2/16/11 Destination Reached

Packing the car for a six week stay in Houston was a real challenge especially with it being part winter and part springtime. We each had a suitcase, a dog crate (dismantled), file box, 2 toolboxes filled with drugs (legal), a cooler of drinks, a pillow, 2 jackets, a HP printer, doggie bowls, pooper scooper, and goodness knows what else. Yes, the car and trunk was filled to the gills and there still was a spot for Max to lie down on his bed in the back seat. We left Atlanta about 11:00. It was a smooth 412 mile drive to Biloxi, Mississippi where our first day ended. It was Valentine's Day and on our way to Biloxi I asked Joe for a very simple Valentine's gift. It was a request for a 10 second kiss which he promised to do. Joe wanted seafood since we were so close to the Gulf of Mexico. My fingers got onto the laptop and explored several web sites. I settled on GT Gulfside Seafood on the shoreline of Biloxi. There was one table left if we got there in 10 minutes and we made it. Right across the street from the restaurant was Beau Rivage High Rise Hotel and Casino which was quite enticing but we skipped it. The Seafood Gumbo was sensational with just the right amount of spiciness. I had the Fried Jumbo Shrimp which were lightly breaded, tender, huge and so fresh. Joe had the seared Red Snapper in a tomato based broth that he loved. When we got back to the hotel he crashed. I did not get my 10 second kiss. Ouch! I also did not get it Tuesday or Wednesday. On Wednesday night, at the suggestion of my support group, I went to Joe and gave him the 10 second kiss where I got some Ummmmm..Mmmmmm.. Hey Max, she's a kisser. He flunked.

On Tuesday we started on the 422 mile drive to Houston at about 10:00AM after a light hotel breakfast. The states of Mississippi and Louisiana must have used all their Obama influx on more State Troopers.I can honestly say that I have never seen so many in action. We did not make any involuntary contributions to their state coffers. I loved driving over the really long bayou bridges and looking into the swamps. We stopped in Hamilton, Louisiana at Landry's for a relaxing sit down white table cloth table lunch.

We arrived at our home away from home, Homestead Studio Suites about 6PM. We got all our stuff out of the car and headed to dinner at Ninfa's for great Mexican food plus it was close to where we were staying. The decor of the place is very inviting and colorful. It was a great choice of restaurants after a long trip. We were both quite tired and hit the bed at 10PM which is unheard of for me.

The alarm clock beeped at 7:15 AM. Joe took Max out while I was finishing up. Max still is freaking out with the noises of the city. I hope he settles down soon. He loves the studio apartment since we are always in his view. Panera Bread around the corner was our stopped for some fresh sesame bagels. We got Joe to his first appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center exactly on time at 8:45AM for various X-Rays. Our next appointment was at the Diagnostic Center where he got his blood drawn. We were finished by 9:45PM. Outstanding! MD Anderson has their act together in organization and being streamlined.

We walked over the pedestrian bridge over to the Rotary House where Joe was able to get a Starbuck's coffee which he adores. We went to the first floor into the comfortable living room area where it was not as cool as other locations plus the couches were comfortable. We headed back upstairs to have lunch at the Rotary House restaurant since Joe was craving their Fish and Chips. I had a delicious medium rare cheeseburger. We finished it by the deadline of Noon since Joe was not allowed to eat 3 hours before his CT exam with imaging. The first step of the CT exam is the prep that was scheduled for 1PM. We took the MDACC Shuttle Bus over to the Radiology and Imaging at 1700 Holcombe Bridge. It took a 20 minute drive to get their since the driver took the scenic route. If we had known, that it was at the adjacent corner to the Rotary House we could had walked it in less than 5 minutes.
We also got their on time and Joe briefly waited till they called him back but this time they kept him back there but only patients were allowed back there. He was back there till 4PM. I kept myself entertained on my iPhone then my laptop but if I had to do it all over again, I would have waited on the Rotary House lovely living room.

We got back to the studio at about 4:30 and Joe rested as I tried to get Max to do some business at the Dog Walk but he is still freaked out. Tomorrow we will take him to the Dog Park after breakfast. At 6PM we went around the block over to one of our favorite places the last time we were here, Kenny & Ziggy's Deli! We split the wonderful creamy chicken salad sandwich on rye with no celery in it and no fixings. It was as good as we remembered it. Joe ordered a huge slice of warm pecan pie and we ate all of its mixing of sweetness and flaky crust.

We missed the start of American Idol by a few minutes. The show really entertains us. We get such a kick of watching the antics of Steve Tyler. Jennifer Lopez looks like a model of sweetness. Randy is such a great guy.

Tomorrow we meet with Dr. Romaguera so we pray that all the tests are in. Joe keeps hoping the news is remission but he knows that is unrealistic. I already have butterflies in my stomach with the anticipation. God will give us the strength and courage to handle whatever is thrown at us.

Good night! Butterflies go away!