First Three Weeks in Durham

As I write, Lisa is flying home to Orlando.  She stayed with me three weeks—longest she’s ever been away from Dave and Cheyenne.

            We’ve celebrated Lisa’s forty-fifth birthday twice—well really all week.  When we thought she was leaving Saturday morning, we dined at BLU, the best seafood restaurant in the Triangle according to the Independent weekly—ahi tuna tartare, Cajun grilled scallops and shrimp with shitake over risotto, and warm chocolate cobbler with vanilla ice cream with a birthday candle.  Lisa’s cucumber martini was too strong for her to finish. I took the tiniest taste on tip of tongue and my eyes rolled into the stratosphere.  I’m avoiding alcohol.  I’m bombarding my liver with so much drug destruction, whatever damage I can control, I must. 

            With all Saturday to celebrate, we drove ten miles to Fearington Village, a retirement community and cutesy faux farm featuring belted Galloway cows from Scotland and a village center with shops and restaurants.  We lunched at the Granary, an actual nineteenth century granary.  Lisa chose crab cake on a bed of couscous.  I couldn’t resist the entre with my name on it—rosemary chicken pot pie with heavy cream.  Oddly ironic that I’m struggling to gain weight after an adulthood of trying to lose.  PF melts the flesh off bones.

            After the Village, we stopped at Trader Joe’s for Lisa to stock up on treats for home and groceries.  At Happy Hour time Lisa’s friend Karen arrived with a birthday chocolate cheese cake and flowers from Whole Foods. In case you’re wondering, yes, indeed, eating and more eating is a joy my daughter and I have always shared. No doubt there’s something to be psychoanalyzed there, and I’ve done it with plays, but not my own life.

            Later I’ll describe recent procedures and reports, doctor and clinic visits.  Not to brag, but I’m amazed at my progress in fitness.  My Winter Park nurses prepared me well for Duke boot camp.  Not only have I increased speed and power on track and bike and weights, but I feel stronger every day, even though I feel breathless and melted.