The high school guidance counselor warned me. She said I’d end up on drugs with a needle in my arm. 😉
Category: Life with Pratts
Hold That Thought
The news isn’t terrible, but it isn’t good, either. Stage 1 cancer, a very rare type, but it’s curable. I’ve been told to expect radiation and chemotherapy, but to wait for the Mass General tumor review board’s recommendation. They meet on Thursday.
As I said before, I have no interest in chronicling my “cancer journey.” Therefore, I am putting this online journal on hold for the duration. A rough estimate is I’ll be quiet for at least 3-4 months. I hope to see you on the other side.

The Pratt Finals
One of my earliest posts pointed out that the final episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus took aim at the name Pratt.
Yesterday’s post about Red Dwarf reminded me of another favorite British TV show, Blackadder. The series finale is noted for its tragic conclusion, where everyone is killed in WWI. Curiously, like Monty Python, the episode also has a Pratt reference.

Another British take on The War to End All Wars.
Out With the New, Out With the Old, In With the New
Oh, such fun. At least a dishwasher is an appliance you can live without for a while. When the Samsung was dropped off, the delivery guy admonished me to save the packing materials, “in case it has to go back.” Which I did, because it did.
The return was arranged and the refund came through (thank you, Lowe’s). The dead KitchenAid was picked up by the local trash service for $60.
So what will replace the dead Kitchenaid? A new KitchenAid, with the exact same controls. Express Wash is a favorite button. Purchased online from Best Buy, it should be delivered and installed tomorrow before noon.

Foot Don’t Fail Me Now
Snoopy accurately captured my present situation in yesterday’s Peanuts reprint (presented here with permission, for a nominal fee).

I’m in physical therapy for the collapsed arch in my right foot. I’ve been good about doing the exercises at home, and the results are promising.
Yesterday, the foot felt good enough to go running, but I don’t dare risk undoing the progress I’m making. As I told the podiatrist and the therapist, my goal is to avoid surgery. If that means no longer being able to go running, then so be it.
Dishwasher Update
I am waiting for the electrician or someone like him. He should be here this afternoon. The plan is to make the hole in the floor large enough to drop the junction box, then run the cable up to the new dishwasher.
Note the water damage on the floor in the second picture. I came home from one of my numerous Phoenix trips and saw water streaks on the wall downstairs in the finished basement. The Bosch dishwasher had sprung a leak, and it was replaced with the Kitchenaid that is now itself being replaced.