HELP NEEDED

With my grandson teaching in Alaska for four years now, I have taken an interest in things about Alaskan. My name eventually got to a Christian radio station,KNOM,that broadcasts 24 hours a day.

This is primarily a Catholic station,and is a 25,000 Watt AM station which is the oldest Catholic Radio station in the United States. They broadcast the Mass, the daily Rosary,also the news and music. It has been called, "a treasure of Catholic Evangelization." Many villages first encountered outsiders less than a hundred years ago. Their whole culture has been torn apart with heartbreaking violence, suicides,and other horrible tragic deaths.

Their only source of income is the kindness of others like you. In order to continue,they desperately need your help.

ALASKA RADIO MISSION - KNOM
P.O. BOX 988
Nome, Alaska 99762

Spectacular Sunrise

On Nov. 3rd the day after the election, there was a spectacular sunrise in Chicago. I could only see part of it here in Hawthorn Woods where I live, however the weather man called it that on his broadcast that evening. The part that I saw when I was looking out of my South bedroom window was a cloudy sky which was mostly dark gray. However looking down toward the horizon, the clouds were almost white. Staring at that area, I noticed a gradual color change. It started to become a light pink. Then it became darker pink until it was dark pink like the color of the rose in our front yard.

Then I recalled to my mind that could be one of the times that Dorothy, who is in Heaven,uses to communicate with me. She is telling me that everything will be rosy again. We are under a financial strain at this time, and I was delighted to see this. Dorothy uses nature to communicate with me before, and this could be one of those times.

However today I see in the newspaper that the stock market went up 220 points which is the day after the election. Perhaps our whole economy will become rosy as well. The people that were in office were so pro abortion, and that made me sad. I have read that the Catholic votes put them in office. The comment I heard that abortion is not the only issue. To me it is. Killing is killing. I love children too much. I have delivered many babies in my practice, and it usually is such a happy event. Besides they are our future.

Happy days are coming and things will be rosy again. Have Faith.

From the lakeland Times

I continue getting this Wisconsin newspaper even though I have not lived there for over two years. It is a good small town newspaper, and it has won several awards. This article was from a reporter from Lake Tomahawk on Oct. 1st.

Fall
Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.
Then He carves you a new smiling face, and puts His light inside you for you to shine for all the world to see.

This was passed to me from another pumpkin (friend). Now it is your turn to pass it on to another pumpkin in the patch.

God bless each of you and have a happy fall.

From the Lakeland Times

Twilight In Brozville

Yesterday was our full day in Autumn, and my thoughts turned to our home in Wisconsin at the lake that we named Brozville. Up there it was definitely the end of summer. It also meant the end of the peaceful time lounging at the lake during our twilight after the sun had set. It is several hours of daylight when there is no wind, and the lake is calm. The fishermen would come out in their row boats, and about 5 or 6 and some times 8 would gather at the north end of our bay. That was the area where a creek from our pond entered the big lake. I called this pond, "Broz Lake," because the East end of our property went to the shore of the pond.

Our twilight was so bright that the children would not be ready for bed even though it was their bed time. It was time for relaxing and visiting with friends. It was also time to plan the activities for the next day.

I feel very blessed that I have had the good fortune to able to have all these wonderful events in my life.

Twilight In

Bait and Switch

I could not believe that this was happening to me. An old company like Publishers Clearing House would pull a stunt like this.

They were advertising an award of $5,000.00 a week for the rest of your life. About five days before the award date, Aug. 31st, a mailing came that the award will be one million dollars only period. Several weeks prior to this change, they announced that there was a short list of 121 names from which the winner would be chosen. Then the other 120 would each get a check for $1000.00. They added that if you would receive a check, you would not be a winner. My name was on the short list, and I did not receive a check. Being 91 years, it seemed logical that I might be the winner. Then switch came, and I received nothing. To top it all off the winner was from Las Vegas. Also I still did not get that $1000.00 check as promised. Such dishonesty. Where are the morals going? Perhaps they're all gone.

On a happier note, the melanoma on my left arm has been completely removed,(I hope.) The surgeon dismissed me at the last visit. Perhaps I might make it to 100.

I have not mentioned my garden recently, and I had only moderate success. I started out with pea pods then came the strawberries. We had some dill and parsley. We got about three zucchini, and loads of cherry tomatoes that came back from last year. We did get some larger tomatoes earlier, and then the hot weather came. I was sweating a lot, and I didn't feel too good. Now with cooler temperature we are getting a few larger ones. Earlier in spring I gave five tomato plants to my grandson, Frank, and his grew very well. Now he is bringing some to us. Now the bell peppers are doing good, and I'll be able to give some away. In addition we have a cabbage plant that is about 12 to 14 inches in diameter. Originally we were told that this variety can grow to be up to 15 lbs. Now what do you do with that much cabbage. That is a lot of col slaw !!! I'll keep you posted.

Happy and Wonderful Days

It is hard for me to believe how many happy and wonderful things happened to me and my family in the past two months.

I just learned yesterday that my granddaughter, Margaret, received her final approval for her PhD in Chemistry. She now has her Doctorate Degree as she begins to teach in a local college for the first time. Congratulations to Margaret. You are the first.

Not far behind will be my granddaughter, Ann, who will be getting her M,D.in the first week in December. She will be a Doctor of Medicine just like her grandfather. However she is bilingual which is one step better. After graduation she will be coming back to the States, and finish the rest of her training in a hospital in New York. Being fluent in Spanish, will be quite an asset when she starts to practice.

Next in line will be granddaughter, Carrie, who is in a program for a Doctorate in Physical Medicine. She has an additional year to go.

More good news is about my granddaughter, Nora, who graduated from Colombia College in Chicago, Cum Laud, in Theater this spring and was accepted by Second City, She has already been in several productions in the Chicago area. In addition last week she was able to obtain a regular job which will give her funds for independent living.

Now about my grandson, Frank, who was unemployed for over 6 months, he is now working for a good company for 2 weeks. His problem was serious, because he has a family of four sons. These are very beautiful and intelligent children. They are my great grandchildren,and I am concerned.

Now to myself. Earlier I wrote about my discovery of a malignant melanoma on my left arm, and the two surgeries that followed. Well I still have some sutures in my arm because I was told that older people heal slower.

There has been so much sad news lately, that I thought some good news would be a bit interesting and uplifting.

Surgical Report

Yesterday I was able to get the pathological report from my surgeon about the tissue he removed from my left arm. It said that there was NO cancer present. Happy day!!! I believed that my angel, Dorothy, would be able to help if God was willing. It must be in God's plan for me to keep on going. The doctors are telling me that I will make it to 100. I will be willing if that is His plan for me, because His plan is good.
The incision was not quite healed so only half of the sutures were removed. Now a return trip next week to complete the job.
More news.
I received a letter from the Publishing Clearing House that I am on a short list of 211 names from which the winner will be chosen. I'm back to my angel, Dorothy, if its God's will, I would be happy to win it. I have a great need for funds having lived this long with possibly more years to come.
I'm a believer in you get what you pray for, and I could use any help.
The award date is August 31st.

Surgery Today

Today's surgery was to remove any remaining parts of the melanoma on my left upper arm that might have been part of the original tumor. The original tumor was only 3mm thick from the biopsy, and the usual procedure is to do a deep resection of the original site. If the original tumor would be 7mm or more, then further treatment would be necessary. So I am very fortunate that this might be the only treatment that I will need.
It is times like these that my angel, Dorothy, is still with me in a different way, helping me to do the right thing. I ask for her help every day, and I know she hears me.
Now I have to go to the doctor's office in 10 days to have the sutures removed. Again I am blessed to have my daughter-in-law, Hedy, to be able to drive me to all these appointments.
Praise be to God our Father.



































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Wow 91 Years Today

Yes today I made 91 years. That is the time that both my parents reached before they died. However I don't believe I'm on my way out yet. At a store when we were checking out, I told the owner that I was 91 today, and she said she could not believe that. Then I asked her how old do I look? She said in my 70's. I replied that was twenty years younger. Then she said, "That's right."

This morning I had an appointment with a surgeon, Dr.Scott Miller, for the next treatment for my melanoma on my left upper arm. He had the biopsy report, and it showed that the malignancy was only 3mm deep, and he needed to do a wider excision. He thought that would be the only surgery necessary, because it was less than 7mm deep.He scheduled me for next Friday, July 30th, as an out patient. Evidently no one seems anxious except me.

Anyway that was a good birthday present to know I could be cured of my cancer with the next surgery.

Thank You God

A New Addition To The Broz Clan

On July 3rd at 10:00am little Riley Michelle Broz was born to my grandson Paul and his wife Kate. This new baby made my count of great grandchildren go to 22. Then I was able to get to see and hold her at 4:00pm that same day. She was crying, and Paul gave her to me. She was wrapped snugly in a blanket, and I held her close to my chest. I started to hum and pat her gently. In a short time she was able to fall asleep. and I felt so proud that I was able to do that for a baby only 6 hours old. That was a first for me.

Today I had an appointment with a dermatologist after a period of about 5 years, and I was surprised when the doctor said that he needed to biopsy two lesions, one on my left arm and the other on my back. He said the one on my arm looked bad. Now we have to wait for the lab reports in a week. Now I'm happy that I was to go. Prayers would be nice,Thank You.

As for garden news, there is a pause. The tomatoes are small, but each plant has about two or three. The zucchini and cantaloupe are full of blossoms but no fruit. However the special cabbage is about 12 inches in diameter and growing.

Mixed Weekend

June 9th was the second anniversary of my beloved Dorothy's death. My grief is still very strong, and I miss her terribly. However Dorothy did tell me that I should go on with my life. We did get to visit the cemetery on Sunday, the 13th, which was the day of burial. Again a deer came to visit us as they did on the original day two years ago. Dorothy is still giving me messages.

That was the sad part. Also on Sunday, I was able to give my grandson's wife, Kate, what I believe is a completed copy of my manuscript for her to insert the pictures. After that the next step will be to forward it to the publisher. This has been a long time.

Another nice event that occurred on Monday, when we were able to harvest pea pods from my garden. In addition there is a strawberry turning pink, and there are several small zucchini. Most of the tomato plants have blossoms, and some are opened. So it appears that things are moving right along.

Bird's Nest

Our pond continues to surprise me. This pretty bird's nest is one of three that are all around the pond. Since this picture was taken, some of the eggs have hatched and the little open beaks are showing. The mother bird starts chirping to let you know that she is around.
Also my vegetable garden is moving right along. I was able to get 6 different plants started, and 4 sets of seeds in the ground. The plants are tomatoes, sweet peppers, peas, zucchini,strawberries, cabbage, and the seeds are cucumber, dill, parsley,and cilantro. All of this before Memorial Day. With the warm weather we have been having, I don't think a frost is likely. I have had good luck with tomato seeds germinating. I kept 12, gave 5 to my grandson, and I am taking 3 to Wisconsin on Friday.
Wishing a good growing seasoning to all of you.

A VISITOR AT THE POND

For the benefit of my new comers, I would like to explain my son's property where I live. Last spring I wrote about the nearly acre pond that we have on the East portion. Near this area I have the vegetable garden. I spend a lot of time there, because I enjoy the natural activity that is going on.

The other day when I walked up near the pond, there was a large animal swimming on the surface. This was a large muskrat. I recognized it, because in Wisconsin where I lived, they are very common. It submerged as I came closer, and I lost track of it after that. I was not too happy to see that, because they tunnel in the ground to get their food. They eat roots, and they love vegetables that grow in the ground. They don't go very deep. Just under the grass so they leave a bump as they tunnel.

Now my vegetable garden is near the shore, but all my veggies are above ground. However they have roots in the ground that might be muskrat food. Perhaps it might go to another pond, because I didn't see it last year. Wishful thinking.

Our two ducks are back again this year, but yesterday I saw a third duck swimming calmly along. I'm assuming it must be two females, because another male would create a war.

Now my garden is standing still, because the cold weather arrived. So far I have not lost any plants that are out there

Dr. Ray

Happy Cinco de Mayo

This is a beautiful time of the year with the return of warm weather and most of us are making plans for all the gardens. My main interest is the vegetable garden, because I have started with a planter on my window sill about a month ago. The zucchini came up so fast that it raised the cover. I had to move them outside about 3 weeks ago. I did have them covered with my 2 liter bottles, and they did survive a freeze. About 10 days ago I planted peas, and they broke ground yesterday.I ordered strawberry plants, and they were planted 5 days ago. Yesterday I put out 4 tomato plants. All this before the 15th of May here in Chicago. I know I'm taking a chance, but I still have some back up plants. I'll keep you posted.

Dr.Ray

I HAVE RETURNED

I am back after a minor medical problem, I am back in shape again. I am still in the process of writing my memoirs which is also time consuming. Now spring has arrived, and I planted some irises yesterday. I ordered a new variety which is white and ever blooming. They are supposed to bloom a second time each year. Earlier I predicted an early spring, and we had a record breaking 83 degrees on April 1st. That should push the planting season up two weeks. I intend to start some seeds indoors this week, because it is a little late already. I will try to stay healthy.

Introducing A New Food Prodect--Harvestbetter

My son, Rick, who is a food technologist, came up with a new product that is similar to peanut butter, but contains no peanuts or treenuts in it, what-so-ever. The taste is a lot like peanuts, and even in its manufacturing, there is no exposure to nuts or allergens of any kind. I mention this because this product, harvestbetter can be used safely by people who have food allergies. It is a nutritious, good tasting allergen free food.

Harvestbetter is made from 5 whole grains, and is completely vegan. In addition it is also a highly nutritious food. It contains a high level of the important antioxidants and anti-carcinogens that we all need. Especially as we get older, our bodies need an extra supply because our diets alone can not supply what our bodies need.

In addition there are added vitamins D3 and K2 to help manage calcium absorption by directing it directly into your bones (improves bone density), rather than allowing it to become deposited in your arteries.

Also important is the special fiber supplement which it contains, and it is called, "prebiotic". This serves as a food source for the friendly bacteria that populate our intestinal tract. A healthy "flora" of good bacteria prevents the invasion of unhealthy bacteria which cause infection in the first place.

As a medical doctor, I don't know any other food to have all these beneficial ingredients, and, as well as, a natural source without any synthetic or artificial ingredients. Even kids like it!

Havestbetter has been available since July, 2009 in 23 health foods stores in 7 states. It is also available on-line at either www.peanutfreeplanet.com and www.harvestbetter.com

Thought you might like to know...

Think Spring

Here it is, March 1st, can Spring be far away? Perhaps, but it is coming in like a lion, so I believe it will go out like a lamb. We have about 1 to 2 feet of snow on the ground, that is coming in like a lion. But hold on, by the end of the week we will have over 40 degrees. The warm weather will start, and spring will be about 7 to 10 days ahead of the calendar.

I received another Burpee catalog which is thicker than the first. This one is like an encyclopedia. On page 5 there is a new Blackberry bush that is thornless, and has large berries. I had black raspberry canes in Wisconsin, but the thorns would scratch you all up. However, one order is 5 plants, so I'll take it!

I also had a bad experience last year when I used a planting mulch made of heavy paper. It was thick paper and came on a roll. It was very hard to handle. It would not lay flat when unrolled, and the wind would keep picking it up. I used various pipes, and rods, and plastic garden nails, but there were always air pockets still underneath. Finally I wet it down, but it never did conform to the soil. It would get dry, and I would have to water the plants anyway. In addition it looked ugly. I personally, would rather hoe the weeds.

Let me end with a cute story. 'Tis spring, the birds are on the wing. How absurd. The wings are on the bird.

Possible New Book

It is about a year now that I have been writing a book which the publishers are calling my "memoirs". The title is, " I Married An Angel." This a story of my marriage of 63 years to my wonderful wife who died on our wedding anniversary date of June 9th, 2008. We had a great marriage and a great life together which did not seem like 63 years, at all.
After 5 drafts, I believe I have finally finished it yesterday. If nothing else, I feel a moral victory having typed most of it myself. To think that after 90 years, I was able to learn to type and use the computer. This was a tremendous help especially since my handwriting is getting worse. I was surprised one day when I wrote a letter to my grandson, and he could not read it. He could read the typed words but not my cursive. To think that all the hours and days that I spent in my early school days, learning to be able to write the alphabet.
Back to the book. I will be going, in 2 weeks, to a class at the local high school given by a publisher on how to publish a book. I plan to take my manuscript along, and perhaps she might take a look at it.
Earlier I sent an earlier draft copy to a music publisher, and he said I had an incredible story to tell, but that they only published music.
Several of my previous Blogs are part of the book. However, my book has finally grown to 75 pages long. That is without photos, which I would like to include.
I will keep all of you informed as things progress. By the way, I appreciate any comments, help, prayers or suggestions, please let me know your thoughts.

Green Banana Story

This is Feb. 10th, and it is still the middle of winter. Not much is happening, so how about a little chit chat.
We had 2 feet of snow yesterday, because it started snowing on Monday. It continued all day Tuesday, and ended early Wed. morning. Where I live in my son's, home, there is a stone block front porch 10'by12' with 5 stairs down to the drive-way. Well I, 90 year oldster, shoveled that whole area 3 times yesterday! I only incurred a few aches and pains that a Tylenol took care of this morning.
There is a snow ball bush in the front yard that has a bird's nest near the top just off the front of the porch. I noticed the nest after all the leaves dropped off this fall. Well this morning, there was 6 inches of snow on top of it so that it resembled whipped creme topping! Really quite pretty.
While shoveling the snow, I was thinking about how many people die while doing just exactly what I'm doing. When I came in, I read an article that talked about how WW II vets are dying at the rate of 1,000 per day. I'm one of those vets, and I think of dying often. Where I am living now, it is so pleasant, that I would like to die here. But, as you all know, I am not in charge of that.
How about my title? Perhaps I've told this story before but I don't recall. This story will last in your memory, perhaps forever.
This older gentleman went to see his doctor. He mentioned that he had not been to a doctor for many years, and he wanted to know what the tests would reveal, "no matter what". He added that he wanted to hear the truth, the whole truth regardless of what it is. After the doctor finished with the examination, he called the man in. The doctor finished reading the test reports and was pondering before he looked up to talk to the man. Then he said, "If I were you, I would not buy any green bananas."
This story came to mind when I was shopping with my daughter-in-law, Hedy, and all the bananas at the store were green. She walked away, but I called her back I told her she could buy some, and she did.
From now on whenever you will see green bananas, you will remember this story.

Day after Ground Hog Day

Here we are Feb. 3rd, the day after Ground Hog day, and the sun is shining beautifully. Not so yesterday when it was cloudy, and we had snow flurries most of the day with accumulation of about 6 inches of light snow. At 90 years old, I did about one hour of shoveling just to keep my muscles strong, because gardening comes after snow shoveling!
Perhaps most of you know, but Feb. 2nd really is a special day. This day is the mid point of the winter season. On the temperature charts this is the low point. From now the average high temperature will go from 30 to 38 by the end of the month. After a few days the high will be above freezing now until after summer.
I have my own theory about watching for the last frost date, Last December we had an early start to winter right from the beginning of the month. To me that would indicate that winter will end about 3 weeks early. So the planting season could begin by May 15th. So going back to ground hog day, winter will only be about 4 weeks more and by May 1st warm weather will be here. How's that for good news? I think I can taste the home grown tomatoes already!

Cabin Fever

When we lived in Northern Wisconsin winter was a difficult time of the year. There is a time, about the middle of January, when all of the days were below zero.The high temperature for the day was minus 4 and the low was about minus 10. At the same time there is little or no sun for about 10 or 12 days. You were lucky if you were able to get outside at all. On Sunday you want to go to church, because there you can at least, talk to some one who is the same situation. You would get a chance to smile and even laugh a little. That is the remedy for, "Cabin Fever." My wife and I lived that life for 10 years. You needed to be in contact with other people during this bleak time. After this period, the sun would shine again, and every one's spirit was up lifted. Happy days are here again.

For me it was a bit different. I had so many things to do that I had no time for melancholy. Almost every night it would snow, and in the morning, I would bundle up, and start the snow blower. We had a U-shaped driveway that had to be opened up, as well as paths to the garage, to the wood shed, and back to the basement. I had a wood stove in the basement family room there, that I could make cozy warm. I called it my Florida room. Then about noon, I would drive the two miles to get my daily newspaper. I didn't have time for cabin fever.

Received Two Wish Books

Happy New Year to all my readers. Here are my wishes that the new year will bring great new opportunities and significant improvements to the economy for everyone.
What about wish books? Perhaps you have to be a gardener to get excited about planning for your garden in the spring. I received my first catalog in December which was Growing Tomatoes. That is my favorite. The last year I was in Wisconsin, I gave the food pantry 50 lbs of tomatoes besides the ones we used for our selves and our friends. Just now I received a Burpee Catalog with all sorts of veggies and other interesting plants. Here at my son's home, I have extra room to try other plants as well as tomatoes.
I had great success last year with starting plants from seeds on my wide sunny window sill. It is my prediction that we will be having an early spring because winter started so early, with the really cold weather. So I'm planning to plant outside by May 15th. I also will be planning to protect them with a plastic bottle green house. I make these by taking a 2 liter pop bottle that has the bottom removed. Place these over each plant. Then take a thin branch and put it through the bottle's neck, anchoring it into the ground. Start saving your 2 liter bottles now.