is doing better, I took a little time off for a good brisk walk through a very pretty little park in Mill Creek with friend Joyce. We met a very nice person who was walking her dog Jazzy. Joyce's dog Riley and Jazzy really hit it off and the two romped and played as two year olds would and we enjoyed visiting with Ginny and getting to know her. Small world, her hubby taught at same high school Joyce attended. fun... Lovely day and perfect for this type of walk!

It may be raining out side but it's sunny here in our "Roadrunner"! Just came back from doctor appointment and having the staples removed. Early is doing so good. His vision is still ddoouubbllee but he is feeling fine. Doctor says he is really doing good and they are very happy with the results. The final analysis is not in yet on the tumor.. apparently it is over at the Univ. of Washington being decalcified which takes time.. anyway, they are sure it was non-aggressive and aren't really worried about it coming back although there will be follow ups to be sure that doesn't happen.

Our little grandbaby heading home from the hospital.. her 1st car trip... she is a very good baby and very sweet - or so we have been told but of course.. ha!

Wonderful to have a visit from sister Sandra! All 3 sibs together for the 1st time in about 20 years! Baby brother is doing so well he is able to walk around rv park. So great to see them all together. A very short visit but plans are to gather again before another 2o years go by. ha!

Early is home and doing quite well. Brought him home yesterday. Had been told he may have up to two weeks in hospital but alas - only 4 days! Wow! Major surgery and already home and doing quite well. Much better and quicker than expected. Was a little worried but he was healthy when we went in so the surgery was a bit of a trauma but he's not sick now; just recovering which will take a few weeks...

So happy to receive new we have a new baby girl! She's beautiful, but of course! ha! Our hearts are certainly over in Hawaii where Roy and Reisa had to go into emergency c-section but Mom and baby are doing just fine. No real details yet, but we know she weighed in a bit over 8 pounds! So she's no tiny baby...Dad is awed... Mom is a little frustrated since she can't jump right up out of bed to care for her newborn. More later...

Just had message from Roy this morning that a new little one is on it's way - hoping and praying for a happy healthy new little granchild! Hope Mom has a fairly good delivery... will keep this updated ...

Today has been big! A fair day in Seattle without the rain that had been predicted and sunshine in Earl's room too. They removed all support systems and turban and he is progressing nicely. A little way to go to be sure but doing just as ordered. He makes a pretty good patient and they seem real happy with him. It's been a busy day for him but he has been able to catch a little cat nap here and there. They are talking about releasing him for home on Monday providing all keeps going this well. He only needs to be able to handle all bodily functions and they will cut him loose.. so.... Had visit from brother John and Scarlett today and calls too so that is very good!

Good news! Earl was out of ICU in a day and had walked some his 1st day out! Goodness they move fast. He was in great spirits and although his eyelids are swollen pretty well shut he is cognizant of the world around him and concentrating on doing whatever he needs to do to get well. He ate 3 meals yesterday and doesn't much care for the hospital food but then he is spoiled from having a wonderful cook like me - ha! (I wish) He was so happy to see Alex and John yesterday and have me there chatting away at him. He does have a noisy neighbor in the next bed but guess that happens. There is a nice view from his room of south Seattle. He is on the 17th floor of Viriginia Mason Hospital. Talked to the eye specialist yesterday and the tumor, although fair sized appears to have begun from his sinus in his forehead. Always learning something new (I did not know we had sinus' in our forehead). IT appears to be benign and of a rubbery type substance and they still do NOT have

After 9 hours of surgery I am very happy to say that Early is doing very good! Considering all he went through today - the prognosis is he is going to be fine. Just like his old self once he gets healed. The restructure took a longer than the removal of the tumor but they are sure they got it all and it will be a lot like having broken bones to heal - only they will be in his head and considering his age may take a little longer. They (the Doctors) seemed very pleased with their work and upbeat and postitive. I have to say his coloring was very good and he was cognizant and talking to me about what I did all day and what I had for lunch and where etc... very good signs. He can see although his eyelids will be swollen for a little while. Want to thank every one so very much for all your well wishes and prayers! Very powerful and appreciated much more than we can say!

Had to be at hospital by 5:30 this morning so naturally woke up at about 2:30 and started watching clock until 4 when we finally gave in and began getting ready. Raining softly this morning with very little traffic although some on way into Seattle. I think in future when I have to drive in city traffic we will travel this time of day.. ha! I can handle the motor home in city driving when there are very few vehicles on road! Thought I would be able to spend an hour or two with Earl before they took him away but no... they took him away before 6 and now I am just waiting... expecting Joyce later on and John later too. No cell phone service here inside hospital so will have to step outside to make any calls. As surgery is expected to take about 7 hours give or take an hour or two don't think that will be a problem. Fortunately they do have wifi so can at least stay in touch in some ways...