What a (long!) week!

It's been a week of ups and downs for my 'ol brain this week!

Monday, dad had his surgery. He was kind of grumpy when we went back up to see him on Thursday. But he looks great, no pasty-color! :)

I was elated on Tuesday when Jared graduated, then came reality again. The next training is an intensive 8-week course. Less than half graduated in the last class. Time will tell if Jared's body can take it, he's still sore from Airborne. But he did get a three-day weekend since Veterans' day is coming up. So that gave him a few extra days of healing time. (Plus he got to go to the movie theater and watch a couple of movies, a luxury!)

Kyle went to Crete to preform with the Honor Band again Saturday. It wasn't a contest this time, just a concert. He's off to work tomorrow at his 'old' job--but works mostly at his new one, Pizza Hut. (Hope he doesn't eat all the pizza!) HA

Saturday we lost Lily, our Minn Pinn. She got out and was by the highway, and a poor fellow accidentally hit her. He went into the bar to see whose little dog he'd hit. I felt bad for him! At least she didn't suffer. But, she leaves behind 5-week old puppies, I'd forgot to mention she had a litter back on Oct. 3rd. Two boys, two girls, one of each color. (Red/tan and black/tan.) It is their photos at the top of this post in the doghouse a week or so ago.

Patrick is slowly but surely making progress on my chicken coop. It has a roof and sides now. It just needs some chicken wire on a part of it and a door, then the henny pennys (and Mr. Rooster) can move in! ;-) I get sometimes 7 eggs a day, and sometimes 4. All are laying now but the bantie.

We had a hard freeze two nights in a row, the only thing it didn't really affect is the carrots, what few I have. We are having unusual weather for November, its to be in the 70's for a few days, then back to chilly reality! At least the weather is agreeable to get outside work done!

Airborne-Queen of the Battle + News

Jared with his "new" (he says: bad ass) haircut! :)

Jared graduates from Airborne today. They've been delayed several times in getting their jumps in mostly due to the weather, and one (major!) plane issue. Graduation was supposed to be Friday (10/29), and then changed to Monday, but on Monday they got their last two jumps in. The last one was so family that was there for (the delayed) graduation could see them parachute onto the field. Wish we could of made it, it would of been a sight to see!!

So the whole Charlie Company (like 400 of them!) graduates today!

CONGRATULATIONS JARED!!! :)


Airborne is called Queen of the Battle, also known as: Death From Above (grim reminder of what their purpose is!) He took the above photo with his phone while they were cleaning and getting ready. I didn't realize until I downloaded it onto my computer that he was in the latrine! HA

Jared after his first jump running off the field. And his wings!







My dad had heart surgery Monday (they replaced his Aorta Valve--with all things, cow tissue!) :)
He is in ICU but is doing well, holding his own. Pat and I went up to see him Monday before surgery, and will go see him when he's out of ICU--that should be tomorrow, or even later today if they feel he's up to it. Hopefully now he'll feel better and not get so out of breath so easily. (His old aorta valve was working at 6%--no wonder he was having issues!!)

**And keep this kid in your thoughts and prayers (Pat's nephew), he's pretty messed up right now, but he is getting some help now (long story). I don't think he realizes his family still loves him, even if he has done some stupid things.

We are human, and make mistakes. The key is to LEARN from them, kiddo! ;-)
This is he and Jared the day Jared left for Basics: