Hi Keith,Thanks, Dianne, for the update. It's a great example for others to follow!
We do read and appreciate any information/stories you share on this site. You're right -- any news from our fellow snow birds is always fun to read. So, here is a little bit to share. Spring is coming slowly to Bay City, MI this year. Just had another little frost about 10 days ago. Finally were able to put the last of the garden in (our 1st year) and it's great to see our (Rick's) efforts popping through the ground.
Rick is back to his 3-day-a-week grass cutting job at the golf course, and lovin' it. I was babysitting our 2 little g-sons 2 days a week, but my son is laid off from GM for the next 6 weeks so I've got more time to do other important things...like clean out the closets.
Our boys, Bandit and Buddy, are doing fine, except Bandit is being treated for an ear infection and the meds he is on make him thirsty so he drinks a LOT of water. This has caused "accidents" during the night. Fortunately it's on the kitchen floor -- easy to clean up.
Rick's mom and dad are both well and we have dinner with them once a week. Lucille's legs continues to get stronger and she is able to walk greater distances without tiring so quickly.
Glad to hear Pat's surgery went well and that she is on the mend. Our best to you and Pat and all the RV35's.
Rick and Dianne Carlson
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Note from the Carlsons
The following was provided as a Comment to the Does-Anyone-Visit-This-Site? article I posted last night. Because it is so newsy and includes information many 35 RV friends are interested in, I'm publishing it as an article, rather than as a comment.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Does Anyone Visit This Site?
"Yes," is the answer.
On a typical day, about 15 people find their way to this site. I wish it were more, of course, but 15 is better than 14—and a whole lot better than none at all!
About 63% come to this site from the official Rockport 35 RV Park site, 35rv.com. (Thanks for the link, Allison!) They may be checking out parks, looking for a good place to stay for a day or a week or a month or a year. The internet is a great place to research the market for anything!
Another 16% come directly to this site. My guess is that those are folks who have already stayed at the park and look to this site to see what is going on at the park or with their friends from the park.
And that, of course, is exactly why this site was created and what it tries to do.
Except there is a bit of a problem: the creator of the site is 1,200 miles from the park so must rely on info from others regarding current events at Rockport 35 RV Park. Allison passes on info, and just last week David sent the note about the fire close to the park and the pictures of the fire trucks.
It's inputs like that which make this site work as intended.
About 14% of the traffic comes from search engines—someone just looking for an RV park in Rockport, for example.
And I guess the rest of the visitors just wander in.
Wherever they come from, they are welcome and I'm glad they have visited the site.
And all readers are invited to contribute articles or information for possible publication. Send something in; I bet your friends from the park would be thrilled to hear how your summer is going.
On a typical day, about 15 people find their way to this site. I wish it were more, of course, but 15 is better than 14—and a whole lot better than none at all!
About 63% come to this site from the official Rockport 35 RV Park site, 35rv.com. (Thanks for the link, Allison!) They may be checking out parks, looking for a good place to stay for a day or a week or a month or a year. The internet is a great place to research the market for anything!
Another 16% come directly to this site. My guess is that those are folks who have already stayed at the park and look to this site to see what is going on at the park or with their friends from the park.
And that, of course, is exactly why this site was created and what it tries to do.
Except there is a bit of a problem: the creator of the site is 1,200 miles from the park so must rely on info from others regarding current events at Rockport 35 RV Park. Allison passes on info, and just last week David sent the note about the fire close to the park and the pictures of the fire trucks.
It's inputs like that which make this site work as intended.
About 14% of the traffic comes from search engines—someone just looking for an RV park in Rockport, for example.
And I guess the rest of the visitors just wander in.
Wherever they come from, they are welcome and I'm glad they have visited the site.
And all readers are invited to contribute articles or information for possible publication. Send something in; I bet your friends from the park would be thrilled to hear how your summer is going.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Pat's New Knee - - -
- - - is coming along fine.
And we are both very thankful, of course.
There are no medical problems and healing is progressing on a normal course.
Pat is scheduled for therapy each MWF for the next four weeks. By then, it should be better than new, I would think. The therapy certainly isn't fun.
I remind her that walking on the "old" knee wasn't fun, either!
I am confident that I'll survive my new role as nurse, driver, cook, and housekeeper.
And we are both very thankful, of course.
There are no medical problems and healing is progressing on a normal course.
Pat is scheduled for therapy each MWF for the next four weeks. By then, it should be better than new, I would think. The therapy certainly isn't fun.
I remind her that walking on the "old" knee wasn't fun, either!
I am confident that I'll survive my new role as nurse, driver, cook, and housekeeper.
Excitement at Rockport 35 RV Park
Last Monday, there was another fire in the Rockport area. This one was a bit closer to the park.
Here's the report from David:
"Here are a few pics of the local fire departments here at the park a few days ago. There was a brush fire just on the opposite side of the pipeline. Fortunately it did not break through."
That's good news for the park and for all of us!
Thank You, David, for the report and the pictures.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Johnson & Johnson
Shawn Johnson and Zach Johnson (no relation) have represented Iowa well this week.
Shawn is the perky little 17-year-old from West Des Moines who won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in gymnastics. This week, she won the Dancing With the Stars event! She's the youngest to ever win.
Zack won the Valero Texas Open golf tournament in San Antonio last Sunday. The payoff for that one was about $1.3M. Total winnings as a pro: about $15M. Not bad for a young guy, is it!
We're pretty proud of Zack, as Cedar Rapids is his hometown. In fact, his parents go to the same church as Pat does.
As a point of interest, Kurt Warner, quarterback, is also a Cedar Rapidian. Locally, both are considered to be "good guys" and have made significant contributions to local organizations.
Johnson & Johnson: great folks representing Iowa and Iowa values well.
Shawn is the perky little 17-year-old from West Des Moines who won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in gymnastics. This week, she won the Dancing With the Stars event! She's the youngest to ever win.
Zack won the Valero Texas Open golf tournament in San Antonio last Sunday. The payoff for that one was about $1.3M. Total winnings as a pro: about $15M. Not bad for a young guy, is it!
We're pretty proud of Zack, as Cedar Rapids is his hometown. In fact, his parents go to the same church as Pat does.
As a point of interest, Kurt Warner, quarterback, is also a Cedar Rapidian. Locally, both are considered to be "good guys" and have made significant contributions to local organizations.
Johnson & Johnson: great folks representing Iowa and Iowa values well.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Today's the Day
Pat gets a new left knee today.
We knew there was something unusual going on as we got up at 4:00. Now that is unusual!
She's first on the list, scheduled for 7:30. That means, at least to me, that by noon today the surgery will be over and "it'll all be downhill from then."
I'll update this as time goes on and the wi-fi here at the hospital and I remain compatible.
10:30 Update
Surgery went well. The OR staff appreciated the fact that she and her leg were small; it made their job much easier.
She's in recovery now; I'll see her in a few minutes.
We are thankful that this phase is over!!
12:55 Update
Recovery is going well. She's awake and coherent and in a nice room. Her doctor was in and told her how well things went.
Unless something exciting happens, which I hope isn't the case, I might not report again until tonight or tomorrow.
2:45 Update
To me, this is exciting! Pat walked, with the aid of a walker, about 40 feet. It amazes me that only about six hours ago the surgeon sawed her leg off, took out the old knee, put a new one in, sewed her leg up—and now she has proven that it all worked.
Science and the medical profession—with help from some engineers along the line, no doubt—can do wonderful things these days.
Wednesday 6 PM Update
The leg-related things are going well for Pat. She can walk pretty good, once she gets standing up. The challenge is getting out of bed!
She's been in pain and nauseated today. I think they've finally found some pain killer which will also be kind to her stomach. She feels much better now and ordered a big supper.
Thursday 4:30 PM Update
We're just sitting here treading water, waiting for the doctor to come to release Pat to go home. She passed all her therapy tests with flying colors.
Today, both her leg and her stomach have been OK, so she's feeling much, much, better than she did yesterday.
Unless something unusual happens, this will be the end of the saga of Pat's new knee.
We knew there was something unusual going on as we got up at 4:00. Now that is unusual!
She's first on the list, scheduled for 7:30. That means, at least to me, that by noon today the surgery will be over and "it'll all be downhill from then."
I'll update this as time goes on and the wi-fi here at the hospital and I remain compatible.
10:30 Update
Surgery went well. The OR staff appreciated the fact that she and her leg were small; it made their job much easier.
She's in recovery now; I'll see her in a few minutes.
We are thankful that this phase is over!!
12:55 Update
Recovery is going well. She's awake and coherent and in a nice room. Her doctor was in and told her how well things went.
Unless something exciting happens, which I hope isn't the case, I might not report again until tonight or tomorrow.
2:45 Update
To me, this is exciting! Pat walked, with the aid of a walker, about 40 feet. It amazes me that only about six hours ago the surgeon sawed her leg off, took out the old knee, put a new one in, sewed her leg up—and now she has proven that it all worked.
Science and the medical profession—with help from some engineers along the line, no doubt—can do wonderful things these days.
Wednesday 6 PM Update
The leg-related things are going well for Pat. She can walk pretty good, once she gets standing up. The challenge is getting out of bed!
She's been in pain and nauseated today. I think they've finally found some pain killer which will also be kind to her stomach. She feels much better now and ordered a big supper.
Thursday 4:30 PM Update
We're just sitting here treading water, waiting for the doctor to come to release Pat to go home. She passed all her therapy tests with flying colors.
Today, both her leg and her stomach have been OK, so she's feeling much, much, better than she did yesterday.
Unless something unusual happens, this will be the end of the saga of Pat's new knee.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Fishing in Rockport
Do you ever look at those articles briefs over in the right margin of this page? They're the beginnings of newspaper articles which are about Rockport, or Rockport people, or at least mention Rockport.
Today I noticed one with the title "Cutbait or Fish." If it's still there, read the paragraph and if it sounds interesting to you, click on it; that'll take you to the complete article.
If it's no longer there (these articles come and go automatically), just click on this link and it'll take you to the article: http://www.masoncountynews.com/news/article/15838.
This article will sound very familiar to anyone who has spent any time in Rockport. And it will really sound familiar to those who have fished there with less than spectacular results!
Check out those articles in the right margin once in awhile. Sometimes, there's something you'll find interesting hidden there!
Today I noticed one with the title "Cutbait or Fish." If it's still there, read the paragraph and if it sounds interesting to you, click on it; that'll take you to the complete article.
If it's no longer there (these articles come and go automatically), just click on this link and it'll take you to the article: http://www.masoncountynews.com/news/article/15838.
This article will sound very familiar to anyone who has spent any time in Rockport. And it will really sound familiar to those who have fished there with less than spectacular results!
Check out those articles in the right margin once in awhile. Sometimes, there's something you'll find interesting hidden there!
A Visit to Madison County
Wednesday I drove to Winterset, county seat of Iowa's Madison County. You may have heard of it—did you see the 1995 movie The Bridges of Madison County with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep?
Yes, it was that Madison County, best known for its numerous covered bridges. It's also the birthplace of actor John Wayne, whose first home and birthplace is pictured here.
But I didn't leave at 5:05 AM and drive 173 miles to see those historical sights. I went to attend one day of a four-day Computer Rally sponsored by the Iowa Chapter of Escapees.
Pat and I had planned to attend, with our trailer. But as the day for her new knee approached, she felt there were too many things yet needing to be done, plus a medical issue or two, so we decided not to make a week of it.
The organizers had invited me to be a presenter, but having never attended one and our ability to attend being a bit uncertain, I had declined. But I thought there would be some benefits to my going for even one day:
- I'd see how others conduct a formal computer class, hoping that this might be useful as future classes at Rockport 35 RV Park are considered.
- It would help me decide whether I wanted to attend or possibly present a sesson at next year's rally.
- I'd learn something!
The sessions were well organized and well taught. I contributed a bit to the session on Picasa—stuff I learned while preparing for and teaching a class on the same subject at 35 RV and while using it afterward.
Yes, I still use Picasa. It has a lot going for it! It meets my needs for most of my photo editing needs. For real heavy lifting, I have GIMP, which will do anything one wants to do with photos, as far as I know. But it is not easy to learn! (That's the usual tradeoff: capability vs. ease of use.)
Did I learn anything? Yes! The first hour was about browsers. Even though I am familiar with IE and use Firefox everyday, about 75% of what the instructor said, I had never heard before.
With computers, there's always something to learn!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Another 35RVer Home Safely
I'm a bit behind on this, as I received it April 30. This is from Ron & Nancy Philstrom, who lived on 4th Street near the laundry.
WE FINALLY MADE IT BACK TO MICHIGAN THIS MORNING. WE LEFT TEXAS THE MONDAY AFTER EASTER. SPENT 3 DAYS WITH FRIENDS AT TOLEDO BEND LAKE IN NORTHERN TEXAS. HAD A GOOD TIME.
GOT TO MINNESOTA THE 20TH. VISITED WITH OUR SON AND NANCY'S RELATION. BROTHER ROGER HERBST WAS IN THE HOSPITAL. PNEUMONIA, DEHYDRATION LOW BLOOD PRESSURE. HE HAD LOST 80 LBS. SO WAS SKIN & BONES. HIS HEART IS OK. HE HAD A DEFIB. PUT IN LAST YEAR. PLEASE KEEP HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS AS HE STILL NEEDS A LOT OF RECOVERY.
THEN WHEN WE WERE GOING TO LEAVE FOR HOME MON, WE FOUND OUT SUN NIGHT THAT MY OLDER BROTHER RALPH HERBST WIFE DIED OF AN ANEURISM SO WE SPENT MONDAY WITH HIM. IT WAS A SHOCK. SHE WAS IN HER 60S BUT HEALTH PROBLEMS. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM ALSO AND THEIR 4 KIDS AND MANY GRANDKIDS.
ITS GOOD TO BE HOME EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A LOT OF CLEANING TO DO AND I TWISTED MY ANKLE SO CAN'T GET AROUND TOO GOOD. GUESS THE WORK WILL WAIT FOR ME. HOPE ALL OF YOU ARE WELL AND KEEP IN TOUCH.
GOD BLESS.
Prayer in the Park
Don't we have great communications capability these days?
Allison and Tony are traveling, but she sent the following:
Allison and Tony are traveling, but she sent the following:
There were 13 who met at the flagpole on our park, today--plus two more:Tony and me who joined in in spirit --to pray for this nation,If you missed the National Day of prayer, never fear, it's never too late to begin to earnestly pray on her behalf--AND on behalf of ALL God's children.Love to you all,
Allison
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
On The Road With Tony and Allison
I received this yesterday from Allison:
We are spending the night in TexArkana--Probably arrive Wednesday in Tennessee. Trip has been uneventful.
After we arrived, we let Malakai and Sapphria RUN!!! Then an outside bath was necessary because the ground was quite wet!
After we were safely inside and set for the night--it poured rain!!!
It's been so long since we've seen rain--it was quite an event!
It's cold here, too! I had to wear my heavy sweater.
Love you all...
Allison
Every Day...Every Minute...Every breath is a Gift from God!
Friday, May 1, 2009
A May Basket For You
April showers did bring May flowers, so I'm sharing a few with you.
Another sure sign of Spring: the wrens have returned! I love to hear them sing their pretty song.
And they seem to sing all day long! It's nice that they can be so cheerful and cheer us up with their beautiful melodies.
Chet
This note arrived early this morning from Allison:
"Chet Sutherland (who most of you know as Rockport 35's Master Gardner) had a pacemaker inserted Wednesday.On the way home from the hospital yesterday, he suffered a mild stroke and is back at Christus Spohn Shoreline Room 608.Please remember Chet in your prayers for salvation and healing.Thank you,Allison
Every Day...Every Minute...
Every breath is a Gift from God!"
Thanks for the info, Allison. Chet is an important part of our Winter experience so are sorry to hear that he's not able to be out tending the plants and flowers.
Pat and I wish him a speedy recovery.
Pat and I wish him a speedy recovery.
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