Bringing in the Dirt and Sand

The lot where our house is being built has been in our family since the 1940's. The house that was on the lot was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina and was eventually torn down. In order to rebuild, we had to prepare the lot with dirt and pilings which is what has been going on for the last several weeks. Sixty-one dump truck loads of dirt and sand have been brought in and the lot was brought up to grade. The foundation was mapped out and stakes placed as markers for over 100 pilings that will be driven to make sure our new home has a firm resting place. After the pilings are in, the next step is forming the foundation, meetings with plumbers, electricians, and the pouring the concrete!! What a learning process this has been and will continue to be until this home is completed...hopefully sometime before Christmas!!

So Many Things We Used To Take for Granted!

It has been a long time since I made a post so I'll just sum up our lives since our daughter's wedding in May. Don and I have been enjoying our time together whether we are cooking in the kitchen, shopping at the grocery, watching television, or even napping!! He does nap often with the Nexavar but as long as we schedule naps into his day we're good! We used to take busy days and lazy days in our lives for granted, but no longer. Bad day, boring day, lazy day, or crazy day - they're all good days in my book.

When Don was diagnosed we were in the process of building a new home and put a halt to the whole thing. Now, almost three years later we have dipped our toes into the uncertainty of the real estate world and just yesterday, put our home of 25 years up for sale. We have decided to try again to build the home that will take me back to the neighborhood where I grew up. Don told me yesterday that "nothing" is going to stop us this time and whatever happens, we will build this house, we will not be derailed again. I would be lying if I said my insides were not a jumbled mess and every time I see the For Sale sign out front my nerves rattle a little. I guess I'll be posting updates on this latest experience - but, I will tell you this, I am not looking forward to leaving my house each morning in a "ready to show" condition!! With two grown boys at home and 4 large dogs, show ready presents a challenge!

No More Liver Cancer - But, still taking Nexavar!

We have been so happy with Don's continued good health and honestly did not think things could get any better than they have been. We were so wrong!!! Yesterday while at his regular doctor's visit, we were informed Don is cancer free. There is no evidence of tumor!!! Even though it has been 24 hours, we are still in shock. Ashley brought a cake over to celebrate the occasion!!

Although it's been a while, we are still here and going strong!! Don's ultimate gift was walking our daughter down the aisle in May!!!

Practicing for the wedding...what handsome escorts.

Welcome Back, We've Missed You!!

Actually, it's all my fault for not updating the blog. While things have been busy around here, we really haven't had too many picture taking opportunities. Don has been feeling well, but other than a few hours spent fishing, he has been staying pretty close to home.

As most of you know, there's going to be another wedding

Today Ashley and I attend a bridal shower for our niece, Amber. Amber and her fiance, Phil, will be getting married in Houston next month. We had a wonderful time at the Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter.
Jenna, every bit the angel she looks like in this picture, unless you ask her sisters!
The bride's beautiful baby sister, Whitney.
Ashley and I at the shower.

Gone Fishin'...Again

Last night we had dinner with Ashley, Adam, Adam's mother, Cindy and her new husband, Rick. After dinner we walked through the French Quarter to the piano bar at Pat O's. We had a wonderful evening which ended around 11:00 PM. The alarm rang bright and early (4:00 AM) and Don and Douglas were out of the bed headed to their favorite fishing spot.
They both said they had a great time, caught a few fish, and came home with some new stories to tell.