The First Day of the Rest of My Life – Disappointed – September 17, 2019 – Day 17

My long-time friend, Dave, from our Air Force days 50 years ago, spelled Carolyn today and drove me over the mountains and through the valleys to the Winchester Oncology Center this morning. I had to go in to have some lab work done. They do lab work before each chemotherapy treatment.

We left the West Virginia base about 8 AM and arrived at the oncology center by sometime before 9:30. I was at least an hour early. They took me right in and drew the blood and said, “See you tomorrow.” I told them I'd see them then. Then came the disappointment.

I walked across the lobby to the Radiology facilities and announced I was there for the radiology education class. And, just like the day after Labor Day, I was informed the class had been canceled due to lack of interest. Sigh! A long trip for just a 5-minute encounter with a very skilled phlebotomist. It was probably only about 9:45 AM. So, Dave and I went out to the very beautiful and peaceful patio that overlooked the pond I used to walk around some 12 or 15 years earlier. We chatted about all kinds of subjects. We watched some walkers. And, we enjoyed following the activities of a family of ducks and ducklings.

About 10:45 we decided to find someplace to have brunch or an early lunch. We decided on a place not too far from the medical center campus and enjoyed a delicious brunch and chatted more. We also had a delightful discussion with the chatty server. She found us interesting and we found her interesting. A learning experience for all three of us.

I had a very short business stop to make in Winchester to confirm some information for my long-term client in Fairfax, VA. Then another quick stop to make where I had parked My McVansion yesterday to retrieve something from the van. We also stopped at Costco to fuel up Dave's minivan since the gas prices had increased as much as $.30/gallon due to the actions of Iran bombing the Saudi Arabia oil production facilities. Costco still had the lowest prices in the Winchester area at $2.29/gallon.

All missions accomplished, we aimed Dave's minivan west to traverse the mountains and valleys back to my West Virginia base at Carolyn's house. We left Winchester well before the rush hour. It was a pleasant drive back.

Once back at the base, I retrieved the key to my storage unit and Dave and I went there (about three blocks from Carolyn's house). I had to empty enough stuff to provide me with a passageway to reach the objective. I had a batch of professional acoustic materials that Dave was buying from me to use to acoustically treat his Internet radio studio back at his home in Falls Church, Virginia.

It was a bit challenging, but the mission was accomplished and I replaced all the “stuff” I had pulled out to create the passageway. We returned to Carolyn's house. I rested for a while and then we headed up the road about 22 miles to the western Maryland town with the Chinese buffet. We enjoyed a pleasant dinner, all three of us. It was a fun time filled with rib-tickling humor and laughter. We returned to Carolyn's

My son, Pete, called to check in on his dear old Dad. His calls are always a welcome treat. We chatted for about an hour. That completed another full day, with the only disappointment being not being able to gain the education I hoped to avail myself of about the radiation process I was going to begin in the very near future. 

The last item on my list for the day was to compose this article to post on my blog. That is now completed and it's time for me to retire for the night to be ready for tomorrow morning's trip over the mountains and through the valleys for my next chemotherapy session at 10:00 AM.

The thought for today is: If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment. - Henry David Thoreau

Live free and be happy. EH