Gazelle Intense Dave Ramsey Live

Dave Ramsey put on a great live show at the Dodge Theater last night. I blogged about reading his book The Total Money Makeover a few months ago and caught his sold out live performance that entertained thousands for four and a half hours.

The charismatic personal finance sage outlined his seven steps of money management and responsibility from The Total Money Makeover book. He didn't hold back his personal opinion's concerning the banking industry and the individual's need for fiscal responsibility. The evening was peppered with one-liners such as "act your wage" and "too much month left at the end of the money."

Regardless of your financial situation (unless your house is paid off and you have a couple million in investments) Dave Ramsey can help getting you where you want to be financially. Check out his website at www.daveramsey.com.

Tombstone and Bisbee

Hitting the road today (work took me back to Texas and New Mexico for the week)  I took the southern route to experience some of Arizona's back-roads.  Planned stops were in Tombstone and Bisbee on the way to El Paso.  Not exactly sure of what to expect in Tombstone, as it is a tourist attraction afterall, and I've heard of the mock gunfights in the streets, so I went in a little guarded.  I was, however, happily surprised .  Steeped in western history and very well preserved, gunfights aside, Tombstone is well worth a few hours of exploration.  The former mining town was made famous by it's lawlessness and infamous by the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday.  There is no admission fee to the western town but there are a few attractions that charge admission such as the Bird Cage Theater and the OK Corral shootout.  For $5 there is a trolley led sightseeing tour that is a great half hour history lesson.  On the edge of town lies the Boothill Grave Yard.

Buried at Boothill are more than 250 people of various western backgrounds including Billy Clanton with Tom and Frank McLaury who were all gunned down by Doc Holiday and the Earp brothers during Tombstones most famous gun fight.

Twenty five miles further south is the artsy enclave of Bisbee.  This Southern Arizona hill town is filled with art studios and galleries along with eateries and eclectic storefronts.  I would like to have had more time to explore Bisbee and Tombstone so I am definitely going to plan a weekend trip to soak it all in at a slower pace.  The houses in Bisbee are worth a weekend trip just to stroll past and appreciate their character.

L'Arte del Cappuccino

Christine has had her eye on a new "old style" cappuccino machine for a while and made the purchase today.  You've surly seen the silver stove-top espresso makers from Italy and may even have one.  This is the improved version that actually makes a perfect cappuccino or latte on the stove.  It too is made in Italy by Bialetti.  You can't go wrong with four minutes to the perfect cup of coffee.

Happy Birthday Corey!

Hope you have a wonderful day and eats lots of cake!

Goo Goo Dolls & Switchfoot

We thoroughly enjoyed a great concert downtown at the Dodge Theater last night.  Normally bands that are unknown and hauled along as opening acts leave me yawning but with Green River Ordinance (GRO) that was not to be the case.  They are an energetic young band from Texas that fit right in with the sounds of Switchfoot and the Goo Goo Dolls.  Definitely a band worth checking out.

When Switchfoot hit the stage the fans were ecstatic.  Singer Jon Foreman fed the frenzy by going out into the middle of the floor seating area to sing a song on two separate occasions.  Their positive message and great vibe make them a fantastic band to watch live.  This was about the fourth time we had seen Switchfoot and each time they have gotten better and better and their music has been delivered with a little harder edge each time.

The Goo Goo Dolls came out to play the favorites and several tunes from their new cd that goes on sale this Tuesday.  The hits sounded great and the new material was played like they had been playing every song as long as their anthem, Iris.  That encore brought down the house and ended a fantastic show featuring three upbeat bands that put a smile on everyone's face.

Evolve Through Scars

After trying out a few projects since he walked away from Saliva, the band he co-founded with Josey Scott, Chris D is in the final stages of signing a record deal with a band he joined called Evolve Through Scars.  They just launched their first single On The Outside on their myspace page.  Go to
http://www.myspace.com/540988079/music/playlists/2612945?songid=73037777&ap=1&sms_ss=facebook 
to give it a listen.  Chris, Christine's brother, is based out of Memphis, TN and is looking forward to getting back out on the road with a touring metal band and we wish him all the best and look forward to catching a show whenever ETS makes their way out west.

Waterfall Trail, White Tank Mountains

It was just another hot day in the desert but perfect for a hike without too many people crowding the trail.  The Waterfall Trail is a two mile out and back hike with the first and last half mile being very smooth and wheelchair accessible.  Where the barrier free section comes to an end is an area heavily populated with ancient graffiti, otherwise known as petroglyphs.

After viewing the rock etchings we continued on up the trail and made our way to the waterfall.  Even though it was just a trickle you can imagine what it is like during a rainstorm.  With boulders the size of cars resting in the dry wash the monsoons have wrecked havoc for countless centuries.  There is a small pool at the base of the waterfall that always contains water even in the driest months.  I can only assume that every animal within miles knows of this watering hole.

Just up and to the right of the pool is the waterfall and a second pool.  These "white tanks" etched out of the rock by water is the reason for the name of this mountain range.

There is some give and take with hiking in the Southwest during the summer months.  It is, obviously, very hot but the heat keeps most people indoors and those that can stand the heat enjoy a little more freedom on the trail.

Hole in the Rock, Papago Park

Just east of downtown phoenix and north of Tempe lies Papago Park.  The desert preserve is home to the Phoenix Zoo, Botanical Garden, hiking trails, picnic areas and Hole in the Rock.  Ramona and I hiked around behind the weathered sandstone rock and up into the hole.

The view from inside the rock is very nice as you look out over the zoo and off in the distance is the skyline of downtown Phoenix.

After the hike we went to the zoo and walked around looking for the animals but they were much smarter than us.  They know that when it's 110 degrees at midday to seek shelter and watch the silly humans walk by.  But, even with half of the wildlife camouflaged from the sun and curious humans we still had a great time wandering through the Phoenix Zoo. 

Skywalking at Grand Canyon West

Ramona flew to Las Vegas from Messel, Germany Monday evening and spent the week riding roller coasters and jumping off of the Stratosphere.  By the time I got there after driving up work Friday evening she had seen and done enough in Vegas and was ready for the trip to Phoenix.  She had heard about the SkyWalk at Grand Canyon West so we decided to make a pit stop there on the way home Saturday morning.  Unlike the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West is not part of the National Park Service but is on tribal land and privately operated by the Hualapai Nation.  The sign on the side of the highway between the Hoover Dam and Kingman, Arizona simply points east and states that the Skywalk is 49 miles away.  After driving 32 miles we found out that the asphalt ends and the dirt begins.  After another 17 miles of dirt road we arrived at the Reservation and staging area for the Skywalk.  There is a very large tent structure that serves as the gift shop and tour sales office.  We already knew that the Skywalk fee was around $30 per person but we were not aware that there is also a mandatory $40 shuttle bus fee as private vehicles are not allowed.  So buyer beware; if you want to go to the Skywalk you will be driving 34 miles (out and back) on a dirt road and the Skywalk fee is $75 per person.  That being said, had we known that going in it would have softened the blow.  Once we boarded the bus it was a mere five minute ride to Eagle Point where the Skywalk is located.  The view from the rim is stunning as it is everywhere along the Grand Canyon.  We looked over the edge for a while then got in line to do the walk.

The location gets it's name, Eagle Point, from a rock formation that looks like an eagle with it's wings spread and head down.

The Skywalk looks out over Eagle Point and has a glass floor so that you can see down to the bottom of the canyon.

After our turn on the Skywalk we boarded the bus and headed to the second stop for a few more photos then back to the truck and down the dirt road again.  By this time we had worked up an appetite and were not about to give the Hualapi any more of our money (they also wanted $30 per picture on the Skywalk and prohibit taking your own camera out there).  I was thinking BBQ.  I have driven past Eat AT Joe's dozens of times while driving back and forth between Phoenix and Las Vegas and between Phoenix and Laughlin.  Everytime I passed through the tiny village of Wikieup I noticed the BBQ sign but never stopped.  This time I'm glad I finally did.  Ramona had the Boudin sausage (sausage made with pork, rice and spicy herbs then grilled) while I tried their Heaven on a Bun.  The sandwich was a combination of brisket and pulled pork with bacon mashed potatoes and coleslaw on the side.  Yes, it was deserving of it's name.  We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the fantastic service.  In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger "I'll be back".

Two hours later we arrived in Phoenix and Ramona is happily enjoying the triple digit heat of August in the summer.  Now we are off to find ingredients for dinner!

To Facebook or Not to FB

I have been luke warm lately about facebook until this morning.  For years and years and years I have sought to maintain a very low profile on my birthday.  It's not like I'm embarrassed about my age or any other type of hangup, I just have never understood making a big deal of another day passing us by.  This morning I got up at 5:00 as usual to head to the gym.  When I pulled my phone off of the charger it began buzzing like crazy and the bulk of the messages were facebook notifications of folks around the country wishing me a happy birthday.  Well, I must admit, that put a smile on the birthday scrooge's face.  So I went and did my standard m-f workout at Gold's (which is literally right across the street from my office building) and had a better than average workout.  Then later on I thought I'd finally do something to celebrate after all and decided to ride my age in mileage every year on the big day.  So after work I went home and peddaled 47 miles.  Fortunately we have had a cool spell in Phoenix lately and it was only 105 degrees for the 2.5 hour party.  When I got back home Christine had a nicely wrapped gift for me on the table.  She had gone across town and picked up the exact pair of new running shoes I had been wanting.  The Vibram Five Finger KSO Trek is a fairly new piece of footware that allows you to mimic running barefoot but with a Vibram sole protecting your soles from punctures.

I also had a package from Germana and John with a hilarious book titled Sh*t My Dad Says and a couple nice shirts.  Thanks Christine, Germana and John.  After being disenchanted with facebook lately it was actually the vehicle that started turning a ho hum day into a great birthday.  Thanks to everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to think about me!

Caribbean Cruise August 2011

Have you ever thought of getting together with all your friends and family but just as quickly dismissed the idea because of the logistical nightmare?  Me too!

Christine, Aimee and I have attempted to get everyone together a couple times in the past few years and the plans never solidified for many different reasons. The main reason is that everyone is spread out from Washington State to Florida and all directions in between.  Can we continue not getting together?  NO.  Is it realistic to visit everyone with any frequency?  NO.  Is it expensive to visit just one person for a week?  YES!

Now that we know the problem what is the answer?



Here is what we've come up with.

We'd love to see everyone every year and beginning next year we will start go on a summer cruise with the hope that our family and friends will seriously consider joining us.

The overarching theme is getting the Bering's and Dabaldo's together as an annual family reunion themed cruise vacation.

Why a cruise vacation you ask? 

• Cruise ships are all inclusive and can accommodate as many friends and family that choose to attend.
• Stress free planning.
• You fly to the airport of embarkation and the cruise line gets you to the ship then back to the airport.
• Low deposit and pay as you wish until you pay it off (usually due 2 months prior to cruising).
• The vacation is paid for in advance (booze, sodas and shore excursions are always extra).
• We are all together but with our own rooms (and bathrooms) but can still go our separate ways in port if desired.
• No need for rental cars.
• Cruising is FUN!
• The perfect reunion platform.

That being said, we have already taken the bull by the horns and set up the inaugural cruise reunion vacation and you are invited if:

• You are related to or know a Bering.
• You are related to or know a Dabaldo.
• You think you might know someone that is friends with a Bering or Dabaldo.
• You don't know any of us but think it sounds like fun anyway.

The first cruise is scheduled to coincide with mom and dad's (John & Marilyn Bering) 50th wedding anniversary on 07 August, 2011 and is therefore established as the Anniversary Cruise.

Additionally, Tracy Clark's birthday (girlfriend of Steve Dabaldo) is also the 7th of August and there are several other summer birthdays and anniversary's to celebrate too..

Aimee has set-up a group booking with Carnival Cruise Line for a four day cruise departing from Miami on Thursday the 4th of August.  The first port is Key West on Friday followed by Cozumel, Mexico Saturday then a fun day at sea on Sunday (the 7th) and back to Miami on Monday.  Four days for several reasons.  If you haven't cruised before and are leery you aren't obligated for 7 nights at sea.  Early August is still peak season and rates are still higher than the off season so four days is more affordable.  A mid length cruise works for those that may not have much vacation time available.

With this group rate we need to secure cabins within the next 30 days and that will require a $150 deposit with the balance due by next June. The deposit is per person but if you'd like to stretch it out a bit you can call and place the initial deposit for one person but tell the Carnival rep the name of the second person for the room and that they will be calling in later to make their deposit.  As mentioned earlier, we need to secure the rooms within 30 days but we can stretch out the second $150 over two months or so if need be. If you are a military veteran you get a discount when you call to make your reservation. 

To place your reservation call Carnival Cruise Line: 1-866-721-3225
Give them the booking number: 50T4X2
They will want to confirm that you are with: John and Marilyn's 50th Group
They will take your deposit and answer questions.
If you need transportation from the airport to the ship make sure to let them know, I believe it is a $16 charge.
Then you'll have until next June (2011) to pay the balance.
We have set dining up for the early seating so our group will have a large table set aside to accommodate everyone.
Ask for any discount you may normally receive i.e. military, senior, too darn good looking, etc.

There may be a few single people wanting to attend and cruise line policy is that cabins are rented double occupancy.  Single people should find a roommate or let me know & I'll keep track of who needs a roommate, or, unfortunately, you'd have to pay double fare for the cabin.

We hope you can join us next year and in the years to follow.  We have planned the next three get-togethers as follows:

• August 2011, Miami, Key West, Cozumel, Miami
• Summer 2012, Hawaiian cruise
• Summer 2013, Mediterranean cruise

Please read the attached fliers that go into all the details.  You will notice references to "cruise credits" with several options.  We will be utilizing the credits for a group cocktail party that will include a one hour "open bar" in which all drinks i.e. soda, specialty coffee drinks, beer, wine, liquor and alcohol free drinks (Virgin Mary, Virgin Colada, etc) are free.

Please let me (johnbering@cox.net or jnbering@gmail.com) or Aimee (capecoma1@gmail.com) know if you and/or someone you know would like to attend next summer and if you'll be making a reservation in the next 30 day window.

Lunch in the Chile Capital

Driving south from Albuquerque, New Mexico to El Paso, Texas on I-25 this morning I couldn't pass by Hatch, NM without stopping for a fiery lunch in the chili capital of the world.  The town is very small in population but enormous on the flavor scale.  The sign in front of the Pepper Pot drew me in and I didn't regret it.

Pork in red chili with frijoles and rice with chips and good salsa on the side was the perfect lunch in the epicenter of all things spicy.  After the amazingly satisfying red chili lunch I walked across the street to a chili vendor and bought a quart sized bag of XX HOT Red Chili powder and a small sandwich bad of XXXXX Habanero powder.  Now I am looking forward to making my own pork in red chili this weekend when I get back to Phoenix.  Hatch is a great place to vist for those of us that love spicy food.  In fact, the Food Network is there every Labor Day weekend for the Hatch Chili Festival.  Think I might have to check that out sometime.

Petrified Forest National Park

This month rather than fly to Albuquerque or El Paso I thought I'd hit the road and conduct my routine business in both locations while taking in a few sights along the way.  Today's trip from Phoenix to Albuquerque had me passing by Petrified Forest National Park so I turned off the highway and back in time 250 million years to the Triassic age.  The road to the petrified wood first leads through the Painted Desert.

Puerco Pueblo is an ancient village that contained 100 rooms and a central courtyard.  It was occupied between 1250 and 1400 A.D.  The occupants are believed to have migrated into the Hopi and Zuni nations.

Then the Crystal Forest and Rainbow Forest appear strewn with what were once 200 foot trees and are now beautiful log stones filled with sparkling crystals.

On the original supercontinent, Pangaea, the location of the modern day Petrified Forest was subtropical, around the current location of Panama.  Giant trees eventually fell into the water and millions of years of silt and volcanic ash covered and protected them from rotting.  The silica from the ash eventually permeated the wood and crystals began to grow.  Then a few million years later after severe weathering the petrified wood appeared where what was once the tropics and is now the Arizona desert.  Several ferocious dinosaur fossils have been unearthed as well.

The Petrified Forest is just off of Interstate 40 in Northeastern Arizona and is well worth a stop for two to three hours of exploring 250 million year old fossils.

Christine's Repair and Recovery

The surgery went better than expected last Wednesday but the recovery phase has been a little slow.  She is doing well but just can't quite shake the tired feeling after surgery and anesthesia.  She is on schedule to go in to work tomorrow but I'm sure it will be an abbreviated workday.  I'll be headed out tomorrow on a roadtrip from Phoenix to Albuquerque, New Mexico then on the El Paso, Texas and back to Phoenix on Friday.  I usually fly for these work trips but thought I'd drive this time and blog about the adventure.  Cheers!

It's Been a Long Week

Since Tuesday Christine has been to the Emergency Room four times plus a fifth visit with an ENT to schedule surgery.  She developed a nose bleed that wouldn't stop Tuesday while I was at work and drove herself to Urgent Care.  The doctor at the Urgent Care clinic couldn't stop the nose bleed either and actually called 911.  An ambulance took her to the ER at banner Estrella Medical Center where the bleeding eventually stopped.  I met her at the ER just after noon and took her home around 2:00 p.m.  At 11:00 that night the bleeding started again so back to the ER we went.  The ER doc removed the gauze packing and repacked it with a Rhino Rocket.  The Rocket is about the size of my index finger.  It is soaked in a gel that promotes blood clotting then inserted through the nostril up the length of the nose.  There is a small air hose that hangs out of the nostril and is used to pump air into the rocket sealing the nostril in order to apply positive direct pressure throughout.  The inflator is taped to her cheek.  After that traumatic experience we went home at 4:30 a.m. and I napped until 10:00 then went to work Wednesday afternoon.  Thursday morning I got up at 5:00 and was preparing to head to the gym prior to work when Christine came downstairs with her nose dripping blood once again.  Back to the ER we went.  The ER doc decided to remove the Rhino Rocket and cauterize the bleeding blood vessel.  He used silver nitrate sticks in four attempts at cauterization but the blood kept coming and he confirmed that it was a small artery that was damaged due to seeing the blood spray out after each attempt.  He then decided enough trauma had been inflicted on her and stuck another Rhino Rocket in to stop the bleeding.  She was finally released to go home at 4:30 p.m.  Friday morning she had an appointment with an ENT and the decision was made to surgically repair the bleeding artery; problem is surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday.  Stand By.  Saturday afternoon the bleeding started again so back to the ER we went.  They pumped more air into the Rocket and the bleeding eventually stopped.  Right now she is living minute by minute laying in bed to minimize physical activity waiting for surgery to fix the artery and hoping there are not any more trips to the ER between now and Wednesday.  Highly unlikely though. She is quite miserable and has a tube hanging out of her nose taped to her cheek praying for Wednesday to arrive.

The Total Money Makeover

I just read a wonderful book on personal finance by Dave Ramsey.  His language is down to earth and easy to follow with a message of get out of debt (including your mortgage) asap.  It is a great read and I highly recommend it to everyone regardless of your financial situation.

"Pit" Stop in Memphis

What is a layover in Memphis without some BBQ?  Fortunately Interstate BBQ has several locations at the airport so I enjoyed a breakfast of pulled pork topped with slaw!  Next stop, Phoenix.

Headed Back to Phoenix

It's nearly 5:30 a.m. and I'm waiting for my flight back to Phoenix via Memphis.  I Got up at 2:30 to make the 80 mile drive from Farmington to Lambert Field and am now awaiting my 12th flight in 4 months.  It was really good to be able to spend another week visiting with mom in the hospital and spending the evenings with dad at their house in Farmington.  Aimee will be arriving around noon tomorrow to spend a week with mom as well.  I know mom really appreciates the company, can't imagine laying in the hospital for a month (3 separate times in a 4 1/2 month  period) at a time all alone.Tomorrow Christine and I celebrate 22 years of marriage but the pastry chef has to work Friday and Saturday and on Sunday we are headed up the mountain to spend the 4th of July with friends in Prescott.  So I've made reservations at Tarbell's for Monday evening. Mark Tarbell is a local chef phenomenon and won the Iron Chef competition on the Food Network when he appeared against Cat Cora.  He also writes the weekly wine column in the Phoenix paper.  Christine has wanted to dine at his restaurant for years and we shall soon experience Tarbell's.

A Century and a Half of Farmington History

Talking with mom over the past week we have done our best at piecing together our ancestry in Farmington, Mo. and Decatur, IL. As far back as she can remember are the stories of her grandmother and grandfather arriving in Farmington in a covered wagon shortly after their daughter (Maud) was born in 1890.  That was on her father's side of the family (Biggs).  Her mother's family (Koen/Cleve) was already established in Farmington by the time the Bigg's arrived from Illinois in the wagon.  Fascinating history and a tribute to small town values with close knit families.  Aunt Maud (my great aunt) is one of the families most endearing figures.  She and her husband Hoppy (Blair) built their third restaurant on their own land themselves.  The Hopkins Family Cafe was the brown and white log cabin on the edge of town that people came from near and far to eat the food that was grown on-site in their fields, hen houses and pastures.

Mom has really enjoyed talking about the good old days and all of the restaurants that have been in the family over the past 150, or so, years.  She has been out of the bed all morning sitting in a comfy blue chair and we just got back from walking 10 laps before lunch.  I'm sure we'll do 10 more before I leave this afternoon.
There is still a lot of history to discuss and now I've got to find some of those recepies from all of those family restaurants!

Happy Birthday Jenn

Grandma says "Happy Birthday Jenn" and hopes you have received the card she mailed you from the hospital.

A thunder storm rolled through the St. Louis area last night and was lighting up the sky above the house across the street from mom and dad's in Farmington.  It was quite a show, maybe the precursor for the Fourth of July.
Mom continues to grow stronger everyday.  We did our daily walk in the hall while I was picking her brain on the Biggs and Bering family histories.  I counted the laps silently and before she realized it we had walked half a mile (13 laps).  She felt really good to accomplish that distance.  Earlier this morning Dr. Pertruska visited and thought she was doing well but cautioned her not to expect a rapid recovery as he anticipates her blood count not to rise until the 23rd day and today marks the 14th day of her third month long stay in the hospital since Feburary.  The 23rd day will be the 6th of July so she has another 10 days or so until her body builds itself up from the ravages of the second round of consolidation chemotherapy.  She is eating well, drinking plenty of water and ready to go home.

Happy Birthday Mom

We celebrated mom's birthday with a white chocolate and fudge caked topped with 66 candles.  The nurses were quite happy to get the leftovers.  After opening gifts and snacking on Oberly we went for a walk and her stamina is steadily improving.  Friday we walked two laps in the hall, Saturday four and six laps today.  She is sitting up in a chair during the day and hoping that the white count rises soon so she can get back to her normal life in Farmington soon.  Happy Birthday!!!

Soulard Farmer's Market, Since 1779

Reminiscent of Pike Place Market in Seattle and European markets in major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Paris and Munich the market near the banks of the Mississippi and in the shadow of the Arch is a wonderful place to spend a Saturday morning! 

Soulard's is host to dozens of produce, flower, meat, fish, bakery and cheese vendors with several specialty stores like the one that sells fresh ground herbs, coffee beans and tea leaves.  I picked up a loaf of sun-dried tomato bread, Herb de Provence goat cheese, a pint of blackberries, half a dozen peaches, a bag of BBQ pork rinds (for dad) and some fresh cherry and apple tarts.

We enjoyed a picnic breakfast in room 824 of the chemo ward and it was spectacular; mom particularly enjoyed the fresh, still warm, cherry tart.  We are looking forward to a visit from mom's brother Dale and his wife Trish this afternoon and we'll probably be grazing on the leftovers from the Soulard picnic throughout the day as mom is feeling quite well under the circumstances

.

St. Louis University Hospital

I landed in St. Louis at midnight and finally got to Farmington at 2:30 this morning.  When dad left for work the dogs decided they were not about to let me sleep any longer so at 7:00 I got up, let them outside, showered and headed back to St. Louis to see mom in the hospital.  I stopped briefly downtown to snap a pic of the Arch and then was at the SLU hospital 5 minutes later.  Mom is doing surprisingly well and was happy when I walked into her private room.

We will spend the day talking and enjoying one another's company until dad arrives later this afternoon then I'll head back to Farmington for the evening.

Enroute to St. Louis

Here I sit at the airport in Phoenix (Sky Harbor) waiting on yet another flight.  This time it's back to St. Louis via Salt Lake City.  Mom is in the chemo isolation ward at Saint Louis University Hospital for her third, and final, month long stay.  I'll be landing in St. Louis around midnight and then drive an hour south to Farmington.  In the morning I'll drive back up to the hospital at SLU and sit with mom until dad arrives after work later in the afternoon then I'll head back to their house and repeat daily
This has been a travel intensive year so far: Today is the third trip to St. Louis/Farmington, the wedding trip to Baltimore/Poconos/NYC/Philly, to El Paso and Albuquerque for work and Memorial Day in Malibu.all since February.  I need to spend more time in the woods camping and less time in airports and on airplanes!

Happy Father's Day!

To all the birth, step, foster and Grand Fathers out there, Happy Father's Day!

Christine took me out to our favorite sushi restaurant, Tomo, for a fantastic lunch.  We had Miso soup, Ocean Salad (with octopus, scallops and  squid) and each had a bento box.  Her's was with fried tofu, tempura vegetables, salad, crunch roll and BBQ beef.  Mine had sashimi (salmon, tuna & yellowtail), gyoza, spicy tuna roll, BBQ beef and salad.  The service was stellar as usual and the meal was absolutely divine!

JennAwiza (bless you) called this morning wishing me a Happy Day and Corey called this evening.  Thank you Jenn, Corey & Christine for making it a special day in June!

Congratulations Melissa!

Yesterday was the big day, High School Graduation!  Congratulations on a job well done.

Another Pulmonoligist with Another Diagnosis

A second pulmonoligist saw Christine today with a slightly different idea of what the diagnosis is.  Although both specialists agree that without a biopsy a diagnosis is purely an educated guess, the doctor today believes Christine does indeed have valley fever.  Airborne fungus from the soil gets caught in and begins to grow in the lungs.  The biopsy will be performed tomorrow and within a day or two we will hopefully know what the issue is.  Banner Estrella Hospital is a wonderful medical facility with a friendly staff and spectacular private rooms, at least Christine's room is.  But she is quite ready to checkout and go home.

Good News After a Long Fast

Christine was told Friday evening that the Pulmonologist may elect to perform a test Saturday that would require her to fast (no food or liquids) from dinner Friday until the test Saturday morning.  Unfortunately the doctor was delayed with a few urgent cases in ICU and did not get to Christine's room until around 1:30 P.M. and by that time she was quite hungry and thirsty.  The good news is that he does not believe she has Valley Fever or tuberculosis.  He told her that she has a bronchial infection but that due to the original suspicion of tuberculosis she had to remain in isolation for 3 days while they analyzed her saliva samples and she would be released Monday.  The nodules in her lungs are still of concern though and prior to discharging her they are going to perform a biopsy and those results will be back in three days.  After the news she was cleared to eat and she ordered up quite a spread and finished it all.  Hopefully she will finally get a peaceful nights sleep tonight!