Catching Up!

I'm WAY behind in posting to the blog, but have lots of new photos! Last weekend, Jerry went to Diamond Creek Golf Resort in Banner Elk, NC and while he was away, Mary, Toni, Ray & Memphis came over for a visit and to have some fun in the Houstonian pool.

Here are Mary & Memphis ...



Memphis, Ray & Toni ...



Memphis & Toni, while we waited on lunch.



Ray & Memphis on the slide!



More photos and a video are posted on http://memphiswaller.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!

Fun at the Pool

Sunday morning we hit the Houstonian and had lots of fun. First down the water slide is Jerry, since the photographer was out of the water.



Next is Brady ... ALONE on the water slide



and LOVING IT!

There aren't any photos of his daredevil antics because I was in the water to "catch him" as he shot off the end of the slide. Anything he saw the older kids doing he wanted to do ~ and Grandpa let him. Numerous feet-first slides on his stomach, facing backwards. Only one head-first belly slide, as the lifeguard blew his whistle and reminded us "HE CAN'T DO THAT!"



Quite comfortable with the resort lifestyle.



Back to the slide!

Hanging in the deep end (Grandpa is just out of frame).



No, he didn't need a nap. WHAT was I thinking?

If you're reading this in email form (not on the blog), you may have to visit the blog site to view the video clip ... here's a link http://nanbrewer.blogspot.com Have a great week!

Becoming Friends ...

Elvis has been a little lonely since Little passed away and the other day, when Ike was downstairs hanging out with us in my office, they were putting their feet on the mesh door of the car kennel.



Then El was rolling around on the floor trying to get Ike to pay attention to him.



Pathetic!

Baby Bonanza!

In case anyone is wondering ... THIS is how parents of twins roll! Of course, Ms. Karsyn is still at TCH, but her carrier will fit right behind Kaden's.



Kaden, chilling out and ready for a visit with his "older sister"!



Jeff and his brood ...



Kim and Kaden ...



Babies everywhere!



Jerry & Ms. Karsyn. You can see her new "reservoir bandage".



Me and Karsyn ... she was actually awake ... waiting waiting waiting on a bottle.

Sunsets ...

We had spectacular sunsets in Galveston last weekend, with the sun turning a vibrant, hot pink just before dropping below the horizon.

Ike's Vacation

While the boys were napping inside, Ike enjoyed some time out on the balcony. It was interesting to watch him as he first went outside and looked and looked towards the marina, where he lived before Hurricane Ike permanently linked him to us.



Inside house cats must stay clean!



Ahhhhh ...



Don't know what he was thinking, but I'll bet he was happy to see his old "stomping grounds" from a shaded porch, attached to an air conditioned townhouse!



Look at that sweet "yoda face" and ragged ears.



Just before the long weekend, I had taken Ike to see Dr. Rose and his blood test results on Tuesday weren't good. Unfortunately our little FIV+ cat is showing signs of reaching the "end stage" of his disease and now has a VERY low white blood cell count. Monday he'll have his remaining two teeth cleaned, as avoiding infection or exposure to disease is critical for him. She'll do another blood test to see if the antibiotic shot gave him a boost in his numbers or if we're facing an unrecoverable decline.

Since his FIV+ status has not been an issue - absolutely no symptoms - and his outward health has been great, I had really put the immune deficiency situation out of my mind. His weight is good and he has actually gained a bit over the last 10 months.

My "veterinary experience" has really been focused on kidney failure and geriatrics, but I'm trying to educate myself. I've read that his numbers are nearing, but not yet at, the "6 month point". It all depends on his eating and ability to avoid catching a cold or other infection.

It's a very sad situation for both Jerry and me as we've grown quite fond of him. I hope that he is able to maintain a comfortable "lifestyle" for a good while.

Water Clear ... Tar on the Beach

Memorial Day 2010 ~ I found tar on west beach for the first time since 1996.

The water was clear and warm and overall the beach looked great, but I picked up several shells coated with tar and then later found a sand dollar size lump of tar.



It reminded me of growing up and going to Galveston. Mom always telling us to "wear our old swimsuits" so they wouldn't be ruined by tar. And having to use those special cleaner wipes ~ containing God only knows what chemicals ~ to remove the tar stains from our feet and rubber flip-flops.



While I don't believe this tar came from the BP spill ~ it was dark and very firm, not like the reddish, spongy oil turning up on the eastern Gulf shores ~ it is interesting that tar has once again returned to Texas beaches.

Bummer!

Hurricane Reminder

As Jerry and I were at the beach on Memorial Day, I shot a photo of this partially destroyed house at the end of our "beach street". It's still standing, but barely. No doubt the owners are waiting on a decision by the GLO on whether the State of Texas will take the land.

It's a sad reminder to us all that hurricane season has arrived. I think we got our "check mark" with Hurricane Ike and am hopeful that any and all tropical activity will be directed elsewhere!



Wide view ...