I happen to LOVE purple and yellow together, and it is a real delight these days to pull up to our house. The garden next to the driveway is blooming like crazy. I have to thank Dave for the planting out front. He took responsibility for that years ago, and it is looking more gorgeous each summer!

I went for my every-three-week appointment at the oncologist's office yesterday, and all is well. The tumor marker he is following has gone down even further - and has been within the normal range (for people WITHOUT cancer) over the last two tests - so I feel really good about that.

In fact I feel really good, period. I am approaching the end of an "off chemo" week, and I do believe that Wednesday ranks as the top Feel Good day so far since I started chemo several months ago. I don't know why, but I just felt fantastic on Wednesday - with tons of energy and strength, and I got loads done. Yesterday and today I have felt pretty great, too, and continue to plow through chores - but Wednesday was a real gem of a day.

Today is my dear dear sister Dawn's birthday. She's my best friend (ok, tied with Dave) and I love her more than I could ever put into words. I am so grateful to be working with her, and that we are in each other's lives in the way we are these days. Happy Happy Day, sweet sister!

This weekend, Martha will do her first solo triathlon (she did a relay with Dave a few years ago). Dave is of course thrilled to have another triathlete in the family. We'll be cheering her on Sunday morning. Coincidentally, my oncologist is doing HIS first triathlon at the same time. He has dropped 30 or 40 pounds, has been training for months and is excited to do his first Tri- on Sunday too. So we'll be out there rooting loud and hard for Martha and Fred.

Elliott is working at Andina (FABULOUS Portland restaurant) and we are all thrilled - not only that he is gainfully employed, but at such a wonderful place with a great reputation, nice people and KILLER DELICIOUS food. He smells so good when he comes home, too!

We are minutes away from the arrival of folks who will tear out our master bath floor and toilet after a minor flood earlier this week. Our tank on our ancient toilet decided to crack spontaneously in the middle of the night Tuesday. What a mess - but we're getting a new floor and toilet and are seriously considering taking this opportunity to update that whole bathroom - a task we've put off for too many years to count! 

Happy Friday! I plan to really enjoy what looks to be a beautiful summer weekend. I hope you do too!