Since I haven't posted in a while, I am going to post some recent photos from my phone.  

Kevin and I took Daniel and Laura to visit The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens: 

Sweet Laura

Kevin's family on Father's Day

My dear cousin, Annette

Aunt Zell and Buddy took me for a ride on their golf cart

Dad turned 87

Daniel turned 13

Laura completed another year with the Mitey Riders

Proud Dad 

Blossom was unable to move off of the couch by herself on her last days.  Scott bought an air mattress and slept beside her ever night.  

Our sweet baby Balto

Next post:  Whatever happened to Not Mom and Dad's Cat?  

August Rush

None days ago, Laura and I were enjoying a leisurely Saturday afternoon outside when Daniel accidentally stirred up a yellow jacket nest while playing with the water hose.  Laura was stung at least 3 times.  Did I mention that one of those times was on the lip? 

After breaking out in hives, Kevin and I knew it was time to head to the ER.  Rana met them there and sent this picture.  Our sweet Laura never complained, instead she smiled and asked for "macaroni and cheese".  

Scott and I had some work done in our back yard on Monday.  The workers stirred up a yellow jacket nest and were stung as well.  While digging around a day later, Balto was attacked by the angry mob.  I looked up and he was running toward me wearing a "jacket" of about 15 yellow jackets on his back.  Long story short....we made a trip to the vet for a Benadryl shot.  

Scott decided that he wasn't taking any chances when it comes to his dogs.  He ordered a bee suit and went nest hunting today.  

Thankfully, Laura had something to celebrate soon after her visit to the ER.  Two years ago, Laura's seizure doctor nominated her to Make-A-Wish.  There is no place Laura loves more than the beach so she received a wish to go to Key Largo for the week.  Here are some photos that Rana sent to me from the trip.  

She was treated to a pedicure and manicure.  Judging by the photos she really enjoyed having her nails done.  What a happy surprise!  I would have never guessed that she would enjoy this but I will remember for the future...  

Both Kevin and Laura celebrated birthdays during this trip.  Laura is now 15 years old.  What a beautiful gift she is!  I look forward to hearing all about their trip when they return tonight.  

With Kevin's family out of town for 8 days, I had Dad to myself.  Here's a picture of him on the phone with his brother Skee (Henry).  Uncle Skee is 98 years old this month.  

I hope you have a wonderful week!  

Love Hurts

Monday morning started off a little rough this week.  Balto was so happy to see me after a long night of sleep that he busted my lip with his nose.  

Things are going well.  Rana arrived home safely from Syria tonight after visiting her mom for a month.  We missed her dearly but we are so thankful she was able to spend time with her family.  Kevin has had his hands full taking care of Laura, Daniel and helping me with Dad all month.  I'm sure no one is more happy that she is home than he is!  Here are a few pictures Rana sent me from her trip.  

Since I am so behind, I missed posting on Father's Day.  It was a really great day.  

After Mom died, I went through her drawers looking to find things to just feel close to her.  I found that Mom had a lot of really fun socks.  I can't believe I never paid attention to this!  I'm finding that wearing her socks is a fun way to feel a part of her with me.  Here are 2 of my favorites so far....

Butterflies.   Whenever I see butterflies now, I think of Mom. 

Sheep.  I wore these socks when I went to the Gynecologist of all places.  My Dr and her assistant couldn't stop talking about how cute they were.  They loved the idea of wearing Mom's socks to feel her with me.  

I found so many cute socks in her drawer.  I also plan on buying fun socks from now on as a fun tribute to Mom.  

Mom's hydrangea has been blooming in all of the colors this year.  I can't remember what color it was when we planted it but it is really showing off.  

How cool is that?  

Walking home after visiting Dad one afternoon, I found this lone mushroom.  Is it just me or do you think a little gnome lives here?  

If you read my blog at all, you know I have struggled with anxiety for my entire life.  I have had my share of counselors and therapists both good and sort of good.  I LOVE my current psychologist and plan on seeing her monthly until the end of time.  Over the years I have developed a phobia of having my blood pressure taken.  Dr K and I have decided to focus on EXPOSURE THERAPY to help me remain calm while I'm faced with the cuff.  I know it sounds absolutely ridiculous but I'm nervous just typing this.  I want to throw that monitor out the window and close all of the blinds.   The readings I get at home are usually excellent; it's the ones at the doctor's office that raise eyebrows.  White coat syndrome is real.  I'll update you on my journey and we can see if exposure therapy will work for me.  I have my doubts.....