Yesterday was just plain fun.

As I mentioned in my last posting, we’re spending some time up in the Pocono Mountains on vacation and yesterday was the first full day here.  The morning started out quietly with some coffee on the deck, and following showers and changing we started off down the mountain to find the stream at the bottom.  Now, this was described to us as a fishing stream, but once we found it we realized this was a slight exaggeration as it was only a foot or so deep and contained nothing-resembling fish.  Not to waste the walk, the kids started digging under the rocks at the creek’s edge and were tickled to find a wide range of wildlife living there.  Jonathan was fascinated by the salamanders and crayfish, while Aidan was fixated on the slugs he kept turning up everywhere.  Not exactly a fishing trip, but a whole lot of fun nonetheless.

After the long hike back up the hill to the house, we spent some quiet time decompressing and playing games.  Dinner was cooked on the grill, followed by some smores (A hit with the kids).  The rest of the evening was spent playing card games (I was indoctrinated into the ranks of Texas Holdem players, Women cheat <g>).  All in all, not an overly exciting day.  What a nice change of pace.

Today we’re heading out to Bushkill Falls for some hiking, fishing (in a slightly more target-rich environment) and miniature golf.  Quiet is good.

Phil Malmstrom
philm@mycoffeecuphasfeet.com

Well, it really has been quite a long time since I last posted.  However, that time has been well spent. Here’s the Reader’s Digest version.

We had another scare with Jonathan and some “suspicious” moles on his head and foot. After examination, they (The specialists at AI DuPont Hospital for Children) decided better to err on the side of caution and excise them.  We scheduled the surgery, and they were removed at that point. The follow-up biopsy showed some “A-Typical cells” from the excised tissue, but everything looked good and he’s recovered nicely.

Speaking of excisions, I’ve had a slowly growing sebaceous cyst on my head for many years and now that my hair is getting, shall we say, scarce I decided to see about having it removed. To that end I visited a surgeon who scheduled the surgical extraction in July; Loads of fun to come. I’ll be sure to post an update following the procedure on July 26th.

The yearly Summer Party went over wonderfully. We had a great turnout as always, and a good time was had by all. After missing having the party last year (for the first time in 10 years), this was a nice reaffirmation that we are truly blessed by knowing such a lovely variety of people.

At the moment, I’m posting from a house in the Pocono Mountains in the Paradise Township area. For those who know me, you know this is the one place where I seem to be able to find calm and clarity. Mind you, I always twitch when separated from my company, but having a staff as competent and trusted as mine certainly makes life easier when I get the chance to take some time away. I still twitch, but I know in my heart that they’ll handle things while I’m away.

While we’ve been in this area on vacation quite a few times, this is a new home rental for us. It’s a nice place so far, with a large property bordering on a small resort which seems reminiscent of the 1960s (Think Dirty Dancing…) Either way, I think it’ll work out fine and we’ll have a great time.

To end the day, Jonathan had a slight meltdown this evening. He forgot his Lovie (For those who aren’t aware, Lovie is a stuffed animal that we got him when he first got sick and has been with him ever since.  It’s his long-term companion to date). He forgot to pack Lovie and come bedtime, realization set in. After over an hour of crying, he got control and settled in to bed.  God, he tears my heart out when he does this. Either way, it’s going to be an interesting week away from his friend.

Ok, well it’s getting late and I’m headed towards bed. I’ll try to post some more this week as life unfolds further.

Phil Malmstrom
philm@mycoffeecuphasfeet.com