[burckle]

Haven't checked in for awhile although things have been happening at our house. A few months ago our youngest daughter gave birth to a baby girl (Emma), then our oldest daughter got married. This is her second marriage; she has a little boy whose birthday is today (4 years old). In the Fall my wife and I took a river boat cruise in Europe (Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, The Netherlands). The weather wasn't very helpful but we didn't mind. Another cruise (on Russian Rivers) is planned for April.

A few days ago I completed a Parkinson's trial at Yale University. I say completed because the money has run out and there is no guarantee that the new proposal will receive funding. If not I will be on the look out for a new trial. I am now left with the trial supervised by Dr. Cheryl Waters (Columbia University) as my sole connection with the research community.

AS usual, we encountered a number of PWP on our cruises. On the last one (in Europe), we met an MD with PD. His only advice was Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. He seemed to be doing well.

The retirement community in which we live has finally recognized that it is housing a number of PWP and has organized a support group. We meet every week or two and usually have a speaker.

My wife is a pianist and has devoted her time to piano practice and lending her musical talents to the community. She can also be counted upon to beat me at SCRABBLE.

I volunteer to give slide presentations on my research specialty (Climate Change). I am preparing on now to be given in a few weeks.

Weel, that's my story. In a few hours we will go to my daughter's house for my Grandson's 4th birthday party.

All the best

Lloyd

[indigogo]

Lloyd - so good to "hear your voice"! It sounds like retirement is being good to you - you should check in more often. I'm glad you are keeping a hand in your research, and doubly glad for your grandchildren!

Your trips sound fabulous; my daughter took the Trans Siberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing last summer - Russia was an eye-opener; the populace and environment felt "gray" to her (it was a school trip; 10 University of Washington students and 10 Russian students). She enjoyed China and the Chinese much more - a feeling of optimism and color.

Will be interested in hearing about your trip when you return! Please keep in touch ---