Fresh ink

Although I have survived cancer (so far), I don’t think of myself as a Cancer Survivor. It’s something that happened to me, something I went through, but it’s not part of my identity. 

Nonetheless, I designed this tattoo—The Big C with an X over it—to honor the people who helped me through it. Doctors Kumar, Hu, Mendelsohn, Wong and Chin who fixed me up; LaVonne and Lou from Yucaipa (a.k.a. the other Lou) who shuttled me and my van to Los Angeles; and my former wife—but still dear friend—Ceebs for giving me a place to stay, for feeding me, for driving me to appointments and treatments, and for asking medical questions that never occurred to me.

The tattoo is also for my best friend Lou who is going through his own struggle with cancer—and other health issues. Down with cancer, man. 

And thank you Mando at Independent Ink in Silver City NM for your fine craftsmanship.

Frosting on the mountains

We had a little snow over Thanksgiving night. Only an occasional flake here in the valley. The wind makes it feel considerably colder than the 44° the thermometer claims it to be.

Gobble gobble

Thanksgiving with friends. Good people, good food, good gossip.

Tamales y Más

The tiny town of Santa Clara, New Mexico, just over the mountain from here, held its annual tamale festival yesterday. Music, dancers, custom cars and, of course, food. We loaded up on tamales and empanadas.

Frosty

The weather has shifted into Get Ready for Winter mode. Highs in the low 50s with nighttime temperatures in the 20s and, oh my, teens. According to my inside-outside thermometer it got down to 17°F last night. Oh brrrrrrrrrr. And it was 35°F inside the Rolling Steel Tent, thanks to not running any heat once I go to bed. Speaking of the bed, it was sufficiently warm even though the windows were completely frosted over.

Fall feet

Strollin’ through a micro park in downtown Silver City

Reunion

Stopped by my friend Debra’s nomad gathering yesterday, down the road at City of Rocks state park. I hadn’t seen her since last year’s gathering. I don’t get around as much these days.