Got no checkbooks, got no banks, Still I'd like to express my thanks - I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night. ~Irving Berlin, "I Got the Sun in the Morning," 1946

Cindi, Kimi, myself &Violet just before the start.

Last weekend was the 2012 Alaska Clean Air Bike Challenge (in case you did not know) and it was simply the most amazing weekend I have experienced in a long time. John Thain, KTVA Channel 11, interviewed Sam and I to kick off the ride, then followed me with camera and microphone for a few miles along the route on Saturday morning.  The interview was aired Monday night and again on Tuesday, and just in case, here is the link:  Glass Half Full. While riding along after I returned the bike camera and mike to John, I must admit I experienced a bit of melancholy, missing Sam and worrying about him being alone for the weekend.  Right then, it hit me that the Glass Half Full team captain needed to get out of that mood immediately, which I did.  Between my teammates, the other 300 or so riders, the weather and just the fact I was actually participating in a 120 mile bike ride in some of the most beautiful country, lifted my spirits immensely. There was a bit of rain the first day during the ride, hail that evening, beautiful sunshine Sunday morning with an incredible view of Denali...and then...the last 20 miles or so, a headwind which just about sent every one of us over the edge!

The view from my room at Talkeetna Lodge.  Denali in all his glory.

There were so many inspirational stories among the riders.  One woman was diagnosed with stage IIIB lung cancer and is an 8 year survivor.  She and her husband biked together and he is now preparing for the Seattle to DC bike ride this summer. Absolutely phenomenal people!  I am already looking forward to next year.

Sam is doing ok.  Yesterday was his monthly Zometa infusion for the bone mets and today was the CT scan for his lungs/abdomen/lower back region.  Hopefully it will show what is causing the pain and other issues, if not, an MRI will be the next step.  His spirits, as always, are great which makes the entire situation so much easier to deal with. Of course, it also helps fishing season is upon us and he has other things to think about.

The first of our many weekend jaunts is tomorrow as we are off for the weekend to Knik River Lodge.  Next week on the 25th we are headed to Kodiak for 10 days.  We are both really looking forward to that even though, as I noted previously, I will be flying home to work for a few days and then flying back.  Plus, Sam informed me this evening he will be taking his "kayak" along.  Oh boy.  I will have to find the picture of him in the kayak and you can judge for yourself but let's just say...he barely sits above the water. I will just do my best to not think about it!

Ciao!

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others. ~ Ayn Rand

Three more weeks until the 2012 Alaska Clean Air Bike Challenge and yes, I am still riding in it, and yes, I am training. In fact, between riding to my office and a few other places in addition to riding on the Glenn Highway bike path, Sunday I rode about 20 miles.  Slowly but surely I am getting ready for my 120 mile ride.

Sam had his Zometa transfusion last week for the bone mets.  He was doing Xgeva, but for some reason which I have yet to figure out, he has gone back to Zometa which is what he was on originally.  His appointment with Dr. Rabinowitz is Wednesday.  Hopefully Sam will remember to tell the doctor everything, including the fact his legs tend to stay very cold.  There are several possibilities for this occurrence, mainly the mets to his lower spine, hips and pelvic areas.  So once again, we shall see.  His mood, though, is terrific and I could not ask for more.

Last Friday we drove to Lake Louise and spent the night.  Saturday we drove along the Copper River and then drove to Nabesna in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  The drive was beautiful even though about 10 miles from the end, I was just a tad bit stressed out as I was driving through mud, melting snow, streams, and eventually just plain snow!  Sam drove the last mile or so into Nabesna which is all of a few houses, a runway and a true Alaskan lodge.  Here's a link to a short blurb on the road:  http://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/the-nabesna-road.htm.  Caribou were crossing the road the first 10-15 miles or so, we saw close to 100.  It was amazing.  We did take pictures, just have yet to download them.  Before arriving home, we stopped off at a car wash because that was the most 4-wheeling we had done in ages.  Sam was very proud of how dirty I had gotten the truck!

Ciao!

 

Finding the right work is like discovering your own soul in the world. Thomas Moore

Blizzard warning!  No kidding, at least south of here.  Thank goodness for my girlfriend keeping an eye on the weather for us or we would be right in the middle of it headed to Homer.  Now, we are playing it safe and hoping to go in the morning.

Layla, one of our newest office puppies.  She is just a bundle of fur!

Sam's appointment with the oncologist went well today.  The nurse noticed right away he has lost weight and yes, he has.  I am hoping it is because we have cut out most sugars from our diet and no other reason.  He is looking good!  He is probably going back to the Zometa for his bone metastases, mostly due to insurance reasons, but also because there have been some recent studies showing that Xgeva is not as successful as Zometa.  Question is, how exactly is "success" defined?  In Sam's case, it is probably defined as still being able to walk and no broken bones, and I am sure that is what the doctor is thinking, too.  He questioned Sam about how his legs are working and if he is experiencing any weakness.  The doctor also told him to stay active.  That is probably the word which needs to be defined...active...

As for me, I just finished the first official week after a promotion to my new position as Land Manager.      Basically a land use planner with a different title and I am thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Life is definitely much easier to handle when your home and work lives are in good spots at the same time.

Since we are going to be out of town for three days, I will not be updating until we return.  In the meantime, enjoy your spring!

Ciao!