Eat, Drink & Be Merry

The flight attendant's head was down when he asked Nick what he would like to drink. As Nick was saying "Apple juice, please," the attendant lifted his head, looked directly into his soulless eye and, in Nick's words, went weak at the knees.

"Pardon me?"

"Apple juice, please."

"I'm sorry, juice?"

Nick thought it was hilarious, but it also made him realise he hadn't really been out in public yet. I asked how he was received by the TBM company (TSI) owners and he said it was absolutely fine; no one avoided the subject - or his eye - but no one made a big deal out of it either. Turns out one owner's brother-in-law has one eye and so does the other one's wife (her eye got smoked during lasik surgery 15 years ago). It's the TSI Monocular Curse!

Normally when Nick goes for his annual recurrent training in California it's in the TBM, the French-made plane that these guys fly for their jobs. Makes sense. But this time they did it in a Decathalon, a tail-dragger like the one Nick crashed. Total coincidence as that was planned before Nick's "mishap," as it's known around the office, but one that gave Nick pause - for the first ten seconds after learning of it, anyway. He was fine and had a good time - even enjoying the flying bit with well known aerobatic pilot Rich Stowell, doing unusual maneuvers and spins toward the ground. His stomach was a tad queasy, but his mind and spirit soared.

And his stomach, for once, would have been full! He can eat again. Yay! It's been about two weeks since he had his teeth temporarily filled and he's already gained back 7lbs. He lost more than 25lbs by the end, so regaining some is a good thing. I'm glad we had a ten day food-fest in France in the middle of it or he would have lost even more. The chocolate mousse(s), creamy cheeses, the wonderful cooking in St.Raphael, meals like Raclette in Collet d'Allevard with cousin Marion's family and all the special things Francoise did for the meal at her place with cousin Alain and his family, so Nicolas could eat like everyone else - all these things were received (by his tummy and his heart) with great appreciation.

Now it's time to use the extra protein and calories to rebuild muscle. You'll not be surprised to know he's pushing it and at this exact moment his hand is hurting quite a lot. He just left for San Juan Hand Therapy for routine PT where they'll either tell him it's ok, keep pushing it, or take it easy. Luckily I've got licensed therapists to pawn some of the nagging onto!

His hand is hurting more than usual because of our bike ride yesterday. After a busy Saturday running from a soccer game to a sports swap (cheap ski stuff for next season) to a swim-meet to a friend's house-warming party, we decided to relax on Sunday with a 5hr bike ride, which included a long picnic by the river. On the way we passed the turn-off for Michel and Ilona's new house and the girls were excited that in the near future they're going to be able to ride their bikes to their grandparents' house.

They both did great. We were so proud!!

We must have passed 100 fellow bikers yesterday. Or rather, at least 100 bikers passed us! That means summer is upon us. Whoop whoop!