Hi,
We'll be leaving tomorrow morning for Utah and I'll be unable to post until our return on August 18th.
We've just returned from Portland for Doogie's post-op exam--it doesn't look good. Scar tissue is already forming in and around the retina. He's having us continue with drops to help prevent the build-up of scar tissue in hopes it will lessen or dissolve what has already formed. Currently Doogie has little vision--blurry shapes (large things only) and light/dark. It doesn't look good but, in Southern California there's an eye institute that is testing an artificial retina. If all else fails, we may consider implanting one later but currently the AR's haven't been approved by the FDA except for testing on volunteers.
Doogie goes back for another eye exam in Portland two weeks from today and we'll see if there's any improvement. Thanks for your support! I appreciate it :)!
My daughter claims I'm trying to 'be younger than she is' by not aging as quickly :)! (Yeah, right!) So, until I return, I'll leave you to ponder my "Gnarled Roots".

Gnarled Roots

Gnarled roots twisted and raised
Pirouette from natures’ cage
Before I die let me dance
Let my soul embrace romance
Spindly and barren . . . no fruit to bare
Where are the folks who once seemed to care?
Rotten limbs can bear no weight
I can’t survive in this state
See me tip-toe high and prance
Let my seeds lay . . . a nuisance
May an orchard from my loins fall
Let it feed the hungry . . . one and all
Throughout the drought, I fought back
My roots were twisted, bundled, sacked
Embrace me . . . it’s my last chance
Do find me worthy of this last dance.

Keep in touch and take care. Know that I care always even when not in touch :)!
Love,
:)Sandy