Musings

[Dawn]

Oh, Denny! So thankful for no serious injuries in your accident. As the saying goes, "Life happens while we're making other plans," and we either adjust or grow bitter/angry. Sounds like you're counting your blessings and keeping positive. Since we can live only one day at a time, I wish you (and everyone reading this thread) "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow..."

[garbear]

I'm doing better. Thanks for the mention Dawn. I'm in remission, but I have to be on the lookout. Thanks again.

[Denny]

I’m still here too Dawn and all boatnerds! As far as 2021 goes, it had some good and bad along with some ups and downs for me. Although I was kept busy mostly throughout 2021 going and visiting the doctors due to poor health and chronic health issues, I still managed to squeeze out 15 trips overall to the river in 2021! The worst part however came though in mid-September as unfortunately I was involved in an accident and lost my vehicle and had to get a replacement which definitively wasn’t easy! No one was hurt in the accident as that was the main thing but, I surely didn’t need 2021 to end and go like that! I had to travel all over to look for a new vehicle to which I barely got one in time. The accident also put an end to my river trips as I’ve not been out there since September 2021 and won’t return until Spring! Needless to say and sorry to say but the year 2021 couldn’t end fast enough for me with everything that happened toward the later half of it. Now I’m just looking forward to Spring 2022 and returning to the river again. However thanks to this crazy inflation and prices going though the roof on everything, who knows how much I’ll see and get to the river then? Thanks in large part to Covid, I haven’t had a good year at 20 or more trips to the river since 2019. Now that I am struggling with my health issues and getting older it’s making it more of a struggle now to make the river much less have a good season. I hope in 2022, things improve and get better. It will be my 30th year out there!

[Dawn]

It's really great hearing from you all and to know you're alive and doing well.

[Dawn]

Happy New Year, Dawn. Real boatnerds even work during layup. I'm following the Thread titled DULUTH. I'm curious who and where the layup fleet will be docked in the Twin Ports. Many times you can drive right by them if they are in the slips around the Port Terminal.

Since it's no longer a possibility for me to make a trip there, the Duluth cams and many talented photographers give me a fantastic window on boat traffic and the upcoming lay-up.

[Paul A]

I'm still here Dawn! I read all the posts even if I don't jump in. I hope 2022 is a great year for you and thanks for asking about us Boatnerd gang!
Cheers!

[Darryl]

Happy New Year, Dawn. Real boatnerds even work during layup. I'm following the Thread titled DULUTH. I'm curious who and where the layup fleet will be docked in the Twin Ports. Many times you can drive right by them if they are in the slips around the Port Terminal.

[mopar tim]

Still here, just lurking lol. Glad to see you posting again Dawn hope all is well.

[Dawn]

Last night, after months of dealing with a variety of life issues, I read this thread from beginning to end and realized how blessed I've been by my followers in the Boatnerd community.
As I read your responses, I wondered about each of you, even the anonymous "Guest(s)." I had (belatedly) learned of garbear's great report and that Denny took a few trips this shipping season and saw boats he'd not seen in awhile. Also that Ohio Bob got his boat winterized and the annual Christmas light display (many thousands of lights) up and synchronized for the holidays.
But with the passing of time and the ravages of Covid, what about Mopar Tim, Paul A, MarcE, Darryl, cships, EJB, Howard Sprague, and "captain"?
For many reasons, I'm glad 2021 is over. Still, each day brings challenges, regardless of the year, often adding insight, strength, courage, and wisdom to our character.
My greatest insight from 2021 is that NO ONE can erase or diminish the beautiful memories of kindnesses I was shown or the joy I feel in my heart when remembering.
Go safe and stay healthy.

[Darryl]

I know what you mean. Love to hear the sound of a formal salute of a Laker going under the Aerial Bridge in Duluth, any time day or night.

[Dawn]

Awakened a few minutes ago by the delightful sound of an exchange of salutes between Herbert C. Jackson and Paul R. Tregurtha -- something I really needed to hear after a week of emotional stress with a family member and several friends battling the C-virus. (Thankfully all have recovered.) Thanks Interlake captains Ben F. and Bob.T.

[Dawn]

You're in my thoughts and prayers Dawn. The medical community does a pretty good job with orthopedics these days. My Dad, 10 years your senior, has been repaired and we still go skiing and biking often.

Thanks, that's very encouraging. Your Dad gives new meaning to the "Good Life"!

[Denny]

I second Paul’s comments, sending thoughts and prayers your way as well Dawn. May God look upon you and bless you with good health and better and brighter days ahead. God is there for you Dawn and both he and your son Mike both are looking down from Heaven right now and both are your shining beacon of light! Have and keep the faith Dawn! God bless and be with you always my friend.

[Dawn]

You're in my thoughts and prayers Dawn. The medical community does a pretty good job with orthopedics these days. My Dad, 10 years your senior, has been repaired and we still go skiing and biking often.

That's encouraging. Good for him!

[Paul A]

You're in my thoughts and prayers Dawn. The medical community does a pretty good job with orthopedics these days. My Dad, 10 years your senior, has been repaired and we still go skiing and biking often.

[Dawn]

Remembering that I've been blessed with relatively good health for 75 years makes it easier to accept that, little by little, my body is wearing out -- despite the mental illusion that I'm still 23 (chuckle)! Anyway, X-rays and an examination indicate evidence of arthritis and tendonitis in and around my right knee. The prescribed treatment is a weekly series of shots and continued wearing of a knee brace. Evaluation after six weeks should clarify the best course of action, which could be nothing, or a surgical procedure. I'm truly grateful I can walk and have minimal pain and for the prayers and kind thoughts on my behalf.

[Denny]

Great and awesome photos Dawn. Glad to see and hear that you were able to get out and get some fresh air and enjoy lots of ship traffic and activity today along the St. Clair River as well. So very glad to see and hear that you got to see your favorite ship too on the St. Clair River the Lee A. Tregurtha today. Your photos look great Dawn and I would say as far as the weather and sunshine goes in your photos, God and your son Mike were both looking down on you today and sending their love and blessings to you with a warm smile as well. Take care my friend and stay well too.

[Dawn]

Your kind wishes are certainly appreciated as I wait for the experts to examine my injuries and offer their professional advice.

Today was an unseasonably warm and gorgeous day on the St. Clair River, and with Lee A leading a small parade of Interlake vessels, the Bluewater Bridges was the place to start! But this likely won't be happening again anytime soon.

[Denny]

I second everyone's comments and sending along my thoughts and prayers to my good and dear friend Dawn "Bookworm" as well and hope that you are well my friend. You've sure had lots of bumps in the road if you get my point in the last year or so my friend and I know that it hasn't been an easy voyage and journey. I have a very short prayer given to me by my cousin many years ago but I can't recall how it goes? When I do find the time though I'll post it here for you. After reading that prayer, I'm sure you will agree that it will help lift your spirits! Although our paths never that I recall at least crossed face to face while at the river, you've always been a true and devoted friend and boatned Dawn. I can't thank you enough for when I needed someone there as my Mom was gravely sick and ill a few years ago, you were there with comforting words and thoughts when I needed them. After she passed away, your thoughtfulness and words of comfort and healing helped me out when I need it most. For that I can't thank you enough my friend. You stay and continue getting well. Glad to see you posting again! Please keep us all updated on your progress and God Bless You.

[BigRiver]

All the best from KYS!