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Russ

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Well this year has been one of the most interesting starts in my life as I approach 41. I finally gave in and was going to get a Total Hip Replacement to replace my worn right Femur Head. Well the day before surgery it was cancelled due to repeated high blood/sugar counts. When I went to my primary physician I was to find out I was newly diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. It was a bit of a stunning 72 hours in my life. I have since dedicated myself to approaching food with a an educated look at remaining healthy or getting healthy I should say. I have always had a bit of an obssessive personality so I am putting it to good use to watch Diabetes. after three weeks My numbers are down almost to normal. The Nutritionist is very positive I can keep the Diabetes under control by diet. I am very thankful to God that I was put into a position to catch this very early due to all my Pre-Op tests. I have a lot of support from all of my family and I have had to lean on Erin, Ethel, and my mom the past month. I expect to have the surgery sometime in April so our long awaited trip out west my be a waiting one more year.

Erin and I have always been very very close but over these last trying months I have seen a very compassionate side of her and it has helped me tremendously. I look forward to battling through these health issues and coming out the other side a healthier man.

Liam is fast approaching a year old and I delight in his antics when I arrive from work and those big smiles he gives me. He is already starting to show the same sense of humor Noah and I have. Poor Erin! We will all be celebrating Liam's birthday at Uncle Rich and Aunt Kate's place in March and all the Grandparents and Noah will be there. Speaking of Noah he is doing so great. I am very proud to have him for a son. My love is always there but my pride for him seems to grow daily as I watch him mature into a grown man.

We still have our geocaching although I resigned from the Vice-Presidency of the Maryland Geocaching Society so I could concentrate more time on my Diabetes and impending surgery. It still is great to take an afternoon and hike though.

I am a very lucky man to have such a wonderful family and I am learning to count my blessings more so every year. I have the greatest wife a man could ever dream to have and two handsome boys. You can't ask for more than that!

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Erin and I on our wedding day ,October 5th 2002

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Our engagement photo 2002

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2006 Bowles Corn Maze

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Most of my family - Liam's 1st birthday March 2005

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We enjoy to clown around just like when Noah was little

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Geocaching find #400 May 2007

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Liam and I Raiders Football 2008

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I always like a bed of impatiens out front each year

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Our 300th Geocaching find at Sibley Lake Wyoming

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My dear Pennsylvania friends who I miss so much

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Reading to the boys on our first clubhouse campout.

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Liam enjoys his first hottub while on vacation at West Yellowstone Montana's Hibernation station

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The family kicks back with Dawn at West Yellowstone

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One of my favorites with my honey at Natural Bridge in Yellowstone

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Hiking with Liam on a Spring 2005 Geocaching adventure

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Geocaching my favorite hobby!
Last Lap Gang
 

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Caching out west was a whole new experience

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Winning A pug- Spring Festival 2007

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Argghh Matey! Maryland Ren Faire 9/24/05

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Geocaching in St. Mary's River Park 10/1/05

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The Day family reunite 10/30/05

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Erin and I enjoy a hike at Ives Run up home home 10/29/05

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Geocaching at Ives Run Tioga County 10/29/05

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Being goofy caching in New Jersey 11/13/05

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Halloween 2007

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Gravelly Point Park - Reagan National - Nov 2007

Olde Mill Park, Fredericksburg, VA
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Mid April 08

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JNax and I National Aquarium Baltimore Aug 2008