1986-02 (February)

Monday, February 17th [1986] Continued with Dr. Palmer following radiation; course extended to seven weeks + a day. 36 treatments, 180 rads each; total, 6480. According to this, I finish on Saturday, March 8. Abandoned Scott’s Mid-Lothian, at least for the time being, + began rereading William Appleman Williams’ Contours of American History, a longtime favorite. VHS cassette, “Acquire, Wrath of God.” A splendid subject spoiled by inadequate characterization.

Wednesday, February 19th [1986] Fletcher here doing clean-up yard work, raking leaves, sweeping out garage. I was gone nearly an hour for radiation—jam-up in schedule, increased patient load. Back home, resumed Williams’ Contours. Walked 2.5; played my “Bloodiest Day.”

Thursday, February 20th [1986] Rapid radiation; got roll of stamps at P.O. LG & W13 adviser detected water leak by testing water; advised plumber. Hill Plumbing came; repaired Gwyn’s toilet and sink--$17777 Walked two miles; played side two of Vol. III (the conclusion) of my excerpts for the War. Wrote letter to gulf, enclosing check but protesting errors in bill, this month + last. Instead of going out for regular Thursday restaurant dinner, we stayed home to corn cakes. Good, as always, one of the world’s great dishes. Passed midpoint—eve of Civil War—in W.A. Williams Contours of American History.