Ohio Winter Rains

A dull gray sky greets me from my office window. It is winter in Ohio, yet unseasonably warm temperatures hold the snows back. Creeping fog bathes the hills and valleys in the distance. Droplets of water, precariously clinging to the topmost twigs of the tree that grows on this side of the house, capture the precious little sunlight that filters through the mists.I do not have...

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Final Photographs of CO; Return Home!

I have returned home, and am thrilled that the house is still standing. Better Half did a spectacular job, all kidding aside this past week. He cleaned the house (to be fair, it was a “man clean”, which means there are hidden pockets of dust behind some objects) and my kitchen was sparkling.I have some deep-seated anger management issues with my family out here. They have been...

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Manitou and The Spice of Life, plus haunts!

My morning commenced with a long anticipated trek to Manitou Springs, where our dear friends Michael and Doug have operated their gourmet ingredients emporium for the past fourteen years.Their establishment, The Spice of Life, is a marriage of rustic and eclectic pulled together with keen gay insight. The atmosphere varies with the seasons; however one can always find something...

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Saturday Update

Saturday update:Mum is still doing well. She is sore around her navel incision site, and feeling very fatigued. We have allowed her to nap for most of the day.Dad and I went to the commissary this afternoon and picked up groceries for the week. It is just as noisy and crowded as before. We stopped for take-out Chinese on the way home.Better Half is holding down the fort in Ohio....

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Colorado Update

Mum update:I am exceptionally pleased with the results of Mum’s laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Her surgeon’s skill is apparent in regard to how little pain she is experiencing. The procedure itself is minimally invasive (I underwent it in 2001) so we will not have to worry about caring for a large abdominal wound over the next few days. Mum is recovering nicely, with the exception...

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Pre and Post-Surgical Update

I am attempting to catch up on the activities over the last few days. Sadly, my efforts are falling very short of my actual goal.A brief synopsis:I arrived safely at DIA on Monday morning, and am pleased to report no lost luggage. Mum chanced the lengthy drive up from Colorado Springs (she experiences severe panic attacks in traffic) and we had a delightful trip back “home”. The...

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Some reflections on Colorado and Colorado Springs

This is a state built upon pretenses: we can not be anybody unless we have a fancy home and vehicle. Having lived in California for half of my life, I can assure you that the Natives who move to Colorado are the ones who could not hack it in California. They are the plastic cast-offs of a plastic scene, embroiled in their desires to be seen as cultured while battling the shackles of their own blue collar upbringing. These are not the true Fruits and Nuts of the Wacky State. They are the crumbs oft found in the bottom of the trail mix bag. They live on credit cards and broken...

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January 2, Pre-op Appt at Penrose

I have precious little time to do a proper "update", so I shall leave you with a few pictures of Penrose Hospital in downtown Colorado Springs. I have included a view of Pikes Peak, the sidewalk (much of the snow has finally melted down), and four shots of the inner courtyard near the in-patient lab/main entrance. My cell phone camera does not do anything justice!...

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My New Year's Morning

Ah, the breakfast of champions. I happily sit in the Irish Pub that is located in the beautiful sprawl of the Pittsburgh International airport. It is my favorite of all airport restaurants, and not simple due to their lax policy on smoking. No where have I found a better deal on a hearty hamburger or traditional Irish fare, although today I have opted to feast upon a cinnamon raison bagel with cream cheese.I have an affectionate spot in my heart for this airport. It is one of the few terminals where one is not acutely aware of the pressing crush of humanity. Wide breezeways...

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