Rick, Deb and Izzy Aboard M/V Broulee and other Wild Adventures. : The Back Story

Kind of left some of you hanging June of 2020. After storing the boat in Florida, we were back in MN and Rick continued to have gut pain, seemed like we were in the ER every other week. It took till mid July 2020, after another biopsy that they found cancer in his ampulary. Of course, we were devastated, then we met with an amazing surgeon and oncologist and put a plan in place. Ampulary Cancer falls under the umbrella of pancreatic cancer and requires a surgery called the Whipple Procedure, you will have to google it, too detailed for me to explain. In September he had four rounds of of intense chemo and his Whipple procedure was scheduled for November 2020. He had a recovery period after that, his surgeon called him a Rock Star. In January of 2021 he started four more rounds of chemo, and trust me he is a Rock Star!!!! Bottom line he got another scan in October and they found no evidence of reoccurring cancer and said "see you in six months". We decided to carefully travel to Florida and hideout on Broulee. Not trying to make light of this situation, cuz believe me, we've never been so frightened. Of course, there are many more details and Rick will be happy to share his story next time he sees/talks to you. We continue to stay positive and moving forward, and totally enjoying being back on Broulee.

2021 WHEW WHAT A YEAR!!!!!

In January of 2021 Deb lost her father (not to covid). He was just two months shy of his 90th birthday. He was a proud Air Force Veteran and was a tough, hard working man. Deb was fortunate to be with him when he passed. He was buried with military Honors in July at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

We miss you Dad!!!

His great granddaughter Elin admiring the flags after the ceremony.

Deb, Inspecting the engraving on the burial site. Her mom and dad were placed here together. A military burial is quite impressive and very emotional.

This was the first winter we have been home since 2000, we are all trying to adapt...

Izzy trying doggy booties again. She's like NOT!!!

Fun ski trip with kids in March in Lutsen, MN.

AirB&B on Lake Superior

Three generations of Smiths on the mountain.

In June we celebrated our 20th wedding Anniversary on Drummond Island, Michigan.

Its a beautiful Island in between Lake Michigan & Lake Huron.

The Soo Locks at Sault St. Marie and bridge to Canada, no can go!

September we headed east to visit family in New York. Our original plan was to travel thru Canada, but still not open unless you were an essential worker.

Visiting with Leslie (her son Macderra) and Brian at their dad's new art studio.

Also enjoying a picnic lunch on the memorial bench at Desmond Fish Library at Garrison honoring Rick's sister Sandra Smith Nice.

And, of course, the beautiful Hudson River, always our favorite.

Then heading north to the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire. Visiting the beautiful Bretton Lodge at Mount Washington. Just visiting, not affording the room fees.

This was the site of the United Nations Monetary and Financial conference in 1944 which established a system through which a fixed currency exchange rate could be created using gold as the universal standard. The agreement involved representatives from 44 nations and brought about the creation of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.