I'm reminded of a song from the 60's as we prepare to get on the plane and journey to France. I'm leaving my cares behind, hidden in the shadow of God's capable wings (Ps. 57:1). He will watch over Treasure who will be in the good hands of her sitter, Karen.
We were sent off yesterday with a delightful luncheon, hosted by my sweet friends, Jo, Lois and Doug. The theme was France and the ambiance was precious. We are so blessed.
So au revoir, until I find some internet service. And hopefully, there will be pictures to share... many pictures!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Report from Treasure's Appointment Today
At our appointment today, Dr. Earl did a brief scan and said the tumor is now starting to grow. Though still small, it is about 30% larger than five weeks ago. She is in good shape otherwise. I told him about her losing her footing sometimes and he wants to do a more extensive exam when we return from France.
He thinks she will be fine for the two weeks we are gone, but I went ahead and put all arrangements for her in writing in her records. Her sitter is a good friend of the vet and he expects her to call him if there is a problem. He said he would call me too, but I said "not in France! Just email me!"
She had another sebaceous cyst on her back and he drained it too. He thinks it was the same one that popped up before. Sweaty Westie!
The last thing he said, after giving me a hug, was "I'll treat her as if she were my own dog." Can't ask for more than that.
He thinks she will be fine for the two weeks we are gone, but I went ahead and put all arrangements for her in writing in her records. Her sitter is a good friend of the vet and he expects her to call him if there is a problem. He said he would call me too, but I said "not in France! Just email me!"
She had another sebaceous cyst on her back and he drained it too. He thinks it was the same one that popped up before. Sweaty Westie!
The last thing he said, after giving me a hug, was "I'll treat her as if she were my own dog." Can't ask for more than that.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Countdown to France
This week is "countdown" to France week. Today, I guess, is Day 7. I'm trying to spread all my last minute chores over the entire week so I won't be rushing like crazy at the end. I tend to forget important details when I'm rushing like crazy.
I have been methodically packing over the last several days. Once I decide what I'm taking, that goes into the wash first, then into my bag, which stays open on the dining room table. I'm visual. I have to see what's in there or I'll miss something. We've been following weather.com and think we'll have mild weather, from a low in the 40's to a high in the 60's. Graham and I, on a whim, decided to look at lightweight jackets last week and we each came away with what we hope are perfect jackets for toodling down the river. So here's my progress.
I ordered those mesh square packs from Rick Steves. They keep my clothes in a nice, neat and compact section in my suitcase. I like them today. I hope I will still like them when I pack to return home. 
Suitcase.. check. Camera bag.. check. Backpack..check. Jacket.. check.
I have been methodically packing over the last several days. Once I decide what I'm taking, that goes into the wash first, then into my bag, which stays open on the dining room table. I'm visual. I have to see what's in there or I'll miss something. We've been following weather.com and think we'll have mild weather, from a low in the 40's to a high in the 60's. Graham and I, on a whim, decided to look at lightweight jackets last week and we each came away with what we hope are perfect jackets for toodling down the river. So here's my progress.
I ordered those mesh square packs from Rick Steves. They keep my clothes in a nice, neat and compact section in my suitcase. I like them today. I hope I will still like them when I pack to return home.Graham, on the other hand, has been packed for a month! Of course, he's also unpacked and repacked numerous times! Usually, it's after we have watched one of Rick Steves' programs! I think we've both pretty much settled on what we're taking. But, isn't he much more organized than me?
Suitcase.. check. Camera bag.. check. Backpack..check. Jacket.. check.I think tomorrow is a full day. Cleaners, vet appointment, housecleaning ladies. Now, if we can just get all that volcanic ash out of the way!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Between Here and There
A few weeks ago we had just come home from a Bible conference and suffered a bad case of "Brain Drain." This is curable, but only with massive doses of sleep and totally mundane activity! I've been getting lots of both and am finally on the road to recovery.
But somewhere between here and there, the following things have happened:
I looked up to see that our River trip in France was just four weeks away, so Graham and I began the task of preparing, packing, and purchasing for our trip. This will be our first river trip and our first trip to France. We'll spend our 43rd anniversary in Paris! Our final papers came on Saturday and we'll be traveling with 115 other folks, about a dozen of them from Texas. And 42 will be on our pre-trip in Paris. We are so looking forward to this adventure. 
Somewhere along the way Andrew turned a half-year - six months old! And he's a real cutie with two shiny teeth and a big smile. He's a very happy baby under the guidance and protection of a super big brother.
Who, by the way, has become the King of jigsaw puzzles. I can't get ahead of him in finding more challenging puzzles. This box holds four separate puzzles that he keeps in perfect order. Getting all the puzzles put together is always the first order of business when he comes to my house.
We also celebrated a very big event with Cristian's graduation from UTSA with a Master's degree in Engineering. He has studied so hard over the last several years, carrying a full time job, having two children, and making top grades throughout. We are so proud of him, and proud of Meredith too. Being the wife of a serious student isn't an easy task either. Cheers to them both!
Today, Treasure got her hair cut. Lest you think I am back in the mundane, let me just say that every haircut she gets is a milestone in our fight against her cancer. It's just a reminder of the grace of God and the power of prayer and the support of friends.
But somewhere between here and there, the following things have happened:
I looked up to see that our River trip in France was just four weeks away, so Graham and I began the task of preparing, packing, and purchasing for our trip. This will be our first river trip and our first trip to France. We'll spend our 43rd anniversary in Paris! Our final papers came on Saturday and we'll be traveling with 115 other folks, about a dozen of them from Texas. And 42 will be on our pre-trip in Paris. We are so looking forward to this adventure. 
Somewhere along the way Andrew turned a half-year - six months old! And he's a real cutie with two shiny teeth and a big smile. He's a very happy baby under the guidance and protection of a super big brother.
Who, by the way, has become the King of jigsaw puzzles. I can't get ahead of him in finding more challenging puzzles. This box holds four separate puzzles that he keeps in perfect order. Getting all the puzzles put together is always the first order of business when he comes to my house.
We also celebrated a very big event with Cristian's graduation from UTSA with a Master's degree in Engineering. He has studied so hard over the last several years, carrying a full time job, having two children, and making top grades throughout. We are so proud of him, and proud of Meredith too. Being the wife of a serious student isn't an easy task either. Cheers to them both!
Today, Treasure got her hair cut. Lest you think I am back in the mundane, let me just say that every haircut she gets is a milestone in our fight against her cancer. It's just a reminder of the grace of God and the power of prayer and the support of friends. Now we are two weeks out from our trip. Graham has packed and repacked several times. He may be ready, but then again, he may need to repack one more time! I lay my things out on a table where I can look and count and muse over each item. We'll be living in a small cabin on a river ship so our bags must be compact. I'm trying to follow Rick Steves' sage advice - to pack everything once and then take half of it out! Somehow I know we'll be ready! Now, to brush up on my French!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
GES 2010
I think I've finally had enough sleep to think clearly and write about our conference from last week. This is probably the twelfth GES conference we've attended. We started going to them when Graham retired in 1998. Depending on where I am in life and what my vocation happens to be, these conferences for me are either outstanding or run of the mill. This one was somewhere in between. I am always looking to learn, or at least be reinforced in my thinking. In the last several years, though, the speakers have just not motivated me a lot. Maybe it's just me.
Anyway, we were again meeting at the Riley Conference Center on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Ft. Worth. The weather was lovely this year and I enjoyed walking the campus streets and taking a few shots of the revered buildings. Some of my Baptist preacher friends will certainly recognize the Student Center (in the third picture) and Bernard Hall (in the last). Guests who were not able to stay in the Riley Center had rooms in Bernard Hall, just across the street. It seems the SWBS is celebrating 100 years.
Doug White got right to business on Monday, setting up our display and all our wares. The theme of the conference was the Epistle to the Hebrews so we edited our SS lessons on Hebrews into a commentary and priced it for a "conference special." Samples and CD's of our other curricula, as well as gospel tracts, were available to conferees. Graham is looking good at the table before the sessions begin.
Doug did a fantastic job of manning the table and visiting with passersby. There were many pastors, teachers, and students who looked with interest at our products.
Jo Schweizer came with us as has been her enjoyment for many of those twelve years. She asked Doug to hold those tracts for her eventual purchase. Jo is a learner and student of the Word and is an inspiration to "lay-people" to get involved with conferences such as this one.
I took my new "mini" laptop computer for a test drive. It's intended purpose is for downloading pictures on our travels, but I gave it a whirl taking notes during the sessions. It is certainly an improvement over hand writing, but will still take a little getting used to. Everything is small!
Tuesday afternoon was Graham's allotted time to present his paper, arguing against the "Incarnational Sonship of Jesus Christ." His topic is quite controversial and scholars are evenly split over interpretation. However, several men in his lecture complimented him afterward for his clarity in his argument.
Waiting to start, Graham visits briefly with his brother, Pat and friend, Joe Cowan. Since retiring, Pat has been coming to these conferences and gaining much knowledge from them. He brings members of his church each time.
Time out for a phone call before we begin. In the back of the room are Mike Pratt (pastor of Communion Chapel) and our friend Jo Schweizer.
Tuesday night is Banquet night! Tables are set and a delicious meal is served by seminary students. It's always a pleasure to visit with our grace friends. Charles and Nita Lowery have been sitting at our table for many years.
Many of the sessions and workshops that I attended were centered on the warning passages in Hebrews. From a grace point of view, I am challenged to finish my Christian walk "well." Having started this journey in Bible Study Fellowship, then attending Bible College, fulfilling a vocation in church work, and now facilitating a ladies' Bible study, I don't want to let my guard down and become complacent. There is always more to learn, personal growing to do, and lives to touch. I have the assurance that I am secure in Christ, but I want to be found faithful at the end of my life. May it be.
Anyway, we were again meeting at the Riley Conference Center on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Ft. Worth. The weather was lovely this year and I enjoyed walking the campus streets and taking a few shots of the revered buildings. Some of my Baptist preacher friends will certainly recognize the Student Center (in the third picture) and Bernard Hall (in the last). Guests who were not able to stay in the Riley Center had rooms in Bernard Hall, just across the street. It seems the SWBS is celebrating 100 years.
Doug White got right to business on Monday, setting up our display and all our wares. The theme of the conference was the Epistle to the Hebrews so we edited our SS lessons on Hebrews into a commentary and priced it for a "conference special." Samples and CD's of our other curricula, as well as gospel tracts, were available to conferees. Graham is looking good at the table before the sessions begin.
Doug did a fantastic job of manning the table and visiting with passersby. There were many pastors, teachers, and students who looked with interest at our products.
Jo Schweizer came with us as has been her enjoyment for many of those twelve years. She asked Doug to hold those tracts for her eventual purchase. Jo is a learner and student of the Word and is an inspiration to "lay-people" to get involved with conferences such as this one.
I took my new "mini" laptop computer for a test drive. It's intended purpose is for downloading pictures on our travels, but I gave it a whirl taking notes during the sessions. It is certainly an improvement over hand writing, but will still take a little getting used to. Everything is small!
Tuesday afternoon was Graham's allotted time to present his paper, arguing against the "Incarnational Sonship of Jesus Christ." His topic is quite controversial and scholars are evenly split over interpretation. However, several men in his lecture complimented him afterward for his clarity in his argument.
Waiting to start, Graham visits briefly with his brother, Pat and friend, Joe Cowan. Since retiring, Pat has been coming to these conferences and gaining much knowledge from them. He brings members of his church each time.
Time out for a phone call before we begin. In the back of the room are Mike Pratt (pastor of Communion Chapel) and our friend Jo Schweizer.
Tuesday night is Banquet night! Tables are set and a delicious meal is served by seminary students. It's always a pleasure to visit with our grace friends. Charles and Nita Lowery have been sitting at our table for many years.
Many of the sessions and workshops that I attended were centered on the warning passages in Hebrews. From a grace point of view, I am challenged to finish my Christian walk "well." Having started this journey in Bible Study Fellowship, then attending Bible College, fulfilling a vocation in church work, and now facilitating a ladies' Bible study, I don't want to let my guard down and become complacent. There is always more to learn, personal growing to do, and lives to touch. I have the assurance that I am secure in Christ, but I want to be found faithful at the end of my life. May it be.Monday, April 12, 2010
Treasure's Good Report
Treasure had her regular checkup today with Dr. Earl. Before he took her back for the ultrasound, I mentioned to him that there was a "bump" on her back near her spine and asked him to look at it. When he felt it he decided to do a needle biopsy while he had her in the back exam room, and then took her back while I waited.
He was smiling big when they came back and said he looked at four angles, then compared the measurement from today with seven previous results, and her tumor is not growing at all! And the "bump" on her back turned out to be a blocked sweat gland and he released the pressure there and it is no more! What a trooper! What a dog!
If she didn't have that cancer she would be a very healthy 12 and 1/2 year old terrier. Her skin is healthy and her coat is full and soft. She's eating well, sleeping well, and, well... she's just doing well! He will see her just before we leave for France in May, but feels there is no reason to be concerned about leaving her for two weeks. He knows her sitter. In fact, she has his home number and his cell, and he would want her to call him if she needed anything.
My heart is now at ease. Thank you, Lord.
He was smiling big when they came back and said he looked at four angles, then compared the measurement from today with seven previous results, and her tumor is not growing at all! And the "bump" on her back turned out to be a blocked sweat gland and he released the pressure there and it is no more! What a trooper! What a dog!If she didn't have that cancer she would be a very healthy 12 and 1/2 year old terrier. Her skin is healthy and her coat is full and soft. She's eating well, sleeping well, and, well... she's just doing well! He will see her just before we leave for France in May, but feels there is no reason to be concerned about leaving her for two weeks. He knows her sitter. In fact, she has his home number and his cell, and he would want her to call him if she needed anything.
My heart is now at ease. Thank you, Lord.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Cousins!
My brother, Bill, is three and a half years older than me. Even at the age of 64 he still refers to me as his "baby sister." In spite of the closeness of our ages, he was ahead of me in the marriage and baby department. In fact, he had six grandchildren before I ever had my first grandson!
Because of that disparity, our subsequent generations look more like stair steps than peers. For instance, his daughter is nine years older than my daughter. And she got into the marriage and baby stage way before mine did. Her youngest child is ten years older than Meredith's oldest!
Lest you are beginning to get bored, let me explain that all that family trivia explains why our families, until now, have not really gotten to know each other... unless you factor in the physical distance between Texas and Florida, or between Texas and Pennsylvania! Reunions just didn't happen until a few years ago. Just before moving back to Pennsylvania, the Kelly family took a road trip to all the home towns of pertinent Wallace relatives... and a relationship was begun!
I hope a tradition has begun as well. You see, last fall, oldest daughter Kate found herself needing refuge while waiting to return back home after a brief visit with her grandmother. We opened our home and our hearts to Bill's lovely granddaughter and sent her home with lots of memories, pictures and a bag full of Mexican souvenirs! So this spring, middle daughter Bekah followed suit and spent her spring break with us, exploring San Antonio and the Hill Country, and going home with lots of memories, pictures and a bag full of Mexican souvenirs! Now we just wait for the tradition to continue, as there are two more Kellys to graduate from high school!
Here are highlights from Bekah's visit, in an album I will just call "Cousins."
Graham and LaRue enjoying a terrific break with Bekah.
Adrian colors while Bekah decides on her last Mexican meal.
Adrian loves his cousin, Bekah!
Getting ready to stroll through the Pearl Farmer's Market. Note that snazzy cowboy hat!
Tickle, tickle!
Adrian shows Bekah Andrew's new toy.
Andrew gives Bekah his smile of approval!
Good job, Adrian!
Strolling on a new and pretty extension of the River Walk.
Happy, full tummies following tacos at La Margarita!
Bekah and her hands full of Moza boys!
Here we have great Auntie Dear, second cousins Meredith and Bekah, and third cousins to Bekah, Adrian and Andrew -
Because of that disparity, our subsequent generations look more like stair steps than peers. For instance, his daughter is nine years older than my daughter. And she got into the marriage and baby stage way before mine did. Her youngest child is ten years older than Meredith's oldest!
Lest you are beginning to get bored, let me explain that all that family trivia explains why our families, until now, have not really gotten to know each other... unless you factor in the physical distance between Texas and Florida, or between Texas and Pennsylvania! Reunions just didn't happen until a few years ago. Just before moving back to Pennsylvania, the Kelly family took a road trip to all the home towns of pertinent Wallace relatives... and a relationship was begun!
I hope a tradition has begun as well. You see, last fall, oldest daughter Kate found herself needing refuge while waiting to return back home after a brief visit with her grandmother. We opened our home and our hearts to Bill's lovely granddaughter and sent her home with lots of memories, pictures and a bag full of Mexican souvenirs! So this spring, middle daughter Bekah followed suit and spent her spring break with us, exploring San Antonio and the Hill Country, and going home with lots of memories, pictures and a bag full of Mexican souvenirs! Now we just wait for the tradition to continue, as there are two more Kellys to graduate from high school!
Here are highlights from Bekah's visit, in an album I will just call "Cousins."
Graham and LaRue enjoying a terrific break with Bekah.
Adrian colors while Bekah decides on her last Mexican meal.
Adrian loves his cousin, Bekah!
Getting ready to stroll through the Pearl Farmer's Market. Note that snazzy cowboy hat!
Tickle, tickle!
Adrian shows Bekah Andrew's new toy.
Andrew gives Bekah his smile of approval! 
Good job, Adrian!
Strolling on a new and pretty extension of the River Walk.
Happy, full tummies following tacos at La Margarita! 
Bekah and her hands full of Moza boys! 
Here we have great Auntie Dear, second cousins Meredith and Bekah, and third cousins to Bekah, Adrian and Andrew - My daughter, grand-niece, and grandsons...
Bill's niece, granddaughter and grand nephews!
Stair steps, I tell you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)