Variety

Despite countless trips to Sonic this summer, Eric still enjoys the variety of drink options at Sonic, trying new flavors and combinations. Yesterday, he ordered their "Ocean Water," something he and I had been curious about for months. It's essentially blue coconut flavored Sprite. (that was for Troy)

Andrew started freshmen band camp today. Eric initially thought he'd play percussion in band this year, just so he could be part of band. But he changed his mind and has decided to sit out band this fall. The doctors say to give his lungs six more months to heal, then hopefully he can try his trumpet again, possibly re-join the band second semester, and see how it goes. In the meantime, for extra-curricular activity, Eric will focus on piano and theater lessons. Next week, he's taking a musical theater class through the Children's Theater Company at the Central School here in Lake Charles.

Dad's Visit -- Last Day

Last evening, we introduced Dad to Sonic. He'd never been to one. (Gasp) He enjoyed a Jr. Deluxe burger and a lemon-berry slush.

The boys and I took Dad to Sam Houston Jones State Park this morning for a little hiking. He heads back to Pennsylvania later this afternoon.

Canoe Ride

My good friend Rodney took Dad and I out for a river ride in his canoe this morning. Beautiful day. We saw kids on rope swings, blue heron guarding the river bank, hopeful fishermen, and darting dragonflies.

Shakespeare and Shrimp

Eric and Andrew performed Shakespeare admirably today.

Post-Shakespeare lunch . . . burgers and fries at the Dairy Barn.

After lunch, we headed south on the Creole Nature Trail to the Sabine Wildlife Refuge. We were on an alligator hunt, and eventually saw a few. We bought fresh shrimp in Cameron, boiled them at home for a tasty dinner.

Pulmonary Function Test

I took Eric to Lake Charles Memorial this morning for a pulmonary function test (PFT) to see how well his lungs are working. I worked in Pittsburgh pulmonary labs for 20 years before moving to Louisiana, so this is all very familiar to me. Despite Eric recovering so well, so quickly, I knew enough not to expect this PFT to be anywhere close to normal. Yet I was still surprised by the results. For my medical friends, FVC 37%, FEV1 41%, PEF 70%, TLC, 55%, DLCO 43%. For my non-medical readers . . . quite crappy! For those out there who still pray for Eric, we need prayers for improved lung function. And this is something that I (hopefully) expect to occur over the course of many years. In the meantime, I'll choose to look at Eric clinically and not focus on the numbers. He hasn't used supplemental O2 in several weeks. He's gained almost 20 pounds. And he rode his bike over 3 miles last evening.

We attended the Governor's Program musical, Grease, this evening. We enjoyed the music and dancing, and Eric had fun seeing some of his friends from last year.

Dad's Visit--Day 2

I swear, we've had more rain in the past two days since my dad came than we've had all summer long. Especially today. Pouring, most all day. Figures, when I want to take him sightseeing.

At least the resaurants are open. Post-Shakespeare class lunch today . . . Darrell's Po'Boys. My Lake Charles readers know, Darrell's is THE place to go for Louisiana po'boys.

Speaking of Shakespeare, the boys are rehearsing their lines for Friday's performance. Eric's playing Hamlet and Andrew is (you could guess) Romeo.

Company

I picked my dad up at the airport this morning. He'll be visiting us for a week. It's his first trip ever to Louisiana. I gave him a little tour of Lake Charles while the boys were at their Shakespeare class, then we ate lunch at the Cajun Cafe. I'll do my best to introduce Dad to the food, music, and culture of this fascinating state. Oh, and wildlife. Hopefully, we'll see some alligators.