Sweet spots & bald spots

AJ at the top of Bull Run Mountain

It's Monday of week three of the second chemo cycle and we're in that "sweet spot" where Andrew is strong and energetic.  No tubes, no chemo, only one doctor's visit this week. Life is good.  Today Andrew & I took a "gem" of a hike up Bull Run Mountain to a rock outcropping with a stupendous view! 
Meanwhile, after a laborious process of shaving and re-shaving Andrew's head, Andrew is sporting a totally clean shaven look now.  It's a new look that will take some getting used to. In the meantime, Andrew's winter hats (this year's Christmas presents) are getting a lot of use!
We wish we could tell you that during this sweet time, the Jones household is full of peace, calm and gratitude.  But the reality is that the "I'm Third" motto - God first, others second, I'm third - is just so darn hard to live out! Our tempers are short and the to do list seems endless for all of us.
Because we are aware of the toll this is taking, we have some fun escapes planned.  The older kids have been invited to go skiing with their cousins in two weeks.  And in response to my, "There's nothing to look forward to!" whining, Andrew bought two tickets to next Saturday's Duke basketball game in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Woo-hoo! We're heading to Durham for 24 hrs! Life is indeed good.