This past week Russell and Iris came to visit over their Spring Break. Dad was thrilled to have someone to take to the rodeo, so that was one of the first things on the agenda! Upon arriving at the rodeo they all promptly purchased stetsons to better blend in with the crowd :) They enjoyed the livestock show and exhibition, where they saw a pig who had won a prize for giving birth to 14 piglets, a Texas longhorn, and numerous cow patties. They were tempted to have a "Texas Tater Dog" (see picture), but opted for a restaurant instead.
Mom had her 4th chemo last week and is about to have her 5th chemo tomorrow, almost making it to the halfway point for this round. Russell and Iris were wonderful nurses last week helping mom get through chemo with the port. They also bought her some of her favorite games, including yahtzee, scrabble, and scattergories. The first time they all played mom got yahtzee twice, which frustrated everyone else and caused them to not want to play anymore. Mom has also decided to finally do something she has never had the time to do before now...paint! Russ took her to the art store last week and got her some acrylics so she can begin painting her flower series. She looks forward to giving them all away when she returns home!
Dad has been sprucing up the yard, adding a wider variety of bird feeders and also some squirrel feeders. Russell discovered a place called "Pink's Pizza" and claims it's the best pizza he's ever had. Iris and Mom had a little retail therapy shopping at Rice Village, purchasing some spring essentials. Mom has been enjoying all of the cards, emails, phone calls, and other reminders of her wonderful friends and family. She is wearing green today in honor of St. Patrick's Day and our Irish roots. She wishes she could drink a green beer :) and looks forward to that next March 17!
This week Kristen is visiting, and her and I have begun a competition to see who can get the most free food while in town. The score is currently 2-1 me. When I was down I was able to get free guacamole at one restaurant and free desserts at another. So far she has been able to get free chips and queso, but her time is almost up because she leaves tomorrow! My dad is quite amused, commenting that he has never received anything free at a restaurant when he was by himself!!!
Mom got her port put in on Tuesday, which ended up being another marathon at the hospital. The good news was that she was able to receive her chemo through the port the same day, and even better news was that the TV worked and Bonanza was on :) . That was also the night Kristen came into town and was greeted by the 'ugly as sin' chair. I honestly think that chair could have been in the basement where all those kids hung out on "That 70's Show".
The house is coming along nicely, dad has his bird feeders rearing for action, although he reported today he hasn't seen one bird on them. He claims it's because the feeders need a more central location in the yard, and there is also a lack of proper foliage for hummers. That shall be remedied this weekend. He has also planted some azaleas and purchased his first ever leaf blower. His new grill is up and running, ready to be christened by his famous ribs.
Overall mom is doing very well, only having mild and normal side effects from the chemo. Today I think they were going to take Kristen to the art museum and possibly hit up the rodeo later this evening. Russell and Iris will be heading into town on Sunday for spring break...maybe Iris will join in on our competition??!?
