I am retired. I like to write. I like to read. I live in Hood River, OR. I am married (47 years!) and have two grown sons, Noah and Isaac.
I feed the birds that winter over on our property. The vast majority are Oregon juncos, a humble ground forager with rust colored shoulders and a head hooded in black. They are joined by a single lost song sparrow and a mob of noisy blue jays. I use makeshift feeding stations. One is the ground next … More Feeding The Birds
I’m a pre-dawn rambler, often rising before the sun. I roam through the house, trailed by my nocturnal buddy, Buckwheat, a domestic shorthair cat. She crows noisily until I complete the ritual of feeding and speaking to her with fawning sincerity. Then and only then, she allows me to brew coffee and sit at my … More Lobo
On one of the myeloma blogs I read, there was an entry titled, “The High Cost of Staying Alive.” The subject was a particular drug commonly prescribed for patients with multiple myeloma, thalidomide. In the article, the writer questioned its exorbitant monthly cost. He alleged that the drug’s manufacturer discriminated against myeloma patients due to … More Our Healthcare, Our Conscience
A neighbor keeps the snow in our long driveway at a manageable depth. I try to pay for his plowing services or to at least help with gas. He refuses with a smile, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep it clean.” Obviously, snow angels come in many guises. At present, we have a narrow lane due … More No Promises
My family is safe and sound following several harrowing trips through the Columbia River Gorge. We’ve lived in the Hood River Valley for 30 years. Nothing confers “sourdough” status upon visitors more quickly than driving The Gorge in a winter storm. It doesn’t matter whether you are a passenger or behind the wheel. If you’ve … More Remission, Relapse, Rejoice
My most recent test measuring abnormal protein, taken the day before Thanksgiving, validated October’s strong interim result. Once again, my M-spike shows 0.1 g/dl. It is what it is, not perfect but damn good. My oncologist gushed with enthusiasm. These findings give me reason to expect a break from treatment of indefinite length. I am … More You Have Every Right
Recently, a friend asked me what I do with my time. When I tried to describe a typical day, I laughed. The reason is because I do a whole lot of nothing. This reminds me of a Buddhist joke. A disciple of the Dalai Lama gave him a present for his birthday. Upon unwrapping the … More Much Ado About Nothing
Yesterday, my youngest son, Isaac, proposed to his girlfriend Nikki. Meanwhile, I am being the model patient. I limit my socializing; my outings to shop are brief. I wipe clean the handle of the grocery cart before using. I’m careful about not shaking hands or hugging friends. This aspect of recovery comes easy for me. … More I Do!
Living with cancer is a process. I no longer need a magnifying glass to see the peach fuzz on my head. The downy frizz is like the silky on a baby’s blanket and rubbing it reassures me. Now that its return is imminent, I can tolerate the short-term loss of my once curly hair. Other … More Musing On The Process
I am busy penning thank you notes. I can barely keep pace. These few weeks at home I’ve witnessed a steady stream of concern. It has taken the form of gifts such as books, music, food, services, and games, along with heartfelt comments in cards and letters and postings online. This outpouring of solicitude humbles … More Other Bloggers
Good Blood, Bad Blood 