ENDING THE YEAR ON A VERY HAPPY NOTE

We got home yesterday. We had a wonderful time at Tom's wedding. Nancy is a pleasure to be around. We loved seeing Tom's kids and getting to meet Nancy's kids and friends. The trip was short and I95 was a nightmare (traffic but no wrecks) but we are so happy we went.

Nancy's house looks like you stepped into a Southern Living Magazine. She fit right in. She is a gracious charming lady. I am glad she joined the family.

You may notice that the date is wrong. Just a little camera issue, 00ps.

WILL THIS YEAR EVER END???

You say this is the 27th of December? Yes, I know that.

Most of my kitchen cabinets, granite top, and appliances are all installed but since the knobs are not on the doors and drawers, all of my stuff is still in my neighbors condo and they will be back after the 1st. I spoke to Cory today and he told me that my last cabinet has been built but they are waiting to send it when they have a truck coming this way from the other coast. He is coming by this afternoon to put the knobs on. The garbage disposal is in but isn't wired in electrically yet so hopefully that guy will come today too. I want to get things back in order SOON.

We were planning to leave for South Carolina in the morning for Tom's wedding on Saturday. I went to AAA on Saturday and picked up our maps. This morning Dave fell when he was getting ready for work and isn't walking very well at all. I suggested he borrow one of his patient's walker for the weekend. He did make it to work without my assistance. He got an appointment for the orthopedic doctor this afternoon. We will decide about our weekend after he sees the doctor.

I am certain 2008 is going to be a much better year and I am looking forward to it.

Merry Christmas 2007

I started this blog a couple of years ago to keep friends and family informed of what was going on with me. I haven't written in 5 weeks but the 4 of you that read this know what has been going on. Todd said that most of us just blog for ourself so when I have the energy I may just go back and add what I have left out but today I just wanted to post this card (Dana sent it to us) and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
Love, Kathy

ORGANIZATION

I am not an organized person by nature but I WOULD LOVE TO BE!

It seems like for the last...almost 40 years I have been trying to be organized. Sometimes I do pretty well but it is always a struggle. I love it when things are organized. When you want to get something and you know right were it is and you don't have to spend time searching.

Last week the new media cabinet we ordered arrived. Dave and I worked hard Saturday morning putting it together and while he played golf I alphabetized all of our DVD's and put them on the top selves and after Dave finished playing he helped me with the VHS tapes.

It is wonderful. There wasn't enough room for all of them so I took out the duplicates and the "Nattie movies" and moved them to the extra bedroom where she usually watches her movies. It is a very good feeling. I guess my next project will be photographs. They haven't all been in their proper order for years.
I guess I will just struggle with organization for the rest of my life. I bet that will be another nice thing about heaven...it will all come naturally.

TICKLE ME ELMO

This is a tiny little Tickle me Elmo that really laughs. He doesn't roll around on the floor like the big one we have but he is just precious.

Elmo and Barbie drove up, in my shoe to watch Natalie eat her supper. She didn't share any with them but I think she enjoyed the company.

35th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Last night Dave and I went to Ellington's Jazz Bar and Restaurant on Sanibel for our Anniversary. We have talked about wanting to go to a Jazz Club many times but this was the first time we have ever gone. We had a great time. Our table was front row center and the food was delicious. The music was good and suprisingly it wasn't even too loud. We had a great night celebrating our 35 very happy years of marriage.

CELEBRATION OF ROBIN'S LIFE

Robin wanted to donate her body to Cancer Research so instead of a funeral we had a Memorial Service. It was held at the chapel at The Hope Hospice.
They had 50 chairs set up but there were still people standing along the wall and out in the foyer.
Cary Robinson spoke and told everyone that we know where Robin is and the only way to be certain about eternity is with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
There were family, friends, and coworkers all joining to honor Robin for the influence she had on their life.
I know she would have liked it very much!

ROBIN OTTERSBACH BARE

1949-2007

MOM & CAROL ARRIVED

Yesterday seemed like a very, very long day.
I got up before 6am got Nattie up and dressed. She helped me strip her bed before I took her to daycare. I worked all day; went to get a haircut; went to church to do the books and cut the payroll checks. Dave and I went to the the airport, picked up Mom and Carol and headed for the Hospice House. Tara was there but when she left we stayed. I thought Dana was coming back but she told Carol that Ted was coming after work (12 midnight) and she would be back in the morning. I tried to get Mom to come home with Dave and Carol but she refused. Ted did come but only stayed for 30 min and said if we were staying he would come back Wed before work. We stayed until Carol got back this morning. Now, at 11:15am I don't feel so sleepy.
Robin was very restless and jerking until they called the Doctor and increased her meds. Her kidneys have shut down. A nurse came in this morning and told us that she is headed for a wonderful place. We told her we knew that and if Robin could talk she would say the same.
She then told us that most of her had already gone there. We thought that was such a kind way to let us know that it was coming soon.

ROBIN WAS MOVED TO HOSPICE

Yesterday, Tara stopped by my office and told me that Robin was doing worse.
Last Saturday when I was there she was still getting up and going outside. I had to stop her from lighting a straw (she thought it was a cigarette).
The last couple of days she had spent most of the time in bed. Today when we got up to her house Tara said that they had called us because they were going to have to put her in the Hospice House. It is located about 10 minutes from Robin's house and they will give her the best of care
She had been sick to her stomach and she couldn't get up out of bed. Shortly after we got there the guys came to transport her. They put her on a stretcher. I rode in the van with her and David followed in the car.
The Hospice House is very nice and very well decorated. There is even a small lanai off of her room. The doctor,nurse, and social worker were very kind and assured us they would do everything possible to make her comfortable.
Dana and Tara came up about an hour later and we left.

CHLOE TURNS 9...

...but anyone that knows her knows that she has been going on 19 for some time now.
She is pretty, crafty, a good cook and probably to smart for her own good.

I have several good older photos but these are two of my favorites.

You can see her personality in them both.

This would have been better if she had her boots on and her purse on her shoulder.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COCO!

MORNINGS

I didn't have to get up and go to work when my kids were this size and I am very greatful for that. They grow up too fast to miss any more than you have to but it sure is great when they help you get ready in the morning. I realize most of the photos we take of Natalie are in this room. (We do let her out, honest!) I also realize that she is wearing her pajamas in most of them. (She does have a lot more clothes.) It just seems like this is when she is being still (usually watching TV) and the camera is handy.

She was helping me make up her bed yesterday morning and David took these photos to show what a good worker she is.

THE THREE BEARS

This is a real life picture of Papa Bear, Mama Bear and in the tree you can find Baby Bear. It was taken by some people that live in New Hampshire but spend the winter months at the Hideaway. I also like that the leaves are beginning to change.

I hate cold weather, especially snow. I like hot weather, even if that means putting up with the humidity but the thing I miss living in a tropical paradise are the colored leaves. I love fall leaves. I got married in November and it just happened to be the peak weekend for the colored leaves. Dave and I are going to see Maison play a football game in Virginia October 27th. I sure hope the leaves are at their peak when we get there.

ROBIN UPDATE

Robin is at home but they have hired an aid to stay with her while Tara is at school because she just can't be by herself. She drifts off to sleep when she sits down and has had several falls. She gets very confused and is taking quite a bit of pain medication. She sleeps off and on all day and night so that means she is also awake a lot during the night and it has been very hard on Tara. Dana went back home for a couple of weeks but will be back Sunday. Please keep them all in your prayers.

A SUCCESSFUL TRIP

Our walk for JDRF was a success. I raised my goal and with help from a lot of people I reached it!
Thank You * Thank You * Thank You!!!
It was a beautiful day and we had fun. It is always great getting together with good friends.

I think Debbie and Joe may come down for the month of January or February 2008. They have a contract on their house in Louisville and will be moving to their home on the Lake full time.

My weekend was good. Mom, Carol and I had a good visit and got a lot squeezed into a few days. We even made it up to Huber's Saturday afternoon.

OFF TO SCHOOL

Natalie was ready for school Friday. She even wanted to go early. She had been here for 3 nights straight and was very good but she wanted to see her Mom and she knew that she was picking her up. It is amazing how well she understands when I tell her who will be picking her up at the end of the day. Our only problem was that she wanted me to take her on the golf cart. She really didn't understand why I wouldn't but after a few minutes of trying to convince me I could she gave in gracefully and got in my car.

LABOR DAY

Today is a holiday for me. Dave has to work and he wasn't too happy about that. I had planned to take Robin to lunch and shopping but she didn't sleep last night so we will postpone until later in the day. Her legs are really swollen and infected so it will be a short outing.

Robin is going to Moffitt Cancer center in Tampa later this week. We don't know what will happen after that but if (while) she gets more treatment she doesn't get Hospice help. If they don't treat her then they can get Hospice back in on the case.

I am looking forward to going to Kentucky in 10 days. This might be a good day to start packing.

FYI: On this date sixty three years ago my Mom and Dad got married.

3RD DAY OF TRAINING...12 TO GO

The first day my legs felt like cement poles. I know what your thinking...they still look like cement poles.

The second day we went to Lakes Park. Lakes Park is missing the shade it had 10 years ago. It was 2:30pm and hot as Satan's breath.

But today we started at 7:00am and it was much better. I just have to be able to walk 3 miles in this Florida heat in a reasonable amount of time so that I can keep up with my team.

I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

This is my personal trainer. Keeping up with those long legs is a challange in itself

HADLEY'S HOPE SPREADERS

I am an official member of the team. The web page says ...

Kathy Johnson is walking on September 15, 2007 in Louisville, Kentucky with Hadley's Hope Spreaders.
Hadley is Debbie Miller Rapp's oldest granddaughter. She has type 1 diabetes, which means several needle pricks and several shots ever DAY.

We are walking to raise money for JDRF, Juvenile Debetes Research Fund.

When I got the letter from Debbie telling me about the walk I started to make a donation and realized I was going to be in Louisville that day so I signed up to join them. I knew if I got my friends to make donations it would really add up.

Debbie was my running partner 25 years ago when I jogged and ran races. I was never very fast and she would keep me going when I thought I was going to die.

As soon as I sent out my email letters I started getting donation. A friend in Chicago and another one in Louisville each sent $50, another friend gave me $100 check. And Eric (the guy at work that keeps me laughing) gave me 50cents.

Since I haven't been going to the gym regularly David took me out for a walk to get me ready for Louisville. The only problem I see is "How do you train for those Kentucky Hills in Florida?

GOOD FRIENDS LAST A LIFETIME

The first day of school in 7th grade I met Debbie Miller. I was a little small for my age so she was almost a head taller than me. In spite of the fact that she thought I was a gypsy (because I was the first girl in my 7th grade class with pierced ears) we became fast friends.

We have some great memories. We went through boyfriends, sometimes stealing them from each other. We worked together in our High School Snack Bar. We were in each others weddings. Played bunko. Held each others new babies. Ran mini marathons and 10K runs. Road bicycles while our husbands ran marathons and much more.

This photo is what she looked like back then and any time I see her or talk to her she is exactly the same as she was then My True Friend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE

She may only be three but she know what she likes....things like cousins,


Buzz and Woody,

Horses of any kind,

Golf cart rides,

Dora,

chicken soup and much more.

Happy Birthday Nattie!

ANOTHER BLOOGER IN OUR FAMILY

Dana sent me an email to let
me know about the newest
blogger in the family.

We all hope that this
post is updated frequently.

I think she is a cutie and
it isn't just because I
am her Great Aunt Kathy.

STILL CELEBRATING MY BIRTHDAY

Being an Ottersbach from birth means eating out is important to me. Robin always said that if the tires on our car passed our mailbox we thought we were suppose to go out to eat. We have blamed this on Grandma Lucy but I am sure we have all carried this tradition much farther than she did.

Since I am basically a 'home body' I have altered this to call in your order, pick it up and bring it home.

I bragged about Cheeseburger in Paradise so much that Todd, Christa and the girls sent me a gift certificate for my birthday. I like it when you get a gift certificate and it can be used at different restaurants and this one was like that.
The winner was...



Lee Roy Selmon's is right next to Cheeseburger in Paradise and we love them both. That is where I chose to order from. It was delicious. We had Fried Green Tomatoes with a sauce, Beef Brisket, Smashed Potatoes with mushroom gravy. It not only tasted wonderful it looked good too. I took a photo to post but in a 'stupid moment' I deleted it from my camera when I was trying to delete some other photos so just trust me it was GOOD.
Thanks again to Todd, Christa, Anna and Sarah.

SEEING DOUBLE?

Remember these guys from my Dec 20, 2006 post? They are still smiling but growing like weeds.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

You have all heard that phrase used before.
When I turned 50 I got 'THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING'. That year I got a newborn baby. For my 51st my gift was a cute little one year old. With each year my gift changes and becomes a different little person that does new things and changes just a little. This year my gift is a spunky little 4 year old that will constantly be growing and changing until our next birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH! I know it started for you even before mine started but our date is still the same. I love you.

Note from Kathy

Dana said that hospice came yesterday and brought them some equipment to make it easier for Robin to be more comfortable at home.

John Rott, our pastor, went to see Robin when she was in the hospital. He told her that while he was praying for her God told him that he (God) was going to heal her. Robin has said all along that it is in God's hands.

We all know that God's love is more than we could ever imagine and is will see us through!

RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL...

and planning on going to Louisville tomorrow. Robin, Dana and Emily are getting on a plane tomorrow afternoon so keep them in your prayers.
She was talking and moving around much better last night and determined to go to her class reunion. She was very tired but looking forward to getting to sleep in her own bed last night.

ROBIN UPDATE

EMS took Robin to Cape Coral Hospital last week and they discovered that she had swelling in the brain and a blood clot in her leg. They put a screen in to catch the clot if it moves (so it won't go to the lungs) and they changed her medication to get the swelling down. Last Friday she could not say the words she meant to say but is doing much better now. She will probably have to cancel the trip she had planned to go to Kentucky but she is having a hard time accepting that. The nurses say she just isn't physically able to make the trip. I will try to let you all know how things are progressing.

# 200

This is my 200th post to my blog. Since updating family news was the reason I started it I thought that a picture of some of my family members was the appropriate way to celebrate the occasion. We all went to Robin's the other day. (We in this case is David, Nik, Troy, Masion, Hunter, Chloe, and Bryce. Robin, Dana and Emiley were there. Tara and Nat were at school)Getting everyone in a photo is just too much like work so here is a photo of some ot them.

"FRESH AND CLEAN" NATTIE

Just like the Barbie dolls, Natalie comes in many varieties. One of my favorite is this one. We find her after a long soak in the bath tub. Fresh, clean and very loveable.

YEAH FOR THE WEEKEND!!!

I am looking forward to the weekend and I think maybe lunch at Cheeseberger in Paradise is in order. David and I are free this weekend and if it doesn't rain maybe we will enjoy the pool and just relax.

Dana and Emiley are flying in tonight so we will have to go to Robin's to see how much Emiley has grown. Look for a photo of them next week on my blog.

DON'T PAY THE RANSOM...THEY LET ME GO

That is a line we use around our house whenever we return after being gone longer than expected. It is usually used to get the person that has been waiting at home to laugh so you won't be in trouble because extended absence.

It has only been a week since I posted but I just haven't had time. I have been busy. I keep hoping my life will slow down just a little but I don't think it will be anytime soon.

I am working Mon - Fri 9-5. I have Natalie Sun, Mon and Tue nights, taking her to daycare Mon, Tue, Wed morning before work which means taking care of food baths and entertainment for an only child (and we all know how high-maintainace an 'only child' can be). She is getting to be more fun all the time. The pool and the golf cart are still big deals to her.

I am going to work on books at church 1 or two nights a week (the good news is I think I am catching on to their system). I had to go to the doctor this week and I took Robin to her doctor on Mon. I am trying to get back to the gym 4 times a week so therefore the little time left is spent doing little chores of life.

Robin started taking Chemo tablets this week. Five days on, twenty-three days off.

Dave hasn't been playing much golf lately. He did play last week with the pastor of our church. (I don't think either one of them did too well). Dave is planning to go to Maine in August to see Brad and we are seriously considering a trip to Germany in May (That means we have to get these forms filled out for passports). Life is busy but God is good!

JOSHUA

I fell in love with this little fellow 20 years ago. He was the cutest little thing you have ever seen. He was smart. He loved balls, balloons and Toddie. He liked the rest of us OK but never as much as those things.







He could keep us laughing with the things he said
or did. Winking before you turn 2 was always a good trick to amaze the adults around you.

This kid was teased tourtured and encouraged to do things he shouldn't by every teenager around.

I tell you all of this so you will understand why I am so happy for Joshua now.

Dave and I went to his engagement party this week and meet his Bride-to-Be. She was charming and from all the things I have learned about her, an answer to all of our prayers.

CONGRATULATIONS JOSH!!! ALL OF THE JOHNSON'S STILL LOVE YOU AS MUCH AS WE LOVED THAT CUTIE WITH THE WINK.

MMMMMM GOOD!

The day finally came to try out the Mother's Day Gift/Sushi Instructions ...after a stop at the Bagel Factory, a walk on Ft Myers Beach and a workout at the gym Dave and I went to Blue Pepper for fresh tuna, the oriental grocery for other supplies and Publix for vegetables.

These are the ingredients I started with.













I did have a few problems with timing, but it was a very successful experiment. (Unlike my bread making experiences.)

But even though I am very proud of myself because it tasted very good, I think I will still go back to see my friend Noah, he is a professional.

OUR TRANSPORTATION SUGGESTION

Todd, Christa, Anna and Sarah are moving out of town and they are going to be house sitting. The owners of the house have a motorcycle (as seen in the first photo). Because of all the the patients Dave has seen after they had a motorcycle wreck we wanted to make a suggestion for a safer form of transortation for them. This would be large enough for the whole family and I am sure if Anna is taking care of the dog she won't mind one more animal to care for.

THE NOMADS OF THE JOHNSON FAMILY ARE MOVING...AGAIN

Yes, Todd Christa and the girls are on the move. This time they will be keeping their apartment and just house sitting in the country. From what I have seen in the photos it is a much smaller town but has a large Library/Cultural Center that their group has recently opened. I know they are excited about experiencing what God has for them and where could Todd be any happier than in a Library.

HE'S BACK

I can't be sure that this is the same one that was on our #3 tee on Labor Day but if it is he must like to come home for the holidays because he was sighted and photographed on another lake on the golf course over Memorial Day weekend.

 

 

HAPPY 7TH ANNIVERSARY TODD & CHRISTA

Even though it is tomorrow where they are it is June 3 where I am and I wanted to wish Todd and Christa a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.

(Due to poor computer skills this was not published yesterday when it was suppose to be)

CELEBRATE

Robin turned 58 and we went to Tokyo Bay to celebrate the happy occasion.

The chef was entertaining.



Both of her daughters and granddaughters were there and looking good.




Dave and I got there early and started at the Sushi Bar. Wish you all could have been here to celebrate with us. We missed you.

HAPPY 58TH BIRTHDAY ROBIN

Robin turns 58 today and we are going to Tokyo Bay tonight to celebrate...hopefully photos will come.

MONDAYS

These are the kind of Monday's I like. I slept in until 7am, had coffee and devotions, went to the gym, went up to church to do the payroll checks and came home and made crabbies.

I wish I had gone to the oriental grocery on Saturday so I could try my new Sushi recipes but I didn't and I don't think that they are open today.

Dave and I used my Outback gift card that Nik sent for Mother's Day to try the new Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant.

It was very good. We both got Cheeseburgers. Mine was the 'signature' Cheeseburger in Paradise and Dave had the 'special of the day' Bluecheese Burger.