Kathy's 70th Birthday and Christmas Bash

Happy Holidays to all Family and Friends,

Spent a good deal of time with mom on her birthday (December 24th) and mixed it in with a combination Christmas Party, as well.  Aegis had a nice acknowledgment for mom's birthday, although I am not sure she gave a damn about it.  Mom wanted me to thank Kris for the wonderful pull-over and lipstick.  Also, she wanted to than Margaret, Barbara Bale and Marilyn Fenneman for thinking of her over the Holidays.  As is usual, mom was entirely more interested in the Tasty Cakes that we brought over rather than all the presents that she received.  Mom took in a good assortment of needed items; sox, shirts, hat, pajamas etc.  That is what it is coming down to needed items for mom.

 As an Eastern Sage once coined:

"Take not gain or loss to Heart.  What man holds high comes to nothing at the End"   .

We truly only need what keeps us safe, warm and well fed.  The rest we make up to pass the time.

As 2012 comes to an end shortly and we all look forward to a prosperous New Year, if you are following this blog learn from Jim and I and make sure you spend as much time as possible with those that you love and cherish as long as you have them.  As the constant 'live here and live there' guy, I am regretful that I did not spend more time with my mother when she could remember me being there.   Happy Holidays to you all.

Be well,

Bill and Jim

Hot Rod Kathy and Margaret and Jerry

Hello all,

Margaret and Jerry stopped in to visit with mom.  Jeannette and I joined them all on the back patio at Aegis.  The visit was nice and Margaret brought a picture album from the 1940's and 50's and mom was identifying people from way back then.
Again we went for a long walk and mom ate my share of the apple sauce cake that Jerry made for us.  Again, we had wonderful weather for a visit.  

Update;  This week, I also took mom to the Dr. for her 4 month check up.  All her vitals were better than mine.  The Dr. lowered her medicine for the second straight visit.  She still is diagnosed with Alzheimers so not much has changed.  

Happy Holidays....

Thanksgiving with Kathy

This is a belated Thanksgiving from Kathy.  Maria, Jim and Jackson traveled down and spent the day celebrating Thanksgiving with Kathy.  We brought in Barbeque (it was actually the Friday following Thanksgiving) and we assumed mom was stuffed with Turkey.  Or maybe we just like BBQ better.
We went for a nice walk and the weather was wonderful.  Jackson found a cool tree to climb in front of one of mom's neighbor's.

Mom Wishes all her friends and family a joyous and safe Holiday Season.

Happy Veteran's Day,

I attended a Veteran's Day Memorial in Santa Clarita, California and then headed over to visit with mom.  I tried very hard to get mom to sit on the motorcycle for a photo op, without success.  The seat is as low as it can basically get but she did not want to put her leg over.   For those of you who don't know; Jeannette and I are going to take up biking for awhile (at least).   In a twist of irony, we purchased this 2000 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic from a Gentleman (He was a founding partner with Cheesecake Factory) who bought it for his wife.  His wife was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease a few years later and the man put the bike in his showroom at home where it has sat ever since.  The bike had 3,600 original miles. 

Mom wanted me to send a shout out to all members of the Military, past and present.  She always makes a point of telling a fellow guest, on every visit, that her son was a Marine.  Aegis had a little ceremony for a handful of vets who are her fellow guests.  We walked around the block and spoke with Jim via the cell.   The weather today in Southern California was beautiful but breezy (check the flags above) and very chilly if not in the sun.

Be well,

Bill and Jim

Hello to all and Happy  Belated Halloween,

Mom and I enjoyed a simple walk around the neighborhood with Chester.   Chester always enjoys walking with mom as you can see by the picture above.  We had a hot one today, November 4th, at roughly 85 degrees.  Felt more like 90.  Chester brought out big smiles with some of mom's neighbors during an educational class being given when mom and I returned from our walk.  Many of the residents were mellow enough so that Chesty would let them pet him.  He is very, very uneasy with strangers.  Too bad, because if he could relax he could enjoy their company.  Dogs have a way of making people feel good. 
Mom read to me a recently received postcard from Margaret and Jerry from Hawaii.  Also, mom was very excited to hear that the San Francisco Giants are World Champions once again.  Are we getting spoiled?  I would love to see more Championships but I am not done enjoying this one.  Unbelievable no quit attitude by the Giants this year.  It got me thinking that there is no quit in Jim and my's wonderful mother Kathy.  She has no quit in her.  Love you mom.  Thanks for all you did for Jim and I. 

I can't believe it is November.  Christmas and 2013 are right around the corner.  What a year!!!