thank you all

[glenn]

Yeah, love the new avatar photo!

[splatto]

No, I haven't gotten the calenders yet, but I know the mail has been delayed because of the holidays. I know this because ca state disabilities is delayed(my check was delayed mostly by ca disabilites but also from the US mail) and they siad they are getting a lot of calls from people who are waiting for their checks that should be there by now. But even if they were sent by other means there will still be a delay. I know they'll get here when they get here. All I needed to hear is that you sent them( i.e. no mix up with my payment getting to the right place). Waiting for the mailman now. But thanks for asking, and the calenders!

[splatto]

So I went to the optomologist and it seems the vision in my left eye(the damaged eye) has improved slightly. This means that the damaged nerves leading to my brain are healing. So I might expect some improvement in the future. Totally off from what I was told to begin with(by several so called eye doctors). They originally said that I would'nt see any kind of improvemnt over time; only that IF they healed, I would just wake up one morning able to see without glasses. But what I was told is not true, there is scientific evidence that I could see improvement over time as the nerves healed(if they healed at all). Again Kaiser physicians prove how uneducated and careless they are. As soon as I am healed from this I am changiing my insurance carrier and work DOES offer other carriers. And what I have written in those few posts are just the beginning. If any of you are interested to hear the rest, catch up with me at sherman this summer, and BRING A CHAIR, you'll need it becuase it's a LONG list.

[kitenaked]

Matt,

Good job on getting better. I was there along with a handfull of other people helping direct the paramedics and doing what we could.

We knew you were going to get better, just weren't sure when.

Your accident was serious and not to be joked about.

For a little humor:

You do not need to wear boxer shorts under your wetsuit.

We considered waxing your chest before the paramedics showed up, however did not at the fear it my ruin your odds in the hospital when trying to fool around with one of the hot nurses.

Again, glad to see you are getting better. Anytime you are in Sherman and need help of any sort or want some wingmen for a downwinder, let the SI crew know. I pretty sure anyone would be there to help. I'm in.

Idea: Lets do a downwinder with as big a group in commemoration of you getting back on the water! (no board leashes - we got enough people to help out and get your board if you need!)

Take Care!!

[splatto]

He He, well I heard wearing boxers under your board shorts was looked down upon there, common among wakeboarders which is where I started. But I hear there was a large eruption of laughter and snikering when the paramdics gave me away by cutting of my board shorts/harness. Won't make that mistake again. Maybe a g-string?? That ought to turn some heads.......the other way!! Gagging sounds rather than the sounds of many laughing!! I really appreciate everything you did to help as well. As far as a downwinder, I would love to participate in that, and appreciate the idea of the whole thing either way. Thanks again. I know I sound like a broken record, but I am amazed at he helpfulness of so many, and just want to show my gratitude. I hope to have a BBQ when I come back to say thanks. I will have to find many or a very large BBQ to handle the people. How many tri tips do you all think would feed everyone that might be there? And side ideas would be great if anyone knows what people like and I can buy in large quantities. Ok later.

[ino]

Very nice to hear that you are doing well, I believe this sport is a wonderful sport and we are surrounded by great friends. I was quite touched from the worderful things you have said, and your brave recovery. I would like to help you out in any way I can, a humble advice to you my friend is ALAMEDA. there are many many gentle people there that are allways helpfull and the geography is quite forgiving. Each time ı kite there I feel uplifted by the great friends there. you can surely enjoy sherman later too which we all love that place.
also in any situation I guess the best safety is letting the bar go in any situation. and the modern kites are quite forgiving and friendly. again you are an ispiration to us with your recovery. It would be an honnor meeting you. Much love to your family and I guess the posts you see here shows how much people care about you.

[splatto]

Hey thanks again Ollie, i got he calenders and they are hanging at home and at qork as of today. In fact the people at work who ask what happened to me ...a lot don't know what kiteboarding is. So I get to show them what i love to do and---bonus---the talented kiters pictured. Some day I hope to kite close to their level. Thnanks again. And i'm dead(no pun intended) serious about the BBQ. Let me know what you all think on the numbers so I can buy the meat and other things now. Thanks.

[Greg]

My Brother-in-law Duffy is INSAIN at cooking Tri-Tip, he uses barrels and smokes/cooks them, AWESOME- I'm telling ya!

Anyway Duff offered to come do a roast, he has the connect on meat also- He's a farmer from Arbuckel.. Awesome meat!

Why dont we make a little party out of it, Duff gets the stuff and cooks it, YOU pay HIM for the materials (this may be heafty if you really want to feed over one hundered people- he can tell you the price ahead of time). I will drive the ski and do a follow-up for the big down winder before sundown..Torauni and me will buy the drinks!

Thats my proposal,
L.M.G.

[OliverG]

Sounds like quite a bit of fun to me. Set the date!

[splatto]

Sounds good to me will you put him in contact with me, my phone number is on this post I think on page 1. A little notice would be good for me to save some money. A party sounds great! But I really do want to say thank you besides me just sayin it. You all had a hand in saving my life that day, I will not forget, or forget to show my gratitude. And I don't want to do this until those that were there and helped that day can make it. I know that all of you would have helped had you been there, thus the party is for all who would like to come, but I want to give thanks to those that had the misfortune of having to get invovled. Oh and I 'm not sure of names so if you've heard and know these people will you let them know I would be honored if they could make it.

And I want to get a little kiting practice before I try the down winder as a group. When we have this I want to make it worth it for all involved, and ride along with rather than everyone having to baby sit or help. I know I won't look as cool as the rest of you, but I don't care. I might not be able to pull off cool tricks, but I hope to ride alongside you all. So I will probably see you at sherman soon, and hit you up for some help. I'll bring gas money, and something sudsy to drink.

I have a alot of work to do to get ready. That means an early start for me. That excites the hell outta me!!!!!!! Makes me a bit nervous at the same time. But I WILL defeat that. The shrinks have me a little nervous, they keep tellin me I won't remeber the accident, ever, but if by chance I do remember it'll be when I'm back in a similar situation. So the end of my first run may be a bit sketchy for me so stay clear of Splatto. And I'll do my best to leave lots of rooom around me so I don't endanger anyone.

Thanks as usaul.