Day 356, "St. Louis break from the Loop" - 9/30/2023

Did you miss us?! Since the Chicago locks are closed and there is NOT much to do in Hammond, we took a break and went home to St. Louis. By the time we return to Hammond, we would have taken a 20 day break. It was nice to reconnected with Grampy / Raymond who seems to be doing well. He has an in-home helper he really likes. Her name is Sofia who works 3 days a week; but, will cut down to 2 days a week starting the week we return from the loop :-)

In addition to reconnecting with Grampy/Raymond, we took care of our annual health appointments and enjoyed catching up with friends, had some great lunches, dinners and get togethers! We laughed SO much! Thank you to everyone who hosted us, made time to meet up and/or listened about this crazy adventure called "The Loop". You all have made this trip possible for us, we are thankful to have you all assisting with Grampy, praying for and cheering us on!

After visiting STL, we plan to return to Hammond, IN and finish the last leg of this magnificent trip! Yes, we enjoyed being home; not sure what we will do with ourselves when it is over.

I can tell you, Joel kept busy around the house and at the Duck Blind. Personally, I got reconnected with friends, cooked a lot (in a nice big work area, opposed to a small boat work area ;-)

> Here, Joel re-stained the handrail.

We took a lot of stuff from the boat to the house, mainly because we wanted to declutter the boat. We had a ton of stuff we didn't need, who knew?!

One thing I learned, Joel and I don't necessarily need all the things we think / thought we did. Hmmm.. is this why Joel took me on this trip?? - LOL

Back to the Loop: As reported in previous post, the Chicago locks have been under renovation and various repairs; hence, why we were held up in Hammond, IN. Well, as luck would have it, the lock will NOT open on October 1st as originally planned. Side note: The NEW open day for the locks is now October 5th, meaning our Flotilla will be "locking through" on October 8th. Again this is all dependent on the LOCKS OPENING (and weather)!

The AGLCA (American Great Loop Cruiser's Association) has done a great job working with Corp. of Engineers and the Lock Masters, etc to ensure the least amount of chaos.

It is estimated that 285 Looper boats are scheduled (and anxious) to travel through the locks between 10/5 - 10/25/2023. The first of several (17) flotillas will travel through the locks on a daily basis (weather permitting) as soon as the locks open.

Each flotilla has been assigned a Lead boat (captain) and will have 16 boats in the fleet. The lead boat is responsible to sit in on regularly scheduled zoom calls (w/ AGLCA) to receive updates and then communicate to the other 15 boats.

Updates include: date changes, weather issues, lock master concerns, etc. Below Joel is on a zoom call to discuss the plan to get through the locks (and last part of our trip).

Summer Place (Us) is assigned to flotilla #4 (scheduled for October 8th now) making us part of the first 64 boats to travel through the locks. Some boats will plan and travel through the Chicago locks / river system on their own.

No 0ne is obligated to abide by the process planned by the AGLCA, this is merely a convenience we loopers are so fortunate to have. Which means, Yes! There will be some loopers and other commercial boat traffic passing through these locks as well. Side note: Barges receive priority passage.

We are in the same group as our buddies Long Gone 2 and Spartina (and 13 other boats ;-). Another reason the AGLCA is working to manage this process is to prevent "back up" at the marina's and the locks ahead. Side note: Marina staff is starting to thin out due to the end of summer (and upcoming cooler weather).

Hammond marina is filling up! Screen shots from "Nebo app"

Random Information & Miscellaneous Stuff:

My Aunt Carole (Richardson) received her wings on September 28. She joins several family members who have gone before her (including my dad who passed away in Feb 2020). Her son Corey (and husband, Don) have been her caregiver for the past few years, she passed away at home after battling Alzheimer's and other health issues. She fought a tough battle, it wasn't easy for my cousin, Corey; but he did an amazing job making sure both his parents were loved and cared for.

Pic 1: Aunt Peggy, my dad & Aunt Carole

Pic 2: All of the above and Uncle Kenny (Uncle Kenny, last surviving sibling, I think he is 93)

Pic 3: Uncle Don & Aunt Carole

Pic 4: Aunt Carole & Uncle Kenny - Aunt Carole is holding my dad's dog (named Hotdog)

Pic 5: My dad and Aunt Carole on the scooter (they were always up to no good :-) and a good laugh.

Raymond / Grampy Update:

While we were home, we met his aide, Sofia. Sofia is wonderful and talking about small world she is the Mother-in-law of a friend so we know Grampy is in good hands. Grampy's doctors indicate he is at 70% recovery from the heart attack which is GREAT for an 84 year old, some folks aren't so lucky. He is NOT on oxygen and only requires a walker when going outside the home. He does wear a life alert now. Although he is at 70%, he continues to have vascular problems.

We had originally planned to return to the loop on 9/28; however, Joel took Grampy for his 6 month vascular check up on 9/26. Grampy had vascular surgery about 5/6 years ago and has done fairly well; however, during this visit we learned Grampy is having some nerve issues in his left foot (opposite right side which is the side of his previous vascular sugary). On Monday, October 2nd, Grampy's will have a procedure which will help the doctor determine the extent of nerve damage in the left side (foot) and prepare a plan of next steps.

My Mom (Trudy Carr) Update:

As some of you know, my mom (like Grampy, is a diabetic) along with several other health issues; such as congestive heart and kidney failure. She has suffered and been home bound for the better of 3-5 years; only leaving the house for doctor appointments and ER visits.

She has been in the hospital for the past month. The first two weeks was to remove fluid in her chest and manage the other health issues she has. Her doctors admitted her to a rehab facility but did not pass on her medicine or advise that she was a diabetic. Side note: My sister Jane (her main caregiver) and my brother Jimmy (back up caregiver) do a great job. My mom has one of them with her approx. 80% of the time and they spent the better part of 4+ hours at the rehab getting mom settled in.

After a mishap at the rehab (w/out proper medication and insulin), she was rushed back to the hospital where she spent another two weeks. Needless to say, mom will NOT be returning to a rehab facility!

I am happy to report, mom is back home and Jane has relayed she is doing much better since her visit to the rehab.

*** Please keep both our parents in your thoughts and prayers***

Now for a Jonathan Update (and more uplifting):

He has been enjoying his time at the University of Arkansas!

He and his roommates "thought" they wanted a dog. After many discussions with their parents (I know we had several with Jonathan), they decided not to get a "full time" dog. Stubborn as the boys were, they were bound and determined so they decided to "foster" not 1; but, 2 dogs (approx. 6 - 8 weeks old). Well, they had these pups for about 2 weeks and I believe that was enough (LOL). After all the care these pups needed and required, I believe they decided it is best to wait on a dog. :-)

He recently attended a recruitment session, he was a bit nervous. However, he did it and knows what to expect next year. Side note: he may get an internship this summer; but, it seems most companies are hiring juniors over sophomores! Time will tell.

Shhhh.. I stole the picture from a FaceTime conversation, he called to ask about his tie :-)

He has a tough schedule this semester and doing his best to maintain a 3.5 GPA so kudos to him for that! In addition to keeping up his school work, he loves attending the football games and is going to see the Texas A&M game in Texas with some Arkansas friends this weekend (9/29-10/1). He will stay at a friends dorm one night and another friends home the other night. Safe Travels and go WPS!

We had hoped to see Jonathan on his birthday weekend, which happens to be fall break for Arkansas but due to the lock delays, that will not happen. Boo hoo!

Port-A-Gee fellow looper's blog, check it out here:

Loral did a great job of documenting their trip if you would like to check it out! They crossed their wake in September (just before we got held up in Chicago, waiting on the locks to open). Congratulations on turning "GOLD" and look at you two, so cute in your blue!

Our neighbors continue to spoil us! Jan & Steve gave us a nice bottle of Pinot Noir and Denny & Shelia gave a bottle of Prosecco (Side note: They gave a bottle to toast at the beginning of the trip and now a bottle to celebrate the end of the trip! It's hard to believe it has been a year on October 9th.)

If you see a boat flying this flag, they are LOOPERS! When a looper completes the loop for the 1st time, the flag is "Gold" (you can see Port-A-Gees has their Gold flag in the picture above).