tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48159038233887438152024-02-19T17:45:02.497-07:00David BatchelderKerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-36717786912409966312012-06-17T09:32:00.000-06:002012-06-17T09:32:47.112-06:00Happy Father's Day Dad!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't scanned in any old pictures yet so I'm limited with what I have to post. This picture of me and my Dad was taken at the cottage…looking back at older blog posts I posted it a couple years ago which means it really is time to get scanning…which is something I hate doing. So time consuming. I need to hire an intern. Or maybe I an trick Maura into coming to visit and looking at pictures. She loves to make fun of my 80's hair - which was awesome at the time by the way. Anyway, my Mom's handwriting is on the back with my comments in parentheses:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><em>First sucker July (I assume 75?) Mom was away (but of course). Given by Joyce Rosou.</em></span></div>
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As the story goes my Mom was super mad. Looks more like a cigarette to me which would have been a total 70's thing to do. And funny.</div>
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Happy Father's Day Dad!!! See you soon!</div>
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I'm not sure how the "location" feature works on Blogger but I used Google Earth to zoom in on the cottage. Not sure why it calls the location the Baltimore Hwy because it is obviously the Sni. Anyway, there is a boat pulling into the canal :) Gotta love technology! Click on the "Location" link below and you can zoom in - the pointer is on Korneffel's island where we were standing, our cottage is the island in front of that one. And that is where I spent every day of every summer until college. With no phone. No internet. No cable. Just sun and swimming and water skiing…imagine...</div>
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<br /></div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com09534-9454 Baltimore Hwy, Clay, MI 48001, USA42.60829277136024 -82.67582058906555242.607927771360238 -82.676437589065557 42.608657771360242 -82.675203589065546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-28734833462021840962012-05-17T20:30:00.002-06:002012-05-17T20:32:54.675-06:00Happy Mother's DayMaura and Katie posted a nice picture from Mother's Day on Facebook. I'll be back in Michigan at the end of June for a visit and a friend's wedding. Looking forward to seeing Dad and everyone!<br />
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Wow, I just realized it has been a very long time since I've posted!</div>
<br />Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-56745896104510543222012-01-15T17:41:00.000-07:002012-01-15T17:41:06.011-07:00Maura's Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I had a very last minute work trip to Detroit right after the holidays - perfect timing since I hadn't seen my Dad in awhile AND it was Maura's 19th birthday (pics below). It's amazing how Maura got to be 19 yet I'm holding strong at 27. Strange how that happens. I visited Dad each day and we went to dinner a couple of times with Katie and Maura and her friend Natalie. I think he likes that he's surrounded by beautiful women everywhere he goes :)</div>
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The additional speech therapy is paying off, although some prompting is still needed it felt like my Dad was more able to get his point across. We were talking about electric cars and how his friend Dennis has come full circle during his retirement and is now working to promote electric vehicles. Dennis must have told my Dad all about it when they went to dinner before Thanksgiving because he knew exactly what I was talking about. I think my Dad will be forever amused by Dennis and all the interesting and funny stories he always has.</div>
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The speech therapist surprised Katie and me by helping my Dad make us birthday cards. They were so sweet and such a surprise. I thought I was done being emotional about how things are different these days, but that card caught me way off guard. Since my Dad is out of therapy for a little while, I brought in some supplies so we could make a card for Maura. We talked through what he wanted to write on the card and then I clearly wrote it out for him to look at. We took one practice run and then he wrote it out himself. Dave was all business, it was like he sat down to take his SAT's. He knew exactly when he made a mistake but wasn't able to correct it (I should have brought a pencil). All were very simple fixes and then he could see it was correct and he'd move on to the next letter. He wasn't really into the stickers I bought, he likes things clean and simple these days, but I vetoed him and he reluctantly consented. Always the smart man.</div>
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One of the things I find amazing, but not surprising, about my Dad is that there isn't a resident, nurse, or employee at Martha T. Berry that doesn't know Dave. He doesn't talk much but everyone knows his name and he makes a point to say hi to everyone he knows when we go for walks. I used to say the same thing growing up, it didn't seem like there was a single person in Algonac that didn't know (and love) Dave Batchelder. Katie and Maura just experienced the phenomenon crossing back from Canada when the border patrol agent saw Katie's license and said, <i>do you know Dave or Keri?</i> (he just happened to be an old friend of mine that my dad helped out in high school by racing over to patch a hole my friend punched in his wall before his parents got home).</div>
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Remember - if you go visit and Dave isn't in his room he's pretty easy to find. He will be somewhere between his room and the front entrance. There is a common area between the pair of elevators on both the first and second floor - sometimes he goes in there to watch the activities and visit with people. Dave is always the early riser and on the move. He gets around perfectly fine on his own (but expect to push if you are together).</div>
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I put this pic on facebook and feel it necessary to explain again,</div>
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Maura is in 3" heels and I am not shrinking :)</div>
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<br />Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-82440830181526499712012-01-09T20:03:00.000-07:002012-01-09T20:03:16.073-07:00January 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I had a last minute trip to Michigan for work (12 hours notice) so the good news is I got to visit with my dad last week. I saw a few things at Martha T Berry where he lives that I hadn't seen before like this huge bird cage. More of a habitat really. I've walked by it a dozen times and never noticed I guess.</div>
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I'll post more later in the week but tonight we were looking at some pictures from my dad's 60th birthday party and what he really called attention to was how much hair he and Dennis had back then and how dark it was. Pretty funny actually! </div>
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<br />Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-80040384580967811442011-12-25T22:08:00.000-07:002011-12-25T22:08:18.323-07:00Merry Christmas!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Holidays from Denver</div>
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and from Michigan</div>
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Merry Christmas from our family to yours. Happy Holidays!</div>
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<br />Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-8045646457945220592011-12-04T20:50:00.001-07:002011-12-04T20:57:42.886-07:00Happy Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><i>A little late, but Happy Thanksgiving! My Dad, Katie, and Maura went to Katie's family for dinner and fun was had by all. Before Thanksgiving Dennis Wiese came in town and everyone went out for dinner, below is what Dennis sent me on the visit. My Dad has been getting more speech therapy and the new therapist is a dream from what I've been told. It is amazing how one person can make a difference. Everyone has commented on the improvements. Thanks to Dennis for letting me know how the visit went!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Keri-</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">For your blog.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">I stopped by to see Dave Monday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT54" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT55" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Nov 21</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">. He was in great spirits. He took me on his rounds to see staff and his many friends. He preferred that I push him around, then used his good foot as a brake when he wanted to stop. He understood all I said, and was able to think out how he wanted to respond, but just can't find the words to do so. Katie somehow managed to keep his speech therapy going.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">On</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT56" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT57" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Wednesday</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">, Katie, Dave, Maura, and I went to Outback. All three of them looked super. Katie has her 'take Dave out to dinner technique' down to a science, and needed no help getting him from car to wheel chair and back again. He ordered short ribs and I thought, "This is going to be interesting." Katie stripped the meat off the ribs and everything worked great. It looked like Dave had lost some weight and Katie has said he is very tired of the Martha T Berry food, which all adds up.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Dennis</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><i>these pics aren't from Tgiving - they were from a few weeks earlier </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><i>but I thought I would share</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br /></span>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-41233606885852608682011-10-29T06:55:00.000-06:002011-10-29T06:55:10.501-06:00Another Year Older!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday Dad!!!</span></div>
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Yesterday was my Dad's 72 birthday! If I can count right that is, he was born in 1939. He had a birthday dinner date with Katie and Maura with cake afterwards. I'm sure they had a good time. I've been meaning to post about my visit in early August but somehow didn't get around to it for 3 months - bad! In fairness I've been traveling a LOT! Including two trips to Europe - one for vacation (Paris) and one for work (Amsterdam, Germany). Now it's tough to remember all that I wanted to share. For some reason I woke up at 5am today (Saturday) so I guess it is as good a time as any to get caught up.</div>
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Maura and I busted Dad out one day for lunch and a drive through Mt. Clemens. He definitely knows exactly where he wants to go and how to get there. Honestly, if he wasn't my co-pilot I'm not sure that I could have found my way from downtown Mt. Clemens back to Martha T. Berry. Maura is so good with Dad. He can't always find the words he wants to say and she makes it fun for him to keep trying. </div>
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I've heard from a few people that Dave is speaking better each day and I agree. Katie was able to get him back into speech therapy and she said he has a great new instructor that loves working with him, my Dad is a very good student. What I liked about this instructor is it feels like the first one to give suggestions on how Katie can work with him and suggested some outside resources as well. I can't wait for my next visit to see how he has progressed. Below is another picture from Maura's graduation - Dad and Kathy Wis. It was such a gorgeous day and he looked pretty handsome in his suit.</div>
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Well, I promise I will post right after my next visit while things are still fresh in my head. If you haven't been in for a visit in awhile, stop by and wish Dave a Happy Birthday! You know he'll be smiling when you walk in.</div>
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<br /></div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-35984379717432082432011-08-07T08:15:00.000-06:002011-08-07T08:15:08.409-06:00A Quick PostI was just in Michigan last week and I'll post about it soon. But first, here are some pictures I got from Maura from my visit in <a href="http://davidbatchelder.blogspot.com/2011/03/december-2010-visit.html">December 2010</a>. We were out to dinner with Katie and my Dad at Outback.<br />
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<br />Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-63046862017798151952011-05-27T21:34:00.000-06:002011-05-27T21:34:49.475-06:00Saving the Best for Last<div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday I went to breakfast with Barb and Gwen which was fun as usual. I told Barb the story about my <a href="http://myyearstartedtuesdaynight.blogspot.com/2011/05/it-was-under-my-nose-entire-time.html">Grandparent's china</a> and was surprised that she remembered more than my Uncle Chuck did. Barb had grown up in Marine City where my Grandma Bell grew up so she knew of their family. It was nice to get another perspective. And I could seriously listen to Gwen talk <i>All Day Long</i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Afterwards I went back to Tanya's and packed up and then waited out a flash rainstorm (typical Michigan) before leaving for a late lunch with Katie and Maura. We talked all about Maura going to college in the Fall - Lake Superior State! Following in her big sister's footsteps and heading North to the U.P. Then we all went over to visit my Dad. I brought my laptop to show him pictures from Maura's graduation on Saturday. If you have a Mac you know that iphoto organizes your pictures with big thumbnails. As I would scroll through the thumbnails to show my Dad something I thought he would like he would see something that caught his interest...some things I didn't even realize were there but he didn't miss a beat. Some of his favorites:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Crow's Nest, that's Maura a few years ago</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPFKBOhiKa3Jtq2q5yCbXUj2uamTJg-UtyTmmc0_EOgUfAsxWDpbvv1w3Xv8qLMfzYbxQeWaINtmd8YZqgu_aJXFUy2XQ0yFjjyaqMDa4fROuTRKnUzNhIZofAz38Eqd3KFj2iccqx9I/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPFKBOhiKa3Jtq2q5yCbXUj2uamTJg-UtyTmmc0_EOgUfAsxWDpbvv1w3Xv8qLMfzYbxQeWaINtmd8YZqgu_aJXFUy2XQ0yFjjyaqMDa4fROuTRKnUzNhIZofAz38Eqd3KFj2iccqx9I/s400/IMG_2894.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the Cottage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5d0EZEb3p4yBwxG32tpexxTNEKijo2n_eib6JKLBkyf4Wbvjfy2hWt17xdp5akQKPBrr0LTrpkh7wiamYagSjRRYmN2UvYfSUot-B7Vi6UNgX_Exc3HMCEABJhFi436fLnkN4dBoNS2E/s1600/IMG_2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5d0EZEb3p4yBwxG32tpexxTNEKijo2n_eib6JKLBkyf4Wbvjfy2hWt17xdp5akQKPBrr0LTrpkh7wiamYagSjRRYmN2UvYfSUot-B7Vi6UNgX_Exc3HMCEABJhFi436fLnkN4dBoNS2E/s400/IMG_2897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">where is the cottage on stilts? sadly, it's gone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t861v_jOKP5VE__ZTKuG2Kdemn0UdVJpvjpCgoibTL02-38SIpnaLWvQEyX1Z7g3jF3Ie_50fhaGBd9-GZN5jtO4p_yW2I7F3v3g28bi1G2C-MybBWCwbG01_EUEnABRU-ocRL8xygI/s1600/IMG_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t861v_jOKP5VE__ZTKuG2Kdemn0UdVJpvjpCgoibTL02-38SIpnaLWvQEyX1Z7g3jF3Ie_50fhaGBd9-GZN5jtO4p_yW2I7F3v3g28bi1G2C-MybBWCwbG01_EUEnABRU-ocRL8xygI/s400/IMG_2908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the Harsen's Island ferries way in the background</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZpr-NbOACxmJbxMLcvY2dGsBA4iLAP2iPjG0R0j7UzNgS8-qY9lgoR14Pib_tCJmmyB2GMa9GgyOuSa3_dm07p4yVy83P0UT0U-mLfGl3OXIXYoadPkCUfwGKHOXwHNlNR3k9uBnuiA/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZpr-NbOACxmJbxMLcvY2dGsBA4iLAP2iPjG0R0j7UzNgS8-qY9lgoR14Pib_tCJmmyB2GMa9GgyOuSa3_dm07p4yVy83P0UT0U-mLfGl3OXIXYoadPkCUfwGKHOXwHNlNR3k9uBnuiA/s400/IMG_2919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> graduation day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wjZGAGFqGypWXiB7wOW-E7eMFK8KUxdRCk3Gb75Jl1IK4OpaGJWzLgeGmFrt2E88bKhILZYNI_EJlACRWzVryApj6fwrcggcSNLo96otRe5REnpLpdcGbcTK4VgO0qJGACwlUFdaskE/s1600/IMG_3183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wjZGAGFqGypWXiB7wOW-E7eMFK8KUxdRCk3Gb75Jl1IK4OpaGJWzLgeGmFrt2E88bKhILZYNI_EJlACRWzVryApj6fwrcggcSNLo96otRe5REnpLpdcGbcTK4VgO0qJGACwlUFdaskE/s400/IMG_3183.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> ummm, Jillian Michaels, which Katie got a big kick out of</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then my Dad started denying that one caught his eye</div><div style="text-align: center;">hilarious, still a dude, and with good taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4YW5xHwqzROC-7ejVwW62I_dVkrUZbtkEgr6eGtRCOmFJm1MgdF2JqPWNsSiijWfDt5utSyLOi_ep23atCYpkTIsfdrV382Lyg5WAYR-GvvDsF5VPhm2p3VbcDBPz-VP0041JzVYSNQ/s1600/jilian7986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4YW5xHwqzROC-7ejVwW62I_dVkrUZbtkEgr6eGtRCOmFJm1MgdF2JqPWNsSiijWfDt5utSyLOi_ep23atCYpkTIsfdrV382Lyg5WAYR-GvvDsF5VPhm2p3VbcDBPz-VP0041JzVYSNQ/s400/jilian7986.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">our house</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGpI4QxSFJQ3HBAN7qUGexrcAjQil8u2jIceqD63F8A_CYIXQH421JukzjpTetzEkYWRK4H7f5mUgX_98JzJdDs_QaO8EX1H1gCxl5_boci9y8fb4BcCH2Tlp24NYgGiwJzy5zmg6GRA/s1600/IMG_1724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGpI4QxSFJQ3HBAN7qUGexrcAjQil8u2jIceqD63F8A_CYIXQH421JukzjpTetzEkYWRK4H7f5mUgX_98JzJdDs_QaO8EX1H1gCxl5_boci9y8fb4BcCH2Tlp24NYgGiwJzy5zmg6GRA/s400/IMG_1724.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and how it relates to the lake next to our house</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think he was throughly impressed that I managed to get a house near</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one of the only lakes in Denver - always a Flats Rat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC5cBZgH2CtpDpVKqxxqzr86B3f3y8fU9RaR-g4fbzmXF9p9AOgAA0H8oW0P9HjcVZS7uGAr4CIjtKXp19BESriBJPSfQzVUybSaGgFJ6sZIFpSbSjF66GFYAdWOTr8-ralClz3zuNN8/s1600/SkylinefromCityParkRonRuhoffforDenverCVB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC5cBZgH2CtpDpVKqxxqzr86B3f3y8fU9RaR-g4fbzmXF9p9AOgAA0H8oW0P9HjcVZS7uGAr4CIjtKXp19BESriBJPSfQzVUybSaGgFJ6sZIFpSbSjF66GFYAdWOTr8-ralClz3zuNN8/s400/SkylinefromCityParkRonRuhoffforDenverCVB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bernie on a boat on Torch Lake</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLha8TjE5Jq1gWjzHXPc1_y_YKXwbLI8UdlKk9PNIEcvHMG7Pqu2nAHGzRM62szHO6u_xuYMMvd5pyKIsovYgItCwMARNz95StzJYmR0ZGEccnDt27oVJi3DzXKZtjh-4z4p2VsVbySEA/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLha8TjE5Jq1gWjzHXPc1_y_YKXwbLI8UdlKk9PNIEcvHMG7Pqu2nAHGzRM62szHO6u_xuYMMvd5pyKIsovYgItCwMARNz95StzJYmR0ZGEccnDt27oVJi3DzXKZtjh-4z4p2VsVbySEA/s400/IMG_2818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the Mecca - Batchelder Rd.</div><div style="text-align: center;">if you are within 50 miles, you MUST visit<br />
it's required</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pg6-k6yTbhaWVh-Dnf_NalAkIRlYNijdKAg-w7bKY_0BfQidM5IDjtbjUOWeoBaHPMG73X7ErFxs9XFVAe45zNPXVYUZyU2698tsfaAl4Wn_qGEn0ZATSQCy66Gb-UISBkar-BxnVg0/s1600/IMG_2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pg6-k6yTbhaWVh-Dnf_NalAkIRlYNijdKAg-w7bKY_0BfQidM5IDjtbjUOWeoBaHPMG73X7ErFxs9XFVAe45zNPXVYUZyU2698tsfaAl4Wn_qGEn0ZATSQCy66Gb-UISBkar-BxnVg0/s400/IMG_2850.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Belaire, Michigan where my Dad's family had a farm<br />
hence Batchelder Road</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu-rwDK9ye0ZNiQ9JkEU08w9uF_96mMfIAHkAftjHSg8pQcctp8FgJcD4Z3_IgOvcLXoj9Iib7n3LP4R76gOr4G2NH2u4A5bzc7UCkOfJVgyZMp5XORYsMT1VOQf7KhF_zYXa7CqfKHg/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu-rwDK9ye0ZNiQ9JkEU08w9uF_96mMfIAHkAftjHSg8pQcctp8FgJcD4Z3_IgOvcLXoj9Iib7n3LP4R76gOr4G2NH2u4A5bzc7UCkOfJVgyZMp5XORYsMT1VOQf7KhF_zYXa7CqfKHg/s400/IMG_2855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the Old Mission lighthouse</div><div style="text-align: center;">on the 45th parallel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Of3NLh8lqc-kosQjq11HdIe-ySQSBz0SZk586fEcUE-sjMyqOeEaBmHVrQuv83vF6CthsD1PTKu6zv18lRhRVVEGZg7ljdrWE1bHbxOWm5WFH5OPCbkGOOl4dazjXcCG2avsHA_huvA/s1600/IMG_2879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Of3NLh8lqc-kosQjq11HdIe-ySQSBz0SZk586fEcUE-sjMyqOeEaBmHVrQuv83vF6CthsD1PTKu6zv18lRhRVVEGZg7ljdrWE1bHbxOWm5WFH5OPCbkGOOl4dazjXcCG2avsHA_huvA/s400/IMG_2879.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He saw some things that he thought looked familiar, like Paris</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but when I told them what they were, he was all, "no" with a movement of the hand</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that said, move on to something that I know and care about</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jrcFtz8HBaCQICCf1kJgZgift_N6mUxQCr4RWKKXtYMp-ztfrIvPjDGjYowambt89Rh_bUnOhGcINbQHQJ4LcCER5No4-ZoJ6130IDPMDPRNsPQkkcaQQ0kRlWDcS3wfDHTjtN27eHo/s1600/IMG_2033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jrcFtz8HBaCQICCf1kJgZgift_N6mUxQCr4RWKKXtYMp-ztfrIvPjDGjYowambt89Rh_bUnOhGcINbQHQJ4LcCER5No4-ZoJ6130IDPMDPRNsPQkkcaQQ0kRlWDcS3wfDHTjtN27eHo/s400/IMG_2033.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This was one of the best days I've had with my Dad since his stroke. Looking at old pictures with him and the girls was a good trip down memory lane. It felt almost like nothing had ever changed. He was so interested to look at all the pictures. It reminded me that he realizes more than I sometimes give him credit for, he picked out pictures from a small 1" square on the computer without his glasses that meant something to HIM. He knew the people and the places but not the names and he loved looking at the St. Clair Flats of course. I have been planning a photo book for him for awhile now, and this really showed me how much he would enjoy it. I got great shots of most of his friends and family this weekend and I can't wait to put his book together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you are in the neighborhood, or even if you aren't, please stop buy and say hi to Dave. This time of year is a great time to take a stroll out to the gardens to soak up some sun. 15-30 minutes, we all have that to spare. If everyone visited for just 15 minutes once a month, he would be sick of us in no time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm hoping to come back in July.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">keri</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-40722537906576294622011-05-22T20:09:00.000-06:002011-05-22T20:09:00.484-06:00A Proud Day<div style="text-align: justify;">Maura'a High School graduation was today, can you believe it? I'm not sure how she got all the way through school and I only got a couple of years older, math is funny like that. We might have started out 18 years apart, but I'd like to think that gap has closed to about 9 years. I'm going to hold strong at 27 as long as possible. Maura could actually end up the older sister one of these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQODUqcpeH0IoZKxjU2B-t0w0OfsGG2OBKL1JbfLmwqbQLm4loP5whWkdxLEmDvQFVjjvu9ZglLE7FuyyhfzuJyfhCE2CtFZySvkwrSxJWgQ_jllXPmIn_Rr3KUUmUgKtkYIZ4a7GC3kc/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQODUqcpeH0IoZKxjU2B-t0w0OfsGG2OBKL1JbfLmwqbQLm4loP5whWkdxLEmDvQFVjjvu9ZglLE7FuyyhfzuJyfhCE2CtFZySvkwrSxJWgQ_jllXPmIn_Rr3KUUmUgKtkYIZ4a7GC3kc/s400/IMG_3185.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8UkPQDD1hABWE-5iUco6xiRDGKOexttkkyo5tyQr0alz_VrffFmSmTsos1PjtZV2pvn4v4KHeyuf2sLnHvygJowmnlPeqzpPfcc3uhbX3ZRGwLgRvgh6BG_YGI1g_yozhOiCVm999ns/s1600/IMG_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8UkPQDD1hABWE-5iUco6xiRDGKOexttkkyo5tyQr0alz_VrffFmSmTsos1PjtZV2pvn4v4KHeyuf2sLnHvygJowmnlPeqzpPfcc3uhbX3ZRGwLgRvgh6BG_YGI1g_yozhOiCVm999ns/s320/IMG_3194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-4266150406423195272011-05-22T08:21:00.000-06:002011-05-22T08:21:49.616-06:00In the Garden<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm here in Michigan visiting with my Dad. With all my travel for work it has been far too long since my last visit. One of my favorite things to do when it is nice out is go sit in the beautiful garden's in the first floor courtyard which we did on Saturday. After so much winter and rain it felt so nice to sit out in the sun and soak up some rays. We will be getting dressed up today and going out for Maura's high school graduation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEwuabvTPL1_hWexjOKp9cxP3_mD-7mk9pbxEfjbksoanKb0epBj2UwJzC_J5EqBzvQlD1vEY85Ts7m3hf9NNMkKhD3yAfZQNLx8Sh0SwtKII9_8jYLAkSxdCv2ICz-GNcxrp7myVeO4/s1600/IMG_3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEwuabvTPL1_hWexjOKp9cxP3_mD-7mk9pbxEfjbksoanKb0epBj2UwJzC_J5EqBzvQlD1vEY85Ts7m3hf9NNMkKhD3yAfZQNLx8Sh0SwtKII9_8jYLAkSxdCv2ICz-GNcxrp7myVeO4/s400/IMG_3148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgffW-5fmMEdgfAxfE0oQ0uhuida3vEO9FUvJpg1LyQNT1j77cW3XLPV58v6nARJdBR1WbMrWmwYxuW_7oRSDDBzooCZHY4p56HjsHeEXnefilh4vBZ7zZdy9h_6AGbYXiMe_gjAWxiQ/s1600/IMG_3146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgffW-5fmMEdgfAxfE0oQ0uhuida3vEO9FUvJpg1LyQNT1j77cW3XLPV58v6nARJdBR1WbMrWmwYxuW_7oRSDDBzooCZHY4p56HjsHeEXnefilh4vBZ7zZdy9h_6AGbYXiMe_gjAWxiQ/s400/IMG_3146.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You might remember my Dad was an avid photographer. He was checking out my camera and I told him to take a picture of me which is hard to do with one hand. He held the camera and I pushed the button. Pretty good composition don't you agree?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkk2kGda7XLp1J98bujl_xUHRYs89qibkOUd-fI_U7XAlML9cZzHpSAc4_MjYOCufOh-BPBFkdb5aP6eHAeFUyVClXZWvD8GPr5pfjGJCr_Su3ZZJ_EBfXVXin0eElsPUSzNErAwnOJ8/s1600/IMG_3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkk2kGda7XLp1J98bujl_xUHRYs89qibkOUd-fI_U7XAlML9cZzHpSAc4_MjYOCufOh-BPBFkdb5aP6eHAeFUyVClXZWvD8GPr5pfjGJCr_Su3ZZJ_EBfXVXin0eElsPUSzNErAwnOJ8/s400/IMG_3149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aeSwIwTq4vP30xGy6Q74RQ3MJhgVMZSzTQPQ-mUNkjwGopoqCW2jNqqtdpyjzf0mmG5tS-y-vkUznqFPmODaL0IJYU97XaAqKJMUsbnwgUcRqUS9SQZwVKaIBBtb15l8JYzF_X-aCVY/s1600/IMG_3147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aeSwIwTq4vP30xGy6Q74RQ3MJhgVMZSzTQPQ-mUNkjwGopoqCW2jNqqtdpyjzf0mmG5tS-y-vkUznqFPmODaL0IJYU97XaAqKJMUsbnwgUcRqUS9SQZwVKaIBBtb15l8JYzF_X-aCVY/s400/IMG_3147.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Some people say they don't know what to talk about when they visit and my dad still has a hard time communicating. But take a stroll out in the garden and talk about the beautiful plants and veggies and how your day went. He's always happy to listen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-75795130125600990502011-03-01T20:19:00.000-07:002011-03-01T20:19:35.239-07:00December 2010 Visit<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i>I feel so bad I never posted this after my visit in December. I wrote it on the way home but was waiting for some pictures from when we went out to dinner because everyone looked so nice and happy (ahem, M, I'm still waiting...) and then I just forgot...I figured I better get this out before my next visit.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">I just made an impromptu visit three weeks ago but I already had this trip planned. I flew in Friday afternoon and then had the not so bright idea to go from the airport to Mt. Clemens to visit my dad before doubling back to Ann Arbor for Bernie's Aunt's birthday dinner. I didn't find out until that morning that she would be in town on Friday and everyone was going out to dinner which of course I wanted to be there too. But I was only in town for 4 days and I didn't think driving extra miles was a good excuse for not visiting my dad first. 160 miles is not too heavy a price for seeing everyone, right? Right. Plus, there were cupcakes involved. <i>It was totally worth it!</i><br />
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</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bernie's cousins Karen & Jen & Auntie Ann</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdZHxASZ64aidavy4khXzaCOfrVMnVNt3mPHzmk7mlxRFFyNQmLGlFlUSS9CutERJo5B8_Wiuz-A8igYhnq1_jHtgBtwgELbvwDQPA62hoFbA3SxzLWyMUezaIIBYfmlXCAc0TJJtC3U/s1600/151065_1774810093963_1350657409_1997053_6444232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdZHxASZ64aidavy4khXzaCOfrVMnVNt3mPHzmk7mlxRFFyNQmLGlFlUSS9CutERJo5B8_Wiuz-A8igYhnq1_jHtgBtwgELbvwDQPA62hoFbA3SxzLWyMUezaIIBYfmlXCAc0TJJtC3U/s400/151065_1774810093963_1350657409_1997053_6444232_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>me, Uncle John & B's nephew & niece Zak & Arden</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm6D28ZpA7w-7YGPHOFT-Z_xXT0bFSg7RXbKwZvpdInU79fY7SkiBSqLaXEdeWY_EEITbjbHcKa0sgatXs93CbVECOQupFK3UkjOeUHKoppaWqzIEpOD4z2Efj9EsEQHAEMCx53ehC0g/s1600/IMG00475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm6D28ZpA7w-7YGPHOFT-Z_xXT0bFSg7RXbKwZvpdInU79fY7SkiBSqLaXEdeWY_EEITbjbHcKa0sgatXs93CbVECOQupFK3UkjOeUHKoppaWqzIEpOD4z2Efj9EsEQHAEMCx53ehC0g/s400/IMG00475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">My dad was in very good spirits during my visits. He's getting a better grasp on time and an improved memory so he knew I was coming. Our visits were rather short this weekend. Friday I had a long drive ahead of me so he walked me out after about 30 minutes or so. When I told him I was going from Detroit to Mt. Clemens to Ann Arbor to Algonac he just said, "whoa" and gave me a look like, baaaadddd idea kid.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">On Saturday Tanya and I went to visit my dad before heading out for some Christmas shopping. We chatted for awhile and Tanya got a few winks and then Dad wanted to go for a walk before lunch. As I've mentioned before he likes to check out all the common areas and when nothing was going on except people getting ready for lunch he basically took us downstairs and showed us the door. Heaven forbid we mess around with lunch time! Dad said, "ok, now you go." I said no, we have time, we'll go back up to your room. Nope, "you go." Yes sir boss! Timing is critical - if we had went back to his room he wouldn't be able to walk us out without missing lunch and that wasn't about to happen :)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">On Sunday when I was waiting for the elevator the doors opened and guess who was coming down to check things out...Dave. I brought some presents for Maura and Katie (from Dad) to show him what he got the girls for Christmas and then we wrapped them and I had him sign a couple of cards. He has a definite memory of how to sign David. But "Dad" seems to be out of his reach for now. He really didn't want to try too much. The strangest thing is, his handwriting is still the same! We went to Outback for dinner with Katie and Maura and due to the terrible weather they weren't that busy so we could actually hear each other talk. Dad looked pretty snazzy and Katie with her new pixie cut so we took a few pictures. I brought Katie a belated birthday card which the waiter saw and brought us a free desert - score! Who cares if her birthday was three weeks ago right? We hung out in Dad's room afterwards and had a great time. It is fun to see his personality shine though, he rolled his eyes at Katie and I found it pretty funny.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">On Monday the roads were horrendous! It was so bitter cold. Coming out of Algonac I remember thinking, I should just turn around right now. The roads were solid ice. But I made it to see Dad and sat with him while he had lunch. I saw in the guest book that Dennis Wiese had been in for a visit and Barb and Gwen decorated his room with some lights and a little tree and a giant Rudolph, very cute. Katie looks like she is doing very well after her surgery, her spirits are very good. Maura is thinking about college already, September will be here before she knows it! Like always, Dad wanted to walk me out. It took a little extra time to get to the airport but I made it in plenty of time….not sure when my next visit will be, I need to get planning.<br />
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<i>...okay, remember I wrote all that in mid-December so it is old news. More to come next time and I will remember my camera :) Let me know if you have any stories you want to share.</i></div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-88142845015541585252010-11-19T14:01:00.000-07:002010-11-19T14:01:09.116-07:00November visit - part II<div style="text-align: justify;">This visit seems so relaxing, like. The last several visits have been whirlwind tours that have left me drained, exhausted, and sick by the time I get back to Denver. After the last visit I said never again. So this time I took a vacation day on Friday and didn't make many plans. Some of my dinner plans got cancelled so I had a lot of free time. Usually when I'm here it is all go go go, drive drive drive, with about 5 hours of sleep. This was definitely better but makes me feel like I should be doing more with my time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Visited with my Dad again Sunday afternoon. We chatted in his room for awhile before they served his lunch. He's trying very hard to communicate. He knows what he wants to say and that the words don't come out right. "My voice is talking, but, NO." He's very willing to go back and forth with you so you can guess what he's trying to say, kind of like a game of charades. He'll let you know if you are on the right track, or if you're not. He might say "where" but mean "when". Still a lot of "next door" and "the boat". We went over names, he knows who we all are but usually can't say our names. You can give him hints or start to sound it out and he can usually finish it. K. Ka. will usually lead to Keri. Ma. Maura. We talked about birthdays and the dates on the calendar, his birthday and how old he is, that we have to work on his words but that he's talking much better. After lunch we went for a walk, watched the Lions game for a little while and then he asked me if I had my purse which is code for, I'm tired, time for you to go. <br />
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I ended up working late Monday and Tuesday but braved the nasty rain and even worse traffic to see my dad on Tuesday night. I don't miss Michigan's weather when it is cold and miserable! I got to Martha T. at about 7pm and thought my dad would be kicked back watching tv but he was in the second floor common area watching a bunch of the other residents play a dice game. He does NOT want to play, but he loves to watch! We sat and watched and chatted in between the action.<br />
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He's making such an effort to talk and communicate and be understood. But when simple words like when or where get mixed up it can make it very hard to understand. It took a lot of back and forth to figure out he was asking me WHEN I was leaving because it was coming out WHERE am I going outside. He would point to where we were, and then gesture to outside and say something about another building. It took awhile but he was asking When am I going outside aka when do I need to leave! The man is still very prompt! He can't tell you the time but he certainly knows what time it is and he'll remind you when it is time to go. This probably went on for a good ten minutes but he kept trying, and would stop to really think about what he was trying to say and then start again. He gave me a few "cool it"s or "slow down"...which was funny because he would say that in the past when we were getting snotty, and now he says it just to give himself a minute to think it over.<br />
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Katie has been putting certain events on Dave's calendar so I talked to him about when I am going to visit next. We practiced the months of the year and the days of the week. You would be amazed at how memory recall works. For example if I say it is Tuesday and ask what day tomorrow will be dad probably can't answer that. But if you ask him what the days of the week are, and start him off on Monday he can rattle them all off. The same with the months. We talked about who visited him when: that I visited on Thursday, that we all went out to dinner on Friday, I visited on Saturday and Sunday, Katie visited on Monday, and Maura visited him earlier in the day on Tuesday. He seemed to recall our dinner and Katie's visit the most.<br />
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People have told me he seems to want to tell them something when they arrive. This isn't 100% guarantee but a lot of times when I get there, he wants to know when I have to leave. This way he knows if we have enough time to go for a walk which is usually what he wants to do immediately upon arrival! Always the boss! And if you go to visit and Dave isn't in his room check the two large common areas on the first and second floor in between the elevators, he might be hanging out with the ladies and watching them play games.<br />
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I'll be back soon, December 10th. Happy Thanksgiving.<br />
keri</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-27431144487823177092010-11-13T20:14:00.000-07:002010-11-13T20:14:45.912-07:00November visit - part 1<div style="text-align: justify;">I've had a trip planned to visit in December but with Katie having had such serious surgery I really needed to get in a visit before then. As luck would have it, I needed to do a packaging trial for work and our Detroit plant turned out to be the perfect spot. Two birds, one stone!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I flew in Thursday afternoon and stopped to see my dad. He smiled real big and looked happy to see me. He immediately wanted to get up and stroll the halls before dinner. As he stood up he looked at me and smiled and said, "You look sharp!", then he looked me up and down and said, "Yeah, reeeeaaalllll sharp!" Thanks Dad! Not sure if he loved my sweater or noticed I lost a few pounds but either way, I'll take it. We made the usual rounds to nose in on what everyone is up to. Dad doesn't talk much but he likes to see what people are up to and watch people playing games. Everyone knows his name that's for sure. We went back to his room in time for dinner and I stayed with him while he ate. He insisted on walking me out when it was time to go. His orderly said he is the first one up in the morning - combs his hair, brushes his teeth, hits the town. As my dad used to always say, "morning is the best time of day!" We never agreed on that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Friday I went for another visit. I find that an hour or a little more is about the perfect amount of time before he shoos me out of there. He had just eaten lunch when I got there and looked like he was getting ready for an afternoon nap. We looked at a magazine about Michigan and talked about the history of Grosse Ile. Went for a walk as usual, took a quick zip around the garden but it was a little too chilly to sit. We sat in one of the common areas and chatted some more. Then we went back to the room so Dad could have some more of the fruit smoothie I brought him and I could get my purse. It's so nice to be walked out, so sad at the same time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Friday evening I had a burger at the Raft with Katie and Maura. Man I haven't been there in years! Katie is recovering and looks great. Maura is talking about college already! After dinner I took a drive through Algonac, looked at the old house on the Pointe and saw that they tore Henry's down. I tried to find a picture online but couldn't find a single one. Anyway, it was a restaurant by our house that had been around since 1937. I worked there in college, my grandma Bell worked there. Now it is going to be a parking lot.<br />
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Saturday I had lunch with Barb and Gwen and then picked up Katie and Maura for an early dinner with my dad. We went to Carrabba's again, his choice. His friend Laura was our waitress which is why he likes to go. When we got back Dad was trying to tell Maura something but it took awhile to figure out that he wanted to know if the boats are still in the water and when she told him yes, he said in a very worried tone, "oh man!" We told him not to worry that Katie has it all taken care of and it isn't freezing out yet, the boats will get out in time.</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-40947390035954844992010-11-12T09:16:00.000-07:002010-11-12T09:16:40.635-07:00A family outing to the farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">My sister Lori sent me the following email and pictures about an outing with Dad with his brother Richard and Richard's son Dicky. I always like to hear when he's out on the town, thanks so much!</div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Rich Jr. chuckled when he told me how he approached dad and his reaction. He said "Uncle Dave, we're breaking you out of here" Dad looked really worried. He didn't know what to think. But Rich quickly explained that it was just an outing, and dad smiled. He seemed to enjoy it, but as it was getting closer to dinner time I could tell he was ready to get back. You'll see us looking at a book together . It was a book about the history of Utica and surrounding area. Dad went through the entire book page by page and seemed to recognize some of the buildings in the pictures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was so funny when it was time to leave. We had dad stand with his back to the truck seat. Rich climbed in the drivers door and took dad under the arms to pull and lift, while Danny took his legs to assist and guide. They huffed and puffed and struggled. We were so focused on getting dad in the truck (yes, a big ole F -150) it didn't occur to us that the reason it was difficult was because dad had a iron grip on the door. It was Rich and Danny against ONE of dads arms. He would have won if he hadn't agreed to let go. He's still got it! That man is STRONG! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I hope we can do this again soon. We all had a great time. </div></blockquote><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf98n2R88h-qxQN4nptCdRC9zpFFYP40kcUd0netqzWTFO7-T7PBR5HrQLdQCu6aXPtMlBWRXVUMlFWVtQz92DQ35Av59iACCk4uiySNPOiLeylqdjFFOQfrq3SUi-oUAsOy0kCYshSgM/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf98n2R88h-qxQN4nptCdRC9zpFFYP40kcUd0netqzWTFO7-T7PBR5HrQLdQCu6aXPtMlBWRXVUMlFWVtQz92DQ35Av59iACCk4uiySNPOiLeylqdjFFOQfrq3SUi-oUAsOy0kCYshSgM/s400/IMG_2629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Kcma32Om9EVLZTf_sgIw5wgTkUqLH7WT_jK4fHrGiRhoXmZfi7awx5EHnsPRzxQFTVE3qq4-aaHDyqVE5XVqUhqX8L1IGXOJKlBjyn9t0p4mn0NJLWewgTbaUqp1IJf6a1iMh577f2E/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Kcma32Om9EVLZTf_sgIw5wgTkUqLH7WT_jK4fHrGiRhoXmZfi7awx5EHnsPRzxQFTVE3qq4-aaHDyqVE5XVqUhqX8L1IGXOJKlBjyn9t0p4mn0NJLWewgTbaUqp1IJf6a1iMh577f2E/s400/IMG_2599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem4994YiKqgF82Z8XWsGpiWwFA1MTxZKXzW5ly3gU5EONOY8SjqtRIyotTxAuJyvWiiQLc2RYJqNa0MiS5-Hez_7_Qb6FNPPly4hE6KXIky4tUNkmNEmFzsWV7BTlbRUWLImcQ7ZByT8/s1600/IMG_2603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem4994YiKqgF82Z8XWsGpiWwFA1MTxZKXzW5ly3gU5EONOY8SjqtRIyotTxAuJyvWiiQLc2RYJqNa0MiS5-Hez_7_Qb6FNPPly4hE6KXIky4tUNkmNEmFzsWV7BTlbRUWLImcQ7ZByT8/s400/IMG_2603.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEDfOChn2tB92VH0TMRG4Wv3AtS4KdPtGU45ij9DfmHWc2I9edh5XlF9XZ38xHR0l9zMvWhSX5UUGpe3hsTwCbgBJvNvfJq1rqHEFPvIBkllKCrkR8LZIvxVu1PhCvHOzyHkrrrb7BxQ/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEDfOChn2tB92VH0TMRG4Wv3AtS4KdPtGU45ij9DfmHWc2I9edh5XlF9XZ38xHR0l9zMvWhSX5UUGpe3hsTwCbgBJvNvfJq1rqHEFPvIBkllKCrkR8LZIvxVu1PhCvHOzyHkrrrb7BxQ/s400/IMG_2609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-21326062003629470572010-10-28T11:02:00.002-06:002010-10-28T11:34:03.980-06:00It's that time of year again - Happy Birthday Dad!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlEDi-mvIb_MMyQTJDjI2R8XcozQbkKbjM5tfZ9QM1iZFd0z4-CvBUVqw-C_Q4NDn0vnUxVd8snTMUMV1EtlJskXN-r-m9peDGEtfBoXtI8Wh8k-i10grkkCKKpH2yfrHno6sTDG5Slw/s1600/dad+feb+2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlEDi-mvIb_MMyQTJDjI2R8XcozQbkKbjM5tfZ9QM1iZFd0z4-CvBUVqw-C_Q4NDn0vnUxVd8snTMUMV1EtlJskXN-r-m9peDGEtfBoXtI8Wh8k-i10grkkCKKpH2yfrHno6sTDG5Slw/s400/dad+feb+2007.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>I posted this picture before but it is one of the only good ones I have of everyone. It's from Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago. Today is my Dad's 71st birthday and I wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I was a little late getting my card out, but at least the blog post was on time! So, if you can find the time, please stop in and see Dave today or in the next week and wish him a happy birthday!<br />
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I have been meaning to blog about my last visit to Michigan and Dad's recent trip to his cousin Richard's farm but I wanted to give a quick update on Katie first. <br />
<br />
I think most of you know that Katie was diagnosed with a 4cm brain tumor while in Nashville for work. Maura and her two sisters flew to her side and Katie was flown back to Michigan on Tuesday. The tumor was quickly removed last week on Thursday. Katie did well in surgery and was released on Sunday. Can you believe how fast they release people these days? I am amazed at how she has come through this with such strength. Her and Maura have had a very rough year and this was one more storm that they were able to get through together.<br />
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Katie has been staying at her sister Laurie's while she recovers. I talked to Katie last night for the first time since I heard about the tumor. I hadn't called her previously because I figured she needed the rest and she had the support of so many sisters and family members but Maura said she is talking on her cell phone. Katie sounded incredible and has kept her good attitude about life and how lucky we all are to be alive. Her doctor thinks she is recovering very well. She did say it takes a little more time to think about simple things like writing, but all in all she is doing great. <br />
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She misses my dad and is going to go see him tonight for the first time. I know he has been worried about her and has been asking visitors for updates on how Katie is doing. Getting to see each other face to face will probably make them both feel much better. Maura baked a birthday cake, I can't believe another year has went by so fast. I have a trip planned in December but I want to plan another one in November too to give Katie and Maura and my Dad a hug in person. I thought I learned the lesson with my Dad's stroke that life is too short but I guess someone really wanted to drive that message home.<br />
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Katie is going to be recovering for quite awhile and won't be able to visit my dad every day like she has been since his stroke. I would ask you all to find the time to pay him a visit. He really only likes visits for about an hour or less, so it won't even take up very much of your time. Tell his friends that might not read this and encourage them to visit too. We would all be very grateful!<br />
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Please keep Katie in your thoughts as well - and wish her a speedy and healthy recovery!<br />
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Thanks,<br />
keriKerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-83402834752632071232010-07-20T09:27:00.000-06:002010-07-20T09:27:54.209-06:00Dinner and a Drive<em>excerpts from an email Katie sent to one of Dave’s friends:</em> <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We (Katie & Maura) took David out to dinner on Sunday. That man can still eat his food and anything I don't eat. He really enjoyed himself. Oh, and Laura Tucker was working. He loves to see her!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Quick story.....After dinner on Sunday David wanted to go for a drive so I asked if he wanted to go up on the river. That was a no. So I kept asking “Do you want me turn?” at every road as we made our way down M-59. Finally I asked him to just tell me when to turn, which he did. We ended at a house in Mt Clemens that I had never been to before. I didn't want to go to the door but he insisted...so I did. Unfortunately no one answered the door and we left. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out whose house he took us to because he couldn't tell me. After thinking about it overnight I figured out it was the Dave that David worked with and had become friends with in the last couple of years. So I called the guy to confirm where he lived and it was his house. I knew David could find his way around but I was impressed that he directed me to someone’s house. His friend has invited us over for a BBQ as soon as we can arrange a day. I also told him to visit David anytime!! “</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-70985783143274778982010-07-06T11:46:00.000-06:002010-07-06T11:46:17.432-06:00August Visit Planned<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm planning a visit to Michigan 8/23-8/29 (traveling late Monday night and leaving early Sunday morning). I'll be working out of our Detroit and Howell plants during the week and visiting with Dad in the evenings. Hopefully I can fit in a few dinners or lunches with friends and family while I'm there. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the meantime, don't forget to visit Dave! Details on location, room number, etc. are on the left side of this blog.</div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Bernie, Maura, Katie, David - February 2007</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Rocky Mountain National Park</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIwkCkcaEYM-KCYaOe_FN32HB2jhKoJpeK4wm17-UEfDoQ9GB1wid0HGCrhcMlbXm3sJKfJKBpyWv08iaOAJRD0OSOwf8QYUNmR85Q2ZDUCHR1K4hHxyT4gDEzM_QYP2RaReK3gwSFUw/s1600/dad+feb+2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIwkCkcaEYM-KCYaOe_FN32HB2jhKoJpeK4wm17-UEfDoQ9GB1wid0HGCrhcMlbXm3sJKfJKBpyWv08iaOAJRD0OSOwf8QYUNmR85Q2ZDUCHR1K4hHxyT4gDEzM_QYP2RaReK3gwSFUw/s400/dad+feb+2007.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-45117587228012381112010-06-21T21:09:00.000-06:002010-06-21T21:09:24.337-06:00Father's Day<div style="text-align: justify;">Katie and I have been exchanging voice mails but it sounds like Dave had a good Father's day. Katie and Maura took him to his favorite Chinese restaurant in Richmond where he got the first class treatment. On the way home they stopped and picked up the puppies - Scarlet and Velvet for a little visit. Back at Martha T. they had chocolate cake that Katie made. Sounded like a pretty good evening. Thought I would share.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em>This is one of the only pictures of all of us. Christmas 2004. Me, Bernie, Katie, Maura with her new puppy Velvet, Dad and Scarlet.</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQWBk49JX7nVJD6XN5YzfFkNfsY3L9-ioXzFs0-8tfeAenBBg_BXH2po_LEQaPByr_X7QwU4KHtWn-jweF6OPv_9fLHcj-5DAzkqEifINBcpF9GDDbd-CCJKADoVotZJZIn04wuRJKG4/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQWBk49JX7nVJD6XN5YzfFkNfsY3L9-ioXzFs0-8tfeAenBBg_BXH2po_LEQaPByr_X7QwU4KHtWn-jweF6OPv_9fLHcj-5DAzkqEifINBcpF9GDDbd-CCJKADoVotZJZIn04wuRJKG4/s400/family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-40063144808836471832010-06-20T10:10:00.000-06:002010-06-20T10:10:59.256-06:00Happy Father's Day Dad!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">Worst daughter ever didn't buy a card yet. I've had a reminder on my desk and on my computer for two weeks. But hey, I can at least write a blog post! Here is one of my favorite pics of me and my dad. We're on Korneffel's Island and that is our cottage and Chris Craft in the background. I've seen a few versions of it but this one I ripped out of my baby book to find the following in my mom's hand writing on the back:</div><blockquote><em>First sucker July (I assume 75?) Mom was away (but of course). Given by Joyce Rosou.</em></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviLaHBEJ2JcGKlUfmZ_A4mbsE9J6KX1PSmQV1-6OuYKVrxT9SaHGvGEdQusKC7cts-XcKtUqXGAEALLUyh0vCyPWdTksuws1MMqmxiZYKjouG2dmon76mWtJIuevapA92Ob13iTo8Qks/s1600/Me+and+Dad+July+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviLaHBEJ2JcGKlUfmZ_A4mbsE9J6KX1PSmQV1-6OuYKVrxT9SaHGvGEdQusKC7cts-XcKtUqXGAEALLUyh0vCyPWdTksuws1MMqmxiZYKjouG2dmon76mWtJIuevapA92Ob13iTo8Qks/s400/Me+and+Dad+July+75.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!!!</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-33117446577851883872010-06-06T12:34:00.001-06:002010-06-06T12:37:29.189-06:00May Visit & a trip to Carrabbas<div style="text-align: justify;">It had been way too long since my last visit to Michigan so I decided the perfect time was never going to come and I just headed out there for a weekend. I have been traveling a lot for work and it is hard to come home and then jump on another airplane. Such is life. Hopefully a longer trip will happen this summer and maybe I'll get to visit the cottage too - it's been a couple of years. Can you imagine me away from the cottage for that long? It's unbelievable to me. I remember being there from the last day of school to the first day of school - every year until I graduated. With no phones. No computers. I don't know if email even existed back then. The good old days for certain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I landed Friday night and went right to Martha T to see Dad. He was very happy to see me. We chatted for awhile until Katie and Maura came - all of us were going to go out to dinner. Dad got some nice clothes on and we hit the road. Now, I can't describe this well without using my hands but Dad asked where we were going, and used his hands to describe the route. We were a little confused at what he was saying and we started to head to Brio. When we started to make the Michigan left to the restaurant Dad put up a big protest so Katie turned around and he directed us about 5 miles down the road to Carrabbas where his friend Laura Tucker works. His earlier hand signals made perfect sense in hindsight. Can you believe that? I was awestruck. He can understand everything you are saying, he knows exactly what he wants to say, he knows where he is and where he wants to go and how to get there, he just can't get all of the words out. It must be frustrating to be locked inside your head like that. We had a great dinner and got to see Laura. He looked so good in his pink polo and khakis I wish I had brought my camera. Katie mentioned awhile back he directed her all the way to Richmond to his favorite Chinese restaurant. Big Dave, always in charge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Saturday Barb Korneffel and I came for a few hours to visit. Everyone who knows my dad knows how he loves Barbie. She told him a story about Tommy trying to kill a mole this spring and my dad laughed harder than I had seen in a long time. When Dave asks you when you are going to leave, he's not trying to ask you to leave he is trying to see if you have time for him to get in his chair and go for a walk. He can pretty much get in and out of his chair all by himself. He likes to peek in on the common areas on the second floor and the first floor before heading out to the courtyard. It's a beautiful place, and a good place to have your visit. Also, if he's not in his room when you come to visit you might find him in one of these areas. He likes to check out all the action. Dave also likes to walk you to the main door when you are ready to leave. Forever the gentleman.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday Tanya came with me for a visit. We hung out outside in the courtyard and Tanya told Dad all about her recent boat issues which of course were of great interest to him. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Excellent news on the physical therapy front. After 5 months of fighting the system, Katie finally got authorization for more physical therapy. Anything that can help Dad gain some more strength and independence is welcome. I just finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Stroke-Insight-Scientists-Personal/dp/0452295548/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275848724&sr=8-1">My Stroke of Insight</a> by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. Jill was a leading brain scientist at Harvard who had a massive stroke and was able to tell her story about the day of her stroke and her 8 years to full recovery. Doctors will tell you stroke victims only recover for the first 6 months or so but Jill proved that wrong. Thanks to Dennis for the book. I passed it to Barb who will give it to Katie when she is done. I hope Dad will get some more speech therapy too. He will do anything a therapist asks but is not so willing with his friends or family. He can say "No" pretty clearly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>I NEED YOUR HELP</em> I'm going to be making a photo album for my dad - simple pictures of people he knows. I'll put their first names under each picture. Maybe it will help him put names to faces. Maybe it won't help - but he seems to like to look at pictures so it can't hurt. If you have any pictures of yourself or any of Dave's close friends or family please email one to me at <a href="mailto:keri.hoffman@pepsico.com">keri.hoffman@pepsico.com</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>DAVE NEEDS YOUR HELP</em> Visitors are getting few and far between so please take a moment to pop in and visit with Dave, you both will be better for it. Thank you to all his friends and family that make the time to visit, we all very much appreciate it. Information on location is posted along the left side of this blog.<br />
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As always, if you have a story you would like to share from a recent visit please email it to me. <br />
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Thanks!<br />
keri</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-23324185493604752302010-06-03T11:06:00.000-06:002010-06-03T11:06:54.848-06:00An email from Katie to one of David's Friends<div style="text-align: justify;"><em>More to come soon on my recent visit, but I wanted to get this out ASAP so folks can hear how my dad is doing and hopefully get out to visit soon - you'll love the walk out to the gardens he'll take you on! - keri</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">David is doing well. It's hard to explain...he still has trouble with getting the right words out but he now not only understands, but can reason. I am always telling him what is going on with work, the house, the cottage, Maura, her boat and anything I can think to talk about when I visit him. I now ask his opinion about some things and although he doesn't have the words, I give him a choice of what he thinks I should do and it always seems true to what he would have answered before his stroke. It also seems he likes to be involved in the decisions I make. He also likes to decide where he wants to eat {Carrabba’s and a Chinese restaurant} when we take him out to dinner by directing me where to turn until I figure out what restaurant he is taking me to. He still makes me laugh. His overall health is good as are his spirits!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also run into many people that ask me how David is doing. I update them but always say "go visit him, he would love to see you". At this point he does not get many visitors. I visit him every day with a few exceptions. Just like always, he is so happy to see me. …. When I have to go out of town for work I line people up to visit so he has at least has one visitor a day. Thanks for continuing to encourage people to visit, it really means a lot. - Katie</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-12567259302707815302009-12-13T13:28:00.000-07:002009-12-13T13:28:00.062-07:00My December VisitI'm at the Detroit airport waiting for my flight back to Denver. It was another whirlwind tour to Michigan. I got to visit with my Dad the last four days as well as see lots of friends and family. I even got some Christmas shopping in. I'm exhausted. I think the next visit will be more low key so I can take Dad out on the town. He's already been out to dinner with Katie at Brio, and to her sister Anne's for Thanksgiving dinner with the family. I'm told he tried to instruct Katie on how to drive, typical of "the boss." A little bit about my visit...<br />
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Just some interesting observations, Dad can't really tell you what time it is but knows when meal time is, or when you have to leave if you tell him ahead of time, etc. It seems like his short term memory is improving and he remembered a few things that I told him from the previous day. He also knows Tiger Woods is in some serious hot water. "Whoa." And that at 40, Brett Farve really isn't that old. Dad doesn't like to leave the room when mealtime is near but right afterwards each day he was ready to hit the road. Since my visit in October he's now able to get up and in his wheelchair 100% on his own. He stands up strong and stable - such a positive change. When doctors tell you physical progress stops after 3-6 months, I guess they never met Dave Batchelder.<br />
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Each day we went for a stroll - the typical route over to the elevator with a quick stop at the second floor lounge to check out the action. Then downstairs to the first floor lounge. Usually we go outside into the courtyard but it was much too cold this week. Dave has all the ladies charmed and they all say high to him as he wheels on by. We played a game of checkers and I love how he leaves his finger on the piece until he is sure of his move. He used to beat the pants off me in checkers as a kid and I knew if I threw the game he would know it. Once we realized we got to the point where no one could win, he took a hit for the team and let me jump his kings.<br />
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Today I needed to leave soon after he was finishing lunch but he wanted to get up into his chair, which he did all on his own. I said it would have to be a quick walk and he told me (in few words) to grab my stuff, that he would walk me out. It was so sweet and such an independent move that left me a little heart broken.<br />
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I know everyone is busy this time of year, please take a few minutes and stop by for a visit. You'll both be better for it. Until next time...keriKerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-79926748492523334352009-12-02T08:59:00.000-07:002009-12-02T08:59:04.446-07:00Happy ThanksgivingJust a quick post...my Dad has his first outing when he went with Katie and Maura to her sister Anne's house for Thanksgiving dinner. I would have loved to have been there to see him out and about for the first time. I'm told he had a very nice time.<br />
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I will be in town next week Thursday - Sunday to visit with Dad so more to come on how he is doing.Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4815903823388743815.post-53601300202163768282009-10-25T19:32:00.002-06:002009-10-25T19:44:29.820-06:00The Birthday Party Was Quite a Success!!!I talked to Katie tonight and she said my Dad had a fabulous time at his 70<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday party! Thank you to the 50+ people that came!!! I don't think if I had a birthday party 50 people would show up so that says a lot about my dad and his friends. Wish I could have been there.Kerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06392036142436127628noreply@blogger.com0