Time Shore Do Fly When Yur Havin' Fun, Don't It?

FIRST, THE TRIVIALITIES

May I suggest to those out there in Subscriber World who are nauseated by accounts of personal activities ("We don't wanna know what you had for lunch!"...an actual quote....Ouch!) that you and the horse you rode in on skip to the more relevant and scholarly events I deal with further down the blog. I would NEVER knowingly subject any reader to such unpleasantness, so perhaps many of you might be more pleased with graphic descriptions of medical procedures to which I have been subjected lately. Just look downward on this page to the BOLD HEADING to get what you truly came for. Sure, don't mention it. My pleasure.

SO ON TO THE PROMISED TRIVIALITIES

Last month our humble abode here in The Town of Spring found itself draped in a jolly tent for the purpose of exterminating every living creature that resided therein. Yes, after several years of ignoring the "swarmers" that came flying out of the windowsill, we finally succumbed to the need for fumigation. Oh, the shame. Even worse, there was a huge sign hung in front advertising Terminix, as if to scream "These people harbor dangerous insects, and shall be punished financially!" to every passing motorist.

Considering the need to virtually move completely out for three days, we were fortunate and thankful to the Senior Caples for allowing us to house sit during their gala trip to Scottsdale for Giant's spring training. So we schlepped, with Leslie's able assistance, most of our lives over across Vasco to Robin's and Pat's lovely dwelling. Staying over there was a pleasure, as was tending to the needs of the two kitties in residence. Not quite so much fun was looking after Lucy, who definitely did not enjoy being held captive upstairs in order to protect unscratched furniture and innocently by-standing fellow feline creatures.

I took my second cooking class at LifeStyle Rx, where I am the longest-running cardiac rehab patient in modern history. I understand that roughly 165 B.C., a Roman vice emperor by the name of Dicklessius Cheneyllius was involved with rehab for over 220 years, but I do hold the modern record, so there, Mr. Smartypants. At any rate, excellent and healthy dishes are prepared in the demonstration kitchen, with one of those tilted mirrors above the preparation area just like on Food Network (and the honeymoon suites up in the Poconos). Luckily, unlike the Food Network's worst representative, Paula Deen, there is hardly any butter in evidence. Now I know how to make healthy lasagna, shrimp 'n' grits, fruit cobbler, and New Orleans Bourbon bread pudding. Thank you Anne Moselle, RD, for organizing these.

A last-minute social arrangement with the Henrys resulted in an excellent evening in Downtown Martinez. Dinner at Haute Stuff was truly outstanding. This was exceeded by the intensely high-quality show we caught at Armando's. Again we saw Jeff Magidson, as we did at First Sunday, and again, when backed up by a remarkable band, he truly gets it done. Jeff, along with his wife Isabel, also perform together as Duo Gadjo, which supplied the music at Leslie's and Chris' wedding.

We were very pleased to tour the newest building at John Muir Walnut Creek Campus at the community open house recently. As we saw at Concord Campus several months ago, this magnificent part of the hospital incorporates all the latest thinking in technology, the better to achieve optimum patient healing. Virtually every room is private and has a window allowing natural light. There are several roof gardens for patient and family enjoyment, and the domed lobby with its water feature is also a place where everyone can spend emotionally healing time. There is a new kitchen as well, but since it was not on the tour I have been promised a private showing by my former associates, TBA.

If I sound like a JM ad writer, sorry, but for anyone who has spent time either incarcerated or visiting a hospital (and I have), this is a major eye-opener. One of the main guys who made this happen, CEO Ken Anderson, retired on March 31, and we saw him at the event but were unable to speak with him. I spent many happy hours helping to provide meals to many meetings and functions Ken attended, and he was always appreciative of all of our efforts. Quite a fine leader and a gentleman, to be sure.

Later the same day we made our second trip to Napa to procure a site for Linsey's and Andy's rehearsal dinner. Cheryl, Andy and I were successful at Filippi's, where we may have over-sampled just a wee bit. However, all three of us gathered it in nicely, and Cheryl and I are proud to have both dropped a coupla pounds last week. Hoo hah.

OK, NOW FOR THE SERIOUS STUFF

In a medical sense, it has been only so-so, to be honest. An ultrasound indicated a blockage in the right upper femoral artery, although I have had no symptoms. The vascular surgeon, Dr. Eichler (who expertly did my leg bypass several years ago) strongly suggested an angiogram, with possible ballooning and stenting of the affected area. I will be admitted on April 17th, hopefully getting the procedure done early Monday, and returning to Ciudad de Liver on Tuesday. The best-layed plans and all that.... At the very least we were able to leave UCSF that day in time to join Suzy and Greg at Gather in Berkeley. Here, the largely-vegetarian menu features "stinging nettles" amongst other Local, Sustainable, Organic, Expensively Farm-raised and altogether Groovy items. I dunno, it must be my ignorance, but I am loathe to put anything "stinging" in my mouth. I got enough problems, y'know?

Meanwhile the spinal stenosis (or whatever the Hell it is) is so painful in my lower back that I have forgotten all the weakness and discomfort in my left leg ever since Thanksgiving. Bummer for me, the Spine Center doc was away, so my March 17th appointment was rescheduled for April 14th. No hurry at the UCSF Spine Center, which obviously subscribes to the same "later, mon" attitude I found in Urology. Yeah, Urology....what great memories. Perfect for those voyeurs out there who prefer frightening accounts of medical discomfiture over descriptions of happy, inspirational times (like my lunches). I hate to disappoint, but I didn't even have to reveal my goodies during the last visit, so I guess some of you will have to wait until the next savage medical episode to get their jollies. So terribly sorry.

ON TO TRANSPLANT ACTIVITIES

I was very interested in participating in an education session, wherein representatives of CTDN address high school students about the facts of organ donation. I got my chance recently at College Park HS in Pleasant Hill. Three of us, all recipients, spoke to three periods of Physiology classes, not only providing important information but giving two different teachers a welcome hour off. Each of us described our transplant experience, to which each class responded with sincere applause. We showed a new video featuring words and pictures of actual organ recipients and donor families. This is a tool to inform students to assist them and their parents in making their donation decisions, as many become new drivers. There is currently a bill before the state legislature to require information about organ and tissue donation in high school health classes, which is a most worthy idea.

Cheryl and I will be participating in more CTDN events during this, National Donate Life Month. Of course the culmination of these vital activities will be the annual donor recognition ceremony at which we will meet the family of my donor. So, a very important and emotional month is ahead for us. And if you would be so kind, do consider promoting awareness of the need for donor registration at any opportunity you deem appropriate. The 110,000 or so people waiting for transplants in the US, and Yours Truly, would appreciate it.

And on that hopeful note, I bid you adieu.

Bob/Irv