Early June Sunday evening update

It's been a busy 10 days since the last post and I hope all is well with everyone. Last weekend my niece, Jeannie came to visit on Friday, leaving Sunday evening. Her granddaddy was surprised and very tickled to see her and touched that she took the time to come for a visit. We crammed as much as possible into the short three days: touring the OU campus, scrapbooking with friends, minor league baseball game, church, shopping, visits. Whew! Her visit was a breath of fresh air and mental break for me as well as boosting the spirits of her granddaddy.

This past week included doctor appointments and taking care of pre-op bloodwork, x-rays, etc. in preparation for his knee replacement sugery on Tuesday, June 10. On top of taking care of Daddy, one of my kitties needed dental surgery on Thursday to remove his canine incisors, thus leaving him with no teeth though he is not yet 6 years old. Unfortunately, he's had ongoing problems with stomatitis, a very painful condition in their mouth affecting approximately 2 percent of cats -- the only cure is removing their teeth. The bacteria from the plaque in their mouth causes the problem. Foster is a very sweet boy and is very good to take his medication without a struggle. (Foster is the kitty in the back, Tux is his buddy.)

This week promises to be very busy -- my Dad's surgery on Tuesday combined with a three-day training session Tuesday-Thursday on a new student system we are developing at OU. Naturally I will be missing the training session on Tuesday. Thankfully my sister, Carolyn from Kansas City, will be driving in on Tuesday evening to stay and help with my dad until Thursday morning. Today (Sunday) my dad and I made a trip to Target for last minute shorts, shirts, etc. which should help in his rehab coming up later this week. The doctor anticipates his stay in the hospital from Tuesday through Friday and he will then be moved to the rehab unit of the hospital for approximately 7-10 days.

My dad is looking forward to getting the surgery behind him and seems to be in much better shape mentally. We had a great conversation Friday evening discussing the VA Center as his new home and various financial details --- a conversation like I've not had with him in a number of years. I'm very grateful that he is responding positively. This last image is one taken last week with him on the patio outside his unit at the VA Center.

Tux seems to have decided that this post is long enough as he has positioned himself as a statue on the mousepad and storms are moving toward central Oklahoma. More later. Hope each of you has a great week!