Greetings Loyal Airmen, well last week we missed our deadline because of the power outage caused by the severe wind and rain storm that hit us here in New England.  This past week has been no less hectic, what with getting out our newest pulp title, applauding the return of Spring Training for the Red Sox and a long night in the hospital emergency room.  We'll start with the more serious first.

Valerie's mother, Lorraine, who resides with us, had open heart surgery five years ago. Shortly after, while in recovery, she suffered what is called Congestive Heart Failure.  This is a condition in which a problem with the structure or function of the heart impairs its ability to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the body's need.  Symptoms include a shortness of breath (typically worse when lying flat, which is called ortopnea), coughing, ankle swelling and exercise intolerance.  Got all that?  Earlier this week Lorraine started coming down with what we all thought was a cold. Val took her to see her doctor who thought she might be suffering bronchial pneumonia and had X-rays taken, which came back negative on that front.  Heart failure is often undiagnosed due to a lack of universally agreed definition and challenges in definitive diagnosis.  When the antibiotic the doctor prescribed seem completely ineffective after several days and Lorraine's condition continued to deteriorate, Valerie finally made the decision to get her to the hospital emergency room.  Thank God she did, as shortly after getting her there last night, the on-call doctor properly recognized that she was indeed suffering Congestive Heart Failure.  Sadly it would take almost another five six hours before she was fully admitted and being treated.  We drove home at 4 AM in the morning. 

We are happy to report that she is doing much better today, although still in the woods in regards to her coughing and weakness.  But the proper regiment is alleviating the symptoms one by one and we truly hope that within a few days she'll be well enough to come home.  Lorraine is in her 80s and these incidents are scary, but she is also a very determined soul who never quits, and thus remains an inspiration to all of us in the family. 

                  
As of tomorrow morning, Friday 5th, our second Airship 27 Production pulp title of the year is officially available for sale.  It is the revised edition of CAPTAIN HAZZARD – CITADEL OF FEAR by Ye Old Air Chief and his good friend and colleague, Martin Powell.  Written several years ago, this book was first released by another publisher and has since been out of print.  Many of you Loyal Airmen have clamored for us to make it available and we were only too happy to do so.  This new edition sports a brand new painted cover by the sensational Laura Givens.  This is her first effort for Airship 27 Productions and we truly hope it's not her last.  You can purchase a copy at our on-line store by clicking on our dirigible logo to the left of this column.  Within a another week or so, as always, the book will be available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all the other well book sellers. We hope you'll give it a look and as always, thanks so much for your continued support.

          
                  Second Baseman Dustin Pedroia Swings Away

And finally, the Red Sox got their Spring Training underway in Ft.Myers, Florida this week with two training games; one against Northeastern University and the other against Boston College.  The second was televised and we were delighted to sit back and hear that familiar cry of  PLAY BALL again.  Nothing clears away the winter blues like those two words.  The Sox look to have a really strong and balanced team this year and as ever we are rooting for them to go all the way.

That's it for this week, Loyal Airmen.  Take care, stay healthy and read a good book, it's a healthy thing to do for your mind.

Ron – Over & Out!