Medical Update

I don't know why I didn't post this news when we found out. I guess it's because I just couldn't bear to see the words on the screen. We got a call a couple of weeks ago from Troy's oncologist. They had reviewed the last PET Scan and decided that there was an area in his throat that they were concerned about and wanted another look at it (even though we had already gotten the "all clear"). They called him and left that message on a Friday afternoon at 4:30 and then closed down their switchboard. We were obviously concerned and worried and when Troy finally got in touch with them on Monday (late afternoon by the time they called back) we didn't feel much better about the situation. We had been looking forward to four months without any poking and prodding and of course, we couldn't even begin to imagine that the cancer had returned.

Anyway, we tried our best not to worry about it and mostly succeeded. I say mostly because you just can't put something like that out of your mind, no matter how hard you try, you just keep wondering and worrying.

Well - the PET Scan took place yesterday and I am ecstatic to announce that there was still no sign of cancer. What a relief! The doctor believes that it is just some scaring from the radiation and the surgery. No more scans until October. And some really good news - the doctor told us that with esophageal cancer recurrence is 80% more likely to happen within the first two years. Troy was 2 years from his surgery in May!

Now we're in vacation preparation since we leave for Isla Mujeres on Sunday. It's wonderful to be able to look foward to our vacation without this black cloud hanging over us. Look out Isla, here we come!

Major Catch Up Time

It seems like the same old excuse - we're too busy, don't have time to post on the blog. Well, it's true. Life seems to be passing by at breakneck speed. It's not all bad though. We're working hard but playing hard too. Sailing, paddling, anchoring out, taking pictures. Spending as much time as possible on the water. Here's some pictures of the fun that we've been having so far this summer (and technically it's not even summer yet):

Anchoring at Baycliff












Sailing Chicks

Armand Bayou Paddling

The Dinghy Gang

Sailing on Anchor Management

Major Project

Troy got started on one of our major projects for Storyville. He began the task of installing the generator that will power the boat while we are at anchor. It's heavy and not only did Troy need to find a way to get it into the boat, he also had to get it over the engine in the boat's engine room and onto a pad on the opposite side of the engine. Not much room to maneuver in there!

Thankfully Troy had lots of great help from John, Patrick, Frank, Ted, Trey and Jim (hopefully I didn't leave anyone out). We were very appreciative of all the help! Here are some of the pictures of the installation process:

Lots of discussion at this point

He looks a little nervous!

Ready, Set

Here she goes!

Thanks Everyone!!!!!

New Post - No Pictures

It's been so long since I've really posted a blog entry. The blog feels neglected! No pictures this time, just words (like a grown up book!).

Troy and I have had a lot going on. Seems like we are constantly on the go. I have some good news to report. Troy had another round of tests including a PET Scan on May 5th. His status remains NED (No Evidence of Disease). We are always so happy to get that result. It's been 2 years this month since Troy's surgery. We feel blessed and excited with each good test result that we receive. We were hoping that the doctor would let him go for 6 months before the next round of tests, but he only gave him 4 months. He has been going every 3 months so I guess that is some improvement.

I have kept a secret from my blog but I think it's time to come clean! I kept the secret because we weren't ready to let my employer know our plans and I try to keep in mind that the internet and this blog are not private but I've also come to realize that people probably don't care enough to reseach the plans of the Jones Family! :) The secret is that we plan to leave to go cruising in December of 2010. We are making plans for that date every day. We have so many boat projects in the works now so that Storville can be ready when the big day arrives. Here is a list of the current projects:

1. Generator (purchased but not yet installed)
2. Watermaker (won at Miami Boat Show but not yet installed)
3. Chartplotter (purchased but not yet installed)
4. Radar (you guessed it - we have it but not yet installed)

Those are the projects for the immediate future. There are plenty more waiting when those are finished. We haven't been able to sail as much as we would like because of the ongoing projects but we realize that it is for a greater good, i.e. lots and lots of sailing in the future.

We are excited and counting down the days until our crusing dreams come true. Only 18 months (82 weeks) to go. Our general plan is to leave Clear Lake and sail to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. After that, we will plan as we go. We are making these plans with our great friends Colleen and Steve on s/v Anchor Management and Patrick on s/v Wheee Doggiee. We even have a name for our group - Morcalyana. The boats that are planning to leave together are a Morgan (Storyville), a Cal (Wheee Doggiee) and a Tayana (Anchor Management) hence the name Morcalyana. We are having a great time getting our boats ready and counting down the weeks until departure. In fact, we are all planning a vacation to Isla Mujeres in July and we are calling it our recon trip!

Those are the current and exciting things going on with us right now. Since the secret is out I will try to start posting more information about our cruising preparations. This is a dream that Troy and I both share and we can't wait to get out there on our boat. I want to dive off the stern of Storyville into crystal clear blue water. I want to spear a fish. I want to cook it for dinner.

The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. ~Henry David Thoreau

Tall Ship Elissa

I realize that our blog has become an outlet for my photography lately. That's because nothing too exciting is going on in our lives right now. We're just spending time working on Storyville and working at making a living. We would love to get out on the water more often. It's really a challenge to balance work, boat work and having fun. Somehow we manage. Life is good!

Here are some pictures that I took a few days ago when Colleen and I toured Elissa. She is the official Tall Ship of Texas and was built in 1877.

Yellow Rose of Texas!

Bird Pictures

Some of my recent bird pictures

If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff. ~Jim Richardson

Weekend With The Boys

We had a great weekend. The weather was windy and warm and Jessica and David spent the weekend on the boat with us. They brought our new grandson Caleb and our soon to be grandson Kaden. Caleb was born on January 22nd so he is six weeks old now. Kaden is 20 months old and Jessica and David are beginning the adoption process and hoping and praying that everything goes smoothly. They have Kaden full time now so their hands are definitely full! Check out the pics:

Grandchildren are a grandparent's link to the future, and grandparents are the child's link to the past. ~Author Unknown