News From SIGMACHI

Greetings from Alan and Jeanne...SIGMACHI Views from the crew

19/09/12

Today was doctor day for me at the University of MD in Baltimore City. The University of Maryland Medical Center is a sprawling world class facility in downtown Baltimore. I have come to regard it and my medical team as "family!"  Today I was at the Endrocolongy,  Neurosurgery,  and Cardiology departments for checkups. As a glorious serendipity event ...I was recognized in the Medical Center by a solidly good friend from my Annapolis days...Carla (Cronin) Howell; it's been years!

It was March 24th when I has my very complicated back surgery.  I now use a cane ...however there is no more of the excruciating pain that I endured with my lower spinal cord being encapsulated by arthritis (spinal stenosis).  There were other spinal complications for Dr. Charles Sansur to deal with during the 8 hour procedure.  He is avery nice person and a magnificent neurosurgeon.  I recommend him highly!!!

Tomorrow, (Friday the 13th) Jeanne and I repeat the 40 minute drive to the UMMC for my colonoscopy...be there at 6:00 am!

This is all in preparation for our proposed waterborne adventure in mid or late October aboard SIGMACHI...headed first to Norfolk to visit friends of mine and scatter some ashes...

The next en-route objective is the Dismal Swamp Canal, Elizabeth City, and the Albermarle Loop.

Then pointing South there are three famlies I'd like to visit in NC...the Tylers, Krugers, and Picas.  Just quick visits...
  Blaine Kruger is a Sigma Chi Fraternity brother of mine from NDSU. I will let these folks know of our stop by plans when we get nearer our embarkation date! 

Where we headed?  My Co-Captain bride, Jeanne, and I are planning a trip...an all winter escape or escapade to Florida!

 We both have friends we'd like to see in the Sunshine State and places we'd like to leisurely "putt putt" to on this cruise. The St. Johns River is an allure to us because of its tranquility. Since our hailing port is Hobe Sound, Florida we must stop and see Capt. Betty Legare.

Then there are some MTOA, AGLCA, RMHYC, and LCYC friends we hope to see on their boats ...doing the same thing we are doing!
I had wished to take a jaunt to the site of our RMHYC in Marsh Harbor, Abaco Bahamas. That was until two weeks ago...Everyone knows what happened to Marsh Harbor! DORIAN!!!

I've heard some of the RMHYC members might "headquarter in forced exile" in the Stuart, Florida area this winter.

Florida's many waterways provide so many possibilities for a cruising boat couple!
Our venture to Florida is a year behind schedule because of the length of time the installation of an entirely new HVAC system aboard SIGMACHI.

We found a new Chesapeake Bay area boat home at Olverson's Lodge Creek Marina this summer. This 200 boat marina has about half of it's slips covered, a heated swimming pool, and the Lodge Creek Yacht Club is headquarted there. Both the LCYC and their long individual piers are oh so friendly and very social...especially in the culinary and gastronomical arts!

Located nearer to our "dirt home" than Deltaville ...Olverson"s is both a deepwater marina, has Valvetech fuel, and very hospitable owners with fun loving slipholders.  Some of them have been coming there over 40 years!

Just around the corner from our marina on the South Branch of the Yeocomico River is the family operated Krentz Marine Railway.  A ver small operation of husband and wife( Doug & Marion) and mechanic (Doug) exude the friendliness and directness that Jeanne and I appreciate. By the way, Doug found the source of a starboard engine oil leak that our former "experts" profusely maintained didn't exist. (Heh, that is a principle reason to do small trips in the Chesapeake this summer as "shakedown cruises!"  Thank you Doug!

OK, kMR still has some things to do on SIGMACHI and Jeanne and I have chores here at home.  My last scheduled medical appointment is at the end of September.  On Sept. 28 we will be assisting the folks at the Marine Trawler Owners' Assn booth at Trawler Fest in Baltimore City. The 28th and 29th are our 2nd wedding anniversary...the 29th is also my birthday!

Yahoo!

Post Script; I mentioned scattering of ashes.  SpeedBump (male 13" Beagle) died 3 years ago and my dear friend Leslie helped with his cremation.  I still have his ashes. His mate and my long time companion, Button, at almost 13 years of age and deteriorating chronic (painful) back problems and other health issues was put to sleep yesterday.  Both Button and SpeedBump will have their ashes scattered in the waters off their beloved Willoughby Spit where my friend Betty wanted her ashes spread....

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"The nicest place to be is in someone's thoughts, the safest place to be is in someone's prayers, the most enjoyable place to be is in someone's arms, and the very best place to be is in the hands of God."---Anno.
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