tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66033569269637265402024-03-21T19:08:42.669-07:00rebirth in the hollowJustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.comBlogger887125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-78672707173820577992018-08-22T20:52:00.000-07:002018-08-22T20:52:02.368-07:00Worst Morning I can Remember<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday was possibly the worst morning of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I awoke at 3:30 and was very anxious so I
took half a valium at around 5, hoping to sleep but I was unable to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many things clouded my mind: my age, my
financial concerns, a deep sense of loneliness, the end of my travels, the
problem with the musty smelling apartment, how poorly I treated Tracy, how
distant from God I remain—what a list!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think it was a genuine panic attack and I had to take a second half of a valium
and still no relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed as hard as
I ever have to find faith and peace but nothing happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote to Glenda about the thing she wrote
(about submitting to the will of God and about her trip to Richmond) and she
responded very positively but even that kindness didn’t do much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally got ready to go meet the TIAA
advisor at Radford and driving in I felt a little better because I would be out
of the apartment and perhaps my financial fears would be lessened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tim, the advisor, was decent enough and he
said I was in okay shape and that I should have enough to retire by December
2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t think I should put any
of my money in at risk investments, simply because it was too late in my
career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did advise that once I retire
I should try to put away 10%<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of my money
each month so I would be able to continue my retirement for a few more years,
past 83.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost called Rob to ask him
to put me on the Prosac but I didn’t want to bother him (I think that he feels
less and less comfortable spending time with me and I don’t blame him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not much fun to be with.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After doing a number of things in my office I
tried to nap but that was unsuccessful so I drove home and tried to nap there,
again unsuccessfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I went for an
hour’s bike ride at Tech and I came home and watched TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Odoban stuff I picked up at Walmart and
sprayed before I headed off to Tech was a little effective but not too much. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-36553383833121663322018-08-21T16:28:00.002-07:002018-08-21T16:28:22.244-07:00Monday morning blues and Tuesday is much better<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday was a hard day, at least in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I awoke very anxious and after my knee
exercises, after I recalculated things about my retirement figures and they
appeared much less than I thought they would be, I took half a valium to calm
myself some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did help and I did do
quite a bit of stuff around the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The musty smell is definitely better and I think tolerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my blogging and then went for a walk at
Tech outside Goodwin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked like
rain so I stayed near the building and then I headed to Walmart for some meds
and supplies and then headed back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put
out the three large boxes of baking soda and I hope they have a good effect. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping the 3 fans on and the air cleaner seem
to help, but I wonder what my electric bill will be this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still haven’t been able to nap during the
day but closing my eyes for a few minutes does seem to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as I am about to drop off, something
(usually concerning my past mistakes, my financial situation, my age) pops into
my head and snaps me alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to
drive out to Caldwell Fields despite the rain and it was lovely out there with
the clouds just touching the top of Brush Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then drove to Tech for my bike ride and
that felt good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was home for a
late dinner and bed at 12:15.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday started okay, just a little anxious, and after my
knee exercises, I redid my financial calculations (and yesterday’s figures were
way off) and they were much more in keeping with my earlier calculations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be able to retire reasonably enough in
June 20, but of course working until December 20 or even June 21 (when I will
still be 69) will allow me even more flexibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main concerns will be medical expenses
and whether I have to move to another more expensive apartment in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I headed over to Rob’s office at 11:15 and
had a nice chat with him about the valium (he said 2 a day would be okay but
the most I have used is 1 a day (taken in two halves) and he said to take as
little as I really need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also talked
about the possibility of Prozac if my anxiety continues after the second week
of teaching, when I really get busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wasn’t too worried about the protein in the urine (it has gone up from 3 to 4)
but he wants me back for bloodwork in two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he is very busy right now but I hope
we can get to walk again at some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then looked at the weather report and it
looked okay for now so I drove out to Auburn and it was as empty as I’ve ever
seen it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played the back nine (five of
the holes from the red tees) and shot a 43 and I hit a couple of my drives near
150 yards, gravity giving me a little more distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I putted very well, making at least 4 good
longer putts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove home after
playing, stopping for supplies at Food Lion and finding that the 5 dollar
chickens were already out so I picked one of them up and had a nice snack out
in the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove home and
finished up my financial calculations and my morning figures were solid so I
could rest easier and I think I may have fallen asleep for a real nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up and did my piano playing (all new
songs and unlike a couple of days ago, I played okay and sang all three of the
jazz songs and did my scales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then did
my blog and it is almost 7:30 (with no valium today) and I still want to do my
weights and stretching and then go for a bike ride, probably leaving here
around 8:00 because of the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-2959299077236148112018-08-20T05:04:00.002-07:002018-08-20T05:04:30.060-07:00A Decent Sunday<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday was a day I was looking forward for a couple of
reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, it was the return of the
church choir from summer vacation and I was going to have dinner over at Jeff
and Lisa’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up pretty early and
did my knee exercises and some weights and stretching and then headed over to
St. Mary’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been a little nervous
about how many people would show up, but it turned out to be 17, with 6
musicians and 9 singers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it
wouldn’t be a big problem and practice proved that right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sounded pretty good and Mass was even
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a few unnoticeable
mistakes and the singing was rather inspirational (the congregation even
clapped at the end).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob wasn’t
available for a walk so I went home and tried to nap, to no avail and then I
decided, after my blog entry, to go to Radford for a walk and to work on my
storage problem for my cot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a nice
walk inside, perhaps 25 minutes, and then tried different setups as to where to
store the cot (I certainly can’t store it fully extended as it would take up
too much space) but I couldn’t figure anything out so since it was time to head
to Jeff and Lisa’s I had to head off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a fun dinner prepared by Jenny and then we played Cards Against Humanity,
which I had never heard of, but it was full of sexual jokes and the sexual
answers seemed to almost always win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was fun but I wouldn’t want to play it too often. Lisa and I joked together
quite a bit and discussed our private concerns some and then Jennie left and
the three of us chatted until a little after 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I offered to take the three of them out to dinner at some point and they
thought that was a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
leaving I went to my office and quickly figured out a decent way to store the
cot, folding it up somewhat into a flat square and placing a sheet over
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly doesn’t look too bad in
the far corner of my office with some drums near it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was time to drive over to Tech and
do my bike ride, and I did ride for 40 minutes though I was very tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped at Food Lion for some tomatoes and
spinach and ate some fruit and peanut butter for a late meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No valium today so that was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-78869167249826144232018-08-19T11:54:00.002-07:002018-08-19T11:54:52.744-07:00Saturday's downs and ups<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday was an interesting day in that I was pretty anxious
when I woke up, but later in the day I felt more better, more alive and more
comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been at least 3 days
without a valium and that feels very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got up and did my knee exercises, played some piano, did some more
work with the laundry, and worked on my blog, which lately has become more and
more interesting as my battle with depression continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went for drive out to Big Stony and rode my
bike out by Glen Alton, finding a number of wildflowers in bloom, including
white wood aster, Queen Anne’s lace, Chicory, Joe Pye Weed, yarrow, orange
touch me not, smartweed, ox eye daisy, thin leaved coneflower, new York ironweed,
and several others but the most interesting was finding Cardinal flower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove back to Blacksburg and decided to
treat myself to a movie, The Meg, with Jason Stratham, who I like very
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was exactly as expected, not
that suspenseful but enough action scenes to keep you entertained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t buy popcorn so it cost me only $8.50.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then headed over to Tech to ride my bike
and oddly enough I felt pretty good, not exactly full of joy, but rather happy
and I enjoyed the sights around me and just the feeling of being alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came home exhausted so I just sat and
watched TV even though I should have done my weights and stretching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-38579932922393522632018-08-18T08:06:00.001-07:002018-08-18T08:06:54.918-07:00A difficult Friday<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday was a difficult day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a very nice walk with Rob the night before, and I was calm and
supportive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me a couple of
delicious tomatoes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did expressive a
lot of concern about the mustiness in the apartment and the 70% humidity saying
it was very unhealthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got home I
was pretty freaked and I wrote Heather a very powerful email relating what Rob
had said and mentioning my lupus and asthma, along with my stay in the hospital
for pneumonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very upset in the
letter and in the morning I got a response telling me that they were going to
buy me a humidifier and that maintenance would put it in today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that I could get out of my lease if
I wished but I told her that this would be a terrible time to have to look for
a place and then move right in the middle of my semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the morning doing my knee exercises,
singing some, and feeling that I was in an unhealthy place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to leave and I contacted Claire but
when the maintenance guy didn’t come by one I had to reschedule with Claire for
next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, around 2, the
maintenance fellow appeared and brought me a used humidifier and set it
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t seem to be working at
first (I vaguely remembered that humidifiers take a while to start working) and
then water began to drip out of the hose and the humidity started to drop a
couple of percentage points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was
encouraging and with 3 fans going and the air cleaner (with a fan) the
mustiness was greatly diminished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around
4 I decided to go take a drive but I was very indecisive as where to go, first
thinking Tech but I could see that it would be very crowded and I would be
finished with my walk or biking right around 5 and that meant driving with very
heavy traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, I headed out
toward Big Stony and decided to ride out by Glen Alton and that was okay
although my down mood kept it from being a more rewarding moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pedaled hard up to Glen Alton, hoping to
make the ride as aerobic as possible, and then stopped on the way back to take
some pictures of a lovely patch of cardinal flower (which I sent to Kate and
Rob later).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished my ride and then
stopped at the whistle stop rest area to try to take a nap but that didn’t work
so I drove back and decided to go fishing out on Sinking Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cathy was there so I pulled my chair over and
started chatting with her and it really hit me what a tough life she has had,
much, much tougher that anything I have endured, then David returned from work
and we chatted some more and he told my of his work which seemed pretty hard, fixing
up a couple of houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I went
fishing and finally caught one nice redeye and left feeling bad about the two
of them, and wishing I could help them out a bit, but I have to be very careful
with my money right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps after I
talk to the financial advisor I will feel a little more optimistic, but I have
a feeling that I really have to work for at least 3 more years and perhaps even
longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three and a half years would put
me at 70 and Lou will be working at least till 72, Paul worked till 70, Rob wants
to work to at least 70, so it shouldn’t be unrealistic unless I get very sick
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove to Tech and took a short
ride around campus and then came back to the Perry Street garage and did 4
ramps before calling it quits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I had
to return home, but I stopped at Kroger for some musty odor reducing detergent
and some fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arriving home I was very
happy that the humidity was below 50 (actually 48) and I made some dinner and
watched TV while doing a few sets of weights and stretching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder why my mood is so troubled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is prednisone, I should be off it in 3
months and I hope that as I go on a lower dose my mood will improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it isn’t because of the prednisone, I may
have to go on an anxiety drug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time is
really standing still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I have a few
hours with nothing to do it bothers me, making me feel anxious and
restless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully once I start
teaching on the 27<sup>th</sup>, I will feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked to Dave in the early afternoon and
it seemed not to be a very good conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is still not sure what to do about his marriage and he wants to just
continue keeping it the way it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is his choice and I told him that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe he will continue this way as long as he can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-11904083559527822812018-08-16T12:59:00.003-07:002018-08-16T12:59:48.746-07:00A very bad day and a better one<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday was an awful morning, with the smell in my apartment
causing me to be very upset and anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried to figure out exactly where it was coming from but I had no
success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elizabeth came over and she
didn’t find it too bad, just that it seemed hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took half a valium and that did help but I
was still anxious and I called my sister Judy and she thought it might be my
clothes (which did seem to have a smell) and she suggested washing them again
and using a dryer instead of the racks I use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of the high humidity in the apartment and possibly because I have
kept the windows closed because of the screens not working well, it takes a
pretty long time for some of the clothes to dry, especially the cotton
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did that with two loads, and I
took everything out of the bedroom, including the sheet, the mattress cover
(which is thick cotton) and it still smelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went over to Tech for a walk in the cooler library but it was move in
day so it was very crowded and I couldn’t find a handicapped spot by the
library so I drove over to the Perry Street garage and rode my bike there for
40 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went back home and the
smell was driving me crazy so I opened the windows and put the fans on but that
didn’t work so I called Claire Hall and thankfully she was able to come over
and she sniffed around and she found things okay except perhaps for a slightly
chemical smell in the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
advised using Febreze so I decided to get some later and try it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I debated going to play golf but I settled on
going to Mass (it was a holy day of obligation) and I think that was a good
choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my music stuff for Sunday,
saw a few people I knew and said hello to Deacon Rick, Father John, Beth, and
Tom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then went over to Tech for a 35
minute walk then to Kroger’s to get the Febreze and a couple of other items,
then headed home for a late dinner and some TV.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday was an easier morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a bit anxious but not as bad as
yesterday so I did my knee exercises, drove over to the laundromat to do my bed
cover because it was too big for the machines here, then drove back to shower
and head over to Dr. Wilts, the podiatrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was affable and he thought I may have Morton neuroma, and he fitted
me with some inserts with pads in them and hopefully they will help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove home hoping to take a nap before I
head out to play golf but I couldn’t fall asleep, so I prayed a bit and calmed myself
by going over the good things in my life: a decent job, an apartment that I
hope I can stay in (Heather emailed me that they are looking into putting in a
massive dehumidifier and that the screen situation is being addressed), a
closeness to fishing and mountains, stable health right now, singing in the
choir starting up, my friends and family, a lot of good things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then sang some of the stuff for Sunday and
then caught up on my blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-90542739562802316772018-08-14T06:43:00.003-07:002018-08-14T06:43:47.590-07:00Things are Looking better<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday was a much better day (no valium) and I got a bunch
of good news for a change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out
that the rent surcharge letter was a mistake since I am paying market
rate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went over to Rob’s to talk to
John and it seems that I had the neck MRI here at Lewis Gale the week before I
went to UVa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly don’t remember
getting it but John had the papers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is unfortunate that the papers were not faxed to UVa (which John said should
have been but I also should have remembered that I had had an MRI the week
before so I have responsibility also). That was very disappointing but I called
Anthem to see how much I would be charged and the woman I spoke with said at
present Anthem had covered everything and there were no pending bills from
Anthem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The figures she gave me for the
MRI charges were in the mid hundreds so I am hoping that if UVa bills me it
will only be for 500 dollars or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
went over Tech to dry out my kayak and rode my bike around the parking lot
while it dried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I went to St. Mary’s
to give 20 dollars for Father John’s trip and ended up talking with the
seminarian Tom Lawrence and Lorianne and it was and interesting conversation
about faithback home for a nap but couldn’t so I did some singing and
eventually decided to forgo golf and go to the Mercy Mass at 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice to see the people I knew and
there were some new ones also, not a big crowd but the singing was very
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked to Glenda a little and
she gave me a thing she wrote about her trip to Richmond and it was very
powerful, putting your trust in God, and I do hope that I can do more of that
in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is obvious to me that
I have very little control over what is going to happen to me (financially and
medically) so if I can ease my worries about these things by trusting in Jesus,
that should be a positive thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my
talk with Lorianne and Tom, I saw real comfort for them in their trusting in
Jesus and I want to allow that to happen to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tom gave me a book to borrow, Christian Prayer, and I am going to set up
a meeting with him next week before the semester starts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the Mercy mass, I went home and did
some weights and stretching and the watched some TV before going to bed at
12:15 and reading a few pages of Midnight’s Children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-79493427207133613672018-08-12T19:10:00.002-07:002018-08-12T19:10:14.144-07:00An awful Sunday<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday was a pretty terrible day, full of anxiety about a
number of things: my general financial picture (at present I will have to work
until June of 21), Anthem sent me a letter saying that they wouldn’t approve
the two and a half hours of MRI done at the UVA hospital, Taylor Hollow sent me
a letter saying that if my income exceeds the maximum allowed by Virginia
Housing Development Aurthority then I might have to pay a surcharge, someone
was parked in my handicapped space when I returned from UVA, and I broke a
bottle of balsamic vinegar on the concrete and was unable to remove the stain,
along with the fact that I am approaching 67 and really feeling it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not a good day and around 4 I took
half a valium to calm me down a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did try to clean the stain with the two things that were recommended online,
oven cleaner and an ammonia/water mixture, but despite intense scrubbing, I was
unable to remove any of the stain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did
write to Heather to tell her what happened and I assume she will respond to my
earlier email about the surcharge and the latter one about the stain at some
point tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did talk with Rob for
some this afternoon and he thought that the prednisone might be contributing to
my anxiety and that I should try to get off the prednisone, lowering to 6 mg
tomorrow and then lowering it 1 mg every two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that doesn’t work, then he may put me on
Prozac because I can’t stand how I am feeling right now (although I did my knee
exercises this morning, went over to Tech in the afternoon and rode my bike for
40 minutes, then went back over at around 7:30 and walked for 30 minutes
outside until my feet began to hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t focus well at Mass and my singing
was not very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked to Glenda
some and she was kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her she
was a wonderful and sacred woman and that I wished I could be like her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob told me that I shouldn’t travel, since it
put such a stress on me, and I think he is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip up to UVA was pretty stressful, with
an accident on 81 and another on the Blue Ridge Parkway (which closed the
Parkway).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did ride my bike up on the
parkway and I did walk to Crabtree Falls near Montebello.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riding along the Tye river was fun but it
saddened me that the Montebello store had closed and one of the restaurants on
56 on the way to the parkway was for sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Staying at the Omni was fine (although I couldn’t get the Keurig to work
for a cup of coffee in the morning) and I had a decent dinner at Hamilton’s in
the mall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rooms were pretty expensive
(111 in Innsbrook, then 131 in Williamsburg, plus a dinner at Carrabas) and
overall I spent over 500 dollars on the trip, certainly money I could ill
afford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also disappointed that
Royal New Kent golf club had closed so I played 9 holes plus at Viniterra. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am trying to look at the positive stuff,
that the kayak trip with Kate went very well and I am sure she had a good time,
that I have almost 480K in my two retirement accounts, plus 25K a year in
social security, and that I will be back working in a few weeks, and that
should help lower my anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have set
up an appointment with a TIAA advisor on the 22<sup>nd</sup> and I hope that
having a real professional will help calm me down a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may have to trade in my truck and get a
used vehicle that gets better mileage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
still owe 8K on my Tacoma and though I like its size and safety features, I may
not be able to afford it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea of
finding another place is also troubling because I was hoping to stay here for a
couple more years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a mess my life
seems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lost perspective on living
so well in the hollow for 21 years, for the many good times I had with Tracy,
for all my travels and hikes in nature, for all the articles I wrote, mainly
protecting nature, for the conservation easement I put on my property, for my
friendships with Gloria, Gyorgyi, Dave, Lou and Cathy, and Claire Hall, for
getting back in touch with Roberta, Judy and Paul and my nieces, Jenny and
Patty and Patty’s daughters Gianna and Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rob said this afternoon things don’t look so bad in his view and I am
sure he is right but my head is so screwed up right now that I can’t see
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked me if I were suicidal and I
could honestly say no, but this is a very bad time and I don’t know what I will
feel if it goes on too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-42141840137018477052018-08-07T14:23:00.003-07:002018-08-07T14:23:36.697-07:00A Somewhat Anxious Day<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday has turned out to be another anxious day and I’m not
sure why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are going well (off the
lupus drugs, all my outlines and rules ready, riding my bike, doing weights and
some stretching, playing piano and singing).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another positive is that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set up
an appointment with a financial advisor at TIAA on the 22<sup>nd</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee exercises, sang my four songs, fixed
the bed in the back of my truck (now it’s ready to sleep on), put the
inflatable floor in and the paddle, then I was heading out to walk at Tech (even
though several of my toes were hurting) but when I saw the sky I decided I’d
better try to play golf right then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
it got there is was very crowded so I played the 18<sup>th</sup> hole three
times, once as a par 5, and I got a 5 on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I went over to the first tee and it was open as were 2 and 3 so I
started playing and did well, with a 5, 4, 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the 4<sup>th</sup> hole I was close on two (I hit from the 280 yard
mark) and, in retrospect, if I had hit my gap wedge onto the green, I might
have shot a 39.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead I put it in the
rough and ended up with a 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the next
hole, usually the hardest par 4, I go a 4, then a 5 on the par five with a
great putt, then a 4 (after a fine first shot) then another 4, with a great
second shot, and all I needed was a 4 to break 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My drive was good, but I flubbed my second
shot, then hit my third shot to within 4 feet and all I had to do was make the
putt for a 39 and instead I left it 3 inches short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a dummie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped for gas, then a McChicken sandwich,
then I picked up my prescription at Blacksburg pharmacy, and the rains came,
just torrential and I drove back to my apartment, where I tried to take a nap
but failed so I got up and played piano for almost 30 minutes, then washed the
dishes, then worked on my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later I
plan to go over to Tech to ride and that should calm me a little, although I
feel okay right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not take any
valium and that is a good sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-30054114925998851992018-08-06T05:32:00.001-07:002018-08-06T05:32:23.183-07:00An anxious day<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Sunday was a
tough day and at many points during it I almost took a half of a valium but I
didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up feeling a little
anxious, but I did my knee exercises and practiced some piano, and then headed
off to the 11:30 Mass and I sang pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Brent was right behind me and it is always nice to hear his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Beth and chatted for a couple minutes
and then I decided to head over to Tech for a 40 minute walk, which did calm me
down some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I was stuck with much
too much time on my hands so I drove out to Walker Creek, feeling the whole
time that I was wasting gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The river
was up but I fished at the bridge at White Gate and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>caught one small fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed like a waste of time but I drove
back to Tech and drove around campus for 40 minutes and that also calmed me a
bit and then I headed home to watch TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-1179868485007707912018-08-05T05:06:00.003-07:002018-08-05T05:06:50.204-07:00Rise and Fall<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday turned out to be a very active day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee exercises, unloaded a few
things from the truck, went for a 40 minute walk over at Tech, played golf
(because it was slow I ended up playing 13 holes) very well, then trying to nap
a bit but instead heading out to fish on Sinking creek, then heading back to
Tech to ride my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bike for 40
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched TV until 12:15 then
went to bed pretty tired and slept till 6:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, when I got up I was a little anxious (mainly about my
finances, but also about the trip to Charlottesville and then to Williamsburg,
and probably a little bit about starting teaching again).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not look at my retirement stuff, even
though I really wanted to, so that was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I look back at my trip to California and how difficult it was at
points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent over 5K on it, and I did
enjoy the scenery and seeing Dave, and Patty and Josh and their kids, but it
was a struggle and at least half the trip my energy level was very low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I wonder, do I want to go to Denver next
summer and perhaps visit Dave in Las Vegas (it would be very hot there, which I
don’t handle well at all)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would cost
around 4K, and is that smart to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
if I worry too much about finances the next few years, I may be unable to
travel later on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly have a
limited window of traveling (maybe five years or so) but it has gotten so much
harder now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In trying to be honest with
myself, I have to day that I have great ambivalence toward traveling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not really looking forward to driving to
Williamsburg, or to Pittsburg or going to see John at Thanksgiving or Roberta over
winter break. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I am feeling
well right now, will I be able to stay off the lupus drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That certainly is a legitimate worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-112686241695249592018-08-04T07:45:00.002-07:002018-08-04T07:45:45.789-07:00Catching up<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday morning and a whole week has passed without an
entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of that is simple laziness
and part of it is that I was pretty busy and pretty tired at points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the week, I went to see Dr. Ghosheh
and my visit was very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He agreed
that I should stay off the lupus drugs for now and though he would like me to
get off the Hydralazine, he thinks I should stay on it for now since I am doing
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that exercise will help my
overall health but there was no evidence that it would affect my lupus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also went to New River Periodontics and had
my teeth cleaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have finished my
outlines and rules and I am basically ready to start teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had dinner with the Gallos yesterday and
that was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went fishing a couple of
times out on Sinking Creek (one time when the creek was up a bit, I didn’t get
any fish, which was very unusual), played golf a few times and shot pretty well
though the last time I played, I shot a 47 and couldn’t focus very well even
though I did enjoy myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
resolved to not look at my retirement stuff during the month, and just update
things at the end of each month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
becoming too obsessed with it and now that I have stopped looking at it, I am
much more relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t worry about
three years from now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I need to teach
an extra semester, so be it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked
with Rob yesterday and he was pleased with how I was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still trying to set things up for a
kayak trip with Kate and I hope to have it figured out soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have started to unload my truck so I can
use it to sleep in at least one night on my trip to Norfolk and I hope to use
it more since it will save a good deal on motels, which are pretty expensive
these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am pretty sure I can get
in and out pretty easily and in the past I never minded sleeping in the back of
the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-19912073431484634182018-07-28T12:45:00.002-07:002018-07-28T12:45:58.641-07:00Still going well<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Friday started
well, with knee exercises, weights and stretching, some straightening up, and a
nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did play golf yesterday and had a
great round, shooting a 40 with a real chance at a 39.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a 5 on the easy par 3, number 7, and
just missed an eagle putt on number 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
brought my bike in to East Coasters and it turns out the set screw broke off
and I may have to buy a new part for 70 dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it can be fixed by drilling a new
hole and tapping it out but Scotty, the mechanic on duty seemed skeptical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may have to try it myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a nice chat with Dave in the evening
and found out that Maddie’s colonoscopy was fine, no polyps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did ride my bike outside of East Coasters
so that was good, but I think I have to get my bike back on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to leave it there for very long.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went out to fish at David’s place and
I met his girlfriend and they both were very sociable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried my waders and they had a big rip in
them and a few holes so I put some duct tape on and they worked fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I caught one very tiny fish with a wooly
bugger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Saturday has been
okay though I have been pretty tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did clean the bathroom, do two loads of wash, weights and stretching (some with
my right arm), played 20 minutes of piano and 30 minutes of singing, put a
couple of patches on the inside of the waders, cleaned up the truck some, and I
will be going to play golf in a few minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-77377256015276281262018-07-26T07:56:00.002-07:002018-07-26T07:56:41.013-07:00Good Medical News<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Wednesday was a
very good day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee exercises,
my weights and stretching, my blog and I wrote out my new poem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I went to see Rob about the results of
my bloodwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The results were stable
and Rob said I could drop the Bactrium (since I wasn’t on any lupus
medication), that I could cut back to 8 mg of prednisone, that I could stay off
the Diltiazen and the Plaquenel, that I could cut the Lasic to 20 mg every
other day and that could cut back my synthroid to 225 mg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All very good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still a little lightheaded but once I
get going I am okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went out to play
golf even though the sky was threatening and got three holes in before one of
the people in the office drove out to warn me about an very strong incoming
storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was quite nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then had a southwest salad at McDonald’s
and took a nap, then went for a bike ride at the Perry street garage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Thursday has
started okay, with knee exercises, a nap, some financial figuring and resolving
a few matters over the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am tired
but I am getting stuff done, including ordering my new parking sticker at Radford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to play golf later if the weather is
okay. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-74792612689463250682018-07-24T09:02:00.001-07:002018-07-24T09:02:18.585-07:00Back in the swing of things<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Monday was a
decent day and my energy level wasn’t too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did my knee exercises, attended the 10 AM meeting with Heather and
Shelly (which seemed to go pretty well and I think the trees are going to be
saved and the structure in front of Mary’s windows will be replaced by a few
picnic tables and chairs on some mulched ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may also get a bike rack and Heather said
that my screens will be fixed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it
was time to go do my bloodwork and that was virtually painless and I should get
the results tomorrow and see Rob on Wednesday at 3:15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was time to go play golf and though I
shot a 6 on my first hole (number 2), I ended up shooting a 44.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then drove back to my apartment to rest
some and then went off to ride my bike for 40 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Tuesday has
started well, with knee exercises and then some singing from Breaking Bread, my
weights and yoga, and my blog for yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have to see the dermatologist at 1:45 and then pick up my meds at
Walmart, then go to Jeff’s to say goodbye to Paul and Maruja.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I hope to ride my bike at Tech this
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did call Amtrak and I
addressed my complaint about the car attendant and the person I spoke with gave
me a 200 dollar credit for my next trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-76556781468790651182018-07-22T13:22:00.003-07:002018-07-22T13:22:43.181-07:00The rest of the Western Trip<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Monday I got up
pretty early to use the recreation center and what a place it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had everything and I was able to do 40
minutes of biking and some weights with both my arms for a change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went back to my room, showered and then
packed the car and headed off to see Mesa Verde.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The traffic bothered me and some drivers got
right up my ass, which was a bit scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was driving about 60 and the limit was 65 so I wasn’t slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The iconic view of the entrance mesa was
impressive and I enjoyed the ride into the park particularly the short hike up
Park Point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was 8,500 feet and it
made exercising very hard. However, the view was superb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going to go to one of the ruins but
the sign said 7 miles down the turnoff road but I found nothing even at 8 so I
turned around and headed back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wouldn’t recommend Mesa Verde unless you had seen most of the other more
impressive National Parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove
toward Chama and the ride was okay, not the most scenic and eventually stopped
under a large pine tree for a nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
I stopped at a lake on the Ute reservation where they charged me 10 dollars to
fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fellow there told me that the
lake had been stocked with 30,000 trout—and that bass were there and
catfish—but I only got one small fish and I wasn’t sure what it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried at the dock right by the bait
shop—and there were many 6 inch trout swimming there—but I couldn’t get one to
hit even though I rigged up my fly rod and tried a tiny gold ribbed hair’s
ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was still fun and I headed off
to Chama passing through Pagosa Springs, which seemed like a very cool
town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to Chama and it was clear
that the river was much too low to fish and I didn’t want to get a license.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a nap, then headed over to the High
Country restaurant for a pretty good meal of a hamburger smothered in red chili
sauce and cheese and a small caesar salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I packed my stuff that I am going to mail back to Virginia and watched
some TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Tuesday morning
found me doing my knee exercises, then heading off to the Post Office to mail
my package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was time to drive to
Sante Fe and the ride was okay but certainly not that scenic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost made it to Sante Fe when it was time
for the World Cup match between Belgium and England so I used my GPS to find a
restaurant and did but luckily I found this combination restaurant and store in
Tesuque and I was able to enjoy the entire game, possibly the best one I have
seen so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the game ended I
drove toward downtown Santa Fe and ended up parking at a lot a few blocks from
the historic plaza and it was nice to see the famous cathedral mentioned in
Willa Cather’s Death Comes for the Archbishop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I then drove out of town to beat the traffic and got to Las Vegas by 6,
checked into the Comfort Inn, and after a quick nap, rode the stationary bike
for 30 minutes and did one of the machines with both arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fthen went to a Chinese buffet (not very
good) for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was back to
the hotel to watch TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still had a
little problem breathing since Las Vegas is almost 7,000 feet high, but so far
I have not had to use any of my asthma spray the entire trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Wednesday started
with another 30 minutes on the bike and more work on the weight machine, then I
took it easy in the room since there was no point of leaving before check out
time at 11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then loaded my car, got
some gas and picked up prunes at Walmart before heading to the Amtrak station
at around 11:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time passed quickly and
I talked to Lou briefly before getting on the train with a female train attendant
who was very kind and helped me with my bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a nice lunch, napped for several hours, then had a good walk at
Albuquerque.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner was decent salmon,
mixed vegetable and baked potato and I had the fruit and cheese tray instead of
a more sugary dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s already 8:15
so I will be getting off in less than 12 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Thursday started
off okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t sleep much, having to
pee about once an hour, but finally 5 came and it was time to go to
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was nice, having a good
conversation with a fellow who had been in the air force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that I went back to my room and got
everything ready to get off in Fullerton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At a little before 8 I got off and got over to Track 3 where the train
to Oceanside stopped and in 10 minutes the train came and I was on the final
leg of my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was interesting to
see all the beaches and the hundreds of surfers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 9:20 I got off and in five minutes, Dave
appeared and our long awaited visit began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had a good chat in his apartment and then Dave treated me to lunch at
the Oceanside Broiler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got back,
I took a long nap and then we went for a walk on the beach of two miles, which
I felt great about and then we went back to the apartment and showered and
headed to Norte, a Mexican restaurant in neighboring Carlsbad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very good and I treated Dave to
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dinner we watched the
Yankees win against Cleveland then headed to sleep around 11:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday found me getting up around 7,
doing my knee exercises and working on my finances, then working on my FAR, and
then my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt pretty productive
and my health seemed to be doing fine right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the afternoon proved the start of my
health problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really struggled to
walk the two miles, and had to sit down three times just to get back. I hadn’t
taken my plaquenil and I didn’t take the diltiazem, figuring these drugs were
the only new ones I was on that one or both of them might be causing my
tiredness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Dave and I tried to go
to dinner I could hardly make it to the elevator so we decided Saturday to
order from a nearby Chinese restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My shrimp and broccoli were fine and we watched another Yankee game
before heading to bed around 11:30.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Saturday morning
I was pretty tired and didn’t have the energy to even shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really just rested and then Dave and I went
out to breakfast but I could tell my energy was very low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt almost like the weakness I felt on
Prograf although I wasn’t anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t even do a walk and I was really listless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did watch some TV but I went to be early,
around 11:00<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Sunday things
seemed to get a little better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a
lot more energy and I was able to shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dave and I went to breakfast at the Petite Madeline again it was quite
good, and then we went for a long walk along the harbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt fine and I thought I could walk
another half mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later Dave took me
over to the train station and he waited until the train came around 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good visit that would have been much
better if I had had some energy the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got into Fullerton around 7 and then had
dinner before heading to my room and relaxing until it was time for bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Monday morning
found me somewhat lightheaded but I went and had breakfast and then took it
pretty easy until dinner was approaching but since we were almost an hour late,
I asked if I could get my dinner since we were very late and they decided I
should and I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was time to
take the cab to the Quality Inn in Trinadad and it was kind of run down, thus
the price of 100 dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been
impressive how much the motels cost this trip, with the average over 140
dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>certainly spent more than a thousand dollars
for 7 nights lodging. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Tuesday morning
found me ready to be picked up at 8:30 and Sharon was right there on time and
though it took them almost an hour to get everything together, I was on my way
to Colorado Springs by 9:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had time
to take a quick but needed nap and I would have arrived at Patty’s on time but
there was an auto on fire and that slowed things by at least 15 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls were delighted to see me, and we
went out to a Noodles and Company and I had a fine Pad Thai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went back to Patty’s and I played with the
kids for several hours and got an hour’s crucial nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Josh came and we hustled and arrived at
the Bonefish Grill a few minutes late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The meal was first rate, with me having arctic cod and Gianna having a
lobster tail, which she really wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I drove to my hotel room and tried the exercise bike but could only
ride it for 10 minute and do 4 rounds of weights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to the room and showered and then
watched an Alex Cross movie and went to bed around 11:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Wednesday was a
good morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to ride the
bike for 15 minutes and do 4 rounds of weights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got everything packed and I was on the way to Patty’s by 8:45 and
though I was light headed, we played in the house for an hour then went outside
and played on the gym, got in the treehouse, slid down the slide, and had a
very good time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was time for
lunch at Panera, which was very good, and our goodbyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of the girls wished I lived closer and I
wished the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kept hugging me and
I told them I would try to visit at Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I had a fairly difficult drive back to Trinidad and I had to stop
several times to rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I got
there around 3:45, checked in the car and got a ride to the Amtrak station
around 4:15 though the train was delayed until 6:52 so I went to a nearby
Mexican restaurant and had a Chicken and Cheese Burrito and worked on my blog,
which is now up to date. The train was over an hour and 15 minutes late and I
ended up sitting on a curb with my back propped up on my bag for almost an
hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the train came and I was on
my way home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a decent trip
although I struggled with the meds and the altitude at points, but I
accomplished what I wanted, 5 days in Colorado, including the guided fishing
trip on the Gunnison, seeing the Gunnison canyon again, seeing Mesa Verde for
the first time, then visiting Dave for 4 days, then visiting Patty, Josh,
Gianna and Grace for two days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
still struggling with my energy level so I am not sure what factors were at
play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know at Dave’s stopping the
Diltiazen and the Plaquenil helped a great deal but I was hoping that it was
the altitude that was causing me problems after leaving Dave’s but now two days
in the lowlands I am still struggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
got to Chicago at almost 5 so I had only 15 minutes to walk around, but that
helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I napped a bit and went to
dinner where I met a fascinating couple who collecting antique cars and they
were such fun to chat with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debi sent me
her article (which needed a lot of detail to be published) and I edited for
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
I got up Thursday
for breakfast then napped a bit then had lunch and got off about an hour late
in Clifton Forge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a bit worried
about walking to the police station but I made it with one stop to rest and
then I headed home getting back around 4 and then taking a nap before riding my
bike for 40 minutes at Tech and doing my knee excercises.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Friday was a day
to get thing back in order in my apartment and I spent a lot of the day doing
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee exercises, and later
did my 40 minute bike ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mail
brought only one real surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Social
Security Administration is going to penalize me 1800 dollars for July and the
explanation they gave me in the letter was incomprehensible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to see if I get any money on the
26<sup>th</sup> and then I may call them to dispute the ruling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, my monthly SS payment will go up 50
a month, I still haven’t sold the kayak and pack, I got a check from Farhi for
184, I will have around 400 dollars in credit card rewards, and I am going to
reduce my spending to 1500 a month again until I make up the loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In January I should get a SS cola increase so
I should be fine then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Saturday was a
very good day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee exercises,
watched Tiger in The Open (at one point he was tied for the lead, went over to
St. Jude’s for confession (I really liked the priest there), then went to play
golf, giving myself a goal of 52 since I hadn’t played in 3 weeks, and shot a
44, which really surprised me, then went fishing out on Sinking Creek and
caught 3 fish, one of them a large bass, then headed to Tech and after a long
talk with Roberta, rode for 40 minutes before heading home for a late dinner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Sunday I did my
knee exercises, then got ready for mass and felt very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike’s sermon which talked about hell being
an eternal breaking of the relationship with God was profound and elegant, and
I told him so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really is good at his
sermons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I came home to watch
Tiger end up two shots behind in The Open and take a long nap, from which I
woke up dizzy even though my blood pressure was 138. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-70728405471128811912018-07-08T21:09:00.002-07:002018-07-08T21:09:56.210-07:00The Western Trip<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Tuesday was a
waiting day since I couldn’t get going but I really wanted to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee exercises, did a little more
packing, and went for a 35 minute walk over at Tech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then decided that I would head out toward
Pembroke mainly for the ride through the mountains but I decided that it would
be nice to fish a little at Eggleston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The water was flowing gently but it seemed to be too much for the fish,
so I moved down to another, slower spot and I got a small red eye bass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove back and headed for VT where I rode
the bike for a solid 40 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a
little worried about the trip, but I think once I get on the train things will
be calmer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Wednesday morning
saw me driving over to Tech to do a 40 minute bike ride and then coming back
for a nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I was able to have a
nice phone chat with Kelly and she seems to be doing well enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has some minor health problems but
overall not too much to complain about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been a long time since I really chatted with her and I told her I
would like to visit if my health holds put.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then it was time to finish packing and showering and that worked fine
with everything ready to go at just about noon, which was my plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The traffic on 81 wasn’t too bad and once I
exited at 150, traffic was even easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was way ahead so I took a 25 minute nap under a shady tree and then drove
the rest of the way to Clifton Forge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
dropped my stuff off at Jack Mason’s Tavern, then drove back to the police
station, parked, then walked in the heat back to the Tavern, where I had an
excellent fish and French fries, along with a side salad and roasted
vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fish and roasted
vegetables were very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a
little worried about getting my stuff over to the station, but I had no
problem, and I sat there chatting with a fellow whose son was outrageous, and
he kept slamming the door at least 70 times before his father finally stopped
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The train was an hour and a half
late but I got on and found myself without much energy so I simply watched the
scenery until it was time to go to dinner, during which I watched the New River
through the Prince canyon and then through the New River Gorge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner was not very good, a very small
portion of Beef Bourguignon with some mashed potatoes and a teaspoon of
vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waiter paid no attention
to me but I gave him a small tip anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went to bed around 11:30, very tired but satisfied I had gotten this
far.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Thursday began
with having to go pee every two hours but that was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally got up around seven and walked some
at the Indianapolis station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
breakfast, I checked my blood pressure which was 129 / 60, so I didn’t take any
more BP medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At breakfast I
reflected on how much I still was enjoying travel (it certainly is harder, but
leaving from Clifton Forge is so much easier than driving to Cary, NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was relaxed and enjoyed passing the little
towns, the soybean and corn fields, the vehicles at the crossings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure if I will take a very long trip
again, but I think Denver will still remain a possibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The train was a little late getting into
Chicago but once I got there I stowed one of my bags, emptied a lot of the
stuff in the backpack, then headed off to find a Divvy bike location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to walk pretty far to find a working
one on Adams but eventually I did and I rode over to the lake and then rode along
it for at least 35 minutes with one stop along the way because it was too
hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad I did it for my breathing
but the heat took most of the joy out of the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that I walked back to Union Station
(with two rest stops) and got there just as it started to rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have walked three miles and when I
finally got to the Metropolitan Lounge, I was totally exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After eating some pepper jack cheese cubes
and carrot strips and tiny tomatoes, I felt a little better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as it got time to head for the train, I
waited outside to get red cap service but none came so I walked to the train
and that was pretty tiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once aboard,
I got to stretch out and that felt good and I also found that I could rent a
car in Trinidad (about 4 hours less driving when I visit Patty and her kids) so
I changed my Amtrak reservation and set up a room in Trinidad for the 16<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of equipment failure, dinner was a
side salad, a small slice of pizza, some pasta and a small piece of garlic
bread, with a little cup of cheesecake for dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to bed around 11:30 after trying to
get the car attendant for a least a half hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I had problems sleeping and I ended up taking two halves of a
valium so I could sleep some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up
around 7 and had breakfast, which was a breakfast sandwich with some
fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a nap in and when I asked
for some more water the surly attendant wouldn’t give me any more even though I
explained my medical situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked
to see the conductor and he was friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I showed him my cane and all the meds I have to take and he gave me a
couple of small bottles of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later
outside he told me to call Amtrack to try to get a refund for the food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did get a short walk at Raton and the next
stop is Las Vegas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally did get a
Colorado license over the phone after failing 3 times before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are an hour behind so that shouldn’t
prevent me from getting to Alamosa by 6 or 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The train attendant did not show
up to help me with my bags so about 10 minutes from Las Vegas, I carried my
bags to the doorway and waited for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However he didn’t show up even as the train was slowing down and I got
really upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the train stopped and
he still wasn’t there and I freaked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
waited two minutes and then I started opening the door and he finally
appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cursed him and after I got
off and he didn’t offer to help me with my bags, I cursed him even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank god I got off the train and didn’t have
to go to the next stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found my
rental car and in a few minutes I had picked up my package from the Post Office
and was on my way to Alamosa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had
some mountains in the distance but it wasn’t particularly scenic until I drove
through the Sante Fe National Forest and that was pretty impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I neared the intersection of 64 I saw that
Taos was only a couple of miles out of my way and the pueblo was only about 6
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to go for it but it was
a mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was construction so it
took 25 minutes to get through the highly commercialized town and then the pueblo
was closing for the afternoon and there was admission so I just parked for a
few minutes and took one picture of an adobe building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a waste of time but I fortunately
didn’t have to go through town again and as I was heading out I stopped to take
a few pictures at the bridge going across the Rio Grande.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was pretty impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept on my way and got to Alamosa around 7,
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>after gassing up and accidently
driving off the curb to exit (which seemed to do no damage) I drove to the
Comfort Inn and brought my stuff in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
then headed for Nino’s Mexican and I had a terrific dinner of chicken flautas
and red and green chile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back at the
Comfort Inn I used the exercise bike for 30 minutes, did some weights and back
in my room I wrote a long complaint to Amtrak about the room attendant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Saturday morning
found that thought the tire warning gauge was on, the tires were all full and
someone told me that a bump like going off the curb could have affected the
gauge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was comforting and as I
traveled the gauge would go on and off at points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove toward Gunnison passing through a
lovely canyon in Carson National Forest and got to Gunnison just in time to
watch the second soccer game between Russia and Croatia (I had watched the
first game between Sweden and England in my room).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The game was a good one but I had to leave to
meet Dane for the float trip so I headed off and met him at around 2:30 at the
Garlic Mike’s put in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was friendly
and very helpful and I sensed that this was going to be a good trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore my tevas and just my long sleeved
shirt and that initially seemed a dumb idea because the weather looked very
threatening but fortunately the weather held and we both had a good time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could see that I was a very good fly
fisherman, and he complimented my casting quite a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The river was tough, having been fished all
day, but we saw a number of rising fish, and I caught 5 and Dane caught 3
(though he only fished about a third of what I did).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We floated about 5 miles and that took about
4 hours and I was pretty exhausted when I got done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave him a good tip and thanked him for his
services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The river was very pretty and
I cast into hundreds of enticing spots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I checked into my room at the Water Wheel motel (which was kind of
dumpy, but only cost 100 dollars instead of the 174 at the Comfort Inn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was told to go for dinner at Anejo’s for
good chile but they didn’t have chile but the fish tacos was pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove back to the motel, and I was too
exhausted to do anything so I just stayed in bed and watched TV till 11 and
went to sleep then.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the morning, I took a good shower with the
Ringworm shampoo, then applied the cream which made me feel pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a quick breakfast then started driving
toward the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a very scenic drive and after about an hour I reached the South
Rim entrance and in a few miles I was at the first viewpoint, Tomichi Point,
then stopping at Pulpit Rock, Chasm View, and Sunset View.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a remarkable place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it was time to head to Montrose to do my
laundry and that went pretty well and soon enough I was on my way to
Durango.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed through the very
lovely town of Ouray then several mountain summits, with rain and hail at
points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It finally cleared as I
approached Durango and I headed to the Quality Inn for a nap and then dinner at
Ken and Sue’s, a very nice restaurant where I had cilantro crusted halibut,
sticky rice and sautéed spinach, with a small salad and excellent bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that I walked along the historic
downtown for 20 minutes then headed back to my room to finish up my blog. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-46397382521882792852018-07-03T06:46:00.002-07:002018-07-03T06:46:12.844-07:00The Trip is On<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Monday turned out
to be a very good day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee
exercises, then drove to Rob’s office to get my blood drawn to see if I would
be able to go on my trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then drove
out to play nine holes of golf with Craig Waggaman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were put on the back nine so that took
away any advantage I had with being familiar with the course since I almost
never am able to play the back (which I wouldn’t mind doing more).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, Craig gives me 9 shots, one a hole
and on the first hole Craig hits two very solid shots from the senior tees and
then hits a wedge into the hole from about 45 yards for an eagle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow! He wins the hole and has a one shot
lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Craig plays very well, eventually
shooting a 38, but I shoot a 44, even with moving my tee back on 14 on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had some lunch and then we headed
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next I take a quick nap and meet Claire for a
second lunch at Nagoya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was doing
very well and then we headed over to Kate’s to water the flowers so Claire can
see the procedure Kate wants followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I came home and got the good news from Rob and Ghosheh that my
blood level was stable and my kidney number was a little better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip is on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I needed a very long nap and I got up at
almost 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some errands and then
went and did my bike ride but I was still pretty tired so I only rode about 25
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I headed home and realized that
I am not leaving till Wednesday so I actually have an extra day (I would have
preferred to get going on Tuesday but it will have to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My rash was bothering me some so I put some cream
on and that helped. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-489872560567004472018-07-01T14:29:00.002-07:002018-07-01T14:29:40.868-07:00Roller Coaster<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Saturday was a
reasonable day with knee exercises, weights for my left arm, some stretching,
and picking up the remaining supplies for the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eventually drove out to Walker Creek at the
White Gate bridge and caught 3 small fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I then headed over to tech and rode my bike for a solid 40 minutes up 10
ramps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to bed around 12.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Sunday found me
waking up at 3:30 very worried about the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I read some stuff online about withdrawing from Cellcept and it sounds
pretty scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up and wrote to UVA
but I don’t really expect a response untiI Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been off the Cellcept for three days
and fortunately I was only on it for a little less than two weeks so the
withdrawal should be pretty easy, I hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took a full valium and got up in time to call Rob at 8 (he was going
to call Ghosheh and get back to me, but it’s after 5 and I haven’t heard from
him).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also called Dave last night at
11 his time but he didn’t return my call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I then showered and treated myself with the cream and that felt much
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched Spain and Russia play
but I had to leave at 11:15 to head to Mass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt good when I got there but just as Mass started a guy with a cough
sat right in front of me and I had to sit in the Narthex part of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It totally ruined the experience. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-1313602236519442572018-06-29T11:55:00.002-07:002018-06-29T11:55:42.642-07:00Some Tough Moments<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Thursday was an
okay day with knee exercises, some piano and singing, and then doing a bunch of
errands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I checked my mail at Radford,
got the meds at Walmart, and picked up some other supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went for my 40 minute bike ride at Tech and
that felt good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed up till 12 but
I awoke at 3:30 very anxious and almost decided to cancel the trip but after 2
halves of valium, I calmed down, got to sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Friday found me
waking up at 8:30 and I felt much better so I am going to try to tough it
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob texted to tell me not to worry
about the last couple days, and later he called and said that my blood level
was down a pint, and he thought it might be the Cellcept so he might take me
off it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he was going to talk to
Dr. Kalantari next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kalantari’s
colleague emailed me that the only alternative to the Cellcept is Cyclosporin
(not exactly) and that has more side effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did my knee exercises and then later I took a walk over at Tech for 25
minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-75317240129858788892018-06-28T04:48:00.003-07:002018-06-28T04:48:43.752-07:00Is There Any Hope Left<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Wednesday was a
very strange and it may be the day that I decided to end my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I awoke feeling even more anxious and at one
point I started to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also very
tired feeling and I knew it was the cellcept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have no reason right now to be very anxious or unreasonably
tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was getting more and more like
last summer when I was so very tired and so very anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite remaining tired I decided to go play
golf and amazingly, I played incredibly well and shot a 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then decided to nap and I think I did drift
off, then I drove out to David’s place and caught 3 nice bass, then coming back
I was partially run off the road by a small gray car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called the police but I doubt anything will
come of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I called Rob and I was
hysterical about what the cellcept was doing to me, that it was just like last
summer and I do think the cellcept and perhaps the high dose of prednisone back
then, contributed to my selling the hollow at such a low price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was during this time that Rob put me on
Zoloft but that was a total failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
told Rob that I won’t go through that hell again and that I would rather
die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I am sincere about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called Dr. Ghosheh about the
situation and also wrote to Dr. Kalantari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If they can’t do something for me I don’t see much hope of continuing
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve suffered for 18 months and that
is enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-28874187739417856442018-06-26T07:59:00.002-07:002018-06-26T07:59:18.080-07:00Package Mailed to Colorado<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Monday was a
decent day, but I awoke being a little anxious and somewhat tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee exercises, played some piano,
then went off to mail my box of fishing gear and clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That cost almost 50 dollars but I think it
makes sense so I don’t have to carry much stuff out to Colorado and back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called Ghosheh and he said it was okay for
me to stay on 2 cellcepts until I got back from my tripnapped a little then
later I went out to play golf and shot a 45.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After that I had a Southwest salad at McDonald’s and then off to VT for
a 40 minute bike ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Tuesday started
off the same, feeling a little anxious and tired, but I did my knee exercises,
played some piano and sang, then showered and put on the cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My itching is definitely getting better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also did some straightening around the
apartment, and I had to lie down a couple of times but I wasn’t able to
nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-72664404229874203262018-06-24T15:16:00.002-07:002018-06-24T15:16:25.082-07:00One Very Good Day<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Saturday turned
out to be a very good day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little
hyper in the morning, not able to nap at all, but I did my piano work, my knee
exercises, my weights, my blog, and I did some wash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I went out to play nine holes of golf
and shot a 43.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was time to go
fishing at my new spot, and I tried my waders out and they worked fine though I
caught only one small on my fly rod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was using my pack rod (meant for a 7 weight line) with a 4 weight line and it
didn’t cast very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest thing
was that David was coughing and I may have caught something from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will really stress me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the fishing I drove to VT and did my
bike ride of almost 40 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Sunday I woke up
very dry in the mouth (am I getting sick?) and not very productive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my knee exercises then I showered with
the new shampoo and put on the cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then it was off to Mass and that went pretty well and I know some of the
songs and responses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I went off to
first register for the second year of my warranty on my new phone, then a nap
under the trees near Home Depot, then searching for regular boot waders (my
stocking foot and boot waders were pretty tough to get on and off) and I did
find a decent pair for 60 dollars but because they were used a bit I got 20
percent off so that was a good break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am going to send them out to New Mexico with my other fishing gear and my tevas
and some clothing so I won’t have so much to carry on the train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve gotten most of the gear together and I
will finish packing it later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to
get my bike ride in later but I may have to push to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-35339054738564361422018-06-23T09:24:00.001-07:002018-06-23T09:24:10.834-07:00Catchup<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
This will be a
big catchup, all the way to Saturday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The train ride back started okay, but toward evening I started having an
itch on my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it might be
bed bugs and the car attendant said it was possible but he also said that it
might be the detergent they use to clean the cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, it got worse and when I got home it
was a real problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob had me go to see
Dr. Johnson in Narrows and he did a biopsy but I didn’t hear until I went to
see Rob on Wednesday for a shot to calm the itching and it turned out I had
ringworm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly didn’t look like
ringworm but that’s what the biopsy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I had to undergo treatment for ringworm, taking some pills and some
cream and washing my hair with Nizoral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt better on Friday and pretty good this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have gotten it when I was wearing my
tevas when Roberta and I were kayaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went to UVA on Tuesday to see Dr. Kalantari and he was very sociable
and very smart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drive up and back
wasn’t too bad and on the way back I got off at the exit for North Creek and
drove up to the top of the mountain and rode my bike around MM 99 for 40
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I was itching some,
I really enjoyed the views and the exercise was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rode my bike yesterday all around the Tech
campus and I hope to ride later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Saturday morning was very productive with knee exercises, doing two
loads of was, straightening up around the apartment, signing up for Mychart at
UVA, playing some piano and singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I couldn’t nap, which may be because of the Cellcept of the
Terbinafine tablets for the ringworm (which can affect your sleep).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday
was a very hard morning, full of self doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was very uncomfortable and I ended up taking half a valium twice to
calm myself and help me sleep a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dave
called and I was very down but he cheered me up and later I went for my bike
ride, mentioned above.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603356926963726540.post-16262926387117242912018-06-17T07:05:00.001-07:002018-06-17T07:05:02.108-07:00Saturday and Sunday<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday was a pleasant day of kayaking the intercoastal
again (very crowded) and playing golf (I played my best, shooting two pars and
a number of fours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roberta also played
well and I think I won by one stroke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
went to Mass at 5 and that was nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sang a little bit but I didn’t know the songs so I kept things pretty low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One guy was singing very loud but he didn’t
have a very good voice so that was annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then Roberta and I went to dinner at Kee’s in Jupiter and it was
fabulous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roberta had a steak that was
excellent and I had Chilean Sea Bass that was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we sat by the water and enjoyed the
sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we returned home, we
watched the third round of the U.S. Open and it was remarkable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course was very close to unplayable and
the four leaders ended up 3 over par, with Dustin Johnson, the first and second
round leader, shooting a 77 and still ending up a co-leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the 18<sup>th</sup> hole he ended up three
putting from 10 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phil Mickelson ended
up with a 17 over par and got a two stroke penalty for hitting his ball back toward
the hole as it was rolling off the green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday started well, with my knee exercises and a quick chat
with Rob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is Father’s day and I
congratulated him for how well he has handle Raechel and Noah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chatted some with my sister and did work on
my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My right ear is still a problem
and this is day 7 of being off Cyclosporin so I am not sure if my ear problem
is going to be permanent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is not
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15753137884942072785noreply@blogger.com0