My Life Sentence Has Been Extended!

By 6 months, at least!

I am happier now than I felt in this picture a little while ago.

Yesterday, the judge--a tough guy named Sato--told me my scans were clean and that he didn't need me to come back for 6 months. Dr. Sato did the radiofrequency ablation that zapped my one tumor met. He's good. It worked. The tumor hole is still shrinking and there are no new signs of any growth, anywhere. Karen and I were, needless to say, THRILLED. Now we can go to Kauai and really relax.

So now I and my lovely bride get a real honeymoon. We've waited a long time since our humble beginning--honeymoon in extravagant Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Funny--I remember Phyllis gave us $25.00 cash at our wedding and we went to Red Lobster, in Milwaukee, thinking we were splurging, living the high life (no Milwaukee pun intended).

Fast forward to now and we are blessed enough to go to a real seafood restaurant, and romantic spot--to celebrate a great life together and to celebrate plans for many more years.

So to continue bouncing around a few themes, in the spirit of the upcoming Academy Awards, let me thank all who've stood by me: Karen, who without I would be without. My lovely children Kristen and Nathan, who've been nothing but my inspiration for all their years. My parents, who put me on this planet and fostered my creativity and values. My siblings who both tortured me and nursed me, cared for me, and encouraged me, all in one lifetime. To all of my relatives for their never-ending tolerance of my eccentricities. And to all the animals that have made my life brighter--Lola, Otis, Elmo, Lily, Spot, Skyler, Hannah, BoJangles, Sluggo, Roscoe, and a few more I can't remember. To all my peers who tell me I'm valuable on occasion. My first real art mentor, Mrs. Arnold. My worst design teacher ever--Mr. King--who told me I'd never make it in this business. LOL. And to all the rest.

Oh, and I certainly did not forget--God, who made me what I am and still is.