Good News: Eventually Posted with Classic Good New Thrown In

Hey everybody.  It is about that time that I sit down and get some good news out.  I know that 2015 has been a sporadic year for my good news posts.  I try to remember to ask for these tiny, non-drama related victories on a regular basis but again that is not to be.  Well, things have been going great for me these days.  I have stayed out of the hospital for over a month.  The psycho finished the seventh grade and is now a teenager.  I guess I should expect some new drama in my life but I think I can handle it.
The weird part is that I am writing this from the blood and marrow transplant unit here at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where I recieved my stem cell transplant and where I am usually taken when I have complications.  Unlike other times in the past, I am just here as a visitor to say hi to the staff of physician assistants, technician, doctors and ,of course, the Rescue Ninjas (RNs).   They got startled when I came by because they thought I was sick again but instead I just wanted to visit and used there family lounge for some piece and quiet.  Either way, it is great feel so welcome and realize that there are people that truelly care about my well being.  That is those beyond my family that are legally required to care no matter what a jerk I become.  Either way, I should get on to some good news that was share with me in the past few weeks.

Good News for the month of July 2015 with some classic good news thrown in as well.:

• Josie spread the news that it was Dave's birthday.  Way to go.  You survived another revolution around the sun.  I sure miss running with you dude.  I know I was slow but you were amazingly patient.  Our last run was a blast through the double scissors (I think that was the name) course.
• Mandy reports that her step daughters and her all set new PRs at the 5k that weekend.  The icing on the cake was coming in 1st and 2nd in the age groups.  Also, a negative (clear) report came from the bone growth biopsy on her step son's femur.  Those may be beyond the category of tiny victory.  In the spirit the Tour de France lets call them HC tiny victories.
• Sherrie saw Violent Femmes, Barenaked Ladies and Rolling Stones all live in Raleigh last week.  Once again another HC tiny victory.  I am so jealous.
• Danielle completed 4 weeks of C2 5k training without the need of an inhaler.  Also, she tried kayaking for the first time.  So cool.  Keep up the good work.
• Time for some Classic Good News:  Maggie and Chuck finnaly joined the 21st century and got smart phones with data plans and everything.  It is awesome to be able to connect the world with such ease.
• Donna has had some knee trouble but got a new knee brace and gutted out a good six miler with TnT.  She also took the kids to Shankweiler's Drive In Theatre to see Minions and Terminator.  So awesome.  Space, the Psycho and I love drive in theaters.  We will have to check it out soon.  Even more to add, she got some dictation work which always helps but she is having some trouble with some oddball friend that keeps asking for good news.  What a jerk. He must be tired of all the drama in the world and the media that covers it.
• Cindy was helping with finding that special one to say yes to the dress with her daughter.  I know the perfect dress is out there and you guys will find it if you haven't already.
• Maggie came back with the countdown for her granddaughter coming to visit.  I believe it is only 3 weeks now.  I know you guys will have fun but remember she is a teenager now and remember how I was at that age.  I guess the real good news is that you get to put back on a plane to her parents afterwards.  

What a great batch of good news.  Oh, damn I forgot.  My good news is that I ran.  That is right.  I ran for a grand total of a quarter of a mile with walking warm up and cool down added on.  It was short and my lungs burned but it felt good.  It felt so awesome to just move the feet and see the world through the runners eyes again.  Again, I think we may have to categorize this as a HC tiny victory. 
Well, that is it for now and thanks so much for sharing.

Good News, Back Half October with guest writer Maggie Duff

Hello everyone, I am Maggie Duff, Robert Duff's mom. This is my first blog and I hope I can fulfill the position while Robert takes a break. Hasn't it been a joy to read his past Good News Blogs ? I hope you have enjoyed them as much as I have.

Good News for the second half of October

• Danielle reports over 2000 miles on her bike this year and still has 2 months left. Wow, way to go.!!
• Susan went to Tybee Island for the Alpha Chi Sigma SE District Conclave . Beautiful place, met 130+ brothers, and had a wonderful time.
• Josie reports, Max is feeling better, glad to hear that.
• Cindy's 4-H kids put on a great spaghetti dinner last night, and all the profits went to the MS foundation. . Kudos to you all. Awesome job everyone.
• I reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were playing well despite the bumble bee uniforms. Kumihimo (Japanese weaving) Classes are all set up. Life is Good!!
• Melissa reported that one of her neighbors was having a run of bad luck. Kind of everything going wrong; However, Melissa's husband was able to fix their heat pump at no cost. I'm sure they really appreciated the help.
• Shanna reported YEA to this!!! You helped me raise $20,407.00 for LLS
• Chuck reports that Alpha Chi Sigma Installed it's 100^th Collegiate Chapter !!!!!!
• Calvin says they are all alive, it is good to be above the ground !!
• Diana reports that the Gala to raise money for a local orphanage went well and raised lots of money.!
• Donna has reunited with old friends on FB and is enjoying catching up on the news. That is really nice. Also, a new pair of running shoes and in PURPLE. What more could you want, enjoy your runs.
• Donna G. finished her fourth full marathon. Great Job !!
• Pam said she and family, including her mom, went to the Pumpkin Patch. Went on a hayride and had a really good time. Angry Bird Costume for Matthew. Getting ready for Costume Party Friday night.
  
• Robert said that the room he has at Jefferson would catch a great price as an apartment in NYC. I say, only if it was warm..!!!
• Daynell, I love how you keep your spirits up. Duff
• Allison, We got to spend the weekend with your daughter ( my granddaughter) making slime and going to Scout day at the Museum. Sounded like fun.
• Josie, says Max is better, glad to hear that, Our pets are very important to the family.
• I am reporting on my Chuck's State Softball Tournament, they won and it was great. Ready now for the trip to Philadelphia . ( Chuck is Duff's Dad).
• Pam, reports Bo's cousins are coming for a few days on the way to Oklahoma for their sons Army Boot Camp graduation. Hope the visit was good. And Thank that young man for serving....
• Patrick's Kids left out their Halloween Candy HAD Peanut M&M 's Duff calls that the Daddy Tax
• Donna's Fourth Marathon was her slowest ,Way to go Donna, Duff is proud of you. !!!! What Run was it ?
• Shana recommends the noodles from CheU Take Out near the hospital Really Yummy
• Melissa, was able to find a Groot costume and did not have to make one. I made an ET for Duff one time and everyone thought he was a puppy. !!
• Danielle, is really getting organized ! Planning two days in advanced getting caught up on grading and even thinking into next year. Good for you , Is your Christmas Shopping complete yet ?
• Christina, thanks to the remind app. About the pot luck in your sons Spanish class ,even if it was only 12 hours notice.. Taco Bell is open till Midnight in case your desperate.
• Lisa, is rooting for Robert !!
• Donna, took her son to see Hozier and had a great time. Made a new resolution to work on for myself and my family. Had a decent run on the mill.
• I 'm proud to report Chuck's entire softball team dedicated the State Tournament To Duff. They Won and Sent the Trophy to Duff. Chuck his an amazing Grand Slam. One for the record books.......
• Pam, says family from Alabama arrived and having a good time. Headed to the Capital Austin and some museums. Life with family is important.......
• Duff, Cindy , I will pass along an awesome recipe for cauliflower mac and cheese soon.

It has been a joy to read about all your news. It makes you most appreciative of the large and small things in life , just to share them with others. Thank you for your kindness to Robert, I don't call him Duff and I hope he will feel up to returning to his duties as the Chief Good News Blogger.

Mom Duff