Thankful Thursday - It's Just a Cold/Sinus Infection!

About 10 days ago EZ started with a sore throat. He seemed to feel better for a few days after gargling with Listerine...his secret weapon for fighting germs! We were visiting his folks when the nasal congestion and cough began, and he didn't take too much time to rest and take it easy. He was loving being able to work on projects, take long walks in the woods with his mom and dad, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Fortunately he never ran a fever or felt short of breath. 

We got home last Friday, just in time to get up early Saturday and attend the 14th Annual Survivors Reunion for the Duke Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic (More on that tomorrow). No rest for the weary. The "cold" took it's toll...the cough worsened, the energy waned, and the voice started to disappear. Pneumonia is always a huge fear for someone with a baby immune system, so we were being very diligent with medication to treat the symptoms. I even broke out the incentive spirometer (remember having to use one of those following surgery anyone?) and made him take deep breaths to hopefully keep his lungs clear. (Dr. Kritz, EZ's oncologist, cracked up when I told him I did this. He said no one, in his 25 years practicing, has ever told him they did that unless it was right after surgery or something. Oh well, hopefully it helped!)

EZ was due for bloodwork only at his appointment yesterday, but Dr. Kritz was kind enough to work him in for an office visit as well. I was definitely wanting those lungs listened to after his bout with walking pneumonia last May.

GOOD NEWS:  Lungs were clear! I was ecstatic! The doc prescribed an antibiotic to knock out the possible sinus infection, told EZ to continue taking the Mucinex and cough medicine as needed, discontinue Revlimid (his maintenance chemo pill) for 2 weeks to strengthen his immune system, and stay away from anyone with green lines coming from their nose (gross, I know).  A definite answer to many prayers and they are deeply appreciated.

I Am My Father's Son...

This past week Linda and I spent time with my folks over near Black Mountain. Every time we go I realize all over again how much I love the same things as my dad. He always has a project list going, and this trip was no different. I love to tackle the larger projects with him, spending time with him and of course doing anything with tools. My stamina is improving and I was feeling good, so it was wonderful to be able to be outside in the mountains, using tools, and working on projects!

Here are some pictures showing how I spent some of my time:

Dad already had plans for a woodpile shed roof

James (Dad's workman) and I building the frame out of rough cut 2 x 6 s

Then adding the plywood, tar paper and corrugated aluminum.

 With a little leveling and post support, this project will be done.

I assisted dad with seeing why mom's range was overheating.

Hmmm...reading 344 degrees and set to 325 degrees

 Dad and I spending time outdoors walking on the property.

Dad hired a portable sawmill to cut up some lumber he had recently taken down.

I could watch them cut lumber all.day.long!

Beautiful, clear 12" wide hemlock boards over 12 foot long.

I am so blessed to be able to spend time with my dad. At 88 years of age, he is amazing in so many ways. My engineer's mind, love of projects, tools, and being outdoors enjoying the land, are all from him. Linda often catches me saying and doing things like him. When we work on projects together grunt language will suffice...no words needed. We just know what the other is thinking. Well, what should we expect as I am my father's son! He has been a hero and role model to me my whole life. Love you dad!

The Sun Sets in Black Mountain

We had beautiful weather almost every day during our visit with EZ's folks last week, so one night we decided to head up the mountain to snap some pictures of the sunset. It's a really long, steep walk, so Ernie's mom hadn't been up that far in years. However, a new road meant we could drive all the way to the top, so we were really happy when she decided to join us. I love the look of excitement on her face in this picture:

It was a clear, cool, crisp night in western Carolina, and we were in awe of the beauty that surrounded us. In a matter of minutes the golden sun descended behind the mountains, creating a gorgeous display of color in the autumn sky.

Thank you Lord for the beauty of your creation. For mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. For wispy clouds and a sky that displays so many shades of color. For the fiery orange sun that bids goodbye to another day. For family to experience it with. For life, and love, and knowing that every day is a gift from You.

Thankful Thursday - Giving Thanks for...

Freedom

Family

Fall foliage

Father-in-law's endless project ideas

Finishing projects

Feeling good 

 

Finding time to dance 

Fantastic sunsets in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Fall + Mountains = BREATHTAKING!

We are delighted to be spending the week with EZ's parents in beautiful Black Mountain, NC. Though we are probably about a week or so too late for peak leaf color, it is still absolutely breathtaking. I wish the pictures did the mountains justice, but guess you will just have to believe me when I say it is gorgeous here. The sky has been cloudless and Carolina blue, the air perfectly cool and crisp, and the trees all shades of orange, yellow, green and red. We snapped these shots today as we walked to a scenic overlook, all  on Baker property. We will never get over the magnificence of the mountains, the enormity of the boulders scattered throughout, or the beautiful color palette displayed...all the work of a mighty Creator. We stand amazed...

Fall is quickly becoming our favorite season. For those of you who don't experience much of a change, just live vicariously through us and enjoy!

Our Favorite Lasagna

When it comes to Italian food, my favorite by far is lasagna. I prefer it with Italian sausage, rather than ground beef,  and the recipe I use has been my go to since EZ's sister, Sherry, introduced me to it, and she found it in the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook from 1976. (Yes, you read that right, 1976... before some of you were even born!). I decided to make it last weekend to feed our eight adults and four children before Leah and Kyle headed back to Georgia. Serve it up with some crusty Italian bread spread with butter and garlic salt, and a tossed salad. Your family will love it!

Here is the recipe:

Lasagne (Can also be spelled this way)

1 pound Italian sausage

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon whole basil (I used freeze dried)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I used coarse Kosher salt)

1 1-pound can diced tomoatoes

2 6-ounce cans tomato paste

10 ounces lasagne noodles (8-10)

2 eggs

3 cups fresh Rocotta

1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese

2 tablespoons parsley flakes

1 teaspoon salt (I used coarse Kosher salt)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced very thin (I used 2 cups shredded)

Brown meat slowly; spoon (or drain) off excess fat. Add next 5 ingredients and 1 cup water. Simmer, covered, 15 minutes (I simmered uncovered 30 minutes); stir often. Cook noodles in boiling water (I add a dash of olive oil), 10 minutes; drain; rinse. Beat eggs; add remaining ingredients, except mozzarella.

Layer half the noodles in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish, spread with half the Ricotta filling; add half the mozzarella cheese and half the meat sauce. Repeat. Bake at 375 degrees about 30-40 minutes (or assemble early and refrigerate; bake 45 minutes). Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8-10.

Enjoy!