Jay's Address

The Marines sent us a post card with Jay's address:

RCT DWYER JOSEPH B
PLT 1005 1ST BN C CO
BOX 11005
PARRIS ISLAND SC 29905-1005

Please send notes only at this point, not "stuff" because we don't know if he can get anything. As soon as he advises us, we can send gifts or cookies or whatever, but until then, let's keep it to words. Thanx.

Jay's Departure

Well, another chapter in Jay's life is about to begin. It is a time of transition for many of us. I am sure that he will do well and become a better person for the experience and that we will all be made better by it. My own son is off somewhere over there, I do not know where. I spoke iwth Jay on Sunday and he seemed excited and anxious and a little afraid. I told him we would pray for him and were proud of him. I encouraged him to be an example to the younger fellows and to expect them to look up to him. I told him that he could expect things to seem difficult for a whild but to know that he can do it, and do it well.

Now, Carolyn, it is time for you to reclaim that bedroom.

Planter Warts

Sometimes I wish I could stop myself. I am able to see the splinter in other people's eyes, but often miss the log in my own.

I often see people refer to "planter's warts" and it bugs me a little. I think: "Should I just shut up and let things be? Or should I correct that person I love and help them learn?" You see, warts of the plantar surfice, or the bottom of the foot, are not a malady of people who plant for a living (or of that peanut guy with the top-hat), they are a viral infection of the foot. If you click on the post name you will be taken to a site that describes these ailments and their treatments. The bottom of the foot is known as the plantAr surfice, the fat that protects us just under that skin is called the plantar facia. This layer of fat thins as we age (for me it the only place I have less fat as I age). That is why we can walk around bearfoot when we are young but it hurts so much as we get older.

Enough of the boring details. I hope and pray that Jay's foot heals by God's grace. He most likely got it from all that time spent in the gym. Another reason to wear shower slippers when in a public place.

Well, I guess I could not stop meyself again this time. I think it is a genetic thing I inherited from my father, who could never stand to see someone remain in the dark for long. I hope you still love me, warts and all.

From the Halls of Montezuma...

Jay has shipped out this morning for Marine Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC. He left the house at 3 am, looking all spiffy in a collared shirt and lots of hair. By now (it's 3pm) he likely has NO hair. I'm sure they bring the recruits in at odd hours of the morning to disorient them and so start the brainwashing deal. But what of the poor parents??? We were up to see him off, and Joe drove him to the recruiting office on Okeechobee Blvd. Joe continued on to work at 4 am, and Carolyn attempted to go back to sleep (which didn't happen until about 5:30). Then, of course, if you go back to sleep then, you can't get up at 7:00 like you're supposed to. Woe is me. I lost some sleep. I'm sure Jay wouldn't be very sympathetic. Anyway, he's gone. Sorta' like sending him to kindergarten! BTW, there's a pool regarding what weight he'll be when he graduates boot camp. The lowest guess so far is 180 and the highest is 210. To get in the pool, it's $5. On Saturday, he weighed 238, I think, which is pretty good. A few months ago, he was at about 260! Please keep him in your prayers. Specifically today, I'm asking God to erase the wart on his toe, which he had thought was just a callous. Yesterday we discovered it was probably a planter's wart, which can cause quite a bit of pain. He said he'll leave it alone until after boot camp. Hmmmmm...

Another Snake Story for Jay

This is a link to another snake story for Jay to enjoy. Dunno why I am facinated by these.