Summer on Long Island

July is winding down really quickly, and once again I have let too much time pass between blog updates.

My main "excuse" is that our computer crashed. Not only did it crash, but we lost everything...photos, word docs, etc. Thank God I had saved my doctoral disseration material on an external drive, but everything else is gone forever.

To take our minds off our every day stressors, Sally and I spent a few hours at the Long Island Game Farm. It felt good to "be a kid again," even if it was just for a short time. We enjoyed seeing all of the animals, especially the lion, tigers, monkeys, lemurs and the giraffe. But the silliest moment of the day was when we walked into the petting zoo and laid down with the baby goats. Oh my goodness...we laughed so hard. What a wonderful day!

Since my last post, I have been working extremely hard in physical therapy. There are days that I can peddle the recumbant bike for 8 minutes, work the pilates machine and then come home and continue my exercises in our pool. But most days I "stumble" onto the table and let Dr. Tiffany "perform her magic." Ice packs, deep tissue massage, and then ice packs with Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

My body is definitely changing...but there is no doubt that I have a muscle disease. I have difficulty performing many everyday functions that are mindless moves to most. My recent bloodwork was insignificant--which is definitely a good sign. But the weakness and constant pain in specific body parts, neck, hips and lower back, are at times unbearable.

Since my last flare, I have alot of weakness in my right ankle...something that has baffled both my doctor and physical therapist. In fact, Dr. R stated that he won't be surprised if the specialists at Johns Hopkins diagnose me with yet another autoimmune disorder. One more month until my appointment!

Over the last few weeks I have been able to perform simple aquatic exercises on my "noodle." It gives me the freedom to move around with little or no stress on my muscles and joints. I feel free to be me whenever I get into the water. The impairment of joint mobility/performance seems to vanish when I am in paddling around!

Goldie and I in the pool, relaxing on a raft!

As I mentioned in my last post, I had the distinct honor of having one of my nautical photographs, 'Provincetown View," on display at the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society's 2009 Annual Art Show. Sally, Jarrett, my friend Jules and I attended the Opening Reception on June 25th. I could not believe the crowds of people that came out to see the show that evening. It was extremely overwhelming.














It was one of the proudest moments of my life...to have one of my personal photographs hanging in one of the most beautiful lighthouses anywhere. It is one of my favorite places on earth!

Newsday writer Sylvia King-Cohen featured me in another edition of "Asking the Clergy" specifically for Father's Day. I am once again honored, and received wonderful comments from friends and former PR/marketing colleagues. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Jarrett is away at camp and actually turned "16" last week. Wow...I cannot believe that my little boy is 16 and almost 5'6! He loves participating in teen travel camp each summer, and will actually be a counselor in training the last two weeks!

Our 2 year old Goldie recently had her summer haircut and looks gorgeous. I surely wish a Hollywood producer could see her photos...I am sure she'd be perfect starring in a new pet movie. Don't ya think???

Goldie...she ought to be in pictures!

My KIT (Keep in Touch) Myositis Support Group had our first "official" meeting on July 16 in Holbrook at a member's home. Every single person I have met through the group is a wonderful person with such mind-blowing stories. I thank God each and every day for the many blessings he has bestowed upon me and my family. You cannot ever imagine the nightmare's some of these brave people have endured with this illness.

The group elected me President, but I told them I would only lead as a Co-President...I cannot do it alone. I feel quite honored to take the helm. Our next meeting will be open to the public and will take place on Thursday, September 17 at the Sachem Library. This is just the beginning!

The family ventured out to NJ for a long weekend on the 18th, and we were able to hang out with my oldest friend from college...(not in age, but in years as friends!) Sharon, Frank, Sally and I shared a few laughs and great stories. Thanks for the memories, my friend!

Sally, me and Sharon...thumbs up!

That same long weekend, Sally, Mom and I took the ferry from Liberty State Park to Ellis Island. It was an amazing experience...from the initial approach to the island...the historical perspective of seeing the luggage of many of the immigrants who passed through those doors and hearing their stories...to actually touching both my grandfather's names (Sam Sheratsky and Lew Boyarsky) on the wall of honor.

Ellis Island

Before we left, we took the short ride over to the Statue of Liberty...and just leisurely strolled around the grounds. It had been years since I viewed Lady Libery up close and she is truly a beautiful sight.

The summer is flying by, but we finally made it to the beach this past weekend. I realized that we went as much as we could all winter, and hadn't gone at all until now! It was beautiful...simply breathtaking. I love summers on Long Island. Lobster dinners, Ralph's Ices or Mister Softee...and so much more!

Wow, it is so late...2 am...and I am wide awake. But I should probably sign off now and try to sleep. Tomorrow is another day.

By the way...I want to wish congratulations to two of our best friends...Julie and Peter...on the adoption of their new golden retriever puppy Oakley. He is Taylor's great, great nephew...and I cannot wait for Goldie to meet her new friend. She misses her big brother Dylan and her best friend Taylor. In just two weeks, Oakley's baby shots will be complete and he can finally come over! I promise to post pictures of their first meeting!

Until next time, keep the faith!