“Though lovers be lost, love shall not; And death shall have no dominion.” Dylan Thomas, 1933 The Pasatiempo magazine comes every Friday with the local newspaper’s end of the week edition—the New Mexican’s “Weekly Magazine of Arts, Entertainment and Culture.” Needless to say, with two yearling giant sized puppies hell bent on destroying my house,… Continue reading And Death Shall Have No Dominion
Reason to Believe
“Still I look to find a reason to believe.” Tim Hardin The events of the last few days—no, the last few months—have been horrendous. From the attacks in Paris and Brussels to the slaughter in Orlando and the bombing of Baghdad, it seems that every time we turn on the TV, or open up a… Continue reading Reason to Believe
The Disconnect
On Tuesday I did what I said I would never do. Three years ago, as I was buying an iPhone 5, the Verizon guy was intent on selling me a $70 case called “Lifeproof,” which was guaranteed to be exactly what it sounds like—you can drop it on concrete from five feet up, a horse… Continue reading The Disconnect
On The Road Again
On the road again Goin’ places that I’ve never been Seein’ things that I may never see again, And I can’t wait to get on the road again. Willie Nelson If someone had told me even ten years ago that I would retire young and become an itinerant radiation oncologist I would have thought… Continue reading On The Road Again
The Vigil
People always say, “You’ll know when it is time.” Sometimes that is true. But sometimes it’s hard to tell. This has been one of those times. Having lived through the horrendous experience of our old deerhound Magic fracturing his leg due to a previously undiagnosed osteosarcoma, I want very badly to spare Queen that awful… Continue reading The Vigil
I Want to Live With Chip and Joanna
I’ve always been a fan of home improvement television shows. Back in Boston, watching Bob Vila’s This Old House was an obsession, considering that there were few homes in the Boston area that WEREN’T “this old house.” In 1980, we bought our first home—an 1860’s post and beam Victorian, complete with porch and pillars. It… Continue reading I Want to Live With Chip and Joanna
Another Dog, Same Breed, As Soon as Possible
“Hark to Beaumont. Softly, Beaumont, mon amy. Oyez à Beaumont the valiant. Swef, le douce Beaumont, swef, swef.” Beaumont licked his hand but could not wag his tail.” T.H. White, “The Once and Future King”. For the past couple of years, my life has been pretty easy. I… Continue reading Another Dog, Same Breed, As Soon as Possible
How To Become A Cancer Doctor
Start with one excellent childhood experience—a loved one who is cured. Add a generous helping of baseline optimism, a cup at least. More is better. Mix in well a half cup of ability to suspend disbelief. And then, maybe a pinch more. Add a teaspoon or two or even three of denial. Pollyanna had it… Continue reading How To Become A Cancer Doctor
Gone With The Wind
I have forgot much, Cynara! gone with the wind, Flung roses, roses riotously with the throng, Dancing, to put thy pale, lost lilies out of mind, But I was desolate and sick of an old passion, Yea, all the time, because the dance was long: I have been faithful to thee, Cynara! in my fashion.… Continue reading Gone With The Wind
The View From Here
For Mrs. Shirley Wiley Last Saturday I suddenly found myself flat on my back on our gravel driveway. The events leading up to this are all too familiar to my fellow deerhound owners—sometimes even walking with bent knees doesn’t work if you don’t see it coming—“it” in this instance being an 85 pound seven… Continue reading The View From Here