Rock and siding.

Progress.

Jawon and Dale at the overlook on Lake of the Ozarks

Dale let's go swimmin

Dale let's go swimmin

Dale let's go swimmin

Dale can we go swimmin??

Jawon and his Catfish

King of the Hill

Jawon next to the new house at Lake of the Ozarks

Lake Ada from Harry's front door.

Nothing new to report on Moriah's condition. She did have another toenail removed and is battling a slight infection. Antibiotics should take care of it. Jawon and I visited her several times over the past week. Watching a five year old talk to her in this situation, and listening to his honesty and innocence was heart warming and heart breaking.

We had a great week both in Iowa City and at the Lake. Lot's of hours fishing, tubing, swimming, and only the cartoon network allowed on the television. We were joined by old friend Nathan Banchik and his wife Connie. Great to have them their. The weather and the scenery were outstanding.

It reminds me of the old Einstien quote,

"Their are only two ways to live your life, One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle" I know which one I would pick.

A five year old certainly keeps thing in perspective.

"Hey Dale, look the sky is makin a sunset. Do you think Mary is up there?"

Then he wondered why I was crying.

I am a blessed man.

I will be spending the weekend in Chicago with a group of Iowa City friends and Hawkeye fans. Cubs game on Friday and then we will watch the Hawkeyes play Northern Illinois at Soldier Field on Saturday. Should be a great weekend. Enjoy your holiday. Don't work to hard if you have to work on Labor Day. Ironic isn't it?

Keep the Faith

God Bless

Dale

8-21-07

Moriah visited the UIHC yesterday for a CT scan and review with her Neuro Surgeon. Unfortunately I do not have anything positive to report. Her brain looks fairly normal and the shundt is working properly. The injury to her neck and lack of activity has caused a slight bend in her head position. Not much visible damage to the brain from the pictures. Basically she's still stuck. I continue to pray that the Lord will take care of her.

Cody and Luke Nichols and "Uncle Dale" above

I had a busy week of travel and visits. Started with my Mom and Dad in Eau Claire along with brother Jim and his family.

Then it was on to St Cloud to visit sister Sus and family and a get together with Mary's sister Jayne and husband Ron and old friends Joe and Cindy Helm. We were joined by Kathy Baack who is and old friend of Jayne and Mary's and was in both of our wedddings. Great to see all of you.

Then I headed for Lake Ada and a weekend with friends Harry and Lois Robbins and other members of the Lake Ada neighborhood. Fishing was quiet but I did manage a 4 inch Northern! And oh yeah the Harriet Club still rocks!!!

I was planning on spending more time in Minnesota but my plans changed due to some appointments for Moriah. So I hope to see you on my next trip North.

I picked up Jawon Sunday in St Paul and headed back to Iowa City. We will head to the Lake on Thursday for some fun.

I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?

Psalm 121 v1

Keep the Faith.

Peace

Dale

8-13-07

Here's Mo and her Dad. I think this was just before her baptism. Of course Mary made the gown. Nice orange Menards shirt!! 1982



Moriah remains in virtually the same condition. The Ambien has not had any noticeable affect as of yet. We have some CT scans and MRI's scheduled for next week on a trip back to UIHC. I wouldn't expect any major changes but I will let you know if anything comes out of the tests.
We continue to hope and pray. Thank you for your interest and your prayers.

Moriah's condo has sold so at least that's one less thing to worry about. I gotta tell you, moving her stuff out and going through it was well, it was a #@&***!! day.

I'm heading to Wisconsin tomorrow and then on to Minnesota on Thursday. I will be back in Iowa City on the 19th with Jawon. We will spend a few days here and then head to the Lake for a long weekend.

I continue to be amazed by the thoughts and prayers of everyone. I am so blessed to have you all out there.

His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.
Lamentations 3 v22

Have a great week.
God Bless
Dale

8-2-07

"God's Medal of Honor winners are made in secret because their most courageous acts occur away from the hurricane of public opinion, up in the attic, hidden from public knowledge."

Moriah's chair has been fixed. Hopefully this will keep her more comfortable while sitting up in the chair. Danielle and I spent a couple of hours with her yesterday and she seemed aware and comfortable. No other major changes at this time.

My prayers and thoughts are with all of my friends in the Twin Cities.

Danielle and I are heading to the lake today. We will have a get together at Old Chicago in Coralville on Tuesday the 7th at 6 o'clock. Stop by if you can.

I dug up a diamond
rare and fine
I dug up a diamond in a deep dark mine
If only I could cling to my beautiful find
I dug up a diamond in a deep dark mine

My gem is special beyond all worth
as strong as any metal
or stone in the earth
sharp as any razor
or blade you can buy
bright as any laser
or any star in the sky

Maybe once in a lifetime
you'll hold one in your hand
once in a lifetime
in this land
where the journey ends
in a worthless claim
time and again
in the mining game

Maybe in your lifetime you'll hold one in your hand
Where the journey ends
time and again in the mining game

"I Dug Up A Diamond" written by Mark Knopfler
Album All The Roadrunning Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris

This song totally blew me away. Gunner told me to go buy this album and I just did. Wow!!

Hope you find your diamond
God Bless
Dale