Apple Picking

For the last few weeks Chicago has been enjoying an unbelievable stretch of beautiful weather- bright blue skies, warm temperatures, and sun. (Before you get too jealous, I'll also add that the weather reports are predicting this winter to be one of the worst in Chicago's recorded history.  How do they know these things anyway?) Last Monday, a Columbus Day holiday, we went apple picking.   This involved an hour and a half drive through Chicago sprawl before the endless stoplights gave way to farm land and apple trees not far from Wisconsin!  I think we'll be eating apples until Easter.

Our little church buddy, Alli,  and our friend Ms. Helen came with us too.

Several of you have asked how Jason is doing.  As you can see from the above picture he is doing so much better!  His doctors say both his knee and his blood work show signs that the antibiotics are working and the infection is going away.  The intensity of the two week sickness and hospital visit has given way to a more general fatigue of trekking out to the hospital EVERY DAY to receive his antibiotic treatment. And if this wasn't enough to wear a man down add-

  No alcohol. No coffee. No exercise. 

Throw in a daily mummy wrapping 

in Saran Wrap (around the PICC line on his arm)

 just to take a shower.  

Cheery, eh? 

 So, needless to say, Jason is counting the days until October 25th when the PICC line comes out and all he'll have to worry about is getting his knee back in shape.  Then we wait and pray that the infection doesn't return and he is given the clean bill of health!