The joy of putting up Christmas lights on poky cactus. Dad needed a little pick me up this holiday season so I went to Quartzsite and helped put up his lights. They look pretty good. He looks out at them from his window at night and I think it helps lift some of the "mom's not here" blues. His health is stable but he does have his bad days. Other than that, it is smooth sailing for the older of the Earl's. Merry Christmas to all.

Dad’s Doing Well

Seems like dad is just marching right along. He will return to Arizona on or about October 1. Over all I think he has had a great summer up in Kalispell. We talk on a regular basis and for the most part his health has been fair. He does have his bad days but lucky for us there seems to be fewer and fewer of those. I cannot wait to see him again. This fall I will spend a lot of time out at the Q to help him around the place.

Good Summer

Well I know that it has been a while since I wrote about dad and his travels to the great Montana. Call me a chicken or superstitious but my thought was that if I didn't say anything then I wouldn't jinx it. He has had a great summer up north. His sister and him have done a lot of things together. He has been able to function on a high level. The weather has been favorable for him to go out and do things. And over all it seems to have been a great trip for him. He even managed to hit a few garage sales and car shows. All and all not too bad for a guy hanging on by a thread last summer. He plans on returning to the warmer state of Arizona by October 1st. It will still be plenty warm here, but the upper states will be very, very cold. In fact the latest complaint is the 40 degree nights.

Dad has really picked up a little. His spirit and drive seem much better and his overall health performance has improved. We are talking about a father/son trip next summer to Oregon. But we will have to see about that when the time comes.

Thanks to all you who have sent well wishes and support. We love you all.

The Earls.

Fathers Day

At age 33 I have to send out a special fathers day note about my dad. A man that I never knew until just a few years ago. I mean he may have lived with me as I grew up, but I never really knew him. Be it my childish ways or his set ways we never traveled the same path or communicated with the same language. In fact, one could argue that the only thing dad and myself had in common growing up was my mother. But that was then.

Today is a much different time in both our lives. I'm enjoying the man I never knew growing up. Every day I learn more and more about him and understand in most cases why my mother loved him so much. I'm proud of him for all that he has accomplished in his life. I'm more proud of the strength he has to keep on going. His knees hurt, he takes way more pills then he ever wanted to, and he wants nothing more than to be with mom but he's still here.

My father; the man I will never be. The greatest man I will ever know. The best friend I never knew I had.

So Far So Good In Montana

Dad's doing well and seems to be enjoying his time in Montana. Goes to breakfast and sees his sister on a regular basis. Health is holding up with the help of all your great prayers. keep up the good work folks.

On the Road Again.

So dad left Quartzsite on Monday this week on his way to Montana. I helped him get the place ready and we actually left that morning and went to Laughlin Nevada together. We stayed a couple of nights (sort of a guys vacation) then early Wednesday morning he was off for Mesquite Nevada. So far so go. He called and all is well. Will keep everyone posted on his progress.

May 7th, 2009

Well, after a couple short stays in the hospital, it seems that dad is ready to tackle the roadways to head up north again this summer. Overall he seems to be doing much better and it seems that he is ready to get out of the heat. His color is good, his heart rate is better, pressure is better, and his dizziness seems to be gone, so with my blessing he is planning on leaving on Tuesday the 12Th.

As for his first destination its up to him. It will be either Show Low, Oregon, or Montana that he heads off too first. Any of which would be good for him. We of course will keep in touch and I will be on stand-by if he needs me to help drive anywhere. But I think he will be just fine.

God Love Him