Things went well for Bob at the hospital today. He's back to a regular and normal heartbeat. He's looking forward to getting some energy back--then how will I keep him down on the farm . . .!

July has been fun so far. Began with a great visit from a Chardon High School classmate, Kathy, and her husband Bill, who stayed with us a couple of nights. I admire their get-up-and-go, as they rode out here to San Diego from Ohio on their Honda Gold Wing! Not bad for a couple of senior citizens. Once I realized they were members of the All 50 States Club, I stopped worrying about them on the road. They KNOW what they're doing out there. Was fun to see them and catch up on some Chardon news. Like they say, Grandma ain't like she used to be--and we're the better for it!

Weather was unseasonably cool and overcast when they were here and I felt bad since they had purposely planned to drive upstate along the coast road. Probably didn't have optimum views of the ocean as they sometimes could have. Naturally when they left here the weather turned and it's been 90+ degrees for the last 10 days or so. Then again, it was around 90 in Chardon when they talked by phone with their kids!

Not a whole lot of news here. On Wednesday Bob will have an outpatient procedure at the hospital where they will shock his heart to regain its normal rhythm. His pulse rate has been quite high the last couple of months, and they feel they can bring it down with this procedure. He'll be sedated for the procedure, and the doctor says he should regain his energy level after that. Doctors don't seem too concerned and say this is not uncommon after the kind of surgery he had in April. So far we've trusted them and they've done right by us--that's about all you can do.

'Til next time, happy summer to family and friends!

Guess I've been kinda busy--haven't posted anything since May 2. Bob continues to progress well after his surgery. A few glitches in his recovery, but the doctor says these are not uncommon with the type of surgery he had. So, we continue to be grateful that he grows stronger each week.

What prompted my post today is evidenced by the pictures above! I just got off the phone from talking with my sister Gail, and lo' and behold when I look out the window I see a giant egret (actually named a Great Egret) in our yard! Plus the assorted bunnies (who have been wreaking havoc for months now) and various other birds at the feeder. Feels like my own little wildlife sanctuary. The egret walked the entire yard (very s-l-o-w-l-y) and then flew off. Fortunately his slow pace allowed me to get my camera and take a few shots!

It's a beautiful Sunday evening in Escondido and Bob and I just returned from a short walk. I can hardly believe how well Bob is doing after his surgery. He came home from the hospital on Monday, one week after his operation, and has been feeling quite good every day. He walks four times a day, about 15 minutes at a time. He's eating and sleeping well--it's absolutely amazing and we are GRATEFUL! We'll see his surgeon on the 11th for his first follow-up appointment. Thanks to all for your cards, visits and notes of encouragement.

Thanks to all of you who have sent your positive vibes and prayers for Bob's successful surgery! According to his surgeon (God Bless Jeff Tyner at Scripps Green Hospital), the surgery went very well yesterday and he was able to repair Bob's leaky valves, did one artery bypass, and performed a "maze procedure" to guard against atrial fibrillation. All went according to plan, and Bob looked quite good today when I visited him in the ICU. He walked a couple of times, ate a couple good meals, and seems right on track for an excellent recovery. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your support.