Big Sur Saturday

Brain cancer is...

 ...here at Big Sur for a couple days.

It was sunnier than predicted for the morning we spent en suite.  Then the drive up from Pismo Beach on Highway One was everything they say.

We went from high style in our Pismo Beach suite to rustic here at the Lucia Lodge.  They generate their own power.  No phones or televisions in the rooms.  No phone signal or Internet unless we are at the lodge. How primitive. How perfect!

So don't worry about us if you don't hear much.  We're posting this now while I work on the video...just in case Internet is that limited.

A hike at Limekiln State Park was a high point of the day.  This photo is from where Limekiln Creek hits the ocean.

Okay, a few more.  These are from the hill at our lodge.

Happy Big Sur Saturday, Team D!

Updated 2/11/19:  Here's a video:

Click here for the alternate YouTube link.

Today is that day.

Brain cancer is...

...celebrating large.

Darrell woke up at Channel Islands Harbor, singing "Happy Anniversary."  After a short stop at Ventura Harbor, we headed north for Pismo Beach (above).

While waiting for our suite at The Cliffs, we enjoyed treats at the Spyglass Inn.  What an incredibly happy accident!

Here's how the story dialogue went:

Kaylani:  I saw you taking that (very bad) champagne selfie.  Are you celebrating?

Andi:  We are.  [pause] May I tell you the story?
Kaylani:  Yes!
Andi:  Three years ago Darrell was diagnosed with GBM...Then we promised each other a trip up the California coast...[fast forward]...
...[landing in the present]
Today is that day.
Kaylani:  [tears]

Thanks, Spyglass Inn management, for the treats.  Thanks, Kaylani, for the shared stories and love.  All our best to your family.  Thanks for your best for Darrell!

\

Always the right people at the right time.   

Team D., Darrell celebrated his third anniversary with gusto.  I am so glad you and I were here to celebrate with him.

We have a movie in the making.  Tonight, though, let's just snuggle in and enjoy the rain.

Here's to Year Four, Team D!

Updated 2/15/19:  Here's the day's video.

  

Click here for the alternate video link.

Imprudent Promises: A Cautionary Tale

Brain cancer is…

 …more careful with promises these days.

Five months after Darrell’s GBM diagnosis, in this very town, Darrell made a promise.  (To be specific, click here for the context of the post on the actual day.)

As we enjoyed the beach-city street scenes with Brady, Linda, Bennett, and Christian, we saw a cute little Miata.  Andi extracted a teary promise from Darrell:  “On your third cancer anniversary, will you buy me that car and drive it up the coast with me?”  Darrell matched the tears and said, “Yes.”  

Now Darrell admits that he was so quick to share a teary moment and say “yes” because he thought he wouldn’t need to make good on his promise.  He thought he’d be dead.

Guess what.  It’s his third anniversary of diagnosis tomorrow.  Guess what.  We’re on that coastal road trip.  

Side note:  I decided I didn’t want that Miata.  Something that drives up a mountain in the snow without chains sounds more luxurious, but that’s a decision for later.  

Here's a slideshow if you'd like more images of Coastal Road Trip Day One:

Click here for Alternate YouTube link.

The moral of this cautionary tale?  Be careful of the promises you make.  You may need to keep them.

This story, along with the “put away the Christmas lights carefully” tale, are prime examples of our lengthening horizons and changing perspectives.

Happy Anniversary Coastal Road Trip, Team D!

"I Miss the Park."

Brain cancer is...

 ...checking out the scene of the Great Storm of Super Bowl Stroll 3.

Darrell woke up this morning saying, "I miss the park."  Off to the park we went! 
Above you can see how much water must have been rushing through the park as we did Saturday's big walk.  No wonder the rangers closed most of the park around us!

Today we saw 10 egrets together, many captured above.  Although egrets tend to be solitary birds, they hang out together when food sources are good.  (We learned today.)

For the bird haters on the team, look at this cute picture of a squirrel!

Scottsdale Whatnot

Brain cancer is...

...landed.

Our travels brought us safely home today, apparently missing a hailstorm.

Scottsdale was a great trip.  Here are some images of our adventure and whatnot.

 

Happy Tuesday and whatnot, Team D!

Play, Work, Play

Brain cancer is...

...satisfied.

Today was the best combination ever of play then work then play.

First play:

Then work:

Then play:

It was a stupendously satisfying day.  Nonetheless

We are left with two questions.

Question One:  

We hiked up Camelback Mountain only part way because...


...Andi had the wrong shoes. 

The question:  If Darrell has only one pair of shoes, how can it always be the right pair?

 

Question Two:   

If a coyote runs twice as fast as a roadrunner, why did Wile E Coyote spend all his time inventing stupid death devices?

Let's not worry too much.  See you tomorrow, Team D.

Scottsdale

Brain cancer is...

...happy not to be walking 20 miles today.

(Post Stroll Note: Only one of us seems to be complaining of muscle stiffness, but not too loudly.  Smiles.)   

There were many notable moments today en route to and in the midst of Scottsdale, none of which involved walking 20 miles.

 

 

It has been a great day.  One favorite thing was watching the view of Camelback Mountain emerge.

 

Happy Sunday, Team D!