A Day in a Half in Rochester

Looking out at Mayo Clinic buildings, Sweet Pea and I waited with Don for his appointments.
Don should have a report up on http://myelomahope.blogspot.com/ in a day or two.

Saturday morning we 3 were up and ready for the Rochester Half Marathon.

Again within sight of Mayo Clinic we joined about 600 runners.

The out-and-back course, through residential area, eventually took us out into southern Minnesota countryside.

We were out there with the cell phone towers and the sights and smells of cows.
Part of the course was on one of Rochester's wonderful trails.
Below is the corner where someone moved 3 large orange cones to block the half marathon course.. for the benefit of the 5K race. And, because we had fallen off the back of the pack... we observed the orange cones ... and took a wrong turn... which later I jokingly said .... caused us to run all the way to Wisconsin. A race volunteer took pity on us and drove us back to the race course.
By then, of course, we were really really behind and later got lost again... missing the entrance back on to a trail from a street on the edge of town.

If Don had not come running back to meet us... and guide us in to the finish, we most probably would still be running around on the trails in Rochester.

Actually, we had a great time. The temperature didn't get up to 70 degrees. Not too humid, with a gentle breeze!

At the finish, which was completely deserted less than 4 hours after the start, we found bananas and water left for us. I'm guessing I was the oldest in the 60-69 year age group.
Someone then appeared, took our names and our Champion Chips .... and promised that we would received finisher's medals in the mail. How cool!

Rice Street Mile/ Mayo Clinic

Rice Street Festival: small town community event, including One Mile Race and parade ... right in the midst of the city of St. Paul. Wednesday evening ... women's race at 6pm, men's race at 6:30. Families ... lots of kids of all ages, babies, toddlers, cute little 3-year-olds, school age kids ... the smell of bratwurst cooking and not so much the smell of cigarettes anymore ... lawn chairs lined up along the street ... people cheering the runners ... and then watching the parade.
After running, we walked along the street and people stopped us to ask "How long was the race?" Interested, curious, encouraging...

Below: glasses for all participants.

4am Thursday (today) morning we were up to go to Mayo Clinic for Don's myeloma blood tests and appointment with the doctor. Lovely sunrise on the drive down, a little later than than when we went in June, as the days are already getting shorter.
We were hopeful of great response, but results showed little change. Don should have a report up on http://myelomahope.blogspot.com/ in a day or two.
Shopped for turmeric, produce, nuts and gluten-free items at the Good Food Store in Rochester.
We had good day and celebrated precious time together.

Friday afternoon storm in Stillwater ... wind rocked the car, picture through the windshield.

Mayo Clinic: 8 hour day

Sunrise on the way to Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. An eight hour day, some of it spent waiting here on the 10th floor of the Mayo Building. The best part: gracious time with the doctor who takes time for discussing all the questions and the blood test results. Don is responding well to the experimental drug. What a powerful meaning in that word, "responder" ! Side effects are not desirable, but tolerable.
Write on your hearts that every day is the best day of the year.

You can see complete results at MyelomaHope.blogspot.com.

Monthly trip to Mayo Clinic

You can see the results ..by clicking on the blog name.
Don continues to update his Myeloma Hope Blog.

When we returned home, Sweet Pea and I did a couple of miles in the neighborhood.
The end of the best day of the year: I treasure every one.

4 Days with Myeloma Hope Don at Mayo Clinic

A student entertained at the grand piano in the lobby.

For the best up date on the myeloma read Myeloma Hope blog.