O, with what freshness, what solemnity and beauty, is each new day born; as if to say to insensate man, 'Behold! thou hast one more chance! Strive for immortal glory!' Harriet Beecher Stowe

Nikki kissing her first Alaska salmon.

What a week!  Last weekend we were in Valdez with Nikki, hoping to catch fish.  She managed to catch her first Alaska fish and therefore, kissed her first fish according to Alaskan custom (or so 'they' say.)  Rain, wind, more rain, more wind, and no fish.  The hatchery managed to get their quota of silvers, though, so my thinking is that the fish all bunched up together waiting for that one moment in time and made a mad dash for home all at once.  Saturday we spent 9 hours out in the bay, had 5 bites and caught 2 between 6 people.  Pretty lousy statistics.  We had a great time, though, and that is the important thing.

Alaska experienced its first major storm of the season, the 4th big one of the year.  Normally we do not get these until winter when the ground is frozen and there is several feet of snow on the ground. Basically the storm is Alaska's equivalent of a hurricane, so we really should be naming these storms. At a meeting I was at the other day, a gentleman sitting next to me noted since it was the 4th major storm of the year and since my name starts with a "D", it should be named "Dara."  Oh yes...if he only knew...or maybe he does!  Gave everyone at my table a good laugh, I must admit.

Sam is sleeping a lot as a result of the chemo.  Last week at his support group, he learned of a recent study proving ginseng helps with the fatigue from chemo.  2000 mg/daily for 8 weeks is required before a chemo patient begins to see results. Eight weeks is a long time, especially in my book.  Tonight his mood finally seems to be less agitated than earlier in the week and for that I am extremely grateful. Of course, as you might already be aware, Xanax is my best friend right now and that helps me stay somewhat calm and less defensive which makes a huge difference in how we handle the unhappier moments.

The support group I am involved with has had a difficult week. Yesterday a member of the group lost her husband and today another did.  There are probably a dozen or so in the group and we have been together online for quite awhile. This morning when I read about yesterday's death, it hit me really hard.  As I was attempting to write a note to my friend, I could not stop crying.  She is now experiencing what I dread.  Then, to receive a second email this afternoon about our other friend...I had to close my office door for a few minutes.  I know when the time comes for me, I will recognize it as a blessing for Sam in that he will no longer be in pain, but I will be alone without my best friend and partner.  Luckily, I was single for a long time, so I know I will be okay, but that does not make it any easier.  Needless to say, tonight I am exhausted.

I am so glad tomorrow is a new day.  Enjoy it to the fullest, I plan on it.

Ciao!