Taking the Wind from the Turbine

 The chemotherapy took the wind from the turbine this week. Michelle had her 5th of 6 treatments of chemotherapy. This 3-day treatment was the most tiring of them all. After 5 hours in the infusion chair on day 1, she was not in the mood to eat and was ready for a nap. Day 2 she had intrathecal therapy and 1 hour of chemo in the infusion room. Finally on day 3 she spent 2 hours in the infusion room because of a faulty pump. Her blood counts were lower than normal and there is a slight concern about her magnesium levels. We are trying to supplement almonds so a magnesium infusion will not be necessary. Instead of watching a movie in the chair like she normally does, Chele napped instead. 

Next week we only have one appointment scheduled for labs and intrathecal therapy. It will be a good time for resting and recovery. This will be round 2 of intrathecal therapy. We are hopeful for positive results. 

Highlight of the week Michelle continues to impress. She spends a few minutes each day outside tending to a weed or 2. She also insists on walking part of the way to her appointments. She does much better in the morning.

Random Fact of the Week Wind turbines may be stopped because there is not enough wind, since this is an intermittent resource. Even though this might sound like a contradiction, too much wind also causes wind turbines to stop. Another reason for shutting down a wind turbine is to undertake preventive or corrective maintenance. The former involves scheduled shutdowns to inspect all the components. This is normally done every 6 or 12 months, when less wind is expected so a lower amount of potential energy is wasted. Corrective maintenance is undertaken when there is a breakdown and repairs need to be carried out.

Did you know?  Michelle wore boys’ shoes growing up. That was rough when she learned that after moving out and buying her first pair of shoes on her own.

Throwback Love Story In November 2012 I went on a mission trip to China. I was gone for 2 weeks. It was a lot harder than I thought, to be away from Michelle for that long. We communicated by email. I thought I would share a note I got from her one night during a long week away.

“I miss you so much.  I just feel in my bones that you are far away, and it is a really weird feeling.  It was so great to get your email when I woke up.  I felt like a little girl reading a note that was passed to me.  I know I am weird, but I just want you to know how you affect me and how much I miss you.  -Chele”

Memories of the time spent together and apart create a treasure that we both hold onto dearly.

Deep Thoughts I had some concrete poured to make my driveway a few years ago. When concrete is poured, it is very important to cut expansion joints in the concrete. By cutting control joints in the concrete, you can better control the random cracking that inevitably occurs in concrete slabs soon after the concrete is poured and set. These cuts do not go all the way through, yet grass grows in them. How? If grass can grow in an expansion joint, anything is possible - ANYTHING!

 Daytime Wind “Big Brother” (Paramount +), “Halloween Baking Championship -Physically Baking” (Food Network), AGT

Primetime Turbine “The Batman” 2 out of 5 Michelle stars (★★).  Batman ventures into Gotham City's underworld when a sadistic killer leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues. As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator's plans become clear, he must forge new relationships mentally, unmask the culprit and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued the metropolis.

“Wheel of Time” (Prime) 4 out of 5 Michelle stars (★★★★), “MasterChef” (Hulu), NFL Football

“Turbine Turns”

The Menu

Gas Engine Starters

Dark Chocolate Bars

THC Gummies

Swifty Main Blades

Chicken Tenders

Coq au Vin - 3 out of 5 Michelle stars (★★★)

Classic Chicken Sandwich

Ramen Tonkotsu - 3 out of 5 Michelle stars (★★★)

Chicken Noodle Soup

Buttermilk Pork Sausage Biscuits - 1 out of 5 Michelle stars (★)

Beef Sausage

Base

Green Beans

Veggie Mix

Protein Shake

Frozen Fruit

Munchies

Cookie Dough Blizzard

Ice Cream

Fluids

Gatorade

Water

Love you,

Brian

www.HowDoesTheWindmillStart.org