Thursday, December 19, 2013

Amy Chonko's College Graduation

We were privileged to get tickets to our niece Amy's graduation. She received her degree in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida. (UCF)  This is Amy's second degree. 
Kim & Ernie are proud parents of three daughters, all have college degrees.  We had a great dinner afterwards at the Black Angus in Orlando.  Congrats Amy, we know you'll be a great success.             
                                                                                    
Amy
Amy & boyfriend Jamie
The proud parents with their graduate
It's empty!  She will get her degree in the mail soon.




Monday, December 2, 2013

New York for Thanksgiving



We flew to up New York for 8 days, 5 days with Vincent, Heather and the Grandchildren in Walden.
While there we celebrated Quinn's birthday a month early and also held Christmas.  Then up the road to Kingston to Mom's and brothers David and Gregg and families for three days, including Thanksgiving.  We stayed at brother David's RV in his backyard, which always saves us money and helps us reconnect with Dave, Eileen, Monica and Mike.  We didn't get much time with Gregg, as his girlfriend's Mom passed away that week and he was tied up with the wake and funeral.
We got to see Grandson Quinn wrestle in a tournament in Pennsylvania.  Quinn has been wrestling for about a year now and is still learning.  He fought hard in all 5 matches, but only won once. He is progressing though.  Grammy Debbie videotaped each match, so that Quinn could see his mistakes and learn from them.  Thanksgiving at Dave & Eileen's was great, twenty-eight attended.  It's always good to get back to New York to see family, especially Mom.


Quinn is ready to wrestle
Quinn has the upper hand
Paris watches while Quinn and Grammy Debbie play a video game
Vincent got several college shirts
Heather got a photo, some gift cards, and perfume
Quinn got the video game he wanted
Paris got the last two books of the Dork Diaries series

                                                    

Bushnell, FL

We have cancelled our trip to Oklahoma and Texas and returned to Florida.  I have some numbness in my face and neck and have had to return to the Tampa VA for a CT Scan on November 13th.  Had a Neurology Consult and exam on December 2nd and now have to get an MRI in the next few weeks. Had the MRI on 12/9 and am awaiting the results.  So, we are back in Florida until at least the end of the year.  On 12/16, got a call from the Neurologist, he said that I have degenerative disk disease and it is from C3-C7.  An operation could make it worse, so I should live with the numbness.  I should not lift heavy objects, especially above the head.  If it gets worse, then a Nuerosurgeon will address it.  So, back on the road we go!
We will be helping out a bit on Debbie's brother's ranch and spending some time here at Paradise Oaks RV Resort.  On our first weekend back, we spent some time helping out on the ranch and visiting with our great-nephew Zakkary.
                                                                            
Debbie and Zakkary on the 4 wheeler with Ernie in the rear
Debbie feeds the pigs
Feeding some cows from the back of the Toro