The Kitchen is Finished?
January 28, 2006
Although a few details remain, here are some pictures of the remodeled kitchen, living room, dining room and Char's study.
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Family Quirks
Kitchen Remodel
December 3, 2005
Char and I decided to remodel our kitchen. Like all projects, the scope expanded. Here are some initial before, during and after pictures. Char is writing a more detailed account that we'll post later.
India Trip
Anniversary of Bokar Rinpoche's Death
September 3, 2005
Char and I returned to Mirik, India for the first anniversary of Bokar Rinpoche's death. Read Char's account to learn more. We spent 4 days in Bangkok on the return trip. Roger got 3 two-hour massages; Char only got two. Roger doesn't have any jet lag. Char has worms.
Spreading Mom's Ashes
July 30, 2005
The family gathered to honor Mom's wish that her ashes be scattered at the Oregon coast. We chose Yachats since Mom had spent her last few trips to the beach there and enjoyed them very much. Special thanks to Pam and Barb for making those visits possible. You can check out the photo album to see pictures from the July 30-31 weekend. If you are looking for a place to stay in Yachats, check out the Fireside Motel.
The Procedure
April 16, 2005
Yesterday I had a colonoscopy (The Procedure or as my sisters refer to it, "the nasty bot bot test") and have suffered the humor of my siblings both before and after the event.
In short everything went well. They did find and remove 3 small polyps that the Doctor said didn't appear to be the cause of any concern. They are sending them for a biopsy and I'll learn the results of that later this week. Polyps are not always cancerous, it depends on the type; and these didn't appear to be that type. Plus they were small and are no longer a part of "me". I feel no sense of loss. Wish I could always feel the same way about losing other parts of "me".
As Shirley predicted, the procedure itself was less troublesome than the preparation, the details of which, dear reader, the author will spare you. Although I will say that 1.5 ounces (3 tablespoons) of anything can taste good if diluted in 64 ounces of apple juice. And I enjoyed my time in the bathroom, watching Ulysses, who we sometimes call FJ (F__king Genius), try to drink out of the water bowl while avoiding his own reflection. This often requires minutes of strategic planning and several stealthy approaches and feints before the other cat is outsmarted.
I must admit to a certain level of surprise that much of the humor about my situation was directed from Barb, my middle sister. Barb addressed me as "Dear Flatulent Boy". Many of you will recall that Barb is my only sister that has a prostate -- and indeed, maybe the only female on the planet. We learned of this when several years ago, Barb announced that she was changing her diet to include more of something to improve the health of her prostate. Consequently, I take her medical assessments seriously, and have not aired news of my situation until now.
My youngest sibling, Pam, who may still make it into the will, at least expressed concern about having my medical charts open for review by the family. I can understand Pam's concern after witnessing my other sisters' responses to the picture of Pam at a 4-H fair riding a pig backwards. My family is often kind, but apparently not in those situations attended by hard evidence like photographs or self-disclosure.
My eldest sister, Shirley, made the pre-procedure aspiration that I would have a lot of toilet paper before the procedure and a lot of food after it. And she hoped that I would enjoy the sexy gown provided for the procedure. Because of the intent of her aspirations, I will at least have dinner with Shirley this weekend.
Barb also mentioned the gown and questioned the need for the pocket in it. A fair question, but then I wonder why Barb has a prostate. I suppose these will remain two of the greatest mysteries in the universe. Perhaps string theory will eventually explain them both, uniting them in a single elegant equation, surprising us all in its simplicity.
Thanks to everyone for your concern and humor.
-Roger
DEQ Adventures
April 8, 2005
The license plates on my 1990 Ford Ranger expired March 31. Failing to use the convenient mail-in option, I waited until the last minute -- OK, it was past the last minute -- to take the truck to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for an inspection. Got there bright and early; the fifth person in line. They put the truck's rear tires on a dynamometer for the emission test and run the engine at various RPMs. Problem was that the rear brakes were non-existent. Surprise, surprise, surprise for both of us. Needless to say, the brakes required attention before the test could be conducted. Did you know that the front brakes take over half the breaking load? Me neither. The truck drove (and braked) just fine.
Never fear. I took the truck directly to my mechanic. No problem, will probably have it for you this afternoon, but he has to leave early for a dentist appointment to get a tooth removed. I'm feeling lucky that I have no rear brakes.
I get a call saying they can't finish the truck in one day. "OK" say I, I'll come pick it up and bring it back tomorrow. So I take the truck back in the following day (day 2 at the shop) and take the bus to work. The mechanic calls that afternoon saying the problem is not the brakes. Seems that a valve controlling the hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes isn't working. The part's ordered, but probably won't get there before tomorrow. I'm just relieved to know the problem is solved and say, "Go ahead and keep the truck overnight. I'll take the bus."
I worked late that night and took the bus home. Walking up to the front door at 7 pm. I hear the phone ringing (expecting an important call regarding my father-in-law's health). I reach for my keys and suddenly realize they're in the car at the shop, which is now closed. But, hey, we plan ahead. Our neighbor has the key to our house. But said neighbor has a life of his own and is not at home.
Entering through the garage, it takes me 30 minutes to remove the door into the utility room from its hinges, while freaking out our two cats, and missing the call.
Next day the car is ready and I pick it up after work. Feels good not to have to break into my own home again. After a good nights sleep, I take the car to DEQ the second time. Same routine. Rear tires on the dynamo -- rear brakes work fine -- but wait, they're stopping the test again. Technician asks me if I wasn't in the other day. "Yes", I say, "but the brakes were bad. I got them fixed."
He says, "I'm sorry, they should have told you that your tail pipe is rusted and the holes won't allow for a valid test." I'm thinking un-Buddha-like thoughts.
Today I got a trip permit that makes it legal to drive the truck for 2 more weeks while I regain my equanimity and get my tail pipe fixed. Then it's back to DEQ. The story continues.
-Roger
India - Thailand Trip
March 30, 2005
Char and I traveled to India and Thailand in February - March. Check out my favorite pictures using the link below. We spent 3 weeks in the little village of Mirik in northeast India and 5 days in Thailand. I returned to Portland March 6, while Char flew to Kathmandu, Nepal to attend a Tibetan language program.
Hotel Ratnagiri in Mirik, India
On our 5 trips to India we have always visited the little town of Mirik and stayed at our favorite hotel there, Hotel Ratnagiri. On our most recent trip I offered to make a web site for the proprietor, Milan P. Bomzon. Check out the link below.
Pictures for Eric's Mom
March 7, 2005
Eric Triebelhorn entered the Shangpa Kagyu long retreat center on February 27, 2005. Char and I attended the retreat empowerments and took pictures of Eric so his mom can see them.
India Again?
December 25, 2004
It's official. We're going to India again in February 2005. Plan to spend all our time in India in the beautiful little village of Mirik in West Bengal; not too far from Darjeeling. Thanks to my English ancestors for butchering the original name of "Dorjeling". Also plan to spend 5 days in Bangkok on the return trip. I'll be gone for a month; Char a little longer.
Char will come back to Bangkok with me and then will fly to Kathmandu, Nepal to attend a Tibetan language program offered by Thrangu Rinpoche. She'll return to Portland in late May.
Char Attends Retreat in Seattle, WA
November 5-15, 2004
Char is attending a retreat offered by Khenpo Tsultrim Rinpoche with restricted teachings from Clarifying the Natural State, by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal. Char took the train from Portland to Seattle. Now, does it strike anyone else a little strange to travel in business class on one's way to a retreat?
How can I miss her if she never goes away?
Miriam at Halloween
October 31, 2004
Our granddaughter Miriam is evidently quite popular in her North Bend neighborhood at Halloween. She appeared on neighbors' doorsteps by special request (from the neighbors). She even trick-or-treated her own house. Presumably, mommy and daddy didn't recognize her.
Roger complains that he was never invited anywhere for Halloween. He did receive a few anti-invitations. Char made people invite her.
And finally, a pet safety tip. "If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress." Wonder if this applies to children.
Jim and Heather Married
September 29, 2002
Roger's son, Jim Edwards, and Heather Biggar were married on October 12, 2002 in Kansas City, MO. Jim now has a sister and a wife named Heather. There's some extensive therapy ahead. May they always be as happy as they think they are now. Jim is the webmaster for his church, Kansas City Baptist Temple.