So here is the update from Jbird, aka Dr Fish. The knee surgery 3 weeks ago was successful beyond all expectations! I was waking without cane or walker at 2 weeks! Leg flexibility is about 2/3 goal; I'm weeks ahead of last time! I'm very grateful for the fabulous medical care that got me here!
Equally important is my sincere thanks to all my Western Bass compadres. I sold the Ranger and am boatless at the moment. I may fish 2018 as a backseater, but with as many great hooks there are in this club, that should be a real treat. I'm planning to be done with my psychology work in 5-6 months, so I'd be available to help any of you prefish, for our events, or others.
Finally, mom died peacefully at home a couple weeks ago, age 89, as she wished, surrounded by her family. She always wanted to do research at the U of Minn., and got her last wish as she donated her body to them. Dad is coping as well as can be expected for a 91 y.o. guy. We'll have to see how this next chapter unfolds.
So I'll be back in WA in a few weeks. I've always heard winter is for drinking beer and talking about fishing, so maybe we can toast the holidays together soon.