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I wasn't sure how today would go. Some days ... you just never know what is going to happen.

First off was a doctor's appointment... and that ended up working out very well.

Then, my daughter and I decided to go to Coronado Mall. I haven't been there in years. I have been to the Barnes & Noble there... but have not been in the mall part. Boy was I surprised!

Almost all the stores are full... and there were quite a few people there considering it was a wednesday afternoon. So here is what we did....we stopped and had a Cinnabon *yum!.... we looked at all the cool gumball and game machines at the one entrance.....

We went to this super cool candy store called Senor Murphey's... and got the best candy from a wonderful Scottish woman who works there... (loved her accent.. and they had the best selection of candies!).... I got a massage from the folks at Panda Express chair massage (feckin wonderful)....



We stopped in at GameStop and got a couple ultra cool PS2 games on SALE.... and we stopped and picked up a couple delicious cupcakes from "Cup-O-Cakes by Chef Michaels" for later on... and we actually got to talk with Chef Michaels for a little while (she is very nice)....



We looked for shoes and I got these awesome Converse ones for only $15 at "Journey's".... and then we had lunch at a cool Japanese restaurant in the food court (*it was eel sushi with ginger and wasabi)...

We then went to Barnes & Noble and spent a leisurely afternoon looking at magazines and getting some books.... it was wonderful. ... And then.... right near the door... I saw the latest issue of the ALIBI newspaper... with MY photo on the Cover!!! Woot!

I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

------------------------------------>all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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In the continuing saga.... I've hurt my back even more today. I thought that if I only filled the water bucket 1/3 full... I would be able to water the plants on the front patio. Wrong. The good news... I will be able to talk to the doctor in the am at my daughter's appointment. And... I got an appointment with a massage therapist for Saturday... and I'm really looking forward to that. And so... I am kinda limited in the scope of what I am able to do today.

I got a call from my mom. My dad is markedly worse... with a drastic change from where he was even a week ago when I was there. It is so sad. My mom is trying her best to do all that she can... and she has been fortunate in getting help in the transportation areas from friends... which is awesome. But... she is actually a very frail person herself... and she has taken on all the physical care for my dad on her own. Add in the fact that my dad is not his "normal self" since having to take pain medications... and that, in general, the disease process has really altered him (emotionally, mentally and physically). I can't imagine taking care of someone I love and watching them slowly but surely slip away. The goal for most people at this stage of things to is to keep the loved one as comfortable as possible; while still maintaining a quality of life. Dad's medical team is wonderful; and they are trying their best to do just that.

What most people don't consider... is that this is true for the caretaker as well. I wish that I was closer, so that I could be more useful to my mom during this time...but right now it just isn't even a possibility. And I feel horrible about it.

And so... I try to be as supportive as I can from this distance of 1900 miles. I suppose it would be an interesting study in a way... I am alternating between medical/ nurse role to supportive/loving/ daughter role ... as the needs arise. It's a strange mind game, but one that is needed at the moment.

All the while...trying to be as much help to my own immediate family here as well...

My daughter who is on the cusp of graduating and moving on into her own life and goals.... my son and his new bride and their new lives together.... and my dear hubby who has a very stressful job...but one he enjoys nonetheless.

Growth and change.... seems to be the topic for this year.

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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... in the wee hours of the night... I took my daughter to the ER for a horrible migraine. Having suffered with them as a teenager (and ever since) ... I had hoped that she would not get them. But alas... she was in a full blown migraine with all the side effects thereof. I felt so bad for her... and she was an amazing trouper throughout the whole ordeal.
Fortunately, we got some wonderful care at the west side Lovelace hospital... and she is mostly better now.
Thank the gods for good drugs.


As a result... I spent most of the daylight asleep....waking late into the afternoon. I took only 4 photos... as I was rushing out the door to go buy my son and his new bride a bed (mattress/box spring and frame). It was the main thing they really needed... and I found a really nice one at Sam's Club online... so we went to get one at the store.
I haven't been to a Sam's Club in several years...having let my membership expire. However... I was happily surprised to see a wonderful selection of fresh fruits, veggies, and cheeses there! We ended up getting some fresh strawberries, blue cheese, salad supplies and the best looking mushrooms I've seen in quite awhile.... along with the bed, of course.
We then took it over to my son's new apartment... and helped set it up for them.

Being home is wonderful....but I've been feeling very guilty about alot of things. Not being here for all the wedding preparations....being behind on my blog.... not being in PA to help with my parents (and dad is not doing well)....being behind on artwork and projects....it's all been a bit overwhelming.

And so I took Sabrina for a walk. I wasn't more than 50 feet away from my front door... when a gorgeous owl swooped over my head. He was gliding ever so slowly... and had I simply reached my hand toward the sky I would have been able to touch him.... he was that close. As he was gliding just over my head... he turned his head and looked right at me... then went on his way to a tree nearby.
It was very surreal. It was as if time itself had slowed down to a crawl so that I could enjoy that moment just a little bit longer. I didn't see him again... nor did he ever call out into the night... but I am convinced that he wanted me to see him.... to feel his presence... to understand his spirit.. if only for a moment.

I have long believed in totem animals... and that they come during certain times to give us specific messages. According to one website:

"the OWL - brings us wisdom, teaches us about the mystery of magic, vision in the night. Owl, the night hunter, has the ability to see what others may miss. The gift of this medicine is to be undeceived by external appearances and to discover the truth beneath them."

I also read on another link that the owl was considered to be the companion of souls as it moved from one world to the next... making the owl thoughtful, a guardian, and able to see and guide through transitions. I am not sure what this particular owl was trying to relate to me.... but I am comforted, in awe, and blessed by his presence tonight.

To see more on owls and their symbolic meanings... look here

***all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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artwork by Scott Garcia (http://www.hypercanvas.com/)


...today I went to the "Celebrate the Earth Fest" here in ABQ today and it was fabulous!

In a perfect world... I would have been able to be part of it... but it was wonderful to be able to go and see all the great items for sale by vendors, and all the information booths.

I am truly a "hippie" at heart....or whatever that means and implies.

I was born in the 60's.. and even though most of my memories are really of the 70's... I identify more with the whole "peace and love" movement.

I really felt at home at the recycle show.

There were solar companies... herbs... plants....tons of art....ROCKS!!!.... and great music.

I was doubly blessed... to not only be able to go to the show with some great people....but I also got to meet and get re-acquainted with several artists that I greatly admire.

So--- sit back... and I hope you enjoy some photos from the event:

Old New Mexico Birdhouse Company by artist Thomas Hogan

organic coffees brought to you by the Seventh Generation Institute (http://www.seventh-generation.org/)

fabulous artwork by Josie Mohr and daughter Jacque (jmorhstudio.com)

gorgeous rocks, jewelry and beads available at the Kosmic Trading Post

honey and bee products from the Sparrow Hawk Farm (link: here)

this is a close-up of a Tibetan Rug being raffled by the Green Tara Foundation

(http://www.green-tara.org/)

and fabulous Cajun music by Bayou Seco (http://www.bayouseco.com/)


*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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My son is now married... to a wonderful girl...

It is the beginning of a new chapter for them... and for us... as we get used to not having him living with us anymore. It is a strange transition... and I know it is the best for all of us. But I miss him... and today I was thinking of my son and my daughter when they were little....

This beautiful wisteria lives in a yard about 3 blocks from my house. It is stunning. Simply stunning.... and late this afternoon I was able to get a couple pictures of it just as the moon was beginning to rise....

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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................photo by Elaine A. Russell

Today my son got married. These past few days have been crazy busy with last minute preparations... and all kinds of things on a crazy "to do" list. Ultimately... at the end of the day... what is important is the love that my son and his bride feel for each other... and that they can now begin their lives together as man and wife. To be able to gather together with friends and family... to enjoy the breaking of bread together... to dance... sing... and toast each other...

it's all icing-- on a very beautiful wedding cake.

Listen to "The Wedding Song" by Captain and Tennille here

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Today we started out in Oklahoma.... and made it all the way home to Albuquerque just after midnight. My daughter did alot of the driving.... and I am very grateful. It still seemed like I felt every bump in the road.. and in that sense... it was rough. However, it was still much easier (no doubt) than if I would have done the driving as well.

Oklahoma is a very pretty state in the springtime. All along the highways were gorgeous wildflowers. The photo above shows tons of the red ones.. .I think they are a form of fire weed.... and they were stunning. We also so lots of daffodils, tulips, dandelions, wild mustard, and a few poppies.

Throughout Oklahoma and later into Texas, we continued to see lots of beautiful farmland and ranch land. We saw tons of cows, and even the occasional goat, sheep and even alpaca farms. America really is gorgeous... and it's a shame we (as a whole) don't appreciate it as much as we should.

My daughter and I had an interesting discussion revolving around Route 66. We were discussing whether there was an equivalent to that kind of thing today (not that I know of). And we were talking about how people travel alot today... but not in the same context. At least the impression I got of the Route66 fame; was that it was treated like a trip... not where the destination is completely the goal... but more of the journey being the goal. I think most people today who are driving/ traveling are more focused on getting to a certain destination... as opposed to enjoying the journey.


We got into Amarillo around suppertime, and on impulse... decided to stop at "The Big Texan" for dinner. If you've never been.... it's an iconic kind of place. The Big Texan is totally kitchy, totally cowboy... and totally everything you would expect a Texas steak house to be. There is a huge dining room full of about 100 taxidermy animals on the walls... wood floors...country style tables... even an authentic cowboy band.

There is a saloon/ bar area... a massive poker room...a gift shop.... fudge and candy area... even a game/shooting range for kids.

There is a hotel/motel right next door that is owned by the same company.... and the building looks like a row of old buildings from a historic western town.

Needless to say, I had an awesome time. The band was fabulous... the atmosphere was fun.... and I had the best. steak. ever. Seriously. I had an 8oz sirloin topped with sauteed mushrooms and blue cheese crumbles and a side of fried okra. My daughter had a cup of chili, cornbread, and a HUGE appetizer that was comprised of fried okra, jalapenos, mozzarella sticks, and rocky mountain oysters. We didn't get dessert (cuz we were stuffed)... but the portions were enormous! and everything looked fantastic. ((Total cost of the meal was just under $40 for both of us))

The following photos are from the Big Texan....(see more on this place: here)

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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(photos by Elaine A. Russell -- this one was taken at the 2nd Time Around antique shop)

Today we started out near St. Louis, Missouri....and tonight we are in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Today has been sort of a rough day. Lots of construction on the roads... and some bad experiences with other drivers have made it a little difficult. Also... the roads seem to be in worse condition than I remember... or maybe it is just because my back is more sensitive to every pothole and bump in the road *(and there have been alot).

That said... we have seen some gorgeous scenery. Kristin did alot of the driving today... so I was able to look out my window at the stunning countryside. We saw lots of rivers and streams... and lots of really pretty birds.... tons of cows... horses and such. We even saw an alpaca farm off in the distance.

And there were the pleasures of being in more "city" areas as well...

We stopped in Springfield, MO for a Starbucks (my first in about 6 weeks)... and we discovered this awesomely loaded antique shop called "A Second Time Around." See this link: here

I think every square inch of this place had cool treasures to see... and we saw a ton.

For dinner, we stopped in Miami, OK at the Waylan's Ku Ku Burger (link: here). This is the cool place that I took a photo of last summer when I was in Miami... but I didn't get the chance to eat there at the time. This time... we took our time and sat down for a bite. It was really, really awesome. This place had been a nationwide "hot spot" since the Route66 days... and it is still going strong.

I had a fantastic steak sandwich, home-made fries and fresh coffee... FABULOUS.

Almost to our stopping point for the night, we saw a red glow and alot of smoke. Turns out.... some local farmers were burning their fields... and boy did it look cool.

These purple trees were everywhere... and boy are they gorgeous!

Cows... grazing in the fields....

Waylan's Ku Ku Burger joint....



...and fields ablaze....

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------------------------------->photo by Elaine A. Russell

We started out in Ashland, Ohio this am... and now we are just outside of St. Louis, MO. My daughter did alot of the driving today... and I am very grateful. I am afraid that my Lupus and my injured back are currently getting the better of me.

However... I am trying to focus on the beautiful scenery laid out for us on this trip. We have seen some truly gorgeous land. Everything is springing to life around us... and it seems as if leaves and trees are growing and glowing right in front of our eyes. The colors are stunning. Lime greens... bright yellows... and purple! We have seen lots of spring wildflowers.... including May Apples! We have also seen lots of bright yellow mustard and dandelions coming up.

Tonight we are staying in a Red Roof Inn. Amazingly, it cost only $5 more than the hotel we stayed in last night... but it is SO much nicer.. it is unreal. I am not sure who declares the nightly cost of hotels... but you'd think there would be some consistency in price according to quality.
We were fortunate in getting some wonderful Italian food delivered right to our room... and boy was it yummy.

I took a small ton of photos today. Most are not exactly stellar... but depict some of the trees as we drove by. I am hoping to clear up some of the reflections from the car window.. and then post them on my FlickR account. I just love taking photos... and I really hope to take more trips this year to do just that. But first... a wedding :)

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Today we left Coudersport, and are on our way back to New Mexico.
We left rather late... and we have stopped for the night at a Days Inn in Ohio....

It has been a fun day for the most part....although leaving my parents was hard. I can only hope that I have helped them a bit... and that from here on... they will get some additional help from people they know.

We stopped in Burtville, only about 10 minutes away from Coudersport at this little book store. It looked a little "worse for the wear" on the outside... but had an incredible selection of books inside. The owners were really nice... and I was able to buy a fantastic book of Tennyson's poems. Turns out that one of the owners is also a painter -- her name is Pat Bosworth... and she runs the "Galloping Gallery" from the back room of the book shop; which is also a framing shop. I have included a couple shots of the book areas, and one of one of her paintings as an example. Pat does not have a website... but you can reach her at galgal@zitomedia.net .

For a late dinner... we stopped at a Waffle House. The staff there was absolutely fabulous.

We had a terrific meal *$24 for 2 people* and some great conversation as well....

And we saw this stunning magnolia tree on the way,

and I couldn't resist stopping and taking a photo....

-----------------> all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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I feel as if I am closing the door on something. I can't explain it. ... nor do I really want to think about it. All day I have been depressed. I am sure it has alot ot do with my back really really hurting, and the knowledge that I am leaving in the am. It is physical, and emotional ... all tied up into one big ball of string.... endlessly rolling about on the floor and tangling me up.

And so. I forced myself to take some motrin... take a hot shower... and go and take some photos. I didn't go far... I didn't really need to. There are so many things in this part of the country that I would love to be able to take photos of. Today was a strange day weather-wise... raining... snowing... and the sun trying to peak through the clouds very briefly... it was odd. Many would consider this bad weather to try and take photos in... but it was still alot of fun for me.

Kristin and I are leaving in the am. We have put it off as long as possible... knowing that my parents really need help. But the reality is, is that my son is getting married on friday... and if I have any hope of showing up on time ... I need to go.

This has been a bizarre few weeks.... full of happiness, trauma, illness, joy AND pain... it has been a wild ride. I am hoping that things will begin to settle down soon...

And so... I am off to work on some laundry, and to try to go to sleep before 1am so that we can begin the journey tomorrow....






---------------------------------> all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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** all photos by Elaine A. Russell


When I lived in Coudersport, I was an active member of the First United Presbyterian Church. Growing up in a small town... church was a very important part of daily life. I was fortunate to learn alot of self discipline... as well as the importance of helping out others as much as we are able to... whilst going there. I was in Sunday school as a child, and by the age of 12, was singing weekly in the choir. I helped with various roles, taking turns as a Deacon and helping with services. I sang for weddings... and I played my flute for many services and special events.... things like that. I was also very active in the church community.... helping elderly and/or sickly people with their cleaning and cooking and such.

The First United Presbyterian Church is the oldest church in Coudersport. The congregation originally met in houses and in a store front... until the church building as I know it... was built in 1850. It continues to be a very impressive structure today, as it no doubt was in the past.

While the congregation enrollment has fluctuated over the years... the enthusiasm of its members has not. They continue to be active in charitable works; both locally and worldwide.

The building is gorgeous. I have always admired the beauty of the church... from it's extensive woodworking and carved panels.... to the stunning stained glass windows... it is fabulously impressive. It is also well known for it's working pipe organ -- one a a select few left.

One of the things I really like.... is that they light up the sanctuary at night so that the glow from the windows looks out upon the town....

And, in 2007, there was an electronic musical system set up so that a few times each day; music is heard from the bell tower... "the chimes are part of the congregation's effort to sound a spiritual message of encouragement and hope."

So... the other day I had the opportunity to take some photos inside.
These are a few of the results.....

---------------> close up of the "Rose" window

-----> close up of the "Good Shepherd" window

-------> a reflection of one of the windows in a mirror

Links:

A short history of Potter County: here

A 2007 news article on the installment of a music system in the bell tower: here

Presbyterian Church USA link: here

Info on the connection between Ghost Ranch, NM and the Presbyterian Church: here

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-----------------------------the Labyrinth at the Patterson Cancer Care Center

My back is not getting much better. I hate to admit it... but I don't think a trip to NYC is very feasible at this point... and I cried when I had to tell my daughter that we would not be going. I feel like I have let her down. I so desperately wanted to take her... it is something she would really like to do... and she has been such an amazing help and such a joy to be around... and I wanted to do something nice for her before we head home.

On the other hand... I am in no shape to be driving/ or riding ...and we should have left already if we were going to spend a day or two in NYC. Add to that the fact that last night my dad had some sort of weird episode that lasted until about 6am... and we were definately needed ... I feel like we can't leave just yet.

Today dad had his 2nd radiation appointment, and it seemed to go well. He is in significant pain... and his meds were adjusted again today to help with that. Coudersport is very fortunate to have the Patterson Cancer Care Center here. It is a huge blessing to so very many people here... and I can't imagine where my parents would be without it. For one, they would be forced to travel several hours to the next nearest cancer treatment facility... and I don't think that either of them would be able to do that.

Additionally... the staff there is amazing. They are extremely caring and knowledgable .... and go more than the extra effort to help people out. Today one of dad's doctors spent quite awhile chatting with my parents... making sure he was getting the care and the medications he needed... it is so very welcome and appreciated.

---->Link to online info on the Patterson Cancer Care Center: here

-----------------------all photos by Elaine A. Russell, taken at the Patterson Cancer Center in Coudersport, PA

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------------------------------ photo of a "laying on of hands" blessing for my dad....

Somehow, I missed not only making a blog post... but I didn't even manage to get a post saved to do at a later date. Ah well.... And so... this will be a combined post of what happened on Tuesday and Wednesday....

It is a funny thing. Some days I feel are so incredibly busy that I hardly have a chance to even think about it... and yet.... when I look back on the day... I wonder what I actually got done. These 2 days are a prime example of that.

Dad is home from the hospital... and it has really been kind of a blur. Getting his medications straight... and financed through the pharmacy (one of his meds cost $9300 for a 28 day supply-- and yes, you read that right). Writing down pill schedules... compiling a list of phone numbers for easy reference... cleaning off bulletin boards, desk tops and such of unnecessary stuff. Even going thru what seems to be an endless stash of pens... most of which don't work.
I have been organizing mail/ bills/ important papers... things like that. It feels impressive... but sure doesn't look it.
And in between times... doing the day to day stuff.


-------------------------------------endless papers to go thru....


And trying to install a new shower head/ wand/ thingie for use while sitting in the shower... except that the only one in town *(and of course it was expensive)... doesn't seem to even work. And I've lost the receipt. And now I can't get it back off....and it's leaking...
ergh.

Stuff like that. Plus... I am essentially not worth spit now that I hurt my back. I can hardly move.
And then throw in the girl who came to the house (while I was supposed to be laying down and resting my back for a bit)...because she had cut her arms up (intentionally) and wanted me to drive her somewhere... and all the while being generally hysterical... it has just been "a day"... so to speak.

------------------------------------all photos by Elaine A. Russell


But then the blessings....nice weather... spring flowers... the birds that come to the backyard and are so very lovely.... my daughter being so sweet, and kind, and helpful... the fact that my parents are still around... and together... and enjoying the day as much as they are able....a friend who came just to say HI and massage my back...

...It certainly puts a more balanced perspective on things... and I need to keep that uppermost in my mind.

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On main street here in Coudersport, is the Potter County Historical Society. I believe the building itself was one of the few to survive the massive fire of 1880... when most of the town's buildings were completely burned down. Later, I am told it was a school.... and when I was a kid... it was the library.
Now... it is the Historical Society... and it houses a wonderful collection of books, dishes, war memorabilia, local made furniture and glass, and so much more. There is a significant library in the one section of the building... that is available to the public for genealogical research. The volunteers that work there are incredibly knowledgeable... it is amazing, really. The curator is Mr. Robert Currin, who, when I went to school... was my 7th grade history teacher. He later became the principal of the high school. Since "retiring"... he has devoted his extensive talents and time to the betterment of the town and county by organizing and expanding all that is the Historical Society today. (link to the Potter County Historical Society website: here)

Last summer.... through the efforts of several townsfolk ( including Robert Leete -- who graduated a year before me in school)... discovered and restored the Mann Fountain.
The Mann Memorial fountain was originally erected in 1903, in front of the Mann House, at the site of what is now the Post Office. After restoration, it was installed and dedicated in front of the Historical Society.

When I was a kid... I really didn't like studying history all that much. However, I started visiting older people in town at a young age... and did some cleaning, errands and such for them on a weekly basis. Because alot of the people I visited were quite elderly, they would recount to me many stories of what life was like when they were younger. Through them... history became a living and interesting thing... not something in dusty books where I had to memorize meaningless dates and places.

Over the years.... I have continued to study various subjects on my own... and I have tried to pass on a thirst for learning to my kids.

~~~

Tonight... much to my amazement... my dad was discharged from the hospital. I do not think he is ready to be home. I was more than a little frustrated by several personnel at the hospital... who called the house no less than 5 times today... saying he was discharged... no he wasn't .... well... maybe he would be.... if the doctor comes in... etc. It was insane.

He was discharged at 8:30pm.

Just last night, he was still taking IV morphine for pain control... and I don't see how he is going to be OK without it. After all... it's not like the cause of pain.. or the extent of the pain has miraculously changed or gone away.

But home he is. And I know that he is very glad to be home....so that is fine...and we will figure it all out.

~~~

And in other news... I have managed to hurt my back. I have herniated discs in my lower back about 4 times in the past... and it feels as if I have done it again. I was trying to clean and organize some things around the house... including moving a desk to my parent's bedroom so that my father wouldn't have to navigate going to the basement to work on things.

It is very painful... but it was more than worth it to see how happy my dad was when he got home and saw that he now has a little office area in the bedroom...

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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We had planned on going to the local Gun Show (all 4 of us); but dad is in the hospital. At first we hesitated on going... but we decided to go anyway to see what all was there to tell my dad (who was really looking forward to going) -- and I took lots of photos of things to show him later. He is having alot of pain... and a horrible cough that progresses into choking episodes sometimes. It is thought that the horrible cough is related to a tumor on his diaphragm... but then, he also has pneumonia... so who knows.

This is a French flintlock handgun that was converted to a percussion weapon, and apparently was sold to the southern forces during the Civil War. There were alot of interesting guns at the show... as well as: cast iron cookware, vintage medals, fishing gear, books, animal pelts, and lots of war memorabilia.

One dealer happened to have quite a few items from WWII... including this Nazi Officer's hat in near mint condition.....

I... of course... was immediately drawn to the few jewelry items... and really enjoyed seeing these vintage pocket watches....

After the Gun Show ... my mom, my daughter and I went to Erway's Farm Market and Restaurant for the Sunday brunch. I had never been to Erway's for brunch... and it was wonderful. Scrambled eggs, omelets, quiche, pancakes, waffles, french toast, regular toast, muffins, etc.... bacon, Canadian ham, sausage patties, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, donuts and danish pastries... corned beef hash, fresh fruit of all varieties as well as a mixed fruit salad.... cereal, chocolate milk, V8, white milk, fresh squeezed orange juice.... coffee, cocoa and tea... farm butter and locally produced maple syrup... all for about $8 per person.

Yes folks... tasty tasty... and all you can eat!

We also stopped in the market area after eating... and got some fresh local-made goat's milk soap, and some bags of multi-flavored jelly beans (my dad loves the black licorice ones).

................................................................. *all photos by Elaine A. Russell

Tonight was spent visiting my dad in the hospital... and trying to keep up with the daily stuff. I have been enjoying nightly walks with Sabrina around town... and it is amazingly quiet and peaceful here....which I desperately need... and appreciate.

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It's saturday. I am overwhelmed. I am behind on my blog posts; and hope to fill in the gaps here as I am able to get a reliable connection. Dad is doing a little bit better today... although he is not horribly happy about being in the hospital again... but that is the way it goes. Mom has been visiting him as much as she is able; and so are my daughter and I. We are trying to "hold the fort" ... and help with tasks around the house. I also have to sort thru alot of misc paperwork/ bills/ taxes etc and try to get them organized and caught up for my mother. Needless to say; I have a list.. that I may or may not be able to do everything on before I have to head back to Albuquerque. I had planned on leaving Coudersport on the 12th... and going to my niece's house in Lancaster for a day. Then.... I had hoped to take my daughter on a road-trip to New York City as a treat before we head back to NM. We'll see how it pans out... but for now; that is the plan.

Currently, I am sitting in Olga's Cafe and Gallery here in Coudersport, right on main street. It is a fabulous place... and I can log on to the internet while I am here. I have mentioned Olga's on my blog before. Olga is from the Ukraine, having moved to PA after getting married years ago. Once she came to Coudersport, she opened a shop, and has been a major source for the arts here. In December, she and her husband opened up a Cafe/Bar and Gallery in one of the restored buildings on main street. It is simply gorgeous inside. Olga's artwork covers a wide variety of techniques and materials.... original paintings, prints, handmade jewelry, knitted garments and accessories, glass painting on dishware and stemware, Pysanky egg art, felted toys and lovies... and so much more. It's hard to fathom it all.

The cafe features good home cooking... goat cheese pizza, panini bread sandwiches, home-made soups, and endless desserts. And the bar area features domestic and imported beer, wine and mixed drinks.

Upstairs is the gallery... featuring more of Olga's artwork, as well as providing space for classes and such. Plus... free internet... all in a warm and inviting space. You really couldn't ask for more.

Here are some photos from Olga's.....

(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

Link to Olga's: Here

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Well.... dad's fever has finally somewhat stabilized.... and he is tolerating the IV antibiotics he is getting. His spirit is strong... but his body is betraying him these past few days. Today... it was discovered that he has a significant blood clot in his left femoral artery *left groin/upper leg area.
Ironically... the best thing for the pneumonia is to be as active as possible.... but with a clot.. he is confined to minimal movement at best... as he is getting blood thinners and such to absorb the clot and minimize more from forming. It is a viscious cycle almost.....

Mimicking the up and down of dad's health... is the weather here. I took this photo of a stained glass art piece in my parent's living room looking out to the backyard... and not even an hour later... we were in the middle of a massive snowstorm.

The snow didn't stay of course.... and I'm sure the weather will improve... it just seemed horribly ironic....

Walking around the house... I was really tired... and trying to figure out what I would take as my photo for the day....

And so.... I am including a photo of probably some of the most *ahem* interesting wallpaper ever.... (in my parent's bathroom)... and a photo of a hand-colored photograph of my dad taken when he was about 3 years old. Yes... my grandmother really did dress him like that for school. He says it was how he learned to fight so well as a kid (>>giggle<<).

* all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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-----------------------------------------photo by Elaine A. Russell

At 3am we called the ambulance. Dad was incoherent, lethargic... and had a raging fever of 104 (axillary).... which means it was actually higher at the core of his being....

I hated to call the ambulance. Dad has only been home form the hospital for about a week... and I know that he would not want to go. That said... he really needed to go.

Mom and I spent the night in the ER, and he was admitted in the am. Diagnosis.... pneumonia.

This whole trip has been so topsy-turvy. None of it makes any sense. Dad will have a good day or two... and then a lousy day or two... and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it.
Mom is holding up alright... but it is definitely wearing on her.

I'm sure there are some that could wax philosophically about this all.... but I can't... and I won't.

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----------------------------------------turkey at a farm in Gold, PA

Today was an incredibly busy day. Dad had an appointment with his primary physician at 9am. It was good to be able to have a lengthy visit, and get everything straightened out.
From there... we had lunch at Fezz's Diner. I have mentioned Fezz's before.. it is a fantastic 50's diner just outside of town. My dad hadn't been there in quite awhile.. and actually felt up to staying for lunch.. so that was awesome.

Around Noon, he had his first infusion of Zemetta; which is an IV medication that helps with bone formation and strengthening... used primarily with cancer patients.

In the afternoon, my daughter and I went back to Gold, PA to drop items off at the Recycling Plant. It is a very pleasant drive. We stopped at the Gold General Store... just as quaint and old fashioned as you would imagine it to be.
Just past the Gold General Store; it a small farm... and in the front area were a stunning pair of turkeys.
In Colesburg, we stopped at the Wending Creek Farms to get fresh spring water for my parents. We filled several jugs.. and admired the spring beds of daffodils that were in full bloom.



We got back to Coudersport just in time to take my dad up for his first radiation appointment... and he seemed to do very well.... but by suppertime he was not feeling well. Assuming it was just the effects of a very busy day; he went to rest. By midnight.... he was running a fever.....

----------------------------------------all photos by Elaine A. Russell