Counting down is a lot of work!

The countdown to Ray's surgery has gone slow for us but we have stayed busy - very busy!

A little get away to Starved Rock State Park a week ago - hiking and taking photographs under cloudy and sometimes drizzly skies. 

One of many sculptures in the park.

A neat waterfall at the end of a canyon.

My favorite photographer. His photos are MUCH better than mine!

The errands are done. All decisions have been finalized for the kitchen redo. All painting in the house is done. The house is clean. The laundry is done. The yard is cleaned up, mowed and trimmed. The gardens all look great. The porch furniture has been painted. If I've forgotten something, I can assure you, it is done!

Ray's surgeries are Tuesday. He has made sure that EVERYTHING is done! In fact he has worked so hard that when the cancer surgeon is finished, a general surgeon will take over and fix the inflammation and/or hernias that have shown up with all of his work. 

We will head to Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday because Ray has to meet with the study team early Tuesday at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. He will finish his part in the cancer study at that time. His surgeries will be later Tuesday.

We are both looking forward to having this behind us. We pray that all of the cancer will be removed and that he will have a full recovery. 

Ray is busy mowing the yard one last time. My hay fever allergies have flared and I'm thinking about a nap. That would be relaxing!

I'm hoping you are all enjoying your day - 

Happy Mother's Day!