Sunday, February 8, 2026

     What about the old broken water bed, hidden in the basement for decades. No one is admitting to this relic of the past. I guess an old waterbed is better than a dead animal. The two guys and a truck load up piles of stuff in their pick up truck and drive away.

     After a few days of confusion, I am now feeling unshackled. I am free to do anything after years of chemo and immunotherapy treatments hovering over me. Maybe just a transitory feeling. A good feeling.

     I talk on the cell phone with friends about their current medical conditions.  My favorite topic. But it is time for new topics. Most of my friends don’t want to talk about politics and ICE. Need to develop new interests.

     The last couple of New Yorker articles are really interesting.   I am just about finished with THERE ARE RIVERS IN THE SKY, a really wonderful novel. Started watching LONG WAY AROUND, the first filmed motorcycle ride with those two young guys riding from London to New York through Europe and Asia and Russia.

 

Saturday, February 7, 2026    

     Gusts of wind blow the pollen from the tall pine trees onto my car.  I am taking my first allergy pill of the season.  Sneezing and blowing my nose should soon stop. The early pink and white tree blossoms are popping out down town. And one solitary sycamore street tree is leafing out while the others are holding off.

     Yes, good news from the oncologist. I am reluctant to write about it fearing I will jinx the plan. We have agreed to not start up the chemo therapy now the six month pause is over. I had refused chemo treatment six months ago while recovering from sepsis. I will continue surveillance treatments with the urologist to spot any new cancers. Also I agree to a CAT scan and more blood work.  The good news is no more chemo at this time. Keeping my fingers crossed and the excitement down.

     We watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Milan. Just one hour, not the whole event.  The athletes are so young and enthusiastic. As the walk and dance through the golden arches. I plan to see the highlights during the week.

     It is a miracle, the basement room is cleared out or at least it will be when the moving guys come today to pick up the old broken stuff. The New porker flies back to cold East Coast today.

 

Friday, February 6, 2026

      Another very warm day. New record for warm winter weather.  I am not complaining. The warmth is welcomed in my home.  No heater on this morning.

     The New Yorker is full of vim and vigor as she works on the stuff in the basement rooms and garage. In the evening, she falls asleep on the couch while we watch TV.

     I am really liking this long book, THERE ARE RIVERS IN THE SKY. It’s  not complicated, the characters are clearly described and the story keeps surprising me. I am not sure if others will like it.

     We watch more of the Britbox drama RIOT WOMEN. Tonight we will watch the last two episodes. It was billed as a comedy but no, it is an intense painful drama.