"She's Leaving Home"

Natalie and Sam Suiter

*I added a video of Cathy's long hair dachshund "Blaze" chasing Sadie... Paul and John collaborated on this melancholy song that many a parent might find relative to their own life.   Paul read a story about a young girl leaving home early compounded by despondent parents, viola- a song.   I chose the title for a number of reasons, number one my daughter is leaving home tomorrow to return to her normal life in Hawaii.   (Sounds like a nice normal huh?)    She already left home some time ago, this recent visit just made us remember how much we miss her.   

 There are I am sure many more parents like us who will see a child leave, go to college, get married, etc. Don't forget to let them know you will be there and support them when they need it.   If they leave to join the occupy wall street movement, good luck!    Not to be sexist, our middle son just left to go home to Colorado, kind of the same thing except he isn't married yet.   All in all Thanksgiving was a fun night to visit with my sister Cathy, her husband Les, Andrew's friend Kyle, and our family.   I brined the turkey in a citrus concoction, it did keep the bird moist.   It's all gone now, those leftovers contributed mightily to my increasing waist size.   
I saw Dr. Senecal today, I have been having some extreme pain hit me in my forearms.   He thinks it might be GVHD (graft vs. host disease) causing my lower skin layers to contract and cause pain. The only quick fix is to increase my Prednisone dose for now.   So back on the juice and puffy face and aggression.   I have to have a bone marrow biopsy and maybe some other tests to get to the bottom of this deal.   I passed the two years since diagnosis without a lot of fanfare, so I am hopeful this little bump will also pass quickly.   Live happy! 

"Paranoid"

To show my diverse nature I am sharing an interesting string quartet version of the 1970 Black Sabbath opus, Paranoid.   Considered by many to be the top Heavy Metal album of all time, the title track tells the tale of a man with paranoia or mental disease.   The lyrics are pretty depressing, until I read them this morning I thought the tune was just a good work out song.   Black Sabbath just announced the original members are reforming, making a new album (CD) and getting ready for a tour later next year.   
There is a reason I chose this song as my title today, as I am feeling slightly paranoid right now.   Back in July my second relapse occurred.   I developed lymphoma tumors including one on my brain/head.   Now I have noticed another abnormality on the same side of my head but more toward the back of the head.   The side of my head seems to be growing.   I am hoping my view or feeling is just paranoia to be honest.   But... Yvonne also sees and feels the growth.   At the same time my blood counts are doing good, the evidence is not exactly clear.   I will ask for some brain scans today to confirm or deny my worry, I am not sure how or when that will happen.   In the meantime, I am thankful for so much a week ahead of Thanksgiving.   Sadie even cuddled with me this morning, before I had the chance to ask her if she wanted to go for a walk.   We are very fortunate to have all three of our adult children coming home this week for at least a few days of togetherness.   Here's to family, friends, and taking time to show you care.  

"Get Back"

relaxing at home during construction 11/07/2011

After all this time, I haven't used "Get Back" as a title.   Get Back to where you once belonged people- apropos for Thanksgiving season, or perhaps other reasons.   Having just left Tucson Az myself, the lyric in Get Back is close to my heart.   "JoJo left his home in Tucson, Arizona for some California grass."   Except I made it back for some Washington rain. 
The Beatles added Billy Preston on Fender Rhodes piano, George thought a new musician might be good for the general karma as the Beatles were doing their share of infighting during the recording and filming of what was supposed to be a movie/album called Get Back.   There are many bootleg recordings of the sessions, most show just bits and pieces of a song.   It's almost funny watching the bickering Beatles and the similarities to many of our own families or groups of people.   Sometimes we fight over small issues, those issues can lead to fueds or more.   It's Thanksgiving season!   The Get Back project was later scrapped and noted producer Phil Spector was brought in to finish and polish the effort into the Let It Be album.   Spector added his trademark wall of sound to the music and the finished Let It Be became the last Beatles album to be released in 1970.   Abbey Road was actually recorded after and released before Let It Be as most Beatles fans know.   So here we are, if there are amends to be made, or just a phone call to make to say hi- this is a perfect time to do it. 
I am continuing to get my mojo back, the blood test today had me almost jumping for joy as I read the results.   All three of my main blood factors were in the normal range for the first time in I can't remember.   I still have many irregular lymphocytes, and things I don't understand, but I am feeling good enough to greet this new 4:30 darkness with a positive attitude.

"Climbing" near Leavenworth

 

For the first time in many years we are having all of our grown kids home for Thanksgiving.   My sister Cathy and husband Les are also going to be here.   I hope you and yours has someone to share some thanks in a few weeks.