I GRADUATED-AND PROSPERED

Well, it was a little over six months ago I got the "Zipper Treatment" (Open Heart Surgery).

I have a lot to be thankful for.

First, and foremost, I am breathing and eating on this side of grass.

Second. The wonderful encouragement from members of the AFI Community. It meant a lot, not only in posts, but seeing and talking with friends at the shows.

I am one inch slimmer in the waist since operation (now, 36 inches). I am 48 pounds lighter, which is like shedding three cinder blocks off your back when moving.

Blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, all numbers are down, in a positive direction.

Tequila Reports will be hereafter referred to as the "Wino Reports" since I can no longer do six shots of Patron in a day. It was a great run, over 40 years, but I gotta outlast Bill Coleman, photographer, who did shows into his early 80-ies.

I may have to cheat and become a painter in the next six years. Not dissing painters. Photographers have to schlep too much luggage around.

Here is apic of my graduation today at the Tampa General Hospital Heart Clinic today. That is nurse Julie and Doctor Tom with me. I finished 36 sessions since November.

I signed up with them to keep going three times a week at 7:30 AM.

This summer, when I am in Saugatuck, there is a gym two blocks from where I live.

Also there is Mount Baldy, a forest-covered sand-dune, with 310 steps to the top. I plan on hitting it at least twice a week..

It is wonderful to feel so vital, and alive.

Took Ellen out to early Valentine's meal tonite. Very romantic and sexy.

Aloha, and thanks for all your great support, Nels.

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Comments

Susan Thornton February 20, 2013 at 7:04pm

Congrats!
Annette Piper February 15, 2013 at 2:46pm

Wonderful to hear Nels - so glad you're feeling so great, so energetic.... and so romantic!
Weldon Lee February 15, 2013 at 12:41pm

You are the man, Nels. Hope to meet you on the trail one day.
Suzanne Ens February 15, 2013 at 12:36pm

You are my hero! Keep on keepin on
Robin Chard February 15, 2013 at 10:59am

Good for you! Great to see you on this side of the grass!
Connie Mettler February 15, 2013 at 8:49am

You're right about that Nels. Paintings are a lot lighter than those framed and matted under glass babies. Btw, showed Norm your new work -- he said "that's a lot of work (to do that)." Now I'm thinking a photo of the new Nels with your new handcolored technique -- the "zipper series."
Nels Johnson February 14, 2013 at 9:14pm

Bravo, Connie. Don't forget Coleman was a photographer. So he is the one I want to outlast.

Lars looks great.

thanks Jacki.
Jacki Bilsborrow February 14, 2013 at 8:16pm

Nels, all those gym workouts are making you look quite chiseled. Keep it up.
Elle Heiligenstein February 14, 2013 at 1:01pm

So happy for you, Nels!! Keep up the great work!!
Connie Mettler February 14, 2013 at 12:31pm

Good news!

Bill Coleman had his zipper job in his 50's, so cleaned up his life a good 10-15 years ahead of you Nels, so it's no wonder he was still doing shows into his 80's.

You thought he was the oldest. Wrong. Here is a photo of Lars Birger Sponberg from the Chicago area still doing shows with wonderful paintings. He was a neighbor of yours at E. Lansing last year.

My family is planning a reunion at Union Pier next summer so we'll join you in a climb up Mt. Baldy.