We’re heading to Coeur d’Alene today to meet with a new oncologist. An oncologist for the summer. Banjo Man needs to have someone here to administer his medication every three months. It will be a three-hour round trip, so while we’re in CDA we’re going to hit a couple of stores and eat lunch at MacKenzie River Pizza.

He is doing very well, despite the realizations that all those radiation treatments have sapped his energy and his stamina.

Key words: acceptance and patience.

I keep a close watch on him, but he enjoys (understatement!) his time up at the cabin and calls me frequently to tell me that all is well.

We await the latest PSA blood test results. He had a good video conference with his surgeon last week. And his very own oncologist, our Angela, arrives with Jeff and the kids on July 7 for a week of lake fun.

Our days end early, after a little tv and sunset-watching time.

No complaints.

Son Will flies in next week and will launch into power washing, weed whacking and window washing after he unpacks his suitcase. Ben, Amber and John arrive the week after that, so more help is on the way. We’re grateful for it. The beach needs chairs and kayaks. The brush needs to be piled and burned.

Every time Banjo Man, keys jangling in his hand, opens the back door to head to the cabin, he annouces, “I’m the luckiest man in the world!”

This is an old photo from last year, but it says it all.