Weekend in review and week ahead

This past Wednesday, we went to our first Whacky Wednesday at the Back Porch.  Connie didn't last too long in the heat, but she hung in there. 

We went to a new bar Thursday night (Lelo's, the former Wild Horse Saloon and Grill) for the Parrotheads of Port Aransas Fourth Thursday Happy Hour and Connie was a trooper.  Liked Lelo's.  The burgers/buns were fantastic.  It was a huge turnout.

Friday was a big test for us.  I went to play golf while Connie stayed home with the girls.  She got along famously.  First time I've done that since June 4th.  Always worried in Amherst since there were so few people there during the week.  That night, I had committed to work on the food committee for the Wings Party of the PHC and I helped at the beach party, while Connie stayed back.






Saturday night, I helped on the food committee at the Gala while keeping tabs on Connie at home.  Again, she did great -- there was even a beer or two missing when I got back.

This week is going to suck for her.  Last treatment, her port couldn't be accessed (as was the case towards the end at the Cleveland Clinic), and she had to go through her arm.  Made the decision to get her port replaced.  This week she's got a treatment on Monday (through her arm again), pre-op appointment at Shoreline Hospital Tuesday, the actual procedure on Wednesday, then a brain CT for the neurosurgeon in Cleveland gets done on Thursday.

(Well past) Time for another update ....

No posts since January.  <sigh>  I guess I hate writing just to be writing.  Blame my college professors and Sue Terrell.  (If you know who she is, thanks for your friendship for all these years!)

 The Porters and I walked the Harbor Bridge (on the left) in Corpus Christi the first weekend of February.  Was neat to say that you've done.  As slow as we did things, really wasn't that bad.  All told, I've done it.  Don't need to do it again.

Of course, after we finished, we went to North Beach for a celebratory beer.  Yes, I know it was 10:30 in the morning.  I have a problem.


February and so far in March have been incredibly rainy.  We've had more rain this "season" than the previous two years combined.  Last year was a lot of shut in time for cold.  This year has been warmer, but been shut in for rain.

Did get a visit from Bethany and James for a couple of days in early March.  Connie and Vickie were able to take her shopping for Baby Davis while I took James golfing.  On the right is James retrieving his drive on #18.

We've been able to meet with our Heartland friends about once a week for a meal and some good conversation.

This last week of March is when the Winter Texans will start flowing out of the Coastal Bend.  Always seems to happen around this time.  Then they all get home and whine about how cold it is there.  Duh.

We met with Connie's oncologist last week and started mapping out our exit strategy.  She's going to do on more treatment in March (next Tuesday the 24th), another in April (on the 14th) then a final one in Texas tentatively on the 5th of May.  Between the 14th of April and 5th of May she'll do the scans and tests and we'll have those results read on the 5th of May.  Whether or not those show progression of the disease will determine how we proceed.  From a health standpoint, she's been very tolerant of these treatments.  Lose the night of the treatment, but that's about it.  No nausea, her weight has held pretty steady and other than some balance issues, has been going about life great.

Speaking of going about life, we decided to take a last minute cruise on April 5th.  Life's too short.

After we hear what the oncologist has to say on the 5th of May, we'll start figuring out a run to South Dakota (have to spend at least one night there every five years), then on to Ohio.  Want to be loose and free with our plans, at least to South Dakota, so that we can play the volatile weather in the Plains during May.  Do hope to be back in Ohio by the Monday after Memorial Day.

That's about it for now.  Treasure every day and the people you spend it with.

Sugar Bowl, Bethany Visits, and it was cold.....

Had a couple of spectacular weeks following the Buckeyes to a National Championship.

It started on New Year's Eve as we drove to Baton Rogue, stopping to pick up our daughter in Houston at the airport.  Not conditioned for those long drives any more, it doesn't seem.

New Year's Day we drove into New Orleans.  Our first stop was at the Mid City Yacht Club, the official bar of the OSU Alumni from New Orleans, the Cajun Buckeyes.  Was a real throw back bar, in a neighborhood, surrounded by row houses.  Had a great time there.  Met Buck-I-Guy and Archie Griffin, had a few beers then headed downtown towards the Super Dome.

Parked in our spot a few blocks away from the Super Dome and hopped on local transit to the French Quarter.  Stopped for lunch at Crescent City Brewhouse.  Nice place, filled with Buckeyes and Bammers alike.

Next was on towards Manning's where ESPN had been broadcasting.  Got there just as they were striking the set.  <sigh>  Was still a good place to stop, rest, have a few beverages and watch some football.

Continued our walk to the SuperDome where there was a Fan Jam going on outside the stadium.  Met up with an old friend college, a Bama fan we had met on our cruise to Hawaii in 2011, my cousin from Orlando and our friends from Bellevue, who's brother I went to school with.  Was a really fun atmosphere, got super psyched for the game.

We got into the SuperDome in plenty of time to see all of pre game.  We didn't have an usher for our seat, we had sherpas.  They were up there, but still a great view of the game.  Needless to say, it was the desired outcome.

Drove back with Bethany to Rockport the next day, and spent the next two days recovering from the 3 day blitz.  By Monday, we had decided the price of tickets was going to be too high, the weather in Dallas was going to be too cold, and we bailed on taking the rig to Arlington opting instead fly Bethany back from Corpus Christi.

Spent the next week indoors most of the time.  Temp highs in the 40's will do that when you're in an RV.

Had a great tailgate party with the Porter's for the National Championship game, but that afternoon our furnace didn't fire.  Turns out the circuit board was bad.  Would be till Friday until we got the part, so I got a little portable heater.  As the temps didn't clear 55 for a week, it was cold in the rig.

Again, the National Championship game had a desired result.

Started a Euchre Night here at the park on Tuesdays, and we think its going to roll.  Played twice a week at Pioneer RV Resort in the fall and really wanted to keep playing.

Finally going to get to play golf this Monday as the temps are going back to their normal mid 60's for this time of year.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to read our doings.  Till the next time......

It was either the tests or laughing too hard....

Just had a memorable weekend.

On Thursday, Connie got X-rays on the hole in her lung (pneumo thorax) then Friday met with the Pulmonary Doctor.  We both thought it was odd that she did a breathing test, where you exhale as hard as you can, inhale large, then exhale hard again.  She probably did that 5-6 repetitions.

Doctor said she still had a small hole, but we wouldn't need to see him for a month unless she started having pains at which point we were to call 9-1-1 immediately.  Disappointed that the lung wasn't fully healed, but with him saying see you in a month, we could tell his lack of concern.

We went over to our friends Don and April in Russell Township (Geauga Co.) for dinner and a sleepover before going to head to Bethany and James' house for her birthday celebration on Saturday.  We've known the Green's for 30 years, Don was the head football coach where I got my first Band Director job in Jamestown, Ohio.  Been friends ever since.

After a few beverages, we started going over stories, remembering this, remembering that, correcting each other on what we all thought were the facts.  We did a lot of laughing.

About 4a the next morning, Connie sat up and said she was having some pains, but she was going to try and sleep a different way.  About 6:30a, the pain was still there and off we headed for Hillcrest hospital.  Did all the tests, X-Rays, Cat Scans, etc. and, though the hole was still there, it wasn't any different from the scans on Thursday.  After ruling everything out, and the pain subsiding, they released her from the E.R.  She was allowed to go to Bethany's as long as she didn't do anything.

We went back to Don and April's (who were watching the girls along with their 3 cockers), gathered up everything, and headed to Fairview Park (OH) where Bethany and James live.  Had another great time there, Connie's Dad and his friend surprised Bethany by driving up from Wilmington (OH).

We met lots of Bethany and James' friends and co-workers, even reconnected with one of Bethany's childhood friends from Ashtabula.  Carmen and Sloopy even met some new friends.  The morning took its toll and we retired earlier than others.

Sunday (Father's Day), Bethany and James took his Dad and I to Springvale Golf Course for 18 holes of fun and laughter while Connie and James' Mom stayed back at their house.  Perfect weather, great fun, and a nice course.  I really enjoyed it.

After another terrific dinner, we gathered up our stuff and the girls and headed back home to Ashtabula.  A memorable weekend in our rear view mirror.

We've Been Having Some Fun!

Again, it has been a while since we have updated everyone.  Sorry about that, but we have actually been out and about having some fun.  All, of course, mixed in with more appointments.

The MRI and mapping simulation for the Novalis Radiosurgery was done on July 31st.  The actual procedure will be done on Friday, Aug. 9.  This will treat the tumor on the spine and hopefully reduce the back pain.

Bubba Watson on leaving #16

David Feherty posing for Bob

Thanks to our friend, Rich, we were able to enjoy the Bridgestone Invitational Golf Tournament in person.  I was feeling good and able to get around fairly easy.  It helped that the tournament offered shuttles from the parking lot to whatever hole I desired.  I went Thursday and Friday and really enjoyed it.  Bob took Saturday off and went back on Sunday with our friend, Don.

Another cool happening was that I was reconnected with a high school friend, Joni.  Could not believe it when I saw her facebook post that mentioned she was at Ashtabula Yacht Club!  That's right next door.  Was able to hook up on Monday for a visit.  Hoping for several more this season.

Like I said, we've been busy having fun.  Looking forward to our Put-in-Bay trip next week!

Another Doctor

Today kind of took me back to an old TV show (Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood).  I felt like singing "Won't You Be My Doctor".  We met with yet another doctor this afternoon.  This was just a consultation to get set up to take the IV treatments here in Ashtabula.  A nice convenience since they are typically only 45 minutes.

No news with this visit other than I will finally be able to have my blood drawn thru the port that was implanted instead of being poked in the arm.  Yippee!  Hopefully, we will start getting some appointments for the followup scans.

The doctor did give a disappointing answer to one of my questions.  Was asking about exercise.  He pretty much told me that golf would be out of the question.  It would most likely create issues with the current condition I am experiencing with my hands from the medication.  Very upset over this.  Will have to find another outdoor activity that will be tolerated.

As is always the case in Ohio, the weather has turned again.  Rain came in yesterday evening and has been on and off all day today.  Temperatures have also dropped.  Ran the air early yesterday and am sitting here tonight with the windows closed and the fireplace on.  Ugh!

Hoping we can get together with some friends for the weekend.  Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Time is flying.....

Hard to believe we've been at the Sea Breeze RV Resort almost a month!  In another month, we'll be heading to our first rally in Kerrville, TX.

Last year, we had a Winter Texan golf membership at the Northshore Country Club.  It was a good deal, $400 for the two of us to golf unlimited with a cart, range balls for a month.  We knew, to make it work, we'd have to play all the time.  And we did.

That probably made us seem a little unsociable to the regulars here.  When we weren't at the golf course, we were working at the business and didn't really have time to get out and mingle.
This year, we didn't opt for the golf membership and we've been "getting out" quite a bit more.  Everyone remembered us from last year because of the truck, but they didn't really "know us".  We've made a concerted effort to change that.  This isn't really a place that has a lot of organized events, rather a lot of organized events done by the guests.

We've enjoyed our time "across the pond" with Mike & Baxter, Kristi & Justin, Ed & Loretta, Judy & Gary, Frenchie and Nina, Bob & Jane and Paulette & Bill.  The other night, Mike and Justin outdid themselves smoking brisket, ribs and sausage.  Man, was it good.

After a teaser into the 70's, we're stuck back in the 50's for another week.  Could be worse.  We know.

Connie's First Shift at the Ryder Cup

The day begin very early since we left Sycamore RV Resort at 4:45AM.  Bob needed to be there about a half hour earlier than Connie.  Good thing they have coffee available for the volunteers.

Connie checked in a little early for her shift to see if there was any immediate needs for transportation services.  There was some down time, so she asked to get a look at the Mercedes-Benz SUV that she would be driving.  (The gear shift is really odd since it doesn't lock in to a position and is more like a wiper or turn signal stick!)

The morning shift was a bit slow.  Scheduled routes did not begin until around 8:30 AM.

The transportation headquarters is near the clubhouse and player family dining room.  Convenient location for watching for the players and VIPS.

Look who happened to be driving by - Rory McElroy!

The Europeans were doing individual press conferences just around the corner.  Other players seen outside the window were Luke Donald and Nicolas Colsaerts.

Time for a run out - off to Midway to be the Greeter for a US family member.  By the time Connie returned to Medinah, the shift was over.

This is gonna be a lot of fun.  Go USA!

Road Trip to Medinah!

Pretty rainy, gloomy day here which means:  Road Trip!

Headed over to Medinah Country Club to get our lay of the land for the Ryder Cup.  Thought it would be a lot less stressful to have been there once, than later when there will be all kinds of people around.

We'll be doing our meetings and uniform credential handouts next Saturday/Sunday at a high school across from the golf course, and actually shuttled to the course from a baseball field a few miles down the road.  There's NO parking around Medinah except for the high school.  Going to be a real sight when the Ryder Cup is held there at the end of September.  Can't wait!

We were amazed at how much construction had already gone on.  Stuck our heads into a few of the construction gates (and promptly got chased out) to see all the corporate tents, hospitality tents, event tents, and more.  Looks like the next big projects are the grandstands judging by all the lumber laying around.  It will be here before you know it!

Hey! The Boat Drunks are at Navy Pier today....

Bob was just getting set to relax and watch the PGA Championship on DirecTV outside when Connie says:  "Hey, the Boat Drunks are at Navy Pier today at 5:30!"

The Boat Drunks are a Trop Rock band that can be heard on Radio Margaritaville and are often featured at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville's around the country, but especially the Key West restaurant when the Meeting of the Minds is being held.

This was at 1:25p on a Saturday when the trains leave every two hours and the next train was going out at 2:25p which was a half hour away, not dressed to go into town and no showers done.  We caught a big break when Bob got an email alert that the train was going to be late because, as it turns out, the earliest we could have gotten there was 2:28p.

Train left at 2:55 and we were off to Navy Pier (again!)

Maybe one of the few things we dislike about Chicago is it's cash only, or it's not, or it's exact change, or it's..... you get the picture.  Part of the hustle to get ready was having $1.25 exact change to park at the train terminal, $7.00 per person exactly for the weekend METRA pass, and $2.25 per person per ride exactly for the CTA busses.  Got lucky that there's no charge to park on the weekend.  Got unlucky when we got to the METRA station and the CTA card vender wouldn't take bills or credit cards.  Walked over to Union Station, and there machine wouldn't add more credit to our CTA cards.  Just such a pain.  We like the old school of the conductors and trains, but their system for paying just sucks and is so inconsistent!



We got to Navy Pier just as the Boat Drunks were starting, had a few Landsharks, met some great people who were just back from the Cubs game, and was a nice little Parrothead getaway, plus a bonus, Mike Miller rejoined the band for this set.

It was a great night, but since we bought weekend passes for the METRA, we decided on the way back to head back in on Sunday and just hang around Wrigleyville since the Cubs were in town for a day game against the Reds -- double bonus.

We had driven around Wrigley on a couple of our trips to Chicago, Bob had been to a game.  Bob's game was probably 20 years ago on a baseball trip:  drove in, parked, did the game and left.  We both wanted to experience the bars and the OUTSIDE of Wrigley Field without having to worry about getting into the game, out on time, etc.

Got a few tips the night before from the girls we met, so we were kind of prepared.  No issues with the trains and we decided to take a nice walk from the METRA station over to the Red Line through downtown.  The Red Line drops you off right at Addison and the right field bleachers.  Headed down to Murphy's Bleachers bar, met some nice Reds fans.  Great place to start your day.

Went down the left field outfield to Bernie's which is down the 3rd base line for lunch.  Some gift shops highlighted our walk down to the Cubby Bear, which was our least favorite with no outside space.

Came back around the corner (where you could actually look in on the game from a double fence in the Right Field wall) and had a couple more beers at Murphy's before we hopped the Red Line back to downtown.

Took a different route to walk to the METRA station and found them blocking off a street and filming down by the Chicago Board of Trade building.  Couldn't tell what/when/how was going on, but it was drawing a crowd.

Weather Dictates (As Always....)

Really hasn't been much going on here.  Weather has dictated (both good and bad) much of what we've done here at the Sycamore RV Resort.
We were going to go into Chicago and see the Dueling Pianos at the Landshark Biergarten at Navy Pier last Thursday.  Nope.  Going to rain (and it did).
Friday, we 'bar hopped' here in Sycamore -- going to the MVP Sports Bar, then to the local Elks.
Saturday/Sunday were just beautiful and we sat outside and watched the British Open on TV all morning and afternoon.
Monday was a total work day, but really muggy outside so was also an inside day.
Today (Tuesday) we were awoken at 5:30 a.m. to 50 mph winds and driving rain (about 1/2") knocking out the power that still hasn't come back on yet.  Fortunately, our Honda 2000i is perfect for blackouts, as long as we don't have to turn on the air.  Then, it's going to be hot one.
This Friday, we have a Brew Cruise in Lake Michigan, but, of course, the weather will dictate.

That whole "Jacks" thing.....

Yesterday was another get together with our friends Fred and Vickie.  Just too much fun not to do again and again.

Bob and Fred played golf at the Trails of Frisco Golf Club.  Very nice course, played with an older couple of gentlemen who were wonderful to play with.  Connie stayed back and ran the business then found some time for the pool.

The evening started with us not being able to get our stove lit, so we got an invite for pizza and salad from Fred and Vickie.  Then it was time for playing cards.

While we've been getting better at playing Spades (their game), but last night it was time for another round of Euchre (our game).  Never so much about winning and losing, but rather the fun and tears (from laughing) it provides.  Vickie and Fred still have trouble with "that whole Jack thing", which just provides more laughs from all.

Too much fun.

Golf Day

Yesterday was a golf day for Bob and 'the two Freds'.

We played at the Bridges Golf Club, which was a great course in a really odd place.  Just outside of Gunter, TX, a tiny little town about an hour north of Dallas, it looks like it was the start of a community that just never clicked.  Course was terrific, but you had to wind through all these empty streets to get to the clubhouse.  Very odd.

On the way back, we passed Deion Sanders ranch which was immense and, again, in a very odd place -- the fourth corner of a very busy intersection just north of the town of Prosper.

As close as we've been.....

You can see our YouTube video below of the massive rains we had early Monday morning.  8.5" of rain in 24 hours, which was more than they had here in Portland, TX ALL LAST YEAR!  There also was an F-1 Tornado touch down across town, which is as close as we've been to real danger.
Reality today as our golf course, NorthShore Country Club, is definitely closed today, probably tomorrow and might be open Thursday.  Our last three days here, and they're going to be closed.  Bummed.

Golf, Shopping, Good Friends

While Bob had a great time playing golf in Corpus Christi at the Oso Municipal Golf Course with Fred Porter on Sunday, his friend from Plano (Fred O) and another resident at the Gulf Waters RV Resort, Connie spent the day shopping with Fred's wife Vickie, and Fred O's girlfriend in Port Aransas, TX.
After coming home to Portland, we had the wild hair to take 'the girls' back out to Port A and visit longer into the night (till around 11p!)  Great times with good friends.
Monday, back to the grind, a little bit of a overcast day thinking of spitting rain.

Busy past few days

SeaBreeze RV Resort hosted a Bagpipe Band as a part of their pre-Potluck Dinner, Thursday night.  Nice to see the kilts and Scots tradition.

Had a great time Friday hosting our friends, Fred and Vickie Porter, for a dinner and evening of cards.

Saturday, with friends and family coming to visit during most of February, we bid adieu to the NorthShore Country Club where we had our Winter Texan membership.  We'll miss our (almost) daily tee time, but looking forward to re upping our membership come March.