Todd Grimm 2/1/1981 - 2/9/2014

 

Our nephew Todd Alan Grimm passed away peacefully surrounded by his famly in Gothenburg, Nebraska, on February 9.

 

He enjoyed playing and watching sports, loved music, made friends easily, was funny, generous, respectful and sympathetic to how others were feeling.

 

Todd holds a special place in my heart because he was born shortly after Larry and I started dating so we both came into the family about the same time.  Larry and I went back to Nebraska for the services and the characteristic mentioned the most as we sat around the table was how nice Todd was.  Without a doubt, Todd was a nice person.

 

Sad as it is for those of us who will not see him again, it was powerful and somewhat healing to gather as a family to say "good-bye."  Furthermore, we were given the "gift" to witness, through the many flowers and plants and cards in addition to the people who were able to take the time to attend the services, Todd's impact on people's lives in the short time he was alive.  As was printed in the memorial bulletin for his services, "...he was a believer in Jesus who faithfully practiced the only commandmant Jesus ever gave us, "Love one another as I have loved you.""

 

 

Christmas, 2014 and Bed/Bath Remodel

Just prior to Christmas, friend Michelle invited the crew to her home for Friend Christmas Baking.
(l-r: Allison, Michelle, Sue, Harper, Rita (Michelle's mom), Jackie, me and Barb (Michelle's sister).

 Allison and Brian invited us and Mike & Sue over for dinner just before Christmas to begin the celebration of me getting another year older.

Christmas Eve arrived and Jim and I turned another year older - 58 to be exact - I LOVE it!  Birthdays are good!  Jim, Liz and Jimmy came to our house for dinner and what a beautiful day it was.  Gotta love winter in Arizona!!

 

 

Larry and I did a nice  hike over Christmas break at Pinnacle Peak sort of near our home.  It was a beautiful day hiking amongst the saguaros and all the tourists in town for the Fiesta Bowl.  Look closely and you'll see hikers looking like tiny ants on the trail.

 

 

And then New Year's arrived and the friends came over to help us bring in 2014 allowing us to hike New Year's Day at Cave Creek Regional Park - another crappy day in Carefree....

 

 

 

The javelina have returned to the neighborhood.  Actually, I have a feeling they are always around and sometimes we just get lucky and they let us see them.

We were able to go to the Phoenix Open this year and didn't dress appropriately meaning that we didn't dress warm enough.  Here I go on and on about our wonderful Arizona winter weather and the day we attended the Phoenix Open - temps were in the 50s and the wind was blowing - not what I was expecting.  Nonetheless, was fun.  We then met friends Michelle for dinner that night.

Business for Larry took us to Silver City where we met up with friends from our days in Bolivia: Todd and Marcela. 

And my goodness, what were we thinking!?  We decided on a small remodel of our bedroom/bathroom that turned into a full blown true HGTV experience.  I'll show you the finished product - when this project ends - what were we thinking...?

 

And so there you go - an updated blog nearly two months since the last one.  I've not been as good at picture taking as I should.  Friend Tammy from Calama was in town and I was able to meet with her for lunch one day and catch up.  I've reconnected with friend Jean from middle school/high school days and we've met twice now for lunch.  Obviously a lot of talking going on in both of these instances if I'm not remembering to get a photo. 

 

On the health front, the drug I'm taking, Temodar, is doing its job.  I've lost count now of how many rounds I've done of this drug and am just thankful that it is working.  My next three month scan is next month!  I do believe it'll be good news!