WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE!

     Our friend Joyce has done it again. She has come up with a number of excellent questions. You're welcome to take a look behind the curtain and see a bit of who we really are. 


1. May is National Blood Pressure Month...what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your bp checked?
     What gets my blood pressure up is watching my beloved Boston Bruins (Professional Hockey) play so poorly that they fall behind by two goals late in the third period of game #7 of a seven game series. What sends it soaring further is when they come back against all odds to tie the game and then go on to win the game in sudden death overtime.
     As far as my becoming calm, my beloved SWMBO has a calming influence on me and is able to get me to relax. 
    The last time I had my blood pressure checked was last month during a routine exam.

2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about 10$ 100?
     If I found just a dollar I'd put it in my wallet until later. If I found $10, I'd take myself out to breakfast. If I found $100, I would take SWMBO and me out to a nice restaurant for a nice meal and maybe to a movie.

3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you've been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you've heard of the controversy?
     I prefer unadulterated or hybrid foods whenever I can get them. Being a diabetic I have to be careful what I eat. SWMBO and I are eating low carb and so reading food labels has become routine for the both of us. I don't think we humans are smart enough to safely change, or engineer if you prefer, foods from their original design. I think foods as designed by their original Designer are best for us.
     I really don't have a strong opinion on the GE issue.

4. May 15th marks the birthdate of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.
     I am in need of courage. I am also in need of brains to be able to wisely apply the courage. My random thought below should serve to further clarify this answer for you.

5. "There's no place like home" is an oft repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?
     SWMBO and I travelled the world courtesy of Uncle Sam while I was in the U.S. Air Force. We quickly learned that anywhere that we were together was "home." SWMBO always made it so that I always wanted to return to her wherever we lived. So, Frank was right, as long as SWMBO's there, there is no place like home!

6.  Steak...yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where's a place you like to go to get a great steak? 
     I love a good steak with a fresh garden salad. My favorite is a nice thick 16 ounce Prime Rib cooked medium well. My next choice would be a New York Strip Steak, also cooked medium well, with onions. My third choice is a nice Porterhouse Steak. I like it cooked, yep, you guessed it, medium well.
     I like two places, either the Outback or Longhorns for my steak fix! I have never had a bad meal at either place.

7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?
     I don't remember the last time that I was in a particular hurry. I generally don't get rushed! That's one of the perks of being retired, I guess!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     About eleven months ago, SWMBO was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Multiple Myeloma affects the plasma in the white cells of the blood which will make it difficult for her to fight off all kinds of infections. Yesterday, SWMBO began a regimen of chemo therapy to combat the disease. 

     Her doctor tells us that this illness is treatable but not curable. He says that with treatment SWMBO will live a full normal life span. He also assures us that the Chemo regimen is not like the images that are conjured up when one hears the words "Chemo Therapy." Apparently they use milder drugs than those used to combat tumor based cancers.

     Thankfully, SWMBO is not in any pain. She is not showing any symptoms and her internal organs have not been compromised to this point. Our outlook is positive and promising!

     We let our Church family know about SWMBO's illness last Sunday. Our church family have surrounded us with prayer, love and support. Being people of faith ourselves, SWMBO and I recognize that no matter how this journey may end...WE WIN!

     So, SWMBO and I covet your prayers if you, like us, are people of faith. Thank you!

     If you want to monitor our progress, there is a Caring Bridge page. The URL is...

                       http:www.caringbridge.org/visit/lynnmillette1

...The password to the site is "Pebbles" with the "P" upper case.