Guess Who Came To Lunch!

by Keith

This gentleman is enjoying not laboring on Labor Day!

I would almost guarantee that you have never seen this person in this position! In fact, the other time I saw him just sit down was noteworthy. But this!!!!!

He is somewhat incognito in this picture, but do you know who he is?

Tune in later for the rest of the story!


Later:

There are two unusual aspects of this picture:

1. He is sans beard, the first time we've ever seen him that way, and
   
2. He's definitely "kicked back!" For him to be seen in such a position is super-rare indeed!

Yes, it's Terry Calhoun!

We were pleased that Terry and Linda chose to spend their Labor Day driving the 80 miles or so from Bettendorf to Cedar Rapids for a visit.

It was the only way Terry could not work on this day; we were glad to help him not work!

We got updated on many of our friends from Rockport 35 RV Park, so that was enjoyable. Unfortunately, it seems some are not as spry as we remembered them. And of course they could say the same about us—and probably have!

Pat served a simple but good lunch after a visit, then we gave them a tour of Cedar Rapids. The main theme here these days is all the new buildings recently opened, some of them prompted by the flood of five years ago: Federal Court House, Library, Fire Station, huge new medical center, and the relocated National Czech and Slovak Museum with addition. There has been a real building boom going on here. And we've not visited any of them yet. The library is high on the list!

Terry, Linda, Pat

If you're reading this blog, these folks should need no introduction!

Keith, Terry, Linda

Speaking of the blog (this one!) Linda said that she enjoys it and checks it almost daily. I'm aware that several do and I appreciate that. I know that other 35 RVers would be interested in what you are up to, so feel free to comment or send me an email. kaw@syntheticsaves.com

Would you like to be next for lunch and a tour of Cedar Rapids? We'd love to have you!

.

Guess Who's Coming To Lunch!

by Keith

If I told you now, there's be no suspense.

So i won't!

But some friends whom you know will be here and we're thrilled!

The answer will be revealed later today.

Sonia's Obituary

by Keith

David has sent a link to Sonia's obituary.

You can access the obituary here:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=sonia-b-enman&pid=166593342&eid=sp_shareobit#fbLoggedOut

,

Encouraging Words

by Don Wright > Keith

In the article about Larry, below, I mentioned my long-time (since 1964!) friend, Don. I received a nice note from his wife, Ardis, and now the note below directly from Don.

I'm posting it here in the hopes that it will encourage Larry and Sherry and, really, any others with health challenges. Don was diagnosed with multiple myeloma ten years ago and is still going strong —so strong that he's looking forward to his next marathon! (Sort of reminds one of Forrest Gump, doesn't it!)

Hi Keith,

What a sweet article!  Thank you for the generous words.

At this moment, about 8:35, we are at Mayo Clinic waiting for an 8:45 doctor appointment.  We come here every 28 days and I "give blood" at 6:00 am.  The most important results are already in, accessible on our laptops, and the news is good again.  The myeloma is still stable, which is our "normal."  Makes me want to run a marathon!  Our next one is in Half Moon Bay, CA, toward the end of September.

The doctor will be pleased too.

Best to you both,

Don 

Unwelcome Diagnosis for Larry

by Larry > Allison > Keith

Early in August, Larry Lammers was diagnosed with mutiple myeloma, a malignant condition of the bone marrow. He is undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

Sherry and Larry Lammers
At the belt sander races,
St. Patrick's Day, 2012

Larry and Sherry have been enjoying their park model on Fifth Street during the Minnesota winters and their lakeside spot back home in Minnesota during the summer since Larry's retirement a few years ago.

They no doubt discovered Rockport 35 RV Park through Larry's sister, Karen Foslien. Karen and Bob were long-time winter residents at the park until cancer ended her life a few years ago. Bob continues wintering at the park.

A former co-worker, neighbor, and good friend of mine, Don Wright, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma ten years ago. Don's a smart guy and tackled the disease with intelligence and vigor. Currently, he's the "poster boy" for an experimental treatment. More significantly, possibly, is the fact that he recently completed running at least one marathon in each of the 50 states!

Don lives in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. He has a blog in which he describes some of the things he's doing to, hopefully, minimize the progression of the disease. So far, everything he, his family, and the medical community are doing has helped him "make every day a masterpiece."

His suggestions for nutrition are not only for those with multiple myeloma but for everyone who eats, says Don. If you'd like to read what he has to say, check out this blog of his: http://myelomahope.blogspot.com/
Some parts might be more technical than you care for, but that's because Don has the "handicap" of being an engineer!

His blog also has lots of other links from which one can learn more of the disease. And a couple of links from CNN while Don was interviewed at races!

We know that Rockport 35 RV Park has lots of wonderful people who will remember Larry and his family in their prayers. May I suggest that you also include Don and his family.

R.I.P. Sonia Enman

by David > Keith

Sonia Enman
Taken February, 2011

Sonia passed away yesterday afternoon. Her long battle with her cancer is finally over.

Her passing was very peaceful. My daughter Kris and I were with her, holding her hand at the end. She had been under home hospice care since May but she was having a bad time of it this past Wednesday so we moved her to Christopher House Hospice.

She took a turn for the worse on Thursday evening and was unresponsive on Friday and Saturday. I asked for a priest and about 20 minutes after he administered the last rites she was gone. It was like she was waiting for permission to leave on her journey.

Per Sonia's wishes, there will be no funeral or services. If our friends are of a mind, they can make a donation to Hospice Austin. Their website is HospiceAustin.org.

Sonia
Taken February, 2009

Pat and I fondly remember Sonia (and David!)

We always enjoyed the discussions upon chance meetings in the street or in their trailer. I also remember the fun I had playing poker with Sonia and Dave. Sonia wasn't very vocal, but that doesn't mean that she didn't know what she was doing at the card table!

I believe it was early in 2012 that we learned that she had cancer, with little hope for long life due to the advanced state, even when it was first discovered. What a blow to our community and, especially, to the Enman family.

And now she has passed from our midst. Our sympathy to David and their family.

David's address is:

1515 Arusha St.

Round Rock, TX  78664

Note: 
I'm posting this now, shortly after I received it, so it's available for you to read. I'll post a link to an obituary when I find one. Please check back. Keith

Alison Declared Disease FREE!

by Allison > Keith

Here is the first paragraph from a letter we received from Allison the other day. I'm posting it here because it is indeed good news and some readers of this site might not have received the letter.

"First, let me say a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who prayed for my healing from stage IV Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I was a sick puppy. After catastrophic chemo, two respiratory crises, a stem cell transplant and one cardiac arrest, God has restored me to FULL health. Doctors say I'm disease FREE! Last week, the doctor told me, "Medicine didn't bring you through this." I know—and you know—God did!"