From top to bottom:
Me and Gavin (Vermillion Snapper)
Mike and Simon (Trigger Fish)
Rob
Diana
How
Cousin Jeremy
What a fantastic day fishing. Great weather, great seas and best of all........I won the pool! $$$
Carpe Diem.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year
To all our friends and family:
May 2009 bring you all health, happiness and prosperity. May all the rough times of 2008 soon be a distant memory.
To my flying mates:
May you all have blue skies, tailwinds and safe flights.
Carpe Diem.
May 2009 bring you all health, happiness and prosperity. May all the rough times of 2008 soon be a distant memory.
To my flying mates:
May you all have blue skies, tailwinds and safe flights.
Carpe Diem.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Letters from Zimbabwe
To all those who sent emails or donations, thank you very much. The following letters, as told by Dennis, give you an idea as to what we are doing in Bulawayo. Thank you Dennis.
Letter from Zimbabwe Part 1:
I arrived in Zimbabwe a week ago. It was pitch black outside; My wife who arrived here 6 weeks ago has been coping without electricity for as long as 10 hours a day. There are few cars are on the road because fuel is scarce and expensive – about $6 a gallon. The streets are filled with hundreds of people wearing dark clothes walking on the street day and night. The landscape is brown and dusty - no rain since March. Within two weeks of the first rain everything will turn green. The rainy season is about to begin.
Money is a big problem: getting it, changing it, spending it. The government only allows an individual to take the equivalent of $2 US in cash out of the bank each day. So people keep what cash they have and don’t put it into the banking system, which makes the shortage worse. In an effort to counter the 2 million per cent inflation vendors in the black market are charging huge amounts for the simplest of things. What costs a dollar this week may cost $5 next week. If you want to change money on the street you may get 25,000 Zim to one US dollar. If you give someone that same $1 and they deposit direct into your bank account from their bank account you get 18,000,000 to one. Yes 18 million to one! But you can only get it out at the rate of 50,000 per day. So you would have to stand in block long lines every day for hours for 360 days to get all the 18 million out in cash. No one takes personal checks except the government. All others require a bank check. To do that you go to the bank, wait in line, order the check, come back in an hour or two, stand in line again and pick it up. If you don’t get it the day you request it, the price of the item you want to buy could have doubled forcing you to go back to the lines at the bank. Fortunately, for some, the government has allowed a few stores to sell imported food in foreign currency. It’s very expensive but at least you can get what you might need. That doesn’t help the locals much though. They have to go to the black market.
After resolving some outstanding issues, sourcing fuel, printing out all the photos of you who bought a doll I managed to drive to Pumula North to see the children who won last year’s competition. My visit was unexpected as I could not call them – very few of them have a phone.
I drove through the deteriorating but tree lined suburbs where Europeans, many here for generations, used to live in grand style then passed through a downtown area that still looks somewhat prosperous on the outside. Inside the stores are empty, elevators don’t work, and floor tile is braking apart. At the traffic lights you have to stop because most don’t work and when they do the lights are so dim you have to squint to see them. Often the lights work in one direction but not the other. It’s a challenge! Miraculously there are few accidents. I passed downtown through the industrial area filled with derelict businesses that used to employ thousands. It’s Sunday so the streets begin to fill with hundreds of people walking to or from church. Some wearing flowing, toga-like white clothes (the Apostles) who pray in open fields, men in military uniforms (Army of God Church or Salvation Army church), and women in matching uniforms (any number of denominations have their own colors and designs). Most are clutching their version of the bible.
After 22 kilometers and a couple of roadblocks manned by hungry police demanding bribes I reached Pumula North, the high density township where the orphans who made last year’s winning dolls live. The smell of rivulets of raw sewage flowing out of broken pipes smacks you in the face. Houses are cement, small (3 or 4 rooms), packed closely together and many surrounded by protective walls or fences. Children as young as 18 months play alongside the potholed, tarred road, the edges eaten away by years of neglect.
As I pulled up at my destination I looked through the rickety metal gate and saw about 25 children sitting on the four foot wide strip of bare ground on the side of the house. They were busy making dolls for this year’s competition. Lots of hugs and smiles followed. All of them are skinnier, most suffer from stunted growth because of poor nutrition, and all of them told me how hard it is to find anything to eat. We visited for a few hours and made arrangements to notify the others to meet them next Saturday to give them their notes from America, write their thank you’s and distribute the first food baskets. Mike and Eddie told me I must come to their house because their cousin, Sithabile Dlamini was very sick. Sithibile was a first prize winner in the first competition three years ago. Mike, Eddie, Mthobisi, Sithabile, Nobuhle and Charity live with their 70-year-old gogo (grandmother). All of Gogo’s children have died leaving her caring for the grandchildren. I went and what I saw was horrifying. Sithabile was vibrant in May and now is extremely thin and covered in open sores. She has suffered without treatment for weeks. No doctors, no medicine, no money. The next day I took her to the only private pediatrician in town, a Serbian woman and got her medicine. She should recover.
I’ll spend this week sourcing the food that I hope to have for Saturday’s distribution. Prices have risen drastically so that the $25 I get for a doll will buy less than last year. But that just means I have to focus on the basics. Luxury items like soap and sugar will have to wait.
Letter from Zimbabwe Part 2: Is missing for now!
Letter from Zimbabwe Part 3:
Hello All,I was driving to Pumula North to deliver the bi-weekly food to my kids Saturday past the huge cemetery en route and saw five burials going on at the same time. In many parts of the township areas there is sewage running down the street. One spot inNketa has a river of sewage running blocks long sown the narrow 6 foot space between rows of houses. My friend and co-worker Philip Mudyo has to step over a stream of sewage that runs two feet from the side of his house, through the front yard and into the street. The water supply stops and starts so when it stops all the pipes get clogged and burst. To get the city to repair Philip has to come up with money (US or Rand –Zim Dollars worthless) to fuel the city vehicles.And the cholera outbreak that has made international news has only touched Bulawayo unlike the rest of the country where thousands are sickened. The rains are due to come this week and with them we all expect a huge upswing in cases here. Along with distributing food, my friends who work with the kids and I talk about how to protect against cholera. Even though you can’t get it from handshakes there’s the new way of greeting each other – clenched fists bumping against each other. Children who are trained to write and act in plays about fighting AIDS, abuse, and starvation are now writing plays about cholera. No Disneyland here. City water is brown and when you boil it for the requisite 7 minutes and let it cool a full half-inch of debris rests on the bottom of the pot. Getting the water out of the pot without mixing it with that toxic soup can be a challenge. We still go without electricity 6 to 15hours a day depending on the whims of the hidden man at the levers. Potholes so big and deep cars have been known to flip over are the bumper crop of this year’s rainy season. Of course,no tar to repair. And unless you have US or Rand food is a luxury. If you manage to get in line at the bank at 7 pm, sleep all night on the sidewalk, thwart all line jumpers and make it into the bank by 3 pm the next day and if the bank still has cash you are allowed to get the equivalent of two loaves of bread for the week. And you can’t return to the bank until the same day the following week. And if the government issues another new note as it did this week ($500 million note) the prices instantly triple. With the money from the dolls every two weeks I buy over a ton of maize meal, a pickup worth of vegetables cabbages, carrots, beets, tomatoes, onions, potatoes and butternut squash, cooking oil, salt, and sometimes have enough for a bar of soap and abit of sugar. With outright donations I have supplemented that with chicken sand some beef from reputable butchers once a month. Beef can be dicey so you want to make sure you know where the cattle comes from because of the anthrax found in some herds. So my kids and their caregivers are ok and incredibly thankful for all of you that assist when you buy the dolls or make outright donations. I don’t bother paying school fees anymore. There simply are no teachers. Though the children still go to school in fresh uniforms, sit all day and return home. They yearn to be educated. They soak it up when we have training sessions. American teachers would die to have students like these kids. It’s fast becoming a lost generation. Elli is working on her documentary about a group of disabled who have a band and will be traveling with them to the states the first of the year for a five-week tour. She’s managed to get a leg for Goodwill, electric wheelchairs for Marvelous, Prudence, Energy and Tapiwa,free health screenings at St Lukes in New York and Johns Hopkins as well as the promise of a record deal and an itunes contract. She’s amazing. Loving every minute of it. Of course the University where she is supposed to teach is closed down. Secretaries left last March and only the few senior people go to work there now. No money. But – how many times do I say this – people still smile, still laugh, still pray a lot.Churches of all denominations are filled. The ‘Apostles” still gather in their white robes in the middle of fields all around the city every day to pray for change kneeling at the feet of ‘prophets’ hoping to hear some good news of their future. Life goes on.The endurance and fortitude of the human spirit continues to amaze and inspire me. My best to you all and to those of you who have helped thanks from the bottom of my heart and it you listen really well you’ll hear the screams of happiness from my kids and the pride they feel that they are able to assist their families with their work on the dolls.
More to come.
Carpe Diem.
Letter from Zimbabwe Part 1:
I arrived in Zimbabwe a week ago. It was pitch black outside; My wife who arrived here 6 weeks ago has been coping without electricity for as long as 10 hours a day. There are few cars are on the road because fuel is scarce and expensive – about $6 a gallon. The streets are filled with hundreds of people wearing dark clothes walking on the street day and night. The landscape is brown and dusty - no rain since March. Within two weeks of the first rain everything will turn green. The rainy season is about to begin.
Money is a big problem: getting it, changing it, spending it. The government only allows an individual to take the equivalent of $2 US in cash out of the bank each day. So people keep what cash they have and don’t put it into the banking system, which makes the shortage worse. In an effort to counter the 2 million per cent inflation vendors in the black market are charging huge amounts for the simplest of things. What costs a dollar this week may cost $5 next week. If you want to change money on the street you may get 25,000 Zim to one US dollar. If you give someone that same $1 and they deposit direct into your bank account from their bank account you get 18,000,000 to one. Yes 18 million to one! But you can only get it out at the rate of 50,000 per day. So you would have to stand in block long lines every day for hours for 360 days to get all the 18 million out in cash. No one takes personal checks except the government. All others require a bank check. To do that you go to the bank, wait in line, order the check, come back in an hour or two, stand in line again and pick it up. If you don’t get it the day you request it, the price of the item you want to buy could have doubled forcing you to go back to the lines at the bank. Fortunately, for some, the government has allowed a few stores to sell imported food in foreign currency. It’s very expensive but at least you can get what you might need. That doesn’t help the locals much though. They have to go to the black market.
After resolving some outstanding issues, sourcing fuel, printing out all the photos of you who bought a doll I managed to drive to Pumula North to see the children who won last year’s competition. My visit was unexpected as I could not call them – very few of them have a phone.
I drove through the deteriorating but tree lined suburbs where Europeans, many here for generations, used to live in grand style then passed through a downtown area that still looks somewhat prosperous on the outside. Inside the stores are empty, elevators don’t work, and floor tile is braking apart. At the traffic lights you have to stop because most don’t work and when they do the lights are so dim you have to squint to see them. Often the lights work in one direction but not the other. It’s a challenge! Miraculously there are few accidents. I passed downtown through the industrial area filled with derelict businesses that used to employ thousands. It’s Sunday so the streets begin to fill with hundreds of people walking to or from church. Some wearing flowing, toga-like white clothes (the Apostles) who pray in open fields, men in military uniforms (Army of God Church or Salvation Army church), and women in matching uniforms (any number of denominations have their own colors and designs). Most are clutching their version of the bible.
After 22 kilometers and a couple of roadblocks manned by hungry police demanding bribes I reached Pumula North, the high density township where the orphans who made last year’s winning dolls live. The smell of rivulets of raw sewage flowing out of broken pipes smacks you in the face. Houses are cement, small (3 or 4 rooms), packed closely together and many surrounded by protective walls or fences. Children as young as 18 months play alongside the potholed, tarred road, the edges eaten away by years of neglect.
As I pulled up at my destination I looked through the rickety metal gate and saw about 25 children sitting on the four foot wide strip of bare ground on the side of the house. They were busy making dolls for this year’s competition. Lots of hugs and smiles followed. All of them are skinnier, most suffer from stunted growth because of poor nutrition, and all of them told me how hard it is to find anything to eat. We visited for a few hours and made arrangements to notify the others to meet them next Saturday to give them their notes from America, write their thank you’s and distribute the first food baskets. Mike and Eddie told me I must come to their house because their cousin, Sithabile Dlamini was very sick. Sithibile was a first prize winner in the first competition three years ago. Mike, Eddie, Mthobisi, Sithabile, Nobuhle and Charity live with their 70-year-old gogo (grandmother). All of Gogo’s children have died leaving her caring for the grandchildren. I went and what I saw was horrifying. Sithabile was vibrant in May and now is extremely thin and covered in open sores. She has suffered without treatment for weeks. No doctors, no medicine, no money. The next day I took her to the only private pediatrician in town, a Serbian woman and got her medicine. She should recover.
I’ll spend this week sourcing the food that I hope to have for Saturday’s distribution. Prices have risen drastically so that the $25 I get for a doll will buy less than last year. But that just means I have to focus on the basics. Luxury items like soap and sugar will have to wait.
Letter from Zimbabwe Part 2: Is missing for now!
Letter from Zimbabwe Part 3:
Hello All,I was driving to Pumula North to deliver the bi-weekly food to my kids Saturday past the huge cemetery en route and saw five burials going on at the same time. In many parts of the township areas there is sewage running down the street. One spot inNketa has a river of sewage running blocks long sown the narrow 6 foot space between rows of houses. My friend and co-worker Philip Mudyo has to step over a stream of sewage that runs two feet from the side of his house, through the front yard and into the street. The water supply stops and starts so when it stops all the pipes get clogged and burst. To get the city to repair Philip has to come up with money (US or Rand –Zim Dollars worthless) to fuel the city vehicles.And the cholera outbreak that has made international news has only touched Bulawayo unlike the rest of the country where thousands are sickened. The rains are due to come this week and with them we all expect a huge upswing in cases here. Along with distributing food, my friends who work with the kids and I talk about how to protect against cholera. Even though you can’t get it from handshakes there’s the new way of greeting each other – clenched fists bumping against each other. Children who are trained to write and act in plays about fighting AIDS, abuse, and starvation are now writing plays about cholera. No Disneyland here. City water is brown and when you boil it for the requisite 7 minutes and let it cool a full half-inch of debris rests on the bottom of the pot. Getting the water out of the pot without mixing it with that toxic soup can be a challenge. We still go without electricity 6 to 15hours a day depending on the whims of the hidden man at the levers. Potholes so big and deep cars have been known to flip over are the bumper crop of this year’s rainy season. Of course,no tar to repair. And unless you have US or Rand food is a luxury. If you manage to get in line at the bank at 7 pm, sleep all night on the sidewalk, thwart all line jumpers and make it into the bank by 3 pm the next day and if the bank still has cash you are allowed to get the equivalent of two loaves of bread for the week. And you can’t return to the bank until the same day the following week. And if the government issues another new note as it did this week ($500 million note) the prices instantly triple. With the money from the dolls every two weeks I buy over a ton of maize meal, a pickup worth of vegetables cabbages, carrots, beets, tomatoes, onions, potatoes and butternut squash, cooking oil, salt, and sometimes have enough for a bar of soap and abit of sugar. With outright donations I have supplemented that with chicken sand some beef from reputable butchers once a month. Beef can be dicey so you want to make sure you know where the cattle comes from because of the anthrax found in some herds. So my kids and their caregivers are ok and incredibly thankful for all of you that assist when you buy the dolls or make outright donations. I don’t bother paying school fees anymore. There simply are no teachers. Though the children still go to school in fresh uniforms, sit all day and return home. They yearn to be educated. They soak it up when we have training sessions. American teachers would die to have students like these kids. It’s fast becoming a lost generation. Elli is working on her documentary about a group of disabled who have a band and will be traveling with them to the states the first of the year for a five-week tour. She’s managed to get a leg for Goodwill, electric wheelchairs for Marvelous, Prudence, Energy and Tapiwa,free health screenings at St Lukes in New York and Johns Hopkins as well as the promise of a record deal and an itunes contract. She’s amazing. Loving every minute of it. Of course the University where she is supposed to teach is closed down. Secretaries left last March and only the few senior people go to work there now. No money. But – how many times do I say this – people still smile, still laugh, still pray a lot.Churches of all denominations are filled. The ‘Apostles” still gather in their white robes in the middle of fields all around the city every day to pray for change kneeling at the feet of ‘prophets’ hoping to hear some good news of their future. Life goes on.The endurance and fortitude of the human spirit continues to amaze and inspire me. My best to you all and to those of you who have helped thanks from the bottom of my heart and it you listen really well you’ll hear the screams of happiness from my kids and the pride they feel that they are able to assist their families with their work on the dolls.
More to come.
Carpe Diem.
Monday, December 29, 2008
***Zimbabwe assistance appeal***
The recent news about starvation and cholera in Zimbabwe has prompted so many of you to call or reach out and ask how you can help alleviate the suffering there. Sadly, because of the massive corruption and my concern that those who desperately need the aid won't receive most of it, I have not felt comfortable recommending an established relief organization. But I have told many of you how my family and I are helping and have been incredibly moved to receive checks from some of you asking me to direct your contributions in the same way.
Here is what we are doing in case others of you want to help too. As many of you know Diana and I are going to Capetown in the second week of January. We had planned to visit my hometown of Bulawayo where a good friend has been working with me to get relief and food directly to aids orphans and the hungry. Unfortunately my visit cannot happen because of the cholera outbreak and my compromised lungs. But all the funds we have received will be handled in the same way. We are incredibly grateful to our friends there for actually buying the food and delivering it directly to children and the sick who need it most. And I am so grateful to all of you who are helping in these tough economic times. Understand that 100% of all contributions will go to the above mentioned causes.
Thank you all and may God shine his good grace on Zimbabwe and its people, which have been forgotten for too long.
Carpe Diem.
Here is what we are doing in case others of you want to help too. As many of you know Diana and I are going to Capetown in the second week of January. We had planned to visit my hometown of Bulawayo where a good friend has been working with me to get relief and food directly to aids orphans and the hungry. Unfortunately my visit cannot happen because of the cholera outbreak and my compromised lungs. But all the funds we have received will be handled in the same way. We are incredibly grateful to our friends there for actually buying the food and delivering it directly to children and the sick who need it most. And I am so grateful to all of you who are helping in these tough economic times. Understand that 100% of all contributions will go to the above mentioned causes.
Thank you all and may God shine his good grace on Zimbabwe and its people, which have been forgotten for too long.
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas/New Years in Boca
Another Christmas/New Year holiday in Boca, or so it would seem.
Rather than give you a detailed account of our brilliant time together, I'll let the pictures do the talking for once and I will reflect on how this year has been and how much being with my family and enjoying this holiday means to me!
My "cough" actually surfaced last year before our 2007/8 reunion and Boca trip and actually my mom was the only one who noticed it! As all Moms and especially mine as she's the best...she continues to be acutely sensitive to all my ups and downs and hopefully only ups now!
That 'cough' led to MY YEAR and this blog and the cancer that I had to deal with and all the help and support and love that I experienced from you all was so overwhelming! We are now here in Boca all together in magnificent weather eating, laughing and truly enjoying being a family together. There are a few of us missing, like my two nephews Oren and Ilan, but as I was just in London it doesn't feel like we've been apart for long. My niece Lily, or Gish as I call her, was here for a few days and has now scooted off to see friends in North Carolina. Always great to be with her and niece Hannah who is still with us getting her driving skills honed by her nervous parents, bystanders and onlookers!
My guys are happy to be away from the Baltimore cold and tennis, gym and Jambas are on the menu! We are experiencing the most amazing weather and it seems like the universe is truly in tune with how we all feel and there are no clouds in this sky!
Our cousins from Canada add their blend of humour to the party as do the cousins who live here...cousin Martin,who you all met in the Vegas blog and his girls!
During the hardest part of my treatment I booked the tickets for us to come to Boca in December and to be really honest we planned it but it seemed so far away and impossible. But I made it here. Back 3 months ago as a thin beast and then 2 months ago to fish with more meat on my bones and now looking like a chunk!... I mean Hunk!
Carpe Diem.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Boca
Sorry all. I have not disappeared off the face of the earth. I'm in Boca with the whole gang. And I mean the whole gang. We are having a ball. I will update the blog soon!!!
Carpe Diem.
Carpe Diem.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas
This is to all my friends celebrating Christmas. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a healthy, happy new year. Especially the healthy part! To all my fellow pilots at UPS, I hope you had an easy "peak".
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday with Mary
Well actually, not Mary, but Jana. Jana did my monthly oil, lube and filter (port flush and blood work) at the Sinai infusion center. Diana did come with me but she was really uncomfortable being back there again. I , on the other hand, have mixed emotions about being back there as you can well imagine. I did see Mary and was able to give her the chocolates I brought for her from London. I will get the blood work results tomorrow but I am sure everything will be fine.
Before the hospital visit I went to see my new Pulmonologist, Dr. Rubenfeld. We were referred to him by Dr. Erlich. The meeting went well and Diana and I were really comfortable with him. It seems that most of the breathing issues right now can be attributed to the radiation therapy. The radiation did what it was supposed to. It got rid of the tumour. But in the process it gave me radiation pneumonitis, a somewhat common but unfortunate side effect. A far better option than cancer! I will be seeing Dr. Rubenfeld again in late January. That will give him time to see the latest PET/CT scan and all the past x/rays etc.
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Weekend update
Ahh, jet lag. Nothing like it. You would have figured that after 28 years I would have the jet lag crap under control. No such luck. But there is a bright side to waking up early, and I do mean early. Man U had a game in Japan this past Thursday at 5:30 am that I was wide awake for. We won 5-3. Then on Sunday morning there was another 5:30 am game that I was also up for. Yes, we won again 1-0. What an obsession!
Saturday morning we picked Robyn up from college. What a relieved young lady. Exams are over and now she can enjoy her winter break. Saturday evening Diana and I went for dinner with our neighbors, Larry and Danica. We went to a really nice French restaurant and it was like being back in Paris!
Carpe Diem.
Happy Hanukkah
To all our family and Jewish friends celebrating Hanukkah, we wish you a very happy Hanukkah. Chag Sameach.
Carpe Diem.
Carpe Diem.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Homeward bound
After a leisurely sleep in, Rus and I had breakfast together and then she dropped me at Paddington train station to catch the Heathrow express. My mom left earlier this morning and I do mean earlier. 6 am. I didn't have much time to explore the new Heathrow terminal 5 but what I saw was pretty impressive. The flight home was fine. Just a wee bit long. The problem was I had to sit in the back with all the riff raff. Wait a minute. I am riff raff. Never mind!It was an amazing week with Rus and the Bass Boys. Thanks for such a cool week and thanks blogmeister. Lets do it more often. How about March 21st???
Carpe Diem.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Last day in London
Day 6
At least they let me sleep in on my last day in London! I have really been busy and apart from coughing every now and then and the breathlessness going up stairs, I have been feeling great!
Mom and I had breakfast together and then Rus picked us up to be finished off at the clinic. Microdermabrasion,face masks, appointment with the dermatologist, zapping of my ear, met the ophthalmologist, chatted to the nurses and had lunch before leaving them all till the next time!
At least they let me sleep in on my last day in London! I have really been busy and apart from coughing every now and then and the breathlessness going up stairs, I have been feeling great!Mom and I had breakfast together and then Rus picked us up to be finished off at the clinic. Microdermabrasion,face masks, appointment with the dermatologist, zapping of my ear, met the ophthalmologist, chatted to the nurses and had lunch before leaving them all till the next time!
Dinner was going to be another meat pie and chips! One of Rus’ good friends came to say Hi and as soon as they’d gone we sat down to The Feast! Ilan came over later and we just enjoyed each others company till bed time!
This has been an amazing week …especially for my sister who has been waiting for so long for me to be on her patch! Bringing my Mom was an added bonus! Now we have Florida to look forward to when all of us can be together!
Carpe Diem.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Paris
Day 5
Bonjour mes amies!
We caught the 8.40 train to Paris and this was my first time on the Eurostar. It is a great ride! Really comfortable and so fast! We managed to have a quick croissant and latte before we left and two and half hours later we arrived at Gare Du Nord in the bitter Parisien cold!
We sped to the restaurant that Rus had booked and met a very good friend from Zimbabwe there. Gail lives in Paris and it was a superb lunch together catching up with the news of all our common friends from Zimbabwe who are now all over the world. The restaurant is called L’Avenue and it was filled with beautiful French women! The waitresses weren’t bad either and according to Gail only chosen for their looks!!
We had a car arranged after lunch to take us on a short sight seeing journey around Paris because it would have been difficult for my Mom to walk in the cold weather. Unfortunately the man who should have ferried us was out of Paris so we had his brother in law who not only spoke nothing but French but didn’t know the city as well as he should have and so although we saw most of the sights I didn’t get to see the Eiffel Tower…Imagine that!! Have to laugh now but we certainly weren’t when it looked like we may miss the train home because he had no idea where he was!!
All part of the experience and we had a great day arriving back in London at 10.00pm!
Carpe Diem
Sunday, December 14, 2008
More Londinium
Day 4
I must say, I am really getting used to this hectic lifestyle. No rest for the wicked! Breakfast with one of Rus's closest friends Debs, who actually needed us to rescue her from her apartment as she had locked herself in! Yes, believe it or not, in. That was my introduction to Debs! We had a lovely brekkie at one of Londons' best restaurants (The Wolseley) and then walked down to see Buckingham Palace. We trod on the red Queen owned road and then walked back past the Grenadier Guards. It is so great being in England because all of this history is what I had grown up with and it felt strangely comfortable. The weather was so much better we were able to walk quite a way and I was pleased as I'm not as fit as I'm used to and my breathing is really compromised. Hopefully the visit with the pulmonologist will clear this up. It was really good to meet Debs and I was able to thank her for being my big sisters support here!
I must say, I am really getting used to this hectic lifestyle. No rest for the wicked! Breakfast with one of Rus's closest friends Debs, who actually needed us to rescue her from her apartment as she had locked herself in! Yes, believe it or not, in. That was my introduction to Debs! We had a lovely brekkie at one of Londons' best restaurants (The Wolseley) and then walked down to see Buckingham Palace. We trod on the red Queen owned road and then walked back past the Grenadier Guards. It is so great being in England because all of this history is what I had grown up with and it felt strangely comfortable. The weather was so much better we were able to walk quite a way and I was pleased as I'm not as fit as I'm used to and my breathing is really compromised. Hopefully the visit with the pulmonologist will clear this up. It was really good to meet Debs and I was able to thank her for being my big sisters support here!
We were all invited to my cousin Mon for late Sunday lunch and en route we met my Mom and Gerry at Oren's office! Lunch at Mon’s was great and her apartment is really grand. We had an excellent meal and then we sat, stuffed with food listening to her play the piano masterfully! Really mellow Sunday afternoon and by the time we left it was dark! I drove Oren’s Porsche home so …no jokes please…and I amazed myself negotiating the small London roads in terrible traffic.
An early bedtime was planned. We needed to be up early for the day in Paris!
Carpe Diem.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Londinium
Ok, so I arrived at the much talked about Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport and Rus was there to meet me while Gerry went off to terminal 3 to pick up my Mom.
Our week in London had begun and all the trepidation that I felt prior to the journey disappeared. The weather was actually clear and even tho' cold, a bright blue sky welcomed us! We sped back to the house,had a short rest and then Rus picked us up and off we went to the clinic. Really good to see everyone and they were very happy to see us. My Mom dived head first into her treatments and I just chatted to the gang happy to be here! I even had the opportunity to chat to a French Surgeon at the clinic who is an expert on Giblet extraction! (Please send personal email addresses to me for more info on this procedure!) It was great dining together that night and over dinner we planned the next few days events. Off to bed......me in the Penthouse and Mom in her room!
DAY 2
After an excellent nights sleep I woke up relaxed and we planned to spend most of the day hanging out at the clinic and then dinner with my nephews Oren and Ilan and Ilan's girlfriend Carolina. We met the other French surgeon and had some interesting talks with some of his patients! Good to see how busy the clinic was and meet all the different doctors some of whom had brought in food for everyone! The Christmas spirit has well and truly kicked in! Left a tired Mom at home and went with Rus to get her hip pain sorted out! Good to be the escort to the patient this time! And did I tell you that everyone said I look great!!!! Still a slightly plump hamster. Fish and Chips for dinner and great to be all together. I have to say it's great to be with my sisters and their families and of course my Mommy! Need to report that the sleep wasn't that great. Heartburn like you have no idea! When I finally managed to fall asleep it was great as I needed to be ready for my big day! FOOTBALL .
DAY 3
Soft Boiled eggs and soldiers for breakfast on day 3 and then off to Shul with Rabbi Schlochem and Ilan (my nephew) who felt like going and invited me along! My brother-in-law Gerry, aka Rabbi Schlochem, has been going to shul every Saturday since my adventure began and he is now part of the inner sanctum at Shul! Maybe it's the kiddush food that is so appealing to him!
We lunched at Nandos, us three, and then waited for Peter to pick us up for THE GAME!!! We were picked up and chauffeured to the front door of White Hart lane. My excitement was palpable as we made our way to the private box with the other 5 guys. 6 out 8 of us were Man U supporters and the other 2 Tottenham as was Peter the owner of the box!!! What a day! What a game ! What an atmosphere and so amazing to be at a live game! I even braved the cold and spent some time outside, in the stands, absorbing everything with Peter's sons Gerald and James. Although it was a draw it was totally worth it and it was the first time I had seen Man U live! I will definitely do it again! Now that I know how great it feels, this is just the beginning!
I was buzzing all night and when we got back to the house I was just babbling on and on about the game. Ruth and David (Rus and Ger's friends) didn't even get a word in. In fact I was so wired I only got to bed at 12! Me, Baltimore Boy! Have you ever!
And by the way, my Mom had a good day too! She bought me a great jacket, scarf and cashmere sweater! My Mom looked great after her total hair makeover! And even The Duchess of Kent, who sat next to her at the hairdresser, admired her hair!
Carpe Diem.
Our week in London had begun and all the trepidation that I felt prior to the journey disappeared. The weather was actually clear and even tho' cold, a bright blue sky welcomed us! We sped back to the house,had a short rest and then Rus picked us up and off we went to the clinic. Really good to see everyone and they were very happy to see us. My Mom dived head first into her treatments and I just chatted to the gang happy to be here! I even had the opportunity to chat to a French Surgeon at the clinic who is an expert on Giblet extraction! (Please send personal email addresses to me for more info on this procedure!) It was great dining together that night and over dinner we planned the next few days events. Off to bed......me in the Penthouse and Mom in her room!
DAY 2
After an excellent nights sleep I woke up relaxed and we planned to spend most of the day hanging out at the clinic and then dinner with my nephews Oren and Ilan and Ilan's girlfriend Carolina. We met the other French surgeon and had some interesting talks with some of his patients! Good to see how busy the clinic was and meet all the different doctors some of whom had brought in food for everyone! The Christmas spirit has well and truly kicked in! Left a tired Mom at home and went with Rus to get her hip pain sorted out! Good to be the escort to the patient this time! And did I tell you that everyone said I look great!!!! Still a slightly plump hamster. Fish and Chips for dinner and great to be all together. I have to say it's great to be with my sisters and their families and of course my Mommy! Need to report that the sleep wasn't that great. Heartburn like you have no idea! When I finally managed to fall asleep it was great as I needed to be ready for my big day! FOOTBALL .
DAY 3
Soft Boiled eggs and soldiers for breakfast on day 3 and then off to Shul with Rabbi Schlochem and Ilan (my nephew) who felt like going and invited me along! My brother-in-law Gerry, aka Rabbi Schlochem, has been going to shul every Saturday since my adventure began and he is now part of the inner sanctum at Shul! Maybe it's the kiddush food that is so appealing to him!
We lunched at Nandos, us three, and then waited for Peter to pick us up for THE GAME!!! We were picked up and chauffeured to the front door of White Hart lane. My excitement was palpable as we made our way to the private box with the other 5 guys. 6 out 8 of us were Man U supporters and the other 2 Tottenham as was Peter the owner of the box!!! What a day! What a game ! What an atmosphere and so amazing to be at a live game! I even braved the cold and spent some time outside, in the stands, absorbing everything with Peter's sons Gerald and James. Although it was a draw it was totally worth it and it was the first time I had seen Man U live! I will definitely do it again! Now that I know how great it feels, this is just the beginning!
I was buzzing all night and when we got back to the house I was just babbling on and on about the game. Ruth and David (Rus and Ger's friends) didn't even get a word in. In fact I was so wired I only got to bed at 12! Me, Baltimore Boy! Have you ever!
And by the way, my Mom had a good day too! She bought me a great jacket, scarf and cashmere sweater! My Mom looked great after her total hair makeover! And even The Duchess of Kent, who sat next to her at the hairdresser, admired her hair!
Carpe Diem.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Change of plans
After consulting with family, friends and doctors, we will be adjusting our Africa trip in January to exclude Zimbabwe. This is with a heavy heart and much soul searching. It is very difficult for me to be geographically so close to Zim and not be able to visit. The situation there is just too risky for me from a health standpoint. I can only hope and pray that the government will change soon and that the cholera and hunger problems will be eradicated.
I will be posting something, in the not too distant future, concerning what we are trying to do in Zim. We have a lot of work to do!
In the meantime, I am off to Londinium tonight for an action packed week.
Oh, by the way, lest any of you still thing I travel around the globe for free...............it ain't happening. I lost my travel and jumpseat privileges when I went on medical leave back in March 2008.
Carpe Diem.
I will be posting something, in the not too distant future, concerning what we are trying to do in Zim. We have a lot of work to do!
In the meantime, I am off to Londinium tonight for an action packed week.
Oh, by the way, lest any of you still thing I travel around the globe for free...............it ain't happening. I lost my travel and jumpseat privileges when I went on medical leave back in March 2008.
Carpe Diem.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday's Gaithersburg trip
Monday morning I heard from Dr. Erlich. All the issues we raised are also caused by the side effects of the drug Sutent that I am taking. In his opinion, there seemed to be no reason for concern. I am scheduled to see Dr. Joshua Rubenfeld (the pulmonologist) on December 22nd, after I get back from London. I'm also scheduled for my monthly port flush and blood work the same day.
I met with Rick Levy at his Gaithersburg office in the early afternoon. We had a good productive session and we talked about the Thunder incident. It was very interesting! I will be seeing him again at the end of January.
Carpe Diem.
I met with Rick Levy at his Gaithersburg office in the early afternoon. We had a good productive session and we talked about the Thunder incident. It was very interesting! I will be seeing him again at the end of January.
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Weekend update and more
What a lazy past few days. Allow me to blame something . Steroids or should I say, lack of steroids. Diana wrote the following email to Dr. Erlich:
"Sorry to bother you again. It's Diana. Adrian is leaving this Wednesday for London, and I'm a bit nervous due to some new symptoms he has been displaying. He is a lot more tired than usual, mildly depressed, has a slightly diminished appetite, some mild nausea, and feels cold (primarily at night time). Is there cause for concern? Also, do you have a pulmonologist you can recommend? His breathing is still labored with the occasional coughing spasm. All in all, he is in much better shape than he was on March 5, 2008. Yay!"
Honestly, it's not as bad as it seems but I am definitely suffering from steroid withdrawal. All the symptoms I am showing are classic withdrawal symptoms. No, I did not read the information on the Prednisone package to garner more sympathy. I'm still quite blimpy and eating well but I guess I'm quite simply bored. Yes, bored though not all the time. I feel like an alcoholic self admitting! I do miss the good, fun parts of flying and I certainly miss my flying friends. I guess I miss traveling to some degree. So get a load of these plans:
Next week I'm off to London for a week. Russ has scheduled an action packed week including a Man U vs. Tottenham football game, a day trip to Paris and watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Core blimmey. Oh, by the way, our mom will be joining us.
At the end of December the Baltimore Suskin clan will be going to Boca for just over a week. Lots of the immediate and extended family will also be down there at the same time. Can you say "one big party".
In early January Diana and I will be going to Africa. Specifically South Africa and Zimbabwe. But there is a wrinkle in the schleifenplanne. It's called "cholera". This obviously complicates things for me as I was personally hoping to finally get things moving on our Zim project. Diana is very concerned about my health situation. It's not that I'm not concerned for my health but my judgement is somewhat clouded by what I see happening now in Zim with the inflation and starvation. It seems the cholera epidemic is just another huge set back for a country struggling to survive. We will consult with our doctors and decide what to do closer to the departure date.
"Sorry to bother you again. It's Diana. Adrian is leaving this Wednesday for London, and I'm a bit nervous due to some new symptoms he has been displaying. He is a lot more tired than usual, mildly depressed, has a slightly diminished appetite, some mild nausea, and feels cold (primarily at night time). Is there cause for concern? Also, do you have a pulmonologist you can recommend? His breathing is still labored with the occasional coughing spasm. All in all, he is in much better shape than he was on March 5, 2008. Yay!"
Honestly, it's not as bad as it seems but I am definitely suffering from steroid withdrawal. All the symptoms I am showing are classic withdrawal symptoms. No, I did not read the information on the Prednisone package to garner more sympathy. I'm still quite blimpy and eating well but I guess I'm quite simply bored. Yes, bored though not all the time. I feel like an alcoholic self admitting! I do miss the good, fun parts of flying and I certainly miss my flying friends. I guess I miss traveling to some degree. So get a load of these plans:
Next week I'm off to London for a week. Russ has scheduled an action packed week including a Man U vs. Tottenham football game, a day trip to Paris and watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Core blimmey. Oh, by the way, our mom will be joining us.
At the end of December the Baltimore Suskin clan will be going to Boca for just over a week. Lots of the immediate and extended family will also be down there at the same time. Can you say "one big party".
In early January Diana and I will be going to Africa. Specifically South Africa and Zimbabwe. But there is a wrinkle in the schleifenplanne. It's called "cholera". This obviously complicates things for me as I was personally hoping to finally get things moving on our Zim project. Diana is very concerned about my health situation. It's not that I'm not concerned for my health but my judgement is somewhat clouded by what I see happening now in Zim with the inflation and starvation. It seems the cholera epidemic is just another huge set back for a country struggling to survive. We will consult with our doctors and decide what to do closer to the departure date.
Saturday lunch time we watches Man U beat Sunderland in literally the last few minutes of the game. Smashingly entertaining game with a great result. Saturday evening we went out for Italian food with four (two couples) of our very close Baltimore friends. The dinner was really nice but the movie we saw afterwards was fantastic. The movie was called Slumdog Millionaires. It was about this Indian kid and his brother growing up in the slums of Mumbai and winning a shit load of money on the Indian version of "Who wants to be a millionaire". When we got home Mike had a bunch of friends over at the house playing poker. We thought that we would be having a lot of sleepover guests as there had been a light snow fall in the evening and the roads were pretty lousy. But in the end all these card mavericks decided to drive home. Safely and successfully I might add.
Carpe Diem.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Me and Max
Just a bit of pet silliness. In case you are interested, Max has a bunch of nicknames:Maxamillian Von Schnabel (Austrian)
Lootrecht (Dutch)
Trechtobal Gomez (Colombian)
Lucatoni (Italian)
Loot Podolski (German)
Basil (British)
Alfie Vismeer (Afrikaans)
More to follow.......................................
Carpe Diem.
Thunder is home
This is another one of those weird stories.My good friend Larry (lunch with Larry), who lives in the neighborhood, called me this morning to tell me his dog Thunder had run away last night. Needless to say, he and his family were devastated and he had spent most of the night looking for her. I was very upset for him and their family as I could well imagine that if Max ran away how flipped out we would be! I asked if there was anything I could do and he just asked if he could drop off a flyer and if I would keep an eye open for her. I obviously said yes to both requests. While he was on the phone with me I told him I was going to look in our back yard on the off chance I would see her. Well...............lo and behold, she was there, all curled up in one of our flowerbeds by the pool. I got her inside and told Larry to get over right away. He got to us in about 3 minutes and what a great reunion. He got in touch with his wife and kids to give them the great news and then took her to the vet to make sure all was well.
Now this is what is so weird. Even though we are in the same "hood", Larry lives about 3/4 of a mile from us. How Thunder ended up at our house is a mystery, albeit a positive mystery. How she got into our backyard is interesting considering we have a fence to keep out the deer. Why was I home at the time Larry called and what possessed me to go and look in the back yard ??? Of all the backyards Thunder chose ours!
Larry and I have had some wonderful lunches together and he has given me some great advice on everything from home buying (Boca Raton) to home plumbing questions. He has also been available and around if I needed him during my ordeal. So I was delighted and thrilled that I was able to be actively involved in finding his dog. This was meant to be!!!
Carpe Diem.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Chat with Dr. Erlich
Since coming off the steroids, over a week ago, the intermittent coughing has returned. It's really weird, but when I bend down to pick something up or tie my shoelaces I start coughing. I know, don't bend down and get slip on shoes! Also when I lie on my right side I hear my breath wheezing and crackling but when I change to my left side, nothing. No wheezing or crackling. Strange!
Spoke with Dr. Erlich last night. He wants me to try Advair 1 puff twice a day and also Singulair 1 tablet a day. He would prefer not to put me back on the steroid tablets. We also asked him about going to see my pulmonologist Dr. Jacobs. If there is no improvement with the Advair and Singulair then he suggested we see Jacobs. In case you forgot, Dr. Jacobs was the one who delivered the cancer diagnosis to me back in March.
Nothing like a good massage to calm things down.
Carpe Diem.
Spoke with Dr. Erlich last night. He wants me to try Advair 1 puff twice a day and also Singulair 1 tablet a day. He would prefer not to put me back on the steroid tablets. We also asked him about going to see my pulmonologist Dr. Jacobs. If there is no improvement with the Advair and Singulair then he suggested we see Jacobs. In case you forgot, Dr. Jacobs was the one who delivered the cancer diagnosis to me back in March.
Nothing like a good massage to calm things down.
Carpe Diem.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Explanations of "isms" and corporations
SOCIALISM
You have 2 cows. You give one to your neighbour.
COMMUNISM
You have 2 cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk.
FASCISM
You have 2 cows. The State takes both and sells you some milk.
NAZISM
You have 2 cows. The State takes both and shoots you.
BUREAUCRATISM
You have 2 cows. The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away.
TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM
You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income.
SURREALISM
You have two giraffes. The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.
AN AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. Later, you hire a consultant to analyse why the cow has dropped dead.
ENRON VENTURE CAPITALISM
You have two cows.You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back,with a tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public then buys your bull.
A FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows. You go on strike, organise a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows.
A JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoon image called 'Cowkimon' and market it worldwide.
A GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.
AN ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You decide to have lunch.
A RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.
A SWISS CORPORATION
You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you. You charge the owners for storing them.
A CHINESE CORPORATION
You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim that you have full employment, and high bovine productivity. You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation.
AN INDIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You worship them.
A BRITISH CORPORATION
You have two cows. Both are mad.
AN IRAQI CORPORATION
Everyone thinks you have lots of cows.You tell them that you have none. No-one believes you, so they bomb the shit out of you and invade your country. You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of a Democracy.
AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. Business seems pretty good. You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate.
A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION
You have two cows. The one on the left looks very attractive.
Carpe Diem.
You have 2 cows. You give one to your neighbour.
COMMUNISM
You have 2 cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk.
FASCISM
You have 2 cows. The State takes both and sells you some milk.
NAZISM
You have 2 cows. The State takes both and shoots you.
BUREAUCRATISM
You have 2 cows. The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away.
TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM
You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income.
SURREALISM
You have two giraffes. The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.
AN AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. Later, you hire a consultant to analyse why the cow has dropped dead.
ENRON VENTURE CAPITALISM
You have two cows.You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back,with a tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public then buys your bull.
A FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows. You go on strike, organise a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows.
A JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoon image called 'Cowkimon' and market it worldwide.
A GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.
AN ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You decide to have lunch.
A RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.
A SWISS CORPORATION
You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you. You charge the owners for storing them.
A CHINESE CORPORATION
You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim that you have full employment, and high bovine productivity. You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation.
AN INDIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. You worship them.
A BRITISH CORPORATION
You have two cows. Both are mad.
AN IRAQI CORPORATION
Everyone thinks you have lots of cows.You tell them that you have none. No-one believes you, so they bomb the shit out of you and invade your country. You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of a Democracy.
AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows. Business seems pretty good. You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate.
A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION
You have two cows. The one on the left looks very attractive.
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Weekend update
We picked Robyn up from college on Tuesday. Thursday we had a delicious Thanksgiving lunch at our friend Sandra (also Bulawayo born). And Friday we rested. Sounds biblical!
Saturday morning was action packed. Diana,Rob, and I went to get our immunizations for our up coming trips. Rob is going to Ecuador in January and Diana and I are going to South Africa and Zimbabwe also In January. Rob had to drag Diana into the office-talk about role reversal. Then, Rob and I went for something less traumatic - haircuts! That evening, we met our friends at PF Changs for some good food and company.
Sunday morning we watched Man U struggle to beat Man City. But they did 1-0. Later, the Arsenal vs Chelsea game proved more exciting. After an early dinner, Robyn returned to college. Chef Mike made some shrimp hargow for himself.
Carpe Diem.
Saturday morning was action packed. Diana,Rob, and I went to get our immunizations for our up coming trips. Rob is going to Ecuador in January and Diana and I are going to South Africa and Zimbabwe also In January. Rob had to drag Diana into the office-talk about role reversal. Then, Rob and I went for something less traumatic - haircuts! That evening, we met our friends at PF Changs for some good food and company.
Sunday morning we watched Man U struggle to beat Man City. But they did 1-0. Later, the Arsenal vs Chelsea game proved more exciting. After an early dinner, Robyn returned to college. Chef Mike made some shrimp hargow for himself.
Carpe Diem.
Who said tourism was slow in Zimbabwe!Saturday, November 29, 2008
Rest in peace Joan
Joan Bernet, the mother of one of my best friends, passed away last night after a lengthy battle with cancer. Our thoughts and well wishes are with you Bunda (Mervyn) and the rest of your family. We wish you all a long life.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving
Happy thanksgiving everyone. I will tell you what I am thankful for:
I'm thankful that I am still here! I'm thankful for my wonderful and supportive wife who has suffered this tough journey right alongside me. I'm thankful for my kids. Well, most of the time. They are good and decent kids. I'm thankful for my two incredible sisters. Their love, support and generosity has been simply overwhelming. I'm thankful for my mom who instilled in me all her great values and wonderful life lessons. I miss my dad. I'm thankful to my extended family for all their caring, support and love. I'm thankful for my friends who have also endured this battle right beside me. I'm thankful for my flying friends who have remained in touch with me and shown me the true meaning of camaraderie. I'm thankful for my job and the great company I work for (UPS). Even though I am temporarily indisposed!!! I'm thankful for the wonderful medical staff who have treated me and held my hand through this war. I know I still have miles to travel. I'm thankful for my dog, Max, who is 11 1/2 years young. What a cool companion. I'm thankful for all I have achieved in life. I know there is still more for me to do. I'm thankful for all the tests and trials in my life (I think) because at the end of the day I know I will overcome and endure. I'm thankful to all of you who read my blog and keep up with my trials and tribulations. Thank you. Until next thanksgiving.
Carpe Diem.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday with Mary
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Hi all. This is Hamster Man. Today I was at the infusion center at Sinai hospital for my monthly oil, lube and filter. Commonly know as a port flush and blood work. It was great to see Mary again but I sure don't miss the infusion center with all the chemo memories! Everything was fine with the blood work, blood pressure etc. etc. I have added poundage to my jowls and 1 pack (Budweiser graveyard). I am now at 153 lbs. Oink, Oink. When will this stop?
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Weekend update
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On Saturday morning, after a really cool breakfast of turkey bacon and eggs, we left on our adventure to Gettysburg. The new visitors center was really amazing. Lots of interesting information and artifacts. We really lucked out with our timing. It just so happened that it was remembrance day for something that happened during the civil war (forgive my ignorance) and there were hundreds of people in costume participating in this event. It was amazing. The whole town looked like a movie set. It made you feel like you were back in that time and era. The family was fascinated by all of this as they are very much into US history - even as die hard Canadians eehh. Oh, and we also lucked out with the weather. Friday night we had a dusting of snow to welcome our guests but the weekend weather was clear but bloody cold.
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Saturday evening we did the obligatory Chinese dinner and then home to watch comedy stuff on TV and consume Cinnabons.
Sunday morning was bagel, lox and cream cheese time. Lest you think that all this eating and steroids hasn't helped my appearance, check out the pictures. One of my other cousins was kind enough to describe my appearance like this:
"Nice pictures - you look like a hamster with it's cheeks full and nowhere to spit the shells out... ".
Pretty damn accurate description.
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Our Sunday adventure was to DC. We did the Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum. My Aunt did the Holocaust Museum and then joined us at the Air and Space museum. We drove around a bit, and once again, our Canadian guests were really impressed with all the sights and history in DC. We then said goodbye to them and they left on their merry way back to BWI airport for their flight to Toronto.
Carpe Diem.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Return of the Chitii
After a really good Friday morning massage, Diana and I prepared for the arrival (return) of the Chitiz boys and Auntie Debbie from Toronto. For those who do not know, Auntie Debbie is my mom's sister and her sons (Jon, Ellis and Dan) are my first cousins.
Diana prepared a really nice Friday night dinner. We just had to get used to eating a little later than usual. Instead of the early bird special time for "seniors" we had to wait till the un-godly hour of 8pm but it was well worth it. Our guests arrived right at 8pm and we quickly and tactfully ushered them into the dining room for a great dinner. Lots of catching up and reminiscing.
Carpe Diem.
Diana prepared a really nice Friday night dinner. We just had to get used to eating a little later than usual. Instead of the early bird special time for "seniors" we had to wait till the un-godly hour of 8pm but it was well worth it. Our guests arrived right at 8pm and we quickly and tactfully ushered them into the dining room for a great dinner. Lots of catching up and reminiscing.
Carpe Diem.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The mighty Zim dollar
This is a sign in the mens' toilet at the Beit Bridge Customs & Immigration building on the South African side of the Zimbabwe/South African border post!
Carpe Diem or Carpe Toilet Paper.
Followers
Hey, how come no one is following my blog? I'm starting to take this personally. Well, not really. If you care to, just follow the link and instructions to the right. I have no idea what this all means!
Oh, never mind. It's gone!
Carpe Diem.
Oh, never mind. It's gone!
Carpe Diem.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Off again
On Monday evening I decided to pay a visit to Phil and the gang in New York. This was all last minute and purely spontaneous. Part of the reason was to thank her in person for the South Africa tickets. So, Tuesday morning I went to New York.
There is a really nice bus service that goes from Baltimore to New York about a half a dozen times per day. Very convenient, incredibly reasonable and only about 3 hrs 15 mins travel time.
I tried to treat Phil to Tuesday lunch but she insisted on paying. In the evening I tried to treat Phil and How to dinner but, once again, How beat me to it. I was successful the next day in paying for a delivered Japanese lunch for me and a couple of the ladies in Phil's office. Success at last: I paid it forward. The meal, that is.
I had a great day and a half in New York and then went home to Baltimore on Wednesday evening. There was a method to this madness for the quick trip other than hanging with my sister. She was leaving on an international business trip on Thursday with a whole bunch of journalists. I thought I could sneak aboard this trip as a journalist from the Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) Chronicle. They were traveling in business class and staying at really nice hotels in exotic foreign destinations. It didn't work this time but you can bet I will keep trying. I may have to improve on my journalistic credentials.
Carpe Diem.
There is a really nice bus service that goes from Baltimore to New York about a half a dozen times per day. Very convenient, incredibly reasonable and only about 3 hrs 15 mins travel time.
I tried to treat Phil to Tuesday lunch but she insisted on paying. In the evening I tried to treat Phil and How to dinner but, once again, How beat me to it. I was successful the next day in paying for a delivered Japanese lunch for me and a couple of the ladies in Phil's office. Success at last: I paid it forward. The meal, that is.
I had a great day and a half in New York and then went home to Baltimore on Wednesday evening. There was a method to this madness for the quick trip other than hanging with my sister. She was leaving on an international business trip on Thursday with a whole bunch of journalists. I thought I could sneak aboard this trip as a journalist from the Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) Chronicle. They were traveling in business class and staying at really nice hotels in exotic foreign destinations. It didn't work this time but you can bet I will keep trying. I may have to improve on my journalistic credentials.
Carpe Diem.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pay it forward
What an amazing concept. We are all so used to the concept of "paying someone back" that we seldom think of the alternative concept of "paying it forward". They both, obviously, have tremendous value, but the idea of not getting paid back for something you did for someone is really noble. Our way of thinking is so geared to getting paid back for what we do for someone else that it is difficult to think of not getting paid back. Somebody else will benefit and they, in return, will pay it forward.
Having said all of this, I need to pay it forward. Diana and I will be travelling to South Africa and Zimbabwe this coming January and our tickets to South Africa were given to us by Phil, Russ, and my mom as a gift. Business class, nonetheless. So instead of paying them back I will be doing something for someone else. Wow!
I also paid a visit to Rick Levy in Gaithersburg. We had a very interesting session but there are somethings that I am reluctant to talk about on the blog. No, I'm not a reincarnation of Liberace. There is, however, a need on my part to finish some un-finished business. Hence the project in Zimbabwe. I hope to have something to tell you all about in the not too distant future. Forgive me if this all sounds so cryptic and weird; I don't mean it to be.
Carpe Diem.
Having said all of this, I need to pay it forward. Diana and I will be travelling to South Africa and Zimbabwe this coming January and our tickets to South Africa were given to us by Phil, Russ, and my mom as a gift. Business class, nonetheless. So instead of paying them back I will be doing something for someone else. Wow!
I also paid a visit to Rick Levy in Gaithersburg. We had a very interesting session but there are somethings that I am reluctant to talk about on the blog. No, I'm not a reincarnation of Liberace. There is, however, a need on my part to finish some un-finished business. Hence the project in Zimbabwe. I hope to have something to tell you all about in the not too distant future. Forgive me if this all sounds so cryptic and weird; I don't mean it to be.
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Weekend update
On Saturday we watched Man U destroy Stoke 5-0. It was a very entertaining game. It was a much better result than last week when they lost to Arsenal.
Saturday lunch time, Chef Mike and I had a soup cook-off. I made a Thai Tom Ka Gai soup and he made a Chinese Hot and Sour soup. Judge Diana sampled both and gave us her unbiased and detailed description of what she thought of the soups. "They both tasted like crap"! Oh well. It didn't stop Mike and I from having a few bowls of each others' soup as well as our own concoctions. We liked it!
Sunday morning we went and picked up Rob and her friend Ilana from school. Ilana came in to go to her Aunt's birthday party so Rob figured she would come home for the day. Ilana's parents will take them back to school this evening. It's always great to have Rob home, even if it just for a day. However, she did inform me that my face looked fat. The nerve of her to be so brutally honest! And there I was thinking I was slightly stout and well proportioned. If this keeps up I will apply to play the character of Fat Bastard in the next Austin Powers movie. Anyway, back to the food..............Chef Diana is making a roasted chicken with Swiss chalet sauce and mashed tatters for dinner. Yummy, I hope.
Carpe Diem.
Saturday lunch time, Chef Mike and I had a soup cook-off. I made a Thai Tom Ka Gai soup and he made a Chinese Hot and Sour soup. Judge Diana sampled both and gave us her unbiased and detailed description of what she thought of the soups. "They both tasted like crap"! Oh well. It didn't stop Mike and I from having a few bowls of each others' soup as well as our own concoctions. We liked it!
Sunday morning we went and picked up Rob and her friend Ilana from school. Ilana came in to go to her Aunt's birthday party so Rob figured she would come home for the day. Ilana's parents will take them back to school this evening. It's always great to have Rob home, even if it just for a day. However, she did inform me that my face looked fat. The nerve of her to be so brutally honest! And there I was thinking I was slightly stout and well proportioned. If this keeps up I will apply to play the character of Fat Bastard in the next Austin Powers movie. Anyway, back to the food..............Chef Diana is making a roasted chicken with Swiss chalet sauce and mashed tatters for dinner. Yummy, I hope.
Carpe Diem.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Friday update
Since arriving home from Boca it's been a pretty quiet couple of days other than catching up on paperwork and getting a well deserved massage. The weather has been typical fall weather and the leaves have been coming down with a vengeance. It looks like crap until the gardeners clean it all up.
On a health update, I will just have to get used to sounding slightly asthmatic at times. The breathing, for the most part, is fine. I just seem to get winded pretty easily. I guess I'm out of shape because I have not done any cardio the past eight months. I have started doing some weight exercises for my arms and legs and sit-ups for my newly acquired 1 pack. No, not 6 pack abs yet! My weight is improving daily. 148 lbs. I just need to make sure I can level it off soon. My appetite is still great so what do I do? Go on diet. Not hardly.
Carpe Diem.
On a health update, I will just have to get used to sounding slightly asthmatic at times. The breathing, for the most part, is fine. I just seem to get winded pretty easily. I guess I'm out of shape because I have not done any cardio the past eight months. I have started doing some weight exercises for my arms and legs and sit-ups for my newly acquired 1 pack. No, not 6 pack abs yet! My weight is improving daily. 148 lbs. I just need to make sure I can level it off soon. My appetite is still great so what do I do? Go on diet. Not hardly.
Carpe Diem.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Back home
Tuesday morning my mom and I went to visit (pay our respects) to my late dad. Gabe passed away in February 2002 and we all still miss him terribly. It's always a little unsettling seeing his headstone with his name on it. I guess it brings it all into reality for me to see his name there!
On the way home I had to make one last stop at Jumba Juice for my Acai supercharger. It's only 400 calories! Darn, I wish they had one here in Baltimore.
After bribing him with more Oxtail, Ilan took me to the airport for my flight home. I had a really cool couple of days in Boca with all the friends and family and I had a particularly nice time with my mom. She really is an amazing woman surrounded by so many good friends and close family. Oh, and the weather was fantastic as well.
Carpe Diem.
On the way home I had to make one last stop at Jumba Juice for my Acai supercharger. It's only 400 calories! Darn, I wish they had one here in Baltimore.
After bribing him with more Oxtail, Ilan took me to the airport for my flight home. I had a really cool couple of days in Boca with all the friends and family and I had a particularly nice time with my mom. She really is an amazing woman surrounded by so many good friends and close family. Oh, and the weather was fantastic as well.
Carpe Diem.
Monday, November 10, 2008
More house hunting
Monday morning I went out house hunting again with Fred. We looked at a couple of other properties but nothing "jumped" out at me. We then went back to see the two homes I liked from the previous outing. I still like them. I will catch Diana up with all the information when I get back to Baltimore.
In the evening cousin Martin (Cuz) and I went to a fantastic steakhouse for dinner and boy, did we dine. Cuz is a regular blog reader and was amazed at the food Chef Mike was making for us here in Baltimore, but he was somewhat dismayed that I never seemed to mention steak. So of course I had to order a really nice steak. Not him. He did the crab and lobster. We washed all this down with a couple of Cappuccinos and a mixed berry dessert. It was a lot of fun.
Carpe Diem.
In the evening cousin Martin (Cuz) and I went to a fantastic steakhouse for dinner and boy, did we dine. Cuz is a regular blog reader and was amazed at the food Chef Mike was making for us here in Baltimore, but he was somewhat dismayed that I never seemed to mention steak. So of course I had to order a really nice steak. Not him. He did the crab and lobster. We washed all this down with a couple of Cappuccinos and a mixed berry dessert. It was a lot of fun.
Carpe Diem.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Weekend update
Saturday morning, bright and early, all the soccer lads met at an English pub in Boca to watch the Man U vs. Arsenal game. I was not able to participate in the Guiness consumption but the rest of the guys seemed to do quite well without me. One of the positives (or possibly one of the negatives, depending on how you look at it) is I am not able to drink because of the meds I am on. The rest of the gang seems to make up my shortfall adequately. The result of the game was quite disappointing...........we (Man U) lost. I must say that the pub patrons were equally divided between Man U and Arsehole supporters but everyone was well behaved and very civil. How terribly British wot!
The Pub food looked pretty marginal so we all buggered off to one of the local hotels for a good English (sort of) breakfast.
Saturday evening we went to a 50th birthday bash for our good friend Robin Elkaim, Ilan's wife. It was a lot of fun. Great food, good company and pretty decent music. I was privileged to escort my mom to the party and my brother-in-law Howard came with us as well. Now let me explain something about an observation I made. Howard and I look very much alike and the two of us together, with my mom in tow, looked really funny. Like some middle aged gay couple with their mommy. "Not that there is anything wrong with that" - thank you Jerry Seinfeld. I guess I am comfortable in my meterosexuality!!! Oh yea, I was able to negotiate a triple dessert. Birthday cake, Tiramisu and flan. What a pig.
Sunday morning cousin Hilary and cousin Martin came to the apartment for breakfast. After breakfast I took my partner :) (Howard) to the airport and then met up another good friends' son to discuss his flying career. Dean is at Embry Riddle University studying to become a commercial pilot. He is about to complete his private licence test. We had a really good conversation and I will be following his progress with keen interest. I certainly remember what it was like for me in the same position many years ago.
The afternoon and evening was spent shuttling between the apartment and Ilan and Robin's house saying goodbye to all the close friends who had come in for the party. We consumed square meat pies from Selfridges, left over oxtail and cottage pie for diner. Yummy.
Carpe Diem.
The Pub food looked pretty marginal so we all buggered off to one of the local hotels for a good English (sort of) breakfast.
Saturday evening we went to a 50th birthday bash for our good friend Robin Elkaim, Ilan's wife. It was a lot of fun. Great food, good company and pretty decent music. I was privileged to escort my mom to the party and my brother-in-law Howard came with us as well. Now let me explain something about an observation I made. Howard and I look very much alike and the two of us together, with my mom in tow, looked really funny. Like some middle aged gay couple with their mommy. "Not that there is anything wrong with that" - thank you Jerry Seinfeld. I guess I am comfortable in my meterosexuality!!! Oh yea, I was able to negotiate a triple dessert. Birthday cake, Tiramisu and flan. What a pig.
Sunday morning cousin Hilary and cousin Martin came to the apartment for breakfast. After breakfast I took my partner :) (Howard) to the airport and then met up another good friends' son to discuss his flying career. Dean is at Embry Riddle University studying to become a commercial pilot. He is about to complete his private licence test. We had a really good conversation and I will be following his progress with keen interest. I certainly remember what it was like for me in the same position many years ago.
The afternoon and evening was spent shuttling between the apartment and Ilan and Robin's house saying goodbye to all the close friends who had come in for the party. We consumed square meat pies from Selfridges, left over oxtail and cottage pie for diner. Yummy.
Carpe Diem.
Remission, success and living
"Remission means there is no evidence of disease . . that's all . . there is no way of knowing if I am in complete remission or if the cancer will relapse. I will have PET/CT scans to monitor for relapse every two months for at least the next short while and then they will spread out in time until 5 years. To the best of my knowledge, I believe the standard for remission is 5 years. The longer I remain in remission the better chance I have that the cancer will not recur. If after 5 years I am still in remission there is a good chance the cancer may be gone......... however, there is no guarantee as cancer can remain dormant in the body for an undetermined amount of time and then reappear. I will need to stay vigilant about my health for a long time.........but at least, right now, things look promising and that is all that is important to know. I'm celebrating."
Adapted by me.
"Everyone is born with a limited amount of time. Every moment we live - whether we're working, playing, complaining, or being thankful - is time that we've spent. Nothing is more valuable than the time we have left. When we're pursuing our passion, it isn't just getting to the goal, because the journey is as rewarding as the end result. At the end of our lives we can say 'I've loved my life' - the ultimate definition of success."
Cynthia Kersey.
"Every person will die. But few people will really live."
?
Carpe Diem.
Adapted by me.
"Everyone is born with a limited amount of time. Every moment we live - whether we're working, playing, complaining, or being thankful - is time that we've spent. Nothing is more valuable than the time we have left. When we're pursuing our passion, it isn't just getting to the goal, because the journey is as rewarding as the end result. At the end of our lives we can say 'I've loved my life' - the ultimate definition of success."
Cynthia Kersey.
"Every person will die. But few people will really live."
?
Carpe Diem.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Fishing expedition
This is Howard here, blogging for Adrian about the great fishing expedition. Ade would be blogging but he is in the hospital getting the hook removed from his hand. JUST KIDDING.
It was the perfect day and six of us went….including Jack, Ilan, Ilan’s brother in law from Chicago, and Tracy from the Boca Resort & Club, the obligatory mystery blond on the fishing boat. Best news: no one puked. Best news part II: everyone caught a fish. Lots of snapper…..kinda weenie but within the law. I caught at big mutton snapper at 170 feet and it took forever to bring it up. Adrian snagged a French Gunt (never heard of it), and there were the obligatory rude comments about it (i.e. , a French grunt is what happens in an alley in Paris). Nutrition was supplied by Bokkie in the form of corned beef and salami sambos. We wound up doing most of our fishing in spot about 500 yards off the coast of….OUR BUILDING! Here is the special YouTube video of our adventure under Fish City Pride.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JFQSlpTsaY
Carpe Diem.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
House hunting
After a pretty good nights sleep it was off to go house hunting with our agent, Fred. We had a productive morning looking at different properties. There was one in particular that we may pursue. Very nice indeed. After lunch we briefly looked at a few other areas and then home to my mom's place so I could absorb all of the information. Had a couple of good chats with Diana about all that went on and what I saw.
In the afternoon I did the obligatory Jamba Juice stop with my mom. Threw in Whole Foods and Publix Supermarket stops to pick up supplies (food) for the fishing trip.
After another dinner with my mom I went to the airport to pick up Howard (my brother-in-law). No, my mom didn't bugger off to play cards again. When we got back to the apartment we set up a sandwich production line for the fishing trip. Some of you may think that I am obsessed with food and that's all I think about. Well, you could be onto something.
Carpe Diem.
In the afternoon I did the obligatory Jamba Juice stop with my mom. Threw in Whole Foods and Publix Supermarket stops to pick up supplies (food) for the fishing trip.
After another dinner with my mom I went to the airport to pick up Howard (my brother-in-law). No, my mom didn't bugger off to play cards again. When we got back to the apartment we set up a sandwich production line for the fishing trip. Some of you may think that I am obsessed with food and that's all I think about. Well, you could be onto something.
Carpe Diem.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wednesday in Boca
The flight to Boca was once again quick and easy. It's tough getting used to airports, security and all the other associated crap again. I'm just not doing it often enough. Phew. Ilan picked me up at the airport and then it was back to my mom's place to for an oxtail lunch and watch Man U play play Celtic to a 1-1 draw. Ilan was more than happy to pick me up once he knew he was going to get some of my mom's oxtail. Oxtail sounds gross but what an amazing dish. At least I think so.
In the evening I had dinner with my mom and then she left to play cards with her mates. Basically, she abandoned me. Cousin Hilary came over to see me and the two of us went to Jamba Juice and then Barnes & Nobles. So far I have had a Jamba Juice Acai supercharger every day I have been here. Do you think that I'm overdoing it!!! I also think I may be looking a little chunky. Yes me. Oh well, off to eat.
Carpe Diem.
In the evening I had dinner with my mom and then she left to play cards with her mates. Basically, she abandoned me. Cousin Hilary came over to see me and the two of us went to Jamba Juice and then Barnes & Nobles. So far I have had a Jamba Juice Acai supercharger every day I have been here. Do you think that I'm overdoing it!!! I also think I may be looking a little chunky. Yes me. Oh well, off to eat.
Carpe Diem.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election day
I seldom, if ever, will discuss religion or politics here on my blog. Having said that, I will tell you that Rob and I voted today. I was really proud to be able to vote with her and see how seriously she took her obligation and right to vote. Hopefully, all of you out there that are able to vote, vote.
Our meeting with Dr. Erlich went really well. He reiterated what he had told us on the phone about the scan results, which was all good. I can only hope for this kind of result in all future scans. I will be staying on the same dosage of Sutent for now but the blood work will only be done monthly and not bi-weekly. The scans will continue every two months with the next one scheduled in early January. I will also be having another MUGA scan (for the heart) around the same time.
It is quite amazing when you get medical test results. When the news is good or bad you seem to mentally question it! Are you sure they are my test results? Could they have missed something? Did they read or interpret the scans incorrectly or correctly? And on, and on, and on............I think you get the picture. Somehow you need to enjoy and relish the positive and good news and if the news is not so good, deal with it!
Congratulations to President Elect Obama. Thank you to John McCain. The country has spoken and now we move on. No tanks or troops in the streets. Life goes on and hopefully in a positive and good direction for all.
Our meeting with Dr. Erlich went really well. He reiterated what he had told us on the phone about the scan results, which was all good. I can only hope for this kind of result in all future scans. I will be staying on the same dosage of Sutent for now but the blood work will only be done monthly and not bi-weekly. The scans will continue every two months with the next one scheduled in early January. I will also be having another MUGA scan (for the heart) around the same time.
It is quite amazing when you get medical test results. When the news is good or bad you seem to mentally question it! Are you sure they are my test results? Could they have missed something? Did they read or interpret the scans incorrectly or correctly? And on, and on, and on............I think you get the picture. Somehow you need to enjoy and relish the positive and good news and if the news is not so good, deal with it!
Congratulations to President Elect Obama. Thank you to John McCain. The country has spoken and now we move on. No tanks or troops in the streets. Life goes on and hopefully in a positive and good direction for all.
Carpe Diem.
What does this all mean?
As I have stressed before, this battle/war is far from over. I am not out of the woods yet. Still wondering about the forest! That's not to diminish the great news I got yesterday. I know there will be lots of scans in my future and I'm sure I will be somewhat anxious and nervous for each and everyone of them. But I have to deal with what comes my way because I have no choice. Or better said, the other option (or choice) is not a good one!!! The overwhelming love and support from you all has certainly helped and sustained me through this. I am eternally grateful.
Carpe Diem.
Carpe Diem.
Monday, November 3, 2008
PET/CAT Scan with great news
This morning I went for my PET/CAT Scan. I am so used to the whole procedure and what's required of me that I should now be working there! Diana came with me and we got there at 8am and were done by 9:30am.
Fast forward 7 hours. Dr. Erlich just called. He had some great news - there were no signs of cancer anywhere - nodes, lungs, what's left of my brain etc. The only thing that lit up on the scan was the radiation pneumonitis in my lung, which has vastly improved with the steroids. That is what is still causing me to cough and sound like an asthmatic! We were thrilled with this development. Tomorrow, when we meet with Dr. Erlich, we will get more info and ask all our questions then. Phew!!!
We picked Rob up from College Park this afternoon. She is home to vote and, of course, get her laundry done. Typical college kid.
Carpe Diem.
Fast forward 7 hours. Dr. Erlich just called. He had some great news - there were no signs of cancer anywhere - nodes, lungs, what's left of my brain etc. The only thing that lit up on the scan was the radiation pneumonitis in my lung, which has vastly improved with the steroids. That is what is still causing me to cough and sound like an asthmatic! We were thrilled with this development. Tomorrow, when we meet with Dr. Erlich, we will get more info and ask all our questions then. Phew!!!
We picked Rob up from College Park this afternoon. She is home to vote and, of course, get her laundry done. Typical college kid.
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Weekend update
Tomorrow (Monday November 3rd) I am scheduled for my PET/CT scan and Tuesday (November 4th) I will be meeting with Dr. Erlich (my oncologist). I will keep you all updated as to my medical news. I would be a liar if I said I wasn't a tad nervous! Hopefully, all will be stable and fine. I am feeling ok right now. My appetite is good and my weight is up and stable.
Saturday we watched Man U beat Hull 4-3. A very entertaining game. It was not on TV but Rob sent me the internet link to watch the game live on the computer. Don't ask how she found these links! In the evening Diana and I went to Fuddruckers for dinner. Nothing but the finest dinning for the two of us. I did have the ostrich burger and it was very good. Just like eating a giant chicken that tastes like steak. Now there is a change...........instead of everything tasting like chicken. We then went to see Pride and Glory with Ed Norton and Colin Farrell. It was entertaining but not great. Interesting story.
Oh, I actually remembered to change the clocks back. Sleep well.
You all know that Sunday for us is an eating day. So what else is new. Chef Mike, my loving son, made me a really nice omelet for breakfast.
Everyone needs to look good. Even Max, our dog. He went to get groomed Sunday afternoon. Rather handsome upon his arrival back home.
Sunday evening Chef was at it again. This time it was Thai Satay chicken in peanut sauce complemented with a cucumber and vegetable salad and edamame. No peanut allergies here! Excellent as usual.
Carpe Diem.
Saturday we watched Man U beat Hull 4-3. A very entertaining game. It was not on TV but Rob sent me the internet link to watch the game live on the computer. Don't ask how she found these links! In the evening Diana and I went to Fuddruckers for dinner. Nothing but the finest dinning for the two of us. I did have the ostrich burger and it was very good. Just like eating a giant chicken that tastes like steak. Now there is a change...........instead of everything tasting like chicken. We then went to see Pride and Glory with Ed Norton and Colin Farrell. It was entertaining but not great. Interesting story.
Oh, I actually remembered to change the clocks back. Sleep well.
You all know that Sunday for us is an eating day. So what else is new. Chef Mike, my loving son, made me a really nice omelet for breakfast.
Everyone needs to look good. Even Max, our dog. He went to get groomed Sunday afternoon. Rather handsome upon his arrival back home.
Sunday evening Chef was at it again. This time it was Thai Satay chicken in peanut sauce complemented with a cucumber and vegetable salad and edamame. No peanut allergies here! Excellent as usual.
Carpe Diem.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Chef gets a TV
We finally relented. For all these years Rob and Mike have never had TV's in their bedrooms. Computers, yes but no TV's. Well, we had to do some furniture rearranging yesterday and we put a TV in Mike's bedroom. Even though it's not related, he has been doing well at school and keeping up with his excellent violin playing in the Baltimore all county orchestra. His Chef responsibilities have not hurt his cause either.
Now what to do when Rob comes home to visit? She is doing well and enjoying life at college but still relishes her visits home. Soccer season is over for her so now she is refereeing (not playing) volley ball. She is coming home for November 4th and she and I will be going together to vote. Quite exciting as this is her first time voting. However she votes is her personal business. I am just really proud that she is taking her obligation to vote so seriously.
Oh yea, the "blemish" I had removed from my noggin was a basil cell carcinoma. The more desirable of the skin cancer's. What a strange choice of words! Everything is fine and nothing more has to be done. Cool.
Carpe Diem.
Now what to do when Rob comes home to visit? She is doing well and enjoying life at college but still relishes her visits home. Soccer season is over for her so now she is refereeing (not playing) volley ball. She is coming home for November 4th and she and I will be going together to vote. Quite exciting as this is her first time voting. However she votes is her personal business. I am just really proud that she is taking her obligation to vote so seriously.
Oh yea, the "blemish" I had removed from my noggin was a basil cell carcinoma. The more desirable of the skin cancer's. What a strange choice of words! Everything is fine and nothing more has to be done. Cool.
Carpe Diem.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Fingerprinting time
Fingerprinting time you ask? For who? Why? Let me tell you................. When we moved from Dallas to Baltimore in June of 1999 Diana pledged to me that she would get her US citizenship. Well, only after 9 years, she has started the application and procedure. One of the requirements is to get fingerprinted. Jeez, I hope they don't find anything!!! So today I was her chauffeur and chaperon (boy that's a lot of French) for the trip downtown. Believe it or not, it was quick. What a surprise.
Oh yea. In the morning I went for a follow up appointment with the plastic surgeon who macheteed open my noggin. All looks really good with the scar (or lack of scar) but the pathology was still not back yet. Hopefully they will get the results soon and all will be ok.
Dinner this evening was courtesy of me. Chicken thighs marinated in a bottle of Nando's Peri Peri and wild herb sauce. Really difficult to make! Mike complimented this fine meal with a Lo Mein dish. I swear the boy is Asian. Did I mention that he taught himself Mandarin.
Carpe Diem.
Oh yea. In the morning I went for a follow up appointment with the plastic surgeon who macheteed open my noggin. All looks really good with the scar (or lack of scar) but the pathology was still not back yet. Hopefully they will get the results soon and all will be ok.
Dinner this evening was courtesy of me. Chicken thighs marinated in a bottle of Nando's Peri Peri and wild herb sauce. Really difficult to make! Mike complimented this fine meal with a Lo Mein dish. I swear the boy is Asian. Did I mention that he taught himself Mandarin.
Carpe Diem.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Lunch with Larry and Monday at Mary
I had a really nice lunch with Larry, a good friend who lives in the hood. Then it was onto the Sinai Infusion Center for my Monday appointment with Mary. Well, sort of. I had my port-o-cath flush and blood work scheduled and I was supposed to have Mary for the quick and brief procedure. Instead Tonya worked with me. I did go and say hi to Mary and a number of others at the infusion center. It was really nice to catch up with Mary and she was thrilled at how I looked. No, not at my rugged and handsome good looks but at my weight gain and overall appearance and demeanor. I was thrilled (and flattered). My weight seems somewhat stable right now at about 144 lbs. and all the blood work came back normal. How nice!
This coming Monday November 3rd I have my next PET/CAT scan scheduled. On Tuesday I am scheduled to meet with Dr. Erlich. Hopefully, all will be stable and ok with the scan. Once again, we have lots of questions to ask Dr. Erlich. I will keep you all updated. On Wednesday November 5th I leave for Boca for a week. So things better be ok!!!
Diana arrived back from Toronto in the evening to a nice home cooked meal courtesy of the Chef and Sous-Chef. Guess who the Sous-Chef (lackey) was?
Carpe Diem.
This coming Monday November 3rd I have my next PET/CAT scan scheduled. On Tuesday I am scheduled to meet with Dr. Erlich. Hopefully, all will be stable and ok with the scan. Once again, we have lots of questions to ask Dr. Erlich. I will keep you all updated. On Wednesday November 5th I leave for Boca for a week. So things better be ok!!!
Diana arrived back from Toronto in the evening to a nice home cooked meal courtesy of the Chef and Sous-Chef. Guess who the Sous-Chef (lackey) was?
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
More weekend update
This morning, instead of me making the usual Sunday morning breakfast, Chef Mike decided to take over. He made "egg in the hole" and turkey bacon. Yes, real turkey bacon and not a shred of pig.
Then it was off to the shrine of the Home Depot. I haven't been there in a while and I felt like a reborn Tim Allen from tool time. I Picked up a few supplies and headed back to the homestead to do some chores. I didn't sever any limbs or electrocute myself so I guess that's a good sign. It felt good to do stuff around the house again. It's been a while!
Chef Mike must think that my cooking sucks so he offered to do dinner as well. I'm not too proud, so I relented. Who the hell wouldn't want there own personal chef? The menu was Singapore Street Noodles, with chicken. Another excellent meal. It was a little spicy hot for me but, then again, I'm a wuss when it comes to ring sting.
Carpe Diem.
Then it was off to the shrine of the Home Depot. I haven't been there in a while and I felt like a reborn Tim Allen from tool time. I Picked up a few supplies and headed back to the homestead to do some chores. I didn't sever any limbs or electrocute myself so I guess that's a good sign. It felt good to do stuff around the house again. It's been a while!
Chef Mike must think that my cooking sucks so he offered to do dinner as well. I'm not too proud, so I relented. Who the hell wouldn't want there own personal chef? The menu was Singapore Street Noodles, with chicken. Another excellent meal. It was a little spicy hot for me but, then again, I'm a wuss when it comes to ring sting.
Carpe Diem.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Weekend update and dinner with Rob and Mike
Busy day today. My flu shot in the morning and bank with Mike to set up his checking account. He also bought a new PS3 game called "Far Cry 2". Killing, maiming, swearing etc etc. Good wholesome stuff!!! The cool thing is that the game is based somewhere in Africa. I guess I'll let it slide.
Rob called with a request for a few things from the supermarket and from home. We caught up on the day's soccer (err football) events. Man U tied 1-1 with Everton. Would have preferred a win! We also confirmed our dinner arrangements for later on today.
The real estate agent, that sold us our Baltimore home back in 1999, came over today to see the home again. She will be our agent, once more, next spring.
This evening Mike and I picked up Rob and her friend Ilana and we all went to PF Chang's for dinner, somewhere in Bethesda. As we walked in the door we literally order a bowl of hot and sour soup for me and lettuce wraps for Rob. It's her favorite appetizer and she loves the Chang sauce. So does Mike. It's just that the sauce he likes is sphincter burning hot. We had a great dinner together and caught up on all the school news. Rob also got her first paycheck for her job as a soccer referee and showed me the pay stub. Pretty cool.
Carpe Diem.
Rob called with a request for a few things from the supermarket and from home. We caught up on the day's soccer (err football) events. Man U tied 1-1 with Everton. Would have preferred a win! We also confirmed our dinner arrangements for later on today.
The real estate agent, that sold us our Baltimore home back in 1999, came over today to see the home again. She will be our agent, once more, next spring.
This evening Mike and I picked up Rob and her friend Ilana and we all went to PF Chang's for dinner, somewhere in Bethesda. As we walked in the door we literally order a bowl of hot and sour soup for me and lettuce wraps for Rob. It's her favorite appetizer and she loves the Chang sauce. So does Mike. It's just that the sauce he likes is sphincter burning hot. We had a great dinner together and caught up on all the school news. Rob also got her first paycheck for her job as a soccer referee and showed me the pay stub. Pretty cool.
Carpe Diem.
Friday's visit to Rick
Friday morning, Diana left to go to Toronto. She will be up there for the weekend and will be back Monday evening. She went to join her dad and brother for the "unveiling" of her late mom's headstone.
I went out to Gaithersburg to see Rick Levy. It was a really good and productive session. I am continuing to see him about once a month to keep my mind on the straight and narrow path!
Mike and I had shabbat dinner together. No cooking, just ordering in: Thank you Chicken Out! I did make soup, and Mike opted out, but Max just had a taste.
Carpe Diem.
I went out to Gaithersburg to see Rick Levy. It was a really good and productive session. I am continuing to see him about once a month to keep my mind on the straight and narrow path!
Mike and I had shabbat dinner together. No cooking, just ordering in: Thank you Chicken Out! I did make soup, and Mike opted out, but Max just had a taste.
Carpe Diem.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Mike's school concert
Boy, talking about proud parents. Tonight Mike's school orchestra had a concert. Mike is 1st chair of the 1st violins, also known as concert master and he had a solo as well. His performance was fantastic and the whole orchestra was really pleasant to listen to. Quite impressive for high school kids. He has also made the county school orchestra again this year. It will be his 4th year in county orchestra. I'm totally unsure of where his genetic make up for music comes from. Probably Diana. Come to think of it............our pool "boy" in Dallas was a really accomplished musician. Just kidding!
Carpe Diem.
Carpe Diem.
Wanna buy a house?
Diana and I have come to the decision that it is time to downsize. Although we love, and, take great pride in our home, it will feel too empty without our kids. Should you know of anyone interested in becoming a part of this great neighborhood, please let us know. We will be putting our house up on the market in the spring, but would be thrilled to show it or entertain an offer beforehand.
This is not related to my health issue but just a honest desire to downsize. Things, health wise for me, are stable right now. I'm doing fine.
We are looking to purchase another place in Boca Raton, Florida. Hopefully that will work out in the next few months. We will just go back and forth between here and Florida while the kids are at school.
In the meantime, I'm enjoying our hood and home and realizing that every day is a gift.
Carpe Diem.
Sawubona Mnumzane. Unjani?
Good day sir. How are you?
Ah the joys of "Teach yourself Zulu. Why the hell learn Zulu, you ask? Well, the area around Bulawayo they speak Ndebele (an offshoot of Zulu). They also speak english and truthfully, you can get by quite adequately with just communicating in english. My desire to learn the local language goes back to my school days where we were not required to learn the local African language and dialect. What a shame. It also is much better when you can communicate with the local people in their language. Even making a half arse attempt helps. Well, enough of the Zulu/Ndebele language rant.
Pretty calm couple of days. Lots of phone calls to make, chores to do and people to see. Still sorting out the "shitty" water problem at the house. It's not really shitty but there is some well contamination that we are still dealing with.
Football yesterday saw Man U beat Celtic 3-0. Anytime your team wins then it's a nice entertaining game. Monday night "Prison Break" and Tuesday night "House" wrapped up the TV session for those couple of days.
Chef Mike was at it again last night. Chicken picata with capers. Thank goodness no curry!!! He was assisted by Sous Chef Diana. What part did I play? Official food taster. I'm good at that. It was a very nice dinner.
Carpe Diem.
Ah the joys of "Teach yourself Zulu. Why the hell learn Zulu, you ask? Well, the area around Bulawayo they speak Ndebele (an offshoot of Zulu). They also speak english and truthfully, you can get by quite adequately with just communicating in english. My desire to learn the local language goes back to my school days where we were not required to learn the local African language and dialect. What a shame. It also is much better when you can communicate with the local people in their language. Even making a half arse attempt helps. Well, enough of the Zulu/Ndebele language rant.
Pretty calm couple of days. Lots of phone calls to make, chores to do and people to see. Still sorting out the "shitty" water problem at the house. It's not really shitty but there is some well contamination that we are still dealing with.
Football yesterday saw Man U beat Celtic 3-0. Anytime your team wins then it's a nice entertaining game. Monday night "Prison Break" and Tuesday night "House" wrapped up the TV session for those couple of days.
Chef Mike was at it again last night. Chicken picata with capers. Thank goodness no curry!!! He was assisted by Sous Chef Diana. What part did I play? Official food taster. I'm good at that. It was a very nice dinner.
Carpe Diem.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Weekend update
Another nice relaxing weekend. The weather is turning cooler. Really nice days and cool nights. Highs of mid 60's and lows of around 50. The leaves have started to fall. A royal pain in the arse.
Watched Man U demolish West Ham United 4-0 at lunchtime Saturday. In the evening Diana and I went to try out a new Asian restaurant. Quite nice. We then went over to visit some good friends for a coupe of hours. She usually has some really nice desserts but none tonight. I didn't give her a heads up. Darn!
Sunday chef Diana made a really nice meat pie. I was quite impressed. That was lunch. Chef Mike then took over for dinner and made another wonderful curry dish. Yes it was different than the other night but nonetheless more curry. I may even be looking a tad east Asian these days. I wonder why? Oh yea, chef Adrian made eggs for breakfast.
We do other things as well you know. Lest you all think my days are consumed with only eating. Fat bastard!
Carpe Diem, now pass the grub.
Before and after
What a difference just under 3 months and 15 lbs. makes. The first picture is from August 2nd, 2008 and the next picture is from today October 19th, 2008. Not that flattering - either picture!!!
Carpe Diem.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Chef Mike does it again
There was a repeat performance from Chef Mike for Friday (shabbat) dinner. The dish was a cottage pie and the inspiration came from a Rachael Ray TV show. Cottage pie is a traditional English dish made with minced meat covered with a mashed potato crust. The lamb version is often called shepherd's pie. Thank you Wikipedia. It was excellent. Better than I could have done. I think we are onto something here!!!
Carpe Diem.
Carpe Diem.
What do I miss?
I have a lot of time on my hands right now to consider lots of things. So what do I sometimes think about? Flying. The very earliest that I can be considered for returning to flying status is August 2009. That date may even slide further.
So what do I miss after doing this for nearly 28 years and almost 14,000 hours of flying?
1. The spectacular view from my office window.
2. My close (fellow pilot) friends.
3. The meals and sightseeing with these friends in different locations around the country.
4. The challenge and excitement of flying wonderful planes.
What don't I miss?
1. The commuting to work with all the associated headaches.
2. The yearly checkrides and twice yearly physicals.
3. Being away from home half my life!!!
4. The stress of flying in really stormy weather.
I know there are lots more points I could include in each category. Suffice to say, I am incredibly proud to be working (temporarily indisposed) for such an amazing company as UPS. I am confident that they got a good deal when they hired me in February of 1988.
So what to infer or make out from this diatribe. Nothing much. When decisions have to be made considering my career and my future I will make them with the best possible information at hand and the most comfortable feeling in my heart.
Carpe Diem.
So what do I miss after doing this for nearly 28 years and almost 14,000 hours of flying?
1. The spectacular view from my office window.
2. My close (fellow pilot) friends.
3. The meals and sightseeing with these friends in different locations around the country.
4. The challenge and excitement of flying wonderful planes.
What don't I miss?
1. The commuting to work with all the associated headaches.
2. The yearly checkrides and twice yearly physicals.
3. Being away from home half my life!!!
4. The stress of flying in really stormy weather.
I know there are lots more points I could include in each category. Suffice to say, I am incredibly proud to be working (temporarily indisposed) for such an amazing company as UPS. I am confident that they got a good deal when they hired me in February of 1988.
So what to infer or make out from this diatribe. Nothing much. When decisions have to be made considering my career and my future I will make them with the best possible information at hand and the most comfortable feeling in my heart.
Carpe Diem.
My epiphany
During the lowest of lows for me, and on one of my many conversations with my family, I had an epiphany. Big word huh. I have kept it relatively quiet all this time but now feel the time is right to mention it on my blog. Don't ask why.
One evening we watched a news show about this orphanage in Cambodia. The next morning, during a long conversation with Russ, I told her what I want to do. I wanted to start an orphanage in my home town of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Taking care of AIDs orphans and abandoned babies. Quite an undertaking. My rational was simple. Even though the situation is currently dire in Zimbabwe (and the political situation is much the same), it matters not to the babies. What do they care about ZANU PF or the MDC or for that matter, inflation. What they understand and feel is that they have no food or shelter.
My family has been tremendously supportive about this passion of mine and I know it is doable. I know there are needs everywhere, including here in the USA. But in all honesty, who cares about Zimbabwe? I do!
I am currently working on this project with my families complete support and the help of some incredible friends. I will keep you all up to date. Unfortunately, it's a long process.
Carpe Diem.
One evening we watched a news show about this orphanage in Cambodia. The next morning, during a long conversation with Russ, I told her what I want to do. I wanted to start an orphanage in my home town of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Taking care of AIDs orphans and abandoned babies. Quite an undertaking. My rational was simple. Even though the situation is currently dire in Zimbabwe (and the political situation is much the same), it matters not to the babies. What do they care about ZANU PF or the MDC or for that matter, inflation. What they understand and feel is that they have no food or shelter.
My family has been tremendously supportive about this passion of mine and I know it is doable. I know there are needs everywhere, including here in the USA. But in all honesty, who cares about Zimbabwe? I do!
I am currently working on this project with my families complete support and the help of some incredible friends. I will keep you all up to date. Unfortunately, it's a long process.
Carpe Diem.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Minor head carving
Sorry to get so personal with all of you but................
This morning I had a "blemish" surgically removed from my forehead just above my left eyebrow. I will know the pathology in about 10 days. I am sure all is ok. Nothing sinister. Besides, I am all "sinisterd" out.
My bi-weekly blood work came back just fine. Yes, I do have blood and yes, it works. All the tests were within normal ranges.
I also went for my yearly routine hearing test and that was stable and normal also. It really is refreshing to get tests back that are stable and normal. Lets hope that this is the way of the future for me. Hey, it's either survivor (optimist) or victim (pessimist). I'll take the former.
Still "recovering" from that great curry dinner of last night. The hot wings tonight haven't helped. I must be nuts.
Carpe Diem.
This morning I had a "blemish" surgically removed from my forehead just above my left eyebrow. I will know the pathology in about 10 days. I am sure all is ok. Nothing sinister. Besides, I am all "sinisterd" out.
My bi-weekly blood work came back just fine. Yes, I do have blood and yes, it works. All the tests were within normal ranges.
I also went for my yearly routine hearing test and that was stable and normal also. It really is refreshing to get tests back that are stable and normal. Lets hope that this is the way of the future for me. Hey, it's either survivor (optimist) or victim (pessimist). I'll take the former.
Still "recovering" from that great curry dinner of last night. The hot wings tonight haven't helped. I must be nuts.
Carpe Diem.
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