Gentlefolk,
Again its been a while since I’ve checked in with folks, so
I offer the following update on “no news is good news.” In general I continue to feel pretty good,
the only exceptions being general creakiness of joints, especially after being
seated for a while. I do have a tendency
to fade out fairly quickly, but it doesn’t keep me from doing most of the
things I like or need to do. I’ve been
on the golf course a few times in recent weeks, and although the results are
not satisfying, at least I’m able to get in 18 holes without medical
assistance. I get frustrated at times, especially at the computer where I
have previously demonstrated some enviable facility if not skills. I takes much more mental energy than it used
to, which wears me out more quickly, and of course leads to that
frustration. Part of it is the visual
deficit also. Mid-range correction
doesn’t seem possible, probably an indication of brain function loss rather
than lens correction.
Folks tell me I’m looking really good, but I suspect what
that really means is that I’ve lost the puffiness that came with steroids, and
that I’ve managed to control my drooling, at least in public.
While I haven’t had an MRI since the March visit I also have
no reason to suspect that the beast in my brain is growing or trying any
stronger to establish dominance over my body.
Which is to say that there really are no new symptoms to report either.
Zora and I are preparing for our choir’s tour of Prague and
Salzburg starting next week where we will be singing in several grand old
churches as well as some impromptu “moments musical.” We are especially excited because my brother
Henry’s wife Bev will be joining us on the trip and singing with us as well. Henry has an equally glorious golf outing
lined up. There will be tales of glory
to go all around. Our only regret at
this point is that there are so many old friends that we’d like to visit while
on the eastern side of the pond. Too
many in fact to visit, so we must begin to plan for our next visit. When we return we will be hosting our kids
and their families for the annual
fireworks and picnic at Hagley museum nearby, followed the next day by the
adults going up to Merion Golf and Cricket Club in Philly/Ardmore to watch the
US Open for the day. After that we hope
to get our acts together for the August family time at the beach at Pawleys
Island South Carolina.
Like I said, there’s not a great deal of new news here. But we continue in the mindset that no news
is good news. I continue to feel blessed
by the support and love that continues to pour over me and Z. I hope to continue to overstay my
welcome. I can’t thank you all ever
enough. I hope you know at least in part
how important every small gesture is to such a one as I, and how much
appreciated.
I wrap this up with a glass of bubbly from the Loire in hand
(and mouth) so blame the Loire for any typos and awkwardness of syntax.
Blessings and thanks to all,
Ross
