So 6 months ago on this past Friday (27th), I had a heart attack as many of you here know. Yes, 6 months really does fly by fast! Just to give you a small update, my heart efficiency (ejection fraction) is in the normal range, even after a "medium" sized heart attack as the cardiologist called it. The recovery from that was a bit rough at times, and what made it worse were some changes to medications for my arthritis that were made after the actual heart attack. That more than anything restricted how much I could work every day, because a short time at the bench would have me either so tired or in so much pain, I really had to step away as I didn't want to damage anything when I wasn't on top of things like I usually am. But a couple of months ago I started a new medication, and although I hesitate to call it a miracle drug, it is working very well, and I have not felt this good in probably 25 years (was diagnosed with this arthritis 30 years ago this year). Part of getting back to normal is fitness, and since my heart was in good shape, brisk walking was not enough according to the folks at cardiac rehab. So my wife and I have been playing tennis (indoors!) every week for about 3-4 hours. So today we got home late this afternoon from a 2 hour long clinic, and I fired up the steam shower: We were in the process of renovating the en suite bath when I had the heart attack, and part of that was adding in the steam unit - it's great! So today in a slightly delayed celebration, I cracked open a bottle of a 1997 vintage Vidal ice wine I have been saving: I bought this in 1997, so it has been stored for a while now, and it's turned from a pale straw colour to what you see here. This particular wine is often associated with the taste of apricots, but that has deepened over the years and now it is much more complex. This is longest I have let a bottle of this age, and it's fantastic! So if you are able, please raise a glass with me. For those on here who have watches with me, I am now back working pretty much full time (but not much on weekend thanks!) and I hope to get my backlog cleared out soon. I appreciate your patience more than you can imagine. Thanks to everyone here. Cheers, Al
Cheers Al, I am glad to know things are going well for you. I haven't had the chance to deal with you personally, but your many informative posts have been immensely critical in my learning journey. Looking forward to more great things. And that is ridiculous aging for a wine! Best, L
Sorry I was not aware of your heart attack, I haven't been around much due to nursing school (5 more weeks to go!). However, I am very happy to hear that you are more than on the way to a full recovery and wish you continued, positive strides.
Raising a glass and my Speedy for you, Al. Congratulations on that wonderful icewine -- I'm a fan of Canadian and German icewines as well -- and I hope that you enjoy it in the best of health!
Congrats mate! btw Is it just me or does the shadow cast in the middle of that steam shower photo look suspicious?
Congratulations and continued good health. I'm sure you're aware of it but be careful of taking a steam after strenuous exercise.
Congratulations on your recovering. Good to hear your promising news. Keep up the good work. And cheers!
This is great to hear Al! You have covered some difficult terrain and worked hard in your recovery...time to celebrate... Cheers...