Saturday morning and escape plans...

 (Bill)


I did finally relent late last night and went home to catch a few zzzzzz’s after the charge nurse and I exchanged a “password” so that I could call in if needed... After agonizing over it for about 30 seconds, I chose a rather traditional proper name, rather than what I would normally be inclined to choose for a password. I realized that “Tqbfj0+ld” would be too hard to pronounce, and would require way too much time to explain to a lay person. I hated to go, but it did give me an opportunity to see Taylor once more before he left early this morning (6 AM) for his fall semester at Ithaca.

Tracy had a good night, and was actually in the head (“bathroom” for the non-boating/non-mil folks) when I arrived shortly after 7 this morning. It took her a minute or two to navigate back to her bed, trailing a cart with several IV tubes, a monitor, and of course, the ever-present PCA pump (it takes C-cell batteries, by the way). PCA – is short for Patient Controlled Analgesia which allows one to self-administer pain meds (up to a preset limit).. clicky clicky happy happy..

I did learn a very important lesson this morning, though. When the green clicky-happy button (attached to the PCA pump) is looped up and away from the patient, it apparently means that they should not have it in their possession any longer. I didn’t realize this until after I had handed it back to Tracy because – well – she asked for it. When the nurse came back in later she looked a little confused about how Tracy had managed to get up and get the cord and button. I just kept on typing on my notebook and didn’t look up because - I suck at Poker..

From what we have for information (and from what my medically untrained eye can tell), the wound site is looking good and the drains (medieval looking things, actually) are doing their job well. So – If I am able to complete the tunnel, I should be able to get us out of here by early afternoon. If need be, I can bribe the guards with the nylons and chocolate bars I stocked up on earlier.

Probably no more updates until after we get home later today. Oh – and for those of you who have tried our cells, I am not picking up calls when I’m in her room but I absolutely will pick up if I’m away from Tracy’s room. If you call and I don’t pick up - please leave a voicemail!! If your number is blocked, and I don’t recognize the number, I/we won’t know you called ;-) ..


Bill