Sounds like a fun time in the Big Easy. Don't forget to drink some water.

Ashville? Beautiful area. You should go. Visit the Biltmore. I worked on summer at Flat Rock Playhouse, which is about 20 minutes south of there. And my favorite restaurant of all times is there. The Poplar Lodge. Although, you might not like it, its a steak house. Although, they had the best salad bar I ever saw. This was also 1993, so who knows what it is now.

Either way, its gorgeous. Go. Enjoy nature.

Go camping! Get a reclining camp chairs, a ridge rest or (ooh, luxury!) an inflatable air mattress that works off a foot pump, a battery-operated pump or a pump that charges into a car.

Bring plenty of clean dry, socks and water. Bring OFF!, loose cotton pants, and tank and hoodie. Rope, for if you bring a floatie or tube, you can tie yourself to the river bank and drift. Or you can put a tarp up when it rains, or rescue someone from a cliff.(Seriously, that hardly ever happens.)

Bring aluminum foil, salt and pepper, a headlamp, a towel, clean washcloth, baggies (in case there's no toilet or you have a menstrual incident. Caffeinated beverage of choice, small pot (I use an old beat-up milk froth pot) to make hot water for tea, or get a coffee pot it you make coffee.

Illuminated frisbee or bocci ball is fun. Swimsuit, river shoes (old Keds are great, as are Tevas) hiking shoes, books, journal.

Really, it's pretty easy. As we've gotten a little older, we've gotten into renting cabins or vaca houses, and in SoMo or NoAK, they can be NICE and cheap. I've paid $30 for two nights for 2 cabins with 10 girls -- with a hot tub and all the amenities. Like real beds, showers (steam and river rock in one!) and a kitchen.

Y'all outdoor peeps should hit upper Arkansas; the Buffalo River is gorgeous, And cheap, my god.

Teppy! I need your mailing address! There may be something in it for you. Profile addy good.

The day I'll be working till past midnight seems to be the day my body decided to wake 2.5 hours before the alarm, and not go back to sleep. I really dont understand myself sometimes.

Teppy! I need your mailing address! There may be something in it for you. Profile addy good.

Woo! Right on! Insending in a moment.

I am drunk with Nora and Vortex.

I thought for a moment that you felt drunk on the awesomeness of Nora and Vortex, but then I realized that actual alcohol was also involved. Lucky peeps.

I don't mind writing about it, although I swear I don't understand how people write cancer journals. It takes energy, and it's boring. A typical day consists of making sure I eat in such a way that I have a full stomach for the morning and evening ritual of anti-nausea medication and then four giant pills and two small pills of Xeloda. In between, I have times when I pray to the goddess of pain medication to get off her ass and start working, because it is true that the bone pain is not for sissies. Some days are much better than others, but I can't discern why.

I'll finish the second round of Xeloda Monday and have a week off it. Next week I have another bisphosphonate infusion, which may reduce the pain. In June, I have another PET scan to see how well the chemo is working. I haven't had nausea, but my gastrointestinal system is kind of erratic. I've learned there are some things -- so far, some raw vegetables -- that I can't eat without seriously contributing to global warming.

I am drunk with Nora and Vortex.

Jealous.

I thought for a moment that you felt drunk on the awesomeness of Nora and Vortex

That definitely heightened the buzz! Pretty sure we were *that* table.

On a more serious note, Ginger, I hate to hear how much pain and suffering you are having to endure. I've been thinking of you and wondering how you were doing. As others have said, this is one of those times when geography SUCKS and I wish I could just bop over and walk Mr. P or just be at your side with the fearsome brow mop, should it be needed.

wrod. and not just because my life is No Fun Anymore. Ginger, one thing I learned reading submissions for a disability magazine is that some people don't give a shit about being boring. They think their struggle is inherently interesting.(I used to think that, too, before three years, unpaid, reading all of it.)

{{{Ginger}}} I wish I could be there too and bring you food because if you have to force yourself to eat, you shouldn't have to cook too. You're in my thoughts and there is tons of ~ma headed your way.