blads blog

Continuing on from my last post on this issue way back in December 2015, my cancer commonly known as the "lazy cancer", officially titled Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) , is generally considered to be a indolent cancer type has decided once again to have a "rebellious teenager-like outburst". This time, it has occurred in the mediastinum region - which is the area located between the lungs which contains the heart, esophagus, trachea, cardiac nerves, and other juicy bits...  My lymphona is currently squeezing/compressing my esophagus, making swallowing food extremely difficult at times. I'm scheduled to get another 3 location tattoos, to enable easier targeting for the radiation therapy treatment planned over approximately four weeks. Staying positive... it'll be back to normal soon enough...

For those who know me, it’s common knowledge that I love red wine - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, alternatives like, Montepulciano, Tannat, Saperavi, Nebbiolo to name a few.   Do you have an all time favourite. Ok, I know that’s difficult for most red wine affectionados but I fell in love with this wine variety early 2000s. So what is it you ask??? Durif... those who know me will be well aware of this amazing wine.   This red wine grape from the Rhone Valley wasn’t highly regarded in its native France.   Durif is actually a cross between the noble grape Syrah and the less well-known Peloursin. It was created at the University of Montpellier in the 1880s by a gentleman named Dr. Durif - a nurseryman who was looking to develop a grape variety resistant to downy mildew, one of many scourges of the vine. It was introduced into Australia by pioneering Victorian viticulturalist Francois de Castella in 1908. Although only a few token plantings remain in France toda