Project FIRE_TUCHES is launched

We at KrokWorks, division of Kaplan UnLimited, are proud to report the launch of our inaugural project, Project 1, code named FIRE_TUCHES.  In the interest of full disclosure is should be stated the inspiration for FIRE_TUCHES came to us via opportunistic industrial espionage, i.e. we saw it on someone at Costco.  Regardless, the project was launched.  Here is the progress report to date.

Fuel tanks being painted, 2/22/15

Back plates receiving a coat as well.  Not sure what happened to image orientation here.  2/25/15

Another paint coat for the tanks

Back plate customization, of course.  Again, not sure on the orientation.

Fuel tanks mounted

Gots to have fayia!

 As a matter of fact, thrust was deemed insufficient and final design saw fuel dispense increased by 50%.

Test fire was a success.

Next step will be custom harness for each unit and delivery to the clients.

Day +194

Today Zevi had another monthly appointment.  It was a long, but very good day.  It was long because Zevi got the (possibly last) infusion of pentamidine.  This one goes in via IV over a couple of hours.  And if all goes well - today was the last one.

The blood numbers look very good.  White blood cells are down a little, neutrophils are down a fair bit, but this is consistent with Zevi fighting off a bug (which everyone in the family now had, I am the last one).  Platelets are up to 294k, second highest since BMT.  Himoglobin is also at excellent 11.8.

Zevi appears to be clear for travel and public pools, even.  We are still staying away from indoor public spaces due to the flue season and lack of vaccinations - those are due to start at a year post transplant if all is well.

Of course, blood was also taken for the monthly Chimerism test and we await the result anxiously.  In the mean time - it was a great day.  Here is Zev's picture from today.

2/24/2015

Blowing glass

Two weekends ago the boys got an amazing opportunity to blow glass, compliments of Georgia, Aaron, their daughter Elena and their very patient dog, Cesar.  Here are a few shots taken at Elements Glass.

Here is Elena, getting ready to show the boys how it is done.  2/8/15

Aaron in his element

Aaron and Elena at the kiln

Getting some color with dad

Geared up

Boys receive instruction

Elena blows out a ball

...and a bit more clear glass...

While Aaron works, we get to hang out with Georgia and Cesar

Zeva's turn

Blowing out the ball while Aaron shapes the glass

Together at the kiln

Benjamin gets into the spirit of things

It was an absolutely awesome time!  Thank you to Elena, the perfect hostess, Georgia and Aaron for a chance to visit and play at Elements Glass.

Day +186

This weekend saw an interesting milestone - 6 months since the transplant.  We made it, we breathed, we had a glass (or three) of wine.  The boys were with their grandparents who gifted us with a night and following morning off.

Now back to regularly scheduled programming.  Zevi continues to limp - over a week now.  The going theory is that he has a hairline fracture so small it does not show up on x-rays.  Mostly it does not bother him, and when it does we treat with Ibuprofen.  Sleep is very hit and miss.  One night I get a merciful two trips to the boys' room, and some nights it is much less merciful 6-8.  More of the former kinds of nights, I hope.

Life goes on.  Zevi enjoys his Lego class where do try to keep the boys separate for everyone's sake.  His energy and appetite seem good, thank G-D.  So it goes.

Two weekends ago the boys had an absolutely awesome experience blowing glass!  More details and pictures coming, I promise.

A visit from a SF friend

A bit less then two weeks ago (man, it feels longer) we had a visit from a SF friend who we have not seen in over five years.  His name happens to be Zev, he is single, fun guy who bravely stepped into the den.  How traumatized Zev was in the end is hard to estimate at this point - he put on a very brave face.  The boys, however... well, see for yourselves.

Upside down Benya and Zev looking a little bewildered.  2/2/15

Getting used to it now.  Zev and Zev.

Years of training on dad are being put to good use.

Truly, Zev was an amazing sport the entire weekend.  The boys loved having him around, as did we.  Come back soon!

Seriously, Alla's back hurts, I am tired, someone needs to wrestle with them - come back soon!

Day +172

Just a quick update: the fifth Chimerim test showed 100% donor!  What a relief.

Back to scheduled programming.