Trip Addendum and Odds and Ends

February 03, 2025

Just a heads up to put Jeff Cook and Emily Cook in your prayers. Jeff had a stent put into his heart yesterday (Sunday). He had a 95% blockage in the LAD "widow maker" artery. (I'm not sure if I have my medical terminology right). I don't know the whole story, but it sounds like it's a miracle he's still here. Emily had surgery last Wednesday and is struggling with pain.

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It's amazing how fast a 20-day vacation is relegated to memory. We had a delightful time and then it was over. I wanted to add just a couple more pictures from our trip.

This is the conservatory in Melbourne. Hydrangeas were the flower of the hour. I have never seen one bloom like the one on the left. The weather in Australia is obvious perfect for them.

The Australia Tennis Open was going on while we were in the city of Melbourne. We drove by the courts but didn't see much. We also drove by these temporary bleachers which had been set up for the F-1 series car races. This was interesting to Roy since he follows these races. We drove along the road that will be part of the track when the races start.

This was the view from our hotel room in Sydney.

Roy by the pool; he never got in. You can kind of tell it was overcast. This was when we were crossing the Tasman Sea; we'd heard it could be quite rough, but overall it was fairly smooth--except when I got in the swimming pool.

Weather is throwing a lot of unexpected twists and turns these days. After going through terrible, hurricane Helene, the Jackson's had two snowstorms. I think there was a week in between them. There was enough snow for this tiny snowman. I think between the hurricane and the snow the kids missed about two weeks of school.

I usually bring home a stuffed animal or two from our various trips, then keep them at my house for the grandkids. Foster enjoyed them for a few minutes.

I got to watch this (hilarious) basketball game. Ila's team was ahead for most of the game, but the other team caught up and won in the end. It's because on Ila's team, everyone wanted to own the ball and make the basket. There was very little team work. It was pretty funny to watch because there were basically no rules (other than the other team got the ball if the ball went out). Ila fought hard for the ball once; against her own teammate.

Cub thinks he's a grown up. He can get into their freezer in the garage and help himself to a popcicle (or 2, or 3, or 4). He's really good at unscrewing lids and he doesn't like to be left behind. Adrienne said he had his hand smashed in the door after following his brothers outside. They weren't aware he was there.

Foster likes boxes and other dark cramped spaces. She enjoys playing behind my umbrella plant in the dining room, too.

Roy had another conference this past week, this time in California. He helped make arrangements for Matt to be the keynote speaker. According to Roy and some others, he did an excellent job with his presentation and came home with about a dozen leads. During the conference they played some pickleball. In the John Wayne Airport, Roy made sure they checked out the John Wayne statue. He said it was part of the experience. While he was gone I spent time throughout the week with various family members and on Thursday I spent the day with Crista and the kids (before Matt came home). Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures. The kids were glad to see me and only disappointed that I didn't plan to stay the night. Sadly, Matt was sick by the time he arrived home late Thursday night.

Saturday night we went to Market Street Grill to celebrate my 65th birthday. Everytime we go the prices are higher. Of course, we only go about twice a year (with birthday coupons). We invited the family to our home for dinner on my actual birthday; however, Adrienne and AJ were on their way to California, as was Nick, Sara and family. Dan and Jieun had another commitment, and Matt Vance was sick; so we had a small group with just Jennie, Jordan and Foster, Caitlyn and Dallin. Dad made spaghetti, Cait made dessert and breadsticks, and Jennie brought a salad.