Today in Glenmoore 2-16-11

A Philosophical Question

Do fish cry?  Have you ever wondered about this?  Does this keep you awake at night?  The last few nights I keep waking up and asking myself - if a fish cries does it change the salinity of the water?  Do salt water fish cry fresh water tears, etc.  The questions go on forever.

But at the essence of my futile late night mental wanderings was the core question - do fish have emotions?  I even expanded this line of reasoning to jelly fish, star fish, sea urchins and sea horses - but I had to stop - I couldn't go there without self-imploding.

On a recent visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore (I mean really - we are talking about "the National" one, no ordinary Camden variety), we were shocked to find the lead items in the cafeteria to be fish sandwiches and fish and chips.  This is the equivalent of serving Korean BBQ at the Westminster Dog Show.

Think about it, all these incredible species of fish, yanked out of their natural habitats, forced to live in tanks with artificial reefs watching overweight humans stumble around with remnants of Filet-O-Fish sandwiches dripping from their jowls.  I suspect that at night they play the Filet-O-Fish sound track at high volumes just to torture the captives (imagine the video below played all night at excruciating volume).  Dolphins screaming, "turn it off, turn it off, I promise to catch the ball tomorrow and jump through the rings".  Yes, fish do cry.

Laurie
Well, after months of perplexing doctor visits, conflicting information and a roller coaster of emotions we finally got some encouraging news.  First, we met with "Da Man" at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The first person we have spoken to who actually knows something about this disease.  15 years leading a research team on it at NIH and now continuing to research and treat at U of MD.  Dude was smart and likable.  Laurie even liked his natty attire.  I think she has a Doc crush going on.

Basically the message was - Laurie is a perfect candidate for the surgery given her young age (I'm not kidding) and should have a good quality of life after the surgery.  There are some ifs, buts and ands but generally the word was good.

Then today we got the results of the recent scan - no recent growth since December and the fluids are down. All this is great news and further confirms the surgery will be successful.

Only set back was a low white cell count today which will be corrected with meds next week so we're off a week in our treatment schedule.  Surgery will be scheduled once Laurie completes current regimen.

Paul and Laurie
We wound up celebrating Valentines Day a bit early with a great meal on Thursday in Baltimore.  Restaurant sent a stretch limo for us.  We both had fish without regret in preparation for our visit to the aquarium the next day.  Luckily we showered and removed the remnants from our jowls prior to entering the aquarium.  However, Laurie did have a bit of crab shell stuck between her teeth.  I think that is why the Archer fish spit at her.

Today's Quote
I just couldn't resist this one.

“Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I'm halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh my God....I could be eating a slow learner.”

Lynda Montgomery

Today in Glenmoore 2-10-11

Greetings from Glenmoore!  Unfortunately there isn't much happening of interest.  The snow is melting and occasionally one can catch a whiff of Spring in the area.  Either that or the snow is melting off the Donkey Pooh in the lower 40.

Laurie
There is absolutely nothing to say, she is motoring.  Walking around the house without her cane at times.  And fighting to contribute to the housework.  We found someone to come in and spend time with Laurie 3 days a week.  Actually the wife of a friend.  What's great is that we've changed the focus of this from keeping an eye on Laurie to helping Laurie start cooking, doing laundry, etc.

Paul
Still doing the same.  Starting to get out once or twice a week for some diversions which has been nice.

Hallmark Holidays
First, I want to thank all of you for your cards, words of encouragement and support of Hallmark holidays,  I mean really, do we need a holiday to tell our loved ones we love them?  Rubbish I say.

So for most of you, you'll notice that I didn't have time to go out and support this fine tradition.  But please, consider this my wish to you for the 14th - go out and kiss an ass.  I was thinking of writing "kiss your ass", but for those of you without a spouse of 10 or more years you might take it the wrong way.

Quote of the Week
Who could forget the classic quote from Jack Nicholson in As Good as it Gets.  In fact, if this didn't come from Jack, it might almost sound a bit too swarmy for TIG.

You make me want to be a better man.

-- Jack Nicholson

We should have a much better idea of where we stand after next weeks tests and consults.  So for now - adiós.

Today in Glenmoore 2-2-11

Lead Story
Groundhog did not see his shadow today - Spring is coming.  I should note that this is exactly the same thing Laurie said to me when I woke her up at 8:00 AM.  However, there were a few expletives in her phrasing that even a cute little groundhog wouldn't utter after being dragged out of bed into the freezing cold.

We were fortunate to escape the national blizzard that our friends up north experienced.  Nothing but a little ice that really wasn't much.

Laurie Update
All is well with Ms. Laurie.  She is recovering from the first few days of her treatment where she said she felt like Pooh - and she wasn't referring to Winnie.

On Sunday I threw Laurie into her transport chair and toured the neighborhood.  She thoroughly enjoyed her outing as evidenced in this picture.  She looks happier than a pig in sh*t.

And the life of a princess is special.  I've been slaving at Wegman's buying all the appropriate organic fruits and veggies, making fresh juice everyday, etc.  On Sunday I braised an organic chicken with organic vegetables - a meal fit for a princess.  After we came back from our stroll she said "I just want a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup".  Can you imagine that - I'm sweating the details on getting all the right stuff into her and she picks something that is the epitome of unhealthiness.  Oh well, she ate it and enjoyed it.

Paul Update
What can I say, at least I'm eating healthy.  I finally crossed my weight loss target of 22 pounds.  I'm now shooting for another 10 and heading out to buy some pants that don't make me look like a homie in the hood. And the Kettle supply is still good so Paul's spirits are great.

Quote of the Week
This weeks quote was sent in by Anne in West Chester...
"Men show their character in nothing more clearly than by what they think laughable."

-          Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749 - 1832

Picture of the Week (new feature to TIG)
This also was sent in by one of our readers - Maryanne of Lafayette Hill

"But Mom, you told me to get my head out of my ..."

Cheers,
Ed E. Tor