Rough Patch

My mom caught Vertigo earlier in 2008. With Dad's immune system so poor, he has now caught it.

"Vertigo: Causes nausea and vomiting and, in severe cases, it may give
rise to difficulties with standing..."

Dad is extremely weak and not able to eat, contributing to even further weakness. Doctor gave them both some pills but without food I think that just causes more nausea. He even fell but there's nothing broken thank Goodness. His fever spiked to 104 two days ago and my mom was just about to take him in when it broke after an ice bath.

Tough time in their household.

Paris, Food and January

Recently returned from a business trip in Paris and thought I'd share a few pictures of my culinary adventures! My mom and dad watched the "girls" which allowed me time to work and eat in this magical city. I ate far more than the pics show -- TRUST ME! Buttery, flakey croissants were in abundance....mmmm! From a business standpoint it was very successful and from a personal standpoint...well....it's PARIS!! I've always loved the colors of this beautiful city.





A favorite restaurant in the 5th Arrondissmont, near the River Seine. Our owner/waiter was a hoot, but you gotta love the "level" kitchen and stove! These would never pass building code inspections in the States! But man did this small uneven kitchen produce some AMAZING bistro fare!


Their cellar, which housed all the potatoes, etc, is similar to Midwest basements, only accessing their area below is via a narrow area of stairs in the floor. Reminds me of the basement at the Arias home on Osborne. {REMEMBER THAT LAUNDRY SHOOT? what a blast it was to a child!}


For a non-meater, it's still appealing to me how artfully they hang their meat EVERYWHERE!



Of course, what good meal would be complete without French Wine! I wonder if the Custom's Officer would allow one of these large beauties....


BURP!

Happy 2009!

An abundance of God's blessings for a beautiful 2009 for all family and friends.....

From our homes to yours.......

Phil, Phyllis, and Kathleen
(along with Biscuit, Coco, Truffles and Agnes....and the many rescue "orphan" animals being feed by the backdoor of my parents and by my back gate!)

Heartfelt THANK YOU

A HEARTFELT THANKS....

A most heartfelt thank you to the most special family anyone could ever hope for. We are so thankful for your abundance of prayers, and I know this has had a hand in helping me to feel better. Yesterday I had my monthly doctor visit and bloodwork check. I continue to be blessed as I was told that instead of going in every month, the doctor will instead see me IN TWO MONTHS!!! We rejoiced! This is obviously great news on so many levels.

He did tell me I still can not fly so I regrettably will not be coming to Indiana this year.

I can not thank you enough ---ALL OF YOU ---for sharing, caring, and loving me and my family with with your stories, your visits and your continued prayers...

Over the holidays each of you sat with us at our dinner table and became part of the blessings that have surrounded our lives.

Reading all of your stories and comments is something I will never forget and it is hard for me to put into words how much it affected me.
We laughed, we cried and cried somemore, and then we laughed again. We all enjoyed reliving the times spent with each of you as the stories unfolded.

For all of this and more we are THANKFUL....

We love you with all our hearts--
Felipe (and Phelia)