First rate shave and photo Joseph.

Wonderful shave and photo Rick.

I just mentioned Bill Neumann&Co. in a previous post. I was pleased to get a return e-mail from them, thanking me for being on their newsletter. It appears they don't send out newsletters or updated news unless it happens. Well, that's true of any artisan shave co. or company in general, of course, but perhaps they're quite satisfied with what they have and have been selling well. It is indeed a nice lineup. Ever since joining TSD, I've only seen maybe 2 or 3 "new" items at BN&C. (Note-for anyone not used to my goofiness in here, the company is Wm. Neumann&Co. (WN&C). It's good to be silly in life, so long as it's good-natured.

Thanks Danny. My Bride is doing well on her treatments. I am inspired by her in so many ways. She is experiencing some minor side effects (all manageable), and her most recent blood work shows marked improvements. We spent a couple of hours at the doctor's office today for her treatment. Believe it or not, we try to laugh a lot and get the nurses laughing with us. Major breakthrough today...I found the snack drawers in the treatment area. CHA CHING!

Just for fun, I'm taking her to catch some rays next week. Check out the extended weather forecast below. Our bags are on the guest bed. I just dropped a pair of winter gloves, a knit cap, and a wool scarf in my backpack. I had to search for this stuff because I never think about using it. I guarantee you my Bride will be dressed for The North Pole. We'll know a lot more after next week. A most likely scenario will put us back in Rochester for a few weeks next year. We've got a list of places to check out next week between appointments in the event that we return.

Thanks for asking about my sweet Bride and praying for her.

Terrific TSD shave, Rick!

Enjoying your Milky Ways and Snickers'? Y'know, I think that North Pole sign I drew up should say "5 Miles From Cathy's Bed". But seriously, I'm quite glad things are going well thus far.

Boy did the lady at my barbershop slice off my hair!!! A little bit left, but the shorter the better and more comfortable at my age. With no offense meant to the Marines in here, I guarantee you Marines look like freaks next to me right now!!

Thanks for the kind words, Paul. I sincerely appreciate it.

Just pretzels, peanut butter crackers, and drinks today. Our appointment carried through the lunch hour, and it had been a long time since breakfast.

We plan to take boxed chocolates for the staff when we go back in two weeks.

Decadent December!!!

December 3

Razor - 1960 (F4) Gillette Toggle (9)
Blade - (2)
Soap - Stirling Iced Pineapple
Brush - 30 DC Meet-Up LE/TGN Silvertip Grade A Badger
Post - Alum

While it may be Tuesday, I picked the Menthol Monday soap from my decadent options. Since I started yesterday with Christmas Eve from Stirling I just delayed the menthol until today. Never fear, Tabac Tuesday fans....there's always Tabac Thursday. Which precedes Fat Friday which......ummm, yeah I'll figure it out. Stayed with the Toggle and Sharp Star and used the new TGN Silvertip Grade A Badger that I set in a Meet-Up handle from @jtspartan . This is the same knot that is in my Wolf Whiskers, just a bigger version. The Wolf is 24mm, the Meet-Up LE is 28mm. For a first use the knot did extremely well. It really soaked up the water and made a rich and creamy lather and man is it ever luxurious feeling already. This will be a fantastic brush once it's fully broken in.

Three passes of luxuriousness and the baby is on board and I feel like a million bucks. I'm liking how this month is starting off. Hope you all had a great day! Have an even greater Wednesday!!

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I knew I felt a positive ripple in the Cartel today. Shipping 500 of Russia's finest always creates goodness.

Wonderful shave, Neal!

The Qshave is one of the best unsung bargains around. Truly excellent performance and totally unique, just like the Futur it's a clone of. And yes, wide open is the sweet spot on this one for sure.

I woke up a couple of times last night wondering whether I should order 500 or maybe 600 blades. True story. I need professional help, but it's cheaper just to buy more blades.

I agree, Neal. I enjoy using the Voskhods, and my inventory was down to just a few unopened tucks. They are smooth and plenty sharp for my average beard.

Occasionally, I'll gift a bulk pack or two, so I always like to have plenty. It's fun to give a newbie a razor and then a bulk pack of blades from the Old Country. I usually get a weird look until I explain that these are some of finest DE blades available.

You got me started on Russian steel. I guess it was payback for me helping to ignite your soap acquisition disorder.

Charlie, I read your post to Jennifer and no sooner had I read the part about you guys getting the nurses laughing she said "I believe it". You both are constantly in our thoughts. And no, I am NOT surprised you found the snack drawers. I am, however, a bit surprised you haven't found the ice cream yet. Happy trails on your way north! Looks like fine spring weather for North Dakota!

Given the difference in price of Russian blades and soaps - I'd say I'm still the one paying for that swap. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve though.

Well it wouldn't do for the Czar to be outclassed this early would it?

Thanks Neal. I appreciate the thoughts and kind words from both you and Jennifer. We try to keep things light, as much as possible. It really does help.

I'm still looking for the ice cream. I know they have it hidden somewhere. I did tell one of the nurses I wouldn't mind having some lasagna next time. We're (I'm?) sorta kinda getting a reputation in the chemo lab.

We usually run the other direction from snow and cold, but we're treating this trip as an adventure. There's probably not a better time to see Minnesota in all its glory than in winter. I'm just glad we're not driving. Shuttles run between the hotel, airport, and Mayo. (We'll avoid Uber and Lyft. Those drivers scare me just a little bit, especially the ones with shaved heads wearing Russian watches . I also learned that Uber drivers can now rate their passengers. I probably wouldn't get a pickup after the first or second ride. ) Mayo is connected to a lot of places downtown via enclosed walkways above and below ground. We should be well protected from the frozen tundra.

It's nothing like this place, I'm sure: https://www.insider.com/coldest-town-on-earth-oymyakon-photos-2018-1

Awesome colours again, Jim. That brush is fantastic and looks like it was made for that software label.

Very cool cased set, Jeff. 5 drops of M Bomb? You, sir, have arrived.

Get well soon, Terry. Nice combo at least!