A Hitch in Ned's Gitalong

Before we left on the trip, Ned was having problems with his knee. He had it checked out and was told it was a Baker's Cyst (fluid behind the knee) and it should eventually heal. Things have been going fine for several weeks, but about a week ago it started acting up again. He's been icing it and I've picked up the majority of the driving the last several days to give it a rest, but the leg and foot continued to swell. So, we thought it best to get it checked out again. I did a little research and found a medical clinic in Fulton, next to Westminster College where the Winston Churchill museum is located. First thing this morning we made a bee line for the clinic and waited...the doc scheduled a sonogram for later in the day to check for blood clots. So, we spent the interim time perusing the very in-depth exhibit about the life and achievements of Winston Churchill. (thank you Polly & Eric for this tip). Churchill gave his famous "Iron Curtain" speech at this college, with Truman in attendance. We were quite impressed with the museum and famous Wren church that was brought over from England and rebuilt stone by stone. Still having some time to kill, we visited the historic little town and had lunch. After a trip to the hospital lab and back to the doctor's, the good news is that there is no blood clot. Ned does have a popliteal cyst, which means a lot of fluid has built up in his leg and foot, but he'll be okay until we can get home and he can see an orthopedist. Fortunately, he's not in much pain...or maybe he's just being macho and telling me that. So, no more bike rides for my biking buddy, but lots of swimming was encouraged. Mmmm, I asked him if perhaps he didn't take a big enough swig from the Fountain of Youth springs! We weren't able to visit Truman's library, museum and home, but did manage to make it across the state line into Kansas. This is our 4th trip across the country and each time we managed to skip Kansas. Since Ned's dad was born here we thought it only appropriate to further explore his family's roots here. Ned had some family documents from the county recorder's office and we think it will be fun to do some sleuthing tomorrow and see if we can locate his dad's boyhood home or plot. Now, we are camped near a lake, or more like a flooded prairie, sipping on sangia and enjoying the drier heat. Even though it was another scorcher day, it sure makes a difference when it's less humid. Ned says he might be walking like Grandpappy Amos, but he really does feel fine.See today's pics - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Hillsdale State Park, Paola, KS