Madras Morning

Hoping to see another bunny rabbit, Simone maintains vigilance under the willow tree on Aunt Mary and Uncle Dennis' lawn early Sunday morning.

Reunion Picnic

Simone enjoys some time on the grass at Bean Park in Madras during dad's 20th high school reunion.

It was the perfect day for a lazy summer afternoon nap.

Brake Supervisor

Simone and Grandma Nancy check in on dad and Grandpa Jim as they work on brake parts for Matilda.

Madras Farmer's Market

Simone enjoys a little attention at the Madras Farmer's Market.

Chemo #3 Down

Simone had her third chemo treatment this past Thursday. The doctor upped the dose another step, and Simone did great. The aftereffects seemed even less this time, and she really didn't seem to have too many problems with decreased appetite or lethargy like the last two times. She will have her fourth treatment on July 8th, and additional x-rays will be taken at that visit to check to see if the disease has metastasized. Based on her general attitude, energy, and enthusiasm, it seems like she has the upper hand on the cancer. We're just keeping our fingers crossed that she will continue to have as many good days as possible.

Chilly June-uary Stroll

Even though it's was a chilly June-uary morning in Corvallis, Simone enjoyed getting out for a quick walk around the block, followed by a short rest on a neighbor's lawn.

Cozy Companions

Simone found Millie lying on the guest bed this morning, and decided to join her.

Gillian Beach Retreat

Simone joined us for a retreat with the cast and crew of To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday at the coast today. We all met up at Driftwood Beach, south of Seal Rock, to get a feel for our play's setting.

It was the first sunny day we've had in what feels like forever.

We had lunch, hung out, and read through our script.

Simone also spent quite a bit of time playing in and around the water.

Simone decided she wanted to play ladder golf too and attempted to steal a ball from dad.

The wind picked up as the tide rolled in, and Simone's ears started whipping around every which way.

She didn't seem to mind too much though.

Putting up with the wind was a small price to pay for a good day at the beach.

Sunny Day at the Coast

Rehearsal

Simone joined us for rehearsal tonight at ACT in Albany. She became rather bothered during our read through, whining loudly during a scene in which Gary and I get a little "snarky" with each other. She was worried we were really arguing, so we had to change our tone a bit to get through the scene for her benefit. Although it was nice to be able to have her there, it looks like Simone will have to skip any future rehearsals...unless we can figure out a way to explain to her that mom and dad are just pretending, and not really frustrated with each other!

The Chase Game Resumes

Simone has started playing the chase game with us again for the first time since her surgery. She now seems to be feeling well enough to grab a toy and then taunt us into chasing her around the downstairs over and over again until we cry uncle. We're taking this as a good sign!

Visit from the Wegners

The Wegner family dropped by today for a springtime barbecue.

Simone enjoyed all of the extra attention!

Simone's Admirer

Simone received several small admiring children while we took a break on the grass down at the Corvallis Farmers' Market today.

Tandem Lounging

Simone and Millie lounge on the bed.

Happy Girl

Family Portrait

Visit from AM & UD

Aunt Mary and Uncle Dennis dropped by this afternoon for a visit. First Simone helped give them a tour of the chicken coop.

Then Simone settled down on the lawn for a back scratch from Aunt Mary.

After lunch, we took a walk through the wetlands in Sunset Park, and Simone got really wet. All the way up to her neck!

Once we got back home, Simone was tired from all the excitement and decided to take a much needed nap in the backyard.

Bailey's First Birthday

Simone was invited to Bailey's first birthday party.

Simone and Bailey devoured the peanut butter cake in about 30 seconds, and then moved on to some doggie ice cream.

Bailey opened his presents and then we went outside to play with them. Simone managed to steal Bailey's new frisbee several times, much to Bailey's disdain.


After Simone and Bailey played for awhile, we went back inside and Simone made herself at home on the couch.

Doing Well

A day after Simone's second chemo treatment, she is doing great. She was a little tired this morning and didn't want to do much, but perked up this afternoon and enjoyed a run through the tall grass at the park.

Second Chemo Down

Simone had her second chemo treatment today.

Simone wasn't too happy when she arrived and didn't want to go in, but with a little help from the receptionist and Dr. Cohen, she complied.

Dr. Cohen said Simone tolerated the treatment well. She was much happier when it was time to go home, and went after the pig ear waiting for her with gusto.