Remembering Ramzee

"Heaven's Doggie Door"
My best friend closed his eyes last night,

As his head lay in my hand.

The doctors said he was in pain,

And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head,

As I cradled him in my arms,

Were of his younger puppy years,

And Oh... his many charms.

Today there was no gentle nudge,

With an intense "I love you" gaze.

Only a heart that's filled with tears,

Remembering our joy-filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,

And said, "You should cry no more,

God also loves our canine friends,

He's installed a doggy door!"~ Jan Cooper '95

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Happy Birthday to my amazing Daddy! How do you even begin to describe Walter Everett?? He's an avid golfer, expert skiier, grilling master, cajun cooker, New Mexico tourism Hall of Famer, beer drinker, crazy storyteller, cancer butt-kicker, Vietnam veteran, marketing guru, and so much more!! Most importantly, he is our Daddy and his grandbabies' Poppy Wally! We love you SOOOOO much!! We'll be there to celebrate in a couple of weeks! Get the beverages cold and the bathtub tiles glued down....the Neubauer tornado is about to hit Spicewood!

The Kiely's hosted a little party for Daddy on Friday night at their boathouse. They did a little floating and I'm sure there were a few cocktails consumed!
This is from Daddy's birthday dinner last year! Can you believe he looked this good after the battle he endured last spring/summer? He is unbelievable!

We always have so much fun visiting Daddy and Christy at Thanksgiving! We can't wait to put Wally's namesake, Reed Everett, on the slopes to join the family "business!"

Wherever you are today, let's all raise a glass and say a big ol' "Happy Birthday" to Wally! We love you so much!! Remember, 65 is the new 21!! :-) Have a fabulous time with the Ditchdigger! We'll see you soon!

XOXO!

Wendee

What do we do with a boy???

Daddy was at the hospital with me ALL DAY on April 23rd, but Reed Everett waited to make his appearance until his Poppy Wally was safely on the train back to Spicewood! :-) That boy has had a mind of his own from day ONE! A few weeks later, Daddy and Christy came to visit and soaked up some loving from their new grandson! Reed was happy to meet his Poppy Wally and namesake, Walter Everett! Daddy was afraid he wouldn't know how to hold a boy, but he looks like a natural to me!

It is absolutely amazing how blessed we are as a family! This time last year, Daddy was at Baylor fighting cancer (and winning, I might add!) :-) Now, he is welcoming a precious grandson into the world!

We are so very thankful for ALL the miracles among us!

Have a great summer!

Wendee

Springtime update!

After a snow-filled winter, Daddy, Christy and Mr. Ramzee are back home at the lake! From the looks of this picture, they are enjoying the beautiful weather on the deck upstairs. The lake is beyond full, and the view must be gorgeous! SURPRISE! I received this picture from Christy today. She and Daddy are in New York for a wedding! Daddy's long time friend, Kifer, has a daughter getting married tomorrow night. It is hard to believe that this time last year Daddy was at Baylor Hospital! Now, he's sitting in Times Square enjoying a hot dog and Pepsi!

They were also making the trip out to Ellis Island after visiting Battery Park this afternoon. She said it was the most beautiful day!

One of my former students asked me out of the blue today, "How is your father?" I told him he was great and probably on the golf course at that moment. Little did I know that he was up in NEW YORK CITY!

Daddy has a check-up with Dr. Agura at Baylor on April 21st. THEN, if all goes as planned, he will get to meet his first grandson, Reed, a few days later!

Hope you are enjoying spring with those you love!

Wendee

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Christy sent this picture of our favorite ski bum shoveling off the deck on Tuesday. WOW! Mr. Ramzee must be lovin' it! Eric is already planning a "guy's trip" to the mountains since his pregnant wife can't join him on the slopes! :-)

Daddy received a great report while in Dallas last week. Still no cancer! His blood pressure was high, but he spent the previous evening hanging out with the Ditch Digger! No telling what those two were up to!

Happy Holidays!
Wendee and family

Ski season is in full swing!

Eric, Edee and I just returned from spending Thanksgiving in Red River! We enjoyed lots of wonderful food and beautiful weather. Christy, a.k.a. Gigi, skied with Miss Edee and they both had a ball! Daddy will be coming to Dallas early next week for a scan and visit with Dr. Agura. We are so thankful for his health and good spirits!

Hope y'all had a very happy Thanksgiving!
Wendee

Big News out of Big D!

Daddy had his scans in Dallas on Tuesday morning followed by a drip of Retuxin, a type of chemo. (I probably spelled that wrong, but go with it!) Christy went with him to be sure and get ALL of the correct information. I know we were all a little worried about how much Daddy or Eric would remember! :-) Dr. Agura reviewed his scan results and he saw no cancer! He was very pleased and optimistic about the future. Daddy will also be able to stay in Austin to receive the next two doses of chemo, which are scheduled for the next 2 Tuesdays. I know he is very happy about that!

In 6 months, they will repeat the scans and 4 doses of chemo. Until then, he has a strict regimen of golfing, consuming "liquids," and preparing for his stints at the Texas and Oklahoma state fairs!
Love and thanks for all your prayers!
Wendee