NO NEWS, IS VERY GOOD NEWS

Man Bites Dog    The aphorism that is generally true for newspapers is apparently also true for a blog.  "When a dog bites a man, that is not news, because it happens so often. But if a man bites a dog, that is news."  (John B. Bogart, New York Sun Times Editor (1848-1921) ).

Mr. FOG, wanting to cover all the bases, supposes that if a dog bites another dog this likely, is also not newsworthy; unless it is a football superstar’s dog and the dog is involved in illegal dog fighting. Similarly, a man biting another man is likely not news, unless it is a former champion biting the ear of another boxer. So apparently there are exceptions to the axiom. 

 With everything normal or near normal , there is not really much for the Blog to report.   Regardless of how Mr. FOG tried to work the facts, a normal life for the Laird, means we have no real news, only a society page of sorts, a garden section, and a travel page still to come.  All considered this is not bad.  No news is actually very good news.

FOG was able to find a “man bites dog” story. He felt sorry for the dog.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1377773/Man-bites-dog-Burglar-bit-police-dog-arrest-suing-TWO-Arizona-cities-breach-civil-rights.html

BLOG Society Page  Sherry Lane, reporting  from Vinings Mountain Castle, says that all is well.  She and the Laird had a nice St. Patty’s Day weekend with friends and family at the Buckhead Saloon. On the green carpet we saw the latest St. Patty's clothing.  Some  St. Patrick merry makers did not seem to be wearing green (or blue) and may have gotten pinched.

On Sunday, Mario played golf with buddies and Nurse and Laird had a nice dinner together when he got home.  Mario has been working at the office all week full time 9am-5pm. He has been eating and feeling well and his energy level is pretty much back to normal. A longer break from chemo, has given him that "normal life" feeling again.  Suffice to say that the Laird and Nurse Sherry are back to their normal lives, at least for a couple of weeks, before the cancer war resumes.

Maid of the Mist and Tom the Often Wise arrive soon to Vinings Mountain Castle.  Mario plans to join Often Wise, his college buddies, and Tom the Younger at a basketball game at Phillips Arena.  Maid of the Mist and Nurse Sherry I will have a girls’ night out dinner.  The girls’ night out dinner could be news worthy for the Blog's next social page.  . 

Garden and Home Section  With things “normal”, Mr. FOG is also enjoying ten wonderful days back home in Asheville.  The cat with many names is doing well.  She lost a little weight over the winter, but not too much.  With the early season warmer weather, the heater in her porch box was no longer needed.  Now she prefers to sleep on a chair on the back porch, since she still has her winter coat.  Mr. FOG has tried letting her sleep inside the house, but she awakens in the early morning hours, also awakening Mr. FOG.   As Fred Flintstone always did, Mr. FOG puts her out at night.  She has been especially affectionate, during the day, wanting to be near FOG.

  Asheville as much of the nation is having an early spring.  The daffodils and hyacinths are in full bloom in the yard.  One of Mr. FOG’s friends gave him a blue glass ball, reminiscent of the gazing balls of yesteryear.  The ball did not go well with the friend’s new house, but seems at home in the yard of a house built circa 1928.  The grass-like leaves seen are Star of Bethlehem bulbs that cover most of the yard.  They will bloom soon along with the tulips.

Butler duties in Atlanta, will limit FOG’s work on his garden this year.  He decided to just plant sunflowers and visit Vanderbilt’s’ gardens instead.   

For the gardeners, following is a link showing what is in bloom now at the Biltmore House.  The tulips still have a couple of more weeks before they are in full bloom. 
http://www.biltmore.com/visit/house_gardens/gardens/bloomreport.asp

Animal House Frat Men

Travel and Leisure Section    Next week, the blog will likely again not have any cancer news, but it is road trip time.  Lord and Butler are headed to New Orleans for the Final Four.  Mr. FOG hopes to be able to share with the blog’s readers interesting perspectives and images from the Big Easy.  While hopefully the Laird and Butler's road trip will not be not have any incidents similar to those  from Animal House, we can only hope.  Mr. FOG hopes to capture some provocative images of New Orleans and its party goers.  On previous trips to New Orleans Mr. FOG has seen much.  (The actual Animal House road trip was in one of pledge's borrowed car and not the Corvette.)

A NORMAL LIFE

The Laird was not able to dodge the blood transfusion.  We arrived at Mario’s oncologist and found that his white blood cell count had risen considerably, but his red blood cells were still about the same.  The oncologist recommended a blood transfusion.  Mr. FOG kept his mouth shut, but will tell the blog’s readers what he thinks.  Mario seemed OK and the red blood count was rising, albeit slowly.  Also Mario was not going into chemo for three weeks, plenty of time for his body to build up his own cells.  There are risks in receiving blood, and last time Mario had minor reactions to the transfusion lasting several days.   However, if Mr. FOG wanted to practice medicine, he should have become a doctor.  Both Laird and FOG decided it was best to do what the real doctor, who actually also specializes in blood, recommended, and let her do her job.  So the Laird had the transfusion.

Starting the day late, we lost the day at the infusion chair getting two units of packed red blood cells.  It takes about 3 hours to get the two units, so Mario could not make in to the office.  Mario was able to work from the infusion chair.  Fortunately he has not bad reaction so far.  Perhaps we got better (more compatible) blood this time, or his health was better than when he had the last transfusion. He worked again when we got home and was finished around 5:30.

Gone Fishing    It was great day in Atlanta with high temps and blue skies.  Thanks to day light savings, the Laird went fishing at a lake very close to Vinings Mountain Castle.  Mr. FOG knew that they had a lake, but had not seen it.  Vinings Mountain Castle is really on a mountain of sorts and one would not think there could be a lake on the mountain.  While probably man made, it had a good water flow so there must be a spring or other water source.

Mario’s luck held true and he hooked a decent sized bass for the lake.  It was his first fish of 2012.

Back home Mario is making chicken fajitas for Nurse Sherry and Mr. FOG.  His mouth is doing better and his Lordship may be able to partake.

Later in the evening Lord and Nurse snuggled and watched TV.

Almost Normal  Mr. FOG was pleased at the day’s events.  Not counting the blood tranfusion, the newlyweds were having a near normal life, working, fishing, cooking, talking about their jobs, and enjoying time together.  It was nice to hear and see them acting normal.  With a little luck, the Lord should have almost three good weeks of a "normal life" before Chemo #4.  Perhaps there is some truth in the luck of the Irish, or married to the Irish.

Mr. FOG is heading back to Asheville to tend his garden and continue laying slate tiles for his back patio.  Mr. FOG too is looking forward to getting back to his “normal” life, although some may think it is more weird than normal. 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day   .Given the Irish connection, more St. Patrick’s Day wishes came from Maid of the Mist and Tom the Often Wise.  Jeff, Brandon, and Bobbie also sent a “remembering you” card and Carol and Hal sent a thank you card. 

Not to be ourdone, Mr. FOG’s  bar newspaper, Bar Fly, had some St. Patrick’s Day facts.  Considering the source of the information,  Mr. FOG thinks the information is correct, but has not validated it. 

·         The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in Boston in 1737 and not Ireland.

·         The actual color associated with St. Patrick is blue and not green.  Green was introduced in the 19^th century.  In Irish legends, green is worn by immortals and fairies and also by people to encourage their crops to grow.

·         34 million Americans have Irish ancestry, almost nine times the population of Ireland.

MOUTHWASH, SHAMROCKS, AND BASKETBALL

Finally it looks like we may have a good week, and just in time for St. Patty’s Day.  For each chemo treatment, at least in Mr. FOG’s mind, we have the hospital week, a recovery week, and a good week.  This is our 21 day cycle.  For Chemo #2 we were short changed and did not have a “good week”, only a “good weekend”.   Let’s keep our fingers crossed for Chemo #3, which perhaps fortuitously also numerically matches St. Patrick’s three sided shamrock used to explain the Trinity. 

There are always new things to battle in this cancer war, often it is not the cancer, but the cancer treatment symptoms.  Once you have one thing under control, something else comes up.  Early on in Chemo #3, we had the bad nausea, and last week the Laird was battling the recurring fever which starts usually on Wednesday and comes under control, if we are lucky, by Saturday.  However, “no rest for the weary” may become our motto.  Mario’s new symptom for Chemo Treatment # 3 is mouth soreness.  It sound simple, but unfortunately it has affected his eating.  We have tried shakes and smoothies with whey protein, and this has helped; but the bottom line is that he has eaten very little in the last two weeks. 

Good Week #3  On Monday morning, Butler and Lord went to see Mario’s oncologist to discuss the latest blood work and the mouth sensitivity.   On the blood work, Mario’s white blood cells were on the low side but on the rebound.  Mario’s oncologist calculated that he had enough lymphocytes (a specific type of white blood cells) to ward off most ailments his co-workers could give him.  The Laird could go into work for a short while.  The red blood cells had dropped some from last time, and this was a possible concern.  Mario got cross matched for a blood transfusion, and may need one; contingent on another blood test to be done on our next visit on Wednesday.

Mr. FOG and Mario both hope that we can avoid the blood transfusion.  A transfusion helps the red blood cell count, but it did not help much last time to improve his energy levels.  Also Mr. FOG believes that the Laird had some reactions to the transfusion itself, leaving him sluggish most of the supposedly “#2 good  week”.  Our #3 good week could turn sour if we have to get a blood transfusion and have the same reaction as last time.  However, thinking positively, we are reasonably happy with the cards we have been dealt so far and the week may be a good one, everything considered, transfussion or not.  

After the doctor’s appointment, Mario went to work and had a good day.  We got a mouth wash that has already begun helping with the mouth sensitivity issues.  He had tried the mouthwash immediately, and it has helped.  On the way home he got a McDouble which is soft and small vanilla shake.  This is perhaps the most he has had to eat at one time for two weeks. 

That evening Lord, Nurse and Butler had mashed potatoes and a bit of meatloaf, a leftover from Mr. FOG’s weekend meal at the West Cobb Diner  http://www.yelp.com/biz/west-cobb-diner-marietta  The homemade mashed potatoes were very  good. 

On Tuesday morning the Laird went off to work by himself.  Mr. FOG decided that Lord Mario was well-enough that he could drive himself.  Mr. FOG would stay home and do his own things.  Independence and getting back to normal life are all part of having having a good week.  All said and done, the week was off to a good start, largely due to the mouthwash.  Funny how a mouthwash could make such a difference. 

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler  Some faithful readers may remember, Mario’s goal was be able to follow through on his job duties and go to the Final Four in New Orleans.  http://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-men/d1    See January 10 blog "Final Four or Bust" 

The Final Four was an important project he was responsible for. Given his health, it seems that he will be able to go to New Orleans.  Chemo Treatment #4 will be delayed for two weeks and start in early April, just before Easter.  Mario’s doctor thought that the cancer treatment would not be jeopardized by this two-week delay.  A delay will also give him two to three good weeks to regroup and gain strength for the remaining cancer battles ahead.  Both physically and mentally this should be a good break for the Laird.  Mr. FOG will also pack his bags and head to New Orleans with the Laird to make sure he stays healthy.  Perhaps it will the Laird who will take care of Mr. FOG, who after so many weeks of dutiful service, goes wild in the French Quarter.  If college students can go wild, why not a butler??? In any event, what happens in New Orleans will surely make it to the blog.

Shamrock Day Goodies   Mr. FOG hopes to  be at home in Asheville for St. Patrick’s Day, but Nurse Sherry is already planning for the day at Vinings Mountain Castle with green plates and napkins.  Marylou and Jim sent some wonderful cookies and Bobbie, Jeff and Brandon sent their ever faithful get well card.  Mario and Sherry appreciate that so many of their family friends remember them, almost weekly, with a card, a prayer, or a phone call.  They are doing well and making progress in the cancer war. 

CHEMO TREATMENT #3--DAY 10

Three Stooges Golfing

Thanks for all the cards, food, gifts and well-wishes.   Both Mario and Sherry and wanted to share their sincere appreciation  to Mike, Sandy, Lindy, Kristy, Chaney, Ryan, Reagan, Heather, Matt, Jeff, Bobbie, Brandon, Carol, Hal, Ellen, Jim, Parker, Jack, and Louise for your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to them to know that they have some many family and friends supporting them in this.  Your cards say “I love you, laugh, take care of yourself, get better soon, and let’s play golf ”.    

Chemo Treatment # 3 has been the hardest yet, perhaps due to the increased amount of toxins being accumulated in his body. Also the week after the chemo treatment is when many of the bad chemotherapy symptoms arise, especially the increased risk of infection. As on the previous treatments, around Day 9 of a chemo treatment, he has low grade fever, a warning to be on the lookout for a possible infection. Nausea, a relatively new symptom, also made an unwelcome appearance, but seems to have lessened after one really bad day. A loss of appetite has been a common symptom, resultring in his loss of about 25 pounds .  Of course, he is tired and weak. Even so, thanks to technology, he has been able to work from home . Also the Laird has been in good spirits and is polite and nice to the Butler and Nurse Sherry, even when they bother him with questions and concerns.This says a lot about the type of person he is.Mr. FOG would probably be grouchy, even with the cat.

Today, we had an appointment with Mario’s oncologist. Mario’s low grade fever, apparently intimidated, decided not to show itself at the doctor's office. Mario’s temperature was normal when it was taken, although he had a low grade temperature all day. Red blood cell levels were acceptable, but the white blood cells were at a very, very low level. On Monday the white blood cells were a 5, and today at 0.2 At such low levels, the risk of infection is much higher. The doctor explained that the Laird is on an intense chemotherapy, much stronger than that given to most cancer patients. Hence the symptoms and the very low cell counts he is experiencing. The upside is that we have had very good results with the chemotherapy treatments, but the downside is the aftermath. The doctor has Mario on oral antibiotics to help protect him over this low point in white blood cells and stressed hygiene. If our luck holds, we seem to have avoided a blood transfusion for Chemo #3. Mario will return on Monday, Day #14, for a follow-up blood test to make sure the white blood cell count is going up and the red blood cells are holding their own.

CAT TALES

While the Laird was in the hospital doing battle, Mr. FOG was on a Chemo Treatment Holiday at his Asheville home.  Mr. FOG had heard Chemo treatment # 3 had been the worst yet and was expecting cancer war carnage.  When he reported back to Vinings Mountain Castle on Monday evening, surprisingly, all seemed well.  Apparently clever Mr. FOG timed his days off well, missing most of the Chemo treatment aftermath.  All seemed near normal.. Mr. FOG returned to scene of domestic tranquility with the Laird and Nurse Sherry in bed watching TV. 

FOG can report that the Laird's blood work on Monday morning was actually good, with both white and red blood cells at about normal levels.  The Cancer Weight Loss Program is also working well, with Laird having lost about 25 pounds so far, although malnutrition needs to be avoided.  As Maid of the Mist reported,  escaping the hospital and being back home in his own bed also may have helped, and the Laird was in good spirits.   Hopefully Mr. FOG's luck will hold for the rest of the Chemo #3 recovery week.

Not having any significant Cancer War news that would win Mr. FOG a Blogger Pulitzer, he decided to share a human interest story.  Well actually a feline interest story, which he penned Cat Tales.

The Cat Circa Spring 2011

A Found Cat  February 2011, upon his return from wintering in Florida, Mr. FOG found a stray cat at his doorstep asking for a little help.  She was a small, skinny female tortoise shell cat.  Almost just skin and bones, there were some very ugly lesions in the inside of her left leg, and her fur was scraggly and thin.  The cat was very affectionate and friendly, wanting caresses almost more than food.   Meow is like aloha - it can mean anything. - Hank Ketchum

 Surely she must have had a nice loving home once.  Mr. FOG surmised that someone moved away and turned the cat out.  Some of us love our pets but then discard them as old worn shirt no longer fashionable.  People can be so cruel to the animals they love.  In any event, Mr. FOG had a homeless, sick cat on his porch.  What was he to do??? How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven. - Robert A. Heinlein

Mr.  FOG did not want the responsibilities that go with having a pet.  Cats as well people, bring joy to our lives, but also responsibilities and possibly pain.  Mr.   FOG wants his life unencumbered, to be as free as the wind and do what he pleases.  A cat could fit into his life, but only when he was at home, and Mr. FOG likes to travel.   However, unable to be heartless toward the animal, he kept feeding the cat, which was almost the same as accepting it as a pet.    As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat. - Ellen Perry Berkeley

Vampire Cat

Ugly Cat  Not wanting to become too attached to the cat, Mr. FOG had not given her name, but called her Ugly Cat.Really more of a description than a name, and he meant no insult. However, in doing research for this blog, Mr. FOG discovered that he really may have done Ugly Cat an injustice. Pictures from an ugly cat website, show that in comparison Mr. FOG's cat should be called Pretty Cat. 

Probably Won't Look Much Better When Dry

Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil, and cruel. True, and they have many other fine qualities as well. - Missy Dizick  --Disclaimer, Mr. FOG's cat is honest, trustworthy and honest; or at least she appears to be.  Could she be fooling Mr. FOG?

Bad Hair Day Cat

The cat was fed but stayed outside on the back porch. Sleeping on towels placed on a chair.  She was better off than she had been.  He thought about taking her to an animal  shelter, but it is a misnomer to call these places shelters. The lucky   animals get a home. The unlucky ones get a death sentence.Mr. FOG thought that if given to shelter, no one would adopt an ugly cat and with her leg lesions; surely it would be the gas chamber for her. He thought of Auschwitz.

At the Animal Hospital  Mr. Fog knew enough about cats that he did not want the kittens that often accompany a female cat, and decided he had to her spaded.  Having no carrier, he used two found milk crates bound together to form a cage of sorts.  When he arrived at the shelter, all the other cats came in nice carriers. “Poor White Trash” and Redneck, flashed though Mr. FOG’s mind, but he dismissed this thought quickly.  At this stage in his life, FOG does what he pleases and he is not supposed to care what others think.  Following a Machiavellian train of thought, it you allow others to burden you with their petty opinions,  you are surrendering some control of yourself to them.

Ugly Cat, and apparently most cats, have read the Prince (Il Principe) and did not seem to care what others thought of the carrier.  Hospital staff said. they had not seen milk crates used as pet carrier before. It seemed like a compliment. There was however, a warning on the milk crates that un-authorized use was against the law.  Mr. FOG ignored this.  If asked by police, he decided to say it is the cat's milk crates, since she was using them, not he.

When filling the sign in sheet at the animal hospital, Mr. FOG noted that all the other cats had pretty names, such as Willow, Fluffy, Tigger or Cinnamon.    Not wanting to say that Ugly Cat was her name, Mr. FOG told the staff that she was a stray cat he had befriended.  The staff quickly entered “Stray” as the cat’s name. Stray was better than Ugly Cat, Fog thought.  Besides, cats do not care what they are called. They care about food, having a warm and dry place to sleep, and affection.   Besides Mr. FOG’s actions spoke more loudly than his words.  He was being kind to Ugly Cat no matter what he called her.

The animal hospital called Mr. FOG soon after he returned home, asking him to come back and pick up Ugly Cat since they could not operate. It seems that Ugly Cat, now also known as Stray, was not a young cat, but already 10 to 12 years old and had been already spaded. This was discovered when hospital staff shaved her belly and saw the scar. At least the poor cat did not have to have an unnecessary operation as many Medicare patients do. Mr. FOG was refunded the operation fee, gave the animal hospital a generous donation and went home with Stray Ugly Cat. She did receive a rabies vaccine for her trouble.

Mother's Dead Cat   Upon leaving the animal hospital, Mr. FOG remembered caring for his mother’s cat, after his mother passed away.   Although the relationship began sourly; cat and FOG grew close with time.  When the cat was sick and likely dying Mr. FOG refused to go on business trip.  Superiors and business associates thought it odd.   The morning Mr. FOG was to leave on the business trip the cat died.  She was faithful to Mr. FOG until the end, following Mr. FOG around the house as best she could even as she was very weak and dying.  Her name was Blackie and she lived about 22 years, which is long for a cat.  Lord Mario, Sir Phillip of Country Place and Lady Nicole may remember Mr. FOG’s mother, Doña Olimpia  sheltering the pregnant mother cat who gave birth to the kittens which the children named Snowball, Smoky, Blackie. 

Cat's New Life  The cat is friendly with the neighbors. She visits the house of a neighbor who once drew the symbol of a triangle in a circle on the cat's collar tag.  Since it was not a pentagram in a circle, Mr. FOG did not think it was witchcraft.  He found out that a triangle in a circle is an Alcoholic Anonymous symbol, so he surmised that the neighbor is a reformed alcoholic, although the neighbor may have been drunk when drawing the symbol on the cat’s collar and not fully recovered.  The neighbor sometimes takes the cat in at night. Cats know how to obtain food without labor, shelter without confinement, and love without penalties. - W. L. George

 



The Sobriety Circle & Triangle Symbol, is the symbol used by Alcoholics Anonymous. The equilateral triangle represents the three part answer - unity, recovery and service - to a three part disease - physical, mental and spiritual, while the circle represents wholeness or oneness.
 

Heated Cat House

There are also other houses, more main stream, that help take care of the cat while Mr. FOG is away. She seems to have as many names as the houses she visits.  So far she responds to Stray, Ugly Cat, Sneakers, Pfeiffer and probably Vodka.  She was an outdoor cat for sometime and continues to be.  Coming inside as she wants to from time to time, but not staying long.. She has a cat house on Mr. FOG’s back porch which is heated by heating pads.  A very warm, cozy home on the cold nights that no one lets her in.  

It has been a about a year ago since she showed up on the porch and things have worked out. Mr. FOG cured the cat’s leg lesions and with better food, her coat looks nice. She is almost pretty and no longer called Ugly Cat by Mr., FOG except when remembering when she first showed up on his porch.  For sure Ugly Cat has her own affectionate pet names for Mr. FOG. As anyone who has ever been around a cat for any length of time well knows cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the human kind. - Cleveland Amory .

"Ugly" Pretty Cat Today

As the fog lifts:  Mr. FOG chose to share this story for his self-therapy and whatever entertainment value it may have for others; and on the cancer battle front, this is an example of the will to survive.  Well, a cat’s will to survive. 

A little cat weighing perhaps 5 pounds, survived for probably several months in winter’s cold with only handouts and unknown hardships before she found someone who would take her in, well at least let her stay on the back porch, and give her love, food, and help cure her leg.  Somehow she lost her nice home, but in time found another where she is loved and is healthy and happy again.  Surely the human spirit is no weaker than a cat's.  People through no fault of their own get cancer, but hopefully, with treatment, a strong will to survive, and help from the Above; they get better.  Although sometimes we go through some very hard times, there is always hope.

Pet Charity  Gentle readers consider following the link below  to Furkids, a no kill shelter in Georgia that Mr. FOG supports. It is a remarkable story of how one woman was able to start this worthwhile organization helping creatures that otherwise would likely die.  Perhaps you can help support their work.  They also have a thrift store and have joined forces with small dogs to help them as well.  If dogs and cats can get along, why not humans??   
http://www.furkids.org/

DIFFICULT DAYS

The past few days have been tough ones for his Lordship. The continuous chemo "invasion" has left him weak, tired and sick.

Nurse Sherry picked up Mario up from the Piedmont Hilton at 7am Saturday morning. He was VERY happy to be going home to his mountain castle at last. He spent all day and night in his comfortable bed catching up on some much needed sleep. Hospitals are not good for sleeping and "there is no place like home". (Dorothy was right)

His Lordship is now experiencing the sickness that comes with winning this battle. He doesn't feel like eating but Nurse Sherry has tried to give him some nourishment but it's been a challenge.

Saturday night, Mist gave Mario the Neulasta shot for boosting his white blood cells. Dr. Tran had this shipped to the mountain castle so we could get a jump start on boosting his white blood cells to help avoid a fever in the next 48 hours. He reports back to Piedmont West Monday morning for blood work to make sure everything is ok.

Mist and Big Tom are heading back to St. Simons Monday morning and Mr. FOG will return to Vinings mountain castle Monday evening to resume his duties as Butler.

This week will a challenging one as it's definitely getting harder for his Lordship. Please keep Mario and Sherry in your prayers as they approach round 4 in a two weeks.

Thanks to everyone for all the love and support. Before I leave, below are some pictures I promised from the other day.

                                                   Florida Gators card from Jack Cunningham (age 6)

                                                    Cards from The Gabrielsen's and The Hare's

                                                     Golf themed gift bucket from The McKillen's (great idea!)

Signing off,
MIST

CHEMO DAY THREE

As is typical of chemo treatments, his Lordship has felt weak the past couple days. He has visitors come by in the afternoons and evenings and truly enjoys seeing friends and family each day.

We had a nice visit with Parker, Jack and Louise yesterday. They brought cards and cookies for the Laird and Nurse Sherry. Jack made another beautiful "hand made" card with an orange GATOR on front (which pleased his Lordship very much!). Louise entertained us with her "funny faces". It takes lots of energy to keep up with those two. I don't see how Parker does it everyday! Haha!

A surprise package arrive yesterday evening from Andrea and Jason McKillen (Andrea was a former co-worker of his Lordship). It was a bucket full of goodies that Mario is sure to LOVE! Two cans of Heineken, a sleeve of golf balls, golf tees, honey roasted peanuts, pretzel nuggets, cashews and mint chip malt balls.....perhaps his Lordship's mouth is watering by now. What a great gift to raise his spirits and anticipate his return to the links!

So many thoughtful get well cards have arrived the last few days. Jimmy and Bopsy sent a beautiful card along with the Cunninghams, Feagins and Gabrielsens. Many thanks for all the love and encouragement your cards have given both Sherry and Mario.

That's all for now....one more full day of chemo and his Lordship can come home on Saturday!!

Will post pictures of everything tomorrow! Too tired tonight!

Good night to all.

Love,
Mist