FAR FAR AWAY

Ah yes, Boca and Bubba hit the road again. More or less. "To stay young, the doctor said to exercise and eat the right foods" said BUBBA. "What?" said BOCA, " I thought he said ACCESSORIZE AND BUY NICE SHOES." And so begins Boca and Bubba's next adventure.

HOW TRAVEL DECISIONS ARE MADE

After several long car drives, Boca thought it was time for a bit of a different kind of "cruzin". Ah yes time for the high seas. NO NO NO yelped Bubba. "Don't you understand we are in a recession aka depression!!!" That was until one of his good buddies said, "Hey Bubba, this cruise looks pretty darn good. Are ya goin?" And that was all it took. "Well, hell yes. We are in good buddy!" Must be a man thing. And so begins Boca and Bubba's next adventure. It has all the making's of some Bubba and Boca madness...start in LA and end in Shanghai. Look out Charlie Chan- be sure to follow the google calendar below. And yes yes I am behind already.

DAY 4 FEB 14 NAVY MEDICAL CENTER FISHER HOUSE/NEWPORT COAST FRIENDS

NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER
The Naval Medical Center San Diego also known as Bob Wilson Naval Hospital, started originally as a tent dispensary in 1917.  This magnificent health care complex has grown to 85 acres, 89 buildings and 2600 beds with over 6000 employees.  We were told it is the largest military hospital in the world!


 The Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care-C 5, is one of the programs that manages severely injured patients from medical evacuation through inpatient care, out patient rehab and eventual return to active duty or transition from the military.  Renovated in 2007, this facility provides an aesthetic and medically advanced setting for trauma service.  More than 10,000 Marines and Sailors have been wounded since Sept 11, 2001 and this magnificent medical center is committed to caring for many of them- as part of the The Wounded Warrior Regiment .  Several of these warriors also partake in the U.S. Paralympic Military Sports Camp and Program.   Check out the details  www.WarriorCare.mil

FISHER HOUSE


Belle Esposito, Fisher House Manager and definitely Belle of the Ball, this Georgia Peach welcomed us to her 2 house facility.  Formerly an exec with Chase Manhattan Mortgage and a Fisher House Volunteer, she has been at the helm of this Fisher since 2001.  Raised as a self-described "Army Brat" and formerly married to a career Navy man, she does a terrific job running this very busy place.

 Serving as a home away from home for families who are coping with the medical crisis of those who have served their country and have no local accommodations.  The first home (8 bedroom) was opened in 1992 and the second home opened in Oct. 2008, marking this 5th Naval Fisher House donated to the Navy by the Fisher Foundation.  This 8000 sq. ft, 21 bedroom house is fully furnished and accessible under the American Disability Act regulations.  The C 5 unit at the hospital treat our most severely injured and having family members near by provides comfort to them and per the late Zachary Fisher can contribute to their recovery process.  Two of the key players in contributing to the building of this second Fisher House ($4 mil) were TriWest Healthcare and T.Boone Pickens/BP Capital.  The other Navy and Marine Fisher Houses are located in Bethesda, Maryland, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and Portsmith, Virgina.


Belle's favorite spot, the fountain- a place to reflect and relax in the beautiful southern California sunshine.  Belle and staff, we thank you for your tireless care in serving some of our nations most seriously wounded and their families.  God Bless!


The supply room for the house is kept in impeccable order and a never ending need of essentials for the guests.  And of course Belle is always ready to share her WISH LIST.  Feel free to contact her for details in anyway you can contribute and make a difference.   belle.esposito@med.navy.mil



HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FUN IN NEWPORT COAST
Stopped off for a visit with Annie (new friend from South American Cruise last year) and Greg and their two delightful kids.  I can see why this young man is doing so well with an acting and modeling career.   His charm surpasses his cherubic good looks- he made a Valentine for Bubs and me!

 Like Bubba used too- amen to the USED TO- they have a boat, actually 2,  in their back "yard" and took us for a spin around the hood to tour the very beautiful Newport waterways.  And I thought Ft. Lauderdale was the Venice of America.   Bubs thought the electric boat was very cool-quiet, smooth riding and the top slides down to "button up the hatches".   Their favorite spot is to cruise over to Catalina Island for some weekend family fun. Greg has now learned how to properly anchor the boat- oops.  Must have made for a fun time when it wasn't and drifted off out there.  Yikes!


We also salute Greg for his service-once a Marine always a Marine!  We invite you to visit Belle's Fisher House.  We think you'll be very pleased how she cares for the Marine and Navy families at her house.  Off to celebrate the lover's holiday at Scotts.  MMM.  Hearts to you the fine Fox family!  We look forward to your visit to Florida in August.  We will teach you all about humidity.


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