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Ear aches! Have managed to get an ear inflammation somehow. Been consuming ibuprofin and it helps, but may have to go to the clinic if it doesn't subside. It should subside on its own since it arrived on its own. That's my theory, but the pain is persistent. Vitamin I seems to knock it back for a few hours, but then it reappears. Aging and aging; the bounty of ailments that seem to manifest.

Had a flying dream last night. Actually had a whole series of dreams, but the flying part is the only one that persists. I was with a group of younger people and we were near a ridge. While they went into a farm or cabin, I walked to the edge of the hill and let the steady winds lift me and carry me upward. There was a woman there as well (L??) who also began to fly and bank around the meadow. The winds were strong and somewhat tricky to navigate, but we were making swoops and turns at high speeds.

I think I awoke to go to the bathroom and the dreams fell back into the aching ear considerations. The flying dreams were great. They provide a great deal of energy that persists even when I awaken.

Dance last night was a bit draggy. L got her job and will soon be off into her world of microbiology and such. She and J are taking off for Europe and I will be looking for a new place. Keep thinking I should find a place that is truly within walking distance of downtown so I can just park my truck. So many thoughts; so many possibilities.

Rains fell last night. Sky is gray and stormy-looking now, but perhaps the rain has blown through. Have some minor errands to attend to today, and then a fairly free day until the dance tonight.

Two of the Oates stories about Warsaw and Budapest were dreary, long and difficult to stay with. I finally skipped through them both and went on to the next story in the book. They are both masterful pieces, with extraordinary detail and nuance, but dull and boring after her shorter, emotionally-packed pieces.

The great critic reads and writes in solitude, in the depth of his cave, which will soon have to be abandoned in lieu of a more functional abode. The ear ache subsides somewhat as I write. The tickle in my throat lessons and the dull throbbing begins to lessen.

P was wisecracking last night, but with some clarity. He remarked how in 10 years there would be many of the faces there who would go missing. The median age of the dance groups has certainly aged with the number of balding and graying heads getting higher.

We grow old, we grow old. Shall we wear the bottoms of our blue jeans rolled?

P was also lamenting how he was going to pass away and leave his wife with all the assets, all the money. He grows old, he grows old.

Half the day has slipped by, or at least the whole of the morning hours. Time to roust myself and move into the day, what's left of it. Putter and mutter, eat the sweet butter.
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Well most of the rest of the day (afternoon) was dedicated to ear therapies. Picked up a homeopathic remedy and have put some drops into my ears. Fell asleep for a bit with my head turned sideways to hold in the drops. Awoke with a stiff neck and still an ear that aches. Just took more Vitamin I since that does seem to knock the edge off of the pain. Also the homeopathic remedy can cause an initial flare up before it starts to work. Homeopathic--more of the same, supposedly.

Consumed a Super Rice Bowl (beef, pork, unagi, kimchi, veges, rice, sauces, bean sprouts) and a chai and pumpkin scone as my daily repast.

About time to get cleaned up and head to dancing. Feeling bummed about the bum ear. One more physical thing to deal with as I try and get organized and focused. One more distraction, delay, diversion. Horoscope mentioned learning from pain today. Oh, yeah! What am I learning here?

Onward and backward. To the ends of the known and unknown universe, waving the flag of aging, carrying the banner of the battered and bummed.