Hello dear friends and family,

Happy summer to everyone. Sorry I haven’t been very active, always think I’ll do better and then I don’t. It does mean a lot to me to take this time and hope I am reaching out to all of you. Let’s see. I’ll give you my health report first. I have completed three cycles of chemo, which should take 3 wks each. Each time it has taken more time because I have to let my blood counts catch up. This is my normal week off from chemo, because I have to have 4 injections of neupogin to help build up my blood. All of my other processes, as related to the chemo seem to be going well. Side effects, except for my blood seem milder than my first chemo time. Last time the neuropathies is hands and feet were esp tangible, and I was very anemic and weak. Last time I did lose all of my hair, and this time, so far, it had thinned out a lot, but the symptoms don’t seem the same. So that is a wait and see. Otherwise, I am still impressed that I have such good energy. Now, I compare myself to my dear sister, Ellen, and I realize my good energy isn’t up to hers. On my big days I may plan and do 3 or 4 things, whereas Ellen will be doing 10—with much more social effort. I am being good, getting lots of sleep as I need it, cooking and eating very healthily and well, and getting lots of exercise. I do 2-3 planned walk/hikes a week, take classes once a week in Pilates and Tai-Chi, and play tennis=doubles 3 times a wk for about 2hrs. or 2-3 sets depending. Clark and I also walk on weekends, and then we just started our weekend swimming now that it is a little warmer. Our pool is long enough that 2 lengths are about a lap.

We have had two more busy and fun weekends. Clark, Luke and I went back to Notre Dame the last weekend of May for Reunions. They are on the same 5year cycle, and this was the first time either of them had gone back for this weekend. We stayed at the Inn at St. Mary’s, and the shuttle service to ND was fabulous. My mother attended St.Mary’s for 2years and got a teaching certificate, before coming back to Omaha to teach. The reunion was a lot of fun and a lot of campus walking. 4 or 5 of Clark’s close friends and wives were there, and of course, it was fun to reconnect with others. Having Luke there was special treat, because we would all get together and see people from both classes in the nightly Beer Tents. To Chicago friends, it was just too packed a time to get to Chicago to visit, but we want to make a trip and just see you in Chicago.

Our next special weekend was getting to host Clark’s brother Jim and wife Jolanne, and son Matthew and friend, Danielle. Matthew had planned a great hike out to the Stinson Beach are so everyone else went out for that. It was supposed to be 90 that day, and the hike had some extremes, and was about 7 and 1/2 miles, so I did feel I should just play tennis. The day didn’t get that hot, but I, nevertheless got t play an extra hr of tennis, having extra time. They got home around 4 and enjoyed th pool and hot tub, and we went out to dinner. Next morning we went to Farmers’ Market and got everyone some breakfast burritos, and then we had a Memorial service and they all were heading in to the city to see friends. Ellen joined us for dinner, as we have to schedule to see her these days.

Well, here I am going on and on, but this is a way to share a little of my life with you. Next week I am going to take a class for Facebook beginners, so I will let you know how that goes, and see if I should be trying to connect with you there. I don’t spend a lot of time on the computer, as you can tell, but there are things I need to do. Know I am thinking of you and remembering you in my prayers. Please continue to remember all of us.

Our biggest summer event will be the next two weeks. I will give you this preview because it should be fun to write about and hear about. John will be home from Japan until July 11, and Luke and Sarah will be coming for about a week . So, we will have lots of activity. Sorry if this all reads too chatty–but that’s about how things are. Do stay in touch as I will.

Love Annie/Noel