FRIDAY - Nov 14, 2008

Joy Bilozir Update

Joy Bilozir passed away November 13. Randy and family were with her constantly and through her final few hours. She wanted all to know that "we all have expiry dates…mine just came a little bit earlier than expected…" She stated she was not scared of her destination.

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Her "joyful" spirit and presence will be sorely missed by all. Anyone who came in contact with Joy knows of her bubbling, caring personality and eagerness to help and serve others. Those who knew her, loved her.

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Please support Randy through this difficult period in his life. He wishes you send no flowers, but instead, make a donation to the ALS foundation in your area.

Here's the ALS website:

http://www.alsa.org/donate/default.cfm?CFID=1913017&CFTOKEN=92a5244501a9afc7-98857C65-188B-2E62-80B8D7026F5C71BB

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Vickie

International Chili Society

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PS, If you wish to send a Card, send it to:

Randy Bilozir

507 - 37th Street SW

Calgary, AB T3C 1R8

Canada

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River Resorts Regional

Hi, Fellow Chiliheads,

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We are a little more than a week away from the 22nd Annual Lost Lake Resort Chili Cookoff aka River Resorts Regional. If you've been there, you know that it is a very special cookoff. If you haven't been there yet, give it a try. You will be greeted with fun and hospitality and something a little different.

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We are not overwhelmed with entries, so there is plenty of room for more cooks. If you're coming, please let us know. If you've told us at a cookoff somewhere, we have probably forgotten, so please go to the ICS web site and send us an entry. Or just send us an email and say "I'll be there".

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Hope to see you on November 22nd at the 22nd Annual Lost Lake Resort Chili Cookoff.

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Bill and Karen Ray

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Ghon Eckley Surgery Update #2

Hi everyone-

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A quick update while Jonathan is cat napping. First, thank you all for the emails. I have read everyone of them to Ghon. Sorry I haven't had time to respond to them all, but I think you understand. :)

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Great news...he should be going to the step down unit today, where he will spend the rest of his stay. Some of drain tubes, catheter, and other contraptions are being removed today, and as long as they have a bed ready - he's going. Even better news, there are no visiting hours, and no visitor restrictions, so I can bring Jonathan to see him. YEAH!!

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For those who would like to send cards (and I know he's appreciate them), here's the address.(Mail will be forwarded home if he leaves before it gets to him) Local folks that want to visit, please make sure you aren't sick, and any time tomorrow on should be fine, afternoons and evenings are best.That will give him a chance to 'recover' from the move and the pulling of drains. If you could call before coming - just in case he's not up to it, we'd appreciate it. I plan on leaving his cell phone will him tomorrow, and he will have my laptop and will be able to read your emails. My cell number is 301-639-7145. I'm staying overnight with him today and will be with him at least part of the morning tomorrow.

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At this point, we really don't know when he'll be coming home. Original prediction was 7-10 days, so sometime this weekend is a possibility - all depends on how he does. And he's determined.

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Thanks again for all the prayers, thoughts, and emails. We appreciate it.

Kim & Ghon - and all the kids, Eric, Linda, and Jonathan

Address:

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Ghon Eckley - Patient

Nelson Building 6th Floor

600 N. Wolfe Street

Baltimore, MD 21287

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Home:

1400 Willow Oak Drive

Frederick, MD 21701

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Val Gereghty

New Mailing Address
Val Gereghty
PO Box 566
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405
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Home address still the same and phone still the same.

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MONDAY - Nov 10, 2008

Joy Bilozir Update

Please pray and support this couple. I can't even begin to imagine the stress and heartbreak they are going through.

Their address is;

507 37th Street SW

Calgary, AB T3C 1R8

God bless.

Jim Stoddard

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Ghon Eckley - Surgery Update #1

Hi everyone-

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Ghon and I arrived at Hopkins this morning about 5:45. By 6:00 he was taken to pre-op, where I expected to be able to meet up with him after his initial prep. Since I had Jonathan with me, that was not to be. The nurse brought him back to the waiting room to say goodbye and hand me his wedding ring. That was hard - I just about lost it after he left. Thanks for strangers with tissues. Around 6:45, the surgeon came to speak to me after meeting with Ghon. He mentioned that the nurses were working on a way for Ghon to see me and Jonathan one more time...and luckily, we were able to to so, albeit for 2-3 minutes.

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Ghon was taken to the OR about 7am, surgery started around 8:30. I received updates every two hours. The procedure was supposed to take 4-5 hours, and took just a bit over that in the end. The original plan was to replace the mitral valve (that was repaired in 2005), replace a section of the aorta and the aortic valve, and possibly repair the tricuspid valve. In the end, the mitral valve was replaced with a mechanical valve, the tricuspid was repaired, and the aora and aortic valve were untouched. In 2005 there was the same chance of repair on those, and the surgeon felt that althought the valve is bicuspid when it should be a tri - and his aorta enlarged - they were working fine, showed no deterioration from 2005 and were not repaired/replaced.

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I was able to see Ghon in the ICU for a bit about 5:00. He told be presurgery that a thumbs up would be his signal. He's still under some heavy sedation, but doing well. When I told him I was there and took his hand, he moved his thumb a bit - and confirmed with a slight head nod that I was getting the thumbs up that he'd made it. I'm headed back with his son Eric in an hour. The hope is to have him off the ventilator tommorrow morning. Had he come to the ICU sooner (he didn't make it there until close to 3:00), they may have removed it tonight. For those that have spoken directly to Ghon about the surgery, you know the tube was a cause of concern and discomfort for him.

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I'll update again once he is moved to a regular room. Thanks to everyone for all the thoughts and prayers, emails and phone calls for Ghon and our family. They are greatly appreciated - and working. Keep them up, please.

Thanks,

Kim

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Chilihead Question

If someone can answer, please do.

Hi
I've been making a few of the recipes on your site, but having a problem. Its seems that when I make chili its kinda grainy or gritty. I see in your rules that this is not a desired attribute, but I've searched high and low on the internet and can't find out why this happens and how to avoid it.
Any help you can supply would be great. Also, might be worthwhile posting this on your great site.
Thanks
David

dmecom@nyc.rr.com

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============================

If you have articles for posting to Dicks Chili World BLOG, they can be emailed to GWTWChili@aol.com

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