Monday, July 28, 2008

Site Problems

It's taken me months to get back into this site and I still don't know why but I'm happy to report this has been a great year.

Mary Lou has had two celebrations: 60th anniversay of her vows as a Sister of St Joseph of Carondet and her 79th birthday. She enjoyed spending time with old friends and got lots of presents.









We had some fun trips: a Hollywood and area tour, Mission Viejo & San Juan Capistrano to visit Kay & Marty, Merced to visit Toni, Moss Landing and San Simeon to play with the dogs in the ocean.








The Fielden's has 2 other big events: Carolyn graduated from college with a BS degree in psychology and Sammy had his first birthday.








I made some home improvements that's given us more year round usable outdoor space. I had a security door installed and enclosed the patio.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

New Year Theme: Dwelling Place

I feel like this year was launched by one of the best Christmases I've had! Sam brought Cody, Heather, Sammy, Sarah, Lauren, Lindsey and Scott. They stayed over night and visited Mom twice before going back to San Diego. CHILDREN MAKE CHRISTMAS! Thanks.

Each year I name the year and see where it leads me as I journal through the months. Last year was "The Journey" and this year "Dwelling Places." Last year the first half included lots of travel and using the fifth wheel frequently but the second half took a different direction. Seems I spent most of the time in various doctors offices, labs, hospitals or rehab. places. For me it's leading to surgery this month and I pray will restore my strength and stamina. I really want to get back on my bike and get more exercise.

I hope to chronical the places I dwell and include pictures with my new camera. I very happy to be able to access the internet with my wireless router (thanks Sam).

Blessing to all my family and friends; I love you very much.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

What's happening now!?!

As you can tell I haven't written lately. Between doctors' visits and going to the pharmacy, I've become a volunteer at Saint Agnes Medical Center (SAMC). I go twice a month for 2 hrs; my jobs are Patient Escort and Volunteer Chaplain. I really enjoy SAMC and getting to work with people in a new and REWARDING way.

My camera crashed and just today I ordered another with Scott and Sam's helpful advise. I ordered a Nikon that has more features than my old Olympus. I hope to have to pictures to share next time.

My greatest joy was having Sam, Cody, Heather, Sammy, Sarah, Lauren, Lindsey and Scott come and spend the night. They came to see Mom and let her have her first experience with Sammy. She was overjoyed! Talked about it for days. Larry, Donna, Carolina and Emily came over after everyone visited Mom. We shared food, conversation and laughter as we opened gifts and exchanges newsy gossip.

Mary Lou is much improved and unfortunately is facing another surgery; this time her left shoulder. The good news is that it's a same day experience with hopefully a quick recovery. She's looking forward to going to several operas vis simulcast from the Metropolitian in our local theater. She's wondering if she can endure Tristan and Isolde which is 5+ hours.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Latest Adventures

The last few months have been occupied with helping Mary Lou recover from her recent knee replacement surgery. She soon will be a bionic woman with 2 knees and 2 elbows worked on.

On the lighter side, my friend & former collegue, Dori DeJoseph, went with me to North Carolina to visit. We both have relatives there we went to visit. Our first stop was the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. This majestic manor is to the east coast what Hearst Castle is to the west coast. The estate overwhelming both in size and detail.

Next up was a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway; we say wild turkeys. We went thru Blowing Rock where author, Jan Karon, lives. We visited Lee-McCray College where Dori's mother went in 1930; it was homecoming week there and we felt it. The highlight of our trip was little, Sammy's baptism. All the grandparents were present as well as aunts and uncles.
Just before returning, we visited Old Salem, Furnitureland South and the Billy Graham library. The visit to Furnitureland was unbelievable considering it's a million square foot show room. This photo shows the 4 story high chest which marks the entry. We lost each other only to reunite at the car. Old Salem featured artisans in period dress making all sorts of things by hand in the various shops. The Billy Graham library visit was truly serendipitous but very well done. It's a multimedia presentation of his life and work with a strong emphasis on the message instead of the man.





































We both came home feeling recharged and enriched from visiting family and reconnecting.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Tag I'm it...

The Rules:1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.


Here goes: 1. I'm happy I was included in this. 2. ML is having her knee replaced on the 29th & I can't wait. 3. I'm reminded Heather of my great grandmother who had 5 husbands and out lived them all; she lived from about 1850 to 1920. She raised all her kids while cooking in the fireplace. 4. I've volunteered at Saint Agnes Hospital to give patients support, etc. 5. I've joined a book club and discussion group. 6. I'm helping plan a reunion for our prayer group which started 33 years ago. 7. I'm excited about classical music and opera having attended a workshop for 2 weeks last month. It's all new to me but I'm learning to understand it which enhances my enjoyment. 8. I'm planning to go to San Francisco to see an art and sculpture exhibit by Matisse.
Sorry re. adding others I don't know anyone else that blogs.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Bishop trip part 2

I'm still not real sharp on this posting process since it cut me off saying I'd used too much space. To continue our saga, we explored the Mammoth area; here's some pictures.
Mammoth ski area
Devils Post Pile
Silver Lake
The night before we left Bishop the ducks in the park; hatched 8 duckings - 5 yellow & 3 black ones.

Bishop Trip



Wow what a start to our trip! A hose to the turbo charger blew off and nearly scared me to death. After a hot windy 3 hour wait, the tow truck showed but and the man fixed it for us. It blew off 3 more times before we reached the summit out of Bakersfield. We made it to Red Rock State Park for the night.


We made it to Bishop the next day and stayed there for 2 weeks; exploring the area and going to Mule Days. Mule Days was a blast and an education for us non-mule people. There was a parade, art show, all kinds of events and live bands daily. Here's a few pictures.

Here are some of the races during the competitions.











Since I have nearly 170 pictures, I like these the best of the nearby areas.




South Lake






Rock Creek Lake











Twin Lakes





I've run out of space on this post; more later.







Sue

Sue