Halloween

I always have the best time on Halloween giving out treats to the Princesses, firemen, Supermen, Tinkerbells, Pirates, Fairies, policemen, Little Red Riding Hoods, witches, goblins and ghosts that come to our door.

Reflection of cat carved pumpkin on inside of the front door.

I always get a kick out of some of the things kids say. I had a fake rock out front that is motion activated. When it goes on lights flash on the word BEWARE and there is a creepy laugh. A little girl, I would say around 3 told me very m,atter-of-factly when I opened the door "that rock scared me," and her eyes were big and round. She was so cute and so serious I felt bad, so I took the rock inside for the evening. No more creepy laughing rocks at our house.

Poopie sitting near the front door looking at all the goblins and ghosts when I opened the door.

Another young boy, I would say he was around 7 ran to his parents waiting on the sidewalk after I had given him and his siblings candy. As he ran he was excitedly saying loudly, "I said thank you because she was very generous." I burst out laughing. Too cute! I have to say how polite all the kids were, very young to teenagers, saying thank you and wishing me a Happy Halloween. Mnay chatting as I placed candy in their bags.

One of the Jack-o-Lanterns in our upstair windows.

Two young teens, I would say 13 or 14 came to the door. They were dressed very cute as 1950's girls. One said to me, "I like your design outside. It's very nice." That of course was very sweet of her to say, but I had to think to myself, even young teens must watch HGTV!

Jack-O-Lanterns ready in the windows.

There is a lighted sign in the little window next to the front door that says "Ghost Hotel. No Vacancy." A young boy around 8 asked me, "What does that mean?" "What does what mean Honey?" I reply. "No vacancy." I explain what it means, and he answers almost disappointedly, "Oh." and walked away.

Front porch ready and waiting.

Everyone seemed to be having a fun time tonight including me. They cleaned me out of candy again this year, thankfully. That is not something I want left around the house! Our friends Jeff and Kelli that live in the neirghborhood came by with their boys and we had a chance to catch up abit with one another. It's always great seeing them. Funny how you can live just a few blocks from each other but not see one another as often as you'd like.

Well, I think I am ready for a glass of wine and a good book to read. My chaise is calling to me. Happy Halloween!

Erin Update - 3 PM and HAPPY BIRTHDAY STAN!!!!

Just heard from my friend Kathy. She walked over to see Erin at the hospital form her office and she had so many good things to report! She said she looked SO much better than she did when she saw her Monday. She isn;t nauseated anymore so she is eating, though gets full very quickly. Her outlook and optimism as gotten better, and she showered and washed her heait today. We all know how good that makes us feel! I tried calling on Erin;s cell phone which Rob has but no answer. I will get the number to the hospoital (I have it somewhere arund here) and try calling again.

I want to say again what amazing friends and family we have. Kathy for spreading her angel wings when she can throughout this whole process, and last night my friend Sarah called to see if there was anything she could do, even financially to help Rob and Erin. (They are fine financially, do not worry.) You all have been amazing and I am so blessed to have you in my life as is my family. Sarah and I met in a private online foodie group perhaps 5 years ago and met for the first time face to face this year. We have become such good friends; she is part of our family now. For Aunt Vaden and Eileen who have been constants throughout this whole thing, commenting each day to encourage us all. To Erin's Aunt Becky for her medical books and looking things up for us when we were caring for Erin in Palo Alto as well as her music meditation CD which hekped considerably when Erin wanted music and not imagery as my meditation CD is. Deb and Ron's friends and co-workers who have been with Erin and family in spirit throughout as well. We all feel the love and we hope you do as well. Thank you! Thank you!

Hey Stan -- celebrate! We are with you in spirit! Hope your day is filled with everything you like the most. Cheers!

Erin and Deb Update - 11:45 am

Deb just called. She and the kids mad eit to Erin and Rob's house fine yesterday though it was a very long day for all of them. She made three rather long stops on the way to let Steven get out of the car and run around and play. They ate and feed Mackenzie on these stops as well. She didn;t get to the house until 6:30 that night. The kids are very happy being back in their own envoironment and Steven wants to play with his toys all at once! Deb got a great nights sleep last night and Steven went to pre-school today. They are doing Halloween and he got to wear his Steeler costume! He is a happy camper. Deb was busy getting laundry done and taking care of a few things for Erin and her own Mary Kay business.

Erin's doctors feel she has finally turned the corner. They are keeping her through the weekend at this point. It seems the last spinal tap they gave her releived the pressure in her temple. It's because she had slightly elevated CFS pressure and the spinal tap made it better, thank goodness. They also gave her a low dose of steroids which are an inflammatory. They have taken away other pressure and pain. The doctors think that the mengia got angry just like the facial nerve did in her face from all the stress of the surgery. Which by the way Rob reports is getting better! It looks like she is really on the road to recovery this time. Thank you all again for keeping up the prayers and good thoughts. Also for the love and support for Erin and her family. God bless you.

Holiday Entertaining Tips

Tips For When You Are The Guest


We all want to bring something to give our host or hostess when we are invited to their home. And we have all experienced that pausing moment -- WHAT should I bring?
Don't bring your host cut flowers. They will have to stop what they should be doing, greeting their guests, to get out a vase and arrange the flowers. If you really want to bring flowers, bring cut flowers all ready arranged in a vase. Most likely your host has all ready decorated and set the mood for the party. The flowers might be place in another room, such as one of the bedrooms or the kitchen, so don’t be insulted.



Don't bring a dessert. Your hosts will have planned their entire menu. Two things can happen here. One, you will make your host feel obligated to fit your dessert in as well. Or, you might end up feeling hurt because your hosts didn't include the dessert you brought. If you do bring candy or baked goods, let your host know that it is for them to enjoy at another time. Don't bring something that has to be refrigerated. Their refrigerator can very well be full all ready with things for the gathering, and you will again put them in a position to stop what they should be doing to rearrange their fridge.

Do look for imaginative gifts. A few suggestions: A lovely container of Godiva's hot cocoa, unique shaped bottles of Balsamic, Sherry or other flavored vinegar, flavored olive oil, such as truffle, or pear, or dipping oils, unique bottles of cooking alcohol such as an Italian Marsala or a French Madeira or a California Sherry. Jars of gourmet mustards, imported olives, tapenades, marmalades, jams, or chocolate sauces. Or bring them something you have preserved yourself. A special bag of gourmet coffee beans from the best local coffeehouse. A beautifully shaped and/or scented candle. A bottle of fine wine or champagne is always appropriate.

When Entertaining - RELAX AND HAVE FUN

Entertaining is truly all about having fun and creating memorable moments. It's not about impressing people. It's about spending first-rate time together. Entertaining not only gives us the opportunity to spend a fun and relaxed time with out friends, but also allows us to reveal our own style and charm. You have all heard the term, "a gracious hostess"? I have always read that to mean relaxed and charming; one that has created an inviting, warm atmosphere where people are comfortable and feel at home. It's up to you to set the mood. If you are enjoying yourself and relaxed, your guests will be as well.

If you haven't done much entertaining before, don't take on a grand party at first, with a large guest list and an extensive menu. Have a few friends over for appetizers and cocktails or a simple dinner or brunch. We all learn by experience. So relax and give entertaining your friends a go!

Planning Your Party - SETTING THE MOOD

I read once that when entertaining in your home to be sure to appeal to all five senses. I agree wholeheartedly. I think many people get caught up in cooking when they entertain and forget all about setting the mood. MUSIC is very important in setting the ultimate mood for your gathering. For instance, if you are hosting a High Tea, stack your CD player with classical music. Mendelssohn is always a favorite of mine. If you're having a cocktail party, perhaps some jazz, such as Craig Chaquico or Peter white. Or oldies music, something lively to help conversation along. At a dinner party, go with music that is more relaxing and instrumental, such as George Winston or Nicolas Gunn. If you are having a Mexican fiesta theme party, go to Latino shopping areas in your city and buy some fun mariachi and Mexican fiesta CD's. Having dessert and coffee after the theater? Music from all-time classic musicals or some good 40's blues works well.

LIGHTING is important as well. If you don't have dimmer switchers, definitely get some. They are inexpensive and help create the ultimate mood when you are entertaining. CANDLES. I can't say enough about candles. Use them throughout all the areas in your home that will be used when you are entertaining. Nothing says warm, cozy, and inviting as well as soft lighting and the glow of candles. One thing to keep in mind about using candles.It is best not to use scented on your table or in the room you will be dining. Let the AROMA of the food fill the senses there. Don't attack the senses with a flowery or spicy candle mixed with the food aromas. Personally, if I use scented candles when entertaining, my favorite location to place them is in the bathroom.

Planning Your Party - SETTING THE TABLE

Most of us have the basics -- our fine china, crystal and silver. Don't stop there. Mix and match items that are unique to you. Create your own style. Express yourself. Try looking at setting your table as you would picking out the accessories for your wardrobe or finding the right pieces to accent the rooms in your house. Give your table the same consideration and creativity you give to those other areas in your life to make a personal statement. Don't be apprehensive about MIXING AND MATCHING. One of my favorite things to do is to use different patterned or colored glasses together on my table. When I give a high tea, my tea cups are all different shapes and patterns. So are my tea pots. Don't be afraid to use COLOR. Let the seasons be your guide. I am always on the lookout for fun and different pieces to use setting my table. Fun and unique doesn't spell expensive. It's Fall? Use your fine china, but for your soup bowls or salad plates, use ones in Fall colors. Different TEXTURES on your table help bring it to life. Choose whatever appeals to you and mix and match to personalize your table. Having a Mexican theme dinner or buffet party? You can find wonderful, inexpensive cloths in the Latino shopping areas of your city to use as table runners, placemats and as tablecloths. They are a wonderful combination of deep, warm colors and very bright, festive colors. The texture and colors are an appealing setting for your Mexican meal. Serving Chinese or Japanese? Oriental steamer baskets are fun and interesting serving pieces to use. You can find these very inexpensively in Chinatown areas. Fill them with sushi to fortune cookies.

Seven Tips for Setting the Perfect Table

Some suggestions for creating interesting tablescapes at your next party :

1. Several days before the party, plan what you will use on the table. Set out china, glassware, and silver, and then plan to coordinate flowers and floral containers. If you're hosting a buffet, gather together platters and serving pieces and match them to the dishes you will serve based on size and color.

2. Using collections such as porcelain figurines or architectural ornaments on the table is a good way to infuse your personal interests into a setting, but don't overload the table with too many extraneous objects.

3. To cover or not to cover? The answer is a personal one. If the wood and grain of your table are pretty, it is fine to forgo the white linen tablecloth.

4. Instead of a traditional tablecloth, cover a table with a patterned shawl or quilt. Drape it at an angle to create interest.

5. For a casual setting, use greenery such as palm fronds or magnolia leaves as place mats.

6. Get creative with napkin rings. Tie up linen napkins with organdy ribbons or raffia and tuck in sprigs of rosemary or small flowers such as pansies.

7. After everything is set and before the first guest arrives, sit down at the table. Make sure that nothing obstructs your view across the table and that the settings, as well as any serving accessories on the table, are arranged in a logical and attractive manner.

The Wine Cellar

I know that some of you know but others do not that I write a weekly e-zine "Diane's Home Kitchen." Every Thursday a new newsletter is sent out (or you can read it at the Diane's Home Kitchen web site at yahoo groups once a subscriber) and it is full of tried and true recipes I make in my own kitchen, a wine review and entertaining and kitchen tips. You can join and receive the weekly food and wine Diane's Home Kitchen here. Below are bits from upcoming newsletter relating to wine. The pictures in this post are views from my kicthen this morning.

Taken Out The Slider Window

When Talking About A Wine, Use the Words Experts Use

Acidity: Describes how tart or sour a wine tastes. The right amount of acidity preserves a wine's freshness.

Aroma: Refers to the smell of the grape variety used to make the wine. It can sometimes be described as fruity, floral, spicy, etc.

Balance: The harmonious combination of wine elements, with no characteristics being too dominant.

Body: The weight and fullness of a wine. A full-bodied wine fills the mouth.

Complexity: Determined by the number of different flavor elements and undertones a wine has.

Crisp: A fresh, young wine with good acidity. Generally used to describe white wines only.

Finish: The aftertaste or flavor that lingers in your mouth after the wine is swallowed. A long aftertaste indicates a good quality wine.

Mouth Feel: How a wine feels in the mouth and against the tongue. An important part of the total wine tasting experience.

Robust: A full-bodied, intense and flavorful wine.

Tannin: Denotes flavors of leather and tea in a young wine. It gives a wine its firmness and gradually fades away as a wine ages.


Consentino Winery 2005 Napa Valley "M Coz" Meritage 14.5% alcohol $150.00

Not that I am sick of all the sauvignon blanc I drank this summer, but my palate is ready for something heartier. The change of seasons to fall means its red wine weather, so here is one of my favorites. You have to get out your credit card for this one, but it is well worth it for a holiday celebration.

David and I have been members of the Consentino winery club for about 4 years now. We enjoy most of their wines, but our very favorites are their Cabernet Franc and "M Coz." While based on the traditional Bordeaux grapes cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot, the 2005 "M Coz" is pure California in brassiness and muscle. There's plenty of sweet oak in the blend, but the power of fruit picked at its prime shoulders through with vital; flavors of raspberries, currents and cherries, seasoned deftly with a few flakes of lapsang souchong, clove and mint.

Peanut Butter Cookies, Soft and Chewy for David

Blackstone, 2006 Sonoma County Merlot $17.00

This is a big, rich, meaty merlot that is full-bodied with aromas and flavors of black plum and toast. Aromatic, firm tannins and a dry finish.

Another Batch of Applesauce

Allan Scott 2007 Marlborough Pinot Noir (13% alcohol) $20.00

This pinot is the way I like them with a bit of heft. If you don't mind a screwcap, check out this bottle from New Zealand. Fat expressions of strawberry and raspberries with a spicy kick that I love.

Spaghetti Sauce with Beef and Italian Sausage in Crockpot

Opus One Napa Valley Red Wine 14% alcohol $190.00

Neither Baron Philippe de Rothschild nor Robert Mondavi lived long enough to see their jointly produced Opus One reach its potential, but it's being fulfilled now in the newly released 2005 version, which is the 5th version of this Bordeaux-inspired blend. This wine combines grandeur with finesse. The tannins are understandably gripping -- give the wine 5 years to soften -- but the wine's real charm is how it continually evolves in the glass. It's aromatic from start to finish. opening with smells and flavors of cassis, anise and licorice, then moving on to more truffled and dustier and spicier flavors. The texture is supple, the finish persistent. It's dramatic and it's harmonious, finally fulfilling its ambitious name.

Erin Update - 4:10 PM

They went ahead and did another spinal tap today. The liquid was clear so that is good news. They are doing cultures on that. Erin is not feeling as well as she did yesterday, but Rob said she over-did yesterday. She doesn't have a temp this afternoon so that is even better news.

Deb has decided with the blessing of Rob and Erin to take the kids to their home in Fortuna. She doesn't see Erin and they are paying for a motel room for her to watch the kids which is silly and the bill is racking up as you can imagine. This way Steven can go back to his 3 days a week pre-school with all his friends and trick-or-treat in his own neighborhood in his Steelers uniform he has been so excited to wear on Halloween. Erin hasn't allowed him to play in it; he had to wait, so his excitment is high to wear it finally.

Erin is also starting to stress about paying bills which any of us would at this point, being gone from home so long. It has been 3 weeks for her tomorrow. Rob will show Deb what she needs to take care of it for them on the computer at home. That will ease Erin's mind as well. This way Rob and her can just concentrate on getting her strength back to make their way back home. They may need to come here for a few days when they start out and then continue on.

I think Deb's idea to bring the kids back to their own home is a very good and logical one. They will be leaving aorund 10 tomorrow morning.

I'm sorry, I forgot to ask her about Rob's mother when she called.

Erin Update - 9:30 PM

Deb called a while ago and Erin has had a pretty good day. She is doing good tonight. She was able to visit Erin a little bit today as well as Steven. He took his Mommy for a walk while he was there. They did do a CT Scan today and there is a very small CSF leak, but the doctor today didn't think they would need to drain it nor did he seem worried. Dr. Jackel sees her tomorrow I believe Deb said. They can't culture anything because the high doses of antibiotics given her at Sutter General up here really knocked whatever was there out. That is great news. Everyone is really pleased with the job they did here.

Deb brings the kids out to the pool each day and also takes them to a very nice local park. Steven has made a lot of new friends there and Deb sits and talks with the many Nanny's who take their charges there. She asks which one is your child and every one of the women have said, "No, I am the Nanny." She enjoys the women and their company each day.

That is really all the news. Deb and Rob are doing well and hanging in there. Deb and I were talking about Halloween and how excited Steven has been for it to get here. His Steeler football uniform costume is back in Fortuna, but if they are still there for Halloween, Deb said they will get Steven a costume and Rob can take him trick-or-treating. With everything else, especially not being with his mommy, missing trick-or-treating would be too hard.

Erin Update 8 PM -- Good News!

Deb just called. Rob called her and told her someone wanted to talk to her. It was Erin and she sounded real good! They changed her pain medications and they are working. Everything she tried eating today stayed down and she was even up walking and used the bathroom instead of the bed pan. Erin told Deb she felt like she has turned the corner and though she knows she has to take it slow to prevent another set-back, she is encouraged. Tomorrow Deb will go see her while Rob stays with the kids. I don't know about you, but I am so relieved I am laughing and crying at the same time! Here's to more good news tomorrow!! Thank God.

Abundance

I am grateful that Erin is at Stanford with her husband and some of the best doctors in the world, and that her children are being cared for and loved by their Grammy.

For the strong parents I had and for them showing Ron and I through example what a loving family is and the importance of being part of a family. For showing me how to love, live, give, share, cook, rejoice in God, be a wife and mother, grandmother, that less is more, how to care for ailing family and friends and how to leave this world with dignity and grace.

For my daughters Jennifer and Theresa, their health, happiness, creativity and the joy they bring to David and I.

For being given the special gift of grand-parenthood and all the delights and joys that fill my heart through Justin and Jacob.

I am grateful for the special friendship and sisterhood Deb and I share. For being given the gift of a sister through Ron. And for a brother like Ron who certainly keeps us a;; entertained and loved. For my sister girlfriends Rose, Barbara, Verona, Averill, and Paulette who came into my life after moving from the SF peninsula. And for my long-time friends Kathy, Cathy and Donna; the bond we have will tie us together forever.

For two son-in-laws like John and Shawn who bring so much into our lives and the love and caring they have for our daughters as husbands. I couldn't have picked better sons myself.

For family and friends who fill our lives with love and laughter and who are always there in good times and in bad. For having been given the gift of true friendship. It is something we treasure.

I am most grateful for my husband David who came into my life 27 years ago at a moment I needed a real friend as he did. For being blessed to recognize that it was safe to believe in love again and to trust in a life together with him. For the past 25 years of marriage and all the joys and sorrors that has brought, and all the memories we have made together as a family.

For Riley, Poopie, Scruffy and Meiling and the entertainment and love they bring to our household.

Erin Update 11:15 AM

Just got off the ph9one with Deb. Erin's vitals are good but she is still in pain and can't keep any food down. She was dry heaving this morning, and her color is bad today Rob said. They are treating this as if it is meningitis. They are changing her pain medications because what they are giving her isn't working. The vitals being good is great news but they need to get a handle on her antibiotics and pain med's. Deb is at the motel with the kids and Rob stays with Erin. Deb talked to Erin this morning and she said she sounded like she felt -- like crap.

The updates may not be as frequent as they have been, but I will continue to post each time I hear from Deb or Rob.

Rob's mother is doin good.

Erin Update - 10 AM

I just talked to Deb. She, Rob and the kids are getting ready to change hotels. Though where they stayed last night is very nice, it is just too far away from the hospital to keep driving back and forth.

Rob spent the night with Erin at the hospital. The team of doctors came to see her and talk to him. He said they did not seem overly concerned. They also said that the ER doctor did everything and then some. She got her right on large doses of antibiotics which has made a world of difference for Erin. They are very pleased with the care she was given there. The "abscess" they saw at Sutter was actually the plug they put in during surgery, taking skin from Erin's tummy. Not knowing one was done, it's what they should have thought it was. So that is good news that there is not an abscess.

Possible other good news -- As to meningitis, the Stanford doctors have not said that yet. They know she has an infection, but they are not calling it anything in particular as of this time. When Rob and Deb hear anything more on that they I will let you know.

Erin did vomit more this morning.

As to Mackenzie -- she cut a tooth and us three gals never noticed. It took her Daddy to see it. It is not all the way out but you can see it on the bottom. She sure was good through it all!

Rob's mother is in the hospital now too! The dear has a perforated colon and is having surgery this morning. Poor Rob doesn't know if he is coming or going.

We Were All Fooled Eileen and Other Moments Since Returning Home

Stan and Eileen, Erin's Godparents sent these beautiful Iris to her at the house. Sadly UPS arrived just before 8 PM last night with them, and Erin was already long back at Stanford.

This is the enclosed card. Rob has a laptop so when Erin is feeling better, she will see both via computer. Love the technology these days! And Eileen thank you. I am sorry they didn;t get to Erin in time, but we are enjoying. They are lovely.

Deb feeding Mackenzie Thursday.

This was Erin Friday morning when she first got up after having the migraine and not feeling well. By the evening she was like a ragdoll she was so weak, and her coling was even worse.

You can see from this picture which was taken Thursday even after the drive from Stanford to the house how night and day her change was from one day to the next. Her coloring gives it away as well.

Begonias blooming in the garden. Such a nice surprise to see.

My Neighbor Deborah knit these little sweaters and made wine cork people for me. They make me smile when I look at them. It amazes me when people can knit, sew or make anything this tiny. It reminds me of my Nana who crocheted doll clothes for my dolls, including Barbie.

Preparing chicken for Friday night dinner. Deb said my chicken was into bondage.

Zucchini with butter and Paremsan ready for ther oven.

Halloween tablecloth.

I missed the annual trip to Apple Hill with my firends this year, but they picked me up 2 cases of apples which I wanted to cook with. Thank you! Thank you!

Lots of ideas of what to make with them...............

Stay tuned to see what I do end up making with them. Do you have any favorite recipes using apples? If you are willing to share, I would love to have them.

Erin Update - 8 PM

Deb and Mackenzie made it fine to their suite in San Carlos. She has the kids at the room and Rob is with Erin. Deb said she called Erin;s nurse and was rold Erin is doing fine. She hadn't heard form rob so that is all she knew. She hopes to see Erin first thing in the morning. Hopefully the kids get to sleep early so she can get a long nights rest.

Erin Update - 1:15 PM

When Deb came by the house to get their things and Mackenzie, she dsaid that Erin does have meningitis. That it is bacterial and not virial so they can treat it with high doeses of antibiotics. Good thing she recongnized the signs last night (she was pretty sure this was the problem). Etin had this when she was a little girl. Her concerns made for a qwuick decison to call 911. Deb said she will keep me posted so I can continue posting updates.

Erin Update - Noon

Deb is on her way back to the house to pack things up and get Mackenzie to make the drive to Palo Alto. Somehow in the quick calls back and forth Deb didn't mention to us that they also did the spinal tap on Erin and the fluid was cloudy which could mean meningitis, a very good reason for her surgeon to want her back at Stanford. They are waiting for a room in Stanford and then they will transport her there. Rob and Steven are driving directly to Stanford. Deb has secured a room in a inn and suites in San Carlos that will be much nicer and more comfortable than where we stayed before.

I am worried about Deb and Mackenzie making the drive down. She pulled an all-nighter and didn;t get much sleep the night before.

Erin Update - 9:15 AM

Erin is having the abscess drained as I type. Rob and Steven are on their way. Deb said the ER doctor who has Erin's case and has been dealing with Dr. JAckel told her she thought Erin would be going back to Stanford and they would transport her. I am sure Dr. Jackel wants her where he can care for her.

Mackenzie, David and I are getting along fine. More when I know it. Love to all.

Erin Update - 7 AM - Not The Good News We Hoped For

About a half hour or so after my update last night, Erin vomited again. Deb was going to drive her to the ER but with Erin still getting sick and not knowing what really was going on with her, I suggested she call 911 to send an ambulance and paramedics. She did and then called the ENT on duty at Stanford, who then notified Dr. Jackel. Erin was sick again on the way to the hospital in the ambulance.

She has gotten good care at the ER at Sutter General (the hospital of choice of my parents when they were here so I suggested it to the paramedics). They did x-rays and a cat-scan. They have discovered the problem, come up with a plan to take care of the problem and have been consulting with Dr. Jackel all along as well.

She has an abscess (not sure of my spelling)and it has to be drained. They are admitting her to the hospital. Deb has of course called Ron and she was going to call Rob at 6:30 to have him come down. I will update as I learn more. Poor Deb has pulled an all-nighter at the hospital and is still there. I got 2 more hours of sleep than she did.

Erin Update -- 10:30 PM

Erin's day never got better. She never was able to eat anything other than a little applesauce, and a few sips of chicken broth. She has been good about trying to get water and Gaterade down. The good news is she only vomited the one time, but she has been uncomfortable all day and feeling achy. Shje neded up with a fever tonight of 102.1. Deb contacted the ENT on duty at Stanford and talked with her. The ENT talked with another doctor on duty and they felt after asking a lot of questiopns of Deb and then Erin, that the fever most likely was unrelated to the surgery. We started her on Tylenol and I bathed her with cool washclothes for a few hours until she felt comfoitrtable and the fever started going down. The last time Deb checked it, about 15 minutes ago, it was down to 100.6.

Not to alarm anyone but one of the things that can happen after this surgery is meningitis. Erin had it when she was alittlr girl so Deb knows the signs to look for. If we see any of those signs, or if her fever hadn;t gone down or goes back up and won't go down, we are to take her to the ER and they will probably do a spinal tap. We are encouraged though that the fever is going down as well as it is, and that Erin seems to be feeling alright other than having no energy as we do when running a fever and achy. We just keep encouraging her to drink water and try as hard as we can to get her comfortable.

We brought the recliner downstairs for her but she neded up not finding it as comfortable as she thought she would. She didn;t want to go back in the bed she slept in last night, so she is on the couch. She prefers to be sitting up and we have mahed that quite well. It's her lower back and rearend that get sore and has to keep trying to get in a more comfotable position. If she could just lay down comfortably I think she would sleep much better, but when she gets down (by removing one pillow at a time) she gets stuck and can't get back up.

We are of course hoping that by morning Erin will be feeling much better and we can get back to getting some food into her. Erin always functions better when she has a satisfied tummy.

I hope I have something more positive to report in the morning.

Erin Update - 2:15 PM

After such an amzing day yesterday Erin hasn't started this one off good. She woke early this morning with a migraine and a lot of uncomfortableness in the left side of her face. She also became anxious which didn't help her relax. She stayed in bed sleeping late, and then came out to the family room, and got comfortable on the couch, where she immdiately vomited. It could be the vicodin made her vomit since it will, especially if she doesn't eat with it. She has been dozing since then (a few hours I would say) and was sipping water here and there. I went grocery shopping and brought home Gatorade so we can hydrate her and bring her electrolytes back up after the vomiting. So right now it feels like we have taken a step backwards to liquids only, but this is expected when recouping form a surgery such as the one Erin had. Please say an extra prayer to get her through this bout quickly. I will keep you posted. Love to all.

You're Right Eileen, There's No Place Like Home......

Our drive to my home from Palo Alto went very well for Erin. She did great in the van and remained comfortable during the trip. She ate MacDonald French fries and drank a chocolate milkshake. We stopped once so I could put drops in her eye since it was feeling dry, and one other time for her to switch seats to one that reclined easier. At that time Deb fed Mackenzie a bottle since she started to melt down about 10 minutes before in the Bug. About a 1/2 hour out from home Erin became tired so she put her seat back and using a pillow to help support her neck slept until we were almost home. We were all excited that Erin did so well on the trip!

Needless to say we were all very happy to be here and out of the motel room. As Sarah Palin would say, I am not hoodwinking or bamboozling you. Okie Dokey? WINK (Couldn't resist) Erin settled herself on the couch and had a snack and rested. Mackenzie was excited to have new things to look at, Deb got their things organized in their bedroom and made phonme call she needed to make, and we all just kicked back for the rest of the afternoon, talked and watched CNN. Their non-bias politics central is great. It so so refreshing to see things presented that way so you can make clear independent choices without being bombarded with bias crap.

I gathered things from the freezer, what we had brought from the motel with us and the pantry and made a simple dinner of meatloaf, fresh zucchini baked in the oven topped with Parmesan cheese and mashed potatoes. Quick and comforting. It was very nice having Erin sit at the dinner table with us and not in bed, propped up with pillows and eating there as she was. She really has made wonderful progress in the last week. We are confident that this week before she sees the doctor again will also be filled with more amazing improvements.

We came home to find beautiful 80 degree weather and no wind. Mackenzie and I took a walk through the garden paths while dinner was in the oven. She loved the sound of all the water fountains in the yard and looking at the different plants and trees. She really loves the outdoors.

It was nice to be greeted by the love of my four 'babies' when I walked in the door, showing me how much they missed me. Funny how much I miss them too when I am away. They are such sweet kitties.

We are considering going out grocery shopping tomorrow. We do have the wheelchair here if Erin finds she gets too tired walking. I am just going to throw it in the van. Erin, Deb and I also want to check out the baby and childrens clothes at Mervyn's since they are going out of business and everything is on sale. It will be very nice for all if us doing something normal together. We shall she how we all feel in the morning. Right now Deb and I are exhausted and I am sure Erin is tired as well. Boy, getting old sure creeps up on you. On that note this old lady is making her way to her own bed (so long cot) at the early hour of 8:15. The way my body feels I would swear it is midnight....................

PS -- Thank you David.

Erin's Doctor Appointments - We're heading Home to My House

Erin had her appointments with Dr. Harsh and Dr. Jackel this afternoon. It was a long and tiring time for her, taking 4 hours including driving time. (Mostly waiting around.) Everything heard was GOOD NEWS!!!!

She can travel to my house tomorrow; lay flat, eat anything she wants, turn her head and start doing jaw and facial exercises. Her only limitations at this point are lifting and straining. They also removed her staples. She is having an x-ray early tomorrow morning so Dr Harsh can see if she needs the metal plate or not to hold her head up. It doesn;t appear that she does looking at her but he wants to check and will let them know. She will be having the injection to her vocal cords sometime soon. Dr. Jackel would like to get to that sooner than later. She sees both doctors again a week from today. Oh happy days!!!!!!!

Erin showered and dressed for her doctor appointments.

Cooking in the kitchen here has been a bit primitive -- above is our garbage disposal and there isn;t a microwave oven, so heating leftovers made dirty pots and skillets which wasn't fun. The sink would back up if you got anything other than water down it so I developed the place water in dirty pan put on hot burner, scrap up everything with a spoon or spatula, and then dump whole mess down the toilet....um I mean garbage disposal. I have to admit I am looking forward to being back in my own kitchen. Erin said tonight she wanted to buy whatever I needed at the grocery store to cook my recipes for her. she is so ready for real foods, though she did eat mac and cheese tonight and two nights in a row had Acme bread herd slab and Brillat Savarin.

Views of our room......

Really not a bad kitchen for a motel room, but all the plates were melamine so they couldn;t go in the oven to reheat food, and the 1 skillet was huge and didn;t fit in the oven. The kitchen was stocked with what one needs to get by so I do give them that.

Dining table, office desk............

While Deb and Erin were at Stanford for the appointments this afternoon I stayed with Mackenzie at the motel. I snapped these shots of her......

Well, the next time I make a post it will be from home. YAY!!!!!!!! Erin will be traveling in my van and Deb will drive Erin's VW Bug back with Mackenzie. It's about a 2 - 2 1/2 hour drive to my house from Palo Alto. I know that all of us are going to feel so much better being at my home with more space to move around, washer and dryer, fully loaded kitchen, sofas to sit comfortably on to watch TV, and our own bedrooms. It's going on 10 PM and I am exhausted I have to admit. I'm off to get the cot down and made up so I can fall into it. And fall into I do. You sink into it, and my legs are so short it is a challenge to get out of it. It cracks Deb and Erin up when they watch me. Love to all nighty night.........

An Angel Visits and Other Moments

Kathy's visit last night was medicine for all of us. We had such a wonderful time seeing her and talking, and Deb, Erin and Kathy enjoyed getting to know one another better.

Erin and Kathy.

Kathy has been an angel to our family during this whole process, helping Erin and Rob when they made pre-surgery doctor visits by watching Steven, visiting in the hospital, and having lunch with Rob one day.

Sitting poolside enjoying a glass of wine and cheese and bread.

Last night while we sat in the kitchen talking she gave Erin a foot and calf massage. she is such a dear friend and so thoughtful and giving. Today Erin and I were talking and we both thought she would make such a wonderul volunteer in the Big-Sister foundation. She would be such an amazing mentor and role model for a young girl.

More of that wine and goodies.

I have alwasys known I was blessed to have Kathy in my life, and now my family feels the same way. How do you thank someone properly who has given so much of themselves to you and and then treats your family as if it is her own? I am not sure there are any words.

Erin eating Gerber Graduates Finger Foods Sweet Corn Puffs. We all decided we like them and they melt right in your mouth so they are a breeze to swallow.

OTHER MOMENTS -- This monkey is very special to our family. David had it with him when he had his major sinus surgery back in the early 90's. He passed it on to Erin when she had her first tumor surgery in 1997. She was going to send it back to her Uncle David when he had his heel surgery the beginning of June, but she was having her dizzy spells at that time and didn't venture out of the house much. Monkey is with her through this surgery and recovery as well. He is a special little guy and makes recovery just a little bit easier.

Deb checking her emails. This is where we blog from right now; the table in the motel kitchen.

My bed. Deb and I had such a time getting it together that we decided not to unfold it every night, but to just stand it up in a corner of the kitchen. It has worked well, and much easier getting the cot ready to sleep in each night.

A Mommy and Mackenzie moment.

Moments in Palo Alto

Tomorrow afternoon are Erin's 2 doctor appointments. All three of us are getting excited to make the drive up to my house and getting out of this motel room. Cabin fever runs high!!!!


This was taken of Erin I believe the day after we got her home from thehospital.

Erin one of the first times she tried breast feeding Mackenzie after her surgery. If you are looking at her jamies and saying to yourself how pretty they are (I have drooled over them myself) Steven picked them out for her last Christmas from Crabtree and Evelyn. They are beautiful.

Erin walked outside and sat poolside for perhaps 15 minutes earlier this afternoon and I snapped this picture and the one below. Here she is covering the left side of her face so it looks like all her mouth is msiling. She does this to Mackenzie so she looks more like what she remembers. She makes us laugh.

There's our girl. Looking good isn't she? It appears that the feeling is coming back in th left side of her face which is great news. The flipside is that she feels more pain now, but taking the pain med a bit closer together than she was is working for her.

There is a very large hibicus bush poolside that is just gorgeous. Snapped a flower on it today.

These are shots taken of Macekenzie when she and I are poolside shot different days.

She loves being outside and the fresh air. She loves looking at everything, especially the hummingbirds in the morning glories and hibiscus bush.

Playing with her round book. She loves it.

A big yawn......

Fun in the room on her tummy.

Aunt Kim brought these for Mackenzie when she came to visit Erin in the hospital,. They are Halloween owl slippers and they rattle when you shake them. She loves them! She kicks her feet and they make noise. What can be more fun then that?

Making the farting noise...she is so funny.

Just looking cute.

And even cuter..........

Friend Kathy is coming by after she gets off of work at Stanford today. We are so looking forward to her visit. We have lots of leftover Chinese food from last night to have for dinner, and there is wine, gourmet cheeses and Acme bread Herb Slab to start with as we gab. Hopefully it won't be too cool and we can sit by the pool and have our wine and cheese.

Erin Update - 10 PM

What a great day for everyone here. Erin enjoyed her shower and clean hair. She even dressed in a pair of shorts and tank top. She is eating well and more than she has been. She has cut one pain med out completely and the vicodin she has cut to every 6 hours or longer instead of every 4 hours. Such huge improvements! She has not suffered any neck pain tonight which is also a major improvement. Her jaw bothers her the most and that is what she needs the pain med's for more than anything else.

Speaking of oain med's -- Deb spent all day calling doctors trying to get them to fax in a refill for the liquid vicodin today since we are ready to run out and trying to get a doctor over the weekend -- well the red tape is just too much. Crazy. Deb finally got the doctor to say he was dealing with it before dinner. She can pick it up tomorrow morning thankfully.

Erin is breast feeding Mackenzie some of the time and Deb and I bottle feed her bewteen. Mac and I spent hours outdoors today. She loves it and took 2 good naps while we were outside. The room here gets so hot in this 80 plus weather we have been having and are you ready for this? There isn't any air-conditioning!!! We have a ceiling fan which has been okay not but not a great help. We asked for a fan today and they brought us one tonight. Erin has been running hotter than usual, so it is pointed at her.

Mac and I went poolside again after the sun went down to cool off while Erin had her dinner. I enjoyed a glass of wine to relax. (Yes Eileen, Deb and I have a glass or two every evening, and tonight we made it a pizza and wine night with lots of gabbing!)

We have a kitchen, so I have been sleeping in the kicthen on a cot Rob and Erin brought down. There are 2 beds in the living area of the room, and Deb and Erin each have one. It works out well.

Tomorrow morning Deb will be going back and forth to the laundry mat and getting the med and some other things at the pharmacy. I will stay with Mac and Erin.

I am so grateful for this time with Mackenzie to get to know her and for the two of us to bond as niece and auntie. For the time to be able to help care for Erin and the time with Deb as a sister-in-law and friend. I have missed her.

Erin Update - 10 AM

After a rough night and morning, Erin had a very good afternoon and evening yesterday. she sat in a chair and watched TV and ate a nice portion of mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner. She has also added cream soups into her diet. She also napped yesterday which was good for her. After the sun went down, we walked Erin and Mackenzie poolside and we sat and talked in the beautiful evening air. We think the fresh air was good for her tooas well. She had a good night and a good morning so far. She is going a hour longer between her pain meds and is going to wean off one all together. She is napping now and Deb is sleeping, making up for the lost sleep with Mackenzie last night. She takes her at night and I take her during the day. We have the okay from her doctor that she can wash her hair. Hopefully she can try a shower today and wash the hair. She has been having sponge baths so far.

All is good here in our little 'house' here in Palo Alto. Routines have been made and evrything is running smoothly and calmly. Erin is really an mazing strong woman as is her Mom. Mackenzie has great roll models in her life. She is going to be some woman when she grows up!

The prayers are being heard. We can see an improvement in Erin and she feels it. Wonderful! Wonderful! Love to all.

Erin Update - Noon

Erin was feeling better yesterday and like so many of us do, she overdid it and had a rough middle of the night and morning. She is feeling very tired today. She stayed awake all day yesterday and worked on thre blog off and on alot of the day. She breast fed MacKenzie and starting pumping again to get her milk up so she can bond with Mackenzie that way again. Very early this morning I put on a meditation CD I have from a class that also helps with cronic pain and healing. She focused on that and did relax and fell alseep. Thismorning we used it again to relax her and put her to sleep. Eating even cream of wheat is difficult for her; her favorite thing right now is warm chicken broth. She also eats applesauce, yogurt and drinks juice, water and Ensure. Littl4e bits at a time but she is doing goo. Yesterday she walked around the room and did well on her own. Today Deb gave her a spnge bath and her sheets are beinbg changed. That always makes one feel better. She is doing well, but a harder day for her than yesterday.

Mackenzie is adorable and doing well. She seems to be content having 3 mommies right now. She and I are outside by the pool in the shade right now. She loves it out here and plays in her bouncy chair with her duck and book for hours.

This time with Deb and the girls is good. It makes the happy times even happier and the difficult times for everyone easier. Love, respect and team work is what we have going on here. There is joy to be found even in difficult moments.

Love to you all and thanks from all of us here, esecially Erin for your thoughts, prayers and good vibes for her speedy recovery.

Erin Update - 9 AM

I arrived the very same moment Ron and Erin did coming from the hopsital yesterday. It was funny, we pulled into the parking area of the hotel at the exact time.

Getting settled at first was a bit crazy. The pharmacy because of one of the idiot doctors orders gave her pills for all med's instead of liquid. Erin can;t swallow well and is on soft and liquid foods. Poor Deb was on the phone and at three pharmacies before the vicodin for Erin's pain was finally in her hands in liquid form. Erin had at first gone past her time frame for her pain med's and had a meltdown and was upset. Erin is fine now, on her med's right on time and doing pretty well considering. Getting her comfortable seems to be the biggest challenge for all of us at the moment.

She had a little cream of wheat this morning and is sleeping now. Mackenzie is doing well. When it warms up outside she and I will spend some time around the pool. She loves it out there.

Today Deb and I are going to organize everything in the hotel room so we can move about and find things easier. More later when momentsd arise..................

Creative Moments

"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." -- Burton Hills

Yesterday I was looking for something quick and easy to make for dinner and still use what I have on hand. I made Taco Soup using the above.....

as well as 1 pound cooked ground beef (could use ground turkey) and 2 cups of water.

Stir together in crock pot and cook on low for 7 1/2 to 8 hours.

I had some tortilla chips leftover from when the kids were here, so I served the soup in individual bowls with crushed tortillas chips on top and shredded Mexican cheese blend. It was tasty for something so simple and out of cans basically. David suggested I use 2 pounds of meat next time and make it even thicker. I might. I have enough to bring with me to Palo Alto today to have for meals there.

My spirit and soul need creative activities everyday to remain happy.

I have been enjoying making the covered notebooks for gifts.

I am trying to think if what I can bring to Palo Alto with me that won't take much room or make too much of a mess

but will fulfill the creative need I have.

I haven't figured it out quite yet.

The Halloween card Theresa made this year. She is very creative with paper and is a Creative Memories consultant as well along with her normal job.

Jen always carved our pumpkins when she lived at home. She's very creative at it. The last Halloween before she got married (the week before actually) she carved pumpkins for us using the imitation ones you can carve available at Michael's. This is my very favorite -- the cat face. Well, I am off to get everything together, including myself to leave for the San Franciosco peninusla.

Erin Update - 7 PM

Erin is being released from the hospital tomorrow around 11 AM. The surgeon wants her to stay at the motel near the hospital until her follow-up appointment which is next Tuesday. (A week from tomorrow.) Rob and Steven will be leaving tomorrow -- Erin doesn't want Steven staying to see her recover at first and we can certainly understand why. There wouldn;t be much quiet and rest for her either. I will be going down tomorrow morning and staying the week with them so I can help Deb by caring for Mackenzie while she cares for Erin. After Erin's first apointment if all goes well (it should be) the surgeon has given the green light for her to come as far as my house since it is closer than her own home. She will recoup here for a while with her Mom and Mackenzie.

I will be bringing my laptop with me so I can make updates on my blog. The next Erin update from me will be made from Palo Alto.

Erin Update - 7:15 PM

Today Erin's blood count is better though still not back to normal. She is up more and getting around with a walker. She is also eating better. They didn't do the MRI they were going to do, at least not yet. Rob decided not to leave today and he spent the day with Erin at the hospital. The nurses are busy of course, so when he or Deb are there with her they are caring for her. Deb took the kids to South San Francisco to visit Sally and her mother. She and Ron knew both from St. Veronica's church when they lived in the bay area. They enjoyed the time and Steven was able to let off some steam. It is also fleet week so the Blue Angels were in the air and Steven was thrilled. He loves airplanes! Afterwards Deb and the kids ran errands and went to the local laundrymat. That doesn't sound like a fun thing to do especially with 2 little ones! Rob is still at the hospital. He didn't see any doctors today but for a Sunday that really isn't surprising. That's all for now. Thanks again for prayers, love and support.

Joy

Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.- Eleanor Roosevelt

Into the house where joy lives, happiness will gladly come. - Japanese Proverb

A smile is a light in the window of the soul indicating that the heart is at home.- Anonymous

One joy scatters a hundred griefs. - Chinese Proverb

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.- Mother Teresa

There may be peace without joy, and joy without peace, but the two combined make happiness- John Buchan

Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.- Carl Sandburg

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.- Kahlil Gibran

I feel like a tiny bird with a big song!- Jerry Van Amerongen

Joy can be real only if people look on their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.- Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. - Anonymous

This is the best kind of voyeurism, hearing joy from your neighbors.- Chuck Sigars

Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.- Melba Colgrove

Jus Having Fun

Justin loves Grandad's wheelchair. He spun circles in the fmaily room, and his Dad was teaching him how tyo pop a wheely in the dining room . Boys make me laugh!

Starting a Christmas wish List for me.

Thinking hard.

Swimming in the spa.

He could create some major splashes!

He was having a bal;l in there.

Below he started closing up the lid, and then decided to play in there a while longer with half the lid closed.

Saturday - A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Okay, I slipped this first picture in. It's the hot chiles I pickled for John. He loves very hot foods.

We arrived at the pumpkin patch around noon. This is out on land owned by a local family who have a diary farm. They do this each year for the community. The money they make selling the pumpkins and what they charge to go through the cornstalk maze and take a hayride all goes to do it again next year. This is a delightful family and we enjoy seeing each year. This is the first year our grandchildren were here to go with us so it was even more enjoyable.

The first thing done was John took Justin and Jacob through the cornstalk maze. It was a very windy day so it made walking through even more eery. There was 28 acres of corn.

This was a maze made with bales of hay for the younger children.

A small view of what they do out there.

This is where you pay, and they also have tons of homegrown gourds and cornstalks you can buy. I get both each year as well as pumpkins for our front yard.

Jen picking her pumpkin

Justin hunting for the perfect pumpkin to carve.

Jen and her family helping John find the pumpkin he wants to carve. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of it -- it was huge!

Justin was 4 1/2 feet tall. It won't be long before he is taller than me. (Okay, so just about everyone on the planet is taller than me!)

Justin, John, Jacob and Jen.

Jacob, Justin and Jen.

Justin. He isn't a little boy anymore. He is a young man. It blows me away.

Justin and Grandad.

David and I.
Loading the van with our goods.

This was my little red wagon full of goodies. We had such a fun time! Afterwards the guys went home in the van, and Jen and I took Jacob and went to Michael's and Target to pick up some crafting items. We hung around the house the rest of the afternoon talking and snacking on specialty cheeses I had gotten, wine jelly, garlic and Paremsan cheese stuffed olives, red onion wedges in red wine vinegar, John's famous Guac, Acme Herb Slab and crackers. Justin played in the hot tub ([pcitures of that soon) and we enjoyed the garden a bit, though it was windy. MUCH later for dinner I roasted a turkey breast and made mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and spinach salad with dried cranberries, gorgonzola, toasted walnuts and raspberry-walnut vinaigrette.

This morning we visited more, and I made everyone eggs in a basket. It was a request of Jen's. Her Grandpa (my Dad) used to make them for the kids when they were younger for breakfast as a treat. They loved them. I hadn't made them in a long time, so it was fun and tasty for all of us. As always it was hard to see them go today, however it was such a wonderful time spent together.

Friday - The Kids Come For the Weekend

The first fun thing I did friday was bake Justin his favorite cookie- Triple Peanut Bars. Let's face it, they are a favorite of all of ours.



Really simple: take a roll of store-bought peanut butter cookie dough and with gloved or floured hands, press out onto a jelly roll pan sprayed with PAM. Top with 12 oz of semisweet chocolate chips then drizzle a can of sweetened condensed milk on top. Cover evening with 10 oz of peanut butter chips and 1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts.
Place in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes until edges are crispy and they look like above.

When cool, spread with a mixture of 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup peanut butter and 1 tablespoon milk. Keep adding milk, a little at a time, until right consistency to frost (which I prefer the look and taste of), or make it thinner and drizzle on top of cookies. Cut into bars.

Here I am with Jacob. I could just eat him up!

Justin pumkinlina. He brought it home from school and has to care for it and then create an activity for it to do. I believe he said he was going to have it fly around the classroom on a plane or something. I hope they take video!

Jacob a.k.a. Skeleton Boy. He even glowed in the dark!

Justin showing me his magic trick; a pencil staying in his hand without holding on to it. I think I may have to find a magic kit for him for Christmas.

Jacob in his Johnny Jump-Up.

Jacob teething oin his Johnny Jump-Up. He has 2 front teeth coming in!

Shawn, Theresa, David, John

I made a pot roast dinner. Actually I cooked 2 pot roasts and there is only enough leftover for David and I to have one more meal. That made me smile.

Shawn and Theresa.

Jen brought us Halloween labels for bottles of wine. This turned out dark, but the label on the wine bottle says 'Vampire Blood."

JAcob and his Daddy.

Jacob is starting to use a sippy type cup, but it is a cross between a bottle nipple and a sippy cup. He gnaws on it alot and he also tries to drink water from it. I have to admit it just throws me how fast he is growing up.

Answers To Some Questions Regarding Erin

I have received some emails privately asking s few questions regarding Erin so here are the answers. I thought others might be wondering the same things.



1) What did the surgeons use to replace the durra (lining of the brain)?



They took skin from Erin's thigh.



2) Exactly what is this type of tumor?


It is a mass of blood vessels and continues to grow by attacking arteries and veins for food. Ron termed it a monster tumor and that is what it is. Reminds me of the old Steve McQueen movie The Blob. It just keeps spreading and spreading as it attacks more blood supplies and becomes a larger and larger mass of blood vessels. This one was very agressive and that is why they couldn't embolize it before surgery. There were just too many blood vessels and it would have killed her.

3) What is the address to send Erin a card?

Stanford Hospital
ATTN: Erin Wall
C-2
Room#C212 Pasteur Drive

Stanford, CA 94305

You are very welcome for the updates. It is my pleasure. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Erin Update - 8:20 PM

Erin was moved from the ICU to a normal room. Yay! She is uncomfortable; her jaw hurts. The cervical collar is off now. Ron and Deb brought Steven to see Erin today for a few minutes. He did well but kept asking "Mommy are you alright?" Erin had talked to him about before the surgery and showed him pictures of what she looked like after the last one so he was prepared. she actually looks so much better this time around. She managed to talk to him a little though she was very tired.

Great news today too -- Deb and gang do not have to move out of their motel room for one night to another and then back again. The biggest concern was trying to find a room with a freezer to store Erin's breast milk she pumped for Mackenzie to eat during this time she can;t breast feed. Saturday is Homecoming and Alumni Weekend on campus so everyone is flocking into town for the game and festivities. Everything is booked. We had been praying for a cancellation so they could keep their room. If not they had to move out for one night and then back again. This motel room they are in has a full kitchen so they have a freezer for the milk. It took Deb a lot of work to find another room for the night with a freezer but then heard from the managers where they are now they did get a cancellation and they could stay tomorrow night with no problems. What a relief this is for everyone!

Rob's parents are coming early Saturday morning to see Erin and will drive back home the same day. Ron leaves Saturday back to Iowa. Rob and Steven leave Sunday. It's what Erin wanted. She wants Steven to get back into his normal routine as soon as possible. Deb and Mackenzie are staying in Palo Alto to be with Erin. That's it for now.

I will continue with the updates until Rob and or Deb are up to taking them over.

Erin Update

David and I are back home and even got the gorcery shopping done for the weekend on the trip home. Really glad that is taken care of.

David called Ron while I was getting things put away. Ron and Rob went to see Erin this morning and she is doing well. She still has no concept of time yet of couse since she is in and out of sleep, but she looks good and they said they may move her out of the ICU tonight. That of course is terrific news. The facial nerve is still distressed but Erin says she feels a tingling sensation so perhaps the feeling is coming back.

Updates will continue as we get them.

Now I am off to bed for a nap with my kitties. It seems that the lack of sleep is finally catching up with me.............

Erin Update

Deb and I joined Rob at the hospital around 8:30 last night. We had first been told we could see Erin before 10:30. They were still closing when we got there and that took quite a bit longer after we arrived. We saw her when they brought her out of the OR to intensive care and under the circumstances she looked good! Her head bis not bandaged like the first time. They have something over that side, which actually looks like a large ear muff. She does have a collar around her neck. Finally about 11:15 all 3 of us were able to go into the ICU and see her. She was still pretty out of it, and she was telling the nurse that her neck hurt. She talked to Rob a bit and when he told her they got all the tumor her voice went into an excitement mode (as best as one can still on heavy meds) and said "Really?!" Her Mom told her to just rest at one pint and she immediately feel back to sleep. That's a mother comforting touch for you. :-) I believe she was aware I was there as well. When I told her "I love you Sweetie," she grunted.

We did learn that the facial muscle on that side is not working and they do not know why; the doctor said perhaps because it is angry/stressed. The hope it of course it is just temporary. If it isn't, they have quite a few things they can do to correct it and they will if they need to.

Rob just just talked to Erin's ICU nurse and she had a good night. She is very coherent which is great. She had a hard time getting comfortable, but she is comfortable now.

We will be leaving this morning to head back home and get ready for our grandchildren and Jen and John to arrive toorrow afternoon. We are of course very excited to spend time with them. Love you all.

Moments of Our Day

ERIN IS OUT OF SURGERY AND IT WENT VERY WELL! SEE PREVIOUS ERIN UPDATE POST FOR FULL DETAILS.

Here are a few pictures I snapped of moments in our day................

By the way -- this is Steven flying a German fighter plane and Unlce David's cructhes made some mighty fine machine guns. :-)

Erin Update - 7:30 PM

About a half hour ago Rob decided he was going to the hospital since we had not heard anything all day. We spent the early evening outside around the pool sipping wine and had dinner out there as well -- nachos that Ron made. As Rob was driving to the hospital Dr. Jackler called to let him know the surgery is over.

They got ALL the tumor and they were able to save the carotid artery!!!! Fanstatic news. The tumor was extremely agressive and it did invade the durra (sp? the lining of the brain) and they had to replace some of it. She had to have 3 units of blood and was only able to give 1 unit herself before the surgery. The other doctors are now closing her up which is a very intricate thing as well and takes time.

I am sure that God heard each and every one of you and we are ever so grateful!

OH HAPPY DAYS!

Erin Update - 2 PM

The first news Rob heard this morning that was different was that the surgery could last up to 16 hours. This of course was hard news to hear; it is so hard waiting! While Rob, Debra, David and I were having breakfast at the hospital cafeteria we saw Erin's main surgeon there. (Yep, we were thinnking those same kind of things, hee) and Rob went up to him when he was leaving. The surgeon was confident they now knew which arteries were feeding the tumor ad the first thing he did when he got in there was to cut it off. That of course is wonderful news!


After we finished eating Rob returned to the motel and the three reminng of us walked next door to The Beckman Genetic andf Molecular Research building where I used to work. The intent was seeing a coupld of long-time dear friends. Above is Auggie who we haven't seen since Jen's wedding 2 years ago!

Next was KAthy who has been such a big help to Erin and her family already. She met Erin and Rob at their first doctor visit at Stanford and watched Steven for them the entire time they were with the doctor. By the way -- she and Steven have a love affair for one another going on. Time flew by and laughter was shared beinbg with such good friends.
When we left campus we stopped at Signora's Farmer's Market at Stanford Shopping Center and went into a foodie's paradise. Deb and I actually caught ourselves fondling the gorgeous fresh produce. What can we say?! One thing I purcahsed was EVOO infused with procini mushrooms from Italy. heaven! Then it was to Fry's. The harp music yesterday relaxed Erin so much that she was able to pump milk. Up until that time her stress/nerves preventing her form being able to. We were on a hunt for a DVD player and a CD of harp music for Erin to use after the surgery. Fry's had the product but none in stock so over to Walmart we went. They came through and they get the gold star.

When we returned to the motel Deb and I ate lunch while Grandpa entertained Mckenzie. They are too cute together.

Steven was out like a light. He's one very tired little boy. Rob called the hospital about 45 minutes ago and they said everything was fine with Erin. As any of you know having sat through someone's surgery, they really don not tell you much and just how frustrating that is as the hours vontijue to go by. I will update again when I have something more. Thanks form the whole family for the love, support and prayers. We are blessed to have you all in our lives.

A Day of Renewal

We had a perfect day on the coast yesterday and the weather was better than they even saw during the summer. We spent time in both Capitola and on the pier in Santa Cruz. Most of the Capitola pictures were taken while we sat on the outdoor deck of Zelda's having a cocktail and apperizer. Zelda's is located right on the beach and a perfect place to be on a hot sunny day in Capitola.

A new tile art wall along the beachfront. The tiles seem to be all painted by people who have attended the festivals in town. Really awesome.

Thw deck at Zelda's. The beach is right on the other side and that is where we sat.

We had our own food guard.

This is actually a person swimming.

Santa Cruz Pier

These two were funny. The sea lion on the right casme from his piling over the the one's on the left and wanted it. They argued as you see here. Then the inrtuder shoved the poor other into the water and took his place as you can see in the shot below.

Now I have to tell you what steven told me when I showed him the picture of the sea lions arguing and the story. He tols me that he caught 'one of those' in a tree with a net. Yep! he was very serious. When I asked him if he put it into the bathtub when he brought it home becasue they like water, he thought for a moment and then answered yes. He then said he let it go though. I was so tempted to ask if he let it go down the drain! He has such a wonderful imagination!

Th Santa Cruz boardwalk, takemn from the pier.

Dry rotting parts of the pier they are replacing

Another part of the pier that has been totally removed and being replaced.

Visiting with Ron, Deb and the kids after we checked into the motel. They were enjoying their pasta dinner that Ron amde for them. Steven loves the penne without 'that red stuff' on it. A littlr butter he likes.

Chewing on a piece of penne with butter

We brought a bottle of wine to try. It's nice; full-bodied and lots of pepper.

Ron enjoying the red onion wedges in red wine vinegar I canned. He agreed, we are right back at our Nana and Nono's kitchen table in San Francisco when we wree children eating them and dipping them in olive oil.

Poor Mackenzie had a melt down for a while. She was missing Erin; looking all over for her.

Steven waiting for Grammy to read him a story nefore going to sleep.

Bless his heart, he feel asleep waiting while Grammy calmed Mackenzie down. I tried to read him the book, but he said no, he wanted 'her' pointing to his Grammy. Too cute.

Taken while Ron, Deb, David and I sat around the pool and talked last night. We were out there for a couple of hours at least waiting for news form Rob who was at the hospital.

Erin Update Day of Surgery - 6:30 AM

Rob was kicked out of Erin's room very late last night, so he slept at the motel. Deb called David's and my room at 5:40 this morning to say the hospital called and asked if I wanted to go see Erin with them this morning before the surgery. Of course I said YES! We had 20 minutes to get ready. 15 minutes later she phoned and said the hospital called and were taking Erin down early to the OR so Rob ran over there, while Deb fed Mackenzie. David, Deb and I are going to the hospital while Ron watches the kids this moring. We probably won't stay real long, but we want to be there a bit for Rob. Ron, Deb and I talked to Erin this morning and she is doing good under the circumstances. She was in the waiting room of the OR waiting her turn when she called. More later...........

Erin Update - Day Before The Surgery

Rob and Erin left the motel this morning at 9:30 for Stanford so Erin could check in and have the embolizations and balloon test in her carotid artery done. The doctor had another patient before her which ended up taking most of the day. Poor Erin couldn't eat anythig since midnight. They had a harpist play for her to relax her which she liked very much. Finally tonight they did the balloon test and she passed. Thank goodness! This means that the tumor has not invaded that artery or has at least not invaded it enough to cut it off. They decided against embolizing the tumor. It was just too risky for her. They said the tumor is so big and there are so many little veins it could have killed her doing the procedure. Because of the lateness of her procedure no one was able to see her tonight but Rob. We are not sure about tomorrow morning either.

Rob came back to the motel going on 10 tonight to get some things so he could spend the night at the hospital with Erin. Grammy and Grandpa took special care of Steven and Mackenzie all day at the motel. Steven did a lot of swimming throughout the day which he loved! Mackenzie has been very good, but it was apparent this evening that she missed her Mommy and was looking around for her. After dinner and the kids were asleep, Ron, Deb, David and I sat outside by the pool since it was cooler than our rooms. We left the door open to their room which is right by the pool and Deb abd Ron checked on the kids often while they slept. It was nice having each other's company. It has not been easy waiting to hear something and get answers from the doctors. As far as we know the surgery is still at 8 AM tomorrow morning. I will keep you updated as we hear things.

NOTICE - Erin Surgery Updates

On Wednesday I will be doing updates here on my blog on what the family is doing at the hospital and anything we hear throughout the day form the OR regarding Erin's surgery.

Jen suggested this since she said she would be going crazy all day wondering what we are doing since she couldnt be there and how things are going. Others expressed the same thing, so I mentioned it to Erin and volunteered to do the updating here. She liked the idea and agreed.

Thanks to a very dear friend I now have an 'in' with the wireless Internet at the hospital. Shhhh

Erin and her family are already in the bay area. My brother Ron (Erin's Dad) arrived on the weekend and they are spending the day all together.

Tomorrow Erin is admitted to the hospital and they will do the embolizations and other things that need to be done before the surgery. No one can see her during the day but Rob.

We are leaving early tomorrow morning and going to Capitola for a day of renewal at our favorite California coastal town.

We will check into the motel where Ron, Deb, Rob and the kids are staying late tomorrow afternoon. We can see Erin that evening so we will.

Wednesday morning the surgery starts at 8 AM and it is scheduled to be 12 hours.

Hopefully with 5 adults there we can manage to keep Steven happy and entertained! There is a local park nearby and also the Rodan Gardens on campus which are amazing. The adults can enjoy the statues and Steven can run through the pathways. This used to be my favorite place to go when I needed to destress when working on campus.

Thank you to everyone who has e-mailed or called with support and all the prayers that are being sent up for Erin and her family. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives.

If you would like to send a message to Erin you can leave them in the comment section and I will be sure she gets them tomorrow evening when we see her.

Next post will be from the Bay Area. See you then.

Creative Moments

Though this weekend is filled with chores and things to do before joining family in Palo Alto for few days for the surgery this week, I have enjoyed creative moments as well.

Creating another life journal.

And a wine tasting journal for myself.

Lots of colored bell peppers to use up before we leave, so I made mixed pepper jam. The green is actually jalapeno's for a little heat.

Cooking over low heat to thoroughly dissolve sugar: 2 3/4 cups finely chopped peppers, 1/4 cup finiely chopped jalapenos, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, and 5 1/4 cups sugar. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter. Then increase the heat to medium and birng to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and bing the mixtire to a full rolling boil, stirring contantly. Stir in the rentire contents of 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid pectin. Return to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil, continuing to stire constantly for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam. (Note -- to help prevent jam from sparating in the jars, allow the jam to cool 5 minutes before filling the jars. Gently stir the jam every minute or so to distribute the peppers. This helps sometimes, not always. ) Ladle the hot jam into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims and threads with a clean, damp cloth. Cover with hot lids and apply screw rings.

Process half-pint jars in a 200 degree F water bath for 10 minutes, pint jars 15 minutes.

As to the rest fo the bell peppers I had, I roasted them under the broiler; peeled,seeded, and froze them for later use.

I finally got labels made for everything I have canned.

and placed on the jars.

I find these onions addicting. Good thing they only have a small amount of sugar in them!

The finished Mixed Pepper Jam. See how most of the peppers floated to the top. I did the step to help prevent this from happening. Oh well, it is not as perfect in the jar, but it will taste good. Now, back to other things on my weekend list like laundry, ironing, vacuuming, dusting, packing............(A few hours after posting this, and I realize whatI did in the pepper jam recipe that was worng. I finely diced not finely chopped the peppers. No wonder they are not mixed well into the jam. Eye roll......)

Wrapping Up Another Week

I can't ignore the debate between the vice-presidential candidates last evening. I imagine most of you are as sick and burnt out on candidates and politics as I am. As to a winner last night? I have to say Joe Biden. However I felt a bit cheated with the whole thing, because it seemed to me the candidates were able to just ramble on and on with their talking points. I thought if I heard Palin gushing her "maverick" mantra one more time I would scream. And Biden about the middle class.



It didn't seem to me the moderator made Palin stick to answering the questions that were put to her. When it was her turn she always wanted to talk about something else and rambled on and then if she did answer the question posed to her after that, it was with curt and short answers. Much of what she said was not surprising since it is what she says every day on the campaign trail. She was confident, that's for sure, but what was with the winking and all the folksy stuff? It annoyed me to no end, and did not make me feel like she was my neighbor next door. If my neighbor next door constantly winked at me like that, I would have her commited.

Biden got to ramble on as well and I think he should have been made to hone his answer on those programs that might have to be cut in light of the bailout bill's price tag, instead of being allowed to wax on about what the Obama administration would will not cut. Palin's retort that nothing would be cut from the programs McCain is proposing would have surely brought up a follow-up or two in a more free-flowing enviornment.

Of course the responsibilty for steering these candidates toward substansive matters and away from the canned delivery, fell to Gwen Ifill, the moderator. (I hear the LA Times loved the job she did. Love this country we can voice our opinions.) Some of the blame has to go to the campaigns themselves, especially MacCain's who lobbied for strict rules that imposed very short response time limits on answers and did not allow follow-up questions. I had hoped that she would have pressed the candidates some.

Well, what did we actually learn about the cnadidates then? Palin did not have one moment of lack of confidence. We saw Biden get emotional when talking about the death of his first wife and daughter. Biden would not pattern his his vice presidency after Dick Cheney, but Palin just might, considering she also believes Cheney's office is not part of the Executive branch.

Palin gave mixed answers on the role of government. On the one hand we need government to bail out the financial sector, on the other she wants it to get out of people's lives. When it comes to full civil rights for homosexual couples, she again gave mixed answers. Biden was more consistent in his answers, but no more surprising. In short, we were given a debate where we didn't learn anything we didn't know already. I felt that Palin was a bit sarcastic at times and upset that Biden talks about the past. But we learn from the past and the past is the footprints for the future. I felt Biden was a gentleman and respectful of Palin, especially when he could have jumped all over her for naming the wrong General three times in a row. He was a gentleman and left it to the pundents. Well, I will say I enjoyed this debate much more than the first presidential debate, even though I thought the candidates should have been made to reveal apspects of their views we don't get when watching their infomercials. But hey, that's just my take.

"I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians."- Charles De Gaulle

Grateful this week - for my family and the time I was able to spend with Deb, Erin and Mackenzie. I love them dearly and Erin is like a daughter to me. To be able to spoil them and help them relax in a stressful time.

-- for my husband, who even though is still on crutches tried hard this week to help me do things I needed to get done, and even ran some errands on his own. I love him so much; he is my best friend and soul mate.

-- for the expertise of the doctors and surgeons at Stanford Medical Center beimg some of the best in the world. I know that Erin will be in the best of hands during her surgery Wednesday.

-- To live in a country where we have the right to vote for our leaders, listen to open debates, have freedom of speech, and live in freedom.

-- for the rain we have been promised later today, through the night and tomorrow morning.

Have a great weekend!

Today's Fun at Home - Preserving and Crafting

My grandson Justin inhales grape jelly with peanut butter on sandwiches. So that was the first fun thing on my list. Make Justin grape jelly.

Ingredients for Easy Grape Jelly

Filled jar in water bath

Finished product -- Concord Grape Jelly

Covering and decorating more Journals of Life

I have someone in mind for each of these

I really have been enjoying this craft project and believe that thwy will be appreciated when gifted

Gratitude -- I am grateful for all the little blessings that come my way each day through nature, friends, family, stangers and others creativity

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Deb, Erin and Mackenzie's night-over visit on their way home from Stanford Medical Center was big fun.

Cheese, grapes, crackers......

Homemade wine jelly over cream cheese spread on crackers........

They were my guinea pigs and it was an unanimous hit. I will be serving this at our holiday party this year.

Me, Erin and Deb.

We had so much fun catching up with one another, talking about the surgery and having all kinds of discussions, including politics which we all enjoyed. They both liked their journals, and Erin enjoyed the new Halloween Barbie.

Okay, who is taller, me or you?

Pretty much the same, I may have her by a quarter of an inch. Yeah, right.

Lots of laughter (and VJB wine).........

Mackenzie is growing in leaps and bounds. Great Uncle David did a photo shoot with her; she is quite the little diva you know.

Did you say spiders ????!!!!

Mommy and daughter.

A mother's kiss.........

Grammy and granddaughter.

A Grammy's comforting kiss.

Hard to see them leave, but we will see them next week at Stanford when Erin has her surgery. My brother Ron will be out then too. I can't wait for the hugs to begin!