This ends out the month. There is more to come about the jaw, recovery and therapy. I will be writing about it, but I can see that daily entries will be more difficult now that I am starting to get into my normal routine. I have enjoyed posting the daily happenings and knowing that some of my family and friends follow along and find it informative, if not interesting, has been motivation to do it.

Thank you for all of the support, care and prayers. This has been the toughest medical issue I think I have ever personally dealt with. I haven’t been sick or in a hospital for….I don’t know how long. This catches up for what I have been missing. Hopefully this is it for another 52 years!

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Posted: February 4,2008

The month is ending well. Spent the day getting caught up at the office and later a conference call about Governor Romney’s visit and Rally in Illinois.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Posted: February 4, 2008

The bite is good…at least from what I believe it should be.

Went to Maxi facial Specialist in Bloomington. He seemed to think things were well.

The ‘wire’ that I thought was scraping my tongue when I chewed turned out to be a sharp piece of bone sticking through!!!!!!!! Doctor numbed the area and filed it down. He said it may need to be done a few more times because it could keep growing back until tissue grows over it.

I have the ‘arch bars’ on. They are wired to the teeth to hold them in place above and below the rows of teeth. This is what was holding the wires, when the jaws were wired shut. Bloomington doctor said they would need to stay on for a while and that I would use rubber bands hold the jaw in place to insure the bite continued to be aligned. He said rubber bands could be taken off, but have them on at night and at least 8 hours during the day.

I asked the doctor if the arch bars could come off a week from Friday. He laughed because he knew I was very antsy. We agreed that I would come in and he thought so, but wanted to look at it all first. I would like have general anesthesia when they are taken off be cause they have to take the wires from around the teeth that are holding them in place….I think they mean it could be painful…..I’m ok with being put to sleep, and while he is in there, I am going to ask him to file down the other piece of sharp bone that is coming through the jaw too.

Having the rubber bands on hasn’t been that bad. I can speak pretty well with them on. I have been keeping them on most of the day,

Had a national conference call for Mitt Romney’s campaign with the National Campaign Manager, Political Director and the Chairs of the February 5 states.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Posted: February 4, 2008

Bright sunny day in Denver.

Didn’t realize it until I got going in the morning, put I do have a microwave in the room, duh…felt like a hillbilly heating up my broth in the coffee pot. Oh well, got my broth for breakfast in the microwave.

Went to the hospital early and to the floor where I stayed. I saw the manager of the floor. I wanted her to be sure and know how much I appreciated the fantastic service I received. Give my best to all.

At the Doctor's office and he asked about the bite. Explained that if bite is good, then we take the wires off, then need to check it every day for a week and do therapy…stretching. If bite not good, then wire again for another week. Well, you can guess what was going through my mind.

Laid back and he started snipping. Doctor is very good, medically and bedside manners, I like him. When done he said lay there for five minutes and slowly open and close mouth a little, not much.

Truly the bite was good. All seems well. It seemed strange, that things seemed a bit rearranged inside. Not quite the way it used to be. I should assume so!

Left hospital and went to airport to wait in Admiral’s Club for my flight that keeps getting pushed back because of weather in Chicago.

So I am pushing it, but had a slice of pizza at the airport……………………………!  It was not pleasant chewing. I kept feeling a scrape on the right side of the tongue when I chewed, I thought it was the wires form holding the arch bars on…..later I learned it was…well I will tell you when I get there later in the week.

Flight was considerably delayed, but got home. George came to airport to pick me up and got to Pontiac and then home to my bed at 2:00 AM…….this is tiring!
 

Monday, January 28, 2008

Posted: February 4, 2008

It takes so long to get all done in the morning, compared to what I am used to. Blending food…oatmeal in the morning, but was out of milk, so made it with water…yuk! It takes longer to shave, lip and chin still numb so have to watch out not cutting them….

Went to the office to unpack mail and sign letters. Fred, my brother-in-law drove me to O’Hare. I am flying back to Denver to meet the Surgeon tomorrow and hopefully have the wires taken out.

I had e mailed the nurse a few days ago and was asking about timing and therapy. She said she would ask the Doctor. I got an e mail back from her saying he said, “If he is off the bite after we release him on Tuesday yes he will need to have the wires back for a week. Furthermore he needs to be checked every day for a week and if anytime he is off the bite he needs to be put back on wires.  Thanks”

I am not sure how to tell now if I am off the bite, but having wires another week just isn’t going to be good.

The plane was delayed an hour and half.

I did get a first class seating using miles, which maybe wasn’t so good. The hot mixed nuts and the snack of vegetable pizza was frustrating to watch while I sucked on my club soda.

I am going to take a nap.

OK, I’m over it.

Went to the hotel near the hospital. I did pack apple juice, Sis’s Jell-O drink, and a can of chicken broth. The hotel room has a coffee pot, so I heated up some broth…I did not pour it through the filter.

Did a bit of paperwork and to bed at reasonable hour.

Saturday and Sunday, January 26-27, 2008

Posted: January 29, 2008

I though this would happen; once I got a bit more active, it would be hard to keep up with the daily entry on the Diary. It has come to be true. I am writing this on Monday.

Saturday was casual, getting laundry done and small projects around the house. Since I will be going back to Colorado to see the surgeon and have the wires off, the beginning of next week will be busy.

Josh Romney flew into Peoria this evening. Went to the airport, George drove, to pick him up. Thought appropriate to do so. I like him. He has a good personality, easy to be around and I have spent a lot of time with him on his multiple visits to IL. He represents his dad very well.

Dropped Josh off at his hotel and went home, to bed at a reasonable hour.

Sunday George picked me up and we went back to Peoria. Eric Hinton, candidate for Romney Alternate Delegate, had taken Josh to morning church. We then met them, the Stellas and Gary Manier for lunch in Peoria.

Full day of meet and greet in Bloomington and Peoria for Josh with supporters. Great reception and the energy was good. Peoria Lincoln Day Dinner had a good crowd Carol, one of the organizers, was exceptional.

I went to the LDD reception, but when they sat down for meal, I went to the lobby to work on the computer. It was a bit odd with everyone eating and me just trying to smile. I can’t wait to get the danged things off.

It was not hard talking, but with so much of it, I was getting tired. The jaw muscle was getting a good work out. As soon as it was possible, we were out of there. Said good night to Josh and then drove home.

Got home about 10, but was hungry….had soup and ice cream blended with banana. I am putting more miles on this blender in a few weeks compared to all the time I have had it.

Really no pain, but still awkward sleeping laying flat on the back.

Read the Pantagraph story on Josh Romney's visit

Friday, January 25, 2008

Posted: January 25, 2008

Went in to town for a meeting with my Dentist. Stopped at the office first, to leave my laptop to be backed up on the server.

Doctor took X-ray and said not to much he can do until Doctor in Denver releases me. I have an appointment set up the day after wires out with Maxillofacial Specialist in Bloomington. I understand he will work on the therapy which may take weeks, it all depends on healing. I may have bands on to limit use of jaw and other exercises to do.  Not sure what it all means to my schedule and speaking engagements. I will have a much better understanding by mid-next week.

I went down the block from the office to John’s Barber Shop. John said he heard of the accident and missed me coming in. I was in real need of a haircut. I like to keep a trimmed head and there was lots of hair on the cape when he was cutting.

Picked up my laptop and went home to the cheese soup a friend made. I wasn’t really beat, but did lie down for a half hour.

George came out to house at 1 and we worked getting details sorted out for Josh Romney in Illinois on Sunday. I signed a bunch of letters that the office had gotten ready for me.

Hardly any pain. The lower lip still partially numb and the chin is getting feeling back, but slightly numb too.

I am going to relax this evening and maybe watch a movie.

Turning this posting over to George to post yet tonight when he is back in the office. Doing it early because he is on the road this evening up to DeKalb and dropping Romney signs off along the way.

A special thank you to Patricia, Sylvia, Jen, Gwen, Lisa, Judy, Pat and many others for following along my happenings on this Diary. 

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Posted: January 24, 2008

I generally wake about 7am and with being at home now, I turn on my laptop and quickly go through e mails while I download the morning papers. I read the Sun Times and Springfield Journal on line, because I get printed copies of the Tribune, Pantagraph and Leader at the office. With George coming out each day he brings the papers and mail.

I fixed cream of wheat for breakfast. It was ok, but more work than my microwave oatmeal.

It was bright and sunny out today and with the snow it was especially bright. I took a few photos around the house (from inside because it was cold). I really like the view I have.

Spent most of the day working on Josh Romney’s visit to Central Illinois and putting together some fundraising information for our campaign committee.

I went through all of my District mail and it will go back to the office for Barb and Fran to process. I think we are on top of things, doesn’t seem like things have slipped.

I try not to talk too much, that is when the jaw muscles seem to tighten.

Apple juice in the coffee pot to keep warm with cinnamon sticks and a wassail seasoning packet, makes for good afternoon sipping.

For dinner, I blended the rest of the pork, mashed potatoes and gravy Sis sent over a few days ago. Much better in one big mixture. Also had a cream Jell-O she sent and blended it with white grape juice.

Kaleb is doing a great job on the web posting and keeping all of the computers going at the office. The Documatch is down and a part has been ordered. Mom is keeping on top of that so we should be up and running this weekend…..hope so, we have more Romney material to get out the door.

Full, getting tired and may go to bed, but want to watch the debate in Florida. May just catch the highlights on line later.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Posted: January 23, 2008

I woke at 3:15 this morning and took my pain medication.  The only real soreness is the tongue and lips. It seems when I have been sleeping they swell.

Last night before I went to bed, I fixed the treat I thought I was going to fix the night before: blended vanilla ice cream (actually Dairy Queen, so it is less creamy), a fresh white peach mom had dropped off, and white grape juice. It was refreshing.

Entering these Diary notes, does take a bit of time. Sitting in bed at 3:45 in the morning doing this is not going to continue once I am ‘unwired’ and full routine. I am curious how many actually read my notes. If you do, please drop a quick note telling me so: DanRutherford@DanRutherford.com  From the ‘hits’, it seems as though people are interested in the readings.

I had oatmeal for breakfast, cream of mushroom soup for lunch, and hot apple juice throughout the day while working from my home office.

George was working at the dining room table and around 4:30 he said a bird hit the living room window and was pounced on by another bird. To the west I have two stories of glass windows looking out to the timber. A starling had flown into one of the windows and fallen to the deck. A Kestrel had taken right to the fallen bird and was plucking away at it. It was right outside the window, so was able to get photos.

It may seem gruesome, but it is a part of the natural process. It was fascinating watching the Kestrel feed. I won’t get into the graphic details, but that guy knew what he was doing.

Either potato soup or pork for dinner, not sure. I am going to have this posted early tonight because I have so many e mails to get caught up on. I want them all responded to before I start my full office schedule.

As a side note, I am very much into conservation and recycling. I recycle most everything, including coffee grounds. I do appreciate Christmas cards and the recent Get Well cards. I read them, share them with others, but then I take the cover card and send them to the nursing home where they use them to make decorations. I figured this is a good use of a nice gesture. 

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Posted: January 23, 2008

I need to amend what I said for last night: I thought I was going to have a fresh peach and ice cream smoothie but I started to feel a bit of sore throat so I decided on something warm.  A friend gave me some green tea with orange rind in it. That was a nice before bedtime drink.

Only woke up once in the night for pain, but when I woke in the morning it was bothering me. Seems like after sleeping it is swollen.

The good ol' oatmeal for breakfast……that’s becoming a good habit. Mom’s homemade tomato soup for lunch; I need her to get the recipe on the Soup Section, I think you will really like it…I do.

George worked at the house again from mid-morning on. I am trying to catch up on e mails and going through the mail from the office.

Fred Thompson dropped out of the Presidential race today so had a flurry of e exchanges about reaching out to his supporters. Since I cannot make the calls, some others are helping out and I am sending e mails….it will all work, but sure is inconvenient not being able to just pick up the phone. I can’t imagine what it was like before phones, one probably had to send twice as many e mails back then……..uh, just kidding!

Sis sent over homemade pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, one of my favorite meals. Out with the turbo-charged blender and whipped up dinner. It worked, and it was great.  I would have preferred sliced pork rather than through a straw!

A week from now, at this time I am writing, I will be on a plane coming back home from Colorado seeing the surgeon. I will be ready for something to chew on and not through a straw.

I am going to e a little while and try to get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Posted: January 21, 2008

Oatmeal morning….this instant is a breeze.

Had part of a Reece’s Blizzard for lunch, but the chocolate did not blend that well, so gave the other half to George, who was working at the house part of the day.

Very busy day. Confirmed that we will have our Champaign fundraiser at Biaggi’s April 7, from 5 to 6:30…..mark your calendars.

Listened in on a ServiceMaster conference call, ( I still do have a real world job) then was followed by a conference call with the national leadership team from Mitt’s campaign. Polls are showing Florida to be very close; this is good!

Also got word that Josh Romney will be able to join us for the Peoria County Lincoln Day Dinner, Sunday, January 27. That is the evening before I fly back to Denver to have wires taken off on Tuesday, January 29. I think I am going to go to Peoria to escort Josh, even if I can’t do much talking.

For dinner I had ‘Brown Jug Cheese Soup’ a friend made and dropped off. It was outstanding. It has to be one of my favorites. I will post the recipe in the Soup section soon.

Lower lip still numb, but feeling coming back in the chin.

I think I have used the blender more this past week than I have the past year. I just might have a fresh peach and ice cream smoothie before bed.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Posted: January 21, 2008 

Having woke up in the night, I still try to get up early so I can start to get in a routine.

Sis had brought out ham and cheese scrambled eggs which I blended. They turned out fine, but it doesn’t replace a skillet omelet. I know, I can’t get that through a straw.

Did alot of personal paperwork, got insurance papers ready….almost had a heart attack when I saw the bill from Vail Medical alone. Good medical care is not cheap!

There were four deer south on my property by the creek, later joined by five more. The herd played and eventually moved on. They are so nice to have around, but play heck with the young trees; either rut their antlers on the small trunks or eat the smaller shoots.

I thought about Dr. Menis pitching in and speaking for me on behalf of Mitt Romney at the Palatine GOP breakfast yesterday and then going on to the Lake Forest GOP Women’s Brunch. That was so good of him. I know he does a fine job.

I worked on our Dan Rutherford Campaign Committee Springfield fundraiser lunch at Saputo’s. It is February 19:

February 19, 2008 - Capitol Buffet Luncheon at Saputo's in Springfield

I decided we are going to have jaw breakers at the tables!!

Blended a fresh peach with ice cream and a bit of white grape juice for an afternoon snack.

Mom made the potato soup that Representative Reis sent me the recipe for, it is on this website above. The soup is really good and I am sure it is even better when one does not have to thin it down to get it through a straw. I am glad I asked for recipes. Thanks David and Maria for sharing it with us.

Off to respond to a few more e mails and early to bed.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Posted: January 21, 2008

Getting a lot of finger exercise  with the keyboard! That’s what I joke with Fred and Barb about if one is not feeling well.  “Finger exercise, good circulation helps all feel better….(meaning key board work) helps make it all better!”

Saturday I slept in and lazily got motivated to do laundry. Sis had dropped off  chicken and broccoli stuffing, it made for a good lunch. The day flew by.  Lounged in sweats, lit the fireplace and reviewed financial disclosure reports due with the State Board of Elections.

The Treasurer of my campaign committee, Rex Schaeffer, Suzy and Sis worked this week to get the report all together. It has to be filed electronically and is a real pain. Our Committee receives hundreds and hundreds of small donations (for which I am greatly appreciative), but so many also open opportunity for data entry error.

Sis (my sister Debi), Kaleb (my nephew) and Fred (my brother-in-law) came to the house with a basket of goodies: broth, flavored vitamin water, instant soups and homemade soups. They brought Elliot, their black lab they adopted from the animal shelter….he is really a good dog.

Later in the evening had the broccoli and ham soup cheese soup Sis made….one of the best, (next to mom’s tomato soup), so far.

Every time I type tomato, I want to add an ‘e’ at the end of it. I have learned better, at the expense of Vice President Dan Quayle….remember that?

I thought an upside to having the jaws wired was that I would lose weight. I have lost some, but not that much. I think it is because there is no real exercise (my morning jog is off because of only being able to breathe through nose and a small space in teeth). I believe I'll have to lose some even without my exercising... there also is no wine, beer or pizza!

I’m writing this at 2:30 am Saturday night/ Sunday morning. Up getting my finger exercise....and taking pain medicine. Rather than set the alarm for 1 am to get up to take the pain medicine, I thought I would sleep until pain woke me....well, I’m awake!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Posted: January 18, 2008

I’m getting into a routine; oatmeal, work, broth, work, medication, work, e mail, work……well, you get the point. Working from home isn’t so bad. Everything is kept up with on Legislative and political matters. I’m just not doing radio interviews, but responding to media by e mail.

Truly the most amazing floral arrangement came from my good friends Representative Ron and Lisa Stephens. I have it in my kitchen; you can smell the fragrance when you walk by. Representative Stephens is being ‘roasted’ during a banquet in mid-February and I am one of the ‘roasters’. If this arrangement is meant to be incentive to be easy on him, “I think not!”

I do appreciate all the cards and e mails of ‘speedy recovery’. Thank you. Some of the cards are really humorous. I know laughing is good, but not too much with wired jaw.

Another thing one cannot do with jaws wired: blow the embers to get the fireplace going!

Only 11 more days, but who is counting?

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Posted: January 17,2008

It's amazing what can be put into a blender to be made into something that can be sucked through a straw. One meal in the hospital was 'blended roast beef'. Personally, the breaded New York at Saputo's is much better......hum, I wonder if I can put the New York in the blender? .....nah. I'll just wait a few weeks for the real thing.

Ever since college days, I would brush my teeth while in the shower. I think it came from being a multi-tasker and wanting to get the most efficient use of time. So, by habit when I jump in the shower I reach for the tooth brush. I did it again this morning….duh.

When one has their jaw wired one uses a prescription mouth wash and swabs to keep clean. A  friend brought me a Kid’s Crest SpinBrush in astronaut form. Can’t wait for brushing time!!!

Oatmeal for breakfast, a packet of plain and a packet of brown sugar oatmeal combined. I also learned from  my sister, it's better to run the dry packets of oatmeal through the blender first - then add the milk.

Sis made cream of chicken soup which I had for lunch. Cream of mushroom soup for supper and all is good.

Mom stopped by tonight. The sweatshirts and pants she picked up for me fit.

Having something blended with ice cream and a banana tonight and work on the laptop in front of the fireplace.

Wednesday, January 16, 2007

Posted: January 17, 2007

Yes, I do have my mouth wired shut, and yes I know that is extra challenging being an elected official. But, it does keep a politician from licking his finger and sticking it in the air to see which way the wind is blowing.

Oatmeal in the morn, Oreo Flurry for lunch and Mom’s homemade tomato soup for dinner.

Sis and Kaleb came by this evening. She made homemade cream of chicken soup. I am really into this soup thing!

Here, through all of this I thought I would lose weight. As of now, I have not. Then again, I am not getting my daily jog in. Every day, for over two years, I would jog at least 20 minutes…just enough to get the heart pumping. The first day I missed was the day of the fall!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Posted: January 15, 2008

I am really getting into this oatmeal in the morning, could be a good habit. I used to only have a cup and half of coffee.

George came to the house with my mail and messages. Barb came in the afternoon on her way home. I think this is working out pretty well. I am out of their hair at the office, the work gets done and I have the comforts of my home.

Mom dropped off an orange freeze from Steak and Shake. It made for a tasty lunch.

I personally like soup. In fact, one of my favorite weekend activities is to make homemade soup and freeze it for office lunches. Looks like I will get to practice one of my favorite activities more than I had intended. One of my potato soups was in my home freezer; I blended it and had a great meal. This isn’t so bad.

If you have any great soup recipes, send them to me. I know most are ‘thick and chunky’, but that is fine, I can blend it or have it when I am ‘unwired’. Who knows, I may put together a cookbook of soups.

If one ever bit their finger nails, having jaw wired prevents that!!

Another observation, you can’t lick an envelope shut with a wired jaw….duh!

This evening put a couple logs in the fireplace and working in front of it.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Posted: January 14 2008

Oatmeal for breakfast and crushed One A Day Men’s Vitamin in it….yum-yum

In my entire adult life, I don’t know that I have ever been admitted into a hospital. Now I have stitches and wires, inside and out. I have had more needles poked in my arms than the porcupines I used to see in Australia.

I have a home office and worked out of it all day. George came to the house and worked from the kitchen, making calls and going over the Romney schedule. We each had our wireless laptops……very productive. I know where things are now.

I truly am not that far behind, I have a great staff that has kept things going. I only wish I could be more hands on with the people that have lost so much from the flood.

Took out a couple of very small stitches in the chin…looks like nothing even happened. Blood pressure was fine. On the surface all seems to be well.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

Feel much better, swelling gone down considerably. Mom was over and stuffing letters for me while I signed them. With your jaws wired shut, you can not lick your finger to use for turning the next page!

Worked from home going through mail and resting.

Family was over to help bring up more firewood, fix some soups and whatever was needed.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Posted:  January 13, 2008

Felt really reasonable.

Held a state-wide Illinois Romney conference call. I made a few mumbled remarks for openers and George coordinated the rest with Terry and Speaker Hastert.

For supper Mom’s homemade tomato soup hit the spot.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

Up early to the airport. It seemed like every third person at Denver International was on crutches or had an injury. I felt awkward, but in company.

On the flight (2 hours 40 minutes), I drank lots of water and had an ice pack to the swollen chin. I didn’t have to worry about idle chatter with my seatmate.

My brother-in-law Fred, was good enough to meet me at O’Hare. Car was plenty warm for the drive home; last thing I want to do is catch a cold.

Stopped at the Pontiac Office to get messages and see Fran, Barb and George.

Of course, the line from George was, “what did the other guy look like?” My direct reply was, “a mountain!”

Mom and Sis had gone out to my home to have it prepared with heat on, food ready and tissues galore.

To show you how organized I like to be, my nephew Kaleb helped me put together an Excel spreadsheet of the medications; when to take them and dosage.

Early to bed, in my own bed

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

Was told I could go tomorrow.

I asked the surgeon if the jaw fractures would affect my scuba diving, he said no. Yeah! The heck with these people that go up in the mountains to ski, I would just as soon be at sea level, and for that matter….below it!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

Doctor said things looked good and could plan on going home in a day or two.

Biggest challenge for me was to sleep sitting up, I was concerned about losing my breath.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

Wonderful meal opportunities…..through a straw. Blended Roast Beef was a favorite…I didn’t know one could do that with roast beef. It sure doesn’t beat the breaded New York from Saputo’s.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

I look like heck.

Without going in to too much of these days in the hospital, suffice  to say it was a lot of medicine.

The nurses, attendants, and cleaning staff were OUTSTANDING!

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

Highway was open and I started the 2 hour trip to Denver,  took almost 3 hours because of conditions. EMT with me was supportive and professional.

Arrived at Denver Health Emergency Room. There was an army of people waiting; it is also a teaching hospital. Went through all the questions, prods and pokes again. Was told two teams would be involved, one with Plastic Surgery to take care of the damage from the fall and the other to try and see what caused it.

By the way tetanus shots are good for ten years……I am now good for ten years.

I met the Plastic Surgeon; he is head of the unit at the hospital. He explained the situation and said they would do surgery yet that night if he could get the dental team together. He wanted them in on the surgery also.

I was taken on up to a room. No sooner had I arrived and the nurse said they called and to take me down for surgery.

The Anesthesiologist hunts turkeys in Illinois………….that’s all I know and lights out!

Coming to in Recovery was a horrible experience. Having ones jaw wired shut, trying to catch breath and feel congested with numb lips and chin…….I actually wrote on a pad to the Recovery Room team: “WATERBOARDING?” I don’t know that they found the humor in it, but then again, there was not meant to be any.

Up to the room. Great nurse and attendant.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

Shuttle from Denver to Vail, snowy and they closed the highway after I got to Vail. Dinner with friends. About 8 PM walking from restaurant to dessert place and felt short of breath, went to sit down and that is all I know. Blacked out and went face first onto the sidewalk.

Paramedics took me to the Emergency Room at Vail Valley Medical, they were the greatest.

The young officer or paramedic that took me in and stayed to get report was outstanding, Very gracious; I hope I can track down his name to thank him. I wish I could find out who everyone was that night to thank them!

The surgeon looked at my tongue, it was pretty messed up

I was told the plastic surgeons in the Vail area were not available. I was going to be moved  to Denver, but the highway was closed and I had to stay in Vail.

Surgeon knew the tongue had to be worked on that night, rather than wait till  the next day. He stitched it up in Emergency Room with the R.N. assisting. I was awake, with local anesthetic. I am very appreciative of the work the Doctor and the R.N. did.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Posted: January 13, 2008

Arrived Denver. Meetings in the afternoon. Felt shortness of breath when walking, especially up steps. Knew of altitude and tried to drink more water.

Mitt leads Delegate count

Mitt won Nevada. That is 3 gold medals: Michigan, Wyoming and Nevada and 2 Silver: Iowa and New Hampshire.

Governor Romney is working for Delegates. One needs to have 1,191 to get the Republican nomination at the GOP Convention in Minnesota in September. He chose to campaign in Nevada during the final moments, while the others focused on South Carolina. Nevada has more GOP Delegates than South Carolina.

States allocating pledged delegates to date: Iowa, Wyoming (GOP), New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada, South Carolina (GOP)

Source: Real Clear Politics

Republican Delegates (1,191 needed to win nomination)

The next battle ground will be Florida, Tuesday, January 29. This where Rudy is playing and has to do well.

Dr. Michael Menis

Dr. Menis is a  personal friend who is running as a Delegate for Mitt Romney. Michael is very talented and this article appeared in the Chicago Tribune January 20, 2008. It is very educational.

Please click here to read the article!

Danny Bananny'

Part of the outstanding care team I had at Denver Health was Dr. Barbara and Henry. Come to find out Henry has family in LaSalle County and Barbara has a little boy named Danny.