Sorry for my long absence here - a lot has been going on.
Most importantly, I had my PSA blood test in November, and it was down to 0.8 from about 4.0. This is excellent, and just what the doctor wanted to see. In PSA low is good, high is bad. Going down is good, going up is bad. Another milestone, and quite a relief.
We visited uncle Trevor and Faina on Maui again in October, and spent Thanksgiving in Columbus, Ohio with Lia and Joel-Henry. More on both of those anon, with a few pix to boot!
In the meantime, the concert for the Camerata Singers is next week, and I am singing in a small professional caroling group, so things are cranking up.
I am also working again - as a substitute teacher - and loving it!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Happy Birthday to Me!
And it really was! My wife brought me coffee and chocolate while singing "Happy Birthday" first thing in the morning. We had steak and eggs for breakfast at Holly's Lighthouse Cafe, and I even indulged in hash browns. My eldest daughter called me on my cell while we were there to wish me a happy birthday, and we had a nice chat.
After getting home, our contractor showed up with the new doors we've been waiting for. They are gorgeous, and we are so glad they are finally here.
I worked through a first draft of a Kyrie based on the Passamezzo Antico ground, and then had lunch with the husband of my church's choir director. He works in the same area of law I was in - Workers' Compensation - and we have a lot in common. It was thoroughly delightful.
Elaine and I went to Macy's in the afternoon to participate in a fund raiser for the Camerata Singers, and we had two couples over for dinner: Pauline and Anthony and Marcia and Mark. I made my infamous lasagne, accompanied by heirloom tomato carpaccio and marinated zucchini a la Colle del Capitano, the recipe of which the mistress of that establishment was gracious enough to share with me. Good friends, good food, good wine, good conversation. We had a wonderful evening, and we capped it off with a shot of Belarusian Vodka that was the gift from my cousin Sasha.
Now it is time for bed, and I am confident I will sleep well.
After getting home, our contractor showed up with the new doors we've been waiting for. They are gorgeous, and we are so glad they are finally here.
I worked through a first draft of a Kyrie based on the Passamezzo Antico ground, and then had lunch with the husband of my church's choir director. He works in the same area of law I was in - Workers' Compensation - and we have a lot in common. It was thoroughly delightful.
Elaine and I went to Macy's in the afternoon to participate in a fund raiser for the Camerata Singers, and we had two couples over for dinner: Pauline and Anthony and Marcia and Mark. I made my infamous lasagne, accompanied by heirloom tomato carpaccio and marinated zucchini a la Colle del Capitano, the recipe of which the mistress of that establishment was gracious enough to share with me. Good friends, good food, good wine, good conversation. We had a wonderful evening, and we capped it off with a shot of Belarusian Vodka that was the gift from my cousin Sasha.
Now it is time for bed, and I am confident I will sleep well.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Huzzah!!
I had my CT scan this morning, and the doctor said that everything looks very, very good with my implants. He has to send the results out for a formal reading, but it's celebration time!
The half life of the radioactive element is about one month. That means if the initial radiation dose was 1024 (a completely arbitrary number for easy illustration), after one month it is 512, after two months it is 256, after three months it is 128 and so on. After one year it is 1!
I go back to the urologist in December, and to the radiation oncologist in March. They'll do a PSA test at that time, and that should give a good indication as to my condition. The only chance of a problem (a very small one) is if the cancer has already metastasized to somewhere outside of the prostate. This was caught very early, so it is unlikely. When it happens, the cancer tends to go into the bones or into the lymph nodes. I had a bone scan soon after the cancer was diagnosed which was clear.
It is not 100% that I am cured, but in the very high 90s. Out of 130 patients, this doctor has only had the recurrence show up in 1. Not bad odds.
The half life of the radioactive element is about one month. That means if the initial radiation dose was 1024 (a completely arbitrary number for easy illustration), after one month it is 512, after two months it is 256, after three months it is 128 and so on. After one year it is 1!
I go back to the urologist in December, and to the radiation oncologist in March. They'll do a PSA test at that time, and that should give a good indication as to my condition. The only chance of a problem (a very small one) is if the cancer has already metastasized to somewhere outside of the prostate. This was caught very early, so it is unlikely. When it happens, the cancer tends to go into the bones or into the lymph nodes. I had a bone scan soon after the cancer was diagnosed which was clear.
It is not 100% that I am cured, but in the very high 90s. Out of 130 patients, this doctor has only had the recurrence show up in 1. Not bad odds.
Friday, September 07, 2007
I have to admit it's getting better...
a little better all the time. (That would make a cool song lyric, huh?)
I feel almost normal now, though I get a little tired from time to time. Last night I only had to get up once - that was the first time since the surgery. Hallelujah!
The "plumbing" is not as sensitive, although I do feel a bit of an ache from time to time.
It is very encouraging.
The biggest problem this week was the spam a site called Quechup sent out under my e-mail address. I had to send out several hundred warnings/apologies. There are still lists that won't let me rejoin because of *my* abuse. On the bright side, I've reconnected with several people I haven't talked to in years as a result, but it wasn't worth it.
I feel almost normal now, though I get a little tired from time to time. Last night I only had to get up once - that was the first time since the surgery. Hallelujah!
The "plumbing" is not as sensitive, although I do feel a bit of an ache from time to time.
It is very encouraging.
The biggest problem this week was the spam a site called Quechup sent out under my e-mail address. I had to send out several hundred warnings/apologies. There are still lists that won't let me rejoin because of *my* abuse. On the bright side, I've reconnected with several people I haven't talked to in years as a result, but it wasn't worth it.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Vacation photos
Being used as a dartboard has been distracting, so I never got around to posting the photos from our Ashland trip.
The Sundial Bridge, Redding, California
Mt. Lassen, California
Our lunch view from Wooldridge Vineyards, Applegate Valley, Oregon
Black Butte, California
For more, see my Flickr site.
For more, see my Flickr site.
Torna al'Italia...
My youngest daughter is now in Italy, doing a year at the University of Padova (that's Padua for you non-Italian speakers). She flew out there the same day I had my surgery, and very graciously left me a "get well soon" message from the tarmac at JFK. Of course, the best laid plans of mice often go astray...
[... and men! It's "of mice and men."
"Men? What have men got to do with it?"]
Her flight got in late, she missed her connection, and didn't make it to Padova until 11PM instead of the scheduled 1 PM. On top of this, her luggage has yet to make an appearance, and she chose to fly in her pajama pants. A new pair of pants was her first purchase - cheap and funny looking, she says. Of course they're funny looking - they are pantalones! That even sounds funny!
She has a new cell phone (one that works in Europe) and apparently can receive calls for free. We shall see. In any event, despite all this she is delighted to be back in Italy, and I am very happy for her.
[... and men! It's "of mice and men."
"Men? What have men got to do with it?"]
Her flight got in late, she missed her connection, and didn't make it to Padova until 11PM instead of the scheduled 1 PM. On top of this, her luggage has yet to make an appearance, and she chose to fly in her pajama pants. A new pair of pants was her first purchase - cheap and funny looking, she says. Of course they're funny looking - they are pantalones! That even sounds funny!
She has a new cell phone (one that works in Europe) and apparently can receive calls for free. We shall see. In any event, despite all this she is delighted to be back in Italy, and I am very happy for her.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Convalescing
Doing better today. I had to wear a catheter the first night, and that wasn't fun. It was so uncomfortable that the only place I could sleep was in a reclining chair. Luckily, that worked pretty well.
The nurse told me to call the doctor's office in the morning to see if it could be removed. Even though I called right when the office opened, the medical assistant thought it might be too late for that day. She called the doctor (who was in his Hollister office) and he gave her the go ahead, but it had to be right away.
This was, of course, the first day of school where my wife teaches. Luckily, the principal is very sympathetic, being a prostate cancer survivor himself, and took over her class so she could leave immediately and take me to the doctor's office. It was very efficient, and she only missed the one class.
What a trouper - I feel incredibly blessed.
The nurse told me to call the doctor's office in the morning to see if it could be removed. Even though I called right when the office opened, the medical assistant thought it might be too late for that day. She called the doctor (who was in his Hollister office) and he gave her the go ahead, but it had to be right away.
This was, of course, the first day of school where my wife teaches. Luckily, the principal is very sympathetic, being a prostate cancer survivor himself, and took over her class so she could leave immediately and take me to the doctor's office. It was very efficient, and she only missed the one class.
What a trouper - I feel incredibly blessed.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
I survived!
Surgery came and went yesterday, and the doctors told my wife they were very pleased with how it went. I'm still a little woozy from the anesthetic, but not doing too bad overall.
I'm going to sit in my comfy chair!
I'm going to sit in my comfy chair!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Surgery approaches...
I go in for my surgery on my prostate on Tuesday afternoon. The doctors I have been seeing for the treatment will both participate in the implantation of the radioactive seeds. The procedure should last about 2 hours, and I will be under a general anesthetic. However, it is outpatient, and if all goes as it should I will be home Tuesday night.
On the exact same day our youngest daughter flies to Italy, where she will spend about a year studying at the University of Padova. Keep us all in your thoughts!
On the exact same day our youngest daughter flies to Italy, where she will spend about a year studying at the University of Padova. Keep us all in your thoughts!
Time flies....
Well, the Bach Festival has come and gone, and was a wonderful experience. The high point was our St. Matthew Passion on the third and final weekend. Something magical happened, and everything clicked in a way that let to the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Libby Walfisch, concertmaster, brought out a level of subtlety and emotion for "Erbarme dich" that was stunningly beautiful. Joanna Blendulf's viola da gamba playing was superb as well. Audience and performers alike left the performance in tears. I will not forget the feeling soon.
Elaine and I took about a week to venture north to Ashland for the Shakespeare Festival again. We took in two plays (well, *half* of two plays - they just start too late for us to last past intermission these days...) They were "Distracted" and August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean." Both were done extremely well, and we enjoyed what we saw. The main reason for the trip was to see our friend Pat and attend her recital with other friends from long ago. The recital was delightful, with some wonderful viol playing. I was happy to get the chance to play viols with all of them afterwards just for fun.
Elaine and I took about a week to venture north to Ashland for the Shakespeare Festival again. We took in two plays (well, *half* of two plays - they just start too late for us to last past intermission these days...) They were "Distracted" and August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean." Both were done extremely well, and we enjoyed what we saw. The main reason for the trip was to see our friend Pat and attend her recital with other friends from long ago. The recital was delightful, with some wonderful viol playing. I was happy to get the chance to play viols with all of them afterwards just for fun.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Death for 5 Voices...
...or more!
Elaine and I went to sit in on the dress rehearsal for the Chorale's a cappella concert at the Carmel Mission on Monday night. The major work is the Tenebrae of Don Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa, a Renaissance composer who was known for extreme chromaticism, and even more for killing his wife. Even though quite shocking in its day, the Tenebrae sounded right at home when sung in conjunction with Poulenc's 4 Motets in the time of Lent.
The Chorale has a wonderful sound, and it was a treat to be able to hear them in that acoustic without the sound being sucked up by 400 people! They did a very nice job with very difficult music - which is a fraction of what they have to sing for the festival. They are certainly earning their money this year. Director Andrew Megill has deftly brought disparate singers together from across the country and made them sound like they'd been singing together for years. It was a real treat.
Elaine and I went to sit in on the dress rehearsal for the Chorale's a cappella concert at the Carmel Mission on Monday night. The major work is the Tenebrae of Don Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa, a Renaissance composer who was known for extreme chromaticism, and even more for killing his wife. Even though quite shocking in its day, the Tenebrae sounded right at home when sung in conjunction with Poulenc's 4 Motets in the time of Lent.
The Chorale has a wonderful sound, and it was a treat to be able to hear them in that acoustic without the sound being sucked up by 400 people! They did a very nice job with very difficult music - which is a fraction of what they have to sing for the festival. They are certainly earning their money this year. Director Andrew Megill has deftly brought disparate singers together from across the country and made them sound like they'd been singing together for years. It was a real treat.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Laughter in our mouths...
The last two weeks have been intense, with rehearsals for the Carmel Bach Festival occurring daily, and sometimes twice a day. It was very tiring, but rewarding. It is such a pleasure to make music with world class performers, and being able to sing for Maestro Bruno Weil is an amazing privilege.
The volunteer chorus (of which I am a member) is singing in Bach's Cantata 110 on Saturday evenings, a Christmas offering that opens with the text "our mouths are full of laughter because God has done great things for us."
On Sunday afternoon we are presenting the St. Matthew Passion, one of the most incredible pieces of music ever written. For me, some of the most sublime moments come in the two arias accompanied by Viola da Gamba. Joanna Blendulf is a tremendously gifted artist, and handles both of these very difficult pieces with aplomb and grace.
Our opening weekend just concluded, and the audiences were very enthusiastic. Two more weekends to go!
(Image from OMM.de)
The volunteer chorus (of which I am a member) is singing in Bach's Cantata 110 on Saturday evenings, a Christmas offering that opens with the text "our mouths are full of laughter because God has done great things for us."
On Sunday afternoon we are presenting the St. Matthew Passion, one of the most incredible pieces of music ever written. For me, some of the most sublime moments come in the two arias accompanied by Viola da Gamba. Joanna Blendulf is a tremendously gifted artist, and handles both of these very difficult pieces with aplomb and grace.
Our opening weekend just concluded, and the audiences were very enthusiastic. Two more weekends to go!
(Image from OMM.de)
Friday, July 13, 2007
Independence Day
We spent a wonderful Independence Day holiday. There was a Bach rehearsal from 4:30 to 7 PM the night before, and afterwards we met up with our friends Jackie and Mike at Ribera Beach for a barbecue. They have a tradition of hanging out there with a bunch of friends every July 3. It was wonderful. It was so warm that I had to take off my jacket. I can't remember the last time I could do that at the beach in Carmel. There was nobody else there - probably due to the long access staircase. Absolutely gorgeous, with clear skies and a brilliant sunset. As darkness descended, the stars shone with unusual clarity, and Venus and Jupiter stood out from the background like searchlights.
Next day we went out to Spreckels to see the little parade they have and have yet another barbecue at our friend Patty's house. The sun was out in full force, and the postage stamp size town was packed to the gills with visitors. If we hadn't been able to park in Patty's driveway, we would have had to park at least a mile away. Amazing. The parade was cute and the food was all American - hamburgers, foot long hot dogs, potato salad and apple pie. It was absolutely delicious - Patty is a waitress here in town, and one of the best. She always gets significantly more than anyone can eat, and takes whatever is left to the woman's shelter afterwards.
At 5 PM or so we attended our third barbecue in as many meals at our friend Lisa and Robin's house. This time we brought ribs marinated in beer, sage and honey, and there were grilled vegetables and chicken to boot. The fireworks at the harbor didn't start until after 9 PM so as to be visible in the dark. That was way past our bedtime, but we heard them! We haven't had such an enjoyable fourth in years.
Next day we went out to Spreckels to see the little parade they have and have yet another barbecue at our friend Patty's house. The sun was out in full force, and the postage stamp size town was packed to the gills with visitors. If we hadn't been able to park in Patty's driveway, we would have had to park at least a mile away. Amazing. The parade was cute and the food was all American - hamburgers, foot long hot dogs, potato salad and apple pie. It was absolutely delicious - Patty is a waitress here in town, and one of the best. She always gets significantly more than anyone can eat, and takes whatever is left to the woman's shelter afterwards.
At 5 PM or so we attended our third barbecue in as many meals at our friend Lisa and Robin's house. This time we brought ribs marinated in beer, sage and honey, and there were grilled vegetables and chicken to boot. The fireworks at the harbor didn't start until after 9 PM so as to be visible in the dark. That was way past our bedtime, but we heard them! We haven't had such an enjoyable fourth in years.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Did I mention...?
...that my daughter was getting married?
Just in case you were wondering, the wedding was lovely at St. Joseph's, and the bride and groom enjoyed a cruise to Seward, Alaska for their honeymoon and now are safely ensconced at home in Ohio.
Proud papa with his girls
The happy couple
Comes the pretty young bride...
The first waltz
Just in case you were wondering, the wedding was lovely at St. Joseph's, and the bride and groom enjoyed a cruise to Seward, Alaska for their honeymoon and now are safely ensconced at home in Ohio.
Friday, June 22, 2007
D-Day!
The rehearsal was wonderful, and the dinner at Il Pirata in Capitola delicious. It is going to be a lovely wedding!As W.S. Gilbert noted in The Grand Duke:
Won’t it be a pretty wedding?
Will not Li(s)a look delightful?
Smiles and tears in plenty shedding –
Which in brides of course is rightful.
...
Oh, ‘twill be a pretty wedding!
Such a pretty, pretty wedding!
Such a charming, charming, charming wedding!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Big Day minus 2 and counting...
Saturday was a Bach Festival rehearsal day, and that went well. We really like Andrew Megill, the new chorus master.
Sunday was a real treat, as both of my daughters came to visit for Father's Day. We had a lovely dinner at the Cellar Door, watched Doctor Who, and had a fun time all around. Sofia is still here, but even Lia stayed over one night. It was the best Father's Day ever!
Getting ready for Lia's wedding on Friday. Not anything really for us to do, but emotionally it is a big step!
Sunday was a real treat, as both of my daughters came to visit for Father's Day. We had a lovely dinner at the Cellar Door, watched Doctor Who, and had a fun time all around. Sofia is still here, but even Lia stayed over one night. It was the best Father's Day ever!
Getting ready for Lia's wedding on Friday. Not anything really for us to do, but emotionally it is a big step!
Southern excursion
Back from our trip south. There is a new airline serving Monterey - Expressjet - and it has non-stop service to Ontario and San Diego at reasonable fares. We decided to avoid the 1000 mile round trip drive and give the new carrier a try. It was wonderful. One hour gate to gate, and very comfortable. The jets are small, but do seat about 60 people, and there is more leg room than on your average transcontinental (or intercontinental, for that matter) flight. We were able to spend more time with family and less time on the road, and were not at all fatigued from the journey.
We spent the first and last nights with my wife's mom and step-dad, with the middle night at her sister's new house in Fallbrook. It was a very pleasant trip indeed.
One of the reasons we really wanted to go was to see my wife's grandmother, who recently moved into an assisted living facility at the age of 94. Her grandfather passed away last year. The facility is very nice, and Louise has a beautiful view of the park and San Diego bay. She seems to be doing quite well, and we were fortunate enough to see her on two occasions. First, at her new abode, and second, for lunch at the Coronado Golf Course club house, which was really quite good - again, with an absolutely gorgeous view.
We spent the first and last nights with my wife's mom and step-dad, with the middle night at her sister's new house in Fallbrook. It was a very pleasant trip indeed.
One of the reasons we really wanted to go was to see my wife's grandmother, who recently moved into an assisted living facility at the age of 94. Her grandfather passed away last year. The facility is very nice, and Louise has a beautiful view of the park and San Diego bay. She seems to be doing quite well, and we were fortunate enough to see her on two occasions. First, at her new abode, and second, for lunch at the Coronado Golf Course club house, which was really quite good - again, with an absolutely gorgeous view.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Madregalia!!
The madrigal group that I belong to (MADREGALIA!!) gave a "house" concert for friends and family yesterday at St. Mary's church. About 40 people showed up, and it was a lot of fun. We sang renaissance part songs from the sublime to the absurd from several different countries, and we finsihed off with a little cantata by Michael Praetorius on the hymn "Herr Christ der Einig Gottes Sohn." Turns out that hymn was the first one in the Lutheran tradition to focus on Christ, and the text was written by the first female Lutheran hymn writer, Elisabeth Creuziger in 1524.
The audience was very enthusiastic, and I have been receiving e-mails and telephone calls from folks telling me how much they enjoyed it. One of the members owns a harpsichord that he built from a kit, and it was the hit of the afternoon. Several people came up afterwards to see it and the viols.
Now I am completely exhausted!
The audience was very enthusiastic, and I have been receiving e-mails and telephone calls from folks telling me how much they enjoyed it. One of the members owns a harpsichord that he built from a kit, and it was the hit of the afternoon. Several people came up afterwards to see it and the viols.
Now I am completely exhausted!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Home again, home again...
Monday was our travel home day, but we spent much of it with John as our plane didn't leave until 5:30. We decided to check out a place described in the book "Weird New Jersey" that wasn't too far away. Out on Pleasant Valley road is a place known as Gravity Hill. We followed the directions in the book, but couldn't find the place where the car would supposedly roll uphill. Apparently the markers have been removed or paved over. We asked a young man working outside at "Gravity Hill Farm" and he tried to guide us, but every place we tried the car simply rolled back down the hill. Nevertheless, it was a mildly entertaining outing.
The flight back was one of the most pleasant I have experienced in a long time, as when I checked in from the house that morning I was able to change our seats to an exit row! It was really nice to be able to enjoy the flight without my knees jammed into the seat back in front of me.
The bulk of the country was hazy, but the sunset from 35,000 feet was pretty.
The flight back was one of the most pleasant I have experienced in a long time, as when I checked in from the house that morning I was able to change our seats to an exit row! It was really nice to be able to enjoy the flight without my knees jammed into the seat back in front of me.
The bulk of the country was hazy, but the sunset from 35,000 feet was pretty.
Make that x 3!
Sunday was the big day. John graciously provided me with a digital projector and portable DVD player for the occasion, and we even went out and bought some wireless amplified speakers so that the sound would be good. His church provided us with an old screen, and so we were set. My wife and I attended the Episcopal service at St. Matthew's in Pennington, and then drove down to Trenton.
The dinner was a lot of fun, and I talked with scads of people (and probable relations!) My presentation went well, and lots of the folks want copies of the DVD. The mayor of Hamilton Square was present, as was a Freeholder (county supervisor) of Mercer County, both of whom have Monteleone roots. There was lots of memorabilia around, including layoff notices from Roebling Steel for some of the former members. The interesting thing about those notices was that there was an actual category for describing the person's nose! Eyes: Brown, Hair: Black, Nose: Roman. I wonder what the other categories would have been...
The dinner was a lot of fun, and I talked with scads of people (and probable relations!) My presentation went well, and lots of the folks want copies of the DVD. The mayor of Hamilton Square was present, as was a Freeholder (county supervisor) of Mercer County, both of whom have Monteleone roots. There was lots of memorabilia around, including layoff notices from Roebling Steel for some of the former members. The interesting thing about those notices was that there was an actual category for describing the person's nose! Eyes: Brown, Hair: Black, Nose: Roman. I wonder what the other categories would have been...
Chambersburg x 2
That evening we had dinner at the Roman Hall in Trenton. That was probably the last time, as I've been told that it is for sale and almost certainly will not continue to be an Italian restaurant. It is very sad - most of the Italian population has moved out of Chambersburg, which was the Italian neighborhood of Trenton.
The meal was wonderful as always, even if the place was mostly empty.
Saturday morning my wife and I made our way to Hopewell to have breakfast with my cousin Ron and his wife MaryEllen. They are wonderful folks, and they brought us up to date on all the local happenings. We were there a good two hours.
Leaving my wife back at the homestead to rest and get a break from too many relatives, John and I met up with Judy, the granddaughter of the sister of my great-uncle John's wife. (That confusing enough for you?) I have just recently encountered Judy on the internet, and we have exchanged bits of genealogical information. It was nice to meet her in real life.
We took it easy for the rest of the afternoon, and I spent most of the time talking with John. For dinner, the four of us drove back down to Chambersburg for a couple of real tomato pies at DeLorenzo's on Hudson. The pizzas were wonderful - just can't get anything like it in California.
The meal was wonderful as always, even if the place was mostly empty.
Saturday morning my wife and I made our way to Hopewell to have breakfast with my cousin Ron and his wife MaryEllen. They are wonderful folks, and they brought us up to date on all the local happenings. We were there a good two hours.
Leaving my wife back at the homestead to rest and get a break from too many relatives, John and I met up with Judy, the granddaughter of the sister of my great-uncle John's wife. (That confusing enough for you?) I have just recently encountered Judy on the internet, and we have exchanged bits of genealogical information. It was nice to meet her in real life.
We took it easy for the rest of the afternoon, and I spent most of the time talking with John. For dinner, the four of us drove back down to Chambersburg for a couple of real tomato pies at DeLorenzo's on Hudson. The pizzas were wonderful - just can't get anything like it in California.
New Jersey, here we come!
Just got back from our whirlwind expedition to New Jersey for the 100th anniversary of the Monteleone Society. I was the featured speaker and presented a slideshow on DVD of my photos from the trip to Monteleone last year. I even made the Trenton Times! The author of the story was seated next to me. Nice young woman with some sort of atrophying condition that confines her to an electric wheelchair.
After taking the redeye from San Jose to Newark, we took our traditional route south along I-78, I-287 and SR-202 to Flemington, where we had our first pork roll and egg sandwich of the trip at the Shaker Cafe in Flemington. Then on down route 31 to Pennington, where we stayed with our friends John and Cary. After chatting the morning away, we drove up the Delaware River to Stockton, and had a most delightful lunch at Colligan's in the historic Stockton Inn. For those of you who remember the songs of Rodgers and Hart, that is the "small hotel with a wishing well."
After taking the redeye from San Jose to Newark, we took our traditional route south along I-78, I-287 and SR-202 to Flemington, where we had our first pork roll and egg sandwich of the trip at the Shaker Cafe in Flemington. Then on down route 31 to Pennington, where we stayed with our friends John and Cary. After chatting the morning away, we drove up the Delaware River to Stockton, and had a most delightful lunch at Colligan's in the historic Stockton Inn. For those of you who remember the songs of Rodgers and Hart, that is the "small hotel with a wishing well."
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Oh Beautiful!
The concert with Camerata went very well this past weekend. It consisted entirely of Americana, from the silly to sublime, and the audiences were absolutely delighted. My setting of "Idumea" was very well receieved, and several people told me it was there favorite work on the program.
My youngest daughter had just finished her second year at Berkeley, and she stayed the weekend with us, assisting at all three concerts. My eldest daughter came down for a few minutes on Friday afternoon with her fiance, mostly to be able to see my mother. She had flown out from Ohio to be with him for his graduation from Hastings on Sunday, and they had several business items to attend to with regard to their upcoming nuptials in June. Everything seems to be coming together for that.
Our oldest son flew in on Sunday, and he'll be with us for the week. He just recently returned from several months in Germany. Our younger son will graduate from San Francisco State this weekend. Unfortunately, we cannot go because we already had another commitment out of state by the time he told us the date!
Busy times...
My youngest daughter had just finished her second year at Berkeley, and she stayed the weekend with us, assisting at all three concerts. My eldest daughter came down for a few minutes on Friday afternoon with her fiance, mostly to be able to see my mother. She had flown out from Ohio to be with him for his graduation from Hastings on Sunday, and they had several business items to attend to with regard to their upcoming nuptials in June. Everything seems to be coming together for that.
Our oldest son flew in on Sunday, and he'll be with us for the week. He just recently returned from several months in Germany. Our younger son will graduate from San Francisco State this weekend. Unfortunately, we cannot go because we already had another commitment out of state by the time he told us the date!
Busy times...
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Rehearsing
Our final concert of the season with the Camerata Singers is this weekend. The program consists of all American music, and is called "Oh Beautiful For Spacious Skies." We are singing a variety of things, many in a comic vein. This will be the closest to a pop concert we have ever been. The exciting part for me is that our leader graciously agreed to include an arrangement I made of the Sacred Harp tune "Idumea," and it is sounding very good. I'll have a recording of it by the end of the weekend, and that will help in my endeavors to get it published.
We've also been doing some rehearsing with the madrigal group for a house concert in June. In addition to traditional madrigal repertoire, we are going to perform a short cantata by Michael Praetorius on the chorale "Herr Christ der Einig Gottes Sohn." Stay tuned for further developments...
We've also been doing some rehearsing with the madrigal group for a house concert in June. In addition to traditional madrigal repertoire, we are going to perform a short cantata by Michael Praetorius on the chorale "Herr Christ der Einig Gottes Sohn." Stay tuned for further developments...
Recovery
My mother has been on the upswing all week. In fact, she's up almost 20 pounds from her low about a month ago! She is in excellent spirits, and has been walking downtown every day. The visiting nurses really hate that, as they are concerned she is going to fall. No stopping her, though, and I think she would not be doing as well if she felt confined to the apartment.
The hospice nurse came today to do an evaluation. She is doing so well that she does not qualify for hospice services at this time. They are putting her in an intermediate category and maintaining a file on her. We are looking forward to working with hospice, as they will come to the house to address most of her needs.
The hospice nurse came today to do an evaluation. She is doing so well that she does not qualify for hospice services at this time. They are putting her in an intermediate category and maintaining a file on her. We are looking forward to working with hospice, as they will come to the house to address most of her needs.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Gobsmacked...
Last Wednesday was not a good day. My volume study to map out my prostate for the seed implantation was scheduled for 8:30 AM, so I showed up at the doctor's office at about twenty after. The door was locked, but there was activity inside, so I figured their practice was to not open the door early. My wife took the day off, so we just chatted outside - it was a lovely morning. 8:35 rolled around, and noone had opened the door yet. I tried it just to make sure, but it was still locked. Five more minutes, and nothing. I jiggled it very strongly so that it would be heard, and the receptionist came to the door.
Turns out it was the wrong doctor! I was supposed to be at the hospital with the radiation oncologist, not in the office with the urologist. What a putz! They graciously called for me to let the doctor know I was on the way, and we zoomed up to the hospital, which luckily isn't far. The doctor was still willing to see me, so I put on my robe, put my feet up in the stirrups and thought of the empire, trying to calm myself down.
When the test was done, the doctor quipped that that had just been the trial run, and that the real test would start shortly with the big probe! I meekly said "OK" while my wife started laughing.
Unfortunately, the test showed that my prostate is very slightly masked by the pubic bone, which means it would be very difficult to correctly place the implants. Consequently, the doctor told me I would need to start hormone therapy to shrink the prostate a bit so that the bone would no longer be in the way. I asked if there would be any permanent effects, and he replied "not usually."
As I thought about this during the course of the day, I started to get more and more upset. After all, hormone therapy (and its associated impotence and loss of libido) was something I had been trying to avoid. Perhaps I wanted to reconsider my course of treatment.
The appointment for the injection was the next morning, but I didn't want anything to happen without talking to the urologist first. I had not been thinking clearly enough the day before, and had come up with several questions in the meantime. The doctor graciously took me into his office, and addressed all my concerns. With a sense of relief, I got my shot of anti-testosterone. I get another one next month, and a repeat volume study in July.
Turns out it was the wrong doctor! I was supposed to be at the hospital with the radiation oncologist, not in the office with the urologist. What a putz! They graciously called for me to let the doctor know I was on the way, and we zoomed up to the hospital, which luckily isn't far. The doctor was still willing to see me, so I put on my robe, put my feet up in the stirrups and thought of the empire, trying to calm myself down.
When the test was done, the doctor quipped that that had just been the trial run, and that the real test would start shortly with the big probe! I meekly said "OK" while my wife started laughing.
Unfortunately, the test showed that my prostate is very slightly masked by the pubic bone, which means it would be very difficult to correctly place the implants. Consequently, the doctor told me I would need to start hormone therapy to shrink the prostate a bit so that the bone would no longer be in the way. I asked if there would be any permanent effects, and he replied "not usually."
As I thought about this during the course of the day, I started to get more and more upset. After all, hormone therapy (and its associated impotence and loss of libido) was something I had been trying to avoid. Perhaps I wanted to reconsider my course of treatment.
The appointment for the injection was the next morning, but I didn't want anything to happen without talking to the urologist first. I had not been thinking clearly enough the day before, and had come up with several questions in the meantime. The doctor graciously took me into his office, and addressed all my concerns. With a sense of relief, I got my shot of anti-testosterone. I get another one next month, and a repeat volume study in July.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Much ado...
Yesterday, the visiting nurse came late in the day, and called me over because my mom appeared to have a raging infection at the site of her IV from the stay at the hospital last week. The thermometer indicated that she had a fever of 103.4! She insisted I rush her to the emergency room. I questioned this, because it was pretty late and I didn't think she looked that bad. Nope, we had to go. It was 5 PM when we got there, and she had no fever at all. (Turns out the nurse's thermometer was broken!) Still, she had a new bump at the IV site, so they wanted to see her. After two hours in the waiting room, my wife and I couldn't take it anymore and left to get something to eat.
When we returned, she was in one of the ER rooms. They confirmed there was no fever, but wanted to run all sorts of tests, including an ultrasound. By this point it was 9 PM, and we knew it would still be hours before anything would happen. They agreed to keep her overnight, and we came home and got some sleep.
I went back this morning, and the ultrasound still hadn't been done, and she hadn't been given anything to eat yet. After talking to the doctor, I left to do some errands because it was clear this was going to be a lengthy process. Upon my return, she was undergoing the ultrasound. Her breakfast was there at her bed - it came just before they took her away, so all she got was one bite of banana. After the test, they called for someone to bring her back to her room. They put her in the hall. After half an hour and still noone had come, the tech took pity on her and brought her back. Of course, by then, all of her food was cold.
I talked with her regular doctor, who had come by when she was undergoing her test, and it was agreed that she should come home. She did have an infection, and had had an antibiotic drip, but he felt it could be controlled with pills and coming into his office for shots.
All this on a day I have to fast because I undergo my volume study on the prostate tomorrow!
When we returned, she was in one of the ER rooms. They confirmed there was no fever, but wanted to run all sorts of tests, including an ultrasound. By this point it was 9 PM, and we knew it would still be hours before anything would happen. They agreed to keep her overnight, and we came home and got some sleep.
I went back this morning, and the ultrasound still hadn't been done, and she hadn't been given anything to eat yet. After talking to the doctor, I left to do some errands because it was clear this was going to be a lengthy process. Upon my return, she was undergoing the ultrasound. Her breakfast was there at her bed - it came just before they took her away, so all she got was one bite of banana. After the test, they called for someone to bring her back to her room. They put her in the hall. After half an hour and still noone had come, the tech took pity on her and brought her back. Of course, by then, all of her food was cold.
I talked with her regular doctor, who had come by when she was undergoing her test, and it was agreed that she should come home. She did have an infection, and had had an antibiotic drip, but he felt it could be controlled with pills and coming into his office for shots.
All this on a day I have to fast because I undergo my volume study on the prostate tomorrow!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Going with the flow...
On the prostate cancer front, I underwent testing this week to make sure there were no obstructions in my urinary flow. Everything was just fine, so I will be going in next week to have the measurements taken of the prostate so that a map of where to place the radioactive beads can be developed. That is done in Seattle, and once the results are back I can undergo the procedure. I don't know the time line on that, yet.
At least it is moving forward!
At least it is moving forward!
...but the service is terrible!
My mom has been having a real problem with swelling in her legs and arms. So much so that they have been leaking serum. It got so bad we had to put her in the hospital for a few days. Turns out she has also been having blood in the stool, and so when we got there she was quite anemic. They did a transfusion, and tried to do a colonoscopy and a GI endoscopy. She has a couple of small ulcers in the stomach, but nothing particularly significant. Unfortunately, she has a narrowing in her lower colon which prevents them from going very deep. As a result, they still don't know what is causing the internal bleeding. It seems to come and go, but they want to monitor her blood count from here on out.
She was in the new "West" wing of the hospital, and it was just gorgeous. There was faux wood paneling everywhere, the highest tech in hospital beds, a flat screen TV, and a view of the forest right outside her window. She liked that aspect of it, but complained about the "service." Basically, she wanted them to bring things for her that she wasn't allowed to have, and the hospital didn't want her walking around without assistance, so she got frustrated. We reminded her that it wasn't a hotel.
After four days, she was doing much better and was able to come home. She has finally agreed to allow helpers to come in, and they are coming every day now. Her legs are still swollen, so she hasn't been able to take her walks as she couldn't get her shoes on. This has been very frustrating for her, and she appears to be suffering a bit from depression. The doctor has prescribed medication for her in this regard, and I am hopeful it will help. She has been talking about wanting to "give up" and wanting to die. This is a bit distressing for us, as you can imagine. Still, she is going with the program. It is not in her nature to give up, despite being tired of living within her limitations.
She was in the new "West" wing of the hospital, and it was just gorgeous. There was faux wood paneling everywhere, the highest tech in hospital beds, a flat screen TV, and a view of the forest right outside her window. She liked that aspect of it, but complained about the "service." Basically, she wanted them to bring things for her that she wasn't allowed to have, and the hospital didn't want her walking around without assistance, so she got frustrated. We reminded her that it wasn't a hotel.
After four days, she was doing much better and was able to come home. She has finally agreed to allow helpers to come in, and they are coming every day now. Her legs are still swollen, so she hasn't been able to take her walks as she couldn't get her shoes on. This has been very frustrating for her, and she appears to be suffering a bit from depression. The doctor has prescribed medication for her in this regard, and I am hopeful it will help. She has been talking about wanting to "give up" and wanting to die. This is a bit distressing for us, as you can imagine. Still, she is going with the program. It is not in her nature to give up, despite being tired of living within her limitations.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Another blow...
Don't get hurt at work in California! That's the message from the state supreme court in Brodie v. WCAB, issued today. It is just the latest in a line of decisions that in effect say that the legislative intent of the poorly drafted, strong armed legislation put forth by the incredibly ignorant Gov. Schwarzenegger was to prevent insurance companies for having to pay the benefits they are charging premiums to provide.
The effects have been devastating to the average person who has had the misfortune to sustain any sort of serious injury while helping his employer make money.
Among the changes: if the injury is really serious, and you have to be off work for more than two years - too bad. Go collect social security. If you can get it. Otherwise it's time to apply for welfare. And the governor calls himself a Republican. I don't understand why shifting an insured interest in the private sector to the public dole is considered to be in line with conservative ideals. At a time when most folks are talking about trying to reduce entitlements, the governor with one stroke of his pen has put a tremendous increase on the taxpayers burden.
Next - when you get hurt, don't even think about trying to go to your own doctor. You must go to the company doctor. But the insurance company does not have to do what its own doctor recommends. A new system of oversight was instituted that has resulted in the delay of medical treatment to most people in the system. Remember - this is a denial of treatment recommended by the insurance company's doctor, not someone who might be biased in favor of the worker. If a doctor goes against the desires of the claims examiner, that doctor gets dropped from the list of approved doctors.
If you are hurt to the degree where you have a work restriction that prevents you from doing your job - oh well. Vocational rehabilitation is a thing of the past, and the new permanent disability system does not take work restrictions into consideration. The employer can fire someone that the doctor says cannot return to work. Sometimes that person has a permanent disability rating of 0 under the governor's system. They've lost their livelihood with no compensation, and it is perfectly legal. There's nothing a judge can do.
If you have something in your past that in any way contributes to your level of disability, even if it was dormant and was not disabling in any way until the injury lit it up, your award is discounted. Prior pregnancies have been held to make women more susceptible to abdominal injuries, and in some cases the compensation has been reduced by significantly more than 50%.
This new decision says that if you had a prior injury that rated 15% permanent disability, and now your new injury takes you up to a rating of 50% permanent disability you are not entitled to receive as much money combining the awards from the two injuries as you would if you simply had one injury at 50%. It is a windfall to the insurance company. Understand, I am not talking about double payments - I am talking about combining the money received from the original injury with the money the insurance company has to pay for the new injury. Because of a graduated system of payment, the worker ends up with a lot less for having had two injuries than he or she would have had if there had only been one.
Buy stock in insurance companies that write workers' compensation policies in California. They are rolling in exorbitant profits while people lose their homes.
The effects have been devastating to the average person who has had the misfortune to sustain any sort of serious injury while helping his employer make money.
Among the changes: if the injury is really serious, and you have to be off work for more than two years - too bad. Go collect social security. If you can get it. Otherwise it's time to apply for welfare. And the governor calls himself a Republican. I don't understand why shifting an insured interest in the private sector to the public dole is considered to be in line with conservative ideals. At a time when most folks are talking about trying to reduce entitlements, the governor with one stroke of his pen has put a tremendous increase on the taxpayers burden.
Next - when you get hurt, don't even think about trying to go to your own doctor. You must go to the company doctor. But the insurance company does not have to do what its own doctor recommends. A new system of oversight was instituted that has resulted in the delay of medical treatment to most people in the system. Remember - this is a denial of treatment recommended by the insurance company's doctor, not someone who might be biased in favor of the worker. If a doctor goes against the desires of the claims examiner, that doctor gets dropped from the list of approved doctors.
If you are hurt to the degree where you have a work restriction that prevents you from doing your job - oh well. Vocational rehabilitation is a thing of the past, and the new permanent disability system does not take work restrictions into consideration. The employer can fire someone that the doctor says cannot return to work. Sometimes that person has a permanent disability rating of 0 under the governor's system. They've lost their livelihood with no compensation, and it is perfectly legal. There's nothing a judge can do.
If you have something in your past that in any way contributes to your level of disability, even if it was dormant and was not disabling in any way until the injury lit it up, your award is discounted. Prior pregnancies have been held to make women more susceptible to abdominal injuries, and in some cases the compensation has been reduced by significantly more than 50%.
This new decision says that if you had a prior injury that rated 15% permanent disability, and now your new injury takes you up to a rating of 50% permanent disability you are not entitled to receive as much money combining the awards from the two injuries as you would if you simply had one injury at 50%. It is a windfall to the insurance company. Understand, I am not talking about double payments - I am talking about combining the money received from the original injury with the money the insurance company has to pay for the new injury. Because of a graduated system of payment, the worker ends up with a lot less for having had two injuries than he or she would have had if there had only been one.
Buy stock in insurance companies that write workers' compensation policies in California. They are rolling in exorbitant profits while people lose their homes.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Lasagne!
Easter dinner was a treat this year, with our friends Kitty and Bob joining my mom and the three of us at our place. I made my signature lasagne, complemented by roast rack of lamb, risotto milanese and a few other side dishes. I prepare lasagne from an algorithm rather than a strict recipe. In a nutshell, (well, actually in a deep lasagne pan...) the idea is to use a different sauce, a different cheese and a different meat on each layer. For example, on the bottom there was ground beef, fontina cheese and an Alfredo sauce. Next up was Italian sausage, Gruyere cheese and pesto. I also incorporated sun dried tomatoes on this level. Continuing the ascent, a layer of sopresatta salami sliced thin with a fennel/red wine red sauce, asiago cheese and chopped miniature plum tomatoes. The whole thing was topped off with parmesan and more red sauce. It was delicious!
Afterwards, we took our youngest back to Berkeley, and then we decided to avoid the two hour drive home by staying overnight in San Francisco. We had reservations at the 15 room European style Hotel Boheme on Columbus, right in the heart of North Beach. It was a delightful room, with a bay window that opened and looked down on the sidewalk cafes of that part of the city. It was like being in Italy. We sat a our small table and sipped our complementary sherry as we watched the world go by.
As we were still full from our big afternoon repast, we simply had some appetizers at Ristorante Figaro, just down stairs. I was delighted to learn they had some Aperol, the aperetivo we had discovered in Venice but had been unable to find in the states. We sipped at our drinks and just enjoyed the ambience as we consumed our carpaccio and various cheeses. Our table was just inside the large open windows, so we got the advantages of sitting outside but the good fortune of being out of the wind.
It was a wonderful way to unwind from our very hectic week.
Afterwards, we took our youngest back to Berkeley, and then we decided to avoid the two hour drive home by staying overnight in San Francisco. We had reservations at the 15 room European style Hotel Boheme on Columbus, right in the heart of North Beach. It was a delightful room, with a bay window that opened and looked down on the sidewalk cafes of that part of the city. It was like being in Italy. We sat a our small table and sipped our complementary sherry as we watched the world go by.As we were still full from our big afternoon repast, we simply had some appetizers at Ristorante Figaro, just down stairs. I was delighted to learn they had some Aperol, the aperetivo we had discovered in Venice but had been unable to find in the states. We sipped at our drinks and just enjoyed the ambience as we consumed our carpaccio and various cheeses. Our table was just inside the large open windows, so we got the advantages of sitting outside but the good fortune of being out of the wind.
It was a wonderful way to unwind from our very hectic week.
We survived!
Holy week seems a distant memory now, and it appears we did survive it! We attended a "symbolic" seder at St. Mary's on Thursday. Being symbolic, it wasn't a real dinner, and even though we had been advised of that many times, a good number of people hadn't eaten ahead of time. There was just enough food on the plate to get the juices flowing, and we ended up hungrier at the end of it than we had been when we sat down, despite having had our dinner. Funny how those pavlovian responses work...
The dinner segued directly into the Maundy Thursday service. We sang Tchaikovsky's "Crown of Roses" a cappella. It was a bit of a surprise, as we had never actually practiced it without accompaniment. Still, it went reasonably well, and the service was lovely. No washing of the feet at our church, but they do strip the altar and wash it at the end of the service.
On Friday we picked up my daughter from Berkeley and then participated in the Tenebrae service on Good Friday at Bethlehem Lutheran. We just barely made it because of the traffic, and did not have a chance to eat. We picked up a pizza on the way, and managed to scarf it down between rehearsal and the service. The choir offering was a lovely little anthem called "And No Bird Sang." I have to say I was taken aback when the pastor commented on the line "his blood be on us and on our children" from Matthew. He opined that it was one of the most "honest" moments in the Bible when the Jews admitted their responsibility for killing Jesus. That is certainly not my theology, and I don't believe it is the theology of any of the mainline Christian churches. It ruined the service for me.
Saturday was the Easter Vigil at St. Mary's. I read the Abraham/Isaac lesson, which is always a fun one. The service was very long, as we performed a musical tableau under the Creation reading, and there was a baptism as well. The service was nice, but 2 hours is a lot, especially with everything else that happens that week.
For Easter morning we were at Bethlehem. The choir sang 4 pieces, starting the whole service with a choral acclamation from Handel's "Israel in Egypt" ("Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously!) to which I wrote an appropriate contrafactum, followed directly by the "Gloria Patri" from the Magnificat Quinti Toni by Hieronymus Praetorius.
We also sang a choral version of "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" and the anthem "Christ is now arisen" which is set to the tune Personent Hodie. My daughter played flute, and we had a clarinet and a piccolo trumpet as well. The only downside was an organ cipher which occasionally intruded into the silences, but it was very festive and the offerings were well received.
The dinner segued directly into the Maundy Thursday service. We sang Tchaikovsky's "Crown of Roses" a cappella. It was a bit of a surprise, as we had never actually practiced it without accompaniment. Still, it went reasonably well, and the service was lovely. No washing of the feet at our church, but they do strip the altar and wash it at the end of the service.
On Friday we picked up my daughter from Berkeley and then participated in the Tenebrae service on Good Friday at Bethlehem Lutheran. We just barely made it because of the traffic, and did not have a chance to eat. We picked up a pizza on the way, and managed to scarf it down between rehearsal and the service. The choir offering was a lovely little anthem called "And No Bird Sang." I have to say I was taken aback when the pastor commented on the line "his blood be on us and on our children" from Matthew. He opined that it was one of the most "honest" moments in the Bible when the Jews admitted their responsibility for killing Jesus. That is certainly not my theology, and I don't believe it is the theology of any of the mainline Christian churches. It ruined the service for me.
Saturday was the Easter Vigil at St. Mary's. I read the Abraham/Isaac lesson, which is always a fun one. The service was very long, as we performed a musical tableau under the Creation reading, and there was a baptism as well. The service was nice, but 2 hours is a lot, especially with everything else that happens that week.
For Easter morning we were at Bethlehem. The choir sang 4 pieces, starting the whole service with a choral acclamation from Handel's "Israel in Egypt" ("Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously!) to which I wrote an appropriate contrafactum, followed directly by the "Gloria Patri" from the Magnificat Quinti Toni by Hieronymus Praetorius.
We also sang a choral version of "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" and the anthem "Christ is now arisen" which is set to the tune Personent Hodie. My daughter played flute, and we had a clarinet and a piccolo trumpet as well. The only downside was an organ cipher which occasionally intruded into the silences, but it was very festive and the offerings were well received.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Holy Week, Batman!
Yes, it's the happiest time of the year once again! We kicked off Holy Week with an ecumenical procession of the palms. Three churches participated: Disciples of Christ congregational church, St. Angela's Catholic church and St. Mary's-by-the-Sea Episcopal church. We all met at Berwick Park in Pacific Grove, down by the bay, and after saying a few blessings and prayers we processed up the street singing "All Glory Laud and Honor" and "The King of Glory." After stopping to exchange "the peace" all around, each congregation split off and made its way to its home church for the Palm Sunday services. (Image from the Monterey County Herald)
At our church we do the reading of the passion play at the end of that service, and I had asked to read the Evangelist this year. Our priest acquiesced on the condition that I recruit everyone else and put the thing together. We never had a chance to rehearse it, but everyone handled their parts with aplomb. Based on my experience in theater I asked everyone to keep the energy up by not allowing silence between the lines - rather, to step on each others figurative toes. I thought it worked very well, and lots of folks said how much they enjoyed it. I did have one complaint from a person who had participated in prior years - he thought it was too fast. They had been instructed in the opposite manner, which was to leave at least a second of space between each line. That is a valid approach, but I prefer the way we did it this year. There are many instances when the Evangelist is simply saying "then Jesus said" and "Pilate replied" and the such like. I don't think that's a place where one needs time for reflection!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Never speak too soon!
After that glowing report, of course she had to fall down on Thursday and banged the heck out of her left knee. It was swollen up like a grapefruit and very discolored. We put ice on it, and the next morning it seemed to be better. However, against my suggestion, she decided to walk into town. By late afternoon it looked terrible again. I took her to the emergency room Saturday morning, and what do you know - nothing broken! The swelling was an accumulation of viscous blood from a small broken vein, which was too thick to be aspirated. The doctor even said that walking on it was a good idea, as it will help the blood reabsorb. He estimated that it would look bad for a couple of months, but basically she is fine.
I don't think she has ever broken a bone in her life!
I don't think she has ever broken a bone in her life!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The latest on Madam X
Took my mom to the doctor yesterday to go over all the recent testing that she has been subjected to. Things are looking pretty good for the most part, and this is the last week for the visiting nurses. The only real concern was that she had lost 7 pounds since the last visit, which was less than a month ago. She's now weighing in at 104 fully clothed. She was disappointed by this, as she feels that her appetite is good and that she has been eating quite a bit. I suspect part of the weight loss is as a result of her increased exercising. She has been walking at least 2 miles a day (not bad for 94 and a half), and it seems that she is living the perfect weight loss lifestyle. Unfortunately, she doesn't have it to lose! The nurse has suggested that she start loading up on the carbohydrates, which makes sense to me.
Darn this healthy eating!
Darn this healthy eating!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Tax time!
Yes, it's that time of year! We made our annual pilgrimage down to southern California to meet with our tax guy, and took the opportunity to meet up with some friends and family. We listened to my "twin brother" Ignacio play the Paraguayan Harp in Montecito while meeting online friend Sue for the first time, had lunch with friend Paul in San Bernardino, met up for coffee with professor Fred and his wife Barbara in Riverside, had dinner with my niece Liz and her husband Arnie at the Mission Inn (pictured above) and had breakfast with my college roommate Jim and his wife Roberta in Pasadena. The weather was lovely, and we had quite a relaxing time. Getting out of town is good for the soul, even when you live in Paradise!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Ahh, Bach!
Saturday was our first chorus rehearsal for this summer's Carmel Bach Festival. It went very well, despite the absence of our new chorus master. Poor Andrew Megill got caught up in the winter weather in NJ, and his flight out to be with us was canceled. He even tried to rebook through Baltimore, but the sleet was so bad that it was not possible to drive there in time to catch the flight.
The assistant chorus master, Camerata director John Koza stepped in and handled the rehearsal, and we have made some very good progress in putting together the St. Matthew Passion.
Friday evening we drove up to Capitola to meet my daughter and her intended for dinner at Shadowbrook. She is back from Ohio for spring break, and they are trying to finalize the arrangements for the wedding. I am very proud of them for taking responsibility for it, and am delighted that they have found each other. They are a good match, and we had a most enjoyable evening.
The assistant chorus master, Camerata director John Koza stepped in and handled the rehearsal, and we have made some very good progress in putting together the St. Matthew Passion.
Friday evening we drove up to Capitola to meet my daughter and her intended for dinner at Shadowbrook. She is back from Ohio for spring break, and they are trying to finalize the arrangements for the wedding. I am very proud of them for taking responsibility for it, and am delighted that they have found each other. They are a good match, and we had a most enjoyable evening.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Miscellania
St. Mary's had a Vestry retreat over the weekend at the Church of the Good Shepherd in the Corral di Tierra area. They let us use there facility in exchange for our letting them come in and have there retreat at our facility. It was nice to have the change of scenery, and the weather couldn't have been nicer, with blue skies and temperatures in the 70s. The church is nestled in a valley among the oak trees, and has a small hill as its back yard. During the lunch break many of us took a short hike to the top, and were rewarded with the above view looking over the hills of Laguna Seca and Fort Ord all the way across the bay to the Santa Cruz mountains. It was a very relaxing and restorative time.
I went to see the radiation oncologist again last week to tell him of my decision to have the implants. The next step is to have some testing done to make sure there is no problem with the urinary tract that would rule out such a procedure. It is not something that the patient is normally aware of, but can be very problematic if not identified prior to treatment. The encouraging thing was his characterization of my tumor as "minuscule with a small 'm'". Stay tuned!
My mother seems to be doing somewhat better. She has been taking walks up and down our block every day, and I even got her to the grocery store on Monday. At first she protested, but once she got inside she had a ball. Everyone was glad to see her (she is quite an institution there) and she was able to pick out some things she had been wanting but had been able to describe correctly to allow someone else to get for her. Case in point - Bok Choy. She kept thinking it was Endive, and would be so disappointed when we would pick up the one she had named instead of the one she meant! The visiting nurses and physical therapists are still coming on a regular basis, and she takes all of the exercises they have assigned her to heart. She is a real fighter, that's for sure.
Last night was the first Camerata rehearsal for the May concert. We will be singing (among other things) an arrangement I wrote of Idumea, so I am very excited about that. The program is very different from what we usually do, with lots of songs in the folk and patriotic idioms. It is going to be a lot of fun.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Motherly news
Things are going better with my mother at this point. The nurses have been giving her regular care, and she now has a hospital bed, which allows her to sleep comfortably. However, she has not yet been able to return to her routine of walking into town each day. I am hopeful that she will be able to do so before much longer.
Yis'hak Adonai!
Or literally, "The Lord laughs!" From Psalm #2 and set in a most dramatic way in Leonard Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms." This was the featured work in our concert with the Camerata Singers this past weekend. We were joined by countertenor Christopher Fritzsche, formerly of Chanticleer. What a voice! His rendition of Psalm 23 was absolutely heavenly.
Our program opened with choral settings of Aaron Copland's "Old American Songs" - both sets. These are real gems. There are 10 different songs, each with a different character. We were fortunate to have a full orchestra for the concert composed of top quality musicians. Not cheap, but well worth it.
The final piece on the program was Randall Thompson's setting of the 23rd Psalm for chorus and harp. It is a lovely, flowing (overflowing, if you will) work that made for a gentle benediction after the fireworks of the Bernstein. We sang to a sold out house on Sunday, and the audience expressed considerable excitement about the concert at the reception afterwards.
It was an exhausting week, but in a good way. Thank goodness we had Saturday off!
Friday, March 02, 2007
Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow!*
Every so often a cold front comes through in winter, and we get a little snow on the local mountains. That's Mount Toro across Monterey Bay, taken from the eastern end of Pacific Grove. It never stays long, but it sure is pretty.
Wednesday was just a lovely day!
*
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
When it rains...
Actually, it has been raining here, and pretty cold, too. We've seen snow on Mt. Toro, which is at best an occasional sight. The title of this entry refers to life events, however.
A week ago Saturday my 94 year old mother was complaining of back pain. She had done her usual walk into town, but was unable to make it all the way back. She sat down to wait for the bus, but none came. Monterey-Salinas Transit has recently decided that Pacific Grove no longer needs bus service on Saturdays. Fortunately, a good Samaritan who was having a cup of coffee at an outdoor table for the Little Red House noticed her distress, and gave her a ride home.
When we went to have our usual afternoon snacks with her, she was clearly in a lot of pain. She took some pain killers, and that seemed to help. Two hours later we received a call from the Lifeline service that she had fallen out of bed and needed help. By this point she was in agony, and couldn't move at all without screaming. It was clearly time to bring in the professionals, and an ambulance came and took her up to the hospital, where she remained for four days.
They never did determine the source of her pain, and she was doing better, so she was to transition to the local convalescent hospital for a few days so they could come up with a plan to manage her pain. Unfortunately, there were no open beds, so at the last moment they took her to a different facility.
She had an absolute fit. She thought they had taken her to an insane asylum and that she was being locked up. She demanded that they call the police. Of course, they didn't. By the time we got there she was literally foaming at the mouth she was so upset. She accused them of locking her in bed - actually, they had simply raised the rails so she wouldn't fall out. She managed to lower one end and climb out the foot of the bed.
I got her up out of the wheelchair and walked her around the facility a bit. She was able to do this without trouble, so I decided the best course of action was to take her home. No way, no how was she going to let them keep her there.
Because of the departure against medical advice, there was no opportunity to come up with any sort of a pain management plan, so she has been having to suffer for the past few days. The visiting nurse association was supposed to send somebody, but this doesn't seem to have happened yet. Her place is going to need some modifications, and she definitely needs to have some pain medications.
Oy.
A week ago Saturday my 94 year old mother was complaining of back pain. She had done her usual walk into town, but was unable to make it all the way back. She sat down to wait for the bus, but none came. Monterey-Salinas Transit has recently decided that Pacific Grove no longer needs bus service on Saturdays. Fortunately, a good Samaritan who was having a cup of coffee at an outdoor table for the Little Red House noticed her distress, and gave her a ride home.
When we went to have our usual afternoon snacks with her, she was clearly in a lot of pain. She took some pain killers, and that seemed to help. Two hours later we received a call from the Lifeline service that she had fallen out of bed and needed help. By this point she was in agony, and couldn't move at all without screaming. It was clearly time to bring in the professionals, and an ambulance came and took her up to the hospital, where she remained for four days.
They never did determine the source of her pain, and she was doing better, so she was to transition to the local convalescent hospital for a few days so they could come up with a plan to manage her pain. Unfortunately, there were no open beds, so at the last moment they took her to a different facility.
She had an absolute fit. She thought they had taken her to an insane asylum and that she was being locked up. She demanded that they call the police. Of course, they didn't. By the time we got there she was literally foaming at the mouth she was so upset. She accused them of locking her in bed - actually, they had simply raised the rails so she wouldn't fall out. She managed to lower one end and climb out the foot of the bed.
I got her up out of the wheelchair and walked her around the facility a bit. She was able to do this without trouble, so I decided the best course of action was to take her home. No way, no how was she going to let them keep her there.
Because of the departure against medical advice, there was no opportunity to come up with any sort of a pain management plan, so she has been having to suffer for the past few days. The visiting nurse association was supposed to send somebody, but this doesn't seem to have happened yet. Her place is going to need some modifications, and she definitely needs to have some pain medications.
Oy.
Daffodils....
I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud
- That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
- A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
- And twinkle on the Milky Way,
- Along the margin of a bay:
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
- Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
- In such a jocund company:
I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
- In vacant or in pensive mood,
- Which is the bliss of solitude;
And dances with the daffodils.
By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Narrowing it down...
We met with the radiation oncologist on Tuesday. A wonderful man who clearly knows what he is doing. We were tickled to learn that he had originally been a piano major at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music - until (as he said) they kicked him out for playing Pop Warner Football one summer instead of devoting himself to his art.
The appointment was at 10, but we arrived at 9:30 to make sure we were in the right place and had time for the paperwork. He met us at the front desk, and said he'd be with us in just a couple of minutes. I think that is the first time in my life I've been taken early by a doctor! He spent a good two hours with us going over all the current information on prostate cancer treatments, and did a very thorough exam.
He agreed that it would be good to have the biopsy sent out for a second opinion, so I will definitely do that. Still, I doubt there will be a change, and I need to decide how I want to proceed. The doctor recommended surgery to remove the prostate, as had the urologist. However, the reason for the recommendation is that we just don't have data yet out 15 years on the modern types of radiation treatment. The numbers from the past (which gave surgery a slight edge in mortality figures at 15 years) were based on treatments that had been done in the 1960s. Radiation technology has come a long way since then.
The person who is doing those types of studies is scheduled to speak at a convention in the next couple of months, and the doctor felt that they would probably be announcing the results of the current 15 year data at that time. I am very curious to see what it is going to be. The radiation oncologists experience was that in the very few cases where cancer recurs after treatment with radiation implants, it is not in the prostate. This means that the cancer had already spread before the treatment took place. I am confident that I am early enough in this discovery process that that has not happened for me.
Lots of friends have been very helpful with testimonials about treatment they or their friends have had. I have to look at the overall numbers, though. Quality of life is very important to me, and from what I've learned so far the risks of problems in that regard is far greater with surgery than with the radiation implants. That is the direction I am leaning, but I am still in the learning stage.
The appointment was at 10, but we arrived at 9:30 to make sure we were in the right place and had time for the paperwork. He met us at the front desk, and said he'd be with us in just a couple of minutes. I think that is the first time in my life I've been taken early by a doctor! He spent a good two hours with us going over all the current information on prostate cancer treatments, and did a very thorough exam.
He agreed that it would be good to have the biopsy sent out for a second opinion, so I will definitely do that. Still, I doubt there will be a change, and I need to decide how I want to proceed. The doctor recommended surgery to remove the prostate, as had the urologist. However, the reason for the recommendation is that we just don't have data yet out 15 years on the modern types of radiation treatment. The numbers from the past (which gave surgery a slight edge in mortality figures at 15 years) were based on treatments that had been done in the 1960s. Radiation technology has come a long way since then.
The person who is doing those types of studies is scheduled to speak at a convention in the next couple of months, and the doctor felt that they would probably be announcing the results of the current 15 year data at that time. I am very curious to see what it is going to be. The radiation oncologists experience was that in the very few cases where cancer recurs after treatment with radiation implants, it is not in the prostate. This means that the cancer had already spread before the treatment took place. I am confident that I am early enough in this discovery process that that has not happened for me.
Lots of friends have been very helpful with testimonials about treatment they or their friends have had. I have to look at the overall numbers, though. Quality of life is very important to me, and from what I've learned so far the risks of problems in that regard is far greater with surgery than with the radiation implants. That is the direction I am leaning, but I am still in the learning stage.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Whew!
After waiting with bated breath, we received our letters this week informing us we had passed our auditions and were being asked back to sing in the volunteer chorus with the Carmel Bach Festival! With the changes that have been made, there were no guarantees, so we are quite elated. St. Matthew Passion, here we come!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Sing, sing, sing...
On Saturday we had our all day retreat with the Camerata Singers in preparation for our concert next month. It was a gorgeous day, and we made significant headway on all our music. I am particularly taken with Randall Thompson's "The Lord is My Shepherd" - just a gorgeous piece.
In the meantime: "Lagaramshu! Lagaramashu goyim!"
In the meantime: "Lagaramshu! Lagaramashu goyim!"
In Friendship's Name...
My college roommate Jim came to visit this weekend. We hadn't had much opportunity to see each other for some time, and it was wonderful to see him. It occurred to me that he and I use a lot of the same expressions - but I can't remember if I got them from him or him from me! We managed to pick up where we had left off all those years ago. It is an interesting time displacement phenomenon. Our comfort level and familiarity was such that it was as if we had been in close contact all along. Friends truly can be forever.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Audition time!
Today we had our auditions for the volunteer chorus for the Carmel Bach Festival. My wife and I like to take the first slots, but amazingly, a friend of ours managed to grab the first one moments before I got through to schedule the appointments. Still, positions two and three aren't bad.
We met the new chorus master, Andrew Megill from Westmister Choir College in Princeton, NJ. I had worked in the kitchen at Quad Club with some of the students from WCC when I was in college, so had some familiarity with the institution beyond mere reputation.
He is quite a personable fellow, and we had a nice time talking with him. The auditions themselves were pretty difficult - considerably more so than the equivalent ones last year. Still, we got through them OK and have the rest of the weekend free from the stress of preparation.
We met the new chorus master, Andrew Megill from Westmister Choir College in Princeton, NJ. I had worked in the kitchen at Quad Club with some of the students from WCC when I was in college, so had some familiarity with the institution beyond mere reputation.
He is quite a personable fellow, and we had a nice time talking with him. The auditions themselves were pretty difficult - considerably more so than the equivalent ones last year. Still, we got through them OK and have the rest of the weekend free from the stress of preparation.
The warranty must have expired!
I need to go back and look at my user manual - I must have come with a 50 year warranty. Now that it has expired, little (and not so little) things are going wrong. As I was having my biennial physical exam, my doctor apologized for keeping his finger in my nether throat for so long. He wasn't sure, but something felt a little odd on my prostate and he recommended I see a urologist. The urologist was impressed that my regular doctor had noticed anything, because it was very subtle. However, he agreed that there seemed to be some hardening down there, and had a biopsy done. That showed that in fact I have a small area of prostate cancer.
As you can imagine, that was not welcome news. It is not life threatening and is very treatable. However, my options both have unpleasant possible outcomes. Surgery to remove the prostate will completely take care of the cancer. It will be gone, with no danger of it spreading. However, there is a 50-70% chance of impotence afterwards (not to mention a 3-10% chance of incontinence!)
Radiation therapy is pretty good these days, and the data show that it is just as effective 15 years out. Unfortunately, they don't have data beyond that. The doctor indicated that if it were he, he would opt for the surgery. Then he added "I think..." The problem with doing the radiation is that if ends up not being effective, surgery is no longer an option, and the only treatment would be hormone therapy which would basically eliminate libido.
Damned if you do and damned if you don't!
I have not decided what to do yet, but will talk to the radiation oncologist before choosing which option to take.
Needless to say, I have had better days.
As you can imagine, that was not welcome news. It is not life threatening and is very treatable. However, my options both have unpleasant possible outcomes. Surgery to remove the prostate will completely take care of the cancer. It will be gone, with no danger of it spreading. However, there is a 50-70% chance of impotence afterwards (not to mention a 3-10% chance of incontinence!)
Radiation therapy is pretty good these days, and the data show that it is just as effective 15 years out. Unfortunately, they don't have data beyond that. The doctor indicated that if it were he, he would opt for the surgery. Then he added "I think..." The problem with doing the radiation is that if ends up not being effective, surgery is no longer an option, and the only treatment would be hormone therapy which would basically eliminate libido.
Damned if you do and damned if you don't!
I have not decided what to do yet, but will talk to the radiation oncologist before choosing which option to take.
Needless to say, I have had better days.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Of happiness the very pith...
There is a tradition among the online Gilbert & Sullivan community "Savoynet" of getting together when possible and singing through as many of the operettas of that wondrous duo as possible. For simplicity's sake, these gatherings are known as "QWERTYIOP"s. The first ever US West Coast QWERT took place yesterday, and I was fortunate to be close enough to attend. It was prompted by a visit from a pair of British Savoynetters, returning home after a cruise to Hawaii. People turned out in force to meet the delightful couple, and the group managed to get through four (count 'em, four!) of the operas: Patience, Iolanthe, Yeomen of the Guard and Pirates of Penzance. My wife and I managed to get there in time to participate in all but the first one, having had churchly duties in the morning. We even brought along a photo of D'Oyly Carte tenor Philip Potter (seen above as Nanki-Poo) for its place of honor on the piano - something that is de rigeur at a QWERT for the simple reason that there was one at the very first such gathering.
We enjoyed ourselves immensely, and some of the voices were truly outstanding. Whenever someone stumbled over a phrase, the 30 or so singing the chorus parts would chime right in and help put the soloist back on track. There is nothing quite like the G&S commuity!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Tempus fugit!
Over halfway into January already... Hardly seems possible.
The New Year's Day service at the Episcopal church was interesting. Other than the six of us who were serving, there was one parishioner! Our priest decided it would be best if we all sat up in the choir, and so the service was intimate and lovely. I did one of the readings, and played the bandura to accompany my wife as she sang "I wonder as I wander." The sermon was more of a group discussion than a lecture, and it ended up being one of the more spiritually uplifting services I have attended in quite a while!
Our sons visited for a couple of days during the week between Christmas and New Years - one from the east coast and one from the Bay Area. It was nice to spend some time with them. It is difficult to do so at this busy time in their lives, so every moment is greatly appreciated. The oldest needed to go to Santa Barbara to meet up with his girl friend for the return to New Jersey, so my wife and I decided to make a night of it by staying at the Ballard Inn in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is a lovely B&B, with excellent food and even a little wine tasting.
Then last week our youngest daughter came to stay for a few days during her winter break from Berkeley. She even came to church with us on Sunday and she and I played flute and recorder on Bach's "Sheep may safely graze" while the choir sang. It was a real pleasure to make music with her.
Things are gradually returning to normal as vacations are over and the new year quickly ages.
The New Year's Day service at the Episcopal church was interesting. Other than the six of us who were serving, there was one parishioner! Our priest decided it would be best if we all sat up in the choir, and so the service was intimate and lovely. I did one of the readings, and played the bandura to accompany my wife as she sang "I wonder as I wander." The sermon was more of a group discussion than a lecture, and it ended up being one of the more spiritually uplifting services I have attended in quite a while!
Our sons visited for a couple of days during the week between Christmas and New Years - one from the east coast and one from the Bay Area. It was nice to spend some time with them. It is difficult to do so at this busy time in their lives, so every moment is greatly appreciated. The oldest needed to go to Santa Barbara to meet up with his girl friend for the return to New Jersey, so my wife and I decided to make a night of it by staying at the Ballard Inn in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is a lovely B&B, with excellent food and even a little wine tasting.
Then last week our youngest daughter came to stay for a few days during her winter break from Berkeley. She even came to church with us on Sunday and she and I played flute and recorder on Bach's "Sheep may safely graze" while the choir sang. It was a real pleasure to make music with her.
Things are gradually returning to normal as vacations are over and the new year quickly ages.
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