Howdy, folks!

Lindsay M. Bauer here.  Thought an update was in order, so here goes ...

I luckily escaped the flooding they had here in Nashville:  I was in Branson, Missouri, on a tour at the time; maybe it was a good thing I went??  *grins*  Happily, not much in the way of damage to my house.  Just a few inches of water was all; so many others had it so much worse.  I consider myself blessed, very much so. 

Healthwise, I have my bad days as well as good.  Really cannot complain, though:  again, so many others have it so much worse.  I can handle a little weakness/pain/spasticity or walking on crutches:  at least I'm not bedfast unable to do anything but blink my eyes.  That would be such a horrible way to live!

I know a lady at the support group I belong to who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's Disease, and she cannot move anything but her head.  She also cannot talk above a whisper, thanks to being on a respirator to help her breathe.  Otherwise, she is totally helpless.  It breaks my heart to see her because just six months ago, she was walking (with a cane) and could communicate very well; then the disease worsened, and she's now totally wheelchair (and ventilator) dependent.

I sometimes get scared that I will end up like Maggie, but my doctors say the progression of my disease is much, much slower, and less apt to be so drastic.  I know one day I will not be able to walk, but to see people like Maggie doesn't help my own fears or concerns any.

Anyway, Branson was awesome!  Saw a lot of wonderful country music shows there (Shoji Tabuchi, the Duttons, Ray Stevens, The Oak Ridge Boys, etc.); even got to meet some of the stars and have my picture made with them.  All of them were vey sweet and were more than happy to pose with me or give me an autograph.  If one can get past the nightmarish traffic, Branson, Missouri, is the place to be if you want to hear some good, family-oriented country music!  They even had small kids performing; they absolutely blew me away with their talent!

The weather was stunning:  bright, wall to wall sunshine except on the last day, when thunderstorms moved in (non-severe, but storms just the same).  We had rain from Missouri all the way to Arkansas; then when we got to Tennessee, the weather cleared, and it was smooth sailing for the rest of the trip.  We all had a good time.

I went with a tour group (AAA); to me that's the best way to travel because you get to see so much, and everything's discounted at a very reasonable price.

I found out that the hospital where I work got flooded; the nurses/staff were stranded for a few days, but the water's since gone down, and it's back to business as usual.  In fact, I work today at nine until two.  It's my short day.  So I'd better go and get ready, so I can be there at the hospital on time.  I will write in here again soon; until later, this is Lindsay Bauer signing off!  God bless!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Lindsay Maureen.  :)