Davison online

Garage light, more specifically, and there was. I spent the day helping Bernard install five T8 fluorescent fixtures into our garage, and although we're only 60 percent of the way done, the difference is so striking as to be stunning. The way Erin puts it: "Even though you've only got 60 percent of it done, the garage now has the best lighting of anywhere...

My parents, aka Brama and Poppers, paid an extended visit to us this morning. After six months or more of one health problem (if not outright catastrophe) after another, it pretty well rocked to see them up and active again. In fact, Poppers and Jonah took a good 45 minute stroll through the park out back, and I found it very moving to see the two of them...

Erin and I were engaged at the Nestucca Sanctuary, a Jesuit retreat house on the Oregon Coast. I figured it an appropriate spot since it was also were we met during my senior year and her freshman year at the University of Portland. Every Christmas, we send a check to Nestucca both in thanks for helping shape some of the important events in our lives and...

Dad: Home from the hospital, walking without help, adjusting to taking insulin and being a diabetic. He even drove the car by himself the other day. He's not as strong as he was back in mid-October, but he's definitely on his way. Mom: Liver numbers from OHSU look good. She's still on an outpatient treatment to make sure everything stays OK, but her...

Kids and I hung out with Ginger, Laura, and Emily on Friday. Ate yummy blueberry muffins. Had good time. Will do it again. =) Played in co-ed indoor soccer game Friday night with Dave and Bret. Destroyed the other team (final 10-1). Had good time. Will do it again. =) Saw Dennis and Maria on Saturday. Checked out Dennis' digital camera and impressive zoom...

Mom = still at OHSU, though in good spirits and making progress. Hopes to be home mid-week. Dad = getting better after spending most of Friday in ER with a possible case of pneumonia. On antibiotics (in addition to lots of other pills). I check in with him 4x a day when I'm not staying overnight or hanging out at his place.

...and one of the few reasons I wish I had expanded basic cable TV: "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" (Comedy Central) A partial transcript: Jon Stewart: "Yes, as you've just heard, a near-tragedy over the weekend in south Texas. Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a man during a quail hunt at a political supporter's ranch. Making 78-year-old...

Nothing much new to report on the health front(s). My dad is puttering around the house, slowly but surely regaining his strength (which he'll need for that 10 rounder we've scheduled for him against Mike Tyson in August). Mom will be up at OHSU through at least Thursday. She's having a bit of a liver rejection episode, and they're going to go with some...

Dad returned home Friday, leaving South Salem Rehabilitation after an extended stay. He's done well, and he's now strong enough to walk short distances without assistance. He'll need to continue his improvement in building back his muscles, but he's doing very well on that account, and we're thrilled with the progress he's making. He's also working...

Vying for the best news of the week (the Steelers winning the Super Bowl is hard to top) is this: My dad comes home on Friday. Other than a three hour visit last week, he's not been home since October. That's a lengthy and tough unscheduled vacation. God bless all the people who thought of him and prayed for him as well as all the doctors, nurses, and...