December 29, 2009
Now with video..............................

Ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et messieurs, it is with great pleasure that I introduce.........

Now let's bring him back, this time with his new instrument (given to him by his Cappy); sometimes he has to try extra hard to hit the high notes; but then again, don't we all?

And a brief introduction of the guests, and some other people who just showed up unexpectedly, you decide which is which

And the visitor from a foreign land you might ask (if you read the last post)? Niece Kristi made a surprise appearance yesterday! Looking forward to seeing her and the Highs this week in MhC. We'll see if Terri can once again beat her catering record of excellence as we play host for our annual NYE celebration

Pop is holding his own. I went this morning and the dietitian was visiting him; she asked if I was the egg custard chef, then told me that he can eat anything he wants, as long as he is eating she's happy. Looks like I'm cooking hot dogs tonight, y'all come on down.

Happy New Year!

December 28, 2009
A very special Christmas

One reason this was a very special Christmas was this picture. I asked Pop what was his favorite Christmas and his reply was "this one!" Got to agree; it was very nice seeing so many Rileys around

Uncle Dave was mighty proud of his shiny sheriff star, he kept telling everyone that "there's a new sheriff in town." When asked why I thought this to be an appropriate gift I replied "well, I don't think he has one!" That line always works.
He even learned how to take his leopard skin t-shirt off in a new way!
Terri once again made the whole thing happen, and was happy and relieved that no one was knifed, shot, cut or poisoned.
Took some neat vids but the machine doesn't seem to want to load them tonight, maybe later

Strange visitors in our house from all over everywhere..........who will be our next visitor? Will they come from Durham....or maybe a loooooooooooooong way away?

December 25, 2009

Joy to the world!

Merry Christmas from the Riley family. We went to the Matthews gathering yesterday and were not successful in the eating contest, although we did our best. Last night we went to the Christmas Eve service at our church and had a good time. Up early today to share presents; right now we're cooking up a storm with custards in the over and a fresh ham going on the grill soon. We are excited to have Kevin and Heather here and will have a family dinner tonight.

Daddy is back in the hospital in CCU. His colon is in a lot of trouble so they are treating him with antibiotics and hoping to get him well enough to get back to Crystal Bluffs. He's been through a lot but continues to fight to get better.

Peace on earth goodwill to men on whom his favor rests

December 19, 2009

Another chance

Well the old boy looks to be on the road to recovery again; we used to call our old bird dog Houdini among other things, think we're going to start calling Pop that name.

He looks and feels a lot better but is very confused over what happened over the past three weeks. If all goes well he should go back to Crystal Bluffs early in the week.

We're about ready for Christmas and a visit from that old man from up north....no not Santa, Kevin is coming home tonight with Heather. We can't wait to see them next week.

Joy to the world!

December 17, 2009
Poor Guy

Pop had to go back in the hospital yesterday; he was having fever, chills, etc. He has infection in his right elbow as a result of the colitis surgery, lots of pain and swelling. But he did have a comfortable evening and ate a little breakfast this morning.

At this writing (9:45AM Thursday) he is waiting for arthroscopic surgery to rinse and drain the infected area, similar to a knee scope. He will have general anesthesia which is worrisome.........but necessary.

More later

December 11, 2009
Weekend update

It's hard to believe but my father came home from the hospital yesterday. We really were surprised and elated to have him back at Crystal Bluffs. I went by there last night and he was more alert, but still a little confused about what happened. Good news

I was in MD, DC and VA for most of the week; too busy for pictures.

Good news from Sanford; Jay and Holly are expecting a little girl. How does Dink Duke Riley sound?

Preparing for Christmas, and you?

December 6, 2009

Another Pop update

Good news, he has been moved to a private room. There aren't any significant changes, good or bad to report, but he continues to hold his own.

We're all waiting on a big old you-know-what to get that reconnected colon working right. Thanks for your thoughts, prayers and concern.

December 2, 2009
Pop update

FYI, my father had some health issues Sunday night which required surgery Monday morning for colitis. In his health situation surgery is and was the last resort. Not unlike a lot of people in that age range with the last stage of kidney function, getting him to wake up and removal of the ventilator were among many major concerns.

So far, so good. This morning there was no change but I just visited him after lunch today (Thursday) and he was sitting up and able to speak. His speech is hoarse and not very legible, but a big improvement from earlier.

I will keep you updated.