Graduation Transportation

Beth was telling me that we might have visitors during Kyle's graduation. I have ordered transportation.

Beth ordered the suit. What can I say, she has a sense of humor.

indeed...

pih will definitely miss one of it's finest! it has already been proven how much doris has meant to the hospital community each time i am asked "aren't you doris peterson's grandson?" whether at polly's or just in another public setting, it makes me proud when i realize how many people are familiar with, and have nothing but kind things to say about my grandma. whatever you needed to prove, you proved it to me years ago. enjoy your peace! those new guys have nothing on you...

Major announcement!

This was hidden in a comment to a post below--I thought I'd bring it up to the top so everyone could see it:

Just wanted to tell the family that I have actually turned in my security key pass and have finally severed my relationship with PIH. Makes me feel sad and relieved at the same time. I enjoyed all the different jobs that I had there. Just decided ihat I don't have to prove to anyone that I can continue working forever Let the young and energetic handle it..I feel at peace.

By Doris, at 11:31 AM

Too Busy

...to blog. Back next week. But never too busy to read yours!

New day, new word

ad·a·man·tine adj (literary)
1. extremely hard or unyielding
2. like a diamond in hardness and brilliance

Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Ro bage's real ear

As a curious sort of fellow I looked in my photo library for a authentic picture of the Ro bage's ear. As you can see it is nothing like the imposter pictured. O the lack of security on the "web", that is why it is called the "web"...

rare rob weaver sighting

local officials are reporting that two hunters on holiday claim to have snapped a photo of the illusive rob weaver in the desert mountains near san gabriel reservoir, just above the town of azusa, ca.

there is debate about the authenticity of the picture, due to it's dim lighting, and also because a huntington beach fisherman also claims to have taken a photograph of the hairy beast only hours later.
it is accepted that it is simply not possible for both photos to be authentic given that the average running speed of a rob is somewhere between 3-5 miles/ hour, and robs are known to be non-migratory, sloth-like, territorial creatures.

Compound Nevus

is the medical term for "it's just a mole." So no further medical procedures are necessary. That is what the dermatologist took off the side of my neck a week ago Tuesday.

From cycling news

"We can see the organisers of the Tour of California out on the course, as well as some representatives from the California Police. They'd be checking out how things run here and how the cops do their job keeping the roads safe."

Ring the Bells...I Smell Smoke

Well, the world has a new Pope. At 78 years young, it is never too late for an exciting promotion. I have really enjoyed learning about the selection process and traditions. I especially liked how secretive it was all kept. Amazing in this world of technology that the media played by the rules. I was excited when the smoke was determined to be white and the bells rang. I was hoping for a non-European to be selected, but I didn't get a vote. Such a position of influence! May God work in his life to equip him to lead well in the days ahead. It is positive news on a day of negative stories (Oklahoma City and the Jackson trial, etc.). It's a hopeful time for the Catholic church.

75 days until the Tour de France

. . . Lance Armstrong has announced that he will retire from professional bicycling on July 24, 2005.

Going to South Dakota/North Dakota

We are in the early stages of planning a visit to South and North Dakota in mid-August. Our purpose is to reach our goals of visiting all 50 states by our 50th birthday (or within the year or so of turning 50). Glen has Michigan, North Dakota, and Alaska left. I have South Dakota, North Dakota, and Alaska left. We are planning to visit Alaska next summer to celebrate our 50 state race conclusion...which will end in a loving tie. We will probably get to Michigan during an Ohio visit in June.

You are each invited to join us on a trip to South and North Dakota. I'm sure we will visit the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. I'm doing some research on a quick drive into North Dakota to see something of interest. Not sure what. I did not request the Lewis & Clark golf trail guide from the website. Who knew good ol' L & C golfed?

If you are interested in being included in further information, let me know.

The hair thing

I posted about the hair thing, not because I knew anything about the dermatologist's hair. There is another "Don King," a boxing promoter who is known for his funny looking hair. I guess he looks kind of surprised!



But, the dermatologist's hair? Not very noteworthy. Might be a rug, might be dyed. But, nothing like the picture above.

Passport Weekend

Beth and I joined our friends the Barger's and the Kennedy's tasting wines in El Dorado County. Each year we join the lottery for a Passport during on of the two Passport weekends. The local wineries set up tastings of their wines paired with food. It is fun to see what the wineries pick to pair with each of the wines they offer. It is also a chance to taste some of their wines that are still in the barrel. The weather was great and we rented a van/driver for Sat. He drove us to the wineries that are in the Fairplay area. Mt.Aukum Winery won the award for the best view. It is over 3000 ft high and you can see all the way to the coastal range. It is a small winery that buys some of their grapes from a someone who used to teach at Beth's school. Driving around through the area I am reminded of just how beautiful it is in the spring. Lots of new lambs, so many shades of green, and trees leafing out. Water in creeks sparkled in the sun. Sunday Beth and I took turns driving. Jeff Kennedy and I entertained Beth and Vicki with songs using the names of wine grapes. It was relaxing, slow paced and I learned a thing or two. I had so much fun I forgot my camera so no pictures.

Dermatologist with funny hair

This afternoon I have an appointment with a dermatologist. I have had a peculiar patch of skin on the side of my nose that has become a little more peculiar recently. Mom looked at it and said I should go directly to the doctor. I asked if I should see my general practitioner or a dermatologist; she said the dermatologist because the gp wouldn’t know what to do.

This conversation happened at church, and our friend Lee joined in and suggested his dermatologist, Dr. King.

So, I looked up Dr. King, dermatologist in the phone book. Funny thing, his first name is Don. (This explains the “funny hair” comment above. If you have to ask, go ahead and ask.)

I call the number and tried to explain why I was calling. She asked an interesting question: “What kind of medical procedure do you need?” I hesitated. The question seemed kind of odd. I guess I should have looked at their catalog before I called. The only response I could think of is completely true even as it felt somewhat sarcastic: “I don’t know, that’s why I need to see the doctor.”

Perhaps I should have asked for a purple, blue or green pill—that’s what the commercials say I should ask about when I go to the doctor. Or, maybe if I know what procedure I need, I could save some money, just rent the tools, go in and do the procedure myself.

We’ll see what happens. Mom started talking about skin grafts and biopsy and pathology—I asked her to hold that conversation for later, I might lose my nerve and not go if I know too much of what will happen there.

If I can still sit upright and use my fingers, I’ll blog about it tonight. Pictures anyone?

Weekend in Phoenix

I spent the weekend in Phoenix visiting friends. Did some sightseeing. Ate some tasty food. Watched several rented movies. Conversed about this and that. Missed the wedding in England...at least the news coverage. No regrets there. It finished up my spring break nicely, though I did miss Glen and the pups. Phoenix is not too appealing to me...the whole desert thing is interesting to observe but has its disadvantages for living there.

My mom has been in the hospital for several days, which provided her with expert attention and addressed some of her needs. She skipped the chemo due today. It was postponed a week due to her sensitive reaction. The dosage will be adjusted, too. My dad got a good break from caring for her, too. That's nice. She returned home this evening and was much improved and looking forward to sleeping in her own bed. That is a comfort. Unless the matress needs to be replaced.

Beth enjoying David's company. 

Brianna cleaning up the birthday/welcome home cake. 

David and Beth's friend Debbie catch up. Her son will leave for Iraq in August. 

Michael arrives in Placerville 

Michael and Jonah talking about his experiences in Iraq. 

Brianna is introducing her Ballerina Bunny to David. 

Whittier Celebrates Quarter Century of Dave

We went to the Uptown Mexican Café for dinner with Dave. It is a tradition there that they sing to the birthday person with the accompaniment of banging pans, a toy accordion, and funny hats. I use the term "sing" rather loosely, but let me add that loud was a high vocal value.


Then, we came to our house. Grandma sure seems proud of the big grandsons!



And, to demonstrate that we gave the old man, aka Dave, his rightful due, here he is eating cake.



There are some other photos taken with Grandma Pete's film camera. We'll see if any of those get posted here.

No Nuts and Bolts Yet

The San Francisco Chronicle complains that the press conference last week lacked some specifics that they would expect if the Tour de California was really going to happen. They want to know the dates, the routes, the purse, and who is signed up to ride. I would like to know these things too.

Dan Giessin, staff writer opines: “That often means that is the last you will hear of that event.”

He goes on to say: “. . . with the likes of UCI president Hein Verbruggen, USA Cycling boss Gerard Bisceglia, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other heavyweights, both within and outside of the sport, present at the announcement, you get the feeling the Tour of California has a lot more going for it.”

I sure hope they figure these things out and are forthcoming with it. Then we could tell Dan he was wrong!

You can read the whole article here.