What a month can do. For one thing...it can fly!!!
On September 28, I put in my last day of work. I spent the next day going through my prep for surgery. September 30, I had a prostectomy to remove my cancerous prostate.
The entire month of October was spent recovering. It is now the last Friday of October. I will spend the remaining weekend visiting Cindy's family in southern Indiana.
Monday will be November...and I will return to work. I'm sure it will take me a little time to get back in the 'groove'. The alarm clock hasn't gone off the entire month. I slept until I got up. I did what I felt like doing. If I needed a nap...I took a nap.
But my surgery was successful. I feel good. It's time to start the next chapter of my life.
I'm pretty sure...they don't allow naps at work.
It could be rough for awhile!
Dan
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
RIGHT FAR
I see in the obits that James MacArthur died today. Now for some people, that name won't ring a bell...until they click on this and see the photo that goes with the story.
Most people will recognize MacArthur as the character 'Danno' (book him Danno) from the original Hawaii Five-0 (there's a new version this season...but I haven't watched it).
I 'do' remember MacArthur from the 'old' Hawaii Five-0 (Hawaii was the 50th state you know...so...5...0...Five-0). Anyway it wasn't Hawaii Five-0 that I liked MacArthur from.
One of my favorite all-time movies is titled...'Spencer's Mountain'. The movie starred Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara as the parents of a brood of children...and MacArthur played the oldest son...Clayboy.
The movie was the basis of a well-loved TV show of the 70's called 'The Waltons'.
The basis of the movie is the dream of the father to build a get-away home up on the old mountain for he and his wife to enjoy...and the dream of Clayboy...to get 'off' that mountain and do something besides what his grandparents and parents and uncles have done all their life.
I still remember the last words of the movie.
As Clayboy takes a seat on the bus that will take him away to college...after just saying a touching goodbye to his parents and siblings...a man that Clayboy sits down beside on the bus asks him...'going far'...and Clayboy responds...'right far'.
A great movie if you haven't seen it.
Dan
Most people will recognize MacArthur as the character 'Danno' (book him Danno) from the original Hawaii Five-0 (there's a new version this season...but I haven't watched it).
I 'do' remember MacArthur from the 'old' Hawaii Five-0 (Hawaii was the 50th state you know...so...5...0...Five-0). Anyway it wasn't Hawaii Five-0 that I liked MacArthur from.
One of my favorite all-time movies is titled...'Spencer's Mountain'. The movie starred Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara as the parents of a brood of children...and MacArthur played the oldest son...Clayboy.
The movie was the basis of a well-loved TV show of the 70's called 'The Waltons'.
The basis of the movie is the dream of the father to build a get-away home up on the old mountain for he and his wife to enjoy...and the dream of Clayboy...to get 'off' that mountain and do something besides what his grandparents and parents and uncles have done all their life.
I still remember the last words of the movie.
As Clayboy takes a seat on the bus that will take him away to college...after just saying a touching goodbye to his parents and siblings...a man that Clayboy sits down beside on the bus asks him...'going far'...and Clayboy responds...'right far'.
A great movie if you haven't seen it.
Dan
Monday, October 25, 2010
SPECIAL DAY
I wrote about this topic on this date 1 year ago...but I'm going to write about it again...because it's about a special person.
Today...would be my big sister's 80th birthday. I say...'would be'...because she's been gone for 16 years. That dreaded disease...cancer...shortened her life.
Joan (pronounced Jo-Ann) was a wonderful sister...maybe the nicest person I have ever known. A simple farm wife...who never held any lofty positions...never had a lot of money...but who was a wonderful wife, mom, daughter, sister, grandmother...who loved her family and friends...and was equally, loved in return...by all.
If there is a person who I should emulate...it would be my sister.
What a wonderful privilege it would be...to sit down at the table this evening and sing happy birthday, share some cake and ice cream, and give my sister a big hug and kiss.
Now 'that' would be a great day.
Dan
Today...would be my big sister's 80th birthday. I say...'would be'...because she's been gone for 16 years. That dreaded disease...cancer...shortened her life.
Joan (pronounced Jo-Ann) was a wonderful sister...maybe the nicest person I have ever known. A simple farm wife...who never held any lofty positions...never had a lot of money...but who was a wonderful wife, mom, daughter, sister, grandmother...who loved her family and friends...and was equally, loved in return...by all.
If there is a person who I should emulate...it would be my sister.
What a wonderful privilege it would be...to sit down at the table this evening and sing happy birthday, share some cake and ice cream, and give my sister a big hug and kiss.
Now 'that' would be a great day.
Dan
Sunday, October 24, 2010
WORLD SERIES
My brother lives in San Francisco...and his local baseball team...the Giants...will play in this years World Series.
I believe I saw a commercial on TV that said the first game is scheduled for later this week...to begin at 730pm. Why does it start at 730pm? Because that's when the TV people say it will begin!
I assume EVERY game of the World Series...will be played in the evenings...so the TV company that is showing it...can get the largest audience possible.
That's a change from when I was a little guy. I remember the World Series being held in the afternoons...while I was in school. Night games?...we didn't need no stinking night games!!
I recall some of the bigger kids (6th graders) sneaking their transistor radios in to school with an earplug attached...in hopes they could listen to a few innings while they were pretending to study...hoping their teacher wouldn't notice.
My guess is...some of the men teachers...had their own radio tucked in one of their desk drawers...with an earplug attached that 'they' could listen to once in a while...hoping the students wouldn't get rowdy and interrupt the play-by-play.
Those were the days when the game was fun...and I enjoyed following it. Today...like all professional sports (heck...even college sports for that matter)...it's all changed. Teams are 'told' when they will play...and they'll 'like' it.
I'm glad my brothers' local team is playing...but I could personally care less WHO is playing...when they're playing...or on what channel.
In fact...whatever channel they'll be playing on...will be one that I WON'T be watching.
Dan
I believe I saw a commercial on TV that said the first game is scheduled for later this week...to begin at 730pm. Why does it start at 730pm? Because that's when the TV people say it will begin!
I assume EVERY game of the World Series...will be played in the evenings...so the TV company that is showing it...can get the largest audience possible.
That's a change from when I was a little guy. I remember the World Series being held in the afternoons...while I was in school. Night games?...we didn't need no stinking night games!!
I recall some of the bigger kids (6th graders) sneaking their transistor radios in to school with an earplug attached...in hopes they could listen to a few innings while they were pretending to study...hoping their teacher wouldn't notice.
My guess is...some of the men teachers...had their own radio tucked in one of their desk drawers...with an earplug attached that 'they' could listen to once in a while...hoping the students wouldn't get rowdy and interrupt the play-by-play.
Those were the days when the game was fun...and I enjoyed following it. Today...like all professional sports (heck...even college sports for that matter)...it's all changed. Teams are 'told' when they will play...and they'll 'like' it.
I'm glad my brothers' local team is playing...but I could personally care less WHO is playing...when they're playing...or on what channel.
In fact...whatever channel they'll be playing on...will be one that I WON'T be watching.
Dan
Saturday, October 23, 2010
CARNEGIE LIBRARIES
I read a short article today about Andrew Carnegie. The main topic of the article...was regarding the 'public libraries' that were built across the United States thanks to funding from Andrew Carnegie.
Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie funded the construction of 1679 public libraries in almost every state of the United States...as well as over 650 in Great Britain and Ireland and another 125 in Canada.
In a rags-to-riches manner, the immigrant from Scotland worked his way from messenger boy to a communications executive to business strategist.
Carnegie reportedly spent some $70 million of his money...to build the libraries (this amount would translate into 'billions' in today's dollars).
My little hometown of Owensville...was one of those towns that accepted a grant from Carnegie...to build their library. Located in the center block of the downtown area, (much like court houses in larger towns of the state), it is still standing and still in use. (I hoped to attach a photo of the library here...but couldn't make it work. Good reporting...eh?)(Instead...I settled for a link, showing all the Carnegie libraries in Indiana.)
I remember going into that library as a little boy. Although it's probably been 10 years since I've been in it...I recall the good feeling I had when walking in that great building...in a great little town.
I'm sure there are things that people could find wrong with Andrew Carnegie...but I would have to give him credit for at least doing such a great thing for so many towns across the country.
Dan
Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie funded the construction of 1679 public libraries in almost every state of the United States...as well as over 650 in Great Britain and Ireland and another 125 in Canada.
In a rags-to-riches manner, the immigrant from Scotland worked his way from messenger boy to a communications executive to business strategist.
Carnegie reportedly spent some $70 million of his money...to build the libraries (this amount would translate into 'billions' in today's dollars).
My little hometown of Owensville...was one of those towns that accepted a grant from Carnegie...to build their library. Located in the center block of the downtown area, (much like court houses in larger towns of the state), it is still standing and still in use. (I hoped to attach a photo of the library here...but couldn't make it work. Good reporting...eh?)(Instead...I settled for a link, showing all the Carnegie libraries in Indiana.)
I remember going into that library as a little boy. Although it's probably been 10 years since I've been in it...I recall the good feeling I had when walking in that great building...in a great little town.
I'm sure there are things that people could find wrong with Andrew Carnegie...but I would have to give him credit for at least doing such a great thing for so many towns across the country.
Dan
Friday, October 22, 2010
STOLEN SILVERWARE
This article jumped out at me as I scanned the paper. It's about restaurant customers stealing things that belong to the restaurant.
The reason it caught my eye...is that the little restaurant/bar that we went to last weekend...had a little blurb from the owner in the corner of their menu.
Basically the little column read..."Do our hamburgers really cost me $4.95? The answer is NO." He then went on to list his monthly expenses...his electric bill, advertising, building rent...etc. He then went on to say something like..."so please don't take my silverware, glassware or salt n pepper shakers."
But since they don't listen to his plea's...he has to charge $4.95 for a hamburger.
I had no idea that this seems to be such a common things for restaurant owners to have to battle.
Geez.
Dan
The reason it caught my eye...is that the little restaurant/bar that we went to last weekend...had a little blurb from the owner in the corner of their menu.
Basically the little column read..."Do our hamburgers really cost me $4.95? The answer is NO." He then went on to list his monthly expenses...his electric bill, advertising, building rent...etc. He then went on to say something like..."so please don't take my silverware, glassware or salt n pepper shakers."
But since they don't listen to his plea's...he has to charge $4.95 for a hamburger.
I had no idea that this seems to be such a common things for restaurant owners to have to battle.
Geez.
Dan
Thursday, October 21, 2010
JET STREAMS
While waiting to pick up Mason after basketball practice, I sat in my car in the school parking lot and enjoyed a nice sunny...but cool...sky. In a matter of a few minutes...a saw '5' jets streaking across the sky...all going in different directions.
As usually happens...my mind drifts off...wandering where those 5 jets are headed...and who might be on those planes...and what they're doing on them.
I'm not a 'frequent' flier...but I've flown more times than I can count. I've flown to meetings held in other states...to my brothers' wedding...to visit friends...to go on vacation with friends or family.
I thought of how each moment of each day...is so different to different people. It might be one persons' best day of their life...it might be someone else's worst. As I mentioned recently...the first Friday of October was my first day without the cancer in my body. That same day...good friend Lisa...found out...cancer was growing in hers.
Someone on one of those jets...may be off to a job interview...that may change their life in unknown ways. Someone may be on their honeymoon. Someone may be off to bury a loving family member.
Our last trip on a jet...was this summer when Cindy & I, our kids and grandkids...all flew down to Disney World for a week. It was an 'even better than expected' time together.
If someone like me...on the day that our jet was flying south...looked up in the sky and saw our jet...and wondered where it was going and what the people on it were doing...well...the 10 of us were on our way to a great adventure that we will likely never forget.
I hope the people in those 5 jets that I saw today...were all on their way...to 'their'...great adventure.
Dan
As usually happens...my mind drifts off...wandering where those 5 jets are headed...and who might be on those planes...and what they're doing on them.
I'm not a 'frequent' flier...but I've flown more times than I can count. I've flown to meetings held in other states...to my brothers' wedding...to visit friends...to go on vacation with friends or family.
I thought of how each moment of each day...is so different to different people. It might be one persons' best day of their life...it might be someone else's worst. As I mentioned recently...the first Friday of October was my first day without the cancer in my body. That same day...good friend Lisa...found out...cancer was growing in hers.
Someone on one of those jets...may be off to a job interview...that may change their life in unknown ways. Someone may be on their honeymoon. Someone may be off to bury a loving family member.
Our last trip on a jet...was this summer when Cindy & I, our kids and grandkids...all flew down to Disney World for a week. It was an 'even better than expected' time together.
If someone like me...on the day that our jet was flying south...looked up in the sky and saw our jet...and wondered where it was going and what the people on it were doing...well...the 10 of us were on our way to a great adventure that we will likely never forget.
I hope the people in those 5 jets that I saw today...were all on their way...to 'their'...great adventure.
Dan
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
MASON'S BAD DAYS
Yesterday afternoon...as school was about to get out...I drove down to pick up the three grandkids. When the bell rang...they all eventually popped through the school doors and headed my way. We walked to the car as we discussed how the school day had been. The three jumped in the back seat and buckled in as we talked more. We made the short drive to the house...and began to climb out and head in the house for a drink and a snack and begin working on our homework.
As usual...I hear the doors of the car slam...the shuffling of book bags and bodies...as the three try to be the first one in the house. This time however...my ears perk up quickly as I hear a high pitch wail...that tells me...this isn't the usual shuffle and pushing and shoving and...this time...someone got hurt...bad.
I look through the window to the back passenger seat and see the door closed...and through the glass...see Mason's face in agony and I know immediately what happened. As he continues to wail...I run to his side of the car as fast as I can. I was there in 4 seconds...but to him it probably seemed 4 minutes. The door is completely closed...and the 4 fingers of his left hand can't be seen...they're still inside the car door.
I open the door and he pulls his hand free. He wails even more because it 'really' hurts now. I look to see if fingers are still attached. Then I look to see if there is blood. They are attached...there is no blood. But three of the fingers are indented 1/4 inch where they were trapped in the door. They are bruised and swelling.
It has now been no more than 10 seconds since the first wail. By the time I have Mason's hands free...Shawn has come running from the house to the garage. He later told me his thoughts were...when he heard the scream...which one of the kids just had their fingers caught in the car door?
We get Mason inside...make an ice bag and get it on his hand. With lots of hugging and loving and holding and icing down...Mason finally settles down...the indentations are not as deep...and I convince him to try to move them. Soon he's a little better...an occasional sob...but able to move the fingers a little more.
Finally...I know they're not broken and he's gonna make it. A few more grey hairs sprout in my head...but I'm gonna make it too.
Today...he's better...well...he was...until I got him after school...to take him to the doctor's office...to get his flu shot.
I'm not sure which he thought was worse...fingers caught in the door...or flu shot in the arm.
I'm guessing Mason won't want me to pick him up at school tomorrow!
Poor kid.
Poor papaw.
Dan
As usual...I hear the doors of the car slam...the shuffling of book bags and bodies...as the three try to be the first one in the house. This time however...my ears perk up quickly as I hear a high pitch wail...that tells me...this isn't the usual shuffle and pushing and shoving and...this time...someone got hurt...bad.
I look through the window to the back passenger seat and see the door closed...and through the glass...see Mason's face in agony and I know immediately what happened. As he continues to wail...I run to his side of the car as fast as I can. I was there in 4 seconds...but to him it probably seemed 4 minutes. The door is completely closed...and the 4 fingers of his left hand can't be seen...they're still inside the car door.
I open the door and he pulls his hand free. He wails even more because it 'really' hurts now. I look to see if fingers are still attached. Then I look to see if there is blood. They are attached...there is no blood. But three of the fingers are indented 1/4 inch where they were trapped in the door. They are bruised and swelling.
It has now been no more than 10 seconds since the first wail. By the time I have Mason's hands free...Shawn has come running from the house to the garage. He later told me his thoughts were...when he heard the scream...which one of the kids just had their fingers caught in the car door?
We get Mason inside...make an ice bag and get it on his hand. With lots of hugging and loving and holding and icing down...Mason finally settles down...the indentations are not as deep...and I convince him to try to move them. Soon he's a little better...an occasional sob...but able to move the fingers a little more.
Finally...I know they're not broken and he's gonna make it. A few more grey hairs sprout in my head...but I'm gonna make it too.
Today...he's better...well...he was...until I got him after school...to take him to the doctor's office...to get his flu shot.
I'm not sure which he thought was worse...fingers caught in the door...or flu shot in the arm.
I'm guessing Mason won't want me to pick him up at school tomorrow!
Poor kid.
Poor papaw.
Dan
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A LESSON IN SCIENCE CLASS
The 4th grade science teacher, Mrs. Parks, asked her class, "Which human body part increases to 10 times its size when stimulated?"
No one answered until little Mary stood up...angry...and said, "you should not be asking 4th graders a question like that! I'm going to tell my parents, and they will go and tell the principal, who will then fire you!" With a sneer on her face, she then sat back down.
Mrs. Parks ignored her and asked the question again, "Which body part increases to 10 times its size when stimulated?"
Finally, Billy stood up, looked around nervously, and said, "The body part that increases 10 times its size when stimulated...is the pupil of the eye."
Mrs. Parks said, "Very good, Billy", then turned to Mary and continued, "As for you, young lady, I have three things to say:
1. You have a dirty mind
2. You didn't read your homework...and
3. One day you are going to be very...very...disappointed!"
Dan
No one answered until little Mary stood up...angry...and said, "you should not be asking 4th graders a question like that! I'm going to tell my parents, and they will go and tell the principal, who will then fire you!" With a sneer on her face, she then sat back down.
Mrs. Parks ignored her and asked the question again, "Which body part increases to 10 times its size when stimulated?"
Finally, Billy stood up, looked around nervously, and said, "The body part that increases 10 times its size when stimulated...is the pupil of the eye."
Mrs. Parks said, "Very good, Billy", then turned to Mary and continued, "As for you, young lady, I have three things to say:
1. You have a dirty mind
2. You didn't read your homework...and
3. One day you are going to be very...very...disappointed!"
Dan
Monday, October 18, 2010
REAL STARS
Years ago, when I was writing a book that I would later give to my girls, I ran across an article that caught my eye. I don't recall the exact information...but I remember the gist of it.
It was about the most important people in our lives.
The article began by asking the reader to name some people from the headlines. For example...could you name the five wealthiest people in the world? Could you name the most recent Miss America? Could you name the actor, actress and movie that won last years Academy Awards? Could you name the last three World Series winners?
How’d you do?
Probably like me. I could name a few billionaires, drop the name of a movie star or two and a few baseball teams...but were they the right ones? Doubt it.
The point is...none of us remember the headlines of yesterday...for very long. And these people in the headlines aren't second rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. Yet, they are forgotten. The applause dies, the awards tarnish, their achievements are forgotten, the accolades and certificates are buried with the owners.
Next, the article asked the reader to think of these type questions. Can you name the teacher(s) who aided your journey through school? Can you name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time? Can you think of four people with whom you enjoy spending time?
The lesson?
The people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials...the most money...or the most awards. They are the ones who care...about you...who have been there when it counted. They have been successful in a 'different' way to you. They have helped to make 'you'...'you'.
Their awards are in our hearts...not to be forgotten.
I hope you've had those people in your life. I hope 'you'...have been that person in someone else's life.
I know I've 'had' those people in my life. I hope I've been 'that' person...in someone elses.
Dan
It was about the most important people in our lives.
The article began by asking the reader to name some people from the headlines. For example...could you name the five wealthiest people in the world? Could you name the most recent Miss America? Could you name the actor, actress and movie that won last years Academy Awards? Could you name the last three World Series winners?
How’d you do?
Probably like me. I could name a few billionaires, drop the name of a movie star or two and a few baseball teams...but were they the right ones? Doubt it.
The point is...none of us remember the headlines of yesterday...for very long. And these people in the headlines aren't second rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. Yet, they are forgotten. The applause dies, the awards tarnish, their achievements are forgotten, the accolades and certificates are buried with the owners.
Next, the article asked the reader to think of these type questions. Can you name the teacher(s) who aided your journey through school? Can you name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time? Can you think of four people with whom you enjoy spending time?
The lesson?
The people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials...the most money...or the most awards. They are the ones who care...about you...who have been there when it counted. They have been successful in a 'different' way to you. They have helped to make 'you'...'you'.
Their awards are in our hearts...not to be forgotten.
I hope you've had those people in your life. I hope 'you'...have been that person in someone else's life.
I know I've 'had' those people in my life. I hope I've been 'that' person...in someone elses.
Dan
Sunday, October 17, 2010
THE REAL ONES TRIED TO KILL ME
Cindy & I had a good day today with friends. Part of it was spent with friend Lisa...who later this week...will begin chemotherapy for a recently found breast cancer.
Lisa & Vince chose not to share their news with us when they visited me in the hospital 2 weeks ago. They knew it was 'my' time for care and concern...and not the time to share 'their' bad news.
We told Lisa today...we appreciated their concern, but wished we could have been there for them that day. But we promised we are with them now...for whatever they need.
Lisa is thinking positive...as she must. We shed only a few tears with her...and then got in the mode of...let's just get 'this show' on the road.
Lisa will undergo chemotherapy...then radiation...then surgery...all over the next 5 months.
One of her friends called her this week to say she found the perfect T-shirt for Lisa to wear after she has her mastectomies and reconstructive surgery. Reluctantly, Lisa asked what the shirt said.
"Yes they're fake...my real ones tried to kill me!"
We loved it. We love Lisa.
Dan
Lisa & Vince chose not to share their news with us when they visited me in the hospital 2 weeks ago. They knew it was 'my' time for care and concern...and not the time to share 'their' bad news.
We told Lisa today...we appreciated their concern, but wished we could have been there for them that day. But we promised we are with them now...for whatever they need.
Lisa is thinking positive...as she must. We shed only a few tears with her...and then got in the mode of...let's just get 'this show' on the road.
Lisa will undergo chemotherapy...then radiation...then surgery...all over the next 5 months.
One of her friends called her this week to say she found the perfect T-shirt for Lisa to wear after she has her mastectomies and reconstructive surgery. Reluctantly, Lisa asked what the shirt said.
"Yes they're fake...my real ones tried to kill me!"
We loved it. We love Lisa.
Dan
Saturday, October 16, 2010
WELL...IT 'DEPENDS'
It's Saturday evening...and it's been a great day (well...except for hearing about our Boilers and the injury to Robbie Hummel.)
On a beautiful fall Saturday...Cindy & I, two of the big kids and 2 of the little kids...went to the pumpkin patch and bought a whole slew of pumpkins of various styles and sizes. Then it was home to decorate a few of them and get them in place in front of the house.
Then this evening...it was a night out for Cindy & I and 4 of the 5 big kids...we got a sitter for the little ones. We drove to a small town nearby and ate at the towns 'only' hot spot...the local restaurant/pub. We shared some drinks, a good meal and laughs.
Then we giggled as I got lost...(well that's what I got accused of)...trying to find my way back out of town. We spent the next hour driving to...and looking over...a motor home that Ryan was interested in purchasing. More giggling ensued as our tummies rumbled and bladders filled...as we waited in the car for Ryan to tell the owner...NO...not interested...in a nice way.
Lucky for me...I was wearing my depends...so I didn't...literally...wet my pants during the giggle sessions. (My recent prostate removal left me with a little bit of bladder control problems...so I wear a depends in case I...laugh/cough/sneeze...uncontrollably).
Tonight...for the first time...it came in handy.
A fun day...and a fun evening.
Dan
On a beautiful fall Saturday...Cindy & I, two of the big kids and 2 of the little kids...went to the pumpkin patch and bought a whole slew of pumpkins of various styles and sizes. Then it was home to decorate a few of them and get them in place in front of the house.
Then this evening...it was a night out for Cindy & I and 4 of the 5 big kids...we got a sitter for the little ones. We drove to a small town nearby and ate at the towns 'only' hot spot...the local restaurant/pub. We shared some drinks, a good meal and laughs.
Then we giggled as I got lost...(well that's what I got accused of)...trying to find my way back out of town. We spent the next hour driving to...and looking over...a motor home that Ryan was interested in purchasing. More giggling ensued as our tummies rumbled and bladders filled...as we waited in the car for Ryan to tell the owner...NO...not interested...in a nice way.
Lucky for me...I was wearing my depends...so I didn't...literally...wet my pants during the giggle sessions. (My recent prostate removal left me with a little bit of bladder control problems...so I wear a depends in case I...laugh/cough/sneeze...uncontrollably).
Tonight...for the first time...it came in handy.
A fun day...and a fun evening.
Dan
Friday, October 15, 2010
AN IMPORTANT NUMBER
Yesterday, I mentioned...again...a little fascination I have with numbers. Well, today the number is 38.
Cindy & I started dating January 15, 1972. After graduation, I worked in Atlanta for the summer to save up some money and in the process bought her an engagement ring with the proceeds.
Having the weird fascination with numbers...even then...I happened to have a date the night of October 14, 1972 with Cindy. I took her home late (her family happened to be staying at the cabin at the lake) and we went in for a snack and a drink and to smooch and all that stuff...but I wouldn't leave. Everyone was asleep except us as we sat at the dining room table...talking quietly (whispering), holding hands...all that yucky stuff.
I think Cindy had to work the next morning, but I was just the 'thing that wouldn't leave'. Finally, after midnight...it obviously turned to October 15. That was 9 months from our first date...and I thought a good time to give her that ring.
Thirty-eight years ago.
Man...where does time go?
Dan
Cindy & I started dating January 15, 1972. After graduation, I worked in Atlanta for the summer to save up some money and in the process bought her an engagement ring with the proceeds.
Having the weird fascination with numbers...even then...I happened to have a date the night of October 14, 1972 with Cindy. I took her home late (her family happened to be staying at the cabin at the lake) and we went in for a snack and a drink and to smooch and all that stuff...but I wouldn't leave. Everyone was asleep except us as we sat at the dining room table...talking quietly (whispering), holding hands...all that yucky stuff.
I think Cindy had to work the next morning, but I was just the 'thing that wouldn't leave'. Finally, after midnight...it obviously turned to October 15. That was 9 months from our first date...and I thought a good time to give her that ring.
Thirty-eight years ago.
Man...where does time go?
Dan
Thursday, October 14, 2010
NUMBERS
I think I've mentioned before...numbers intrigue me.
I saw this article and it obviously jumped out at me. A couple had 3 children in a period of 3 years. Their dates of birth will always be easy to remember.
8/8/08
9/9/09
10/10/10
Now what would be the odds of that? They might want to buy a lottery ticket.
Dan
I saw this article and it obviously jumped out at me. A couple had 3 children in a period of 3 years. Their dates of birth will always be easy to remember.
8/8/08
9/9/09
10/10/10
Now what would be the odds of that? They might want to buy a lottery ticket.
Dan
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
THE LOG RIDE
A lucky...???...man in Missouri stepped into a sewer drain, became unhooked from his harness and rode the 'log' ride for a mile down the drain before someone finally heard his cries and began his rescue.
I noticed one line in the story that says they are giving him antibiotics because of the high likelihood he swallowed raw sewage on his wild ride.
High likelihood?! I can flat guarantee it. I can't step in the shower without getting water in my mouth. I've never jumped in a swimming pool without getting a little water in my nose and mouth and swallowed it. This man was fighting and struggling and hollering as loud as he could for a one mile trip in the bowels...literally...of the sewer system. I can flat guarantee he swallowed several mouthfuls of sewage.
As a prep for my recent surgery...I had to take several capsules and drink a drink...with the sole purpose to empty my colon...and it did it's job.
If I'm this guy...I'd ask them for a double dose of this bowel emptying stuff...and hook me up to a hose with water running through me continuously and flush me until I'm so clean inside...I squeak when I walk. Meanwhile...pump in all those IV antibiotics that you can possibly give me.
Dan
I noticed one line in the story that says they are giving him antibiotics because of the high likelihood he swallowed raw sewage on his wild ride.
High likelihood?! I can flat guarantee it. I can't step in the shower without getting water in my mouth. I've never jumped in a swimming pool without getting a little water in my nose and mouth and swallowed it. This man was fighting and struggling and hollering as loud as he could for a one mile trip in the bowels...literally...of the sewer system. I can flat guarantee he swallowed several mouthfuls of sewage.
As a prep for my recent surgery...I had to take several capsules and drink a drink...with the sole purpose to empty my colon...and it did it's job.
If I'm this guy...I'd ask them for a double dose of this bowel emptying stuff...and hook me up to a hose with water running through me continuously and flush me until I'm so clean inside...I squeak when I walk. Meanwhile...pump in all those IV antibiotics that you can possibly give me.
Dan
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
THE TUBE...OF FIRE
Well...today was a big day for me. A day that's been on the calendar for almost 2 weeks...but has been on my mind since the middle of August...when we met my surgeon about my prostatectomy.
On that day in August, Dr. Ramsey met with us to discuss what he would do about my cancer surgery. That included...removal of the prostate gland...and in the process...removal of a portion of my urethra...the tube that carries urine from your bladder...to its exit from the body. He told me, he would sew the urethra parts together and they must be allowed to heal...and to help them heal...a catheter must be placed to connect the bladder to the exit from the body.
A few weeks before this meeting, I had had to have a catheter put in during a visit to the Emergency Room. I was so sick...that the catheter was very uncomfortable...every minute it was in place...and very painful as it was removed. So when Dr. Ramsey told me a catheter would be placed in me after my surgery was completed...and had to be left in...for 12 days...it was a thought that never totally left my mind from that moment.
I was less afraid of the surgery I would eventually undergo...than the thought of that lousy catheter being in place for those 12 long days.
But...the 12 days passed quickly...and...although not pain free...it wasn't anywhere near what I had experienced in the Emergency Room..
So today...the catheter was to be removed. I was nervously excited...happy it was coming out...but fearful of the pain that would ensue upon its removal...like I had experienced before.
So Cindy & I met in the office, Dr. Ramsey came in to see how we were and what to do and not do and what to expect in the weeks and months to come.
Then, when all subjects had been addressed and questions answered, it was time for the removal of the catheter...or as I referred to it...THE TUBE OF FIRE.
Needless to say, the removal process attracted my attention...I was at an '8' on the pain scale of 0 to 10...but it lasted less than 10 seconds...although it seemed longer...in fact, I thought my bladder had briefly fallen to my knees since it seemed to take forever to finally see the end of that tube come out...it drained me of energy and made my knees a little rubbery...but...I survived the removal.
The recovery still continues...but at least it's without...that tube of fire.
Dan
On that day in August, Dr. Ramsey met with us to discuss what he would do about my cancer surgery. That included...removal of the prostate gland...and in the process...removal of a portion of my urethra...the tube that carries urine from your bladder...to its exit from the body. He told me, he would sew the urethra parts together and they must be allowed to heal...and to help them heal...a catheter must be placed to connect the bladder to the exit from the body.
A few weeks before this meeting, I had had to have a catheter put in during a visit to the Emergency Room. I was so sick...that the catheter was very uncomfortable...every minute it was in place...and very painful as it was removed. So when Dr. Ramsey told me a catheter would be placed in me after my surgery was completed...and had to be left in...for 12 days...it was a thought that never totally left my mind from that moment.
I was less afraid of the surgery I would eventually undergo...than the thought of that lousy catheter being in place for those 12 long days.
But...the 12 days passed quickly...and...although not pain free...it wasn't anywhere near what I had experienced in the Emergency Room..
So today...the catheter was to be removed. I was nervously excited...happy it was coming out...but fearful of the pain that would ensue upon its removal...like I had experienced before.
So Cindy & I met in the office, Dr. Ramsey came in to see how we were and what to do and not do and what to expect in the weeks and months to come.
Then, when all subjects had been addressed and questions answered, it was time for the removal of the catheter...or as I referred to it...THE TUBE OF FIRE.
Needless to say, the removal process attracted my attention...I was at an '8' on the pain scale of 0 to 10...but it lasted less than 10 seconds...although it seemed longer...in fact, I thought my bladder had briefly fallen to my knees since it seemed to take forever to finally see the end of that tube come out...it drained me of energy and made my knees a little rubbery...but...I survived the removal.
The recovery still continues...but at least it's without...that tube of fire.
Dan
Monday, October 11, 2010
10 WAYS TO A BETTER LIFE
1. People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. LOVE THEM ANYWAY.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. DO GOOD ANYWAY.
3. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. SUCCEED ANYWAY.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. DO GOOD ANYWAY.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY.
6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. THINK BIG ANYWAY.
7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. FIGHT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS ANYWAY.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. BUILD ANYWAY.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY.
10. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY.
Dan
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. DO GOOD ANYWAY.
3. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. SUCCEED ANYWAY.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. DO GOOD ANYWAY.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY.
6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. THINK BIG ANYWAY.
7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. FIGHT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS ANYWAY.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. BUILD ANYWAY.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY.
10. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY.
Dan
Saturday, October 9, 2010
A 36 HOUR TWIST
In a 36-hour time frame, our emotions have gone from low-to-high-to-low again.
On Thursday morning...we got the great news that...it appears that my cancer was found early and...aside from time to heal...I will need no further treatment for now.
By Friday night...while still celebrating my results...we received news that our good friend Lisa...has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Vince & Lisa were at the hospital to see me last Thursday...to support me as my surgery and recovery began. Vince stopped by to see me the next day to check on me again and shared with us their weekend plans. But those plans changed before the day ended.
Ironically, Vince...shares the same birthday as our granddaughter Anna. Their daughter Megan...shares the same birthday as our daughter Joni. Their daughter Abbey shares the same birthday as me. Lisa and I have lost our mothers to breast cancer. Our families are intertwined in many ways. Now we share a new...unwanted...common foe.
Just as Vince & Lisa have given their love to support Cindy & I with our battle...we will re-dedicate our love and support to help them with their battle.
The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a little too close to home...to get this news.
We don't need anymore...awareness...of cancer in our lives.
Dan
On Thursday morning...we got the great news that...it appears that my cancer was found early and...aside from time to heal...I will need no further treatment for now.
By Friday night...while still celebrating my results...we received news that our good friend Lisa...has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Vince & Lisa were at the hospital to see me last Thursday...to support me as my surgery and recovery began. Vince stopped by to see me the next day to check on me again and shared with us their weekend plans. But those plans changed before the day ended.
Ironically, Vince...shares the same birthday as our granddaughter Anna. Their daughter Megan...shares the same birthday as our daughter Joni. Their daughter Abbey shares the same birthday as me. Lisa and I have lost our mothers to breast cancer. Our families are intertwined in many ways. Now we share a new...unwanted...common foe.
Just as Vince & Lisa have given their love to support Cindy & I with our battle...we will re-dedicate our love and support to help them with their battle.
The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a little too close to home...to get this news.
We don't need anymore...awareness...of cancer in our lives.
Dan
Friday, October 8, 2010
OCTOBER 9 BIRTHDAYS
Tomorrow is the birthday of 2 of my favorite people.
The most famous...is John Lennon. Tomorrow would be his 70th birthday. I still recall the morning in December 1980 when I woke up to the radio, and hearing the news that John Lennon had been murdered the night before.
Most of you know that the Beatles are my favorite musical group...and I think John was the 'brains' behind the success of the group. He was very innovative and very controversial, often despised and hated. But I think there was a genuineness to him that made him more realistic than his bandmates. This article talks a little about that subject.
Tomorrow is also the birthday of one of my best friends from my growin' up years...Jimi. His parents refer to me as their 4th son. They were a wonderful part of my life and I am eternally grateful to them.
Jimi was my sports 'able' buddy who always let me tag along. Jim was a good football player, good baseball player, good basketball player, good tennis player...and he tried to help me get better with all of them...but I could never quite get to his level.
Today, Jimi is a great coach at the high school level in southern Illinois. He has coached most of the sports at one time or another at his school...and currently is the cross country coach...in fact had a recent article written about his success.
I like the music that John played a part in...that contributed to the 'music' fabric of my life.
But I love the 'real life' aspects that Jimi made a part of my life.
Happy Birthday Jimi.
Dan
The most famous...is John Lennon. Tomorrow would be his 70th birthday. I still recall the morning in December 1980 when I woke up to the radio, and hearing the news that John Lennon had been murdered the night before.
Most of you know that the Beatles are my favorite musical group...and I think John was the 'brains' behind the success of the group. He was very innovative and very controversial, often despised and hated. But I think there was a genuineness to him that made him more realistic than his bandmates. This article talks a little about that subject.
Tomorrow is also the birthday of one of my best friends from my growin' up years...Jimi. His parents refer to me as their 4th son. They were a wonderful part of my life and I am eternally grateful to them.
Jimi was my sports 'able' buddy who always let me tag along. Jim was a good football player, good baseball player, good basketball player, good tennis player...and he tried to help me get better with all of them...but I could never quite get to his level.
Today, Jimi is a great coach at the high school level in southern Illinois. He has coached most of the sports at one time or another at his school...and currently is the cross country coach...in fact had a recent article written about his success.
I like the music that John played a part in...that contributed to the 'music' fabric of my life.
But I love the 'real life' aspects that Jimi made a part of my life.
Happy Birthday Jimi.
Dan
Thursday, October 7, 2010
BEST NEWS IN A LONG TIME
Well, this morning Cindy & I hoped to hear the news we wanted to hear. She stayed home from work for a few hours so she could share the news with me.
One week ago, I had my prostatectomy...removal of my prostate due to cancer found in it in July. The gland, once removed, is tested in pathology, to gather more information about the cancer than was discovered in the biopsy samples.
We were told to call today, and we'd hear the pathology findings. When I called the office about 830am, I got the voice mail...so I left my message and number...and hoped they'd call back soon. We got our return call in about 15 minutes. I put the phone on speaker so Cindy & I could both listen to the comments together. We heard what we wanted to hear.
First, the Gleason score remained at 6. The Gleason score evaluates the aggressiveness of the cancer. '10' is very aggressive...'5' is less aggressive. The Gleason score on my biopsy in July was '6'...indicating it was not an overly aggressive tumor...but somewhat aggressive. The Gleason score on the pathology stayed at 6...so it was indeed NOT...overly aggressive.
Second, the tumor was about 5% of the overall mass of the gland...so it wasn't large. That would make you think it was caught in its' early stages.
Third...and most important...the margins of the gland showed no evidence of tumor growth...meaning that the tumor was all 'inside' the prostate...and hadn't started growing 'out' of it...and attacking other areas of the body.
It was about as good of news as we could have hoped. Cindy & I had a good hug...feeling like we'd just won a big battle.
Now it's just going through the healing process...taking the occasional tests when needed...and believing that the tumor is all gone...and will stay gone.
Best news we've received in a long time.
Dan
One week ago, I had my prostatectomy...removal of my prostate due to cancer found in it in July. The gland, once removed, is tested in pathology, to gather more information about the cancer than was discovered in the biopsy samples.
We were told to call today, and we'd hear the pathology findings. When I called the office about 830am, I got the voice mail...so I left my message and number...and hoped they'd call back soon. We got our return call in about 15 minutes. I put the phone on speaker so Cindy & I could both listen to the comments together. We heard what we wanted to hear.
First, the Gleason score remained at 6. The Gleason score evaluates the aggressiveness of the cancer. '10' is very aggressive...'5' is less aggressive. The Gleason score on my biopsy in July was '6'...indicating it was not an overly aggressive tumor...but somewhat aggressive. The Gleason score on the pathology stayed at 6...so it was indeed NOT...overly aggressive.
Second, the tumor was about 5% of the overall mass of the gland...so it wasn't large. That would make you think it was caught in its' early stages.
Third...and most important...the margins of the gland showed no evidence of tumor growth...meaning that the tumor was all 'inside' the prostate...and hadn't started growing 'out' of it...and attacking other areas of the body.
It was about as good of news as we could have hoped. Cindy & I had a good hug...feeling like we'd just won a big battle.
Now it's just going through the healing process...taking the occasional tests when needed...and believing that the tumor is all gone...and will stay gone.
Best news we've received in a long time.
Dan
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
PUNKIN' TIME
Soon...we'll make the trek out to the country to buy pumpkins...and gourds...and all the oddities that Cindy likes to display at this time of year.
Last year...we also bought one of those BIG pumpkins. If we do that this year...it will have to make its own way into the vehicle and fall out in the right spot when we get to our house. Right now...I'm not supposed to lift 10 pounds. Those MONSTER pumpkins are 100's of pounds.
Some years ago, friends of Cindy & mine had relatives who grew those whopper pumpkins. We took Mason out to see them when he was just a few years old and took pictures with him sitting atop several of them. According to this article...the bigger and uglier they can grow them these days...the better.
We'll probably get several varieties when we go, but certainly will get a number of the 'old standby' pumpkin. Since we're all...well almost all...in one household now, I think we'll have to have a decorating contest this year.
The grandkids will like that...and the big kids will certainly try to outdo one another.
It should be a fun Halloween season.
Dan
Last year...we also bought one of those BIG pumpkins. If we do that this year...it will have to make its own way into the vehicle and fall out in the right spot when we get to our house. Right now...I'm not supposed to lift 10 pounds. Those MONSTER pumpkins are 100's of pounds.
Some years ago, friends of Cindy & mine had relatives who grew those whopper pumpkins. We took Mason out to see them when he was just a few years old and took pictures with him sitting atop several of them. According to this article...the bigger and uglier they can grow them these days...the better.
We'll probably get several varieties when we go, but certainly will get a number of the 'old standby' pumpkin. Since we're all...well almost all...in one household now, I think we'll have to have a decorating contest this year.
The grandkids will like that...and the big kids will certainly try to outdo one another.
It should be a fun Halloween season.
Dan
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
HUSH THAT OLD BAG
Rarely...do we not have a bag of potato chips available to eat at our house. Normally...its 4 or 5 bags. There's pretzels...regular...barbecue...fritos...SunChips...any number and variety.
In recent months, SunChips has gone to a new type of bag that...as they advertise...is 100% biodegradable. It is also...100% noisy.
We have laughed with each other...and teased each other...that you couldn't sneak into the kitchen for a few chips out of the SunChip bag...because it is so dang noisy...everyone in the house knows you're in them.
Well...sounds like the company has received grief from customers and is going back to the old style of packaging...less noisy. Too bad...it's at the sacrifice of the landfills filling up with the less degradable bag.
Oh well...as long as their customers are happy. As for us...we had fun with it. We knew we were getting low on chips...when there wasn't enough noise going on in the kitchen.
Dan
In recent months, SunChips has gone to a new type of bag that...as they advertise...is 100% biodegradable. It is also...100% noisy.
We have laughed with each other...and teased each other...that you couldn't sneak into the kitchen for a few chips out of the SunChip bag...because it is so dang noisy...everyone in the house knows you're in them.
Well...sounds like the company has received grief from customers and is going back to the old style of packaging...less noisy. Too bad...it's at the sacrifice of the landfills filling up with the less degradable bag.
Oh well...as long as their customers are happy. As for us...we had fun with it. We knew we were getting low on chips...when there wasn't enough noise going on in the kitchen.
Dan
Monday, October 4, 2010
RECOVERY ROAD
It's Monday morning. I slept in my 'own' bed last night. Surgery is behind me. The month long recovery begins.
Shawn fixed me a good breakfast this morning. I gathered all my materials and have moved to the recliner in the living room looking out the front windows. The sun is shining...my thermometer says it's 46 degrees...a beautiful fall day.
The house is quiet. All the big people are off to work...and the little ones off to school. I can hear the grandfather clock 'ticking' in the background.
I feel good. An ache here and there and I walk like I'm 80 years old...but I feel good...all things considered.
All the positive thoughts and prayers that family and friends sent...I felt. And they helped. They had to. I'm home aren't I?
And...according to Cindy...all those prayers for 'gas to pass' were answered. In fact...she thinks you can STOP those prayers!!
Thanks to one and all. I'm recoverin'.
Dan
Shawn fixed me a good breakfast this morning. I gathered all my materials and have moved to the recliner in the living room looking out the front windows. The sun is shining...my thermometer says it's 46 degrees...a beautiful fall day.
The house is quiet. All the big people are off to work...and the little ones off to school. I can hear the grandfather clock 'ticking' in the background.
I feel good. An ache here and there and I walk like I'm 80 years old...but I feel good...all things considered.
All the positive thoughts and prayers that family and friends sent...I felt. And they helped. They had to. I'm home aren't I?
And...according to Cindy...all those prayers for 'gas to pass' were answered. In fact...she thinks you can STOP those prayers!!
Thanks to one and all. I'm recoverin'.
Dan
Sunday, October 3, 2010
WELL...I'M BACK
I am comfortably reclining in my 'own' bed after spending the last 3 nights in a hospital bed.
If you aren't caught up on my dealings lately...I had a prostatectomy on Thursday. After having gone through the procedure, I'm sure they changed it from the description they gave me 'before' surgery.
What they 'told' me..was they would use a robotic device...called a da Vinci...to remove my tumorous prostate gland.
What they 'really' did was...removed everything south of my nipples to just above my knees...put everything in a pile...rummaged through them until they found my prostate and chucked it in the trash can...and then shoved the remaining parts back in.
Well...maybe they didn't do that...but it felt like that for awhile.
My buddy Cindy spent every minute with me, pretending to sleep comfortably in a piece of furniture meant to look like a chair during the day and a bed during the night. I'm as glad to have 'her' back home as I am to have myself home.
My biggest event after surgery...was to work up some gas to prove that my bowels had returned to normal. One episode came at a most embarrassing time...and then Cindy started to giggle...which made me start to giggle...and one thing you don't want to do with stitches in your belly is laugh (or cough or sneeze) after surgery. The more she laughed...she cried...which made me laugh...and cry...and I finally had to make her leave the room so I could stop hurting.
Laughing until it hurts. That's what good friends do.
I'm back.
Dan
If you aren't caught up on my dealings lately...I had a prostatectomy on Thursday. After having gone through the procedure, I'm sure they changed it from the description they gave me 'before' surgery.
What they 'told' me..was they would use a robotic device...called a da Vinci...to remove my tumorous prostate gland.
What they 'really' did was...removed everything south of my nipples to just above my knees...put everything in a pile...rummaged through them until they found my prostate and chucked it in the trash can...and then shoved the remaining parts back in.
Well...maybe they didn't do that...but it felt like that for awhile.
My buddy Cindy spent every minute with me, pretending to sleep comfortably in a piece of furniture meant to look like a chair during the day and a bed during the night. I'm as glad to have 'her' back home as I am to have myself home.
My biggest event after surgery...was to work up some gas to prove that my bowels had returned to normal. One episode came at a most embarrassing time...and then Cindy started to giggle...which made me start to giggle...and one thing you don't want to do with stitches in your belly is laugh (or cough or sneeze) after surgery. The more she laughed...she cried...which made me laugh...and cry...and I finally had to make her leave the room so I could stop hurting.
Laughing until it hurts. That's what good friends do.
I'm back.
Dan
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