St. Simons Island, Georgia

Our gang of travelers just finished a week in a very special house in St. Simons Island. As mentioned in a previous blog we have been doing something together every year for over forty years. This time we took up in a historic home that once was a "carriage house" connected to a larger mansion that has been since moved to Daufuskie Island in South Carolina. This turned out to be perfect as it was a short walk to the beach and a short walk to the village. Most of us were content to do very little, so other than some sightseeing and golf for a few we mostly read, played dominoes and had fabulous meals that we (in my case "they") prepared every day except one where we walked to town for dinner.
Not many midwestern people talk about Georgia as a vacation area, but I can say that these barrier islands are very beautiful and comfortable with nice weather and friendly people. St. Simons is just a seventy mile drive from Jacksonville airport or smaller airports even closer. Anyway, Linda and I are very happy to have gotten away for the week and we enjoyed every minute with our friends and each other.
Happy Birthday to my Aunt Betty who just turned 90.

My Doctor said "eat"

Standing in the Live Oak Trees

Barrier Islands Have Nice Bridges

Sammy

People have been asking about Sammy; how is she doing, is she getting big, etc. Well, she is growing and starting to demonstrate a personality that I think I can count on not to change too much now. Her behavior in the house is excellent, outside might be another story. I use a long lead to keep her in check or she might visit the next County. Actually she is quite well disciplined at almost all times, with the emphasis on "almost". We are both very happy to have this dog as she has been a nice diversion, and even Linda likes being around her a lot. By the way she does retrieve so I'm having that kind of fun too, but behavior is the most important thing at this age. The word is that teaching a Black Lab to retrieve is like teaching a kid to eat ice cream.
Linda and I are heading to St. Simons Island this Saturday to spend the week with some friends that we have been tolerating for about 40 years or longer. We have rented a large house near the beach and we always have a good time. My Dr. gave me the go ahead and so we are taking advantage of a lull in my treatment regimen. Anyway, Tom Dougherty brings enough wine as to be considered a form of treatment in itself. Really, we are quite prudent in our grown up years. Maybe we will overdose on books, dominoes and excellent home cooking.

Sammy at Attention

Gary and Linda

Anniversary Number 70

Linda's parents celebrated today their 70th wedding anniversary in Cambridge, Minnesota. Now that is quite a feat these days. First you have to get married with a promise to be faithful and to stick together through thick and thin, sometimes more thin than thick. I've never known a couple that has done so many things together through out their lives. First there was the few years in California when Huns was in the Navy and Myrt was close by. After the war they moved to Cambridge where they bought the farm and there was now a need to work together to make it all successful. This they did from the farming, gardening, cleaning chickens and other animals for food, the constant cleaning and cooking for a farm family that needed a lot of food for all the expended energy. Believe me, I've seen this family at work and they know to get a lot done in a day. I guess it was necessary in the early days, but they cannot change. First you work and then you play, that is if the time ever allows it.
Now of course Huns and Myrt are retired, yet they stay very active. They take care of themselves for the most part and find time for card playing and even dancing. It's a good thing Great Grandma Thorn didn't find out about this decadence. Huns isn't supposed to drive (Dr's orders) and for the most part he doesn't except when there is some difficult terrain to negotiate, then Myrt will relinquish the wheel to her husband.
I didn't go to the party as crowds can carry an increased risk of catching a cold or something else I don't now need.

 

I did have a long conversation with Myrt the other day, (long by my standards). Her memory is perfect, in fact Myrt can remember things as if they happened yesterday. And she can also get the most subtle humor that older persons often miss. Huns doesn't like to talk on the phone because his hearing isn't too good and so we just talk to Myrt and she relays the thought. I made a point of thanking them for having a daughter that is now my wife of 43 years. They know of course how much I love her and how lately we have to rely on and support one another even more than ever. To deal with a serious illness with out the loving care of someone close must be very difficult. I am thankful for the gift of this terrific person, born in Princeton, MN, the beautiful daughter of Myrtle and John Laase.

Jerry, David, Dale, Linda, Myrt, Huns, Brenda

IN THE MOOD FOR AN UPDATE

Obviously, I have been behind in my posts to this blog and some have been gently nudging me to give at least an update of my medical condition. Some people have to get in the proper mood to do certain things and I am definitely one of these people. This is a nice communication tool, this thing we call a BLOG. Where did that word come from?


A blog (a portmanteau of the term web log)^[1] is a personaljournal published on the World Wide Web consisting of discrete entries ("posts") typically displayed in reverse chronological order so the most recent post appears first. Blogs are usually the work of a single individual, occasionally of a small group, and often are themed on a single subject.


Today I'm feeling good, just working on a tax problem related to my HSA account. I also did some work with Sammy attempting to teach her a few things. My Dad said all dogs are different and this one has a personality that we are still trying to figure out. Tommy and Erik have spent the last two nights with us as we brought them back on our return from Rochester. We will go to Allison's tomorrow and celebrate Easter with her family just for the day. 
As to my condition, my Doctors think we should take a break from the chemotherapy in order for my bone marrow to recover a little. When your marrow is so depressed the risk of infection becomes paramount. This shows that although the therapy is working, there is definitely a need for more treatment when the time is right. For now we are just staying close to home trying to stay healthy. 
We have had so many wonderful gestures of support from both family and friends. These are very meaningful and appreciated by Linda and me immensely . Just by reading this blog you are showing your concern for our family.
Soon another more interesting blog will be posted if the mood comes my way again. It will. Actually I know of at least three English teachers that read this thing and it leaves me a little intimidated.