Steeper Every Time…

Hiked down to the spot where Captain James Cook met his demise when he violently tried to induce ‘good behavior among the natives.’ Every time we hike this hot, dusty in-and-out trail it seems to get steeper. It’s one of those hikes you’re happy to start and grateful to finish.

Simple Fix

Until today I’ve been putting up with a sharp, intense pain in my lower thumb, assuming it was arthritis. Today a physical therapist used her hands to apply a technique called positioned myofascial release to a muscle in my thumb, and the pain has gone. I’m amazed and grateful.

Thames Path Day 1

Day 1 of 3 hiking part of the Thames Path. Home tonight is a 16th century coaching inn in Wallingford, a picturesque market town. Grateful to be walking with good friends: one I’ve known since school days, 60 years ago, and another I’ve known since moving to the US 40+ years ago.

Treatment Options

Discussed different treatment options with my oncologist. I’m grateful I feel good and there are promising options.

Hanging by a Thread

While chasing down a rattle, Dwight discovered we’d probably driven from Up North with an important bolt missing from the roof bike rack. Replaced the bolt, grateful we didn’t do any hard stops followed by my bike running down the windshield. Note to self: check bolts.

Time for Gratitude

Celebrated over grilled cheese sandwiches and beer at Longfellow’s. We had been to my oncologist and agreed to resume drug therapy because my tumor is waking up: the therapy could work for years. As a student, I celebrated poor grades, good grades less so. Grateful for good healthcare.

It’s Slippery Out There

It is slippery out there: fell backwards, blanked out, got a concussion, felt really punk. I’m now back home, grateful for the lovely people at Methodist Hospital. This time next year we plan to be far away, in a Southern Hemisphere summer.