What was supposed to be a long time turned out to be about a week. Evan is back in Minneapolis today for some quick tests. When his doctors in Marshfield and Minneapolis spoke, they determined that doing a few more tests would be a safe route to take. Nothing alarming. And, since history tells us that the tests are best performed in Minneapolis, Evan headed back there today for an early afternoon appointment; he expects to come right back home tonight. He can't stay away too long. That herd of hounds keeps him chained pretty close to home.
Did I mention that there's another pup? That's right, Orville arrived last weekend. He's a spotted little guy, like Poppy, and has made himself right at home with all the other Leopard Hounds. I'm hoping this is really enough now to get that breeding business off the ground. It's not that the dogs are bad. They are very nice dogs and make great pets. But there are a lot of them! I just can't imagine how my hosta beds are going to survive. It used to be just good old Rufus digging a nice spot for himself. One dog. One spot. Annoying, but not all that bad. Then there was Daisy and two spots in the shade. Now? There's gonna be a mighty big pile of shade seekers ...
Paul and I will head to Minnesota tomorrow and, like Evan, plan a one-day trip; we will take the key to Alyssa's apartment, just in case we change our minds on that. We're going to Rochester to deliver a quarter of beef to the winner of that prize from Evan's fundraiser. From there, we'll head up to Kit and Violet's for a little visit and to wish Violet happy birthday before heading home again. You know what that means -- plenty of knitting time!
I took a few days off this week. What a blessing. In addition to some sewing and general putzing, I started a new blog, Blueberry Thrills. Unlike this site, it will not revolve around any crisis or drama, but simply be a place where I will share the thrill of my little creations. Like this site, however, new posts will arrive as the spirit moves me.
Milladore Transplants will still keep you up to date on Evan's progress and our general family news, so don't hesitate to check back periodically. I'll be around ...
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Breathe again
Evan left Tuesday night for Karl's in Eau Claire so that he'd had a little less drive time on Wednesday. He had a mid-afternoon appointment in Minneapolis and arrived back home with the news that his next appointment there is in April. That's right, April! Last week's test results were good; he now has Karl's healthy blood pumping through his veins. They truly are blood brothers. Such good news. He'll hit the 100 day mark on Sunday -- at home and headed on a good path back to his normal life. There will be check ups in Marshfield between now and then, but those are just a blip on the screen compared to the time in Minneapolis.
Also good reports on Violet. Evan shared his good news with Kit last night and learned that she is making steady progress in her recovery.
It's so good to breathe again!
Also good reports on Violet. Evan shared his good news with Kit last night and learned that she is making steady progress in her recovery.
It's so good to breathe again!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Optimism
Friday was a nail biting day: Evan had a bone marrow biopsy and PET scan in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, in Rochester, Kit's fiancee, Violet, had surgery to remove a brain tumor. It's a good thing that smoking is no longer my worst bad habit, but I do admit to chain-chewing celery sticks at work all day.
We have no reason to believe that Evan's results will be anything but positive. He's in great shape and ready to pace himself back to work part-time. His doctor approved that plan. The report from Kit on Violet's surgery is also positive. The surgery went as expected with none of the worst fears realized. Naturally, she is in need of rest, but is communicating and reacting in ways that say it is fair to be very optimistic about the outcome of the surgery. Of course she has a long way to go with healing and then radiation, but the first step was surgery and that step was successful. We are very thankful.
Kit and I had a long conversation this morning and one of the things discussed was that we have become quite practiced about realistic expectations for receiving test results and prognosis. Evan, for example, will not receive his results until next Wednesday. On one hand, that seems a cruelly long amount of time for results; on the other, it's much more beneficial to wait for confirmed results than it is to hang all hope on preliminary educated guesses. Asking for prognosis is the same. When Evan was first diagnosed with cancer, I wanted all percentages of possibilities every step of the way. We don't ask anymore. In the end, none of those tables matter; all that matters is Evan.
The same is true for Violet. The diagnosis of a brain tumor is a shattering thing to hear. Violet and Kit though, have handled the news and the doctors and the treatments with amazing clarity of thought. When faced with difficult decisions, they sought out further advice at Mayo Clinic before making any hasty decisions. They manage to take things as they come and keep the most important factor of all as their focal point: Violet.
Not all that long ago, I shared some of my fears with Kit. Quoting Atticus Finch, he told me that it wasn't time yet to worry. I remind myself of that fairly often. Today is one of those times. Yes, there are still a lot of unknowns, but this is not the time to worry. It is the time to remain optimistic. And so, this afternoon, I am going to watch "To Kill a Mockingbird" while I cut out aprons and revel in the satisfaction and relief of optimism.
We have no reason to believe that Evan's results will be anything but positive. He's in great shape and ready to pace himself back to work part-time. His doctor approved that plan. The report from Kit on Violet's surgery is also positive. The surgery went as expected with none of the worst fears realized. Naturally, she is in need of rest, but is communicating and reacting in ways that say it is fair to be very optimistic about the outcome of the surgery. Of course she has a long way to go with healing and then radiation, but the first step was surgery and that step was successful. We are very thankful.
Kit and I had a long conversation this morning and one of the things discussed was that we have become quite practiced about realistic expectations for receiving test results and prognosis. Evan, for example, will not receive his results until next Wednesday. On one hand, that seems a cruelly long amount of time for results; on the other, it's much more beneficial to wait for confirmed results than it is to hang all hope on preliminary educated guesses. Asking for prognosis is the same. When Evan was first diagnosed with cancer, I wanted all percentages of possibilities every step of the way. We don't ask anymore. In the end, none of those tables matter; all that matters is Evan.
The same is true for Violet. The diagnosis of a brain tumor is a shattering thing to hear. Violet and Kit though, have handled the news and the doctors and the treatments with amazing clarity of thought. When faced with difficult decisions, they sought out further advice at Mayo Clinic before making any hasty decisions. They manage to take things as they come and keep the most important factor of all as their focal point: Violet.
Not all that long ago, I shared some of my fears with Kit. Quoting Atticus Finch, he told me that it wasn't time yet to worry. I remind myself of that fairly often. Today is one of those times. Yes, there are still a lot of unknowns, but this is not the time to worry. It is the time to remain optimistic. And so, this afternoon, I am going to watch "To Kill a Mockingbird" while I cut out aprons and revel in the satisfaction and relief of optimism.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Almost speechless
Rarely without words, I find myself struggling to adequately express a reaction to Saturday's wonderfully successful fundraiser for Evan. Phenomenal does not seem a big enough word.
Lynn, Bill, Nicky and crew covered every detail masterfully. Every person who has commented on the event says the same thing: It was the most carefully organized event they had attended. From the live music to the children's games to the raffles to the efficient traffic flow, they orchestrated everything beautifully. The professional level of advertising speaks volumes of Nicky's talents and expertise. Every single piece of print, whether a bright orange raffle ticket or beautiful color poster passed through her talented hands.
And the baskets! My friend Sandy added her characteristic artful expression and attention to detail to the naming and wrapping of every one. When a donation arrived, Sandy catalogued, named, and prepared each one for the beautiful display that left people in awe.
And all the generous people who gave the outstanding items on the raffle, in the baskets, and prizes. Also generous were those who took the time to solicit items and arrange delivery of them. That generosity and creativity of giving will always be an inspiration.
And all the people who volunteered their time and expertise and treasure -- all three -- to ensure the fundraiser's success, whether in planning, selling tickets (before or during the event), manning games or just being there; their gifts of self are inspiring.
And the people who attended: Family and friends who came from near and far; old friends and new friends and co-workers and complete strangers who came to offer encouragement or just to support someone who might need it. Their presence was appreciated more than we can say.
And the people who did not attend but took the time to send a note or gift or donate online; their thoughtfulness is humbling.
And Alyssa, Kit & Violet, Ned, Karl & Alissa, who never waiver in their support of each other. We could not be more proud.
And Evan who remains strong and positive and patient even when it means wearing that mask in public for a few hours. We could not be more grateful.
It is all absolutely phenomenal.
Lynn, Bill, Nicky and crew covered every detail masterfully. Every person who has commented on the event says the same thing: It was the most carefully organized event they had attended. From the live music to the children's games to the raffles to the efficient traffic flow, they orchestrated everything beautifully. The professional level of advertising speaks volumes of Nicky's talents and expertise. Every single piece of print, whether a bright orange raffle ticket or beautiful color poster passed through her talented hands.
And the baskets! My friend Sandy added her characteristic artful expression and attention to detail to the naming and wrapping of every one. When a donation arrived, Sandy catalogued, named, and prepared each one for the beautiful display that left people in awe.
And all the generous people who gave the outstanding items on the raffle, in the baskets, and prizes. Also generous were those who took the time to solicit items and arrange delivery of them. That generosity and creativity of giving will always be an inspiration.
And all the people who volunteered their time and expertise and treasure -- all three -- to ensure the fundraiser's success, whether in planning, selling tickets (before or during the event), manning games or just being there; their gifts of self are inspiring.
And the people who attended: Family and friends who came from near and far; old friends and new friends and co-workers and complete strangers who came to offer encouragement or just to support someone who might need it. Their presence was appreciated more than we can say.
And the people who did not attend but took the time to send a note or gift or donate online; their thoughtfulness is humbling.
And Alyssa, Kit & Violet, Ned, Karl & Alissa, who never waiver in their support of each other. We could not be more proud.
And Evan who remains strong and positive and patient even when it means wearing that mask in public for a few hours. We could not be more grateful.
It is all absolutely phenomenal.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The hounds of Evanville
Evan will be coming home from his weekly appointment in Minneapolis today. Paul took some pictures of him with his hounds before he left yesterday. Here they are in their natural state in the shack. From left to right we have, Poppy, Josie, Evan, Amos, Belle and Daisy. Belle, as you'll notice just flops on anyone. She is the softest, silkiest dog ever and plops wherever she pleases. No dog eat dog world around here!
Evan still needs to wear a mask outside -- it's a lovely turqoise color. Watching him walk down the lane toward the shack is like watching the Masked Pied Piper of Leopard Hounds; Evan ahead with all of these dogs following and competing with each other to be the closest. It's quite a sight.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A week away
It's hard to believe that Evan's Fundraiser is just a week away. Lynn and Bill have done a tremendous amount of work planning and organizing and Nicky has been printing, cutting and stapling to keep up with the demand for raffle tickets. It's truly amazing how all of this has come together in such a short amount of time. Now all we need is good weather next weekend. Not too good ... we don't want people thinking their time would be better spent elsewhere on that rare perfect winter day ... but good enough to travel without an overriding fear of magnetic-like ditches.
For me, today is apron day and garden center day. On January 2? Yup. When Alyssa was home for Christmas, she brought a basket and the items to create a "martini basket" for the basket raffle. Rachelle, her co-contributor, sent a long a really great basket. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon your point of view) the basket wasn't large enough to accommodate the items they wanted to include, so Alyssa replaced it with a tray and left the basket here. Its shape and green handles make it look like the perfect vegetable picking basket to me. So, I called a local garden center begging seed donations (they agreed; I have to pick up the items this afternoon) and a cook book publisher asking for a donation (they agreed and mailed the book). Then I remembered that I had some great veggie print fabric in my apron fabric stash. Yes, wearing an apron for picking fresh veggies is entirely appropriate. Especially if you're just going for enough green beans for supper. Pick them right into your apron, dump them in the sink and start snapping.
Naturally, pulling out fabric for one apron meant going through several possibilities and the veggie apron became five aprons. As long as I'm at it, blah, blah, blah. Alyssa will finally get the new apron I promised her a year ago (at least I think it's only a year), I might add one to another basket and maybe I'll even end up one or two ahead. My intent is always to make them throughout the year so that I'm prepared for the fall craft shows. That never works. This year my friend Karen finished up the few I had in progress and I took a bye on the whole deal. Karen even made the apron I included in my Julia basket for the fundraiser. Alyssa and I picked out the fabric, but Karen, sensing my manic panic before Christmas, was good enough to take over the actual construction for me. It is so cute...a perfect fit for the Julie & Julia feel of the basket. One side is contemporary; the other more of a country French feel. Wish I could show it here, but aside from the fact that I don't have a picture of it, I also don't have a day to add to the blog using the dial up technology to which we remain tethered.
At any rate, the Julia basket is great. In addition to the reversible apron, a Julia Child cookbook, some DVDs and kitchen items, it includes a full Kitchen of Provence gift crate from Penzey's Spices. After writing a letter to Penzey's asking for a donation for a French cooking basket I was making for my son's fundraiser, I received this beautiful gift box in the mail. It sent me out shopping for a much bigger basket; what a wonderful problem!
And that's how most of this fundraising has gone. One surprise after another. Donations and offers of assistance have come from so many corners, it is truly amazing. Whether prizes for the main raffle or the baskets, people continue to astound us with their creativity and generosity. No matter what the outcome of this whole event, we have learned that people are unexpectedly generous and kind. After the last few years, that lesson alone is one for which we are very grateful. It's easy to think that our problems are singular incidents in the universe, when in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. And people do care. They really do.
For me, today is apron day and garden center day. On January 2? Yup. When Alyssa was home for Christmas, she brought a basket and the items to create a "martini basket" for the basket raffle. Rachelle, her co-contributor, sent a long a really great basket. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon your point of view) the basket wasn't large enough to accommodate the items they wanted to include, so Alyssa replaced it with a tray and left the basket here. Its shape and green handles make it look like the perfect vegetable picking basket to me. So, I called a local garden center begging seed donations (they agreed; I have to pick up the items this afternoon) and a cook book publisher asking for a donation (they agreed and mailed the book). Then I remembered that I had some great veggie print fabric in my apron fabric stash. Yes, wearing an apron for picking fresh veggies is entirely appropriate. Especially if you're just going for enough green beans for supper. Pick them right into your apron, dump them in the sink and start snapping.
Naturally, pulling out fabric for one apron meant going through several possibilities and the veggie apron became five aprons. As long as I'm at it, blah, blah, blah. Alyssa will finally get the new apron I promised her a year ago (at least I think it's only a year), I might add one to another basket and maybe I'll even end up one or two ahead. My intent is always to make them throughout the year so that I'm prepared for the fall craft shows. That never works. This year my friend Karen finished up the few I had in progress and I took a bye on the whole deal. Karen even made the apron I included in my Julia basket for the fundraiser. Alyssa and I picked out the fabric, but Karen, sensing my manic panic before Christmas, was good enough to take over the actual construction for me. It is so cute...a perfect fit for the Julie & Julia feel of the basket. One side is contemporary; the other more of a country French feel. Wish I could show it here, but aside from the fact that I don't have a picture of it, I also don't have a day to add to the blog using the dial up technology to which we remain tethered.
At any rate, the Julia basket is great. In addition to the reversible apron, a Julia Child cookbook, some DVDs and kitchen items, it includes a full Kitchen of Provence gift crate from Penzey's Spices. After writing a letter to Penzey's asking for a donation for a French cooking basket I was making for my son's fundraiser, I received this beautiful gift box in the mail. It sent me out shopping for a much bigger basket; what a wonderful problem!
And that's how most of this fundraising has gone. One surprise after another. Donations and offers of assistance have come from so many corners, it is truly amazing. Whether prizes for the main raffle or the baskets, people continue to astound us with their creativity and generosity. No matter what the outcome of this whole event, we have learned that people are unexpectedly generous and kind. After the last few years, that lesson alone is one for which we are very grateful. It's easy to think that our problems are singular incidents in the universe, when in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. And people do care. They really do.
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