"The Campers" Dinner at Sardi's Restaurant, NYCDeanne Alford, Lois Bundschuh, Diane Taylor, Patricia Nixa, & Chandra Sommers
Diane's trip to New York City with long-time friends was a huge success. They toured the city on a "Hop On, Hop Off" doubledecker bus, saw Memphis and Billy Elliott, took the NBC tour, went to the Top of the Rock (30 Rockefeller Center) to see surroundings, enjoyed delicious meals, took an hour boat cruise, and strolled through Central Park. The weather was perfect. The company: the best! .
I survived quite nicely. Ryan made a spontaneous visit Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, college friends Fred and Marilyn Mastny along with dog Bosco came over for lunch from Champaign. I closed out the day with a visit from Skip Begley and later Bill Epperly. I also dug up a flower bed and planted 60 tulips complements of Lynn and Linda Sordel from Washington state who remembered my fondness for tulips in an earlier blog. Digging in the yard is another step forward and also excellent physical and emotional therapy.
On Tuesday, I was off to West Burlington for doctor appointments and had not one but two basal cell cancers removed from my back and chest. I then visited Dr. Theron Jameson who did my shoulder surgery 6 years for the removal of bone spurs. My shoulder has been painful lately and bothering me when I attempt to lift my right arm. Visiting doctors is apparently my new career, passion, and vocation. After a couple of X-rays, Theron told me the x-rays were clear and asked if I had pitched much during my athletic activities over the years. I laughed. "I've only been pitching for 55 years" was my response. He didn't look surprised as he told me I had no cartilage left in my shoulder and someday I will need a complete replacement. He gave me a cortisone shot and sent me on my way.
Our house is very lively and active these days. Daughter Jennifer, her husband John, and grandsons Luke (6) and James (2) flew into St. Louis yesterday where Diane picked them up. I feel like I'm in perpetual motion as I give wagon and wheel barrel rides, pick up acorns and sticks, rake leaves into a big pile suitable for fun, go shopping, and of course enjoy ice cream at the Ford Hopkins soda fountain counter at 10 a.m. Ryan arrives by train Friday night and Gordon and Lisa will be here by noon on Saturday. We ARE doing a family photo in our backyard. Diane has made this very clear to one and all.
My progress continues but as before is so slow. I do have trouble hydrating as I constantly need water. This really is a nuisance but as Diane reminds me, I am progressing and not regressing. That is important.
