My friend Bob Archell

[BobArch2]

Well, if Mohamed must mount his mountain bike, then - No, Hang

Hmmm, how about a jet ski up the St. Lawrence, turn towards Port au Basque then turn left when reaching the Atlantic onward to Bonavista being careful to avoid the icebergs roaming the seas?

[BobH]

Better get fitted for an Arctic-capable wet suit first.

[BobArch2]

S.S.Caibou

Thinking of Port au Basque reminded me of it and the S.S. Caribou that changed my life forever. The link goes to a Newfoundland magazine called Downhome where I had submitted my story of a war time event.

After the Downhome page loads, just tap on the white box to read my submission.

If the events of that episode had been different I would not be here in this hospital bed.

[BobArch2]

Better get fitted for an Arctic-capable wet suit first.

Double thick!

[ChrisGreaves]

... a jet ski up the St. Lawrence, turn towards Port au Basque then turn left when reaching the Atlantic onward to Bonavista being careful to avoid the icebergs roaming the seas?

Bob, it was this kind of lazy thinking that was the ruin of the Dutch navigators.
From the Cape of Good Hope, the three ships were to “progress eastwards between 36° south and 39° south to 3,500 miles, then steer north-east until 30° latitude south, and you sight Eendracht’s land before sailing on to Java”
Basically "head west until you hit the Western Australian coast, then hang a left", which they often enough didn't, because, before you can hit the Western Australian coast you must first run aground and hit the off-shore reefs, sometimes 50 miles off-shore from an arid inhospitable coast.

And as far as icebergs go, it's not so much a case of you reaching the Atlantic as the Atlantic reaching out to grasp you.

You'd probably end up back in quod with hypothermia added to the list.
I'm just sayin' ...

With muted cheers, Chris

[ChrisGreaves]

If the events of that episode had been different I would not be here in this hospital bed.

Or as my Lancashire mother used to say "Born to be hung!"

Cheers, Chris

[BobArch2]

Quick recovery, Bob.

Hi Ron,

Your email message sent August 25th via the hospital's email system just landed on my hospital bed.

Your kind message and best wishes coming from Norway were a surprise and well received. Many thanks.

Stay tuned for a general update on my condition.

[BobArch2]

Good News

Last Wednesday I was given some good news.

There was an opening in Unit 1 of the Extendicare Oshawa convalescent home here in Ontario. I could have moved there this past Friday. Wheeee was the feeling. Then...

Bad News

I declined the move (a no brainer) when they informed me that Unit 3 of the convalescent home has an outbreak of COVID. (They gave me the option to move or decline)

Next Step

I will stay at the hospital here in Ajax until the outbreak at the convalescent home is declared over. Timing unknown.

Then some good news pertaining to rehab facilities in Oshawa. Their rehab facilities are far better than those in the hospital.

Physio facility

Two sessions a day. 1 private and the 2nd in a group. I was informed that the unit has all the necessary equipment.

End of GN/BN

[HansV]

Thanks for the update. I hope the outbreak in the convalescent home will be under control soon!

[BobArch2]

Thanks for the update. I hope the outbreak in the convalescent home will be under control soon!

I certainly hope so Hans!

Being in the hospital since June 21st is no luxury

[Graeme]

Being in the hospital since June 21st is no luxury

Hope you don't pull all of your hair out!

Get well soon Bob.

Regards

Graeme

[BobH]

Bob, as one who has had an extensive hospital stay to anothe, here's a bit of advice: DON'T PINCH THE NURSES' BOTTOMS.

They will get even and they are evil.

DAMHIKT


Get well soon, friend.

[BobArch2]

When it rains, it pours!

Last Tuesday I reported to staff that I had sniffles and had developed a cough with a sore throat.

The doctor prescribed nasal spray and as per hospital protocols, had me tested for COVID.

The test results came back yesterday morning.

Here they are:

Came back positive for me and several other patients.

Including my current roommate and previous roommate.

I was fine before those two became my roommates. They were constantly hacking and coughing. They should have been tested back when.

I will not be moved to isolation as they have declared my room an isolation room (Along with others on the floor)

Staff have yet to be tested but they were scheduled for testing Thursday.

If there is good news to be shared it is that this version of COVID is more like a flu, a lesser version of past strains.

And so, the saga continues.

[BobArch2]

Bob, as one who has had an extensive hospital stay to anothe, here's a bit of advice: DON'T PINCH THE NURSES' BOTTOMS.

Hey Bob,

I ignored your advice and look where it got me!

[HansV]

It never rains but it pours...

[BobH]

Although the bug found you, it seems it hasn't dampened your spirits.

Now that they've got even, pinch 'em all you want.

[BobArch2]

Now that they've got even, pinch 'em all you want.

May I quote your permission should their lawyer contact me?

[StuartR]

Here's hoping that it's just a mild infection

[BobArch2]

Here's hoping that it's just a mild infection

Thanks Stuart. All the symptoms are indicating it should be a mild flu like strain.

The doctor has put me on a 5 day twice a day dosage of Paxlovid. Not looking forward to some of its side effects. There again, the hit on the taste buds might improve the taste of hospital food.

[Amelia43]

Your positive approach and wry humour in less than happy circumstances are admirable, Bob.
I wish you a speedy and uncomplicated recovery, and the pleasure of indulging in "real" (i.e. not hospital version) food very soon.
Dianne