We're back!

  I hope that everyone had a good holiday. We certainly did. Thursday evening Justus, Julie, Anne and I went to the Nugget for dinner. While the others ordered turkey with two side dishes, I was able to get all the sides in place of turkey!   The place was full, but the wait wasn't too bad. Our waitress was very busy and a bit slow on the refils (understandably). Then, while she was setting the entrees down for us, she dumped the cranberry sauce in my lap!   She was just horrified and very apologetic, but most attentive after that! LOL. Anne suggested that I have a glass of wine and Justus remarked that she should buy. So I asked for some house wine and requested that it be on the house and she comp'd it! Cool.   Friday Justus called from Best Buy (he was up at 4am) and said they had several items I was interested in. After breakfast I went over to the nearby store and they were out of one of them. Heading to the North store I found what I was looking for (no, Anne, I'm not going to spill the beans here!).   Saturday Justus and I went to see Harry Potter with Anne. This time on the new (Cinemark XD) giant screen. It was even better that the first time, but we had to pay for the priviledge this time.   Sunday I received a call from one of Tim's sons telling us that he'd passed away that morning. I called the other friends I knew that would want to know and then retired for a few minutes.   Movies tonight: Grown Ups and Disturbia. Grown Ups had a cast of great comics and was truly hilarious. Disturbia was real thriller in the Hitchcock style of Rear Window.   Death is unavoidable, but life can pass you by. (Theo Mestrum) Be here now, Don and Anne     ---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Smoother than a baby's behind

Except for the snow and freezing temps, that is! Hahaha...   Those of you who don't like the cold can be glad you're not North of the Mason/Dixon line these days. Those of you in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio and we here in Northern Nevada are getting into winter (whether we like it or not). Currently, half the country is below freezing!   Tonight and tomorrow night we expect it to be below 10 degrees here in Sparks. Those of you in Southern California and Florida... please send us some heat!   Anne went to get her PICC line dressing changed yesterday. but, besides that, has been holed up in the house the last two days. She and Lady are happy to just stay inside, reading a good book. I can't say I blame them as I'd be doing the same if I had a choice! Which I will Thursday and Friday (I think).   Thursday we're going to sleep in (no surprise there) and, later that day, to the Nugget for dinner. Anne's decided that the big Thanksgiving buffet they always put on is too much for us. It'd cost $25 each (mostly because of the shrimp and crab legs) to do that one. Since we rarely have seconds, we're better off in a regular restaurant.   Rosie's will be serving the standard fixin's at half that price and that includes a piece of pumpkin pie. This, and my love across the table from me, is all I need for a nice meal.   The day after Thanksgiving and the Day after Christmas ComputerLand is traditionally closed. However, I haven't heard the official word just yet. Friday, Anne wants to fix a small, pared-down version of Thanksgiving just for the leftover factor!   Well, it's off to a bed with extra blankets! Anne just brought the weather report and low tonight will be 7; high tomorrow expected to be 24. Ack! But, this is Reno and it won't last. (I hope!)   Cuddle up and stay warm. Love will see us through, Don and Anne       PS For those who love science and music: http://www.symphonyofscience.com/

 

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

The last three days

No... not the movie. That'd be "The Next Three Days".   Friday was a good day for Anne. Relaxing; reading; Skyping. I think she's practicing for retirement! LOL. I went to play with Dave's Garage band after dinner and she watched some television shows. We had a guest guitar player join us who said he'd been in several bands and was currently a studio musician. This led us to believe that he was going to leave us amateurs in the dust. But, by the end of the night we politely bid him farewell. Each of us totally shocked at his lack of skill! I guess we're not that bad after all. Hahaha...   Saturday she woke earlier than I did. When I got up I had to run to the doctor's for some lab work. Standard stuff: thyroid, cholesterol, PSA, etc... After breakfast Walt showed up and we started playing some music. Then Shane showed up with his acoustic and we played the two songs he knew. Then Steve, Shane's dad, showed up and I showed him a basic 12-bar in G on his bass so that Walt could solo over it. Too much fun!   Then Anne and I did some running around because she was getting cabin fever and just wanted to be out of the house for a while. "You remember what that's like!" she prodded me. Boy do I and I'm more than willing to get her out and about when she feels like that.  So, we went to see the tree lighting at the Legends At The Marina (our newest shopping mall) and to try and catch Santa. Anne wanted to ask him to bring her healing for Christmas! Unfortunately, we were a bit late and only caught the tail end of the ceremonies. I had to force my way past a couple of witches who thought they were some sort of guardians of the space in front of the stage in order to get Anne a view. They were an a-capella group of four gentlemen singing pop songs. Nice harmonies and real troupers for being out in freezing temps.   Then we wandered a bit around the mall, which we'd never actually done. They have some HUGE open fireplaces and really neat lighted coffee table/cube things with bench seats around them. Then it happened... Anne spotted a Skechers store!   She's been after me to get rid of my favorite tennis shoes for months (because one has a hole in the side) and before I knew it we were shopping for shoes. There was a "2nd pair for half price" sale going on and we took advantage of it. I bought a pair of brown sport shoes and she picked up a pair of slipper/shoes with an interesting strap and sparkles across the toes. Not really winter wear, but she wanted them that's all that matters to me. Before leaving I bagged the old shoes and asked the girl to please dispose of them.   After getting home we settled in for some TV and some chai tea. While watching 48-hours Mystery she got hit with some bad cramping. I ran and got the heating bad and massaged her shin muscle until it relaxed. (damn, I hate seeing her in pain like that)   After breakfast today I was determined to track down Tim. Whether he was at home, in the hospital, living with his kids, or whatever. First stop was the Veteran's Hospital and, unfortunately, that's where I found him. He'd been released two weeks ago because he wasn't sick enough to need their services. Four days later he was back. It seems he's had a stroke because he could move his left arm or leg. He'd, also, pulled out his "J-tube" (for feeding) while thrashing around in his sleep.   The doctors said that he wouldn't survive the surgery to replace the tube and, so, he hasn't had sustinance for about two weeks now. He's getting morphine every hour to control his pain, but this has left him unable to communicate. His ex-wife and sons are keeping 24-hour vigilance now and don't expect him to last much longer.   Dodie, his ex-, asked me to call his musician friends and tell them in the hopes that some of them would come and visit before the end. I spent some time this afternoon calling the few that I knew and asked them to put the word out and to go by if they could.   After making the calls, I took Anne out for a run to the banks. After dinner at Quizno's we headed home and watched a ouple of movies that Justus had loaned her: Nothing To Lose with Tim Robbins and Martin Lawrence and The Island withEwan McGreggor and Scarlett Johansson. Nothing To Lose was some serious, crazy fun and The Island was edge-or-the-seat suspense.   Be thankful for the love you have and be loving to those you are thankful for, Don and Anne     ---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Please, sir, can I have some more?

Nothing enriches your life like being exposed to some culture.

Check out the joyful faces in the crowds as they are taken by surprise!

Amplify’d from www.knightarts.org

Random Acts of Culture

Have you experienced a Random Act of Culture? Think Mozart at the Food Court. A little tango in an airport terminal. A “Hallelujah” in the shoe department – of the Handel variety, that is. Read More +

Knight Foundation is helping produce 1,000 of these Random Acts of Culture over the next three years, bringing classical artists out of the performance halls, into the streets – and our everyday lives. Performances are taking place through a variety of partners in Akron, Ohio; Charlotte, N.C.; Detroit, Mich.; Macon, Ga.; Miami, Fla.; Philadelphia, Pa.; San Jose, Calif.; and St. Paul, Minn. Read more at www.knightarts.org

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/fshc

Warning!

Although these people don't believe they should obey the law or pay taxes, etc. they believe that their families deserve to be educated, that their streets should be paved, that their house fires should be put out and many other amenities that those taxes pay for.

But, don't tell them they're wrong because wrestling with a boar only gets you sweaty and the boar enjoys it. Besides, if these people actually believed everything the say they do (not just the convenient parts), they'd be living with the Native Americans on their reservations where they get minimal support from the government. Although, suffice it to say that they'd be checking their mailboxes every month for that check. You betcha!

Amplify’d from www.splcenter.org

With ‘Sovereign Citizen’ Movement Growing, New SPLC Video Promotes Law Enforcement Safety

The so-called “sovereign citizens” movement — men and women who believe they are exempt from most state and federal laws, regulations and tax codes — is spreading like a prairie fire. While many of these are tax resistors or perpetrators of “paper terrorism” – the filing of nuisance liens and such – some sovereign citizens have demonstrated a willingness to resist police and government authority with violence.

The unique danger posed by this movement exploded May 20 when two West Memphis, Ark., police officers met a father-son team of sovereigns, Jerry and Joe Kane, during a routine late-morning traffic stop. As officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans puzzled over the incomprehensible paperwork presented by father Jerry, son Joe, 16, emerged from the vehicle with his AK-47 blazing and fatally shot both officers. The Kanes fled, but were tracked and killed in a shootout with police an hour later in a Wal-Mart parking lot after wounding two more officers.

Read more at www.splcenter.org

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/fr6x

Keep that stuff away from me!

Mercury builds as it works its way up the food chain. Have you seen The Cove?

Amplify’d from www.ageofautism.com

Study Linking Mercury with Alzheimers Coming Out Read more at www.ageofautism.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/fnl8

Planned nothign

  Wednesday was a whole day that Anne had planned to do nothing and actually got to do it (or... not, depending on how you look at it). Tuesday, as you know, wasn't quite that day because of the trip to the credit union. But Wednesday WAS!   Today she ran some errands, went to physical therapy for her back, and picked me up at the car dealership while they worked on my car. This ended up just being lunch at a Thai food restaurant, as they called half-way through saying it would be ready in a few minutes. My Saturn needed an oil change and new serpentine belt. I thought it was the belt that had started squeeling, but it turned out to be the power steering pump. They've ordered it, along with a seat belt buckle (because the dash light never turns off) and a clutch switch so that the car won't start without the clutch pushed in.   I didn't even know it did that but the mechanic said that he'd reached in the window and started the car while he was working on it, having forgotten it was a stick, and it started.   Shortly after we got home, Justus came and picked me up for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1. He'd gotten two tickets to the sneak preview before it was going to be shown anywhere else in town! Justus wanted to take Anne, but she can't be in with crowds of people until her immune system recovers. So, she suggested that I go in her stead. How could I say no to that?   The movie tonight was (guess)... Harry Potter!!! Hahaha... It was great! In fact, it was the best one so far, and rightly so. All the usual ne'er-do-wells were there and the usual multiple attempts on Harry's life by ol' noseless. Highly recommended. (Anne is jealous and I've promised to take her to see it ASAP)   Be sure to use the Lumos spell to light up your loved ones hearts, Don and Anne     ---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

How many times do I have to tell you?

The Chinese government is a communist regime! The are NOT our friends!

Amplify’d from www.cnn.com

Report: Chinese company 'hijacked' U.S. web traffic

Washingtom (CNN) -- Internet traffic from several U.S. government agency sites was briefly diverted through servers in China in April, congressional investigators reported Wednesday.

For 18 minutes, about 15 percent of all web traffic was redirected through China, including traffic to and from the sites of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, the office of the Secretary of Defense, the Senate and NASA, according to a report delivered to Congress by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Investigators say the web traffic was diverted by China Telecom, a state-owned enterprise.

They do not know whether the diversion was intentional, whether the government of China played any role, or whether any sensitive data was compromised. Read more at www.cnn.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/fijb

Overseas food isn't safe? Who'd have thought?

Come on, people! These countries aren't our friends. Most of them are communist-ruled and would gladly poison us given the chance. Well, apparently we've given them just that...

Amplify’d from today.msnbc.msn.com

Could your seafood contain toxic chemicals?

When you think of tainted seafood, you may think of the Gulf oil spill. But 80 percent of the fish and shrimp Americans eat actually comes from overseas — and a TODAY investigation that aired Tuesday found that some of that seafood may contain toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems.

Footage taken by a U.S. advocacy group of seafood being raised in Vietnam, for example, showed fish in dirty sewage water, pumped with toxic antibiotics and banned drugs just to keep them alive, boosting production and driving down costs.

‘Disturbing number’ Ron Sparks is commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture in Alabama — one of the few states that tests imported seafood for drugs like chloramphenicol, nitrofurans and malachite green, chemicals so toxic to humans that they’re banned in all food. “In some cases, between 40 and 50 percent of our tests will come out positive,” Sparks said. “That’s a disturbing number.”

State tests in Oklahoma, Mississippi and Georgia show similar results, all targeting seafood with the worst record of contamination: shrimp, catfish, crabmeat and tilapia imported to the U.S. from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia — ending up in American restaurants and grocery stores in many cases, officials say. Read more at today.msnbc.msn.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/fguk

Online flirting or more?

Apparently there are a lot of people out there that can't keep their pants on!

Amplify’d from www.msnbc.msn.com

Pastor to church leaders: Thou shalt not Facebook

NEPTUNE, N.J. — A New Jersey pastor is telling his married church leaders to delete Facebook or resign.

The Rev. Cedric Miller says much of his recent marital counseling has included infidelity stemming from the social-network website.

Miller already had asked married couples among his 1,100 congregants to share their Facebook passwords with each other. He says the reaction to that request was mixed. Read more at www.msnbc.msn.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/fgub

Peaceful easy feelin'

  Anne had a very quiet day today. She's been looking forward to having a nice, relaxed, nothing-special-to-do day and she sure enjoyed it!
 The one thing that she did was go to the credit union. Let me start at the begining on this one:
 The weekend before last, if you remember, we went out to lunch and had some Mexican food. For some reason I pulled out my ATM card for the joint account. Realizing my mistake I quickly stuffed it back in and gave the cashier the joint Visa.
 Fast-forward to Sunday afternoon when, for some reason, I discovered an ATM card in the front slot of my wallet. Figuring that I was still carrying the old one for some reason (because it was in the correct position for that card) I diligently took the scissors to it and put the pieces in various trash cans around the house.
 Punch the fast-forward button once more to last Friday at work, where I'm desperately looking for the joint ATM card. I call Anne and ask if I'd given it to her with the receipt from the other night and, after searching her purse, she informs me that I didn't. I check the car after work, but it's dark and I don't see it. So, I figure I'll have better luck in the morning.
 Saturday morning a more thorough search fails to turn up the card. Now we're both panicked because these days the Visa logo on your ATM card is as good as a credit card and, if use judiciously, you can use it many places in those counter-mounted self-swipe machines without being asked for ID!
 Then, yesterday I called Anne from work and told her "I found the card (in a manner of speaking)!" Which, at first puzzled her. But then, after I explained, we were both relieved and laughed at my version of "chemo brain."
 So, today she got to tell the story to a manager at the credit union and they got a kick out of it, also! But, in the end Anne got another card on its way and all is well that ends well. Hahaha... (embarrassed, though I am)
 Bless you & yours and hold them tight lest you lose them,
Don and Anne

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Crowning

  Anne went and got a crown on one of her teeth today. She said it was amazing because they did it all in one day. They have some new technology that lets them create the crown right there in the dentist's office!
  She followed that up with a visit to the infusion clinic for a dressing change and to get her PICC lines flushed. They asked when she'd be having them removed, but we don't know right now. That will be decided by her doctor and predicated upon the need, or lack there-of, for more chemo treatments.
  This afternoon she was doing her email and what should appear? No, not eight tiny reindeer, but Jane on Skype! They chatted for a while and Jane told her about the 10" of snow they had last weekend. Not just any snow, mind you, but a very wet and heavy snow!
  After dinner I took a nap and when I awoke I joined Anne in her office watching The Event. Does anyone know what the point of this show is? It seems to be another one of those never-ending series full of unanswered questions. I've watched it twice now and just don't get it.

  Something I do get is the love that's available just for the asking. Open your heart and let it flow into your life and, through you, to those you love. Now THAT'S a true mystery!
 Don and Anne

 

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Stew

 Anne made her stew today! It was built around buffalo meat and included potatoes, parsnip, carrots, rutabaga, onion, celery, and turnip. Everything but the kitchen sink! Of course, that's what makes it so good! And, yes, it was delicious! Heck, I had three helpings, giving Anne the cubes of beef that snuck into my bowl!
  While Anne was doing all the peeling, chopping, slicing and dicing I was picking up after Lady, cleaning up the leaves in the back and front yards, and changing out the incandescents over the sink in both bathrooms for compact florescent lights. The old bulbs I gave to Sun and Amy, next door, to use in their three bathrooms. Sun said that they've changed several of the bulbs in the past and it was a welcome gift to have spares.
  After dinner Anne wanted to watch a movie. She had three that Justus had loaned her and we settled on "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days" with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. It was a fairly cute movie and Anne seemed to like it, but I left her to it about 20 minutes in and ended up plunking on the guitar in my office instead.
  After the movie, Anne came back into her office and found the Kennedy Center celebration of the Mark Twain award for Tina Fey on PBS. I joined her and we laughed at many of the clips from Tina's days at Second City and Saturday Night Live.
  Then the news and it was off to bed for Anne and Lady. I, on the other had, had work to do. Putting out this email was preempted by a video on my iGoogle home page about "Living On One Dollar-A-Day". This was intriguing and, as I suspected, it was about the impoverished. But, what I hadn't expected was that it's setting is Guatemala!
  Check out the videos and see (or remember) where Anne's family grew up and the life-style of the people they were attempting to help. Notice, also, that despite their abject poverty these people are still happy! It makes you wonder why so many have so much and, yet, cannot seem to find happiness within themselves.
  Hold someone you love and feel way it lifts your spirits,
Don and Anne
 


http://www.pbs.org/mark-twain-prize/
http://onedollaraday.weebly.com/

 

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Are we there yet?

  Last week was the final course of radiation treatments for Anne. This morning we woke briefly to take meds and let Lady into the bedroom. Then all of us went back to sleep. That is until Lady had an upset stomach at 7:15!   I heard her making noise and jumped up, shooing her off the bed and running her out the back door where she got sick. A few minutes later all was well and we bedded down again, not rising until after eight.   Then it was a leisurely breakfast before starting our day. Anne wanted to get some veggies for a stew she wanted to make. I went to Whole Foods and bought some stew meat just for this project. Now she was needing a rutabaga and other fixin's.   While she did that, I went to see Tim. But, his car wasn't there and there was a case of protien drinks on the porch swing. (not a good sign) I rang the doorbell, but to no avail. So, I called Walt and Joe in the hopes that one of them had either the Veteran's hospital phone number or hos sons'. But they weren't home either.   Heading back into town, I went by to see Dave and pick up some Gold dog food for Lady. It's the best we can get and, since Dave is the distributor, the price is right.  

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Take a break

  Anne's been having good days this week and is looking forward to tomorrow's radiation treatment. This will be the last of her treatments for a while. Her radiation oncologist has posited that there could be more treatments, albiet of a different type. But we haven't gotten anything firm from her gyno-oncologist as of yet.   Anne'll be calling a make a follow-up appointment after Thanksgiving weekend. If there are more ratiation treatments, they may start fairly quickly. However, if not, and the next consideration is for surgery, there will be a healing period prior to this procedure.   Until then, we plan to relax and enjoy sleeping in a bit in the mornings to follow. Something that we have not been able to do for a while now.   Say a prayer that the healing will continue, Don and Anne

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Where's my boy?

  I can't seem to get ahold of my brother or my son. Since Josh is currently roosting at Woody's abode, if may be safe to assume that they are both be too busy to answer my calls or respond to my emails. But, I doubt it.   Josh works nights and sleeps during the day. So his alibi covers normal waking hours.   Woody is attending to his horse business and taking classes (last I heard) wich fills his time.   But, in the past there's always been some response, however much later it may have come. And, since both of them have time for Facebook, we're left to wonder if California split apart from the main land and the news forgot to cover it because of all the political ruckus.   Somebody call me and let me know what's going on!   Please?

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Nyuk-nyuk-nyuk...

Great idea! I'd love to see this in person. Hahaha...

Amplify’d from blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com

Neo-Nazi NSM Invades Phoenix November 13: Wanna Do Battle? Why, Send in the Clowns

A lot of folks have been e-mailing me of late to wonder if I knew that the neo-Nazi National Socialist Movement will be back in town on Saturday, November 13, to reprise their performance of last year at this time, when they got owned by local anarchists who came out to jeer at 'em.

Anyway, it occurs to me that since these fascist Froot Loops like to play dress up and march through our burg, that perhaps the best way to battle them is not to scream and shout at these wackadoodles, but to hold up a mirror to them and reveal them for what they are: Clowns.

Can you imagine the consternation on the faces of these swastika-lickers if they were met by a sea of gesticulating Bozos? If anything, these anti-Semitic freaks desperately want to be taken seriously. But how can they be taken seriously when an army of Clarabells, Bubbleses, and Krusties surrounds them tossing confetti and honking bicycle horns? Read more at blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/eyf0

Rads

  Anne saw the radiation oncologist after treatment today and was told that she may be getting more radiation after this round. It will be a slightly different style of radiation and we're not sure, just yet, how many there'll be. We'll know more after she meets with the doctors on Dec. 9th.   She was also given a prescription for magnesium. The pharmacy didn't have any in stock and will have to order some in for her. But, it should be here by the day after tomorrow.   Her anemia is still a bit better than what it had been before we started feeding her meat. The doctor told her that she'd expected the slight improvement Anne had experienced after the change in her diet to be temporary. But, Anne's doing good and is holding steady there.   Tonight she fixed a Costco quiche and some beet salad for dinner, then she took a nap while I tuned up the new guitar and installed the software for it. When she woke up I was in the middle of a lesson and showed her how the neck lights up. (she was duly impressed. LOL)   Say! Have you heard about the giant gama bubbles at the center of our galaxy? I just saw the story today and I'm curious about what the explanation might be. See here: http://bit.ly/bEXmkH

  If you're feeling all self-important, just take some time to look up at the heavens and get some perspective. Remember that love grows the more you give it away!

  Don and Anne

 

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Giving thanks

  Today, Anne went to her radiation and had her weekly blood draw. The results were in the doctor's office at 11:oo, but we haven't heard from them yet. She is not planning on checking into the hospital in the morning because she hasn't gotten the call. This is better to be safe than sorry, especially when this chemo is so hard on her kidneys.   When I walked into the house tonight after work the wonderful aroma of Anne's home-made spaghetti sauce hit me square in the nostrils. She puts mushrooms, peppers, onions, and garlic into it and I just start salivating thinking about it!   Over dinner we talked about what we were going to do about Thanksgiving dinner. We're looking forward to seeing Tara, Jasmine and Josh this year. Jasmine is only in Reno every other year for Thanksgiving. We're thinking about having dinner at the Nugget.   I got an email that the guitar had shipped today... from RENO! Damn it. They charged me $30 for shipping when I could have picked it up myself! Well, live and learn. Next time I do business with them I'll know. None-the-less, I should receive it tomorrow some time.   May you have unconditional love in your life, Don and Anne     ---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Entertainment

  We didn't get much done today. Anne and I went to see RED at the local cinema. It was good and she only nodded a bit in the middle, but otherwise the action kept her up.   After the movie, Anne went home and I went into the newly finished Cinemark XD theater to see Megamind in 3D. I'm all enamoured with this new technology and really love the use of digital projection instead of film. It seems much smoother to me and allows them to use a MUCH higher framerate.   Back home we finished off the tamales then settled in for the evening. Anne watched some TV while I worked eBay, paying for a Fretlight guitar that I'd won. Hopefully, by this time next year I'll be able to play some lead solos rather than just bashing the strings as I do now!   Tell somebody you love them every day this week and see what that does to them! Don and Anne

 

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Kitchen toys

 Anne, Jane and Helen spent the morning in conversation over coffee. The exchange lasted through two pots of coffee and then it was decided to go shopping for Anne. There was an immersible blender that Jane loves to use in making soup and we needed one.

 They also purchased a nice "flower petal" type steamer which they used tonight to cook the tamales. By the end, the ladies had worked up an appetite and Anne took them to the Thai Lotus restaurant. She said that the chicken curry was very good! (I like their vegetable Pad Thai) Something that you get to do here that most places don't offer is to select your level of spicy-ness for many of the dishes.

 Heading home, they spent the rest of the afternoon making Jane's potato tamales. These are different from those we had Wednesday, which were Salvadorian style. Tonight it's Guatemalan style! Along with radish salad, baked potatoes, Jane's homemade guacamole and some goat cheese it was a fantastic lay-out.

 Justus and Heather brought Logan and James to join us tonight and to meet their great-Aunts. The kids hit it off right away with them. After all, they're so cute and smart how could you not love them? We all gathered around the table to enjoy the good food and good company. James ate lightly, but Logan fell in love with the cheese and asked for seconds!

 Heather, also, ate sparingly because she has a run tomorrow. "Just 10 miles" she said, as if that was nothing. It's, apparently, a warm up to a bigger race that's coming up. We all sat there with our jaws open! She's a very good runner and was the first woman to finish in the last race she participated in over in California!

 Justus runs, also, and has participated in a marathon as well as the Iron Man triathlon. His skill level is not yet up to Heather's, but it's still early in his "career". I'm simply amazed at what he's accomplished in such a short time. He credits Heather for all the support and encouragement she provides! It's a lot of work and it takes that "team effort" to do well.

 After dinner we had some more of that wonderful cake that Anne made and we all sang Happy Birthday to Jane. I wanted to hear it sung in Spanish, but Anne and Helen said it was too long to do. "I'd like to hear it!" Jane said coyly. But, alas, it wasn't to be. Perhaps some other time.

 Then some after dinner conversation while the boys played and, just before heading home, Heather showed the Aunts her ShutterFly site with pictures of Logan and James' soccer games. She is the team photographer and catches some of the most wonderful action shots of the kids playing.

 Well, tomorrow is flight day for the ladies and I'll be fixing Belgium waffles for breakfast. So, I'm hitting the sack to rest my egg-cracking hand and whipping arm!

 Live; Love; Laugh,
Don and Anne

 

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Bear shit

Those British Colombia foresters certainly have a sence of humor!

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Getting higher

  The ladies went to Lake Tahoe today. They drove around the lake, enjoying the view and stopping for lunch at the Taj Mahal. The food was very good, as usual, but I'm told it's not better than India Star (the Wick favorite when in the L.A. area).   They also stopped at the http://www.yelp.com/biz/factory-stores-at-the-y-south-lake-tahoe where they did some window shopping and enjoyed the fresh air.

 By the way, the lake has a surface elevation of 6225 ft., which puts it 1825 ft. above Reno. Thus, you could say that all three of them were higher than a kite for most of the day! Hahaha...

  But seriously, they had a great time.

  For dinner Anne fixed papusas w/ guacamole (by Jane), a side of sliced red bell peppers (by Helen) and refried black beans. Delicious. I sure like all the south of the border fair when her family visits!

  After dinner was more visiting and chatting amongst the ladies. They talked and laughed and cried as they shared memories of the family and stories about neighbors (good and bad). Before they knew it, the yawning started and I flushed Anne's PICC lines so they could all hit the sack.

  By the way, it's unanimous: the LazyBoy hide-away is VERY comfortable! Anne and I are very happy with our decision to get the best we could afford. And, so it appears, is everyone else!

  Sleep deeply; dream peacefully; awaken refreshed.

Don and Anne

 

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Trust us...

Question: why wasn't it secure in the FIRST place?

Answer: We fixed it. Honest!

Amplify’d from news.cnet.com

Firm finds security holes in mobile bank apps

A security firm disclosed holes today in mobile apps from Bank of America, USAA, Chase, Wells Fargo and TD Ameritrade, prompting a scramble by most of the companies to update the apps.

As a result of the report, Wells Fargo released an update to its Android app yesterday, USAA updated its Android app today, TD Ameritrade's apps will be fixed in the next version, and Bank of America is addressing the issue in its apps in the next few days, according to the newspaper report. A Chase spokesman declined to provide CNET with comment. Read more at news.cnet.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/elry

Don't look now...

  Jane and Helen arrived yesterday. We had tamales and cucumber salad for dinner, then chatted for a while before hitting the sack at 9:00.   I have to goto work, so I'll leave ou with this little thing my Uncle Ken sent me.   Love is the most powerful force in the universe, Don and Anne

 

 

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING....

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking."

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend)
influences the life of a child.

Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Holy cr@p!

I cannot believe how far these bigots will go...

Amplify’d from www.wired.com

Malicious RoboCalls Aim at Suppressing Election Day Turnout

Minority voters have received fliers and robocalls that would deter them from casting their ballots Tuesday. The fliers and robocalls disseminated misinformation about the date of the election and how voters should cast their ballots.

According to the Election Protection Coalition, which has received more than 10,000 calls to its national election hotline, Latino voters in the Los Angeles area have been targeted by so-called robocalls — recorded messages — reminding them to vote Nov. 3, instead of the real date, Nov. 2. Read more at www.wired.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/ehj3

Crazy

  After Anne had her treatment today she spoke with her radiation doctor and she said that it's not unusual to see elevated creatinine levels after a cisplatin treatment. In fact, most people can usually only stand to have one infusion and Anne's lucky to have been able to take two. She also said not to expect surgery this year as the body needs time to recover from the treatments she's been receiving.

 Then Anne went to her oncologist's office to see about the results of her blood work and the kidney sonogram. She wanted to know if things had improved since changing her diet and drinking more water. The receptionist told her that they'd only just gotten the sonogram back and that the doctor would call later.

 After she got home, Helen called with good news: she was feeling much better and would be coming to visit! She'd been taking vitamin C, zinc, etc. and had kicked her cold. We are very happy to hear this and are looking forward to Jane and Helen's arrival tomorrow.

 Then Anne went out to eat lunch with Yiota. She and Anne had a wonderful time getting caught up on things at school and life in general. This helped make Anne feel connected and elevated her psychological and emotional well being. Thank you for that.

 

 Next on the agenda was a trip to Sam's Club. Anne wanted to pick up a few items and, then, cancel our membership. It seems that they've decided to raise the yearly cost from $40 to $100. This is outrageous, especially in this economy, and we don't need them that badly. So, as is our want, we vote with our dollars, which we'll be spending elsewhere. (I predict that many others will be doing the same and that there will be second thoughts in the board room. Look for a big push to get customers back in the near future!)

 

 Anne spent the rest of the afternoon waiting for the oncologist's office to call. I arrived home late after being stuck on site with a customer until 6:00. They are a non-profit and one of my bosses is on the board there. So, I'm more than willing to do whatever it takes to deal with their computer issues. (and they had several of them today!)

 No movie tonight. Anne was watching the election returns and I joined her after dinner. She was happy that Sharon Angle did not get elected. From what I've seen on national TV, most of the country was worried about that race. Now everybody can sleep better tonight.

 Keep your loved ones wrapped in the blanket of your love and send those prayers and good thoughts to Anne,

Don and Anne

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

Called off

  Anne had her weekly blood draw today and the doctor's office called later to tell her that there'd be no chemo, again, this week. We haven't heard the results of her kidney ultra-sound yet, so we're assuming that this is because her creatinine levels are still elevated.   Helen called and said that she has developed a cold and may not be able to come. Hopefully, it will clear up by Wednesday.  While I was at work today, Anne had a visit from Merilyn(sp) and Ben. They chatted for a while, lifting her spirits. They even brought a bouquet of beautiful flowers! Thanks to both of them for that.   I received a text message from Redbox for a free movie. If you haven't tried Redbox, I recommend that you check it out (assuming they have them near you). Rentals are 1.00 and you can reserve movies online for a nearby machine. After reserving the title you simply go the the Redbox dispenser and swipe your credit card. Viola, the movie comes out!   Anne picked a Robin Williams DVD for tonight entitled Weapons Of Self Destruction. This is an HBO taping of his stand-up comedy. I like Robin and thought it was very funny, but be forewarned about the language. Definitely R-rated.   Healing from above and love all around, Don and Anne     ---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer

squirrels are the least of our worries...

 

Worried about squirrels getting into  your bird feeder??

 

---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Don Peer

Spooky day

  After breakfast today, Anne stayed home doing the bills while I ran over to see Tim. When I arrived I found Joe and Walt were already there! We visited for several hours, during which  Tim informed us that he'd been told he wasn't sick enough to be in extended care. So, they are sending him home until he is!   Then Joe came by and installed new flappers and handles in both bathrooms. They work like new, now and right on time for Jane and Hellen's visit. (no more two-handed flushes!)   After dinner we, of course, awaited the arrival of Trick-or-Treaters! Several hours later, and with half a dozen empty bags of candy, we turned off the porch light. We've had several Alice In Wonderland characters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Scream(s), Princesses, Vampires, Werewolves, Wonder Woman, etc..   Pretty much standard fare, except for a couple of Red Queens. The surprise was a total lack of Avatar characters! We were sorely disappointed that not a single cat-like person showed up at our door tonight. Next year we're thinking about handing out coinage to anyone in character from an Academy Award winning movie!   May the spirit touch you, Don and Anne     ---
Love is the music of life;
Compassion is its melody.
  - Don Peer ( o)==#

Posted via email from Don Peer