It's that time again...

We finally have the tree up, and now we have a big front window to put it in!

as seen at the park

This weekend we took a few hours to go to Paws in the Park, a dog day in the beautiful park on our side of town. There was actually a mini petting zoo on one side. I pet the cutest pig, but Chris and D cozied up to some bigger animals...

Zucchini bread. And lots of it!

Chris wasn't sure why they said to plant zucchini six feet apart (and didn't). Then they grew. And grew, and grew, and grew. I love how lush it looks!

I found an amazing recipe for bread and have made four loaves already. I wish I could share it with you!

We're on to making pickles next...

Bird on a wire

I let the birds out tonight. They flew to the floor and just stayed in place, a little frozen. D finally sat down in the living room with some potato chips, and the next thing I knew, this is what I saw...

And the celebrating starts...

D is getting a new phone for his birthday, so we stopped at Chris's store to pick it up. He doesn't look thrilled here, but that's just his teenage attitude.

There's actually a huge 4th of July parade two blocks from our house, we found out yesterday. We hadn't planned for it, but next year it will be fun!

We're headed to my dad's, my sister is in town. She ordered a cookie cake for D, and we got a cake and champagne to celebrate my brother's engagement. I just hope I brought sunscreen...

Happy 4th!

Fresh veggies!

Chris started our garden today. There are six raised beds already here. Two are full of garlic, most of the rest are completely overgrown.

He and D cleared one of them out the other day, and Chris bought some plants: cabbage, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapenos, squash and zucchini. Our neighbor says we have just enough time to get them started. We'll be waiting impatiently!

A familiar site

My parents had their pool redone, so we had our first swim today! Daulton was the last one in, of course. I want to compare this to past years.

So where is...

We moved today! It's so exciting. D started unpacking...always the important things first...the nerf guns!

American beauty

This is the prettiest thing that has bloomed at the house so far! Chris isn't too fond of the prickers, but I just think it's so beautiful.

Shakespeare on Saturday

We saw the play Love's Labour's Lost at Allegheny last night. We all really liked it, it's very funny even with the slight language barrier. Good show!

Home improvements

This is D, 'helping' me at the home store...

The Sunday Post

Rudy LOVES to sit here on this chair. She can see all the critters outside, but more importantly she can watch all the birds soaring across the sky. I would feel bad, but I think she likes the safety of our home. Rocket doesnt mind because he can easily keep watch over her.

At the new house they'll have a bird feeder to watch. Can't wait to see that!

All in a day's work...

We spent the day at Lowes and at the house. D obliged us and helped to clean up the yard. I got all of the wallpaper down in the bathroom--we lucked out, the previous owners used the kind that's easier to remove. I'm hoping the kitchen is the same!

As seen in music city...

I was in Nashville the last 7 or 8 days. Stayed at the beautiful Hutton Hotel, it was exquisite in all regards. This is in their lobby, thought you might enjoy. I love the blue glass 'water' he's drinking from... more pics of Nashville to come, once I get home I'll upload them all.

Another northwestern PA winter...

Here are some highlights from the last few months.

Chris's friend, Daryl, was over one night while it snowed and blowed. When he went to leave, we discovered the snowfall had drifted right in front of our door! We had to dig out piles and piles while you can see the cars next to us were fine!


D has been taking drum lessons at a local music store. Each study room has a fun door on it, and his teacher has some great art on his wall. I snapped a pic while he was in class.


Bowling is one of my favorite pasttimes! I dusted off my bowling ball and shoes and we headed out into the cold.

Hospital gowns and Valentine's Day...

Well, thanks goodness it came and went without any major procedures, but Chris's second hospital stay was another long week. On Valentine's Day I brought him chocolate-covered strawberries and slept in the room. I documented, as usual.

I snapped this while we waited in the ER hallway. It took them a few hours to get him to a room upstairs.


Chris definitely had a better view this time! We could see ice fisherman out on the bay, and it snowed quite a bit.


This is officially my new favorite photo of Chris and Daulton. They were playing the game Battleship on Daulton's game player, and they both laughed at the same time. I always catch them giggling about one thing or another, in their own little world.

We did it!

Well, we bought a house! It's such a strange feeling. Now instead of being full of potential, it looks like a lot of work! ha ha. But that's okay, it will be SO great when we're done. This is our front porch!

a big change

I always sit across from the guys at restaurants. So this is a typical image I see pretty regularly. This is also what Daulton's hair has been looking like for a few years...



Lately the view has changed a little...Daulton decided to alter his appearance—it's a dramatic difference! (And now they look alike more than ever!)

power positive

Chris has been a good sport about me trying to document his medical experiences. Here is a quick view at what we've been through the last couple months.


Finally feeling better from the arm thrombolysis, the multiple procedures that fixed the blood clots in his arm and that led to the eventual discovery of his tumor.


A visit from Daryl, who has been a great shoulder to lean on for both of us.


A get well card from adorable Ally, the daughter of Chris's coworker, Joe. Joe was bummed that he couldn't visit (he always had to be at the store in Chris's absence) but his wife brought their two children by to see us. I think Ally made a second card just recently.


A visit to the lab for a blood test. Chris goes regularly so they can manage his blood thinners properly. He's no longer afraid of needles!


I can't remember if this was before or after his bone biopsy. I can only imagine it was before, because he probably wouldn't have let me snap a photo after. Definitely the worst (most painful) procedure so far, we're hoping he won't have to do it again. Luckily it didn't take long. If it's going to be painful, it should be short.


Chemo Number 1! I tried to be discreet so I didn't offend others there, I think there was only one guy left when I took this. The room has a central large desk for all of the nurses and then chairs all around all four sides (and some rooms behind that). The nurses and staff have been wonderful so far, and we're so lucky to have wonderful doctors as well.