On The Road Again

Big T and I are traveling north today to meet with the builders.

Then we are headed south  to watch our favorite Domer run the Holy Half.

Next we are going over to Chicago to visit one of our favorite nurses.  

Finally we are flying to Palm Desert for a few days of fun in the sun.  I will tell you all about it when I return.   Have a great week, friends!

Thank You, God

Yesterday I was gone all day volunteering at the infusion clinic.  I was surprised to find an old friend, a fellow survivor,  there getting her regular blood work and check up.   

When we were walking this campus thirty years ago, we had no idea what we were headed for. 

 We will never know why we were two of the fortunate ones that got a second chance...but here is what I do know:  I cannot survive cancer well without God's help.  My spirit has been tested harder and longer than my body during this battle, and without faith, I quite simply could not flourish.  I just had to say that.  Thanks, Friends, for listening.

Teaching Taxes

  Friends, I love everything about Spring in KC...except what happens on April 15th.  My family seems to think I should do their  taxes ...something about me being a CPA...

 But Big T is a broken record about "teaching a man to fish..." and so, I  STOP myself from logging on to Turbotax, and instead remind them (over and over and over...) that refunds will come to those who file.   I have finally launched all of them into independence with the IRS....except one.

This year, I am happy to report that she did the returns herself....I just had to print them out and mail them off.  Baby Steps....

I've Been Walkin' These Streets So Long....

Over the last four years, I have learned about a couple really important days in the life of a med student.  The first was the white coat ceremony, which I missed courtesy of the big C.  The second was Match Day and  I was there to watch my boy open his letter.  Victory.  Thank you God.

My baby got his first choice...an orthopedic surgery residency at Vanderbilt.  We are all so thrilled and grateful...and man, was I happy to be there.  I would like to publicly thank the physicians of Vandy Med School for educating my son so well, and for letting him stay another five years to train. I would also like to publicly thank my physicians for curing me so I can be around to witness it all.  

We had a grand time in Nashville shopping (I love Reese Witherspoon's store!), looking for houses for T&S, and listening to some awesome musical talent.  We also had some tasty meals...

We had lunch here and it was outstanding.

Terrific food and lots of TV's to watch ND barely beat Princeton in March Madness.

The Southern Steak and Oyster-- delicious authentic southern fair with delightful authentic southern charm 

This is one of my favs.  Get BBQ.  Save room for the Southern Pie. Seriously amazing.

Go ahead.  Dig in.

Did you think B would go to Nashville and not go to Jeni's for ice-cream?

Congrats T and S!  The lights are shinin' on you!  

The Florida Report

Friends, we spent a few beautiful days on the Emerald Coast watching some spectacular sunsets...

...staying warm by the pool...

and walking the beach with family(...and maybe a bit of shopping too...).  We had a great time....and ate some amazing food: 

Pickles in Seaside:  Best Key Lime Pie (on a stick)

Charlie's Donut Truck in Alys Beach---Best Birthday Breakfast

Meltdown on 30A--Best Grilled Cheese

Taco Bar Seaside--Best Chips and Guac

Havana Beach Bar and Grill, The Pearl 30A---still the Best Cocktail  

George's At Alys Beach--Best Birthday Dinner...everything we ordered was incredible...but their Warm Chocolate Toffee Goo is out of this world.  Save Room.

Uncle Mike's Fire in Watercolor...

...Best S'more

It may have been a little chillier than normal, but we were having fun with our family, and really, what more do you need?

Spring Break 2017 Begins

The beautiful spring warm weather party is over in KC.  B arrived home last night  and we are headed south tomorrow.  Not a moment too soon.

Before I head to the sunshine state and slip my sandals on, my toes need a serious touch up.  I love this nail polish.  It stays on a long time and comes off with normal remover.  And now that I can barely reach my toes, let alone see them, I want my efforts to last.

We are meeting sister number 5 and her family in Watercolor.  C is also joining us, which means I will bring this perfect sun block (which actually makes you look tan!) for my beautiful red head.

Speaking of preserving your complexion...for all of you out there who have experienced chemo recently and so need to stay away from the silver bullet known as Tretinoin, this oil really works.  I highly recommend it. 

 I will tell you all about my trip when I return home.  Have a great week, friends!

22 is Lucky in Japan

Today this little man celebrates his 22nd in a Japanese Bath House.  M is spending his senior spring break across the Pacific.  Here are some highlights...

Japanese Garden

Japanese Fish Market

Sushi and Saki...what more do you need?

I think this is part of the Imperial Palace?  

Shinjuku in Tokyo

Mt Fuji at the bottom

Mt Fuji at the top

Their famous high speed train

Safe travels, boys!

 Happy Birthday, M!