Cumberland Falls State Park

This past weekend we visited Cumberland Falls State Park. The weather was perfect for a pre-spring day, partly sunny with a high temperature of 82 degrees. Uncharacteristically warm for this time of year. The trees were just beginning to bud, a sign of the nice things to come. The rebirth of the earth was in the air. You could almost smell the reawakening of the plants and trees.






We stayed at the Dupont Lodge at the park. The lodge itself had large exposed beam ceilings in the main area, thereby adding to the character of the place.

We were last at the park during our earlier married years (app 35+ years ago), when we stayed at the campground. We visited the lodge then, where I took a picture of my wife in this same spot. She has been asking me about the earlier picture and wanting to see it to see what changes have taken place during that timespan. I wanted to reassure her by telling her that I'm sure the lodge hasn't changed very much at all.


Although the warm weather outside didn't require the warmth of the fireplace, it still added to the atmosphere of the lodge.

That evening we had dinner in the dining room. The Saturday evening buffet featured roast buffalo. It was delicious. One of the better meals I've ever had.






Unloading the Segway in the parking lot. It still amazes me as to how easy it loads and unloads. All that is required of me is that I prop the ramps up on the bumper, key the machine on and then use the 'power-assist' feature to get the machine to move either up or down the ramp as needed. After unloading, I easily raise the handlebar, put the ramps back in the SUV, climb aboard the Segway (where I am instantly transformed from a somewhat decrepit older handicapped male into my alter-ego 'Segwayman') and ride off to some new adventure as happy as the proverbial hog on ice.

High School Regional Basketball Tournament

Friday night, we attended the Scott County - Lexington Catholic high school regional tournament basketball game at the Frankfort, KY Civic Center. Another great experience, this being the 1st basketball game we've attended together in several years. I've always been a fan of the game, but my viewing had become limited to watching college games on TV.

It was fun riding up and down the ramp designed to get to different levels in the arena. 'Normal' people used the stairs, so the ramps were not being used by anyone (except me). So I could go as fast as I wanted. The Segway seems to greatly facilitate bringing out the kid in me. Love it!!!!

'The Art of Living With MS' Workshop

This weekend (Fri-Sat March 3-4) my wife and I attended the 'Living with MS' Seminar at the Marriott East in Louisville, Kentucky. The workshop was designed for those with MS and their caregivers. It was a remarkable experience. The sessions were interactive and much sharing was done those attending. It was a very nice (and different) experience for me to be around many others like myself. Sharing was very significant for both myself, as a person with MS, and my caregiver, my wife. One breakout session involved splitting up in two groups, one group being those with MS, with the other group activities focusing on the special needs/problems of the caregiver. It seems as if too often the caregiver focuses so much attention on the person with MS, that they might forget to take care if themselves.

The presenters of the 'Art of Living with MS' Seminar were Cheryl and Len Chatman, a married couple from Jacksonville Florida, with a first hand knowledge of the experience of dealing with MS and the many problems associated with the disease. Cheryl Chatman was diagnosed with MS while Len was a career sailor in the US Navy. He was forced to leave his position in order to become a caregiver, losing all semblance of financial stability, including both their car and house. He has had to reorient his career goals and has done so very admirably. Cheryl is legally blind due to her MS and experiences many other problems which we all face. They present a very positive and upbeat approach which aims at looking at the new possibilities which may be in front of those diagnosed with such a debilitating disease. They help other couples to share experiences, thereby focusing on the attitude that 'MS does not have us, rather we have MS'.

Cheryl Chatman on a trial Sewgay run. Yes, she is legally blind, seeing only vague shapes and shadows. When asked if she wanted to give it a try, she immediately got on and after a few short instructions, began to move about. She showed no fear whatsoever and even attempted to move out of the doorway and into the hallway. Her determination clearly showed. She is a real fighter.

"You cannot be Pitiful and Powerful at the same time."

Cheryl Chatman