August 23

Laurie and I arrived in California on the 15th of August. She had visited me in Hawaii for 2 weeks. Santa Barbara was "ashed in" from the forest fires directly north. Since then the fire has moved east and the smoke and ash are covering the Ventura/Camarillo area. Chris and I flew over the area yesterday and checked out all the ash covered mountains and the plumes of smoke from the still burning fires. I believe this is now the biggest fire in California history.
As usual, the time in Santa Barbara flies by with much social activity. My niece Leslie and her family visited last weekend and there have been lunches and dinners with friends. Tuesday was chemotherapy day in Los Angeles. The doctor was pleased with the CT scan results and the blood tests. I seem to be tolerating the toxic drugs better than any other patients. Guess I'll be on the same 4 week on/4 week off schedule for an indefinite time. Chemo is the only defense available for this pancreatic cancer since it has already spread to the liver. I am feeling quite normal, have plenty of energy and I am extremely positive and optimistic in my attitude. That and everyone's prayers must account for the results so far.
While Laurie, Chris and I were in L.A. on Tuesday we visited with Nick, Kathleen nd Alex. We had a tour of the townhouse Nick and Kathleen have bought and are renovating. It is in a lovely gated community and they will be off to a good start there. The wedding date is rapidly approaching and the grounds here are being readied for the event.
More later. Much aloha to all. Joan