Travel reflections mostly in photos

3 September 2012, Washington, DC, USA

Only here could I find a radio station that’s seems solely dedicated to Motown music from “my era” (mid- to late 60s) -- “Oooo Baby Baby,” “Shotgun,” “When a man loves a woman.”  Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, James Brown ... reminded me of a PBS fund raising telecast.  And sure made the driving from Alexandria to Arlington to Bethesda to Union Station in the District easier.  Thankfully it’s a holiday, so the traffic was much less than a work day.

I had a great weekend in Alexandria with Regina and the boys, Liam and Roan.  She has rented her spare rooms since I was here last.  A young Russian couple have Roan’s old room upstairs, and now a woman from Brooklyn who just took a job with the Navy Department and her daughter who is Liam’s age are in the basement space (the size of a small studio apartment).  Two Sudanese women were there for a month.  They were excited to meet someone who had been in South Sudan.  The move out/move in took up much of Saturday.  We went out to lunch, then shopped for food for the Sunday picnic I planned and spent lots of time catching up with each other and getting to know Marilyn, the new tenant.  The boys and her daughter Denisa hit it off immediately.

Of course, it started to rain about an hour before folks were to arrive on Sunday afternoon and kept raining until after most guests left.  But the food was abundant and delicious, and we all had a good time.  Lauri let John handle the grill, and he did a yeoman’s job with brats and burgers and ‘dogs.  Afterwards, Regina, Marilyn, Rosemarie (from Booz) and I sat outside on semi-wet cushions, drank wine, ate desserts and talked until early evening.  

This morning I drove to Arlington to see Aideen and her son Mickey who are also doing well.  Then back to Bethesda for a quick lunch before tackling a trip to Union Station to pick up Inga, Jan and the girls.  Surprisingly, despite a last minute bad turn because I was in the wrong lane, I didn’t get lost trying to fix that error.  And after only a couple of goes around the circular driveway, I found a place to sit and wait the 15 minutes or so until they emerged from the station.  “The boys” -- David, his brother Mike, Mike’s twin sons Brian and Chris, our friends Kim and Tomek are at a Nats-Cubs game.  

David & Inga 

5 September

Today my son would have been 40.  It’s hard to imagine him that old.  He’s frozen in my mind at 26, the age he was when he died.  But I see pieces of him in others -- he had the same warped sense of humor as David, for example -- which is comforting.   Instead of dedicating half the day to quiet contemplation as I often have, I dedicated today to David.  I went with him and Inga to JHU to meet Silvia, the nurse managing the BSI trial.  Forms to be explained, understood and signed.  More blood to be donated for tests.  A brief physical exam by the oncologist, then chemo training by another nurse. Friday David will go through a “dry run” of the radiation treatment to ensure his helmet fits properly and that he knows what to expect.  Tomek will go along so that he learns the way in case he has to take David to JHU without Inga.  The ubiquitous GPS can only take you so far, then you need to find the right building, floor etc.  

Treatment starts on Monday, BSI two days in a row, radiation five days, regular chemo every day (but it’s a pill, not IV), and the scheduling of the three is important.  Inga took copious notes so she can prepare a detailed schedule of what is to be taken at what time, when David can have food and when not. 

8 September, Minneapolis MN

Turtlenecks -- I must have five or six white ones alone, but can I find one to pack for Alaska?  Nooooo.  Can I find one at Marshall’s, Herberger’s, Target.  No, no no.  Finally, in one spot in Macy’s, I found some.  Out of “mock” style, which I prefer, in white but got a regular turtle in white and a mock in black.  I can finish packing.

It’s been one of those days.  I was late for water exercise, nothing new there, and exited to find three messages from Hagens on my phone.  I called Elyse, my sister in law, back.  Our mother-in-law Ella died this morning, quickly and peacefully.  I’m going to miss her.  She was a lovely lady, and we stayed friends despite the divorce -- she always referred to me as her daughter in law and I to her as my mother in law.  Last time I saw her was her 93rd birthday, which I chronicled here.  I’m so glad I was able to attend.  And I’m sorry that I’ll miss her memorial as it will be while I’m in Alaska.

Spent most of the day running errands, then dinner at Rachel’s with my sister Barbara and friend Marilyn, with whom I’ll cruise.  Relaxing way to end the day ... until I got home and found my laptop wouldn’t charge.  Previously I’d been able to jiggle the cord near the small bite that Lily made in the cord and it would work.  But at 7:50 pm tonight that wasn’t working.  Panic.  I’m at Janet and Ed’s (they’re at a dinner of the lake community where their cabin is location), but son Thom heard me screech.  He suggested Apple might still be open ... and they were until 9.  I was there, tested the old cord, bought a new one ($80!!!) and home before 9.  Now I can finally finish packing ...

10 September, Pacific Ocean off the coast of Alaska

We are definitely on the high seas!  The captain told us via loudspeaker last evening that the going would be a bit rough, and it has been.  But so far the cruise has been wonderful ... I looked at the photos that were taken as Marilyn and I boarded yesterday, and we already look relaxed.  My mug shot is actually kind of nice so I may have to bite the bullet and buy that one.

Yesterday was whirlwind of early rise and off to the airport.  Thanks bunches to my sister for driving me at 7 am.  A long flight to Seattle sandwiched between a very heavy-thighed male wiggler on the aisle and a germophobe at the window.  At least my legs weren’t cramped since I bought economy comfort, but Delta changed aircraft and I wasn’t in the seat I had selected, which was an exit row with no seats in front.

Leaving the port of Seattle.   That tall thing in the left background is the Space Needle.  It's celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year.  I remember when it was constructed for a World's Fair in 1962.

The cruise line was extraordinarily well organized from meeting us at baggage claim to getting us on board, all very efficiently.  We easily found our stateroom which has a verandah, and so did the steward who brought our bags later.  We unpacked and could fit our suitcases under the beds.  The biggest slow down was the long line at every station of the lunch buffet in the Lido restaurant.  Mandatory fire drill was slightly nightmarish.  The crew were marvelous but the passengers ... too many in the wrong lifeboat queue and not listening.  Marilyn figured out how we buy wifi which I was able to do, so we can stay connected a less than 75 cents a minute but will still have to be quick when on line.  The connection is about the same speed as I had in South Sudan, that is, way slower than any I’ve had in the US since dial-up days.

Marilyn in our room.  Bigger than I had expected, and the verandah was wonderful -- fresh air whenever I needed it!

Looking down from our verandah -- and that's the lifeboat we were assigned.  Very convenient!

10 September, Tracy Arm, Alaska

 The glacier from our verandah.

The glacier "calved" -- large pieces separated from the main glacier.  This frog was many of the piece we saw.  The blue color was astonishing.  I'd heard that arctic ice is blue but never imagined how vivid it would be.

11 September, Juneau, AL

A whole day in port and it’s pouring rain. Needless to say, I didn't take many pix.

What a surprise to find Boleslawiec for sale in Juneau.  That is a brand of Polish pottery that's VERY popular among my US friends, started with three patterns that won a design award and has expanded to at least a dozen patterns and even more pieces (ear of corn dishes!)

12 September, Sitka AL

About 6 hours in port, overcast and drizzly.  Guess what the main industry is in Sitka?

13 September, Ketchikan AL, Rain Capital of North America.

 Me at the Ketchikan sign

Gorgeous sunny day and we only had four hours.  We were mostly shopped out though we did find excellent deals at a jewelry store and partook.  We rode a free city circulator bus for a short tour of the sights; the driver was an excellent guide.

Liquid Sunshine Gauge next to Tourist Info Center.   Average rainfall per year 12.5 FEET. 

15 September, approaching Victoria, BC, our last stop

At the "prep to disembark" briefing the cruise director said we'd have a hard time adjusting to life on land for a few days.  Sea legs, but also we'd find ourselves standing with our empty plates and 15 minutes later they'd still be empty because no one filled them for us.  And we'd have to start remembering days of the week since we'd have no elevator rugs as a point of reference.  

These were definitely a plus as the week went by.

16 September, Seattle, Washington

A very blonde Marianne and her husband met me at the dock in Seattle.  I almost didn't recognize her.  She had very dark hair the last time I saw her -- in 1990 -- but otherwise was just the same. I stayed there for a couple of night catching up.  Marianne is having her last chemo for color cancer on Tuesday.

We had a delightful time on a Duck Tour of Seattle, followed by a fantastic lunch near Pike Place Market where I did a lot of looking and a little shopping while Marianne bought a special Starbuck's coffee at the original Starbuck's coffee shop.

20 September, Santa Barbara, California

I'm always one who likes to make her airfare work for her.  Hence, the stay in Seattle to re-connect with an old friend ... and a trip to San Francisco to see my friends and family in the Bay Area.  As usual, I stayed with Jean, and we took a short jaunt to another part of the state, this time the Santa Barbara area.  We had lunch yesterday with Jean's elderly Uncle Bob, and today visited my friend Kim from my Booz days and her daughter Katie, almost 2 years old, as well as the city.

30 September 2012 Minneapolis MN USA

Here I am, once again having neglected to write what I composed in my head all month.  Thankfully I remembered to take a few photos -- I’m notorious for taking a camera and forgetting to use it; ditto the camera on the iPhone.  But I took my digital camera on the cruise and thereafter, so you saw the month anyway.

You all know how much I love to travel but even for me, this period has been excessive. But that was my choice.  Being able to make such choices is what retirement, at least for me, is all about.  I can take an overseas assignment that looks interesting and worthwhile, I can make my air travel dollars work by staying away from home longer, I can help friends and enjoy a long weekend “back home” with my siblings.  Some day I won’t be able to do that as easily, and certainly not travel to off-the-beaten-path places.  All that is by way to telling you that October (mostly in DC), November (Michigan, Pittsburgh) and December (Poland and DC) will be equally travel heavy.  So until then, TTFN (a 1960s goodbye short cut -- ta ta for now).

Just when you expect to slow down ...

3 August, Minneapolis MN USA

Yesterday Sabrina and I took Christopher, who will be 5 soon, to a new playground by Lake Harriet.  To refresh your memory, Sabrina and I were in the same Peace Corps group, and her son is my adopted youngest grandson.  We had a lovely picnic, chatted forever and watch Christopher cavort on a newfangled jungle gym built in a sand pit.  He climbed a contraption that was a series of thick ropes riveted together, up and down several times, with me holding my breath for each one.  Although a sand pit was at the base, I could just imagine him falling.  But he didn’t.  He’s an agile kid.  Sometimes he’s also a shy kid, but he made friends with another boy and his young mom with whom Sabrina also made a connection for future play dates.  All in all, despite the continuing excruciating hot weather, a good time was had by all.  And Babcia Suzi once again forgot to take photos!

Tonight I’m joining Julie and Yvette, friends and former clients from my Northeast Economic Development days, plus Kathy and Susan, two friends of theirs who have been great to include me in their Girls’ Night Outs.  We’ll stay in, enjoy take out Middle Eastern food at Susan’s, and wish her well as she prepares to move to the suburbs.  I had suggested we all wear black to mourn our loss.  I promised that once I’m in my condo and settled, I’ll do a Girls’ Night In at my place.  It’s been fun to widen my sphere of friends.

6 August, Washington, DC, USA

Here I am at David and Inga’s new house in Bethesda, just a few miles from where they lived in northwest DC when they were here before.  Last time I saw them was in Krakow in May as they organized for the move.  Now I’m here to help with the house, the girls (Frankie and Tosia) and wherever necessary while David and Inga deal with his cancer.  Yes, you read that right.  David had a malignant tumor removed from his brain a week ago.  A smaller tumor was left to be treated with chemo and radiation.  They were diagnosed at the end of July.  David had been found unconscious in the garage at his office, thought to be a mugging victim until an MRI was done.  I didn’t write anything in the July blog because I didn’t know what to say.  Not only was I overwhelmed, but we had little information until the surgery was completed.  But now I’ve seen David, have heard what the doctors have to say and know what’s happening.

David after surgery

David’s brother Mike picked me up at the airport yesterday, and we went straight to the hospital for which I was grateful.  I was afraid David might be too tired for another visitor.  But he walked easily to the visitors’ area where Mike, his wife Jan, Inga and I were stationed. Jan has done a wonderful job of keeping things organized, complete with calendar of important dates (from new student orientation for the girls to oncology appointments) and a “to do” list for each of us.  

David looks terrific, as you can see in the photo.  With a baseball cap on his head, his shaved spot and stitches aren’t visible.  His humor is in tact and his spirits are high.  The rehab case manager came by while we were all talking.  She’d met everyone but me, and said, “So you must be David’s mother.”  We all got a good laugh. Reminded a little of a time decades ago when a student nurse thought my mom was my dad’s mother because of her gray hair in contrast to his coal black.  Only this time I actually am old enough ... just would’ve been a very young mother.

Last night David moved from Georgetown University Hospital, where he had the surgery, to a rehab hospital on the other side of the District.  Today they did tests before a treatment plan is developed, then he’ll have rehab for seven to 10 days.  He’s also having a post-op MRI that will be part of the diagnostics for a second opinion.  The resourceful and tenacious Jan found the top brain cancer doc in the US at Duke University and has been in touch with him about David’s condition.  So that’s a possibility for follow up treatment including a trial.

I’ll be here until 16 August, then back to Minneapolis for me and on to Kansas for Frankie and Tosia.  They’ll spend a few days with their dad’s other brother, Jeff, and his girlfriend; they left before I arrived. Not the tour of the Grand Canyon and surrounding sites that had been planned, but at least a bit of a break before school starts later in the month.  

9 August

Spent almost an hour of the phone with Dish network today trying to get the “hopper” and the “joey” to work right in David and Inga’s bedroom.  It’s some newfangled mechanism that allows a Dish client to have access to the satellite in more than one place AND to watch different things on those TVs.  Unfortunately the master bedroom TV hadn’t arrived when the Dish technician set up the main TV and “hopper” in the family room.  A family friend tried to set up the second TV and missed something, I’m not sure what, so it wasn’t working.  After all the trial and error checking on the phone, the online tech finally agreed to sent the first available tech here on Sunday afternoon, or sooner if there’s a cancellation.

Actually I spent a lot of phone time today.  I had promised to contact doctors used previously to be sure they took the current health insurance plan and in some cases, to make appointments.  At one office a real person actually answered the phone.  Amazing, as everywhere else I was first faced with the “if you ... press ...” litany that I have grown to abhor.  But eventually all was done.

News is that David will come home tomorrow from the rehab hospital.  Inga said when the rehab hospital attendants arrived to pick up David on Monday evening, they brought a litter on wheels.  They were flabbergasted that David, standing on his own, identified himself as the patient.  He looked way too able and healthy than what they were used to.  Since he wasn’t allowed to leave under his own steam, even though he was capable, they got a wheelchair and off they went.  

10 August

David got home just after lunch.  Inga and Tomek, a Polish friend, went to pick him up while the girls and I went shopping.  And of course I got us lost.  Thankfully DC has roundabouts like Scotland!

I have a renewed appreciation for my friends with children and full time jobs and houses to keep up.  I’m only helping with the cooking, housework and such plus the girls are pretty self service, and I’m pooped by bedtime. 

Frankie made blueberry muffins from my friend Jean's mother's recipe.

15 August

Tomorrow I return to Minneapolis for a week, time to have my own annual check ups, move back into my condo and start organizing it again.  I’ll come back here on 23rd for a couple of weeks to help while the girls start school and David starts treatment.

David and Inga are exhausted after a full day of seeing doctors for follow ups.  All seems to be going well, and David looks and feels good.  He’s riding his stationery bike regularly, something he’s done for decades, and his cognition seems to improve steadily.  The girls are being themselves, arguing too much but good kids. I’ve given them a limit - each can initiate only two fights. Helps a little with the continuous sisterly bickering.  We’ve gone to the Montgomery County pool a few times.  I do some of my water exercises though I admit it’s more playing than exercising.  Where is Andrew when I need him?  Oh, right, back at Blaisdell Y in Minneapolis cracking the whip at water boot camp.  I’ve been encouraging Tosia to consider swimming as her sport.  She is like a fish, always on the move doing front and back somersaults and swimming underwater. They got registered for school yesterday and weren’t required to take the English test ... but they did need a Mantoux (TB) test.  Inga is super organized with folders for each girls subdivided by various doctors, schools etc. plus all of David’s info.  She’s getting better at letting others do things for her.    

Tosia loves the pool

 Today I spent a lot of time making doctor appointments for the girls, then took Frankie to her orthodontist to have her retainer tightened.  Tonight we did an hour in the pool as they were antsy from a day at home.  Their western tour that was to be this month was cancelled due to David’s surgery. So their uncles have planned alternatives.  Tomorrow it’s off to Kansas City -- their first flight alone.  Over Labor Day weekend their other uncle will stay here and take David to a baseball game while his wife, Inga and the girls go to New York City.  I will probably spend the weekend with other DC friends.

17 August, Minneapolis MN

Happy birthday to my sister, Barbara, who’s celebrating with friends in New York City this weekend.

And oh my aching back.  After my 7:15 am ‘pilates in the pool’ class, I spent the morning helping my nephew Chris move his things to Barbara’s and things I had left at Barbara’s back to my condo.  Then in the afternoon, I did lots of laundry and cleaned things no one will ever notice -- the refrigerator, the floor behind the washer and dryer ... and around the furnace and hot water heater, under the sink, inside drawers and cupboards.  I threw out food that had been in the cupboard, ‘frig and freezer since I left last October.  But I still haven’t put my clothes away.  Had to leave something for tomorrow.

19 August

Happy birthday to my youngest niece, Tomery, who’ll celebrate in Vegas next weekend.

If the housekeeping doesn’t kill me, the water exercise will!  Andrew’s Water Power Ex this morning was a killer ... and his Wednesday Boot Camp will be my final water ex this week.  Thank heavens I got an upgrade on my Thursday flight to DC.

Today a friend and I went to two movies -- “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” a very odd film that won at Sundance and it’s easy to see why.  No professional actors but incredible acting.  It’s about a group of people in the lowlands of the delta during Katrina.  The cinematography was awesome.  To lighten things we stayed for “Ruby Sparks,” a romantic comedy but another odd film.  Includes a hallucination that may or may not have been one, and if it wasn’t, might’ve been like the year of “Dallas” that was all a bad dream.  It was a good movie and a perfect antidote to the serious “Beasts” themes.

22 August

What a fantastic evening!  We celebrated Barbara’s and Tomery’s birthdays at their favorite restaurant, the 112 Eatery in downtown.  We includes, besides the birthday women, my niece Michelle, nephews Christopher and Craig, and Craig’s girlfriend April.  Chris’ girlfriend Jen and Michelle’s husband Jon weren’t able to be with us.  Although I gave Barbara a hard time for eating what she always does -- lamb skewers for an appetizer and burger with brie for dinner -- I did the same thing.  The three lamb skewers are enough for a meal, so that was my dinner, preceded by a salad of crisp romaine leaves with crumbled blue cheese and a very light touch of vinaigrette dressing and something small and crunchy (a few crumbled croutons, perhaps).

Craig came down from Brainerd for a few days and spent all morning with me.  He fixed a bi-fold door in my laundry room, which has earned him eternal gratitude.  I could not get it to stay on the track, nor could anyone else.  Craig figured out that we needed to raise the bottom plate a little, which he did, and shazam!  It works.  We had lunch at a Mexican fast food place, Baja Sol, that neither of us had tried before, and decided it was a place to visit again.  Tasty fresh food at a good price.  Then I went off to continue the process that brought me back to MN -- annual doctor’s appointments and an appointment with Connie, my hair dresser who covered my exposed white roots. (No comments, please!)

Some of the Blaisdell Y water ex crew

23 August, Washington, DC

Flying first class was a lovely treat today, especially after Andrew’s Boot Camp class at the Y yesterday.  And so was having Craig drive me to the airport.  But having my one checked suitcase be forgotten in Minneapolis was not.  I have to add, the Delta people were great, and the suitcase was delivered to David and Inga’s house a few minutes ago.

Finally figured out tonight why my laptop cord hasn’t been working consistently.  There’s a little green or yellow light that indicates full battery or not.  And several times when in my condo, I went to use the laptop and noticed the light was off.  I checked the outlet, extension cord, changed from two-prong to three-prong plug, and nothing seemed to work consistently. Sometimes the connection would be made and recharging would begin, other times not.  Ditto here when I plugged in.  So I inspected my cord ... and there they were -- Lily teeth marks.   Chris had told me that Lily, my/his cat, had chewed completely through several of his cords to the computer, iPhone etc. He bought plastic tubing to cover the cords and left me one to use. But I hadn’t seen any evidence that she’d done tried to chew on my laptop cord ... until I looked very carefully tonight ... and found one bite mark.  Undoubtedly that got all the way through to the wires and how the cord is sitting affects connectivity.  Add to my “to do” list -- Apple store for a new cord for the laptop.  But at least the mystery is solved -- I am not going crazy, the condo does not have a ghost.

24 August

Hectic day trying to get a doctor’s order for a blood test that David needs so he can be evaluated for a possible treatment trial at Johns Hopkins.  Because the test results are needed very quickly (read: can’t wait days, weeks for insurance company approval), David is paying for the test out of pocket.  Inga cannot understand why, given that, we cannot just go to a lab and get the test done.  That’s how it would be done in Poland ... different health care “system,” different rules.  Besides getting the doctor’s order, we had to find a lab that could do the test stat (ASAP) and get results by Monday.  David’s regular doctor agreed to write the order once he got all the info he needed.  And David and Inga ended up at JHU which has a lab that can do the test and an outpatient clinic with an Express Testing option, allows walk ins and takes credit cards and checks.  By midday, David and Inga were off to Baltimore.

I have to say that I have never seen such excellence in customer service outside the Mayo Clinic.  As many of you know, Peter was initially treated at Mayo and beginning with our first visit, the Mayo staff set an exceptionally high standard that was rarely met at the other places we had to go.  JHU’s staff met that standard: Everyone from receptionist to med technical was the most helpful, courteous individual  in health care that I’ve dealt with in a long time (and as you read earlier, I’m in the midst of my own annual doctor visits, so have recent personal experience).  One fellow even called me to give me an alternate person’s name in case I needed something after he went off duty, and he briefed the other guy on what was going on!  And the nurse in the office of the doctor heading up the trial seems genuinely happy to hear from any of what he calls “David’s Army” at any time.  One member of the army from David’s office delivered a delicious home-cooked dinner, complete with fresh strawberries, chocolate chip cookies and a funny card for David.

Mission accomplished.  David got to JHU, had the test and results are to be available on Monday.  He and Inga returned tired but feeling good that the test was underway.  Later I caught up with emails while Inga took Frankie and a friend shopping, Tosia was with a friend at her house, and David trimmed long branches from a tree in the back yard.  Then David and I waited for the rest of the family to return.  We sat their large back deck, enjoyed the lush green backyard view and talked on myriad topics while David anticipated his nightly cigar and I sipped my evening glass of wine.  Great day.

26 August

The day before school starts for Franciszka and Antonia, the names they now prefer.  So yesterday we broke into two groups and went shopping.  Frankie and I managed to find our way to Target using Inga’s directions and a map on my phone.  Target was its usual pre-school madhouse, but we found most of what we were looking for.  And amazingly the check out lines weren’t long.  Then it was off to meet Tosia and Inga at DSW Shoe Warehouse in another area; David had returned home after those three had a sushi lunch.  The phone map was accurate, its reading was slightly less so.  First we were in the wrong lane, then made a wrong turn, all at the very last intersection.  To top it all, the store was easily visible from the street.  The two-story DSW had to be 10 times larger than the one in St. Louis Park where I shop.  I helped Inga decide on a gorgeous and very unusually made paid of leather winter boots, then Tosia and I left for home.  After a couple of wrong turns, despite the phone map, we made it.

28 August

David and Inga are in Baltimore where David is undergoing still more tests, being outfitted with his own special radiation therapy helmut and waiting for the results of Friday’s blood test.  In the meantime, his brother Mike and I are cobbling together a caringbridge.com page to make it easier to keep everyone up to date.  I’m going to add some pix to that when I’m done here.

This morning I drove to Derwood MD to have the emissions on David’s BMW tested.  Thanks to Gertie Garmin I only got lost once ... and it was her fault.  She neglected to tell me that my next turn was immediately after I exited the freeway so I missed it.  “Recalculating.”  Don’t think I got a “bong” with that one.  I have noticed that cars have enhanced idiot lights (remember those? they glowed red on the dashboard when something, who knew what, was wrong) with sounds.  Now I get a “bong” sound that still doesn’t tell me anything.  I say “bong” because it sounds too rounded to call “ping” and it’s definitely not a “beep.”  On Sunday when Frankie and I got back in the car after shoe shopping, the car bonged ... when I backed from the parking place, it bonged, and when I stopped to pay the parking fee, it bonged ... that’s when I realized the trunk was open as the idiot light showed.  I begged the attendant’s indulgence, jumped out, shrugged at the driver behind us and slammed the trunk closed.

Okay, I’m weirded out.  Something in the kitchen just chirped a little tune at me ...

By the way, did anyone know that Rockville MD has a “historic district”?  And if you did, can you tell me what’s there please? I saw several signs leading to the freeway exit for the Rockville Historic District.   I grew up in Pennsylvania, so I know a lot of early American history happened in all of the “Middle Atlantic States.”  A high school friend had a Whiskey Rebellion cemetery next to her backyard.  And I’ve been to many historic battlefields and colonial towns.  But somehow Rockville MD doesn’t ring a bell ... or sound a bong.  Perhaps one of these days I’ll drive up there and see what it’s all about.

29 August

Okay, first for the weird chirping.  It was someone else’s mobile phone announcing a text message; the phone was buried under a paper.

We had a really busy day with lots of ups and downs.  David’s test results came in, and he doesn’t qualify for the trial that everyone had hoped he would.  That said, two others may be possible but require more investigation in a very short timeframe.  So we’re off and running again.

Got the great news today that my friend Lauri’s lumpectomy surgery had been completed and went very well.  What a relief.  Afterwards, she emailed family and friends that she was already up and eating tacos.  That’s a true Texas lady!

31 August

What a lovely way to end the month ... with more good news.  David will take part in a study of a new drug (BSI-201) for treatment of his cancer in a trial at Johns Hopkins.  It’s a Phase II trial, which means it’s shown some good progress for patients and is done in conjunction with the standard of care, chemo and radiation.

The JHU staff continue to amaze me with their patient focus, words so often used in our health care system but so often not seen in action.  As I noted before, late afternoon on Wednesday we got the news that David could not take part in the initial trial that was being considered.  I alerted David’s Army and tasks were assigned. David’s sister in law would call another medical center about a new trial that JHU isn’t part of yet, and I would pursue trials at JHU. His oldest brother would check with docs at his facility, middle brother would work on caringbridge site. I called the nurse who coordinates that study and left messages on both her phones, I talked to Joe, the nurse coordinator of the original study to get his suggestions; emailed Lindsay, the due-any-day-now pregnant oncology radiologist’s assistant, to get hers; and updated the Army via email and phone.  At about 6:30 pm, Silvia, the BSI trial nurse coordinator, called me from home on her son’s mobile (hers, she said, was not working).  She’d heard from Lindsay as well as Joe and was calling from home.  We chatted for some time about David’s status and treatment schedule.  I noted that we needed to “cancel” the insurer’s approval of the original trial so approval for a new one could be requested.  While we were talking, she emailed Joe to handled that.  And today, not long after she called to tell us that David could take part in that trial, she called to say the insurer had approved.  She had requested the application be submitted by JHU right after we talked on Wednesday evening!  And she already has made tentative appointments for next Wednesday when she’ll meet David, and he’ll have some blood work done and get “chemo training.” He starts treatment a week from Labor Day.

Brother Mike, his wife Jan and one son Brian arrived this morning and Brian’s twin Chris arrives tomorrow.  Kim, our Peace Corps/Poland friend, had arrived last night.  Jan, Inga and the girls leave tomorrow for NYC for the long weekend, and the “boys” will stay with David for a weekend, no doubt, of cigars as well as a Nats’ ball game.  I’m off to Alexandria for the weekend.  I’ll stay with my friend Regina and her sons; we’re having a potluck picnic/brunch on Sunday.

For continuing news about David, please refer to www.caringbridge.com/visit/davidreene  You need to set up your own user name and password, if you don’t already have one for this site.  To find David’s page, you input his name as davidreene.  The Journal will include updates from David’s Army, mainly his two brothers.  You can leave messages for hi by signing the Guest Book, and we’ll be sure he gets them.  If you want to be alerted when the Journal is updated, there’s a link in the Journal section.

I’ll be here until the 6th of September, then I’m back to MN for a few days. I leave on 9 Sept. on an Alaska cruise that I’ve been dreaming about since that scorching day in South Sudan when I got an email from my friend Marilyn asking if I wanted to do this.  That was a no brainer!

And finally, this was part of a blog by Dan, a friend I acquired through my late son Peter.  It seemed like a great way to end this month.

Hot time in the summer ...

9 July 2012, Washington, DC

Here I am, back in DC for a day at the Women for Women offices before my flights back to Rumbek, South Sudan.  I was awake at about 3 am and of course couldn’t fall back to sleep.  A frequent pre-travel event.  Plus it was hot!  I tried but finally got up at 5, took a shower, did an online checkin for my flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi which I couldn’t do last night for some reason.  I’m meeting a colleague for breakfast at 8, then to the office for a hectic day of appointments before I start my 24 hours of travel to Nairobi.  I fly up to Rumbek on Wednesday morning.

It’s been a busy time in Minneapolis this month.  Still catching up with people I haven’t seen in months as well as preparing for this trip.  The weather gods did a good job of the latter recently.  Temps in Minnesota were in the 90s and above 100 a few days, and here in DC it’s been worse.  Just saw a news item about a jet at Dulles sinking into the overly hot tarmac!

11 July, Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Kenya

Here I am at 6:30 am, checked in and waiting for my 8 am flight to Rumbek.  I’ve made friends with a group of nuns, one of whom is going to Rumbek and flying for the first time and a little nervous according to her colleagues.  Per usual, the airline hasn’t got change for $100, the bill of preference that we all carry, and I had no small bills either.  So I gave Sister Antonia 3000 Ksh to pay for her excess baggage.  Afterwards I realized I could have changed the $100 for her; I have six twenties in my money belt.  Well, she gave me her blessing, which I’m sure I’ll need.  

Had a lovely time in DC with Regina and the boys last weekend.  Liam and Roan have certainly grown up since the last time I saw them.  They’ve become interesting conversationalists, actually working at that.  Their dad let us use the pool at his townhouse complex on Saturday when the temp was well above 100.  So that’s where we all headed as soon as I dropped my bags and we had a quick snack.  Later I took the boys to Chipotle for dinner while Regina met a new date (ok but not a keeper, she said) for a drink.  Sunday we feasted on homemade french toast, which I haven’t had in decades, then went to see the new “Spiderman” at an early matinee.  I highly recommend the movie; we saw the non 3D version.  I liked Andrew Garfield’s interpretation of the character, and he’s cuter than Toby Maguire.  Sunday night I stayed at a hotel across from the Women for Women office, the better to be on time for my early breakfast to catch up with friend David and start my full roster of appointments before I depart for South Sudan.  Loved having a chance to put more faces to names as I met people throughout my visit.  Finalized my scope of work with Karen and pray I can get it all done!  

Since I awoke at 3 am on Monday and wasn’t able to fall back to sleep, I knew it was going to be a long, hard trip.  But it started well.  Taxi ride to Dulles airport was expensive but uneventful. Air France handled the check in, and the agent said I could use the airline lounge, probably because I paid for an upgraded seat.  Hurray.  A quiet, comfortable place for the 90-minute wait and within spitting distance of my gate.  Free wi fi as well as beverages and real food.  Unlike Delta, the Air France lounge had sandwiches along with all the fruit, nuts, snacks.  I opted for some peanuts and cheddar cheese with a Coke Zero and bottle of water since I’d eaten a big sandwich at lunch.

Both of my flights were on KLM airplanes with lots of handsome Dutchmen as flight attendants and passengers.  Probably should’ve tried for a photo op, ala Scotland!  The Dulles-Schiphol flight got off to a great start when I spilled a glass of plain tomato juice.  No wine with dinner for me!  At least I didn’t have someone in the seat next to me, only I got juiced and it was my orangish-red South Sudan dress.  I watched a movie that I’ve been wanting to see, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” and thoroughly enjoyed it until I realized I was ready to sleep and the pilot was announcing our approach to Schiphol.

When we arrived in Amsterdam, I checked my boarding pass for the departure gate only to discover it was the same gate.  Been a  long time that has happened anywhere.  I wandered a bit, found some breakfast, worked on the Internet, printed my Nairobi-Rumbek ticket, bought some books, sat and waited for my next flight, desperately trying to stay awake.  Those of you have know I have a Kindle may be wondering why the return to dead renewable resources.  Well, while in DC, I dropped my Kindle on the floor and suddenly could only read half a page.  Yes, Amazon will replace at no cost but not in time for me to depart with it.  It will wait for me in MN at which time I’ll return the broken one.

I had a nice exit door seat on an aisle for my ‘night flight,’ that’s what my body was calling it.  But I ended up trading with the wife of the man next to me so they could sit together.  She was closer to the door we’d actually exit too and at an exit door but in the middle, which isn’t so bad when you’re by the door; lots more leg room.  At that seat the man next to the window looked uncomfortable as he was quite tall and the slide cover hindered his legs.  So I offered to trade with him. I wanted to sleep and leaning on the window is more comfortable than trying to sleep in a middle seat.  A flight attendant helped me move and store my carry-ons, got me a pillow and blanket and didn’t awaken me to offer me coffee, tea or pop. I must’ve fallen asleep as the plane took off because the next thing I knew we were in the air and I could smell dinner.  I dozed a bit after that but never for long.  I worked my favorite weekend International Herald-Tribune crossword and read.

14 July, Rumbek, South Sudan

Feels like I’m home, which is how I usually feel when I return to someplace I’ve lived for a while.  The warmth of the greeting from WfWI staff, Afex folks and others was heartening -- they were glad to see me, had lots of questions about my travel to the US.

Spent time on Thursday afternoon getting settled in and acclimated, although weather in Washington and Minneapolis were good prep.  Then it was off the running.  My scope of work is chock full, so I’ve been meeting after meeting and in between, either debriefing with Regina, the country director, or trying to make sense of my notes.  Yesterday evening I invited the two nurse-midwives to dinner at the Afex dining hall so I could catch up.  Lucy, who manages the farm where the clinic takes place, joined us.  We want to ensure the prenatal clinic will continue after their UN contracts expire in early autumn.  They’ll meet with the community elders and women to prepare them for the transition to local hospital staff handling the clinic alone.

It’s Saturday but just another work day, and a long one at that.  

15 July, Rumbek

Saw two baby leopards today and realized how tame the deer at Safari Style, the compound with the pool, are.  Two of my “pool friends” brought them over in their arms from a nearby “wildlife preserve.”  The baby leopard were adorable and taken back to the preserve.  A couple of small deer nibbled grass near us most of the afternoon and never moved an inch when we did.  So different from at home.

16 July, Rumbek

A long day of trying to re-write a position paper while interviewing three different employees individually.  Will I ever make sense of my notes?  Since I’m doing a mini operational audit, I have the output of a sizable forest collecting in my tote, the back up documentation I’ll send with my report.  The suitcase that I emptied of supplies for the nurse-midwives will not return as light as I had anticipated.

The chef must’v known I could use some comfort food.  Lunch included meatloaf (and Heinz ketchup) and mashed potatoes, saute’d zucchini in lieu of Mom’s green peas, and tomato/cucumber salad in lieu of her cole slaw.  I don’t usually eat so heartily at lunch but made an exception today.  Not a bad meal, considering it wasn’t Mom’s home cooking (or even my rendition of that).

Had an email from an old friend from my Macedonia days.  Leigh was head of the education pillar at USAID.  Last time I saw her was in Krakow two years ago when she and a friend made a side trip to Krakow en route to a conference in Prague.  She’s in Nairobi and I’m hoping we can manage dinner on Friday night.  I have a biz meeting with our regional HR person midday on Saturday and leave at 6 pm for the airport and home!

18 July, Rumbek

Chilly, overcast, damp morning.  Looks like it rained last night as my “porch” had a new small puddle this morning.

And now it’s bedtime and I haven’t written a thing.  Too busy.  But I saw on television that it was Nelson Mandela’s birthday, and in honor of that, the chef made a delicious square layer cake decorated like the South Africa flag.  Jan, our regional person, arrived today as I was returning from the farm.  I’ve written about the farm before and had such high hopes that we could move it along.  But that doesn’t seem possible now.  Of the staff of 10, I saw four people -- two security guards, one who had been on leave and drove there with me and a fourth.  Not good.  They seem to think “anything goes” the closer to the country office closing we get.

Lunch break for the women at CIFI Farm

Kids at farm gather to say 'good bye'

21 July, Nairobi

Jan, our regional director, and I flew back to Nairobi together yesterday and caught up on our morning of meetings. Thankfully the flight was smooth, even going into Lokichoggio, which often has turbulence due to the nearby mountains.  We’d heard that the flight in to Rumbek had turned around due to bad weather, which was why it was late.  After checking into the hotel, I had dinner with a friend, Leigh, and we caught up on several years of events.  She’s working on a big project in Nairobi for another aid contractor and comes there every month.  Spent the morning today working on my report of the South Sudan assignment, then met with Jan and Job, regional HR, for an hour on HR issues there.  I had the cab driver come at 6 pm to ensure I got to the airport with minimal traffic delays.  Nairobi traffic makes Chicago’s Dan Ryan  look like an open freeway.  At Kenyatta, I had my usual quesadilla for dinner, checked out the Kenya Airways lounge that I was eligible to use and shopped for tee-shirts and such to bring back this time.  Soon we’ll board ...

25 July, Big Sturgeon Lake outside Hibbing, Minnesota

Ah, relaxing up north at the lake.  A fine old Minnesota tradition that I have enjoyed for many years since I have friends with cabins.  Has always seemed silly and redundant to buy a cabin myself with its accompanying issues like leaky roofs, rodents seeking warm housing, double utility and tax bills.  My way means that I can bring along some wine and groceries, help with the kitchen clean up and bed changing ... and have a stress-free time.

My friend Jean from San Francisco grew up in Hibbing and kept her family’s lake place after her parents died.  While she doesn’t get there often, she does welcome guests.  So Janet (of Janet and Ed where I’m in temporary residence again) and I spent a few nights with her.  One day we went in to Hibbing for a bit of shopping and sightseeing.  We visited the world’s largest open pit coal mine and drove by her cousin Bob Dylan’s house.  

 That's one big mine!

Bob Dylan Drive in Hibbing MN

(not the house where he grew up)

28 July, Minneapolis & St. Paul MN

Of course today is the day my diverticulitis decided to act up.  I had a reunion of folks I worked with at my last corporate job pre-Peace Corps.  This was a second reunion of the Friends of The St. Paul, those of us who worked there when it meant something good and important for us and the community.  And tomorrow I’m driving up to Brainerd early with Janet so I can attend my former mother-in-law’s 92nd birthday party and Janet can tend to the bird feeders at their cabin.

I laid low most of the day and managed to enjoy the party.  Wore a purple and white maxi shift with my neon pink Tom’s shoes.  Delighted in telling people I’d just returned from South Sudan.

It’s official that Jerry Haug looks like Dick Cheney.  Didn’t recognize Candy Neumann who’s retired, but Sandi Wilkins looks and sounds just the same and is assisting the CEO of Courage Center. Saw Bev Williams, Bruce Backberg, Jon Roeder, Janet Nelson, Ron Stegeman, Robin Critelli, Dave Block, Sue Albrecht, Mary Pickard, Mickey Mulcahy, the widows of Laury Willox and John Lynch, George Tsui, TJ Ticey and loads of other people who’s names looked familiar ...

I got to thank Tom Swain for inspiring me to join the Peace Corps and for his tenacity in insisting on excellence (that means he was a real nitpicker).  Tom’s retirement was just before my late son Peter started his senior year in high school.  A friend told me that Tom had wanted to join the Peace Corps post-retirement, but his wife wouldn’t go unless they assigned him to London or Paris.  That started me to thinking about living my adolescent dream and the rest, as they say, is herstory. Thanks to Jim Schulte for instigating and organizing the reunion. 

29 July Brainerd MN

My former mother-in-law Ella will be 93 tomorrow, so today we helped her celebrate.  Elyse and Steve brought lots of food and arranged a room at the nursing home.  My nephews John and David, David’s wife Heidi and the kids were there.  Ella’s younger sister Anna Mae came from North Dakota and looked as fit as when I saw her at Easter 2011.  She’s 88 now and still in her home.  Her son Curt, his wife and their grandson were with us and so were another cousin Sue and her husband Dennis; we haven’t seen them since Sue’s mom died quite a few years ago.

Ella, right, and her 'baby' sister AnnaMae celebrate Ella's 93rd birthday

For those who have missed my weather reports, a MN tradition as old as going up north for a heat break ... it has been hotter in Minneapolis than in the southern US ... and in South Sudan.  I don’t recall a time when temps hit the 90Fs and 100F so often, and it’s not even August yet, our hottest month.