A Sad Time

It is a sad and reflective time at our house.

Carole's Mom, Gunelda Hall, passed away in her sleep at the age of 92 yesterday afternoon at her residence at Sunrise. There are probably not a nicer and more honest couple on this planet than Gunelda Hall and Sherman Hall. The qualities we all admire in Carole came from somewhere, or as they say, the acorn does not fall far from the tree. Gunelda has a burial plot next to her husband in Sharon PA, and after the spring thaw were will have a grave-side interment service for her. When Mrs. Hall first come to Fresno she lived quite independently at a Retirement Community but as her age advanced, she moved to Sunrise Center where had very caring staff and friends. She had a full and rewarding life and left three wonderful children. It was my lucky day to have Gunelda as my mother-in-law.

Next weekend we will be travelling to Yosemite for a meeting - 3 days - it is especially beautiful this time of year with the big water and snow. Good time for pictures.

Healthwise, Carole and I are fine - being off chemo for awhile is kind of nice since I have been it continuously for 1 1/2 year and forgot what 'normal' is like.

My resolution of my disability insurance is in good hands and hopefully it will be resolved soon so I do not have to depend on Carole for an 'allowance'.

Anyway, remember Gunelda Hall is your thoughts and prayers.

Peace and Health.

Up and Down

Within the last couple of weeks, my PSA has decided to leave the plateau; my oncologist has concluded that it is time again to change the game plan. The good news is I will be off the heavy chemo so my hair will come back and perhaps some energy. Instead we are going to do "secondary hormone manipulation" which means more pills and less shots. The good news is I feel fine and the blood test is just that. I do not have a followup for a month, so we will wait and see.

We spent a great weekend in Southern California and got to see some good basketball, all the grandkids and a fine Ruth's Chris dinner.

Partial retirement suits me well - can get enough rest and enjoy the slower pace.

In two weeks we go to Yosemite for a few days to attend a medical meeting. Hopefully the roads will be clear.

Carole has tentatively set early September for her retirement as Emergency Department Director - may a cruise afterward.

Stay tuned.