Dillard, GA March 28, 2016

Bob had the surgery on the 22nd to remove the growth.  He was out of the hospital in two days, and began to recover.  We spent a quiet Easter together.  My brother, Bobby, was up from Florida visiting his daughter in Tucker, GA. We decided to meet for lunch Easter Monday at The Dillard House Restaurant in Dillard, Georgia.  It was a little over an hour away for each of us, and a beautiful ride on mountain roads.  We had been in Dillard years before, but never went to the restaurant.  It is situated in the mountains and features southern cooking served family style.  The grounds contain cabins and hotel rooms, swimming pool, a small farm zoo, and horse stables.  It was perfect weather, and we really enjoyed our time together.  The next day, Bob met with the surgeon and got the pathology report of the mass that was removed.  It was a rare fungus found in the Ohio Valley area.  The first thing that came to mind is that Bob went to Ohio a year ago to buy our travel trailer.  The fungus is known to grow in people with weakened immune systems, which Bob has due to his rheumatoid arthritis.  He will hopefully learn more when he sees the pulmonologist mid April. 
Despite all his problems, we feel he is lucky he had the ruptured appendix.  The fungus might not have been discovered until it had spread which could have been fatal.

 



View from the front of the Dillard House

Bobby and his friend, Valerie.  Valerie is the sister of Bobby's long time neighbor and friend, Gail.  Valerie lives on an island on the Penobscot Bay in Maine, but is escaping the winter in a condo in Florida.

Bobby's four year old grandson (my great nephew) Owen showing Valerie his art work.

Bobby's daughter, Jenna (my niece) getting ready to feed the goats at the farm.

The goats know goodies are forthcoming.  The Shetland pony is hoping for a treat, too.

Look out, Owen!  One of the baby goats escaped!  Kids will be kids, right?

Bobby treated Owen to a horsey back ride.  Bobby had to walk the horse around the riding area.  It took Bobby a few times to remember to stay within the approved area and to have the horse go where Bobby wanted it to, not the other way around. The Dillard stable offers trail rides. Minimum age is 6.  Bobby promised Owen to go on one once he is old enough. Maybe we will join them then.

 

 

Valerie and I hit it off like old friends.  Hope to see her again soon.