Boat Racing at Cullaby Lake

Denny had a boat race over the weekend at Cullaby Lake, which is between Seaside and Astoria. Great lake and it was perfect weather since it was so hot at home. We took our camper and stayed in the parking lot. It is only a day use park but they make exceptions for the boat racers. We loved staying there and didn't even go into Seaside to "play" on Saturday night because the lake was just too awesome to not enjoy. We BBQ'd both nights.

Denny raced great. He raced four heats and won all of them. Lee gave him a real "run for his money" the first day. Lee is on the right.

But Denny was able to pass him in both races on Saturday. Denny. R-8.

On Sunday Lee had boat problems and Denny had a close race with Zach.

Here are Denny, Lee and Mark getting ready to take off.

Our friends, Rod and Kay, spent the weekend in Astoria so they could watch Denny race. They just happened to be in Astoria a couple of years ago when Denny was racing, so I mentioned the boat races to them, and they dropped by and enjoyed them. So this year they made reservations at their favorite motel and spent two days with us. Thanks, Kay and Rod for being there. We all really enjoyed your company.

Julie, Scott, Kyle and Tori were also there. They stayed at Scott's parent's in Astoria. His parents also stopped by.Scott helped Denny start his boat each day. Scott said it was really fun after the race because guys would come up and look at Denny's boat and motor and make comments about it and would say a few things to Scott about it. Scott acted like he knew all about it but little did the guys know that about all Scott knew was how to get the water out of the boat with the sponge! But he was lovin' it and felt like a real "racer dude!" Kyle and Tori always wipe off the boat afterwards. Tori comes up to Grandpa after the race and says, "It is time for us to do our job yet?!"

Sara enjoyed playing in the water. She was always trying to dig up rocks and bring them to shore. It was a great weekend. The park was nice, weather was perfect, racing was super and the company was awesome. Thanks everyone for a terrific time.

Hope all of you had a nice weekend also and were able to stay cool.

Love to you all,

JO

Kyle's Staying With Us

We have our grandson, Kyle (10), staying with us for a few days. He brought with him, his pitching machine, bats, balls, glove, bike, skateboard, etc. I don't think he is going to be bored while staying with us. Yesterday we rode our bikes to the nearby school. He rode a little motor bike that we have here.

Then when we got home he rode on his skateboard while I took a video of him using my camera. I have never done that before so they didn't turn out too great. But he enjoyed watching them. We would record, delete, record again, etc.

Grandpa (Denny) decided it would be fun for him to "chairboard" down our driveway and this is how he ended up! Boy, did Kyle and I laugh. I wish I would have had a video of that!Today when I went to my meeting for women with metastatic cancer, Denny took Kyle to the batting cages. He hit great. Then they went to the Malibu Grand Prix and Kyle drove a race car. I thought you had to be 16 to drive one but apparently they go by height. He made it! He loved it and I am sure he will be going back there. Denny didn't realize that the camera was in the car so he took this picture with his phone. So it isn't the best picture but Kyle is in car 4.My meeting was nice. There were about 20 of us there. A man from Providence came to take our picture with the quilt that we made and hangs on the wall in our meeting room. I have a picture of it in a previous blog. He is going to be writing a story and printing the picture in the newspaper that Providence/St. Vincent's publish. I will try to figure out how to put that in my blog when it comes out.

Hope all of you are enjoying the fantastic weather we are having.

Love to you all,

JO

PS: I keep forgetting to tell some of you who like 50's - 60's music, that there is an FM radio station that plays all the oldies like KISN used to. It is 105.9. Try it, you'll like it!

Harley Ridin' and Eatin'

Yesterday we rode our Harley to the beach. It is the first time we have ridden it this year. It is has been so long that I even forgot what side of the bike I usually get on! The first two times I got on, it felt uncomfortable and I kept thinking that maybe I had gained some weight and just couldn't get on it like I used to! Then we both realized that I was getting on the bike on the left side like Denny does and I usually get on it on the right. Dah!

We stopped at the new Starbucks in Longview just before crossing the bridge into Oregon. Then we stopped and had halibut fish and chips in Astoria at the best place ever. We have stopped there before and it was just as good as it always is. I think the place is called the Bowkeeper and it is across from the Maritime Museum. It is a wooden ship that sits on a lot and a couple of gals cook the fish. They only serve halibut and fries. We got it to go and sat by the water and ate it.

Then we stopped by Cullaby Lake (between Astoria and Seaside) to check it out since Denny will be boat racing there next weekend. It is a nice little lake and most people don't even know there is a lake there. These pictures were taken there.

We then headed to Seaside and drove around the Prom and sat on a bench and watched the people playing on the beach. There were lots of people there and the weather was nice. We had a great day and we look forward to many more trips on our Harley.

Hope all of you had a nice day like we did.

Love to you all,

JO

Turkey, Bacon, Ranch Wrap at Arby's

Once a month, some of us Lunch Bunch gals meet for lunch at Arby's in Hillsboro. I always end up getting the same sandwich, a turkey, bacon, ranch wrap. It is great. Today, I met Amy and Carolyn at 9:30 at Marshall's and we shopped before lunch. I wasn't going to buy a thing, yeah, right! I ended up with a pair of black carpi's. They were $50 and I bought them for $16.99. They do not wrinkle at all. They will be perfect for packing in a suitcase. More on that later. Then we went to Kohl's since it is right next to Arby's and I didn't buy a thing. I said, "I didn't buy a thing!" Hard to believe, but true. Amy and Carolyn both bought tons of things today and I was trying to tell them they were spending way too much money and they didn't need all that stuff, but they just wouldn't listen to me! Good thing I have discipline and know when not to buy too much! (I know Amy and Carolyn read my blog, so you know gals, that I am just kidding. But you will have to admit that you both did buy more than I did! Now that is unusual.)

Julie sent me a picture of Tori and her neighbors at their swimming lesson. Tori is the gal on the far left.....the one with the nice figure like her Grandma, yeah right! Cute kids.

We just booked a cruise to the Western Caribbean in 2009. This is the first time since I have had metastatic cancer that I have made travel arrangements so far in advance. Since I have my CAT scans every three months, I usually plan no more than three months ahead. But, I did it and I feel okay about it. We can cancel up to three months before the trip and then we can buy travel insurance. Right now, I feel great and am planning on feeling great for a long time. We will be going with Jan, Dick, Lynne, and Bill. Jan and Lynne are the gals I go to Reno with each year. We have been on a few cruises together. This time we are going on the Norwegian Cruise Line. We have never been on it before and it sounds like it will be different since they have all open seating for their meals. There are 13 restaurants on the ship. Plus, you can dress up if you want to but you don't have to. We have had several formal pictures taken recently on cruises, so we don't need any more of those. A couple of the ports we will be going to are Belize and Cozumel. I have not been to Belize and hear it is nice. So, I am looking forward to letting you all know about our cruise, because I am going to be healthy enough to go on it!

Justin sent us a new picture of Bella. Pretty darn cute!

Hope you are enjoying the sunshine.

Love to you all,

JO

My Huge Garden

Today I went to my support group meeting for women with metastic cancer. There were not very many there. Some of the gals are sick and some were out of town. Before the meeting, I visited a gal from our support group, Betsy, who is in the hospital. She was in the group when I joined so I have always felt a closeness to her. We both worked together several times on the quilt that our support group made to hang in our room. We both attended the writing workshop that was offered following our meetings. She and her husband have a sailboat and sail in the San Juan Islands. I know she is anxious to do that again and I sure hope she gets to soon. Just want you to know, Betsy, that I am thinking of you and sending you healing thoughts.

My friend, Madeline, received the results of her CAT scan and it was good news. It showed there is no CLL in her body, she is still in remission and chemo is not necessary. She will continue to have some more radiation treatments on her legs and her bones should be completely healed in six months. Here is a picture that was taken a year ago of her, her sister (Shirley-on the left) and myself. I worked at Hilhi with Shirley for 20 years. Their parents and my parents were good friends.

Here is a picture that was taken a month ago at Shirley's new house and before Madeline had surgery on her leg.

So, Madeline, keep on doing good. I am so happy for you. You Go Girl!

Yesterday, I planted the flowers that I bought at Beaverton's market. Thank goodness Denny helped me or it would have taken me till midnight . They look nice but they need lots of sunshine to grow. I also planted a cherry tomato plant , like I do each year. My tomaotes never seem to make it. I have only gotten tomatoes one year and have planted at least 4 years. I planted two strawberry plants. I don't have much luck with those either. I think it might be because I don't have a garden space and I plant them in buckets! Probably not the best enviroment for growing fruits and vegtables. Never was a farmer!

Hope all of you are having a good week.

Love to you all,

JO

PS: IF my tomatoes and strawberries make it, you are all invited over for salads and strawberry shortcake!

Happy Father's Day

I want to wish all you fathers a Happy Father's Day.

I went to a picnic at Vancouver Lake with some friends we met while Denny taught and coached at Lake Oswego High School. Sonny and Marion organized it last year and it has become an annual event. We thought it would be fun to get our families together since we don't get to see each other very often. Everyone and anyone was invited. Unfortunately, this year, I was the only one from my family. Denny was boat racing, Justin was working and lives in Hermiston, and Julie had her in-laws with her celebrating Father's Day. It was fun to see so many old friends that we used to hang out with years ago.

Here is a picture of Sonny and Marion who hosted the picnic. Sonny BBQ's hot dogs and hamburgers. All the food was terrific. Thanks, Sonny and Marion.

Here is a picture of Craig (Marion's son) and his family. He is a good friend of Justin and Julie's and we love him like a son.

Here is a picture of Larry, Myrna, and their daughter Cindy with her kids. He taught and coached with Denny and Myrna was athletic secretary at LO for many years.

Here is a picture of John and Chris. He also taught and coached with Denny at Lake Oswego High School and Chris was a secretary there.
It was so much fun spending time with old friends that we don't see very often.......some of them, only once a year. 'Looking forward to seeing all of you, not only at next years annual Father's Day picnic, but at many, many, many more .

Hope all of you were able to spend time with your fathers or friends and enjoy the outdoors in the nice sunshine.

Love to you all,

JO

Tori's Recital

Today was a fun day. I got up early and went to the Farmers Market in Vancouver, hoping to find some geraniums and a hanging basket. But I got there too early (8:00) and not everyone had their booths ready. But from what I saw, the flowers weren't that great. So I came home, changed clothes (had to dress for Tori's recital) and headed for the Beaverton Farmers Market because I knew they would have lots of flowers. I found the greatest geraniums. They were $4 a piece and worth every penny. The same ones sell for $6-$7 any place else. So I bought 6 and took them to my car and then went back to look around and ended up buying 4 more! I didn't find a hanging basket that I liked. So I headed to Sherwood where Tori's dance recital was going to be and I stopped by Al's Garden Center. Their hanging baskets were twice the price of those at the market. So I hope to go back to the Beaverton Market next weekend and hopefully find a basket I like. Here's a picture of the geraniums I bought.

Then I went to Tori's dance recital. She was Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz presentation. She had the biggest smile on her face the entire performance. You could tell she loved every minute of it. There were a couple of kids that stood on the stage and cried.

Tori had a smile on her face during the entire performance.

Tori with the two neighbor girls.

Kyle didn't feel real good that day (allergies) but I managed to get a picture of him and Tori.

Here is a picture of Scott, Julie, Kyle and Tori, oops, I mean Dorothy.

These are the kids and I with Scott's parents.

Notice how Tori is always posing!

We all enjoyed the recital and were so proud of Tori.

Hope all of you had a nice day and were able to enjoy the sunshine.

Love to you all,

JO

Grow Hair, Grow!

Gosh, it has almost been a week since I have written in my blog. Apparently, retirement is just too busy a time for me!


On Tuesday, I had a dermatology appointment for a yearly checkup. But it had been three years since I had been to see him. I would love to have said to him as I was walking out of his office, "See you in another three years!" He said a person should really be checked once a year if they have been in the sun much.......................and that certainly would be me! He used the "witches brew" to freeze three places on my face. He said they were just due to age. The reason I went to see him is because of a very small pink mark I have on my left arm. When the lymphedema therapist was massaging my arm, she noticed it. The dermatologist said it was a very small precancerous spot and he froze it. He showed me one on his arm and said mine was much smaller than his. So I came away from there feeling pretty good. It is always a worry once you have had cancer to go to appointments like that. The cute thing, was when he was checking my scalp. I said to him that he shouldn't have any trouble seeing my scalp since my hair was so thin. He said that lots of women have had some success with products like Rogaine that they have for men. It tickled me, that this bald headed dermatologist is giving me suggestions about my hair! I actually thought it was really nice of him to even mention it. So, of course, I had to "do as the doctor ordered" and went directly to a store that sells hair products. It might not help any but it is worth a try. The gal said there wouldn't be any change (if any) for 30-60 days. I wanted to tell her that I needed results sooner than that since I might be having chemo about the time my hair starts growing! But I thought it was best just to pay the high price and be on my merry way.

After my dermatologist appointment I went to my physical therapy appointment with the lymphedema therapist. She said my arm looked great. It seems to go up and down for no particular reason. It just so happened that it was down then. So I had my therapy and I have decided that I won't have any more sessions unless my arm should get really bad. If things go well for me, I will go back in a year to check in with her. I am eligible once a year to get two new compression sleeves and gloves if I meet with her yearly. I am glad that I went to see her (I went 4 times) because she gave me some valuable tips and exercises for my lymphedema.

Then on Wednesday, I went to my weekly support group meeting for women with metastatic cancer. I had missed the last two classes so it was nice to see everyone. My special friend, Shauna, had a book for me that each person gets that submits a writing for the Writer Around Portland writing class that we had taken. A couple of months ago, several gals from our support group stayed after class to participate in the writing class. I thought it would be fun to learn a little bit about how to write. Little did I know that everyone in the class was already a fantastic writer. I felt like an elementary school student in with college students. But I stuck it out and really enjoyed the class. We were given a topic to write about and then we would read it to the others in the class. Everyone always made me feel like I was doing a good job, especially the instructor. I didn't submit a writing for the book that they were going to publish, so she made it a point to tell me that she really thought I should submit one. So, I did. It is actually pretty cool to think that I have a writing in a book that will be sold at Powells, Borders, etc. I haven't read all the writings yet in the book but so far mine is the one that is the easiest to read and understand. You know how grade school kids write so you can understand it!

As you can tell by my blog, it hasn't been a real exciting week. But I have a nice weekend planned. Will write about it later and hopefully, have some pictures.

Enjoy the nice warm weather we are having.

Love to you all,

JO

Home

I got home from Vegas on Friday. That night we went to Newberg to watch Kyle play in his baseball playoffs. They lost and played again on Saturday. They lost that game, too. Kyle is 10 and at that age, it isn't the end of the world if they don't win. It is always fun to win, but the boys all had fun even when they lost. I have a feeling it might not be that way next year.

Tori had her last T-ball game. She looked so cute, even with the huge bruise on her face. Some boy during recess, came up to her and hit her in the face with a pogo stick! She didn't even know the kid. Come to find out, he has been mean to several kids (hitting, spitting, etc.) and can no longer go to recess. When Julie talked to the principal, she said she does not want Tori in the same class as that kid when she goes into the first grade next year. Good thing she is tough, like her grandma!

Here is a picture of Mom and I. I didn't wear my wig until we went out that night since it was too hot. It was about 90 each day. That's too hot for me. I like it in the 70's.

Here's a picture of us eating out with Richard and Tony. We went to a place near Fremont (the old strip) and it was so good. It is one of their favorites places.

I love going places but I also love coming home. I haven't planted any flowers yet so I plan on doing that this week. No more excuses since the weather looks good.

Hope all of you have a great week.

Love to you all,

JO

Today Is A Very Good Day

According to my original oncologist, I should not be alive today. Little does he know that I am in Vegas and having a grand ol' time!


On June 3, 2006, I learned that I had stage 4, metastatic cancer. I wrote about this in my very first blog. My oncologist didn't even call to tell me the news. I had to read it from the paper I received in the mail, after calling three times to his office, to get the results. Two days later (he didn't have the time to see us the first day!), Denny, Julie and I met with him. That is when he told me that the large tumor I had growing on my left pectoral muscle, would continue to grow and eventually break my ribs. When I asked him how long he thought I had to live, (I always like to be organized and prepared!) he told me, "Maybe two years!" He didn't even mention any treatment and talked about "quality of life." When we asked about chemo, he talked about the horrible side effects and how my hands could become raw and some of my skin could fall off, etc. He didn't paint a pretty picture. So that is when my family got busy and started finding other places, doctors, etc. that might be able to help me. I ended up going to OHSU and Dr. Chui said I could enter a clinical trial. But at Northwest Cancer Specialists, Dr. Weinstein (My Hero), told me that my cancer was treatable and he suggested Taxotere (chemo) and Avastin. So I changed oncologists at Kaiser (I didn't have any choice but to stay with Kaiser Ins.) and I like Dr. Trubowitz. She also suggested those two drugs. And they, "did their job," since I am currently in remission and have not had any chemo treatments for 17 months!


I have lived my life to the fullest during the last 17 months. We have done a lot of traveling and have spent precious time with our family and friends. I know how lucky I am to still be here and feeling good. I would like to go into my original oncologist's office, and say, "F you!" No, I don't do or say things like that! But it bothers me, that some people might listen to him and if I had, I know that I would be dead today. So today, I am feeling very blessed and am thankful for feeling good and having such a wonderful and supportive family and friends.

Today is a very good day. Today I am lucky to be alive. Today I am thankful for all of you being in my life and helping me through my cancer journey. I know I have more cancer days ahead of me, but today is a very good day!

Love to you all,

JO

"Bella"

Our son, Justin, and his family just bought a darling springer puppy. They had to put their previous dog to sleep and it was very hard because "Shooter" was a great dog and hunter. Here are some pictures of "Isabella." They will call her "Bella."

Justin said she has a great nose and fetches already. She sleeps with them and gets up a couple of times to "go potty." She has not had any accidents yet. She looks like "Shooter" and it sounds like she will be a great hunter like her.

Welcome, Bella, to Justin's family. You are one cute and lucky dog!

Love to you all,

JO

Saturday Market and Baseball Playoffs

I wanted to write in my blog about spending the day with the kids last Saturday but I didn't have time since I had to get ready for my Vegas trip.

Saturday morning Julie, Tori and I went to Beaverton's Saturday Market. Wow! If you have never been there, go. It is super large and they have all the vegetables, fruits and flowers you could ever want. Plus, they have lots of good food and miscellaneous booths. Tori had her picture drawn (head shot drawn in pencil) by a guy and he only charged $5.00. It looked just like her. She ran through the water spouts that they have on during the nice weather.

Then we went to Kyle's playoff baseball game. They won and it was an exciting game at the end. Kyle did awesome. They will play on Thursday (I will miss it, darn!) and then again on Saturday. Here is a picture of Scott (Kyle's Dad) coaching Kyle at first base and a great picture of them sitting in the dug-out.

We are so fortunate to live close enough to attend their activities.

Love to you all,

JO

"What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas"

I arrived in Vegas this morning. Richard (brother) and Tony picked me up at the airport. Sunday is such a busy day at the Vegas airport, so it was really nice of them to fight the traffic and people to pick me up.


When we got to Mom's, she had lunch for us. We had meatloaf, twice baked potatoes, fresh corn off the cob, salad with home made dressing and home made peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies! Notice I said lunch, not dinner! Definitely, not my typical lunch. Thank God or I would weigh 200 pounds.

After lunch, Mom and I went to see Carol (sister) at the new Pet Smart store where she has cats for adoption. She started a business recently, when she retired, called "Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions." They find foster homes for cats that need to be adopted and then try to find permanent owners. All the cats are spayed/neutered and have their shots before they can be adopted. They get the cats from people who are moving and can't take them with them or maybe someones cat has kittens and they can't find homes for all of them, etc. It is a great organization and it is hard work but very rewarding.

Then Mom and I came home and we were sitting around relaxing (6:30 PM) and we were planning our week, and she asked if I would want to go to the new athletic club she and Lloyd had recently joined (me, thinking she meant tomorrow morning). But she meant now! Can you believe it?! I was content to sit on the couch and relax, especially after having eaten a humongous lunch! But my 83 year old Mom wants to go walk at the gym. Once I got there, it was fine. But there was no way I would have ever thought about exercising at that time. See how lucky I am to have such a terrific Mom?

It is hot here and we haven't decided what we are going to do yet tomorrow. But I bet that we will be walking! I gotta keep up with Mom, I gotta keep up with Mom, I gotta keep up with Mom!


Love to you all,

JO