Medical update: Ben and I met with the oncologist, Todd Crocenzi, today to hear the results of yesterday's CT scan. He said there didn't appear to be any substantial reduction of the tumor, but there also was no evidence of the cancer having metastisized. So it's a GO for surgery on 11/3. We have 2 more weeks to feel good, play, and get things done before I am laid up from surgery. I may not have mentioned earlier that this is a major surgery, expected to last 5-8 hours. I will be in the hospital at least a week, followed by 6-8 weeks of recovery. The medical team is all hopeful that I will have an easier time than most during the recovery as I have maintained good health and stamina. I am hoping to be able to eat Thanksgiving dinner with our three sons.

As Ben said in the last post, we now have a beautiful back yard. I am so thrilled, especially with the undulating stone wall and the new circle area on the west side of the yard. I hope we will have some more dry days when we can sit out there and enjoy it. Thank you Bennie!

Our new garden

We have been sitting on a landscape design for our home that Michael Schultz drew up for us a year ago, a landscape designer that I have worked closely with for the past 15 years.

After returning from the Redwoods we decided it was time dig into the back yard (the plan calls for a complete redo of the front and back). No more Cobbler syndrome.

The irrigation was completely revamped adding three new valves to cover all the new plantings, the drainage system extended 150 feet, no more bogs (fingers crossed). 40 yards of very good soils behind the new retainer wall and extended planting areas. New garden, new look... Very exciting, now we have a garden/landscape that is as nice as my clients.

You may remember the old back yard, other than the great perennials Pam had planted above that ugly cinder block wall, the arbor and slate patio I had made years ago, it had much to be desired. Needless to say we have no intention of ever moving!

We have saved a lot of the best perennials at my shop so if anyone wants them please let us know.

Pia becoming a US citizen

The family at Bremer's farm

An old fashioned hay ride

As you can see in the photo, our family news is that Pia is now a citizen of the USA, as well as Sweden. Congratulations, Pia!

David and Pia came to Portland last Thursday for an extended weekend visit. Great to get to see them so often this fall. They will also return for Thanksgiving this year. Yeah! Being concerned that my digestive system may not be ready for a turkey dinner by then, and given that Billy will be in Sweden, we had an early Thanksgiving meal. Mom and Duane joined David, Pia, Zac, Billy, Ben and me for bbq turkey and some of the usual fixings, topped off by mom's apple pie. Yum! I am pleased to announce that I now have the appetite, and not the nausea, so that I can eat a decent meal again.

Usually, I go to the pumpkin patch with David and Pia in Boulder, and to Fir Point with Zac and Billy in Canby, so this year we all went to our Bremer cousins' farm for a hay ride to the pumpkin patch. Best pumpkins ever! Had to stop at Fir Point as well for the freshly made cinnamon donuts and the unlit hay bale maze.

No medical news, except that I feel great and am getting a lot of projects done before surgery, which will probably happen the last week of October. We'll know more after the CT scan on 10/19, and we'll share the info by the end of next week. In the meantime, I hope you all are well and enjoying life.

We have returned to Portland. Good to sleep in our own bed, but I do miss the roar of the ocean. We fell in love with Bandon by-the-sea, Oregon, where we spent the last three days of our trip. As you can see in the pictures, there were many large rocks and sea stacks and miles of beach to explore. At low tide, we bent our necks scanning the small pebbles for hearts and other keepers. The town was quaint with good food and friendly people. I understand sunshine is the norm there. We plan to return for some winter get away.

No medical news. I feel good, good enough to work in my flower garden today and to go dancing with the Garland Ladies tonight. Just need to remember to take a nap tomorrow.

Later...