Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Visiting Grandpa & Grandma Favero in June

Over Father’s Day weekend I had the awesome opportunity of flying down to L.A. and going to see my Grandma & Grandpa Favero in Bakersfield. I had not seen them in 2 years. Since then Grandpa had suffered from a fall where he hit his head and became unable to fully control the right half of his body. When he speaks we cannot understand him (though he does not recognize it). He thinks he is speaking normally and is frustrated when we fail to respond properly to his questions/requests/demands. Though I have heard him say “No” “Yeah” and “Wow”, most of his communication is in the rhythm of normal speech but with the varying use of what sounds like “Wah, wah”.
So while there I took a few pictures and videos.
This one is when he sang hymns while my Aunt Dayna played the piano. He sang in correct tune and rhythm – and even sang tenor or bass on some of the songs!
It was fun making him laugh because that is the Grandpa I remember. Since I couldn’t always understand what he was saying, it was usually easier to tell him stories and fun memories I have with him.
Here are a few more pictures during my stay with them in Bakersfield.
Gpa after shower & Gma trimmed his hairP1100867
Ater a shower and shave and after Grandma trimmed his hair.

Gma cooking us fried apples! (when she made dinner that night she said it had been a long time since she cooked a big meal like this)Grandma made us some fried apples – she had been talking about them for a couple days and they just sounded so good! Besides, even after her cataract surgery that week it was pretty hard to get her to keep still. Always gardening or doing something around the house. This was a safer activity (no bending over as the doctor had outlawed).Linda & Darwin helping Gpa eat



Linda & Darwin stay there 5 days a week and help Grandpa with eating and getting around. It is a big help to Grandma.



I got to spend my last day there with my cousin, Tyler. I hadn't seem him for 5 years! These are his adorable kids, Carter and Lucy.
P1110031P1110032
We drove to L.A. and I saw a bunch of things I had never had the chance to see: the tar pits, Chinatown, Hollywood, farmer’s market, the Santa Monica pier. It was a blast!
Tar PitsTar PitsTar PitsFarmer's MarketSanta Monica pierSanta Monica pier

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

So, back in April...

We took advantage of a sunny day and drove to the ocean! It was a bit chilly but, yes, I (Jeff) still jumped in for a quick dip in the Pacific Ocean. How could I possibly pass it up?

Also, I drove a little fast on the way there and got a $245 speeding ticket...doh.

So here are the only pictures to record the grand day out – hopefully Teresa doesn’t get mad at me for posting our goofiness! But, hey, you know us – we’re kinda goofy.

P1100714P1100715P1100718P1100719P1100721P1100723P1100724P1100725