Dear Family and Friends,

A remarkable event this year, the first time I’ve gone through a May, without having my inner eye on all of the exam schedules and graduation events at Salesian and Marin Catholic. Congratulations to all of you administrators, faculty, and staff, because no one knows what it takes to keep the school year going, let alone finish it, and see that class through the years. You certainly share a totally unique profession. I do miss you all, but when I thought of friends and colleagues this year, it didn’t lead to finals etc.

My cancer update is fairly similar. I still receive chemo every two weeks in Marin, and it does hit my energy level with full force. Although we watch all of the blood chemistry closely, I often have low red cells and hemoglobin which also bring on a level of anemia and fatigue. Chemo is cumulative, and so it is also no surprise that its effects are strong. At this stage I don’t get much of a break in a 2 wk. period, but there are periods in each day when I have a breather. No tennis yet, but my friend Arlene took me out last week to at least hit the ball a bit and try to check balance and movement. I also went over to the court on Sat. to see folks, and got to see some great tennis.

We did go to Chicago in mid-May, and had an unusually good social schedule. Our Dr. is way north in Lake Forest, but we do have some friends who are fairly close-given Chicago. We also had the chance to see our friend Karen Christensen from Santa Cruz, who was in town to see Dr. Deng. We had a good chance to catch up with her at lunch and dinner. The most amazing visit was being able to see one of my college roommates, Pat Stack O’Brien. We have been working on a time to get together, but happily she spent some of this brutal winter in Florida. We have been in touch over the last few years, but this is the first time we had seen each other in over 50 years. Was wonderfully natural and easy and fun. Unfortunately, we missed seeing Sue and Rich Mellado and Karen for dinner, because I started having some problems, and ended up in the ER. They did some tests and gave me some fluids and pain medicine, and we did leave for home the next day as scheduled. Sue and Rich, so sorry to have missed seeing you.

So, on the home front, Clark attended his big high school reunion in Tulsa, OK, and had a great time. It is never the same since the Stantons have died, but Tulsa is still very special. Ellen is doing a lot of hiking and training to do a 2 wk. hiking trip in Austria. She works on lots of steps and hills, plus trying to increase distances. I think the hiking on the trip averages 10-12 miles a hike. Sarah will be coming for a visit in late June/July when John will also be home. Luke will have to see what works out for him. He is very busy at the firm, but has moved to a new apartment which has been great. John is in spring season, and recently found out they are going to have him play line-backer as well as offense. They had a key lb injured. It will be great to have him home for his summer visit.

I have a major challenge in getting out into the garden to get the tomatoes in. I usually do well with tomatoes, basil, and a few herbs. As with many things, I should have had them in by now. I was very happy to make my Bible study group this week at St. Raphael’s. I so often am gone or have treatment on the day they meet. We do have Book Club at my house in June, and are reading The Zealots, so that has been some good reading, but heavy stuff. Am very excited about a Ladies’ overnight where we will do assorted crafts. All of us at one point did scrapbooks, and most people have moved on into many areas, so it will be fun to see. I still have scrapbooks to finish or re-do.

So do know I love hearing from you, and am sorry I don’t do a better job of responding. It is a crucial area I know I want to improve, and would be so satisfying. Please do remember us in your thoughts and prayers as we do you.

Love
Annie/Noel