Larry Lowe

In May I was involved in saving a young kid's life on the lake here. The action was bold, rash, but good deal for the kid. Later, having saved the kid, we returned to grab the grandfolks who were still in the water. The rescue effort was made in a canoe due to my having sank (sunk) the rowboat. In my initial enthusiasm for a rescue operation I launched the row boat (excellent for rescues, stable) from the dock by throwing it into the lake nose first. It sank. My gut feel is the hearts of the folk in the water sank when they saw me sink the boat but this is just a guess.

Following grabbing the kid, getting him to the dock we returned for the grandfolk. I stood in the canoe and extended a paddle for them to grab. This led, in turn, to capsizing the canoe and joining the rescuees in the water. Standing in the canoe, while making for a dramatic picture, is not recommended. In May in Rhode Island hypothermia comes rapidly. A large number of ambulances, fire trucks, EMT vehicles, and a couple of boats with water rescue people later got us all out of the water.

On the dull side, but what the hey?

Returned to church after an absence of 40 some years. It matters in my life. I was able to go through a Class V rapid in West Virginia without a boat having capsized a ducky in serious whitewater on the New River. Great photo of me about to accomplish this feat. The guides tried to rescue me and almost did it. Eventually a couple of very large rocks stopped my down river rush. I lift weights nearly daily with young guys. Currently I am benching 195 and cheating only slightly on the lifts. I am very active in AA, it seems more active each year. So, guess that is about it for the two years.

This project has been a delight and hearing from all of you has really added to my enjoyment of life.

I missed each of the last reunions. Zero for the bunch. So I will run in a couple of things that are not related to the last couple of years.

First, I found out that my bad back is related to massive herniation in two discs and severe stenosis in another place. Copies of the MRIs are fascinating. I was concerned that it was all psychosomatic. My son, a radiologist, says the formal medical description of my back is 'toast'. I did amuse the grandkids (3 - running a lot of stuff in here huh?) by diving off a couch onto a mattress that was barely inflated and covering a concrete floor. I thought the mattress would allow me to bounce. I did a lovely swan from 5 feet onto the mattress. No bounce, little good for the back, but it delighted the kids. Always good to see the little ones laugh.

My 40 years of two pack, Pall Mall, smoking ended. I was not a social smoker, nor a problem smoker. Clearly I was a habitual smoker. Oh the shame. Quitting was amazingly easy - stunningly easy. This followed, however, years of hypnosis, the use of the patch, the Nicorettes, zyban, employee assistance programs (3), Cancer Society, Heart Association, classes, and other aids. Somehow being ready makes a difference. I did acupuncture as well - rather painful I thought. Ultimately aroma therapy did it - no problem at all. American Tobacco stock went in the tank when I stopped. I may have been the last living Pall Mall smoker.

I am currently working on a hair regrowth program involving self-will, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and correct posture. I will keep everyone informed on how this progresses. Oh heck, send me a thousand dollars and I will share full particulars on the program immediately. The book will be out soon.

Possibly the really interesting things in my life since the last reunion involve being in Oregon for 10 straight rainless days. This led me to see the countryside in an entirely new light. Somehow in a fit of nostalgic haze there was a bid made on a hillside lot which has cherry trees and a heck of a view. The lot is 3,200 miles away as is the view. The contract appears to be binding. Should anyone wish to co-own a view lot, or a small cherry orchard, please contact me as soon as possible.

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