Friday was a
decent day. I did my knee exercises,
some singing, 30 minutes of stationary biking, another wash, and a late walk at
the University Kroger. The weather has
been quite unkind, and the next ten days don’t look promising with no day
supposed to get over 40 degrees. I am
about two and a half weeks before starting teaching and I feel pretty good
about it. My only fear is that I am
still pretty tired and I hope that the Prograf will kick in before I
start. I need two naps a day and they
are each over an hour. I have decided
that once I start teaching I am going to concentrate on my teaching and getting
enough exercise. I hope to continue
singing but that will depend on how well my teaching is going. I do enjoy the singing but I want my teaching
to go very well this semester. I can see
a lot of napping in my office. The
apartment is in pretty good shape and my only real concern is how quiet it will
be once my neighbors move in.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Friday, December 29, 2017
Long Drive Back From Pittsburgh
On Tuesday, I woke up at 8:48 and went down to get a cup of
yoghurt and some coffee and then returned to my room to catch up on my blog. I talked to Judy and she and Paul picked me
up a little before noon and I treated them to lunch at Panera. After that Paul drove into Pittsburg and gave
me a tour of the different college campuses (the main ones being Duquesne,
Carnegie-Mellow and The University of Pittsburg). We had a short walk downtown (since it was so
cold) and saw the gingerbread house competition. After that we drove home and I got a quick
nap before taking them to dinner at Denunzio’s.
On Wednesday I got up at 5:30 and was on the road by
6:15. It was 15 degrees out and dark,
and I quickly found out that my windshield wiper fluid had frozen. That forced me to stop again and again to
clean the windshield and I was averaging about 40 miles an hour until around
noon (after a quick nap with my heavy jacket and hood on and my minus 20
sleeping bag over my head. Only my feet
were a little cold. After the windshield
wiper fluid melted I was able to drive around 50 or so and after another quick
nap, I got home just as it got dark around 6.
Long, long day but I got through it safely. It was very cold and I went inside and
stayed, doing my knee exercises and riding the bike for 25 minutes.
On Thursday morning, the temperature was 7. That was more than enough to keep me inside
and I got to work on more straightening out.
I emailed Heather with my complaints and she addressed most of
them. I am a little worried about what
is going to happen when I have neighbors but I am hoping that it won’t get too
noisy. Presently I have no neighbors but
that will change soon. I did some
singing and 25 minutes of biking and at about 2 the fellows from Lowes came and
delivered the washer. I ran out to my truck
around 4:30 and got a few things out and then I watched the Tech game, which
they lost 30-21, mainly due to a couple of turnovers. At around 8 I drove over to Kroger’s for
supplies and a 25 minute walk before heading home. I was able to adjust the refrigerator to
around 12 degrees so now that concern is addressed and the adjusted shower curtain
is also working better. I did my first
wash in the washer and the humidity stayed around 35 % even with the humidifier
off. I did some more singing and had a
nice talk with Dave.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
The Pittsburg Trip
On Saturday evening I made my decision to head to Pittsburg
in the morning. The weather looked okay
and I really wanted to do the trip, not only to see everyone but to show that I
could do a long trip again. I went to
bed around 12:30, setting the alarm for 6:00, hoping to get going by 7. I had packed my stuff and showered so all I
had to do you move my belongings to the truck and head off.
I didn’t sleep too well so by 6:00 on Sunday I was on the
road with dawn at least an hour away.
Traffic was light out of Blacksburg and I made it to Paint Creek before
I took a nap. That was very needed and
then I kept driving till almost Morgantown, where I napped again. The trip was supposed to be 323 miles but it
ended up just over 370. I got in around
3 and it was quite fun to see everyone.
At seven we went to Christmas mass, and I sang most of the songs. In the evening, we sat around and I caught up
with everyone and left around 9:30, pretty tired, then stayed up till 12
watching TV.
On Christmas Day I thought the plan was for Gianna and Grace
to open there presents when they got up but instead they waited till I got
there around 9:20 and I was very embarrassed that I didn’t get there much
earlier. However nobody seemed too
bothered and watching everyone open their presents (I got a couple) was very
rewarding. They all seemed so
comfortable with one another and I did get to chat some with J.T., along with
Josh, Paul, Judy and Jenny, who was still very funny. I think Jenny should try her hand at writing
some of her stories down and I hope she does.
I ended up chatting with Patty, Jenny and Judy till just after 12 and
headed to the comfort Inn very tired, dropping off to bed immediately.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
An Anxious Night before the Move But All Goes Well
Wednesday was the day of the move and Tuesday night was a
very anxious one. Earlier, I was not
able to get the shot to help my blood because my blood pressure was too high
and I was so restless later on that I went out around 11 and bought pistachios
and steamed Cajun shrimp and ate all seven ounces of pistachios and over eight
ounces of steamed shrimp. I felt awful
about doing it but I literally couldn’t stop.
After an incredibly restless night I finally got up around 6, finished
packing some stuff and then took a well needed nap. After that, Claire came over and we packed up
all TV, my piano, the radio and my printer.
I took Claire to lunch at Macado’s and then I went back to meet the
movers. They loaded things in about an
hour and then drove over to Prices Fork and unloaded in about an hour and a
half. It cost me 275, so I was a little
under budget. At first it seemed like I
just had too much stuff, but as I put away a few things I started to feel
better. I treated myself to Chicken Mac
and Cheese at Macado’s and then returned to my new apartment and put away a few
more things. I spend a very good night
sleeping in the darkness of the guest room and didn’t wake until 6:30.
Thursday was a very good day. I was feeling pretty good about my new place
and I put away a few things and then headed over to Hethwood to start cleaning
out what was left in the apartment. It
didn’t take long to get the stuff out and then I decided to drive back to
Prices Fork for a nap before the Comcast guy got there. I did my knee exercises
and then started putting more boxes away and at a little after one the Comcast
guy came and within an hour he had everything fixed up. Claire came and I took her to Greens for
lunch before we drove back to Prices Fork to unload the truck, which only took
a few minutes, then we headed back to Hethwood and while Claire vacuumed I
finished cleaning the bathroom and the kitchen and then we loaded the truck and
we gave back the keys a little after 4:30.
Then I dropped Claire off and was just about to take a nap when Rob
called and we went for a nice hike and then I took my nap and after I got up I
decided to upgrade to 80 more channels for 10 dollars a month for the first 12
months and eventually, on the fourth try, Comcast succeeded in getting my new
channels to work. I did my weights and
yoga and took a very needed shower and now my blog is done. I am really liking my new apartment and I
hope that it continues.
T
Monday, December 18, 2017
Very Good Day
Monday turned out to be a good day. I did my knee exercises, did a little packing
(very little left), went out for a 40 minute bike ride, took a quick nap then
headed out to play golf. I shot very
well playing two balls per hole and I had a lot of fun, even though I hadn’t
played in 10 days. After that I headed
to Walmart for two perscriptions and the cabinet lining material. Then it was back home for a long nap and then
I ordered Lucia’s present and headed out to VT for a 40 minute walk. I called Craig Waggaman and updated him on my
health. He and Linda are doing well and
we talked about getting out and playing again on a nice day in January. I talked to Heather Hodges and I pick up my
keys at 11:30 on Wednesday. I hope to be
able to carry over a lot of stuff when I head over with Claire. I talked to Cathy and she is tired but she
will have about 10 days off in a couple of days. I also talked to Judy about the Pittsburg
visit and thought the weather looks worse than it did a couple of days ago, I
am still hoping it will work out for a Christmas visit. Days like today are a real blessing.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Decent day
Saturday was an okay day.
I did my knee exercises in the morning, sang my church songs, then went
for a walk with Rob. He said my numbers
were about the same so he thought Trivedi would increase the Prograf to 2 mg
twice a day. I certainly have to rest
after I do something strenuous, but overall I am doing okay and my packing is basically
done until Claire gets here on Wednesday morning. I wish the move was over and I am a little
worried about singing tomorrow since there will be fewer people there. However, I haven’t taken any Valium and I
hope to just get a lot of exercise in so I won’t need any. The weather in Pittsburg looks pretty good
for Christmas so I am definitely thinking of making the attempt. I had a quick text message exchange with
Kelly, mainly about Lucia’s birthday present but I am still not sure what to
get her. I went for a bike ride after I
napped following the walk with Rob, and then I ended up taking a walk in the
University Kroger for 20 minutes then heading home.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Some Good, Some Bad
Wednesday was an okay day.
I did some of my knee exercises, did some singing and some piano
playing, did some stationary biking and then went for the open house at Prices
Fork. The food was fine and I did some
more measurements in my apartment so I can cut some carpet to protect the rugs
in the 3 closets and the alcove. I also
did a little more packing.
Thursday started okay and then ended up poorly. I did my knee exercises, sang some songs,
played the piano and practiced my three jazz songs, then went for a 40 minute
bike ride outside. I then headed off for
Kate’s party and that was okay. The food
was fair enough and I did get to chat with Laurie Cubbison, Kim Gainer, Rick, Jola
and her husband. I said hello to Kate
and that was about it. I went back to my
office to finish up my work but decided to take a nap since I was exhausted. The nap didn’t help much and I struggled home
and then really had no energy the rest of the night. I went to be around 11 and the rest of the
night was restless.
Friday found me tired again, but I forced myself to do three
sets of yoga and weights and to ride the stationary bike for 25 minutes. I felt good about that and I did my knee
exercises and then rested a little and did a lot of work on the packing. I am making a lot of progress but there is
still a lot to be done. I cut up the
carpet to protect the apartment carpet and I moved more boxes and got all the
shelves off the bookcases. Then I went
to Rob’s party and that was fun. Rob
said my numbers were about the same, which I guess is all right. The food was good and my target gift card was
an okay present. Then I drove back home
for a good nap, then some more packing stuff and then to my blog. I am hoping to take a walk later, maybe at
Walmart. I certainly did better today
than last night, when I was totally without energy.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
An excellent day
Monday turned out to be the best day in a long time. I woke at 6:30, made coffee and started
working on my outline for the M-W class.
I then wrote two days of blog.
After that I did my knee exercises, then decided that I should go play
golf since it was going to be sunny and almost 50. Unfortunately, Auburn was closed because
there was still some residual snow but Castle Rock was open so I drove out
there and played two balls on the front nine and shot okay, 6 over bogey. I didn’t putt especially well but I haven’t
played Castle Rock in a long time so that was a big part of the reason. I then took a quick nap in my truck and then
drove to VT and rode my bike from the frat section back to the duck pond and
then along the road to the Smithfield Plantation. Very good ride and the first outdoor one in a
while. Then I drove to Lowe’s and bought
a washer and a cheap rug that I will cut up to protect the carpeting in the
closets and the alcove. I also got a
Target gift card for Rob’s party on Friday and two gift cards at Barnes and
Noble for Grace and Gianna. I then went
for a 35 minute walk in Torgersen and then went home for steamed veggies and to
watch the end of Eugene Onegin. The
ending was a bit long winded but I overall I did enjoy the opera. I stayed up until almost one, what a wild guy
I have become. I think the effects of
the reduction of the prednisone have worn off and I am not going to change
things until after Christmas.
Monday, December 11, 2017
A couple of decent days
Saturday started out very well. I did my knee exercises, packed up a number
of boxes, practiced some church songs, then went out and got 12 liquor store
boxes so I won’t be short for the move.
I returned home and did a little more packing but I was pretty
tired. I stayed in bed much of the rest
of the day, getting up to watch TV and more of the opera Eugene Onegin. I forced myself to ride my stationary bike
for 20 minutes but that was all I could do.
I was totally exhausted and I couldn’t do my weights and yoga. I am assuming that my energy level is low
because of my reducing my prednisone from 17 and ½ mg to 15. I didn’t take any Valium so that was a
positive. I did have a nice talk with
Dave and I am trying to focus on getting the move done (and I really should be
okay with Claire’s help) and then getting through what is going to be a hard winter. I was picturing Coltsfoot starting to flower
in early March and if I can make it till then that will be a real
accomplishment. I have just about a
month left before I start teaching and that is worrying me a bit. If I had to start right now, it would be a
real struggle. Lou and I had a
discussion about the past, and I am finding it sad to look back at many of the
places I’ve been and realizing that I will never return to so many of them. Lou uses the past as a source of inspiration
for his writing but that may be because he was never much of a traveler. I have dreams about some of the wonderful
natural places I have visited and I wake up pretty sad. I do still have places nearby to return to
and I hope my travels within an hour or two will be able to give me a sense of
independence and renewal.
Sunday was a pretty decent day. I did the first part of my knee exercises,
then got ready to go to choir practice at 10:00. It was a very sloppy practice with fewer
people than normal and some showing up late and a new piano player who wasn’t
that good. The singing during the mass
was okay but the piano player messed us up on the last song and that bothered
me. I drove over to Walmart to get my
meds and then I headed to my office to get my fall preference sheet in. After that I drove back to my apartment and
took a needed nap. I was very tired but
when I awoke, I had a nice chat with Gyorgyi, then had some food and decided to
go hear the speaker at St. Mary’s. Dr.
Italy was quite lively and I enjoyed his comments about reforming ourselves and
letting Jesus take over the driver’s seat, letting him guide us along. I certainly don’t know where my path is going
but I am starting to see a little bit of future ahead especially since my
kidney numbers are better again and Rob thinks the Prograf is working. I went for a walk at Torgersen for almost 40
minutes then came home and finished my stationary biking while watching Eugene
Onegin, then the rest of my weights and yoga.
I also had the energy to wash the dishes so I must be feeling better. I
am still on the 15 mg of prednisone but I am not going to reduce it again until
after Christmas.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Still Struggling
Friday was certainly a better day than yesterday. I didn’t take any Valium all day since I didn’t
get too anxious. I did my knee
exercises, read some from the Bible, did two sets of weights and yoga and then
headed out to see Rob and have my bloodwork done. Some bad news there. Val is going to be leaving in the summer and
I will surely miss her. A nice thing did
happen in that John invited me to Rob’s holiday party next Friday and I agreed
to go. When I got to see Rob I went over
all my concerns, the chills, the testosterone level, the asthma (or whatever my
breathing problems are), exercising (which is fine), the blood clot, the
prednisone (which I cut back to 15 mg today), my eyesight (the cataracts are
developing because of the prednisone), my tiredness (which Rob thinks is
because of the prednisone withdrawal.
Quite a list. I then went back
home for a nap before going to the 7 pm mass of the Immaculate Conception. I was able to receive the Eucharist, which made
me feel good, and I sang well on the songs I knew. Beth sang very well throughout the mass but
at the end she sang a litany about the Blessed Virgin and that was quite
lovely, quite incantatory.
Saturday started out very well. I did my knee exercises, packed up a number
of boxes, practiced some church songs, then went out and got 12 liquor store
boxes so I won’t be short for the move.
I returned home and did a little more packing but I was pretty
tired. I stayed in bed much of the rest
of the day, getting up to watch TV and more of the opera Eugene Onegin. I forced myself to ride my stationary bike
for 20 minutes but that was all I could do.
I was totally exhausted and I couldn’t do my weights and yoga. I am assuming that my energy level is low
because of my reducing my prednisone from 17 and ½ mg to 15. I didn’t take any Valium so that was a
positive. I did have a nice talk with
Dave and I am trying to focus on getting the move done (and I really should be
okay with Claire’s help) and then getting through what is going to be a hard
winter. I was picturing Coltsfoot
starting to flower in early March and if I can make it till then that will be a
real accomplishment. I have just about a
month left before I start teaching and that is worrying me a bit. If I had to start right now, it would be a
real struggle. Lou and I had a
discussion about the past, and I am finding it sad to look back at many of the
places I’ve been and realizing that I will never return to so many of
them. Lou uses the past as a source of
inspiration for his writing but that may be because he was never much of a
traveler. I have dreams about some of
the wonderful natural places I have visited and I wake up pretty sad. I do still have places nearby to return to
and I hope my travels within an hour or two will be able to give me a sense of
independence and renewal.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Good Day, Awful Day
Wednesday turned out to be an okay day. I slept pretty well and I did my knee
exercises, then did some paperwork, made a reservation for Amtrak to go down to
Palm Beach. I drove out to Auburn Hills
hoping to play some golf but there was only one car there and the thermometer
was stuck at 40 and that just seemed too cold.
I drove back and picked up some meds and supplies at Walmart and then
drove home for a long chat with my sister Roberta and I am planning to visit
her for 3 days before I head over to the CEA conference in St. Petersburg. I think it will be a good visit and I know I
will try to be the perfect guest. I then
drove over to Torgersen and walked for 40 minutes before returning home for
weights and yoga.
Thursday turned into an almost total disaster. I slept poorly, coughing a lot, and started
to get anxious so I took half a valium.
I got up a few times to eat a little and take my meds but I went right
back to bed drifting off a number of times while reading Women in Love. I did one set of the first part of my knee
exercises, then did a nebulizer treatment which did help my coughing. What a long day. I had scheduled an appointment to see Rob at
3:15 but I couldn’t get out of bed so I had to cancel. At points I couldn’t even lift my arms from
the bed. Rob called and offered to come
over and though I didn’t want him to, I finally agreed and when he checked me
out he wasn’t overly concerned although he wanted me to come in tomorrow at
12:00 for bloodwork and maybe some other tests.
He is not sure what is going on but the possibilities are many: my
tiredness could be because of my low testosterone, because the 300mg of
synthroid isn’t being absorbed, because of a virus or infection, because of my
decreasing the prednisone from 20 mg to 17 and 1/2 mg. I finally got out of bed around 7:30, sang
some songs and did my blog. I am going
back to bed now until I have to get up at 9:30 to take the Eliquis and the
Prograf. Horrible day. I really can’t live this way much
longer.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Bad Day, Good Day
Monday was a very hard day with a very frustrating
ending. I knew I had to get my kayak
dried out since Tuesday was going to rain so at about 8:30 I pulled it out
and started drying it. Much of my gear had ice on it so I had to
wait for the sun to warm up my booties, my wet socks and my gloves. Even the kayak had some ice in it. I did some work in the truck, then rode my
bike for 40 minutes, then did an outline for my Monday Wednesday class. I tried calling St. Mary’s to go to
confession but my phone wouldn’t connect with them so I didn’t go. I finally got the kayak dried out and folded
up and then carried it to the closet.
Then I collapsed into a deep sleep but I wasn’t very rested when I woke
up so I needed to nap a couple more times.
I talked to Claire about moving on the 20th (am I going to be
capable of that?) and talked to Xfinity about moving my service over to Prices
Fork, which is set up for the 21st.
I still have to talk to SlimTransport to set up the move though I did
leave them a message. I then got up and
got ready for the Mercy Mass at 7. I
had gotten my music ready but when I got there I decided to sit off by myself
and then I got a chill and had to huddle up in my jacket. I left right after the mass and I was very
cold. I went to Panda Express to treat
myself. I know I was a distraction
during the mass and I hope that once I go to confession I will be calmer. I hope to go tomorrow if I can set it
up. I watched some TV and finally did
one set of weights. I took a half of a
valium to help go to bed.
Tuesday turned out to be an okay day. After talking to Trivedi yesterday and she
informing me that my numbers were better and that I could reduce my prednisone
to 17 and ½ mg for a few days and then down to 15, I was feeling better and
then Rob called in the afternoon and reiterated that things were looking
up. That made me feel even better. Earlier in the day I did my bike ride for 40
minutes, my knee exercises in the afternoon, and did some packing for the
mover, set up with Slim Transport for the afternoon of the 20th. I did a wash and got some of the bigger boxes
ready before heading off for Torgersen for a 30 minute walk, followed by a
couple of Taco Bell burritos and then a visit to Kroger for some supplies. I did my weights and yoga (after doing two
sets this morning) and I felt pretty good overall. I had some steamed veggies and a couple of
waffles and then went to work on my blog.
Not a bad day at all and I should see Father John for Confession
tomorrow. I did try to explain how sick I
was last night to Joseph and he wished me a speedy recovery. I also had a nice chat with Dave and he
cheered me up pretty good.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Bad Day, Long Day
Saturday was not a good day.
I was anxious most of the day, but I did my knee exercises in the
morning. I called Rob and we went for a full
walk on the Tom’s Creek Trail. Rob was
optimistic about the prograf but I told him that I have been sick for over a
year and that his moments of optimism have not fully panned out. Initially he said that with the cellcept that
I would be so much better in 6 weeks and that didn’t happen, then I did finally
get better after the 4th chemo with Cytoxin but that fell apart
around three weeks ago, when Trivedi put me on the prograf along with an
increase of the prednisone to 20 mg from my 12 and 1/2. That has really added to my anxiety and I am
hoping that this week’s blood test (still no results from last Tuesday) will
show some improvement. I did try to go
to confession but it was so crowded and the younger people simply got ahead of
me that I decided to pass for today. I
ended up taking 2 halves of valium throughout the rest of the day. I am back to where if I don’t wake up in the
morning that will be fine with me. I did
take a bike ride at VT in the Perry street garage going up 12 ramps which is a
good ride overall.
Sunday was a long but
pretty good day. I go to rehearsal at
10:00 (having little desire to do that) and then I sang for the 11:30 mass and
I did pretty well. I was pretty
scattered but Betty Anne helped me out and that calmed me quite a bit. I was really hoping that my kayak friend
would cancel but that didn’t work out so I met her at around 1 and we headed
over to Dudley’s landing and got ready for out trip. Unfortunately, the valve in the floor of my
boat was not working so I had to sit in a lot more water than I usually
do. I got cold about halfway through, as
did my kayak friend, but we kept paddling and we both thought it was a decent
trip. It felt so good to pack up our
gear and warm up in my truck. After
dropping her off, I changed into dry clothes, drove to Jimmy John’s for a
sandwich and then headed to my office for a nap. My breathing wasn’t very good and I hope I
don’t get a cold. After I woke up I got
the money to Holly for the party and the housekeeper and finally filed some of
my documents. I ended up leaving around
7:30 and got back to my apartment around 8:15, resting on the couch and
checking some of the songs for tomorrow’s mercy mass. I was able to clean my saucepan with boiled
baking soda (an idea I got online) so that will save me 20 dollars or so. I also had a big dish of steamed vegetables at
9:30 so I could take my Eliquis and my Prograf. I am not sure if I will do my weights and yoga
since I did so much paddling today to stay warm.
Friday, December 1, 2017
A Decent Day
Friday saw me up at around 6. I really wanted to get my governor’s school
proposal over to Amy Rubens and I finished that up and sent it and then caught
up on my blog. I then did my knee
exercises and took a quick nap before heading out to ride my bicycle for 40
minutes. Then I did some singing and
piano playing (Green Dolphin and All of Me) and headed out to play nine holes
of golf with two balls on each hole (shooting a very decent 95). I then drove to Walmart and got the rest of
the Eliquis for my blood clot and then drove home for a good nap, then a cup of
tea and some singing. I will do my
weights and yoga later but today has been a pretty good day. I talked with Judy and made reservations in
Monroeville for Christmas but made it clear that I will only be coming if I
feel pretty good and the weather is good.
A long day indeed
Thursday was a pretty interesting day. I didn’t do my knee exercises because of my
swollen ankle, and then Mary took me out to breakfast at Panera. It was fun to chat with her and I will miss
her a lot. I then went back home, tried
to nap but at least rested my eyes and then went out and had a solid 40 minute
bike ride doing the hills. After that I
drove to Rob’s office, with the plan to go play golf after I finished. Rob looked at my leg and told me I had to
immediately get a venous duplex scan at the Imaging Center. He said that Dr. Trivedi’s diagnosis of gout was
wrong and that I could go back down to 20 mg of prednisone (which should help
my anxiety). He couldn’t find my Tuesday
blood test results so I’m not sure what is going on there. I asked him about my breathing (the night
before I had one puff of albuterol and I slept till 6:30) and he was okay with
that. He said he didn’t want to put me
on testosterone for my sore breasts because there are significant side effects.
He also looked in my eyes and said that there were cataracts developing and
told me to make an appointment with the optometrist. After
finishing with Rob I went right over to the Imaging Center and got the
ultrasound done and the technicians told me something was weird about it and
that I had to go right back to Rob’s for more info. When Rob saw me he told me I had a blood clot
in my left leg and that he wanted me to go on a blood thinner right away. I drove off, took a quick nap and then had
time to drive to Walmart before my dinner with Claire Hall at 5:15. Unfortunately, there was a foul up on Rob’s
office sending in the Eliquis prescription so I had to leave for my dinner
date. Dinner was fun and I talked to her
about helping me pack the TV, my printer and my piano, and maybe driving over
one load of boxes that the movers won’t be taking over. She will be available until the 22nd
so I hope I can move in before then. I
don’t think it is going to be a very hard move, but I am sure I will get more
anxious as the day approaches. We took a walk around the drill field and she
told me a very interesting story about her visit to the acupuncturist, and how
awful the woman was. Then it was time to
head to Walmart for my prescription but the prescription was sent to the Blacksburg
pharmacy so I was only able to get two pills and I will have to go back
tomorrow for the rest. Mary Gorton
called and I told her I would come visit and I did, chatting with her for a
half hour and helping get her luggage into her car. She will be flying out tomorrow and I wish her well with her new
life in Dallas. I drove home and watched
a movie I had wanted to watch for a long time, My Own Private Idaho with River
Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. An odd movie
but I did enjoy it a lot. I stayed up till
almost one.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Rough Times
Sunday was okay. I
sang again in the choir, this time with Mary Gorton, and that was fun. I think it was the best I sang and I hope to
continue if my health permits. I am
still having problems with my eyesight.
That situation is getting worse.
My left ankle is still stiff and swollen. I did get to ride my bike and do my knee
exercises, but my breathing is still bothering me. It doesn’t seem to matter too much if I use
the nebulizer or just several puffs albuterol spray. I wake up coughing around 3 and though I get
back to sleep pretty quickly, I certainly am not getting a restful night’s
sleep. My breasts are still very
sensitive also. And I kind of feel
listless. I helped Mary with more
packing and she appreciated that. Jeff
got in touch and I told him my situation and I said I would get in touch when I
was feeling better. I had a nice chat
with Kelly about all the political stuff going on and she may come to visit
after Christmas.
Monday was okay with knee exercises, a bike ride for 40
minutes, helping Mary pack some more and taking her out to lunch at Olive
Garden and then to Lowes for some packing supplies. Holy Spirit group was okay and I enjoyed
singing some of the songs.
Tuesday was another listless morning but some knee exercises
and then I headed in for my blood test with a new temporary woman named Tessa,
who was very nice. After a nice
breakfast I went out to play golf and shot a 99 for 18 holes (now hitting from 175
and 275 because of my health and the jacket I was wearing. I tried to contact Dave and Judy and will try
again tomorrow. I didn’t call Mary and
it was nice to have a break. I sang 3 of
the new songs and I hope to be ready for Sunday. I also took a 40 minute bike ride in the
outside Perry street parking area and that was fun as I listened to my music. I am going to see Rob on Thursday since my
health issues aren’t getting any better.
I pushed myself to do my weights and yoga so I did get a lot of activity
in even though I was not feeling great.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Bad Night, Decent Day
Saturday worked out okay although I had an awful night
sleeping. I took a single puff at about
12:30 and woke at around 3 coughing a lot.
I had to use the nebulizer and that helped me get to sleep at 4. I woke pretty tired and it was really tough
to get going. I am not getting much
better if at all. I did drive over to
pick up my meds at Walmart and then I decided to see if I could play golf again (haven't played in almost three weeks) and I played okay even though I shot from 175 on the par 4s and 275 on the par
5s. I ended up shooting a 7 over for 18
holes and my goal was a 13 over so overall it was a nice time. I drove back home and watched the opening of
the Alabama Auburn game and then Mary called and asked me to come over to help
a bit and to just hang out and I enjoyed that.
I am really going to miss her. I
then drove over to ride my bike around the Tech campus and that was fun even
though I was somewhat tired but I did do a 40 minute ride. I then headed to Kroger for some supplies and
then headed home to watch more of the Alabama Auburn game and have a big bowl
of mixed veggies and then wash all the dishes.
I am not sure if I will have the energy to do my weights and yoga but I
will give it a try.
Friday, November 24, 2017
A Pretty Decent Day
Friday
turned out to be a pretty good day. I
got up early and went to Our Daily Bread and got a quiche and a loaf of 12
grain bread, then returned home to do my knee exercises. I then got ready and drove in to meet my
kayak friend for lunch, then I headed back and sold my coin collection for 80
dollars, which I can use right now. I
stopped at Our Daily Bread and got a loaf of Olive Rosemary bread, then I
headed back and rode my bike for thirty five minutes before taking a good nap
then heading over to Glenda’s for dinner.
I gave Daniel the suitcase I had and he appreciated it. I had a nice chat with Candi and Daisy and
then I washed a lot of plates to help out.
The food was again terrific. I
drove back home and took a thirty minute walk before heading in and watching
the Tech game. I did a full set of
weights and yoga and that felt pretty good.
I was not too anxious all day and that was a very pleasant relief.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Things are pretty bad
Tuesday turned out to be a pretty important day. I went to see my new apartment at Prices Fork
and it looks fine. The one problem I
brought up is that there are no screens on the windows and that is
important. I told Heather Hodges I need
at least one and two (for each of the rooms with windows would be best). She is going to bring it up next week. It shouldn’t be too hard to have a small frame
built that would take care of the problem.
The bigger
concern was my meeting with Dr. Trivedi and that was really a setback. She explained that my numbers were slightly
worse and that my case had turned into a refractory or difficult case and that
meant that the prednisone was not working as expected (my dosage should be increasingly
lower) and that is why she put me on 20 mg instead of the 12 and ½ I was
on. She offered me several options for
an alternate drug but the best one seemed Prograf, a kidney transplant drug,
that has to be strictly monitored and of course can have a lot of dangerous side
effects. I started on it that evening
and will take two pills a day at about 9:30 am and pm. I also need to start taking iron since my
iron level is very low. Trivedi thought
much of my anxiety is coming from the move and from my returning to teaching in
January. I think it is mainly due to the
prednisone but I’m not fully sure. I did
get another blood shot and it didn’t hurt much and hopefully it will increase
my energy some. I was really down about
the visit and my relapse, but I did have a few laughs when I visited the
Gallows. Lou seemed pretty down but he
has his own stuff to go through. I did ride
my bike along the river so that was a good break and some good exercise. I also helped Mary with some of her packing.
Wednesday was the start of my new situation and I can’t say
it was very pleasant. I slept pretty good
by using the nebulizer but when I got up I was very low energy. I did my knee exercises, did a slight bit of
packing, practiced the songs, rode my bike for 35 minutes. None of it felt very good and I took half a
valium to make me feel less anxious. I
went over Mary’s to help her pack more and then I came back for a real nap of
over an hour then went back to Mary’s to help pack a little more and to
socialize with her while she made bread.
I ordered a pizza and salad for us and then we played a game for an hour
and I headed to Kroger for some grapes and clementines for tomorrow’s
Thanksgiving at Glenda’s, then I chatted with Dave for a while and he seemed to
be doing rather well.
Thursday has started out pretty anxious and I am hoping that
I can get out of the terrible funk I am in.
I am really down about my health stuff.
I talked to three people this morning, my sister Judy, Rob, and my
sister Roberta, and I broke down talking to all of them. I just feel lost, anxious, tired, just pretty
awful. Talking with Lou did help me
quite a bit since we are both in a pretty deep hole and we are both doing well
talking. I did get my knee exercises in
and I did go for a bike ride, for the first time since the asthma attack going
up the smallest hill twice. I then
picked up some stuff for Mary and got ready for Thanksgiving dinner at Glenda’s. Fortunately that turned out pretty well and I
socialized okay and felt reasonable when I left around 7:30. I took a 25 minute walk and talked to Lou
again it was comforting to speak with him and he and Cathy and Maddie and
Claire had a decent Thanksgiving so that was good. I texted Gyorgyi and got a nice response and
I sang three of the songs before doing a couple sets of weights and yoga.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Singing once again
Saturday started pretty good. I slept pretty well despite coughing quite a
bit, and then I did my full knee exercises, along with reading some of
Kings. I packed 4 boxes more so I am
only 2 behind on my goal of 12 (3 a day).
I did some catching up on my blog, sang 3 of the songs twice, tried to
nap and failed, then started my prayers.
I felt well enough to go for a 30 minute flat bike ride with perhaps a
cough or two, then I settled in to watch the Tech game, which Tech won 20-14,
with a very exciting goal line stand my Tech to prevent Pitt from winning. After that I got ready to go to mass and
attended the 5 o’clock mass hoping to be able to practice the new songs, but
two of the songs were different so I didn’t get the practice I was hoping
for. I saw Joseph and Felistus after
mass and I gave Mary Bland back her book.
I had another good conversation with my sister Roberta and admitted what
a dummy I was. Then I had a long and
good conversation with Lou. He thought I
should write about my Lupus experience and work with the wolf imagery. Another thing that struck me was the lack of
a future I have. Later I emailed Beth but she didn’t respond so I
guess I will just wing it. I went for a
20 minute walk over at Kroger and bought one of the small roasted chicken and
enjoyed over half of it in my truck then drove home for a big bowl of
vegetables. Unfortunately I started
coughing very heavily so that is very disconcerting. I watched TV until 12:15, and then tried to
go to sleep but I was still coughing heavily, even after I took several puffs,
so I decided to use the nebulizer and that did help. I had to move to the master bedroom to sit
upright but fortunately the upstairs tenants were quiet and I did drift off at
points.
Sunday I awoke at about 8:15, feeling pretty tired but not
coughing too much. I wasn’t sure if I
should try to sing but after trying to nap for a few minutes and failing, I
decided to get up and go to the church.
I got there just as the baptism was finishing and we started our practice
around 10:30. I felt pretty good during
the practice and Beth didn’t complain so I decided to sing through the
mass. I had to go out at one point to
cough and get some water but overall I think I sang pretty well, although Beth
didn’t say a word. I guess if she had
problems with my singing she would have said something. I felt pretty good about singing but not as
good as the first two times, but I think that might be because I am not feeling
that well overall. I stopped at Food
Lion to pick up some vinegar and take a 20 minute walk and I hope to drive to
Walmart later for some supplies and for a longer walk. I did a wash, watched a little TV, napped a
little, and am going to try to work on a poem.
I did write a pretty good draft of a poem about losing my future to
lupus, and I think it could easily turn into a series of poems. I sent Lou a copy and he liked it. I am planning to go over there for a quick
visit on Tuesday. I drove to Walmart for
some supplies and a 45 minute walk. That
felt pretty good. I haven’t taken any
Valium today and I think that is very good, but I am not worried about taking
some if I need to. I guess today went
okay.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Three bad days
Thursday started out okay, with knee exercises, some
chapters of Kings, then packing three more boxes. I had no luck trapping the mouse so I called
Hethwood but got no response. I took a
decent walk along Stroubles Creek, seeing a number of small fish in the clear
water. It is a pretty little stream and
I did some research on it, finding out that it starts in three springs in
Blacksburg, goes under the Drillfield, enters the Duck Pond, then exits to
become Stroubles for 12 miles before it enters the New near the Ammunition
Plant. I called Gyorgyi and she was
available for a late lunch at the bakery and that was fine. Then I did a walk in Torgersen before
returning home for dinner.
Friday was not a particularly fun day. I had slept pretty well with some coughing
but I got up pretty early to get to Rob’s office at 8 so that pushed me. Val wasn’t ready until almost 9, having to
get the blood culture bottles. She had
to stick me in both hands because the test is more effective from two sites but
each stick hurt and even taking the needle out hurt. But I handled it pretty well, with no
valium. I showed Rob my swollen foot and
he told me it was probably because my kidney numbers were worse than last time
and he told me that Trivedi wanted me to go back to 20 mg of prednisone right
away, not good news at all. He wanted me
to get a chest x-ray even though my chest sounded okay to him. My thyroid level was good so that is not what
is causing my incredible chills. The
blood culture stuff should help figure out if I have an infection in my blood.
My eyes are also getting worse, probably from the developing cataracts which
have been hastened by the prednisone. I
headed off for lunch with Claire and that was a pleasant respite. The sushi at Greens was good as usual and
Claire and I took a decent walk on the Drillfield. Then I napped pretty easily, then headed for
the Imaging Center for my x-ray. It
proved negative so that was good news.
After that I napped again briefly, then called Mary and went over to
help her with her packing for her move to Texas at the end of the month. We worked for an hour and a half and got a
lot of books and stuff packed and then we had Chinese food (I treated even
though she wanted to pay), then we chatted some and then I left around nine and
went over to Tech to walk but Torgersen was closed and it was just a bit cold
to walk outside so I went over to the University Kroger and walked there for 30
minutes. After that I came home and was
too tired to do any exercising.
Saturday started pretty good. I slept pretty well despite coughing quite a
bit, and then I did my full knee exercises, along with reading some of
Kings. I packed 4 boxes more so I am
only 2 behind on my goal of 12 (3 a day).
I did some catching up on my blog, sang 3 of the songs twice, tried to
nap and failed, then started my prayers.
I felt well enough to go for a 30 minute flat bike ride with perhaps a
cough or two, then I settled in to watch the Tech game, which Tech won 20-14,
with a very exciting goal line stand my Tech to prevent Pitt from winning. After that I got ready to go to mass and
attended the 5 o’clock mass hoping to be able to practice the new songs, but
two of the songs were different so I didn’t get the practice I was hoping for. I saw Joseph and Felistus after mass and I
gave Mary Bland back her book. I had
another good conversation with my sister Roberta and admitted what a dummy I
was. Then I had a long and good
conversation with Lou. He thought I
should write about my Lupus experience and work with the wolf imagery. Another thing that struck me was the lack of
a future I have. Later I emailed Beth but she didn’t respond so I guess
I will just wing it. I went for a 20
minute walk over at Kroger and bought one of the small roasted chicken and
enjoyed over half of it in my truck then drove home for a big bowl of
vegetables. Unfortunately I started
coughing very heavily so that is very disconcerting.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
A Difficult New York Visit
Tuesday is turning out to be a hard day. I started with my
knee exercise, then straightened up some, then headed in for the lunch at
Radford for our first candidate. I was
feeling okay and I wasn’t coughing, so after the lunch I decided to ride my
bike from the dog run to wildwood park and I think that was a bad idea. I started coughing when I got done and on my
way to visit Verizon to see why my alarm wasn’t working, I called Rob’s office
and he called me in an antibiotic just in case my coughing portends something
serious. I am to see him tomorrow at
1:30. I got to my office around 5 but
was very anxious and I took half a valium and napped briefly although I got
very cold and had to hide under the covers.
I did force myself up, printed out this weeks songs, found out the time
for the dinner, then started doing my blog.
I am not very happy. The new York
trip was not very good but I did get to spend a lot of time with Julian and
some with Gabes. Francesca was in Italy
so I didn’t get to see her, but I did chat some with Arlene and that was
good. The train ride was boring,
uncomfortable and it had a lot of people coughing so I think that is where I
picked up whatever I have. I spent about
an hour walking around Times Square and Bryant Park and Grand Central Station
but I had to stay near a bathroom because of an unpredictable constipation. I did get to ride Gabe’s Peloton bike and that
was pretty impressive. I did a couple of
trails in Costa Rica and along the San Francisco coast.
Wednesday was an okay day.
I slept pretty well despite coughing some and then I got up and did my
knee exercises. After that I packed
three boxes of books and did some straightening out around the apartment. The big surprise was that I saw a mouse
exiting my garbage and that has to be taken care of. I drove into town around 12:00, dropped off
Mary’s stuff, picked up my jacket at Rose Tailor, then drove to Rob’s
office. He said my chills may be because
of my thyroid, that the sensitive breasts might be because of a testosterone
problem, that that my chest sounded fine but he was glad I was on
antibiotics. I talked with Gloria and we
had a nice chat, mainly about how life sucks as you get old. It really does. I certainly lack joy in my life, and though I
will continue praying, going to church and going to the Holy Spirit group, my
hopes that some kind of joy or at least comfort might come from my struggle for
belief, nothing has really happened. I
also talked to Cathy and both Maddie and Claire are sick and she is exhausted
from all the things she has to take care of.
I do hope that she and Lou can work it out so she can quit her job. I did print out the music for next Sunday and
I did listen to several of the songs and I sang very softly to them. I put out two mouse traps and I hope they
will work tonight. I wish I could be
more positive and enthusiastic but it is so hard right now. I do hope Dr. Trivedi can do something about
the prednisone when I see her on Tuesday.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
An Awful Morning
Thursday started out an awful day, with my anxiety level way
up there. I hardly could stand it and I
had to take half a valium just to calm down.
I called Dr. Trivedi’s office and Kendra said she would call me back to
discuss me coming in next week instead of the week after (she never
called). If she did call I was ready to
go get my bloodwork done so as to be ready for an earlier appointment. I did my knee exercises, did some
straightening around the apartment for tomorrow’s inspection, tried to nap,
failed, then drove over to Tech to return The Magic Flute and then I walked
around downtown a little. Then I went back to the apartment, got more things
together for my trip to New York tomorrow, tried to nap again and failed again,
then did my 45 minute bike ride and I was finally able to drift off at least
for a few minutes. I got up and packed
my truck, bringing my computer with me though I was unsure if I really wanted
to carry it in my backpack (I am pretty sure I won’t). The drive up I-81 was pretty impressive and
the leaf change seemed almost to peak. I
decided to stop at Barnes and Noble to see about purchasing A Man Called Ove
but it was pretty large so I am just going to bring Tender Is the Night, the
Fitzgerald novel I haven’t read in years and is pretty small. I had some mussels at Carrabba’s with some of
their delicious bread and then drove to the Holiday Inn Express where I finally
got a reasonable nap. After that I
watched some TV and then I went down to my truck, drove around the back and
sang three of the songs for church, two times each. I hope to go down and sing some more
later. Kim’s surgery seems to have gone
well and there is a chance she will be able to go home tomorrow, which would be
great. My right breast is still
sensitive but I will just have wait until I get back to see what to do.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
A New Will
Wednesday turned out to be a pretty good day. I decided that I was really being negative
and I decided to try to make the day a good one even with the prednisone—and I
pretty much succeeded. I got up and did
my knee exercises, did a wash, cleaned the bathroom a little for the inspection
on Friday, did some singing on the new song, “Christ, Be Our Light” and then
played the melody on the piano and sang to that. I am getting the higher E better so progress
is being made. I then headed to see
Bettye Ackerman and I got my new will and my power of attorney. Bettye told me about a guy coming to find
Tracy a few months ago who eventually killed someone in an optometrist’s
office. That must have been pretty scary
for her. After meeting with Bettye, I
headed over to my office and got a good bit of stuff done, sorting things for
my files, finding out my Long Term Care benefit, talking with Robert Williams
some, chatting with Holly, getting a copy of the Power of Attorney and the Will
for Rob. Then I went bike riding along
the river and up into Wildwood park for a decent 45 minute ride in the cold
light mist. Back to my office for some
more work, then driving home to take a quick nap and then off to Tech to walk
for 40 minutes in Torgersen Hall. After
that it was time for cooking dinner, a veggie burger and a big bowl of mixed
vegetables, then singing “Christ, Be Our Light” and “All of Me” and “Green
Dolphin Street.” I guess since I can’t
play the flute anymore, singing will have to be my musical way. I am enjoying it very much.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Negative Tests
Tuesday was a pretty stressful day. I awoke anxious at about eight and then I
headed over to the Imaging Center for my mammogram and for the ultrasound. Rhonda, the woman who did the mammogram was
very friendly and told me not to worry, that it wouldn’t be so painful. She was right and the ultrasound was also
pretty easy. After the procedures I
treated myself to the lunch buffet at Indian Gardens and then headed home for a
nap. I didn’t really sleep but after I
got up I went for a 30 minute bike ride in the very dismal mist, stopping just
as the rain began. After that I did take
a nap and practiced a couple of last week’s songs, then watched some TV, then
did some scales (I was able to hit the higher E, so that seems progress), then
I drove over to Tech (and it was hard to see since the sky was so dark) to take
a 40 minute walk in the library and Torgersen before heading back home for
dinner. I watched most of The Magic
Flute and should have it finished tonight. I got a
nice text from Cathy and I responded back to her, telling her that Lou seems to
really care for her now and he spoke about her in a way I had never heard before,
which is good. I talked to Rob and he
called Trevidi and she is not going to cut down my prednisone despite my
anxiety. Perhaps something will be done
when I meet with her in two weeks. My
breasts still hurt but I am not too worried right now.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Another Kayak Trip and Growing Health Concerns
Sunday was a good day, though my fears about what’s wrong
with my right and left breasts made me pretty anxious. I get the mammogram and the sonogram on
Tuesday and I am getting pretty scared.
I didn’t sleep very well, with my health issue worries and my concerns
about singing plus my worry about the kayak trip since it was so gloomy out in
the morning. I packed up the truck with
my kayak stuff, then headed over to St. Mary’s to get to rehearsal at
10:15. I was very flustered at first but
Beth was very helpful and the rehearsal went pretty well. When it was over, I checked my email and my
kayak friend had cancelled, which seemed a mixed blessing. Now I didn’t have to worry about getting to
the 114 bridge at 1 o’clock but not seeming my kayak friend was very
disappointing. Mass went okay and Beth
said I did fine so I will continue with the singing and maybe take lessons but
I will probably wait till after the doctors can figure out what is wrong with
me. As mass was going on I noticed that
it was brightening outside and when I left after the exit hymn I thought to
call my kayak friend to see if she wanted to reconsider but the woman parked
next to me couldn’t get her car started and asked me if I could help and I did,
pulling out my jumper cables and, with the help of another fellow, getting her
car started. I texted my kayak friend
and then called her and she was having the same thoughts I had and we agreed to
meet at the bridge at 1:30. Our trip
went very well, and though we had to pull our boats around the island because
the water was much too low, we ended up doing the whole trip in about 2 hours,
which was a surprise to us both, and it allowed her to get back in time to walk
her dog. Very good trip. I then took a brief nap in my truck and then
headed over to see Lou and Cathy. I was
a nice visit. I gave Cathy her gift
cards and they gave me a small CD/radio and that will be a useful thing to
have. I left there around 9 and since I
really wanted a distraction, I headed to the Blacksburg Cinebowl to see the new
Thor movie and it was very different than the earlier ones. It was much more comedic and I enjoyed it
quite a bit. Then I stopped at Kroger
for some cheese and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, but the flavor, American Dream,
was not to my liking so I only ate a little and I am going to throw the rest
out. I finally got to sleep around 1:30.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Dougie and Margee's Wedding
Saturday turned out to be an okay day despite being rather
gloomy outside, very overcast with occasional rain. I awoke a little anxious but I did my knee
exercises and read more of Samuel 2.
David is a pretty rotten character at points. I then decided to take my bike ride over at the
Perry Street garage and I rode for 45 minutes going up the three ramps a total
of 12 times. That calmed me some and
after getting home I took a quick but rewarding nap and then I headed over to
the John Farm for Dougie and Mergee’s wedding.
I was a brief but nice ceremony with the couple mixing small bottles of
sand together. I saw a lot of the people
from the campground and I talked with Tim, Danny’s son, and talked with Danny
and Judy some. The food was pretty good
and I ate too much but enjoyed it. I
stayed for over 2 and ½ hours and almost didn’t get back to Blackburg in time
to beat the darkness. I emailed Kate but
haven’t heard from her so I am not sure how tomorrow will go. I wouldn’t mind not kayaking since I am going
to sing tomorrow and I still don’t have the songs fully down even though I have
practiced them twice each day. I think
my voice is getting a little stronger and with a little more range but they
seem much harder than last week’s songs.
I also had a nice chat with Gyorgyi (she is doing well) and I tried to
call Nora and Dave, to no avail. I am
watching the VT / Miami game and at this point Miami is ahead 14 nothing. Tech is usually a good second half club.
Friday, November 3, 2017
A Mixed Day
Friday was a mixed day.
I did my knee exercises while reading more of Samuel 2. Then I got ready to go for my appointment
with Rob about my right breast and my concerns with how often I have to urinate
now. He thought the urinary problem
might be an infection but he wasn’t sure about the breast pain. When he probed it it was very painful. He didn’t think it was cancer (especially
since my left breast was also very sensitive) but he wanted me to get a
sonogram and a mammogram. Those are
scheduled for Tuesday. I am nervous
about the procedures and of course the outcome but figuring it out now is the
best approach. Dr. Trivedi said not to
drop to 10 mg on the prednisone so I went back to 12 and ½ this afternoon. One of my ears had a lot of wax in it and
Kelly got it out along with washing out the other ear. After a visit to Walmart to pick up supplies
I returned home then rode my bike for 45 minutes and that felt good. A nap followed nap and then some cleaning up
around the apartment. I put coasters
under the three largest pieces of furniture and that should help. I did three loads of wash today and when the
third load finishes, I am going to go for a walk over at Tech, inside if the
rain continues, outside if it had cleared up.
Then I will return home for dinner and my weights and yoga. I also practiced all my songs for Sunday and
I am still nervous about getting them right.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Good Day at Jeff's
Thursday started okay.
I did my knee exercises, then I got ready to go see Jeff
Saperstein. We had coffee and the almond
croissants I picked up at Our Daily Bread, then we indulged a bit before
listening to a Boccherini String Quintet, some of the arias from La Traviata,
one of Paganini’s violin concertos plus some other pieces. Jeff had a wonderful memory for the music and
I enjoyed all the selections. Lisa came
back from teaching high school and I chatted with her and Jeff before heading
off to ride my bike on the River Trail before heading off to Hethwood. Claire Gallo had texted me a late birthday
greeting and I sent her a very friendly and supportive thank you and
response. I took a brief nap when I got
back and then practiced my songs for over a half hour. I am definitely nervous but I will do the
best I can. I will get to my weights and
yoga after I finish this blog.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Pretty Good Day
Wednesday was a pretty good day. I did my knee exercises while reading Samuel
2, then taped all the new songs together, then sang each of them twice. My voice is okay but I wonder if I should get
some coaching. I think my range is
getting slightly better but I’m not sure.
Several of the songs are 5 pages long and that is a bit unnerving but I’m
hoping the practice will help. I then
drove over for my appointment with Bettye Akerman and she was a delight to meet
and to chat with. I was very impressed
with her. Then I went over to get Cathy
Gallo’s gifts and back home for my bike ride (only three laps since my neck
started to hurt) and at the end my sister Roberta called and we had a very good
chat for almost an hour and a half (it was too late to go to the 7 o’clock mass
but it was very good to reconnect with her).
It was very easy and comfortable to talk with her and I hope we can stay
in touch. I got Kelly’s card today and I
emailed my thanks and offered to come up on a Friday in the future so I can get
back in time for singing practice on Sunday morning. My kayak buddy also texted me about kayaking
on Sunday and I should be able to meet her by 1 on Sunday. I still have to call Nora and it will be nice
to catch up with her and Gloria called and we had a very nice chat. I am watching the World Series and the Astros
are leading 5-0 and that is fine with me.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Bad day, Good day
Monday was a fairly difficult day. I awoke fairly anxious, did my knee
exercises, then did a slightly shorter bike ride. I practiced some singing and then went to
play golf but I was awful. It was windy
so I was wearing my flannel liner and my goretex jacket but I am not sure that
really affected things. I drove over to
Heather Hodges’ office and signed my lease so that is done. Later I did attend the Holy Spirit group and
with Betty Anne there, the singing was better but it was very cold and I was
really uncomfortable. Next time I will
wear my heavy coat. When I got home I was thoroughly chilled and I didn’t do my
weights and yoga but I did watch A Man for all Seasons and enjoyed it very
much. Thomas More was an extraordinary
individual.
Tuesday, Halloween, is my birthday and I am 66. I think I have come to terms with my finances
and after I pay off my truck loan and my AXA loan, both in February of 2020, I
should have a reasonable amount of extra cash coming in, and then when I finish
paying Tracy off in December 2022, I will have even more financial flexibility. I probably means I should keep working until
June 2020, but that is only five more semesters and I will be 69. Moira Bake is 70 and still working and Lou is
72 so 69 shouldn’t be a problem if my health continues doing well. It is that next two years and a half that will
be tighter than I would like but if I am careful with my money, then I should
get by. Kelly called me and wished me a
happy birthday and we chatted some and that was nice. Gabes also called and I should see him the
weekend of November 11th and 12th when I will be taking Amtrak from Roanoke to
New York. I also got a call from Lou
wishing me a happy birthday. He and
Cathy are going to take me out Saturday for dinner at the Mexican place next to
Sal’s. Maddie sent me a birthday
greeting also. She is feeling a little
better. I texted Claire Gallo about how
her job is going and how her cough is and she texted back that she talked to
her boss and that her cough is better. I
did my knee exercises, practiced some singing, and then went for a good bike ride. I tried to nap a little but could only rest
my eyes. I went over to Radford to meet Kate at Macados
and we had salads and a nice chat then Rob called and I went for a full walk on
the Tom’s Creek trail with him and caught up on his doings. Then it was home for a quick nap and some
more printing out songs and singing practice.
I will watch the World Series and do my weights and yoga.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Good Day
Sunday ended up being a very good day. I slept till almost 7, got up and did my knee
exercises, read some more of Samuel I, and then got ready to go to St. Mary’s
to see if I could join the choir practice.
Beth was fine with that and after practice went well, she told me to
stay and sing during the mass. I was a
little nervous, but I think I did okay and Beth thought I did well. I almost started crying during one of the
songs and during the last song, where we started clapping while singing, I
really felt good. There were 6 singers
and 4 musicians so my singing was actually an important part. After that I went home and rode my bike for
45 minutes, up the big hill on Plantation once, then twice up the smaller hill
on Plantation, then four times up the small rise off Plantation. After that I took a nap (it was pretty easy
to fall asleep since I felt much calmer than yesterday and I was pretty
tired. After my nap I did some bill
paying and sang some of the holy songs and I felt my voice was getting stronger
at points. I then headed to Walmart to
pick up supplies. I had left messages
for Lou and Gyorgyi but they didn’t return my calls yet. I returned home, put the frozen stuff away
and then drove to VT and walked for 40 minutes and took out a DVD of A Man for
all Seasons. Then it was time to drive
home and make dinner and start watching the World Series and the Sunday night
football game. I may practice some of
the jazz songs and I will do my weights and yoga later.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
A pretty awful day
Saturday has started out poorly. I woke somewhat anxious and that increased as
the day progressed. I also got the chill
and had to hide under the covers for a while.
I did finally get out around 10:30 and do a good bike ride and that made
me feel a little better.
I have been working
on my leaving the hollow piece and that may not be the best thing to be writing
about right now.
Mary Gorton says
I worry about money too much and perhaps that is right. I saw a program this morning which talked
about having 600K in retirement savings by age 67. I will have about 480. If I keep working till 69, I will have about
600K. And if I increase my long term
care insurance some I will have enough to pay for the average cost of a nursing
home (about 90K a year, and right now I would have income and insurance of
about 87K) but should that be my real concern.
I dread the thought of being in a nursing home. I still can’t get over the loss of the 55K on
the hollow sale. That certainly has made
a difference in my thinking but I can’t do anything about it so I just have to
let it go. . And now much of the money I gave to people
seems to have been very questionable.
My problems with
religion are also troubling me deeply. I
wrote to Mike Ellerbrock today about my concerns and perhaps he will have some
advice on what to do. I quit Holy Spirit
because of Joseph’s reaction to my email and because the group is not going
well (at least in my view) and I don’t feel like going to mass today because of
the priest that is filling in for Father John.
He is a bully and that is not the kind of priest I want to deal
with. I read the prologue to Matthew
Fox’s Cosmic Christ and that seemed to make a lot of sense. I understand that the Earth is suffering and
that the Catholic faith doesn’t have the mystical connection to it. But I am not now a mystic nor have I ever
been. I remember Judith Gleason telling
me that my vision would come when I really needed it. But if it didn’t come while I was so sick in
the hollow I doubt if it will ever come.
I like the belief of the some Episcopalians, that the Bible is
“inspired” by God but not “dictated” by Him, thus you needn’t take all of it
literally. I have been reading the Bible
steadily and I am up to Samuel I and I am struck by the violence of it (all the
killing of the men, women, children and animals), the pettiness of many of the
rules (does God really care about the dimensions of the Ark of the Covenant or
what color cloth should be used).
I called Lou today and found out that Maddie is sick with
perhaps bronchitis and Eric is bringing her home (along with Claire) to go to
the emergency room. I offered to drive
them back but if she has acute bronchitis then I might get it and end up in the
hospital. That could be very serious and
I wonder if I just want things to end, to not have all this anxiety, almost as
bad as I had in the hollow but I am not taking any valium. Dave says I should take a little just to get
through this tough period. Perhaps he is
right. I don’t think I am suicidal but I
am very anxious.
I guess the move
is also bothering me a little since that is coming up pretty soon.
I did end up
taking a half a valium before mass and that calmed me some. I am not sure why I am so anxious so
suddenly. I know I feel bad about my
argument with Claire but I apologized to her so I am not sure what else to
do. I did email Joseph with an apology
and he emailed back a very comforting email and I will attend on Monday night.
I exchanged some
friendly emails with Mary and that calmed me a little.
My right breast
still hurts but I did my weights and yoga anyway.
Rough day, to be
sure.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Bad day, good day
Thursday started out as a pretty bad day, but ended up
okay. I woke up and was pretty worried
about my finances. Then I called my
sister Judy while I was doing my knee exercises and she tried very hard to be
helpful but I was in a very down mood. I
was feeling very trapped and even more so with moving to Prices Fork (the idea
that they are planning to build more apartments behind me upset me even
further). Finally I got going and rode
my bike for 45 minutes, then went to Auburn Hills to play golf. I was horrid and didn’t even finish up the
nine holes. Things started to change
when I called Heather Hodges and she told me they wouldn’t be building for at
least 2 years. That was good news. Then I spoke with Dave and he cheered me up
and said that perhaps I should look into increasing my long term care coverage.
I also spoke to my niece Jenny and she was as lively as ever. I drove to RU and dropped off Kate’s gift, visited
Holly, said hello to Rosemary, then had a nice chat with Moira Baker. It was almost 8 when we finished so I went to
the reading in Rick’s class and the woman who read was very good, and she read
from a piece on the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where I had been in
December. After that I drove home in a
good mood.
Friday was a much more relaxed day. I did my knee exercises, then took a good
bike ride. I tried to nap but just
rested my eyes, then I got an email from my kayak friend showing me the bouquet
of Oriental lilies and red roses I sent.
I then drove to the Cascades and walked up about a mile and back. It was very pretty and I felt very good that
I could go so far. I then drove out to
Walker Creek and first stopped at the bridge in White Gate to fish (no hits)
then drove to Mechanicsville and got two nice bluegills on a spinner. After that I drove back to Bburg, stopped at
Kroger for some shredded cheese, and headed home for a quick nap and getting
ready to watch game three of the world series.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
A return to Macados and to the Cinebowl
Tuesday was a pretty busy day. I did my knee exercises, reading Augustine
and the Book of Samuel, then I took the wet kayak out of the back of my truck
and started drying it. I did my 45
minute bike ride while it was drying and did some straightening out of the
truck. When the drying was done I folded
up the kayak and put it back in the guest bedroom closet. I then headed off to meet Heather Hodges at
the Prices Fork apartments and after seeing the apartments, I decided to rent
one of them with a washer/dryer outlet, around 750 square feet with the rent
850 a month, with electricity costs for heating and cooling and other uses
about 125 a month. Then it was off to
play golf and I did okay shooting roughly a 51 for nine holes. Following that I dropped off my application
for the apartment and then drove to Blacksburg for a short walk with Rob on the
Tom’s Creek trail. I decided to treat
myself to dinner and headed to Macados and saw Jake for the first time in
months and saw pictures of his beautiful 20-month-old son. I ate my Margie’s Cashew Chicken Salad and
then decided to really treat myself and go to a movie for the first time in
months, my choice being the new Blade Runner movie. It was not a great movie—and it ran 2 hours
and 44 minutes—but I enjoyed it a lot.
Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford are two of my favorite actors so that was
a treat. Finally, after an ice cream
sandwich, I headed home and got to bed a little after 1.
Wednesday turned out to be a cold and blustery day (luckily
I had dried out the kayak yesterday). I
did my knee exercises, read more Augustine and Samuel, the showered and headed
over to have an early lunch with Claire Hall.
It was nice to see her and after lunch we took a short walk on the Tech
campus. After that I returned home,
having mailed Dave a copy of my book, and took a short nap, really enjoying my
warm covers. A bit slow to wake up, I
finally got going and went outside, dressed in my heavy winter coat and gloves,
and rode my bike for 45 minutes. When I
got back I took another short nap and then did the rest of my piano playing,
read some of Lou’s poems, gift wrapped the present for my kayak friend, did the
dishes and did a wash, then made dinner and started watching the World
Series. I read the packet from Warm
Hearth and it seems that any of their options are out of my class
financially. That depressed me, and I
realized that I will have to be careful with my money the rest of my life. I hope I like the apartment at Prices
Fork. I can certainly afford it but I
still can’t spend much extra each month.
Then I think of people like Mary and I wonder how she really gets by. Oh well, there is not much I can do about my
financial situation except keep working for 5 more semesters and hope that I
don’t end up in some awful nursing home.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Rainy Day
Monday was a dreary weather day, even though the rain was
well needed. I did my knee exercises,
read more of Samuel and Augustine, dried out my kayak stuff and did some
writing, along with 30 minutes of piano playing. I had dinner with Kim at the River City Grill
and the crabcakes were pretty good. It
was nice to chat with Kim and I am glad I could be there to support her during
her heath problem. I also responded to
Jeff Saperstein and I will try to get together with him soon. I went bike riding in the Perry Street garage
and that felt good even though I didn’t go up and down the ramps because they
were wet. I sent my kayak friend an
email that I hope was funny but it got too long so I ended it pretty
quickly. My right breast is still sore
and if it doesn’t clear up soon I will have Rob look at it. I also had a nice chat with Dave.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Another excellent kayak trip
Sunday turned out to be a wonderful day. I did my knee exercises, reading more of
Samuel and Augustine, and then I played some piano before heading off to go
kayaking with my kayak friend. The river
was fairly low so we couldn’t go around the island but we both had fun,
chatting and joking and enjoying the warm sun and the change in the
seasons. My friend got a little cold
toward the end but I think if she dresses better next time (with her spray
jacket and pants and her wet socks, along with a toboggan I am going to get her
for her birthday) she will be fine. We
are hoping to get out one more time before it gets too cold. When I got home I napped, then went over to
VT and rode my bike all over campus, up to Deets and back. I rode for 45 minutes and it felt good to
ride on campus again. Back home I made
dinner and watched the end of The Night of the Hunter. Not a great movie but good enough for a
Sunday evening. I have one set of
weights and yoga to finish and then it will be time for bed.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Taking Mary to the Airport and lunch at Smokey Bones
Saturday was an okay day.
I got up around 8, did my knee exercises, showered, then wrote some
before heading over to pick up Mary so I could drive her over to the Roanoke
Airport. She needed to deposit a check
and she had problems with that but finally we got going. Then as we were approaching the Peppers Ferry
exit she discovered she didn’t have her cell phone so we had to drive back to
her car. After finding the phone we
started off again, only about a half hour late and got to Smokey Bones in
plenty of time for lunch (which she treated me to) and to get her to the
airport by a little after 1 for a 2:30 flight.
I drove home and took a nap, then watched VT demolish North Carolina. I decided not to go to mass, mainly because I
really don’t like the priest who is filling in for Father John. He is a real bully. I would like to give him a piece of my mind
but I doubt it would do any good. I
tried to nap again but didn’t feel well and thought I was getting sick but I
did go on a good 45 minute bike ride (3 times up the bigger hill) and when I
got back I did really nap and woke up feeling much better. I made dinner (spaghetti and clam sauce and a
bowl of veggies) and then watched some of the Michigan / Penn State game before
playing piano for 30 minutes. Then back
to football and baseball until I took another break to do my blog. The only thing I have left is my weights and
yoga. I took my golf clubs out and put
the kayak in, but two of my patches on my right arm broke and there was blood
all over.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Good Biking and Fishing
Friday turned out to be a good day. I had a very good night’s sleep, not getting
up until after 8, then did all my knee exercises while reading Augustine and
the Book of Samuel. I then did a solid
bit of writing on the hollow piece and that felt very good. I talked to the woman who is handling the
place out on Prices Fork where Mary is going to rent and I am going to meet her
on Tuesday to see if one of the apartments will work. They are rather small (750 square feet) but
the price (850) is attractive. I rode my
bike for about 45 minutes adding rides back up the hill three times. I then drove out to White Gate, where I got a
couple of hits and decided to go to Trail’s End, where I got two nice
bluegills. I drove back and got to Lowe’s
just before dark, and there I got a piece of furring strip. I drove home and cleaned the windshield for
my trip tomorrow to Roanoke and also drilled out the hole for the hook in the
furring strip. Then it was time to cook
dinner (a big dish of veggies and a veggie burger sandwich), then time to watch
some of the Yankee game. Cathy emailed
me and thanked me for helping Claire and Maddie. I responded that it was no problem but that
Claire’s comment about me imposing on her to help navigate hurt a little. I hope to do some piano playing later and my
weights and yoga.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
An Argument with Claire
Wednesday I did my weights and yoga in the morning after my
knee exercises. Then I headed off to
Wake Forest, where I rode my bike for 40 minutes. The campus is not bike friendly but I got to
see more of the campus, including Wingate Hall and The Waite Chapel. I met Maddie at 4:40 and she was upset because
she had lost her keys. We called the bus
company but no one returned our calls so we were hoping that we might hear
tomorrow. When Claire arrived, we drove
over to MacAllister’s Deli, a place I have never been and Claire and I had a
big argument. She started yelling at me
not to turn just as a car started pulling out in front of me. I yelled at her because she was supposed to
be paying attention to traffic. She said
I was imposing on her by asking her to be navigator and that upset me a
lot. Does she think I am her servant or
an Uber driver. When we got to
MacAllister’s we chatted for a while and I explained that my only focus was
safety and that I needed help with getting there since it was a completely new
place. She calmed down a bit, paid for
her own food, and despite saying she was going to sit by herself, she sat with
Maddie and I although she didn’t speak much during dinner. When we got back to the apartment, I offered
to stay outside for awhile or get a room, but Maddie wanted me to stay so I
did. Maddie came out from her room later
and we had a nice chat and then Claire came out and joined in for a few
minutes. I watched Mad Max Fury Road and
a few other programs until I went to bed around 11:30. I didn’t sleep well even though I had closed
the vent and the air wasn’t blowing much on me but it was still pretty cold and
I ended up putting on an extra set of long johns and my sweater over my liner.
Thursday we got going around 9:30 and the drive up was
fine. Claire seemed in a good mood and
we passed the giant pumpkin fields just before getting on 81. I got Claire and Maddie home safely and
chatted with Lou for 15 minutes before heading off to meet Doug. The house was okay but there were steps up
from the garage and the price 249K was just too high. We then drove over to the Lovely Mount
townhouses but they weren’t in very good shape so I decided to pass on
them. I took a nap then played golf,
playing the last three holes, 4/3, 5/5, and 5/4 to finish 4 over (roughly a
49). Then I drove home, tried to nap and
couldn’t, then rode my bike for 40 minutes around Hethwood. I straightened up the truck, did my knee
exercises, read Ruth in the Bible, some Augustine and then cooked dinner. I hope to do my yoga and weights later.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Almost making an offer on a house
Tuesday was an interesting day. I did my knee exercises and read some of
Augustine and the Bible. I wrote to
Joseph about how I felt his email to me was autocratic and made me
uncomfortable and that I was not going to return to Holy Spirit. He did send an email apology but I think I
will stay away from Holy Spirit until things change: we need a good singing
lead like Candido was, we need a regular instrumentalist, and we need the
energy of someone like Glenda. I went to
play golf with Craig Waggaman and surprisingly, I won handily, not losing any
holes and winning 5 outright. Craig just
kept missing putts and I played okay, shooting a 50 and he shot only a 47. I tried to adjust the rules but he wasn’t
having it. It was good to see him and I
hope we can play again. I then went to
meet Doug for a look at the house on Cub Circle and I liked it very much and
told him to make a bid for 230K which would put me at my limit financially but
still allow me to keep paying Tracy the full 500 a month. However, Doug called me later and said that
he had noticed that the 2 acre lot behind the house was for sale and zoned B-1
which he wasn’t sure what that meant so we postponed putting in a bid. I then had dinner with Claire Hall at Greens and
we went for a nice walk on the Drill field.
After our walk I went over to the Perry Street lot and rode my bike for
40 minutes and then went home to warch the exciting Yankee game (they won
6-4). I did do two sets of weights and
yoga.
Monday, October 16, 2017
A Visit to Winston Salem
Saturday was a very decent day. I looked at some houses with Doug Trexler,
and then I went out to play golf with Mary Gorton. She didn’t play very well (she simply needs
to practice some and play more) but we had a good time and I took her out to
eat at Panera, and that was fun. I did
my bike ride at Perry Street and then I was too tired to do my weights and yoga
so I simply watched the TV I had recorded, including the end of the Michigan
Indiana game, the Georgia Tech Miami game and the Yankees Astros game, all
three of them very good games.
Sunday started well, with knee exercises, weights and yoga
and a 40 minute bike ride. I then went
to 11:30 mass and came home, tried to
nap and failed, did some work on the truck and did some straightening up around
the house. I then headed off to Radford
to pick up Maddie and Claire and when I got there I stayed for 20 minutes to
chat with Lou and Cathy. Cathy looked
like she was worn out and in a lot of pain.
Then the three of us headed to Winston Salem. We stopped at Zoe’s Kitchen for dinner then
we headed to their apartment.
Unfortunately, Claire was coughing a lot and at midnight I called Cathy
and she talked to Claire and told her to try to wait until the morning to go to
the urgent care place, which she did. I
cancelled the listings that Peg Warren was sending me and I also told Doug
Trexler that I only wanted to look at places with a HOA and around 220 or
less.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Decent numbers and the House Search
Friday started out somewhat poorly but ended up being an
okay day. I didn’t sleep well, having a
nightmare related to the Holy Spirit group and Joseph. I finally got up around 10, and then did some
of my knee exercises, then did some figuring out on what I can afford for a
house. I went to meet Doug Trexler and
he showed me one of the Villas at Peppers Ferry but it was too expensive and
not very enticing. Then we went over to
Spencer Springs and he showed me a house with a second story that was
239K. I liked it and the neighborhood
looked fine but I don’t need a second story and 239K would really push me. He is going to show me something tomorrow
that is one story. I also looked at 5
houses in Cburg and Bburg, but none of them fit the bill. I am finally getting to look at the stuff Peg
Warren sent me. Then it was home for
laundry and dish washing and my blog. I
am going to see Cathy on Sunday at least for a few minutes so that will be
nice. I will do my yoga and weights
later and I hope to send out my proposal for CEA later tonight. I did get a good bike ride in of 40 minutes.
I got my bloodtest results today and my
blood numbers were slightly better.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Safe Drive Back with Claire and Maddie
Wednesday was a good day.
I drove down to Wake Forest, leading around 9:30 in the morning and
getting there around 11:30. I rode my
hike for forty minutes seeing a little of the campus (I didn’t want to go down
a hill to the main part), including Waite Chapel, Farrell Hall, the Heath and
Fitness Building and Alumni Hall. I met
Maddie at 1:40 and took her out to lunch at the Silo Bistro and we had a fine
lunch, with the baked brie as an appetizer a fine treat. My shrimp salad was very good. Then we went back to the apartment and Maddie
studied until Claire got home around 5:15, then we drove to a Brixx Pizza place
which was decent. After that we headed
home and Claire and Maddie stayed in their bedroom and I watched TV until
11:30. I did do my yoga.
Thursday was another good day, with Maddie and Claire
getting up around 8:00. I was able to do
my yoga before they got up. We left
around 9:00 and we passed a huge pumpkin patch near the New River, literally
thousands of pumpkins. I dropped them
off around 11:00 and it was good to see the reunion between Lou and Maddie and
Claire. I stayed and chatted for a few
minutes, then drove to Rob’s for a flu shot and my blood test, then I headed
off to play nine holes of golf. I
started awfully, an 8 and a 7 on the opening
par 5 on the back nine but I played okay after that, ending up 2 over so a 51
for each nine. I did play from further
up since I wasn’t playing that well.
Then I headed back for a nap and then a bike ride over at VT in the
Perry Street garage. Then it was home
for pasta and veggies then another nap and watching the Cubs/Nationals game.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Still Looking for a Place
Tuesday had its moments as I ended up looking at a house for
rent on Glade Road. It was very private,
near Heritage Park and across from some VT fields. But ultimately it had too many negatives: no thermostat
in the basement, large yard that had to be cut, snow removal not included, no
washer dryer and if I put one in it would be in the basement. I looked this evening at over 1300 listings
on Craigslist covering the NRV and there were many duplicates. After I go pick up Claire and Maddie in
Winston Salem I will look at a handful of listings that looked promising. I also found out from the IRS that I am only
going to lose my October check instead of both September and October, so that
is an extra 2000. I did my knee
exercises and rode my bike for 40 minutes and I will do my weights and yoga
later tonight.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Back Home and looking for a new place
Saturday was kind of a down day. I did my knee exercises, then rode my bike
for forty minutes, then did some straightening out around the apartment. I looked at some houses on Craigs List but I
couldn’t look past page one so I switched to Zillow and found a number of
houses for rent and did look at several (only the 1350 place had any appeal)
before heading out to play golf, the first time since I hurt my back. I played reasonably well, shooting 2 over,
and my back felt okay. I had invited
Mary Gorton to join me but she helped out at the church work day and was too
tired to play. I stopped for some
supplies and then got home in time for the VT game (which they won fairly
easily) and did my weights and yoga. I
put on quite a few pounds on my trip and I hope to work off some of the weight
soon. I felt kind of depressed all day,
and I am not sure why. Also tomorrow
will be rainy and that means my kayak friend and I won’t be going kayaking tomorrow.
Friday, October 6, 2017
The Rest of the Trip
Tuesday went very
well. I drove to Arches and spent a
couple of hours in the park, taking a few pictures, two of which I sent Kate,
and one short hike. The park was a lot
more crowded than I expected and I didn’t park at the Windows or at Devil’s
Garden. My favorite walk, at Park
Avenue, was closed but it was still a very good visit. I took a nap after I left the park, and then
I drove on to Glenwood Springs, where I stopped just before it got dark to fish
the Colorado at a ramp and I got several hits.
I got to the Quality Inn just before dark and I couldn’t nap so I
watched the Yankee game and ordered salad and a small pizza from Dominos. I didn’t feel like driving into town and that
worked out fine. I talked to Dave and he
was really out of it and I think I have to talk to Danny about his
drinking. He certainly puts the vodka
away, and he smokes weed constantly. I
did my knee exercises and my yoga just before I went to bed.
Wednesday was my final day of driving and it went very
well. I only had about 150 miles to go
and I stopped several times to fish some very tempting if accessible spots. I didn’t get any hits but I did see a small
trout run after my spinner in one long pool.
Catching fish would be an added plus but just being out fishing on a
Colorado stream is reward enough. I
wasn’t sure I could make this trip and it turned out very well. I got into town around 2, checked in the car,
then got a free ride from Lyft over to Union Station where I checked my bags
and then rented a bike and drove over to the Platte for about 40 minutes. I stopped for coffee and a coffee cake at the
Starbucks at the kayak run and then rode back to the train station. I took a short walk and then got my bags and
decided to work on my blog. We should be
mercy boarding in less than an hour. I
boarded at around 7 and the train headed out around 7:30, only 15 minutes
late. Dinner was pleasant and I had the
Land and Sea, a steak and crabcake combo which was pretty good. I went to bed around 11:00.
Thursday started slow because I didn’t sleep well. I was up at 5, then I dropped off to sleep
for a few minutes and got up just as breakfast was starting at 6:30 so I had my
breakfast then. I came back and napped
some and that made me feel a lot better.
Mary Gorton called and Carilion called so I will return the calls when
reception returns. I read a little of Mary
Bland’s book on prayer but I feel really detached, still as much as an agnostic
as ever, though I am praying some. The
kind of God I would like is one who loves me despite my faults and doesn’t
expect too much from me, a gentle God of compassion and. Not sure there is such a God. I will be home tomorrow and I will begin my
search again for a new place to live. I
am not looking forward to it but it has to be done and I will get to work as
soon as I return. I got on the train
around 5:30 and it left at 5:45 so that was on time. I read a little more in Mary Bland’s book and
I hope that helps. I had a fun email
exchange with my kayak friend and I am expecting her to respond to my latest
one. It doesn’t look like Sunday will
work out because of the expected rain. I
am less than 16 hours from home and I will be glad to get home to ride my bike
and maybe play some golf with Mary Gorton.
Friday began with breakfast at 6:30 after another restless
night. It took me a while to put towels
under the upper bed to quiet its ceaseless noise but after I fixed it I was
able to catch a few hours sleep. After
breakfast I awoke at 9:00, cleaned up some and then watched the view of the New
River Gorge, always spectacular. I am
about 2 and ½ hours from Clifton Forge, with lunch coming up at 12:30. The trip was a good one and the only problem
driving came at two of the rotaries, where I had to make a quick move to get
over to the right exit lane. Other than
that the driving was pretty easy, which bodes well for another trip at some
point. Money will be a factor but if I
save some up, I should have the possibility of traveling next summer. I have already planned a couple of winter
trips, one to visit Gabes and one down to Charlotte. This trip cost me about 3500 but I had paid
for the train trip (1900) back in December before I got sick. I got off the train around 2:15, an hour and
a half late, and walked over to the police station and then drove back to
Blacksburg, thus ending my first trip since December. I napped, then rode my bike for forty minutes,
watched some of the Yankee game, then did my knee exercises. I texted Maddie, congratulating her on her A
minus in her paper (she was very happy with the grade). I will drive down on Wednesday to visit and
then drive them to Radford on Thursday.
I hope to do my yoga and light weights later.
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