John Martin's Horrifying Tale

by John > Joe > Keith

John Martin
Taken December, 2009

John has been Rockport 35RV Park's resident Artist in Wood for several years now. His motorhome and studio is right inside the gate. If you've stopped by to visit him while he's working, you know that he has a gentle voice and is a great conversationalist.

What you probably don't know is that we all came very close to already having had our last conversation with John! Yes, it's that scary. But, so far at least, it has a good ending.

I'm not sure of the date, but this saga began some days ago, possibly a week or so ago now. John didn't feel well, so crawled back in bed. (That's always a good idea when one doesn't feel well, isn't it?)

He fell asleep. When he woke up, it was dark out. He got up.

He fell, and we now know broke at least four bones in his foot. You're probably aware that John already has problems walking and getting around, due to leg problems.

He couldn't get up! He tried everything. He tried pulling himself up by the oven-door handle. It broke. He was still on the floor.

And laid there for something like four or five days, drifting in and out of sleep or consciousness.

John was receiving therapy and of course missed some sessions. A thoughtful therapy provider couldn't contact him so called the Park office. Allison contacted the ambulance, 911, ---someone--- and they quickly learned that John's motorhome was locked. Reluctantly, they broke a window, opened the door, and found John, still lying on the floor. Alive!

He was taken to the hospital in Port Aransas where he learned the extent of his injuries and is recovering. He'd recovered enough to call Joe late in the week and relate this story. Shortly, he'll be moved to Corpus Christi, where he'll receive some weeks of treatment for a bone infection in his leg.

If you'd care to help John pass the hours, his phone number is 402 560-4949. I bet he'd be glad to hear that you are glad that there was a care giver who cared enough to track him down and Allison who came to his rescue.

John's a great artist and a great person. Get well soon, John!

.

Short Summary of Our "Trip of a Lifetime"

by Keith

Pat and I left Cedar Rapids July 24 and returned about midnight on the 31st on a "half a cruise" to Alaska. (We flew up, cruised back.) It'll take some time to get pictures selected and modified and to write interesting stories about each. Therefore, just to get something on here and to let you know we're back, I'll post some facts.

Re-entering the US from Canada, near Skagway, Alaska

Facts:

1. Airport with the most customer-friendly wi-fi: Cedar Rapids (FREE and no "I AGREE")
2. Airport with the most un-customer-friendly wi-fi: Chicago's O'Hare (Not free and hoops to jump through.)
3. Missed the most: music! (I didn't have any loaded on my tablet and there wasn't a music channel on the ship; surprising.)
4. Missed the least: going to the gym! (I try to go three times each week. The easiest thing in the world would be to not go! But don't they have a gym on the ship? Of course they do! But I was on vacation and I was not going to ruin it by going to the gym!)
5. Most interesting: the glaciers, I think. It was all new to us so nothing stood out way above everything else.
6. Biggest surprise: learning about the Klondike gold rush in the late 1800s.  I did not know that the seekers had to walk 47 miles to get to the river. And they had to carry 2000 pounds of supplies while doing it. Thousands of horses lost their lives during the trek. I'm sure lots of people did, too.
7. Also interesting: seeing and learning about the Alyeska pipeline and panning for gold at Dredge #8.
8. Worst day: without doubt, the last day, after we arrived at the airport in Vancouver. Ever felt like you were cattle? We did, at the airport in Vancouver. The line was about two hours long.
9. Most disgusting: seeing our two little cans of salmon thrown in the waste basket because they contained 184 grams instead of only 100 grams! (I could have put them in our checked (25$!) suitcase and there would have been no problem. But of course I don't think like the government or a terrorist so didn't even think of it.
10. Interesting facts: Apparently, in the US only people under 65 are permitted to make shoe bombs, as people older are not required to remove their shoes. In Canada, terrorists can be any age.
11. Pat's most significant souvenir: a really bad cold.
12. Keith's worst souvenir: a really bad cold, which I shared with Pat.

It had been over 14 years since I flew on an airliner. If it is another 14 years before I do it again, it will be just fine with me. TSA rules and airline charges have sucked every bit of fun out of travelling on the airlines.

.

A Trying Day

I received the following from Pat with her permission to post on the Blog.

by Pat Whitten via Dianne

We had a very trying day the 19th of July also. I had surgery at Loyola that morning. Our son came home the night before to be with his Dad and thankfully everything went smoothly.

This is something I've known would have to happen for many years and had been preparing for since shortly after we got home this spring. Some have heard me talk about my Schwanoma. Well it is now gone!!!! I surprised everyone and came home Monday afternoon. It was a cardiovascular type surgery so it will take some time to get back in the routine. Jim is doing his best, and I am trying not to be impatient.

A big thank you to all who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers. We are still planning on coming back this winter.

Pat

Denali in the Morning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzGiOFPTDvk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

We Were Lucky

by Dianne

Last Friday, July 19th around 2:30 pm, we had a severe storm hit our area. Rain was so heavy couldn't see the neighbors house across the street and the winds were so strong it took down a large branch from our tree out front and our power line. Just me and boys were home. Rick was golfing up in AuGres and my son was in Mt. Pleasant with the grandsons baseball tournaments. No power means the sump pump does not work.

OK, Step 1, called Consumers Power and reported power outage and downed line. Step 2, found the generator in the barn, loaded it on the hand cart, got it to the house, couldn't get the cap off to see how much gas was in it, and even if it did, realized I had no clue on how to start it. Step 3 - called husband. He reminded me of the secondary pump he installed a few years ago that is water driven. Switched over to that pump - IT WORKED! We were without power until Saturday night around 9:30. Kept all the necessities running (fridge, freezers, A/C and television) with the generator.

The south end of Bay City was hit hard. Many trees down, homes damaged, siding and roofing blown off, lawn/patio furniture relocated. As I said we were lucky with one branch down - some of our neighbors no so much. And, as of yesterday some were still without power. As far as we know, there were no reports of anyone being hurt and we thank God for that blessing.

If anyone wants to share their summer/family happenings just send your pics (if available) and your message to Keith at kaw@syntheticsaves.com or to me at ladydi194959@yahoo.com. We'll get it on the Blog for you - quick like a bunny. Thanks, take care, and be safe.

.

Alaska

Type this into the address line to see the first article of our trip to Alaska: ls4.us

Keith

New Friends / New Friendships

by Dianne

Last week we got a call from Dick and Elaine Leu, from Iowa. They were on their way thru Michigan to visit some of Dick's old stomping grounds and to explore the northern part of the State including Mackinaw Island and the Upper Peninsula. We first met Dick and Elaine this past season when they came to Rockport 35 RV Park for their first stay. We always invite friends to stop and visit if they have the time whenever they may be passing thru our area, and we are thrilled when anyone takes us up on the offer.