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I'm Really Not Sick!

A friend told me the other day that someone had asked her if I was alright; if I was physically okay. "Is he sick?"
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well, his hair is a lot shorter and he's lost weight."
"No, he's just fine."

For the record, I intentionally have been losing weight since May. How much? Yeah, I'm gonna share that here (he wrote sarcastically). I've also been walking three to five times a week - most weeks - for 60-90 minutes. I feel great, my blood pressure is in the excellent range, I'm able to listen to some great podcasts while exercising, and I plan on keeping with the weight loss until I hit my goal...and then stay there. (When I get there, and if you're really just dying to know, I'll tell you how much and how. But really: don't we all have better things to wonder about?)

Also for the record, my hair is shorter because I'm losing it. Balding is the ultimate in shorter hair.

So, thanks for the concern ... but I'm not sick; just healthy (or at least healthier).

O Happy Day!

Twenty-six year ago today, at 11:00 a.m., at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Darlene walked down the aisle and we became husband and wife. We were in our very early 20s, and age that now, when I see a couple that young getting married, I want to scream, "You're just children!"

Honey, thanks for saying, "I do." I love you. Let's do 26 more!

Congratulations, Lauren!

Our daughter, Lauren, graduated from Clemson University last week with a degree in Business Management. Here are a few photos of a great weekend with family and friends. Way to go, Lar. We're proud of you!

An Update on Hannah

A few weeks ago I asked you to pray for my niece, Hannah Liss.  She's been critically ill in Nottingham, England, where she is a graduate student.  Thank you for praying.  Hannah was released from the hospital last week and has made some significant progress.  There is still a need for complete and total healing, and she is dealing with some serious issues yet, but God has answered prayer.  Here is the latest; thank you for your continued prayers.

- Hannah's white blood cell count was at 0.  It now is in the 1.9 range.  We'll find out exactly where it is in a couple of days after tests today.

- Her platelet count has improved.

- Her red blood cell count is down and a concern.

- She is dealing with aplastic anemia, which is a disease of the bone marrow. The body is still creating blood cells, but not enough of them to maintain health. In its severest form, this disease is life-threatening.

- Hannah tested positive for mono.

- She still struggles with sores in her throat and spleen pain.

- Doctors are monitoring her health in a out-patient manner to avoid another crisis of health.

                    "Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains ... 
                            and we are healed by His wounds." - Isaiah 53:4, 5b

Chocolate Ridiculous Cake

 

Last Thursday was Darlene's birthday and we went to dinner with friends.  We ate at a restaurant called Eat! here on Hilton Head Island and the food was delicious.  The manager suggested what you see above for dessert.  It's called Chocolate Ridiculous Cake and it comes in seven layers.  The only layers I can remember consist of Oreo cookie crust, devil's food cake, and a brownie.  The remaining four layers were all chocolate of some sort.

Each of us had a bite or two and Darlene is still polishing it off from it's cozy home in our frig. I'm reminded of a little sign hanging up around here somewhere. It poses the age-old question: "Is chocolate a fruit or vegetable?"  Now, go eat a salad.  There are calories just looking at that picture!

Way To Go, Lauren!

Last week, our daughter Lauren, completed a 17-year swimming career, capped off by a victorious final meet against N.C. State University.  Lauren ended strong, with a personal best time in the 1000 Free, placing second overall.  Here are a few photos...

      
The Tigers getting ready to rumble!

  
She's ready to go...

 
A board full of memories.

 
Three great sisters; three great friends.
Lauren with Tiff and Emily.

 
Clemson '08-'09 senior swimmers

 

 
Only in Clemson ... Go Tigers!