October 2003 Archives

I have added another chapter to my memories of New Orleans, Ferrara cousins, and life events. I'm sure Uncle Sam is looking down and smiling to see us together again. I'm so glad to have had the time to share memories, tears, and laughter with all of you. Thank you Katie and Kevin, our tour guides and my airport transport--I sure appreciated it. As we return to our daily schedules know that Uncle Sam will never be forgotten. Take care of yourself, Aunt Ginnie. You will hear from us soon.

Happy Halloween!

Kill Bill

Joey and Angela, Phil and Christina, Scott C, Stephen and Brianne, and I went to see Kill Bill Wednesday night. I think Stephen knew the most about this film going in but Angela, Christina, and I had an idea of what it was about. It is not Pulp Fiction and I think Angela and Christina were disappointed about that. It is violent but there is not any realism to the violence. In real life, I’m pretty certain blood doesn’t gush out of the body like oil from an oil well when a limb is cut off. More than a few limbs were cut off. Stephen and I enjoyed it. The others, I think, are uncertain about it. I really liked the character, Go Go Yubari. The girl who played her, Chiaki Kuriyama, was fantastic. Without any special makeup or effects, she made a 17 year old character look menacing. She’s only 19, herself. By the way, did anyone see Samuel L Jackson as the organ player? I don't even remember an organ player. I need to see it again. I need to own the DVD. I ordered the soundtrack CD this morning.

Words are inadequate.

Thank you.

Dear Aunt Ginnie and cousins:

You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I pray that Uncle Sam is at peace in heaven, singing the praises of his family (and New Orleans) to God.

I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Sam's illness and passing away this weekend.

From the e-mails and phone messages relayed by Bridget and Mary, I heard that you all had many unanswered questions about your dad's illness, and I can't even imagine how frustrating and distressing that must have been/must be. I hope that you continue to gain insights and achieve some peace through those insights in the days to come.

I was in New York this weekend with two girlfriends, for a little getaway. At mass on Sunday (at an Episcopal Church – oops – across the street from my hotel), the priest talked about the many challenges we face in life due to our struggles with faith and fear.

As an example, he talked about the time when Jesus walked on water and called to Peter to join him. Peter was afraid, but bit the bullet anyway, and stepped out of the boat and headed toward Jesus. His fear caused him to fall, but it was his faith that had allowed him to get out of the boat and take those steps in the first place. The priest suggested that we all try to be a bit more like Peter: In life, we need to err on the side of jumping in, and trust that God will help us through.

As Uncle Sam was on my mind that day, I thought of him in relation to the idea of being Peter: Although I didn't know him well, Uncle Sam seems to be one who really jumped in to life. He had a passion for discovering and traveling and showing and telling. He wasn’t shy, and didn’t necessarily worry about where he was headed. He just knew that he was curious, and that he wanted to DO. His enthusiasm for life and for interacting with others was apparent, and it made you feel good to be around him.

I know you all have lots of wonderful memories of your dad! The best part is when you can laugh really hard about some happy memories, and feel assured that he's right there laughing with you, enjoying and admiring you all, via his spirit.

Wish I could be there with you all this week. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Take care!
Love,
Margaret T.

I posted this on the CrabAppleLane Blog a few days ago. I wrote it because we had talked about these things a few times back in the days when Mom wouldn’t let me have a BB gun.

Grandpa Ferrara had a Western Auto store back in the 60's. Western Auto then was not what Western Auto today is. Then, they had the latest electronics (We had the first color television on our Moisant Street block. It was a Truetone from Grandpa’s Western Auto store), they had bicycles (All of the Ferrara kids had Western Auto bikes and they were almost always Christmas presents), and they had the latest sporting goods, including said BB guns. For the life of me, I don’t know how any of that got done. Grandpa and Dad could not be in a room 5 minutes together without arguing about something. Their terms of endearment, I suppose. I miss that.

Look what Patsy found.

Left to right. Dad, Mom, Patsy, Rob with cigarettes in top pocket, Grandma Ferrara, and Grandpa Ferrara.

Several members of my family made the trip to Cleveland this weekend for Patrick Corrigan Tompkins baptism. Seems so strange to welcome one into the world through baptism and have to say goodbye to another through death on the same weekend. Tim commented on his becoming a Godfather to Patrick and saying goodbye to his own Godfather, Uncle Sam.

We are all mourning the loss of Uncle Sam and talked about him with great fondness this weekend. I especially feel grateful for the time Eric and I got to spend with him recently on our trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I'm happy for the rainy day that changed our sightseeing plans the last day we were there and got to spend it with Sam at his favorite museum. Eric really enjoyed spending this time with Sam, as he is a huge history buff and enjoyed Sam's stories of serving in the military during the war. Uncle Sam seemed to be in his element. And when we got home, Sam sent more newspaper clippings about the museum and a Jazz festival brochure in an attempt to lure us back for next year's festivities; Always the entertainment planner. We will miss him greatly!!!

Not exactly sure who will be in attendance from my family. Molly will most likely come for the wake Tuesday night but will have to fly out Wed. morning before the funeral. I believe Bridget is also trying to change her work schedule to fly out Tuesday afternoon and I (and possibly Eric) will be there late Tuesday night and leaving sometime Wednesday afternoon after the funeral.

Hope this link works for everyone. You may have to enter your zip code.

If not, here's the text from today's Times-Picayune:

Samuel F. Ferrara

Samuel F. Ferrara at Metairie, LA on Saturday, October 25, 2003 at 6:40 AM. Beloved husband of Virginia Tompkins. Father of Robert S. Ferrara of Bush, LA, Susan C. Clayton of Lawrenceville, GA, Janine F. Manguno of Mandeville, LA, Katheryn M. Erickson of Madisonville, LA, David T. Ferrara of Slidell, LA, Elizabeth F. Soule of Mandeville, LA, Angela F. Hunter and Christina F. deGruy of Lake Charles, La. Also survived by 18 grandchildren. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass from the Jefferson Chapel of THARP-SONTHEIMER-THARP FUNERAL HOME, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd at 43rd Street Metairie, LA on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 9:30 AM. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 from 7:00 o'clock PM until 9:00 o'clock PM and on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 from 8:30 AM until funeral tim. For information call 835-2341.
Published in The Times-Picayune on 10/27/2003.

Samuel Francis Ferrara

April 27, 1931 - October 25, 2003

Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Family Visitation: 6PM - 7PM
Visitation: 7PM - 9PM

Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Family: 8:30AM
Funeral Mass: 9:30AM
Burial immediately after mass.

Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp
1600 N Causeway Blvd
Metairie, Louisiana 70001
Phone: (504) 835-2341

Dad passed away this morning at about 6:30AM.

Spent a wonderful evening at the hospital with Mom and Dad, Sue and Scott, Janine and Michael, Angela, Joey, and Christina. The family outnumbers the hospital staff. Dad seems to be resting peacefully. He’s on a respirator full-time now. He wasn’t as congested tonight as he was yesterday morning when I left him. His good heart is dictating the terms now. That’s as it should be.

It has been terrific having all of the family in for an extended period even under these circumstances. There were more than a few laughs tonight to go with the tears. Ahead are good days and bad, good moments and bad. We’ll get through this.

For those that may be inclined to come in for the service: I know that most of the readers here are experienced, airline-savvy people. Nonetheless, I was told to inform you that some or all of the airlines offer a bereavement fare that is substantially lower than their regular fare.

Dear Aunt Ginnie and cousins:
Please know that our prayers are with you and Uncle Sam during this most difficult time. May God bless you all.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

Regardless of what today brings, this day must remain a happy one.

Love and AllTheBest,

Robbie

Hi. Nicole says it's a mid-life crisis thing, I say it's a "what the heck" thing. Yesterday I got my ears double pierced! After 30 years (I got my ears pierced for the first time at age 12) of only one pair of earrings, two looks funny. Oh, and yes, it did hurt...more than a bee sting. Thankfully the pain was fleeting and I don't feel a thing today. I do believe this'll be it, no more piercings for me. :)

Actually I'm just experimenting! I hate not being able to do something myself.

Update: I had to delete this message and reload it. There was a problem on site. All previous comments are lost. Sorry. The problem seems resolved now. Mysteries abound.

I have no recollection of these pictures or this day. Maybe Sue can help.

Looks like Stephen is about to lose a tooth.

Brianne having a good time.

Notice how Sue’s and Scott’s heads are cut off in this picture. I learned this shot from my folks. They have a box full of these.

The console looks like something out of the Jetsons. It is so pretty, silver. Don't ask me what kind. I only know the names of a few cars. Details escape me It has one tv screen that can be used for movies, nintendo, or what's on locally. But that's not all... It has a second slot for the back part and that tv screen is on order. So, there should be harmony in the van and peace across the land.

I had Jimmy Soule, and two of Aaron's buddies over last night, but one would never know. The four of them were glued to the Nintendo games all night. Michael and I put up Katie's huge tent outside in the backyard for nothing as the boys never went near it. They claimed to have gone down for the count at 1. Here it is 7 am and they are already wrapped up in the games. I don't know how or why they do that. I guess it's not for me to know.

Thank you for the beautiful flowers, Aunt MaryAnn and cousins. I was there when they arrived. They sure do add color to a bland room that we have turned into a living room at times. We have 4 lawn chairs and two hospital chairs for when there is a crowd of us. It is only the family visiting.

Thank you all for your prayers and sympathies.

Carol, I will call you this week. Going for a cup of coffee sounds good. My e-mail server is funky right now. I can't get into it the normal way. I have been accessing it through my web-browser and I don't wish to send mail that way. I called your number a couple of days ago, but you must have been out. Ashley looked stunning in that picture. I can't believe she is only 15. Ohmygoodness. She is a beautiful girl.

It’s now Day 15 of Dad’s hospital stay. He received a testosterone shot yesterday to combat the effects of the chemo shot that he had in July. Maybe this will be the answer. Maybe not. The doctors have thrown out a couple of possible diagnoses, but won’t or can’t say for sure. One is called Jacob Creutzfeld Disease. He seems to have a lot of the symptoms associated with this disease. Some are still convinced that this is a drug problem. I guess only time will tell.

My sister and the boys met Joey and me at the St. Edwards Fair tonight. Jacob loved the rides. We all rode the Tilt-A-Whirl and Jacob laughed the whole time, saying he wanted to go faster. Jackson didn’t like it at all. He got real scared going down the giant slide. My sister put Jacob on her lap and Jackson right next to her. Jacob loved it, but Jackson was scared. I found out that I just don’t have the stomach anymore for those spinning rides! I love roller coasters, but keep me away from anything that goes around. Joey was such a good sport because he went on the kiddie rides with Jackson. There was an obstacle course that he actually liked himself. He said it was fun but he wanted to make sure people saw him holding on to Jackson. He didn't want anybody to think he was there by himself.

First, go in your backyard and pick four good sized mirlitons. Grab the other ingredients at the store. If you don't have any mirlitons in your backyard, you'll have to just buy them. :-)

My son sat at the breakfast bar this morning; he has pink eyebrows. Pink! It's temporary, I think! I hadn't had enough coffe yet for that! What makes kids do stuff like that? He spent the day with his girlfriend's (eye roll!) family, and they went to a school fair in the evening. I'm not ready for this yet!

I spent a couple of hours visiting Dad at the hospital last night. For most of the evening he was totally out of it. He became quite agitated at one point when Mom was on the phone with Robbie. She was telling Robbie that we probably didn't need to stay with him at night. I swear Dad was aware of her conversation and didn't like what he was hearing. It has given me new hope. Maybe if he wasn't so drugged he might be able to break through the fog.

Pictures from the last reunion in 1988. At least, the last one I went to. Patsy, Janine, and I are at our cabin in Richmond, Minnesota. Must have been Kevin who took this picture with my camera.

This was the water balloon tossing contest. No idea who won. Anyone remember?

We now have a reunion blog here. It is password-protected due to the nature of what will be discussed there. I have chosen not to password-protect this blog because it is a nuisance to have to login just to read and comment.

Mark & Pat Tompkins Family:
Beth
Mike & Jodi, Ashley (17), Brandon (12), Taylor (7)
Laura & Paul, Brian (14), Daniel (9)
Joan & Ed, Mark (20), Bill (18)

I'll be seeing Carol next Friday night (does this count as an RSVP?) at her Tastefully Simple party. Give me a beer and you never know what I might plan for a reunion!

Speaking of reunions, we could probably do some and/or all of the discussion here. Instead of spreading the responsibilities amongst four or five, they could be shared by fifteen or sixteen. However, I would only feel comfortable if I added a layer of security once we start talking in specifics (Dates, places, times, etc). I’d have to make the blog private. It would add one extra step for people that want to read the blog. Is this something we want to do?

In all honesty, I don’t think anyone but family is reading this blog regularly. It’s probably quite boring to others. However, without getting too technical, I want to make it known that search engines do catalogue even unimportant, boring, obscure sites like this one. Do a Google search of “incarcerated hernia” if you want an example. Mom probably didn't know she was providing a public service. This is nothing to be alarmed about. The sheer volume of sites like this mostly protects but doesn’t quite guarantee our anonymity. That said, I still wouldn’t want even an inadvertent, no-good reader to stumble across information that would help him (Such as the exact dates when many of us won’t be home).

Thought I would start a new entry so Robbie doesn’t keep getting emailed from that last entry.

PJ and Mary Ann Tompkins family
Bridget
PJ / Terri: Madeline (11), Isabel (8)
Molly / Greg: Kilian (3), Meredith (1)
Tim
Margaret
Thomas / Kate: Cecilia (2), Patrick (3 months)
Katie
Mary / Eric: (coming soon)
Daniel / Jessy: Mairin (1 ½ months)

I would love to plan a reunion, however, it’s hard enough coordinating birthday parties and gatherings with my own family, can’t imagine planning one with 50 some people. Maybe we could delegate the oldest from each family (I only say that because I know Bridget doesn’t log on so I can easily assign her J)

We are all still praying daily for Uncle Sam. We look for your updates daily on his condition and continue to hope for a miracle or a Dr. that knows what’s going on. We pray that modern medicine will soon intervene and present a resolution to this odd illness.

Scenes from Uncle Dick's birthday party here. Images and captions courtesy of Janice.

The Ferraras all know this story but the Byes and Tompkins don't. We also used to sneak out to look at what was under the tree after the lights went out. Dad used to sleep on the couch either because he fell asleep there or to give the impression that he would wake up if we came out. Ferraras are very sound sleepers and that didn't deter us in the least. Janine was very anxious to see what was all the way in the back under the tree one year so she crawled all the way to the back. That knocked the tree off balance and it fell on her. The other five of us (No twins then) scattered and left Janine under the fallen tree. When it was determined that the noise of the tree falling and Janine's subsequent screams wouldn't wake Dad, we came out to help her. I lifted the tree up to a point where I was stuck with one of the pine needles and I dropped it back down on her. Once again, we scattered. That didn't wake Dad either as I recall. Eventually, we got her out from under the tree. That's how I remember it. I'm sure their memories vary.

Notice: We seem to be having web server problems today. No biggie. I'm sure someone is working on it.

Just checking to see how Uncle Sam is doing. Glad to hear the spinal tap was clear; what did they check it for?? As I'm sure you're finding out, you have to be the spokesman for him until he is able to do it himself. Ask lots of questions, have things explained until you understand and ask what the plan is and how long it will take, write down questions to be asked so they won't be forgotten, write down names of meds or procedures so you know what they are. Ask the nurses for information too--they can tell you about these things and you can use their drug books for further info. too. No question is a dumb question in a situation like this. Only suggestion is that because your family is large like ours, if Aunt Ginnie isn't there for consent, consultation etc. you should desiginate one of the kids to be the next contact. That person can also be the information link for the other siblings.
Hope I haven't stepped on anyone's toes or interferred. I'm hoping for a quick resolution of this. Tell Uncle Sam we're thinking of him.

I was just rereading some blog entries and I came across Janine's comment on Dr. Evil's zippit montage from Austin Powers. That made me think of Sue doing her impersonation of Mike Myers as the father in "So I Married An Axe Murderer" where he calls his son, HEED, because his head is so large. Every time I think of her doing it, it makes me laugh out loud.

My Mom is finally on the mend after her "illness" last week. Molly took her to the Dr. on Friday and discovered it was just a viral infection. She now just has a cold, so thankfully that is clearing up, but I think she was wishing for death last week after not being able to eat for 4 days.

We will be celebrating Katie's 34th birthday on Wed. She shares this special day with my little lab, Sidney. Sid is only turning 2, but what is that in human years? Most everyone will be in attendance at my house for the event so should be fun. It's been a while since the last large gathering; I guess that was for Margaret and PJ's joint party in August. We only just got a Tompkins birthday added to the Sept. calendar with little Mairin, so I think we have every calendar month covered for our family's birthdays.

A couple of us are heading to Cleveland next weekend for Patrick's baptism. My Dr. gave me the okay to fly; I just have to go in the day before for one more check. As Molly says, it wouldn't be the worst thing to deliver in Cleveland, after all Thomas and Kate will be there, although Eric wouldn’t be in attendance which would definitely be a downer. Let’s hope this little person doesn’t decided to show itself at that time.

And yes, Christina, we do pick names for Christmas but only for the adults. I’m thinking once the little ones get older we may have to start our own drawing for them. Right now, they rake it in. It’s so much fun buying for them. I was just telling Molly this morning that I wished we had already picked for this year. I plan to have everything done before December so I don’t have any last minute gifts to buy while waddling around 9 months pregnant before Christmas.

Playing football in the Plucker's yard at 16th and Moisant, I caught a pass and my momentum carried me into the ligustrums. I was a neat kid then and my shirt was tucked neatly into my shorts. As I'm pulling myself up and making my way out of the ligustrums, my t-shirt got caught on a branch and it dipped as I was pulling away. As the branch dipped, the wasp nest that was attached to it dropped down my shirt. The wasps were not happy about it. About a minute later, they started stinging me. My so-called friends wouldn't get near me because the wasps were flying out of my shirt. It took forever for me to get the shirt out enough for the nest to fall out. I ran home and our maid, Rosie I think, put a concoction of mustard and tobacco on my back on the stings and the new pain replaced the old pain. When I woke up, I think all of the pain was gone. Just a little stiff.

I was really enjoying having this activity to myself.

Just kidding, I recommend you print this and follow it step by step. When you get to the end of the entry, you'll see a link that says "Continue reading". Click on it. Print that page.

Hey Sue, check out the mirlitons.

Below is an embedded image. Another gathering at our place in Metairie. This is Jimmy trying to carry two balls. I think that's Amy in front of him but could be wrong about that. For those who read my "oak tree" entry, draw a line from Jimmy to the bird bath and go about 20 feet beyond it. That's where the oak tree was.

This is a popup image of cousins, Lars and Jimmy, probably a year earlier in the same yard. Notice this one has tomato stakes in the garden.

About uploading photos: There are a few things to learn first.

Okay Rob, I tried to put a picture on the Blog. Needless to say that didn't work. I want to get in on the picture fun too! So you're going to have to explain how to do it. I'm sure our cousins would like to share their photos as well. Whaddaya say?

I just wanted to let you parents out there know that Toys R Us is having a pretty good sale going on right now. All Hasbro games are buy one get one free and Little Tykes also has a promotion going, if you spend at least $19.99 on a toy you get a $19.99 toy of your choice for free. What's even better is they're offering these promotions online and free shipping on most items. I'm feeling like quite the internet shopper right about now!! I love getting good deals and even better in the comfort of my own home! And yes, I've already started shopping for Christmas. Just for my kids though since I don't know which names I have yet for the nieces & nephews. Do the Tompkins and Byes do the picking names thing for Christmas too? Just wondering.

Dad update- the spinal tap came back clear. They're still waiting on a few more tests but they think those will be negative as well. Now we're looking at a chemical imbalance. We've been saying all along that the Xanex was affecting Daddy and now the doctors are going to look at that as a possible cause. He had stopped taking it completely two days before he went into the hospital and what we've been finding out is that you're supposed to be weaned off that drug. He was put back on it upon entering the hospital, along with a host of other medicines, so now we're trying to get a psychiatrist to look at all the meds he was on and figure out what's going on. Continue to keep him in your prayers.

Beth sent me an email a few weeks ago and the gist of it was how people of our generation survived. Along those lines, I remember Dad having to “slow down” to about 80mph when we entered Minnesota on one of our many vacations there in the late 60's and early 70's. Know why? The older Minnesota cousins will remember this. The speed limit in Minnesota was about 75mph then but there were NO speed limits in Iowa. None! How did we survive? 85-90mph in a station wagon with Dad and Mom and 6 kids with no air bags, not using seat belts, and no steel-belted radial tires! Imagine that.

Grandpa and Grandma Tompkins house below. Photo taken during the reunion vacation in 1988. That magnificent spruce tree is a bit unkempt but still prominent and the yard is plenty unkempt. I always remember Grandpa Tompkins and Mr Magee’s yard next door to be super neat. My recollections of the Tompkins house, however, don’t include sunshine. I remember the wonderful, hilly streets (We have no hills in Louisiana) but in all of my memories, it was always overcast or shady. I also remember squirrels right there in their neighborhood. Back then, we didn’t have squirrels in our neighborhood in Kenner, Louisiana. And the green tea. Grandpa and Grandma drank green tea.

And the back.

Visited Dad today just after the spinal tap. Whatever sedative they gave him worked wonders. He was sound asleep for the duration of my stay waking only as I was leaving. Probably was waiting for that.

So Dad and I were boiling crawfish in my backyard in Metairie. My back fence was one of four fences that met at a corner. In the yard catacorner from us, two guys were trimming a big oak tree. We were both going about our business but also kind of interested and kind of watching what the other was doing. They get to a branch about 25 feet up that extends out over our mutual neighbor’s fence. They knew from the size of the branch that it was fairly heavy and they didn’t want it to fall on the fence for fear of damaging it. Here’s the plan: The guy in the tree will tie a heavy rope to it, throw the rope over the equally large branch just above it, and let the person on the ground lower the branch slowly and then swing it back into their own yard. The guy on the ground secured the rope to himself somehow so he would have a free hand to swing the branch. Dad and I are watching this. The guy cutting the branch in the tree gets near the bottom of the branch, we hear a crack, the branch falls, and we have liftoff. The branch fell straight to the ground crushing the fence and the guy on the ground was yanked 20 feet in the air. When we determined that no one was hurt, we all laughed. Absolutely true.

Mom and Professor Dad in the back. Scott and Elizabeth blurred in the foreground. This was taken at one of those many crawfish boils.

Everyone knows who’s who, right?

Mardi Gras, 1992. Katie in the middle looking the same as she does today. Friend, KK, on the right. Kevin on the left after a long time in SAT.

Hello Aunt Ginnie and cousins! Uncle Sam (and all of you) have been in my thoughts and prayers each day! I've been reading the BLOG on a regular basis to check his progress. It's so nice to have daily updates.

I am keeping myself busy with the new school year. I have 26 enthusiastic second graders and one student teacher. They're a good group, but very high energy! Looking forward to a 4 day weekend starting next Thursday due to Education Minnesota's Convention. Maybe I'll spend a little time at the cabin.

Thinking of all of you! Take care!

A new doctor came through this morning (Saturday), on call for the neurologist, and after speaking with Angela, ordered the spinal tap to go forward. It was supposed to be taken on Thursday, but the spastic movements were too much and the radiologist needed to speak with the neurologist about sedation. It turns out that both neurologists who had been seeing Sam were out of touch, so it was decided to wait till Monday when they returned. Angela told the doctor today that since each day sees a further deterioration, a two-day delay would be detrimental. The doctor saw it her way. Since this may be the test of last resort - every other test has come back negative - I'm asking for your prayers. My feeling is that once they know what they're dealing with, there will be a medicine to suit. Please.

I’m going to spend my first night with Daddy tonight. I’ve been there ever since he went in last Friday, but haven’t been able to stay overnight because of work. I’m off of work all next week because we have a fall break, and I plan to stay a bunch of nights. No spinal tap for Daddy today. The radiologist doesn’t want to anesthetize him without consulting with the neurologist first. The neurologist and his partner were both out of town today and couldn’t be reached. They won’t do one on the weekend so I guess we’re waiting until Monday. We’re all becoming frustrated with the doctors’ lack of urgency in this situation. In one week Daddy has gone from being able to leave the bed (with help) to use the restroom and being able to feed himself to being bedridden, catheterized, and unable to feed himself at all. He is now on pureed food because he is having trouble swallowing. A feeding tube has been mentioned and may still be a possibility. Daddy is still aware and alert at times. He always knows who we are when we come in. And he’ll answer questions or comment on conversations that are going on when people think he’s sleeping. We have to laugh when that happens. I now know what the Tompkins must have gone through with Uncle Pat.

Thomas, it’s great to hear from you! We’ve been in school for 40 days now. We also count the days of school. We are ripe for this fall break! Do you have your 100th day planned already? Among other festivities planned, one of my co-workers twirls her fire baton on that day and that makes a huge impression on my kindergartners. If you need any help with anything, let me know. I never taught third grade, but I did do my share of teaching in an at-risk Title I school (5 ½ years). Now I’m in a cushy private school. I had withdrawals from the public schools my first year, feeling guilty that I abandoned those needy children. The system was what really got to me. I couldn’t stand all of the paperwork. Every year it seemed to multiply. In my new school I only teach- no paperwork to complete. It comes with its minuses too- I have to do a lot of PR work for this school. We’re always having fundraisers and class meetings after school. I’ll take that any day over paperwork though.

We now have 20 authors on the blog. They are all your brothers, sisters, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, or cousins.

Katie is my sister, Katie Ferrara Erickson.

Katie T is my cousin, Katie Tompkins.

I think that's the only pair of identical names we have to worry about.

Where are all of the guys?

If there ever was a week that you were really happy is drawing to an end, this is mine. Nothing has actuallly happened this week but the past 3 or so have been very exhausting. Some of the events have been very fun such as Mike's 50th birthday party last weekend and some stressful such as my mother-in-law dying and Brian's school schedule fiasco.

Brian went from a Minneapolis public school (same one Danny goes to) that is a K-12 school to "normal" high school (for those of you in MN, he goes to Robbinsdale Cooper). If that wasn't transition enough, he was in the IB program. He went from 4.0 gpa in 8th grade to mid-quarter grades of less than wonderful, with no one placing more stress on him than himself. He dropped out of IB and has "regular" classes. He wants to enroll in Honors and AP classes again, but not a full schedule of them in 9th grade. Add not knowing anyone when you enter a high school of roughly 2,500 kids and that doesn't help. Since the schedule change on Monday, he's actually eating and sleeping again.

Mike's birthday party was a lot of fun. He kept telling us he wanted to spend his 50th in Tahiti so we surprised him with an island theme party. The only one missing from our family was Beth who had to work. We stayed at a local hotel who had a party room right next to the pool area. Danny and Mike's 7 yr old daughter Taylor were in the pool probably 6 hours straight. Very easy to keep an eye on the kids and play a hand of poker at the same time. I had a rousing game of splashball with Brian and Mike's Brandon and Jodi's (Mike's wife) nephews. Nothing like playing with 12, 13, 14 and 15 yr old boys to make you appreciate the adult poker game that much more. I think Mike's daughter Ashley (17 next week) was staring at the photoboard the longest trying to picture all of us at much younger ages. Wasn't that only yesterday?

Quiet weekend plans this weekend, apple orchard (need to make more apple crisp and it goes against my grain to purchase them at the grocery store!) and maybe a movie or two. Next weekend Joan and Ed are coming up to our cabin to help close up. When I get home on Sunday I'm turning around and going up to Grand Casino Mille Lacs to see Gallagher with a friend and spending the night. The 25, Joan and I actually get to clown together for a change at two events. 3 hours in the afternoon and 3 hours in the evening. I plan on sleeping the next day.

I just read my ramblings and decided to post them anyway. TGIF. (If you're a shoe saleman that means Toes Go In First.)

Today Omar had his appointment at the pain clinic and for the first time in almost nine months we came away with some optimism. We found out that his back is tight with muscle spasms, that his pelvis is tipped and rotated and that his spine has a very large curvature to it. Before the doctor puts him in a three week pain clinic he wants to get his back healthy. Omar will start physical therapy on Oct. 21 and he'll go twice a week for six weeks. They will do a gentle therapy on him to get his back and pelvis back in line. There is a good chance that alot of his pain will ease up and he'll be able to cope while the nerve heals. Some would say, why wasn't the physical therapy done earlier, but as the doctor told us today, it would have been an entirely different kind of therapy and it would not have addressed his current problems. Omar is still alittle sceptical about whether he'll get any relief but he did crack a smile as we left the doctors office. It was a good day!!!

Aunt Ginnie - what a wonderful loving family you have. The support they are giving you and Uncle Sam is beautiful! Hopefully the spinal tap will tell you something. In the meantime please know you are in our prayers and let Uncle Sam know the same.

Not sure what happened on that first submit...let's try that again.

I have been delinquent in logging on and writing, but when Bridget told me the other night that she got a call (letter?) from Sue about your Dad, I thought I better logon to see what was going on. If I weren't 7 months pregnant I'd hop a plane and help out. Your Dad has always shown my family so much kindness and care, that I would love to be able to repay that thoughtfulness. Please send my well wishes to him for continued strength.

Daniel and Jessy were able to bring Mairin home from the hospital last week, a couple weeks earlier from her original release date. She was only 35 weeks but she had been progressing so well, they thought she could handle it. Gotta love that strong Tompkins blood pumping through her little veins. Mairin is adjusting to her new surroundings quite well and Hank, the crazy German (Pointer), is very happy to have his mother home even if it does come with an extra small package that cries from time to time. As of yesterday, Mairin weighs 4'13. Jessy says she opts out of eating a lot and sleeps instead (my kind of kid). So Jessy was on a mission yesterday to pump that child with as much nutrition as Mairin could take. The Dr. said she needs to get her metabolism stabilized so she will get on a more normal eating schedule. Daniel and Jessy have adjusted quite well to parenting and love every minute of it.

Eric and I continue to get the nursery together. What a daunting task. Every time I walk in to that bedroom, I have to get rid of one thing to make room for something for the baby. Eric thinks I have a tendency to be a pack rat, but I like to call it holding on to memories. Thankfully most of my memorabilia has found a place at the cabin so it's not too far out of reach.

Thankfully, the cabin projects for this year will officially come to an end this weekend. We are getting all new flooring on the main level and our little Mickey Mouse problem has been resolved. And the award goes to my fearless sister, Marge and her helper, Heloise (Bridget) for their truly innovative invention in tracking down the little buggers and stuffing every hole they could find in the utility room with steal wool. Hopefully that will keep them out for the winter anyway. I look forward to getting back up this weekend to see if the colors have peeked yet. Bridget thought last weekend, but when I ventured up, there wasn't much, so hopefully this weekend, if at all. They said from the dry summer, the colors won't be as brilliant, but anything is better than nothing.

Dad slept through the night but I don’t think anyone would call it restful. He is constantly fidgeting. His brain just never shuts down. It was just 33 days ago that he drove himself to the same hospital to visit Mom. He was totally on his own then. I blogged about that visit here. Now, on his own, he is mostly debilitated and mostly incoherent. If you stimulate him (Ask him a question or just talk to him) however, he snaps out of it, is aware of his environment, and carries on the dialogue with you. I’m encouraged by that but the family still has more questions than answers. He’s putting up a game fight but the hospital environs are no good for him. Unfortunately, he is not ready to come home, either. He would disagree. The doctors need to get a diagnosis and a treatment and then get him the hell out of there.

Angela passed me some better photos from Jacob’s Birthday Party last night. I added them to the others. You can view all of them here.

Katie feared that she clogged the blog with her latest entry. It sometimes comes to a standstill. That's all.

I visited my Dad at the hospital last night. Robbie was spending the night. We are all rotating staying with him. I am surprised as all get out at how we are all rising to the challenge of caring for him. Thank goodness there are so many of us to share the load.

Doctors are no closer to finding the cause or a remedy, but my suspicion is that the Xanax is not good for him. He started taking that this year, don't know when. Psychotropics can be very dangerous and should not be prescribed unless there is no other way. That is my opinion, and that with 75 cents will get me a cup of coffee.

Meanwhile, the outpouring of sympathy and prayers is a wonderful boost to our spirits and his. Dad is in a different reality most of the time, but when I tell him who wrote or called, it always cuts through the fog and brings him back to this world long enough to smile or comment. He doesn't seem to be suffering at all. It's the ones looking on doing all the suffering.

Life is going on, though. I have a rehearsal tonight. I love my acting class. I just have to learn to shut my mouth. I am part actress and part director, every director's fear. I trust this director, so I need to just submit and not tell her what to do with other scenes. She'll figure it out without my input, right? I picture the scene in one of the "Austin Powers" movies where Mike Meyers, as Dr. Evil, tells his son to zippit. That was the funniest part of the movie, I think.

On with the day. I hope you all enjoy yours.

Love,
Janine

My Daddy was my hero when I was growing up. He faced down Mrs. Bartee when I was about four. I didn't want to take a nap and Daddy made sure I didn't have to that day. It was the most miserable afternoon of my life. Everyone else was napping so I had to just sit at the table and be very quiet and suffer the glares from the caregivers. I never asked again, but I never forgot that my Daddy slayed the dragon for me!

I spent the first night with Daddy in the hospital. He is lucid most of the time, but he gets his thoughts crossed quite a bit. I believe he's just punch drunk because he hasn't been able to sleep for days. I don't deserve the accolades I have gotten from my Mother and sisters. I only did what little I could to help Dad. Everyone else is putting in their time too. Janine stayed with him last night. Tonight it will be Christina or Phil. Tomorrow , Elizabeth. Even Kevin has offered to stay a night. And Sue and Scott have gone above and beyond the call of duty. They were the ones spending the nights with him the week before. Scott, bless his everloving soul, helped to make Dad's house safer for him by adding a hand rail in the hallway and moving furniture to the attic so Dad would have more room to move around in. They're the ones who deserve praise!

I wouldn't be comfortable with the term 'martyr', but it does have it's perks! Yesterday my wonderful husband, took Amy and a friend boating so that I could sleep in peace. And later he took care of the kids. With teenagers, 'taking care of' means chauffering the kids to hither and yon. He then came home and made me a wonderful dinner of steak, baked potato, and caeser salad! I also got a movie to top off my evening. I'm a lucky girl, and I know it! Daddy's hero status has never changed, but for the past 21 years he's shared it with the other remarkable man in my life!

We took Daddy back to the hospital this morning. He has been falling all week and this morning had another fall. He hasn't slept in three days and Sue and Scott were up with him all night last night. They are leaving Saturday morning and knew that he and Mama couldn't do this by themselves. It's been such a blessing that they have been able to be there this week. He was finally admitted today. He had an MRI on Wed. and we found out today that the results did not indicate a stroke at all. The doctors said that it still might have been a small stroke in a hard to find place in the brain, but they are looking for other answers. The neurologist mentioned possibly encephalitis or West Nile Virus. He said they are going to keep him because something is obviously affecting his brain. They are going to run a bunch of tests tomorrow. He is having a hard time walking and moving around in general. He is also having moments of extreme confusion. Katie is going to spend the night with him tonight. We are all very relieved that he is in the hospital, and we hope that the doctors will come up with some answers as to what is causing the problems. I don't know how people in small families handle this type of crisis. We are so fortunate to have so many people to share in the weight of this situation!

This is the most boring Louisiana election I can remember. When I first moved to the NorthShore, a flyer was sent out by one of the candidates for judge (Yes, judge!). Seems his opponent's neighbor was watering the lawn. When the sprinkler happened to throw a few drops of water on his car, this particular candidate for judge took out his axe and chopped up his neighbor's hose. Elections with those kinds of candidates are my kinds of elections.

Hi. Well, today wasn't just another day in our house. Ashley (our 15 year old) took and passed her drivers' permit test!! She didn't drive home from the testing location, but did work up the nerve to drive to confirmation tonight (about 5 mile from our house). She did just fine and amazingly enough so did I! So, that's the excitement at our house. Carol

I was wondering if it might be a good idea, if we were to put our favorite recipes down in this wonderful blog. That way we can have good family food as well as communicating with each other. I know that Mike probably won't see this, but Happy 50th Mike.

All Hallow's Eve is this month. Here is a site that is not inappropriate. Best to visit early in the morning. It hits its bandwidth limit by about noon. Spooky, but not desolate, site. Love it.