Feliz Navy-dad

Fleece Navy-dad (Feliz Navidad or Happy Christmas. Lots of Navy-dads [of course Marines too] to thank: Evan, Fred, Chuck, Chris, Tom, Jim, John, Jon, and Me, etc.: we served & sired. 2021: Navy 17, Army 13 – Go Navy!) We hope that ALL of you are enjoying the holidays & holy days and share the warmth of your heart & soul. Enjoy the day compadres: each one is precious, as is our love. 2021 has been a year of challenge and change for many of us. Yet, through it all comes a fuller understanding of patience & compassion. Many of us have lost friends, colleagues, neighbors, & loved ones this year. Time to remember their passions, joys & sometimes mischievousness. Last year I saluted our medical professionals and first responders. This year let’s also thank our educators and teachers. As I’ve written before, we all have those special some ones to thank for our personal & professional endeavors. May 2022 be rewarding for student and sensei.

Now, for our 2021 let’s start with LUCY: she turned 13 recently and her battle with Cushing’s disease has taken a toll: she has several ailments, but continues on day-by-day (some better than others – many of us can relate to that). Recently on a landscape patrol she conveyed how precious she thought it was that I save her poop in a sturdy can. JUSTIN has moved/transferred up from Carlsbad to Albuquerque. He has half a duplex near UNM and enjoys the office (NM Public Defender). It is great to have him living nearer his friends and just over an hour away from us. He was with Meme and I for part of the hospitalization in Denver area (below).

MEME continues to take care of Lucy, Justin (to a lesser extent) and me (that has been an enormous task). It hasn’t been easy, but she retains her sense of humor and treats us with kindness (gracias por todos). She also continues her sports (rock) climbing and associated volunteer efforts (public use area cleanup days, and judging youth competitions). We hope that travel returns next year: we’re all boosted. Has anyone noticed in the Wizard of Oz that there appears to be some potentially good climbing to be had in Munchkin land? As far as a trip there, if memory serves, it is “somewhere over the rainbow”. ME was lucky to see the New Year, let alone survive it: on eve of the New Year I was in the hospital here (dehydration & chemo reactions) and started to be “with the ancestors”, but journeyed back. With an adjustment here and a tweak there the chemo went on to work, followed by targeted radiation (tumor on pancreas) and finally surgery (”Whipple procedure”), and related challenges, in late April at UC Health in CO (18-day stint in hospital). It has been a struggle with biliary drain/tube, but recent exchange went well and I have less discomfort than anytime since April. No fire/incident assignments this year (medically unavailable). Next year will be a definite maybe. My walk, most days, is 1-2 miles, and though I might be able to pass the work capacity test for the physical side of things, I pause due to the mental requirements. We’ve never lost anyone on my watch as an incident Safety Officer and our personnel deserve the best, including the risk analysis, assessments and mitigation efforts. Don’t want my “rust factor overlooking something. Oh, yeah, now scheduled to see primary oncologist quarterly; surgeon & other “ologists” semi-annually. I have much to be thankful for: life is good.

Reflecting back on my National Park Service career I realize how fortunate I was. I recently recounted to a colleague: “If I had invented medical marijuana and then developed crypto currency, I couldn’t have picked a better philanthropy for my time than being a NPS Ranger.” I got to do it all: EMS, Fire, Incident Management, L.E., SAR, Visitor Services (and some at high levels) – WOW, I was lucky. I’ve had a lot of time this year to think about the plethora of memorable events during my NPS & NM State Historic Preservation career. Two of the top-three were related to NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection & Repatriation Act, Nov. 16, 1990). So many come to mind, but #1 was working the 1st NAGPRA jury trial case (Corrow), that had a conviction appealed all the way up; #2 being the Operations Section Chief for the repatriation, recovery & reburial of human remains from over 2,000 individuals at Pecos National Historical Park; #3 helping J. D. Swed’s Type I Incident Management Team (IMT) as Safety Officer during 2005’s Katrina operations: this too had a human remains component; discovered exposed/uncovered remains in toppled tree roots & gravesites in the National Cemetery at Chalmette NHP (where I’d been Chief Ranger ’81-’82). We took measures to mitigate further damages (with Colorado Army National Guard unit) and reported the finding for further protective actions. The next grouping of memorable activities would include helping to develop the state site steward program (SiteWatch); working with Bill Wade & Bruce McKeeman at Petra; responding with JD & IMT at Virgin Islands post Hurricane Maria 2017. Many, MANY memorable events and times: just working at Fort Laramie at the time I did (‘83-‘84) was mostly a blast. Serving at Santa Monica Mountains, with Rick Gale as my Chief Ranger, was forever notable for us as it provided a springboard of opportunities resulting in some of the above events. Anyway, lots of wonderful times, and with Meme and I at each other’s side = I was truly blessed… I guess we both have been. One of my archaeological education endeavors this year was helping to set up a fund through the Humboldt State University Foundation to assist students and faculty with costs associated with working at a field school in southwest Belize. For additional information you can visit: http://travelranger87508.blogspot.com/2021/11/november-shout-out-aka-october-in-review.html Efforts with NM SiteWatch and the Site Steward Foundation continue on, but at reduced pace due to the pandemic and health issues. Good crop of grapes & apples this year: cherries, peaches & apricots = not. Ho-Ho-Ho: Hope-n-pray every day for you & yours to have a happy, healthy & prosperous 2022. Meme & Phil

November shout-out (aka October in Review):

How are you doing? Well I hope & having a happy ALL Souls Day. HEALTH: I’m fine and able to report that October was a good month here- my blood work #’s looked good or stable, the MRI of the pancreas area showed nothing of concern, I had my biliary drain tube’s 6-week exchange accomplished in Santa Fe (vice the 6-hour drive north to Denver), and I had my chemo-port removed (it’d been in me for almost a year, but glad to say good-bye). The chemo-port removal was not without some drama: the blood thinner I’d been taking (Xarelto) was withheld for 98-hours and shortly after resumption my urine became dark red (like Burgundy, then later Cabernet, and eventually Rosé). In less than a day functions returned to normal and the decision by docs-n-self were to cease the blood thinner (the MRI showed no abdominal clot which had been the reason for thinners in the first place). We have both received our Pfizer booster shots (along with annual flu season inoculations), so we feel we’re set for the upcoming season.

TRAVEL (& NOT): Yes, getting older is not for the faint of heart. It has been a great trip, with hopefully many turns ahead. We have postponed a couple of out-of-state trips, deferring to more opportune times. Our San Diego sojourn should now be in late March, with a stop in Phoenix for a few days enroute. I learned something about American Airlines while trying to reschedule: they can be rigid and not nice to deal with. In fact, AA in this household now stands for “A$$hole Air” (recounting the particulars makes my BP climb, so I’ll just leave it at that).

Meme continues to be amazing taking care of Lucy, “Casita de Joven” & me, in addition to her sports climbing pursuits with friends on trips primarily in northern NM. On one such trip to El Rito her party encountered a local resident that was by his own admission “out harassing folks” – turns out Meme had hired his daughter at the Office of the State Engineer (where she was still employed) and another incident was avoided (bonding is always better).

Justin made his office move from Carlsbad to Albuquerque (state Public Defender) in mid-Sept. & his personal belongings in mid-Oct. His new place is 1-block off Historic Route 66/Central Ave. (Tri-level duplex, 2-BR & 2.5 BA, 1,400+ sq. ft.). Things seem to be working out: his work group is rotating the plethora of initial appearances needed by the clients of NM’s Public Defender.

Lucy the wonder dog is a month away from b-day #13. She is markedly slower, with many hitches in her giddy-up, but some days she still manages to eat a couple of meals (most days 1 + some treats). Her episode with Cushing Disease is waning due to twice daily meds. Her eyesight is limited, also treated several X each day, and there are times we think she is doing a “Tommy” impersonation.

Arch-bark: I have been involved with setting up a fund, through the Humboldt State University Foundation (a 501c3), assisting students to participate in an archaeological field school (southwest Belize). “IF” you are interested in donating to this most worthy endeavor this is how you too can contribute: You just need to go here - https://alumni.humboldt.edu/hsu-giving Then go to the box that says “Designation”, and pick “Other” from the drop-downs, and then write Belize Field School. I’ve been assured your gift will go to our fund. You can also send a check made out to the HSU Foundation with the Belize Field School in the memo line. The address is: HSU Foundation, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521 Not only will I be very appreciative, it makes a wonderful holiday gift on multiple levels.

I’ve also continued works for the Site Steward Foundation towards having a 3-day Tularosa Basin tour next autumn (about now in 2022) with visits to pithouse concentrations, paleo-sites and petroglyphs. I’m also working with another arch to conduct a survey on the lands owned by Humboldt-daze compadre/s in the Chama River Valley near T’sama Owingeh (Pueblo). I have yet to resume NM SiteWatch patrols, but that day is getting close-at-hand.

Last month’s update indicated that I might include “maybe some more concert memories: Derek & the Dominos concert in Dallas on Nov. 6, 1970.” I’d love to, but I don’t remember much having suffered from a bad case of seasonal-blues-n-melancholy disorder about then. I do remember that Duane Allman was with them: a great treat - next time I’ll tell you about my (brief) conversation with Duane in May of 1971. (Yep, already over 50-years ago.) Of the readers of this at least four of us were at the Rolling Stones concert in the Superdome in ’81. One’s memories were of the numerous bands opening for The Stones like The Neville Brothers, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, and some newbie being promoted by The Neville Brothers named Prince. It was a largest indoor concert crowd (87,500) for decades and my memories to this day were negative (“worst concert I’ve ever been to”): the acoustics sucked – too much bounce back and echoing to the point of being inaudible (it also didn’t help that ticket scalpers out front were selling ingress for about ¼ of what you paid beforehand, leading to just too many of us. I guess I was getting old). Ah, memories: it was indeed quite a line up – wish I could’ve heard them.

Last time I also said about this next time: “Maybe some thoughts on mental health…” That is quite a topic that goes far beyond my energy levels to adequately consider. There are too many incidents of military/veterans, first responders & public safety officers (PSO), and Native Americans taking their own lives - beyond the percentages found in the general public. Anyone that has had a muzzle in their mouth and a finger on the trigger, or started a long road trip in a closed garage, or even knowingly took too many opioids, or many other self-termination methods needs help. Needs HELP – period. We’ve gotten a little better at providing avenues for that. During much of my career it seemed those channels were not available to PSO’s without dire consequences, like losing your job. One was encouraged to cultivate hobbies, ride a bicycle or jog-your-brains out, but talking about your darkest secrets: not a good idea. Not really conducive to meaningful talk. I think we’ve improved: now we have increased access to counselors and therapists, but it seems the suicide rate still keeps trending upwards. What is missing? I think it might be “HOPE”. It is amazing what we can work through when we have it. I know from personal experience, and not just from these recent campaigns & combat with cancer.

Now, for the Positive Event of-our-Month: it would be attending the International Balloon Fiesta on special shapes Friday (Oct. 8th). We joined a climbing friend, parking at a co-worker’s B&B in the riparian zone (large old cottonwood trees) just west of the Balloon Park. From the west bank of the arroyo we watched the nearby inflations, launches and even some recoveries (eventually). It was a great morning.

So, for now wishing you, yours & ALL the very best: Be safe – be healthy – be happy. Phil & Meme

One Year & counting…

A year ago I meant to post about the 50^th anniversary of going to a Santana concert (27 Sept. 1970) in Ft. Worth, Texas. However, I was sidetracked by a wildland fire assignment in northern Oregon. I am now a survivor of both of those events. 

The concert was pretty tame: I accompanied Marlyss Thompson (Skipwith). Look at those prices: now due to ticket brokers you pay 100-200 times that. Marlyss’ brother Patrick had helped me through some stressful times (on and around “Yankee Station”), which I will forever be grateful. Pat had a calm about him. With his smile and north Texas drawl he could sell ice-cold lemonade on the North Pole. 

It is many years down the road, and long overdue, but thanks Pat… 

 

Ten years ago, I was working in Petra Archaeological Park (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) with Bill Wade & Bruce McKeeman (“Two Wise men & Me”), helping the Park Rangers and Tourist Police with some of their Visitor & Resource Protection issues and programs. We were on our second sojourn there.

 

Now, about that fire assignment one-year ago: in the wee hours of the new federal fiscal year (10/01/20) I was ambulanced to the ER at Salem Health Hospital, suffering with Acute Urinary Retention (very painful). Through a battery of tests & scans they found (inadvertently) a cancerous tumor on my pancreas (Stage 3). So, as of this Oct. 1^st I became a one-year survivor of that: what a year it has been.

A quick review of medical memories includes: 25+ days of urinary catheters, varied chemo reactions (New Year’s Eve, while hospitalized, traveling to be with the ancestors, but coming back), radiation treatments, Whipple procedure/surgery and the 18-day hospitalization follow-up.  

Andromeda Galaxy taken by Tony Bonanno

Now the days, weeks & months are filled with efforts at regaining health and strength. I know so many cancer survivors: some a little older than me, some the very same age, some a little younger than me, and some a lot younger than me. Some are long time colleagues, and some are new friends. All cancers are very different. In common we battle them: fighting for selves and one another – LIVE ON COMPADRES! 

 

How have you been this past month? (Thank you for asking) It has seen my CA-19 (cancer antigen) numbers drop from 1,700+ to 400+. Good, but since it was in 40’s pre-surgery I have a ways to go: I’ll keep working on it. I’ve had another MRI (to go with last month’s PET/CT). I’ll be meeting with my primary oncologist to discuss the results. My next biliary drain change is scheduled to take place here in Santa Fe (IR at Christus St. Vincent) in a couple of weeks. That at least saves me one other trip to UC Health in Aurora, CO. The plan is to get my biliary structure to a condition where an internal stent can be placed: we’re not there yet. It could take a while. I’ll keep folks posted. 

 

Our kennel in Malibu: PCH & Puerco Canyon

A recent visit with dermatologist (first in 2-years: pre-pandemic) went very well. I’m prone to skin issues due to a life in-the sun: there was baseball, kennel in Malibu with 7 lawns to mow (and breaks at the beach), Navy duty, lineman for the phone company, archaeology, Park Ranger career, wildland firefighting, tennis umpiring. I often ask: how could I have gotten skin cancer? Anyway, spending lots of hours piloting my easy chair around the universe these days, it seems everything on that front is in check & good.

 

How is your neuropathy feeling? (Thanks again for asking) Still an issue, but not as bad as last Winter during chemo. I still have the feeling of pins-n-needles in my fingertips and foot bottoms feel like blocks of warmed Swiss cheese (cavities). When I asked my primary oncologist how long this may last he replied: “It should be lessening, but you might have it the rest of your life.”

 

During the past month: Justin has started his new job with the NM Office of the Public Defender in Albuquerque, transferring up from Carlsbad 2-weeks ago. He likes it. Meme continues with sport (rock) climbing efforts. She took a lot of time off nursing me earlier in the year. Lucy is rebounding from her bout with K-9 Cushing’s disease. She too is taking lots of meds, but considering that she’ll be 13 (or 91 in dog years) soon her amount of sleeping is probably appropriate. I’ve read a few books: Michael Punke’s 2^nd novel Ridgeline (Montana Road/Bozeman Trail - Red Cloud War); John Hough, Jr.’s novel Little Bighorn (Just for comparison. I like Mike); Robert Utley’s The Lance and The Shield: The Life and Times of Sitting Bull (to read some history – well done). Recently started Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow (it is showing great promise).

 

PMA is still the order of the day – here is another view:

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/08/caitlin-flanagan-secret-of-surviving-cancer/619844/

 

Congratulations are in order to the San Francisco (“It’s a jungle out there…”) Giants. I know, I know- I’m a fan of the Dodgers. But, even more so I’m a baseball fan and give credit where it is due. The Giants had an incredible year winning 107 of 162 games. The Dodgers tied a franchise record for victories, but the Giants did them one better – setting a franchise record for wins.

 

Coming next time – maybe some more concert memories: 

Derek & the Dominos concert in Dallas on Nov. 6, 1970.

Happy Father's Day

 

 

Dad with Bedlington mid-1950's

Dad, it is FATHER’s DAY here and we’re remembering you. You gave much to so many over the decades. 

Dad & Mom early 1960's

 

As I picked the photos for today’s post I thought of how many people you influenced in some way. I recall, as I looked up from the lectern at the Old North Church (Forest Lawn – Hollywood) at a standing room only group of attendees, for your funeral, I became tearful due the amount of respect being shown by family, professional colleagues (yours- Pac Bell Tel.; mine- National Park Service) and of course the expansive community of “Dog People.” 

 

Laura Young: Miss California Ranger

The photos not only cover the decades, but your passion for life. I couldn’t find one of you saddled atop your beloved Morgan mare (Sonia), so I put in one of Laura reigning as “Miss California Ranger”. 

Dad Judging

Dad, Rick & Ken

The next photo shows you with my cousins (maternal) Rick Bowens and Ken Newlin in 1986: you are all laughing and having a great time- probably listening to a standup routine from cousin Patrick Riley (channeling Aubrey Rhine) about how the Giants were going to rule. 

Anyway, had a pancake sandwich in your honor this morning (I didn’t land far from the tree). We continue to remember, love and respect you everyday: THANKS or being our FATHER… Phil, Chris (judging a Dog Show in Idaho Falls), & Laura

Mom & Dad: shore leave WWII.

ABOUT ME

PHIL 

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO, UNITED STATES 

Raised in Burbank (& Malibu)- parents had Fremar Kennels (terriers). Vietnam era Navy veteran. Retired Regional Special Agent with National Park Service, to go to work for the State of New Mexico (Historic Preservation). Worked National Parks in MT, CA (2), AK, AZ, LA, WY & NM. As SA Chaired, Interagency Environmental Crimes TF; Coordinator ARPA TF. Command Staff Safety Officer during 90's for Southwest Area (AZNM/west TX) Interagency Type I Incident Management Team. Worked with NPS Type I IMT on Hurricanes Katrina & Maria relief. Married to a wonderful "young" lady (Meme) the past 42+ years. Our son, Justin is a State Public Defender in Carlsbad, NM.

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