Around 7:00 AM this morning the pressure settings on Dad's ventilator were decreased. Unfortunately, he didn't tolerate the change very well and the ICU staff spent the next 2 or 3 hours trying to stabilize him again. They ended up having to give him a bolus of a diuretic, which he responded well to and he is now stabilizing again. The doctors are currently busy doing their rounds and visitors are not allowed in the ICU at present. We should have more information and a specific course of treatment for the day in the early afternoon after rounds are have been completed. Hang in there Pop!

I spoke with Greg Mason at the Township of the Archipelago in Parry Sound this morning. Greg is the Planner for the Volunteer Water Quality Program for the Township and is conducting a 2006 season volunteer kick-off meeting this afternoon at 1:00 PM that Pop was planning on attending. Dr Karl Schiefer, a regional expert on water quality, is expected to be on hand to discuss water quality reports and answer questions.

Just before Pop was moved to the ICU in the hospital in Hornell, he asked if I would be returning to Parry Sound the weekend of June 10th and whether I could attend the water quality workshop on his behalf. I fully expected to do be able to do that for him, but given Pop's current condition I cannot. I asked Greg if I could conference call in this afternoon to the meeting, but he couldn't work out the logistics to make that happen and offered to meet with me individually the next time I'm in Parry Sound. I am making preparations to assume Pop's water testing responsibilities until he is able to do so, and am committed to serving in this capacity and supporting our love of the South Channel and related environmental causes on his behalf.