Busy November!

Got the photos out of order, but I think you'll get the idea!

Gaylord, Darlene, Danielle, D&D, at the Killer Bee's Hockey game!

To say, November was a busy month, would be an understatement! We journeyed South after a week of calling at King's Island, in Ohio, and St Louis. We immediately began our winter schedule, upon arriving in the Valley! After a week in the Valley, we traveled north to Ardmore, OK, for a weekend of calling at Lake Murray Lodge. As we left Oklahoma, heading South, we picked up Decah's sister, in Dallas, for a 2 week visit, to the Valley! We really enjoyed Danielle's visit! We were able to enjoy several of the Valley's attractions, one being the annual King Ranch, Ranch Hand Breakfast!

Below, is a photo of the Ranch "survivors", as we had lunch, in Raymondville, at one of our favorite, eateries!

D&D, one of the Ranch Hands, Sue, Marvin, and Danielle

Danielle, and Little D at the Ranch

A weaver, exhibiting his talents!

Two 'Ol Ranch hands singing some traditional, old songs! The fellow playing the guitar, is a third generation, Ranch Hand!

Some "Dutch Oven" cooking, at the Ranch.

Good 'ol western music, at the breakfast!

Below, is some team roping, in the arena, at the Ranch.

The weather was fantastic, making the crowd a record, in attendance! All had a great time, as usual, at the Ranch! After leaving the Ranch, we rode to Kingsville, for a visit to the King Ranch Saddle shop. the day was super! After our day, at the Ranch, some of us attended the Killer Bees hockey game, since it was Harley night, at the game.

This was a busy month, but we really enjoyed Danielle's visit! Looking forward to seeing all of our winter friends!

Chicago, Our Kind Of Town!

While spending a week in Chicago, calling, we managed to spend a little time, playing tourists!

The above photo was taken on the Skydeck Ledge. The ledge is glass, that overhangs from the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). No longer the tallest building, in the world, but because of the radio towers, on the building, it is the tallest structure, in the world! The tower is 110 floors, 1,703 ft at the top of the twin antenna! It was really interesting!

Below, taken as we entered the Tower.

A view of Chicago, taken from the skyway.

Another view, from the Skyway.

Decah, on the Skyway

Little D, at the Spirit of Chicago, on the Navy Pier.

Big D, at the ferris wheel, on the Navy Pier.

The sculpture, at Millennium Park.

This is a very interesting piece of art! A highly polished blue metal sphere.

A view from the opposite side of the sculpture.

The fall colors in Park Ridge, where we spent the week!

Upon leaving Chicago, we will travel to Mason, Ohio for a weekend of calling! We will leave Kings Island on Sunday, and begin our journey to South Texas! Looking forward to getting home, and seeing all of our friends!

"Little D" is Baaaack!

Well, week 6 found Shorty mounting her "Mighty Steed"! Decah decided this past Monday was time to ride her Harley! We went for a short ride, and she did great! We have been taking some afternoon rides, each day this week! She, now, has that "swagger" back in her step! She was all smiles, after her first ride! I guess this signals her full recovery!

Thanks to all, for all the well wishes, and all the prayers! We both know, you all had a huge role, in her recovery!

Week 5 Update

We recently had a surprise birthday for Decah's Mom! (Her 80th) First time, I've seen all the kids, together, since we've been married!

Week 5 has seen "Little D" continuing her road to recovery! She is driving her pick-up regularly, now, and is riding her bicycle. Still hasn't mounted her "mighty steed", yet!

We have been enjoying a week of R&R! Spent several days at Ceder Creek Lake, in east Texas.

Going back to work, this weekend! The week off, was welcomed by both Decah, and myself! We were able to spend some time visiting friends, relatives, and loved ones!

Looking forward to another great week of improvements!

Week 4 Update

Mark & Luke at the Fair

Decah at Big Tex

This photo, is for Ron!

Week four since Decah's surgery, has been a very good week! We finished a grueling travel schedule, and have several free days to rest up, and enjoy a bit of R&R!

Decah is still working hard on her therapy! She has been riding her bicycle, and getting better each day! Her balance is showing tremendous improvement! I think she is really close to riding her motorcycle. The main thing, now, is her deciding it's time!

We enjoyed two days at the Stat Fair of Texas, this week! The first day, we went for ourselves, and had a terrific time! The second day, we took my two youngest grandson's, and had another terrific time! Needless, to say, we were worn out! Keeping up with a 5 and 3 year old was challenging!

Thanks to all, for all the well wishes, and cards!

3 Week Update

Shorty, is continuing her great progress!

We journeyed to San Antonio, for a very busy, but terrific, weekend of calling!

Shorty danced several tips, and didn't seem to have any problems with her balance!

Monday night we were in Georgetown, where she danced several tips of mainstream, and plus.

She discovered that backing up was a challenge, with her balance. Guess we will start working on that, now! She is still having balance issues with walking, with her eyes closed. That will just take a little more time, and work.

We're thinking, she may try her hand, at driving the truck, this week. Probably several more days, from trying her bike.

Stamina, and balance getting better each day!

Week Two Update

Howdy all!

Decah has completed her second week of rehab, and is doing terrific! She continues improving from day to day. She traveled to OKC, with me last week, and is in San Antonio, now. She danced her first tip, last week! A little wobbly, but she did it. She is going to try a little more dancing, as we both feel this would be good therapy!

Probably another week or two, before she tries riding her bike. Planning on spending a couple of days in San Antonio, after our weekend, for some play time.

Great Progress!

Since D's release from the hospital, she has been making great progress!

Walking is getting better, by the day! In fact, we went shopping, on Thursday, and her goal was to walk without help. She did great!

We saw her ENT Doctor, Friday, and he was very impressed with her progress! He removed the stitches, and was impressed with her incision. Still no driving for a week, or so, but can do most of what she feels like, except heavy exercising, and lifting heavy objects.

The doc was so impressed, he had her cancel her appointment, later this month, and said he would not need to see her for a year! That shocked both of us! Sounds as though, she is even doing better, than we thought!

We are currently in Oklahoma, where she is spending a few days with her youngest daughter.

Me, I working, as usual!

More later! Thanks, all!

Finally Out of the Penalty Box!

Shawn Reddy (custom Bike builder, from Australia) & Little D

Howdy All,

Well, we finally got out of the hospital! Actually, it wasn't too bad! When the ENT Doc told Decah, she would be released, today, he did not sign the release papers. He was gonna let his assistant take care of all of that, today. We had to wait for the assistant to finally arrive, to sign the release papers. It seemed like forever, but it was only a few hours! Decah would not allow the nurses to give her more IVs, because the Docs said she didn't need them. By 10am, the nurses removed the needles, for the IVs, and gave her medication, in tablet form. Finally, 11am, we were released, and on our way to Quiz's.

Decah is experiencing soreness, but not much pain! She has been resting, since she didn't get much rest, last night. Maybe, now, she can get some rest. We are planning on going for a walk, later this afternoon, as it cools down a bit.

Will get out more information, and updates, later.

Thanks,

D&D

Extra!

D&D at Virginia City, NV

Well, I said I would make an extra post, if we got any new information. We spent the evening, with very little going on, except for a growing case of boredom! As Decah was getting very tired at 9:30, I decided to leave, so she could get some sleep. At 10pm Decah called to tell me that the ENT doc stopped by to check on her, and was so impressed with her progress, that he was going to discharge her tomorrow, from the hospital! Needless, to say, we are both excited!

No telling when we will finally get out, tomorrow, but at least we will be getting out!

We, both, are still overwhelmed with all the support, prayers, and love from all of our great friends, and family! Thank you all, from the bottom of our heart!

I will continue to update Decah's condition, but not as many, as lately!

Another Great Day!

Today, is another great day, for Decah! She's been up all day. If not walking, sitting up, in chair, watching TV. Stamina, and stability, getting very good! She should sleep well, tonight, since she's not napping.

We went for a walk, outside the hospital, in the patio area. Real nice outside patio area! We enjoyed it so much, that we decided to have our lunch, outside, on the patio.

You know her appetite is returning, when she studies the menu, 2 hours before meal time!, while having a snack!

We are, both, starting to fight boredom! That's okay, because it means she's ready to get out of here! Every time, we go for a walk, we tell the nursing staff we are running away!

We're still hoping to get out, tomorrow, but realistically, it will probably be Tuesday.

This will be the last update, for the day, unless we have new news, to pass on.

Thanks,

D&D

.

Keith, Little D, Kathy, & Big D (on the phone)

Good morning, friends, and loved ones!

I arrived at the hospital in plenty of time to have breakfast, with Decah. I stopped on the way, and picked up a McD's egg McMuffin (my meager bfast). D's breakfast tray was being delivered, as I arrived. It took two nurses to carry her tray into her room! I asked her if she was having the "lumberjack" breakfast!

Her appetite, you might say, is improving! ..........................

The ENT Doc just left, and was really impressed with D's improvement! They are going to start weening her off the IVs, today. We are planning on having lunch, outside, on the patio. The day is beautiful, here in Dallas, so we're gonna take advantage of it!

Anyone wanting to chat with D, please feel free to give her a call. She enjoyed chatting with a few friends, and family, yesterday, as well as having several visitors!

Will have another update, this evening.

Thanks, everyone, for all your love, and support!

D&D

Wow, What A day!

D&D on Padre Island

This was a terrific day, for Decah! As I said in my morning update, Decah made so much improvement, overnight. As the day went on, she just kept gaining momentum! She had a meager lunch, but had a terrific dinner! She had three visitors, which she really enjoyed. She spent the majority of the day sitting up, out of bed, watching some TV.

We went for several walks, through the hospital. With each walk, she gained speed, and stability. We really worked hard on her therapy, and she responded very well! I ended up staying at the hospital all day, and late into the evening. Usually, I would leave for lunch, and dinner, but spent the entire day, and evening with D. I didn't feel as though I was interfering with her rest. She should sleep well, tonight! I know I will!

I am anxious to return, in the morning, so I can see how much better, she will be! If she gets much better, I may have to be hospitalized, so I can catch up to her! She took several phone calls, and really enjoyed talking to friends. She has her cell phone, now, so is taking calls.

I will make a post in the morning, as soon as I get her set for the day. I know she will want to shower, right away, and I plan to be there in time for breakfast, so we can enjoy the morning, together. We're hoping the IVs will be removed, tomorrow.

Thanks, for all the prayers, and good thoughts, because they are working!

Good night, all.

Much Better Day!

Good morning, all!

First, let me say I did the royal crash, last night! I got back to Quiz's about 10:30, showered, and laid down to unwind, and found my self doing my imitation of a rock! I slept until 9am.

That was very out of nature, for me! Guess I was tired.

Arrived at the hospital, by 10, and Decah had some yogurt for breakfast, and her head and ear dressing was removed, to my surprise. her incision looks great! Does look like an 6 inch zipper! It starts at the top of the ear, at hair line, and goes all the way down, and around the back of the ear. looks, to me, to be about 6 to 8 inches long. As soon as I got there, she had a shower, and shampoo.

I know that had to feel good! We dressed her in some real clothes (HD naturally), and went for a walk through the hallways. The Physical Therapist has been here twice, already. She gave us a list of exercises for Decah to work on. The therapist was impressed to find us walking, when she returned the second time! I guess I didn't realize, but she has to learn to walk, all over, again. As the therapist said, she has no inner ear on that side, any longer.

Since she didn't sleep last night, we are going to do our best to keep her awake, today, as much as possible, so she can get back on a regular schedule. The doctors want her to be as active, today, as possible, with out getting too tired. So, today, I'm gonna do my drill Sargent routine!

We're expecting a few friends to stop by ,today, which will make Decah feel even better!

I can't believe the difference between today, and last night!

I know I'm late getting this update out, but believe me, we've been busy this morning getting some normalcy back into her life. Seeing her better, certainly makes me feel better!

I will get out an evening update, later.

Thanks, everyone!

Finally in a Real Room!

D&D at Kirkwood Lodge, at Lake of the Ozarks

We finally got Decah in a real room! She wasn't moved until 8pm. Wow, what a room! I've been in five star hotels, that wasn't this nice! If you could call a hospital stay, pleasant, I must say this has been as pleasant, as possible! The staff, and facility is great!

D's condition has seemed to improve. The vertigo seems a bit better, as she says the room is not spinning quite as fast. They had hoped to get her out of bed, today, but that didn't happen, as she was too dizzy. We did managed to get her sitting more upright in bed.

We were disappointed to hear, she will probably be hospitalized through Wednesday, since the PT department is closed until Tuesday. Her neurologist wants her to have a couple of therapy sessions. I guess because of balance, maybe?

We're hoping she will be able to eat, a little, tomorrow, since she only had 2 saltines, today.

She just wanted to sleep, which is probably best. She does look good, considering! Good color, and seems alert, when spoken to. She still has good control over facial movements. Yesterday, I made the comment on the blog, that she could control her mouth, good. Well, one of our buddies, she used to work with, who shall remain anonymous, for now, said "she never could control her mouth"! I'll let her deal with Larry, oops, later!

Enough, now! I'm hoping she gets a good nights rest! I'm hoping I get a good nights rest!

Thanks, again, for all the well wishes, and prayers!

Afternoon Update

"Single Shot" on Hoover Dam, in June

"Little D" is continuing to improve! She is still experiencing nausea, from all the pain meds, and anesthesia, although it seems to be not as bad. So far, today, she is just sleeping a lot! One of the pain meds, is to keep her sleeping. She still seems alert, though, when spoken to! The room continues to spin, when she opens her eyes, which doesn't help the nausea!

We were really looking forward to her moving into a room, but the hospital is full, and has no available rooms. Looks like we'll spend another night in ICU. I would say, she can sleep in here, as well as any place, but we know better than that! I guess I should bring over a few of my biker buddies, with bikes, and see if we can't intimidate someone into leaving, opening up a room for Shorty!

Many have asked about an address. I am staying with my buddy, Quiz, and it looks we'll be there, for a while. We have been having mail forwarded to us there, so we can use his address.

Decah Lipscomb

c/o C. Quisenberry

3232 San Jacinto St.
Dallas, Texas
75204

Many have been asking about my schedule. As luck would have it, I have several days free, and when I do call, most everything, is in the area. I will be able to be with her, throughout her hospital stay. I will be able to fulfill all my commitments. The doctors have said once she leaves the hospital, she can do anything, she feels up to! That's great news! They do not want her driving, for 2 weeks, though.

...................................................

Just had a visit with her neurologist, and he wants her to have some PT, before she leaves the hospital. So, because of the holiday weekend, she may not get out until Tuesday, or Wednesday. That not what we wanted to hear!

Again, thanks for all the positives thoughts, and prayers!

A Brighter Day!

Good morning, all! Today is a brighter day, for Decah! Even though she had a very rough night, she looks better, and is much more alert! She ate a tiny bit, this morning, but she has to take small steps, on her road to recovery. Both Drs have already seen her this morning, and both are very pleased with her progress! She is to be moved to a regular room, as a bed becomes available. Her Neuro surgeon wants her up, today. She is still having a lot of nausea, mainly due to pain medication, and dizziness due to her brain getting use to only one balance nerve. The Drs say it will take a couple of days for the other nerve to kick in, and take control.

She is resting, comfortably, now! I decided to get out of her ICU room, so she could get a bit of rest, if that's possible in a hospital! They had her up at 1:30, this morning for a CT Scan. That really made her sick!

Thanks to all of you, for your concern, support, and prayers! You, all, are contributing to her recovery! She has asked me to THANK all of you, for her! We are very lucky, and blessed to be part of such a terrific, family of friends!

I will post another update, later today.

Update on Decah's condition

Decah spent a solid 6 hours in surgery. The doctors are very pleased with the surgery! They were able to remove all of the tumor, and the damaged nerve. As I'm writing this, I am in ICU with her. There doesn't appear to be any facial nerve damage. I think she was more concerned about this, than anything else! She has good control over her eye lids, and mouth. As we knew going into this surgery, she has lost hearing, in that ear, however, she can hear me, fine, and responds very well!

I'm sure this will be a convenient excuse for not hearing me, when it's to her advantage!

The next hurdle, spinal fluid leakage. The doctors say it will take a couple of days, before we know, or not. If there is leakage, that will be dealt with, as required.

For all she has been through, today, she looks super, and is very alert! I must say, she seems resilient! I guess all those miles on her Harley, has toughened her up!

If she gets a good nights rest, tomorrow should be much better!

I am totally overwhelmed with the response, we have gotten from all of our friends! I have always known, we are very blessed to have so many friends! This exceeded my wildest imagination! Thanks for all the well wishes, and prayers! I know between your thoughts, prayers, and one "tough cookie", she will be back in the saddle, soon!

I think I'm starting to ramble, so I will sign off, for now! I will update her condition, tomorrow morning. Feel free to call on my cell phone. I will keep this site updated, as well as Face Book.

D&D

Decah's status

Howdy all!

3 years ago, a tumor was found deep in Decah's inner ear. She, immediately, wanted it removed, but the doctors recommended against its removal. One reason being, she would lose hearing in that ear, and facial nerve damage could occur. We watched the tumor, and it didn't change the first 2 years. However, this past year, it grew, slightly, alarming her doctors! They immediately wanted to remove it. Everything finally fell into place, allowing us to have the tumor removed. She went into surgery this morning, at 7:30, and will be in surgery for 6-8 hours. It is a very delicate surgery!

She will lose hearing in that ear, and could face possible nerve damage on the same side of the face.

She entered surgery with a very positive attitude, wanting to get all of this behind her!

The staff, here at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been super! I get hourly phone calls from the staff in the OR, updating me on her condition, and progress, in surgery. She will be in ICU, overnight, and probably moved to a room, where she will spend 3-4 days.

As I get more information, I'll share it with all of you.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

Cadillac Ranch

As we made our ride from Albuquerque to Amarillo, we stopped in at the Cadillac Ranch. If you're not aware of this attraction, along Rt 66, it's 10 Cadillacs, from 1948 - 1963, That are 1/2 buried, pointing to the southwest, and sitting on the same angle of the Great Pyramids, of Egypt.

The cars are in tribute to the peak of the auto industry! The cars are now covered in graffiti, which is fine with the owner, Stanley Marsh III. In fact, folks are encouraged to leave their mark! Below, is a photo of the ten Cadillacs, from a distance.

A close up of the Caddys!

Big D, alongside the Caddys!

This was a nice stop, along the way!

Morning in Las Vegas

After arriving in Las Vegas, we strolled down to Freemont St, the strip, and spent the evening!

We had a good dinner, and then took in a couple of shows. One was a 70's disco show, which was very good, and the other was a Rolling Stones tribute, which was great! As usual, the highlight of the evening was "people watching"!

On Sunday morning, we returned to the strip for breakfast. After breakfast, we decided to visit the pawn shop, where "Pawn Stars" is filmed.

Little D, on the strip!

The strip, Sunday morning.

The pawn shop, where "Pawn Stars" is filmed!

Inside the shop. Our visit to the shop was really cool! If you're a "Pawn Stars" fan, this is a must, visit! We had to wait, in line, to get in, but it was well worth the wait!

Morning in Reno

We left McCloud Thursday afternoon, and rode to Reno. We decided to spend Friday in Reno, and just chill out!

I woke up early, and decided to enjoy the morning on the deck, at the boat house.

Just me, the ducks, and an ice cold Frapp! Not sure it gets any better than this!

This is Hidden Lake, located between Reno, and Carson City. We always enjoy our visit with our friends, Dr Bill, and Sheri Avery!

Whiskeytown Loop

Friday, August 20

After calling our first week in McCloud, we decided to take a ride, through the country side.

We rode north to Gazelle, CA and picked up CA 3. We rode south to Callahan. Callahan is a really cool old town. Not much there, now. There is a post office, an old saloon, and an emporium.

We spent a bit of time there, and really enjoyed our visit!

Below is D, in front of the Emporium.

Below, is the old hotel. It was once a stage coach stop, along the Oregon Trail.

This is CA 3, riding south, toward Weaverville.

Little D at Trinity Lake

Below is Whiskey Town Lake. The barrier in the water is a wall that goes all the way to the bottom of the lake. It is to keep the warm water from mixing with the cold water, so the Chinook salmon, may spawn in the cold water.

D at Whiskeytown Lake

D&D at Whiskeytown Lake

Our ride was terrific! We start another week of calling, at McCloud, and will start our journey to Dallas Thursday, Aug 27. Will probably make a side trip or two, along the way.