FIHS Homecoming - Junior Year

There were complications for the weekend of Homecoming. We had Nana Joy's funeral in Advance Missouri. After much discussion, decided that only Ford and I would drive there and attend. So that allowed AA to go to the homecoming festivities. Dinner at Magnolia Point Pub and then to the dance. Siyan's Mom Nasha made it all happen! Carolyn was on hand to spend the nights with AA, but had to work on Friday and Saturday, then pick up Tyler at the airport. Busy all around!

At our home:

At Magnolia Club Pub:

HoCo ticket and photo booth:

Homecoming next year will be her last in High School!

Monday 09/25/23

Monday: Ford had his follow-up appointment with Dr. Do - his MRI showed back misalignment, so we have two referrals. AA is studying so much, three tests tomorrow.

Tuesday: Same routine, with homemade chili in the slow-cooker and with Ford getting his hair cut. We dropped AA off at the FIGC for golf practice (her first in months) but with Ford having a panic/anxiety attack and a huge thunderstorm; I went back for AA and we cancelled our happy hour at the RH. I made corn bread muffins for dinner.

Wednesday: I continue to work every morning. Today, we met Charlie and Donna at First Watch (Mandarin) for breakfast.
Grocery shopped for salmon and salad for dinner. I took AA to Dr. Snyder for her surgery check-up. We waited over an hour (same as on Aug. 16th) and finally saw a PA (not the Doctor). Her knee still has some inflammation, only putting and chipping for now.

Thursday: Ford had his first appointment with the back pain doctor (he received a shot). His first physical therapy is scheduled for next Wednesday morning.

We went to Sweet Sensations, library and grocery before picking AA up from school and PT. Ford and I dropped off dog food and canned goods at the RH, met Kathy for a drink, then picked up V's Pizza for dinner. I put out a pumpkin and mum for the front door - the weather has cooled a little. We packed and were ready for our drive to Missouri.

Friday: Took AA to school. Drove to Cape Girardeau. Noah brought AA home from school, Carolyn arrived after work.

Saturday and Sunday: Joy's funeral service. Alyzabeth's Homecoming: See separate posts.

Monday, 09/18/23

Monday: I worked and Ford went to his Parkinson exercises with Nancy. We shopped and visited with Larry Bradley in the hospital. Waiting on biopsy results as to a treatment plan (doctor is not optimistic). AA took a calculus test during school and at night studied for a psychology test.

Tuesday: We had the Subaru detailed (interior with an outside wash) for AA - officially she gets it tomorrow as her 17th birthday gift (now she needs to get her driver's license!). Donna was to come but was called away due to an emergency with her brother. We went to the library to pick up a book on being an executor, then lunch at Mojo's. I picked up AA from school, went home then back out for her eye appointment to get contacts - they ordered a few options for her right eye - not a normal/standard prescription. Once they arrive, she will find which one suits her eyes and be trained on them. We were due at the River House at 4:30 which we made, but Larry called as he was being discharged and needed a ride home. After a quick visit with Kathy (she gave us dog food to donate), Hugh and Maureen, we got LB and took him home. I went to Publix to get a few things for him, then we left him to rest. He is very weak, not sure how he will function at home, hopefully he gets some strength back.

We had dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, then an ice cream treat/sandwich for AA to celebrate her birthday - she could have been born late on the 19th - so one candle to make a wish! AA has so much homework, a biology test, history notes, math problems and Spanish vocabulary.

Wednesday: Alyzabeth's birthday! AA opened our gifts and had ice cream birthday cake. See separate post.

We met with Jim Arnold III to update our wills, all went well, learned a few things; it should be ready within two weeks.

AA went to her PT session. Ford and I went to Larry's, picked up a prescription and visited for awhile. He said he has an appointment with Haven Hospice tomorrow (Thursday) at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday: I took AA to school, worked for an hour, then off to Ford's eye appointment (Clay Eye), which helped explain how he possibly lost some peripheral vision in his left eye, next is a referral to a neurological eye specialist to double check that nothing else is going on; Dr. Islam did say no signs of glaucoma! Good news! After lunch of Fresh Market dumplings and leftover panzanella, I picked up AA from school, then took Ford to his MRI scheduled for 3:00 p.m. At the Orange Park hospital inpatient imaging services, he took his first Xanax and then right before the MRI, he took the second. The two technicians were wonderful, put him in feet first, had music (Steely Dan) blasting in his ears (headset) and made him comfortable. He made it through the MRI! That's the good news, the bad news is both Xanax pills kicked in by the time we were home and I barely was able to rouse him enough to get him walking to the front door - he slumped in his chair and has not woken up! I Googled Xanax and it can last for 8 - 12 hours - one dose and he took two!! (per his doctor's prescription). AA did homework and we ate leftover spaghetti and leftover birthday ice cream cake. After checking him at midnight (still could not rouse him), during the night, he tried to get out of the chair and fell, which woke me up. Thankfully, no injuries that I can tell. Took me an hour to get him in bed, then another hour to settle him down. Not much sleep!

Friday: Got up and did Ford's routine - made AA's lunch, made her breakfast, took Ginger outside, took the trash out, then made my coffee. Took AA to school and when I got back, Ford had moved to the den chair. He's slowly regaining/coming out of the Xanax fog. I went to Publix, bought a few things for the weekend and a sandwich four our lunch.

AA's PT was cancelled. River House happy hour with Colleen and Mark Witt (and Noah). We told stories about Ford's MRI and Xanax "coma". Kalia was selected for FIHS Athlete of the week, we are still so sad that AA has missed this season.

Saturday: AA continued doing more homework. I made mashed potatoes and a meatloaf in the morning (took two portions to Larry). AA and I did take time to walk for 35 minutes on the Black Creek Trail. Ford and I visited with Larry; he seems to be gaining some strength.

River House happy hour: I took tomato and watermelon skewers; Hugh brings the Mrs. Peters Smoked Fish dip most times now (can buy in Publix). Beautiful weather, Karrie joined us. We left early as Ford "lost" his phone, so bought an iPhone 14 for him; thankfully the purchase and set up is a smooth process, didn't take very long (painful $$$$).

Sunday: I went to church, dropped off candy for their "Candypalooza". AA and I went to Carolyn's, took lunch from Jason Deli (the salmon bowl was not up to par!), Alex was there then left to work at his property (rental RV needed hot water heater repaired). We swam then headed home. AA does homework all the time (that's why I get her out for a walk or swim, as she can spare the time), as she has two tests tomorrow (History and Psychology) then Calculus on Tuesday. While we were at Carolyn's Ford called to say he found his phone, so back to AT&T, I now have the new iPhone 14, and he has his "old" iPhone 12.

More to Alyzabeth's Birthday

Loved these lyrics, used for AA's birthday post on Facebook: Rascal Flatts (2006 - her birth year)
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin' 'till you find the window
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too
Yeah, this, is my wish
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget
All the ones who love you, in the place you left
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah, more than anything
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish (My wish for you)
This is my wish (My wish for you)
Hope you know somebody loves you (My wish for you)
May all your dreams come true (My wish for you)
Songwriters: Stephen Paul Robson, Jeffrey Allen Steele

Facebook Comments/Wishes:

Mark Nelson Happy birthday!!!

Dawn Minney Happy, happy birthday. Great gift. Happy travels and independence.

Don Shafauser Happy Birthday! 🎂🎈🎉

Kelly Hurst Happy Birthday!!🎉🎉🎉

Sophie Sanowski Happy Birthday 🎈🎊🎂

Maryane Marim Dinkins Happy Birthday 🎊🎈🎁

Jamie Rimes Happy Birthday 🎂🎂🎂🎂

Brenda Labrecque Lafleur Happiest of birthdays 🥳

MC Cobbie Cobb Happy Birthday 🎊🎁🎂

Debbie Taylor Gum Happy birthday 🎈

Ann Caton Cobb Happy Birthday to an amazing granddaughter.

Birthday 17. How is that possible? Have a great day with lots of love.

Jodi Slanda Bender

Lisa Green Felteau Happy Birthday Alyzabeth!!!

Kathy Crisman Happy Birthday!🎂🎉🎈

Deb Guillerault

Ruth Carlson Moore GIF may contain HB

Shelley Nicholson DeVault Happy birthday! 🥳🎂🎉

Cathy Moore Rangeo Have a great day

Doris Gutenkunst Happy 17th Birthday!!!

Linda Hill Happy Birthday🎂🎁🎉

Kathleen McDonald Happy Birthday!🎉🎂🎈

Tim Drury Happy Birthday Party GIF by sendwishonline.com

Diantha Grant

Steve Hayes Happy Birthday 🎉🥳

Jean Flaherty GIF may contain happy, birthday, to, you and Harry

Pam Davis Happy birthday, Alyzabeth!

Amanda Shipley

Myra Satterfield Galloway Happy birthday 🎂

Nina Savelle-Rocklin Happy Birthday!!! 🎉🎁🎂🎊

Susan Kravitz Hopper Happy Birthday 🎂🎊🎁

Rose Sutton Sweatland Happy Birthday 🎁🎉🎂, wow, 17, it doesn’t seem possible! Have a great, blessed year!

Chris Emmons Happy birthday, AA! Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly!

Shelly Morris Watt Happy Birthday!🎉🎂🎈

Dallas Strobel George Happy Birthday to you💋

Ford Alyson Cobb Morgan Dallas Strobel George Happy Birthday to Chad!!

Mary Mcminn Happy Birthday!🎂

Marie Bendy Happy Birthday AA…We hope you’re having an extra special day.❣️🎂🎊🎉

Kathy Redmond Scalesse Happy birthday. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Sandi Conley Happy Birthday 🎁🎈🎊

Sharon Redmond Grover Happy Birthday!

Liz Nguyen-Chao

Lou Ann Winfree Knight Happy Birthday!!

Bryan M. Kipnis May be an image of golf, golf course and text

Donna Keller Happiest of birthdays to you❣️

Cat Pmarie Happy Birthday Alyzabeth🎂❤️🎂❤️

Chris Harris Happy birthday Alyzabeth!

Kiy Shelton Happy Birthday!

Maria Castellucci-Voigts Happy Birthday 🎁🎊🎂

Marsha Cruce Happy Birthday!

Georgia Stanaitis Foerstner Happy Birthday Alyzabeth! Can’t believe how fast time has passed. August turns 16 Oct 3rd.

Susan Rizzo Happy birthday 🎁 Love this New driver and used car are a perfect fit. We did the same. ❤️ May it serve her well.

Jason Ricks Happy Birthday 🎂🎈🎊

Ford Alyson Cobb Morgan Jason Ricks Happy Birthday to You too!

Kimber Rauth Happy Birthday Alyzabeth!!

Jackie Randolph Rochester Happy birthday! 🥳

Pamela Mathews Barker Happy Birthday🎂🎁🎉

Marilyn Ken Garner Happy, Happy Birthday 🎉🎈

Ginger Guthrie Happy birthday!!

Patty Johnson Omg. Happy birthday Those years went fast!Seems like yesterday

Edilyn Torralba Williams Happy Birthday Alyzabeth!🥳

Frankie Quinones Happy Birthday 🎂🎊🎁 Elizabeth. It’s been fun watching grow up. May you continue to achieve all your goals and have fun.

Tiffany Morgan Deimund Happy Birthday 🎂🥳

Michael Mia Morge Happy birthday AA! ❤️❤️❤️

Michelle Dix Raines Happy 17th!!

Leaa Morgan Cruce We love you, Alyzabeth! You deserve that sweet ride🎉🥳

Linda Kay Bell Happy Birthday!🎂Nice ride

Mark Witt Happy Birthday! 🎂🎈🎉

Lyndon Johnson Jr. Happy Birthday!!

Ruby Anderson Happy Birthday! 🎉🎈

Debbie Emmons Happy Birthday

Lauren MacGillis Happy Birthday ❤️🎂🥳

Stefanie McMillin Swartz Happy Birthday! 🎂

Colleen Heidebrink Witt Happy Birthday! 🎉🎂🎈

Donna Wheeler Happy birthday to the sweet, beautiful and supremely talented AA! ❤️

Kelly Purcell Happy Birthday!! 🎁🎊🎂

Tina Piper Happy Birthday 🎁🎊🎂

Christina Falsone Darling GIF may contain ‎‎‎happy birthday, 생일 축하, feliz cumpleanos, bon anniversaire, ‎‎happy birthday to you, happy birth day‎‎, birthday, hbd, buon compleanno, happy birthday wishes, 生日快乐, happy birthday friend

Scott Gray Have a great birthday!

Aodh O'Conaill Happy Birthday🎂🎉🎁, all the best

Sarah Clarke Kleinhans Gloria and I send happy birthday

May be an image of 2 people

Sarah Clarke Kleinhans Awwww, so sweet! Thanks!

Margie A. Foye

Trish Alston Happy birthday

Merlyne Polete Happy Birthday Alyzabeth!

Mary Coombs Happy birthday!!

Linda Weaver Great gift for your birthday

Lisa Eisenberg That’s a favorite song. I was taking about your Alyzabeth as one of my friend’s daughters started golf

Patrick Evan McMillan HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYZABETH‼️💥🎂🎉🎊🎈🥳.....Wishing you safety in your car 🚗 & joy throughout your Life!🙏🏽☺️....Continued Peace & Blessings to you Alyzabeth✨

Vivian Masson Happy Birthday 🎁🎂🎉

Leisa Ashline Happy Birthday Alyzabeth 🥳

Sherry Howard Morgan Happy Birthday!

Cathy Heilman Perry Happy Birthday!

Patty Lenorak Garcia Happy birthday Alyzabeth!!

Rhonda Rushing Gibbs Happy Birthday!! But how in the world is she 17?

Amy Armbruster Schroeder Happy 17th birthday Alyzabeth!!

Lynn Shipley Happy Birthday and congratulations on the car!🎁🎉

Gloria Jameyson Happy 🎂

Happy 17th Birthday to Alyzabeth!

Our youngest is 17 years old! We are so surprised that she grew up, and yet we see before our eyes a young lady. So happy to celebrate by giving her the Subaru (2015 - eight years old!).

From Facebook:

Happy, Happy 17th Birthday to Alyzabeth!

May you grow stronger and wiser, may your heart reach others. Thank you to God for blessing us with her, and may she be blessed all year long. Love to our wonderful daughter!

"My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to

Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small

You never need to carry more than you can hold"

And her gift is our Subaru Forester (her older brother and sister also received used cars on their 17th birthdays). May it last through your college years!

Cards from my Mom (and also from Aunti Jean and her Uncle Bill/Aunt Joan):

Edible fruit from my Mom (Nana Ann) - chocolate covered pineapple - which AA loves!

Unopened gifts!

Ice cream cake!

Gifts opened!

Spanish children books:

That's a wrap for her birthday (private) celebration - except for the Sunday October 8th family dinner (in St. Augustine) to celebrate all September (and a few October) birthdays!

September 11, 2023 and Weekly Journal

Monday: 9-1-1. Patriot Day. We also remembered 9-11-2008 when we boarded the airplane to begin our travels to adopt AA. 

From my post on Facebook:

9-11: What we remember, the shock and bewilderment of what had just happened, not knowing what it meant, watching on a small B&W TV at work (Regular TV's were not allowed at our power plant, operated 24/7, so no distractions); watching; we were at the Plant Manager's Staff Meeting. Searching the horizon, Joey at the top of the boiler giving updates in case a plane targeted us (largest coal fired power plant), mustering outside, not knowing the assault on America was happening.  We remember how we mourned and return to that shock, a somber day, hoping it never happens again.  Yet, seven years later, we remember a fond and exciting 9-11 in 2008, as we boarded a plane to China to meet our forever daughter, just two years old. Sadness for all she lost, her trauma, her pain, losing all she knew to join a new family that had waited and loved her for over three years, even before she was even born. Imagine....Alyzabeth An. #CCAI Group 1409.

We went to Ford's (new) Neurologist appointment, Dr. Legacy, checked out for possible DBS treatment, Doctor said because he is not on the drug carbidopa, he cannot measure the benefit DBS would have, as that is the drug that is reduced after the DBS treatment. We will continue with Dr. Do and meet with Dr. Legacy (he is sending recommendations to Dr. Do) in six months to check on progress and recommendations. AA went to her PT appointment, talked with Lisa about her sore knee, Lisa is great for medical advice, don't need to see the doctor yet, take Motrin and ice it for a few days; we see her again on Thursday. 

The FIHS Girls Golf team had an away match, but was rained out - we had a very powerful thunderstorm from about 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner was simple as we had Moon River salads at 2:00 p.m., so a hotdog and cole slaw was dinner with apple crisp dessert.

At 7:30 p.m. we got a call from Larry Bradley, he is in the hospital, we are feeling so guilty, made apple crisp over the weekend to take to him, but got busy and didn't visit with him. He called 911 as he had problems urinating for a couple of weeks until it got unbearable. After many tests, he has bad news about a mass near his colon, causing the urinating problem. He told us he has spoken to his sister, called Chris to feed Butters and asked us to be executor of his will. His sister Laurel Webster was happy that we will handle the Florida affairs and she will be the financial executor. Larry went on to give us a general outline of his will (that is not written yet): Laurel will inherit his IRA (approximately $400k, he needs to change the beneficiary); Chris will get the Middleburg property and Charlotte's car (1987 Chevy in garage); he is leaving us his home, the Subaru and a small amount of money. We are flabbergasted, he was my guardian angel throughout my career at SECI and SJRPP, such a kind, nice man (so different than the power hungry, chauvinistic men I had to work with). He and Charlotte were willing hosts to me when I was single, alot of fun and loved Ford too.

Tuesday: Working as usual. AA did not go to the FIHS Girls Golf practice, her knee has been sore since Saturday (do not know why). We visited Larry in the OP Hospital, talked about his situation, he still is waiting for a biopsy to happen, waiting for the news, good or bad.

We planned to go to the River House early, while AA golfed, so kept to that plan, met with Hugh's daughter Erin. 

We made Sloppy Joe in the slow cooker.

Wednesday: I worked, we went to lunch at the local deli and then Goodwill looking for a specific print Leaa wanted for crafting this Sunday. 

Dinner was mashed potatoes, rotisserie chicken and green beans, very good.

Thursday: Took Ginger to her annual physical; with blood work, four shots and exam, plus the recommended joint supplements, cost over $450! 

I worked, usual chores, dishes, laundry. AA went to PT; her knee is still not right, so no golfing yet! Cancelled her session with Stephanie tomorrow. We visited Larry, took a draft will for him to review which he was fine with, so we signed. 

Ford and I went to the River House for a glass after visiting with Larry, so discouraging, sad and still no definitive diagnoses. Leftover sloppy Joe for dinner.

Friday: Thrift store for prints for Leaa's Sunday craft, didn't find any suitable.

Bought the soup mix for the Food Kitchen on Saturday.

We visited Larry from 2:45 - 4:30, he continues to get bad news, confirmed that the mass in his abdomen is cancer. Hurricane Lee went out to sea, up to Maine and Nova Scotia, we didn't have any unusual weather. We bought a chicken pot pie at Fresh Market and I made mashed cauliflower.

Saturday: Forever Family Day the 16th!

Alyzabeth and I volunteered at the Food Kitchen at the Middleburg United Methodist Church (now known as Friends of Black Creek Methodist - originally founded by Bob Branning's family), we set up the soup area and served for two hours, easy work, wonderful mission.

We called Larry Bradley; he spoke to a palliative care doctor last night and has been set up for Hospice care at home and moving to a care facility when needed. He is hoping to go home soon, he can urinate but wants other body functions to improve.

Dinner at P.F. Chang and Carolyn's pool party (did not attend).

Sunday: Leaa's at 3:00 p.m. I brought a watermelon, feta, basil, greens salad.