Monthly Archives: August 2009

(Community Matters) Probably a tad bit revisionist but on a second hand basis I presonally know he truly wanted to end the ban on gays in the military and thought that could be a legacy of which to be proud.

(Community Matters)

“There’s a freight train coming and it’s heading right towards Christians, and it’s called the homosexual legal agenda — and it will run right over our constitutional rights unless we’re heard loud and clear,”

(Community Matters) We should all read the President’s words directly

More applause for the president as he says people shouldn’t have to be broke when they get sick. The present system too often works better for the insurance companies than it does for patients, he says. He gets big applause when he says he doesn’t want bureaucrats — from the government or the insurance industry — meddling in health care.

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) You know, most of these people are scared. Many have convinced themselves they’ve heard President Obama say we won’t serve the elderly. Of course, this isn’t true, but they believe it. With health insurance companies spending $1.4mm+ per day for lobbyists alone and millions more for public misinformation campaigns, it’s not a surprise smart, well-intentioned people are confused.

We have to listen. Their fears are real and deserve honest replies and clarification.

(Community Matters) Good meetings with the nurse, then the physician’s assistant, then Dr. McLaughlin. No alarms, less surprise to them than us. Relapsed cancer now a grade 2, rather than previous grade 3, ie., higher proportion of small cell v large cell. We expected a 3 to 5 year remission, though experience is slightly less than a one-year. Returning lymphoma isn’t’ characterized by stage – from here out simply referred to as “relapsed lymphoma.” Discussed various treatment options: intensive strategies (stem cell transplants & full regiment chemos), medium & mild (clinical trials with minimal side effects and without immune supression). Also option of waiting and seeing how this slow growth lymphoma progresses. We’re all but agreed no need to take the most intensive option. We’ll come back next week for consultations and tests, the following week to reconvene with the doc.

(Community Matters) After a super night in Sealy, Michael Mitchell, Robert Torian and I are in Houston for consultation Dr. McLaughlin at MD Anderson, first since the return of Michael’s lymphoma.

Unfortunately, my parents weren’t at the farm last night – one of the few nights a month they spent in Houston. Super hanging out, chatting, margs, dinner out, gathering eggs and checking out the new birds (quail). Loved waking up there. Took an early tour in mom’s golf cart (usually only reserved for her since there are three others). Not only is it outfitted with an awesome stereo, comes equipped with a really big & sharp machete as well as firearms ammunition. My facebook posting about this elicited comments from my cousins, admonishing me for expecting any less.

(Community Matters)
Who was/is your Peter Pan?

http://mobile.nytimes.com/art/421228/28?sub=Contributor

Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) Think I’m getting a grip on the crazy travel bug bite that drove me from Austin yesterday. First, the damn heat which keeps us inside so much, sorta locked up. Second, the feud over health care bringing out the worst in so many of us. Third, maybe too close to home health care issues among family. Fourth, the need to find my voice & message as I prepare a few words for next week. It all adds up.

Excluding the paid hacks and pundits who are driving the distorted messages of lies scaring so many – I’m empathetic for those scared of losing precious benefits. I’m not sure they see it as I have mine, I don’t want them to have theirs. Imagining it’s more a them or me proposition. We need to assure them, not berate them or fight with them. And, unfortunately, the systems of medicare and medicaid as they exists are not sustainable, so yes, some reform and cost containment of these are inevitable.

Anyhow, my constitution is changing. Lots of backsliding I know, but I don’t want to fight as much as mend. Though, fight we must on the floors of House & Senate. Reform must win and it will. We won the presidential and congressional elections and expect our representatives in power to move forward.

As I’m writing I’m looking out on a pod of dolphins evidently feeding in the waters not 100 yards from the patio. yes . . .

oh yeah, a friend learned I was in Port A and offered me his condo, so I’ve moved from the Tarpon, though only a few blocks and on the water.

(Community Matters) Perhaps some sanity returning

(Community Matters) Wow, new 2010 Men on A Mission Calendar – reportedly all models recently returning from their Mormon missions

(Community Matters) Just needed to get out of town. Not sure what came over me but the travel bug bit hard. No takers to Marfa, and I have to meet Michael Mitchell in Houston on Thursday, so . . . . Port Aransas.

The Tarpon Inn

I’ve driven by the Tarpon for years, always admiring the line of rocking chairs on the downstairs and upstairs porches. Booked myself in for a night. May book myself for another. Who knows, could even be one more.

Built in 1886, the Inn was named for the trophy fish abundant in those times. Port A is the only town on Mustang Island, just north of Padre Island. Thirty five hundred year round residents and an estimated 200,000 unique visitors during the summer. They are having a banner season.

Had a couple of beers at a local dive last night. I enjoyed connecting with Troy & Marcia who moved to the island three years ago after retiring from Ft. Worth. Troy drives a cab here; Marcia works at the hardware store. Ivy’s a terrific bartender – $2.25 bud lights. And, Billy T who’s 72yo. He’s been coming to PA since the 40s. Moved here in the 80s from Brownwood; I learned a lot about high school football.

the women of Bundy’s

Tammy Bundy (second from left) opened Bundy’s coffee shop July 2. Obviously it’s already the locals’ spot, as well as highly visible for tourists. Good coffee, awesome fresh pastries.

no telling what I’ll be bringing back