Yesterday...

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... I signed up for Watercolor classes.

I have never drawn or painted so this is so far out of my box I need a tether to stay connected.

Wish me luck.

Just another day in the life of my husband, my superhero.

As many of you know last November Bear did a stem cell donation.  Click here to read about the first process.

Bear received a call before he left for the Gulf of Mexico that the patient was now in need of his T-Cells.  Hurricane Isaac happened which delayed time and eventually after many rescheduling the day was upon us to head on up to Portland.

We checked in to The Inn at Northrup Station and I thought we had both sipped on some of Alice's happy juice and slipped down the rabbit hole.

Walking down the passage inebriated would not be wise

All I could think when I saw the 'headboard' was where are the handcuffs.

Living area with purple door that leads to another rabbit hole.

Portland is well known for their outstanding restaurants. We were in the Northwest Portland area and we decided to go to Serratto Restaurant and Bar. Once again Portland did not disappoint.

 

Their happy hour menu was wonderful and we agree with our friends, Dave and Lars, happy hour in Portland is incredible.  These pictures are the happy hour portions. 

Calamari Rings

Octopus Bean Salad. I dug in before I took a picture. Hence the bite out of the bread.

Fries, garlic mayo and ketchup.

Walnut salad

Pizza of the day

Creme Brulee

The Creme Brulee was on the house per our wonderful waitress Erin.  I had told her why we were in Portland and she was a little verklempt.

Serratto. Great place, great food and great atmosphere.

5:00am Came all too soon and we were off to the hospital to get Bear checked in. 

Bear all checked in and waiting.

 

 

 

I had to leave the room when they put the needles into Bear's arms. These are some big boys and I don't do well with the sight of needles.  

So calm and happy.

Once Karen, our wonderful nurse we had last time,  had Bear all situated we turned on the TV and I flicked through the channels to find something to occupy us all for the next four hours. The T-Cell collection was not as stressful as the Stem-Cell.  If you remember back then Bear had to take injections to increase his stem cell production which put pressure on his bones.  My husband is a trooper. Not one complaint. Now me... well as Karen said, "We'll make sure you have two nurses in the room."

Bear and our amazing nurse, Karen

If you look to the right of the picture and about the machine you will see a bag with red liquid in it.  Those are Bear's T-Cells.

All done.

Our thoughts, prayers, wishes, good juju and mojo go to the patient.  We hope she has a positive reaction to the T-Cells and that she gets stronger every day.

Thank you to Fari at Be The Match for keeping us straight on our paperwork and appointments and for always having a hug and a smile for us no matter how hectic your day was.

Karen, thank you for your kindness and your compassion.  You made this journey so much easier for us both to get through.

Bear, thank you for going along with me when I signed us both up on the registry and for not giving me the sideways look when you were called six months later.  You are selfless and I wish there were more people in the world like you. I love you much.

If you are thinking of signing up on the registry please take a moment and educate yourself on all that is involved.  We can all get caught up in the emotion and when our number is called we should be ready to say yes.

Now go. Sign up. Now.

Wordless Sunday.

Pictures taken by Mr. Nubian - Gulf of Mexico - August 2012

Kramer Vineyards and Crawfish Deliciousness.

Kramer Vineyards

While Bear is off in the Gulf of Mexico chasing Physeter Macrocephalus aka Sperm Whales, I decided to treat myself and attend a Crawfish Boil at Kramer Vineyards.

For some, Twitter is a bother. For me, Twitter is a blessing as it has introduced me to some wonderful people who have become firm friends and the Kramer family are included in that small group. Over the summer Kramer Vineyards hosts various dinner events and I jumped at the chance to attend their Crawfish Boil dinner.  Kim, the fantastic and gorgeous winemaker, invited me to stay at Casa Kramer so I wouldn't have to make the long trek back to Corvallis at night.  In other words I could get my drunk on. (Mom, really I wasn't drunk, just a little relaxed.)

I love Kramer winery and was amazed to hear that some people in the Portland area have not visited this wonderful winery.  The very first time Bear and I visited the winery we were welcomed by the wonderful Ms. Angelene whose infectious smile and bubbly personality has you asking what is she on and where can I get some of that happiness, the fabulous Mrs. Trudy Kramer with her sun hat and her handful of fresh blooms and Kim, second generation winemaker.  Kim poured for us and watching her describe her wine and the process makes you feel as though you are intruding on an intimate moment.  Kim is very passionate about her wine and it shows. 

Mr. Kramer welcoming guests.

Relaxing and waiting for the dinner to commence.

Big Ron Sabin

The Kramer family knows how to put on a party and this event was finger licking, crawfish slurping deliciousness.  The music was provided by Big Ron Sabin and he provided the perfect winery event ambiance. I invited myself to sit with the wonderful Mike and my twin, Jacqui. Good choice as these peeps are my kind of peeps.

Fresh crawfish goodness.

The wonderful Kathy and Michelle, pourers of the happy juice.

Crawfish delicousness.

There was salad, but as Mike said, "This isn't a salad boil."

Kramer Rose of Pinot Noir - perfect pairing

My plate and my sippy cup.

My plate of awesomeness

Mr. Kramer with the incredible Pinot Noir 2002

Mr. Kramer surprised us all by opening a jeraboum of Kramer Pinot Noir Reserve 2002.  Everyone got to try it and it was mind blowing berry bursting velvety smooth heaven. Thank you Mr. Kramer for sharing with us one of your library wines.  

Fresh peach cobbler

Fresh whipped cream with basil.

After we all went up for seconds and some of us for thirds of dinner, dessert was served.  Fresh peach cobbler with fresh whipped basil cream.  *cue song* 'Heaven, I'm in heaven' I had a cup of coffee that was made from beans that Mr. Kramer roasts himself.  Not only does he make superb wine, he also makes superb coffee.

Much laughter, much wine and many sucking and slurping noises filled the vineyard and for the grand finale clear skies in which to witness the meteor shower.

Kramer Crew, you know how to throw one hell of a party.

Bafana.

When I was going through my divorce T and I stopped by our local pet store one day.  Heavens Gate, the local animal shelter,  was there with kittens.  T was immediately drawn towards the cutest black, male kitten and I couldn't say no.  T decided to call him Bafana after the South African soccer team.

Fast forward a few years and we were ready to move to Oregon and T was about to go on his gap year.  Bear's son Dustin lived in Idaho and because we did not know the situation of having so many animals asked him if he could take Bafana.  We knew that Bafana would be in good hands.

Two years later and Dustin has moved to Oregon and is currently staying with us until he finds his own place.  He told us that Bafana had not been eating and was losing weight.  Yesterday I took kitty boy to the vet and was told that he has severe liver failure and at this point comfort care is all we can do.

He is so lovable and still playful so we will wait until he lets us know that he is ready to go.  I have been feeding him by hand and wish he would eat more.

Bafana, what a beautiful boy.