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The day started with me rising before my alarm. I was dreaming, but I don’t recall the dream other than it was excellent, and I wanted to go back to it. I woke at 5ish and went back to sleep but could not find the dream. I woke over and over, still not finding rest. I finally kicked off the covers at 6ish and rose, still wishing to return to the warm dreams. Susie and Dad were there.

Reality comes into focus. This morning, I have more medical appointments. I can at least have a banana with coffee, and I do. I get the addresses, phone numbers, and names in an email that I both print and email to myself. I have a large envelope with my EKG results and an explanation of the surgery and its risks. I call it the doom paper.

I headed out in Air Volvo towards work, a less efficient but more familiar drive with the cardiac doctor’s office just a short drive from Swift at Nike WGQ, my home building. I am early and wait. Fifteen minutes late, I met a new doctor, and he surprised me with his energy and excitement. He looks at the provided EKG, and we then review my experiences since my last workup. I am doing well. My EKG has a slight abnormality, which will have no impact, and I ask for an explanation. I get a five-minute well-done lecture on how the heart’s electrical pulses propagate and what the readings mean. He reminds me of my experience with cardiac docs; they love to talk shop and give good news–they don’t get to do it enough. I am passed for surgery, and questions and concerns are welcome, “call any time.” He recommends getting a new workup after the surgery, as the chemotherapy could have made some changes, but there is nothing to do now.

I have an hour or so for the next doctor, so I head across Beaverton in Air Volvo. This office is on St.V’s campus, where the surgery will be done. Doc G, the neurosurgeon, will remove the tumor and restore any nerve issues. I met him first in his office, where he covered everything, and I asked questions about my brain scans. He explains that all is good except for the tumor, showing me the scans. He does a neurological exam, and that is all. I met the scheduler, and they will soon call me with days, likely in April. I am disappointed as I do not want to worry about this for ten weeks! I should hear soon. The likely date will be near my 60th birthday, 16 April 2024.

I head back to the office and talk to my boss. We are waiting for an official day. Concentrating on work after a morning filled with medical stuff is hard.

I head to McMenamins Cedar Mills for the same lunch I had last time: an Aztec salad and iced tea. I wonder if I am having issues with salads. I seem to get gas and other side effects. It is time to experiment.

I joined MyFitnessPal this morning and started tracking my steps, exercises, foods, and calories to lose some weight and increase my activity. This was my plan all along with it, starting after my trip to New Orleans trip. MyFitnessPal was a highly rated app. I record my steps and food.

I do hours of meetings, and soon, I have colon issues again. I have repeated the issue. Now, I will have lunch without the salad and see if it goes away. I head out at 4PM after multiple sudden visits to the restroom!

I head to the other side of Beaverton again, following the path that once led to the hummingbird house. Before reaching the facility, I stopped at Target to get some flowers for Z. Z is in a middle school play. Next, I stop at Sushi Hanna for dinner. This is a track sushi joint with a low cost per plate. The rolls and raw fish are not all exotic types, but they are fresh. I have four plates, hot tea, and miso soup. Perfect for a cold and rainy day in Oregon.

I headed to Whitford Middle School for their play Box or La Caja. Z had three parts that required costume changes. The play is about life and the moods of middle school, and each student carries a box that represents their desires, challenges, and personality in school. The different actors introduce their box and explain it. Z had two different boxes as Z played three parts. The play is done back and forth in English and Spanish. A projector has both texts. I follow along often on the screen as my hearing issues make it hard to hear some words. My Spanish is not good enough, and I read English. Z has one of the darker parts, and she is believable. The play is excellent, and soon, the audience dispels disbelief and enters into the emotions of middle school. It seems real.

After the short play, only forty minutes, I give Z the flowers. I brought Z and Dondrea masks from the Big Easy. They loved them too.

After that, I took Air Volvo back to the Volvo Cave. There, I had a snack of raisin toast (which I recorded in the app) and wrote the blog. Dondrea and Z sent me home with a little electric throw to use in the office.

I am barely able to stay awake. Thanks for reading!

 

I rose this morning before my alarm. I had a blood draw, so I had no breakfast or coffee. Just my pills with some water. Today was my pre-op appointment with my primary care, Dr. C. He was our doctor for about a year when our previous doctor retired. My appointment was at 8:20, and I headed out with plenty of time. The traffic on Baseline was backed up, and I was concerned I might be late, but I arrived a few minutes early.

The EKG was good, and after reviewing my status, Dr. C was ready to approve me for surgery. I had to get my labs done, and unless there was a surprise, I was approved. He will send the approval tomorrow after reviewing the test results.

I brought the last of the insurance paperwork for Susie’s passing. Part of it requires Susie’s doctor to fill it out. Dr. C finished the forms for me. I copied them and mailed them. This is the insurance bought when Susie was born. It is only a few bucks, but Leta can use the money to help fix her bathroom.

After that, I stop at Paris Baguette for a pastry and coffee for breakfast. I also buy a baguette and some fresh raisin bread. The bread is excellent toasted, buttered, and sprinkled with cinnamon.

I returned to work and discussed plans with my boss, Brad. We are waiting for a date to start seriously planning for my absence and medical leave. I look into a few issues before lunch.

I head to McMenamins Cedar Mills for lunch. I have an Aztec Salad without adding a protein. I have just iced tea as it is time to reduce calories. The salad is good, and I read a bit.

Air Volvo has me back at the Swift building at Nike’s WHQ in time for my last meeting. I talked to some folks about various issues and suggested testing and checks. Currencies are complex for a multinational like Nike, Inc., and a called routine is not correctly handling the currency values in our systems. I was worried it might not work for inflationary currencies. The routine was discovered not to handle non-fractional currencies like the Japanese Yen and that was fixed now, and I am worried the fix is incomplete. Currency is complex across various countries, and often, developers underestimate the complexity and create errors.

Returning to more immediate issues, I had issues with my colon and gas. This happened last time I had a salad. It could be a new problem–maybe lettuce is out. We will see. I was back in the restroom a few times!

Subha had a gift from India for me. Archana sent me a Christmas present, Mancala, made in India. This is an ancient game, and I have only played it once.

I am looking forward to relearning it and trying it out. Thanks, Archana, for the new game, and Subha and family for bringing it to me when they returned from India!

I arrived at the Volvo Cave too late to take Corwin to the DMV for a new state ID. He needs a state-issued ID to obtain a driver’s license, which is the first step. Corwin has been living in the spare bedroom for a few months. We will try to get this done this week. It is a priority to get Corwin driving.

I rested and read for a while, but soon, it was time to head to dinner with Mariah. Corwin took a shower and was ready at about 5PM. We got a table in the bar after Air Volvo delivered us to BJ’s Brewhouse. Mariah was running late, so I ordered the new appetizer of ships and three types of dip. It was good, but it was too much food.

I ordered noodles with chicken for dinner. I could barely finish it. Corwin got pizza with extra to take home. Mariah had a steak–I was envious.

We had a fun chat, and I covered all the medical information. Despite being stuffed, it was a good night. But, I am shaking. I am freezing even with coffee- I was cold at work, too. Left over from the chemotherapy, I think, cold sinks in, and I can’t get warm.

I talked about my writing a story with Sherlock Holmes and Watson as self-aware chatbots. Mariah thinks it is a good idea, and I will expand on it soon. Imagine Holmes being able to search the web for answers! House, the TV show, was based partially on the same concept–a favorite of mine. More to follow, my dear readers.

I napped and was still cold, put on my robe over my clothing, and wrote this.

Labs: So far, my sugar level is too high, which is not a surprise, but otherwise, the labs were good.

Thank you for reading.

Back to normal days. It is now 46 days since being diagnosed with a brain tumor, another Monday.

I rise with only five hours of sleep but still wake before my alarm and feel rested. I have changed my order of doing things and now just dress in the morning. I make a NYC bagel (thanks, Joyce) with cream cheese and liberal fair trade coffee in my French Press. I did not have time to finish the blog and headed to work. I had started it on Sunday, but as it was a travel day, I could not find a moment to complete it.

I boarded Air Volvo and headed to the Swift at Nike, Inc. WHQ in light traffic. I arrived at work and did the usual meetings. Folks were happy to see me back, and I felt a bit lighter after the week away.

I had to leave early and head to my Ears, Nose, and Throat (E.N.T.) surgeon, and he went over what needed to be done to remove the tumor. My hearing will be lost, and my balance center on the left side will also be lost by the surgery. The tumor is too large to allow for my hearing and balance on the left side to be saved. I was disappointed. The surgery is quite intense. I was given a paper on everything that could go wrong; it was pretty frightening.

Sometime this week, I will finish the process of being qualified for the surgery. I learned that the surgery date will likely be in April or later. The recovery is long, being six weeks on average, and two months not unusual. The doctor believes my balance and hearing are already lost on the left side and that my right side has already taken over. He thinks I will not have a balance or dizziness after the surgery. I have all the risks of brain surgery, and waiting is likely to not delay the need for surgery and may make my symptoms worse. It is essential to get this over.

I was depressed and unhappy and still had to accept this new voyage I had to make. It is hard. I cried.

I will do it, and my friends will help me. But it is difficult to accept.

I read the papers while eating Chinese-style food at Happy Panda- comfort food. I had the orange chicken, soup, and hot tea. I felt a bit better.

I told my boss, Brad, the story and what it meant–he tried to be supportive, but I could tell he was disturbed by the losses and risks. It is a harsh reality to face. We are both looking for dates to begin the paperwork and planning.

I did one more meeting and then headed home. The accumulated mail was to be delivered today. I needed some prescriptions, and I had some packages coming. I was also shell-shocked.

The mail had just been delivered, and I went through it. I found many 2023 tax papers, my prescriptions, and some packages. Everything was there that I expected. The Kramer’s gift coffee had arrived (thanks, Natasha and Jason), rules for WW1 naval battles with miniatures, 1/6000 WW1 miniatures, and the chrome pen I need to work on some Scythe figures.

I rested briefly and then made dinner: angel hair pasta with sauce from a jar and ground beef. It was a bit plain, but it still helped. Cooking dinner makes you feel like you have some control back. I then finished the Sunday blog.

And that takes me to writing this Monday’s story.

I am feeling better and feel like I have been pushed off again into a river on a raft. Again, it is not a trip I would be willing to take, but one I must. I can hear Susie’s voice saying, “Are you OK?” I think I am. I am far from my comfort zone, but I have traveled before, and I will adapt.

Thanks for reading.

I finished this on Monday evening. I am home safe and back to work today. This is Sunday’s blog.

I rose at 7ish, trying to decide if I should get up or just sleep. But there are just too many things to do in NOLA to rest. I rose and wrote for two hours, and then I still was not finished with the editing when I passed 9AM and just published. You can edit forever (Dondrea later said the typos were not bad).

I dressed, packed my suit bag, and then carried it to the car. I put on my sweater, as it was still cold, and headed to the French Quarter for a half-day visit. I found Toast, got a seat at the counter, and was welcomed back- I am almost a regular this week. I had the traditional breakfast. Another couple sat next to me, and they saw what I had and ordered one traditional and one catfish. That looked good, too!

Time, as often happens when it is the last day, vanished, and soon I was rushing off to the General Store. They had Cafe Du Monde gift sets that they shipped. So, I came up with a list of addresses that I emailed to myself to send gifts. The beignets are on their way to many, well, beignet box mixes. I sent out six of those and two small king cakes with coffee. I had to write out every address on a paper form, and then they charged me for shipping and the items. The folks at the store were happy to get a mass order.

Next, I went to the tourist shop Jazz Funeral and found some fine Made-in-China NOLA logo items as gifts. Now supplied with gifts and some in flight, I headed out to walk the quarter one more time. It was a warm day. Today was a Mass for the Police, and I saw many of New Orleans’s finest in formal uniforms. The music folks were out, and Jackson Square was full of art, music, and various tarot card readers. I circled the park and enjoyed it. I took a picture of one artist’s website as the art is painted on wood from Katrina. I may order some of that as gifts–I don’t need to carry on painted boards.

I headed to Stanley’s even when I was not that hungry. I was told their gumbo was the best. I got a table after noon passed, the bells sounding wonderful, and I tried it. It was delicious, but no okra, and as good as Coop’s Place. One of the locals was there and said they liked the food. The waiter said it was as good as what you can get in the tourist area, the French Quarter, but it was not spicy and salty like good gumbo. The waiter and I talked about cooking, and she told me how to make gumbo. Start with the trinity (one part white onion, one part green bell pepper, and one part celery), add the meats, and let that good a long while. Add your veggies and spices, authentic version from people who know, and add your seafood (she was not sure oysters should be included, but she knows some folks like it) and then a bit of Old Bay (East Coast) or Crab Boil (Gulf Coast and her choice, but acknowledged it was an item of dispute). We talked about cooking while I enjoyed their just OK food (I liked it).

She wished me well, and I headed back, walking slowly one more time the seven blocks back to Le Richelieu. I packed the rest of my items, splitting my books between my suit bag and roller bag. I loaded them into the purple Honda CR-V, Air Honda, and walked back in to check out. Eve, who checked me out, opened the gate remotely for me and another car to leave.

I found myself braking a few times and dodging some exciting driving in NOLA, including someone running a light in a three-way intersection at angles (?!). There were panhandlers with cups on sticks at one light. They use them to demand money through your window at the stop light. They left me alone, but they hit up the gal behind me, who looked unhappy when I watched in my mirror. But soon, the light changed, and we both got out of there with some enthusiasm to the dislike of the stick-cup folks.

On the highways, there was a warning that there was traffic, a surprise for a Sunday afternoon, 2:30PM local time. Last night’s protesters from the parade were on the main highway, 10, and blocking, shouting, and waving flags from the vehicles. I was stuck and got about twenty minutes of flag-waving and cheers. I waved hello to them. I am unsure if I agree with their politics, but I believe in non-violent and non-threatening protesting. The People (not citizens, The People) have a right to demand redress from the government. While it was inconvenient, I smiled and waved.

I also got to look at the cemeteries on the roadsides. They are spooky and newer than the one I went to. All are built with above-ground graves.

A police car led the protest, and soon, I was going fast again. The exit for the rental cars was before the airport. I drove and finally circled once to spot the tiny sign for rental car return. I pulled into Avis and returned Air Honda. I pointed out the star break in the windshield, and the brakes were not good. I later got a note that the car was damaged, the windshield, and I would be charged if I had not taken the proper coverage–I bought it. I pulled my bags to the shuttle, which seemed to drive us back to New Orleans; it was a long way.

I found American Airlines and soon printed two bag tags. I got in a long line, but an agent pointed us to the correct line. I was not alone, being in the wrong line. I soon saw my bags coming in at 35 pounds. Yes, it was good. I split up the books and mailed some! And now, down to one carry-on, I headed to security.

I was in the wrong line (that direction thing is still not working for me) and soon was in General, which was moving well. Like many, I had a sweater and coat, which were a bit warm. Soon, I was passed without incident (my pants remained on when in the scanner with no belt or shoes–I try to use colorful underwear on travel days).

I found Emile’s near my distant gate; I walked forever to the last f**king gate again. I ordered a cheeseburger, and it was excellent. I chatted with a gal beside me about labor relations–she works for a labor board. Others were watching the Ravens vs. Chiefs, and there were many cheers.

I had an economy seat, but First Class was sold out, so I flew to Dallas in 8A. The plane was old and uncomfortable. I was wedged into my seat without issue and read my book on my phone using the Kindle app. I had only 47 minutes to make my connection, and I all but leaped from my seat when we deplaned.

Dallas is so big and complex it seems to violate the laws of time and space. I had to take trains to the next terminal. I got off and rushed to find my gate had moved; f**k. Checking, I have to find D4. The last (and I do mean last) gate. I reboard the train and drive for twenty minutes, passing five, yes five, terminal stops to reach D.

D4 is the last gate, and it is a twenty-minute walk. It is the most extended terminal I have walked without gates. Yes, it is like a causeway into the deep reaches of the airport. I see my boarding starting time pass while I rush with my one bag and my coat on. I arrive with many others, out of breath. The flight is delayed; f**k.

An hour late, the plane boards and then sits on the tarmac for another twenty minutes. I am in First Class, and I put my coat in the bin and kept my bag. The plane is an older AirBus, and the seat squeak. It looks worn. It shook and squeaked on take-off–yikes.

I was happy to get a Mexican-style dinner and have coffee to stay awake. The plane engines roar. The AC pumps out heat and then cold, making it very uncomfortable. It is only a three-hour trip, but it is one of the least comfortable planes I have flown. I remove my shoes as the strange air pressure and heat swell my feet.

Finally, I arrive in Portland, and it is 11PM again. I walk about 1/2 a Dallas terminal, the whole length of PDX from C to baggage claim. My bags are tagged to be delivered early, First Class, and I find them and arrange them to wheel out, and I call the shuttle.

The shuttle arrives, and another family has a mountain of bags and kid equipment. We drive a moment, compared to New Orleans and Dallas, to the lot, and soon Air Volvo responds, and my bags are loaded. I drove across Portland, driving Texas and Louisiana fast, and soon reached the Volvo Cave. I park next to Corwin’s truck.

I unpacked and put all my clothing in the washer and ran it. I gave Corwin his t-shirt, and we picked a spoon holder for the house. I bought a lot for friends. I finally slept at about 1:30AM local time. I slept well and woke before my alarm–the time change worked for me this time.

Thanks for reading.

 

 

I rose a little later, 7AM, and soon wrote for two hours. The discipline of writing the blog has survived the Big Easy, and I invest a few hours every morning in writing. I planned to write more here, but the French Quarter calls, and I could use the walking. My legs are stiff every morning from the multi-miles of walking I do every day here. My back hurts less, and the pain starts after more than three hours of standing and walking. Better.

Don’t blink!

Also, colon issues are not reoccurring. Apparently, NOLA food and drink work for me; it is almost a cure. I will have to return to NOLA for more cures! My breathing has also been fine, with just some coughing in the morning. I have used my inhaler only twice a week! Again, I may need more NOLA.

While I wrote, Linda and Jesse (my sister and her husband) rose and headed to Toast for breakfast. I saw their text after I finished editing and publishing. I dressed and headed to them. They were about finished when I arrived but stayed while I had a light breakfast of coffee and some round Swedish pancakes.

Linda and Jesse were headed to the cemetery tour and hop on and off bus. I was walking today. After the repast, we walked to Jackson Square and Linda. After passing on a carriage tour, I found Linda and Jesse in a bike-powered taxi, and they headed off. I did not see them again until they found me at the evening parade.

I planned to just sightsee on foot and see how far I could push myself walking. First, an excellent bookshop. I did head the wrong way once, keeping with my unconscience wish to see everything in the French Quarter. I found Cresent City Books on its corner with Geoff at the counter. I discovered a two-volume publication of selected 1880s and earlier published stories from 1924. I had that and a modern history of the New Orleans red-light district (long gone) shipped to my home.

In a case, it was the famous vampire hunting kit I have seen on the internet for years; wow! I asked and was granted the chance to take a picture. I chatted with Geoff about Portland. He lived there years ago and found he spent his paycheck at Powell’s on books. When he returned to the Big Easy, the folks at Powell’s said they would miss him and his purchases!

I asked for permission to photograph the vampire hunting kit. I have seen it for years on the internet, but I was not expecting it to be in a used book store, even one focusing on fine books and collectible ephemera. I fumbled my Facebook post and suggested I bought the kit; no, just some books. I had to reword the post–embarrassing.

I passed on Absinthe House because every seat at the bar was taken, and the chairs were metal shop chairs. I want some comfort and class. I will go with the fangs, lovely food, comfortable chairs, and excellent service of the vampires who serve Absinthe.

I headed away from the river (North) to areas I had not seen before. I saw Desire, a mid-ranged restaurant, and decided I could not pass something named ‘desire.’ I was directed, as a single, to the bar, and the bartender was surprised to have a customer. I had a beer; no absinthe was available here, and the bartender said the fried oysters with fried and fried were fine. I don’t do raw oysters for all the usual reasons, especially when traveling, where a bad raw oyster can be a disaster.

Refreshed and refueled, I thanked the bartender and left Desire. I headed away from the river (North). I found another witchcraft store, Witch’s Cauldron, with a pointed hat and face bejeweled clerk. I found earrings for Linda and a frig magnet version of the hanged man tarot card, one of the major cards in my reading (reversed). I thought I would get it to remind me of the reading. We discussed the parade, and she was excited about Krewe Du Vieux being up tonight. It is a local favorite. It is adult subject material.

The witch-like clerk sent me to an Italian clothing store, Italy Direct, where I could complete a quest: a tie for New Orleans. I planned to dress in my suit with the gold vest and wanted the tie to match. An expensive tie, but a perfect match was acquired. The store turned away most customers looking for tourist goods while I bought my tie, but it was filled with flashy shoes, expensive wear for the carnival, and a selection of suits and dress shirts. I was intrigued, but I was sure my size was not available. Next time, and a few pounds later, I think.

With my small items, I headed further away from the river. I found an old firehouse for sale as a home for $4.35 million. I posted it on my Facebook account with a “You U Going To Call” comment. I also found suites to rent, which had me wondering about spending a few months here. So far, I have seen only a B&B that costs about $800 for three days, cheaper than Le Richelieu. When I tried to do two weeks, the price exploded to $5K. Hmmm.

I arrived at the edge of the French Quarter and the streetcars. I was tempted to travel further but found a bench in Congo Park instead. This was the park where black slaves were allowed to sing and picnic, and it later became just a meeting area.

Homer Plessy, as in the black lawyer who argued against ‘separate but equal,’ was from New Orleans, and his grave is in the cemetery I toured yesterday. It brings it a bit home to be in the park that was made available for black people enslaved or under Jim Crow. I rested there. I saw a tour guide sitting. He was happy to chat but sad that folks “come on a budget and not on expense reports now,” as he had no customers for his tour. I told him I was doing my best to eat and drink New Orleans back to health. That got a smile. He is seventy and still doing walking tours.

Much of what we call jazz was created here, and many point to Congo Park as the birthplace of that music.

Refreshed, I walked the long walk back to my hotel. It was still too early for some bars to open, but the music was everywhere on the weekend. The crowd was younger and full of energy.

I returned to my room and organized things a bit. Sunday is a travel day, but it is a late travel day. I rested, as it was a long walk, and I found some painkillers.

Linda and Jesse had great food in the Garden District, returned to the hotel, and rested briefly. I dressed for the parade and walked out to find a crowd headed to Marigny, out of the French Quarter. I followed and soon was near the same bookstore and the Spotted Cat I visited before. I decided this works and sent Linda and Jesse a pin of my location.

I found a beer at the chicken place. The beer I ordered was out, so I went with Susie’s favorite, Stella. I managed to spill it on myself–the locals laughed, seeing I was obviously a tourist (who spills beer except a tourist). I brushed off the mess and dried out.

I was standing with a self-described amateur photographer, and we chatted while he took photos. He lives a bohemian lifestyle (his words), using cheap housing, working odd jobs, and trying to sell some pictures. He lived previously in Beruit (an anti-genocide and pro-Palestinian pre-parade protest went by); he shared and said he loved the Palestinian refugees he met there. We then put away world politics as Linda and Jesse appeared, and soon, Krewe Du Vieux had our attention.

How many Jesus’s do you need in New Orleans?

The parade is bawdy and political, primarily local, and directed at the Catholic church. I saw three Jesus and various clerical-dressed marchers with the “church” folks throwing fake 100-dollar bills here and there. I was in the front, having been there for an hour, and my dress was deemed correct, and I was handed many throws, especially by the “church” officials. There were giant organs and various genitalia on display, some whole floats pulled all by donkeys. The crowd press was three deep, and I let Linda take my place about halfway. She scored many throws.

The parade was excellent, if NC-rated, and loved by the crowds. As we headed to a place to sit, we found the Krewe members all over the area still dancing and enjoying the night. My feet were tired, and I had some food. Linda and Jesse were not hungry. After walking many blocks back into the French Quarter, the streets, not closed off, were filled with people. We found the French Market restaurant, and there, waiting for slow service, we shared some boiled shrimp, crayfish (for Linda), corn (excellent), sausage, and one potato (?!). We also got Boudin balls to order. I ate most of the shrimp, and Linda showed a skeptical Jesse and me how to enjoy cooked crayfish. We were unsuccessful in enjoying them as I thought it looked like bait still. I did have a few.

Back to the hotel rooms as Linda and Jesse, who made their flights, had early flights back to Michigan by way of Atlanta. I packed and then went to bed before 11 and managed to get some rest from my walking. I did have to wake at 3ish to get some more painkillers; my right leg was complaining.

And that brings us to the end of Saturday; thanks for reading.