This was a strange time, the pandemic was unraveling and we didn’t know shit. This period starts in early February with my biopsy at St Mary’s Hospital (a Mayo facility.) Kimberly and I came back with something strange from that trip. Kimberly especially who was ill for a spell, (we also found this amazing speakeasy from a tip from the bartender in the whiskey bar I frequent)

In March I went back to Australia to see my family, the highlight being my grandson. It would be the last time I would see my dad, who was in good health. He died in October on his 95th birthday.

As usual in Australia, overseas tourists (ironically of which I was one,) are everywhere. In Melbourne there was a case of COVID in our office where I also had been. As I was heading back home, I started to feel a little off. I got out of Australia just as all hell was breaking loose globally. I was sick with a strange cold type illness for two weeks. I will never know…..

In June I flew back to Rochester with mask, shield and gloves. I underwent simulation again in preparation for my second experience with proton beam therapy. I flew back again for three weeks between late July early August for the treatment, I rented an AirBnB. I had bought a bike online from the Trek store beforehands and picked it up when I arrived. As you know by now, I ride everyday, riding up there was incredible, miles of cycle paths mostly vehicle free. I also drove up to some beautiful trails where you could ride 50 miles, and more through nature. I shipped the bike back and still use it regularly.


Kimberly came up for five days we had a lovely break together. The house was quaint and had a beautiful garden to sit in. We very fortunately found a Schwinn bike at Target, there were NO bikes anywhere, except for these two on an otherwise empty wall! We managed to get some nice rides together during our “vacation.” We sold it on Anji for what we paid for it after Kimberly went back. Our friends Matt and Susan were living in Minneapolis at the time and stayed for a weekend with us. Matt and I got to partake of a whiskey flight at the bar I mentioned. Medicinal of course, whiskey may reduce cancer risk. Fair dinkum!

It was a frightening time to be traveling, we dodged a bullet.

By the way, treatment was routine by now.

Here’s the poem, enjoy! 20. February 20 – August 20: Treatment In the Middle Of A Pandemic

Coincidentally I traveled through Asia during the SARS outbreak in the early 2000s, another frightening experience.