I am 69 years old and for the first time in 67 years - I will be going to the Hospital for an overnight stay. When I was 2 years old I spent several weeks in a Hospital for treatment of a severe skin condition. I have never had any sort of operation - I still have Tonsils, Appendix, Gall Bladder, etc. I did have Cataracts removed about 5 years ago, but that was an out-patient procedure.

All this will change on Wednesday morning when I go to Beebe Hospital (coincidentally the place where I was born back in 1946) and have surgery on my infected left knee. The culture that was taken from my knee last Friday showed I have a Staph infection which must be cut open, drained and heavily medicated. My Ortho Doc said I will be in the Hospital for at least 4 to 5 days. Strangely, my mobility will not be greatly hampered by the surgery and I should be able to walk around (Boy-I hope they are right about that !!

So, after tomorrow night I won't be on the Board for a few days. But, I will be thinking about my chip buddies and all the great chip finds that you will be making while I am laid up in the Hospital.

Take care - all of you,
Jerry "Down but not out" Birl

PS - Picture of myself and my 3 sons from about 35 years ago. "A Good Day for the Birl Boys !!!"