Good News - We're on the River Again!

The good news is we are resuming our trip down the Tenn Tom canal on Saturday 11/13/04! We had a followup visit with Dr. Jimmy Miller, neurosurgeon, in Southaven, MS (suburb of Memphis, TN) yesterday. His conclusion was that Loy's back has improved during the three weeks off the river in Aberdeen, MS and that we can resume our trip provided Loy
is cautious about his back. The back may heal without surgery over the next few months if not reinjured. He did give us the name of a surgeon in Mobile, AL in case things do not go as we anticipate. On Saturday we will go to Columbus, MS and spend a few days there enjoying seeing the antebellum homes.

We were delighted to see the new book by Mary Carol Miller (wife of Dr. Jimmy Miller) Great Homes of Mississippi with history and beautiful photographs of the most spectacular homes of the pre civil war period that are still available to be seen and appreciated.

We will never forget the kindness and hospitality of the people of Aberdeen, MS. Charles and Jean Pounders, friends who formerly lived in Illinois, welcomed us to their home and dinner table and introduced us to their extended family with deep roots in Aberdeen. During these three weeks of rest and recovery we have attended events at the First Presbyterian Church of Aberdeen including worship, family pot lucks, church school, and women's society meetings. Church members even brought Linda some "city clothes" since that part of her wardrobe on the boat is slim. We had great fun hosting pastor, Sandra Sisson and her husband Charles Sisson, MD aboard Sandpiper for wine and wonderful conversation.

We have also enjoyed attending the premier of a new documentary on Vietnam, visiting in the homes of Aberdeen, Red Hat Society events, Rotary Club meetings and country music concerts. There has been a flow of interesting power and sailboaters coming through on their way downriver from Florida, Canada, and the East Coast who have become new friends we look forward to meeting again as we travel.

We talked to our son, Carl, on St. Thomas, USVI who reported that he will argue a case in Territorial Court on 11/18. We are excited for him. We will soon resume our reports from the river.