Long Way Round

I don't recall ever renting a DVD from Blockbuster or Netflicks (I think their radio commercials are creepy) or RedBox.  On the other hand, lately I have watched a few FREE old B&W movies on the Internet (e.g.,  I particularly enjoyed "The Green Glove" at http://www.bnwmovies.com/).

Most of my movies I tend to borrow from the library.  I can usually find something of interest at the Library for FREE. That is good because I also have a tendancy to buy DVDs too (usually when I need a change of pace from the library or I want something specific).

By exploring the Library's collection, I have come across some very fascinating and entertaining films.  This usually occurs when I pick something up on  a whim.

I recently borrowed a 2-disc DVD set called Long Way Round (Two Friends, One Extraordinary Journey Around the World). It's copyright date is 2004 (so that is pretty new for my tastes).  I think it was on TV originally (is/was BRAVO a channel?).
  Here's the description from the box:


"London*Prague*Kiev*Vogograd*Almaty*Ulaanbaatar*Yakutsk*Magadan*Anchorage*Calgary*Chicago*New York"  "A  Full Throttle Adenture"  "With cameras on their helmets and advnture in their hearts,actors Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, The Island, Big Fish, Moulin Rouge, Trainspotting) and Charley Boorman (Serpent's Kiss, Emerald Forest, Excalibur) rode their motorcycles 29,000 miles from London to New York City...the Long Way Round.  Simultaneously awe-inspiring, harrowing, and hilarious, this exciting expedition follows two friends as they travel through a dozen countries and face the greatest challenges of theeir lives."



DVD box



I have had to renew it twice in order to see the entire 7 episodes. I think each episode is about 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the packaging does not list the length of each episode or the total time. Also unfortanate are the lack of subtitles and/or closed captions.  However, they deficiencies are offset by the charm of the two actors and the spectacular scenary and predicaments they find themselves in.

While I'm not a motorcycle enthusiast nor do I desire to wander the world, this set reminds me of our bicycling days when did TASSLE, TOSRV, Bike Across Ohio, Honeymoon across VT.

This is a hip travel film and the music is modern and offbeat (to my hears).  Be warned that since the language can bet graphic, this is not a video to put the kiddies in front of.

However, the actors are personable and human. I am enjoying sharing their travels and you might too.  More info can be found, starting at:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Way_Round 

I also enjoyed the review at a travel site:
http://www.abandonthecube.com/blog/long-way-round-review/

The "abondon the cube" web site looks interesting. Check out the "Travel Humor" page.

Colonoscopy-Procedure

I'm happy to report that I underwent my colonoscopy this morning and have lived to tell the tale!  As you may recall from yesterday's post, I was struggling with the preparation and feeling quite anxious.

Lynn's (Great) Aunt, Sr. Pat picked me up at 9 a.m. and drove me to the location: http://www.fcendocenter.com/  After I filled out more paperwork, they took my blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.  Then I had to take everything off and put on one of the hospital gowns (and footies). The nurse came back and put in the IV.  Finally, they walked me to the procedure room and got me "comfy." 

A colonoscopy is a procedure which is used to examine the entire colon (large intestine). It may help explain symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stools or change in bowel habits. It is primarily used to screen for colon cancer by looking for polyps which are often the precursors to cancer.


A colonoscope is a long flexible tube with a light at the end. It is inserted into the rectum and steered through the entire colon. The scope transmits an image so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician to visualize better.

My doctor, Ed Levine (see picture below), came in and briefed me on the findings: 3 polyps were found. Dr. Levin has performed all of my colonoscopies. Polyps are precancerous growths which have the potential to grow and become cancer. If these are seen, they are removed by polypectomy. This is performed by wrapping a wire snare around them and cauterizing (burning) them. Once removed they can no longer grow or become cancerous.  That tissue is then sent to the lab for evaluation. It will take 10 days for Pathology to determine if the polyps were cancerous.  They gave me a sheet of paper with pictures of the polyps and the location.  (Lynn didn't think anyone would want to see the inside of my intestine).

Dr. Ed Levine

Similar to all medical tests, colonoscopy is not a perfect test. Colon polyps and colon cancers can be missed less than 5% of the time. Colonoscopy and polypectomy are generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specifically trained and are experienced in these procedures. All medical procedures have risks attached. The overall complication rate for colonoscopy is 1 in 2000 patients.

Sr. Pat was waiting for me and returned me back home. Thank You!  On the way back, stopped and got a turkey & swiss sandwich.  Boy, did that taste good after not eating for over 24 hours.

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Updated Saturday 26 December 2015 for pictures that disappeared.

Colonoscopy-Prepartion

I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy tomorrow.  This will be my 4th one.  As I write this post, I am doing the preparation. So I may have to take a break every now and then....

Since my father died from colon cancer almost 15 years ago, it is highly recommended that my siblings and I have regular checks.  The recommended frequency is every 5 years.

My last colonoscopy was 5 years ago.  The preparation was the worst part.  I found out recently that the laxative that was used then has been discontinued because it was linked to cancer (!).  And the info sheet for the stuff I'm using this time states that carcinogenic testing has not yet been done (Great).  In all cases, you are supposed to drink a lot of fluids.  But I think it's too much - I feel like it's going to come back up my mouth like a drain that's undersized.

generic TriLyte

I'm supposed to drink nearly 4L of this fluid (see picture). The info sheet indicates that the major component is 420 grams of polyethylene glycol 3350 (doesn't that sound yummy?).  In addition, it is described as "an isosmotic solution having a pleasant mineral water taste" (HA! I can tell you it's nothing like Pellagrino). It came with a selection of 4 flavor packets: Cherry, Orange, Lemon-lime, or Pineapple. Doen't you love choices?  Last time there was only one choice: Lemon (I felt like I was drinking a cleaning fluid). This time I picked Orange because I know I like that flavor (at least I did at the start of this).

And you have to go without solid food for at least 1 day.  I scheduled my procedure for the morning so I could reduce the time without food. I will have to get up early tomorrow in order to have my coffee (they consider that a clear liquid) because you are supposed to stop drinking fluids 4 hours before the procedure.

I didn't realize until recently that a colonoscopy is classified as outpatient surgery. I always thought it was just a test/procedure.  I guess it's classified as surgery because if a polyp is found, they can remove it.

This "procedure" is going to cost me at least $850 to cover what's left of my deductible. If I waited until 2011, I would have the full $1K deductible to pay.

While some people are perfectly comfortable with doing things like this (e.g., surgery), I'm feeling rather anxious. I think you can imagine what is going through my mind. Hopefully, I will update you tomorrow after the procedure.

End of Year Snow Storm

We experienced our first real snow storm of the season yesterday and this morning.  The media is calling it a blizzard but I'm not sure it technically meets the definition. The National Weather Service reported wind gusting to 60 mph were reported.

It started snowing Sunday (12/26) morning and continued through this morning (M12/27).  The NWS is reporting about 12-20 inches of snow was recorded.  I'm not convinced that is accurate because there is a tremendous amount of blowing snow (that has drifted).

Sunday 12/26/10 ~3:45 p.m.

Whatever the amount of snow that fell, driving looks challenging (I can see the main road - US RT 1 [Barnum Avenue] - from my LR window).  The storm is supposed to be over by noon but the wind will continue (gusts of 35-50 mph could still occur).

Monday 12/27/10 ~7:15 a.m.

Fortunately, I did not have to leave home this morning because I am taking vacation days this week.  But when I woke up this morning, I spotted a car stuck in the snow trying to get out of the parking lot. Silly person - sad that she felt she had to travel when conditions where so bad.

She put her life on the line.  Eventually, a few other people who were braving the roads stopped to dig her car out. She drove about a hundred feet and got stuck again at the intersection of the main road.

Because of the bad weather, we decided not to attend yesterday afternoon's AHL hockey game in Bridgeport between the Sound Tigers and the (Hartford) Connecticut Whale. I listened to it over the internet. The Tigers lost 4-0; only about 2200 people showed up.

More bizarre was the NHL hockey game last evening (7 p.m.) on Long Island.  Although the storm was really going at that point, the game was not called off because both teams were already at the arena and the government had not officially declared a state of emergency (although they had requested everyone to stay off the roads unless it was absolutely necessary). Just under 4,000 lunatics showed up and saw the Islanders win 4-1(an Islander's win is something of a miracle the way they've been playing lately).

Parking lot for my apartment Monday 12/27/10 at ~9 a.m.

It has stopped snowing and I see people emerging to dig out their cars. Cars on Rt. 1 appear to be moving well but our side street at the parking lot entrance is still not plowed.  No place for me to go anyway. I've got a lot of work to do around the house anyway.

The Nativity

The birth of a baby initiates great hope, excitement, and joy.  Likewise, the birth of the "Savior/Messiah/Christ/Anointed" is connected with tremendous hope. I think people like Christmas (more than Easter) because the hopefulness of a successful birth is something everyone can appreciate. Christmas gifts also tend to be better than Easter candy too.

For a long time I have struggled with the "celebration" of Christmas.  It is because I believe that the "true" meaning (i.e., birth of Christ) has been overshadowed by increasingly widespread secular materialism. So my dilemma has been how to mark the season without coming across as "The Grinch." This challenge has become even greater since I no longer believe in the literal story of Jesus.

However, it is because the nativity story has meaning that it is still important and worth remembering and pondering.  Emmanuel means "God is with us" [Mt 1:23]. I think we overlook that too often, that God is with us. Sometimes it doesn't feel like it but it's usually because we are not paying attention. God's presence is all around us in things like sunrises and sky and clouds and ....

Most Christians have a cross or crucifix hung on a wall in their house.  I'm not sure many people really understand the nuances of the Resurrection. Especially since there are not many resurrected people walking around to remind us.  Perhaps it would make more sense to also hang a creche or a nativity picture to remind us of God being with us and the goal of being "born again."

I have the nativity pictured above hanging on my Living Room wall to remind me of the hope for our salvation.

A merry and blessed Christmas to you and yours.

Good Morning Christmas!

I like to get up early and read the Bible. I can see the sun rise from my living room window. I think that helps me ponder the scriptures because I am amazed at the glory of the creation/birth of a new day. "To God be the Glory, great things he has done."

This is what I saw this morning:


Beginning Today



Star at Upper Right



Sunrise C



Sunrise D



Sunrise E



"Here Comes The Sun (and I say it's alright)"



Here is the Sun!

 "Here comes the Sun King....everybody's happy, everybody's fine!"

"Good morning, good morning, good morning"

Merry Christmas!



2010 Highlights

It was 20 years ago today (sort of) that I first wrote an annual highlights letter to include in my Christmas cards. I just didn’t have time to hand write a note for each card, so I typed up a sheet of highlights and put a copy in each card. Boy have things changed. No more typewriter and carbon paper. Now I can include color pictures.

In one way, this has been a tough year.

In January, just a few days before her 66^th birthday, my mother-in-law, Judy, was killed in a car accident. Her death has really traumatized our family and we miss her greatly.

One suggestion for coping is to count your blessings. And we certainly have some to count. One of my fondest memories of this past year is going to Bethlehem with Richard last Christmas to stamp and mail our Christmas cards. On our way home we enjoyed great tasting burgers at GBurgers. Great company!

Richard is a sophomore (10^th grade) at Hall High. He is quite involved with technical theater and is growing his resume of shows he has worked on. He is involved with set construction, lighting, and sound; he also designed a program. Recently, he and I spent a Saturday at an open house at Hartford Stage that was capped with a performance of "Breakdancing Shakespeare Macbeth" (yes, it was weird).

He likes crocs, orange, and hockey. His favorite NHL teams are the NY Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings. We also still enjoy the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers. And most weekends, he is playing roller hockey.

In addition to their cats (Double, Lady, Spot, Cutie), they recently were gifted with some tropical fish (I don’t know their names).

Lynn is still walking and caring for Richard. This summer she again worked two (2) plots in the community garden. She also spent a lot of time at the dentist working on her smile.

In the past, we gathered at Judy’s for the holidays. This Thanksgiving, Lynn made dinner for us: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, sweet potatoes, and rolls. I brought ice cream and Sr. Pat brought the pies.

We timed our annual trip to Ohio in order to see the 4^th of July fireworks at the Indians game. We also got to tour one of the Clevo bridges with my sister Carol. A regular highlight is a visit to Mary Lynn & Jeff's farm and the trip up their driveway. This year we included Columbus on our trip to visit Lynn’s relatives (Uncle Dick and Aunt Pattie) and Rick’s sister, Tina, and brother, David. And a trip to Clevo would not be complete without a meal at the Winking Lizard.

Speaking of the Indians, Richard & I saw the Indians win an exciting game at Yankee Stadium during Memorial Day weekend. We also did the kite festival(in May) and the Air Show at Jones Beach; Monster Truck Jam, lots of mini-golf during the summer, a couple exhibits at the Knights of Columbus museum in New Haven, a huge corn maze this fall and the Terryville County Fair(which had lawnmower racing) but no train shows this year.

I am still a fire protection engineer commuting 40 miles to the office in Armonk, NY. I’ve spent a lot of time working in hospitals and museums this year.

So, upon reflection, a lot of blessing to give thanks for. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and great new year 2011! God Bless. Shalom. Etc.

Birthing

"It was a dark and stormy night. Suddenly, a shot rang out...."

That's the way Snoopy always started out when he tried to write. A good intro is important. And so is the very first sentence. So if it was good for Snoopy, well I hope some of it rubs off on me.

I'm getting a head start on my New Year's resolutions (for 2011) by starting this blog. I was inspired to do this by blogs done by my nephew and niece. They do a great job and so do their friends.

Every year since I left Ohio, I have been doing an "Annual Highlight" letter that I include in my Christmas cards (because I got tired of hand writing all the same stuff). I always ended up doing it at the last moment which made getting my cards to the post office an exercise in anxiety (not to mention speeding and protection by my guardian angel).

This past year (2010), I thought it would be beneficial to keep a running list of "highlights" so I wouldn't leave out anything (like my first experience at Monster Truck Jam in 2009). Alas, I didn't make it past April. So let's hope I'm more successful with this blog. My nephew updates his Miracles blog once a week.

It somehow seems appropriate to start on Christmas Eve. A time of new beginnings.

So, I'm sorry if this seems like a lame post, but there has got to be a starting place. "Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start...."