In our last newsletter, we told you how Dad had experienced some health issues...all of which turned out to be nothing. Everything seemed to be going fine until this past November. Dad had been complaining that he had some chest discomfort for over a week. Mom finally convinced him to call and make an appointment with their family doctor. Dad finally agreed. So Mom called and the doctor strongly suggested that Dad get to the emergency room to have it checked out rather than schedule an appointment. This way the doctor would be notified fast if something was wrong. So off to the ER they went. Needless to say, all initial tests showed nothing. Blood tests, EKG and enzyme levels came back as normal. But rather then take a chance, the doctor did order a nuclear stress test be done, and if Dad passed the stress test, he could go home. So Dad spent an overnight in the ER to await the stress test the following day. The next day Dad was given the stress test, however, he failed it. So lo and behold, Dad was admitted into the hospital to be further scheduled for a heart catherization. The cardiologist spoke with Dad prior to the procedure and said that this test would, once and for all, determine if anything was wrong; and explained what the procedure would entail. During the procedure Dad was awake and saw the entire thing unfold on a TV monitor. During the procedure, the doctor remarked that everything looked fine and he saw no blockages. The only thing the doctor did notice was that the heart did seem slightly enlarged, but nothing to be concerned about. Dad was released later that day, and given medications as a precaution against any blockage that might occur. A follow-up visit with the cardiologist has been scheduled. We'll keep you posted.

On a more lighter note, the folks successfully sold their recreational home at the Hideout. There are times that the "getaway" house is missed, but it really wasn't used that much. It was a good decision. Less headaches to be concerned about, especially in the winter with having to winterize the house, and hope the snows and cold weather didn't cause damage.

Dad still has a web page containing an undeveloped story with a beginning paragraph. He asked that visitors to the site add paragraphs to help create a story line!! It did finally take off!! And there have been a number of additions to it. IT'S GREAT!! Why not check it out and submit some entries? You can read the 'developing story @: STORY

Dad has also made contact with a classmate from grammar school. As it turns out, his classmate has fulfilled his vocation of the clergy by being ordained a Bishop.

Dad has gotten into some landscaping tasks as well. He's been installing numerous solar lights around the property. It really is looking spectacular. The folks removed those huge hemlocks that were in the front, thus openly the front of the house. Even put in a new walkway, as well. Really improved the look.

Mom finally gave up her position at Dress Barn...this to the delight of Dad. It was getting to be too much. Besides the ridiculous long hours for a part-time job, the overall management left a great deal to be desired. The only thing sad about it for Mom is that she does miss dealing with many of her good customers. At least now Mom can do those things she likes to do...like acting.

Mom has always wanted to get back into community theatre, and that opportunity availed itself. Mom read for a part in "The Cemetary Club" produced by the Westfield Community Players, and got to play the part of Mildred. A part she really enjoyed. She got a nice review by the local critic. The cast loved Mom because she was always giving of herself to everyone. She helped the other actresses with their costumes, make-up, etc. She even ran line rehearsals for the Director at times. Mom is a real trouper!! The play was scheduled to run for a month, but Mom was unable to do the last two performances.

She came home from a line rehearsal one evening and had severe chills and a fever of 104!! Dad rushed her to the ER and she had to say overnight. There was fear that she might have meningitis. She was given loads of antibiotics and a spinal tap. Thank God all results came back negative. The doctors finally attributed it to just a severe viral infection. So after two days in the hospital, she came home and spent the next week relaxing and on anti-biotics. She's doing fine now...back in health. She did feel bad about not having finished the show, but the cast assured her that her health was more important. She was able to later meet with the cast for a get together and they were very appreciative of her being part of the cast, and encouraged her to remain part of the Players. Great going, Mom!

Mom has finally gotten Dad to begin painting the interior of the house. They started with the hall and foyer, and then stepped. Dad had an idea!! Replace all the interior doors with 6 panel doors. Then Mom decided to replace the exterior front door with an all new door. The project now is to replace all the interior doors, the front exterior door and the other two exterior doors. Of course it doesn't stop there. Mom has now decided to have the kitchen redone. All the work should be done by the middle of January. We'll post some 'before and after' pictures. See what a little painting can lead to!!

Mom has become a Life Member of Cooking Club of America, and has been experimenting will all new kinds of recipes and enjoying her new cookware.

As was reported in our newsletter last year, the fish pond had some problems. Thank goodness the winter of 2005 and spring of 2006 saw the pond do well. In fact, this past summer the lone koi, which Mom named "Silver", was given three additional members...two Shubukis and a zipper koi. Also fixed was the waterfall accompaniment. It took Dad two years to finally get it done! But Mom's prodding finally paid off. So they're pleased how things turned out. We'll let you know how the fish survive through this winter---even with pond heater.

You might recall Mom's visiting feline, which she dubbed Butterscotch. Butterscotch passed on last year and Mom was rather saddened by that. She really enjoyed having him around. However, things have brightened. Mom has a new visitor...a "Bengal" cat.

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She has named him Oliver...you know from the play "Oliver"...for he appears nitely looking for food. Now Oliver doesn't know how to tell time, and he's hard to predict when he will show up. Sometimes he arrives at 5pm, other times he arrives at 2am!! (Yes, Mom and Dad are awake at 2am.) What is amazing about Oliver is that he doesn't meow but rather hisses---not violently, but softly hisses for food. Then he'll stay around for about a half-hour and off he goes.

Mom finally got her wish...a trip to New York City. For years, Mom has been wanting Dad to go into New York, not only to see the sites but also to visit with their very dear friends, Judy and Karl. This past summer Mom got her wish...Dad finally agreed to go into New York. So MOm and Dad spent four days in NYC. Mom and Dad stayed at the Marriott Marquis. They dined at The View atop the Marriott and took in some of Mom's favorite places...Museum of Natural History, MOMA, Central Park Zoo. They got a chance to see the musical, "Hair Spray", with seats in the second row stage left of the orchestra!! Mom wanted to see the show because she worked with Mark Shaiman, who wrote the music for Hair Spray. Mom worked with Mark when he was a teenager and played the piano for several community theatre productions where she was the musical director. Topping the visit to NYC was a chance to visit with Judy and Karl...a long time in coming, but all too short, though.

The Mom still thinks of her PC as a 'dust collector'...although she writes periodically to some of her college dorm mates, Ginny and Bett. And the Mom has gotten pretty good at some of the solitaire games on the computer. Now if we can get her to surf the web!!

Of course, there is her '68 Cadillac...Mom is looking to sell it. It's still runs and is in great shape. Anyone care to make an offer?!!

FLASH!! RSL Designs makes it to the Music World!! Read all about it @ RSL Designs

Shadow has been doing rather well. She did raise an objection when Oliver first appeared several months ago. Mom and Dad were sitting watching TV when Shadow began meowing very deeply at the patio door. Lo and behold there appeared the new cat, which as mentioned before Mom has named Oliver. Now every time Oliver appears and Shadow spots him at the door, she turns her back on him and walks out of the room. Yet she must be intrigued by him because there are times when she will sit at the door peering out in what appears to be anticipation of his arrival.

Although Shadow is an indoor cat, she enjoys sitting out on the deck attached by her leash. She will sit there for hours watching the birds at the two bird feeders, not attempting to attack them at all. It also appears that the birds know she is "passive" and ignore her while they perch and eat. But we can't say that for one chipmonk, which she did manage to capture and bring it up the deck to the door. Oh, well, guess she were doing her survival thing. (We still have several chipmonks around by the pond.)

Although Shadow is doing well overall, she has developed what appears to be a erosive spot on her nose. She has been to the vet and has been prescribed an antibiotic, but the spot is still ever present. It doesn't seem to bother her or affect her appetite, it is something we will have to watch.