The New Blogger Protocol

Hi everyone,
sorry about the hassle with posting to the blog lately. Seems Blogger changed their whole sign-in protocols, etc. so it's been a pain to even post. Sherry finally figured it out. You go girl!!! I've sent Annie a new invitation to join which will help her get back into the blog. If you're reading this and haven't been able to sign in and post, send me an email and I can "re-invite" you to join the blog. You'll have to use the new protocols but it might be easier in the long run.

So, the only thing new for me is that I've been diagnosed with actinic kerotosa - pre-cancerous skin lesions. Sounds scary but it's not. It just means I've got skin lesions from too much sun (here in Oregon yet no less) and if they aren't taken care of, they could eventually become cancerous. So, I've had to use a topical cream called Carac for the last three weeks. It kills the lesions but makes me look like I've got leprosy. I swear, children recoil in horror and pregnant women run from me in mortal fear for their unborn children. The skin on my face is literally being burned off. It's like having a chemical facial peel. It itches and hurts. But my dermatologist insists that after the treatment is completed, the skin on my face will be as soft as a baby's bottom.

Portland is still cold and very wet. Surprise! We've had a little snow today in the higher elevations but nothing to worry about.

Will write more later. Maybe I'll post a picture of my face while on this treatment. . . no, I don't think I will. I want people to read this blog.

Love to you all.

Steve

Hello,
I'm ehausted from trying to get back on this thing. Why does everything always have to be improved? Just leave things alone why can't they!
I've been at Mom and Dad's since the 8th. Mom had a knee replaced so I've been there staying with Dad. He can no longer stay alone because he is so forgetful. Don't know if it has a name but it is definetly some kind of dementia.
He is able to keep the stove going and he is pretty good as long as he stays in his routine. But since I've been there he has gotten pretty nervous and has broken out with the itch that he has battled for years. It only happens when he gets nervous. So I guess just being away from her has made him nervous. He is in really good spirits though and he is excited that she will be coming home soon.
Now for a report on her.
She had a total knee replacement on the 8th. That was in the Norfolk hospital. We went back down and got her on Sunday the 11th. We took her to the O'Neill hospital then so she could have a week of therapy. She is doing really well except for sleeping. She says something keeps her awake every night. She will be able to come home Sunday or Monday. We'll see how it goes and then I will go back to my house and also to work when I can.
I have my old dog Ethel with me and Dave took the young dog Guy. I don't know who is more upset... Ethel because she is in a different place or Mom because Ethel is in her house. We are all learning new things.
Aunt Rachel called and said she was having trouble with her back and was going to the doctor to get results of tests she had taken. So say your prayers for her that she gets good results.
Jason was home on leave for two weeks so we went out to Scottsbluff to see him. He seems to be handeling the War very well. I didn't cry this time when we left. Guess I'm getting better. He is back in I raq again now and says he will be done in August unless something changes. I better go back into town and get Dad some lunch talk to you all soon.
If any of you get this and want to call her at the hospital the number is 402-336-2611. Her room is 111


Sherry