Indeed The Surge Is To Blame

 So I met Dan, who was wearing a wrist brace. I always enjoy chatting with him -- he lives on a big property in The Redland with all manner of animals. He said he was recovering from gout, but it was caused by his cancer treatments! What? I never knew. He told me that 2 years ago he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and told he had 3 months to live. Well, the newfangled immune therapy seems to work -- he is cancer free, but getting weird things like gout on account of hormone treatments, too. I just know he looked hale and fine -- told him in addition to his family and friends -- I need him, too! He laughed -- he's 52 and plans to stick around awhile, he said.

As I thought, a power surge zapped the gate electronics. Probably it's time for a new board and transformer and batteries anyway -- he'll get an estimate but we're probably talking about $3K. Since I plan on staying -- hey -- par for the course. Even though it's nice to avoid costs like this -- hey -- ya gotta keep up with stuff. As Dan and I discussed, at least with house, you decide. With a condo, the HOA does, and lately that's been nightmarish for many unit owners.

This am I FaceTimed (tm) with D1, who had Baby Man. They had dropped off his big brother early, for a Field Trip with camp, and the two walked on a dock near the school in Sans Souci. He is adorable -- I told him I'd be seeing him in a few hours and brought him a marionette from Europe. Listening him try to say that was a morning's highlight.

Wifey's visiting, too, but taking her own car. She has to bring the elderly Spaniel for his Lubrella treatment -- a really effective biologic medication that's keeping the old guy more sprite. She'll stay longer at D1's house while I Dadber D2 to her party, and meet Dr. Barry for dinner.

We're going to Trulucks, an old haunt, where I haven't had dinner, I think, since before the plague. Hopefully Victor, my old bartender and a long time employee, is still there. We love to catch up and talk about the old times -- like Paul's friend Alan.

Alan, a man about town, would sit at the bar and order a seafood tower for dinner, while watching ESPN on the TV. Sometimes an inappropriately young lady would join him -- to Victor's delight.

Victor didn't know Alan had died of cancer -- at 69. When I told him, he handed me a martini, took a glass himself, and we toasted Alan -- my drink was on the house. We were both misty eyed.

So first mid week back in the 305. I love being home -- even in the heat of this time of year. I hope everyone gets to live in a place that brings them happiness and peace.

Otherwise -- what's the point?