tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319313689279794982024-03-18T12:58:01.657-07:00Katsui JewelryChronicling the inspiration and whims behind the mother/daughter jewelry line, Katsui.Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-68736616029659958452012-11-09T16:30:00.003-08:002012-11-09T17:44:56.946-08:00Wonderful Handmade U!<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a bit slow in telling you all about the wonderful time I had at Handmade U...and a bit slower at finishing my projects, but my, is there anything more fun than a good art retreat? </div>
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This one was wonderful!</div>
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I love getting together with old buddies and new and taking part in the joy of creating together.</div>
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Here I am with my dear art buddies, Hope Ellington and Donna Robinson. There is nothing quite as fun as being with people who love the same things that you do. </div>
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Of course, there were swaps...</div>
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These are my folders for the ephemera swap. This is the front.</div>
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...and this is the back. That little face is me! I had so much fun playing with stencils! It is my new obsession!</div>
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There were so many beautiful bundles of treats!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The classes! Ah, the attention to detail! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This greeted us the day we worked with Hope Wallace Karney (<a href="http://besottment.typepad.com/">http://besottment.typepad.com</a>). How could you not be motivated?</span></div>
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We made these adorable journals from Cabinet Card folders. Mine is the partial one in the top right.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Liesel Lund</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The next day Liesel Lund (<a href="http://liesel.typepad.com/">http://liesel.typepad.com</a>) helped us create a book from two vintage books, using one for the covers and the other for pages (along with all sorts of other wonderful bits of old paper). As you can see on the left side, we did actual binding of our books, sewing up sections or signatures, then sewing them to the binding tape at the side.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hope and Liesel were two of the best teachers I have encountered. They were extremely generous with both their knowledge and their materials. They were well prepared and patient with all of us. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Handmade U is the creation of Rachel Velder, who is one of the most lovely and gracious women you will encounter. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and felt enriched and pampered. You can be sure I will go again.</span></div>
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Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-34802844960598342252012-10-13T13:34:00.001-07:002012-10-13T13:35:26.165-07:00My Favorite Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is one of the reasons I love living in Minnesota. The change of seasons is so incredibly beautiful and lends such a lovely natural rhythm to our lives. </div>
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Every year I have a favorite tree. Oddly, it is always a different one. Each seems to show its beauty in its own time. This one is right down the hill from my house and I get to pass it each day and watch the magic of its changes.</div>
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Fall, glorious Fall!</div>
Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-8876491947289355422012-10-10T16:30:00.004-07:002012-10-10T16:32:39.336-07:00What A Wonderful Day!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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my dear kat</div>
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is engaged </div>
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to her true love</div>
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Ashton Troia</div>
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making me, </div>
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one very, very</div>
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happy mama!</div>
Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-43858011712662198372012-10-07T10:35:00.002-07:002012-10-07T11:24:30.669-07:00A Fine Artsy Wedding...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Rapid City, at the end of the summer, for the wedding of the son of my dear crafty friend, Donna. Here are myself and good old friends, Anita and Morey. We are out at the park where the wedding was held that evening. Donna had made eighty glass lanterns, many lit paper lanterns and had decorated parasols. We were all there to help put it all together. </div>
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The women are dressed and waiting for the happy event. My Kat, me and friends, Di, Janice, Anita and Mary.</div>
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I thought Kat looked rather smashing, here in her retro dress, later covered with a leopard sweater.</div>
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Woody, one of the most handsome grooms I have ever seen, waited happily for his beautiful bride. He and the groomsmen wore bowties that belonged to Jud. The wedding was actually held on our anniversary. I was very touched. Artists and crafters, note the flowers, torn out of paper and made by the bride, that fluttered in the breeze.</div>
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The stunning bride and her father. She made the beautiful flower that she carried. Major Wow!!!</div>
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The bride and groom speak their vows to each other, under the weeping willow trees, while the paper flowers were blown by a gentle breeze. </div>
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And for the reception, the bride made even more of these gorgeous flowers. I was dazzled!!!</div>
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Lawn games, a buffet dinner and a pyramid constructed by the wedding party. What a beautiful, happy wedding!</div>
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Alas, my friend, Donna, was so busy that I did not get a picture of her and of her husband, Art. I will find one from a friend and print it later. She looked lovely in an incredible short sleeveless dress and matching sworovski crystal jewelry.</div>
Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-62724716914628996792012-06-20T19:03:00.000-07:002012-06-20T19:03:42.470-07:00Happy Father's Day, Dear Jud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As a new widow and a bereaved daughter, certain days have been harder than others without our beloved Jud. We have falling into our routine for these days and I feel so blessed to have a loving adult daughter.</div>
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Kat and I usually start our "difficult days" sitting on the couch together eating "brunch" (i.e. no eggs, bacon, or toast but instead, guacamole, cupcakes, good cheese and whatever treats either Whole Foods or Trader Joe's can provide. We nosh, we hug, we play on our computers, we watch a good movie, we remember and we cry. Then we repeat the whole routine all over again.</div>
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This Father's Day, we added something new to our day of remembrance. Ashton, Kat's boyfriend, joins us for dinner (which he usually cooks for us). Before dinner, we had a special ritual for Jud. I bought helium balloons and we wrote him notes on shipping tags and attached our messages to the balloons. We told him how much we loved him, how very much we were missing him and what we were remembering on this day. </div>
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We went out to Monkey Island, the playground in the center of our cul de sac, and let go of our balloons, sending them symbolically up to him. </div>
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Then we gave each other the biggest hugs we could muster. Grief is painful but grief shared is less painful. Our love for each other is helping us through these hard times. </div>
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We are thankful to Ashton who took these pictures which will help us remember the first Father's Day with both a tear and a smile.</div>
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Remembering one of Jud's favorite foods, we had grilled steaks, prepared by Ashton, and covered with Essie's barbeque sauce, a favorite of Jud's. </div>
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We will always miss him but are thankful for so many things, good friends, good food and each other.</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-8367864581289887952012-05-14T14:50:00.002-07:002012-05-14T14:50:36.428-07:00Grateful for my Ghoul<div style="text-align: center;">
I had a lovely Mother's Day. As the mother of an only daughter, now in her thirties, I was treated with lots of sugar and carbs and some calm quiet time together. Since Jud's passing, we have both found a lot of comfort in each other's presence and, though we may get together at poignant times, I am so grateful to have her and happy to be in her presence.</div>
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She is an interesting ghoul who has always delighted me with her pleasure in playing "dress up," even now. Would you be surprised to hear that Halloween and the Zombie Crawl are two of her favorite nights?</div>
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Then there is the annual Ren Fest. I am especially fond of the colored dreads.</div>
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She does look right at home, doesn't she?</div>
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This was some sort of Space/Star Trek type party. That's her on the right with the black wig. She has definitely found her tribe!</div>
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Here we have a little vintage beach wear. </div>
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And here, a demure maid of the twenties. This girl was going to be our costume designer. She majored in Drama and Film Studies and then spent some time at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA, only to discover that only one person out of a thousand makes it as a designer and 999 sew in the back room.</div>
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My Kat got her MSW (Masters of Social Work) last year and is doing therapy with children and families. Like her father before her, I imagine she does it in such a delightful, playful fashion that her clients hardly know they are in therapy!</div>
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That's my ghoul! On this Mother's Day, I am so grateful for my Kat!</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-60149161712021606282012-05-01T10:17:00.002-07:002012-05-01T10:17:17.399-07:00Off to Mesa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2qfPWT5mgCCdamp-lu2YMIYQ6WFzyh8fO6jNV7nzEbbbJHM-YpIeZm7BiCMoF85BgLczB6_3IifdneI5Q4_YkXrtGtK-UDz_SSEpMJl3vJm4ycWI_0_n0ehIN-mwWUEQ6wC_3SqnJie6/s1600/P1050038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2qfPWT5mgCCdamp-lu2YMIYQ6WFzyh8fO6jNV7nzEbbbJHM-YpIeZm7BiCMoF85BgLczB6_3IifdneI5Q4_YkXrtGtK-UDz_SSEpMJl3vJm4ycWI_0_n0ehIN-mwWUEQ6wC_3SqnJie6/s640/P1050038.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Jud's parents have a beautiful house in Mesa, Arizona. Tomorow I leave for a glorious week in the summery weather. My sister-in-law, Joan, will join me on Thursday and the four of us will enjoy the final week of Arizona, then all return to our summer homes (i.e. South Dakota, Minnesota and Colorado). It is a place of family, being yourself, and beautiful sunsets. Like this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zV3PB32IoYV-_H5wKH_8mmTziNfFoGpSrzIT2Uy2CZV13vvh0iB0FAdI9FSBOirLRASCBWOfucaGr_DDLJmsuJCv9Xncoj79iplqClv8L-vGPg22jdvUqwN7gzt_CL9VLUvUzY_g5qJ2/s1600/P1050039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zV3PB32IoYV-_H5wKH_8mmTziNfFoGpSrzIT2Uy2CZV13vvh0iB0FAdI9FSBOirLRASCBWOfucaGr_DDLJmsuJCv9Xncoj79iplqClv8L-vGPg22jdvUqwN7gzt_CL9VLUvUzY_g5qJ2/s640/P1050039.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnKtj1CEuyoQytHl-lhbOpJN4wedl3AVVemts1mi8YqKFkFb_EtjekcrXI7P2kp7askghw3Vzqyle76fmisqagzu6wRhDuKswuqqX9pUrXxnbpSRqfEdrOODNvbBO90-EOOwRV2FiPq9D/s1600/P1050040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnKtj1CEuyoQytHl-lhbOpJN4wedl3AVVemts1mi8YqKFkFb_EtjekcrXI7P2kp7askghw3Vzqyle76fmisqagzu6wRhDuKswuqqX9pUrXxnbpSRqfEdrOODNvbBO90-EOOwRV2FiPq9D/s640/P1050040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this. An "X." A kiss goodnight in the sky. Then off to sleep!</div>
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I can't wait!</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-47877235071500688552012-04-08T08:04:00.001-07:002012-04-08T08:09:31.329-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHSL5ddaqEd8g0zM-RRdRcehAhNvN3TXqzoiM8H7AvELgnzcWHysajQ_SYeXYJUnoUeT26Gm2CcbW3wu9Nm3wI5M3S0pGJ-f8D-IP4IpnJzJdgwbjVVep3aULbcoypiyAFt1K_pUpPzco/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHSL5ddaqEd8g0zM-RRdRcehAhNvN3TXqzoiM8H7AvELgnzcWHysajQ_SYeXYJUnoUeT26Gm2CcbW3wu9Nm3wI5M3S0pGJ-f8D-IP4IpnJzJdgwbjVVep3aULbcoypiyAFt1K_pUpPzco/s640/images-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div><table "border-width:="" 0px"="" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3"><h1 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Arial, 'Times New Roman', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">An Easter Prayer</h1></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="3" style="color: red;">by Helen Steiner Rice</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="textleft" style="text-align: left;">God, give us eyes to see<br />
the beauty of the Spring,<br />
And to behold Your majesty<br />
in every living thing -<br />
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And may we see in lacy leaves<br />
and every budding flower<br />
The Hand that rules the universe<br />
with gentleness and power -<br />
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And may this Easter grandeur<br />
that Spring lavishly imparts<br />
Awaken faded flowers of faith<br />
lying dormant in our hearts,<br />
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And give us ears to hear, dear God,<br />
the Springtime song of birds<br />
With messages more meaningful<br />
than man's often empty words<br />
<br />
Telling harried human beings<br />
who are lost in dark despair -<br />
'Be like us and do not worry<br />
for God has you in His care.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a lovely and blessed Easter. I will be spending mine with Katie and</div><div style="text-align: center;">her friends. I am hoping to get back to blogging very soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Much love to the wonderful blogging community.</div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-78965136291208650272012-03-12T15:40:00.000-07:002012-03-12T15:40:35.202-07:00A Celebration of Jud's Life<div style="text-align: center;">We held Jud's Celebration of Life at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis on March 4, 2012 at 7 p.m. It was a beautiful service. The sanctuary was lit by candles, lending a soft, gentle feeling as we moved into the night.<br />
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A Lakota Flutist began the ceremony played improvisations of Jud's favorite hymms. Jud was involved with the Native American from the time I met him.<br />
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Two very talented sopranos sang Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Weber) and The Lord is My Shepherd (Brother Jame's Aire). The congregation sang "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" and "For the Beauty of the Earth," the traditional version.<br />
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Psalm 139 was the selected Bible verse.<br />
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"Oh God, you have searched me and known me.<br />
You know when I sit down and when I rise up."...<br />
Where can I go from your spirit?<br />
Or where can I flee from your presence."<br />
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Echoed on the front of the bulletin were words that became a sort of "mantra" to Jud and me.<br />
"We cannot go where God is not."<br />
Sometimes spoken, when I when through a period of struggle...<br />
"We cannot go where Love is not."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seven friends from different areas of Jud's life gave short talks about him, which made us both laugh and cry. Our friend, Laura, read the Mary Oliver poem, The Summer's Day, which ends with the challenge, "Tell me, what are you going to do with your one wild and precious life?" Another friend read a Gaelic Blessing which goes...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Deep peace of the running wave to you</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Deep peace of the gentle night to you</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Deep peace of the quiet earth to you<br />
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Deep peace of the shining stars to you</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moon and stars throw their healing light on you.<br />
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Deep peace of Christ<br />
Of Christ<br />
The light of the world to you.<br />
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Deep peace of Christ to you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Deep peace to you. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our minister gave a lovely homily and talked of his lack of anger or lament about dying. She felt he was truly at peace. She spoke of the many hours the three of us sat and talked, cuddled up with Sophie and Harvey on our green couch. Those hours were truly special and gave us time to discuss so many important concerns together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the end of the service, each family member chose a candle to add to a table in front of the altar, The table was draped with a star quilt, given to us by one of Jud's Native American patients when Kat was born. We had large shot of Jud as a baby on the left side.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliyFDATW87PN1wUTB0l8KktcNboJHbtNN6685s_g7ChZOgTdOw0owGb-F-WW-APRRkhusLNqeiBOwTWFaAiWein6DlcT-dfC-wqYkW_7LgWTmQA5Y4ZqhsVJjnB_9_rth4cRlchagqZy-/s1600/P1050073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliyFDATW87PN1wUTB0l8KktcNboJHbtNN6685s_g7ChZOgTdOw0owGb-F-WW-APRRkhusLNqeiBOwTWFaAiWein6DlcT-dfC-wqYkW_7LgWTmQA5Y4ZqhsVJjnB_9_rth4cRlchagqZy-/s640/P1050073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Kat and I were standing on the other side after we lit our candles. There was a large current picture of Jud on this side. Kat (bless her heart) put her arm around me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cath, our minister, who has been so present for Jud and me during his illness, lit the candle of the deacons who in turn...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">...lit the candles of the first person in each line. They passed the candlelight down and we saw...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">...a splendid sea of candlelight, the light of Christ and of all our family and friends. As the candles were lit, the soloist sang the same song, Deep Peace, that our friend, Brooks, had read. The service ended with a resounding, "For the Beauty of the Earth" by John Rutter. Jud wanted the song presented "both ways."<br />
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We ended in Guild Hall of our church, where we greeted and thanked many family, friends and colleagues who had supported us so in so many ways this year. They held us up with food for our bodies and our soul. We are all so grateful. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-27395847813106688842012-02-25T06:38:00.001-08:002012-02-25T06:38:45.496-08:00He is gone...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv7uvbJTgiN3RDn1tIrIa5_MJ80DdsTJrrkAwZvGe3YkOnDDYmzPKonf8vZh19M22P8IbjNo-1qt7jbKxF3LUgehT2Q0LBhbgYg1gP8Nxn8UoXTw9SKnYUWgNr6X5dWN_S8Y4_t2bnA3g/s1600/P1000397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv7uvbJTgiN3RDn1tIrIa5_MJ80DdsTJrrkAwZvGe3YkOnDDYmzPKonf8vZh19M22P8IbjNo-1qt7jbKxF3LUgehT2Q0LBhbgYg1gP8Nxn8UoXTw9SKnYUWgNr6X5dWN_S8Y4_t2bnA3g/s400/P1000397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Jud died last night at 6:00 p.m. We were all circled around his bed singing "Amazing Grace" as he passed away. He suffered so much the last three weeks that I am relived that that part is over, though I am so sad he was gone. I know he is in a beautiful place free from pain.<br />
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It has been an exhausting few weeks. I slept very soundly with my two dogs who are very confused. One is now under my covers and the other is sleeping on Jud's side.<br />
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I know I have such hard times ahead but I am still feeling the peace of "singing him home." He was so brave in his struggle, taking care of each of us and the close friends who visited us in the midst of his dying.<br />
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I thank you all so much for your support of me during this fourteen months. You are remarkable friends and you mean the world to me. Please know how much you matter, You were there in the frightening nights when no one else was around. You have been there for me so consistently, so solidly.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">I love you and thank you.</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-29903898840078857902012-02-20T21:19:00.000-08:002012-02-20T21:19:03.155-08:00In-Patient Hospice...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw19I9Wtd47lOUxcCZ9kypDmvqpyjwkGdPwlf3PYtGrHwzkIGA55_-r7r7UIJUchxBXYNrrpSQOyIYBmjfDQeglDSuJAoORvtDQyGQxNB-vRh3tkS41etK2vUTlWA7DqaA3QgnQZnY5UIr/s1600/MethodistHospital_large.ashx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw19I9Wtd47lOUxcCZ9kypDmvqpyjwkGdPwlf3PYtGrHwzkIGA55_-r7r7UIJUchxBXYNrrpSQOyIYBmjfDQeglDSuJAoORvtDQyGQxNB-vRh3tkS41etK2vUTlWA7DqaA3QgnQZnY5UIr/s640/MethodistHospital_large.ashx.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jud is now in one of four rooms in this great big hospital. Jud worked here once a week and was welcomed by friends)</td></tr>
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Excuse me for just copying the Caring Bridge journal I wrote for Jud but I did write it myself!! I am at home. The fuzzy butts are sleeping where Jud's pillow was. It is so precious! They are so confused but happy I am at home. So here are my words...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dear Friends,</span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I read Jud's Caring Bridge entries every day. They have sustained me and held me up so I have the strength to proceed through the year with Jud. Thank you so very much for such a huge gift.</span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After several agonizing nights, we made the decision, with the help of our wonderful hospice nurse, Kari, to put Jud into Inpatient Hospice at Methodist Hospital. It was the right decision. He has been in agony and they have helped him find some comfort. We could do much at home but we just weren't set up for an IV pump. I came home to get some rest and Kat volunteered to stay with Jud. After three weeks of constant nausea and discomfort, he seems to be resting comfortably. What a huge relief. </span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He will be there for several days and then we will decide what to do next. It is a great relief to know that we have such good help in making these decisions.</span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you, each of you, for all you have done for Jud this year and for all you have done for me and Kat. We have floated on your words of hope and caring. I noticed that you can get published copies of a member's Caring Bridge. I plan on doing just that. It has been a remarkable year. We have so many highs and lows but we have been blessed by the beautiful words and caring of a loving circle of friends stretched all around the world.</span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For this, I will always be grateful.</span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love,</span></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sue</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-16271578430858304172012-02-19T17:27:00.000-08:002012-02-19T17:27:32.968-08:00Hard Times...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIBdYIBaenaEJRojWapZzAOlBfSopFPOodk8O264HggKatJwLWDHd_GyHZdNMgYUJx2wMqyR26HSnqjag8YlCkXu_YQoJvG4Z1iZRe5AVZCdJ4OxtG76vA2lw1MFNneNkk0qEYBZzqCyH/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIBdYIBaenaEJRojWapZzAOlBfSopFPOodk8O264HggKatJwLWDHd_GyHZdNMgYUJx2wMqyR26HSnqjag8YlCkXu_YQoJvG4Z1iZRe5AVZCdJ4OxtG76vA2lw1MFNneNkk0qEYBZzqCyH/s400/images-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Jud is having a very rough time of it, and, consequently, so am I. Hospice will be out again tomorrow (and we talked to them on the phone) but they have not been able to get his symptoms under control.<br />
<br />
You have all been such a comfort to me over this year. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult part of the journey.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
SuzKateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-30569459199819068472012-02-12T10:30:00.000-08:002012-02-12T12:13:33.876-08:00We're home...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgMGV0HA-9_ghFnka7_BvShm-H2AuFKF6JUnBx7Cp-RL19XVTPPvUtROo07GO5R6Ep4fzZpyqozMyxcmo068f_EcVswUx9yUXkUEsKW_tQnFk5OZK98ydGAVgYFYM85J2QKG_wmQkVKCO/s1600/P1050054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgMGV0HA-9_ghFnka7_BvShm-H2AuFKF6JUnBx7Cp-RL19XVTPPvUtROo07GO5R6Ep4fzZpyqozMyxcmo068f_EcVswUx9yUXkUEsKW_tQnFk5OZK98ydGAVgYFYM85J2QKG_wmQkVKCO/s640/P1050054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had such a comforting time in Mesa. There is nothing like being surrounded by loving family. Jud had a chance to have some good hugs with both of his sisters, Jan and Joan...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL55Yk62k5jCbhalp76G4sGA_SsfHu2R8_wNv7Mj6G_uNdmdje22M3sB_0zyByjLeKIL36ydkeFVddShWLPdOWT1VefFyX6ng7LC37M7JnhipObfvo_iYeLJ3uWfmgSSMfsc8qToJNPhJY/s1600/P1050056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL55Yk62k5jCbhalp76G4sGA_SsfHu2R8_wNv7Mj6G_uNdmdje22M3sB_0zyByjLeKIL36ydkeFVddShWLPdOWT1VefFyX6ng7LC37M7JnhipObfvo_iYeLJ3uWfmgSSMfsc8qToJNPhJY/s640/P1050056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...and his parents, Kay and Du.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WnuPvig9og0qGsyE_qRbXWvlv_UuALNnAz93Ac1nOpmtvUFB1AhSAQvw5CDltrovd8ZPRRr-sFXU-aVs22fQGT9EwfTpMxny1a9OYvjzELyqEGSyhFjK5bQrQaHjzIdFJfU1oqoy_9X5/s1600/P1050059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WnuPvig9og0qGsyE_qRbXWvlv_UuALNnAz93Ac1nOpmtvUFB1AhSAQvw5CDltrovd8ZPRRr-sFXU-aVs22fQGT9EwfTpMxny1a9OYvjzELyqEGSyhFjK5bQrQaHjzIdFJfU1oqoy_9X5/s640/P1050059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He and Dad even enjoyed a little cribbage...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cwPTfrmxqoC0afTnaT6XX1ItT96csSE1nel9bQZx7qUHk0wHwEzhyphenhyphenYLN44DkeTrcCMjINhQSSEJiWRhdpUAUr3UxP6TFFp4NaJrJDahS4AeEaz4mg4qxQ-SRm2HPnQSm1zUstlzSr609/s1600/P1050043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cwPTfrmxqoC0afTnaT6XX1ItT96csSE1nel9bQZx7qUHk0wHwEzhyphenhyphenYLN44DkeTrcCMjINhQSSEJiWRhdpUAUr3UxP6TFFp4NaJrJDahS4AeEaz4mg4qxQ-SRm2HPnQSm1zUstlzSr609/s640/P1050043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mom did her wonderful home cooking...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM4uj1HFRDqw8gYQG2Pf2SeMBou5BY53vkDnl8tHW4Dlb3lCmZ58WM_3yPJaQr3FmqmzsD_1vaG_aGRQAvqyoIxqCRKGBZ9OwEttF2ncF8aV049Ez-y6kUmwV9nE2inxEkfVVV-eECeBc/s1600/P1050046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM4uj1HFRDqw8gYQG2Pf2SeMBou5BY53vkDnl8tHW4Dlb3lCmZ58WM_3yPJaQr3FmqmzsD_1vaG_aGRQAvqyoIxqCRKGBZ9OwEttF2ncF8aV049Ez-y6kUmwV9nE2inxEkfVVV-eECeBc/s640/P1050046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...and entertained our dear friends, the Hallbergs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiRR2RBcrP8uOwu2knN8Z58Tbck4f69FBXJ289cFLVg9zrbqMHCNwIiuHmEj-elujyIUXLVuf1-zaSBWtYbEKIoPAd6UDjHLHRj7rj5fgb7ANTnvVE1dYH7Yk9icSL3yEcek7bzqGFLPS/s1600/P1050039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiRR2RBcrP8uOwu2knN8Z58Tbck4f69FBXJ289cFLVg9zrbqMHCNwIiuHmEj-elujyIUXLVuf1-zaSBWtYbEKIoPAd6UDjHLHRj7rj5fgb7ANTnvVE1dYH7Yk9icSL3yEcek7bzqGFLPS/s640/P1050039.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed the sunsets, this one had a heart ("X")....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaSJsnjo4nf4xXGFDGdMy9fU1jPNe8xQA1C_ovilGBAh6vuWtBan_dNKeioB-V3PJGjm3w5C2pXx2L9XSPnWaQNhL80DBT1p0JkcpWYg7pENrNH8AqzUrAGl7OVYSyueg1hRcTOwoD4-0/s1600/P1050033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaSJsnjo4nf4xXGFDGdMy9fU1jPNe8xQA1C_ovilGBAh6vuWtBan_dNKeioB-V3PJGjm3w5C2pXx2L9XSPnWaQNhL80DBT1p0JkcpWYg7pENrNH8AqzUrAGl7OVYSyueg1hRcTOwoD4-0/s640/P1050033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...that shone on our niece, Dani, and her partner, Pat. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69Uh0oRJhtHjabrHH4T-CDG_hyphenhyphen4xTYzyvApy7azlODeGswl1undDtRBzSaJkndGtpKAeyLIZ4WJ-sF2BFhupNgEnPyOnR01AnVCwNLb2_4oocMZxAa-HH7v_EIklL_zfZtcl-SgGUIv53/s1600/P1050041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69Uh0oRJhtHjabrHH4T-CDG_hyphenhyphen4xTYzyvApy7azlODeGswl1undDtRBzSaJkndGtpKAeyLIZ4WJ-sF2BFhupNgEnPyOnR01AnVCwNLb2_4oocMZxAa-HH7v_EIklL_zfZtcl-SgGUIv53/s640/P1050041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These were the wonderful moments. There were some hard ones, too. Much of the time, Jud was very sick. At one point in time, we considered going home early. He was not able to eat and was only tolerating clear liquids. He had a lot of pain and nausea. With the advice of hospice back in Minnesota, we got him home at the end of the week. We are glad we went...and we are glad we are home. We have had a very good meeting with hospice and have two scheduled for this week. Our team is kind and they are direct. We feel very blessed. This is just another part of our journey. It is a hard and sad one but also one of deep meaning and a feeling of tremendous Love. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For now, we are glad to be home in our own beds...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvTR-M6tVi9-RG9iEiUkNjC9Zu9XFRqoalyXCKol-MgLEmvbkoDW4PPgVtlEcT_6Y_iOLeud-N2mMGh8fu4ArIx2E2CTml45d37we-KDRx14Jith-TfvGGU8OELwBvFIeui-xwVRHwwfp/s1600/P1000372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvTR-M6tVi9-RG9iEiUkNjC9Zu9XFRqoalyXCKol-MgLEmvbkoDW4PPgVtlEcT_6Y_iOLeud-N2mMGh8fu4ArIx2E2CTml45d37we-KDRx14Jith-TfvGGU8OELwBvFIeui-xwVRHwwfp/s640/P1000372.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...and the fuzzybutts could not be more happy, too. </div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-59448609510841281132012-01-28T07:34:00.000-08:002012-01-28T07:36:35.008-08:00News about Jud...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR0EiDForLLP6gu2e1-o8LZOc5Wz5gTWRhmObsa9CoTf6Udb39NMHl2CVdQDZ21Cdy6RxztUPExfWiy1kpYa_bzOFkPOEFdn0JjQe_ZzuQrmlVeRVCQkcMrb5b-UqeUA7GlAx2C7xUBYA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR0EiDForLLP6gu2e1-o8LZOc5Wz5gTWRhmObsa9CoTf6Udb39NMHl2CVdQDZ21Cdy6RxztUPExfWiy1kpYa_bzOFkPOEFdn0JjQe_ZzuQrmlVeRVCQkcMrb5b-UqeUA7GlAx2C7xUBYA/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We talked to Jud's doctor yesterday. Melissa had consulted with another physician and they did not see any blockage. Their conclusion was that the elevation in Jud's tests were from an increase in the cancer itself. We discussed all the options. There are no other clinical trials Jud would qualify and no other chemo agents that would be of help.<br />
<br />
We had a wonderful meeting with our minister, Cathie Crooks, later in the day. We both just love her. She is such a special person and always makes us feel more at peace.<br />
<br />
Jud and I made the decision (with his doctor's approval) that we would take a week's trip to Mesa then return and engage the services of home hospice. They will begin by giving us minimal service then continue to increase it as Jud needs more help. He is still up and about and still eating, though he feels what he can only describe as "malaise" and is not really hungry.<br />
<br />
We are wrapped in our love and that, and our faith in an afterlife, continues to sustain us. The love and caring of our friends, as always, holds us in a circle of warmth and caring. We are deeply sad but we are also at peace.<br />
<br />
I would like to thank all of you for your support of me. Some of you are friends from Silver Bella, some are internet friends. You all have been wonderful and have been so helpful to me.<br />
<br />
Now, as always, "the greatest of these is love."Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-44275997075070611152012-01-24T12:16:00.000-08:002012-01-24T12:45:29.686-08:00We need courage...we need it now!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE0Y3aTTuKhe9EHzmOtm1sgXwPG8aaBwZxRdYkCuv0vy5J2ofnQc0Z2ev6AaDpdqCvUnuzx4BegIzX04wO7BWw7gU5ovT3TuKOpJdvJPp7VyZKwuTlYu7HbH0h59ZY-QIGKaUzXL5_k0L/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE0Y3aTTuKhe9EHzmOtm1sgXwPG8aaBwZxRdYkCuv0vy5J2ofnQc0Z2ev6AaDpdqCvUnuzx4BegIzX04wO7BWw7gU5ovT3TuKOpJdvJPp7VyZKwuTlYu7HbH0h59ZY-QIGKaUzXL5_k0L/s640/IMG_0239.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split Rock Light House. Lake Superior, MN</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I am sitting in the Chicago Airport with only about ten minutes to spare so I am going to copy Jud's Caring Bridge site for yesterday so I may get this news to you more quickly.</div><br />
We would especially appreciate your prayers and good thoughts at this time.<br />
<br />
With love,<br />
Sue<br />
<br />
Dear Ones,<br />
<br />
What a difference a year can make! This time last year I was at Stanford getting radiation therapy for Stage 3 pancreatic cancer that was deemed inoperable. We were brimming with hope that this might lead to the possibility of surgically removing the tumor. Two months later in March we got the news that my tumor had spread to the liver. The focus since then has been trying to find a chemotherapy that would at least slow tumor progression if not halt it. I am most grateful that during this year I have tolerated chemotherapy reasonably well and generally felt reasonably good with no significant pain.<br />
<br />
As you know, I stopped the chemotherapy clinical trial at Mayo 3 weeks ago because I was continuing to have disease progression. It just wasn’t working. Today I had my consultation at Johns Hopkins. At the end of the appointment, it looked like I could be a candidate for a pancreas cancer vaccine. We were happy to have one more option. In preparation for starting that in a week or two, they drew some liver function blood tests. <br />
<br />
This afternoon, Dr Le called to tell me that my liver function tests were significantly elevated most likely due to growth of the tumor. The degree of elevation would eliminate me from the vaccine trial. For that matter, it would preclude any other trials. The elevation is either due to the total tumor burden (Isn’t that a quaint medical way of talking about the amount of tumor you have? And, yes, it is definitely a burden!) or there could be a blockage in the biliary ducts. We talked to my Park Nicollet oncologist, Dr. Sherman, who recommended getting a CT scan to look for a blockage. If there is one, it is possible that it could be stented with a metal tube. That could reverse the liver function test elevations. It would also make me more comfortable and provide for a little longer survival. It is somewhat of a long shot but well worth doing. <br />
<br />
My body in the past few weeks has been telling me that something has been wrong. I used to be able to blame chemo for any symptoms I had. That was nice because I could justify and tolerate the discomfort knowing that it was for the purpose of treating the cancer. Now, off chemo, it is the cancer itself that has caused me to feel ill. I told Sue that if I didn’t know that I had cancer, I would have been going to my doctor and telling her that something is really wrong with me. It is not necessarily specific. I have felt very weary. I sleep a lot. Food does not look appealing. It’s not that I am nauseated though I occasionally am. I just have no appetite. I am having intermittent pain under my rib cage when I breathe. This is probably due to the tumor irritating the capsule of the liver right under the diaphragm. <br />
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The day has been a roller coaster with plenty of tears. Instead of heading to sunny Arizona tomorrow, we will be going back to Minnesota. We will reschedule time with my family in sunshine and warmth later.<br />
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Thanks for the continuing love, support and acts of kindness!<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
JudKateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-42866092459155684792012-01-05T10:14:00.000-08:002012-01-05T10:14:11.492-08:00New Year...New Word<div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_991267859"></span><span id="goog_991267860"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVJ-gFKtMyA/TwXlTqepZEI/AAAAAAAAB0A/8gROAO_NNL4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVJ-gFKtMyA/TwXlTqepZEI/AAAAAAAAB0A/8gROAO_NNL4/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last year, my word was "Hope." I bought a necklace that said "Hope" and wore it all year. At Christmas, Jud gave me the cutest necklace that said, "Hope floats" and I have added that to my bejeweled neck.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This year, my word is going to be "Courage." I think this year is going to require more of me, as Jud's illness progresses. We are in Rochester right now and Jud is going through a series of tests. Tomorrow we will meet with another doctor (our third here...UGH!). We have been told by the dear Melissa, his oncologist at home, that Dr. Rubin is kind and skilled. We really need "kind" right now. We are quite sure the scans aren't going to look good since the cancer blood test (tumor marker) indicated an increase in tumor activity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I ordered a great necklace from Beth Quinn...so now I will have three necklaces that are my talismans for the year. It is one of those terrific ones with the glitter inside! They are nice to touch in weak moments!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will write as we know more, but will end with another one of my favorites. Such a lovely version, I think!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3DcLpt4JOg/TwXmhA9LvJI/AAAAAAAAB0M/ZTKWqChUHGM/s1600/5619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3DcLpt4JOg/TwXmhA9LvJI/AAAAAAAAB0M/ZTKWqChUHGM/s400/5619.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">P.S. Now that I haven't totally screwed things up, I would like to thank Susie at Vintage Susie and Wings for my new look. I wanted more room but had a hard time giving up my beautiful Van Gogh borders. At the same time, I wanted room for larger pictures. She gave me a new look with the lovely lotuses at the side. She is so talented and she is a wonderful person to work with and know. Thank you, dear Susie. Her logo is at the right side, if you are interested in her services!</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-77685319769481244402012-01-02T07:20:00.000-08:002012-01-02T07:20:02.153-08:00Our Christmas...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ornament from our tree...which contains the stories of our life</td></tr>
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The Reaney Christmas was wonderful and painful. The four of us (Jud, Kat, her boyfriend, Ashton and myself) had a very nice time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie pretending she is meeting Iver, whom she knew since she was born.</td></tr>
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It was colored with sadness, as our dear friend, Iver, died on Christmas Eve Day. Iver has had multiple myeloma for six years and lived an incredible life. It was only months ago that he was active and I mean active. He and Di hiked, biked and spent hours a day, working in their organic garden. Iver went through many difficult treatments to live a full life as long as he could...including two autologous stem cell transplants (his own cells). We will miss him so much.<br />
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Jud got news that his tumor marker test had again shot up. Way up. We will be leaving the Mayo clinical study and going to Johns Hopkins to consult about another trial which involves the cancer vaccine.<br />
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Joy and sorrow seem like unlikely companions but they dwelt side by side at our house. We had a lovely prime rib dinner with Megan, Iver's daughter; Drew, her significant other; and Dregan; their magical baby.<br />
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Jud got sick during the weekend and was unable to keep food down. We were all concerned that this was part of his cancer but it has passed and seems to have been the flu.<br />
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Jud and I have both read a wonderful book during this month. I have about twenty pages to go and don't want it to end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmJ5iqtpv9I/TvoV5h3LZDI/AAAAAAAABy8/w4r92Ax11AM/s1600/51A%252BvAZr2%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmJ5iqtpv9I/TvoV5h3LZDI/AAAAAAAABy8/w4r92Ax11AM/s640/51A%252BvAZr2%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A really terrific book</td></tr>
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I really encourage anyone who loves fantasy, mystery and total escapism to read it! The word-pictures are fantastic and I feel like I know the characters intimately.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie and Ashton, world travelers</td></tr>
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Katie and Ashton are in South Africa! Ashton's cousin is getting married there and his whole family is attending. They were nice enough to include Katie. We can't wait to hear the stories they will bring back. After the wedding, they have plans to stay at a game preserve. If I weren't so happy for both of them, I would be jealous!<br />
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I hope you all are enjoying this quieter time since the holidays. I am sitting by the fire with my new electric fleece warming blanket, a gift from my dear in-laws. I send you all lots of love and thanks for supporting me during a very difficult year. Your kindness has helped carry me and I am so grateful.Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-76155236777150206852011-12-21T08:04:00.000-08:002011-12-21T09:29:10.211-08:00If You Want...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Several years ago, Jud and I took training to become non-denominational Spiritual Directors. It was a wonderful experience. We met a weekend each month for two years and our class was full of diversity in religion and, well, not men exactly. There were two, one male leader and a whole lot of wonderful women.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
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<tr style="display: inline !important;"><td style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At this time, I found a "don't miss" retreat concerning using the arts in spiritual direction and traveled to a beautiful retreat center on the ocean shore of Washington state, where we studied, prayed and played for a week. The leaders, Christine Valters Paintner and Betsy Beckman were terrific and now have written several books. Christine also has a blog and, this morning, I was again reminded of this poem.</span></div></td></tr>
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<em>If</em><br />
<em>you want,</em><br />
<em>the Virgin will come walking down the road</em><br />
<em>pregnant with the ho</em><em>ly,</em><br />
<em>and say…</em><br />
<em>“I need shelter for the night, please take me inside your heart,</em><br />
<em>My time is so close.”</em><br />
<em>Then, under the roof of your soul, you will witness the sublime</em><br />
<em>intimacy, the divine, the Christ</em><br />
<em>taking birth</em><br />
<em>forever,</em><br />
<em>as she grasps your hand for help, for each of us</em><br />
<em>is the midwife of God, each of us.</em><br />
<em>Yes, there, under the dome of your being does Creation</em><br />
<em>come into existence eternally, through your woman, dear pilgrim –</em><br />
<em>the sacred womb of your soul,</em><br />
<em>As God grasps our arm for help’ for each of us is</em><br />
<em>His beloved servant</em><br />
<em>never far.</em><br />
<em>If you want, the Virgin will come walking</em><br />
<em>Down the street pregnant</em><br />
<em>With light and</em><br />
<em>…sing. </em><br />
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-St. John of the Cross from <em>Love Poems to God</em> translated by Daniel Ladinsky</span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td align="left" class="defaultText" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 20px;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">My final words to you...may you, whatever faith or belief you hold, give birth to whatever is sacred in your heart.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And thank you, during this terrible and wonderful time, for surrounding me with caring and hope.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">P.S. I do have a pretty new "face" on my blog. More about that very soon. I can't seem to get rid of the yellow. Susie Hibdon to the rescue!!!</div></div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-64411660261825767192011-12-05T10:20:00.000-08:002011-12-19T18:11:46.202-08:00Let it Be<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4PEyAsphZZ3kUwF6eedSstfmh_azk73kUTh1hdZYmP-2keVCFn6Mg4HeHwykAeBjbNvJk504hAdMAxtMoxJex2fUj7T5UiIXJj5sVK1gBcASlVHQXvITSvwpEMBl5lHUTZBlIeWZt63u/s1600/P1040173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4PEyAsphZZ3kUwF6eedSstfmh_azk73kUTh1hdZYmP-2keVCFn6Mg4HeHwykAeBjbNvJk504hAdMAxtMoxJex2fUj7T5UiIXJj5sVK1gBcASlVHQXvITSvwpEMBl5lHUTZBlIeWZt63u/s640/P1040173.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Let It Be</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Writer: LENNON, JOHN / MCCARTNEY, PAUL <br />
<br />
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me<br />
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be<br />
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me<br />
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be<br />
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be </div><div style="text-align: center;">Whisper words of wisdom, let it be</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDIhrP2KtW75GQSTfiQ1ZK31F0s5COAz4IBOcs5mBvpAOH9U6cfkRi9F_GUyOHuhaNi3N-aBpmoqUZqyJiFAO-A7KQQEcz7YMdia2U3ymT2ahFU4naU2xvLLxTrV5_DgAOEB0ZEsq9trd/s1600/P1040152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDIhrP2KtW75GQSTfiQ1ZK31F0s5COAz4IBOcs5mBvpAOH9U6cfkRi9F_GUyOHuhaNi3N-aBpmoqUZqyJiFAO-A7KQQEcz7YMdia2U3ymT2ahFU4naU2xvLLxTrV5_DgAOEB0ZEsq9trd/s640/P1040152.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree<br />
There will be an answer, let it be<br />
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see<br />
There will be an answer, let it be<br />
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be<br />
There will be an answer, let it be<br />
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be<br />
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be<br />
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be<br />
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9ZTrPNdLzrf2rt8kKlq7GZkxHHqqL2ORNcqhD2GwBhfOXJu6V1qp79IBVBobUSYBQfuyMClsgnGqQ1-KFnyimoTdPILDj1_xoRdRFuEetOzkwf7baGka3T33DZAqJaH-sxD5v942Z-9c/s1600/P1040171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9ZTrPNdLzrf2rt8kKlq7GZkxHHqqL2ORNcqhD2GwBhfOXJu6V1qp79IBVBobUSYBQfuyMClsgnGqQ1-KFnyimoTdPILDj1_xoRdRFuEetOzkwf7baGka3T33DZAqJaH-sxD5v942Z-9c/s400/P1040171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me<br />
Shine until tomorrow, let it be<br />
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me<br />
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be<br />
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be<br />
There will be an answer, let it be<br />
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be<br />
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3phyAwWjxN-vGbWCylHw3SATyF8d5nMHtQTByRj3zGgw77zigg4UkvaE75MFvcDbYU9gQVvBi8yLifVxqF_WzjfoXQY6iljk9P0Vryu0yRyL46XgsEl9pVhEnmQUmuT1awiW-0hQRlxG0/s1600/P1040176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3phyAwWjxN-vGbWCylHw3SATyF8d5nMHtQTByRj3zGgw77zigg4UkvaE75MFvcDbYU9gQVvBi8yLifVxqF_WzjfoXQY6iljk9P0Vryu0yRyL46XgsEl9pVhEnmQUmuT1awiW-0hQRlxG0/s400/P1040176.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever your beliefs, may you have a gentle, peaceful day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let it be.<br />
<br />
P. S. I just talked to Jud. He looks fine. He said that the biopsy was "no big deal." The worst part was the novacaine. What a guy!</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-24538688870049541262011-11-28T11:39:00.000-08:002011-11-28T11:39:40.857-08:00Thanks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qfbQkV73fPxfdpzRBSM3Ij_VhqZpHeTDb0oo2mEbRmyrxgAeP3YMl7oDMMjQrwJy_4Qx-Fxaq_hBtsedAQgscm7RJHHE5QX7jlO-Tg1i6kPzkc58VeT1L7qCI6AMguhS7EzM9nQiwq7C/s1600/P1040476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qfbQkV73fPxfdpzRBSM3Ij_VhqZpHeTDb0oo2mEbRmyrxgAeP3YMl7oDMMjQrwJy_4Qx-Fxaq_hBtsedAQgscm7RJHHE5QX7jlO-Tg1i6kPzkc58VeT1L7qCI6AMguhS7EzM9nQiwq7C/s320/P1040476.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner on the barge in Southern France</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks <br />
by W. S. Merwin<br />
<br />
Listen <br />
with the night falling we are saying thank you <br />
we are stopping on the bridges to bow from the railings <br />
we are running out of the glass rooms <br />
with our mouths full of food to look at the sky <br />
and say thank you <br />
we are standing by the water thanking it <br />
smiling by the windows looking out <br />
in our directions <br />
<br />
back from a series of hospitals back from a mugging <br />
after funerals we are saying thank you <br />
after the news of the dead <br />
whether or not we knew them we are saying thank you<br />
<br />
over telephones we are saying thank you <br />
in doorways and in the backs of cars and in elevators <br />
remembering wars and the police at the door <br />
and the beatings on stairs we are saying thank you <br />
in the banks we are saying thank you <br />
in the faces of the officials and the rich<br />
and of all who will never change<br />
we go on saying thank you thank you<br />
<br />
with the animals dying around us <br />
our lost feelings we are saying thank you <br />
with the forests falling faster than the minutes <br />
of our lives we are saying thank you <br />
with the words going out like cells of a brain <br />
with the cities growing over us <br />
we are saying thank you faster and faster <br />
with nobody listening we are saying thank you <br />
we are saying thank you and waving <br />
dark though it is</div><br />
Thanks to our friend, Pat Eldred, for sending the poem. We have returned to Mayo and Jud is going through a series of tests for final qualification for the clinical trial.<br />
<br />
We are so grateful this season for all that our wonderful friends have done for us. I am especially grateful for my blog friends...my connection to love and comfort when I am alone, when I awake in the night, when I am not feeling well.<br />
<br />
I am "saying thank you and waving" to all of you.<br />
<br />
Thank you.Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-59081196717919058052011-11-13T07:03:00.000-08:002011-11-13T07:03:19.047-08:00...and how was Mayo?<div style="text-align: center;">I must tell you, Mayo was kind of a bust. As is usual at Mayo, we were scheduled early in the morning for a blood draw. (I am so aware of my use of "we." I originally put "draws," as if I had one, too! I feel so connected to Jud in this almost symbitic process). I am fine with the early morning tests and understand that it would help the doctor know how you were doing right away. At 10:30, Jud had x-rays. Then the long wait. We were supposed to see our (!) new doctor at 2:30. We were put in a room and a nice young research assistant came and signed Jud up for another study, a bank of people with pancreatic cancer. Good idea. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We waited and we waited. No one came into see us and tell us what was going on as we sat in the "little white box," both feeling quite anxious. So much depended on this. Finally, two hours later, the doctor arrived. He was handsome and dressed beautifully. However, there was no apology or explanation for being late. We would have understood if he had an emergency or another patient who took more time. He shook Jud's hand. He ignored me. I practically grabbed his hand from his side and shook his.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He scolded Jud for not having all of his materials there. Jud had made a special trip to his office in doctor in Minneapolis and hand carried it all in. It was all there. He knew little to nothing about the protocol of the study Jud was interested in. "She" will tell you, he said. "She" was the research coordinator. "She" didn't have a name. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was very negative that anything would help Jud. The longest anyone had stayed on this drug was four months. They had to stop because the cancer progressed or because the side effects were too great. He was very cold and negative about the whole affair. We could accept that this combination of medications could have little value, but please, please, just tell us in a kind way!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally the research coordinator came in. She was harried-looking but reasonably nice. Dr. S. left in a hurry, shaking Jud's hand. He tried to pass me and I again grabbed his hand. He refused to look at me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jud was accepted into the study ("It is your only alternative" said the doctor.) We will go back after Thanksgiving for four days. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jud went home and, after a little thought, he called the research coordinator and asked to fire the doctor. No one with a serious illness deserves to be treated this way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Interestingly, this is our second rude doctor. Our first was at Stanford. When I read one of the Steve Job's eulogies, I discovered that he was his doctor, too. I'll bet he was nice to Steve1 Our main doctor at Stanford, Dr. Albert Keung, was one of the kindest doctors I have ever met. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8dzXsirrlTpAy-oXK7rPnYPIz2tSSjjqPJVioAaKxhRnywaO2joWsIG_NrmUkrYsrXHObjLtLkwyOd4vOsjOw3rxRABFnOeS_Xl3kKCs1BAiZ1Ud3eOxIqgS5uc5uL5T_frz1hYi_WVf/s1600/0058mayoclinic-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8dzXsirrlTpAy-oXK7rPnYPIz2tSSjjqPJVioAaKxhRnywaO2joWsIG_NrmUkrYsrXHObjLtLkwyOd4vOsjOw3rxRABFnOeS_Xl3kKCs1BAiZ1Ud3eOxIqgS5uc5uL5T_frz1hYi_WVf/s320/0058mayoclinic-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Brothers Mayo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As we left Stanford, De. Keung said to Jud, "I will always be your doctor. You will always be my patient. Please call me at any time."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As it should be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">P.S. As is true of all major medical centers, members of my family have also had wonderful care at Mayo Clinic in my family. My brother was treated with such caring when he had esophageal cancer and today is cancer-free. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-2199298257461720222011-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:39:52.063-08:00...and how is Jud?<div style="text-align: center;">We drove to Rochester last night, home of the WFMC, as it is known to the locals... the World Famous Mayo Clinic</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqtCyNWTV2MMDUQsqUVdPwyASLeZiHeoadRZrEicy8w9IWDcadBv36lIXJ5ZZePoh-ofe-V-u17_MAmpQLTkYyUc-HE8WVx_tqeJNnEbM9WFfpYxeNOSwHtPK84pqaSe9Uq_w_z9w-1x6/s1600/P1020532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqtCyNWTV2MMDUQsqUVdPwyASLeZiHeoadRZrEicy8w9IWDcadBv36lIXJ5ZZePoh-ofe-V-u17_MAmpQLTkYyUc-HE8WVx_tqeJNnEbM9WFfpYxeNOSwHtPK84pqaSe9Uq_w_z9w-1x6/s320/P1020532.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken several weeks before Jud was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. We were both in good shape, having just lost weight on the South Beach diet. We felt very carefree as we went to a benefot for Jud's clinic. Several days laterm I attended my beloved Silver Bella, Five days after I returned, Jud was diagnosed with Stage Four pancreatic cancer.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jud's current chemo quit working about the time we returned from our wonderful barge trip to Southern France. We are at the point that there is no known treatment that he hasn't usedand we have entered the world of clinical trials. We are here to see if Jud is appropriate for a clinical trial thst combines the hedgehog pathway inhibitor and a known chemotherapy, Tarceva. The hedgehog trial treatment tries to interrupt the pathway of the DNA that the cancer needs to grow. Nothing to do with cute little hedgehogs. It has shown some promise and we are hoping they will find him an appropriate candidate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This isn't the first time we have entered the world of clinical trials. Jud received SGRT (specific guided radiation treatment) at Stanford. We are so grateful for that treatment, in which the doctor radiated the area around the pancreas. Even though it did not stop the ptogression of his disease, he has had a much easier go of it, including less nausea, less weight loss and less pain than PC patients who have not received this treatment. We have been extremely grateful for this quality of life issue.<br />
<br />
We will meet with the oncologist this afternoon and we will know more. On Saturday, we are on the road again, heading to a small town outside Washington, DC. Jud is teaching at a conference that concerns integrity in medicine. We weren't sure he would make it but he is so glad to be able to participate as this is an rea that means a lot to him. I am taking a suitcase of craft materials and working on Christmas presents. Sounds like a grand time for both of us.<br />
<br />
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and we decided which medical pathway would be best for Jud.<br />
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P.S. There are more trip pictures to come! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-43698095174884120742011-11-06T09:53:00.000-08:002011-11-06T13:55:56.611-08:00Fluffybutts in the leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2ovTA4GUw0XFcXuL6o-OZ0xzzWmSMh6ad3wkixxjqCtIJvuhuFscehrmIhFWkLRbXuf1lR-5lpUH1qpotdDgyZCsrJT-BrD1ksg6PAmnIfj4kPvaD23jNV-bbrOJjhWiOuQ_H1JJqLCT/s1600/IMAG1345-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2ovTA4GUw0XFcXuL6o-OZ0xzzWmSMh6ad3wkixxjqCtIJvuhuFscehrmIhFWkLRbXuf1lR-5lpUH1qpotdDgyZCsrJT-BrD1ksg6PAmnIfj4kPvaD23jNV-bbrOJjhWiOuQ_H1JJqLCT/s400/IMAG1345-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love those little Fluffybutts!</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-52081618685063152272011-10-29T14:33:00.000-07:002011-10-29T14:38:58.202-07:00Heaven on a Barge...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8ZUm_eMgL5Few5NXIjtEvzyEIzRnQ-QWFmU6o6bS8quOpFIX8CjHLiaeKRJFued1tj_ZGfByNiwHXVe2zol_Ld8pN1L1EdsZfX0VPB34UYSFeAidmPGGffR-R1tTRthwHh2FpStQ51-b/s1600/P1040329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8ZUm_eMgL5Few5NXIjtEvzyEIzRnQ-QWFmU6o6bS8quOpFIX8CjHLiaeKRJFued1tj_ZGfByNiwHXVe2zol_Ld8pN1L1EdsZfX0VPB34UYSFeAidmPGGffR-R1tTRthwHh2FpStQ51-b/s400/P1040329.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After three days in Barcelona, we took a train to Narvonne and then took a car ride to the Canal du Midi for a week long barge ride on the Caroline in the South of France.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13o2qe-CKybhOGOkLBNnY8De9zT1AxYxEF7Wd4a5Q1-b4xXmrkO65cDwC87_EzpgXH-RbDIEBMhxa4lOg2Hv2drfC2wnbWU2aefdKXadQVs0c2d4xrAj0k3Rnf0rP-u-4SWdC9hIXslSw/s1600/P1040319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13o2qe-CKybhOGOkLBNnY8De9zT1AxYxEF7Wd4a5Q1-b4xXmrkO65cDwC87_EzpgXH-RbDIEBMhxa4lOg2Hv2drfC2wnbWU2aefdKXadQVs0c2d4xrAj0k3Rnf0rP-u-4SWdC9hIXslSw/s400/P1040319.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were met by our hostess and host, Uta and Uli, wo were originally from Germany. They had a wonderful bottle of champagne ready to toast us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyWijMlkAOEHJ3yq4cBd4uc9vwVFr8qqPzHVke0SF8oQbr6kdjXzwkc84x9sAjvRNv9menm6cYoAoS8TLwU7kCzgo_lX6jqesQkanbXaHfBsWu-A4_rfpmXwM-BQK25O6U7C6_bXDzbFW/s1600/P1040317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyWijMlkAOEHJ3yq4cBd4uc9vwVFr8qqPzHVke0SF8oQbr6kdjXzwkc84x9sAjvRNv9menm6cYoAoS8TLwU7kCzgo_lX6jqesQkanbXaHfBsWu-A4_rfpmXwM-BQK25O6U7C6_bXDzbFW/s400/P1040317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Uli taught us the rules of living on the barge, like "don't put anything in the toilet that does go in your mouth first" and "when you walk on a moving barge, make sure that three parts of your body are touching the barge."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkzHtDfV0S7E78AVhzYwaaOvWfqz4DvAYPRgxD02SbdPRe_Z-MgxkPWXczpq1ayPmoyI9T1dRBemt1SuWdIrYjqfkOyhGjKAV_POD-4B1ZkWJOSD51Py1V8jwxQBwSF3SJCQcq88V8jyZ/s1600/P1040318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkzHtDfV0S7E78AVhzYwaaOvWfqz4DvAYPRgxD02SbdPRe_Z-MgxkPWXczpq1ayPmoyI9T1dRBemt1SuWdIrYjqfkOyhGjKAV_POD-4B1ZkWJOSD51Py1V8jwxQBwSF3SJCQcq88V8jyZ/s640/P1040318.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Caroline even had it's own goldfish pond with giant Koi!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We passed beautiful houses as we drove on the barge at five miles an hour. The more we rode, the more relaxed we became.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUywb_4eHPtUVs-u504yn8dMck5B9V7mcDY4J-b91qOi9sSj8qb5oa3-e2KuKlvDIwsxL5x_YEyzcEAEbbGVWxej78jSpy3_BIH9QX3WpSAs6eLZkPsc6ryQkg8IPfUPFOS13u2bgXKqdL/s1600/P1040607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUywb_4eHPtUVs-u504yn8dMck5B9V7mcDY4J-b91qOi9sSj8qb5oa3-e2KuKlvDIwsxL5x_YEyzcEAEbbGVWxej78jSpy3_BIH9QX3WpSAs6eLZkPsc6ryQkg8IPfUPFOS13u2bgXKqdL/s640/P1040607.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The most beautiful site was the scenery. These trees were called "Plain Trees" and anchored the soil. They were beautiful and were planted uniformly apart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The skies were blue every single day we were on the barge.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Castle sitings were so much fun!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We also loved going through locks.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif58TA9YPg11egkPOIirPcOo31kzB55CgXfe10EgKJuDfuY4tWsNNCqYcnydjdoXhmaLVaqTrh9SfEH2Sovj2ON_o-dCKmH9e_9ibTMuV67JUNYhP4UUhLvnUUZPG6a3qxwvRFXrO2-o5k/s1600/P1040339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif58TA9YPg11egkPOIirPcOo31kzB55CgXfe10EgKJuDfuY4tWsNNCqYcnydjdoXhmaLVaqTrh9SfEH2Sovj2ON_o-dCKmH9e_9ibTMuV67JUNYhP4UUhLvnUUZPG6a3qxwvRFXrO2-o5k/s640/P1040339.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the end of the day, Uta and Uli parked the barge and tied it to the side with a complex set of knots. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIGhpwAEKOJKEzE4oOl3E_UoctI0PVmiffVoZDEwO8wCFrC774BEDXDdcBBPqJ9eJiCeWrvM9zMfnFQpIJR3sHRj9rmu8KO5BYS2nYCdt2iw8e4GuwFrTY_0_fhu7dzSSNWV_NIvTgf0M/s1600/P1040346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIGhpwAEKOJKEzE4oOl3E_UoctI0PVmiffVoZDEwO8wCFrC774BEDXDdcBBPqJ9eJiCeWrvM9zMfnFQpIJR3sHRj9rmu8KO5BYS2nYCdt2iw8e4GuwFrTY_0_fhu7dzSSNWV_NIvTgf0M/s640/P1040346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As the sun went down, we continued to perfect the art of relaxation on the Caroline.</div>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-831931368927979498.post-57042991478683465552011-10-22T04:08:00.000-07:002011-10-22T04:13:13.116-07:00Beautiful, beautiful cathedral...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_BTBV09-aag9JS6LOg0uvXt731LF6o8RJ-dud9RH0mpGA-liXWselX4Vr-ey2yZWaOcEztH0fVd2lG0B6mkQpT_iLjIwH0WF8Xhlf7TcsbvG_jlDxIrlGXHszaTnR8zTkMdCAe-InUtc/s1600/P1040149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_BTBV09-aag9JS6LOg0uvXt731LF6o8RJ-dud9RH0mpGA-liXWselX4Vr-ey2yZWaOcEztH0fVd2lG0B6mkQpT_iLjIwH0WF8Xhlf7TcsbvG_jlDxIrlGXHszaTnR8zTkMdCAe-InUtc/s400/P1040149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">At the end of a narrow pathway of stores we found a plaza and a huge church, covered with Gothic windows. This is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St Eulalia. This picture does not do justice to its size. It was HUGE! We had a hard time getting my scooter in, finally entered at a door in the back and...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmD4wepUwfM2VrGEQk4XagFHTQ35JIyleedW490w8P7dd9JlZ5JRz5vvQ8sCFTEHRikbhIEykmxj3Ahbing5jGMCx6oTiqrkKhinVS0_ORhDeQp66NlOFTN7yVHDGxjOUhBLuqWsLxYoH/s1600/P1040150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmD4wepUwfM2VrGEQk4XagFHTQ35JIyleedW490w8P7dd9JlZ5JRz5vvQ8sCFTEHRikbhIEykmxj3Ahbing5jGMCx6oTiqrkKhinVS0_ORhDeQp66NlOFTN7yVHDGxjOUhBLuqWsLxYoH/s400/P1040150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">...WOW! I am sure this is real gold gilding!</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">It was incredibly ornate! </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">There were about fifty little chapels around the exterior of the nave. They were created in a variety of styles over the 13th and 14th century. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMlKHbbyL0nXKaHEFCEj7j43r7BQwEjTnSlTx8YEg32muK8IZnpj_XXW31vrbTnp1r9iCUnPxBihBZ3aFRyIwhKswLBZ4LNMaB3B7MtXKG1VYa9U1fcb-YZgf2civSSCQ-fUfk_rJGCye/s1600/P1040155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMlKHbbyL0nXKaHEFCEj7j43r7BQwEjTnSlTx8YEg32muK8IZnpj_XXW31vrbTnp1r9iCUnPxBihBZ3aFRyIwhKswLBZ4LNMaB3B7MtXKG1VYa9U1fcb-YZgf2civSSCQ-fUfk_rJGCye/s400/P1040155.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And here we have...St. Joan of Arc. My eyes were blinded by this time and I appreciated the simplicity.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kMpHY8cbdh9wJXwFf9DV1sdk6r2vlqxQwAclxlxt6TJpZI_cIbwi8bcnQKyh6kui9lORX0q5NmTf7mZk9tfoxl-iZ2xMH0Czs9G2WMFbMdJMXxa09A-jOFsOgqQX8QtDEa1LVwtEE50N/s1600/P1040156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kMpHY8cbdh9wJXwFf9DV1sdk6r2vlqxQwAclxlxt6TJpZI_cIbwi8bcnQKyh6kui9lORX0q5NmTf7mZk9tfoxl-iZ2xMH0Czs9G2WMFbMdJMXxa09A-jOFsOgqQX8QtDEa1LVwtEE50N/s400/P1040156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These two tapestries and crypts were suspended way above our heads on a wall at the side.</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">A small door led to a beautiful courtyard which contained...</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">...thirteen geese! There is a legend that the thirteen geese will guard the Cathedral. Thirteen is also the age of St. Eulalia when she was martyred. </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Re-entering the church, there was a (relatively) smaller area where there were simpler chapels. I especially liked this one of the statue of the Virgin Mary against a mosaics of angels.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I also loved the Black Madonna and Baby Jesus. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Why not?</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I never tire of the churches in Europe. Whether they are enormous, ornate edifices or simple country </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">buildings, my heart is always touched. Through beautiful art, mankind has always sought to make a connection with the Sacred. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me, too. </div><span id="goog_1762755446"></span><span id="goog_1762755447"></span>Kateyedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17368144927684071127noreply@blogger.com11