Hi again! Erica here. Let’s see... We’re looking for a living situation, financial help, and experienced vets or vet agents to help Ernie claim VA benefits.

Ernie’s bones have still not healed together, so he’s been referred to another doctor at OHSU, a specialist in bone trauma & repair. Ernie is scheduled for two more surgeries December 15th, and December 22nd. (Food and comfort visits after these surgeries would be most welcome.)

Coincidentally, December 15th is also the date by which Ernie needs to move out of Jodie and Guillermo’s apartment, into new digs.

We are still looking for those new digs. At this point, Ernie and Erica have become an “item,” so we’re looking for couples-compatible living situations. Please keep an eye out. If you know of a room with a door that shuts, in a house with friendly people, near OHSU or near 39th/42nd street in NE or SE Portland ... please let us know. We’d also be happy to house-sit.

Try-On Life Community Farm has hosted another workshop (”Kitchen Alchemy”), which was enjoyable but not as lucrative as the Rocket Stove workshop. TLC folks are excited to host more workshops, but have decided not to bring Ernie and Erica in as Cedar Moon residents.

Contributions are still welcome to the Washington Mutual account, the Ernie Wisner Benefit Fund. Many thanks to those who contribute regularly – you are making a world of difference.

Speaking of “world of difference,” Ernie’s family has gotten in touch again after years of minimal contact. We visited his brother and father in Washington State last weekend, and Ernie heroically allowed other people to put the chains on the car while we drove back across the iced-over highways. A big thank-you to old friends who have called, and put other friends in touch.

Military types in the Portland area, do you know anyone who’s good at talking to the VA? Ernie could probably get some help from VA benefits, if he had a clue how to navigate the system.

Many thanks, and ongoing help much appreciated.

-Erica Ritter eritter@gmail.com