Closing in on Christmas!

I don't even know the date today, but I think there are about two more weeks until Christmas Eve.  I haven't bought one gift, but need to get busy and write checks for my grandchildren!  They would probably rather buy something they want anyway.  

This just doesn't seem like Christmas or anything special in any way.  Covid has messed up every-thing in our lives, and could well have been prevented, or at least kept to a minimum of damage.  Someone should be held accountable and charged with refusing to stop the spread of it early on.  To be truthful, I don't think he particularly wanted to stop it.

I'm still watching the videos of WW-II photographs.  The only problem is that while a fake voice is reading the description of the picture on the screen, there is music in the background that is so annoying it's hard to describe.  It is happy, jolly marching music, and the same track runs over and over.  It is a bit incongruous hearing this lively music while the photos show deceased and injured war victims and scenes of war.  There are very few happy, jolly, or lively photos in the thousands I've seen so far, but they are very beautiful and touching in their own way.  If I turn off the sound, then I have to read the captions which are in very small print, so I'd rather hear the narration and try to tolerate the music.

We had a bit of rain today - not enough to make much difference, although it's a harbinger of the rains we hope will come soon.

I've had numerous tests and scans and everything seems to look ok.  But why do I still have "spells" that only last a few seconds, but I know something isn't right.  I just hope it isn't dangerous, lol.  A couple of weeks ago I was walking a mile every day on my treadmill, but have given up on it.  I just feel so "down", and probably will feel that way until it's deemed ok to go shopping!  A slow trip through Costco or Target would probably do wonders for my mood.  But they are saying the virus will be active for the next few months, and I hope I can last!

Well folks, I would sure like to skip Christmas this year, but I have to give something to the kids.  Other than that, I am not leaving my house to go anywhere on Christmas.  It certainly is not "Merry" this year and I'm just too old to fake it anymore.   I hope all of you have a better attitude than I do, lol.

History

 I rarely watch TV, but I do watch a lot of Youtube.  As anyone would know from youtube, if you watch a program they will steer you to more of the same, and in my case, I've been viewing a lot of historical videos about WW-II.  This morning I watched a video about a POW camp in Louisiana which housed German prisoners, and it looks like those prisoners were living at the Ritz for the most part!  They must have had a bit of a let-down when they were returned to their own bombed-out country.  Most of the programs I've seen have been sad and disheartening.  I don't know why any country would want to enter into war with another, or why other countries would take sides and join them.

I am always amazed that, born in November of 1940, I knew absolutely nothing about the war.  Of course there was no tv in those days, but most people had a radio and gathered around it for the evening news.  My parents must have put us kids to bed early or did something to keep the war news away from us.  I feel so stupid when I hear friends my age or a bit older, remembering being taken by their moms downtown for the big victory gathering in the main square ( in Cincinnati, it was Fountain Square).

I am dreading the arrival of Thursday as I am scheduled for yet another medical scan.  This one is the last one I'm going to endure, and I don't care what anyone tells me I should do.  It's no way to live, marking your days by medical tests you have scheduled.  And there is ALWAYS another test they can do so I have no doubt this one will indicate something they should take a further look at.  I will say a resounding "NO!"   Actually I am feeling ok these days, although I don't have much initiative to do anything.  I think that is more related to the virus and being isolated, rather than my health.

I guess we are on the countdown until Christmas, and I have not bought a thing for anyone yet!  I hope you are all doing better than I am in that regard.  

Have a good and safe week.

Turning over a new leaf!

It's always great to get a new lease on life, and I think I'm having one now.  I had a video phone visit with my cardiologist yesterday, and she thinks I'm good for at least another 10 years - maybe longer.  There are still a lot of things wrong with my life - being alone so much of the time without a way to get out and do things on my own, is probably the worst.  My kids try to be helpful and my daughter lives close, but I want the freedom to come and go, and do what I choose to do.  You hear a lot of talk about "life lessons" we all have to learn, but personally, I think it is a bunch of crap.  I learned so much throughout my life, but I guess I couldn't have learned about what it's like to be old.  You can have an elderly parent or other relatives, but you can't tell what it's really like until you get there!

So I have been feeling a bit better each day, and I'm walking a mile on my treadmill every day at 3 mph.  Some might think this is too little, or too slow, but knowing myself, if I try to do too much I will burn out.  So I'm happy with my mile a day routine.  I also found some hand weights in a drawer - they aren't heavy ones; I have four at 2# and two at 1# each.  I'm looking to pick out four of the six weights, and with half in each hand, I should be good to go!  I can always buy a heavier set, but I'm better off being consistent than being gung ho, which easily wears off.

So I have so much to do, I almost don't know where to begin.  Since I'm starting to feel better, and maybe even a little more hopeful, I'll just take it a day at a time.

How is the pandemic and isolation affecting all of you?  I guess it's worse in some areas than in others, and I know there are many people who don't pay attention to it.  At my age, I'm taking no chances!  But sometimes it is absolute hell to be so alone.  I find myself wondering what it would have been like if I had stayed in the mobile home park.  I'd never want to go back, but do miss seeing and talking to people in the neighborhood.  I meet a few people on my daily walks with Rocky, and we shout back and forth with each other from across the street, but it's not like I know any of them.

As the old saying goes, "Getting old ain't for sissies!".

Thanksgiving Day

To all of you in the United States, I wish a very happy Thanksgiving Day.  I'm sure we all can find something to be thankful for today, even though it sure isn't going to be like past Thanksgivings.

I guess I can be thankful that I'm still around.  I had an echocardiogram yesterday and have been furnished with the results, but will see my cardiologist on Monday for a full interpretation of those results.  I wouldn't be surprised if I have to wear some kind of device in the future, but in the report the technician recommended another type of test.  I don't think I'm going to do any further testing - they can have you running in circles, especially at my age, and I'm not buying it!

Jeannie and Donald are having a big Thanksgiving dinner today.  I think Donald's mother is coming, and I am considering walking over to their house a bit later.  I don't eat much and really don't enjoy going anywhere, especially with Rocky.  They have a feisty little puppy, Tito, who keeps after Rocky to wrestle, chase, and play fight.  It makes me nervous.

Rocky has become a mostly good dog lately, although he has to let the devilishness out sometimes.  I feel so bad for him having an owner like me - he should be playing, running, chasing, and enjoying life with someone younger.

While not completely healed, my wrist is so much better, and I'm thankful for that.  I try to use my left hand as much as I need to, and am doing pretty well although there are limits.

I bought a new computer (although I'm using my old one to type this blog entry).  Having used a Mac for a number of years, I decided to switch to a Windows-based computer.  I don't know if I made a mistake or not as I really didn't want to face such a learning curve at this stage of my life.  The reason I didn't stick with the Mac is because it seemed like they were making some drastic changes (they call them "improvements") and I just want a computer to do basic functions, mainly word processing.  Of course you can't find simple and logical anything these days.  And if something isn't constantly being updated and given a new look, then it's not going to survive.

I'm chuckling to myself because I realize I sound like my dear Grandpa.  As I've grown older I now realize how right he usually was.  I don't think he ever truly trusted the government, and he would be horrified if he was around today.  I have enough of his genes to understand him.  And my dad was the same way, so I come by it honestly.

All in all, life has been pretty good to me and I am truly thankful.

 

 

I'll try again

This is without a doubt the worst update ever done to Blogger.

Since I last posted I've turned over another year, so  I guess that's as good an excuse as any for being crochety.

I like the cooler weather we are having lately, but I dress warm when I take Rocky out for a walk, and then discover I don't need the extra layers.  On this morning's walk he insisted on pulling me so I turned him around and came back home.  I'll need to take him out again I suppose, and I bet he will be as good as gold.

It's a shame when life comes to the point when "going out" usually means a visit to a medical professional!  I'm lining up an echocardiogram soon and will be glad to get that done.  My heart seems to skip a beat now and then (it always has during my lifetime) but something seems different so I might as well get checked out.  After turning 80, I've made up my mind that I'm going to celebrate 90 in 10 years, so I have to make sure I get to 90!

I also got word that my new prescription eyeglasses are ready to be picked up, and Jeannie will take me to get them after she finishes work today.

I remember when I used to enjoy going out and shopping, but in the last year the few times I've done that was for medical items and supplies.  I do enjoy shopping online though and it's always fun when a package is delivered.  Yesterday's package was for Rocky (and he recognizes the box from Chewy.com), so next it is my turn.

There sure isn't anything new or exciting to write about the past several months, and it looks like we are in for another bout of Covid, so there won't be much to write about for the next year.  I hope you can all stay safe and out of harm's way.  I'm probably overly cautious, but I'm also very determined that I am going to die of old age when it's time for me to go.

 

 

 

Cold weather has arrived!

At 8:00 am this morning the thermostat read 56 degrees; my computer tells me that it is 38 degrees outdoors.  This is Sacramento, CA folks, and that is cold!  I will have to bundle up when I walk Rocky in an hour or so.  He knows it's chilly and won't even go out into the back yard right now!

I will continue to try to update my blog and give it a new title.  I have tried several times to change the title, and the one that seems to have "taken" is "No More Travels".  I am not really happy with that one, but for now I will just let it go and when I think of a more "catchy" title I will change it.

New blog

I am starting a new blog entitled "Gypsy's Musings" and hope you can find it.   Remember that I am no spring chicken and my memory doesn't work as well as it used to.  So please let me know at the On The Road Again blog if you have problems accessing Gypsy's Musings.  I really feel inadequate at this point in my life.   Constructive comments are welcome and any suggestions as well.

The Nightmare is Over!

Now that the winner has been declared, Jeannie and I will pop the cork on the bottle of champagne this evening.  I sure hope that sanity returns to our national political scene.   Let's hope that Joe Biden can keep his calm demeanor throughout the next 4 years.  He is calm, but has a quiet determination that we can work with and support.  I am so happy to see this day as I often wondered if our great American experiment was finished.  There are so many problems ahead, and I hope none is insurmountable.  The biggest problem in my estimation is the sheer size of our population, which requires a corresponding size in the governance of that population.

Last week I had my eyes re-examined by Jeannie's eye doctor.  I was very unhappy with the doctor who had replaced my regular opthamologist who retired a few months ago, so I switched.  I am going to order the new prescription glasses today and really hope they will help.  I'm about at the end of the line as far as corrective lenses.

Our weather has turned much cooler, which is a relief to me.  I enjoy wearing a jacket or flannel shirt when going out to walk Rocky.  Speaking of Rocky, he senses I am going somewhere soon, and is trying to climb into my lap!  He isn't a lap dog, for sure.

  

No Flag, Yet

I don't have my flag to set out on Election Day - tomorrow.  The company that makes the flags wrote and apologized, but it seems they are making PPE (protective equipment?) and cannot make the flags for now.  I don't mind as the protective gear is so important to those who are fighting the pandemic, and I will fly the flag when I get it.  It is a small company in the USA, so I prefer to give them my business as soon as they can get to it.

So far I haven't heard of any problems, and I hope that holds out for tomorrow as well.  I know some places are expecting trouble.  No self-respecting, decent American would cause trouble at a time like this, or any other time for that matter.

I hope to be back tomorrow night and will raise my glass to you, my viewers, and to The United States of America.

 

 

For the Ladies!

There is a movement building for the women who lean toward the liberal side.  On Tuesday it is suggested that we all wear pearls in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.  I got my beautiful pearl necklace out of the jewelry box so I won't forget.  It will look so nice with my jeans or sweatpants.  No one will see it because I'm not going to even open my door, and will have to exercise Rocky in the back yard!

Getting Prepared!

My daughter and I masked up and went to Costco yesterday.  I didn't want to spend much money as I have been ordering things online since the early part of the year and getting home delivery, so I didn't need a whole lot.  But it was fun just getting out after visiting her eye doctor and having a comprehensive examination of my eyesight.  I was certainly tired by the time I got home.  My regular eye specialist retired and the doctor who saw me last week was dismal, so I am ready for a new doctor!

At Costco I bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate Biden's win this coming Tuesday, although I'm not sure an absolute winner will be declared on that day.  It would be wonderful if the results are indicative of the Dems winning by Tuesday evening.  I've also ordered an American flag and holder to put outside, and I was hoping to fly it on election day, if it gets here by then.  

I don't know what it will be like here in my city and neighborhood, or in yours.  But let's hope things don't get out of hand and people getting hurt.

I plan to stay in the entire day and evening, even to the point of just taking Rocky out into the backyard and not walking on the streets.  Fortunately I have a very large backyard, plenty of room for him to chase a ball and wear himself out.

I hope everyone stays safe, and that our neighborhoods are relatively quiet this coming week.

 

A Chill in the Air

The past few days have been so pleasant with sunny skies and a bit of chill in the air.  Sleeping is great, and I enjoy a morning walk with Rocky, although I've been cutting it short the past two days because he pulls on the leash when he sees another dog.  I hope he settles down soon or I might not even live to see it!  And who would want an ill-mannered dog when I'm gone.  He deserves better than I can give him now.

I visited the eye doctor last week; my regular doctor retired so I saw another one in the practice.  Absolutely worthless! This coming Friday I will see Jeannie's eye doctor and hope I have a better outcome.  I think I need new glasses, but will see what the doctor has to say.  I am sick and tired of endless appointments with doctors and the dentist.  The eye doctor that saw me last week didn't even ask to see my glasses or to ask me how I was doing with them.  And because they are worn constantly they probably need adjusting.  

I'm so glad I turned my ballot in last week.  I filled it out in the car while waiting to see the eye doctor, and I think I mentioned that my son, Steve, read the options to me and marked the ballot as I made my selections.   It was a lot easier to vote in the old days, and I swear the print was a decent size.

 I hope all the American citizens reading this will be sure to vote early!  I would hate to wait until the last day, and I am so glad I turned in my ballot about a week ago.  Here in Sacramento there are ballot boxes in many places - I deposited my ballot into a box in my Raley's grocery store.  I certainly hope there isn't much strife and stress with the voting this year.  I'm so glad I live where I do and feel pretty certain that there won't be any tampering with the ballots.  But who knows what will happen, and we can only hope our country can get back to normalcy when this is past.

See y'all later.

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

Two major accomplishments

Thanks to my son Steve, I managed to get two things done today.  I voted and dropped the ballot off in the proper box, and I got my eyes examined.,

I  was several months late for the eye appointment due to being isolated but it seemed to me that my sight had rapidly deteriorated.  The examination showed hardly any change so I will return for another checkup in April.  I wonder if it isn't so much that I can't see well, as that less light comes in and illuminates whatever I'm looking at.  I didn't think to ask them.

They have a good system whereby you phone them when you arrive in the parking lot, and they will phone you back when it is time for you to come into the office.  There was no time spent in the waiting room, and I like it much better than the old way.

Steve was a great help with the ballot.  Most of it is in small print that I would have trouble with, so he read each of the sections out loud to me and then marked the ballot for me.  On the way back from the opthamologist, we dropped the ballot off.  I feel like I accomplished a lot today, plus I spent quality time with one of my sons.

I hope the weather starts cooling down to the upper 70's during the day.  It looks like we will have two more days with highs reaching into the mid 80's, and then we might finally get some fall weather.

Today was a nice break in the isolation I've been enduring, and hope that Jeannie has to do some errands soon to pick up orders from several stores. I always enjoy riding along.

I don't know when I might be back - so little changes occur to my daily routine that there is nothing to write about.  Perhaps I'll have another day of getting out soon.  Take care, everyone.

A good laugh!

I just read something that made me laugh, and I thought I would share it.

 I watch a lot of YouTube videos, including political ones.  In reading the comment section this morning about a video on Melania Trump, I got the best laugh I've had for a while.  A reader named "Barbara" commented that her granddaughter referred to DT's wife as "Malaria".  I hope you find that as amusing (and as fitting) as I did!  Out of the mouth of babes .....

I'm can still walk Rocky in the mornings, but I doubt I will be able to for much longer.  Rocky is the best boy ever on his walks, but the problem for me is the pavement.  Broken, cracked, buckled up, and no sidewalks except in front of the school property.  I'm afraid I'm an accident waiting to happen.

There is so much housework I need to do, but I don't know where to start, so I haven't started yet!  I'd better get moving.

 

Just a Shout-Out!

I thought I might do a quick update, and find that Blogger is just about as bad as I remember it being.  I just don't know why they changed it, but developers have to develop, so that's what I figure it is.

Rocky and I are fine - my wrist is getting a little better, but slowly, and I doubt it it will ever get back to normal again.

I am still pretty much isolating, and am very fortunate that my daughter, Jeannie, and my son, Steve, are doing the same.  Steve is going to take me to the opthamologist next week and it can't happen soon enough.  My eyesight is deteriorating very rapidly, and I think I may be close to being legally blind.  Of course, that doesn't mean I can no longer see anything, but I don't have good eyesight and worry about falling.  I will look into the implications of the "legally blind status".  I think I am already eligible for a white tipped cane, or something like that, although my beautiful and sturdy hiking staff is just fine with me right now.  I don't like to walk outside because of the cracks in the pavement - this is far worse here than anywhere I've ever lived.  I still walk Rocky in the mornings, though, and people who are out at that time are very considerate about crossing the street to maintain a good distance.  I do the same, and it's nice to be able to wave and shout "hello" to other folks.

I've been spending some time each day trying to cut down and remove some awful blackberry vines on my back fence.  The thorns on that plant are diabolical, so I am going slow and easy, and very very carefully!

I don't see a "Save" option on this version of blogger, so I think I will stop here before I lose everything I've typed so far.  That happens more often than not and it is discouraging to have to go back and start all over.

I hope you are all doing well and staying as protected as possible.  And I hope to be back soon.

 

The End!

Blogger has made it impossible for me to continue.  I've enjoyed writing this blog for many years now, and cherish the friendships I've made along the way.  I would continue, but it has become so aggravating with this last "update" from blogger, that I'm not going to stress myself out over it any longer. 

I would enjoy hearing from you now and then, and my email is mgypsy97@aol.com.  I wish the best for all of you.

A Wonderful Morning!

Jeannie called me early this morning and asked if I would like to go to Costco!  Would I ever!  I don't know how I've done without that wonderful store - although I still can order online - but they have some things they only carry in some stores.  I spent a lot of money, but it was offset somewhat by the rebate check I get from Costco each year for spending over a certain amount there.  I think you have to get a particular membership in order for that to apply, and it's always been worth it to me.

Since we got back, Jeannie took Rocky for a walk to her house where she was going to pick up Arianna and Tito.  It's been a while since she left and I'm loving the quiet!

Workmen are in my backyard cutting some smaller trees along the fence line in preparation for installing a length of new fencing on one side of the lot.  There were several breaches in a couple of  places, and I'm sure Rocky has used them to go visiting now and then.  The fence on the other side of the lot has been replaced more recently, although there are several small trees that need to be removed so they don't ruin the fence.  In a way I'm glad it's not my problem although I would have taken care of it much sooner if I owned rather than rent.

 

Rocky and Tito

 I have some photos to share but don't know how well I can do since Blogger has changed things again.  I do wish they would just leave well enough alone.  I don't use a phone to read blogs, but if any of my readers do, please let me know if your blogging experience has improved.

I'm going to try to publish this before I lose it.  I've tried several times and don't know what Blogger has in mind with the "updates".

 

Medical stuff

 I just got back from the Med Center where I was given a Holter monitor to wear for 3 days, and I had blood drawn for my oncologist, which I'm supposed to do periodically.    The monitor is a nuisance but I'll put up with it.  I've had episodes lately where I have the sensation that my heart stopped, but it then picks up after skipping a beat or two.  So I'm all wired up for a few days.  I had to go through this several years back, so I'll just put up with it again.

Rocky was so good about going into the crate this morning and was very happy when we returned!  

I don't go out very often so I'm not used to wearing a mask.  It certainly is a nuisance, but then getting sick with Covid would be an even greater nuisance.  I can't understand all the reaction against something so simple to keep people safe.  It is no big deal to wear a mask in public and I just don't understand why politicians, especially, refuse to lead by example.

I started cleaning yesterday and thought I would just pick up today where I left off.  Now that I'm all wired up I'm just going to take it easy!

It's almost like Fall!

With the temperatures down below 100 degrees, it almost feels like autumn weather out there.  I did break down and turn on the a/c at about 4pm (an hour ago).

My son and granddaughter (Steve and 3-yr old Quinn) came over yesterday to take Rocky to the vet for his annual checkup.  It was a quick checkup at that, but at least they gave me some calming meds so I can get his nails trimmed.

Speaking of Quinn, what an adorable little girl she is!   And what a personality! 

Rocky is on my s*** list right now.  I just bought him a new comfortable bed which was delivered yesterday, and which on closer inspection today, reveals two chewed spots in the top of it.  He didn't waste any time getting to it.  I don't know if anything can be done about a dog that chews everything in sight - my experience from years ago is that some dogs keep chewing for the rest of their lives.  I am furious with him and he knows it.

My wrist doesn't hurt constantly lately, although it may be that I just don't think about it all the time. It's bad enough as it is, but better than it was.

It won't be long until September is over with.  I think I missed Labor Day completely.   So this year Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day have come and gone without so much as a firecracker going off in my neighborhood.  I have been thinking how glad I am that I had everyone here last Christmas.  

With my wrist such as it is - I haven't done any real housecleaning for months.   I'm going to have to get motivated and do something soon, but wonder if it's even worth the effort.

I thought I had sworn off gardening after the debacle with the chinese seeds this year, but have decided i will try again next year.  I don't intend to plant any seeds but will purchase tomato plants and set them out - I'm undecided on the zucchini and yellow squash as they grow so well from seed, but I'll have to see what is available at a garden store.  I hope my wrist has healed by next March or April, at least well enough for me to handle the gardening chores.  I have a birthday coming up in a couple of months, and wonder if I'll be too old to work in the garden next spring!

Have a good week!

 

 

The new format

There is no reason I can see for this new format.  It isn't so much different from the older version, so I'm not sure why they even bothered to change it.

Jeannie couldn't come over to walk Rocky this evening so I took him for a walk - I'm sure a much shorter one than Jeannie does.  I also walked him this morning so he's exercising at least a little.  I should do a longer walk but then I have my own limitations these days, and I am uncertain about my balance, my eyesight, etc.  I'm terrified of falling, to be honest. 

I had hoped to get a photo of Rocky and Tito this evening, but it will have to wait for tomorrow.  Most people today wouldn't recognize the name "Tito" as the name for the former Yugoslavian communist dictator in the late 1940's and 50's!

 

Still blogging!

Somehow I got to the old familiar blogger page for creating a new post, and it is such a relief and so much better than the one they are pushing on us.  I'll use it as long as I can.

I don't have much to write about.  The air is still a bit hazy, depending on the time of day, and I rarely go out.  I do try to walk Rocky for about 20 minutes in the morning, and in the evenings that Jeanne comes by she takes him up to the big field behind the school and lets him run out his energy.  So at least I'm getting a short walk in as well.  So far he has behaved very well when I walk him - no pulling on the leash or lunging at other dogs & people.   I don't hesitate to bribe him with the magic words, "Ya wanna treat?"

Jeannie and her family have a new puppy - "Tito" as I may have previously mentioned.  He is a little dog (and will stay small).  The whole family came by with Tito yesterday evening and picked up Rocky to go play in that field.  I'm glad to see him get the exercise and would love to go with them except that it is now getting dark much earlier and I can see an accident in my future if I try to walk anywhere in the dark!  When they came back to my house for a while afterward, Tito kept jumping in and out of my lap.  He's a sweetheart for sure!

My wrist is healing as I can tell that it's becoming easier to use my left hand.  Thank goodness for that, as it is so difficult to do anything with only one hand.  It still hurts, but I've dealt with the worst of the pain so I try not to complain too much.  I don't take much of anything for pain, except for a bit of CBD oil every now and then.  My brother brought me a bottle of oil that is good for taking in the evening, so I try to remember it before I go to bed.  To be honest, I don't see much difference when I take something for pain versus when I don't.

Here we are at the middle of the week - it'll be weekend before you know it.    Time seems to go by so fast for as little as I do.  It sure doesn't drag on.

Better weather ahead!

The weather seems to be a little better and I have gotten by without turning on the a/c, although I'll have to admit that at 6pm it's rather warm.  I don't want to open all the doors and windows because of the air quality.  I don't smell smoke, but others tell me there is a smoky odor in the air.

 I try to look at the new Blogger format with a positive attitude, but cannot find a single thing about it that is an improvement over the last version.  Am I missing something?  Perhaps those of you who access blogger on your phones might have a  better experience with it?  To  me it is a total waste, and totally aggravating as well.  It doesn't seem to have changed much, except the page looks a bit different as I am typing the blog.  Not different enough to convince me there was a good reason to change from the older version.  What a waste of time!

 

New blogger layout

This blog may be nearing the end.  I definitely don't want to change to yet another blogger format - there have been several changes since I've been blogging - well over 3000 posts ago - and I've always felt that change for change;s sake is just a way to keep the developers busy.  Maybe blogger doesn't need so many developers?  When I'm left with no choice I will write my final post, but I will certainly miss all the friends I have made via blogger!

The air quality goes between tolerable and downright frightening.  The air looks a little better today, but I don't want to go out nor does Rocky.

I just talked to my son Steve.  They had been planning a family get-away to the Oregon coast for months now,  but timing was certainly an issue.  The first place they had booked turned out to be a version of the "Bates Motel".  They looked around at several other places and found something tolerable, but I think they are happy to be "home sweet home".  The air quality is bad everywhere which doesn't help.

 My wrist has been declared healed, which I take to mean that the break has knitted back together.  It still hurts all the time, but it's more tolerable than it was a month or more ago.  It will never straighten out to look like what it was, but I can deal with a crooked hand!  (Hmmm, that almost reminds me of a crooked card dealer!)

I have found some exercises online that I can do, although from the beginning I have been trying to massage and move my hand and fingers to try to help my range of motion.  Now I'm using that hand to help me carry items requiring two hands, and while it hurts, I have to keep up the activity.

After publishing this post I thought to ask readers if they are aware of any other blogger formats.  I have tried Word Press in the past and didn't like it.  Blogger always seemed so straightforward and easy to use.



   

Getting to go "Bye-Bye"

Anyone who has raised a child will recognize the magic in the words "go bye-bye"!  I'm now reverting to my childhood, and when I had the chance to ride along with Jeannie yesterday to pick up orders at Target, Whole Foods, Total Beverage, etc., I jumped at it!  I wasn't disappointed as it was so energizing to just be out and about, seeing the people and the traffic, and of course, visiting with my daughter.  Kudos to the businesses who make it possible to shop with them, without having to risk the health and well-being of one's-self, store personnel and other shoppers.  Target, Total Beverage, and Whole Foods are the businesses that come to mind that make this possible.  On the other hand, it is amazing (and disheartening) to see the number of people who totally ignore safety practices such as wearing a mask.

I came home as totally exhausted as if I had done a full day's shopping and going in and out of stores, while I never left the passenger seat of Jeannie's vehicle!

I think and hope the triple digit temperatures are over with, although the 2-week forecast ahead predicts temps in the 90's for the entire period.   It will be interesting to see what the winter brings!

 

Took Rocky for a walk,

We went over our old favorite route of 6 blocks.  He walked slowly for me which I appreciated.   He always remembers the spot where he sits in his good dog pose and I give him a treat!  It is good for me to get out and stretch my legs as well, although the condition of the streets in this neighborhood is treacherous, and of course, no sidewalks.  I'd probably be safer on my treadmill.

The weather today is perfect for walking, with the high somewhere in the mid to upper eighties.  We'll pay for it in the coming days with triple digits expected.  I'm ready for a rainy, chilly Sacramento winter.  The days are certainly getting shorter.

I think I will sleep well tonight.  I need to do a little housekeeping, but it can wait.

I got what I needed!

Thanks to my brother, I have a new bottle of CBD oil which is about the same strength as what I just used up.  I wanted approximately the same formulation and ratio of ingredients as the bottle I just finished.   In other words, it has a small percentage of THC but not enough that I can really tell.  I still have constant pain but I can deal with it.

I found a youtube series that demonstrates physical therapy exercises for a broken wrist.  I would much rather do any therapy at home than have to go to a medical office.  I may just try it for a week or so.  I never liked medical appointments and after my ordeal with the broken wrist, I am completely  "DONE" with visiting any more doctors,  That said, I desperately need my eyes examined and new prescription glasses.

I saw my son this morning and his 7 month old baby boy.  That little boy is absolutely perfect!  At his age they show their personalities and seem to find their surroundings challenging.  And what a smile!

That's about it for today.  Hope you are all doing well.




 

It's been a long, long time

A long time that my hand has shaken uncontrollably.  Probably when I was much younger and had stayed out way too late the night before, and imbibed way too much!  Now my injured wrist shakes most of the time if I hold it out unsupported.  (No hangover required!)

I am about to run out of my CBD oil, and looking on the internet for a replacement is so confusing.  What I have is 10:1 CBD-THC.  There are so many products out there that I can't determine what to buy!  I think they sell it in stores such as CVS and Walgreens but I have no way to get there except walk.  I haven't been in a store since the beginning of March and the thought of going inside one and trying to find what I need is a daunting task to me right now.  You can do just about everything on the internet, and I guess I could order what I want if I knew what I wanted!  Too many choices.

For some reason my appetite has been strong today.  Usually I can barely eat enough to keep going, but today I don't have the energy it takes to deal with food preparation!  I don't do much actual "food preparation" (cooking); what I'm calling. preparation is getting something out of the fridge or freezer and into an edible state.  As it turns out, ice cream bars are the easiest food to "prepare".  All I have to do is tear the wrapper off and enjoy!

The weather will moderate a bit this week, but will zoom back up to triple digits over the next weekend.  I'm really tired of a closed-up house with a/c running, although I'm grateful that I don't need to run it in the evenings and up until about noon each day.

Out for a walk!

At 9am on a Sunday morning things are pretty quiet, so I leashed up Rocky and we took a short walk over our old and familiar route.  It is so familiar that when we got to a particular spot Rocky sat in his good dog pose and waited for his treat!  This is where I always gave him a treat and told him what a good boy he is.  lt felt so good to be out in the fresh air again, although I was not comfortable with myself or my footing.  With only one good hand I made up my mind that if Rocky tried to bolt towards another dog, I wouldn't try to stop him.  Fortunately he was very good!

Jeannie came by to walk Rocky this afternoon so he got some good exercise today.  I can't let her know that I took him for a brief walk earlier.

I am sick and tired of this whole situation, quarantine, etc., and I'm sure most of you are tired of it as well.  I'll just plod through however, but it's difficult when I realize I don't have that many years left if times are good, and they sure aren't all that good these days.

Poor Rocky is really suffering the changes in life right now.

More on "The Oil"!

While I'm not feeling bad this morning, I still have the nagging pain in my wrist.  After writing yesterday about the fact that CBD oil didn't do anything for my pain, I did some reading on it this morning and decided to try a few drops again.  I'll have to say the pain is nearly gone.  Actually it is still there but doesn't bother me so much.  So I will withhold any more opinions on the product for now. The good thing about it is that it doesn't make me feel "loopy", although maybe I am but just don't realize it!  :-)

The weeks fly by so fast that it seems to me that Friday is followed by Friday!  I would really like to take a walk, but I could never manage Rocky  plus try to maintain my balance with a hiking stick.  Maybe I can walk with Jeannie one of these days when she takes Rocky out.  I can always turn around and come back if I get tired.

My house is getting very cluttered and I need to do something about it soon.  I can't even blame it on Rocky!

And finally, I need to do something about my computer.  It is losing programs, messages, and various other items.  I just don't know what to do about it.  I have used an Apple for years with no problems, but what I have now is just beyond my comprehension.

 

The cast is off

I saw the orthopedist for the final time this afternoon, and good riddance to him.  I might do some physical therapy but right now I'd like to just take it easy - the pain is still pretty bad. 

I am going to try to do an attitude adjustment and see if I can help my healing.  I might post a picture of my crooked arm-wrist-hand which the quack of a doctor insists is ok and that anything more would be considered cosmetic surgery.  To tell the truth, I want no more of doctors for a while so I am willing to put up with things the way they are, and the way they look.

Our air quality seems to be a little better today, and I hope the fires are being contained and will soon be extinguished.  I can't smell the smoke but Jeannie can, so I stay indoors as much as possible.

I sure hope I start feeling and doing a little better each day as I would love to post something positive for a change!

Another X-ray

I usually look forward to getting out of the house but this afternoon I have to get an xray of my wrist before seeing the orthopedist tomorrow.  What a drag!  I don't feel any better, nor do I feel any worse - I just feel like crap and this is what I can look forward to for the rest of my life.  It might be different if  i could go for a walk, but with the bad air from nearby fires I can't even do that.  I did make myself walk a mile on my treadmill today, and should do that every day.  It's difficult to have enthusiasm for anything though.

The air is still hazy and even Rocky doesn't want to stay out in it for long.  My sense of smell isn't what it used to be, but Jeannie tells me she can smell the smoke in the air.

I'm daydreaming about throwing a big party when the pandemic is gone.  I hope that day isn't far off,

 

The photo from yesterday was taken by my niece in Santa Cruz; I'm going to say that Santa Cruz is roughly 50 miles south of San Francisco and is on the ocean.  I loved taking my kids there when they were young as it is a very friendly and fun place.  I don't recall seeing the roller coaster when we were there in the late 1980's, so I'm sure there is a lot more there today than back then.

Stephanie has promised me some more photos from  Santa Cruz and I will post them as I get them.

My wrist continues to plague me and limit what I can do.  My hair is really getting long, and I would love to pull it back and tie it off, but I can't maneuver a pony tail with one hand. 

I miss being able to open doors and windows in the morning to let the cool overnight air inside.  The air has been hazy from the nearby fires and I don't want to chance it, although I did slightly open the window above my bed to get the night breezes.  I have lost much of my sense of smell as I age, so I can't detect the smoky odor unless it is strong.

Our humidity for today is around 0%, contrasted with Cincinnati where I grew up, with humidity in the the upper 60-percent.  There are pros and cons to both.  The main pro for humidity in my estimation is much nicer skin.  You can't apply enough lotion to counter the effects of hot dry air!

Smoky Santa Cruz

I wanted to show a photo taken in Santa Cruz yesterday, showing the smoky skies.

I have another photo from today, but for some reason I can't download it. 

Our skies are hazy but not like yesterday; I don't trust being outdoors in the air unless necessary.

Donald drove Rocky and me to the vet today to  get his nails clipped again.  I gave him the meds given to me for his last nail clip, and they relax and quiet him down.

Rocky sure doesn't want to go outdoors unless absolutely necessary.  Smart dog!

No other news from here.  I hope I can write something positive soon.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

The air is thick with the haze and smell of smoke.  I'm not sure how close we are to the actual fires, but the minute I open the door I can smell it, and don't want Rocky or me to be in it. 

I had to make a quick visit to the dentist this morning and definitely don't like going out.  Rocky has an appointment to get his nails clipped again tomorrow afternoon, so I hope all goes well and that we aren't further threatened by smoke.  My heart goes out to the brave firefighters who deal with these conditions.  I have family who live in or close to the worst hit areas.

I may  post again today if the situation changes.

Much better today!

Although the outdoor temperature is probably close to 110F, my air conditioning is working perfectly,  The tech had to install a new breaker box, which took very little time.  Now Rocky and I are much more comfortable.  He has been napping on the couch all day long, and I went back to bed for my nap!

With a high of 107 today and estimate of 105 tomorrow, we should then be going back into the upper 90's for a while.  Of course the forecast is constantly changing, but I'm sure looking forward to the 90's and below!  Rocky doesn't even want to go out, except when Jeannie comes over and picks up his harness and leash, and then he can't stop wagging his tail and wiggling his bottom!  He is so sweet and cute, and I feel sorry for him having me as an owner, especially in light of my current handicap.  He is way too much for me to handle these days, except for the time up to late afternoon when he's ready to play.  He spends most of the morning and early afternoon napping and   doesn't like the hot weather.  I'm the same way!

I just opened the patio door and stuck my hand out!  Too hot for Rocky and me  (At 6pm).  he wouldn't even go near the open door!

I hope this awful weather moderates soon, and envy those of you in cooler climates/seasons.  What goes around, comes around, I've always felt, so we just have to wait a bit.


  


 

All is well!

Once the electrician got the necessary part (breaker box, is what I believe he said), he quickly installed it before the heat of the day set in.  The house is cool and comfortable now, and I'm relieved it is taken care of.  I am also glad I stayed home last night and was here this morning to talk with the electrician.  My instincts are still good, which makes me happy to have confirmed, although I have never had a doubt about my instincts.

Now the big question of the day is, do I shower and get dressed, or do I remain in my pajamas all day.   If I shower, then I will have to decide  whether or not to wash my hair.  It's almost enough to make me stay in pj's today!

The heat will be bad today - going up somewhere around 108F.  I really look forward to the end of August and hope September will be a bit more moderate. 

I follow a couple of readers in Australia, and it's interesting to see them in sweaters and turtlenecks! 

Waiting for the AC Repairman

I've been waiting anxiously since he was scheduled to be here by 3pm this afternoon (almost an hour ago).  My landlady just stopped by to check and is going to give him another call.   She is worried about me in this heat, but I told her I grew up in Cincinnati, in hot summers with humidity on top of the heat.  I think we're going up to about 109F before the end of the day, and the excessive heat will continue for another week or two.  I'll be happy to get the a/c working again, and I'm sure Rocky will love it.  I'm just sitting quietly and not moving much!

I'll bet a dollar to a donut the a/c guy doesn't come today, and I'll no doubt have to suffer through this heat for yet another day.

I've kept the brace on my wrist for most of the day, which is extremely uncomfortable.  The pain is still constant although I don't take anything for it because of side effects.  What a helluva way to live, especially since I'm not as young as I used to be!

Window a/c's

My landlady, who lives next door to Jeannie, has been trying to get the a/c guys to come and fix my unit.  I'm sure they are working long days with our current temps being in the area of 110 degrees!  She sent me a couple of window units which Donald installed in the bedroom and dining area windows, so the heat is more tolerable.  As uncomfortable as it can get, I remember the hot and humid summers of Cincinnati, before central a/c, and I survived those.  Actually the pain in my wrist overrides any other kind of pain.

We are on our way to 107 degrees this afternoon and I think we will have extremely hot weather for the rest of this month.  I can only hope it cools down in September as I never did like this heat - anything up to the mid-80's is tolerable in my book.  The worst part is that today the humidity is also high for this area.

Rocky is upset with me right now.   My order of two 30# bags of dog food just arrived and he wants me to bring it in the house.  There is no way that I can maneuver it up a couple of steps and into the house, so it is going to sit out there until I can get Donald to move it for me.

How much worse are things going to get for me?  How low can it go?

 

Devastating Heat!

Right now, on Saturday at 5:30 pm, the temp is up to 109F.  My a/c quit running so I turned it off hoping it just needs to cool down.  These unbearably high temps will last until the middle of next week, when it will drop into the 90's!  The ceiling fan is moving the hot air around and I have a floor fan running; just hope the electricity isn't cycled off.  I don't know how I will convince Rocky to make a quick trip outdoors.

It's just what I don't need right now.  My wrist pain has put me in agony all day long.  What is this world coming to?

Attitude Adjustment

I am going to try my best to find the positives in my life, and not focus on the negatives.  I sort of believe that things happen for a reason, although I'm not totally convinced of it!

While the pain is still constant, and sometimes takes my breath away with its severity, I think I'm better now than I was 2 weeks ago - "better" being a relative term!

I think back to my young adult years and our "family doctor".  He was a wonderful man and doctor, would make a house call if needed, and genuinely cared for each of his patients.  My family were his first patients after he set up his practice, following his service in the Korean War.  I'm not sure if I'm a believer, but I can fervently say, "God rest his soul".  They don't make them like him any more, but then our medical system wouldn't allow for it. 

Jeannie reminded me that even though my hand is somewhat deformed, to correct the deformity would be considered cosmetic surgery.  I can almost laugh at the entire situation.  I'll get through it and hope to come out okay in the long run.  I recall that a reader of my blog commented that I could be looking at almost a year of recovery.  That's an incentive to live another year!

To indicate what daily life has come down to in the pandemic, Jeannie asked me if I want to ride along with her to Folsom this afternoon, where she will pick up items she ordered from several stores.  Of course I jumped at the chance to ride in the car even if I never get out of it, and even got dressed up a bit  (meaning I got out of my pajamas.)   The stores have this all figured out and there are special parking spots in the lot - you just text the store and a masked person brings your order out and places it in the trunk for you.  Of course there are people who don't worry about a pandemic and walk in and out of the stores, although they do pull on a mask to be allowed inside the doors.   Jeannie has an elaborate sanitizing procedure she goes through with the items in the trunk.  I have to give her credit for having the will and the energy to do the right things.  I would have been the same way when I was younger, I hope.

I think I will go and try to walk a bit on my treadmill.  Sitting in the house so much can't be good for me, and probably  contributes to my lack of energy.  Enjoy the rest of the week!

Things I'm Letting Go

I sit in my recliner, glance around the room, and feel bad about the things I'm not keeping up with - such as watering my houseplants.  I ought to just throw them all out and be done with it!  But they are living things and I just can't do it.

I decided to wear the wrist brace most of the day but after a couple of hours I'm ready to ditch it.  It is probably good for my wrist, but terrible for my skin.  When I place my right hand over the injured wrist it feels very warm, so I assume it's a sign of infection?  I really have no idea what it indicates.

Like every other day, I got up this morning vowing to walk on my treadmill.  Will I finally get out of my chair and do it?  Surprisingly, considering my lack of exercise, I don't seem to be gaining any weight. 

I'm going to spend the day in my pajamas!  Before my accident I bought myself a really cute set, and they are so comfortable I'm going for cute and comfort today!  Hah!  I can find very little comfort in my life, and cute is a distant memory, but I'll take whatever I can drum up!

We are almost halfway through August, nearly 6 months of isolation for me.  Who would have thought.....

New blogger

Fortunately I am able to use this format in blogger until September, when it will no longer be available.  I have decided to end my blog when I can no longer use the current format.  The old blogger format has worked just fine, and I don't understand why a totally different version is forced upon users.
 
Updating the blog has become so difficult for me as I am typing with one finger, and I don't see much of a change in my hand or wrist anytime soon. 

I am grateful for my readers who have stuck with me through thick and thin and I had planned to try to keep up with the blog until the end.  I don't feel well enough to struggle with a change that certainly isn't being forced upon long time bloggers for their own benefit. 

I was given a wrist brace to use, but mostly don't wear it.  It is extremely uncomfortable and hurts like crazy.  The skin of my hand and wrist is very tender and I have a difficult time understanding why I should cause myself even more pain.  On a positive note, Rocky is being very calm and undemanding - that is, until Jeannie shows up.  Then he turns into his old labrador self!  Oh. I did get the boy's nails clipped yesterday, and have an appointment to take him back in two weeks for another trim.  The gave me an Rx product to calm him down and it worked pretty well.  I hate to drug him but am determined to get those claws to a point where he can't hurt me.  My arms and legs are full of scars from his claws and I'm fed up with it!  Jeannie took him into the vet's office and told me I should wait in the car until he was ready to leave.  Well, I never did get to go inside as she just waited in there for him.  I know she didn't want me to complain to the folks there, and it didn't take me long to figure out what she was doing.  I did the same type of thing with my mom when she got old, so I can only laugh to myself about it.  I'm in too much pain right now to make a big deal of it.

That's it for now.  It's so difficult to come up with a post when nothing new ever happens and I can't do anything except the very basics of living.  Hope you all have a good week!

Mystery Solved?

As I have mentioned many times, my efforts at gardening this year were a complete bust!  I may have the answer as to why.  The US Dept. of Agriculture has issued a warning about garden seeds from China, and applies to all fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

I buy all my garden seeds from Mountain Valley Seed Co, and I choose heirloom organic seeds.   This past winter I received in the mail an unsolicited packet of seeds, (from Shanghai, China) tomato variety "Venus", which I planted along with four varieties from Mountain Valley.  All grew into what looked like healthy plants, but once they were in the garden I should have realized it was all over for my efforts this year.   None of the plants grew well and seemed stunted, but the fruit they produced was absolutely awful.  ALL of the tomatoes were stunted and never grew past the size of a small cherry tomato, even the beefsteak variety were tiny and results were absolutely dismal.  NOW, I read the warning from USDA about unsolicited seeds from China.  So here is a "heads up" to any of you who like to plant a garden or even just a couple of tomato plants.  I might mention that out of several squash plants, I got only one very small, 3-4", yellow squash.  So I conclude that the chinese plants tainted my entire garden!

I've decided that next year I am going to buy established plants at a reputable nursery.  I'm also going to have the soil tested to make sure this act of sabotage hasn't corrupted future efforts at gardening.

At least I now know what the problem was.  I thought I had done something terribly wrong ad blamed myself for the garden failure. 

I took a couple of photos so you can see what I'm talking about.  One of them includes a coffee cup which makes the size more obvious.

I'm also showing a photo of the seed packets - the one on the right contained  good seeds, while the larger white packet came from China and as far as I can tell, ruined my gardening efforts this year!

Sorry if some of you reading this are bored with gardening.  I want to get my thoughts on this whole fiasco  written down so I have a record of what happened.

The cast is off!

I'm just wearing a different kind of brace.

It is a bit less intrusive and not as heavy, but still a  pain in the ....   At least I can remove it to shower.   My hand seems to be permanently deformed, but I can live with that even though it is really ugly.  I want the pain to go away!

 

Hopeful

I will get my arm xrayed this afternoon in preparation for the visit with the orthopedist tomorrow,  I sure hope he will decide that the cast can be removed, although I'm certain he will put some sort of support in place of the cast.  It will be wonderful if it is something I can remove to get a decent shower!

I still have constant pain and need to search for a natural pain reliever that doesn't contain aspirin or the like.  I had some on hand but have used them up.  It is difficult to fathom how 6 weeks have gone by so quickly, but it's also difficult to fathom how quickly the past 5 months have sped by.  I started isolating the 1st of March, as I've previously mentioned.  I don't miss going out too badly, but I would love to shop in a "real" store as opposed to the online version.

I checked the weather forecast today and hate to see that it will be up in the 100 degree range.  It is so nice to have cool air coming in through open doors and windows in the mornings.

My last haircut was before March, and I'm looking pretty bad by now.  All the hair that was short is now at that really aggravating stage.  I try to pull it back, but it slips out a little at a time.  I don't mind it being long, but would like it to be even.  I think that is the least of my worries!

Wish me luck that the xrays today will lead to removal of the cast tomorrow!

 

Still Alive!

I'm hanging on although just barely, at times.  I'm still in constant pain but only take Advil now and then.  Between my injury and lockdown, I can get pretty depressed at times,

The weather is too hot to even be out in the yard for a few minutes.  I've pulled  out most of the plants in my garden except for 2 of them that have a couple of small tomatoes growing.  I had such high hopes for gardening.

My cast is scheduled to come off this coming Wednesday, but I think they will give me some sort of protective sleeve for my arm.   I will be so happy to get this heavy and awkward cast off, although as casts go, it is cheerful and pretty.

I mostly feel sorry for poor Rocky except for the fact that it is all his doing.  It will be a long time, if ever, before I can even take him for a walk.  Jeannie walks him most evenings, but I don't know how long I can count on that.  Rocky and I are a sorry pair! 

The afternoon sun is shining in, making every bit of dust quite obvious,  I know my house needs a complete cleaning, but I don't even care.  It's a good thing because there is nothing I can do about it.   I wouldn't mind getting an honest opinion on whether or not I should even continue blogging,

I sure hope I can find a more positive note next time.  Have a good week.

Slow Going!

I'm still hurting but not quite as bad.  I still can't do very much without getting exhausted, but I'm back on the treadmill and finished day 2 so far.  I'm walking slower and only for about 5 or 6 minutes each day and hope to gradually increase the time and speed.  I'm trying to be very careful, especially since clogs are the only shoes I can get on and certainly couldn't tie shoestrings.

Rocky is being close to perfect, until Arianna & Jeannie come over in the evening to take him for a walk.  He goes out of his mind with excitement and joy.  Jeannie suggested I order a harness for him, which I did.  She puts it on him for the walk and it must work well because she has nothing but praise for him on his walks.

I've no doubt mentioned I watch a lot of youtube as I dont like TV and never have.  Well I found a series on youtube that I've been binging on which features "Amazing Historical Photos".  Each video averages 10-12 minutes, and each photo is on the screen for 6 seconds.  It is a zillion times better than watching anything about Drump.  The period covered goes back to the late 1800's and runs up to the 1940's.  At least I'm not sleeping the day away.

Time is going by entirely too fast when I think about having just another month of summer, which doesn;t really mean much because I'm not going out anyway.    You all stay as safe as you can.  There will no doubt be another round of increase in the virus cases.

No change

I thought I'd check in and say that things are about the same with me.  The pain is still nearly constant, and it is difficult to even look at food most  of the time, with the exception of ice cream!

Since I really can't do even light housework, I can only sit here and look at the dust piling up.  I never was much of a housekeeper, but now things are even below my standards!

So I am wondering how I can begin to get some of my energy back, and I keep thinking about my treadmill.  It has enough safety features as it is specifically designed for seniors, but then I realize I can't wear "tie shoes".   (I can't tie them with one hand!)   I'm very comfortable in my Hefflinger clogs, but not on a treadmill even at a very low speed.  Jeannie wants me to wait to try it when she can be here, and she has a point there.

I hope everyone has a good week ahead.

My cast shrunk!

The cast on my arm went up above my elbow, but this morning the doctor trimmed it way down,  Not only is it lighter but I have a bit more freedom of movement.  Hopefully I just have 2 more weeks to go.  My wrist and arm still hurt constantly, and pain pills don't really make enough of a difference to take them.  One thing I found while in the waiting room is that many people are way worse off than I am.  I just wish I had my appetite back.  I'm afraid to get on the scale these days.

Sacramento is back to cool nights and mornings and I'm loving it.  I won't have to turn on the a/c until Noon or a bit after, although I'm sure it is already hot in full sun. 

Have a good day!

Fingers Crossed

I see the dr. tomorrow and am hoping he will trim the cast so that it is below my elbow.  It's so uncomfortable the way it is, but I should only need the cast for two more weeks if all goes well.   I wish the pain would go away.  The cast just about totally restricts my life and everything I should be doing - little things that I can't do at present.  I feel like I'm totally stagnating, and it's going to continue for a while.

Jeannie had me order a halter and new leash for Rocky, and after walking him yesterday evening she says it makes such a difference.  That is good, and I hope it continues when I am finally able to walk him.  I'm not sure if I will ever be able to walk him again, but it will depend on how the healing goes.

Life is really boring now and I'm still sleeping a lot.  I feel like I will have lost at least a couple of months out of my life, and I admit I'm a little resentful.  One thing I'm looking forward to is a long warm shower without having to keep my arm wrapped up and hanging outside the shower!  Another thing I hope to experience again is a good appetite for food.  It is really difficult to eat because nothing is tempting.  Little things mean a lot.

The weather has been horrendous lately, but we've had a couple of days recently that were below 100 degrees.  The only time I go outside is to water my remaining tomato plants.  My gardening this year has turned out to be almost a complete flop! 

I will certainly be glad when I can write something a bit more positive.  Thanks to those who have stayed with me and offered encouraging words.

Awful weather

It is 7pm and still 100 degrees!  I think I'm still in Sacramento, but I'm beginning to wonder!

Things haven't changed much for me, except that today, nearly 4 wks from the day of my accident, is the first day I've been able to do without anything for pain.  I'm still in pain but it isn't as severe as it was, and it's certainly not worth taking pain meds, with all their side effects.  I am thinking about having a scotch & water this evening to celebrate, although I'll admit that scotch isn't as tempting as it would normally be.

Rocky is absolutely "drop-dead gorgeous" after his grooming session yesterday.  Jeannie drove us there and someone came out to get Rocky, and delivered him back to us about 3 hrs later.  His coat is clean and shiny, and he smells so good!  He wouldn't let them touch his nails though, and I think I will have to take him to a vet who will sedate him and get it done.  I had given him something prior to the appt., but it didn't do the job!

While Rocky was being spiffed up, we drove to a mall in Folsom that has a number of stores that bring your order out to the car and even put it into the trunk for you - Whole Foods being one and Total Beverage being another.  We also got the same drive up service at Target,  What a way to shop.  And while we were waiting at total beverage, we watched an Old Navy store nearby that is having a going-out-of-business sale.  People were lined up outside and way down the sidewalk, maintaining 6' apart, and having to wait until someone left the store so they could let another one in.  It was all very orderly and all wore a mask.  I could only shake my head at what has happened to our way of life.  Of course you always have the people walking around with no mask, but most people understand what could be at risk.

Being in such pain has completely taken my appetite away.  Jeannie fixed several meals for me that I can pull out of the fridge. so I shouldn't starve.  It's just that I don't feel like eating.  It's a shame that I don't feel like drinking either!