More tulips . . .

Arrrrggghhhh!! I bought some white and some violet tulips, which have gone missing from one of the flower beds - found another violet bud springing out of the backyard . . .

Next test . . .

I go for a CT scan this afternoon; this is where they have me drink some stuff and inject dye into my veins so they can get a better look at what's going on inside my abdomen. When the Dr. does the operation, he'll go in thru the lower abdomen to retrieve the testicle.
Connie has already been thru this test; she had one a couple months ago when it was thought she might have a lung clot. Thanks to everybody for all the kind words, and keeping me on your prayer lists.

An update from the Dr. . .

Some of you may have known that I've been to see a urologist after an ultrasound on an enlarged testicle. I was in today with Connie to the Dr., and I'm told the results are consistent with cancer of the testicle. I go in Mon. May 14 to remove it (testicle) - and if/when verified it's cancer, I will be sent to Hamilton to a multi-disciplinary cancer team to determine if/how much radiation or chemo would be required. Usually, testicular cancer has an excellent prognosis if caught early. Unfortunately, I went to see the family Dr. in 2004 for the identical testicle, and he didn't believe anything was wrong, and was sent home. This may (or may not) have been there for awhile. Will be waiting for results of testing after surgery.
Thanks to everybody for the encouraging words, and the prayers. It is so appreciated!

The case of the missing tulips . . .

I was so proud at the end of last season to plant some colour-coordinated tulip bulbs; alternating white and violet ones up either side of the front walkway. I noticed however, that everything seemed to come up o.k. on the left, but only one lonely one on the right. Figured maybe I messed up somehow, but then I caught a glimpse of where they ended up . . . I no longer think squirrels are cute 8 !

Crystal's Dedication

Roofer problem has sudden reversal . . .

Ah yes . . with so many problems in the last few months, it was great to get some good news . . this time about our roof.

For those who weren't aware, our roof developed a leak over the kitchen (which is an addition and has a nearly flat roof) - even though we had gone to some extraordinary measures (and $5300, and 16 months later). We had a heck of a time getting the roofing company to honour the 10-year guarantee. After 4 detailed letters of documentation, consultation with building inspector, building code officer, civil engineer and a myriad of phone-calls, it didn't look promising. But out of the blue, we received a letter letting us know the company would re-do the entire flat roof, using the more expensive (and durable) "Grace" roofing. I have to still re-do the kitchen ceiling, but I'd prefer to do it myself. Very, very grateful to see!

Above: Original flat roof replacement; as it looks now (before replacement work)
(You can check out earlier photos of the house on the "Archives" section, just under "Previous Posts" on the right-hand page of the blog)

A little bit o' struggle with sickness . . .

I don't usually post for being sick, but both of us have been a bit sick lately. Conn has a post-natal infection. I've also come down with an enlarged testicle, which initial tests show a hydrocele and cyst formation, and is being referred for further testing at the end of this month. Will probably require surgery . . ugghh 8(.

2 Months Old

Crystal turned 2 months April 4th, and received her first shots yesterday. She cried as they went in, but even before we left the Dr's office she was already falling asleep in her carseat (her favourite place next to the swing). Below is a picture of her first time wearing a dress out to church - a gift from Ken & Patrice, Doreen's friends.
And here she is smiling - almost laughing - in her swing. Unfortunately the blur makes it look like she's crying, but I took the picture so I know she was smiling ;-)

All dressed up (& somewhere to go!)

Tryin' out some new duds!