Wednesday, April 22, 2026

WE are still working this out.

 Hi  family, friends and readers all.

Sherry is doing great.  We are walking a little, something like a city block ;-),  Blood pressure is down and seems pretty steady.  She is on a lot of meds, but is handling it well.  I am busy and still doing the job as our cook and bottle washer.  Even a little house cleaning. LOL

I have cut my work down to about 8-9 hours, things ae shaping up.

I installed the washer/Dryer, stove and hood this week, so Tomorrow, Thursday, we plan to start our move from the RV into the house.

Sorry I am absent but hoping things change.  I have my yearly dr. appt Friday AM, and Sherry to get her mammogram that PM.

Things are moving right along.

Nite Shipslog

PS Thanks for all the prayers, thoughts and comments, love you all for it and makes us feel good of course..

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Update from NC 3

 Today’s picture:

Many years ago, my boys did out-grow me, here they are making me look taller., LOL  Thanks guys!


Now for today:

Staying busy getting our new to us home ready to move into. Still in the RV. Having trouble with my beautiful wife. She wants to jump in and do stuff, I am still doing the cooking, trying to do the cleaning and washing.

She had gotten out for a couple local trips, one main one was to get the new appliances we need. They will be delivered next tuesday.

I am trying to keep my days down below hours, but at times I go 10. Most of that is looking for misplaced tools, imma thinking I am the worlds worst. As an example: Today I spent close to an hour looking for my ever needed screw gun. I found it of course, making me feel ‘dumb.’

Sorry, about the absence, but things are looking up. The Doctors here are behind and her REAL appt. is not until next month. Blood is high some days some days normal.

I am told that is normal for a-fib. OUCH.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

My mama caught me in 'A -FIB' several times and things did not go well for the kid.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Update #2 from NC

 Today’s picture:

Below Granson Luke , Jenna and Palmer on her first BD.  We missed the big BD party for Palmer but they brought us some food from the party (Enough for a few days for us), when they came to visit Grandma Sherry on our return to NC


Now for today:

Sherry saw her Doctor here in NC today. Nothing major to tell except the blood pressure remains toooooo high. It actually was near 200/80 at the Dr. office. Sherry does have hwa is referred to as the “White Coat Syndrome”, meaning the appointment time raises her Blood pressure.

The Dr. has referred her to a Cardiologist here, no appointment yet.

Her Dr. did increase one med, from once a day to to twice. We are anxious to talk to the cardiologist of ccourse.I am doing m best to pet my sweetheart, but it sorta makes here feel, how do I say it? Feel bad to be served a little. She is used to be the one serving.

I am forcing her to eat my cooking and do my normal job of washing dishing.

WE are living in the motor home, it makes sense to us.

I have washed the house and the outside buildings including the I room efficiency. I have repaired two water leaks caused by the winter freezes up here. That was a mess.

I am staying busy waiting for the recommendations of a cardiologist (of course we both are). The best report is that Sherry is showing VERY LITTLE results of the stroke. She is coming back strong with her voice and speech. She held her own in conversations with her Dr.

Continued prayers appreciated.



Nite Shipslog

PS:

Saturday, April 4, 2026

April update

 


Back at the hospital above  Sherry and Dr. & Nurse.

WE made the trip from Florida to NC.  Sherry lay on the couch a lot of the trip ad we made it a  2  day trip this time.  Traffic was terrible the first day.  On our trip north we pass over  the bay area of Jacksonville, FL. Normally it is bustling.   It was DEAD. not one ship being off loaded. and very few Hugh containers on the piers.   Gonna be some empty shelves in stores soon.

On a normal day, there are two container ships being unloaded and a couple anchored awaiting their turn. There were NONE waiting.

'that is just an observation. 

The Interstate 95 was stop and go, so we opted to take local roads thru the country on our last day.  That was a great idea. Not only NO traffic on US15, but some great country scenery. 


I am correcting every other word it seems. I am beat,  Sherry is also.  we made it to NC.  She s a stickler  for appropriate flowers on her parents graves.  So we did that today.  She is BEAT.

She is a stickler for times and meds.  Her evening meds she takes exactly at 9PM I woke her to take them, but she is back to sleep .  I know an hour or so won't matter, but she will be upset at herself later.  But I am glad she is resting.

She tried to contact her Dr.  but could not until Monday  Her Blood Pressure top number still stays near 150 and that ain't good.   But the  doctors in Florida were concerned about the pulse rate.  IT IS doing great around 60.

Thanks for your concern and prayers.  Positive thoughts are also very much appreciated.

You guys are good for my insides, THANKS!

Nite Shipslog

PS Gas prices in Florida were $4 and above.  GA & SC  $3.60-$3.90.  Trip usually about $210 was closer to $300.  OUCH

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

ONE more Update

We are in the RV in son Mark's yard.  We plan to head north and take two day to reach our home base in Belmont, NC. Will depart in the next few days.  Sherry is doing well, I haven't noticed a speech problem in a couple days. She is still weak.

Just a note about the Waterman Hospital in Tavares.   I do not know much about hospitals, but I would bet this one is at the top of the list of good ones.  Everyone was supportive friendly and courteous. They went above and beyond in the caring.

Dr. Panara celebrating at Sherry's going home. He said, when asked, but my bread is better! ;-)

Two ladies who prepped her for a procedure became like sisters to her with words of encouragement, most of them scriptures.

Anyway I cannot say enough good about the Doctors, staff, cleaning crew and Mess Hall workers.  Sherry was given a choice of 2 or 3 meals before each meal time.  Their motto is something like this:  "We continue where Jesus left off".

I did write the Admin wit our thanks.

Be back in a  few days....

Nite Shipslog

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Quick update

 

We ae out of the hospital. She is worn out. Still not out of the woods. we will hve to monitor the results a cay or so before making the decision to head back North.

She did have a stroke, it was minor compared to what it could have been. It has effected her voice / speech some. (But still had a great KISS!). Problem is the rapid heartbeat and blood pressure.)

Of course valve replacement, several types of pace makers, etc. DRs say main problem is A-fib.  they were hesitant to do a procedure that required days,weeks of follow up since we were heading north soon.

Any way they  released her, now the weight is on our shoulders whether to take the trip home with a chance of a hospital stop may be required,

Thanks for the support and prayers. Love you guys,  we are all beat. Imma say if a long hospital stay does not kill you, you are tough. ;-)

NIte Shipslog

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Just now....Things funny and those you do not expect.

 



Today’s stuff:

Friend Don just turned 89 years old. His Great Grand daughter, 6 years old, came to see him. It was her birthday too. Don asked her “Ava, how old do you think I am?”

Looking at him for a few seconds she said, “Fifty thousand!”

WE cracked up when we heard that. Remember the program, “Kids say the darnedest things?”

Things funny help you in life. But those unexpected things, the BUMPS in the road? Not so much.

This was Sherry’s 2 or 3rd day in the hospital. Her Blood pressure got too high. They have ran a lot of tests. Good Doctors. I am home gathering some things to take back to the hospital. I thought I would explain that I will not be aboard the Blog for awhile.

She is I in good spirits. Most tests showed nothing, but some with questions. Still awaiting the doctor’s recommendations.

I am not thinking very well, but thought I would ask for prayers of you that pray and Positive thoughts for those who don’t. I am NOT thinking of losing her! But I can use the prayers and support. Jack Jr. drove down from NC and Mark is here, so She has some good support here.

Love you guys. Will try to keep you up to date.

Nite Shipslog

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Monday Heroes and In-laws.

 ABOUT yesterday...Note push mower: For high grass there was some adjustment for high grass but very little.  Most of us cutting 6" grass had to push forward 3' then pull it back and go again, many time it took 3 times to get it down, BUT it was done no matter how high the weeds....And then goats, like Victor, we used goats in GITMO around where ammo was stored. Less dangerous!


Picture of the day:


Actual picture of USMC landing on Iwo Jima, WWII


Today’s stuff:  Now....

There have been a lot of mother-in-law jokes, I even used some. Friend Victor stays in trouble over in the UK about where his MIL parks her broom. BUT ME? I had the best, Susie Hawes Harris, she was one sweet woman. However, Sherry embarrassed me once while we were parked in front of their house. She was smooching me so heavily that her mother came out in her night gown to tell SHERRY to ‘Sit up in that car!’

That is my version of the TRUTH!

Many of us men migrate to the family of our wives. I certainly did. Sherry’s family was very dear to me. I have many heroes, most military. Sherry and I grew up during WWII and our brothers served in that war. Both were in the Pacific. My brother, Junior, was a ‘decorated’ gunner on a Destroyer Escort ship.


Junior,  101 yr old this year... Wish he was still here... Picture is Just before leaving Shelby NC to serve on the Ship below, the USS Baron



Sherry’s Brother Lefty Harris (100 yrs old ) was a decorated US Marine. He was wounded during the USMC landing on Iwo Jima.


Sherry, Lefty and Johnny, just after the war.


I have mentioned Sherry’s brother (Passed but 93 yrs this yr), Vernon Gomez; he too was a hero of mine, serving at least two tours in Vietnam.

                Above is Vernon and his wife Janet.

I am reluctant to list friends, cousins, nephews, uncles who served, I might miss one. They too, are my heroes.

I brought that up mainly because in the last few days

Becky, one of Lefty’s daughters, called Sherry to verify that had lefty lived, he would be 100 yrs old now? Sherry who knows every birthday of everyone in our families, living or dead. Yes, Sherry said Lefty was born March 1926 making him a 100 this month.

WE all trained, simulated being ordered ashore or dropped in a combat zone. Some, reading here, actually were there, I was fortunate and never saw combat.

With their background, veterans, think of those military standing ready near Iran today. Most are on ships awaiting orders. WE, out of harm’s way, feel for the anxiety of WAITING! I admire every man and woman in uniform now. There was a time seeing a uniform brought automatic, RESPECT.

During my time, a man in uniform could stand on the road with a thumb out and be picked up immediately. Most of us did that at one time or the other in 50s & 60s.

Nite Shipslog

PS: When I visit VA hospitals and see the VETS who lost sight, limbs and many with shattered nerves. I am thankful for their service and realize how blessed to have served in three branches and still be walking around.