The Great Egret Research Project

Brain cancer is...

 ...driven by the need to know.

We made it to the park early to walk this morning and caught this egret sitting in its usual spot in the lake. This is a typical sighting for "our" egrets.  They are always alone.

They never hang out with friends, the way that ducks and coots (yay!  two are back!) do:

Neither do they seem to hang out with partners, the way the geese do:

Finally, we have never seen an egret baby at the park, in contrast to our friends the geese.

Our knowledge of egrets is solely confined to our sample at Craig Park, so when Brenda sent us a picture of "her" egret--on the other coast--it confirmed what we what we knew:

Yet another solitary egret, making its lonely way through life.  So we thought!  But when our conversation with Brenda unfolded, we realized how very little we know about egrets.  Brenda says:

• Her egret is an expert lizard catcher.
• Egrets near them hang out in big flocks in the oak trees and in the marsh.
• The egret flocks include friendships with the wood storks.

 Our egret minds are blown!  Now we have nothing but egret questions:

• Are our egrets the same as Brenda's egrets?
• I think not. Brenda's egret has boring black feet whereas ours has striking yellow feet. But is that because hers is young?
• All egrets are herons, but are all herons egrets?  If not, how many species of each of are there?  And what's the difference?
• Why do they behave so differently, our egret and Brenda's egret?
• And why do our egrets behave so differently from the other bird species?
• What's typical for egrets and mating behavior?
• Where do they lay their nests?
• What do baby egrets look like?
• Shouldn't Brenda's egret's parents have taught it to (a) eat fish and (b) play nicely with other egrets?

Clearly brain cancer is way down on our list of concerns today.  Phew.

We'll keep you posted with our research.

We hope your major concerns today were similarly (un)weighty.

Recalibration

Brain cancer is...

 

...still adjusting to the semester.

All is well with the fall 2017 semester.  Titan teachers rock!  Nonetheless, Andi still relies on Darrell's assistance for transporting plentiful materials to two different school sites.  Early this morning things got a little stressful.  

We recalibrated over a lunch date and feel satisfied with our  plan to modify the stress level.  

As you see, above, holding hands on the couch  plays a prominent role in the plan.  

Let's all keep looking right...together.

PS:  Darrell thinks Block Four's collaborative work, "Mathematics in Our Lives," was worth the paint and pizza box schepping efforts.  Right?

Beating the Heat

Brain cancer is...

...making the best of things.

 

HOT!

Because it was  94 degrees at 4 pm, we headed to the mall for a walk.

But what started as a walk turned into this...

Large Appliance Window Shopping at Sears

...and this.

Getting Make Up Done at Sephora.

Making the best of things! 

Living the Vampire Life

Brain cancer is...

...avoiding the sun.

Temperatures are hitting the triple digits this week in Fullerton.  We waited until almost 8 pm to walk today.

Stay cool, everyone!

Happy Travels

Brain cancer is...

...so well traveled.

What a great weekend! Breakfast in Carlsbad, lunch in San Clemente, GOT season finale dinner in King's Landing.

Happy Sunday, Team D!

More Carlsbad!

Brain cancer is...

...not hating California beaches.

 We hope you don't hate wherever you are right now too.

Carlsbad!

Brain cancer is...

...pursuing the getaway.

After class with the already awesome Block One, we headed to Carlsbad for the weekend.

All the best!

(PS...sorry for the delayed post.  The combination of slow laptop and hotel Internet is brutal.)

When the going gets tough, the tough...

...go to Islands!

Brain cancer is..

...splurging on midweek dates.

Is the beginning of the semester taking a lot out of you? We highly recommend this new practice:  midweek dates.

This is our second Islands date...in two days.

Good night, Team D!

Super Glue

Brain cancer is...

...super glue.

When Darrell helped me set up for class this morning at the elementary site, the principal remarked to Darrell, "You're still here!"  Darrell just shook his head and lowered his eyes.  Everyone works. 
Then, when he helped me pack up to go home at 1:30, he had the chance to say hello to Block 4 candidates, who love him already.

Of course I told Block 4 about Darrell's diagnosis; it's my life and who I am.  When I told them of Darrell's 18-month success record, they spontaneously applauded.   Brain cancer is super glue.  I feel like it bonds us immediately to new loved ones--and to the "human" in the human experience.


When Darrell and I talk about our experience, it opens us to others and their experiences.  It cuts through all the small things I formerly worried about (due dates, points off for late assignments...) and allows us to focus on what counts:  loving and learning.


Above is the beginning of the "mathematics in our lives" art installation that will hang in our classroom. 


Here's to the super glue that holds us all together!

Long Days and Pleasant Nights

Brain cancer is...

 

...enjoying a line from the Gunslinger.

The Gunslinger, as you probably know, is a book series and now a movie by Stephen King.  Our kids and Andi enjoyed the whole book series together, and this weekend we saw the movie with Tiana and Alex.

The quote holds true today:  Long day, pleasant night. 

Above you see that Darrell remains underpaid.  He escorted me, and schlepped my materials, to the two school sites where my classes meet...starting tomorrow.

Fortunately he was distracted from the pay issue by our pleasant night with Melanie and Gail.  Date night!

Longs days and pleasant nights, Sai!

Fun with the Sun

Brain cancer is...

...appreciating the solar eclipse and all the people appreciating the solar eclipse.

The Great Solar Eclipse: And the awards go to...

For coolest eye protection:

Curt!

For the highest altitude (5,500 feet), the greatest velocity (150 mph), and the best old school sighting:

Melanie!  She was in a helicopter using the classic "punch a hole in a card and check the image reflected on fabric" technique.

And for the eeriest, most complete darkness--no eye wear required--sighting:

Brenda and Jay!  They drove for five hours to catch this pic in South Carolina.

And that concludes the 2017 USA Total Solar Eclipse awards.  See you for the next such awards ceremony in 2024!

The Season's Last Guillaume Game of Thrones Gathering

Brain cancer is...

....loving these chances to watch a frightening show with family.

Next week is the Game of Thrones season finale, but we won't be able to get together for it given various schedule differences.  Today was, therefore, pretty special.

Alex made dessert, and, as is common in Alex World...

 ...wore it on his head.

Everyone was back together on the patio...

...before the tasty feast.

The feast included two items on Summer's and Andi's "Must Do this Summer" List:  chicken chilaquiles and homemade ketchup. Phew!  We finished our summer list just in time, as all Titans start class tomorrow.

Happy Game of Thrones!  Happy Family Times! Happy Fall Semester, Titans! 

Successful Saturday

Brain cancer is...

celebrating a successful Saturday.

As you see above, Darrell's stones passed his inspection at the park today.

We were productive together (getting in 6 miles and enjoying meals at home), and we were productive separately.  Darrell completed lots of work at home, and Andi made solid headway in getting the semester rolling.  Everyone works!

Happy Saturday, Friends.

Pickles, Park, and Passwords

Brain cancer is...

  ...having a "P Word" day.

After the intensity of yesterday, today offered a perfect balance.  Above Darrell displays the pickles he made.  

For our walk at the park...

...Darrell parked the way the cool kids do.

Shortly before the Help Desk at CSUF closes, I discovered that I had been locked out of the Portal, and Darrell and I needed to hustle to campus to show my ID and update my password.

The Help Desk is located where I formerly worked when I was part of the Faculty Development Center.  It was like a reunion.  I saw several friends I haven't seen in more than a year.  Better yet, I got to show off Darrell to them. My friends were thrilled to see him after all this time, doing so well.  It was joyous.

We hope your Friday was...perfect.

Love wins.

Brain cancer is...

...soaking up every drop of love.

Andi had a hard day today.  I don't know why it would be difficult, but going to "work" for another academic semester brought Darrell's cancer to center stage in a huge way.  I want to thank my College of Education faculty and staff for every drop of love you gave me (us) today. 

I especially want to thank my Elementary and Bilingual Education family for lifting me up.  You and your love have truly provided the support that has kept us (me) ahead of the wave for the last 18 months.  Where would we be without you?  Love wins.

In the larger scheme, we find love nationwide.  Our niece, Eva, is starting her graduate studies at the University of Virginia (located in Charlottesville) this semester.  She and her mother, my sister Meridyth, arrived in Charlottesville for move in just as KKK rally erupted.

We texted today, letting them know that the nation is thinking of the city and of us as a people.  What Meridyth texted back was so important for us to hear. 

She added that last night there was a gathering of 4,000 UVA students in support of peace; they lit candles and sang spirituals.  Love wins.

Birthday Season: Last Day

Brain cancer is...

 ...getting on with the business of life.

Alex drove from the IE to the OC to celebrate the BD.  Above you see lunch at Lazy Dog while Andi drank in friends Heather, Kristine, and Kim.

And then this:

Life is good.

Hello fall semester, 2017.

Pedis and Pasta

Brain cancer is...

...taking another day off.

It rained on us at the park this morning.  Then Kim said we should take another birthday day.  Then my mom came down for pedicures and Italian food.

Clearly all stars are aligned and we are meant to take today off.  Who are we to argue with the stars?

More birthday.  More fun.

Quick: Order More Cake!

Brain cancer is...

...eating more cake.

B. says that birthday season isn't over until the cake is gone.  Let's all eat more cake!

Super Powered Party!

Brain cancer is...

...still in birthday season.

Today we gathered for another celebration of birthday season. Grannie bought the meat and potatoes, Katrina got the balloons, Madison made the brownies, And Melanie and Gail hosted and superhero powered the party. Zap! Pow! Blam! Super ducks:  Go! Go! Go!

All Zach, Summer, Darrell, and Andi could contribute was...appreciate!!

We feel so honored that everyone expended all the effort. How about birthday season never ends?

(Photo credits:  Gail and Melanie.  Go! Go! Go!)

Big D's Big Day: Hello 57!

Brain cancer is...

 

..celebrating Darrell's birthday.

We rejoice!  Darrell turned 57 today.  He began his celebrations at 6 a.m. When he went for a celebratory Dew to start the day, he found taped to it a treasure hunt clue from Summer and Zach.  He called the clue "a trap" and we were off and running for the day.

A treasure hunt is always a good way to start a day.  Then it was to the park for breakfast and a walk, to Home Depot, to Kathie and Franceen's for an impromptu front yard dance party, and to Hungry Bear for lunch.  You'll see in the slide show, below, that the owner bought dessert and provided a free birthday sundae and a bottle of wine for later.  What a nice human.

 BDay Video Alternate Link

Darrell chose an afternoon movie (Rock of Ages, which we will watch together if you ever come up to the cabin with us).  Zach and Summer planted our Home Depot treasures, and Darrell and I headed to Matador for birthday appetizers.

The quote of the day came early--6:15 a.m. I believe--when, during the treasure hunt, Darrell declared, "I hope this never ends."

There is no better thing that we could be celebrating today than another birthday for Darrell.

Thanks, family and friends for all your treats and birthday wishes!

Built In Degreaser

Brain cancer is...

...embracing domestic duties.

Deep into my grading (which is done!), I handed Darrell my phone and entreated him to take the picture for today's posting.

He says he scratched his head and wandered about the house and yard until--Eureka!--he got it!  Above you see the results of his efforts.

Darrell is embracing domestic duties.  He highly recommends the above automatic dishwasher detergent with built in degreaser.  See that tiny pellet in front of the bag, above?  That's it!  Our drinking glasses have never looked better.

He says to tell you that he is now retired from his role of photographer and is not available for your next event. 

Happy Friday!

Summer Ends with a...Crunch

Brain cancer is...

...not stopping Darrell from being the best teammate ever!

Summer school grades are due tomorrow.  Yikes. I'm grading 47 incredible original research projects.  In the meantime, Darrell's bringing me chocolate and coffee.  Everyone works.

Thanks for your support, Big D!

I did have time out for the annual "celebrate ELD camp success" lunch with partner in crime, Ginger.

 We hope that either (a) you had a break or (b) someone is bringing you chocolate and coffee. Preferably both.

A Walk in the Park

Brain cancer is...

...ending the day with a walk in the park.

The toughest part of Darrell's day was his dental appointment. He made it through! He is refusing X-rays for now because an X-ray would require him to remove his arrays. Not this guy; not with 98% compliance at stake. The best part:  We made his next dental appointment, for February 2018. 

Here's to the dentist and all future appointments!

Great Numbers, Great Day

Brain cancer is...

...under constant super hero assault.

That's right, fans, Darrell achieved 98% compliance...again!  We saw Optune Amy today, and she declared Darrell the official Optune record breaker.  Other patients hit 98% occasionally, but no one with such ruthless relentlessness as does our hero Darrell.  Rock 'em sock 'em Darrell.

We very much enjoy Amy's presence in our lives.  She's played an essential role on Team D for more than a year now. 

Because she need to start a new patient elsewhere, today's visit was a week later than we ordinarily schedule to see her. (Typically it's four weeks between visits.) In our exchange of texts to set up today's meeting, you can glimpse Amy's genuine regard for her families as well as her humor.

We are so very fortunate to be surrounded by humans who exude everything that is good in life.

One more good number today:  It's Darrell's 18-month anniversary since diagnosis.  Rack 'em up, Darrell!

Great numbers, great day here.

How was your day?