April 30, 2006

Dear Friend,

Everything is going great for us. Nothing came of the possible trip to Johns Hopkins’, I definitely decided against additional chemotherapy.  I felt that at my age, I did not want to deal with additional problems.  I am still dealing with the GVH of the mouth, but it seems to be getting better. I did try successfully to eat peanut butter the other night. I know everything will be great when the special dark chocolate reenters my diet...still burns a little.

Scott and Renee were married in California.  Unfortunately, I could not attend as I am unable to travel by airplane.

March was a wonderful month for me.  I reached the ripe old age of 66 and had my third re-birthday.  I am so fortunate to be here and enjoying life.  I was amazed at the number of birthday cards that I received this year.  So many people have stayed in contact with me since the transplant in 2003.  The numerous cards may have been the result of the e-mails I sent with a “gentle” reminder of my birthdays.

We took the motorhome to Georgia at the end of the first week in April. We were able to spend a couple of wonderful days with Kelli and her family. Cameron (3) had his birthday party while we were there. After this first trip of the new year, I am ready to travel more. We may go to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and we will be going the Eastern Shore to see the pony swim in July.

Kim and Tyler came on April 15, and Kimberly returned home on April 16. Tyler (8) stayed with us the week of spring break. Unfortunately, I had a virus and fever. My nurse told me that I had a normal person's ailment. Ross had the pleasure of entertaining Tyler with miniature golfing, trips to the park for basketball, luncheon outings and one breakfast out. I am not sure about chocolate chip pancakes and "grits".

I am planning to do some more sewing as soon as I get used to the new sewing machine. I bought a computerized one. I am still working on my other hobbies - crocheting, jewelry, baking, etc. We did put out some more plants in the yard yesterday. I must enjoy the outside plantings, as I am still not allowed to have plants in the house. I have a few "fake" ones. They do not take water and never wilt.

Well, this is one of my shorter updates. I hope all is well with you and as always, I look forward to hearing from you. Take care and enjoy life.

Love,

Shirley

September 30,2006

Dear Friend,

Well, I just completed this letter, and the computer locked up when I tried to print it.  Therefore, I had to start over again.  Now the other one was good, and I had not saved it.

We have had a busy summer with two Virginia trips followed by a wonderful week here with our grandson, Matthew.  We took the motorhome to Chincoteague for the pony swim, and Kim and Tyler went with us. My younger sister and her husband stopped for a visit on their way north for the summer. My cousin that I had not seen for 44 years came for a visit and a few games of Scrabble.  Naturally, I won most of the games.  It sure did not hurt my ego.

On September 19, Scott and Renee made me the proud grandmother of a baby boy, Kyle. 

My health is fine, except for some GVH in my mouth. My blood work is great, and I am maintaining my weight at 114.8.

We will be taking a really big "trip". We have decided to downsize, and the house was listed for sale this week. This is a big downsize as we are moving into an apartment when the house is sold. It is a little difficult deciding what to keep and what to give away. The children had already made their "wish lists". They are just receiving things sooner rather than later. It is time to move, as we really do not need a four-bedroom house. By downsizing, we will not have to do yard work (I did not do any), climb stairs and all that good stuff. There are too many stairs in a tri-level. Naturally, we have been busy with painting and getting the house staged for sale – Ross paints and I stage. The house was listed on Tuesday and was shown today. We were asked to be gone between 11:30 and 12:45. I had time to do the quick five-minute drill and bake four chocolate chip cookies so the house really smelled great. When we got home the cookies were still on a plate and, the brochures for the house were on the table.  Oh well, I guess the baking and the five-minute drill were just for practice.

We will be moving into an apartment complex. The apartment is on the first floor in a no pet and no smoking building. We will have two bedrooms, two walk-in closets, two bathrooms, kitchen, laundry area, and a dining and living room. The apartment is freshly painted and has new carpets. It is located about 25 minutes from here and is about the same distance to my doctors in Richmond. I can ride the bike in the cardio-fitness room and the grandchildren can use the pool. When we take the motorhome, all we have to do is lock the door and notify the office to pick up our mail. I think this is a good time for us to make this move.....work less and enjoy life more.

More later.  The next chapter in my life begins after we have moved into the apartment.

Love,

Shirley