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Going backward, as I have not done that in a while, I am back from Portland and writing the blog in the home office. Corwin and I met Mariah for dinner at Hopworks off Powell in the Rose City. There, I had a pilsner and a bowl of chili–resisting fries and other carbohydrates (other than what was in the beer) and dutifully added these meals to my app. We headed to Portland before we had a target and stopped in the Pearl District, and then Mariah sent us a text to do Hopworks. We re-boarded Air Volvo and used Nav to get us there. I missed a few turns, but Nav worked it out for me.

We had a nice dinner chatting, and Corwin and Mariah laughed at my misuse of the words hook-up and connect, which had more sexual context than I understood. Corwin and Mariah had burgers, and I had to resist not taking a French fry. I continued to misuse slang phrases.

Air Volvo took us back across Portland and handled well through all the curves and required lane changes. We reached the Volvo Cave without incident. We did witness some creative lane use by the other drivers.

A box with a new digital bathroom scale was delivered from Target. I could not make it work. I sway a bit, preventing the scale from giving me a weight. It’s useless. It did work for Corwin. I will send it back. I ordered a more run-of-the-mill scale from Target–hopefully, that one will work. Frustrating.

Corwin puts out the trash for me. He remembers that it is lawn debris week, so he puts out the lawn and trash containers for Friday pick-up.

I start to write the blog.

Moving further backward, I arrived at the house at about 3 p.m. and picked up Corwin. We headed to the DMV so Corwin could get an official Oregon ID, the first step to getting a driver’s license. Next, we found his credit union on the other side of Beaverton, and he deposited his check. After that, we took Canyon Road to Highway 26. Canyon Road was one of the old passes over the large hill between the valley and Portland, Sylvan Hill.

Moving further back, I rose at 6:30, and starting was hard. I was tired from the near week of work and my travels. I found my slippers and my robe and started the day. I dreamed last night, but I cannot remember the dreams. I find the electric kettle in the kitchen and the coffee and make liberal coffee, but the Mexican stuff is waiting (thanks, Kramers) and likely better. Friday, I promise myself.

I take the coffee and a banana and read the news and email. I look at a few messages from work. Time vanishes, and soon, I am scarfing the banana. I clean up, shave, and get dressed. I pour the coffee into a thermal cup and head to Air Volvo.

Air Volvo turns off of Baseline and uses a local street to avoid the three lights, which works better. I arrive early at Nike WHQ, the Swift building (named after the Nike Swift Suit, not the singer). I do some meetings and call out some issues with existing code and design. Rajani told me he likes it when I do a knowledge transfer session–I find issues. I had a few more meetings. Later, it was agreed that it was an error and should be corrected. Vindicated!

Lunch was with Scott. We walked across campus. We talked about internal Nike items–none of which can be repeated here. It is always good to reconnect. I got to walk across the Nike WHQ and back, significantly improving my step count for today.

We are having unexpectedly nice weather and even sun. This makes for a lovely walk across campus. Everyone is smiling and looked comfortable.

The meetings, emails, and requests continue into the afternoon. I am the backup approver and have to approve some changes into production as other folks are out.

I get a call from my primary care physician’s office. They will send in the final approvals, but my H1C was 7.5, and I need to work on that. I agree, but remind them I was in New Orleans last week. That gets a laugh.

I blame the vampires–they wanted me extra sweet-flavored.

The salad sent my colon to emptying mode again. It seems that fresh salads are not working for me. I will try something else for lunch on Friday and see if this is just a new afternoon thing or if it is a reaction to salads and fresh veggies. I am still running experiments. Iced tea is ruled out as the cause, as I had none today.

I leave early to get Corwin to the DMV.

And that takes me full circle.

Thanks, and I do mean that, for reading, even on boring days. It’s just a normal day.

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.