A Year in Review

 2022 had a lot in store for the Osero's so let's fill you in.

We ended 2021 in our favorite piece of heaven at San Carlos RV & Marina just at the base of the bridge that heads into Fort Myers Beach.  I am forever grateful we have so many memories from my 25+ years of visiting and then part time living there as unfortunately Hurricane Ian leveled that area having no remorse for it's devastating destruction.  It will never be the same but I know they will rebuild and be better than ever so we can't wait to Come back to see everything again.  I was able to find another RV park that had the same vibe as it was also at the base of a bridge heading into Anna Maria Island which is near Bradenton, FL.  Totally sparking Dan's interest as a drag strip is near there and they have a race in December which is something we might do in the future, so we wanted to check it out.  Unfortunately, 5 days before we were to leave, I had to cancel our annual Florida trip do to me getting Covid the week prior and became really sick n weak.  Thankfully I was the only one that got Covid, and I have no clue where I would have gotten it from, but I knew it was only a matter of time as we've escaped it till now.

Fort Myers Beach Strong!!

After many delays, issues, blood, sweat, and many a tear our home is now even more functional and accessible for our family.  We didn't get the outdoors done as I needed a break from construction as the remodel damn near broke me.  I can only hope that the outdoors will be less stressful with us not "living" in the middle of madness.

The hot tub room is now the Nurses Break room.  Taking out the hot tub, filling hole in floor, new flooring, took the dark tile wall down and added lockers.

Danny's bedroom was turned into a suite for him with a living area, kitchenette, therapy area, flag changing table, desk, and bedroom area all in one room. Yes, the amazing Firetruck changing table is gone but we still have pieces of it throughout the room.  Now that he's an adult he needed more of grown-up guys room and I think we nailed it.

The master bedroom got hickory floors, lighter paint, and an amazing rock wall 

The "nurses" bathroom off of the breakroom got new flooring and lighter paint

The living room also had hickory flooring installed and the timber beams got deep cleaned 

The "master" bathroom is still shared by Danny and we made one big "wet" room.  Seeing he no longer had the hot tub to chillax in we got a new jetted tub with the ceiling lift that extends over it and he absolutely LOVES his tub.

The front entry also got wood floors and the long closet was taken out for this bench/closet 

The kitchen got new flooring, we took out one whole side of cabinets, and a new island/table.

You can see how bad the sun faded the siding but it also shrank it in many areas so we're trying to figure out how we want the house to look like next.

Unfortunately, our new rig is a year behind schedule BUT thankfully production is back in motion so I'm hoping that this next racing season it'll be here.  Next year looks to be the busiest racing season thus far with 50 races already on the calendar.  This year was the first year Dan ventured out to more and many tracks but he raced with the Fairmont as the Thunderbird engine ran into many snags while at the repair shop.  He has high hopes that next year the t-bird will be flying down the track and show off what it can do. 

One entrance door into the living area ~ with stairs out

With wheelchair lift out

Ceiling lift track installed front to back and into shower with a drop-down ceiling "hiding" the track

I'm grateful to the tracks that live stream the races so we can watch as there are not many we go along with.  

How is it that my baby girl is a Junior in college already?! Av stayed in MN over the summer once again to train and then figured while there she took a class to lessen her class load during the "School year".  In August she moved into a new apartment in the same building she was in but now with one of her friends that was also on the diving team for awhile. It's so nice to know she doesn't come home to an empty apartment all the time now and the extra space in this 2 bedroom is amazing.  

I'm so proud of Av's hard work and dedication not only with her education......

but also in her drive to dive.  We were lucky to have Av come home for a few weeks in August while the pool was shut down from maintenance.  Just days after she returned to MN I received a call that she was in the ER in lots of abdominal pain. After multiple ER visits she was diagnosed with a Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT), which is a blood clot above in her vein above the liver.  SCARY!!!  So once again she was hit with another life altering medical crisis.  She was benched from diving and put on blood thinners for 3 months.  Thankfully after her 1st treatment on blood thinners she didn't need to continue them and was cleared to dive/compete again. We still don't know why this happened to her so it's something we will have to be on the lookout for if she should get severe abdominal pain again but hoping she will never have to deal with that again. Av said that she was grateful to have the summer training as she didn't feel as rusty once allowed on the boards again.  She rocked her first two meets back and had acquired zone qualification scores on both the 1-meter and 3-meter boards already.  So she's locked in for zones and it's looking promising for her to make it on the BIG 10 team this year again too.  Av definitely has strong dedication n drive and I'm so incredibly proud of her on how she handles adversity and continues to get up bigger and better every time she is knocked down.

This cool dude had a pretty good year until we had to change his seizure medication due his liver starting to get effected.  After two months of some intense uncontrollable Neuros, sleepless nights, and lots of tears (from both Danny and I) we decided to bring back the medication, and his status is now improving.  We need to have game plan in play as to what's in store in the future and we'll be reinstating palliative care to help me give Danny the best possible life, but right now this mommas heart is feeling better that he is returning back to his baseline.  It's hard to believe this handsome young man will be 19 next week !!!! 

I think he was a pirate in a former life as he rocked Jack Sparrow for Halloween this year.  

That smile!!

Dan and I got out for a long relaxing weekend to a gorgeous INN in Lake Geneva, WI and then we also went to a Broadway show of "Grease" at The Fireside.  It was so nice to get away for a few days and just enjoy each other's company. 

There was nothing too exciting to report on my front until I was hit with Covid on Dec 4th.  WOW did it knock me down!  I guess it was inevitable it was to hit our house as we have been able to dodge it this whole time, but still frustrating to do everything right and sit get it and boy did I get hit!  I got it all  ~ about a week of extreme cold symptoms and headaches that lead to throwing up, two days of chest pains, two weeks of GI issues and the intense weakness and fatigue I continue to have since day one with not much relief as of yet. I'm just grateful that I was the ONLY one to get it in the house. I was to start Year 2 of my MS treatment on Dec 5th so it's a good thing that Covid came the day before as I'm not sure how much more difficult it would have been on me if I started a week of chemo that would have wiped my immune system out along with fighting covid off.  I obviously had to delay the treatment, but I hope to start it soon as with me being so sick MS has decided to come out to play along with the lingering effects of covid so I'm more down and out. I have a feeling will be sticking around for quite some time so slow n steady will win this race.  The Only real change for me is when you see me, you'll notice more ink and I have even more ideas ready for when I can restart getting more ink therapy later in the Spring.

We sadly had to say our final goodbyes to Dan's Dad, the kids Papa Dan back in May for his celebration of life.  We will remember the good times, the great story telling he did, and that wonderful laugh he had.  Thank you for the memories you will be missed ~ We raise our glass to you Papa Dan!!

Dressed in our best for the funeral ~

Thanks for stopping by to check on our journeys.  I hope this find you well!  

It's been AWHILE!!!!

I guess NO news is Good news......But wow it's been a hot minute since I've updated the blog.  I think this is the longest I've even gone without a post.  Grab a snack and a beverage ~ Here we go!

HOME is on both sides of the River ~

Av moved into an apartment in Dinkytown, MN back in May.  She decided it was the best thing to be there and continue her dive training during the summer to get herself back into shape and dust off the rust from not diving during her shoulder rehab before the season started in August.  While there over the summer she took advantage of the opportunity and took a class to lighten up her school load during season and she also started to coach dive to the dive club there.  

Her place is a one bedroom on the 5th floor and she's great a view ~ My 'lil girl in Big city living and she loves it.  The biggest frustration is keeping the thieves from stealing her bike.... she's on her 3rd bike since August.  The last one was stolen from inside the locked apartment complex, in a locked bike room, locked to a bike rack.... seriously!!!!!

It was a nice weekend to move her into her place and it was even nicer that my mom drove along with me to help her move in.  Once we got there, we had a TON of work to do as the previous tenants left the place FULL of stuff and a dusty MESS. I'm just wow'd that someone actually lived in there in that filth. Av took over an existing lease for the summer so the complex doesn't go in to clean, yay us!

Here in Wisconsin ..... "Fun' exciting plans are in play. After much discussion and A LOT of land searching, we have decided to stay in our current home and do some remodeling.  After 12 years, many dogs, wheelchairs, kids playing and normal wear in tear we needed to do some upgrading.  We looked VERY hard to relocate BUT we just couldn't duplicate the amazing location that we live at already and don't even get me started with the gross inflation of building supplies right now.  It would have cost as must if not more than this place, to build brand new half of what we already have.  We are going to remodel more than anticipated as I want this to be a one n done remodel so we looked more into the future to figure out what our needs will be down the road.  Once we decided on staying here it was also a challenge to find a contractor that would want to work with us and then one that wouldn't want to break the bank, which was not an easy feat.  Thankfully we were able to get the "ol gang" back with Dan and I being the "general" and getting most of the contractors that worked on the house originally to come back to work with us.  I so can't wait to show you the before n after pictures once it's completed.  We have the ideas n plans done and the products on order but that too has been a challenge getting everything we need in a timely matter.  I had hoped that this remodel would have been done or at least started in the summer/fall but here we are with winter knocking on our door and nothing has been done inside as of yet.  That throws our schedule off some as it's hard to be living in the house with Danny's medical status during a large remodel of noise and dust.  The first phase of demo is going to get started while we are going on Christmas vacation. We are redoing the kitchen, front entryway, Danny's room, Master bath n bedroom, and we are taking out the hot tub out (it broke and leaked into the basement) and making that room into a nurse's breakroom.  I have decided to push out the hardwood floor resurfacing and replacing the carpet (all the carpet is going) to hardwood until this spring/summer due the fumes of the sealer and then not being able to walk on it for a few days afterwards as that would be pretty difficult for us in the winter.

We did some more landscaping upgrades and relocated 10 evergreens into the front.  What nice "fenced" tree line that'll be in a few years. 

I even learned how to use the mini this summer and pulled out a few dead bushes around the house.

We did some updating to the pool this summer as after 12 years the tile and some of the plaster was looking pretty shabby.  Next spring, we are going to have to replace the pool cover because that decided to break n stop working about 1 week after the pool was done.... well of course!

This time around we got smarter and had a company come deliver water to fill the pool.  It filled the whole pool with in minutes with amazing clean water (ours is terrible with iron) and this summer we had no issues with the water clarity or keeping it clean so it was a WIN!

To make my life easier we got this dude..... My pool boy that Av named Kevin.  It's a rumba for the pool that cleans the pool floor and walls.  I've done all the pool cleaning and maintenance for the last 12 years and boy is it a nice feature to just have to plug him in and he cleans the pool for me.

Before the weather got cold n snowy, we just finished putting in a gravel driveway to our detached garage in hopes to stop rutting up the yard when taking out the RV.  We also had our vacant front lot leveled off and my hope is we could have the whole 3 acres planted with sunflowers in the summer, now wouldn't that be amazing?!?  At least we are getting some of the work done around the house, it's just too bad it's all the outdoor stuff.... It all has to get done I suppose.

Like a scene out of Snow White, I've made a friend.  She would come and visit me and couple times a week.  Though I haven't seen her in a while I will always remember her visits and how close she would let me get to her.... I call her Pretty Girl.

Oh, the wild life here..... it's another reason for us to stay.  This crew is a constant here as they are walking somewhere in the yard darn near every day.  Thanksgiving is almost here guys.......Take cover!!!

It was amazing to have Av home a couple times this summer ~ 

The dogs enjoyed her snuggles

Danny loves having Av around!!

How cool is this mold of Av n Danny's hands ~ LOVE this!!

It's always a sad reality when it's time for her to go back "home"

Thank God for modern technology to make the time away go by easier ~ we LOVE our facetime moments.

Back at the BIG 10 University of Minnesota

Welcome Av!

Her sophomore team photo

Look whose back on the boards and she's Amazing!!  I know I'm somewhat partial BUT she has already qualified with Zone entry scores after he second collegiate dive meet.  She's Crushing it along with learning new dives

I can't tell you how awesome it is to watch Av dive in person again.  I'm so thankful that UMN is allowing in person spectating in addition to having an amazing team of nursing to hang out with Danny so I could go.  We've been able to drive over to MN twice so far to watch her dive.  The away or home meets that we are not able to attend we can watch the meet on the Big Ten app but again I'd rather watch her in person

How gorgeous is she?!

Yes, she did that!!!  Over spring break in California Av had the amazing opportunity to jump out of a perfectly functioning aircraft in hopes that the pieces of fabric parachutes out to breaks her fall.  OF COURSE she LOVED it and can't wait to go again but maybe by herself next time.  OMG This Girl!!! 

Racing season was once again ...... A Challenge!  Unfortunately, the T-bird (red car) had many obstacles the start of the season so it spent more time in the shop then it did on the track.  If there was a season to break Dan..... this would have been the one, but he rolled up his sleeves and worked tirelessly to get the red baron back on pavement.

He's been "stuck" with me mostly this year as his Pit crew

The beginning of the season Dan started off with this trusty 'ol girl.  Gotta love the Fairmont !  Both cars are drag racing vehicles BUT they are very much different beasts.

She's BACK!!!!  With all changes that had to happen to get her down the track this year, it's still a new learning curve and they are working on their "relationship".  Once the computerized data system gets here it should make the diagnosing and programming easier.

Gotta bring in the big dogs for a spectacular Crew Chief 

It's nice that Dan's been racing in between our home track at WIR in Kaukauna and then also at Rock Falls Raceway in Eau Claire which is only 1.5 hrs away from Av so she comes to visit when her schedule allows.

Our sub shop, Blimpie's, is holding its own during this pandemic which sadly I can't say has been the case for some of the eateries/restaurants around here.  We too struggle to get the man power and products needed but somehow, we're doing it.  Our manager is a blessing and we're absolutely lucky to have her running the sub shop for us.

The laundries are running with lil or no hitches, so far they have been unaffected by the pandemic.  We are pretty busy with the two laundries and Dan is even starting to replace machines in the Neenah store as they have been in service for over 12yrs already.

It was the year of tattoos as I've added a few to my collection this year.

My Pot leaf ~ supporting the best medical treatment I decided to do.  Best decision ever!

I got one of Danny's EKG's put on my arm

This too shall Pass with the strength of an arrow, lotus and compass to show me the way

My perfect storm with the lightning bolt colors Red - blood disorder, Orange - MS, and Green CP

My MS butterfly ~ under all that beauty there is nerve damage (white lesions) that you can't see 

I will be starting another new MS disease modifying drug as the drug Ocrevus I tried last fall wasn't a good fit for me as it made me feel worse.  The new one is called Mavenlcad and it'll be the 7th attempt to "slow down" the MS progression.... ones gotta work for me, right?! I don't think I have it in me to try another after this so I'm hoping and praying I found the right one this time around. I've decided this will be it, if it doesn't work well with me I will just let MS do its thing so please send me some good mojo my way.  I'd appreciate it!!  I won't start this one till after the first of the year as I really don't want to potentially ruin my Christmas vacation if it doesn't work out.  This one is alil stronger chemo like med so the immune system will be once again hit (still isn't completely back from Ocrevus), I've heard there is fatigue, and that there will most likely be some hair loss.  Time is will tell if it'll work and if it'll throw anything else at me, but I still have some time yet before I give it a whirl as I have to finish my shingles vaccine second round yet and then the winter vaca then I'll start it.  The last few months I've definitely have had enough vaccinations that's for sure.... all 3 for covid, 1 for Flu, and 2 for shingles.  Out of them all the 1st shingles shot really hit me, thankfully it was only extreme fatigue but damn it makes me wonder how I'll be next week when I get the 2nd one. 

Danny is all vaccinated for covid and Flu (well we all are and so is his nursing team).  He did great and thankfully he had no nasty side effects.  I am grateful we have so far kept covid outta of the house.  

I am still scared to death that'll get in here.  It must be nice to live in a selfish world and not have to worry about the life of another.  I'm finding out that our already small "bubble" is getting smaller n smaller and it's very lonely and depressing.  After living in the medically fragile world for 19yrs you'd think I would be calused by now so I don't know why I'm so surprised but I'm just wow'd at the lack of compassion and caring towards another if someone has to go out of there way.  SO many that refuse to get vaccinated and then they don't follow covid protocol to stay away from crowds or mask up. What is it you want to do help curb this virus.... NOTHING?!?   So many say they care but when it gets real.... NOPE! Actions speak LOUDER than words!!  How is it we are doing everything to try and protect n be safe but we still are being criticized.  It's ridiculous how so many think that this medical, mass casualty virus is politically driven.  Just like when Trump was to no longer be President it was going to go away.... BUT here we are almost 2 years later and it's still killing.  Oh, that's right it doesn't matter as this virus it's mostly killing ones that are older or have an underlying medical issue already so why should the general public give a shit anyway.  I'm so sick of this fight and feeling like we will be forever locked in this house because of so many that just keep going on like nothing is going on. Count yourself lucky you don't have that worry. I hope you can live yourself if you should bring it to someone you love and they are forever altered by your lack of action.

With that being said we still were able to get Danny out to do some fun things outside this summer.

Bazar after dark in Neenah ~ food trucks, entertainment and craft vendors

Pierce Park Car Show ~

He got to "meet" Burt

Av helped me with Danny's last "school" picture.  Even though he never went to school we still put him thru some sort of yearly pic.  This would have been Danny's senior year.  Bittersweet to say the least.  Another milestone gone by and my heart just aches for all that he missed out on and never got to experience.  All the wondering .... Sports, friends, grades, girlfriends, career path ....... Who would be?  No matter what he is and always will be so handsome!!

AND Cool!

And SILLY

For Halloween he was the sleepy hunter ~ 

He did wake up briefly to help me hand out treat bags to our record number of 55 kids.  We were both tired after that.  He was hanging out with me that nite and has had his fill of me lately as we are down a nurse.  Due to her schedule, it just wasn't working for her to work with us any longer.

He made the annua Fire Dept Picinic and enjoying watching Theda land instead of being a passenger

Watched a demo of a car extrication with his Dad

We went to the Twisted Piston Car show in Menasha

Last week Danny had a procedure done at the local hospital Thedacare.  To say I was nervous was an understatement even though it was something small.  It has been a minute since he had to go under anesthesia and they have never "worked" with him before so my anxiety was HIGH.

Thankfully the whole team was amazing to work with and I'm alil less hesitant if we should need their care again.  Everything went well and he was home that afternoon alert and feeling fine.  He's a ROCKSTAR!!

The pups are doing great!  I said we should add a kennel with our remodel and just get more loving loyal dogs ~ LOL

They are definitely a good looking Pack. 

Thanks for stopping by and checking in on us.  Stay Safe and Healthy!