Nothing is Trivial

My brother who lives in Dayton will be appalled to learn that I had white chicken chili (with cannellini beans) for dinner last night—and it was exceptionally good! A true believer in the singular authenticity of beef-only red Texas chili, he refuses to accept that adjustments to recipes are not only legitimate but, often, extraordinarily appealing. In my book, the adjustments do not replace the recipes from which they sprang, they simply add to the reserve of options available to enjoy. Actually, th0ugh, I suspect his loathing of white chili is, at least in part, an act; one he performs rather well (but far too often 🙂 )

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After brief periods of intermittent sleep, I finally fell asleep sometime after 5 and awoke at 6. I went to bed around 8 last night, when I felt tired, but sleep did not come except in fits and starts for the rest of the night and into the morning. Perhaps the insomnia was preparation for my post-chemo exhaustion. Fatigue regularly follows those infusions within a day or two. We shall see. The carboplatin, for which I suddenly developed an allergy during my second infusion this time around, was replaced by cisplatin. And I was given a new prescription yesterday, during my post-chemo injections (to fight infections that could sneak in after the chemo weakens my immune system). The pills are meant to boost my magnesium, which has dropped again. They can have unpleasant side effects; though, which if they become intolerably troublesome can be replaced by another infusion. My body will remains a repository of drugs, medications, saline solution, immunotherapy solutions, and cancer-killing poisons for a while longer. A PET scan in the not-too-distant future will reveal whether the stuff is working as intended. Assuming it is, it won’t be long before the cancer-killers will cease and the immunotherapy solutions will continue their work—for two more years, if all goes according to plan.

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As I was viewing my photos on Google Photos this morning, I came across a reminder of the wonderful little brew-pub (Corazón de Malta) near my brother’s and sister-in-law’s house. The growler in the photo—which sits on a table on their terrace—is (or was) full of a marvelous locally-brewed (in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico) beer. Sitting on the terrace, feeling the breeze from Lake Chapala and viewing the lush plants in the surrounding area, is glorious. Ah! Though I was not feeling up to walking around the village much while we were there a few months ago, I was—as usual—transfixed by the environment. And simply sitting on the terrace, enjoying the views while engaged in conversation was a delight. I should have jumped in their pool while we were there, but I didn’t. Maybe next visit.

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I intended to call my sister—who has a new hip—yesterday, but I let my intentions roll down the road. I will try to stay awake long enough after this morning’s long range planning meeting for church to call this afternoon. Though I am confident all is well, I want to confirm that. I am advised—and advise others—not to worry about matters over which they have no control, but I tend not to avoid taking my own advice.

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And now for some expressions about peace; something to think about, even for those think the quotations banal, meaningless, or trite.

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.

~ Dalai Lama ~

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An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

~ Mahatma Gandhi ~

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Well past time for breakfast, I suppose. It is said one should eat the breakfast of kings, the lunch of princes, and the dinner of paupers.