Wheels up tomorrow at 1:39 PM on Alaska 76 non-stop to Seattle. Should arrive just in time for the Friday gridlock on I-5. A small sacrifice.
Met with my attorney in the parking lot at Foodland this afternoon. I handed him some documents. We meet again tomorrow for coffee inside at the Foodland coffee bar. He will file the necessary documents with the Court to get my mom's title problem squared-away. I will deal with the DMV people upon my return.
A forecast high in Seattle of 76 degrees Fahrenheit tomorrow. Excellent. Nice weekend too.
Saturday lunch with Ms. Harrigan and Harrigan the Elder at T's favourite Ballard Italian joint, Piccolino's. I predict a good time will be had by all.
An excellent supper courtesy of Alison and Dougie this evening. Perfectly grilled New York Steaks. And my very favourite cheesy cauliflower. Serious comfort food and I feel duly comforted.
Next post: Dateline Seattle at the Gaslight Inn.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
I Knew it was Too Good to be True
A busy couple of days. After a couple of weeks of procrastinating due to wonderful weather, I embarked yesterday on the Dead Dad 2010 Tour of financial institutions and other estate tidying-up matters. Yesterday was a cake-walk - although not without it's amusing aspects.
My folks had relationships with three banks. It was interesting to see how each of them dealt with dad's demise. The first, which we will call "Bank A" was the institution with which my family has had the longest relationship. I have got to know the staff from numerous visits over the past year or so. They inspected the certified copy of dad's death certificate, made a copy, and it was done.
Ditto with "Bank B" which although I did not know the staff well, accepted my offerings of ID, death certificate, and power of attorney documents without hesitation. Done.
"Bank C" was a bit more difficult. It is an institution with national interests, a serious beneficiary of TARP bail-out funds and a culture and bureaucracy nearly as formidable and impervious to common sense as the State of Alaska. The poor clerk I dealt with was apparently unable to make any move without consultation with multiple functionaries located God knows where. She would speak to one on the phone, have a cryptic conversation, ask me a few questions and then furiously enter data into their system. Then another phone call, another cryptic conversation, more data entry and so forth. She spoke to her legal department, her "client services" department and others. Still, I was able to accomplish my mission with no more than modestly elevated blood pressure and only a slight hint of biliousness.
Then things took a turn for the worse. At mom's in the morning I had reviewed a letter from the City and Borough of Juneau expressing their collective sadness at dad's demise (they are apparently avid readers of the Juneau Empire Obituary column) and respectfully requesting information that would allow them to determine whether or not the grieving widow was entitled to the property tax exemption my father had previously enjoyed. A simple form to fill out. I filled out the form and mom signed it. Then off to the safe deposit box to locate the documents necessary to support her claim for continued exemption.
YIKES! Contrary to mom's belief, the trailer they owned and occupied free and clear from any debt was registered solely in dad's name. I made a copy of the title along with a copy of dad's will and legged it over to City Hall. They were perfectly happy with the documentation provided and mom will continue to enjoy the historical tax break. But I just KNEW the next stop would not be as easy...and I was right.
This morning I went back to the safe deposit box and gathered all the documents that I thought might be useful. Then off to the State of Alaska, Division of Motor Vehicles. After taking my number and waiting a very modest half-hour or so I found myself cheek-to-jowl with the predictably formidable looking functionary. I explained what I wanted - to get a new title for mom's mobile home with her name on it. I explained the documentation I had including (but not limited to) dad's death certificate, dad's will, a power of attorney from mom and the original title. Response: "You need a document from the Court."
"What document from the Court?" I inquired.
"Something that says the will is valid and you're the executor" says the functionary.
"May I see the regulations and statute that require that?" I asked.
"Sure. (Postal service style walk to the back room. Return two minutes later) My supervisor will get those for you, I'm going to lunch."
I waited ten minutes or so. Then the supervisor appeared. She gave me a form (with only a policy and procedure cite) and a copy of regulations that were only partially on point.
"Has anybody ever questioned these requirements?" I asked.
"Go ahead, if you've got the time." She replied.
I responded, "Thanks for the help."
Off to the Clerk of the Court with a quick conversation with Dougie between times to confirm that I was fucked. My attorney advised me to hire an attorney.
And I am now attempting to do so. I hope to meet with him prior to my departure on Friday to get the probate proceedings underway. What a waste of everybody's time and money...
My folks had relationships with three banks. It was interesting to see how each of them dealt with dad's demise. The first, which we will call "Bank A" was the institution with which my family has had the longest relationship. I have got to know the staff from numerous visits over the past year or so. They inspected the certified copy of dad's death certificate, made a copy, and it was done.
Ditto with "Bank B" which although I did not know the staff well, accepted my offerings of ID, death certificate, and power of attorney documents without hesitation. Done.
"Bank C" was a bit more difficult. It is an institution with national interests, a serious beneficiary of TARP bail-out funds and a culture and bureaucracy nearly as formidable and impervious to common sense as the State of Alaska. The poor clerk I dealt with was apparently unable to make any move without consultation with multiple functionaries located God knows where. She would speak to one on the phone, have a cryptic conversation, ask me a few questions and then furiously enter data into their system. Then another phone call, another cryptic conversation, more data entry and so forth. She spoke to her legal department, her "client services" department and others. Still, I was able to accomplish my mission with no more than modestly elevated blood pressure and only a slight hint of biliousness.
Then things took a turn for the worse. At mom's in the morning I had reviewed a letter from the City and Borough of Juneau expressing their collective sadness at dad's demise (they are apparently avid readers of the Juneau Empire Obituary column) and respectfully requesting information that would allow them to determine whether or not the grieving widow was entitled to the property tax exemption my father had previously enjoyed. A simple form to fill out. I filled out the form and mom signed it. Then off to the safe deposit box to locate the documents necessary to support her claim for continued exemption.
YIKES! Contrary to mom's belief, the trailer they owned and occupied free and clear from any debt was registered solely in dad's name. I made a copy of the title along with a copy of dad's will and legged it over to City Hall. They were perfectly happy with the documentation provided and mom will continue to enjoy the historical tax break. But I just KNEW the next stop would not be as easy...and I was right.
This morning I went back to the safe deposit box and gathered all the documents that I thought might be useful. Then off to the State of Alaska, Division of Motor Vehicles. After taking my number and waiting a very modest half-hour or so I found myself cheek-to-jowl with the predictably formidable looking functionary. I explained what I wanted - to get a new title for mom's mobile home with her name on it. I explained the documentation I had including (but not limited to) dad's death certificate, dad's will, a power of attorney from mom and the original title. Response: "You need a document from the Court."
"What document from the Court?" I inquired.
"Something that says the will is valid and you're the executor" says the functionary.
"May I see the regulations and statute that require that?" I asked.
"Sure. (Postal service style walk to the back room. Return two minutes later) My supervisor will get those for you, I'm going to lunch."
I waited ten minutes or so. Then the supervisor appeared. She gave me a form (with only a policy and procedure cite) and a copy of regulations that were only partially on point.
"Has anybody ever questioned these requirements?" I asked.
"Go ahead, if you've got the time." She replied.
I responded, "Thanks for the help."
Off to the Clerk of the Court with a quick conversation with Dougie between times to confirm that I was fucked. My attorney advised me to hire an attorney.
And I am now attempting to do so. I hope to meet with him prior to my departure on Friday to get the probate proceedings underway. What a waste of everybody's time and money...
Friday, September 24, 2010
And then the Rains Came...
Well, looks like a much more traditional September day today. Rain. With plenty more on the way... I see there is a high wind warning for the southern panhandle. So...before I forget what the past few weeks looked like, I offer one final beautiful Juneau fall picture.
Meanwhile travel preparations continue. I now have a car and a hotel in Seattle for a week. Portland hotels have been a tougher nut to crack...there must be something going on downtown the week of October 8th. Will try another bid on Priceline today...but it doesn't look encouraging in the four-star category. I'll also peruse the B&B offerings...I've stayed at a couple of neat places in Northwest Portland before.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Meanwhile travel preparations continue. I now have a car and a hotel in Seattle for a week. Portland hotels have been a tougher nut to crack...there must be something going on downtown the week of October 8th. Will try another bid on Priceline today...but it doesn't look encouraging in the four-star category. I'll also peruse the B&B offerings...I've stayed at a couple of neat places in Northwest Portland before.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hatches Battened
It's clouding up. The forecast is for rain for the next week or so. That may well remain the forecast 'till it becomes a prediction for snow. Hah!
Having said that, however, I can report that all garden hatches are battened for the winter at Auntie's and Mom's digs. All perennials have been cut back (with the exception of a couple of yarrow at Auntie's that were still pretty enthusiastically blooming). And mom's roof (just that part that feeds into drainage) and gutters have been thoroughly cleaned. All wood is in the wood shed. I even tossed my own deck-based garden. We're ready for winter....
All my outdoor chores have been completed to the best of my knowledge and ability. I need to get out of Dodge...
After I complete this post I plan on booking a hotel for a week in Seattle, and a car, and maybe a hotel in Portland for a week. But I think I will remain flexible for the two remaining weeks...
But here from the "way back" machine...are a couple of pics from earlier this summer:
Having said that, however, I can report that all garden hatches are battened for the winter at Auntie's and Mom's digs. All perennials have been cut back (with the exception of a couple of yarrow at Auntie's that were still pretty enthusiastically blooming). And mom's roof (just that part that feeds into drainage) and gutters have been thoroughly cleaned. All wood is in the wood shed. I even tossed my own deck-based garden. We're ready for winter....
All my outdoor chores have been completed to the best of my knowledge and ability. I need to get out of Dodge...
After I complete this post I plan on booking a hotel for a week in Seattle, and a car, and maybe a hotel in Portland for a week. But I think I will remain flexible for the two remaining weeks...
But here from the "way back" machine...are a couple of pics from earlier this summer:
Dougie and Alison out by Eagle River - Ain't they Cute?
First Dead Salmon of the Year - Old Eagles Explain to Young Eagles How the World Works. A Crow Observes.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Vacation Plan - Sort Of...
Well, gonna blow this pop stand on October 1st. Headed for Seattle for a week. Then to Portland on October 8th for a week or more. Return home on October 29th. Lots of blanks to fill-in. But I am inclined to leave them blank for awhile. A week in Seattle and a week in Portland and then...what the mood (and weather) suggest. I would be happy to spend the whole month in the Great Northwest - if the weather is decent; but if it takes a turn for the wet then there's a lot to be said for Palm Springs or other Cali destinations.
It has been another couple of beautiful days in Juneau. Picked-up Alison and Doug yesterday. They had a wonderful trip to Redmond, Oregon for the Juneau Golf Club Fall Spectacular. They spent a couple of days in Seattle on the way home and scored a couple of nice dinners and live jazz.
I spent most of the weekend fiddle-fucking around with my new computer. It's finally stopped demanding that I update this or that every time I log-on to the internet. I've installed all the software I bought. Yesterday I spent six hours or so getting my new financial software up-to-snuff.
Today I got back outdoors. Leaf raking at mom's (she had already done about half of it by the time I got there in late morning). Then to Auntie's for a mow, serious weeding and fall cutting-back/clean-up action. Tomorrow promises more of the same - will finish with auntie's flower beds and then mow mom's grass and cut-back a bunch of stuff. There are still a few things BLOOMING, however, and I am loathe to cut them down. So it is likely that some stuff will just have to lump-it 'til next spring...at which time, if I'm still in Juneau, I will regret not having cut them down this fall. Although it is possible that I may have a further opportunity to do so when I return at the end of October - if I'm not shoveling snow. One never knows when winter will commence in these here parts...
Finally, a family picture from a few days ago.
It has been another couple of beautiful days in Juneau. Picked-up Alison and Doug yesterday. They had a wonderful trip to Redmond, Oregon for the Juneau Golf Club Fall Spectacular. They spent a couple of days in Seattle on the way home and scored a couple of nice dinners and live jazz.
I spent most of the weekend fiddle-fucking around with my new computer. It's finally stopped demanding that I update this or that every time I log-on to the internet. I've installed all the software I bought. Yesterday I spent six hours or so getting my new financial software up-to-snuff.
Today I got back outdoors. Leaf raking at mom's (she had already done about half of it by the time I got there in late morning). Then to Auntie's for a mow, serious weeding and fall cutting-back/clean-up action. Tomorrow promises more of the same - will finish with auntie's flower beds and then mow mom's grass and cut-back a bunch of stuff. There are still a few things BLOOMING, however, and I am loathe to cut them down. So it is likely that some stuff will just have to lump-it 'til next spring...at which time, if I'm still in Juneau, I will regret not having cut them down this fall. Although it is possible that I may have a further opportunity to do so when I return at the end of October - if I'm not shoveling snow. One never knows when winter will commence in these here parts...
Finally, a family picture from a few days ago.
From left to right: Sister Linda Siirila, Cousin Sandra Lindstrom, Mother Evelyn Lindstrom, Niece Eileen Nakamura, Niece Jolene Siirila, and the Inimitable Aunt Emilie Lindstrom
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Up and Running
My new computer is GREAT! It's blindingly fast. It doesn't grind away forever when I'm working in Photoshop. And it only took me eight hours or so to get it set-up. Hah!
I downloaded a few pics that were on my camera. Here's a couple:
I downloaded a few pics that were on my camera. Here's a couple:
A beautiful fall day in the Dredge Lake area
A boy and his dog - Eric and Coal in Granite Creek Basin
Perpetual Motion Machine - Sadie the Labrador
Granite Creek Basin - I just love this spot
Friday, September 17, 2010
Planted
Well, another couple of days of spectacular fall weather. And a beautiful moon over Douglas Island the past two evenings. If only one could count on weather like this on a regular basis...
On Wednesday dad arrived at the post office along with his death certificate. Mom was determined to get him planted in Evergreen Cemetery quickly - so we motored back to town and poured him into a hole just below his mother's headstone. Very unceremonious; but I agree with mom that it is the most appropriate resting place. I'm sure the planting was not technically kosher; but I will beg forgiveness when the City places the headstone. It takes a couple of months for the VA to produce and ship the headstone so - depending on the weather later this fall - it may well be next spring before it can be placed. Rest in peace, dad.
Last weekend my right ear got all plugged-up. I've felt like my head was underwater for most of the week. Finally broke down and went to the doc yesterday and they flushed-out my headgear. Nice to be able to hear again. Workouts were very unsatisfactory iPod-wise with only one ear functioning.
Yesterday, I began in earnest the process of setting-up my new desktop. Took me about two hours of fumbling around to figure out how to transfer my iTunes library from the old desktop to my laptop. It seems to have worked. I have also consolidated all my pictures into a master library now residing on my portable hard drive. All important documents have also been removed from the old machine and placed in my external drive.
I have now opened the massive box that contains my new Dell and am balefully staring at its contents. It will no doubt take me all day to get it hooked-up. I hate fiddling with electronics...
Finally, Lease A. Murkowski is set to make an announcement at 5 PM today on whether or not she will be running a write-in campaign this fall. She's traveling all day from D.C. to Anchorage to speak and I can't imagine she would bother to do so if the message is that she's NOT going to make a run for it. Will be interesting if she does take the plunge - I expect the Democratic nominee is imminently capable of placing third in the general election.
Have a great weekend everyone!
On Wednesday dad arrived at the post office along with his death certificate. Mom was determined to get him planted in Evergreen Cemetery quickly - so we motored back to town and poured him into a hole just below his mother's headstone. Very unceremonious; but I agree with mom that it is the most appropriate resting place. I'm sure the planting was not technically kosher; but I will beg forgiveness when the City places the headstone. It takes a couple of months for the VA to produce and ship the headstone so - depending on the weather later this fall - it may well be next spring before it can be placed. Rest in peace, dad.
Last weekend my right ear got all plugged-up. I've felt like my head was underwater for most of the week. Finally broke down and went to the doc yesterday and they flushed-out my headgear. Nice to be able to hear again. Workouts were very unsatisfactory iPod-wise with only one ear functioning.
Yesterday, I began in earnest the process of setting-up my new desktop. Took me about two hours of fumbling around to figure out how to transfer my iTunes library from the old desktop to my laptop. It seems to have worked. I have also consolidated all my pictures into a master library now residing on my portable hard drive. All important documents have also been removed from the old machine and placed in my external drive.
I have now opened the massive box that contains my new Dell and am balefully staring at its contents. It will no doubt take me all day to get it hooked-up. I hate fiddling with electronics...
Finally, Lease A. Murkowski is set to make an announcement at 5 PM today on whether or not she will be running a write-in campaign this fall. She's traveling all day from D.C. to Anchorage to speak and I can't imagine she would bother to do so if the message is that she's NOT going to make a run for it. Will be interesting if she does take the plunge - I expect the Democratic nominee is imminently capable of placing third in the general election.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Nuttiness in Pursuit of Power is No Vice
Another big election day for the teabaggers. Even Karl Rove denounced the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Delaware as an unqualified nut-job; but of course the Republican Senate leadership immediately embraced her. One is tempted to think the plethora of Republican whack-job candidates bodes well for the Democrats in the general election; but of course it is possible these people may actually be elected. Amazing.
Meanwhile the extraordinary spell of fabulous weather continues in Juneau with no end in sight. The forecast is for sunny skies through next week. Amazing.
Eric, his hounds, and I hiked up Granite Creek yesterday. The Granite Creek basin is one of my favourite spots in the area. I'm stockpiling lots of decent pics; but don't want to download them on my laptop. I still have four large boxes from Dell sitting here in the computer room waiting to be assembled - along with a brand new Photoshop program. But I haven't been able to muster the energy to set-up the damn thing - I HATE fiddling with electronics - and the wonderful weather has provided a great excuse to do other things.
I continue to mull over a vacation beginning in early October. I'm thinking more and more that a road trip down the coast is in order with a week or so in both Seattle and Portland. But again the fine weather has kept me from actually making any firm plans.
Well, time to head over to mom's. IF she did not rake the yard yesterday while I was hiking, I will do so myself today.
Later kids.
Meanwhile the extraordinary spell of fabulous weather continues in Juneau with no end in sight. The forecast is for sunny skies through next week. Amazing.
Eric, his hounds, and I hiked up Granite Creek yesterday. The Granite Creek basin is one of my favourite spots in the area. I'm stockpiling lots of decent pics; but don't want to download them on my laptop. I still have four large boxes from Dell sitting here in the computer room waiting to be assembled - along with a brand new Photoshop program. But I haven't been able to muster the energy to set-up the damn thing - I HATE fiddling with electronics - and the wonderful weather has provided a great excuse to do other things.
I continue to mull over a vacation beginning in early October. I'm thinking more and more that a road trip down the coast is in order with a week or so in both Seattle and Portland. But again the fine weather has kept me from actually making any firm plans.
Well, time to head over to mom's. IF she did not rake the yard yesterday while I was hiking, I will do so myself today.
Later kids.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
My Niece has Brass
A long bloody week. Been pacing myself in getting dad's affairs squared away. I've actually been pleasantly surprised for the most part.
The Veteran's Administration was a cake-walk. Dialed the 1-800 number the funeral director gave me and after no more than a fifteen or so digit exercise with their automated system and a five minute wait...actually found a human being. And a competent one, too. No lines, no waiting. I even got a call back from the Anchorage Regional Office the next day...
And the Social Security Administration folks were equally congenial...maybe a few minutes longer wait...but amazingly prompt and competent. At least as good as Bank of America. Better than GCI. But again the proof is in the pudding.
We'll see after the first of next month....
Meanwhile my mom and I have both been cheered by the calls, emails, and other communications from well wishers. Thank you all. And apologies to anyone to whom we have as yet failed to respond appropriately.
Finally, my niece, Eilieen Nakamura, arrived on Thursday from Everett, Washington. This morning we did some serious re-bonding. Hauled a bunch of firewood from where it was stacked by the fence into the woodshed. She's a good worker. My dad would have been impressed. I know I was. We have two more installments. I look forward to the work and the company.
The Veteran's Administration was a cake-walk. Dialed the 1-800 number the funeral director gave me and after no more than a fifteen or so digit exercise with their automated system and a five minute wait...actually found a human being. And a competent one, too. No lines, no waiting. I even got a call back from the Anchorage Regional Office the next day...
And the Social Security Administration folks were equally congenial...maybe a few minutes longer wait...but amazingly prompt and competent. At least as good as Bank of America. Better than GCI. But again the proof is in the pudding.
We'll see after the first of next month....
Meanwhile my mom and I have both been cheered by the calls, emails, and other communications from well wishers. Thank you all. And apologies to anyone to whom we have as yet failed to respond appropriately.
Finally, my niece, Eilieen Nakamura, arrived on Thursday from Everett, Washington. This morning we did some serious re-bonding. Hauled a bunch of firewood from where it was stacked by the fence into the woodshed. She's a good worker. My dad would have been impressed. I know I was. We have two more installments. I look forward to the work and the company.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Elmer Elias Lindstrom - February 5, 1915 - September 3, 2010
Life-long Juneau resident Elmer Elias Lindstrom died September 3, 2010 at age 95 at St. Elias Specialty Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.
He was born in Juneau, Alaska on February 5, 1915 at St. Ann’s Hospital.
As a young man Elmer excelled at basketball and baseball. He was inducted into the Alaska high school basketball hall of fame and played baseball in community leagues in the 1920’s and 1930’s. He was a lifelong baseball fan and in his later years followed the Seattle Mariners closely. He was particularly not fond of the New York Yankees.
After graduation from Juneau High School in 1932 he worked for the Alaska Juneau Mine for several years in various capacities including as a lineman (the Salmon Creek, Sheep Creek and Nugget Creek hydro projects) and skipper of the powder barge (transporting explosives from bunkers located at DuPont south of town to Juneau harbor).
After the outbreak of the war he joined the United States Navy, first commanding the Princeton Hall as a patrol boat out of Sitka (today the Princeton Hall can be seen operating as a charter boat out of Juneau) and subsequently running a salvage barge in Dutch Harbor. After the war, he resumed commercial fishing until 1955 when he became co-owner of Reliable Transfer.
Elmer was an avid fisherman and hunter. He and friends enjoyed countless hunting and fishing trips to Seymour Canal where they maintained cabins for many decades. He enjoyed trout fishing on Admiralty Island and for many years owned a small boat in Juneau for sport fishing. He was never happier than with a fish on the line and his customary exclamation that “It’s a dandy!” was just as enthusiastic for a pan-sized cutthroat as for a hundred pound halibut or thirty pound king.
In 1967 Elmer won the Golden North Salmon Derby – an occasion he remembered fondly for the rest of his life.
Elmer was preceded in death by his father Elils Lindstrom, mother Mary Newman (Sundquist), step-father Fred Newman, brother Carl (Bud) Lindstrom, and sister Ingaborg Julian.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Evelyn Lindstrom, son Elmer A. Lindstrom, daughter Linda Siirila, grandson Lance Siirila, and granddaughter Jolene Siirila, all of Juneau; granddaughter Eileen Nakamura, two great grandchildren Christopher and Shasta Nakamura, and one great great grandson Damien Nakamura, all of Everett, Washington; granddaughters Amanda and Leah Krafft of Portland, Oregon; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
No services are planned as he desired. Donations in Elmer’s memory may be made to Catholic Community Services, Hospice and Home Care, 419 6th Street, Juneau, AK, 99801.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Rest in Peace
Dad passed away this morning - peacefully.
I will be returning home to Juneau this evening.
Thanks to everyone for their calls, emails, and support these past six weeks.
I will be returning home to Juneau this evening.
Thanks to everyone for their calls, emails, and support these past six weeks.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Comfort Care
Well, poor ol' dad is not doing well. He has a serious infection in his leg. The recommended treatment for an otherwise healthy person would be to go back to surgery and replace the hardware in his hip while administering massive doses of antibiotics over the course of the next six months or so. That is not a viable option in dad's case.
I met with both the internist and the infection control docs yesterday and consulted with mom and Linda in Juneau. I have attempted to explain the situation to dad on several occasions the past couple of days. He certainly understands that he is getting sicker; but I do not believe he grasps the particulars. He is no longer coherent - although he does recognize me from time-to-time.
The upshot of all of this is that we are no longer on a course for Juneau. Rather, dad will be kept as comfortable as possible and nature will take its course. There is no way to know how much longer he will be with us - but the docs assume it is a matter of days not weeks.
This is certainly not the outcome for which we had all hoped. On the other hand, it is NOT the worst outcome on a list of very unsatisfactory alternatives. Dad is receiving excellent care here at St. Elias - I cannot say enough about how wonderful the staff have been.
Alison is in Anchorage today on business and we'll get together this evening before she heads back to Juneau.
And, the best news I've heard for weeks, Leah and Amanda got to Anchorage last night. Their dad picked them up at the airport and they're spending a few days with him in Wasilla. Bet he will take 'em fishing. And I'm sure they will take-in the Alaska State Fair.
I will see them this weekend - they will be heading home to Portland on Monday. I haven't seen Leah in almost a year and I am anxious to hear of Amanda's current plans - she just finished her latest tour of duty at the Painted Turtle in California and it sounds like she plans to make Portland home once again.
Looking out the window here at St. Elias it is apparent that fall is in the air. The leaves are turning. It is September...
I met with both the internist and the infection control docs yesterday and consulted with mom and Linda in Juneau. I have attempted to explain the situation to dad on several occasions the past couple of days. He certainly understands that he is getting sicker; but I do not believe he grasps the particulars. He is no longer coherent - although he does recognize me from time-to-time.
The upshot of all of this is that we are no longer on a course for Juneau. Rather, dad will be kept as comfortable as possible and nature will take its course. There is no way to know how much longer he will be with us - but the docs assume it is a matter of days not weeks.
This is certainly not the outcome for which we had all hoped. On the other hand, it is NOT the worst outcome on a list of very unsatisfactory alternatives. Dad is receiving excellent care here at St. Elias - I cannot say enough about how wonderful the staff have been.
Alison is in Anchorage today on business and we'll get together this evening before she heads back to Juneau.
And, the best news I've heard for weeks, Leah and Amanda got to Anchorage last night. Their dad picked them up at the airport and they're spending a few days with him in Wasilla. Bet he will take 'em fishing. And I'm sure they will take-in the Alaska State Fair.
I will see them this weekend - they will be heading home to Portland on Monday. I haven't seen Leah in almost a year and I am anxious to hear of Amanda's current plans - she just finished her latest tour of duty at the Painted Turtle in California and it sounds like she plans to make Portland home once again.
Looking out the window here at St. Elias it is apparent that fall is in the air. The leaves are turning. It is September...
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