Much has happened since my last BLOG. I took Emily fishing Thursday with dear friend, Homer Hanna. She and we had a great time. Emily caught a nice trout and some other fish. When I arrived home I showered and went to the couch. In moments I had a crushing pain in my chest. I walked around, changed positions and nothing helped. I knew what it was from 01'. Ann called 911 and I was on the way to Heart Hospital in Corpus. Tests showed I had a 95% blockage. It was treated with a stent. Another place is 60%. It will be treated with medication. The procedure took place on my 76th birthday. The operating crew gathered round my gurney and sang a lively version of "Happy Birthday". Ever heard of that? The hospitalist doctor ordered me a birthday cake with one candle. I was ordered NOT to light it or I would blow the place up with all the oxygen. (This was in coronary care ICU). So the event is over. I am home. Depressed a bit to see another symbol of old age. I did have a slight heart attack, whatever that is. It is Monday morning. Lee and Laura have both been here. James, Calvin, and Dempsey. Dempsey left for Youth Camp this morning.
BLOG TWO On Thursday a death occured in California of one I knew when I was a teen in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was a famous sportscaster and Emmy winner. His name is CHARLIE JONES. Charlie Jones' dad was our family doctor in Fort Smith. His sister and I were in Training Union together at First Baptist in Fort Smith. Charlie was two years older than me and a junior scoutmaster. Our troop met in the basement of First Baptist. They gave "licks" back then and Charlie could give a good one! I got some of them. He went to USC where he played tennis. Came back home to Fort Smith and teamed with Roy Gean Jr. to win the state amateur doubles. I watched them play. We would all play touch football in Tilles Park on Sunday afternoons. Charlie went on to great success as a sportscaster. He announced the Olympics in 1988,1992,and 1996. He broadcasted NFL with Merlin Olsen. He had a deep "kettle drum" voice. He let you watch the game without a lot of yak. Charlie died while dressing to go to Torrey Pines Lodge for dinner. His wife, Ann, was from Fort Smith also. They had been married almost 54 years. I'm glad I knew Charlie, even at the end of a paddle.