It's Christmas afternoon......

Happy Birthday Mother.

December 15, 1966 Goodbye Walt, RIP

 

 

You were and still are ‘ The Showman of the World’. We were blessed by your presence.

So my grandchildren know

what Christmas is really about. The littlest of giving is so much more that the grandest of receiving. We must look out for each other.

A message from Warren

 

Be afraid, be very afraid. He will take your mind and play with it prior to tossing it out the window.

do the ‘google thing’ on white triangle if you want to know more

Around my new place.

I promised I would take some pictures of my new location and today seemed as good as any.

First up is a sunset from the other evening. Tucson is famous for these.

Next up is a few views from my landing looking down to the pool area.

Hear are a few looks up towards Mt. Lemon from the parking area.

And finally, a look inside. Some clutter and not everything is in it’s place, but this gives you a glimpse into the new hovel.

Hope you enjoyed this very quick tour. Yes, I like it up here a lot. This is much smaller and easier on me to keep up. Plus…..wait for it….wait…I hear a drum roll…….

 

 

no more yard work. YES!

As a purveyor of fine classical music

I ran across this early this morning and it brought a smile. Just wanted to share and hopefully share that smile with you.

Besides, where else in the world could you see Darth Vader playing an accordion?

To be so blessed.

offered without comment

Over the river and through the woods.

 

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOOD

Over the river and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood—
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring,
“Ting-a-ling-ding!”
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the wood,
Trot fast, my dapple-gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting-hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river and through the wood,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go
Extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood —
Now grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for pumpkin-pie!

 

“Over the River and through the Wood“, a favorite holiday poem, was written by Lydia Maria Child. Originally titled, “A Boy’s Thanksgiving Day,” it was first published in Flowers for Children, Vol. 2 in 1844.

today, in 1963

I remember being in class and having the principal come over the loud speaker, telling us what happened and that our parents would soon be at the school to pick us up to go home. I did not know or realize at the time, but things changed that day.

Remembering

An the survey says......

Image via WikipediaI need to catch everyone up with regards to my medical status as of this week. Besides moving, I also had my follow up Pet Scan to my latest round of radiation to my lung. If you have known me for a while or followed my blogs you know what a tenuous time the waiting is. This time was no different but at least I had the moving as a distraction.

The call came first thing last Wednesday morning. My long time Oncology nurse and friend was on the other end and was just busting a smile I could see over the airwaves. The news was good. The treatment showed no uptake and no severe scarring issues. Also, there was no uptake in the throat which my ENT doctor was concerned with. This is real good news and I am very excited to be in good condition currently.

I have been here before. The initial follow up Pet Scan has historically been clean only to come back at the year point. I am staying guardedly positive and not thinking about the cancer so much but in the back of my mind I have to wait until the second scan which will be in about 6 months to finally feel secure in what my condition really is. Such is life.

To be honest, I get tired very easy and still have the pain catch up with me in the evening but at least for now; there is no ‘blackness’ inside me eating away at what is left.
I am alive and I give thanks every day. If you are of like persuasion, I ask that you continue to pray for my health or at least have good thoughts. Know that I have all of you in my prayers as well.

Still living out of some boxes but I at least see the light at the end of the tunnel. In the words of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, ‘I shall no more move, forever.’ – Well, sort-a something like that as I have no desire to ever move again. I just hope that is the case. It is very pretty up here and it is amazing how just a little altitude into the foothills make that morning cup of coffee on my patio taste like none other. There is a wonderful chill in the morning breeze and I just watch the clouds hug the mountains. I am happier here than in my previous home though it is much, much smaller. Ah, I needed to get rid of most of that junk anyway. I was a notorious hoarder of anything and everything I have every owned. It was hard, but so much has been either lovingly placed in the capable care of the ‘dump captain’ or passed along to several charities here in town. It was hard, but I have let go of so much.

OK, I wanted to let my friend and acquaintances that follow me here that all is well and we just need to wait for another 6 month scan. Some pictures of the new ‘hovel’ coming soon; I promise.

I just had to share this.

Thanks and a shout out to gocomics.com ; I just had a chuckle to this one over my morning coffee.

 

File this under rumor:

But, I really hope it gets done. Most of you know that I am a ‘pulp’ lover and an avid Doc Savage fan. Well….

Iron Man 3 director says that Doc Savage movie ain't dead yet

The 70’s version with Ron Ely was so bad, even I have a hard time with it. May be this one will be better.

Not done yet

Have not finished moving to new location yet (should finish over the weekend), but I was able to finally spend the night here. Somewhat exciting and coffee this morning on my patio sure taste good. I will post some pictures soon, right now there are a lot of boxes and just stuff. Direct TV gets hooked up this afternoon. More to come soon.

cleaning up my desktop

as I stumble across interesting things I grab them and have all good intentions to making some comment then I just give up and realize some things aren’t meant to be commented on unless of course I decide to make a posting of things of interest I come across and just simply don’t have time to comment on other than to say that I found them interesting so I have decided to share them without further comment

A morning prayer

 

O, good God, good morning!
You've given me another day to live, Lord:
a day to shape into something beautiful,
a day to serve others, a day to give you thanks,
a day in the life of you and me, Lord.
How would you have me spend this day?
With whom would you have me share it?
Along what path will your Spirit draw me?
Close to whose heart will your heart lead me?
What word would you have me speak today?
What quiet time together have you planned for us to share?
What tears might I cry today
And with what joy will you touch my soul?
When I'm tired today give me strength, Lord.
When I'm moving too fast, slow me down.
When I'm saying too much, let me know.
When I need to speak, give me words to say.
Give me patience with this day's routine, Lord,
and open my eyes to see what is fresh and new.
Because this day comes from your hand, it's blessed
and because I can offer it back to you, it's a gift.
O, good God, good morning!
Keep me safe until I say good night...

 

This is by Austin Fleming which I found at A Concord Pastor Comments website. Please visit them, I do daily. Today’s prayer echo’s in my heart and mind.

another sad day RIP Steve

 

 

Some mornings start off sort of hard then turn to gold.

 

Honestly, I woke up this morning with a ton of stuff I needed to do, a few thoughts about my problems and a real desire to get that first cup of coffee down. I did offer my thanks to God for giving me this day, but I was not as happy or upbeat as I normally try to be.

As I inserted breakfast and listened to the news, it just seems that the world is on some sort of collision course with stupidly on a cosmic scale. Nothing seems right. The violence, the horrible condition people live in, the inability to feel good about being alive was pressing down hard this morning.

I finally made the effort to start up the lap top and take a look at the usual stops I make on the www thingy. I was about to give up and just try and make it into my day with as good a spirit as I could muster.

Then I came across this video. All of a sudden it was OK. Life was still good. The world in it’s own special way was a wonderful place. There was a reason to shed a tear in joy and not just cry of sadness.

Please, no thoughts of the ‘tiger mom’ syndrome. I choose to believe this is God given talent to an individual as one of those reminders that people are special and that we matter. I hope you enjoy this and it gives you pause to accept what is still of worth in this world.

 

 

Who the heck is Ethel?

 

As read to my support group last night by Scott

Hello everyone,

As always, the evening of the first Tuesday of each month brings a joy to my heart. Like a young man wrestling with the prospect of falling in love for the first time; the anticipation of yet again being amongst friends is as palatable as the porch scene in the rain between William Hurt and Kathleen Turner in the movie Body Heat. Well, may be not that titillating however I do get very happy and appropriately excited to see each and everyone of you.

I yet again started Radiation treatments this morning for the fourth time. It is rather disappointing at how accustomed I have become to that table and that rather apocalyptic mustard yellow sword of Damocles which revolves around my body. It has become an old companion which brings depressing invisible waves of destruction which in some hysterically ironic way; prolongs my live. Go figure.

As has become my accustomed duty on that bed which I just know came from some Hilton Hotel which Paris somehow decided she could live without (read that as hard as heck); I close my eyes and think of blessings I have enjoyed in my live. My grand kids come to mind first, followed by their parents followed by my mother and father then you guys. In the end, after all the crap, after I take tally and account of what is of any significances in my life; that's about it. Add to that list my belief in God and my church, I quickly realize laying under the revolving science fiction Ray Gun charging forth to slay my disease; those are the only importance I truly have. You guys, each of you and others I know and love as family and friends; you guys, you are my treasure and the glimmering gems which get me out from under that stupid mustard yellow, stupid contraption. It truly is ironic to me how something I really despise gives me the opportunity to say thanks for and show a little appreciation of that list of wonderful people who give me such awesome strength.

No, radiation treatments aren't fun; but I guess they beat chasing after wayward women till my passing from this old world. May be (?)

My mom is still with me. She has no real idea, beyond the faint fact that I am someone she knows. Most of the time now she is asleep, yet I sit next to her on the couch and hold her hand. I take calm warmth from the fact that I know she is mostly at peace now and her sprit is for the most part calm. Like time on that table; "this too shall pass."

Today is my oldest daughters Birthday. I told her on the computer that I loved her this morning and life is good. In the end, it truly is OK.

Thank you to each and every one of you for being in my life, for bringing strength and putting up with babbling on. It's just that I love you all so much and wish you all well.

Be strong my friends, because like the Fields of Asphodel; Cancer Sucks!

PS. for those of you who know:

Billy was a mountain and Ethel was a tree growing off his shoulder.

Do I really need to comb my hair if today I ware a hat?

 

E-mail sent to my support group this afternoon.

Once a man has seen, he can no longer turn his back on it. Never pretend it doesn't exist. No matter who orders him to look the other way.

We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we are compelled.

-Rorschach from Watchmen/ Alan Moore

Hello everyone,

It has been a while and I have been remiss in my sharing with you for some time as to my place in this world. I shall endeavor to make amends for this is my usually and only realistic way; by the written English language. If you are so inclined to read father, I trust you will be more the enlightened as to my current state. If you choose to end your reading at this point I bid you farewell and my best to you.

If you have known me for any length of time and have been so kind to have read any of my previous communications with the members of this group, you probably know that some sort of historical perspective will be offered as my device of choice to enable us all to consider this moment in life to reflect and learn and question and endure. You shall not be incorrect in that assumption this time as well.

However, firstly; let me express my continued love and respect for each and every one of you. I continue to offer no apologies for my endearments to each of you. All of you offer me strength, encouragements and heartfelt embraces of endearment. Never has such a group existed (in my humble opinion) and I again proclaim my pride of membership in this 'embracement' of support. Thank you.

Some of you may be aware of Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941), others of you may not be. Either way, please indulge me this small retelling of his story in order to ponder what we have seen and what we are compelled to do. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish priest who provided shelter for thousands of Jews in his friary. He was arrested and imprisoned by the Gestapo in Auschwitz. When a fellow prisoner escaped, ten other prisoners were to be killed in reprisal. Lined up and helpless to anything but their impending fate, one of the doomed began to cry out, "My wife! My children! I will never see them again!" At this, Maximilian stepped forward and asked to die in that persons place. His request was granted and it is attested that he lead the fellow men in song and prayer as they awaited their deaths. That is where this wonderful mans life ended and is somewhat a known moment in history especially amongst various Christian religious institutions.

Some back-story if you would allow.

Maximilian had also lived in Japan and had founded a monastery on the outskirts of Nagasaki. Four years after his martyrdom, on August 9, 1945, the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, but that monastery miraculously survived.

We as a support group are in need to ask ourselves some questions. It is apparent that we need to take our place in line. No my dear friends, our nor my quandaries are anywhere near as dire as Maximilian Kolbe faced. And I thank Divine Providence and the United States military for that. That being said, it is now time that we all search our inner self and ask is there something I can step up and be of service to this assemblage of austere fellows. (?) I can not answer the phone nor make the call. I can no longer stand before any assemblage and preach our cause. But, I can use the written word, I can stand, I can be accounted when it comes time to be strong. I every day offer up prayers for not only individuals in this group, I also offer prayers for our collective blessings as a party of like caused. I give you all as much support as I can and I will answer any desire that may be tendered my way. I can write e-mail. I venture to ask, would we be serviced by a newsletter. If I can, I will.

I really do not want to see this group simply pass in the night. It is so very important to me and I still have need of it. I have once again become subject to the black plague. It has once again returned to my lung, presently about the size of my thumb nail.

I may be the oddity but I always seem to sense the comings, goings and attachments of Cancer within my blood stream. I seem to never be caught unawares by PET Scan results. I always seem to know, I always seem to feel its ugly presence within me.

This past week, I have had to yet again ask questions and obtain answers. I have had council of old and trusted friend, I have meet new surgeons and new systems of medical care taking. I have discovered yet new insurance codes to be used and denied and fought over and to be a source of, well, just another part of my life. I am never at a loss for finding a way to challenge the medical community.

Tomorrow, I go to start the process for my 5th attempt at having a radiation attack upon my health's enemy. It's funny when you have surgeons review your medical history and expound amazement. Yes, he obtained his co-payment from the Stephen R. Parker Medical Relief Act. (Pun intended) Many is the doctor that has been replenished by my condition.

So, like Maximilian, we and I need to ask questions. Amongst them, what line are we willing to stand in?

Amongst so many, I miss each of our departed fellow members; I cry, I remember and I look forward to a time when this group will no longer be needed. It just isn't that time yet. I still need to know you are there. Please don't give up.

Be strong everyone, Cancer Sucks.

Before

 

there was Indiana Jones; before there was Brown. Before there was Holy Blood Holy Grail……there was the Ladies Home Journal. With cover by N. C. Wyeth. This is from 1924.

To my Granddaughters; do not for one second think you can not. Do not never dare not to dream. You are just as valid as anyone. Make your way through life. Climb your mountains, sail your seas. Whether they are high or deep or low and shallow isn’t important. Be strong, be yourself. Dolls are fine if that’s your choice, but not less valid than ancient Mayan secrets. Do not be afraid to wear a dress but be comfortable in dirty jeans. Look beautiful on your ‘red carpets’; be at peace in your own skin.  Be    Do    

 

 

 

 

 

There are many things wrong.

 

Every day, the news is full of ‘woe to man’ stories. One after another after another. This morning I awoke to my country being downgraded. Are you kidding me.(?) The Ring of Fire is, well; on fire. No one has answers. Until now.

Forget 2012. Forget Yellowstone. Heck, forget Washington DC. Here is the true reason, God help us all.

 

 

Have you ever finished the last page of a book and….

Pulp was a big part of my developmental reading. I have packed away my Doc Savage collection ready for Hayden to reach the age of 10 and discover that world as I did.

There is currently a resurge of this venerable form of literature from the early to mid years of the 20th century. A time when there was Radio and the theater of the mind and Saturday Morning serials down on Main Street at the Bijou. My parents showed such movies at their traveling ‘tent movie’ showings early in their marriage. I explored the world of pulp from books.

While I read a lot, I tend to resist blogging and reviewing the books I read for several reasons. I don’t consider what I like to be universal by any stretch of my imagination and; I am not a reviewer by trade. However, ever so often I read a work that I do wish to speak of and share my thoughts.

The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril by Paul Malmont (Simon & Schuster Paperbacks) is one such book. In Mr. Malmont’s debut effort, he manages to take me back to my youth, hits me over the head with nonstop action, takes my breath with white knuckle escapes and reminds me that is was and is OK to know that ‘Right’ does need to win. The twist in this wonderful read is that it revolves around some of the giant pulpateers themselves. You may or may not recognize some our all of the authors/characters mentioned. If you do, you will smile, if not, I ask that you look into the past and discover heroes like Doc Savage, The Shadow or the Avenger. At least it will be an exposure to such names as Dent or Hubbard (yes, that L. Ron Hubbard) and maybe even Lovecraft.

This yarn leaves you breathless.

Oh yes, the review part:

Have you ever finished the last page of a book and thought man, I wish I had written that? Well, now I have thought just that. Good job Mr. Malmont, thank you for taking me back to the time I enjoyed reading stories that were good. Thank you and the others who are bringing back pulp in the written form.

Happy Birthday Disneyland

Thank you WALT. What was just simply roaming thoughts sitting on a bench watching your daughters go round and round became the icon and landmark for 'The Happiest Place on Earth'. For 56 years now, your gates have been opened, the tickets have been sold, the picture in front of the mouse have been taken, a short walk through the tunnel and disbelief is suspended.

There are many sites on the Internet to see pictures and read stories and enjoys other fans company. I hope each of you enjoy whatever remembrance you have planed either at the park or just in your minds. Remember the happy times, the wonderful experiences, the moments of pride in nation and the realization of times past were no different that times present nor times future; to smile with your heart is the true blessing Walt left for us all.

Not just today,

but everyday, I miss my dad. Every single thing that I am is because of him. I miss him and I love him and I wish I had but one more moment to give him a hug and to simply let him share a smile with me. He has been gone for so long but he is always close. He is silent now but says so much. He was there for me and sometimes I didn't even know it. There is nothing Gold can buy, nothing that can be gained beyond the love of a father like mine. I am in all ways most humble by his comfort over the years. He was my Dad. Please hear me when I say; I Love You.

someone snuck into my library and took a picture

 

OK, maybe I am dreaming again. I just love this.

the Porcelain Unicorn

 

AC posted this today and finding it touching; I wanted to share.

 

 

My Friend does the CHOC Walk!

 

I wish to let all of you know that my wonderful “Disney” friend Connie Moreno has signed up again to do the CHOC walk. Please go here and help her reach her goal. This is a wonderful cause and was important to Walt himself.

I know times are hard and we all have our own needs, but now is also the time we must remember the needs of others. Every little bit adds up and will be a blessing to children in need.

Thank you and if you have the time, let Connie know you are with her every step in the park.

Here is the link to Connie’s blog and you can go from there to her donation page.

A wish for all mothers today.

 

I hope you are full of happiness and are blessed in every way.

 

A mother's job is not to create a bed of roses,
but to help them learn how to pick their way through the thorns.

Elaine Heffner

I have posted this picture before, but I never tire of looking at it:

My words are unworthy of conveying how I truly feel about you. Of expressing thanks for all the things you have given me over the years. I can never adequately express my admiration for you and could never give voice to the examples you conveyed by the way you lived your life. I can only say ‘I love you’ and pray to the Lord he will whisper in you ear my meaning. God blessed my dad so much by giving him your love. You are truly a wonderful woman. Thank you for all you have done.

Happy Mother’s Day, today and always.

Amazing Grace

 

In keeping with the reason we pause, to accept the FACT that there are wonderful things to be grateful for in this life. I can only dream as to the sound of the chorus to be heard in Heaven.

Please take a few minutes, to pause, to hear and to reflect.

Yet more dreaming by me.

 

I apologize, however, I love browsing the  Awesome Spaces web site. It offers many moments of relaxation.

With Easter being this Sunday, I always enjoyed this special day as a child and even (maybe more so) as an adult. I ran across this and my mind went directly to hiding eggs here for all my grand-children.

If only….

 

 

Trees tall and strong

Grass green and vibrant

Cherry Blossoms frame my life

and make me so very happy that all of you

are in it.

Enjoy the weekend my family and friends and I hope, pray and trust you remember why this is such a special occurrence we observe. Remember to care for one another. 

R.I.P. Elisabeth Sladen 1948 – 2011

 

Companions to the Doctor are special. She brought a special something to it that refused to be labeled as pretty. You fought a good fight Elisabeth and I thank you for what you did.

 

http://icebergink.blogspot.com/2011/04/doctor-loses-stalwart-companion-rip.html

I thought I might just take a second and wish!

 

Oh, would coffee taste any better here? Would I feel any better, live any longer if this was my home address? Could I read more? Sleep less?

I can smell the salt in the breeze, I can feel the warmth of the rising sun over the waves. I hear seagulls.

My hovel in the desert is no less special. But, I do sometimes wish.

 

A quick update

 

Several have inquired as to how I am doing as of late. I wanted to let you all know that I am well. I tend to endure periods where I feel no one really wants to be bothered by the events which encompass my life. For a sick person (uggggg) for a person with ills (uggggg) for us all, life seems to be most hectic and I am so in need of the 36 hour day!

A lot of my attention has been focused on my mother as of late. She is still in rehab for probably another week. I have found her a place to live and I feel very good about it.

All in all, the mage is alive and somewhat well. Spare time is consumed with service to my church followed by reading followed by some game play. The boys and I are enjoying our time in WOW.

I will attempt to post more soon, I have just taken a short sojourn. I assure all that I am as well as I can be.

I use to tell the kids that Mickey went to sleep.

 

 

ah, well, that wasn’t really true:

An Old Testament World!

 

{Delivered to my support group last night, read by Mindy}

Hello Everyone,

As always, I find myself in happy awe of all of you. I am proud to be counted among your list of friends and I am impassioned by my respect of each and every story you bring here each and every month.

It was a most amazing January; was it not?

Birds falling from the sky, fish drowning and washing up on the beach. Storms on Saturn. Volcanoes lighting up the night sky in diverse places. WOW, we live in an Old Testament World! And, that doesn't even cover the stuff we are exposed to on the evening news. Shootings right here in our home town, worldwide strange weather and seems like the entire Middle East in turmoil, wait, oh sorry; the Middle East is always in turmoil; but you get the point. What's next, dogs and cats living together? We indeed are living in strange times.

Not so headline worthy, but none the less important to me; my mom fell and hurt her head about 3 weeks ago. I take her to the ER for stitching up and while there, I have a blood pressure drop, fall and break my nose. At least I wasn't far from getting help. Like all face wounds, I was bleeding all over; but, I wash up pretty good and I am better now.

Speaking of mom, she continues to digress in her mental and memory aspects. She requires a lot of attention which seemed the place I have her at wanted to make a drastic upping of the charge for watching her. After a lot of talking with them, they have decided to continue at the same rate at least for now. For those who have been involved with Alzheimer's disease know what I am dealing with. It is hard but also provides for blessing and a special bond between my mother and myself that is a privilege that I will never regret.

As for me, the chest CT was good and normal and all those really good things which we are all so happy to hear. There is a spot which demands that an eye keep attention for any growth; but hay, for me, that seems about normal. I got a very good report from all of my doctors and nurse (wink/wink...Jan is always there for me) and I look forward to the next round of scans in the near future.

How I feel is a different issue. I hurt. I have trouble breathing. I am old. Nothing much can be done. I simply cannot afford to pay for another prosthetic at the current time. Oh well, as a non-producer in this society, I have no tears to shed.

I really hope each of you believe me when I say I much encouragement I get from being in your presence. I love and respect each and every one of you. I hope and pray for us all.

Be strong my glorious friends; after what we have been through...Old Testament type news is just a walk in the park; besides, what can they do; send us to the Nam?

Love to you all and my best wishes.

A pedantic discourse on things in front of my nose.

{sent this morning to my support group}

'And in the absence of facts, myth rushes in, the kudzu of history.'

                                                Cleopatra A Life ....Stacy Schiff

Hello everyone,

I once again find myself with the time to ponder. It occurs; and I confess makes desire to bring finger tips to key board. Oh for the older times when that line would have read; bring pen to hand. Oh well, time stops for no man.

Upon reading the above sentence in the new book by Ms Schiff, I was drawn in my memory to, and I would admit to several occurrences in times past listening to the pulpit, of the use of an amusing story of one William Randolph Hearst and his art collection. I cannot say if this story is indeed factual or if like accounts of kidney thieves, is mere urban legion. I offer it merely as reflective of my thought and without further statement as to the accurateness. As retold by several pastors in my life; (and as included by Warren Wiersbe) it goes something like this:

William Randolph Hearst Was a Billionaire Who Made His Fortune as a Newspaper Publisher. He Decided at One Point in His Life to Invest His Fortune in Great       Works of Art. One Day He Read About a Very Valuable Piece of Art in an Art Magazine, and He Decided That He Wanted to Buy It. So, He Called His Agent and            Sent Him All Over the World Trying to Find It. The Agent Searched for It All Over the World, But He Couldn’t Find It.

            William Randolph Hearst Insisted That He Find the Piece of Art; So, He Sent Him Out Again. Finally, the Agent Returned and Said, "Mr. Hearst I Have Found the          Valuable Piece of Art You Have Been Searching For. Mr. Hearst Said, "That is Wonderful Where Was It?" Then, the Agent Said, "It Was in Your Own Warehouse             Sir;      You Bought It Several Years Ago."

It has been stated at past meetings that WE as a group are in need of speakers. My friends, as I have no voice, I ask that you please indulge me and my desire to speak to this issue in the only manner I possess.

I personally see several Doctors on a regular basis. I shall upon my next visit with each, ask if they would be interested in addressing us. I know some of you are in the medical field and have access to reps from a verity of companies which may be interested in coming for a visit. Heck, I would indeed promise you all to behave most civilly in the presence of an insurance reprehensive. Honest, I would behave. I for one am most appreciative of anyone whom would take of their time and knowledge and share with us. It doesn't even really have to be medical or cancer related. There are many, many subjects which I personally would think be of interest to US as a group. I dare suggest almost any subject could somehow be germane to all of us. Give it some thought! One never knows unless one asks.

On this subject, I have a question. Do we as a group give as a token of our appreciation any sort of gift for speaking to us? In times past and in my other lives, I would always present a token of thanks. Sometimes in the form of a pen with a logo on it. I know that one of the most cherished mementos I personally received (in that past life of mine) was a simple index card of thanks signed by all in attendance. I hope we do. If not, I would ask that we do whatever is correct and governing to get something. It never has to be big nor expensive; it just should be honest.

That being said, I wish to make the following observation to everyone. I so enjoy and relish the time we spend in just catching each other up. I hope and desire that we always have and make the time to hear from each other. Like a warm cup of coffee at the breakfast table, we as a family must come to the meeting table with support. Lord knows I so need that. I would be willing to venture that most of the rest of us do as well. There is something permanent about the LOVE of true friends, those enjoined in battle.

I must tell you that I look forward each month to commune with each of you. I give thanks to Providence for our being able to do just that. Come together, tell stories, joke, cry, encourage and stir into a better life; if only in the moment. I find inspiration in each and every one of you. You, all of you; make my life better and I long to hear of your struggles, your victories and your blessed and beautiful .. every day of life. I am almost embarrassed to convey that those moments spent going around the table and listening to each of you is a highlight in my life. I am so proud and amazed by the breath of wonder which sits around me each time we meet.

Please, nothing I say is to be mistaken as a desire NOT to have guest speakers. It is not. I think it is important that we are exposed to and are educated by the current state of medical advance in our shared concern. This is a good, noble and important part of our healing process.

I just, also feel, it is so important that we not forget to enjoy in the victories and yes, setbacks; of each other. I by no means would ever for one moment pretend to know what was in the mind of Mike upon creation of this group and the wonderful job done by all of you who have been here from the beginning. I can only announce what I gain from what you all have so bravely done! You have given me friendship. I cherish it so highly and I desire to see it preserved. My hope and desire is that we never get so busy, or caught up in all that each of us face daily; that we forget what we all ready possess in our own warehouse: each other.

I hope to see each of you at this next meeting and I wish you all health. Be strong.

High Crimes and Misdemeanors…?

 

No.

Chasing an intergalactic spy across the heavens?

No.

Playing full contact D&D game?

No.

Was at hospital last night (mom had fallen), got a little woozy, add in some low blood pressure and probably not enough to eat and Walla… pass out time with nose in the lead!

I am OK, broke my nose but nothing to bad. Hay, at least I was in the hospital ER all ready.

Happy Birthday Guy!

 

You went to other worlds and you flew with a jet pack! Not many can say that. Happy Birthday Professor.