It has been a while

We have returned from our visit to LA and had a wonderful time visiting with everybody. Of course all our friends and relatives were happy to see how good JR looks (maybe I'm prejudiced), and except for the fact that he can't talk and makes strange noises when he tries to eat, etc. he feels good. AND believe me his momma cooked A LOT for him! We surprised her. I'm just glad she didn't have a stroke when she opened the door and saw him standing there. We wanted to go to church w/ her to thank her members for their prayers, but Gov. Jindal was going to be there so didn't want to take the attention from him. (That's a joke.)

Since JR can't talk people sometimes act like he's deaf too. Ex: While we were at his mother's, he was sitting there w/ us, but she asked me, "Does Bub want any coffee?" I said, "Well, ask him because he'll nod or shake his head or give a thumb's up or down," while JR was pointing to himself, letting her know he could answer for himself.ha ... It was so good to see people who haven't been able to come up too. We got to spend a little time w/ Daniel, Hagen & Stephenie. Sweet Hagen is as active as ever and kept telling his Papa if he would eat a cookie it would make him talk better!

Friends in S'port had a "gathering" for us which was great. Our friend, Buddy, who also has throat (and brain) cancer, can't talk either so he and JR got a kick out of being around somebody else who "talks" the same way. Both had extra-sore throats the next day from laughing so hard, but what a wonderful reason to hurt! The food and fellowship were wonderful, and we attended PBC Sunday morning (Jim's SS class) so was able to thank more people for their prayers. They were having business meeting and supper that night so we went and visited for a while.

I had a number of emails complaining "about no updates on the blog", but there isn't really much to report except that our visit down was wonderful and the BIG scans are set for Aug. 12! Next week JR has 3 doctor appts, including another scope. He is mowing today. His energy level is improving, but his throat is still extremely sore - part of the recovery.

Other good news: Out of 80 contestants, Phaedra is one of 8 finalists in Branson contest set for Aug. 15 at Hughes Bros. (I think) Theater in Branson so that will be fun. (Open to the public too.) Garden is putting out good -- enough to share. Tomatoes are huge. Lost two cats while we were gone; kids found bodies. Ugh! They (cats) went into the yard w/ the dogs -- and people say cats are smart! Two left. Phaedra and kids came out and fed all the critters & picked garden while we were gone. Makenna takes horse-back riding lessons so it was extra great that last night at the rodeo, she won a brand new leather saddle w/ an engraved cross on it. I'd put out the word before we left for LA that I was looking for a good child's horse so maybe soon we'll find one to put the saddle on. We continue to covet your prayers for JR ... and Buddy ... and Beverly ... etc.
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TEA Parties

We are going to be at a TEA Party tomorrow, and where ever you live, you can find one nearest you by going to www.teapartyday.com.

I know that Bossier City is having one at the convention center so our LA family & friends will be indoors -- that's great w/ the hot weather. Ours here is outdoors, but at least it begans at 10am so we can attend until the heat gets too much. Tom Zigler of Zig Zigler Corp. is the featured speaker here! Just maybe we can get these liberals to listen to some common sense and slow down screwing up America -- if enough people shows up. Don't forget to make a sign if you can. It is great to see all the creative ways people make their point -- wearing tea bags on their ears, hats, etc.