Anne More

2010-08-12T11:01:00.001-07:00

My Mom

My Confidant,
My Mentor,
My Proof Reader,
My Therapist,
The person who would never judge me,
Who always knew the right thing to say,
Who was always there to push me in the right direction,
The driving force in all things "Me"
A very close friend,
And above all, my Mom

She was all these things to me, and many more that I can't even begin to list. My Mom's love and kindness knew no bounds.

Today, there is a piece of me missing now that she isn't here. Yet still, although life is indeed different, I can feel that my Mom is very much alive in me, and in all of her friends and family with the love that she so freely gave. I feel that she lives on in all of us.

When I close my eyes, I see her. When I go to sleep, I talk to her in my dreams. When I feel stressed, I hear her telling me that she's proud of me. When I wish she could see what neat new thing Brandon's doing, I feel her in the room watching. When I feel lonely or sad, I feel her arms around me in a hug. All the things I had before, I still have each day, just in different way than they used to be.

I pray to God pretty much every morning, and since early in the year when she passed away, I asked God every day to heal her pain, to help me to be closer to Him. To live in the hearts of my family and friends so that we may all feel and share His love...and He answered. Her pain is gone, and she hurts no more.

After her soul had left for Heaven, and her body was still here with us, I was confused, I didn't understand why God would take her from me, from Brandon, from my Dad, from all of us, when she still had many years to live. We weren't ready to let her go. I still don't know why He took her when He did, and I probably won't until I join Him in heaven and can ask Him face to face.

One thing that I do know is that, without a doubt, my Mom was a gift from God. And what a gift she was. For me, for my Dad, for my Grandparents, for my Uncle, for all of us. A gift that is still with us, each and every day. There has been more than one time where I felt God act directly in my life through a specific event, but I never truly saw how he acted in my life each and every day through the love that my Mom had for me.

As much of a stretch as it is to think, Heaven may have fallen a little short on love, and needed my Mom to fill in the gap. I say this tongue in cheek, but maybe Heaven needed some help getting organized; and who better to fill that role but my Mom.

I don't know who wrote this, but I find it a fitting description of my Mom:

Her love is like an island
In life's ocean, vast and wide
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain, the tide.

'Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.

Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;
And thro' the changing scenes of life
I find a haven there.

While my Mom's light on this Earth has dimmed, it shines brighter than ever in Heaven, shining down on me, on Brandon, on my Dad, on all of us, waiting until God calls us home so we can be together again.

I Love You Mom,
Brian

2009-08-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Now that I am gone,
remember me with smiles and laughter.
And if you need to cry,
cry with our loved ones
who walk in grief beside you.
And when you need me,
put your arms around anyone
and give to them what you need to give to me.
There are so many who need so much.
I want to leave you something --
something much better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I've known
or helped in some special way.
Let me live in your heart
as well as in your mind.
You can love me most
by letting your love reach out to our loved ones,
by embracing them and living in their love.
Love does not die, people do.
So, when all that's left of me is love,
give me away as best you can.

2009-08-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

The weather was very nice in Bishop when we left at 8 am. Here in Lotus, CA near Placerville, CA, it is pretty warm. 10 pm and it is still 80 degrees. Not complaining a bit though. Found a nice spot with trees around us. It didn't take long for Chris to take the dogs for a swim in the American River and they found a playmate at the river, a chocolate male Labrador who was very generous and shared his ball with our dogs.

MONO LAKE, CA
Mono Lake is located north of Bishop and 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park, near the town of Lee Vining, California. Mono Lake is unique. Mono Lake was 60 times larger than the 66 square miles it covers today. It is naturally salty and loaded with alkalinity because it has no outlet.

The City of Los Angeles has been diverting water from the Mono Basin since 1941. That diversion has cut the lake volume in half and has doubled its alkalinity and salinity. An extended court fight has finally stopped the water diversion and Mono Lake is once again growing.

2009-08-10T21:47:00.001-07:00

We were on the road at 6:00 am this morning headed for Bishop.

Stopped at the site of the former Manzanar Japanese Internment Camp south of Big Pine. We last visited the camp in 1997 and to our surprise there has been a great deal of work done on the site such as signage showing where buildings were and partial restoration of corner sections. Also major cleanup of weeds and debril. In 1942 the US Government ordered more than 110,000 Japanese-American people interred during WWII. Manzanar is just 1 of 10 camps established. If you'd like more information on Manzanar, check out the Internet (there are also pictures)

No visit to Bishop is complete without stopping at Erik Schat's Bakkery (yes 2 k's) for original Sheepherder Bread. Sheepherder bread was introduced to the Owens Valley during the California Gold Rush by immigrant Basque sheepherders who missed the bread of their homeland. Loaves are shaped by hand and baked in stone hearth ovens. Bread isn't the only food available at the Bakkery. There's pastries, fancy desserts, cookies, etc. People come from all over to buy bread here and it is a big tourist draw.

As you can see, there are no pictures shown. Yep, my computer played tricks on me tonight and after I downloaded the pictures, it wanted to go play "hide'n seek". Well, the pictures are hidden so well that I can't find them and they are gone from my camera stick also.

So much for our first day on the road.

2009-08-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the day we hit the road for our long awaited "get out of Needles before it gets hot trip". My back is hurting somewhat but I'm not going to let that stop us from leaving. Can hardly wait to get to Orangevale, CA and see that grandson of ours who is now 9 months old.

Keep checking my blog as I'll do my best to provide scenic pictures and info along the way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is no secret that the More family on Chris' side and then me for 36 years enjoy hunting for rocks. It appears that Brandon has inherited this interest; however, he prefers to taste the rock first before deciding if it is a "keeper"! Obviously this one didn't pass the taste test.

2009-08-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

For all of the locals in Needles, Mohave Valley and Bullhead City, this landmark has been a part of all our lives for many years. I've lived here 36 years and every trip to Bullhead City, I look to see if she has new clothes on. Some mystery person(s)changes her clothes to fit in with major holidays and the Harley Run. One time the "cross" post was removed and people went ballistic until it was returned.

This is one of those simple things in life that makes you feel good!

2009-07-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

I injured a muscle in my back causing horrible pain on June 3rd while doing physical therapy on a piece of equipment called a "shuttle". My regular physician recommended that I do water physical therapy so went to another facility and 4 weeks into the therapy, the muscle did the same thing again.

So today I went to a Pain Management Clinic in Henderson, Nevada and the doctor highly recommended I have a series of epidural steroid shots. Usually it is a series of 3 shots given 2 weeks apart but he feels I could get by with one or possible 2 shots......................in the meantime, his recommendation was to
use the following until I felt no pain whatsoever!

See Below:

2009-07-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

2009-07-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

2009-07-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

I was amazed how quick the cotton grows in the fields along Arizona 95.

SUMMER

2009-07-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend is supposed to provide us with a big "heat wave", the hottest so far this summer. Even our pool water has been averaging 94 degrees.

2009-07-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a wonderful and exciting 2009 4th of July!

2009-06-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Since our 5th wheel awning is not very large as we have 3 slide outs, one being on the entrance side of the trailer, we purchased a stand alone canopy that can be put in front of the slide out; however, this blocks the windows. Ok, no big deal, just make the poles taller! Chris purchased material to extend the height of the canopy and the extension posts can be taken off for traveling.
It looks pretty tall but so is our 5th wheel.

One thing about it.....Big Foot won't have any problems walking under this awning.

2009-06-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

I keep telling myself that I'm going to be more consistant posting on my blog but there isn't much happening around here. I think the heat has finally arrived and July 4th may turn out to be one of the hottest days as usual.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT THE MORE'S HOUSE FOR THE DOGS

YES, THEY ARE EATING REAL DOG ICE CREAM!

Chris is holding Jessie. Her back feet are on the bottom of the pool. Jessie is a very long dog with tall legs. And yes, she does like to back up to the couch and rest her butt on the couch. And she can scan the top of the dining room table in a flash as her head is much taller than the table.

2009-06-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's gloomy here today and not really "hot". The dogs are kicking back and catching up on much needed rest. That is what I plan on doing afer lunch. I still can't sleep on my back so I'm still sacking out on the couch and trying to get some sleep at night. Not much fun. The back pain has totally worn me out. Hopefully I get some answers on Thursday from the spine doctor. It has been over two weeks since I hurt my back and enough is enough!

2009-06-14T20:12:00.003-07:00

Brian, Alison and Brandon arrived in Needles around 7:00 pm on Saturday for the first leg of their two-week vacation. It was a short overnight visit but just seeing Brandon after 2+ months was a wonderful treat (and Brian and Alison too). Brandon is now crawling and waving Hi and doing some really cute antics. And he loves eating "peas".....something his
father hates as an adult.

Oh what a proud Grandma I am!

2009-06-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

The latest saga of my body parts breaking down.

After therapy last Wednesday, did some shopping and my lower back hurt some after arriving home. Rested with ice on my back. Went to a farewell dinner for Sally & Pete that evening. Sitting & talking for 3 hrs took its toll on my lower back and by the time we arrived home spasms were pounding my back. Suffered all night so ended up at the ER on Friday. The doctor determined that a muscle on the lower back and the right side of the spine became inflamed and was very, very mad at me (as he termed it). Gave me a shot for spasms and pain and also a prescription for each and to be sure and ice down my back. The pain and spasms were so bad and I really didn't get any relief until Sunday. No sleep, impossible to get up and down. This is going to be a slow healing process. The best we can determine is therapy aggravated this area so backing off of knee therapy for awhile and will do minimal at home.

2009-06-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

I know, I know.....I am way behind in posting on my Blog. With recovering from spine surgery and knee replacement surgery 50 days later and an unplanned 2-day stay in the hospital over Memorial Weekend due to dehydration, anemia,low blood pressure, not eating and generally felling lousy, I've been doing my best to be good and rest. The doctors said having two major surgeries so close together is way too rough on a person's body. I had no option with the knee replacement as the knee was totally deterioriated.

Started physical therapy on my knee last week and it is work and hurts. This afternoon my right lower leg swelled so will have to put in a call to the doc to see what is going on.

Here are a few pictures of Chris installing the new liner for our above ground pool.
Don't know who was happier that the chore was done, Chris or the dogs!

We liked the design with the fish, makes the pool very blue.

2009-05-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

I had a nice, quiet Mother's Day recuperating from my knee replacement

Brian, Alison and Brandon send me a beautiful chain with pendant, which I wore when we took Corinne out for breakfast. I don't wear much jewelry but they did a wonderful job picking out the perfect length that I like.

The dogs went shopping and picked out this nice little floral arrangement for me. My little girls are very thoughtful (so is their father).

Warm Weather Is Here!

2009-05-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Our warm weather has arrived and the dogs are feeling the heat. Bought a small kids pool for Coco and Maars to get wet in at Corinne's. Chris installed a drain plug making it easy to drain the water.

Our pool is scheduled for a major overhaul - new liner, skimmer, change out the sand in the filter. Unfortunately we have to wait until Chris gets his stitches out from his recent carpel tunnel surgery. In the meantime, he is letting the dogs play and get wet in what water is left in the pool.

Labrador's and water go together!

Sally - You Rock!

2009-05-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks Sally for all you do..........Chris & Anne

Knee Replacement Update

2009-05-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

I had my first follow-up appointement after knee replacement on Monday the 4th. My orthopedic surgeon was very pleased with my progress. I requested holding off removal of the staples for one more week as my history of incision healing and staying closed isn't very successful and I just hate the thought of the incision area reopening.

He explained the current technology of knee replacements and why I have two xtra incisions/staples down the leg lower than the main incision area. He makes two incisions on the lower shin and two on the upper thigh (the upper is hidden under the skin) and attaches computerized equipment to your bones, and moves the knee around to get the perfect alignment The technology is more accurate and the surgeons praise the equipment. The lower hardware of the replacement is Titanium and the upper is Chromemolby. The chrome is harder than the titanium.

I can hardly wait for the first trip through the metal detectors - first I'll set it off for the knee hardware and then the spine.

2009-04-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

Swollen Right Knee

After surgery - 17 staples (15 plus 2)

It has been a little hectic around the More household since I last posted in my blog.
I had right knee replacement on Wednesday, April 22nd at Western Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City, AZ. I can't say it was the most enjoyable thing to happen. About a month prior, my knee just blew out - severe swelling and so much pain. Pretty difficult even to walk with a walker. My experience at the hospital was not too pleasant. Nurses wouldn't administer pain medication until the pain was out-of-control and then I would receive the pain shots or tablets.

I could hardly wait to get home where "Nurse Chris" is taking such good care of me.He is doing quite well even though he hasn't taken "Nursing 101"yet.

2009-04-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

Brandon is starting at an early age to learn how to work on vehicles. He is certainly neater than his Grandpa Chris! Brian was installing a "lift kit" in his Toyota.

2009-04-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

It appears Brandon has acquired a taste for computers, just like mom and dad!

2009-04-18T07:29:00.001-07:00

The decision has been made and I am scheduled for right leg knee replacement on Wednesday, April 22nd at WARMC (Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City, AZ). I don't know the surgery time yet. When I am back to parr, I have no plans on running the Boston Marathon!

A couple weeks back my right knee swelled to over double its size and the orthopedic surgeon had to drain fluid from the knee (60 cc's). Ever since then, My leg has been in constant pain. I am using a walker to get around but even that is a challenge. The pain is well over the high scale. I'll be in the hospital possibly 5 days and then home therapy. Chris has been wonderful and has taken on the full-time tasks of doing everything. He can actually cook; something he has been hiding for over 35 years!

I.ve have had so many surgeries over the years but this one scares me most of all. My dad is having carpel tunnel surgery on the same day in Phoenix. It took a long time to get him scheduled because of his pacemaker.

2009-04-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

HAPPY CRUISING SALLY!

2009-04-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

The Reed's New Home and Puppy
We were all saddened to hear of the loss of Huck Reed
but now Faith and Allen have a new member of the family -
Rocky. He is a cutie and loves people!

2009-03-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful weekend with Brian, Alison and Brandon, who drove from Sacramento to be here for T.More's memorial picnic on Saturday. They were here 19 days ago and it is amazing the changes in Brandon in such a short time. Here are a few of my favorite pictures I took this weekend.

Loves his new swing especially when you hold him by his feet and let go.
Brian will hang from their back yard tree.

Fingers are constantly in his mouth!

Helping dad and grandpa with the scalloped potatoes before going in the oven. Helps in the kitchen just like his dad used to do.

2009-03-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

Tom More obituaries in the Needles Desert Star and local newspaper where Tom's sister, Mabel lives.

Happy 85th Birthday Dad !

2009-03-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

2009-03-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

Didn't get to spend much time at my folks. My knee got worse and I couldn't walk and the pain was pretty intense. So headed back to Needles on Wednesday and direct to Valley View ER. After bloodwork, IV's, CTscan and ultrasound of leg double checking for blood clots, received the same answer - arthritis and "here are more drugs to take".

My only sense of sanity was that I had an appointment the next day with my orthopedic doctor, Dr. Stamper, in Kingman. Chris called in the morning and they were able to get me in at 10:45 am. The doc took one look at me and then the knee and asked why the ER doctor's didn't drain my knee? They never mentioned this and frankly I would not have wanted to be the "pin cushion". Didn't take him long to prepare to drain the fluid off my knee. Extracted 60cc of liquid and blood and then gave me a cortisone shot. He said if this happens again to call the office and tell the girls that he said to get me in immediately. Have an appointment tomorrow at 9 am for possible re-draining. Bottom line is I am facing knee replacement.

More later!

2009-03-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Garden gifts for the back yard.

2009-03-16T21:29:00.001-07:00

Left for Phoenix this morning to spend a couple of days with my folks. My dad's 85th birthday is March 24th so will be celebrating it early.

A yellow poppy just started growing in my folks front landscape.

2009-03-13T23:57:00.000-07:00

Tom & Darque - 3/22/96 - Needles Peaks Posse Ride

Tom More – 11/9/19 to 3/4/09

Thomas More was born in Needles on November 9, 1919 at 811 Fourth Street. His parents, Richard John & Isabella were immigrants from Scotland. Richard worked water service for the Santa Fe Railroad. Tom was raised in West Los Angeles with his siblings, John, Annie & Mabel. Tom worked on ranches and then the Santa Fe Railroad for 43 years.

Tom raised homing pigeons at age 10 and continued that sport until 1983.

Tom married Corinne Crewe in 1950 and adopted her sons, John & Chris. Tom was an ardent hunter and fisherman and passed that sport on to his sons.

Tom & Corinne explored all of the surrounding desert and mountains by foot, horseback and jeep. He became a rockhound by going with Corinne and carrying the big loads.

Tom belonged to the Cerbat Mounted Posse, a Search and Rescue organization in Mohave County. He was a super rider.

After retirement from the railroad, Tom became a Brand Inspector for San Bernardino County for the desert area east of Barstow to the Colorado River, north to Nevada and south to Riverside County.

Tom’s favorite saying was “Life is So Uncertain, Eat Dessert First!”

“A picnic to remember Tom More” will be held at Catfish Paradise, Arizona on Saturday, March 28th at 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Please bring a side dish and chairs to sit in. RSVP – 760-326-5005 or 760-326-3713 by March 24th.

2009-03-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Chris was out of town today and I left to do an errand, which only took about 45 minutes. Obviously our 3 year old Labrador, Sasha, was rather busy in the short time I was gone! It was just too tempting not to dump over the dog food container.

2009-03-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

Today we visited Sally at her home in Mohave Valley.

2009-03-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Brian-Alison-Brandon drove down from Sacramento (Orangevale, CA) to be with family after the loss of his Brian's grandfather,Tom. He and Alison felt it was important to be here to support Brian's dad and granny. And what a joy knowing I would have time with my grandson, Brandon whom I haven't seen in a little over a month!

Brandon has changed so much - his grin is getting cuter, responds to your smile, garbling more with a little squeal sometimes, hands able to grasp more things, able to occupy himself with toys more and sleeping through the night.

2009-03-06T08:43:00.001-08:00

Remembering

2009-03-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

Composed by Bee & Dick Huff
Mt. Pass Mine, Nipton, CA

T MORE WAS THERE AHEAD OF US
NO MATTER WHERE WE WENT,
WE FOUND HIS NAME ON MANY ROCKS
WHEN WE ARRIVED ALL SPENT

WE FOUND HIS NAME IN CANYONS
AND ON A CABIN FLOOR,
WE FOUND HIS NAME ON LITTLE FLAGS
AS DOWN THE TRAIL WE TORE

WE FOUND HIS NAME ON LOFTY PEAKS
AS TO THE SKY WE TOILED,
WE FOUND HIS NAME ON WATER HOLES
WHEN WE ARRIVED PARBOILED

WE FOUND HIS NAME ON HANGING WALLS
IN LONG LOST MINES OF YORE,
AND WHEN WE LOOKED UP AT THE CLOUDS
BY GOD! THEY SPELLED T MORE

Farewell T More

2009-03-04T23:14:00.000-08:00
Thomas More aka Tom More aka T More passed away today, March 4, 2009, at the age of 89. Tom was born in Needles, California on November 9, 1919 in a house on Fourth Street, behind the City of Needles Offices (the house is still there). He was always proud to say to anyone that he was born in Needles, California in 1919. And if you ever spelled his last name wrong - look out! "The name is M O R E, with one "O" and don't you forget it!" The Needles Desert Star found that out on numerous occasions when his last name was misspelled in the paper.

Tom's father, Richard, came over from Scotland and eventually found a job working on the railroad in Needles, California. He left is sweetheart, Isabella, behind in Scotland. When he was settled in Needles, he sent a letter to her asking for her to come to America and marry him. She wrote back that if he wanted to marry her, then he would have to come to Scotland and marry her there.....so he did. Way to go Isabella.

Tom was always famous for leaving his "tag mark" in places he and Corinne had hiked to from the highest peak to the deepest cave. I cannot begin to list the number of people who have said "we hiked up a mountain and found a cave or rock outcropping that we were sure no living person had ever been to and to their surprise, etched in the cave or a rock were the words "T More was here". Tom left these tags long before there was a Bureau of Land Management and once they were formed, they got on his case about what they considered defacing the environment. Any friend of T More can tell you that this was not defacing, this was his way of showing that he beat you there first!

Four months ago, Tom and Corinne were blessed with the birth of great-grandchild #4. Our son, Brian and daughter-in-law, Alison gave birth to a son who they named Brandon Thomas More, in short Brandon T More. Who knows, maybe someday Brandon and I will be hiking in the desert and come across a rock that is marked with "T More was here".

Tom taught this City Gal many things about the desert; hiking, climbing mountains to see what was on the other side, walking on old Indian trails, viewing Petroglyphs, and appreciation of the desert and what it has to offer and I will cherish every moment and memory I have.

T More I miss you but know you are up in the heavens climbing every mountain to see what is on the other side. I love you.

Your daughter-in-law, Anne

2009-03-01T22:52:00.000-08:00
After almost 10 years waiting, Chris finally "got around" to painting our front coat closet. As the picture depicts, you can barely fit inside the closet. Needless to say, it took years of planning to accomplish this project. Gosh, now what can I find to "nag" Chris about??

Chris finished installing a cargo box on the back of the 5th wheel for the BBQ and satelite antenna equipment.

Chris installed two new porch light fixtures and will add two more on the front of the house - eventually! I'm going to cover the gold on the address sign with silver paint.

2009-02-27T22:41:00.000-08:00
It's been 26 days since my spine surgery and I'm doing okay. A little problems with my legs hurting and very tender but not sure if this is related to the spine. Have to make a trip to Henderson on Tuesday to have the doctor check me out.

The brace below is what I have been wearing during the day since surgery. It gets rather warm wearing the brace and very restrictive but I'll do whatever it takes to heal correctly.

Today I received my newest post surgical equipment. It is a "Spinal-Stim Bone Growth Stimulator". I must wear this 4 hours a day and that white object that looks like a cat's face is the timer. It is not as uncomfortable as the brace and much cooler, but still awkward to wear.

I feel like I'm wearing equipment to track UFO's!

2009-02-23T21:58:00.001-08:00
Check out this really neat "birthday" website and find out some things you didn't know: http://www.paulsadowski.org/BirthDay.asp

Have fun!

2009-02-22T22:37:00.000-08:00
My best friend, Ede, headed back to Colorado this morning but we were able to take pictures at the Needles wagon before she left.

2009-02-20T22:04:00.000-08:00
I've had company all week, my best friend, Ede, who lives in Red Mesa, Colorado (near Durango, CO). It's been a great help in my recovery from the spine surgery.
Chris is our "Chief Chef" and is doing a mighty good job. He says he's going into retirement after my full recovery...... but by then he will be so good at cooking it will be so automatic for him to head to the kitchen to cook a meal - What a guy!

Hope to post some pictures soon.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone

2009-02-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

2009-02-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

2009-02-11T22:30:00.000-08:00
A diehard Cardinal's fan, my Brother Tom who rumor has it will be turning 60 on May 15th and so will his brother-in-law, Chris on May 23rd. Where did the time go? Weren't we all just in our 20's?

2009-02-11T16:36:00.000-08:00
Thank you Sally for a wonderful dinner on Sunday and the leftovers on Monday. As you can see there is not a crumb left.

9 days since surgery and most of the time feel pretty good. Often times the pain is unbearable and when the spasms kick it, it is even worse. Going to Henderson tomorrow to have the staples removed.

2009-02-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Sienna Campus, Henderson, Nevada

A picture of the hospital I had my spinal surgery at. The entire staff was wonderful.If anyone is worried about jobs - go to school and become a nurse as there is job security in this profession.

My stay was much longer than anticipated - Monday was surgery day (about a 3-hour procedure).

Day 2 I was moved to ICU (Intensive Care Unit) for 2 days due to low blood pressure 78/38. They called in a heart doctor to assess what was going on. Once I was regulated they moved me to a surgical recovery wing. Then a Puliminary doctor came in to discuss my low oxygen level. They kept taking my oxygen level and found that it was way below the acceptable level to be released (should have been 95 or higher and I was at 80). So the next step was full-time oxygen and breathing treatments. Also did a CT-Scan on my pulminary artery, ultra sound of leg artery looking for blood clots and a special blood test that they had to extract the blood from the artery.

Saturday morning, all tests came back normal but had to wait all day until the house doctor showed up to release me (6:00 pm Saturday) Too late to drive home so we are staying at the Fiesta Hotel and Casino, where Chris stayed at night.

I was one doped up gal for a few days with all the medications they were pumping into me so my recollections are kind of foggy. All the specialists confered and I most likely had a reaction to the anesthesia causing the low blood pressure and the low blood pressure caused the oxygen level to drop, which means I had fluid around or below or somewhere by my lungs.

Thanks all of you for your prayers, telephone calls, e-mails, inquiries through family and friends. Now I am on the road to recovery, dealing with the pain, limited mobility and wearing a mid-brace that I swear weighs 15 lbs.that I will be wearing for 3 months.

I especially want to thank my husband of 35+ years, Chris, for taking such good care of me before the surgery, while in the hospital and when we get home. Love You!

2009-02-01T23:30:00.000-08:00
Monday is the big day for my back surgery in Henderson, Nevada. I'm very nervous, and my anxiety level has escalated. I feel confident the surgery will go well and I will soon be able to do the things I've missed doing and hopefully be 99.99% pain free (I'd even take 98%). Thanks to all of you who have called and sent e-mails wishing me good luck and praying for me.

2009-01-29T00:05:00.000-08:00
Tehachapi, CA

When we went through Tehachapi on Wednesday the 21st, there was no snow except a little on the high peaks. However, on our way home on Monday the 26th, the area was covered with snow. What a beautiful sight!

2009-01-25T16:14:00.000-08:00
FOLSUM LAKE, CALIFORNIA

Salmon Falls was an gold camp on the South Fork of the American River.It was founded by Mormans in 1848.It was a fairly large town,with a Chinese settlement next too the town.The town was flooded by the waters of Folsom Lake in the 1950s. In drought years and sometimes in the winter, the water recedes and what is left of a few structures and the bridge are uncovered.

It was a nice, cool walk to Salmon Falls. What you see that looks like a river is actually Folsum lake.

The dogs enjoyed a romp in the cold water and posing for this picture on a set of old steps, which is usually underwater. Sasha, Jessie, Kala, Jasper

2009-01-23T23:31:00.001-08:00
Our trip through Yosemite on the way to Brian and Alison's was not the most scenic due to the constant downpour of rain, foggy conditions, low clouds, snow adjacent to the roadways and a muddy, muddy mess. Fortunately no icy conditions as it was not that cold.

2009-01-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

Guess Who? A hint - my last name is spelled with one "O".

When I am happy, I am happy!

When I'm upset - look out!

My dad teases me and blows in my face

2009-01-20T10:11:00.000-08:00
Did summer arrive early? Temp in the 70's during the day.

Chris is trimming trees (fortunately the trees aren't very big). Our original trees were removed about 4 years ago when we had to cap off our water line from under the house run a new line around the side and to the back. We missed the shade so planted new trees last year. The dogs always help by mulching some of the branches.

This is our second try at planting bushes in front of the house. Summer before last the heat totally fried the bushes. The side bushes died two summers in a row so we are on our third planting there.

With honeysuckle bushes you get the unpleasant task of dealing with aphids. Trying a new spray hopefully to get rid of these pests.

Finally put door/drawer knobs in the kitchen. You'll have to ask Chris, the contractor, about the double knobs on the small drawer!

2009-01-16T23:05:00.000-08:00
Odds'n Ends Pictures

I'm still trying to get them darn pigeons and grackles to stay off my patio and away from the dog water. They find dog food in the neighbors yard, then come over to our pool or dog water to soften up the food before they can eat it.

My hanging owl deterrent!

My double dove deterrent!

My front plants are blooming.

Not bad for an artificial tree that was given to me in the Home Depot Parking lot last year that a contractor didn't want anymore. All the artifical leaves blew off so I bought more artificial leaves and wired them onto the tree.

Chris installing a new camper window and frame that was ordered over a month ago. Damage caused from not pulling down window while backing into low carport

2009-01-15T22:21:00.000-08:00
Can't resist posting a few pictures of Brandon. He will be three months old on January 24th and we will be there for the "big" celebration. Actually we are making the trip to bring home our cargo trailer (good excuse as any to spend some time with Brian, Alison and Brandon).

Dad headed to work!

Mom headed to work!

Brandon headed to day care!

Some day I'm gonna be big enough to drive this truck!

2009-01-15T22:10:00.000-08:00
We went for a drive last Sunday through Eagle Pass, to the west of Needles. It was a beautiful day and somewhat on the warmish side. The wash road was in pretty good condition so it must be getting a lot of use. We wanted to find the "clay pit" that T.More took us to back in 2000. Found my trusty notes (which were not too clear) and we headed off. We found the spot quite easily. The only problem is the old road to the pit was hardly visible and you are not supposed to drive on those roads anymore, even though they were once roads! T.More told us that the Mojave's used to trek all the way from Needles through Eagle Pass to this spot and use the clay to make their pots and figurines.

I was able to zoom in on this bird and he didn't seem to mind that we were watching him or her.

A nice sight to see this cactus in bloom.

2009-01-15T22:02:00.000-08:00
Needles experienced a rather long power outage last Sunday evening. Didn't bother us much, weather was cool, plenty of flashlights and our trusty generator from the 5th wheel was put to use. Chris ran extension cords everywhere. Time for dinner, no problem, plug the generator to the microwave, heat soup and have buttered saltines and a green salad and the gourmet dinner was served.

Brandon's First Christmas

2009-01-09T20:15:00.000-08:00
Looks like Brandon is ready for his first Christmas

Are these all for me?

Brian presented Brandon with a bottle of wine that will be saved and opened on his 21st birthday on October 24, 2029.

Alison enjoying their first Christmas together as a family of 3.

This is Grandma Anne's favorite picture

Why didn't I get to see Santa and the Reindeer?

2009-01-09T19:59:00.000-08:00
This is Raja, my niece, Jessica's, dog. Her folks take care of Raja while she is attending college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. She graduates in May. There may be a custody battle between her and her dad over who is keeping or taking Raja when Jessica finds a job!

No, that is not his tongue but a frisbee!

He's not going to let anyone take his frisbee or boot him off the couch!

2009-01-06T22:30:00.000-08:00
Sights near Apple Valley, CA

Is it a UFO or just a duck trying to find his way home to the Colorado River?

Look out Wal-Mart, there's a Super Target bigger than you are!

We all grew up with the Big Boy and he is still making people happy!

2009-01-04T19:56:00.000-08:00
NO GRANDPA - THE REMOTE CONTROL IS MINE!

Looks like grandpa and grandson are having a heated discussion on what to watch on TV

2009-01-03T22:05:00.000-08:00
I'm finally able to access my Blog with my desktop computer thanks to my son, Brian's computer knowledge. The problem was with Internet Explorer so he downloaded Firefox and I am now using Firefox as my Internet Browser.

Had a quiet New Years Day taking down Christmas decorations and lights. Everyone enjoyed my ferris wheel and teeter totter carnival theme. Guess it was worth the effort to put up since I won 3rd place in the Needles yard decorating contest for Most Creative.

Brian, Alison and Brandon headed home to Orangevale this morning. I sure do miss my precious grandson and the developmental changes occurring daily. As you can see by the picture, he appears to be saying "I don't want to leave Grandma". Only 19 days until we see him again as we will be traveling up north to bring home our cargo trailer, which was needed to haul all the gifts and baby gear home.

Chris planted a few more honeysuckle bushes today but this required rerouting the watering system. For the 35 years we have been married and living in the same house, I wonder how much capped off plastic pipe is underground?

It was rather chilly today -- thank goodness for a "pellet stove"

After Christmas Poem

2008-12-27T23:10:00.000-08:00
'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt

I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

2008-12-26T22:19:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that December 28 & 29th are National Chocolate Days so round up all that leftover Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas chocolate candy and dump it into one sack and sit on your front porch until you hear the garbage truck coming and when it is just about to your house, run to the trash can and throw the bag in and watch the trash man take it away.

Now there will be no more chocolate candy in your house to tempt you!

You will always remember National Chocolate Days after this.

2008-12-25T23:46:00.000-08:00
Christmas Day 2008
Sometime around midnight, I heard bells and the sound of animal feet on our roof along with a scraping noise. Then I heard loud footsteps and a voice saying "ho-ho-ho, this is the house where Brandon More is staying with his grandparents". The voice sounded like Santa Claus. Then I heard the voice say, "I received a letter telling me that Brandon would be in Needles, California on Christmas day and to please deliver his packages to this house". Then I fell back to sleep.

This morning, I wondered if I dreamt what I heard or was it real. I wonder if Brandon heard the same thing I did. Guess we will just have to wait until he is talking!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~

Christmas dinner was at our home. Brian, Alison, Corinne, Tom, Sally, Pete, Margie, Denny, Chris and myself and the smallest of all, Brandon (who did not partake of the food). Chris cooked the turkey in the "infrared turkey cooker". We had so much food but everyone managed to have room for Corinne's home-made pumpkin pies.

2008-12-25T08:33:00.001-08:00
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

From:
Anne, Chris, Jasper & Sasha
Brian, Alison, Brandon, Kala, Jessie, Cedric, Cleo and Taz

This is Brandon's first Christmas but we celebrated on Christmas eve. He enjoyed watching everyone open their presents. His mom and dad helped him open his gifts.

From our family to yours, we wish you all a wonderful Christmas Day!

2008-12-22T22:14:00.000-08:00
Several of our friends came to the house this evening to see the newest member of the More family - Brandon. Brandon is 8 weeks old now. He received many nice gifts and charmed everyone attending.

Wendy, Corinne, Brandon, Barb, Faith

Alison, Don, T-More, Sally, Brian

Sally, Renee

Great Granny More and Brandon

Brian & Alison, Brandon's parents

Ann, Sally & Brandon

Chris, Sally, Renee

Alison opening gifts

2008-12-21T17:52:00.001-08:00

You better watch out!
Better not cry!
Better not pout!
I'm telling you why,
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

He's making a list
and checking it twice.
He's going to find out who's naughty and nice.
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town.

He sees when you're sleeping.
He knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good.
So be good for goodness sake!

You better watch out!
Better not cry!
Better not pout!
I'm telling you why,
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

With little tin horns and little toy drums,
rootie-toot-toots and rum-a-tum tums.
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town.

Curly head dolls that toddle and coo,
elephants, boats and kiddie cars too.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

The kids and girls in boyland
will have a jubilee.
They're going to build a toyland town,
all around the Christmas tree.

You better watch out!
Better not cry!
Better not pout!
I'm telling you why,
Santa Claus is comin' to town.

2008-12-20T21:40:00.000-08:00
Christmas decorations in front of our house. I now have a ferris wheel and a teeter totter - next year the merry-go-round.

2008-12-20T21:27:00.000-08:00
The back patio counter tile and repainting is complete. I decided to do a little something different and faux paint the cupboard and drawer doors using 3 different paints.

When I had my recent MRI at Valley View Hospital, I went into the gift shop. They have some of the cutest things I've seen and very reasonable. Couldn't resist these cute Christmas cherubs. I have them on the shelf above my kitchen sink.

I am a very happy grandma. Brian, Alison and Brandon arrived this evening for the holidays. Brandon has changed so much in the month since we last saw him. He is more alert, eyes are very focused on objects, smiles and coos and is really into watching football on the TV!

Grandma Anne and Brandon after grandma gives him a bath in the kitchen sink.

2008-12-18T23:39:00.000-08:00
I haven't been able to access my Blog from my desktop for awhile. I keep getting an error message and get redirected so keep going in circles. Hopefully Brian will be able to help when he arrives on Saturday. In the meantime, I can get on using my laptop.

I've been busy decorating the house for Christmas and Chris has been a great help this year.

Chris frosted all these Christmas cookies that my mom made and sent home with me after my trip to Phoenix. Mom baked, Chris frosted, We all eat.

This picture should be hung in the Smithsonian Institute. In 35 years of marriage, this is the second time Chris has helped wrap presents!

Even the dogs get Christmas stockings with goodies in them.

Christmas decorations around the "no tree". I've been very non-traditional the last couple of years and made my gingerbread lady my Christmas tree.

2008-12-08T07:31:00.000-08:00
Kidnapped & Tortured:
A quote from our son, Brian, regarding his son, Brandon -
"Brandon was kidnapped at the mall and held against his will for a, fortunately brief, torture session with some fat guy in a red suit and white beard. Lucky for us the guy gave him back when we agreed to buy a CD with the evidence of the torture session. He seemed nice enough, so we won't be pressing charges".

First visit to Santa at 6 weeks of age.

I spent last week with my folks in Chandler, Arizona and since my dad is recovering from having a "pacemaker" installed, I decorated the outside of their house for Christmas. Lowe's had a 50% sale on all Christmas decor so I bought this "Santa on Vacation" air inflated yard decoration for their front yard.

We are almost done with the tiling project on our back patio counter. Next step is to faux paint the front of the cupboards. Fortunately, I have wood to test out the technique before I tackle the cupboards since I have never done this before.

2008-11-20T21:55:00.000-08:00
Just can't resist posting more pictures of our adorable grandson, Brandon who will be 4 weeks old tomorrow.

2008-11-20T21:28:00.000-08:00
We had a great Chinese take-home meal tonight. Even Cedric the cat enjoyed the noodles.

2008-11-17T22:15:00.000-08:00
Grandma Anne & Brandon

Brian trying out the hands-free baby carrier.

2008-11-17T00:03:00.000-08:00
We went to Nevada City, CA today, which is about two hours northwest of Sacramento in the "gold fever" area.

A tired little guy in Nevada City.

A happy Brandon in the evening after our trek today.

2008-11-16T23:40:00.000-08:00
Saturday night we had Indian Fry Bread with chunky red chili sauce (beef) and chunky green chili sauce (pork) cooked to perfection by Brian. The sauces were outstanding and fry bread to die for!

Like father, like son in the kitchen!

2008-11-15T10:24:00.000-08:00
The guys rented a tree shredder for the branches they cut and they actually had fun shredding the branches and it took less than 2 hours.

2008-11-12T19:22:00.000-08:00
Chris has been busy trimming trees at Brian and Alison's house. There is one tree in the backyard that is approximately 50 feet tall and he can only reach about 30 feet with the tall ladder. The guys have rented a "chipper" for Friday so hopefully they only need to make one trip to the dump. And there will be plenty of chipped wood for the compost pile.

2008-11-09T21:36:00.000-08:00
What a wonderful joy to finally hold my grandson. He is so prescious and has the cutest yawn when he is sleepy.

Brandon likes bright colors - even the color of red wine!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY T-MORE

2008-11-09T15:59:00.000-08:00
89 Years Young!

2008-11-08T11:52:00.000-08:00
6:00 a.m. on Saturday and ready to leave!

We purchased a metal divider to keep the dogs in the back section of the Expedition and turned the area into a "high-class" area for the dogs to ride. They seem to enjoy the area and are not fussing.

Trying to keep myself busy on this long drive to Sacramento. I forgot to bring the carrier that you put the camera memory stick pro into in order to download my pictures, but fortunately I have the cables with me and was able to upload my pictures this way.

As we approached Bakersfield, we got our first view of the smog/fog and it wasn't a pretty sight. We are lucky to live in the desert where we don't have this problem.

Some of the farms have covered the tops of their grape vines in a green plastic.

2008-11-07T22:36:00.000-08:00
Tomorrow we finally get to see Brandon, our two week old grandson. Brandon's other grandparents are leaving tomorrow after two weeks of helping out the new parents. I'm sure it will be very hard for them leaving.

2008-11-07T22:01:00.000-08:00
Yesterday we closed the pool for the winter. We had two very upset Labradors because they could not get in the pool and swim. Sasha had already been in the pool earlier in the morning when the water was about 68 degrees. The temp of water doesn't bother a Labrdor at all.

Chris closing the pool......I was helping on the other side of the pool so don't think he did all the work by himself.

2008-11-06T22:57:00.000-08:00
It looks like Brandon is tuckered out from his first Halloween. Wonder if he is dreaming about candy, candy, candy.

He's obviously picked out his favorite candy to eat after his little snooze.

2008-11-06T22:48:00.000-08:00
Work in progress - These cabinets are on our back patio and were the original kitchen cabinets. We finally got around to tiling the counter and back wall and it turned out pretty nice. Still need to finish the edges of the tile and put new hardware on the cabinets. And the first time I see the "man of the house" hammering something on the counter, I'm going after him with the hammer! :)

2008-11-06T13:05:00.001-08:00
Too many birds entering my back patio and leaving their "mark" all over the place so I keep trying to find ways to keep them out. These silver things are vehicle window shades cut into strips, looks so tacky but worth a shot.

See, they are just sitting on the wires waiting to make their deposits on my patio.

2008-11-01T00:59:00.001-07:00
Jasper and Sasha really enjoyed Halloween this year - can't you tell by the look on their faces that they enjoy dressing up in silly costumes and posing for the camera!
We didn't let them go trick-or-treating because they would have eaten all the goodies.

2008-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00
More pictures of Brandon. Just can't resist putting them on my blog.

Brandon's first bath and not too happy about it.

4 days old and holding his head up.

Obviously Brian wants to start Brandon into photography early.

2008-10-27T23:19:00.000-07:00
New grandbaby pictures

Brandon has on the cutest pumpkin hat

Introducing the dogs, Kala and Jessie, to Brandon

Hope he likes beer Brian!

2008-10-26T23:31:00.000-07:00
I bought a small "grandma brag book" today but only have 8 pictures to put in it.
Brian will be sending more pictures of Brandon soon. Brian seems to be very busy lately.....hmmmm, maybe it is due to a 2-day old baby. Brian tells me that Brandon has good lungs as he showed them last night. The little guy just couldn't settle down and go to sleep. This is a learning process of finding out what works for everyone and what his needs are. He did sleep 6 hours straight last night.

2008-10-25T21:33:00.000-07:00
Mom, Dad and Brandon came home from the hospital today, a little over 24 hours after the birth. Now they can start their new life as a family of three. Alison's parents, Kathy and John have arrived from Phoenix to help the new parents. We will be making our trip up mid-November.

9 lbs. 5 oz - even the doctor couldn't believe Brandon weighed that much. It goes to show that Alison ate healthy during her pregnancy and the dozens of containers of Tums she chewed for 9 months didn't stunt his growth!

What a beautiful baby boy - Grandma Anne is not the least bit partial!

Look at that head of hair!

GRANDPARENTS AT LAST

2008-10-24T16:20:00.000-07:00
Brian and Alison are now parents to a beautiful baby boy:

Brandon Thomas More
9 lbs. 5 oz.
21"
2:34 pm
October 24, 2008

All three are doing fine
Grandparents are on "cloud 9"

Picture forthcoming

2008-10-24T11:30:00.000-07:00
After two trips to the hospital and being sent home both times with "you are not ready yet", and the third trip Alison was finally admitted at 4 am this morning (I think that was the time). Brian called around 9 am and they had just given her an Epidural so now we just wait for the little guy to enter the world. Alison's folks are leaving Phoenix this afternoon and will arrive tomorrow.

My dad was admitted to the hospital this morning due to erratic breathing. So they will be checking him out.....but he won't be going to the maternity ward!

2008-10-23T20:18:00.000-07:00
Grandbaby - Today was the due date for Brian and Alison's baby. No baby yet but they made a trip to the hospital at 3:00 am this morning with contractions...a good sign. Mom and dad were sent home when the contractions stopped. Now parents, grandparents and great grandparents are on pins and needles as we all anxiously await the arrival of baby boy More.

2008-10-23T19:33:00.000-07:00
I got a killer deal on this canopy from Lowes. In May, the price was $199 - too expensive so didn't buy it. In October, the yellow tag price was $128 but the clearance price was $32 - SOLD! That's our new patio we installed last winter.

The canopy provides just enough shade and Chris has it cinched down so tight, even the winds of Wednesday didn't budge it a bit.

All good Labrador's should have their own outside quarters. We had leftover plastic lattice from the decking project and put it to very good use. The dogs are most appreciative to their thoughtful parents! And when it gets cold, blankets can be put on the lattice to block out the wind. Dogs are people too!