Thinking of Friends in Mexico

With all the snow, I was thinking about Mexico, where just last month I enjoyed weather in the balmy 80's. Also had time to go through some of the videos I took there, and wondered what my young Mexican friends would think of all this snow. These videos always bring smiiles, and I hope you enjoy them, too!

Report on Surgery

Kim's husband, Mel, called a few minutes ago with an update on Kim's surgery. She came through it well, and is resting in ICU.

One thing I had forgotten was that the Spokane surgeon told her he might be able to do something less than a total colostomy, and according to Mel, this was successful. So he somehow was able to save a portion of her bowel, which is really good news! I'm not sure what was done to the stomach, but I will post more as I get more information.

Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes.
Gayle

Kim's Surgery Set For Tomorrow

My friend, Kim, will finally have surgery tomorrow, Monday, in Spokane. She has not been well at all these past few weeks--she's in pain, has lost a lot of weight, and can't eat. The doctors will perform a colostomy, remove her stomach and create a temporary one, and possibly do something to help her esophogus work better.

The scleroderma has really taken a toll on her system, and I ask your prayers and positive thoughts that she may be strong enough to come through it well. Also, that the surgeons hands will help to overcome her many challoenges.

Frank and I are going to visit her in awhile before the family leaves. Daughter Ashley will stay home, as she is beginning a new job.

Kim anticipates her hospital stay will be at least a week, then she has to stay in Spokane awhile for follow-up. Fortunately, a nearby motel provides patients' families a special rate of just $55 per night, so that will help.

When she does come home, her husband will need to be off work for some time, as she will have a feeding tube and will need home care.

A business person who owns properties has hired Ashley part-time, and he also may be able to rent them a home in the months ahead, at a rate they can afford. Kim should start receiving Social Security Disability in the months ahead. At least she was not denied, which usually is automatic for folks applying.

The little article in the newspaper generated calls from around 10 people, and donations have allowed the family to catch up on their electric bill, buy groceries, and some wood to burn in their wood stove to keep down the electric heat bill. A young single mom took her young boys door to door to collect food donations! Wow! What a positive model for her children!

My dear friends, you have been so generous with your prayers and donations, and I thank you sincerely. The weeks ahead will be tough for the family.

If you would like to donate non-perishable food, I will be gathering that. In addition, if you would like to provide a meal or two for the family when they are home, that would lighten their load. They will all be struggling without their mom providing the strength she has for so long. Even when sick she would make sure they had a hot meal in the evening.

Thank you for your kindness and prayers. I will give an update when I hear something after the surgery.

Sincerely,

Gayle

Delicious Roasted Carrot Soup Recipe

Thanks to my friend Jean for introducing me to this great recipe. We LOVE it, and it's perfect for these cold days!

Roasted Carrot Soup With Ginger

1 1/2 lbs. carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

1 lb. parsnips, peeled and quartered lengthwise

1 lg. onion, sliced

3-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

6 T. unsalted butter

3T. packed dark brown sugar

8 c. chicken broth

Pinch cayenne pepper

Optional: Creme fraiche and fresh chives for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Combine carrots, parsnips, onion and ginger in a shallow roasting pan, dot with butter, sprinkle with brown sugar.

3. Pour 2 c. broth into the pan, cover well with aluminum foil, and bake for 2 hours, until vegetables are very tender.

4. Transfer to a large soup pot with the remaining 6 cups of broth. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.

5. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth, adding more broth if necessary. Return the soup to the pot, adjust the seasonings, and heat through. Serve dolloped with creme fraiche and chives. Enjoy!

Our Last Day

As we awoke this morning, we view everything as "our last" . . . our last day to enjoy coffee in our robes, to cook breakfast, including freshly squeezed orange and tangerine juice picked from the yard, to walk to the jardin, to see the regulars along the way.

Somehow Carmello knew we would be there, and I have to admit I succumbed to his artistic charms once again! I bought a small olla, or pitcher, that is a new item for him. Don't ask me how I will carry it home--I'm just glad I didn't agree to the bigger one he was insisting I needed. "¡No Problem!" he always says, and then laughs as he throws back his head when I say, "¡No problem for you!"

Yesterday we traveled to Guanajuato. Frank and I went there last year, and I was determined this year to get to the top of the hill where the statue of "Il Pipila," hero of the revolution, sits. For just about a dollar we rode the tram to the top and were swept away by the breathtaking view of this colorful sprawling old mining town. Of course it was populated by the ubiquitous souvenir vendors, but we did meet a painter who had spent time in the U.S. and will be sharing his lovely art at 3 U.S. cities in the coming year. And he gave us a good price . . . . We also visited the museum which was the home of Diego Rivera as a young boy. Great art created over many decades of his life encompassed many styles. The city was jammed with people as this month is the Cervantina, an International Festival of the Arts. Lots of street music and more.

It was disheartening to have our first class bus ride home dominated by the video "2012" with all its disaster scenes. But it was dubbed in Spanish, unlike the morning's video, which was punctuated by a profusion of "F" words in every scene. And there were subtitles. What must these Mexican people think of us Americans?

We returned home exhaused and ready to stay in and nest for the evening. Had a simple dinner which has become a favorite: tostados, cheese, guacamole, and ham. We then each listed things we will miss about being here and things we'll be glad for when we return home. Among the things we will miss: The beautiful pealing of the church bells which begin at 6:30 in the morning, the warmth and friendliness of the people, the long walks and beautiful weather, the delicious smells and tastes of the foods, and the COLOR which is everywhere, including the azure sky. We will be glad to return to our families, and the comforts such as daily newspapers and internet. We feel it is good for us mentally to be out of the daily routine, having to think of how to communicate. I personally will miss my young friend, Juan, and the sound of his siblings calling out "Gringa!" when they see me or wave good-bye. While I would not want to live here, as many Americanos have done, I do feel it is a home in my heart.

Later we will pack and have one last dinner at Cafe Monet, then tomorrow eat a breakfast out before our driver picks us up around noon. And now, I will meet Juan for one last lunch together.

Hope you have enjoyed the blog. I will add more photos once I am at home.

La Gringa
Gayle

This photo is in the open-air entry way of our casa. The house is so beautiful!

Lots of Walking

The past two days have included lots of walking, and the weather is perfect for it. Yesterday four of us climbed the hill to the viewpoint, and also went beyond that up steps climbing up and up that go through a neighborhood, up to a cross posted atop the hill. The view was incredible, as we could look in all directions, clear out into the outlying areas. Then, of course, we had to make the trip down, choosing a very scenic route that took us between other houses, churches, and finally down to our neighborhood. We followed that with a siesta! This picture is of the lime bush on our patio.

For dinner we visited a favorite restaurant from last year, El Cafe Monet. It is nearby our house, the setting is filled with art, and the food is excellent and reasonable. We each brought home enough for our dinner tonight--since we had appetizers, entree, and great desserts. Oh, and it was happy hour, which meant 2 glasses of wine for the price of one! I had shrimp ravioli, nothing like I´ve tasted before. We shared desserts, which included a double chocolate brownie, lemon cake, and cheese cake. We plan to visit there again before we leave.

Today we took advantage of a guided tour in English of the Charco, the botanical cactus preserve. The day started out cool but clear, and we were most comfortable walking and learning about the 600+ varieties of cacti that are nurtured there. Saw pelicans, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, avocets, egrets, ibis, and more.

The taxis delivered us back to the town center where I stopped to get some photos printed for Juan, Christina and their family. In awhile I will take a few items to be shipped home. It´s a day to get a few tasks finished, and we´ve been practicing our packing to see what will fit and what won´t.

Tonight we will attend a concert of various types of Latin and international music. There is no shortage of cultural events here in San Miguel.

Our remaining two days will go quickly, and tomorrow we will go to Guanajuanto. What a special vacation we have had together. We laugh at ourselves and one another as we reflect on the day, we relish the slow, lazy mornings over coffee, laugh about the bird that pooped on me and all the other fun moments we have shared. I am so glad we are here, and we will have a lifetime to remember all we´ve done. When I get home there are many more photos I will want to post, but it takes a long time here. And time is precious. More later.

Till then, Adios,

Gayle

Miercoles en San Miguel

Our plan to visit Guanajuato today has been postponed, as one of our group isn´t feeling up to par. This gives us a chance to do some laundry, catch up on post-election news, browse the internet, and do other things here in San Miguel.

The picture shown is of Carmello and me with the great mirror frame he created for me. It won´t fit in my carry-on, so we will be visiting the nearby shipping office.

Yesterday was a special day for me. On Halloween night I sat with the family of Juan and Christina, and their mother invited me to visit their home. Juan met me at the Jardin and we took a taxi. We could have gone by bus, but I could tell the chance to ride in a taxi represented something special to him. I knew he lived out a way from the main city, but was surprised at just how far out it was.

The second photo shows kids holding pictures of Frank and me from last year

The taxi took us onto bumpy dirt roads, through very poor neighborhoods, and finally to some sparsely populated cinder block compounds. But the view and open air were lovely. The room I visited had two beds, a night stand, a table top hot plate, and a refrigerator, which appeared to serve as storage for clothing. I am not sure if their home also includes some of the other buildings, but at the moment there were 2 women and eight children, all under the age of 10. But, oh, the smiles, love, and happiness in that room! They showed me family photos, we sang and played some silly games (do you remember Button, Button, Who´s Got the Button? We played it with a small wrapped candy.) I recorded them singing me some songs in Spanish, and we took lots of photos. Finally it was time to go, and Juan, Christina, and I walked to the bus stop. It was on the bus that I realized I didn´t have my cell phone. We returned to the house to look, but couldn´t find it. It may have slipped out of my pocket in the taxi. With over 600 taxis in town and no main office or lost and found, I guess it is a goner. But I realize it is a small thing, compared to so many problems and crises people face everywhere. Seeing the family in their home makes me realize once again how blessed and fortunate most of us Americans are.

Back in town the kids and I had lunch, and they weren´t too shy to order huge milk shakes with their meal. They then said something about crayons and tablets, so we visited a store and bought spiral notebooks and sets of colored pencils. Those kinds of things are rather pricey here, so this made them happy. They were angling for 2 notebooks each, but at $3 each I had to say no.

They returned to school today, after the 5 day holiday around the Day of the Dead, so I should be able to hang onto some money! :)

We went to a nice restaurant for dinner last evening, but we all agreed the large group of arrogant Americans talking loudly really were a distraction. We don´t want to hear their comments and boasting, but would prefer the quiet interaction of the Mexicans, trying to pick out the few words in Spanish we can understand.

We´re going to head up the hill for the steep climb to El Mirador, the best viewpoint for seeing the entire city. If you didn´t receive the link to my previous blog, you can continue below to view older postings.

Hasta luego, amigos.

Gayle and las gringas

Helping the Mexican Economy

Yesterday morning was beautiful, as four of us enjoyed our coffee up on the pallapa, which requires about 40 steep steps. But the sunny view was well worth it! The special cooing of the doves (they coo in Spanish!), the sound of the church bells, and the quiet of Sunday morning were a peaceful beginning to our day. A bit later Bernice and I went to church together. Despite being in another language, there is something so comforting about the familiar ritual that is universal.

One of the tragic side effects of the drug cartel fighting is that the entire economy of Mexico has been hurt. We see it in markets, restaurants, and hotels--the locals are glad to hear we are spreading the word back home that travel in San Miguel is SAFE! I have noticed a number of businesses are gone from a year ago, and no that so many families have been hurt. We ate lunch in a darling restaurant yesterday and had this conversation with the owner/waiter.

Yesterday was a very exciting day for the entire community, and it seems every resident was in El Jardin last night. Earlier in the day we had walked around, looking in shops and buying vegetables in the market (and other things). Passing back through the jardin people were constructing elaborate altars to Los Muertos in their families. Marigolds is the most frequently used flower, and photos, foods, banners, candles, and more are added.

My little friends were waiting for me, and although I had already had lunch they were eager that we go somewhere nearby. Being a little short on cash after shopping, I had them share a sandwich and then they each had their own dessert, since they couldn´t agree on which one. They must think I have deep pockets, but what a joy it is to see their eyes light up.

After we five women went back to our casa, we rested, talked, and ate a light meal of guacamole, tostados, and tangerines from the tree in our yard. We have discovered that what we originally thought was an orange tree is actually a lemon tree with an orange branch grafted on! After our meal we were tired, and actually considered staying home in the evening. But I knew Juan and Christina would be disappointed, so we all agreed to go for at least an hour. And we were so glad we did! The Jardin was FILLED with mariachi bands, candles, a performance that appeared to be in the Aztec tradition, and literallty hundreds of people! There was a huge parade of teens and young adults in make-up and costume. Also many children in costumes saying, "Happy Halloween," and holding out their bags for candy. Fortunately, we had bought some earlier in the day, but had to buy more from a local stand. It was all quickly gone. I had also brought little bracelets that light up from the Dollar Store back home, but should have bought lots more. They were a hit!

As four of us are retired teachers, we were so impressed by the orderliness of the entire event--no screaming or running or disorder at all, but everyone smiling and walking calmly. We have great pictures and videos of this.

This morning we decided to go out to breakfast, as we haven´t done that since the first morning, and we walked directly to the Hotel Sierra Nevada by the nearby Parque de Benito Juarez. Had a most leisurely delicious breakfast, then on the way back met a young artist selling his oils and prints in the park. We couldn´t resist, as his work truly captures the beauty and colors of the city. We each bought a print of the city, for about $16 each. He looks about 24, but assured us he is 41 years old.

Then we walked around another section of the city that was new to us, veering into shops that beckoned. Now I am going back to the Jardin to once again meet up with mi amigos, Juan and Christina. I´m sure they´ll be ready to eat lunch, although I am not. That´s just fine. The people of Mexico are the real art, and the memories of their smiles will be the best souvenirs.

We are planning to go to Guanajuato, the state capital, by bus on Wednesday for another day trip. We are pretty much done shopping . . . I think.

Adios for now.

Gayle and amigas

Activity in the Jardin

The town is very active today, as trucks roll in with more goods to sell: bolsas, kegs of cerveza, musical instruments, flowers, and more. Altars to the muertos are beginning to appear everywhere. For local vendors this weekend vies with Black Friday for bringing in money, I think.

Carmello met us on the street again and when we asked about certain items, he left us to guard his inventory while he ran to a local gift shop where some of his goods are sold. When he returned some of us made some more purchases--but I´m done sharing my money with Carmello till my large mirror frame is finished on Tuesday.

Then we climbed the hill, giving our calves a good workout. Three went on to the viewpoint w-a-a-a-a-y up there, but Bernice and I came back early, as I had an appointment with Juan. As I suspected might happen, he also brought his darling sister, Christina, who is 8. He wanted to try a different restaurant for a hamburguesa this time. We ate in a nice little place, and the waitress offered to take this photo of us. Then, of course, a stop for a paletta, an ice cream bar, and then a balloon. I think they know what an easy mark I am for their smiles!
Bernice and I then met with the others while they had lunch. Outside this restaurant an excellent guitar player performed. He then offered his CD´s at just 100 pesos, or about $8.50, and autographed them for us. He and his handsome mustachioed face were in "Pancho Villa" with Antonio Banderas.

No big plans for today, except to be in El Jardin for the light show and music and whatever else may come our way. The weather continues to be beautiful--84 degrees and sunny! May turn cloudy next week. ¿Oh well, who worries about mañana?

San Miguel de Allende Prepares for the Day of the Dead

We started out the day at the Jardin, where some of needed to hit the cash machine (yes, Frank!), used the wireless internet signal, and visited with Carmello, who had painted more treasures to share. Later we ambled through shops and down side streets, discovering more things we simply cannot live without. We had espresso and a pastry at a beautiful courtyard behind an ancient church, amid buildings that now house artists´studios and classes. It was so peaceful with music playing, and we sat enjoying the tranquil setting.

We never walk directly from A to B: it took us hours to make it to the Fabrica Aurora, a former cotton factory that is now a collection of art galleries. We had to stop in many shops and take lots of photographs.

By the time we arrived at La Fabrica Aurora, it was time for a late lunch, which we ate in the cafe there. By then it was 3:00, and I felt a siesta coming on. As I had been there before, I caught a taxi back home and napped, while the other women browsed there. We met up at the Jardin, where I had agreed to meet Juan. I gave him a back pack filled with little things--cars, books, silly putty, etc. He seemed very pleased, and I had something to share with his 8 year old sister who accompanied him. We have a date for a hamburguesa tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. I wonder how many hermanos he will bring? What a delight to make friends. He says he still has the photo of Frank and Me we left with him last year.

The picture above is a magnificent frame that would make a perfect mirror frame for my Mexican bathroom (in process). However, its price is nearly $300 plus shipping. So instead, Carmello is making me one to my specifications, and will have it done by Tuesday. It is just 850 pesos, or about $72. Even with shipping it will be a bargain. Aren´t I doing well, Frank? I knew you would approve.

The entire country of Mexico is getting ready for the Dia de Los Muertos this weekend. Lots of altars being arranged, huge bunches of marigolds, grains, foods, photos, and more. So colorful and it seems such a healthy way to deal with the passing of parents, grandparents, etc. There will be lots of music in the Jardin all weekend, and we´d better get lots of loose change to hand out to the niños.

For some reason some of my photos are refusing to be rotated correctly. We are absolutely loving the total experience! The colors, the sounds, the aromas, the textiles, the smiles of the people--even the sound of the bell signalling the garbage truck will soon follow--all of these add life and spirit to our days. So glad we are staying two weeks! More later.

My birthday in Another Country!

I awoke at 7 this morning, as we had set the alarm for our day trip. Lena sprang from bed and ran to her suitcase to get a card and gift for me. She then proceeded to sing Feliz Cumpleaños to me. That woke the others who serenaded me through the bathroom window while I was occupied there. A unique birthday experience after 63 years! Mi amigas are terrific!

We then caught taxis to the bus station and rode to Dolores Hidalgo, the city famous for its talavera pottery. Managed to find the same store-factory where we bought our dishes last year. Replaced a couple of chipped dishes, purchased some tiles for a border in one bathroom, as well as some other pieces. The pottery is a feast for the eyes. We then ate a huge lunch in a cute restaurant, walked some more, then sampled the delicious ice cream sold all around the town square. All the decisions (pottery, food, flavors) left us very tired, so SOME of us slept on the bus ride back to San Miguel. Dinner will be a light one tonight, maybe with more homemade margaritas on the palapa.

Forgot to mention that on Monday night we went to a concert at the library to hear a guitarist who also does Mexican harp music. Frank and I enjoyed him last year, and we were totally blown away by the amazing music. As Lena stated, "Everything in Mexico is about emotions." It is so true--the music, the bright colors, the smiles and voices, the food--it´s all so expressive, rather than reserved and restrained. Watching Sergio while listening to his extraordinary playing was an emotional experience. He donates his concerts at the library twice weekly to help fund the library´s cause of promoting literacy among the local children.

Yesterday brought two happy reunions. The first was meeting up with the artist, Carmello, our amigo from last year. He remembered me and we hugged happily. He was even happier when I introduced him to my amigas, as he is quite the salesman. I think we all bought from him. Well, we needed birthday gifts, items for donation to the Casa de Hogar´s auction, and for our homes. He is so talented and charming. When he senses your hesitation he puts the item in a plastic bag and you are sunk!

Later we ran into my friend Juan from last year. Earlier I had let his family friend, the shoe shine man, know I was here. HE remembered that Frank and I had treated Juan to a hamburguesa grande! So that afternoon, there was Juan. We´ll have to treat him to another burger while we are here, and I brought some gifts for him.

Part of the preparation for The Dia de los Muertos is the creation of intricately shaped candies made from sugar and egg whites. They are modeled into all sorts of shapes and placed on shrines to the dead family loved ones. They are just amazing to see. However, they attract bees, and they often have some pieces that are "sacrificed" at the side to the bees which are just swarming in huge clusters!

Part of the fun for me is sharing the special places we discovered last year with Jean, Karen, Lena, and Bernice. So far they seem as thrilled as I am. I must confess I haven´t been the best travel agent. Jean arrived at the Leon airport on Monday with no waiting driver. She showed the email confirmation she had printed out to the Shuttle rep, who noted that I had scheduled for November 25! Fortunately, she had no problem getting a ride. But I may need to rethink my future career options! Love it that my friends hold no grudges! We find more things to laugh over together every day. Making memories that will last forever!

I think tomorrow will be a more laid back day. Wait, I think I said that about yesterday!

Hola de San Miguel!

Karen, Lena, Bernice, and I arrived at our beautiful casa Saturday evening in time to enjoy a dinner al fresco and walk around the jardin. There was an amazing light show projected on the huge church, the Parroquia, just for us and a few thousand other people. It is to commemorate the 200th birthday of Mexico´s independence. Then we slept soundly till about 8 a.m. and set out. We had a good breakfast--I had wanted to try ¨divorced eggs¨ since seeing them on the menu last year. Scrambled eggs separated by frijoles, with green sauce on one and red on the other.

Then we walked to the library and joined about 60 others to tour some local homes. Many of the houses have lots of steps, and our legs will be in shape soon.

Our lovely casa is amazing, and this morning we squeezed our own juice from oranges from the tree in the courtyard, along with eggs, ham, and cheese. Maria, our maid, came today and was able to answer a few of our questions. I reminded her that I was here a year ago, along with my spouse, Panchito, who insisted on saying ¨Buenos Noches¨ even early in the morning. She remembered him.

We have walked and shopped most of the day, and will soon be ready for a siesta. Shopped at an interesting Women´s Cooperative and had a demonstration on how natural elements, such as bugs from the cactus plant, are used as dyes. The woman is from Oaxaca, is fluent in English, and is a gifted artest.

Jean will join us later, as she is flying into Leon around 3 p.m. and it takes about 2 hours to get through immigration, customs, and then travel here. We may go to a concert at the Library tonight.

Each day has been beautiful, and we anticipate lots of fun and adventure. Also, we have had many opportunities to laugh . . . as well as to be grateful for so many blessings. We all love Mexico and the people we have met. Except for a group of obnoxious American men who loudly berated American politics, the President, etc., all while obviously enjoying the benefits of Social Security, Medicare, and more. We got up and moved.

Bernice has a toe that is healing from a break, and we are strolling, enjoying the views. With all this walking we are hoping to lose weight. But with so many restaurants, ice cream, etc., it will be a challenge!

More soon.

Hasta Luego,

Gayle

Update on things

My friend, Kim, has been WAITING for the surgeons to decide what to do with her. She is a puzzlement to them, as her scleroderma involves so many organs--her large intestine, stomach, esophogus, stomach, and possibly others. Last week the Seattle surgeons told her they couldn't get her in until January or so! That's just unbelievable. Today she got a call telling her one of the surgeons wants her to be in Seattle at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, her main doctor there is trying to get something arranged for Spokane. She has family there, and her husband and kids could stay there while she's hospitalized. It is so complicated.

She has an appointment to file bankruptcy; She has received the first notices from the bank letting her know that foreclosure proceedings are underway. Throughout all of this, Kim's spirits are amazingly good. She's resigned to losing the house, and the family will stay there as long as possible, then find a rental.

On Saturday, my friends, Jean, Bernice, Lena, Karen, and I will fly out to Mexico for two weeks. We are visiting San Miguel de Allende, where Frank and I spent last November. While I am thrilled to be going back, I worry about Kim and her family. I'll be posting travel updates from Mexico on this blog.

Please continue to hold her in your prayers. She is so grateful for all who have helped. There is some money set aside to help with expenses in the weeks ahead, thanks to your generous hearts.

The picture is of her 6-year old son, Eathan, holding vegetables we picked in my nephew, Scott's, lovely garden a few weeks back. And the video (if it plays for you) shows him enjoying the trampoline with my granddaughter Abbie in her backyard. She gave him lessons. She enjoys having a "little brother."

The Ups and Downs

Last Saturday's yard sale to benefit Kim's family was a huge success! So many people donated lots of great items, and we took in around $1100 in just 6 hours! In addition, I received other donations to raise the total to $1500! One stranger gave a $100 bill after hearing the details of Kim's situation! I am amazed and thrilled at the goodness of people! And none of this could have happened without my steadfast friends who moved, marked, cleaned, shopped, sorted, and packed up the stuff. Lena, Karen, Sally, Una, Leslie, Bernice, Marilyn--thank you, and to all of you who helped.

Friday night Kim was taken to the hospital after suffering a seizure. She spent the night there, and I knew she would be worrying about the yard sale. Sure enough, she had her husband here bright and early with the tables she had promised. And before she left the hospital she had him back picking them up, along with much of the remaining stuff. She's planning a yard sale for her house this weekend! She says Mel, her husband, will set it up and she and her kids will run it. She never lets up!

She asked me for names of everyone who has donated time and money, in order to write thank you's. I assured her that no one expects that, and she is to concentrate on her health. Every day that she feels well she says, "I've got to find some work." But that isn't reality, and we talk through that.

Monday I drove her to the University of Washington Medical Center for some tests and appointments. FINALLY I think she has a doctor and facility that will oversee her illness. She really cannot get satisfactory treatment here, as there are no specialists for scleroderma.

Kim has lost 30 pounds over the past couple of months. This doctor now fears the scleroderma is throughout her stomach, large and small intestines, lungs, and possibly the vessels of the brain, which would explain the seizures and blackouts. Tests next week are to determine the extent. If this is the case, then no surgery will help her. Scleroderma is a dreadful disease.

One occasion really brought Kim joy on Monday. Years ago her older sister gave birth to a baby boy and gave him up for adoption. Kim was about 10 years old, and has never forgotten that. She recently, with her sister's permission, was able to contact the young man through the adoption agency. They've talked over the past weeks, and following the medical appointments we met him and his adoptive father for a late lunch. I have never been a part of such a reunion, and it was just wonderful! He is a college graduate, working at Children's Hospital, and just a great young person. Kim thanked his dad for raising him and being there. It was an emotional time, and they will get together again. You can tell from the pictures it was a happy time. Kim was so excited she laughed and talked all the way home!

Dear friends, please continue to hold Kim in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

Gayle

Yard Sale Saturday for Kim

We are doing one more yard sale as a fund raiser for Kim this Saturday, September 25, at my house, 710 Leann Place, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. We have lots of good stuff, including glassware, household items, and some antiques belonging to Kim. Our goal is to help make her September house payment.

The picture is of a beautiful china hutch she hopes to sell. She paid nearly $4000 for it, and is asking $700. It is very nice. Let me know if you are interested in seeing it.

She is really struggling--has had a lot of pain, respiratory problems, etc. She's been told to plan on surgery in Seattle next week. However, they continue to mention more tests, etc. The skeptical side of me wonders if they put her off because of lack of insurance. State medical help has her in a "pay-down" situation, which means they are currently not paying. It is a double edged sword that her husband works full time. It counts against them. She doesn't even answer the phone anymore, as it's usually collectors. Her plan is to complete bankruptcy, then get disability assistance through Social Security. Plus deal with the health crisis of the day.

I just ache for her.

Anyway, that's a brief update. Thank you so much for your support and prayers for Kim.

I hope you will come by the yard sale--the coffee will be on all day.

Gayle