Detours and Road Closures 10/2/11

DUKE ELLINGTON – Take The “A” Train
   I was able to wash the car this(Saturday) morning. I stopped off to re-fill my cup with Hazelnut coffee at the Einstein Bros Bagels on Val Vista, and was on my way.  The car wash is right next to Midwestern Market where I pick up the doughnuts. I have found that these dounuts are arguably the best in Maricopa county(Phoenix). They are better than Dunkin', Crispy Creme, or even Barb's Bakery on 24th and Thomas. The apple fritters are a huge hit. I don't eat them due to the type 2 diabetes, and the fact that they currently taste like wood putty. I enjoy delivering some sweets to the fellas. Marcie set me up with the goodies while I dried the car in the lot. The Horrible Crowes – Sugar, Sweet – Love Is Like Oxygen

   After washing the car, I picked up a couple of friends for some coffee. We were heading to South Phoenix(Ahwatukee), to hook up with some friends. The road detour/closure was not very well marked, and we ended up doing some crazy eights, before regaining our bearing. I didn't mind the detour yesterday.Willie Nelson with Waylon Jennings – Take It To The Limit

   I do vividly remember heading to my biopsy on 5/28/11 in North Phoenix(40th St./Bell). Some jackass had the audacity to roll his vehicle in my HOV lane, and disrupt my transit. I know he did it intentionally to mess up my trip. I said a quick prayer for the bastard, and swerved across 5 lanes of traffic. He was not going to keep me from getting my throat cut! I was determined to be on time for the surgery, but was forced to call the surgical center, and advise them of my traffic status. They didn't really care about the rolled vehicle, they would be ready for me whenever I arrived. Now I felt bad about the upside down driver. Selfishness is a sneaky deal. Hothouse Flowers – I'm Sorry, ZZ Top – La Grange - Re-Mastered LP Version

   I instinctively fall back on a frightened response. How is this going to effect me, why am I being delayed, don't they know who I am? I want what I want, and I want it right now. I am often reminded of a friend who was commuting from Philly to NYC once a month. He had a great routine. He'd drive to his corporate parking spot, get his vanilla latte, and jump on the express. He was heading in to the meeting and his keycard didn't work, so he had to call maintenance for assistance. They gave him a latte instead of a vanilla latte. He missed the express and was ultimately late for his meeting in the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001. Thank God. World Party – Put The Message In The Box

   I went to bed early, and slept forever. I may have overshot the mark again. I'm not feeling 100% today, but it's still early. I think I'll have another nutritious Ensure. I'll watch the NFL and relax.

Todays Playlist:
Sweet – Fox On The Run(don't hate me)
ZZ Top – Tush
John Lee Hooker – Boom Boom
Hothouse Flowers – Don't Go
The Horrible Crowes – Behold The Hurricane
Duane Eddy – Rebel Rouser
Happy Birthday Meg!
Travel Safe,
TJH

Oh contraire mon frère 9/30/11

Hello Australia, and Singapore!

   Beth and I snuck out to a movie yesterday(Memo to Self: Avoid popcorn until further notice.), and I was reminded that, in my opinion, Paris(not in Texas), is by far the most beautiful city I have ever visited. Not NYC, not LA, not San Fran, not London, not Rome, not Maui. I'm not saying it is the most livable city, but, it is by far, the most beautiful city. We visited in 2005 while Kevin was studying in London. (Thank you Kevin for providing us with the perfect excuse.) We took the train through the Chunnel. I don't speak French, and had some less than positive preconceived notions about France, and the French. I had to loose my prejudice, and negativity about the French prior to my visit. It was suggested that I love the French.  It worked. Needless to say, I was wrong about the French. They were wonderful, they were helpful, friendly, interesting, and they didn't hate me, or make me feel less than. We had lunch at Taillevent (restaurant) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia a world famous restaurant. I had the rabbit. Prior to our departure, the ladies were checking out the facilities. I sat down and had a lovely chat with a man who turned out to be the owner. He could not have been more unassuming, or pleasant. I would return to Paris in a heartbeat. Steely Dan – Reeling In The Years

   I feel pretty good today. I woke up early, said my prayers, made my bed, brushed my teeth, and took a shower. I had some extra energy so I called a friend of mine(at 5:45am) who has been having some difficulties. I suggested a cup of coffee, and he agreed. I felt much better that he didn't say "Hey you Idiot, don't you know what time it is? My day improved by spending some time with him. I don't know how to explain it, but participating in his life helps him, and gives me an improved perspective on my own. The Gaslight Anthem – The '59 Sound

   The neurological side effects of the surgery are becoming more apparent with my increased freedom. I've gotten used to having numbness, and shooting pains around the house, but the shoulder strap of the seat belt is a bitch. Those things are overkill, and we should be allowed to cut them off, and just have a normal airplane seatbelt. If it's good enough for a plane crash, it should be sufficient for the road. I'm just saying...The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang

   The numbness in my fingers, head, and shoulder have gotten very little attention during the active cancer treatments. They were ancillary inconveniences, and consequences. Well I'm done with treatment, and now I want this other stuff fixed! Is that so wrong? I could probably use a lobotomy, that would fix what's wrong with me. Steely Dan – Only A Fool Would Say That

   Alison Krauss has a great set of pipes! Alison Krauss – When You Say Nothing At All
   Todays Playlist:
Alison Krauss – Baby, Now That I've Found You
The Foundations – Baby Now that I've Found You
The Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup
Boz Scaggs – Lido Shuffle
The Gaslight Anthem – Meet Me By The River's Edge
The National – Fake Empire
Pat is dying to tell you that joke!
Glad to feel better! Watch out!
Bonsoir,(I love the French)
TJH

Where does all this spiritual talk come from? 9/29/11

   Experience in my own life has lead me to reach certain conclusions. Not dogma, not institutional, not Baltimore catechismic(catechismal), not religious conclusions, but spiritual conclusions based upon my own experience. My life continues to unfold into goodness. The seemingly bad circumstances prove to be spiritual opportunities. Damaged relationships are healed, economic difficulties are accepted, physical obstacles are met with surprising composure. Miraculous coincidences become common.The Flaming Lips – Do You Realize??

   Hola(hello)Panama!!!
   12 countries, call the UN. I'm huge in Panama(Central America)Hee Hee.
   Luka Bloom – See You Soon

   Holy shit, I'm an evangelist, but I'm not exactly sure what to do with that. I'm no Preacher, or Tent Minister. I'm a regular guy living a spiritual experience. Sure it doesn't hurt to have 7 weeks of treatment in the rearview mirror, but I would venture to say that as I approached this physical, emotional, financial, spiritual obstacle, I was able to tap into a Power significantly larger than me. Through the course of my illness I have been lifted up by the kind thoughts, deeds, and prayers of others. I was lifted up by the physicians, and medical professionals. I was lifted by family, and friends, past , and present. I was lifted by clergy of every denomination. I was lifted up by strangers. I was included in meditation, and pilgrimage. I have been given blessings, tokens of support, and anointments.The Decemberists – This Is Why We Fight

   Here I go...Einstein said in his book The World As I See It "A knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, of the manifestations of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty, which are only accessible to our reason in their most elementary forms---it is this knowledge and this emotion that constitute the truly religious attitude. He goes on to say "The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which he has attained to liberation from the self". Go figure...I like Einstein. Don't ask me about the theory of relativity, or the music of the spheres.Los Lonely Boys – Heaven

Good Yon tif, and Happy New Year, may it be Sweet.
TJH
Todays Playlist:
Bright Eyes – Shell Games
Bright Eyes – First Day Of My Life
Ben Harper – Diamonds On The Inside
The Damned – Alone Again Or
Blind Boys Of Alabama – Walk In Jerusalem
Blind Boys Of Alabama – Danny Boy
Reading List:
The Greatest Thing in The World by Henry Drummond(61 pages)
The World as I See It by Albert Einstein(112 pages)

So I'm minding my own business...9/28/11

   I've been given another second chance. Last week I let my primary care Doctors office know that I am on the mend when I went in for a flue shot. I didn't see the Doctor, but I'm sure he got the message. Today I get a call that he'd like to invite me in for a routine evaluation. I'm not so sure I want a routine evaluation. I've been, ultreasounded, biopsied, surgeried, scanned, radiated, Erbituxed, ported, tubed(multiple times), and, facemasked. What the hell am I going to do with a routine evaluation. I want some form of upgrade, Platinum status at a minimum. Where's my upgrade? Shouldn't I be entitled to a premium waiting room? What about a plaque? Kenny Rogers – Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)

   We've pushed through the 40 followers barrier. That's right there are actually 43 people who admit to reading this thing. Be proud people. 5000 hits to this sight since its inception in June. We have been read in 10 countries. What I find amusing is that I get between 75-150 hits per day.  I would hope that one of you guys, or the anonymous hitters, would have picked up the phone to call Pat O'Toole. Ask him about "the joke", hell ask him about anything.(440) 937-6003 Operators are standing by, I can't do this all day!Bee Gees – I Started A Joke 
UPDATE: !!! Hello Australia 11 countries!!!

   This morning I get to have coffee with Pete, and Marcia. The freedom to get out on a more regular basis is wonderful. Yesterday I ran into friends at lunch, and then at the Nordstom Rack(I ain't got no body). Bumping into B-Lloyd at the Rack provided me with a lovely dinner visit. This additional mobility is pretty nice. I miss investing in the lives of others, and being on the firing line of life. Get busy living or get busy dying. So much for minding my own business, let's live! Michael Franti & Spearhead – Say Hey (I Love You)
In Gratitude,
TJH

Todays playlist:
Mickey Newbury – Just Dropped In
Rodrigo y Gabriela – Tamacun(thanks B-&AmyLloyd)
Boston – More Than A Feeling
Steve Forbert – Romeo's Tune(ask Brian Maloney about Williams College)
Grateful Dead – It Must Have Been The Roses

Did You Call Pat O'Toole? 9/26/11

   Why haven't you called Pat O'Toole?

   It should come as no surprise that I tend to over do it on the weekends. This is not a recent phenomena. In my current condition I get exhausted quickly. I was in the Jos. A Bank store on Saturday afternoon because they were having a sale(hard to believe), and my clothes don't fit. The sales advisor commented that there was a lot of extra fabric on my backside, and would I like to have the butt tucked? By all means please tuck the butt.  I shopped so hard that I had to have Beth drive me home for an emergency nap.The Grateful Dead – Box Of Rain

   I refrained from visiting a friend on Saturday afternoon, and when I called to explain, she completely understood. She was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, and could not have been more gracious. I hope to get a chance to visit with her in the very near future. Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind

   Today I dug out a stash of some skinny clothes, that are now fat clothes, and fat clothes, that are now ridiculously fat clothes. I have suits, jackets, and pants that have not seen the light of day in decades. The pants were linen, khaki, corduroy, and various blends. I found an old favorite pair of Nantucket Red khakis.  I'm glad that I was able to find these treasures, now I need to put the fat clothes out in the garage. Weezer – Weezer - In The Garage

   I have some friends coming over for dinner. One of my buddies hasn't been over since before I was diagnosed. I'm looking forward to spending some time with him. The visitors are lined up this week. My dance card is booked through Thursday. I look forward to these visits. My energy is better when I have friends within reach.Joe Cocker – With A Little Help From My Friends

   Mom is on her way back to Jersey for the week. She just called from Albuquerque NM. This is an unscheduled pit stop due to hydraulic problems. Hopefully she will catch an alternate flight without much hassle. Right now they are talking about putting her up in a hotel and flying her out in the morning. I suggested she get further east to shorten the trip tomorrow. We'll keep our fingers crossed. Joe Cocker – The Letter - Single Version, Arlo Guthrie – Coming Into Los Angeles (original version) Update: She's flying back to Phoenix, and jumping a red eye back out to Jersey tonight.

   I'm gonna prep dinner, and take a nap. My brother Terry received a condolence call today. "Sorry to hear about your brother". He assured the caller that to the best of his knowledge, his brother was doing just fine. He called me tonight, just to make sure.  I'm pleased to report that the rumor of my demise is premature.Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Helpless - Previously Unreleased Mix

   Tomorrow I get a haircut. I am healing enough to know that this haircut will never become a trend.
Todays Playlist
Dashboard Confessional – Hands Down - EP Version,
Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out 
Cake – Going The Distance
George Thorogood And The Destroyers – Get A Haircut
Beck – Devils Haircut
Michael Franti & Spearhead – Say Hey (I Love You),
 George Thorogood And The Destroyers – If You Don't Start Drinkin' (I'm Gonna Leave)
George Thorogood And The Destroyers – Move It On Over
   TJH

Thanks Mary Jo 9/25/11

   Today I had breakfast with mom, lunch with the ladies, and dinner with Bart,  Doug, and Frank. The appetite is not really back, but I remain motivated to eat. The salivary glands, and taste buds will return in due time. I have to do a better job taking in sustenance. I'm sure that 168lbs. is not my optimum weight. I am pretty sure a haircut with some special blending in the back, is on the agenda. Our guests raved about the designer ice cream from Breamer's in Cincy(thanks Julie and Paul). They said the pepper jack cheese was very spicy, but I couldn't tell. I didn't try the deviled eggs, but did have a decent sized soft taco, and a couple of buffalo wings. I didn't taste much.

   We had a nice visit with Shannon, Sarah, Maggie, and Kate. The ladies were buzzed on sugar, and we started telling some stories. Beth encouraged me to tell the "Pat O'Toole joke". Pat O'Toole is my cousin via marriage to my cousin Mary Jo. The joke was told at a family wedding for cousin Kevin and Heather Kilbane. Two generations were gathered at a large table, and my sister Noreen encouraged Pat to tell "the Joke". He wisely declined knowing that the joke was completely inappropriate for the mixed crowd. By mixed I mean old school hard line Catholics, and my generation. He knew that he shouldn't tell the joke in front of his Mother-in-law(my dear Aunt Mary), and certainly not in front of Billy, and Mary Kay Hagan. Another agitator suggested for Pat to tell the joke, and he was off to the races.Graham Parker – No Holding Back
 
   The joke is about a theme party where you come dressed as your favorite emotion. Please feel free to call Pat at (440)937-6003. When the dust settled my generation was howling, screaming, and pissing they're pants. The mixed crowd was catatonic, randomly making the sign of the cross, and praying for his eternal soul, which was most certainly going straight to hell. The memory of my sister's hysterical shriek is crystal clear. Thank You! I'm pleased to report that today's retelling of the joke was well received by the ladies, who shared a few of they're favorites. The Rolling Stones – Emotional Rescue

   I received a call from my brother Marty, who was working the sidelines at a CYO football game this afternoon. He bumped into an old friend Gil Ryan. I met Gil through Mary Jo. His picture may still be on Big Mare's basement wall. Marty put Gil on the phone, and we picked up right where we left off 30 years ago. Gil and I had a very good run in the 70's and early 80's. We busted each others chops immediately. It's not that he didn't care how I was doing, he already knew. He didn't have to ask, or suggest he was praying for me, I already knew. I was visiting family in Cleveland one time 6-8 years ago, and a complete stranger approached me and said "I know you". He wasn't sure exactly how, but was certain, and so we started to unravel the mystery. I assured him that I hadn't lived full time in Cleveland since 1973. I summered in Cleveland while attending OU in the late 70's. He was positive. He asked me if I had ever gone to the Rib Burn Off at Burke Lakefront Airport. Oh My God! He remembered his friend Gil and I doing quite a spectacular Soul Train line dance through the Rib Festival. I know a boom box was involved. Go ahead see it in your minds eye, two very happy, rhythmic white boys dancing through the crowd at Burke Lakefront Airport.  An instant classic.
Sly & The Family Stone – Dance To The Music,
Sly & The Family Stone – Stand
Grateful Dead – Truckin'
I had a very good day today, thank you God.
TJH
More of todays music
Graham Parker – Break Them Down
Graham Parker – Local Girls - Digitally Remastered 1996
The Grateful Dead – Terrapin Station Medley:
Graham Parker – Comfortably Numb
Jethro Tull – Locomotive Breath

I'm a Runway Model 9/23/11

   My clothes are falling off. Fat clothes, skinny clothes, hell I'd probably fit in that canary yellow leisure suit from 1973. I have no idea how I misplaced that fashion faux pas. I know it will always live on in Aunt Mary's basement wall of fashion. My jackets make me look like Tom Hanks in Big. Larry Clinton – Heart And Soul I need elastic, and drawstrings. My belts don't fit, and I'm swimming in my shirts. How did this happen? I'm not sure whether I should dance, or die. Let's dance! House Of Pain – Jump Around I definitely need a smaller belt, or a slower dance!Music of the 40s – Begin The Beguine
   I received a flu shot this morning at my primary care Doctors office. They haven't seen me since March. They had originally prescribed 10 days worth of anti biotic, followed by the ultrasound. I called in April to let them know that the ultrasound showed some abnormal masses, and that I was subsequently diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cel carcinoma, but have not been in the office through my treatment. I was pleased to walk in and request a flu shot. I normally don't like getting shots, but I felt like a survivor walking into the office. God forbid I get the flu! The shot I'm really looking forward to is that Shingles vaccine. My dad had shingles, and hated it worse than cancer, and dialysis combined. I have to wait until my white blood count is better until I can get the active shingles virus injected into my system. I can't wait! Don't want no Shingles! The Cure – Friday I'm In Love
      I ran into a guy this morning who couldn't believe that his urine sample would test positive after having only 2 beers. I understand, but if you are in a position to have your urine checked wouldn't you want to know exactly what tolerance they allowed before they tested. I would think that 2 beers is pretty reasonable. But I guess the DMV is less tolerant. Go figure. Brendan Shine – I Like Beer Traffic – John Barleycorn (Must Die)

Todays Playlist
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – The Impression That I Get
Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings – Summer Side Of Life
Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl
Gary U.S. Bonds – Jole Blon
Madonna – Like A Prayer
I must say I am finding some tasty morsels on spotify