Really good news about Jim. Scottie reported that the doctors are pleased with how his ear is healing. He will not need any more surgery on the ear.

Also, the feeding tube was removed.

He has to go back in another six weeks for a check-up.

Jim is speaking more clearly. I was amazed at how much his voice has improved since the last time I had talked to him. His laugh sounds more like his laugh before the stroke. I miss Jim's wonderful voice and I firmly believe in time that he will get it back.

His ear is healing well. In March, he has to go back to Baltimore for more minor repairs that will be done on an outpatient basis -- a procedure on the lower flap to make the ear look better.

Jim has had some improvement in his right arm and hand. He can make a fist but he can't open his hand after he makes the fist but he has had a lot of improvement.

Jim is practicing driving again and soon they will be getting a car with special attachments so that he can drive. Jim is working hard to regain his independence again.

He is also making improvement in swallowing and eating. He has not had to have a feeding with the feeding tube in about three weeks and he is maintaining his weight. They are hopeful that the tube will come out in mid-March. The removal of the tube is also a minor procedure.

Jim is doing well, speaking more clearly. He had a good check-up in Baltimore on Wednesday.

Mac Pritt is in the University hospital in Morgantown. He had a heart catherization and angioplasty. He is doing well. The prognosis is good. He is expected to be out of the hospital by next Tuesday.

Jim came through the procedure very well. Scottie said that already he could talk more clearly.

They will be spending the weekend in Virginia as planned.

Scottie said that Max Pritt would be going into the hospital soon. Will post the details as soon as I hear anything more.

Jim and Scottie are in Baltimore. Jim had a cat scan today. His feeding tube was replaced with something that will be more "user friendly". In the morning, he has an appointment with the surgeons who worked on his ear then the larynx work will be done.

If all goes well, Jim and Scottie will spend the weekend in Alexandria and will return to Elkins early in the week next week.

I will update the page tomorrow evening sometime after 6:30 p.m.

Jim is doing fine. He can hear out of the repaired ear. He's not in much pain. There is some swelling but not much and the ear is positioned much better.

Scottie said they were enjoying their visit to Baltimore this time.

Jim has a doctor's appointment Tuesday afternoon. They will be leaving for Elkins after the appointment and will arrive in Elkins late in the evening.

Jim was in surgery five hours and came through very well. He will be able to hear out of the repaired ear. Scottie emphasized how strong Jim was after the surgery and she is pleased with the quality of the repair. Jim is out of recovery and in a regular room. He will be released from Johns Hopkins tomorrow.

Jim and Scottie will be staying in Baltimore a few more days so Jim can recover a little more before the trip back to Elkins.

The surgery on the larynx is tentatively scheduled for December 10. Will keep you posted.

My friends, Jim will be having surgery on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. The surgeons will be repairing his ear so he can hear as the tissue used in the skin graph closed off his ear canal. They will also reposition his ear. These are supposed to be minor repairs with a minimal stay in the hospital. Most likely, the repair on the larynx will be done at a later time but Scottie is continuing her efforts to get everything done this visit which I think would be wonderful.

Scottie will call us after the surgery on Wednesday and I will update the page on Wednesday evening as soon as I get home from work which will be about 6:30 p.m.

Jim and Scottie plan to be in Baltimore at least a week but if all goes well, he will not be in the hospital that for the entire week.

Some reports on Jim's progress:

Jim has walked from the hospital to the house which is 1,100 feet. He didn't have to stop and rest.

Last night Jim was able to eat a small piece of steak. Bob Hippert visited with the Wiest's on the weekend of the 14th. Jim was able to get up into Bob's big red Dodge. While Bob was there, Jim also walked upstairs in the Wiest's house. And of course, they had dinner at Shoney's. Is a pattern beginning to emerge here? It seems the last time I mentioned a meal in a restaurant and Jim, it was Shoney's. Jim is also able to drink small amounts of coke.

Jim talked to me on the phone this morning. I am amazed at how clear his speech is. When Scottie said she was going to put Jim on the phone, I was very nervous worrying that I wouldn't be able to understand him but I could which delighted me to no end.

Jim and Scottie both are remarkable people with a lot of courage.

A note from Gary