good-times-rollin

Corona De Tucson

August 10, 2023

Not much has changed since the last time I posted. Last week we were busy with appointments. It all started Monday (7/31) when we had our AC unit replaced. Our home was built in 2004. We knew when we decided this was the house for us the original AC unit (17 years old in 2021) would have to be replaced. We decided to ride it out and sure enough we were cool and comfy the past two summers. This summer, we could hear the signs...the moaning and groaning sounds...that something was not quite right even though we were cool and comfy and decided it was time.

You know what they say..."Out with the old, in with the new". The guys arrived around 9:30 am and pulled out of the driveway at 1:00 am the next day. Whew...it was a long day for them working in the hot attic and in-between thunder and lightening outside, but they did a great job and never once did we hear any complaining.

Our new unit is so quiet and efficient and oh the technology...we can even control the key pad from our phone when we figure all that out !

It's good to check that one off the list !

The rest of the week was just as busy. Tuesday (8/1), we each had appointments at the dermatologist. Joe is waiting on results from two biopsies on his right arm. On Friday (8/4), I had an appointment for a hair cut. And on Monday (8/7) I was sitting in the dentist chair as one of my caps (decades old I might add) decided to work it's way loose and now I have a three week wait for a new permanent one. In between on Thursday (8/3), we were off to Green Valley for Dover's 3 month check up at the vets.

August 8, 2023...headed to the vet

Dover is just the sweetest puppy EVER and always so excited to jump in the backseat and go somewhere/anywhere...even to the vets. Dr. Huang called on Tuesday(8/8) with really great news. The cancer is still contained to the two lymph nodes in her neck. Her red and white blood count is normal, her liver and kidney functions are normal, and there are no signs of her heart being stressed. Not bad for a puppy that will be 17 years old in January. Did you know that over 50% of all dogs over the age of 10 die from cancer ? Considering that other than cancer (which really sucks!) Dover is healthy, alert, mobile, happy and excited about life. So, with the caring advise and knowledge from Dr Huang, Joe and I have decided on an alternative treatment. Torigen laboratories (a team of cancer researchers and veterinarians) worked for over 10 years to harness the immune system to fight cancer for our loyal companions and in 2021, clinical trials were started. It is a three step process. First, Dr. Huang will surgically remove a piece of the tumor and ship it to the lab for processing. Next, the lab will prepare a personalized vaccine from the tissue and send it to our vet clinic. Last, Dr. Huang will administer Dover's vaccine by injection once a week for three weeks. The goal is to not just extend Dover's life, but to increase the chances of a good quality of life for her for ever how long that might be. Immunotherapies are gaining traction in both the human and veterinary market for treating cancer and we feel this is a good way to move forward.

Our family had two birthdays this week. Felix turned 7 and started second grade.

And Henry turned 20...yikes !...and will be a junior at North Carolina State.

Did you know that the first Saturday in August is National Sunflower Day?

Photo taken August 11, 2017 in Moab
Sunflowers are often associated with positivity, happiness, and optimism...always facing the sun.

And did you know that August 7th is National Lighthouse Day? It was on this date in 1789 that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers. I have tons of lighthouse photos so I just picked one from each coast.

Portland Head Light...potogtraphed in June 2012 when we visited Maine. This historic lighthouse is the first head light to be built by the government...a directive of George Washington...and was first lit on Jan. 10, 1791.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse...first photographed on Jan. 29, 2013...on our first of several San Diego visits. This piece of history was first lit on Nov 15, 1855 and for many years it was the highest coastal light in our country.

So, the rest of our days haven't changed much. I am a little surprised to still be seeing such young birds. Joe and I both agree this little cardinal stole the show this week.

We have had a yard full of Cactus Wrens.

A mother's work is never done! OK...one more time...

food and...

water

The best action shot of the week...

and the best pose for the week.

The "oh no you don't!" shot of the week...

and the "something just isn't right about this" shot of the week.

The old hummer feeder was three times this size...oops!

The morning temps are a little more comfortable...yippee! And the next few days are below 100 degrees...double yippee! We are still catching the sunrise when we head out for our walk...