Baby Mack is Here

Zarek Rochus Mack

Born: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 at 1:35 am
Weight: 7 lbs 14 oz
Length: 21" long

He has light brown hair & blue/grey eyes.

Zarek (pronounced Zare-eck) is Aramaic in origin and means "light"
and "protector of the king". Rochus (prononced Roe-kus) is German
and a family name on the Mack side.

Zarek Mack

Schomer side of Zarek's Family Tree

Zarek was born on 12/09/2009

Dad - Justice (Jerry's nephew)
Mom - Beverly
Grandpa - August
Grandma - Joni (Jerry's sister)
Aunt - Meagan (Jerry's niece)

Not that familiar with Bev's side of the family, just Jerry's side.

Aunt Betty continued... 2 days after Surgery

Update...

Aunt Betty is recuperating in a nursing facility in Lake Forest. I talked with Aunt Betty today and she's in alot of pain, not getting much sleep and just can't wait until this is all over. She's not sure when she'll be home but is "dealing with it".

Aunt Betty continued... Surgery 02/02/10

Update...

I spoke with Betty's son Lowell this afternoon around 3:00pm. At that time Betty had not been taken into surgery that had been scheduled for 1:30pm today. The doctor and anestiaologist had already been in to see her and she had an IV drip on. Unfortunately, they had several emergencies that have delayed her surgery. They will be keeping her overnight tonight. I should hear back later on tonight to find out how surgery went and tomorrow will hear if she'll be discharged and if I will need to spend the night.

Today, Aunt Betty will have surgery on her knee. At this time, we do not know if they will release her today or have her overnight in the hospital. I am scheduled to stay with her overnight if necessary tonight and tomorrow night.

Please keep Aunt Betty in your thoughts and prayers while she goes through surgery and as she recovers.

Aunt Betty ... continued Day 2

After visiting the Orthopedic physician, Aunt Betty now has a cast on her leg. From the top of her thigh to her ankle. Dana, her son, contacted me and told me that she was doing better now that she had the cast. Dana was going to leave Aunt Betty's and her neighbor would be checking in on her and Aunt Betty would be calling me if she needed me to come stay with her over night. Since I hadn't heard from Aunt Betty I contacted her around 8:00pm. She didn't sound well, she was in alot of pain and said the cast was too tight and too heavy. I told her I would come over and spend the night with her. I contacted Dana and advised him that I would be staying with her. Aunt Betty had taken some Hydrocodone and was doing okay. Aunt Betty was dosing off and was sleeping when I went to bed around 10:30pm. About 6:00am I heard Aunt Betty rustling around. I told her to wait for me and I would be in to help. Aunt Betty needed to get out of bed and onto the porta potty. I helped her out of bed and onto the potty. I left to go to the bathroom myself and when I returned she was back into bed. I went to empty the porta potty and Aunt Betty said she was not able to do anything because she was in too much pain and couldn't support the heavy cast. She said she was going to hold it and for me to go back to bed. I went back to bed, but couldn't go back to sleep (right away). I stayed awake listening for any noises from Aunt Betty's bedroom. I heard her getting into the pill bottle. I fell asleep until about 8:00am. At about 8:30am, I went into check on Aunt Betty and she was awake but in too much pain. She had taken a hydrocodone at 6:00am and another at 6:45am. Dana called about 9:00am and was trying to get in touch with a care giver that he was going to hire for Aunt Betty. At about 9:30am a Physical Therapist arrived to see how he could help. He discussed how he could help and had Aunt Betty with using a walker and had Aunt Betty take about 6-8 steps with the walker. He also helped Aunt Betty maneuver to get in and out of the wheel chair. Aunt Betty wasn't feeling well light headed, nausea etc. After the PT left, Dana arrived with some microwavable food and to relieve me to go home. Dana or Aunt Betty would all me later and let me know what the situation was or if I needed to come over again. Since I hadn't heard from either Dana or Betty I called to see what was going on. Aunt Betty said she was doing good and that her friend Loretta was there and was going to stay the night. She also told me that her neighbor Mary (across the street) brought over some Chinese for dinner for her.

Cousin - Reunion

Yesterday, my sister, Kathy and I drove to Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles to meet up with our cousin June and her husband Deacon Bob Tyson from North Carolina. Kathy and I picked them up and we all went for dinner at the Salt Creek Grille http://www.saltcreekgrille.com/.
We had a wonderful time sharing memories and catching up. I don't know how long it's been since I have seen June, but over 10 years at least. It was so nice seeing them. June and Bob were in Los Angeles to board their Princess Cruise to the Hawaiian islands celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. They will be gone for 2 weeks and then will be back in LA for their flight back to North Carolina. Kathy and I are planning to pick them up from their ship, when it docks, and spending a little more time with them before they head home. So glad to see you guys, enjoyed our time with you.

June's mom, Aunt Ethel was our dad's, Merlon Raymond (Ray or Rip they called him) oldest sister. My dad was the youngest of the children and June's mom... I think was either the oldest or second oldest.

Mom visits California from Arkansas

After living in California since the early 1950's my mom moved to Arkansas two (2) years ago. One of her three (3) grand children (Kimberleigh) married a man from Arkansas and moved there several years ago. My sister, Vicki (Kim's mom) and husband retired and followed Kim and relocated in Arkansas, as well. Since my sister, Kathy and myself plan to also leave California my mom decided to jump on the wagon and leave California herself. My mom relocated to Arkansas August 2007. This was her first trip back to California. My mom is enjoying Arkansas, particularly the changes of the seasons. However, she has missed the shopping and dining she loved in California. My mom arrived on Thursday June 18th. Kathy picked her up and we meet and took her to the Citrus Grill for dinner and got a little shopping in after dinner. Friday, mom, sister, Kathy and I shopped and started preparation for Kathy's 60th Birthday Party which would be celebrated on Saturday June 20th. On Saturday we enjoyed great food and drink, wonderful fellowship and a live band ... and partied into the night. Sunday, mom and Kathy headed for our house... first stop was a visit with Jake and Zack. After visiting the kids we headed for lunch at the Olive Garden. After lunch... more shopping. Monday and Tuesday we took mom to the Wine Country of Temecula where we stayed at the South Coast Winery. Our two days were spent visiting the local wineries, shopping, eating and relaxing by the pool. We all had a great time. Wednesday Jerry and I had to go see Dr. Bob in Century City and mom and Kathy did their last minute shopping before taking mom to the airport for her Thursday departure. We enjoyed her visit and are looking forward to seeing her again soon.

Wedding in Durham, North Carolina

I left for Durham, North Carolina 3 June 2009 to attend Jerry's neice Dawn Howard's wedding. Jerry just recently went from working part time on disability since last July, 08 to full time after finishing chemo therpy in December 08. ... so he was not able to attend the wedding. The trip was so enjoyable seeing some of Jerry's family who we haven't seen in several years. The reunion was terrific! The wedding ceremony and all the activities around pre-and post wedding were terrific. Our time together was short, but so enjoyable to be together. We had an opportunity to visit Duke University, one day. The setting for the wedding was actually held at the Gardens at Duke University which were absolutely gorgious. Enjoy all the pictures I took during my stay by visiting my Picasa Albums. Here are just a few of my favorite pictures.

In Honor of Haleigh Nicole Dickerson

A PRECIOUS angel was born April 28, 2000. Twelve PRECIOUS days gave me a life time of memories. Haleigh touched my life in the few PRECIOUS moments I shared with her and are held close to my heart. Words cannot express the heartache felt and continue to feel over the loss of Haleigh. May God's peace continue to bless Haleigh in heaven.

Danya at 6 months old

Isn't see too !!! CUTE !!!

Danya's 1st Christmas, Christmas, 2008

Ashleigh and Tinkerbell - Christmas, 2008

My mom's latest addition...

This is EVA, I call her "Eva Believa". This is my mom's new kitty. I met the Ragdoll breeder and picked Eva up today. Tomorrow Eva will be traveling to Greers Ferry, Arkansas. Eva will be a great companion for my mom. She's a very sweet kitty. Kathy and I met and drove Eva to Ontario Airport for her long airplane ride to Arkansas.

Introducing Danya "Dannie" Great Grand Niece.

Danya Elizabeth Nestle (King)
Born - Tuesday, July 15 at 4:11 pm
Weight - 6 lbs. 8 ozs.
Length - 19-1/2"
Parents - Christine Nestle/Nathan King

May 2, 2008 Tornado Greers Ferry, AR

Friday, 05.02.08 Greers Ferry, AR

EF 3 Tornado hits!

This is the home of Don Leith and his wife at Emerald Isle near Greers Ferry. The Leiths stayed the night for the first time Thursday. Mr. Leith said they sought shelter in an unfinished safe room in the home. He said there wasn't a door on the room, but it still saved their lives. (Sun-Times photo/Louis Short)

Cleburne County residents couldn't dodge the damaging storms Friday after being put under a tornado warning around 8:15 a.m. Strong storms moved through north central Arkansas, knocking out power, tearing down trees and power lines/poles, and destroying homes. As of 2 p.m. Friday, seven deaths in the state were being blamed on the storms, but no injuries were reported in Cleburne County.
Residents in the Greers Ferry area of Cleburne County were hit hardest. Damage starts at Pryor Mountain along Hwy 16 at the rock quarry to Frontier Canyon, north of Hwy 92.

This is the home of Don Leith and his wife at Emerald Isle near Greers Ferry. The Leiths stayed the night for the first time Thursday. Mr. Leith said they sought shelter in an unfinished safe room in the home. He said there wasn't a door on the room, but it still saved their lives. (Sun-Times photo/Louis Short)

This is my sister, Vicki's and her husband, Don's newly build house in Emerald Isle, Greers Ferry, AR. Several years ago Vicki and her husband, Don, sold their home in Canyon Lake, CA, furniture etc, stored personal effects that they wanted to save and took off in their 35ft Monoco motor home traveling across the United States. About a year ago, they decided to settle down in Greers Ferry, AR which is close to Vicki's daughter Kimberleigh and granddaughter Ashleigh. Vicki, was in here in California to meet and supervise the moving company, packing up their storage area and transferring all their personal effects to the moving van that would transport everything they had saved to their new residence in AR. The moving van arrived in Greers Ferry, early last week. The last week in April, Vicki and Don were finally able to start moving into their new house.

• The only thing left to their 4 car garage is the cement slab.


• One of their two cars is destroyed. Evidently a garage door fell on it, flattened the tires


• All the personal effects transported from California are gone.

The second picture loaded to my blog is a neighbors home. They were re-building after a fire destroyer their home last year.

The Governor of Arkansas was their today assessing the damage, Vicki shook the governors hand!

I am planning to leave on Thursday, to Arkansas to support my mom and sister Vicki. Don't know that I can be of much help with a tragedy like this, but I can certainly be there and give them love and support. Please remember all those people who have been devastated by these and all natural disasters. My God bless them all.

Happy 80th Birthday - Mom

Today, Wednesday February 27th, 2008 is my mom's 80th Birthday. Unfortunately, because of my mother's relocation to Arkansas I am unable to celebrate this milestone birthday. But, my Love, Thoughts and Best Wishes are with her especially today as she celebrates this birthday.

Happy Birthday Mom !

New Arrival - Cambria "Camee"

Our Newest Addition to our family

After waiting six (6) years, after the death of our beloved Sugars and earlier the death of Bandit... Jerry and I have adopted a new little kitten. We don't have her quite yet she is getting spayed (hopefully) today. Jerry and I have been searching the internet and I have been running around to all the local animal shelters, PetSmarts, as well as, private parties to find her. We were specifically looking for a kitten (it's not quite kitten season) and we were trying to find a kitten that wasn't a brown tabby (like Bandit) or a calico (like Sugars). So we adopted our new kitten on Saturday 02/09/08 from the Orange County Animal Care Center in Orange, CA. She is a 4 month old stray and she is a silver and white tabby. When I first saw her she wanted my attention and she wanted me to pet her through the bars of the door on her cage. When the attendant gave her to me to hold and get acquainted, the kitten immediately started to purr once she was in my arms. As I continued petting her she started rubbing against me. When I put her up to my face she started rubbing against my face. Since the attendant was familiar with me and what I was looking for since I had been to this shelter several times. The attendant said this is the best one for you. I had visited with several other young cats over the past few times and this one was definately a good match. As soon as she recovers from her surgery we will be able to pick her up from the shelter. If you can think of any cute names for a silver tabby, please pass them on. So far Jerry and I can not seem to agree on each others suggested names.

Aunt Doris Allentown, PA

Elderly Woman Killed in Allentown Accident

The Lehigh County Coroner's office says an elderly woman involved in an accident in Allentown has died. The crash happened just before 4pm yesterday in the area of South 12th and Lehigh Streets.

The Lehigh County Coroner says 86-year-old Doris Lobach of Northampton was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital where she later died from her injuries. Two other people were also hurt in the crash.

This is my Aunt Doris, my dad's sister. Because of the distance between California and Pennsylvania, I didn't see her very often. But, have very fond memories of her. I particularly remember when I was young (maybe 9 or 10) we were visiting the family in Allentown, PA in April and my birthday (04-18) fell on Easter, that year. She had bought me a yellow bunny on a lollipop stick... and it was yummy! We spent hours playing Tripoly, with our Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. I also remember walking across the street and swimming in the community pool. It has been year's since I last saw Aunt Doris, I remember stopped over in Allentown, PA during a business trip. Aunt Doris asked me how she would recognize me because I had grown up. I deliberately, wore a bright hot pink jump suit so she would know who I was. I was one of the last passengers off of the plane and ironically there was another passenger who also wore a hot pink outfit. But, Aunt Doris didn't think it was me because she was very tall with blond hair. My last visit with Aunt Doris will always be in my heart and memory. We had a great reunion.

My thoughts and Prayers go out to Doris' children (my cousins) Cheryl and Darrell, as well as her grandchildren and all the extended family.

May Aunt Doris rest in God's Peace.

My mom has moved and re-located to Arkansas

Today my mom is on her way to start her new life in Arkansas. Ever since my mom's landlord hired a property management company to take over and manage her rental home (of 12 years in Sun City, CA) my mom has been unhappy living there. The person from the property management company responsible for this property has been a "real jerk" (to say the least). Every opportunity he has he tries to intimidate my mom. As my mom is approaching 80 yrs she wanted to get away from the fast pace of the California lifestyle. She has decided to re-locate to Arkansas where the life style and pace are a lot simpler. Also, since my younger sister, Vicki and her husband, Don have decided to settle and are building a house near Vicki's daughter Kimberleigh, Kim's daughter Ashleigh and her husband Tim, in Arkansas. My mom decided that living in Arkansas near Vicki would be the best decision. Vicki is on disability and does not work. Therefore, she'll have more time and opportunity to spend time with my mom and help my mom with doctor's appointments etc. My sister Kathy and I are also planning to leave California when we retire, but we are both working and have a few years before we make the move. Even though I will miss having my mother only 45 minutes away, I know my mom will feel more relaxed and be more comfortable getting out of California. Of course my mom's happiness and health are what's important to me.