It’s another beautiful day here (as you can see by the cool link Ronnie put up on my blog for the Seattle weather)! I think I’ll let this post serve more as a photo essay because there are lots of pictures in it. We obviously enjoyed our weekend (I didn’t have any appointments until today!). We got a rental car (a nice, comfy Chevy Impala), we hung out at Lake Union and took a boat tour (we even saw the “Sleepless in Seattle” houseboat—-see photos for great shots! Sorry, but Tom Hanks wasn’t available to pose on the porch for us ), we enjoyed coffee at our favorite place, and I finished an entire package of those awesome candy pumpkins that they sell in the fall, you know, this kind: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/55260249_9312eb6a82.jpg …my stomach was happy, but I don’t think my teeth are. Oh well…how often do I indulge in that, right?!

Anyway. it was a wonderful weekend as you can see by these pics:

I especially enjoyed walking around the lake yesterday afternoon/evening. I love the hollow sound of the docks as you walk over them, and the swishing of the water against the posts. Dad, we found a place that specializes in wooden boats–you’ll love it!! Also, the water tour we went on served floats! I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a coke float! Apparently they specialize in a chocolate ice cream root beer float…I’ll skip that ’cause I’m no root beer fan, but for anyone who wants to come for a visit, you can put that on your list of things to look forward to (other than hanging out with me).

When we were walking through “Barnes and Noble” today, I noticed a picture book (of dogs…what else?!), where the pictures matched the words to “Desiderata”, a poem by Max Ehrmann. I feel like I’ve seen this poem elsewhere, like in the forwards that also attach pictures of animals to match the words of the poem…anyway, you’ve probably read it before, and you may even think it’s cheesy, but I thought it was really nice. I think we all need a little reminder every now and then of how to view different aspects of life. As I’ve written before, any serious illness/disaster brings with it a greater power to philosophize, and I think I’m becoming quite the expert at it (well, I’m the expert and I also know how to steal other people’s words)! So here’s the poem.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

I think he forgot to write “and don’t forget to hula hoop!” hahahaha

OK, well, I’ve gone on and on once again. Once things settle down, my posts won’t be quite as overwhelming, but fortunately, in between doctor’s appointments, we’ve been able to really enjoy the city this past week. I’m going to miss Laura when she leaves this week, but I know she’ll be back in a month, and we can keep plowing ahead with this whole transplant thing. Keep thinking those good thoughts!!

Oh!  One more thing.  Ronnie found this video on the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s website…notice that Dr. Appelbaum is featured in it!!

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Lotsa love to everyone.