Hurray for May

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