We spent Halloween weekend in Pasadena, at the California Library Association’s annual conference. All of our time was spent in an exhibit booth, so I have no real idea how the conference went, but our booth area seemed pretty popular. The booth’s theme was “Libraries, Learning and Zombies” so we had to dress up, of course, as zombies. Never in my life have I worn so much glorious makeup. We actually went to a class beforehand to learn how to apply the prosthetic scars, etc. It took about 45 minutes to get it on the first time – the second time took about half an hour (but I have a whole new respect for Michael Dorn, who played Lieutenant Worf on Star Trek: TNG). The end result was pretty grotesque – to the point where people turned away when looking at us and when I looked at myself in the mirror I let out a little scream. A few small children even burst into tears at the sight of us. We went to dinner one night in full costumes, and customers were coming up and asking to take pictures! This all sounds like fun and games, I know, but it was really hard work and by the end of Sunday (when the exhibit hall closed) I for one was completely exhausted. Pics of the action here.

Yesterday it was off to City of Hope where Chuck spent the day getting immunotherapy. it’s not nearly as bad as chemo, but it still takes a bit out of him, leaving him feeling flu-ish and tired for a day or so. He’s up and at ’em today, mostly. His bloodwork yesterday was all good – his red and white blood cell counts are normal, his liver and kidneys are doing great, and Dr. Nade was impressed that he had just run a half marathon. Some people, it seems, have permanent side effects from R-CHOP like neuropathy and tiredness. Chuck is one of the lucky ones who handled it pretty well.

We finally got home home (all done with conference AND hospital) late yesterday afternoon. We’re off again this coming weekend to Solvang to take part in the Solvang Prelude. We’re doing the 50-mile ride and we’re staying at one of our favorite places in that neck of the woods: Hadsten House. Phew! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, really, I’m grateful. It’s been almost a year since we received the shocking news of Chuck’s cancer diagnosis. Wow, has it been that long already?

Thanks to all of the gods and angels and good friends and family that have looked out for and helped Chuck (and me) weather with such amazing resilience a very hard year.