Cheering In The Darkness

As I lay in bed in the evenings unable to fall asleep the past week or so, I have watched every eastern division game between the Celtics & the Pistons. I found myself enthusiastically cheering for the Celtics; even pounding my fist into the air in the dark spare bedroom as they clinched games 5 & 6. (I'm sleeping in there temporarily so I don't keep Mary awake) I also pulled for the Lakers to beat the Spurs hoping to see another historical Celtics vs Lakers championship series. It's been fun to watch the maturity of KY's Rajon Rondo of the Celtics and the continued smoothness of KY's Tayshaun Prince of the Pistons. When the championship series cranks up this Thursday evening, I'm pulling for the Celtics!

Some Mighty Fine Pickin & Singin....

Classic Comedy - A Tribute To Harvey Korman...died yesterday....81

Classic Tim Conway for sure. Harvey Korman didn't even say a word in this sketch and he cracks me up. They did some great stuff on the Carol Burnett Show.

Cautiously Optimistic

I have always been hesitate to post info regarding progress or lack of progress regarding my knee replacements (in the same leg) because I have never had faith it was on the right track until now. I know how closely you all are following along and how much you care. I can't thank you enough for your calls, emails, prayers and visits. What we thought would be about a 6 week rehab back in January is now entering its 6th month. What makes me optimistic enough to post info? A visit from a physical therapist yesterday who said it was a great sign of a good outcome to be able to achieve the motion I have already achieved with the CPM machine. The 110 degrees I mentioned a few days ago was not accurate. The leg wasn't quite loaded into the machine properly so I wasn't getting a totally accurate reading. Now however I'm getting a pretty darn accurate reading and I'm at 92 degrees within 1 week with a goal of 105 degrees within 3 weeks. My doctor didn't prescribe the machine with the first knee he put in in January. We asked for the machine this time. He took the first knee out last week and replaced it with a smaller knee that fits better (2.5 hour surgery) and I can tell a difference. The blisters caused from the surgical tape (I won't go into that part) are healing nicely and should be healed up in a couple of weeks. The bleeding appears to have almost completely stopped which allows me to stay aggressive in the CPM machine. And just a while ago, I walked with my cane to the bathroom so I'm able to put almost all my weight on the leg. My pain level seems to be subsiding a bit too so all in all, I think we're on track this time but, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Happy Birthday Clay!!

Happy Birthday Clay. I wish we could be there to celebrate with you. What a fine young man you are!! 15? whew...
Love ya! Aunt Mary & Uncle Mike
(animals sure seem to like you)

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you Justin for your service to our country and while I'm at it - Thank you Mary for your service to me as I work my way through re-hab # 2! I had a cool thing happen today. I am seeing my knee bend to 110 degrees while strapped into a CPM MACHINE This is the first time I have seen my knee bend like that in 34 years.

Not Surprised At This...

ARTICLE

The Dumbest Generation?

I'm not saying it. HE IS

Where Was Buddah?

Where was Buddah? Believe it or not, this was a question that popped in my head while watching the earthquake disaster in China. Another question: How could a good and loving Buddah allow bad things to happen to good people? Is it a fair question? It's a question that someone asks of God every time something terrible occurs. I don't mean to make light of the disasters. The question, when asked of God, I think reveals our doubt that He actually exists. It seems judgmental too. Who are we to question? Why do good things happen to bad people? I think if you're going to ask the first question then the other question seems legit. This much I know; I don't have all the answers and I never will, but I do have grace from God and eternal life as given through Christ and I don't have to work for it. It's a gift and for that, I'm thankful. I'll think I'll leave all the answers to the atheists.

It Really Did Happen!

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Justin West!! What a wonderful weekend! The couple will be honeymooning for 8 days in Costa Rica. It was great seeing everyone and there is talk of another possible reunion in Charleston sometime next year.

(Special thanks to Rick West Photography)

JDub & KC Tying The Knot VEEERRY Soon

After the wedding on Saturday, the couple plans to honeymoon in Goose Creek before moving into their double-wide. JDub is employed by the military and looks forward to kickin some raghead butt. KC is lookin forward to raisin a bunch of young 'uns.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - 2 YEARS!

We sure are proud of both of you and love you and miss you!! Any advice from you veterans for Kacey & Justin before their upcoming wedding? Mom & Dad

I'm Sorry But It's A Horse....

Yes...you too can sign the GUEST BOOK for Eight Belles.

CLASSIC COMEDY

Justin With "Big Brown" Wins The Sweepstakes Glasses!

The Picks ....Good Luck! Post Time 6:04pm - Coverage On NBC @ 5:00pm

Kacey - Big Truck, Visionaire & Court Vision
Mary - Anak Nakal, Gayego & Cowboy Cal
Rick - Smooth Air, Denis of Cork
Justin - Big Brown, Colonel John
Lyndsey - Pyro, Monba
Clay - Adriano, Z Humor
Andrew - Tale of Ekati, Recapture the Glory
Ted - Eight Belles, Cool Coalman
Mike - Z Fortune, Bob Black Jack

Order Of The Draw

The post positions for the horses were drawn yesterday (See photo of Billy Clyde Gillisipie at the drawing) and I am now pleased to announce the order of The West Family Derby Sweepstakes drawing for horses. The order that the players would pick their horses was determined through a random drawing and here is the order. The first two players drawing (Kacey & Mary) will get three picks each; everyone else gets two picks. Your picks will be posted Friday evening. Here are some ODDS Oh yeah....Mary is fixin some Derby pie!
1. Kacey
2. Mary
3. Rick
4. Justin
5. Lyndsey
6. Clay
7. Andrew
8. Ted
9. Mike

Tubby Smith - A True Kentuckian (click)

I thought these were some interesting comments from Tubby Smith after being inducted into the KY Sports Hall of Fame yesterday. By the way, he'll be at the Derby on Saturday.
Even though this state isn't Smith's home now, it will be again one day. He said that when he retires, he and Donna will head back to their old Kentucky home. "We're not going to be putting our feet in the sand in Destin, Fla., or any place like that; we'll be putting our feet in the Kentucky River sand," Smith said. "We're so blessed to have been a part of such a special place. We'll be Kentuckians until the day we die."

Post Positions Have been Drawn...Stay Tuned