March 15, 2012
Spring has sprung here, but a liver has not “sprung!” (Actually
one liver was available for Charlie, but the nurse said that it was a very “sketchy”
one and rejected by this whole 6 state region that we are in!) It is beautiful
here – it has been in the 70’s all week and daffodils and crocuses are starting
to bloom. Some birds are building a nest
in the eves of the balcony above us so it must be spring! The robins have come
back and we only have fleeces, long underwear, sweaters, and turtlenecks to
wear! (I did at the last minute throw in a few things for spring, but we
thought that we would be on our way home pretty soon…. Also knowing, the
Midwest, it could very well snow next week!
We have been here 10 weeks today, but then who is
counting??? Charlie is doing very well – he feels good most of the time. He
does have some days when he is really tired and just blah (don’t we all?) and
we just take it easy then. He is keeping the exercise routine going. He is so
good about that and I have been good about it also (notice that I didn’t say
very good) – now if I would just quit stuffing my mouth, I might lose some
weight!
John and Denise Hulsebus - friends from home - were here for
a fun visit. John was born in Illinois and has cousins in IA. It was really fun
showing them this area! We visited Herbert Hoover’s Presidential Library which
is in West Branch about 10 miles from here and is very interesting. Then we
toured around Kalona which is an Amish area where some people still use buggies
to get around. Then the last day we toured the Amana Colonies – home of Amana
Refrigeration (now Whirlpool.) Of
course, we showed them the University of Iowa Football stadium which is just
across the street from the hospitals. Just think that if we are still here in
the fall – Charlie could potentially watch a Big 10 football game from the
hospital – forget I said that!
The University of IA basketball team did not make the NCAA,
but they did go to the NIT. The first game was held here Tuesday night and we
decided to go. It was a GREAT game especially since IA beat Dayton. Now Sunday
IA plays Oregon in Eugene.
Pictures are of John and Denise at the famous Hamburg Inn
#2, a buggy on a country road by Kalona, flowers in Amana, John, Denise, and
Charlie in Amana, and then Charlie at the IA NIT game – we got there really
early, but the place was later packed!
Well, I am off to the mall to see if I can find some spring
clothes – Charlie said that should make it snow for sure!
