We had a successful fundraiser in Palm Coast and - in spite of the cold, overcast, generally terrible weather - we raised almost $900. Thanks many times over to the guys at Palm Coast Car Wash for their generous donation and assistance. Thanks also to my brother, Mike, for pulling his barbecue wagon all the way over from Apollo Beach to Palm Coast for this event. He's definitely earned himself a few more fans of his awesome pulled pork barbecue. Many thanks to everyone who came to help out with drying cars, selling wristbands, holding signs, and whatever else needed to be done - Frank and Roe, Joanne and Bobby, Ruthie and Danny, my daughter Nikkie and her boyfriend Tony, my son Chris, Frank and Roe's daughter Maria and her boyfriend . . . I know I'm missing people, and I apologize. :-( I'd also like to thank the folks who read our posting on flaglerchat.com and came to the car wash just out of the goodness of their hearts - total strangers who read about it on the Internet and took time out of their day to help us out.
I just found out this morning that a customer of mine at the barber shop had a garage sale yesterday, raising $150 that they are donating to my fund. THANK YOU Jim and Tina - what an unexpected and generous surprise. This shows me once again how blessed I am.
We're putting together plans for the BIG fundraiser, hopefully to be held on May 18th if we can get it all coordinated.
We've gotten more and more information on China. I'll be in one of two possible hospitals - one is located in Qingdao City, which is where the Olympic sailing competition will be taking place this summer. The other one is in Hangzhou. The final determination will depend on review of my medical records for the best treatment fit. Timing will depend on my ability to pay the 20% required for the hospital to save a spot for me.
I don't know how familiar everyone is with the stem cell treatment options, but I'd like to tell you that the organization I'm working with uses umbilical cord stem cells, and NOT embryonic stem cells. I want to make that clear, because the ethical controversy in the US about stem cells is related to embryonic stem cells only. There's little debate about "adult" stem cells (a widely-used misnomer that includes umbilical cord cells) in the US - the only issue is related to the years of research and clinical trials to even get something to "experimental" status in the US. Those of us who want treatment now or anytime in the near future have to go elsewhere (out of country) to have it done.
On to other stuff happening in my life. Cindi and I went to see George Strait last weekend with our friends Kitty and Jim from Palm Coast. That was a great time. Kitty is one of the people who has hung with me through all that I've been through, and I can't adequately express my gratitude to her. It's because of her that I was able to move back when I did to Palm Coast from Apollo Beach - she saved a rental for me, and had it fixed up to be wheelchair accessible. She has helped me out too many times to count. THANK YOU, KITTY!!
On "date night" (Saturday nights), Cindi and I like to go to this Cuban restaurant called Havana Jax Cafe. We feel really special when we go in there, because the manager personally waits on us, and always seats us at a little private, corner table. Last Saturday, he brought us a piece of their mango pie for dessert (on the house). Cindi and I now just refer to it as "our little Cuban restaurant." I already can't wait to go back. You rock, Miguel.
Quite a few people have subscribed to my site and added signatures to the guestbook - thanks, everyone. Your messages are special.
It's been a while since I posted. Sorry 'bout that, but I did warn you that I'm not a blogger. In fact, I'm not much of anything if it's related to typing. This stuff works better when Cindi takes my words and does the keyboarding for me, or at least does a thorough edit before I hit the "Publish" button!
Well, I sang publicly for the first time in several years. Cindi and I visited my brother and his wife over the weekend, and we all went to a little honky tonk on Saturday night. Mike (the bro') had already laid the groundwork for the band to invite me to sing. At least he told me about it in advance, so I could practice a couple of songs and pack my cowboy hat. (Can't sing at a honky tonk without a cowboy hat!) You can see the pictures on my "Photos" page. I was a little nervous, but it didn't last long. I sang "Amarillo by Morning" and "Johnny B Good," and then I helped out on a couple of other songs. I actually enjoyed my return to the stage! Thanks to everyone in the Rollin River Band for allowing me a moment in the spotlight! I also found out what my woman looks like when she dances, and I think I'm even more in love than I already was. Thank God for low-rise jeans. (Cindi's leaving this in under duress.)
While visiting at my brother's place over the weekend, Cindi and I found the place where we want to get married. We knew we'd recognize the "right" place when we saw it, and that's exactly what happened. It's a beautiful spot - by some coconut palms, overlooking the Bay. I can't wait to marry this wonderful woman that God put in my life.
On my "Fund Raising" page, you'll see information about an event coming up on March 30th. Hope to see you there!! All proceeds from the car wash (an all day thing) will be donated to my fund. There will also be food for sale (grab a BBQ sandwich for lunch while you're there!) and some really cool wrist bands in a variety of colors that say "My 2nd Chance." Thanks everyone!! I very much appreciate your ongoing support. I have a lot of wonderful friends coordinating all this for me, and I'm grateful.
You guys are great! It's been interesting "meeting" some of Cindi's friends online. And to her brother, Eric - as soon as we can get rid of that Redskins problem of yours, we'll be doing good! Stay in touch, everyone - send me email via the Contact Me page. Nothing much to report on the fund-raising front. We've been scoping out various items to sell - hats and wristbands mostly. (All to be ordered through Loco Logos.) Next step is to lock in on a date. We want to book a band, but can't do that without a date. I'll keep you updated!
