Pink Sunset

 

Here's the pink sunset from tonight in our neighborhood.  Madison saw the coloring through the window and had to run out to take this picture.  She had her first Milestones test today, and it went well.  She felt pretty good about it, as it was for Social Studies.  The rest of the day wasn't much in regards to classwork, except for math, which has been fairly relentless.

We had taekwondo tonight, and Madison was sparring with some of her fellow black belts.  Many of them have testing coming up, but Madison actually doesn't, and isn't as concerned about impressing anyone.  She's just wanting to learn more and more, and as far as her form goes, she's getting more and more advanced with that.  It's amazing how deep that goes.  She's come quite a long distance.

Tonight's episode of "The Mighty Ducks" had all the feels, as six of the original Ducks returned for such a nostalgic episode.  Madison loves the movies - as do we - so it was neat seeing some of them come back for the show.  Afterwards, it was more "Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D.," as we're heading towards that crazy stunning episode, and seeing all the clues that lead up to it.  Really great writing in retrospect.  Nobody saw it coming, and yet there were a few hints here and there that were so subtle.

I've been back on the treadmill now, back doing a half-hour a day on different tours of different places.  Today I walked from Disney's Hilton Head Resort to the beach house.  We've stayed there in the past, but just rode the shuttle bus the last time.  Tomorrow I'll walk the grounds again.  We'd love to stay there again some time, as it was just a nice, quiet place with lots of nice atmosphere.  The beach was nice too, of course.  

I checked my blood pressure afterwards, and it was wonderfully low.  I'm on all kinds of blood thinner and pills, of course.  But the exercise and moving around I think is helping me.  The goal is about 45 minutes of straight walking each day, and hopefully getting up to a much higher pace of walking too.

It was a good day today, one we closed out with prayer.  We read from Exodus, describing the Ark of the Covenant.  Madison recognized that right away.  There are a lot of instructions in this part of the Bible, but we're dutifully going through each verse.  We read from "Kingdom Keepers II" as well, and of course that story is moving along towards its conclusion.  It won't be long before we hit "Kingdom Keepers III," I guess!

Heart Therapy

Madison had a decent day today, prepping for Milestones week, which starts tomorrow.  She did have taekwondo tonight, and she's been going to an earlier class to help be an instructor.  It's been fun watching her teach younger kids about their form, giving tips and assisting the teachers there.  She's not missed a class in some time, enjoying getting there early for that portion.  Then it's time for leadership class, where she's once again the student.

Today I was in my first cardio therapy class, somewhat of an orientation this afternoon.  We hooked up wires to ourselves, and hopped on the treadmill.  They took measurements and showed us around the place, introducing us to the staff and the equipment there.  It was good.  My blood pressure was way down after exercising and that was super encouraging.

We went to Swallow Falls again tonight, or at least what was left of it after the FLDSMDFR kept running. We've seen "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2" before, but I've forgotten a lot of it, and this was so much fun to watch.  Plus, the cover of the Blu-Ray has a scratch-n-sniff strawberry.  That's something that's good for the heart right there!

I was working on Storm Chasers some more today, creating trivia slides, and also doing a future "Wisenheimer" invention that scans minds.  We're moving fast towards the series premiere this weekend, and it's going to be great fun!  

The wrens have been busy on our front door, and Mom has been helping them out a lot by putting grubs and so forth on a plate right there by the nest.  The baby birds are growing big quickly!

Madison was studying tonight - Milestones is tomorrow.  But we did have enough time to read, and of course we said our prayers.  It was a nice day!

Garden Flowers

These are just a few pictures of some of the flowers in our gardens.  Mom has done such a great job building up our garden, and she continues working on it day by day.  It looks so nice, we even have some new friends now living with us.

We actually have a few more chipmunks than usual.  It's been very pleasant weather outside, and when seated on the back deck or front porch, you can hear or see them scurrying about.  The squirrels are there too, of course, as are all sorts of birds.  Ever since we watched that birdwatching movie, we've been noticing a few different ones around the neighborhood.  There's nothing unusual about a bluebird, but we did spot one in the front yard.  We spotted an owl last night, and there's been all the usual neighbors.  Of course, we have a few new residents at our house on the front door.  The baby wrens are growing up!  They grow so fast!

Today was a small piano lesson and it was online for Maddie.  Her teacher has the virus now, which is interesting this much later, but nevertheless, she has it, and Madison did the piano lesson virtually.  It was short.  Tonight was also small group night for Maddie.  Camille and Lauren based their small group on the passage from Proverbs 31.

I was working on "Storm Chasers" material all day, as we have that new series coming up Sunday.  There are scripts to write, graphics to create, games to come up with and so on.  It's going to be a great day Sunday.

We got the canopy on the back deck up today, and that will create a nice place to sit in the shade there.  Mom is buying paint for the deck, and we'll redo that soon enough.  But each day we focus on different things, and the house is coming along very well.  And so am I, by the way.  We took Communion, Mom and I.  It's the meal that heals.  We said our prayers and I've just had a much better day today.  Monday was fairly rough, as I was having pains and feeling exhausted.  But today is a much better day.

Maddie was studying again tonight, but afterwards, we watched my favorite episode of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." tonight, the one called "Tracks."  It starts out on a train, which is already a plus.  But then the episode is so unique - I don't want to spoil it.  Anyway, we're moving along with that series fairly quickly, although we've still got a long ways to go on it.  Tonight we read from Exodus a little more, and then from "Kingdom Keepers II."  We're approaching the end of each of those.  We prayed tonight and we were asleep pretty quickly after that.  We've had some full days.

Our Own Roses

Mom picked some of our roses and made a really nice arrangement on the kitchen table.  They smell wonderful, and are just so beautiful.  We've still got plenty on the side of the house, but these look great on the table right now.  

Also outside, a few of the birds have hatched!  Their little beaks are poking upwards, although they're fairly quiet right now.  We just assume that they make all this noise screaming out for food, but they were just born yesterday or day, so that may come in time.  

Mom put out a bird feeder, and even put a small plate out with some grubs in it, right there next to the front door.  It's a wren's nest, and mamma bird has given them plenty to eat.

Today I was at the cardiologist in the morning, and they are still on high alert for the virus over there at the hospital, understandably.  It's going to be a long, long time from now before the masks come off.  But I was there, and the doctor gave me a description of what had happened, both biologically beforehand, and what happened during the heart cath.  It was encouraging, and amazing. 

This morning we had communion, both Mom and I.  It's the meal that heals, and after last night, I was thinking this was something that needed to happen.  I have felt much, much better today than yesterday, more confident and actually just plain better.

I was working with the FCY again, making some more small group material.  Madison was studying for the big tests upcoming, although she's gotten a few grades.  She's doing great in all her classes, although math has been a steady decline.  Interestingly enough, the Milestones may have a bigger impact on her overall grade than previously thought!  She's super stressed with so much going on.  Hang in there, Maddie.  There's a cruise coming up, trips to Dollywood, and all kinds of rest and relaxation.

Of course tonight we were watching "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." tonight, and we read from Exodus, and from "Kingdom Keepers" as well.  We said our prayers, and were off to sleep fairly quickly after that.
 

Revenge of the Tomatoes

We got some tomatoes today, and some peppers too.  And so it begins!  Our garden will be nice when it grows larger and gives us a harvest.  Last year's tomato plants were huge.  Pretty cool.

Today we were at Lowe's to visit my dad there, and just saunter around the garden shop picking up a few things.  Since my visit to the eye doctor last week, I've had a prescription for some new glasses, and so I went over to a place that sells glasses.  For the last few years, I've been using a pair of reading glasses that cost about $2, and pretty much having those on all the time.  Today though, we splurged.  Our insurance is pretty good, and I was amazed at what I was able to order for myself.  I can't wait to get these new glasses.

Madison was at school today, pretty much preparing for Milestones testing at the end of the week.  It starts on Friday, and then goes on throughout the next week.  All the kids are looking forward to it.  That was in fact sarcastic.

Tonight was her big taekwondo night, which is to say it was two classes, back-to-back.  Leadership class and black belt class.  She loves it.  Nana and I were there watching Madison kick people in the head.  Actually, there wasn't as much sparring tonight, as there was a good emphasis on form.  She's doing well though, and really enjoying class.  

We got home and watched a few more episodes of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," this after some studying for social studies.  This first season is so well written when you think of the clues that are left all along, the things that none of us caught that led to a huge twist.

We read tonight, from the book of Exodus and from "Kingdom Keepers II."  Bats and black birds will never be looked on the same around Orlando.  We said our prayers, and all of us were in bed earlier tonight.  It was not a great day for me physically, and I went to bed fretting somewhat.  

Potato Parcel

You know you are loved when you get the gift of a potato with your face on it!  Our friends, the Quick Family, got us these specialized potatoes

 

It's called a Potato Parcel, and it's pretty funny and creative!  We opened these up in front of everyone, and there were a lot of laughs!  

It was a fairly full day.  We had a good day this morning at KidPak, our last morning of the series "The Spirit Awakens," where the our stranded Rebels finally left the planet Hoth, and all the snow that we've had on our set since December of 2019.  We'll have a new set soon enough!  The skit went really well, with some special effects at the end - a little escape into space, assisted by an ion cannon.  

We got home, and Mom had something good for us to eat at home, and it was a quick touch-and-go for us, because tonight was another big night at the church, another FCY United Night.

It was a good night, one that Madison had such a good time at.  Reggie Dabbs was there, and all the different campuses were there (except for OC, of course).  

One fun thing about tonight was the thrift store, where students could buy donated clothing that the team used an iron-on to print the FCY logo.  Madison is off to the left in the above picture, waiting for this one shirt she had her eye on, and was hoping wouldn't be sold before she got there.  Fortunately for her, she got the shirt!

It was a great night.  The message was so good, as was the worship.  It was a powerful night, and I'm so happy to be able to take Madison here each Sunday now.  She wouldn't miss it!

We got home and we continued our reading from Kingdom Keepers, and we said our prayers.  I've got so much to be thankful for.  Including potatoes.

Immersion's End

 

This morning, Madison's "Immersion" class ended after six weeks of intense training.  The kids did a small routine at the end of it for all the parents to see, and you can see Madison's portions of it in the video above.  She did well!

It was a rainy day, and it was much-needed.  The pollen issue alone made us all cry out for rain, just to wash the vile stuff away.  I've been wheezing a whole lot lately, and Madison has been stuffy-nosed too.

It rained hard, and that was okay.  We were out in it for a bit, and after Madison's class, I just didn't have anything left in me to do anything further today.  This was greatly disappointing to me, as I wanted to go see Praise in Motion today over at Flowery Branch.  But I just have to take it easy.  In fact, I got home, and we had a cauliflower pizza, and then I was asleep fairly soon after that, taking a pretty good afternoon nap.

Madison spent a good portion of the day working on social studies homework and studying for an upcoming test somewhat.  Then she was practicing on the piano.  The rest of us were watching a movie called "The Big Year," which we've never seen before, but it was pretty fun.  I like seeing the different kinds of birds around the neighborhood, but this sort of thing seems pretty intense.  I mean, I'm okay with seeing different types of birds, but keeping track of nine different types of orioles and so on would be a bit tiresome for me.

Speaking of which, my healing process is slow going.  I get tired easily.  I have respiratory issues that I think may be related to the pollen, but then again these phantom pains also spark up thoughts of trouble, and so I just go to a place to rest and sit down and just sort of wait for things to pass.  Next week begins cardiotherapy, and hopefully a higher degree in confidence.

Tonight's programming was "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.", which is moving along quickly through season one.  We're somewhere in November, right after the second "Thor" movie, which really takes you back a ways.  But this was such a good show back then.  It had it's ups and downs, but it was always supported by some great characters you really cared about.  

We read tonight, and we prayed together.  A lot of people around us were getting some pretty big chunks of hail coming down in Forsyth, Dawson and Hall Counties.  Not us here, and that's honestly okay.  We don't need big hail.  We're doing just fine, thank you!  

Dave the Cactus

Today was a cold day again, typical for early March but certainly not late April.  It did warm up somewhat, but there's been snow in places north of here, and that's certainly pretty chilly weather.  Mom has spruced up the front yard, and it's just looking spectacular.  She got some more soil today and made a garden along the other side of the house, one that has flowers and plants that should draw some more butterflies.  She has been working had on that, and Nana helps out from time to time, so that's good too.  And yes, the bird family is still on our front door.  I'm not sure what that means, but we're happy to provide a place for the time being.  Yeah, I kind of miss my front door though.  We're all using the garage door entrance now!

This is Dave the Cactus.  Maddie had this on her hand at one point today.  Her friend has been drawing these, though I'm not sure which friend it was.  She's been having fun with her friends at school, and always has a lot to say about their day afterwards.  I enjoy hearing all the laughs and stories at the end of the day, sometimes they just spill out one after the other.  You can drive the entire distance to taekwondo and back and hear nothing but stories and adventures from just one day.

Tonight's taekwondo was her black belt class, and she was training up for sparring.  She did a lot better than she expected.  She won a few matches, and even though there was a missed call that should have gone in her favor, she handled it well and ultimately had a good time.  She was somewhat distressed at how hard she had kicked one of her friends, and she always immediately apologizes.  They wear armor and protection, so it helps a lot.  

Tonight was the last episode of "Falcon and Winter Soldier," and also the next of "The Mighty Ducks."  We sat and watched those together once Mom came in from gardening.  The outside front yard looks amazing right now.  And tomorrow there's a pretty heavy rain coming in to help with the plants just put in the ground.

It was a decent day today.  I got a good bit done at the office, and I'll finish up tomorrow.  We're ready for Sunday!  We said our prayers tonight, after reading a bit too.  The allergies have been something else lately.  The rain is going to help out with that.  I'm wheezing quite a bit, using the inhaler, and just waiting for that rain.

Honor

We were watching another episode of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." tonight, and we're only at season one, starting all over from the beginning.  So it'll take us a while to get through the 125 episodes.  It's just cool looking back and seeing where it all started, and of course we were there at the very beginning, watching every episode as it was released on television.  Later, we'd go back and re-watch them when we got the entire season.  Now we have all seven seasons, and we're going through them again, and really enjoying them.  I love Phil Coulson's words about death, and suddenly I feel a real connection to this character, and an understanding about the writing behind him.  I can relate to the heart, the proximity to death, and the lease on a new life.  Even the uncertainty about where to go from here or how to feel.  The great thing is his simple understanding that he needs to keep moving forward.  Tonight's episode was another classic from the first season, which is still my favorite.  

This morning, I went to chapel service, and it was somewhat of a trick:  Pastor Lance wanted to put me up on stage and honor me in front of the Bible college.  He dedicated the sermon to me, which was nice.  We worked on this one together a few days ago, and it went well. 

Madison had a day with some tests.  She didn't do was well on some math assignments, so she's kind of teetering on an A there, so we'll see how today's test goes.  But her other grades are super solid.  She had her taekwondo class tonight, and she spent a great deal of time as guest instructor, individually training some of the younger students, and then leading the class in exercises with the bo staff.  The more time she spends in leadership positions, the more comfortable she'll become.

Speaking of which, I was writing her part for the upcoming skit on Sunday.  We'll be wrapping up our Star Wars series this weekend, and I sort of wrote a lot.  I'll reread it in the morning to see about trimming in places, and of course checking.  But it's pretty much done, and we're suddenly done with our third visit to the Star Wars universe at KidPak.  It's been fun.

We read tonight, as always.  And it wasn't too much later that we were all asleep.  I was really wiped out today - hard to stay awake at the end.  I need to take it easy.

Animal Shelter Help

Madison was involved in her Live to Give club today, and the idea they came up with together was a drive to support the local animal shelter.  The above ad is something that was created to support their idea, and it'll start fairly soon.  Maddie has been involved with Live to Give for a long time now, and it's neat to see the different projects and ideas coming forth.  

I was at the eye doctor today, and it was a whirlwind of a day with driving to and fro.  I went to a KidPak meeting right after that, and then got a little work done, and then back to the eye doctor, back to pick up a prescription and back to pick up Madison at school from her club.

I got a new prescription for glasses, and this will be the first official prescription for me, as lately I've been using reading glasses all the time.  For a while, it seems as if I'm going to use reading glasses for close up, and then these prescription glasses for walking around in.  Hopefully I can get pair that look like the ones Tony Stark wears.  If only because I had a pretty good heart injury and its a subtle symbolism there.  

Maddie had a good day, but she does most of the time.  She's disappointed she does not have a dance this year in middle school, and to rub it in, Chestatee Elementary is having their dance.  It's a little different format, but nevertheless, it's happening.  This is super annoying.

Speaking of which, we watched "What About Bob?" tonight, and I forgot completely about this one.  Madison spent her time studying during the movie, and playing on her new phone too.  My mother got her a new phone during the whole heart incident, and it seems to be a decent phone.  We just have to get a cover for it quickly.  

We said our prayers tonight, and we read from "Kingdom Keepers II" some more.  It was an okay day today - I have ups and downs with recovery, and today was more of a "down" day.  I have to get rest, sitting still, or even sleeping.  I'll do that tonight, and sleep well.  We said our prayers, and I'm grateful to be alive.  We prayed for healing, and for a good night's rest.

Staggering Back to Work

Madison took this picture of some of the flowers I received from Mary Shannon and her mom just recently.  Maddie's been out taking pictures in the garden of the flowers there lately too - Mom and Nana have been working extensively out there, as the weather has been cool and not overbearing with heat.  Everything is looking just wonderful there, and it's such a blessing to walk out and see something like that.  They'll be working on the side and back a little more soon too, so that's exciting.

Meanwhile, I actually went to work today.  There's that scene in "Wrath of Khan" where Chekov staggers back on to the bridge to report for duty, and that was pretty much me.  Minus the heavy Russian accent.  It was an unexpected appearance for many, as they weren't thinking I'd be back for a bit longer.  I just need to get back to work, and feel productive somehow.  I am winded easily and didn't think I'd last too long there.  But nevertheless, I was there.  I started on a script and did a keynote for this weekend, and did some other minor things.  A lot of the time was spent talking about my adventures in the hospital though.  Lots of different people toured down to see me, and made a big deal about me, which is humbling.  I don't feel I deserve that much acclaim, but it just keeps coming regardless.

Tonight was Tuesday, and there isn't any taekwondo or piano tonight.  Madison still had some studying to do, I think.  We had dinner together, and Mom got me everything I need to make a big burrito.  I was craving that for some reason!  I even wore a pair of socks with little burritos printed all over them!  I hadn't actually had a burrito in over a year, I think...

After that, we continued our "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." marathon, which will be ongoing for quite some time, given that we have over a hundred episodes left.  Now that we have the whole series, we're watching it from start to finish again, and it's just a special series for us.  We were there for the entire run.  Coulson's heart issues are suddenly quite relevant, and his poignant observations about death and second chances are actually somewhat therapeutic for me in a way.  I found myself tearing up as he consoled a man about death, and an inner peace about that next place.  For me, I have that peace too, although I'm okay if I put off going there any time soon.  There was thought that hit me in the hospital, the reason I am still alive.  

Voice from Heaven:  "You're still alive because I still have many things for you to do."

Me:  "Well, let me know what those are, so I can do them all at the last possible moment!"

Anyway, we watched a few episodes of that tonight, and soon enough it was time for bed.  There, we read from "Kingdom Keepers II," and read from Exodus again.  And then we said our prayers, thanking God for life, for healing, and for all the great plans He has for us.

Storm Chaser Prep

One week later, I'm still here, looking on.  Not like these guys.  These guys are looking for a tornado.  This afternoon, I saw this movie, "Tornado!"  It has an exclamation point in the title, just so you know.  As for the movie's quality, I'd say for a made-for-television movie, this one's pretty good.  The end bit is a bit difficult because of the budget, I'm sure.  But overall, the story was pleasant, and it really got me in the mindframe of the upcoming "Storm Chasers" series we're doing at KidPak.  There is only one weekend left of "The Spirit Awakens," and then it's off to chase storms.  The booklets came in and they look fantastic.  I was looking through scripts, and I feel pretty good about what's already been written, actually. I just have to work it all out with new actors, as this has been about seven years or so ago?  Yeah, that's about right.  

I was watching a few other things that were tornado-related, all of this while Madison was off to taekwondo with Nana and Mom.  Unfortunately, I'm just not up to going just yet.  I stayed home alone, with all the emergency medication nearby.  But I didn't need it, obviously.  I just sat on the couch and watched tornado movies.  I was delighted, by the way, to see a whole bunch of ridiculous tornado movies on one of the streaming sites.  I mean, ever since the success of the Sharknado movies, there's now movies with a metalnado, and icenado, a firenado, and my favorite, a clownado.  I'm not actually going to watch any of these movies, as I don't want it to spoil my imagination!

It was Monday today, and Maddie had a decent day at school.  She's got tests coming up, and Milestone testing after that.  The good news about those tests is that they won't actually count as a huge portion of her grade at all.  I can't remember the percentage, but it could be less than one percent?  Not a big deal at all.  Tonight was her longer night at taekwondo, and she's doing so well in that class - for example, her balance is getting to be spot-on incredible.  One leg in the air, kicking, and she holds that pose without falling over.  Amazing.  Her legs are super strong.  She's also certainly pretty confident.  I'm super proud of her.  I'm glad I stuck around for her and Mom.

Speaking of which, Mom is doing alright.  We're taking Nana to get the vaccination shot, or whatever you call it.  She'll be able to take that one, and then the next dose, and then she should be able to travel to Wales to go see her brother there.  And maybe stay there for a while too, I think.  I'm not sure.  We'll see as we get closer, but having these shots out of the way will help, just in case they're required. 

We read tonight, and we said our prayers.  It was a quiet day, and a restful one too.  Just what I needed.

The Show Must Go On!

These people are incredible.  The show must go on,  and just before heading out, Isaac took this group picture of them practicing in the office, sending it to me immediately. I had just written a small note to them, wishing them well, and I got this picture at home right away.  Such kindness!  This is such a dedicated and talented team of actors, and it was only two weeks ago that Daniel and I were talking about his previous time spent directing a drama team, and how that might come in handy soon.  We had no idea it'd be within two weeks!  The entire cast showed up ready for action, ready to go, and that includes Madison.  They nailed the performance!

Maddie had a great morning - she said it was hard not to crack up at certain parts on stage, as everyone was in such a great spirits.  It's fantastic that they can come in and just knock it out of the park like that.  It was the entire cast for this series, and they got through it all wonderfully.  Mom was there, and she said they did a nice job with it all.  I felt so good about writing a script this week, under all the surrounding circumstances, and still we managed to do something of great quality for the kids.  Because it matters.  Those two words have resonated with me:  "It matters."  These kids matter.  I've been ministering to a congregation of a few hundred for many years now, my written material reaching out further than that.  It matters.  They matter.  That's why I had to write a script, and that was why I've been so filled with joy to see the morning went so well, even without me there.  As a perk, there was Maddie, right there in the midst of the greatness.

Meanwhile, Nana and I were birdwatching.  We were on the back deck and the weather was really nice today.  A cardinal couple came up fairly close, and I didn't have the camera when they were up close, but they seemed to be so happy with one another, moving along from branch to branch.  It was sweet.

Nana and I had a full morning together, of course.  We were watching another James Bond movie, of course, as that seems to keep her mind occupied on anything but this tormenting spirit of grief that of course isn't necessarily the best thing for me right now.  I just don't need any stress right now, and so why not join 007 on some adventures?

This morning, we saw "A View to a Kill," which was Roger Moore's last movie as Bond.  I remember watching this one when I was younger, and the two previous, and although it may not have been as amazing as the previous two, it was still pretty epic.  The snow chase scene?  The Eiffel Tower scene?  The fire truck and the blimp?  It's fun.  Plus, it still has my favorite Bond song.  I remember when this came out in theaters. I saw this one, and for some reason, I remember the newspaper ads for it, thinking about how much I couldn't wait to see another Bond film.  

Mom and Maddie got home not long later, and we had something to eat together.  Well, most of us.  Nana doesn't voluntarily eat that much.  You sort of have to do the same thing you do with a small child, manipulating her to actually eat food.  

Yes, this joke keeps popping up at the dinner table.  Sadly though, her food intake has been pretty low.  Nearly non-existence.  She won't eat.  Mom will make her a big bowl of soup or a sandwich or whatever, and go through all of this effort. And Nana will even say how much she loves soup.  And then she sits there at the table and plays with it with her spoon, or sits there arranging food around the plate as we sit there saying things like, "Gee, this soup is really good tonight."  And Maddie helps out, "Nana, you should try the soup - it's really good!"  But no, Nana doesn't eat.  And she sits there, rejecting all food, until she gets up and wants to eat a cracker or something from a box.  She refuses food that Mom makes, but at the same time, if Mom doesn't make her food, then it's a grievous insult.  So Mom makes food, knowing very well that it won't get eaten, but she does her best.  And the rest of us try our best, but there's only so much we can do.  

So tonight's kipper meal was such a funny moment.  A while ago we were at a British import shop, there to get a some sweets and other things.  But sure enough, I saw a can of kippers and picked it up.  Nana and I had some kippers tonight.  It was a very small amount, but at least she ate something.  We celebrate the small victories.

Madison had a shower this afternoon, this while I was on the couch resting.  Maddie and I played some Disney Infinity - a Star Wars level on extreme difficulty.  We defeated General Grievous, although it took some time.  It was fun though!  Nana was outside on the porch, and Mom was doing yard work.  My mother came over, and actually mowed our grass for us!  She's been such a blessing for us.  I felt so terrible with the girls outside doing all this work, and me inside playing video games.  But it was less than a week ago that they were doing a procedure on my heart.  

Which is why I didn't take Madison to FC Youth tonight at the church.  Our neighbor Dawn did, and that was such a nice thing.  Her daughter goes as well, so it all worked out.

It was a great night there!  She enjoyed small groups, and the game on stage too.  I did the worksheets for this night, and it all turned out well.  There's been a lot of great turnout!  There's such an energy behind this event, and a gratitude from parents.  Including me!  I'm so thankful the older kids have an outlet, and a place for worship, small groups, and of course a lot of fun!

She got home, and once she did, we all relaxed a bit.  I am doing research for our "Storm Chasers" series, and so part of that "research," we watched "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" tonight.  I love this movie.  I forgot how good it is.  No doubt we'll be watching part two tomorrow night.  All of us - even Nana - were on the couch enjoying this one tonight.

It was late when we got to bed, but I still made time to read.  We did that, and then we prayed together.  One week ago, I was in a hospital bed at the Emergency Observation Unit.  We have a lot to be thankful for!

High Ground

 Disney Infinity is back for a time.  Madison and I have been playing the game together lately, specifically the Star Wars levels.  You can see where Madison set up all the Star Wars figures above.  I thought it was peculiar that she had set up Obi Wan Kenobi up there at the top, away from everyone... but then I got the joke:  he has the high ground!

So this morning Madison was back with her immersion class with taekwondo.  They were training very hard, all of it leading up to next weekend where there'll be a demonstration.  I'll want to be there for that one.  I opted to stay home this time though, resting and recovering.  We've decided it's best for me to stay at home a bit longer, including our church service we'll usually attend tomorrow morning.  So Mom went off to watch and enjoy Maddie's trainings at Edge ATA and maybe do a little bit of online work there, and while they were out, Nana and I watched another Bond movie in the cue, "For Your Eyes Only."  First of all, I noted in the credits that a character who appeared in another of the movies.  It's a bit part, an assistant named Smithers, who worked with Q in the lab.  It was a tiny recurring character that I hadn't noticed before, but the neat thing about him is that it's the same actor who portrays Boba Fett in "The Empire Strikes Back."  ANYWAY, this was one of my favorites growing up.  

Tonight Mom had shepherd's pie for us, and that was delicious of course.  Madison did a lot of her piano practice today, and finished up her homework, yes on a Saturday.  This cleared the way so we can play some of that Disney Infinity, and while we were doing that, Mom was outside doing some yardwork with Nana.  The weather was perfect.

Our good friend from church Diana showed up to visit, and actually brought some Chick-Fil-A for Madison.  Together we sat out on the back deck on an absolutely gorgeous day.  Mom set up the deck umbrella, and we all sat and chatted for a bit about a wide range of topics.  Everyone is doing well at church.  I do miss them all.

Tonight we finally joined the rest of the human race and finally watched "Hamilton."  It's about Alexander Hamilton, and it was actually pretty good!  It's a play, and therefore it's a bit longer.  But it was good, and the music is instantly catchy.  Mom doesn't like rap music at all, but Madison and I enjoyed the production thoroughly, and amazingly, Nana was right there with us, also enjoying it.  

We read tonight, and we prayed again too.  I am thankful for every new day, and taking it one day at a time.  There are ups and downs.  There are chest pains that are simply gas or whatever, and yet they become amplified in the imagination.  There are arm pains that also do the same thing.  I'm still sore from the procedure - certainly in this arm.  I'm taking ten pills a day, and I added two tonight because I needed something for the pain in the arm.  It might be from playing video games with the controllers.  I'm not sure.  But overall, things are moving forward, and I'm still here.  I'm getting better, whether I feel that way or not.  I can't wait to be normal again.

Digital Art

This is a bit of digital art that Madison has been working on this week.  It reminds me of the flowers that Mary Shannon and Joni sent me earlier this week.  I'll have to ask her if the dress was based on that.

She got a few more A's on tests today, and she seems to be roaring towards the end of middle school.  There's nothing special planned for the eighth graders, no dance or field trips, and that's somewhat disappointing.  But overall it's been a good year for her, or at least that's what my spies tell me.  I'm just kidding about the spies, Madison.

We got a nice plant from the office, along with a card signed by quite a few people there, all of them wishing me well.  Camille dropped that off today later on.  I felt pretty disheveled, but that's okay.  I'm learning to take naps to get additional rest, even though I don't want to stop.  I think that's a learned habit, forcing yourself to stop and rest.  Nevertheless, I'm still able to get things done at home - I was writing letters that go out to all the campus parents for this weekend, something I do each week.  I can do that from here, and that works out.  I feel helpful.

Maybe that's what Nana needs, to be helpful.  We've tasked her this week with watching over me while Mom takes Maddie out to taekwondo and other destinations.  This gives Mom a break, and the truth is, I don't really want to push it.  I feel myself getting sore in the chest when doing the smallest things, and trips to places for a long time might not be the best thing for me at the moment.  So tonight, Madison did go to taekwondo, and while she was there, I continued my James Bond fest with Nana.  She stops all the crying and noise when these movies are on, and for two hours of bliss, it's just us sitting there watching 007 travel the world and stop maniacal villains.  Tonight's villain was Elliot Carver, who ran a media conglomerate, manipulating and attempting to control the world with fake news.  That is to say, the disasters and deaths are real.  The fake news part is that he is the one behind it.  Fortunately, James Bond is here to save the day, along with the real scene-stealer, Wai Lin.  She's one of the best Bond characters, a secret agent from China portrayed by Michelle Yeoh, who has always been amazing.

Sorry.  Rambling about a movie.  That's what Nana and I did while Mom and Madison were off tonight.  They had a good time, and so did we.  There are twenty-three James Bond movies left, so this might be a good thing to watch with Nana, as it occupies her mind and helps keep it from those visits of grief.

Today for a meal I had an absolutely delicious veggie burger.  Mom added pineapples and some of that Polynesian sauce we got from Chick-Fil-A.  It was perfection!  Madison just likes her pizza mostly, and for some reason I introduced the concept of adding hot pepper to it.  I myself like that, but Madison actually adds a huge layer of the stuff on her pizza!

Tonight was the usual Friday night programming that we watched together, and then after that, we read from Exodus, and then from "Kingdom Keepers."  Madison has a plush poop emoji that she's left with me each night as my companion.  It was resting in my place in the bed while I was gone, and it's next to me at night when I sleep.  Mom will roll over in bed, and there's the plush poop!  It's funny, and sweet at the same time.

It's going to be alright.

Well Wishes

I woke up feeling better today.  And right away, there was this gift from our friends at the Maine church in Charleston.  It was a flower arrangement that they sent my way, and it was incredibly thoughtful.  In fact, Mary Shannon and Joni brought flowers too.  I was feeling so much better that I got started with my writing for the skit this weekend at KidPak.  I doubt I'll be there, but the show must go on, right?  That skit ain't gonna' write itself!  So I got busy this morning writing it out, and actually finished fairly early in the day.  It was good to have that off my mind.  I wrote something else too, a note all the people that have left hundreds of comments online for me to read:

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This is David. I want to again thank everyone for their prayers! I am overwhelmed with gratitude to each of you for stopping to think of me. I fervently believe I would not be here without those prayers. Talented doctors and nurses helped preserve my life, but there is an unmistakable path of coincidences and circumstances that delivered me from death, and I believe they were orchestrated by God Himself. I’m finding it all difficult to process, but I know this: by all accounts, I should be dead, but I am not.

About two weeks ago, I had a series of dreams, one where I was shown a very big mansion that I felt I didn’t deserve. It was a heavenly mansion, and I was blown away by how wonderful it was. The next night I had a dream where I actually died. In that second dream, a nurse approached me with a needle while I was in a patient’s room. In the dream, something went wrong shortly afterwards, and as I was fading away, there was this flurry of panic all around me. Yet I was at complete peace through it all. In my life, I don’t remember many dreams at all, but these two, back-to-back, remained with me for obvious reasons. Moving forward in time to Monday morning, a nurse approached me with a needle, to put in an IV. He was doing it in the same casual manner as what I experienced in the dream, and in the same exact location on the arm. You could imagine how I felt. But there was a twist. I hadn’t had much water to drink that day, and ultimately he chose to go through the wrist instead.

To me, this was symbolic. It was a change of destiny, a change of paths. I was on a path towards death. But even though I was walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I felt no evil. I even felt a voice – not audible – but a reminder that there were a lot of people praying for me. Even though visitation at hospitals is very limited, I knew I was not alone. In the hospital bed, I added my own prayer to those other prayers, that Zena and Madison would still have a husband and father.

Doctors needed to change plans and do a heart cath that afternoon. I was awake for the entire experience. There was a 99% blockage. I am still trying to process what all this means, and yes, there’s a plan and a path to recovery. But I know in my heart that God has a plan, and I’m so grateful that I still have a part to play in it.

I’m doing okay. There are ups and downs. But that’s recovery for you. I have moments of fear and doubt. But I know that it will all be okay no matter what. And I know that we have many faithful friends who love and support us, and stopped their busy schedules to pray for us. And for that, I am forever grateful!

I got hundreds of responses to that, and it was wonderful to hear from so many!

Madison had some good grades in school today.  She's wrapping up middle school, approaching the Milestone tests that at one point were cancelled but are apparently back on.  That's okay.  She's doing well.  She had taekwondo tonight, and so Nana once again watched over me, this time the two of us watching a James Bond movie together.

We're starting a James Bond marathon, actually.  It lasted just long enough that it was done by the time Madison and Mom got home from taekwondo.  Tonight, she was helping as an assistant instructor again, and then of course going to her regular leadership class as well.  

Tonight Mom was up late doing taxes, because it's April 15th.  Only... there was an extension on the time, and we didn't realize we have until May to do our taxes.  Well, at least we're done with it, right?  That's all Mom though.  She did it all tonight.  

Meanwhile, I was reading to Madison.  We're moving forward with our book.  We said our prayers afterwards, and I was out asleep fairly quickly.  It was a better day!

Momma Bird

 

Here's our bird mother on our front door.  Don't worry - I didn't get too close with the camera, as there's a pretty good zoom lens on it.  Anyway, she's keeping her eggs nice and warm, which is suddenly a bit more challenging as the weather has dipped to the 40's at night.  Daytime temps are just amazing though.

Dawn dropped by, another neighbor and KidPak friend.  She had all kinds of healthy snacks to share, and was super kind.  I've gotten several cards and gifts, and hundreds of notes on social media.  It's been encouraging. 

I think I overdid it today.  We figure that tomorrow I should take a nap midway through the day, and just rest more.  I wasn't doing too much at all, but the heart was racing and there was even a soreness in my chest.  These things add up, and bring fear and doubt.  Nana watched over me tonight while Mom took Madison to piano class.  It wasn't that long.  During their absence, I just sat there on the couch, trying to sleep and just calm the system down.  

Madison had small groups tonight, listening to the story of Anna from the Bible.  It's good to see that everything is continuing as normal for her.  Half the time she listens in her room, but then it's time to go to piano, so on the way there, she sat in the passenger seat of the car, listening there.  The only difference is that it was Mom who drove, and waited in the parking lot.  

We read tonight, as always, and we said our prayers.  As you might suspect, those prayers were a little intense, as I was feeling uneasy.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

"Good to Be Alive"

I got home today from the hospital after a two-night stay here and a heart cath, and I keep singing a song in my head, "It's Good to Be Alive."  I'm still processing it all. 

This morning, I woke up somewhat refreshed, having slept solid - although interrupted every two hours for a blood pressure check.  I'm in the 120's, which is good.  The nurses woke me up and let me know I was going to be discharged shortly.  Before leaving, I was watching "Cardiac University" on their television, which basically explained a lot about heart disease and what to do and when.  It was a longer video.  They gave me a pretty good breakfast, considering, although the idea of any kind of coffee at all is scary.  I think it was decaf.  I don't really drink coffee anyway, but this whole thing has cured me of wanting something with a lot of caffeine in it.  Last night, one of the nurses actually brought me a Diet Coke, and I don't think she knew it had caffeine in it.  It was such an odd thing to bring into the Cardiac Observation Unit, but there it is.  Perhaps it was a test that I passed!

Anyway, after getting the "all clear," and talking to a doctor or two about future appointments and next steps for immediate self-care, I was rolled out to the entrance of the ER, where my mom was waiting for me.  My mom has been so good this entire time.  I don't think she knew it was going to be as bad as this, and she was worried.  Everyone was worried.  

In fact, there are hundreds of messages for me right now, an overwhelming amount of people sharing small notes of encouragement, letting me know they are praying for me.  

I got home, and there was a happy family reunion.  Madison got home from school later, but initially, it was Mom and of course Nana there.  I didn't squeeze too tightly, but I gave Mom a huge hug.  It's good to be alive.  

They were fretting over me, of course, the rest of the day.  And I was just taking it easy on the couch the whole day.  My first order of business:  "The Great Muppet Caper."  Yep, I was wanting to watch that movie, so I did.  And I loved it - it's been years since I've watched that one.  

Our neighbors Joni and Mary Shannon showed up with some flowers and a gift card, and a wonderful note inside a card.  They spent a few moments with Mom and Nana - it was very, very kind of them.  

I needed rest today, of course.  I took naps, and read from my latest Pratchett book, "Men at Arms."  I've actually read this one before, but I can read all these Discworld books again and again.  I just read that they made a BBC series based on the Night Watch characters, but it sounds like they really mucked it up.  Oh well, at least we still have the books, right?

On the way home, we stopped at the pharmacy for a while to pick up more prescriptions.  Now I'm taking nine different ones, and actually ten pills each day.  It's quite a collection!  Mom spent a good while organizing these for me, while I rested on the couch.  

I was out on the front porch for a little bit as I read, while Mom and Nana were spread some mulch out in various spots in the front yard.  My parents brought over twenty-two bags of it today, because when they asked me if I needed anything, for some reason my mind went to "mulch."  It was on sale.  I did not expect them to actually bring mulch, let alone twenty-two bags of it, but there you are.  As I sat on the front porch and read, I was happy to see our birds are really settling in their nest on our front door.  Yes, this means our front door is now inoperative.  But we'll be okay sharing our home for a short time.

Madison was happy to see me.  We talked for a good bit when she got home, although she did have some studying to do.  Eventually we got around to watching a few episodes of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." together, which we're starting all over again.  We're on episode three.  One hundred and twenty episodes to go!

We did our reading tonight in person.  Not even a heart procedure could stop that!  We read another few chapters, but I was pretty tired tonight.  I fell asleep rather quickly and slept soundly through the night.

Troponin

I can't say too much about Madison's day at the moment, as my own day was rather momentous.  I started out in the tiny emergency observation room, waiting a next move.  I woke up thinking it'd be a cardiogram and a stress test, as those were the things that were mentioned.  The word of the day was troponin, which is an enzyme that is detected in the blood stream when there is damage to the heart.  My troponin levels were trending upwards, suggesting something big happened yesterday.  As the morning wore on, the decision was made to do something a little more intense:  a heart cath.  

A few weeks ago, I had two very vivid dreams that stuck with me, as some do.  They were more feeling dreams and just kept popping up in my memory afterwards.  One dream was of me going through a large mansion, being told it was mine, and being pleasantly surprised.  The other dream was of me actually dying.  This was before anything happened where I'm in the hospital now.  It was a nurse, casually putting a needle into my left arm and there being a bad reaction.  I started to fade away as everyone around started to panic, but I was at complete peace.

Imagine my thinking when a nurse was casually about to put that needle into my left arm this morning.  It was actually for the IV, so they could inject some blood thinner into my system.  At the last minute, he opted for the easier entry point, my wrist.  But that moment sort of changed everything from a strictly symbolic point.  Because I should pretty much be dead, I suppose.  Which is difficult to comprehend at this point, and quite an emotional thought.  I overtaxed my weak heart on Sunday, lifting some supplies for FCY - but that's what may have saved my life, really.  It brought a problem to light.

They moved me upstairs for the heart cath procedure, shaving my arms and elsewhere.  They've been putting these stickers on me all day for the EKG readings and later on a cardiogram.  The hard part is the pulling those stickers off, and pulling all the hair off too.  And the blood drawing... all the blood being drawn over and over again throughout the night.  It was just confirming there was a problem.

Can you believe I was fully conscious for the entire procedure?  I remember being a little fuzzy looking at the ceiling and seeing the ceiling move somewhat.  But I was listening to the radio with everyone, and inwardly amused that Guns n' Roses "Sweet Child of Mine" would be now forever associated with my heart procedure.  The doctors and nurses were talking during the procedure, and I remember at one point they were trying to figure who it was that was singing a particular song.  I told them "Pearl Jam."  I told them this while they were putting a stent in my heart.

I had a 99% blockage.  This is difficult to comprehend.  I feel as if everyone's prayers made all the difference in the world, and I'm not making this up.  We got hundreds of messages, and even Pastor Franklin called Mom to ask how I was doing. 

My dad showed up after the procedure, and we talked for a bit.  It was so good to see him.  The hospital only lets one person in at a time, and the situation as it is with Nana was such that Mom couldn't come by immediately.  She did come later though.  We embraced in the room, and there were many tears.  

I'm staying in the Cardiac Observation Unit.  I have my book, "Guards!  Guards!"  But also this laptop, and I was pouring over all the prayers for me.  Mom stayed for about an hour with me, the best she can do because of limited visiting hours.  It was so good to see her.  I miss her so much.

I miss Madison so much too.  Later on, I used the computer to do a video call to home, and once again, I read "Kingdom Keepers 2" to Madison from the hospital bed.  She was sitting in the place where I sleep in my bed, surrounded by the plush friends that always listen to me read.  I did the best I could - I got through two chapters, and after that we said our prayers.  I am so grateful for technology that allows me to connect like this, even after a heart procedure.  

The staff here has been so great.  Tonight, my night nurse and I somehow got on the topic of "Nightmare Before Christmas," and she was showing me her themed trunk or treat decorations, complete with a Christmas wreathe and a hanging Zero.  I told her about an episode of "Prop Culture," where voice actors and singers were reunited with the puppets and props, and so the two of us actually watched a good part of that episode.  It was just kind of funny, given the circumstances.

It was quite a day.  I'm nervous about the future, but we'll take it one day at a time.

Virtual Bedtime Stories

So, I'm in the hospital tonight.  Yep, spending the night there.  My mother brought the computer here - and the book "Kingdom Keepers II."  So I could at least read bedtime stories to Madison.   Here's a screen capture of her and all her friends, all together listening tonight.

It was a sweet moment!  I'm feeling fine.  It would be a long night with blood tests and checks on the blood pressure.  Today it was up towards 180.  I think while I was resting and feeling fine, it was at 179 in the hospital.  I don't want to know what it was earlier.  

Somewhere along the line, I overdid it?  I'm not sure, but the day started out good with Madison and myself heading off to church.  She did great on stage this morning as her character Serena, one of the jedi padawans temporarily trapped on the planet Hoth.  It was a great morning, as we also did the variation of "hot potato" using a thermal detonator!  The message was about temptation and sin, and Admiral Ackbar's famous words, "It's a trap!"  It went well, and again, Madison did well delivering her lines and being a great stage presence with the other cast members.

I was helping Josh set up for tonight's FC Youth night, and once I got home, I had a delicious egg salad sandwich - we have a lot of eggs leftover from Easter!  Madison and I played a very small amount of Disney Infinity, but she had to get a shower before going to FC Youth tonight, and it was during that shower that I had an atrocious episode of... something.  I have no idea what, but it was a pressure in my chest unlike anything I've ever felt, and the blood pressure soared.  It was moving up towards a six out of six on the pain scale very quickly, and all I could do was sit there on the couch, lying down, not moving, staring upwards, or just keeping the eyes shut.  The pain was intense, so much so that I just had to get to the hospital.  The last time I did this was for pancreatitis a few years ago.

Madison was able to get to FC Youth tonight - Camille took her there.  Madison said she had a great time this evening, and I'm so glad she was able to make it.  Camille has been so good for our family.  

Meanwhile, my mother and I were watching the conclusion of the Masters from the hospital.  And then "Age of Ultron" in my room.  I'm getting a stress test tomorrow, and then a echo cardiogram.  There's also a thought about the thyroid too.  Hopefully we'll get some answers soon.  I'm grateful to be here.

Bird's Nest

So our birds have definitely decided to move in, and just like that, our front door is now a decoration, instead of an actual, operating door.  We're all entering and exiting the house through the garage for a month or so.  There are four or five eggs inside that nest.  We've got a small piece of furniture inside the house in front of the door to remind everyone that the door is to remain closed for a while.  I walked up to the porch to check and see if there was anything in there, and a bird flew out and into my face, right by me.  So we're now leaving everything alone as best we can.  

Mom took Nana over to Goodwill to do some shopping, and then off to do some grocery shopping, a nice little trip out today.  Meanwhile, Maddie and I had a good ol' fashioned video game day.  We haven' done this in so long.  Because of the Star Wars series, we started out with Battlefront II, but then we moved on to playing Disney Infinity together.  We have all the figures upstairs again - it's been three years I think since we've played the Star Wars level.

I was doing a good bit of work for FC Youth today too, keynote slides, letters, and some other things.  I think we're ready for that tomorrow.  My health has been a question mark though.  My heart races some times, and I can't exert myself at all.  It's frustrating, and kind of scary.

Tonight's feature movie was "Revenge of the Sith," as we move forward through the different Star Wars movies.  We were relaxing on the couch together for that one.  We read after that, moving along with the start of "Kingdom Keepers II," which Madison wanted to hear right after this last book.  I'm not sure how far along she'll want to go in the series, but she's liking this one too, so far.  

One more note:  she got a 98 on her math test last week.  It takes longer for her to get her math grades posted, so we've been hanging on this one.  She felt like she did pretty good, but we were still waiting to see what that one was.  It came as a big happy moment when it arrived - she's got all A's again in all her classes.  She's doing so well in class.  And she's doing well with taekwondo.  And she was playing piano today, and it sounds great.  She's still got some practice to do, but she's really coming along well with "Married Life."

We said our prayers tonight, and got to bed earlier.  It's going to be Sunday, and we've got another big day tomorrow!