What is Test For Echo?

In the Canadian Arctic there are sign posts of a sort, inukshuit, or inukshuk (singular), used to point the way, indicate a particular location, or align the viewer to a certain important landmark or destination. Used here it is the idea that we are all looking for answers and wisdom. Not just the obvious ones, who am I and why am I here? But the less obvious and very personal ones that only you can ask. Test For Echo expresses that searching, asking, discussing, and, hopefully, finding. Test for echo means to call out to the wilderness and listen for what comes back. Does anyone have the answers? I don't know. This is the place to explore that particular question. Welcome to Test For Echo.

Cart Rescue

 I've started a new hobby of returning orphaned carts to their stores. It includes a way to log the finds, track them on a spread sheet (which includes photos), and generate a map of the found locations.

1966 US Navy Aviator's G-1 Leather Jacket

 Or, to be more specific, a Naval Aviator's leather flight jacket given to my dad, as a gift from the flight crew, when he served on the USS Columbus, CG-12...the ship I was Baptized on.

This coat's journey holds mystery. The last time I remember seeing it, prior to just a few years ago, was in the early 1980s. After that it seemed to vanish.

Halloween a few years ago two of my little sister's sons stopped by. Th older nephew was wearing a leather jacket I instantly recognized. "Jack, where did you get that?" "It's been laying around the house as long as I can remember." After I explained its significance and that I'd been looking for it for over 30 years, he took it off and said, "You should have it!"

I had bought, years earlier, a new, genuine, G1 jacket. As much as I loved it, I seldom wore it. I offered it in trade to Jack. Done deal. Both of us happy, as I had my dad's jacket, and Jack had the same style with intact cuffs and waistband.

Ah, the cuffs. They were long gone. In such disrepair, my nephew had cut them entirely off. The leather was dry, tired and wrinkled. Some of it missing its outer layer. For a few years I debated to repair it or allow it its story.

Finally, I decided to replace the cuffs, waist band, and leather zipper pull. I made the right decision. Now I am investigating getting the leather repaired.

Must have been meant to be, the jacket fits me perfectly...

Shoulder Recovery Update

 I have been attending physical therapy twice a week since just before Christmas. Progress has been excellent, and seldom more than uncomfortable. As of two weeks ago all the surgery has healed, and the focus has shifted to strengthening. I can see and feel progress each week. Tomorrow (March 1) will be my return to playing bass on Sundays.

At the end of this coming week we head to Panama City, Panama, for a much deserved reset for both of us.

I had my initial PT evaluation a few days ago. The therapist referred to my shoulder as "supple," which he said is very good. Yesterday I had my first post-op surgeon visit. He was very happy with my early progress, as well as with the outcome of the surgery. One caveat: There was significantly more damage than we realized, which required additional work on his part...which translates into I get to spend a possible 8 weeks in a sling (I was anticipating 4 at the most).

Now, I'm not going to start complaining. At the end of it all my shoulder will be in great shape (the Kansas City Chiefs have called asking if I can be a fill-in QB), and I know of friends with far more significant health concerns.

Off we go on the healing road!
 

Post Op Day 3

Surgery went well. In addition to expected repairs the surgeon took care of some bone spurs and bursitis. A nerve block has provided incredible pain management. Started physical therapy today with range of motion evaluation and two very light weight exercises. The physiotherapist described my shoulder as supple...a very good situation. ROM was also pretty good.

I've received excellent care at Maynard Rehab and Recovery! They provide a special weighted blanket to speed recovery!

Surgeon Post Op appointment on Monday.

Third Shoulder Surgery

In a few hours I will have a third shoulder surgery. The first was in 2008 to repair a right side ruptured bicep tendon and, discovered once the surgery started, a torn and floating rotator cuff. All fixed up very nicely...until 2020, when the right shoulder repair re-tore. Again, all fixed up nicely (was not under warranty). After several years of off and on PT, the left shoulder tore. An MRI showed a torn cuff, torn labrum, and torn bicep tendon. Prognosis for full repair and recovery is very good.

Interestingly I get asked how I managed to have two damaged shoulders. Throwing too many overweight Americans into the backs of ambulances in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.

Tropical Storm Erin

Tropical Storm Erin formed over night from an organized storm to a tropical storm, virtually skipping tropical depression. Its track is typical of those that approach the US east coast. I'm not a meteorologist, just an amateur observer.

Edit: Thankfully, Tropical Storm, and later category 5 Hurricane Erin, stayed out to sea, equally distanced between Bermuda and the Outer Banks. Although storm surges were significant, no major damage occurred. 

Hot July, Cool August, Church News

 After blistering July days with heat indexes of 110, August has graced us with unseasonably cool weather with daily highs of the upper 70s. But, with that has come a TON of rain, causing flash flooding and some fatalities. As well, can't cut the grass, so it looks almost like a prairie....

Marvin is hanging in there. Very tired daily, but in surprisingly good spirits. Still no guess how long he'll be with us. We have him in Hospice care (Transitions in Raleigh) and they have been incredible. Something I didn't know: Once a Hospice patient all medical expenses are covered, which includes things like hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, other durable medical equipment, and medications. They also have a short-term care facility where we were able to give him a break from us for a few days....no cost to us or him. Incredible program that I've known about for decades, but hadn't appreciate the depth of what they provide.

On other fronts: our church was told, quite unexpectedly, in mid-June that our pastor was being re-appointed to another church (United Methodist Church traditionally moves pastors every 4-5 years based on congregational needs). This usually is decided in April for a July 1 move. So, this was quite the surprise.

While we went through some frustration, I have met and had lunch with the incoming pastor and am excited for our future. I also know our out-going pastor's skills and talents are need elsewhere. While we'll miss our current pastor, we welcome our incoming one.

Papa and Alex

It's been quite a year. After recovering from his broken leg Papa got diagnosed with cancer. He's at peace with the prognosis....on Hospice. We've decided I won't look for work for the time being so we can make sure someone is always available for him. Again, he's at peace with the situation. He's tired, yet resilient. We don't know how long he has. Each day with him is a gift, though. So thankful we're able to have him living with us.

Alex didn't get accepted to college in Sweden due to their lack of understanding how NC homeschooling works. We'll try again this year.

Latest Updates

 Well, what an eventful year. Not much happened throughout the year.....until September. Ben got married (Emily). Then November hit: Papa broke his leg (hip), requiring surgery and admission to a rehab facility (thankfully a really nice one). December followed and I got a stomach virus for two weeks, causing me to miss playing in our church Christmas cantata, Ange got a sinus infection. Had to reschedule Maynard Christmas for two weeks before Alex leaves again for Sweden in early January. I guess the good news is Alex has completed his college application to attend in Sweden. Fingers crossed.

Oh, and after successfully selling our church building while looking to relocate, we are meeting at an elementary school gym/auditorium. My trailer gets to carry all the AV equipment until the church finds a suitable trailer.

I'm not worried, though, as I'm feeling better, I know Ange will, we'll have family Christmas the end of December, which Papa will be able to be at, and Papa is expected to make a full recovery!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, y'all!

Totalled Car, DoorDash, and FNL

 Last December Alex had the misfortune of being in a car accident. He's perfectly fine. The car, though, due to its age and value, was totaled by insurance. We opted to salvage it and get it repaired. It's in pretty great shape now. Actually better, as the hood was re-painted...fixing all the miniature rust spots on it! Alex is back in the saddle, and has been delivering for DoorDash. Beyond getting paid, he says it lets him practice driving. What a trooper! And, even though the accident was his fault, it's a really stupid intersection, dark, and heavy traffic. We didn't get mad, but were just relieved he was OK. That's why we have insurance. Oddly enough, our insurance carrier couldn't get a response from the other driver, so he didn't get compensated. Weird.

Things are still going well with Marvin, he his enjoying "The Cave." The dog still loves him and vice-versa. And he still mows my lawn...at nearly 89.

Wedding is just around the corner, so close! But, before, massive exterior work getting done on our house. $$$....can't take it with you, might retire here after all!

 It's been a few months since the wedding announcement. What's happening now? Well, my father in law has moved in with us (that's a VERY good thing), Alex is on his 4th trip to Sweden, hoping to be there 6 months, we're still planning an wedding, and now e're trying to sell Ange's childhood home. Oh, did I mention planning my dad's memorial service, of which I am presiding? It's been rescheduling several times due to weather....we're planning on having it come Hell or high water on 7/18/23. That being said, everyone seems to be happy. Ben works long hours, which I'm sure is stressful for he and Emily, but it won't be forever...Ange and I have been there.

Maybe more later, it's late. Goodnight!

 WEDDING!!

Ben and Emily have announced (to us, at least) their plans for a September 29, 2024 wedding. Folks, we are absolutely beside ourselves! These two have been in love since 7th grade, though they only realized it at their high school graduation. Venue has been selected and plans are underway.

I have to say, there have been many very important events in our lives. This is WAY up there.

Congratulations Ben and Emily, we love you!

There's No Title

 Do you read the news? I’m so done with whatever agenda is driving their sales, thereby steering their viewers in our society. I’m sure it's cyclic, "Say, Claudius, did you see the sign hanging in Rufus' shop? Once Titus sees it there'll be a fight in the Senate to change sign laws, I’m telling you."

Frivolous lawsuits, laws to challenge the law-abiding citizens in an attempt to wrangle in the criminals, this person is offended by the color of that person's coat, cats and dogs living together. 

I think of myself as a conservative liberal. I’m sure I just offended someone. 

What is bothering me is how I’m being instructed, even legislated, to behave so as not to hurt someone else's feelings. 

Here's my shock to you: I make an effort, while imperfect, to think and behave in a way that reflects my religious faith. The thinking is the challenge. In a nutshell, I try to treat everyone with respect and acceptance. The shock is that I just might disagree with you. Oh my gosh! Can you handle that?

Problem is, I’m being told what I should think and say by others. Not like a pastor telling a Christian how to think and behave (Oh, my friend, what's the difference in that and a PAC? Honestly, if you don't know, I’m not going to try to explain it. How very un-Christian of me. No, that's another, much longer conversation), but more like a pot telling a flame it's too hot. Sorry if I've left you here. 

I once told a young family member that they need to manage their house in a way that's best for their wife/husband and kids. Extended relatives' needs and opinions don't count. That doesn't mean don't love and respect one another, but, you have to make crucial decisions for your family, not for someone else's (psst...that's their job). 

Wait, doesn't that contradict wanting to help, and accept, others?

NO! Guess what? THEY get to live their lives, too! Without YOUR opinion! AMAZING!

Can't we all just be friends...without suing each other? Or making laws that dictate morality? Or language? Or dress style?

Am I the only one tired?

If you don't like my view, stop reading my blog. Easy!

 Attending Mission Coordinator Training with the NCCUMC! Looking forward to where this takes me for God's work!

 It's been quite the past two years. In April 2021 we lost my Mother-in-Law unexpectedly. I've never seen my wife so crushed. The following September we lost my dad. January 2022, while our younger son was in Sweden we lost our long-time dog, Bailey, to old age. Not 6 weeks later our long time cat disappeared, never to be seen again. Alex came home to both family pets gone and his brother moved out into his own house. Must've felt pretty empty to Alex.

2020 will be forever remembered as the year of Covid. For us it will forever be these losses.

But, for every loss, there are gains. We adopted Olivia in June from the animal Shelter. Olivia is a black Lab/Boxer mix. Sweet, loving, loyal, and plenty smart. At about the same time we adopted Miss Bella (formerly Missy) from my dad's widow. Now, if we can get the two to play nicely together!

Garage

We moved so much of our kitchen into the garage while our hardwoods were refinished. Today I decided to move our pantry items back into the house, as well as swap an old fridge (free from a neighbor) for a newer (our old fridge that doesn't cool properly) in the garage. 

I’m used to doing my own work. But, with this back thing going on, the boys refused to let me push or lift. 

Good guys. 

Back to the Future

 Today we met with my new endocrinologist. Looks like my back issue is worse than I thought. 

Here’s where it started.

I’ve been having burning in my neck and lumbar for years, depending on what activity I was performing. In January 2022 I finally went to my doctor about it.

A spine X-ray later and he expressed concern over my bone density.

A bone density scan later and I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in my lumbar spine, and knocking on osteoporosis in my cervical spine.

I also got lab results for a parathyroid lab that indicates Celiac Disease, a common cause of osteoporosis (further referred to as “OR”.)

Today, April 28, 2022, Ange and I had an in person visit with Dr. Sarah Zaheer, my endocrinologist. Apparently. .for may age, “severe OR” is a pretty bog deal. She played a good poker face describing all the treatment options, leaving it up to us to decide what route to follow. She was very quick to agree the most aggressive treatment was the best decision.

Oh, great.

It’s my understanding that my situation carries a high risk of spinal fracture, typical something like a compression fracture. What, exactly, does that mean?

Well, it’s difficult to say what EXACTLY the risks are. Can I fracture my spine getting into a car, riding over a bump, or even sneezing? Apparently, yes. How nervous does that make me?

One week I’m assisting 450 pound patients out of bed by pulling on them, the next I learn that could have caused me to break my bag....significantly easier than the next guy.

But, wait, there’s more! It’s unusual for an otherwise healthy 56 year old male to develop OR. What could have caused it??

Of course, Celiac. Like I referenced above, my parathyroid test results indicate I likely have Celiac Disease. I’m awaiting a GI consult. But, this particular test, with my particular profile, is pretty reliable.

It doesn’t upset me to thinkI’m probably Celiac...Alex is, so I can’t whine about it...at least for his sake. What kind of dad would I be? Yes, it means NO MORE Bojangle’s. No more beer. No more Krispy Kreme. No more etc. Can’t change it, might as well embrace it.

No, what worries me more is the risk of fracture. For 56 years I’ve eaten what I want and done what I want. Suddenly I’m a brittle old man. Damn.

I’ll be back once we learn more. I’ll also likely edit what I’ve written here.

Fruitcakes in Washington

 What the fruitcake???

At what point will his supporters realize he LOST the election? There's no voter fraud. There's no missing ballots.

He sure didn't whine when he WON the Electoral College while LOSING the popular vote.

I have at least one friend who earnestly believes there is a conspiracy to move the US toward socialism. I'm still investigating that. But, to think there is a conspiracy to have Biden win and Trump lose only smacks the Republican Party in the face as too weak to prevent such a thing.

So, Trump supporting Republicans (because there are many Republicans who don't....and they're FINALLY using their spines), is the Republican Party weaker than the Democratic Party?

I didn't go to war when Hillary lost (I voted for her, but really more to vote against him). I didn't like the election results. However, this is The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. We are bigger than political parties.

And the die hard Trump supporters are anti-democracy, anti-United States, and pro selfishness.