Nobody's Mad

I’d have preferred to meet four of Seattle’s best cancer doctors at some swell party in the Sorrento Hotel, but I had no choice in the matter, and so I met these amazing women in their professional capacities:  Dr. Smita Jain, a diagnostic radiologist; Dr. Debra Wechter, a surgeon who has been named one of Seattle’s “Top Doctors” by Seattle Magazine; Dr. Nanette Robinson, a hematologist-oncologist; and Dr. Michelle Yao, a radiation oncologist.

I did not take my breast cancer diagnosis lightly, but it filled me with joy to realize that four of the best cancer doctors were women, whose roles could barely be imagined a generation ago.  They shoulder their responsibilities with incredible aplomb, and make the diagnosis and cure of cancer an everyday affair.

What made us both think of hot cocoa on the way home from the delicious and romantic movie?  Was it telepathy?  We we both under a spell cast by the film, or even by the theatre, Seattle’s historic Egyptian?

This makes an extra-rich drink.  For every two servings use 3 tablespoons cocoa, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 cup hot water, and 1 and 1/4 cups milk.  In a saucepan over low heat, stir together the water, cocoa and sugar until it is smooth.  Stir in the milk.  Raise the heat to moderate.  Keep stirring and bring the mixture almost to the point of boiling.  Remove from the heat and serve.