That’s what we need right now, those of us off the trail. It’s a phrase coined by Mary Margret. It’s not a happy time. Somehow we have to navigate through these rocks and shoals and make something happen.

I had a post written on this topic but I just through it out. Maybe I will try a new approach. Maybe I will put my ideas in the form of questions as in what ifs. Maybe we could try things and share. What do you say?

What if we joined a pilgrim organization? US has American Pilgrims chapters that have regular outings in your area to meet other pilgrims and share ideas. Other countries have co-fraternities.

What if we got a lavender plant or a fragrant rose bush for our house? Or what if we got a whole bunch of them and planted them all around? Smells we all know are a pathway.

What if we learned Spanish cooking? This sounds like a winner to me. And it doesn’t look all that complicated; it’s doable. And combining that with good wine or brewskis (sorry, beers).

What the heck, what if we learned Spanish? Clara (a history teacher) was quoting some king from the past who said that if you want to talk about politics speak in Italian and if you want to talk about love speak in French and if you want to talk to God speak in Spanish. Sounds like a plan. Maybe French too.

OK, enough of that for now. Right now I am sitting in front of a big picture window getting my chemo treatment at Swedish Hospital, Seattle. Not a cloud in the sky. Learned that my scan yesterday showed that the spots that I have are unchanged and there is nothing new so that’s a good thing. So today is the first treatment in a new series of twelve treatments, six months worth with the same drugs as before which is keeping the cancer from spreading. What fun. Oh, I forgot but I got an official weigh-in today here at the hospital and I lost eighteen pounds since last month at this time. Man, and I eat like a horse on the Camino!

“It is the time when all the presents that the Camino gave us will become useful.” That’s Lucia from Sicily. I like it. Let’s think about that. Love you guys, Phil.