Well a bit of medical news first. Due I think to the heavy exercise and weight loss over the past few months, I am now off my high blood pressure meds entirely. Yippee. Only the blood thinner and a-fib med left. Probably stuck with them forever.

My friend I have never actually met yet in person and I are into detail planning for our trip this summer into the wilderness canoeing together for a week or so. As I previously wrote, he has some medical issues as well, is about my age, and loves to camp and canoe as much as I do.

Now to the story relating to the title I gave this entry. Lesley and I have a neighbor named Ed. His wife Chris is a lovely lady and she and Lesley get along well. Ed is in his early 60's. Ed has some health problems, not the which of least is that he had a stroke when he was 6 years old. Ed had a tough life, making friends was always difficult for him because of his speech deficit among other things. He also has intestinal problems that strike without warning and can interfere with his plans for the day. We have become the best of friends with both of them. Both will do anything they can for anybody, and are just good, dependable folks and the best neighbors anyone could have. It started last summer that Ed and I began fishing together, from there we all four began camping together in our RV's. Strangely, Even though I have only lived here 7 years and Ed has spent his entire life here, still I have been the one showing him where the fish are.

One day I asked Ed if he was familiar with Erector sets. A metal construction toy most of us guys grew up with in the 50's and 60's. He said sure.. I told him I am a collector of them now and spend much time during the winters building models with my sets. I asked him if he would care to join me building models sometime. Well, now once or twice a week he comes over and we build side by side. I have had to buy some special screwdrivers and nut holders to help my affected hand hold things properly since the fingers don't work perfectly, but it is great therapy screwing small nuts and bolts together and we get it done. It is great to have a "third" hand available when I need it. He has just jumped in and started building like he has never stopped from being a kid. We are building the amusement park set of models, ferris wheel, merry go round, parachute jump. I already had build a few others, and someday, maybe next winter we will push one button and all will come to life. Maybe I will be able to post a video her of it all in action.

It is great to have a friend that understands what limitations are, has a few of his own, and just get on with life whatever it takes.

Ed introduced me to a men's Bible Study he goes to once a week. I now usually go as well. I'll end this with a short joke one of the men told us all there last week. It seems Adam was talking to God in the Garden and told God I really need a helpmate, what can you do for me? God thought for a minute and then said "give me a arm and a leg and I can make the perfect helpmate for you". Adam thought for a moment then asked "what can I get for a rib"?

Till next time......