Journal entry by Barb Spanjer —
Dearest family and friends,
A quick health update: In late March, I was blessed with a good 3 month check up from my oncologist, Dr. McFarland. Next CT and blood profile will be done in July, when I'll also visit Dr. Del Chiaro, my Denver surgeon.
In February, our good friends graciously invited us to stay with them at their new home in Florida. Florida is such a beautiful place with so many things to do. We even watched a rocket launch from their backyard!
Spring found us taking off for Arizona to see brother Butch and his wife, Sue. While there, we were able to re-connect with some dear friends, who had moved from Ft. Collins to the Phoenix area years ago. Having enjoyed many good times together, it was especially fun seeing them for lunch and doing some serious catching up. We were also able to visit Whitney, our grandniece, and her son, Silas, at a wonderful restaurant with a Cuban flair and live music.
April began with an exciting adventure to the Boulder Dinner Theater with Steve's cousin, Rosalie, and Ken. We were treated to a delicious dinner and the extraordinary acapella group, FACE. It was a delightful evening! The live entertainment continued with Agatha Christie's play "Murder on the Orient Express" at The Candlelight Dinner Theater in Johnstown. Another wonderful evening of great entertainment and food!
In mid-April, Covid struck, leaving Steve and me homebound but negotiating the virus with no serious effects. His symptoms hung around longer but, by the end of April, we were packing our sunscreen and walking shoes, heading to JazzFest in New Orleans. It was hot and sweaty but a terrific event with headliners like Stevie Nicks, Jimmy Buffet, Nora Jones, Lauren Daigle and Boz Skaggs. This year, Steve bought tickets to an after-fest adventure at the Rock 'N' Bowl, where no-frills New Orleans food is served at a walk-up window, the entertainers come over from JazzFest, and, of course, bowling is open to all. The place was hopping! That night we were able to see Sonny Landreth. Considered the world's premier slide guitarist, Sonny was playing his last performance at Rock 'N' Bowl after 13 consecutive years. Before he left, he posed for a picture and autographed his latest CD for me. Rock and Bowl has been the "One Stop Dine and Rock" since 1993. What an awesome and memorable week!
On May 13th, Steve finished his last project and officially retired! Since then, it's been a family undertaking to go through, dispose of, and clean out 40+ years of Spanjer Homes from the office and garage. The work has been particularly emotional for me. Having the business has been a great experience, and we so appreciate the years of working with many, many wonderful people. We'll miss it, but all those special memories will remain with us, as we look forward to the next chapter.
I'm so thankful for your continued support, prayers, and your Caringbridge comments. You're always in my heart and thoughts.
Sending hugs and love,
Barb
A quick health update: In late March, I was blessed with a good 3 month check up from my oncologist, Dr. McFarland. Next CT and blood profile will be done in July, when I'll also visit Dr. Del Chiaro, my Denver surgeon.
In February, our good friends graciously invited us to stay with them at their new home in Florida. Florida is such a beautiful place with so many things to do. We even watched a rocket launch from their backyard!
Spring found us taking off for Arizona to see brother Butch and his wife, Sue. While there, we were able to re-connect with some dear friends, who had moved from Ft. Collins to the Phoenix area years ago. Having enjoyed many good times together, it was especially fun seeing them for lunch and doing some serious catching up. We were also able to visit Whitney, our grandniece, and her son, Silas, at a wonderful restaurant with a Cuban flair and live music.
April began with an exciting adventure to the Boulder Dinner Theater with Steve's cousin, Rosalie, and Ken. We were treated to a delicious dinner and the extraordinary acapella group, FACE. It was a delightful evening! The live entertainment continued with Agatha Christie's play "Murder on the Orient Express" at The Candlelight Dinner Theater in Johnstown. Another wonderful evening of great entertainment and food!
In mid-April, Covid struck, leaving Steve and me homebound but negotiating the virus with no serious effects. His symptoms hung around longer but, by the end of April, we were packing our sunscreen and walking shoes, heading to JazzFest in New Orleans. It was hot and sweaty but a terrific event with headliners like Stevie Nicks, Jimmy Buffet, Nora Jones, Lauren Daigle and Boz Skaggs. This year, Steve bought tickets to an after-fest adventure at the Rock 'N' Bowl, where no-frills New Orleans food is served at a walk-up window, the entertainers come over from JazzFest, and, of course, bowling is open to all. The place was hopping! That night we were able to see Sonny Landreth. Considered the world's premier slide guitarist, Sonny was playing his last performance at Rock 'N' Bowl after 13 consecutive years. Before he left, he posed for a picture and autographed his latest CD for me. Rock and Bowl has been the "One Stop Dine and Rock" since 1993. What an awesome and memorable week!
On May 13th, Steve finished his last project and officially retired! Since then, it's been a family undertaking to go through, dispose of, and clean out 40+ years of Spanjer Homes from the office and garage. The work has been particularly emotional for me. Having the business has been a great experience, and we so appreciate the years of working with many, many wonderful people. We'll miss it, but all those special memories will remain with us, as we look forward to the next chapter.
I'm so thankful for your continued support, prayers, and your Caringbridge comments. You're always in my heart and thoughts.
Sending hugs and love,
Barb
-
Ocean breezes at Vero Beach
Visiting John and Joy in Arizona
The acapella group FACE at the Boulder Dinner Playhouse
Jackson Square, across the street from Cafe Du Monde, ready for ...Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.Help Barb Stay Connected to Family and FriendsA $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Barb's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?