Whoo! VBC came and went; Ernie and Erica helped with Toby Hemenway’s Permaculture Yard. There were 20-70 volunteers there almost every day – what a hubbub of activity! Many thanks to everyone who bought books, chipped in for the workshop, donated, and helped with meals, logistics, etc. Ernie has another little stash of money in the bank to cover expenses this month.

Ernie and Erica are now living with the Dana family on SW 58th Avenue, off of Hamilton, between Hwy 26 and Hwy 10. It’s a wooded, green place, but still accessible by bike or car. The Danas have been friends of Erica’s family for 3 or 4 generations, and are enthusiastic about Ernie and Erica being able to help care for the place this summer.

Ernie is starting to undertake work again.

Erica has mixed feelings: On the one hand, I’m gleeful to see him walking. I want everyone to offer him work, that pays something, so he can cover medical & living expenses, and maybe even take a vacation sometime soon. (It would also be nice to have the option of further surgery to repair tendons, etc. as the need arises.)

On the other hand, he can focus so hard on “doing a good job” that he hurts himself. This happened at VBC – when the job got “behind schedule,” he was splitting bamboo and ended up cutting his thumb to the bone. VA came through with emergency care (Yay!) but the last thing Ernie needs is another injured limb. Even when it’s not so drastic, he can sometimes ignore his healing and food needs when he’s focusing on a job.

Ongoing care from folks that do massage, body talk, acupuncture, reiki, etc. would be a blessing, and help support his transition into a more careful and full working life. If you’ve offered before, but haven’t been called, would you consider calling Ernie yourself to set up an appointment? 503-290-8479. He does need it; but when he’s in a lot of pain, he tends to try to distract himself rather than ask for help.

Thems my two cents. Thanks for listening.

Yours, Erica Ritter