One year since diagnosis; all is well

Five months post transplant and all is well. Doug's energy level has come back -- he even changed the oil in the truck the other day. His beard is getting long enough to trim now; it is a lovely gray. Doug has discovered that he likes his hair short so will probably keep it that way, at least for now. His body temperature has regulated itself so that he is not cold all the time.

Summer in Buena Vista has been busy. We enjoyed visitors: Gary and Jan from Omaha stayed just two days; my sister Carol and her husband Roger stayed a week in their 5th wheel, and our friend Shari Haywood stayed a month in her 5th wheel. Shari, Carol and Roger stayed at the same campground where we were all last summer -- Valley RV. They were not all here at the same time.

BV has lots of summer activity for the tourists. We had a wonderful old fashioned 4th of July parade and fireworks in the evening, free concerts in the park every week, farmer's market, music festival, rodeo, a huge rock and gem show (I got some jewelry making supplies). Quite a few events are within walking distance of our house, and the vendor's tents are in the park just a block away.

We have been riding our recumbent trikes more and walking more. Our summer weather has been delightful for the most part, although dry. The highest temp was 89 (with low humidity). It feels quite warm in the sun, but at this altitude when clouds come out it feels 15 degrees cooler immediately. We have planted more periennials in the big flower garden (that was a big vegetable garden the previous owner had). I have two tomato plants but I don't think we will get them to ripen. The nights are already getting into the 40's here. Not the greatest climate for tomatoes but we love it.

We have our big 5th wheel RV up for sale. Our full-time RV traveling adventure lasted just one year, instead of the five years we had planned. It was fun while it lasted, but we have to move on in this different phase of life. Although we have put down roots, we still plan on some traveling. We now have a small slide-in truck camper! We found a used 2002 Lance that is in wonderful condition. It is quite a change from a big 34 ft 5th wheel to a 11.5 ft truck camper, but it has all the necessities: queen bed, bathroom with shower, kitchen with stove and small microwave, dinette, and on-board generator. I will miss all the storage that the 5th wheel had, but we won't need to take as much stuff. There are so many smaller camping sites that we now can access including forest service campgrounds. The truck is in for service now, but when we get it back we are looking forward to exploring Colorado. And we plan on making a trip back to Nebraska after Doug's next visit to the oncologist in September.

It is one year tomorrow since Doug was diagnosed with cancer and our lives changed. I wouldn't wish the past year on anyone -- but we are so blessed. We realize the power of prayer, and we cherish our good friends and family.

Life is good. Praise God!