HOUSE HELPER

I have a House Helper. She is as cute as Doby, the House Elf in the Harry Potter books. She can't read yet so I only leave her a list when David is watching her so he can read her jobs to her.
She really likes to help and starts asking if she can put papers in the 'chine as soon as we start our trip home from Nursery School. I did purchase a new paper shredder that is safe for even small fingers.
Last week when I was gone and she was home with David, she ran in and told him that the washer had stopped and she needed her stoodle to get the clothes out. (she can't actually reach the clothes in the washer, we have to hand them to her and she drops them in a basket and then goes back and puts them in the dryer).
She also has the responsibility of putting our water and diet cokes in the refrigerator for us. She is just the right height for this job.

WALK * WALK * WALK

I am doing another walk for charity. This time it is to raise money for cancer research. I got two donations and am 1/3 of the way to my goal. Todd and his crew and Dana and her crew are members of my Honor Roll.

BACK TO WORK :(

Back in Florida and back to work.

They have these horses all around Louisville. Every one is different but they are each a piece of art.
I got to see some snow and took care of all the business on the schedule for my Kentucky trip. Carol and I had a chance to see a couple of movies and visit with old friends. We didn't get much cleaning done. We are still ignoring the basement and the garage. The bedrooms are also packed to the limit but there will be time for that later.

We went to chuch Sunday morning and it was great. There are special things about going home. I guess I am fortunate to feel at home in Florida and in Kentucky.

WEDDING SHOWER

This is Jenn, soon to be Joshua Robinson's wife. That sounds strange to me. I went to her shower on Saturday. In this photo she is showing the second half of my gift. The first half was a wall clock, it was very contemporary and all of the younger people at work loved it when it came in. Part two was a gift certificate and a candy bar from Bass Pro Shop. Josh has always been a favorite of mine and I wanted to get something I thought he would like.

MENDING

Dave is mending very well. He played golf on Saturday and came home to ice his knee. He probably over did it because the knee was a little swollen by the end of the day. He really didn't want me to post this photo because of the 'big belly' but I did get him fudge at the craft fair today so that doesn't help the swollen belly. It was delicious fudge.

DAVID'S SURGERY IS OVER

David had his knee surgery today and is home. He is sick at his stomach because of the pain medicine but if we can keep some food down tomorrow that should help. I am going back to work tomorrow but I am sure the neighbors will all be around to take care of him. He is giving himself therapy. "What a guy!"

THE HOUSE IS EMPTY AGAIN

Debbie and Joe "Rainman" Rapp were here for a week but left yesterday morning. We had such a wonderful visit. They were great. We played Hearts at night. We took turns as the winner but Joe (AKA Rainman) always controled the game and the three of us grew to hate him.

He is recovering, very slowly but has a determination that can't be altered. It's like he had to learn to walk all over again. He has tingling in his hands and feet most of the time and gets very cold for no apparent reason.

They enjoyed the pool, golf (for Joe) and shopping (for Debbie), riding bikes, and relaxing while we were at work and Debbie cleaned up around the condo and prepared some great meals for us.
She packed my pantry and refrigerator so we will be eating off the Rapps for a while.

Sorry we were to busy for pictures but they may come back if it is too cold and gray when they get back to Kentucky.

SAME NAME - GETTING BETTER

How do you explain it when someone comes along 40 some years later than you and is so much better. Look at this photo. We have the same name. She is prettier, she is smart, she is musical, she has curly hair, everyone likes her and much more. Well I explain it as improvement! I am very proud to have the same name as this pretty young lady and proud that she is my niece.

BERNICE BRENNAN

I think this photo was taken when she was 9 or 10 but I really don't know.

I am not sure if it was taken before she went into the Masonic Orphan's Home or if she was a little older and it was possibly a photo they took there at school.

I suspect that Aunt Alma was responsible for the curls so I think maybe it was before she went in the Home.

As I said, she loved curls.

DANA'S BABY STARTS SCHOOL

This week Emily started school and her Mom said that she is the cutest and the smartest kid in the class. (These curls are pain free AKA=natural)

FIRST LOVE

It is a known fact that you never forget your first love. This is a photo of mine. Johnny Webb is in the chair beside me and his brother Donnie is standing behind us. We played in the dirt together, we borrowed each others training pants when we were potty training and our families were so close we still think we are one.

He even came to my wedding to remind me that he was the best boyfriend that I had ever had.

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.