The Past Week

 Sorry, I seem to neglect to write on a consistent basis. If you are a frequent visitor you already know this, as sometimes my posts are few and far between.

Last Tuesday I was again in the gallery, it was very slow. I sold 4 of my books, that was it for the day. Good for me, not for the gallery.

After closing up I headed to the monthly, He/She Bang, meeting. We discussed the stage and how it is going to be set up. Then we went through the skits and what they will look like and what props, etc, will be needed. This year the show will run over 5 nights and two weekends in November. Make your plans now, ticket go on sale in October and sell out FAST. All proceeds benefit the Madrid Health Cooperative and the Food Bank for the residents of the town.

I spent some time this week sealing the house from critters that seem to find their way under my house. I have rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice and birds seeking shelter. I have been burying 1/4" wire mesh all around the perimeter of the house. They do not like this at all.

Today, I had planned to photograph a sheep shearing, unfortunately, my GPS decided to make up an address and took me to the wrong place. Hopefully, another one will come up and I will be able to locate it. As I drove through Alcalde I passed a cemetery and went back to get a few pictures. This is La Villita Catholic Cemetery. 

After leaving Alcalde, I stopped at Lowe's in Espanola to get some more mesh.

I then went to the grocery store, this was my fifth attempt to get some frozen lemon juice. I went to the Market Place, as I pulled up I saw the Girl Scouts were there. I had seen they were out selling, though I never was in town on the days they were out. So the first thing I did was purchase two boxes of Thin Mints and two of the Tagalogs. I finally found my frozen lemon juice! I fulfilled my small list and left the store. As I loaded my haul into my trunk a couple walked by and stated that my Thin Mints were gold, they have run out while I was shopping.

A few days ago I had some visitors in my yard.

A Lewis's Woodpecker this afternoon in my yard.

As far as the aftermath of the cancer treatment, except for having to pee constantly and it burns almost every time, I am doing great.

Days are screwed up

 Sunday I went to the Mardi Gras Pajama party, what fun, loads of people, good food and live music.

Vance on Bass

Our Hostess Barb

Sunset

Host and Hostess

Les and Barb

I brought a Chocolate Tart, which got rave reviews and was devoured. Barb made a delicious Gumbo and Red Beans with rice.

That was on Sunday afternoon, which screwed up my days. I am through with my treatments and so I did not have to drive in on Monday. I thought, Monday, was Sunday, confused all day.

Tuesday, I worked in the Gallery, sold a number of items including one of my books, yeah! When I got home I pop the hood on my car in an effort to keep the critters out. It seems a rabbit hopped in while I was at work, as it was sitting in the engine compartment.

Wednesday, the temperature dropped, the wind picked up and the snow fell. I went out to feed the birds and startled a Hawk, the Ravens ignored me and kept wandering about, dozens of other birds flocked around the feeders. I emptied the traps and the Ravens received a few mice. I believe the Hawk left empty handed, as I didn't spot any feathers scattered about.

I will leave you with a shot of the sunset on the Ortiz Mountains on the 20th of February.

Link to Website

Treatment Day 28 of 28

 This is the end, the last day of treatment. No more driving into town five days a week.

I brought the Chocolate Tart to the staff as a thank you.

I brought "J" a vegan/GF chocolate mint, Oreo, brownie from the Revolution Bakery. I gave it to her a I was entering the treatment room, when I came out 10 minutes later, she said it was wonderful, she ate the whole brownie while giving me my treatment. I told her where the bakery was, she didn't know about it.

After my treatment all of the staff presented me with my Diploma, and gave me hugs.

Then off to the Gallery in Madrid for the day. Many people came through, not much buying. I did sell a few items including an expensive bracelet, so that made the day.

Tomorrow, I will make another tart for a Mardi Gras Pajama Party some friends are throwing on Sunday. Since, I sleep naked, the costume will be easy.

Treatment Day 27 of 28

Almost done, one more day to go. YEAH!!

-6 degrees at 6am, it got up to about 24 by the time I left. Beautiful, clear, sunny day, just bitter cold.

Snow on the dirt road as I left, none on the paved roads. Easy fast drive into town. Arrived early and chatted with a few of the others in the waiting room. 

I was called in and "J" took some pictures of me "setup" to receive my treatment. She had talked about it the other day and then we both forgot about it. Here I am ready to get zapped.

I checked on my sister's house on the way home. Everything is ok.

After arriving home I started making the chocolate tart. It is now in the refrigerator setting up. I will take a photo tomorrow.

I made lunch and prepared some food for tomorrow, I will be at the gallery after my, LAST, session. YEAH.

No more driving into town, at least, not every day.
 

Treatment Day 26 of 28 Meet with the Doctor day

 Wednesday, weekly meeting with the doctor day.

But First, It snowed again last night. 

Had to go out and get the snow off of my solar panels and my car.

This is my driveway as I was leaving this morning.

Slow drive into town, at least people weren't driving crazy.

The doctor came and got me as I was waiting, in the, waiting room. He said might as well start with me while waiting for my treatment.

We went into his office and had a nice chat. He did everything was progressing well and Friday would be my last treatment. I thanked him for his care, he thanked me for being a positive and involved patient.

For follow up he wants me to get a PSA test when I get my next hormone injection, May 1st. He believes that I should be below 10 at that point and it will continue to go down to 2 or 1, maybe even 0. I will have to watch it once it levels out, if it ever goes up 2 points beyond the lowest level, then we will have a problem.

I found a treat for "J" on my last day, she being Gluten-Free and Vegan she can't eat the chocolate tart I will be bringing.

I continues to snow throughout the day, bits of sun shining every so often.

Sangre de Cristo Mountains this afternoon

Treatment Day 25 of 28 Happy Valentine's Day

 Single digits, snow with a strong winds blowing, delightful. Left a few minutes early, I knew it was pretty clear on HWY14, but I25 and St. Francis were reported to be in bad shape, they were right. Though it really wasn't too bad. 

 Gave a box of chocolate to the receptionist, and went into the radiation waiting room.

"J" came to get me, a bit late, I gave her the chocolate. I told her I was still looking for something vegan/GF for her.

After the "code" I entered the radiation room. I got lined up, was in and out.

I left there went to the Albertson, next door, to get the final ingredients for the tarts.

Tomorrow I will met with the doctor, I'll find out what comes next.

Only three more treatments.

Treatment Day 24 of 28

 Monday and it is time to drive into town for my appointment.

It was actually in the 40's when I left the house. That will not last for long, as the temp is supposed to drop into single digits with snow.

I arrived and was taken right in, they asked for the "code", my birth date, then onto the table. Lined up easily, radiated and done. "J" handed me a bundle of flowers, I love these people.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day I have two boxes of chocolate for them, one for the receptionists and the other for the nurses/techs.

Met with my UPS driver to get my package, that was delayed from Friday. It has the chocolate I ordered for the "Chocolate Tart" I making them for my last day. I was also invited to a "Pajama Party", this Sunday, so I will be making two tarts.

Here are a few photos from last week. Prints are available at: https://steven-natanson.pixels.com/