Another day out to lunch!
This time the three of us with my daughter and her family. We went to a local chinese restaurant that my mother-in-law loves to go to when she visits us. Even though the food is great, the people are even better! They know my health history and every time we go in we get a complementary addition to our meals. Today's offering was a springroll for each of us! They are truly wonderful people.
I know that it works both ways. Because of such good treatment we do go back. But, in truth, we would go anyway because the food is so good. This, however, is one of the many wonderful blessings that I have received because of my illness. Not the food - but that I get to see so much of the good side of humanity and what people can and should be like to one another.
Believe me it is all very much appreciated.
A beautiful day weatherwise and a relaxing day otherwise.
Tomorrow we visit friends...
Bob
January 15, 2010 11:45 PM 37 days to go
Out to lunch! And dinner!
Literally, not figuratively. The three of us went out with my daughter for lunch and by ourselves for dinner tonight. What else would you expect three chow hounds to do!
The big event(s) of the day revolved around the arrival of a meat slicer that my wife ordered in order to be able to quickly slice all of the meat for the party once it is cooked in the next few weeks. The second was the arrival of a BOSE soundlink system that allows for the wireless connection of the unit to your computer so that you can play any and all of the internet radio stations on it. Plugged it in, tried it out, and it worked like a champ even though some of the people who had bought one earlier complained about having problems in their reviews of the product.
It was really bought for two reasons. My wife knew that I really wanted one so it was a rebirthday present for me. And, secondly, because the sound that it generates is so awesome, we can use it at the party as a poor man's substitute for a disk jockey.
And now I just have to get my annual gripe out of my system. I hate January and I'm glad that it's half over! The month is right smack dab in the middle of winter and with both February and March to follow we still have a long way to go before we start to see the weather break. When February arrives, we can expect to see one or two half decent days, we definitely see more daylight, and there is only the month of March to follow.
I guess it's probably an old man's lament, but winter just plain sucks...
Bob
Literally, not figuratively. The three of us went out with my daughter for lunch and by ourselves for dinner tonight. What else would you expect three chow hounds to do!
The big event(s) of the day revolved around the arrival of a meat slicer that my wife ordered in order to be able to quickly slice all of the meat for the party once it is cooked in the next few weeks. The second was the arrival of a BOSE soundlink system that allows for the wireless connection of the unit to your computer so that you can play any and all of the internet radio stations on it. Plugged it in, tried it out, and it worked like a champ even though some of the people who had bought one earlier complained about having problems in their reviews of the product.
It was really bought for two reasons. My wife knew that I really wanted one so it was a rebirthday present for me. And, secondly, because the sound that it generates is so awesome, we can use it at the party as a poor man's substitute for a disk jockey.
And now I just have to get my annual gripe out of my system. I hate January and I'm glad that it's half over! The month is right smack dab in the middle of winter and with both February and March to follow we still have a long way to go before we start to see the weather break. When February arrives, we can expect to see one or two half decent days, we definitely see more daylight, and there is only the month of March to follow.
I guess it's probably an old man's lament, but winter just plain sucks...
Bob
January 14, 2010 11:15 PM 38 days to go
A visitor!
As I mentioned yesterday, my mother-in-law is visiting for the next few days. Believe it or not, it's nice to have her here. It's of mutual benefit to all of us. She needs a change of scenery and we need the break in our everyday routine.
So, today, she and my wife did what women usually do when they get together - they go shopping! As for me, I spent a good part of the day going over my speech for the 21st. There is so much to say - yet the time is limited. It really tries my editing skills to get it all in.
I know what's going to happen. At the party, I will backfill with a few more things that I think need to be said and, at that point, will hopefully have brought closure to everything up to now.
The other day I commented about getting the letter addressed to "Dear Transplant Survivor" and how it was accompanied by a brochure for a national Bone Marrow Transplant Symposium to be held in Burlington, Massachusetts on the 20th and 21st of March. It really seems very worthwhile to do this, so I have signed up myself, my wife, and one of my daughters to attend.
Their motto is "Celebrating A Second Chance At Life". How many of us do get a second chance like this? Why God has chosen me for this undeserved luxury - I don't know? But I now feel that I'm on a quest to find the answer.
Who knows? Maybe I will find the answer there...
Bob
As I mentioned yesterday, my mother-in-law is visiting for the next few days. Believe it or not, it's nice to have her here. It's of mutual benefit to all of us. She needs a change of scenery and we need the break in our everyday routine.
So, today, she and my wife did what women usually do when they get together - they go shopping! As for me, I spent a good part of the day going over my speech for the 21st. There is so much to say - yet the time is limited. It really tries my editing skills to get it all in.
I know what's going to happen. At the party, I will backfill with a few more things that I think need to be said and, at that point, will hopefully have brought closure to everything up to now.
The other day I commented about getting the letter addressed to "Dear Transplant Survivor" and how it was accompanied by a brochure for a national Bone Marrow Transplant Symposium to be held in Burlington, Massachusetts on the 20th and 21st of March. It really seems very worthwhile to do this, so I have signed up myself, my wife, and one of my daughters to attend.
Their motto is "Celebrating A Second Chance At Life". How many of us do get a second chance like this? Why God has chosen me for this undeserved luxury - I don't know? But I now feel that I'm on a quest to find the answer.
Who knows? Maybe I will find the answer there...
Bob
January 13, 2010 11:15 PM 39 days to go
Great news!
I have the pulpit all scheduled for the 21st. For me, it means everything because there are still a lot of things that I haven't shared via this blog because they are better said in person. I look at that moment as bringing closure to another chapter on my road to who knows where. I will do both the 8:00 and 10:30 services. These will be the only times that I will say these things so, if you are interested, please plan on attending one of the services on that Sunday. I know that you will find it worth your while. That's a somewhat presumptuous comment I know. But I have prayed over this so many times that I know that they are the words that I am to say.
Not quite so good news!
I'm nicely getting over my cold. It really wasn't a bad one to begin with. So, I guess that my body is functioning quite well at this point. But, my wife has now picked it up and it's somewhat getting the best of her. Ironic isn't it! Here I do everything to avoid getting anything and, then when I do, I immediately infect someone else!
Instead of my avoiding people - maybe they should be avoiding me!
But it's been a great day. I feel fine and my impatience is building as the day draws nearer and nearer that I will return to the choir and the church. Meanwhile, my mother-in-law will be visiting with us the next couple of days generating another change of pace to my usually very routine days.
I know that some of you follow my grandson's wrestling exploits as I report them to you. To bring you up to date, after losing 2 matches via pins, he bounced back on Monday and pinned his opponent. He was getting a little down on himself and this was a great morale booster for him( and, vicariously, for us as well). For him, it's been a great lesson in life. You win some - you lose some. But, the most important thing is how you respond to the losses and setbacks.
That's what builds your character...
Bob
I have the pulpit all scheduled for the 21st. For me, it means everything because there are still a lot of things that I haven't shared via this blog because they are better said in person. I look at that moment as bringing closure to another chapter on my road to who knows where. I will do both the 8:00 and 10:30 services. These will be the only times that I will say these things so, if you are interested, please plan on attending one of the services on that Sunday. I know that you will find it worth your while. That's a somewhat presumptuous comment I know. But I have prayed over this so many times that I know that they are the words that I am to say.
Not quite so good news!
I'm nicely getting over my cold. It really wasn't a bad one to begin with. So, I guess that my body is functioning quite well at this point. But, my wife has now picked it up and it's somewhat getting the best of her. Ironic isn't it! Here I do everything to avoid getting anything and, then when I do, I immediately infect someone else!
Instead of my avoiding people - maybe they should be avoiding me!
But it's been a great day. I feel fine and my impatience is building as the day draws nearer and nearer that I will return to the choir and the church. Meanwhile, my mother-in-law will be visiting with us the next couple of days generating another change of pace to my usually very routine days.
I know that some of you follow my grandson's wrestling exploits as I report them to you. To bring you up to date, after losing 2 matches via pins, he bounced back on Monday and pinned his opponent. He was getting a little down on himself and this was a great morale booster for him( and, vicariously, for us as well). For him, it's been a great lesson in life. You win some - you lose some. But, the most important thing is how you respond to the losses and setbacks.
That's what builds your character...
Bob
January 12, 2010 10:45 PM 40 days to go
It's on the run!
My cold is a lot better today and I think that I am successfully over the hump at this point. Maybe part of the reason that I'm progressing well is that for the past 2 days I have not really been involved with any projects. I guess it's just time for a little R&R.
Today we did some food shopping for the party on the 21st - our major activity and we went to lunch at the local Olive Garden. Well, it was actually a late lunch, so the place did not have too many people.
As another sign that my life is returning to normal, a friend called and asked if I would be available on February 28th to be the challice bearer at church. So I am now getting back to doing the things that I like to do and want to do. When you take something for granted and you are summarily deprived of it - you finally realize that you really shouldn't take anything for granted. You now look at things a lot differently which is what my first doctor told me after she gave me my diagnosis.
Accept all that you have and do as being a gift and use that gift to benefit both yourself and those around you. Enjoy your life and appreciate everything that comprises it for you never know if it will change beneath you.
Enough pontificating for one day...
Bob
My cold is a lot better today and I think that I am successfully over the hump at this point. Maybe part of the reason that I'm progressing well is that for the past 2 days I have not really been involved with any projects. I guess it's just time for a little R&R.
Today we did some food shopping for the party on the 21st - our major activity and we went to lunch at the local Olive Garden. Well, it was actually a late lunch, so the place did not have too many people.
As another sign that my life is returning to normal, a friend called and asked if I would be available on February 28th to be the challice bearer at church. So I am now getting back to doing the things that I like to do and want to do. When you take something for granted and you are summarily deprived of it - you finally realize that you really shouldn't take anything for granted. You now look at things a lot differently which is what my first doctor told me after she gave me my diagnosis.
Accept all that you have and do as being a gift and use that gift to benefit both yourself and those around you. Enjoy your life and appreciate everything that comprises it for you never know if it will change beneath you.
Enough pontificating for one day...
Bob
January 11, 2010 10:40 PM 41 days to go
It's party time!
Yup! That's right! My wife has sent out e-mail invitations a number of you to invite you to my "coming out party" on February 21st from 1 to 5 at our church. Please don't feel slighted or take inpersonal if you did not get one, she doesn't have everyone's e-mail addresses. As the day draws near, just in case you might feel so inclined r=to attend, I'll provide all the particulars as to location, etc. In the meantime, if you would like to respond, you can e-mail her at bjnj@comcast,net .
As to the rest of the day, I finished up with our guest bathroom and then we went off to see my grandson wrestle once more. All in all a nice, semi-relaxing day.
But, maybe the real highlight of the day was a brochure with its accompanying letter that I received about a bone marrow transplant conference that is to be held in March. The letter was addressed to "Dear Transplant Survivor"! Talk about music to my ears. I also noticed that one of the "expert panel members" for an open forum discussion is my doctor!
My wife was really pleased to have me receive a letter addressed like that because it implies that I have turned another corner.
Life is pretty good right and looking better all the time...
Bob
Yup! That's right! My wife has sent out e-mail invitations a number of you to invite you to my "coming out party" on February 21st from 1 to 5 at our church. Please don't feel slighted or take inpersonal if you did not get one, she doesn't have everyone's e-mail addresses. As the day draws near, just in case you might feel so inclined r=to attend, I'll provide all the particulars as to location, etc. In the meantime, if you would like to respond, you can e-mail her at bjnj@comcast,net .
As to the rest of the day, I finished up with our guest bathroom and then we went off to see my grandson wrestle once more. All in all a nice, semi-relaxing day.
But, maybe the real highlight of the day was a brochure with its accompanying letter that I received about a bone marrow transplant conference that is to be held in March. The letter was addressed to "Dear Transplant Survivor"! Talk about music to my ears. I also noticed that one of the "expert panel members" for an open forum discussion is my doctor!
My wife was really pleased to have me receive a letter addressed like that because it implies that I have turned another corner.
Life is pretty good right and looking better all the time...
Bob
January 10, 2010 10:30 PM 42 days to go
The battle is on!
Yes, for the first time since this whole adventure began, I have a slight cold. If this were a year ago it would have been of great concern because of my impending bone marrow transplant - but as for right now there appears to be no problem. This is certainly not an unusual circumstance. A man who we met at the clininc during the summer had a cold last winter only about 6 months after his transplant without any repercussions.
Where and how I get the cold, I don't know because I really have not been out to too many places - and, most certainly, I've made every effort to avoid large crowds. But, it's winter and cold season.
All in all, I feel fine and the cold appears to be on the run.
Finished off the guest bathroom project today. Putting up the shower rod, the towels holders, the glass shelving, etc. is a time-consuming proposition but it's all over and done with. Looks nice and it only took 3 years before we got around to completing it!
I guess that it's going to be time to relax since there are no other projects on the horizon.
What am I going to do with my time???
Bob
Yes, for the first time since this whole adventure began, I have a slight cold. If this were a year ago it would have been of great concern because of my impending bone marrow transplant - but as for right now there appears to be no problem. This is certainly not an unusual circumstance. A man who we met at the clininc during the summer had a cold last winter only about 6 months after his transplant without any repercussions.
Where and how I get the cold, I don't know because I really have not been out to too many places - and, most certainly, I've made every effort to avoid large crowds. But, it's winter and cold season.
All in all, I feel fine and the cold appears to be on the run.
Finished off the guest bathroom project today. Putting up the shower rod, the towels holders, the glass shelving, etc. is a time-consuming proposition but it's all over and done with. Looks nice and it only took 3 years before we got around to completing it!
I guess that it's going to be time to relax since there are no other projects on the horizon.
What am I going to do with my time???
Bob
January 10, 2010 12:45 AM 42 days to go
Sorry about the late post!
We were out at friends tonight playing cards and we didn't get home until late.
It was a great day. We saw one of my granddaughters play soccer this morning and then came my highlight of the day! I installed a new vanity in our guest bath without encountering any leaks! Be it known to all that I hate plumbing for that precise reason. Every other time I have experimented with some do-it-yourself plumbing project - leaks inevitably occurred.
But, it looks like modern technology has made plumbing much less of a challenge today. Believe me when I say that the last vanity that I changed as 40 years ago and was nothing but trouble. I swore that I would not do it again! So much for being a man of conviction! But, in reality, it was not very involved I'm now psyched to redo our downstairs bathroom.
Lastly we spent the evening with friends as I mentioned earlier.
Even though it is bitterly cold outside, it was a great day...
Bob
We were out at friends tonight playing cards and we didn't get home until late.
It was a great day. We saw one of my granddaughters play soccer this morning and then came my highlight of the day! I installed a new vanity in our guest bath without encountering any leaks! Be it known to all that I hate plumbing for that precise reason. Every other time I have experimented with some do-it-yourself plumbing project - leaks inevitably occurred.
But, it looks like modern technology has made plumbing much less of a challenge today. Believe me when I say that the last vanity that I changed as 40 years ago and was nothing but trouble. I swore that I would not do it again! So much for being a man of conviction! But, in reality, it was not very involved I'm now psyched to redo our downstairs bathroom.
Lastly we spent the evening with friends as I mentioned earlier.
Even though it is bitterly cold outside, it was a great day...
Bob
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
