I am writing on my porch to you while enjoying the fragrance from my Lilac Tree that is coming into bloom. Cathy and I had this planted probably 17 years ago. The tree was much smaller then. I apologize for the unkept looking grounds – there is a reason.

In reviewing my posts that I have shared with you for the past 12 years, as listed on my LOG OF ADVENTURES, I find that I am terribly behind in traveling and sharing this year, 2023. Yes, since early 2020, COVID changed the ease and joys of booking and traveling, but there is also a reason, I have been afraid to venture out. I had plans, have cancelled some out, and hope to complete an upcoming unique trip I found, booked, and paid for the end of February, before my current “hiccup.”

In May 2016, I had my first spine Lumbar fusion. My brain was not sending nerve signals back through my spine to my left leg telling it I was trying to walk. All went well. 2019 was my best travel and exploration year ever, but by February 2020, my spine had a different plan again. I was discharged from DHMC after my second fusion the day the first NH COVID case was detected there. Reviewing my LOG OF ADVENTURES, I did get out a great deal the last couple years on shorter explorations, but as 2023 has progressed walking has again become problematic. MRIs show a cyst compressing the nerves in my spine resulting in pain in the back of my legs while trying to walk, and quick exhaustion resulting from walking. Dr. Pearson, my back surgeon, said I am facing a third fusion, but recommended a CT-guided facet joint synovial cyst rupture first to remove the compression to the nerves – essentially this is a form of spinal stenosis. Outpatient this Wednesday – hope to be “on the road” again soon.

During COVID “downtime” I have had projects keeping me busy: 1965 Airstream Caravel (sold); 1959 FAN Sportsman’s Friend (now for sale); BLACK BEAUTY (planning to sell); collecting vintage toy campers, and sharing; move a small barn/large shed to become a “backyard camp” – (did not work out); and now planning a “camp” addition behind the book shop.

And you can imagine I have piles of travel literature to sit and read and plan trips. I even found a book on the history of arm chair travel. In those piles and in the plans: Hudson River area; Adirondacks and Catskills: Wilton, CT, hometown area; Blackstone Valley, RI, to Newport and South County; Cape Cod; and Maine. Of course there are dirt roads in Vermont and NH for BLUE BELLE.

Here is hoping, please “stay tuned.”
Luv, RAY