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

Friday and Monday

Well last Friday dad had a bit of a "spell" and had to go to Parker ER to get checked out. Seems his blood pressure was a little bit on the high side and he was having some trouble with weakness. Well I called him all weekend long to see if he needed any help or anything and of course he was fine. Well that fine man is now in the hospital in Parker Arizona. He should be able to get out tomorrow. I really can't give much in the way of details of what is going on with him right now because the info is sketchy. But as soon as I know something so will you. Pray, Pray hard.

Happy birthday to him, happy birthday to him.....

Today dad turns 81. He seems to be doing better. Moves around the yard a little better and overall seems a little more peppy. Knees still hurt and his back has trouble but things are better overall. I think he had a good day.

Mr. L Gardner

Dad (and myself) lost a great friend on Monday. Mr Gardner lived an exceptional life with his beautiful wife and two beautiful daughters. He was able to see his grandchildren grow and had a great time in is retirement. I have some great memories growing up with this man and dad as well can sure tell you some stories. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gardner's in their time of sorrow.

Other than dad's back hurting him, he feels great. So the back is our next focus point.

go see me

this site has been moved for everyone to see, the new one go to....http://earlinc.blogspot.com/

January 14th, 2009

Today we (that being more dad then me) are having a bone scan. This scan does multiple things but the most important is to see if he is up for a mass shrinking treatment. If he is it would possible help with his back pain and let him walk better which in turn will help his knee pain. Other than that dad is having a pretty good time right now. He is resting well and eats better. His activity level still isn't what he would like it to be, but as I often have to remind him, he's 80.

Still not sure if we will be able to travel to Oregon/Montana this early summer. If he can handle the travel we will sure give it a shot. It may have been a long time since I have been back but for dad it really hasn't been that long. I'm sure a lot of things have changed and a few that haven't.

Returning to my post, as it were.

Sorry for the long pause in communications but here is the beginning of the latest information. Dad has returned to 75% of function as himself. He seems to be feeling a little better and is having fewer issues everyday. We have a whole new medication plan and a new plan for the new year that may include some injection therapies to decrease the size of the mass. He still has aches and pains, but as I keep trying to inform him, HE'S 80. It is hard for him to understand why it takes him longer to get up from underneath a trailer after laying on his back working for a few minutes. He has moved back to Quartzsite but comes back and stays with me on a regular basis. He really seems to do better living in both spots. Here he gets good meals and excellent medical care and there he gets his freedom and yard to play in. As long as this is working for him we will keep it going.

Dad and myself want to thank everyone who continues to follow how we are doing and he wants to send his warm wishes for the holidays that just past. Dad hopes everyone is doing well and he wishes he could spell and type better so he could send emails back but he says that's what I'm here for.

So the updates will be restarted and we look forward to hearing from everyone. Happy New Year.