It has been a long time since I last posted anything, so here is an update on what's happening in my world. As you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer that had metastasized into my lungs and liver. While not an immediate death sentence, it was a real blow and wake up call as to what is important in life. I went thru 6 chemo treatments over 4 months, and have completed them about 3 weeks ago. They were difficult to experience as anyone who has gone through them will attest to. I am feeling better now and continue to regain my strength and stamina. The cancers all shrunk in size and there are no new ones, but they are still there and I have been put on a schedule to monitor them on a regular basis. If they begin to grow again, I will be facing another round of chemo. It is not the outcome I was expecting, but God had a different plan for me and my lovely bride Lisa as we prepare to retire and enjoy the fruits of our labors. The Lord has blessed us richly, and we will enjoy whatever time we have left together. I am always amazed by the others I have come into contact with while going through the chemo treatments. Most have endured way more than me and are an inspiration to behold. One of the side effects of all of the treatment has been that I am now incontinent, and must wear Depends and use catheters as well. It is a most humbling situation with many accidents that I won't go into! As I have traveled the medical system for the last 10 months, I have not been out shooting much, and doing updates. I was really excited to make the annual trip up on Mt Rainier to check on the wildflowers. It was an unusual winter with an abundance of snow, so the flowers will be much later than normal. The shot below was taken around Reflection Lake where the flowers were out in force. Paradise still has a lot of snow on the trails as you head up the hill, but the lower trails are clear. There were only the avalanche lilies and a few paintbrush out on the lower trails. I expect the flowers to be outstanding about 3 weeks from now.Pinecone Pixels 2016
