The Nat Cap Chemo Suite - the team as at 2009.

These photos were taken of the staff at the National Capital Chemo Suite. A simply fabulous group of nursing staff who help people with the issues that they have with cancer and its treatment. I am sorry to say that while they spend their lives pouring poison into the veins of their customers - or patients, they are extremely helpful, diligent and caring. I may not survive their ministrations, but they do their best for me and I trust them - literally with my life.

Meet them here and get to know them.

Wedding Photos and other chatter.

Getting to wedding photos .

Happy anniversary I was told- at least one week into the "new"relationship. After nearly 16 years it's really difficult to say and feel this as new. Still, that's the way it it is.

First, the giving of the rings. then the surprised couple contemplating their new status.

For all those who wish to see certain wedding photos - please remember that this informant was one of the main participants in the wedding and OTHERS were taking the shots. I have received advice that suggests that many of the people present at the ceremony took photos and will move them to Cd's and will then send them to me via Australia post or actually carry them to me along with Pyrex food containers that they took with them on the day - filled with delicious Moroccan Veal, Posh Fish Pie, home made Spring Rolls, or whatever happened to be available to take away as - well you guessed it, take away or take out as some folks call it in other countries.

Yes, for those not privileged to be in the know, L and I tied the knot officially. The celebrant was wonderful, the whole shebang took place at our home and was always close to a living walking disaster as the time for the event got closer and closer and the ability of the parties - L and I to get ready in time for things also got closer and closer.

I want to thank my personal "valet" Stephen for being absolutely fantastic and available and all those who came to make the event the great turnout that it became.

It was the work of all those who not only came to witness or eat that made the day not only possible, but pure joy.

More about this subject over time.

Yesterday - and the day before

The day before Sunday was a hoot. I was soundly trounced at Scrabble. The scores were great, the game was enormous fun, the concentration required was enormous, a younger dictionary would perhaps have helped.

Two friends came, especially to take my mind off things. I suspect it was with some reluctance as one (so I have been told) is in the situation where he is beaten at the game most, if not all of the time by the other. I have been curious about this state of affairs for a long time. The day before yesterday insight, understanding and clarity finally filled my being. My partner also complains about losing to me at this board game most of the time as well.

When you play most board games and Scrabble is no exception, the game rules require that the play is in a clockwise direction. This means that the person on your left hand side is left with either the opportunities or the blockages you have left for them. Some how, being a total noodle brain, I invited my guests to sit where they wanted and lo and behold, one sat on my left the other on my right. The one who complains of losing was - yep you guessed it, on my left.

I am not sure how he views the game, but he is great with words. He is less interested in positioning things and so less interested in leaving openings or even more usefully sometimes closing openings, so that the person following him in the game is actually prevented from using their letters in a high scoring way.

We have agreed to have at least two more games - one where he sits on my left, then another where the two highest scorer from that game sit and have a game together. If I can convince my partner to get into the act at this point then she can play with the person who lost the first game - so there are two single matches going on. If I am particularly fortunate there could be a fourth game where all four of us are engaged in a game together. Something that for who knows what reason we have not been able to arrange before.

The battle was so intense that I developed a high temperature and had to leave the field of battle, a loser and apparently wounded to boot. Let me add with a humongous grin, that this all took just an hour or so.

Elsewhere at home, there were other battles going on to prepare for yesterday - to those who participated in those battles - thank you - as you will read next your work was and is appreciated and certainly not in vain.

Yesterday was very very different. It was fabulous and for those who could enjoy the victuals tasty to boot.

It was filled with people. Two had come to stay with us the day before, some flew in from far away and some drove long distances over many hours. You all know who you are so thank you for being here. It was wonderful. It was a celebration of life. In my situation, what more can you want?

I saw our friends and relatives having a wonderful time and enjoying the food and drink that had been prepared - I hasten to acknowledge the days before yesterday with the assistance of many of those who now enjoying the results of their labours.

It was also tiring and stressful of course for those who had worked to make it happen but fabulous none the less.

Thanks to all who could come. For those who were unable to come because they were ill or had someone in their party who was ill - thank you for considering my state of health and making the sacrifice of staying away. You were greatly missed. I hope you are better or getting better and that we can catch up when my ability to receive visitors in between cycles of chemo and your health coincide.

More tomorrow, I hope.