NYC Journal

Took a 50 mile ride out to Valley Forge and back today. Started off probably a bit dehydrated, got sidetracked in conversation with a collegiate rower from Drexel and encouraged him to get a more serious road bike and go become a winning racer. After that, I rode through Manayunk and rode up the wall. Almost killed me but I made it. My pulse hit 191, but not to worry, I always run a bit fast, my heart is ok.
Then I rode out to Valley Forge, talked for a bit with a guy on an early 90s Giant steel bike which was their highest end steel frame. Pretty cool bike with full Shimano 600. Then I rode back home. I held an average speed of 18mph over the ride, but that is including the commute to the path, riding through the crowd, and the 2mph climb up the wall for maybe 10 minutes. Did a full 50 miles and change today. The frequent commutes to work have been paying off.
Phil
 
Phil,

Pretty awesome. Not bad evil heat.

I started my strength training. I’m half the man I use to be.

BTW a key is more protein, especially as you age.

I figure that the radiation damages and kills cells. I can mitigate some of the fatigue by ensuring enough raw building materials to regenerate. Again I think biking will save my life, but at this point it is the lessons learned.

Cal
 
My co-pay for each radiation is $40.00. I’m scheduled for 39 treatments over the next 8 weeks. Pretty much every weekday…

Today my thought is the cost is $200.00 a week and that would be a lot of film or guitar strings. Perhaps three tanks of gas that on the highway would be about 1500 miles.

I can see how this could send some people underwater and there would be hardship, but I’m alright. Call me a worm because I have wiggle room.

We drove to Stormville, the airport flea market, and we found a round metal patio table with 4 seats along with cushions at a no-brainer price. It will be delivered tonight.

“Maggie” bought this wood rectangular table that had 6 chairs, but it proved not to be durable. I mentioned a teak table and the cost, and warned that the table she wanted to buy would not last. I was correct, only lasted 4 years, and now off to the landfill.

Oh-well, but I told you so. This is what Maggie does: she cheaps out, but in the end wastes money.

This wrought iron set is in good condition, has a decorative flower motif, has a glass top, and the original finish still looks great. I sat in a chair and felt comfort. The cushions in the future will eventually get replace years from now, but this is a durable good.

Seems like the prices have escalated a lot on this good stuff because the alternative is cheap goods from China that ends up in landfills, or UBER expensive luxury goods.

Maggie also reports that summer wear already is being sold on sale and with huge discounts. Pretty clear to me that this is because the consumer has clammed up and the economy has slowed down. The FED does not know this yet, and you heard it first from me.

I saw a vender who made Owl Houses. I think I will make one and see if we can draw in a owl family. Last week I saw the Marsh Hawk (Northern Harrier) flying over a neighbor’s house. The underwings are white, so clearly it was not a Red Tail Hawk.

I’m eating more protein, and doing strength exercises. Pretty much gearing up for the radiation treatment. The exercise means an earlier bedtime, around 9:30, and more sleep to recover. Just trying to prevent the onset of some chronic diseases that can be side effects of the hormone treatment.

Sitting on a couch for 2 years has serious health declines and while I may cure this Cancer, other diseases can gain a toe-hold to take me out.

Yesterday a rather stunning older woman with a very youthful body flirted with me in the presence of Maggie. I felt very flattered. The subject was my hair. If worn down and I pull out the wave some of the longest hairs will reach my navel. I downplayed the compliment and said I kinda look like a surfer dude, and pretty much my hair is rather feral.

I don’t often get a hair cut. Maybe once every two years. Monday I have an appointment and my 5 fisted pony-tail will likely get trimmed back 3 fists. Pretty much I’ll still have a pony-tail, but I won’t be so old hippy.

My fan can’t wait to see me with my new do. I mentioned that Monday Maggie will have a new boyfriend. Not sure if Maggie picked up the sexual tension between me and my fan. Pretty obvious to me.

There was a “moment’ when this woman whispered in my ear her age. She is like me, looks decades younger, and has the body of a teenager. Like me she wears tight pants and looks hot in them.

So I’m not trolling, and I was just minding my own business…

BTW I would never hurt Maggie…

So when I met Sherry Krauter for the first time, she called me and offered to hand-off my camera back to me after I had it repaired in Madhattan. She had a doctor’s appointment.

Sherry is kinda known to be blunt. I’m in a car with her and paying her, and a passing remark was, “If I was your girlfriend I wouldn’t let you out of my sight because I know how women are.”

How true. Men are prey…

Cal
 
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Cooking up a half dozen chicken breasts to have a stockpile of protein.

I eat 5 eggs without yokes. Pretty much I do and intermediate 4 minutes between a hard boil and a soft boiled egg. I separate the somewhat firm yokes after cooking. Soy sauce and black pepper to add flavor that is never fatiguing.

You should know it does not take a lot of exercise to deplete me. My edge gets worn down rather quickly. The key here is to not just sit on the couch which is very easy to do, especially since I have anemia and I get winded easily. My body also overheats faster so now I am prone to heat-stroke.

I tend to favor real strength training that is heavy weight like my full body. I have a TRX suspension trainer also…

Yesterday I figured out that cameras and guitars are similar in that the best one is the one in your hands. It is truely great having a diverse stable that keeps things interesting.

I’m lucky to have a stable of cameras, and a harem of guitars.

So this is where my passion goes. “Maggie” is not the jealous type…

BTW I tried to slim down with cutting carbs. Didn’t really work. No substitute for exercise. It seems all the chronic diseases I am now prone to kinda stem from lack of exercise and getting fat. Kinda fat related big time.

5’10” and last weigh-in on a calibrated digital medical scale 158.0. Pretty much I kinda need to loose 5 pounds to be officially a skinny bitch. Kinda all muscle where my low body fat allows the vein in my left shoulder to be pronounced so I resemble a point guard in the NBA.

I’m thinking of setting up the steel IBIS as a trials bike with 30 gear inch. Pretty much this is slow speed riding that requires bursts of high torque to make kinda crazy moves. Not a bad skill to develop, and pretty much I have my dead end and my yard to set up as a trials course.

Skill and strength training. The steel IBIS is the perfect bike. Mucho cool.

I have Cancer, but I’m moving forward. I can’t afford to waste 2 years of my life.

Cal
 
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I feel like I heard once that eggs are easily assimilated by the body and the protein can be used quickly. After yesterday's ride, I got some Vietnamese takeout from a decent place a couple blocks away. Definitely not up for cooking, especially in this heat; we're trying to keep the house as cool as possible and within budget.
Phil
 
Phil,

There is some debate about the cholesterol in eggs. Some will argue that there is an emulsifier in the yoke rendering the cholesterol harmless. I think it depends on body chemistry and everyone is different.

As a real research experiment I pounded down 4 eggs with yokes every day, and my lab work showed that I had great numbers. Know that I weighed under 150 pounds and biked about 300 miles a week, and on occasion 500 miles.

As I aged I got bulkier and more muscular and while my numbers crept up I still sustained great numbers, and I also ate McDonalds and lots of junk food with no ill effects.

There was a tuning point as I got into my 60’s where I had to clean up my eating because I was less active.

For the past 4 years I have been less active in a way, and 5 years ago I did over 9 miles of walking as part of my commute for a year.

So now I’m right at the threshold. I know if I exercise I can lower my cholesterol, but also know along the way I am eating cleaner, more organic and eating less carbs. I know if I bike I can eat as many carbs as I like.

When I look in the mirror I see some flab around my waist. “Maggie” thinks it is bloating which is one of the side effects of the Inhibitor. A little flab on an otherwise lean guy looks odd.

I’m in agreement that egg whites are likely the best most complete protein. If you eliminate the yoke the calories really drop. Soft boiled and leave behind the yoke. Also eggs are cheap-cheap-cheap when compared to meat.

Eating a lot of protein also has other benefits like nice skin and hair. In my 30’s I had gum disease and had oral surgery. My periodontists inquired because he never had a patient like me who healed so fast.

Dr I then told me he had a patient who was a vegetarian who never seemed to heal. Pretty much insufficient protein to heal.

At that time I discovered Metr-X a powdered protein that some MD invented for Cancer patients undergoing chemo, but this also was used by athletes to aid in recovery. For me it was the fountain of youth. I was riding with very strong riders that were a decade younger than me. I was taking beatings hanging on their wheels.

Metr-X changed my life.

So I think a high protein diet will help me fight the accumulated fatigue from radiation treatment. Radiation treatment kills Cancer cells, but also there is “collateral” damage and cell death. This is why I think protein will help mitigate some of the fatigue that accumulates. After radiation therapy it usually takes many months to a year to recover.

I guess we will see in two months after my radiation treatment ends.

About 30% of men after ADT (hormone treatment) never have any testosterone level return. I hope my fem-out isn’t permanent, Maggie wants it to be permanent because most Prostate Cancers need testosterone to grow. Know that some Cancers do a work around and somehow create their own testosterone so they can grow.

BTW Trader Joe’s usually sells eggs as a “loss-leader” figuring customers will buy other stuff so they can make money. I generally buy 3-4 dozen eggs a week. Instead of eating 4 eggs a day I’m eating 5.

Eating nuts, nut butter, and humus for plant based protein. I still eat chicken, pork and salmon.

Protein I think is the fountain of youth. As we age the body becomes less and less efficient in repairing and regenerating itself. It is my belief that as we age our need for protein increases. Also I think not eating enough protein in older people promotes the loss of lean muscle mass.

I am actually more muscular today at age 67 than when I was in my thirties. I am more bulkier today than 30 years ago. How did that happen?

Cal
 
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One thing I do is grill outside to not heat up the house. Cooking up half a dozen chicken breasts saves time and uses the same amount of fuel as cooking 3 breasts. I can use economy of scale even at a household level. For a creative time is the most precious commodity, and also exercise takes time…

Chuck, the husband of the vender, delivered the glass and metal- 4 chair patio dining set.

There was a certain amount of faith in the transaction. I handed over $100.00 cash early in the morning in Stormville, so I could of easily been ripped off. They could of still sold our items and pocketed the $100.00 deposit in an oh-well moment, but the balance was $195.00 plus $60.00 for delivery.

So this transaction was a matter of trust, good faith, and believing that there is good in the world.

Upon meeting Chuck he seemed harried and frenzied. I would later learn in my Calzone smut queen manner that Chuck is 66 and can’t retire and is exhausted. He works nights full time, his wife does house cleaning so he also helps her. I kinda stepped into all this by mentioning the flea market at Stormville as a “side-hustle” and then Chuck revealed his struggle.

He also was an Army Veteran who did two tours in Iraq. They also do Elephant’s Trunk in Connecticut where they live. Pretty much they live to work. Very sad.

A lucky find of a nice patio set has a much deeper meaning that is profound. Things are not what they appeared to be. Many people are struggling and living hand to mouth. I’m glad I was helpful to Chuck and his wife. We know we kinda made their day by our purchase. Fact is we are fortunate, and most Americans I think are not so blessed.

And then I told “Maggie” who said we have nothing to complain about and I have to stop saying, “I’m bored.”

Then we thought about most Americans, and of how many of those vendors are not doing a side hustle, but are working to live.

While I prosper, many others are not.

Cal
 
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I did some prison labor today and pulled Knotweed and cut down 4 Trees Of Heaven that are invasive and also breed Spotted Lantern Flies.

This work was down the slope, and in the marsh proper. I also cut down some Poke Weed. All of this is an ugly job. I surely pumped some blood dealing with the heat and tropical humidity.

Pretty much was a sweaty mess. The weather was swampy, and then a passing heavy rain drenched me. The rain only lasted about 20 minutes so I went back to do some more before I had to shower and get ready for a haircut. I still have a 2 1/2 fist pony-tail, and I had a 5 fister.

I’ll get another haircut in 1 1/2 -2 years.

More salad from our garden. Also had that chicken I grilled and another salad from our garden last night with all the kids. They just got back from a Disney vacation. They reported that it was not the usual mob scene, an indication of a slow economy, and also loss of tourism.

Mighty glad the kids are home and close by.

Having coffee outside in the morning under the pergola is just so nice in our new/old patio table and 4 chairs.

I have been tweaking my guitars. Some are set at pitch with 11’s, and others are set tune down a whole-step with 12 gauge. I’m in the process of optimizing the nut slots lower for better playability, speed and smoothness. 12’s at pitch was a lot of work. I find the string tension to be about the same.

The 11’s bend easier, but the 12’s have more bloom and a bigger sound. I kinda love the enhanced tone from a wound “G” string.

I replace the Bigsby back onto the DeMarino, and by massaging the nut I got it to stay in tune even with heavy use of the vibrato. What an great and inspiring guitar. Mighty comfortable also.

Cal
 
I had a friend who answered my concerns about dealing with sickness and treatment by saying, “You can stand on your head for six months if you have to”. She was right. Just another hill to climb. Engage low gear and keep on.
 
First is the next 8 weeks of radiation treatment. I expect collateral damage to accumulate. It is my understanding that in 8 weeks I will likely be the most weakened.

I can see how easy it would be to just sit on the couch and play guitar, but it seems my treatment can lead to other diseases, chronic ones that either involve a lower quality of life or shorten my life.

So I am determined to stay active, and at least do what I can to prevent other diseases to get a toe-hold.

I’m about 2 months into the 2-year hormone treatment. There is about a 30% chance that the “fem-out” will be permenant. I hope not, but oh-well.

Today I start my first radiation treatment. Next week will be 5-days a week for 7 weeks…

Cal
 
While “Maggie” was getting physical therapy I walked laps around the hospital in the North Carolina like heat and humidity. High heat index, and I’m sure my heart worked hard to keep me cool.

In the afternoon I had my first radiation treatment. Guzzled a liter of water to kinda have a full bladder about 20 minutes later. I needed a full bladder and had to hold it for the procedure. Met with my radiation oncologist. He said that about a month after radiation treatment pretty much I should revert back to about my present energy level.

My blood oncologist says eventually my body will adjust and get use to the inhibitor and steroid. I feel I already have made some adjustment.

So I’m kinda proud that I held my full bladder and did not wet myself. The staff were mighty pleased that I listened to the instructions and came with a full bladder. My guess is they had a hard day and were set back about 15 minutes, so I actually did really well.

I got a gift that is a pillow/blanket. Subaru the car maker has supported the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

My weigh in was 157.0 pounds, so I lost the pastrami and water weight from Katz’s Deli from the NYC Meet-Up at ICP. I think the exercise is making a difference. The bloating side effect looks really bad on a skinny guy.

The humidity has wretched havoc on my electric guitars. Wood swells in tropical humidity so I has to set up 14 guitars to get them to play well again. Then add my fine tuning to make great tone. I am pleased. The guitars are easier to play, and I sound like I got much better. Likely a bit of both, but I credit the guitars for a lot of the improvement.

Tomorrow I will get delivery of another neck to build out the 1-piece Tele body. I bought this neck on about a half price sale. Loaded with costly upgrades and options, but basically I did not pay for them. Still need to order parts to have on hand. I’m cool with dragging out this project. Remember I have so many guitars…

Also tomorrow I’ll be getting another radiation treatment, number two. I’ll be monitored weekly for the radiation treatment side effects. I was told some people don’t suffer any side effects, I’m hoping I’m one of them.

Cal
 
I can’t get out of my head Chuck and who he represents. Older Americans who can’t retire, who are tired and exhausted, who have to work to live.

No golden years for them. Work till you die, kinda like slavery.

There is much talk about MediCare cuts, and pretty much there are some people who are underinsured who will be left to die.

So far my treatment has cost around $259K for 2025 alone. My out of pocket has not been too bad, but I imagine something like the $40.00 Co-pay for each radiation treatment ($1560.00) would present hardship for many families.

So when I go to CVS, to Trader Joe’s, to Home Cheapo, and I see the old workers that are around my age, I think of Chuck and his situation.

Chuck’s story changed “Maggie’s” attitude. She says she will never say she is bored, and recognized our entitlement. All these older Americans are no longer “invisible.”

Sadly my guesstimate is about 2/3rds of Americans don’t have a retirement…

Also many-many households carry mucho debt. Self imposed indenturement…

I’m no socialist, but I understand Capitalism…

Cal
 
Latest project is taking my Puch Mistral SLX, building up with a Campagnolo Mirage T 3x8 group, and giving it to a great friend. Will be building up the wheels soon, Athena hubs laced to Wolber TX Profil low-aero rims.
I'll be stripping the battered green and white team paint and then the decision to leave it chrome or paint it red will be made. After all is said and done, will probably be about a 22lb bike.
Phil
 
Phil chrome bikes are flashy. If needed I can send you some optical polishing cloths that go from something like 3400 grit to 12,000 grit. “Grumman surplus” if you know what I mean.

The abrasive is embedded in the cloth. Very easy to get a mirror finish. You have to wet the cloth/felt.

Are you a Campy nerd?

Cal
 
I'm a Suntour nerd. I'm one of the keepers of the black magicks which allow one to mix and match between Suntour and Shimano. Campy never played well with anything other than Campy. Back in the 80's into the mid-90s, the best upgrade to a Campagnolo rear derailleur was to replace it with a Suntour setup.
I may take you up on the polishing help. Consulting with my serious bike nerd friends, I won't be able to get a painted on finish to stick to chrome without the resources that a bike factory has; ovens, industrial level coatings, a clean room. If you look at the Italian bikes from the 70s - 80s, they are known for heavy paint flaking off their chromed frames.
Turns out the hubs which were donated to this project are 36 hole and my rims are 32. The search is on.
Phil
 
Family news is that the grandson has a birth defect where his tongue and lip are “tied.” This was discovered by a new speech therapist in Putnam County. The two speech therapists in Westchester, the more affluent county, seemed less competent and professional.

Interesting how services in the less affluent county are actually better. “Maggie” makes a point that rich people don’t rely on county services because they can afford to go private.

So now our grandkid will require surgery with a laser. Pretty much he can’t annunciate, but he understands and knows all the words.

This condition also went unnoticed by his pediatrician. Now we have to find the best doctor for the procedure.

Had a radiation treatment this morning, and while Maggie had physical therapy I walked laps in the heat and humidity. We have an exercise trampoline, so I’ll see what I can do. Need to sweat, burn calories and pump blood. The view in the back-backyard is pleasant.

I discovered at Home Sense that our 4-5 year old Breville toaster oven is still currently sold. What a great machine. It is also a small convection oven, so we can make pizza.

Sausage, pepper and onions to torment and annoy my friend MFM. Why does he love me. We bought a second 11x14 aluminum tray, which is what I suggested. Only $5.99, but of course Maggie, a woman with a PhD, never listens to a man, so then we had to make a second trip.

Pretty much we are into our second attempt in the R&D of how to exploit what we already have. In tonight’s episode we will kinda bake the dough to gain crispness, following the technic of how a Sicilian pie is made with the sauce, cheese and toppings added later.

Yesterday’s grand fatigue I think was due to lack of sleep that was triggered by anxiety: Radiation treatment was the cause of the anxiety. Back to normal today.

Stopped at the Post Office to get a “small-box” to ship three guitar pickups. $10.50 is the late rate: ouch.

Bought three books of stamps: $44.00. Ouch again.

Where is all my money going?

Thinking of walking to the downtown today or tomorrow. My local guitar shop posted an interesting guitarI want to see and handle. Not that I need another guitar, but pretty much if a rare find comes along… Anyways I need some strings…

On NPR I heard an interview with Johnathan Alder. Presently he has a show at MOMA, but one of his ideas is he embraces failure, and about half of his designs never go to production. Basically he makes prototypes and many kinda end there.

One thing though is his dividing line, where he states that his heirs will fight over what he leaves behind.

My almost three year old grandson will kinda fight for pretty much all my stuff, bikes, guitars, tools, 1966 C-10 Fleetside.

I can see already he wants to emulate me, and I am a role model.

Also know he calls the Baby-Victorian “his house.”

Cal
 
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