May/June/July2007 Latest news
Regular updates every Friday
Please
leave a comment in our new guest book fully
working, spam free.
27 of July 2007, spoke to Rosie, all her stuff is rather wet after
the thunder storms. And she was excitedly telling me it was only 550
miles to New York, and that he was planning on running 20 miles today.
Rosie had done a TV interview earlier that day as well. I think the
publicity is really great for her aim of raising cancer awareness and
supporting the charities which she is running for.
Rosie is very please that the guest book is now fully working and
free from spam. I feel like bit of an idiot now I realize how easy it
was to solve the problem through the moderator controls, sorry you had
to put up with all that spam rubbish for so long. Rosie is not often
near a computer, but the comments on the guest book get told to her and
she really appreciates all words of encouragement and support she gets.
Regards James.
From Rosie
Thank you so much for all your wonderful, very
moving and kind encouragement in the Guest Book.
Your generous comments, especially those from
brave cancer survivors their families and
friends- have motivated me more than ever to keep
spreading the word - 'early cancer screening saves
lives'
All is well here - I'm in HOLY TOLEDO,
Ohio!!!!! Brigitte and Beth, two of the charming staff
of Starbucks, Toledo, tell me its nickname is the
- expression - HOLY TOLERO - like HOLY COW!
My most exciting news - is that I am only 541
miles from New York!!!
I got a great start this morning! . ..The
thunderstorms woke me better than an alarm
clock., at 5am
I had been asleep in Charlie,. stopped outside
a service station on the outskirts of the town.
Sleep was tricky with the rain crashing down
hard . So I put on my fine neon reflective
police raincoat, and ran along Central Avenue.
As if the skies could have known that
recently I've been writing again about Alaska and the
Aurora Borealis, and wished to emulate these in a
different way - I ran to an extraordinary entertainment of lightening flashes bursting like
fireworks just before dawn.
Everything became calm later. Now, it is
beautiful. I'm sitting in Starbucks writing this -
and getting energy for the next 20 miles..
I would like to say that my
thoughts are with everyone back in the. UK" who
has had to cope with the terrible flooding. It
must be heartbreaking..
I must get going now. The next city is
Cleveland, only 114 miles away.. Rosie
This e-mail and photos were kindly send
in by Harold Vergiels. Many thanks James
Hi James,
I saw Rosie along route 64 west of Toledo
on Monday night when I was returning from a jobsite. While
returning to the jobsite the next morning, I passed Rosie again
several miles closer to Toledo. Although I knew nothing about
her.....I JUST HAD TO FIND OUT HER STORY.......so I turned around to
meet her.
I met this wonderful English lady with a
great life force! I told her I am an adventure racer, and was
tickled to learn of her adventure. She was kind enough to let me
take a couple pictures and a short video clip before she gave me a big
hug and continued on her way.
SHE WAS AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO MEET!!!
Rosie Pics west of Toledo
25th of July 2007. Hi everyone, I'm
pleased to report the guest book is fully functional again, I have
learned how to moderate it, to keep the x-rated Spam out. There will be
a short delay between posting and the message appearing as I need to
okay everything first. I aim to do this at least two or three times a
week. A big thanks to Bryon at www.namehog.net
for all your help. Next update this Friday. Regards James
20th of July 2007 Hi, Rosie has done this
wonderful write up for the web site below. I spoke with her today on the
phone and she is in great spirits and has set herself the target of
reaching New York by September and Iceland by Christmas. Just a bit of
housekeeping, Melissa Rone who I mentioned in last week's update is not
a reporter as I said, but actually works for Goshen Center for Cancer
Care, and has been extremely kind to Rosie and they have become friends,
driving to meet Rosie along the highway. About the guest book, apologies
about the guest book still not working, the setup has been changed in
order to avoid the horrendous spam problems we were having. The problem
is I'm not quite sure how to use it, anyway thanks for your patience the
guest book should be up and running again next week. Regards
James.
P.S Please
send any photos of Rosie to me at james_swale@rosiearoundtheworld.co.uk
many thanks James.
From Rosie
What a month it has been! One of the loveliest
highlights of my whole life - was Pete and Evie's wedding. It was my joy
of joys to meet sweet 6 month old Lucy....and catch up with my Evie,
Pete, Jim, Mikie - and so many of my family and dear friends far and
wide. I love them so very much. My run is for them.
As you all know, Clive who died of cancer, inspired my
run. I couldn't' t bear it that he had terminal cancer before he had
even known he was ill. He hadn't had any symptoms until it had spread
from the prostate to the bone. I HAD to do the run. It was my small
contribution to life... But as Clive would want with all his brave heart
- the run is dedicated not to the past but to future - to my family, and
to. very dear friends everywhere, to strength, hope and love. It's a
sacrifice being not seeing those I love whenever I want - but not nearly
such a sacrifice for example, as it is for any soldier off to a war to
try to fight for the good. And though the run is a joy if hard at times
- it is my very humble personal, very, very serious part in the war
against cancer.
I am so grateful to Goshen Center For Cancer Care for
my biopsy. I feel very blessed that the result was negative... I feel
very strongly - that this means that more than ever - I have do do MY
VERY, VERY BEST with my run. Very best doesn't mean just running - it
means putting it to a purpose.. That's why I was so happy to have the
lump on my breast that led me by a twist of fate to Goshen Center for
Cancer Care (see last week's) report). I am pleased it is benign, but
most of all I am very grateful to have had the experience I am very
proud to have now been entrusted not only to raise cancer awareness, but
to spread Goshen Center for Cancer Care's specific message through the
rest of my world run -' EARLY CANCER SCREENING SAVES LIVES...'
If you love your family, the very best present you can
give them is a healthy you!!!! So, I'd like to remind everyone again -
please get check ups, even if you are, very busy, as it doesn't hurt and
doesn't take long.! After my anxious if brief moments waiting for
my result, I was very touched because the day after my biopsy I to
receive a wonderful visit from Carole Riewe and Mike Jones from South
Bend. Carole took time to visit me DESPITE having more than over 20
beautiful rescued or injured owls, red tail hawks and others, to care
for.
Her life's work is rehabilitating these smart,
beautiful, vulnerable visitors of hers they've been brought to her
injured or found in some dangerous situation for them. Carole, known as
a 'raptor rehabilitator. She nurses them to fitness until they are able
again to be self sufficient,, and then releases them back into the wild.
She is a fantastic person, as is falconer Mike Jones.. They are among a
small, dedicated group who gather every evening to check with there
binoculars on the very precious nest or eyrie on The Tower Building in
south Bend. The nest has been used by the same pair of wild peregrine
falcons, called Zephyr and Guinevere for three years. It is one of only
12 nests in the State. Sadly it seems that the owner of the building is
going to ask for the nest box, placed there with such success some years
ago, to be moved once the current chicks have left... But it's hoped a
way will be found for the nest to stay. I was informed that the pair
might not come back if the eyrie is moved. Most of South Bend's
population love the falcons and want the nest to stay, so I hope all
will be sorted
All the above. Is like a shining light of good
hopefully being stronger than ill - both in the human and animal world,
all thanks to dedicated people who care w all their hearts. In fact, the
title of one of my favorite books as a child was - '.My Family and Other
Animals' by Gerald Durrel - and I've always agreed! - People ARE animals
in the most important complementary ways!..... Definitely, when I was In
Alaska I never forgot this - and to tell the bears and wolves - 'PLEASE
RESPECT THE WILDLIFE!! - I AM the wildlife - please don't eat me!!' Most
recently I seem to have become ever more closely related to being a pony
between the shafts!!..
The next town after Goshen was Shipshewana, where live
a remarkable and most charming Amish Community. The Amish use only
horses and bicycles for transport - but my words - those horses are like
horses in trotting races pulling their beautifully made carriages,
called 'buggies' - They are faster than most city traffic.. To see them
proceeding at speed after dark with their carriages all lit up - is to
feel they must be phantom or magical horses, straight out of one's
dreams. - The Amish philosophy is very special... They are shy, but
laugh a lot with you if you make friends with them, they generous, sweet
natured. They believe in a very honest, hard working, close knit
community, and a simple thoughtful life...
Anyway, MY buggy had it's rather worn harness - and
shaft fittings brilliantly mended and re worked by a very clever Amish
harness maker called Sue and others. It looks so smart. I know the
buggy's wonderful designer Steve Holland and builder Giles Dyson back in
the UK will be delighted to see it + how v well Charlie, or pedigree
name Silver Dream Machine is lasting out, making friends everywhere. .
Anyway, I was jumping around a bit with excitement - 'This horse won't
hold still' she said... I hope now to GOGOGOGO with all my might.
Yesterday I crossed the State line into Ohio, where the green corn seems
as if it is growing taller than many of the little farmhouses, and
gorgeous bright blue cornflowers line the roadside.. Though the corn is
so tall and has held out through all of the thunderstorms during
yesterday, many of the houses are empty or for sale.. A sign of tough
times for farmers here perhaps? Amish country is behind me...... Indiana
is in my treasure chest of memory.... The way to say thank you for the
past - is to look towards the future!. .My dream is to make New York by
September - and to be in Iceland for Christmas.
Rosie.
13th of July 2007, I am delighted to report that Rosie biopsy test
has come back clear, obviously this is a huge relief. Rosie has been
treated very well at Goshen Center for Cancer Care. Under the care of
Dr Laura Morris. Below is a message from Rosie from a few days ago. Also
apologies about the guest book being frozen, there is a problem,
hopefully should be sorted before long. Regards James
From Rosie.
This morning, I am in a situation experienced by so many thousands of
women - I am waiting to hear the result of a breast biopsy. Like
everyone waiting for results - I hope so much it turn turn out that all
is fine. But even if I do have cancer know I am in the very best hand at
Goshen Center for Cancer Care. I am under the care of Dr Laura
Morris.. I am honored to be treated by brilliant and very caring and lovely
Dr Morris and her team, and so lucky because the Goshen Center for Cancer Care,
is the state of the art innovative and pioneering re cancer treatment
But above all I am honored to be in this situation - ie have a lump -
and that has taught me so very much - and I am sure it will help me re
raising cancer awareness to know what it is like to have a little scare
and have to deal with it[ So the little lump in my breast is one of the
very best things to have happened - I the purpose of my world run is to
raise cancer awareness, and even if the lump - hopefully - is benign - +
have much more understanding than I had, and hope to be able to do more....
Anyway - soon I'll be running to
New York: Whatever, it is absolutely
vital for EVERYBODY TO GET CHECK UPS.. Early diagnosis is everything. I
shall email my results as soon as I get them. Hope to be on the road to
New York. Very soon - whatever the result. God bless all those who are
fighting cancer - and God bless dear, wonderful Nancy Rodriguez, in Oak
Park Chicago. - it was Nancy who arranged for me to go to her marvelous
family doctor, Dr Karen Weinstein - who suggested I go for a mammogram
(see earlier report!) I am so lucky. This run around the world is MEANT
to succeed. - AND IT WILL! Rosie
A great new TV interview
online
13 of July 2007, Melissa Rone from Goshen Center for Cancer Care,
forwarded me this link, it is a great
piece about Rosie and there is a really fabulous film interview with
her, it is much longer and more in-depth than the last one. I think it
is absolutely fantastic, I urge you to take a look, please follow this
link http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/8416142.html#
regards James.
Melissa Rone wrote:
Dear James,
My name is Melissa Rone. I am in contact with your mother, and
recently arranged for her to be interviewed by a TV station. She said
that I could email the link to you. If you like the interview you could
post it.
http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/8416142.html#
I should have photos in the near future. I would be happy to pass them
on for your site. Your mother is an amazing creature, but you already
know that.
Best,
Melissa
Hi Carole, thanks for e-mail, Rosie had a lovely time with you and
your birds. Regards James
Dear James,
I had the privilege of meeting your mother last evening in South
Bend, Indiana. I am part of the little group that keeps an eye on the
peregrine falcon chicks in our city nestbox, and Rosie spent some time
with us as we watched for the four youngsters. She is an amazing woman
and I so enjoyed her company. What nerve and stamina! She called me
again this morning as she was on the road to Elkhart (east of here) and
we had another chat and promised to keep in touch with one another. I am
a raptor rehabilitator and she had many questions about what I do as we
discussed birds - and other creatures as well. I look forward to talking
to her again in future.
Carole Riewe
South Bend, IN
Woman
Runs Around the World for Cancer. (Please
followed link for video interview with Rosie.)
may only be there a short while.
6th of July 2007. Hi, whatever you do, please followed the above
link to the, wsbt local news web site. There is an article about
Rosie, but better still there is a video link where Rosie is interviewed
and it is a really great chance to see her in action pulling Charlie her
cart. I think it is a really great piece and really shows her
personality. Please take a look.
I had a long chat with Rosie today, she was a little stressed out about
what to write, as there has been so much going on this last week or so
with her trip to Ireland for her daughter, Eve's wedding. We decided to
concentrate on what has been going on since she got back, as she is
really focused and motivated as she continues her world run. The
following messages from Rosie, regards James
It was extremely humid running along highway 20 -
I think I dripped enough sweat while pulling the
cart through Indiana to South Bend to have and
filled even Lake Michigan. Everything was soaked by
sweat and then resoaked by the thunderstorms -
but it was ALL worth it.
Just before dark 4 July, I pulled my cart
off the highway needing a little 5 min rest - and
fell asleep for 5 hours! I awoke to see the
most fantastic fireworks coming from the city, and
these were in a kind of symphony with the billions
and billions of darting fireflies in the sky
around my cart. The moon looked down with a
dignified air - and there was a beautiful rainbow ring
around it. It seemed magical. A portent for a
happy day..., Early hours are all in the head!
At 4am it felt time to go and the road was
gleaming in the moonlight and very clear and empty.
Sometimes it's smart to get running before your
body realises what you're asking it to do!!!!! It
is a trick on your legs actually.... Just go!!!!!
!!!!It was the start of a great day. .......
The highlight was being invited to stay with
Mike and Joanne Jones. They were wonderfully
hospitable and kind - and their dog Koaly has to be
the friendliest black Labrador the world! .Mike
is a falconer and I was very privileged to be
taken to watch the wild peregrine falcons who nest
near the top of the high city building The Tower
right in the center of South !Bend. They have an
exceptional and 4 young born this year. It was
such very great privilege to stand there among a
small group of Mike's friends and be able to gaze up
to see the antics of these very, very beautiful
mighty birds....
I have grown to love the hawks and eagles I
have seen all the way through Siberia and the
North American continent. I am determined to
learn much more about them.
its unbearable to realise that not so many
years ago, the peregrine falcon was right on the
brink of extinction.
This beautiful bird has been brought back
through the dedicated work of The Peregrine Falcon
Society combined with the caring of many great
people in different fields
I know that the work is vital and ongoing -
and I revere and respect Mike and his friends. Bob
Collins in Alaska and all those involved
everywhere.
As my grandmother always said - Animals come
first! -'.Animals and the wild forests will save the
world for all of us!!'...love Rosie
The 3rd of July 2007, hi everyone. Apologies for the lack of Fridays
update. I was over in Ireland at my sisters marriage. It was an
absolutely wonderful occasion. Rosie was there, she had flown from
Chicago airport. She had promised to finish her world run to be back in
time for the wedding. But this was not possible due to the run taking
longer than expected due to difficult traveling conditions and things
like getting frost bite. I really enjoyed seeing her. It has been a year
since I last saw her in Alaska, and it was really nice to catch up and
discuss her route and various issues about the homeward straight of her
world run.
Rosie was only in Ireland for a few days and is now back in Illinois
to continue her world run.
Me with my mother Rosie.
My sister Eve and Pete Stanway, Just Married. It was a great
day.
22nd of June 2007, hi, it is going to be great see Rosie in Ireland
next week. My sister Eve is getting married their to her fiance Pete
Stanway. It is going to be a great occasion and Rosie is flying over for
the week. She is very much looking forward to it. We had a long chat
about her recent travels and she said she had a wonderful time
travelling through Chicago, she said people were so kind and welcoming.
Dear Jim, Thank you so much for your sweet
msg....
I am thrilled to have made it to the State of
Indiana!!! I would like to say a very special
thank you to the black and :Hispanic communities of
Chicago..
I ran through some areas where life is very
hard for people. I have to say these areas will
always stay in my heart. Far from feeling in any
danger, I was treated with kindness and respect
by everybody.....The kids even jumped off the
buses to run with me.... And one man, who had no home
- wanted to give a quarter to help the children
in Russia and the Cancer Awareness......that's
just one example of many. poignant experiences in
South Chicago.
I am running towards. Michigan
city....getting vvvvvvv excited about Evie's wedding... I. I
haven't seen her for nearly 4 years..... Rosie
Also I have a lovely e-mail and photos sent in by Jay Jorgenson who
kindly did a huge amount of work of Rosie's teeth for free. They were
taken at the Grandma's
marathon. In the photos are Jay's family, Krista, Per
and Bjorn
Hello Rosie, James, Bob, and Mariclare
We had a wonderful time seeing Rosie at Grandma's
Marathon.
The weather was very warm for a marathon but
beautiful for
spectators! We were able to see Rosie briefly
the evening
before the race. We had new shoes, a shirt, and
her
marathon chip to deliver to her. We were looking
for her
during the marathon but didn't see her.
Fortunately, we
were able to drive up to her campsite on Sunday
and take her
back to Duluth with us. We had a nice lunch and
caught up
on her travels and experiences since seeing her
last in Park
Rapids. As always, she was full of enthusiasm, a
true
inspiration. How fortunate we are to have her in
our lives!
I am attaching a few pictures. One is of Rosie
and Jay the
evening before the race and the next is of Rosie
with our
boys, Bjorn and Per, in her tiny tent. She said
that they
were the only people that had been in her tent
with her. It
was a tight squeeze even with those two little
guys. I am
also including a picture our family with Rosie
and her tent
and a picture of the wonderful people that shared
their
campsite at the Two Harbors Campground.
Best wishes,
Jay, Krista, Per and Bjorn Jorgenson
Park Rapids, MN,
19 of June 2007, hi, just to let you know Rosie completed the
marathon in 5hours and 40 minutes. She had some problems with cramp so
she had to take things quite easy. She said she really enjoyed it and
that there was a great atmosphere in Duluth.
15th of June 2007. Hi, had a really long chat with Rosie today, she
is very excited about the Marathon tomorrow and all is well. However as
Rosie mentions in the e-mails she has sent below, she is having some
further tests to investigate a very small lump in her breast. She
actually had a mammogram scan to check out a small lump which turned out
to be harmless. But the scan identified an other tiny lump that might be
a little suspect. So she is going to have a biopsy done in July.
We had a long chat about whether to mention this on the web site. We
talked about the main purpose of Rosie is run is to raise cancer
awareness, and get away from, fear and stigma about the condition, and
encourage people to see their doctor early. So I am just mentioning
Rosie's situation in a matter of fact way. Also to avoid the news coming
out from any other source, and people being worried. Am I am very glad
that it will probably turned out to be harmless, and if it isn't it was
discovered at an extremely early stage.
We spoke about many other things, Rosie is really looking forward to
the Marathon, for runners I think Marathons are like little Woodstock
festivals, there is a great deal of fun and comradely among fellow
runners, they are very social occasions. Rosie said that after dragging
250 pounds of weight its absolute heaven simply running without being
strapped to her mobile home. She wanted me to thank so many people,
everyone has been so kind.
I am having bit of a photograph drought at the moment, so I have dug
another one up from Alaska. Hopefully get some after the Marathon.
Regards James
At 7,30 tomorrow, 16 June, I'll be setting off
with about 8,500 runners in the famous Grandma's
Marathon, Duluth....
It is not part of my run around the world -
it's an extra!!!!
It is for fun - and to say a very special
thank you to my dentist Dr Jay Jorgenson.
As everyone knows, Dr Jorgenson and his team
saved my teeth... He and his whole family and all
my Park Rapids friends helped me in every
possible way... Even acting as my main address for many
months, i.e, I'll be meeting up with Jay and his wife
Krista and their boys today at the pre Race Pasta
party....
They are bringing my Saucony Grid Hurricane
Shoes, which had been sent to them + my Race packet -
and one of my sponsored Saucony running vests -
on which has been written -
LOOK AFTER YOUR TEETH!
HEALTHY TEETH HEALTHY BODY.
The race is also vvv much in honor of my
darling daughter Evie and son James, whose birthday
is on 18 JUNE.
Also it dedicated to all the recent splendid
university gradulates.. And to all the charities
'using' my legs to their great causes..
The Duluth Marathon is also vvv much in
honor of ALL people having a struggle in life...
Because the struggles in so many ways in every day
life are far far harder than running
The biggest marathon in the world IS LIFE
ITSELF!!!!
I owe so vvv much again to Nancy, Victor,
Patty, Rich, Bob, Diana and Kevin and all the
fantastic Collins/Rodriquez/Agostinelli family in
Chicago and Colorado - for caring and hospitality
beyond my ability to be able to thank them....
I'd run too fast over the last few miles into
Chicago to. Oak Park and had had a bad stomach
ache...
Nancy arranged for me to see the marvelous
Dr Karen Weinstein as + said in my last report...
She did every kind of test which were so fine
- that when she read me the results over the
phone' it sounded like A Pulitzer prize for heath!!!
There was just on minor problem, her
registrar felt a tiny lump on my left breast..... So +
was booked for a mammogram at River Forest Breast
Care Center on 12 June.
That lump was nothing at all... Just normal
But the mammogram and ultrascan together with
vvv thorough exam by the doctor, amazingly found
another little lump - far far too small to have
discovered without the wonderful mammogram's
help..
They have arranged to do a biopsy on 12
July to check it out. I am so very grateful for
the action!! This is a needle biopsy - where they
insert a needle into the lump and remove some
tissue for lab tests.
They tell me there is an 80 per chance that I
AM ABSOLUTELY in the clear, an a 20 per cent
chance that it will need sorting....
That will mean a little lumpectomy
-TINY...EASY TO DO - BECAUSE IF THERE IS A PROB IT HAS BEEN
CAUGHT AT SUCH A VVVVV EARLY STAGE.
IT WAS TEMPTING NOT TO WRITE ABOUT THIS ON
TODAY'S REPORT for fear of worrying those I love..
BUT - AFTER MUCH THOUGHT I HAVE REALIZED to talk
and write about it is a must as this whole run is
for. CANCER AWARENESS!!! ALSO my problem is
vvv slight. Even if + do have to get the lump
removed it is so v minor, I'll only be off the run
for a few weeks...
BUT IF I WAITED TILL I get home - then the
problem would have had time to get worse.
So + say to you all I'm sure I'm fine - but it
has been put even more clearly in my mind that
this is a reminder, and it is an opportunity to.
SHOUT SHOUT SHOUT TO EVERYONE -
PLEASE GET YOUR BODY CHECK UP!! My grandmother
always told me J stitch in time saves nine!!!'
GO FOR IT!
Do not be afraid to go for mammograms,
prostate checks and other kinds of cancer MOTS
Life is so precious.
Another reason + am making this public from
the start is that thanks to the marvelous Guest
Book people send in reports on me - and may jump
to a more serious conclusion if they see me in
clinic waiting rooms - and worry my friends even
more.
Never fear seeking the truth
If there is no problem after all, then you
don' have to think about it, or wasting energy
worrying any more.
AND, IF THERE IS A PROBLEM - THE ONE THING
I've been taught by my run - is that problems must
be faced. They must we sorted or minimized as
best as one can do it.
As regards ANY POSSIBILITY OF HEALTH CONCERNS -
PLEASE GO FOR HELP FAST!!!!
I am running tomorrow's marathon for you ALL!
Rosie
The 8th of June. Hi, had a message from
Rosie on my answer phone, she sounds in great spirits, things have been
very exciting since she reached Chicago. People have been very kind to
her and she has been extremely well looked after. Below is a message she
sent me. She wrote it on her little BlackBerry device. This screen is
quite small, though it is quite hard to keep track of long messages I
should imagine. But I think he has done a great job. I don't have any
new photos at the moment, so I have included a photo of Rosie that I
like from Alaska. Regards Jameswill
WHAT A LANDMARK IS MONTH IS GOING TO BE IN EVERY
WAY!
Here are some of the highlights - not in order
is happening!!!!!!!
1. I am back
I loved Chicago last October, when I took a
trip there and back to run the Chicago Marathon -
and love this wonderful and it small oasis of Oak
Park, Illinois, even more now..... It was
fantastic to arrived in Oak Park 4. June - pulling my
cart!!!!!!
My route on Highway 12 and then along Harlem
Avenue - was a route bursting with life, Cultural
diversity - i.e. Irish Soda bread and Spanish
Sausages and Mexican tacos for supper - and brilliantly
kind and fascinating people everywhere...
I would like to thank everybody along the way
so much...
Special gratitude to -
The fabulous Chicago Police. To
Constable Golden for police Escort - flashing lights
and all at 6am one morning to help me past a tricky
area with no hard shoulder, Patrol Officer Reece
for even giving me his cell phone no, to
Illinois Secretary of State Police - to the Harlem
Avenue Fire Department, Jim and Brenda Macdonald of
Evergreen, who are looking after Charlie, parked in
their garden, while I head up to Grandma's
Marathon in Duluth, and other side ventures.... - and
countless others...
Most of all THANK YOU YET AGAIN to my very
much loved second home and family Nancy and Victor
Rodriquez in Oak Park - ALL the Rodriquez,
Agostinelli and Collins and the marvelous family +
have in Ireland - and my precious Daughter Evie, son
Jim and soon to be official son in law Pete - and
the mini gang - my buddy and grandson Mikie and
little baby Lucy - wow!!!!! How lucky can one
get!
As I've often said - have no corporate sponsor
and entourage - instead! - the whole worlds is
my wonderful entourage - the whole world is my
family - and has also become the family of my family
back home in Wales, Scotland, England, Ireland -
EVERYWHERE!!!
Right now brilliant experiences and slightly
tricky logistics gallop side by side!!!.... I
have really been very grateful for all the
terrific help I've had in sorting everything out.....
Thanks to this amazing support - as you can see,
I've even been able to pack some huge EXTRA things
into the schedule......
Here in brief, is how it is going.....
4 June - pulled Charlie in triumph to Nancy and
Victor's home in Oak Park - and had the most
fabulous of warm welcomes...
5 June Nancy arranged her extremely kind and
gifted Doctor, Dr Karen Weinstein of West Suburban
Medical Center to do me a personal medical MOT and
run a thorough series of health checks on me.
These are turning out well so far. they are on going
- they include an up to date mammogram, which
every woman should have, no matter how healthy.....
I needed these checks, though I feel great, as I
haven't had any for years. Charlie the cart gets
check up on his welding, tyres etc - now it's my
turn!!!
Meanwhile, in between these - I pulled Charlie
further through Chicago to Evergreen.
I arrived in Evergreen on 6 June. I made my
mark on the map there, and left Charlie being. Very
well looked after till I get back to him - by a
very kind couple Jim and Brenda McDonald, who
helped me greatly.
It has been a joy to have been whisked off by
Nancy and Victor on a quick trip to Denver,
Colorado - to attend their son Dan's graduation -
it was amazing - to be in Colorado - it so very
wonderful to be here as their guest.
I. Am extremely honor to go to Dan's
graduation ceremony tomorrow.
VERY MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO DAN RODRIQUEZ
ALSO VV MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO KATE
AGOSTINELLI AND MATT COLLINS - WHO ALSO RECENTLY GRADUATED
WITH MUCH HONOUR - IT HAS BEEN QUITE A YEAR FOR
THEM!!!
Love Rosie
First of June 2007 Hi, just spoke to Rosie she is very excited about
reaching Chicago soon. It is a roasting hot day where she is, she has
been angling, Charlie her tent/trolley to get a through breeze as he
takes a rest in heat. This is a message from her.
I am only 45 miles from Chicago!!!! I am at Fox Lake on Highway 12... Chicago has been one of my very
favorite, most loved cities ever since I ran the wonderful Chicago Marathon. I was even lucky enough to come 15th in my age
category - all because of having my toenails painted a special VAROOM RED by Florence at Park Avenue Hair Studio in Oak Park, and being wonderfully, unforgettably spoilt by all my dear friends in Chicago.
I can't believe I'm nearly back there, at last as part of my world run - pulling faithful Hot Rod Charlie my
cart.
Everyone has been extraordinarily kind. The traffic is busy, but drivers are extremely nice and courteous when they see the cart, and I've been meeting very many lovely people, including a charming Hungarian family who own Classic Cars in Richmond. Charlie the cart was very keen to stay there basking among the glamorous vehicles, but after being invited in for coffee and chocolates -
I managed to get going again tonight, I am much too excited to sleep... It is 3am, so it is a nearly silent world, with very little traffic. I'm camped in the garden of a hunting and fishing shop in Fox Lake - but it is a beautiful night...The thunder storms that sent rain pelting down many times yesterday - are over... So I think I'll get going. Can't wait to reach Oak Park, and from there to run through famous DOWNTOWN CHICAGO along much of the Chicago Marathon route. Rosie
Also I received a very nice e-mail from Liza, a great friend of Rosie
who runs The Kitezh Community for Orphan Children, that contained a
message and picture from Rosie's two gods daughters Nellie and Marina.
They do very good work over there, if you would like to donate to their
cause, please follow the web site link www.ecologia.org.uk.
Regards James
Rosie asked for a photo of her two god daughters Nellie and Marina at Kitezh for the web
site. Nellie and Marina from Kitezh Children’s Community are Rosie’s god daughters. They often ask about her and are astonished to hear that she is still running. In their short lives, three years is a VERY long time! This photo was taken to show Rosie how much they have grown up since she saw them at Kitezh in March 2004. They send her lots and lots of love and good health!
Grateful thanks to all those who continue to support Kitezh by sponsoring Rosie’s Run Around the World. Donations for Kitezh can be made through Ecologia Youth Trust at
www.ecologia.org.uk. Look for the Give Now button.
All the best,
Liza
for
Nellie and Marina
Marina Sinko
Kitezh Children's Community,
Kaluzhskaya Oblast',
Baryatinskii Rayon,
Russkaya Federatsia.
21st May, 2007.
Dear Rosie,
How are you? What are you doing?
Where are you now? How long have you been traveling now???? Will you be home soon? In Kitezh we're putting on a play called Master. Me and Ksusha are playing the parts of Faith and Inspiration. The weather is really hot here! We went swimming today in the lake. How is the weather there? Do you have a dog? We have a new dog called Achilles and a new kitten called mo. This year we moved to the
Gostinitsa. I am studying well, and we've only got one week left of school, which is good because my bag has broken! At the end of the summer we are having a big game, and there will be two camps.
I hope all is well with you, Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeease write soon!
Lots of love,
Marina
P.S. I'm already 11 years old (4th class)
P.S.S. I typed this myself! Even some with my left hand!
P.S.S.S. Only joking!
28 of May 2007. Hi, I spoke to Rosie today, she is really
delighted with her teeth which now have been fully fixed up by Dr Jay
Jorgenson, who as you probably know, donated a huge amount of his time
to fix Rosie's badly damaged teeth. Rosie returning back to Park Rapids
for a Series of long treatments. Now she has her head down and the
zooming along, and is 80 miles from Chicago.
We had bit of a serious chat about the web site. The porn links in
the guest book are making Rosie very annoyed. Because she knows it is
upsetting people, and also younger people visit the site. Rosie asked
for the technical support details, to contact them herself. Also web
site itself, is not updated regularly enough. I am completely
overwhelmed at the moment with other things, and have let things slip
behind.
It was a very useful chat, my mum is a great motivator. From now on I
am going to update at least every week on Friday British time, so
everyone will know that there will be definitely a news update on
Saturday. This once weekly thing is going to be a minimum.
When there is a lot of news, for example if Rosie is passing through
a town or village, I will update as soon as possible, on the day,
likewise for any other major news. And please keep sending me
photos of Rosie, they are very gratefully received.
And finally, Rosie is going to be running in The Grandma's Marathon
in Duluth, Minnesota, on the 16th of June. She is looking forward to
this very much. Someone was kind enough to give me the correct details
about this, and also give a link to the official web site. It looks like
an absolutely fabulous occasion, with a festival feel to it. Please
click on the link and take a look. Regards James.
http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/
from Joe "the waterboy" Brown, many thanks
Photo of Rosie taken by Mary Hughes on the 18th of May 2007
My ex and I were on our way back to Milwaukee after
visiting our granddaughter’s school in Whitewater when we noticed
something on the side of Hwy 12 just out of Whitewater. I asked
Don to stop and back up because I wasn’t sure if this was a
situation where someone needed help. We found your mother in her
“tent” and found she was ok… just stopping for a midday rest
and making important phone calls. We were amazed to say the
least when we heard your mother’s story. And, now that I’ve
read more about her on the website there doesn’t seem to be a word
that describes all that encompasses your wonderful mother.
It was important to me to be of service to her. I did
get some train schedule info to her regarding a route to Minnesota
. She was anxious to make a dental appointment in Park
Rapids, Minnesota by Wednesday, May 23rd.
I also shared some banana bread which she ate immediately… it warmed
the heart. She emailed me back and was glad to get the train
info. It was good to hear from her. She will be on my mind
now. I will watch the website for info and hope her trip goes
well.
The saying on my calendar for today is: “Friendship
is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world.” By
John Evelyn. This reminds me of your mother’s mission in that
her friendliness and caring are beautiful common threads that engage
the world’s love.
With warm regards,
Mary Hughes
5th of May 2007. Hi, I spoke to Rosie a few days ago, she sounded in
great spirits. She was calling from Park Rapids, for another marathon
session with Dr. Jay Jorgenson, who is fixing Rosie's teeth. Rosie's
teeth as many will know from reading this site, where in terrible shape
and she was in danger of losing many of them. Dr. Jorgenson is donating
his time to fix them up for free, Rosie wanted me to pass on her huge
thanks to him, once again.
Rosie is also going to be running in the local Grandma's Marathon in
Duluth marathon, on the 16 of June, I might have spelt this wrong, please let
me know if it needs to be corrected. Dr. Jay Jorgenson, will be there
running the half marathon as he is more of a speed person.
She also wanted me to thank, Dr Mike Perez, the eye Doctor at Park
Rapids. Rosie is try out contact lenses, and they are working very well.
I asked her if contact lenses would not be hard to manage out on the
road. But she said they have been really good, because for a start there
was not the endless searching for reading glasses, which is usually
ended up crushed or covered with blobs of sun lotion.
Before returning back, to Park Rapids, and she had reached a place
called Norwalk. She left The Silver Dream Machine with A very nice man
called Stephen D Kaczik, who is the chief of police for Norwalk and
Wilton. You can't get safer hands than that.
Also a very good friend and fellow runner called Geoff Hall flew over
for a brief visit with Rosie to get some film footage for ITV News in
England. Rosie said it was extremely nice to see him. Geoff Hall is the
person that organizes the sending over of all Rosie's replacement
running shoes and other equipment from England, which can be quite a
task when Rosie is out in the wilds. He has been a vital member of
Rosie's backup over the last three years of her run. A big thank you to
you Geoff.
Back in good old England, the London Marathon took place a few weeks
ago. Rosie wanted to say a big hello to her friend Ann and her friends
on the Trots Runners Association who took part.
Regarding the span in the guest book I am waiting for a technical guy
to get back to me about that, so thanks for your patience on that one.
Regards James
These maps show Rosie is latest position,
and the last one shows Park Rapids, where she has been returning for her
dental treatment.
