Dear Kids,

John’s tonsillectomy on Friday turned out fine.  He bought 160 otter pops to get him through, and he said the ice felt good in the back of his mouth.  Heather made the doctor tell him he can’t push any wheelbarrows of dirt until a week has gone by, so he’s having to put his grass planting on hold for now.

The Allen family reunion is this coming Saturday, July 9, at Laurie’s house.  Here’s the info:  The reunion will start at 10 am in Laurie’s back yard.  Bring your own food, drinks, and yard games.  There is a pool and Laurie wanted me to say that if young children will be swimming in the pool, their parents need to be in the pool with them.  There is a park nearby that has pickle ball courts. Laurie’s address is 2273 S.  Lookout Ridge Drive, Mapleton, Utah 84664.

Bonnie sent out another note saying that it will be pretty hot that day, so the main activity will be the swimming.  And visiting.  You might want to bring camp chairs so there will be enough seating.  See you there!

And our family book club will be next Sunday at 5 pm here at our house.  I’ve read Flat Stanley twice now, and it’s really good.  It seems like everyone but me was familiar with the story already.  It’s short, so there’s still time to read it.  Be there or be square.  

Jana McGettigan was here from Monday until Wednesday, because Glenn was out of town helping Brett move.  We went down to the bird refuge at Rock Cliff park, but a storm was brewing, and when it hit, we had to run back to the car.  When we got home it was absolutely pouring, and Scout was walking down the road in the rain.  Dad called him over, and he was so wet we had to dry him with a towel.  He enjoyed the attention.

I’m starting chemo on Tuesday, and I’ll wear my pump until Thursday.  I’m anxious to get going with it, because the pressure is building in my lungs.  The scan showed that my tumors are on the march again, but I’m confident the chemo (and the avastin) will knock them down, like it’s done before.  I appreciate all your prayers on my behalf.

I woke up yesterday morning to a chorus of dog howls and cat meows.  It must have been Harley, the Alaskan Husky next door, along with Scout and Sonia.  They weren’t exactly harmonizing, but they had a very plaintive song going.  I wish I could have recorded it.  I’ve heard lots of cat yowling at night, but never before with dog accompaniment. 

Life is good.  I love you all.  Mom