3339

Easter Sunday and the living is easy! Fish are jumping and the pollen is high! No rain to speak of and certainly no thunder storms as was predicted! Right now it is still, still, still! Very quiet for some reason. Preternaturally quiet or so it seems!

Had several colorful dreams over the past few nights. One dream had me working with a team of programmers. We were designing a scheduling/calendar display that could be used to track events and alert the owners of upcoming appointments. Nothing really unusual about the application except that we had designed in some color features that made the use of the application more efficient. Events and activities were reported in color batches that somehow made the information stay in memory longer and more accurately.

Another dream involved being in some kind of layoff announcement that was being made at a company. There was a lot of turmoil and uncertainty regarding who was or was not being let go. We were having to justify our being retained by presenting our results and work progress to the panel that was deciding every one's fate. It was like an inquisition of sorts. Things were dark and gloomy.

Watched a film this evening--Broadcast News. It was an intense, somewhat behind the scenes look, at the process at a major news broadcasting studio. The new man on the totem pole arrives and begins to find his way into the action. He soon displaces one of the regular newsmen and stirs up some friction with a woman producer. The film was not all that captivating--sort of a mish-mash of twists and turns that were not all that twisty nor did much turning. I was happy when the final, predictable scene spun off the DVD.

C&M tomorrow! Also it's April Fool's day! Watch out for the jokes and such!

3340

Holy Roly Saturday! And Easter is near! Slept in a little later than usual--felt good to drowse away the early day. Had a late brunch/lunch--General's Chicken at Chef Liu's. It was a bit spicy but seemed to go down alright. Had a bit of flushing/redness after I returned home and went for a nap. But I seem to be cooling out as the evening progresses. Not much repercussion from the dental work done yesterday. All's well in the deep scaled area (right side of the mouth).

Watched a film this evening--Under Fire. It was a movie done in the early 1980s just after the downfall of Somoza in Nicaragua in the late 1970s. The thriller/adventure/war film was centered around a trio of reporters who got entangled in the political/diplomatic/dictatorship events of the war. One of the reporters was a photographer who ended up faking a picture of the leader of the guerrilla faction. The man was dead but the photo made him look like he was alive. The photo went viral and contributed to the dictator's downfall. The movie was a bit slow-paced and draggy--even most of the battle scenes.

Feeling logy and tired! Feel like I'm being pulled toward the bed and being horizontal once again. Let it be so! Let it be! Will we ever get the rain that's supposed to be here? Silence from the skies! Thunder storms forecast for tomorrow. We shall see! We shall be a sea!

3341

Good Friday! It's in the can! Awoke early. Earlier than usual! Wrote out a set of bills, mailed them, and headed for lunch. Interesting that I went into flush/turn red mode before eating anything. Had trouble finding a parking space (as per usual on Fridays) and ended up having a Jamba Juice for my midday meal. Actually, worked out better than having a meal--it cooled me down and took some of the edge off of the flush/red episode. Went to resistance training session. That seem to work out fine but I was a bit tense anticipating a dental appointment in the late afternoon. Got to the dentist and discovered that she was planning on doing a deep scaling procedure. I thought we were doing something else using fluoride--which I was not looking to doing. It was somewhat of a relief to have be a scaling. It was over and done in a short period of time. She did half of my teeth. The remaining half will be done in another session later in April. I went to the CG for dinner. I had a tasty fish taco plate. As I was finishing up my dinner, two people from the PD dance class came into the cafe. We said hello and I started back home.

Watched a film tonight--Gods and Monsters. It's a story about an aging film director (who had made the first two Frankenstein movies in the early days. Now, he was secluded and almost forgotten. He was gay and still kept up a teasing relationship with younger men. He hires a buff but tough gardener. The story revolves around their relationship and interactions, and a march to an inevitable conclusion for the older man. There are interesting dream segments and flashbacks of the old man insinuated throughout that help tell the story of the older man's adventures. Some of these scenes are replays of the Frankenstein movie segments, most of which are hilarious. I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to see it again, but I wouldn't refuse to do so if the opportunity arises.

Easter weekend! Eggs and rabbits, ducks and chicks! Sugar dumplings--candy sticks! I'm ready for the dream time, for the soft sweet sound of rain.

3342

Long day! It seemed to have lasted forever--possibly because I awoke early and got up rather than climbing back in bed. Went to the movement class and enjoyed the relaxing benefits of the activity. Lots of ambulance/emergency vehicle sirens today--all day it seemed--one just went past a few minutes ago.

Went to pick up a prescription and for some strange reason I couldn't be called up on the pharmacy's computer. My prescription was ready--I just wasn't in the computer. Strange! When I got home, I was able to call up my medical account so I haven't been erased from the clinic's system.

Picked up new books and DVDs. Went through a flushing/turning red session right after the movement class and I hadn't eaten anything since I had breakfast--about four or more hours prior to the end of the class. Hmmm! Commodity of oddity!

Watched a film this evening--Flags of Our Fathers. It's a film about the taking of Iwo Jima and the controversy surrounding who were the men who planted the U.S. flag at the summit. The image went onto the front pages all over the world and became an iconic reminder of the battle, the losses, and the effects on the war efforts. Clint Eastwood produced, directed, and wrote music for the film. It is a well done piece of work that shows the devastation that took place, but was a bit too matter of fact about events--both before and after the battle. It's a companion film to Iwo Jima (also by Eastwood) that portrays the battle from the perspectives of the Japanese soldiers. They make a nice bookend duet of that time and events.

Resistance training tomorrow plus a dental procedure--Fluoride Gum treatment. Don't have a clue as to what's involved--but will find out in the afternoon. Good Friday tomorrow! Maundy Thursday today!

3343

G&B class felt good today! All the exercising has helped make me stronger and more flexible. Yeah for the exercise! We had a fairly large class today--almost a full room. I've been eating smaller portions more times per day. Doing so does seem to lighten the flushing/turning red. I'll continue to monitor and see what happens.

Went to the H's today and read some more from the Paris Commune book. It's an interesting work with lots of minor details that led up to the formation of the commune after Paris was surrounded and overcome by the Prussians. I have to make up my pronunciation of the French words (of which there are many) in order to keep the flow going. I get the gist of what is being said even though I just have to utter a sound for the written French words.

Watching a Greek film this evening--Landscape in the Mist. I had to only watch about half of the film--it's late and I'm growing weary. Will watch the rest for breakfast. It's about two very young kids, an older sister and younger brother, who set out from Greece to go to Germany. They believe that their father is there and they've never seen him. Their mother insisted that's where he is. So they take off on a cross-country trek to Germany. The film chronicles their encounters with people who help them make their way.

Movement class tomorrow! Move and groove! Keep it smooth! Like in the Louvre!

3344

Today seemed like a long day for some reason(s)! I guess I awoke a bit earlier than usual but I don't think that was the reason the day seemed longer than normal. Went to resistance training session. Smaller class than last week. Session didn't seem long--in fact it went by quickly. Afterward, the clock seemed to slow though. There was no PD dance class today.

Watched a somewhat lengthy French movie this evening--Z. It was a film about a political period in France when a Greek activist was murdered and the military and police tried to cover up their role in his death. There are chaotic street scenes with mobs of protesters, police, and activists going amok in front of the cameras. The story revolves around a determined magistrate who relentlessly pursues the truth behind what happened no matter where and to whom that truth was to lead. There are moments of burlesque comedic relief, but for the most part the action is intense and focused of the magistrates interrogations and forensic detail. As I mentioned, the film was a bit long but one worth seeing.

G&B class in the morrow! Ate smaller amounts of food today and flushing/redness was less intense than usual. Had fruit and kefir for breakfast--grilled cheese sandwich and salad for lunch. Picked up a small meal from the Whole Foods hot buffet (rice, carnitas, some pasta, and salad--made sort of an ad hoc enchilada). Will continue to monitor and eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day (daze)!

Learned that one of my neighbors is a Jehovah Witness. I said something to her about Easter and she quickly replied that they didn't celebrate Easter. I thought that was an odd response! Later, she knocked on the door and gave me a JW flyer announcing some presentation. I Googled JW and got a Wikipedia      link that explained some of their tenets--one of which is that they don't celebrate any Christian feast days that were picked because they fall on pagan holidays. Easter is one such Christian feast days. Live and learn! Every day!

3345

C&M was definitely more today! I'm getting stronger though so I could feel myself pushing more and more. No PD dance class tomorrow so can sleep in a bit. Had a really light lunch (cottage cheese and banana) but still had an episode of flushing/redness and a drop in focus/energy levels. Had a really light dinner and all has been well so far.

Spent some time (actually a lot) figuring out how the Google Drive feature works. The Drive lets a user  store files in the GoogleCloud area. The feature automatically syncs files on the laptop that are in the cloud. Laptop also has an iCloud (Apple) counterpart. Not sure which I will use, if either.

Only resistance training in the morrow! Easter is upon us--I can hear the thump of the rabbit feet (or is rapid feat?)!

I really like the quality of images on the laptop and the speed at which it brings up screens. I was really spending a lot of time/effort on my old system just doing routine things, but slowly and painfully. I made a good choice in getting this MacBook Pro. I'm not sure if I'd been as happy with an iPad-although there is a significant price difference.

I look forward to doing my first video linkup using the Apple FaceTime feature. Also jumping into the PhotoBooth and snapping some photos as well. Multimedia makes my day!

Well, ho-ho-ho, it's off I go! To the dreamland festival--the storms of light!

3346

Palm Sunday and the palm trees are shaking! Thousands of hands have already ripped off the palm branches and FedEx'd them to churches everywhere. I didn't do much today, especially in the afternoon period. I had a big meal at noontime and got an intense flushing/turning red episode for my troubles. I took a nap of about 1.5 hours and cooled down some after that. I think I'll have to start eating smaller portions on a more frequent basis. The huge meal I had today was tasty but was too much fuel for my system all at once. Weather didn't help much today--it was warm and muggy.

Watched a French film--Mademoiselle Chambon. The word chambon refers to a halter or part of a bridle that is used on horses. No doubt the name was deliberately chosen to help characterize the lead woman in the film. The film's plot was dense and slow. That made it difficult to go with the flow of the story. Everyone had their chambon on! The film was more like a made for TV film. There was intensity throughout the film that built up (slowly) and came to an end (unlike a lot of French films that leave all the characters in their own private limbos) that was clear, sad, and chambon.

Tomorrow it's back to the C&M class and then onward into the Holy Week. Easter is almost upon us and the living are breezy. Fish are jumping (prematurely) and the cotton is wry! Oops! Slipped off into summer music while we're still in spring (just barely).

Had some thoughts about the Russian film I watched yesterday--Silent Souls. There is a consistent and pervasive use of the number two throughout the film. Two men on the road trip, two birds, two young women, only two people in the boat (father and son), and much more. Most frames of the film have only two people/objects portrayed. I partially came to this view of the film in a dreaming state last night and early this morning. The film definitely created ripples in my thoughts that went beyond just watching the film. I'm not sure if the French film will make such psychic waves.

3347

Laundry day all the way! Awoke early this morning. There was a lot of noise and bustle around the complex today. People coming and going all day long (while I was here--I too was in and out a lot).

Spent a good part of the day fiddling with the new toy (laptop) and discovering lots of fun things. I see Apple is going to a 2-step login to circumvent some security problem. Just when I was about to get used to the old ID and password system! Oh, well! Gotta be secure!

Watched a Russian film this evening--Silent Souls. It was a mystical road trip down the Styx (or is it Volga) river. One man makes a purchase of two "bunting" birds (Russian love birds perhaps) and returns to his home town with them in tow. His boss calls him aside and tells him that his (the boss's) beloved wife died the previous night. The boss asks the man to accompany him on a trip to a river where the wife will be cremated and her ashes put into the river. The entire burial ritual is part of an ancient tradition that the man is trying to write about in his spare time. The man agrees and the mystical journey is underway. Both men have flashbacks of their earlier days as they deal with the rituals and the corpse. En route back from the cremation locale, the boss tells the man that he knew that his dead wife had been intimate with the man. When they started the trip, the man had to bring the caged birds with him since he had no one care for them in his absence. Mystically, the birds (buntings) was a word that was part of the middle name of the ex-wife. And so it went right on to the dark ending where the birds cause an accident. The film was beautifully photographed and seemed longer than its listed 75 minutes. There are several other strange elements that are in the film--the man's father's typewriter, the men dancing around the lighthouse, the men meeting up with two younger women on their way back home, and other symbols and such.

I'm buzzed out now! Heading for the bed! My face is turning red! Nothing to be said! Nothing that I dread! Pulling back the spread! Now I lay my head!

3348

Not a lot of exciting events today compared with yesterday. Got up early and took vehicle to repair shop so they could complete the service that was interrupted by yesterday's mega-crash. They were up and running, back online, and their power restored. Did resistance training with the largest class we've had since the sessions were first begun. Almost more people than chairs, which we use for some of the standing exercises.

I've felt really grounded and energetic today. Not sure why. The data I read about the TMJ procedure lifted my spirits--just the thought that there might be a simple activity that could ease so many of the symptoms. Will be doing more research on the topic and will request some information from the clinic in Alameda that installs the appliances.

Also, I was hungry today--and for an unlikely food! I was craving a Burger King duo sandwich they are offering (chicken, fish, and burger) a 2 for $5 special. I gave up and drove (in my serviced vehicle) to Mt. View to get a fish and chicken pair. They were less tasty than I had imagined they would be, but I super sized and got a soda and fries. It's the first time I've eaten anything like that in years. Too bad it wasn't more tasty.

I think I've discovered a way to get my DSL to run at full speed. I simply have to power cycle the device when I first start the computer. That action seems to lock in the DSL channel completely and aborts all of the start/stop stutter I would otherwise experience. Learning a little more each day! In every way! What can I say? Ole, ole!

Laundry day tomorrow! And they shall be cleansed of their dusty burdens!

3349

Busy day! Strange day! In every way! Got to a late start--got intrigued by something on the computer and was nearly late for the movement class. After all that there were only two us in class--which was nice but makes me wonder how long the instructor will want to keep driving all the way down from SF.

After that I went to the car repair place to get an oil change and fix my headlamp. As they started to replace the bulb, they discovered that the socket was loose--the people who repaired the front end after the wreck last year had used duct tape to hold the socket in place--instead of replacing the whole fixture. While I was waiting for the repairs to be completed, a car careened down the street and struck a light pole, knocking loose a power line which arced down the other wires and took out the power in the entire block. Meanwhile, the car that had hit the pole went across the median, smashed into several other cars, turned down a small side street and bounced off of several other cars. Fortunately, for me, the person working on my vehicle had just complete the oil change and light repair so I could drive away (the power being out left none of their electronic systems working (like the cash register). They hadn't done one other service procedure to replace my brake fluid--but they'll do that tomorrow.

I don't know if anyone was hurt. Everyone had to stay away from the various vehicles because of the down power lines.

After getting home, I tried to view some TV shows on the computer. The connection (or signal) was really weak. I spent some time surfing sites that weren't so bandwidth intensive. As I did so, I came across a bevy of sites about TMJ (temporomandibular joint -- the jawbone) and Parkinson's Disease. Seems that several dentists are getting PD symptoms to moderate by having patients use an orthodontic device (basically a spacer to move their jaw into an aligned position). The several YouTube videos are impressive showing substantial improvement in symptoms in a short period of time. Will explore more!

Resistance training tomorrow! Car repairs, car crashes, and jawbones in my dreams!

Oh, yes! After searching the web for TMJ articles, I returned to the TV shows. The bandwidth/connection had healed itself! I was able to watch a show with smooth video and audio! Hmmm!

3350

G&B class went well today. I was tired afterward and ended up napping in the late afternoon. I simply fell asleep sitting in a chair. I awoke when the neighbors started filtering into the complex. There are new tenants across the way from me. They brought in a ton of items thinking that they could stuff them into a small space. They have a huge stack of boxes that are stowed on the common area in a pile. They also have a collection of BBQ equipment which is also stored out there. It is a mess! I'm sure the landlord is going to say something to them about cleaning up the area.

I'm learning how to use the features on the new computer--of which there are many and not all easy to understand. The online help system helps some but is not in great detail.

I've scheduled an appointment to get my truck serviced tomorrow. I've barely driven the vehicle that much over the past year--maybe less than 5000 miles. I've just used it to putter back and forth to classes and not much more.

I'm logy tonight! Logy and fuzzy! Have a movement class tomorrow that usually puts me back in balance. Warmer day today--the first day of Spring! Everything is in blossom. The fruit trees are particularly in bloom. White, red, and pink blossoms everywhere.

The check I lost last week was found. I had dropped in when I went to lunch one day. The shop people found it and recognized my name--they put it away and gave it to me the next time I ate there. I had put a stop on the check, but it was nice to get it returned so I could cancel it physically--I tore it up!

Well--so much for the Vernal Equinox!! Time to spring into the dreams!

3351

I'm quite buzzy and tired tonight. Not sure exactly why! Had a long day of classes--PD dance and resistance training. No nap at the end of those activities--could have done so but didn't. Heard from the men's team. We'll get together sometime over the next few months. It's been years since we've seen each other.

G&B class tomorrow! It's warmed up here weather-wise and rained some tonight.

I think my new computer has made it clear that my DSL line is flaky! Connection times vary wildly opening and using certain applications. Can't be the computer--has to be the incoming signal. Will look to remedy that issue when I move to a new place.

Feeling like there's more that I want to say about things--life, me, the illness, the future, the past, and everything. But not tonight! Time to rest and be horizontal until morning!

3352

It's been a long day but a good one. No nap today--felt like just going on even up to now. Energy flows! Almost the Spring Equinox! Time for things to grow.

Did alright in today's C&M class. It was not an easy session--I felt like I was going to the edge every time. But, it went well and I'm feeling good from having been there.

Had a major flushing/turning red episode after eating some lunch. I only had two bananas! So either it's the sugars in things (sugar in the banana) or possibly something to do with my body noticing it's getting close to medication time (it could be that ebb of dopamine just prior to my time to take medication is causing some kind of reaction). Will keep watching and seeing what happens. I think it's my immune system going out of control and reacting to everything (foods, exercise, medication, and such).

GH asked me about a scene in a movie where a guy did an impersonation of Cary Grant in a scene from North by Northwest. I couldn't think of any such theme, at the time. When I got home I did a Google search (with some flailing of what keywords to use) and finally popped a reference to the movie--Arizona Dream. I've seen that film about 2-3 times but no memory of the scene. Things fade away! What can I say?

Watched a film this evening--Aurora Borealis. True to form, my random pick of the flicks, had me pick up this one that centers around an elderly man who has PD (and a few other ailments). It was a feel bad/feel good film about a jumble of family ties around missing parents, illnesses, old age, finding love, making decisions (hard ones), and so on. It was a TV drama stretched some to make it slowly unravel and explore so many issues in one slice of family life. It was difficult for me to watch.

I cranked up the video camera (Face Time) and had the strange experience of seeing my face appear on the screen--as if I were looking in a mirror (Alice where are you?)! I haven't yet figured out how to make a video or link to someone else's video feed. Lot's to do but not tonight! PD dance and resistance training sessions tomorrow! Oh, yeah!

3353

It was a taxing day! That is, it was the day I did my taxes. Did them on my new laptop. Had to learn a new operating system design, new software features, and move files from my old system to the new one. But it is done! Taxes are filed (online) and in the hands (or some other body part) of the government's computers. Long but productive day!

Watched an adventure film this evening--The Grey. It was a story about a plane wreck in a high mountain area. Several men survive the wreck but soon discover that they are near enough to the wolf dens that the animals decide to eliminate their presence--on which they end up doing a good job. The initial group of survivors at the plane crash site decide to walk to a tree line that's several long miles away. The men and the wolves play tit for tat with each other but the wolves win in the end--despite the man who helps them all survive for a while. Tense movie! Lots of going from one disaster to another. Didn't help me relax at all.

Back to classes tomorrow! C&M will start off my day (or late morning)! Move and groove!

3354

Tonight's blog is being done on the new computer! I know that it's only been a few days since I picked up this new gadget and it's still a bit of a struggle to figure just how things work. There's the OS and Desktop commands plus the changed commands on every application--and the Touchpad--the lovely Touchpad! But slowly but slowly I'm figuring things out.

Part of the delay is also the closing down of my old system--backing up files and such. What to keep and what to throw away--and what not to throw away by accident!

I'm using a USB thumb drive to transfer files (and provide a backup for now). Will have to check out the iCloud when I can do so Until then, the files are on my old system, my new system, and on the thumb drive.

I'm having to do things in pieces. I have to take a nap in the afternoon--doesn't seem a way around this activity. After eating a midday meal, I have to sleep! So says the system--so goes the days (daze).

And now it's also getting close to time to drop and sleep (I just tried out the zoom gesture. It zooms in on the screen, enlarging the text. Then another gesture and everything snaps back into place. Despite my initial gripes about the Touchpad interface, I'm beginning too see how elegant it is! It has a great feel and sense of control--once I understood how to bend my knobby fingers into the various pretzel-shaped patterns.

3355

Hazy, lazy pollen day! Did resistance class today. Full class--nearly all were there. I was in a bit of a haze from my introductory experiences with a new computer. The touch pad on the device accepts a host of gestures--many of which my hands don't easily get my fingers to perform. The new, bright color screen is really nice and makes some of my regular TV shows a whole new world.

After class today, I stopped by TJ's and restocked my meager (and monotonous) menu items. Then, of course, I started in learning more about the new device. Hours later, it's almost time for bed--hours slipped away as I puzzled through the techno-mysteries of a new paradigm. The world is spinning too fast it seems. Or so it seems!

I dreamed the other night and elaborate dreaming that had me at a beach with a number of family members and friends. We were celebrating some annual event or such and had rented a collection of cabins near the shore. The beach was below us separated by a steep cliff that was almost a vertical drop. The kids were goofing around near the edge--daring each other to get closer to the edge. I went out to shoo them away from the edge and found myself somewhat to close for my comfort. I felt myself feeling a bit of vertigo as I pulled back from the edge. In addition to this one scary episode, the rest of the dreaming was a lot of fun. We played games, went swimming and sailing, and had a great time with each other.

Well, heading for an early bedding on this night! Dreaming of everything!

3356

Picked up an Apple Pro laptop today! Spent the afternoon (and evening) getting it to update itself and download missing plug-ins. But, I did it! Despite what seems like a major loss of short term memory, I finally got it online and working well. My biggest short term memory incident was that I forgot the system password that I had just created and entered. Thank goodness for built-in safeguards and support screens that finally let me re-enter everything.

This laptop has the new Retina screen and it is really clear and sharp. Have to get used to the gestures on the touchpad--my fingers don't want to make all of those contortions--at least not right away. I assume they'll get trained fairly quickly.

Had a movement class today which settled me down before I jumped into the the new computer morass. Resistance training tomorrow! Should sleep well tonight--I'm bushed right now! To bed I said to the person in red who led me around until I fuzzed up my head!

3357

Almost forgot to make a post tonight! I was read and already snuggled in bed when I realized I had forgotten to post. So at the midnight hour, I arose and woke up my network so I could post a quick note just so I have something on record that I was here.

Had an interesting day with G&B class, talking to Apple about a new laptop, dealing with life, dreaming last night, and movie this afternoon. But it's too late now to deal with all that. So, movement class tomorrow and other cyclic stuff. To sleep too deep makes the nightingales cheep!

3358

Hay fever! I think my recent bout with the endless sniffles was triggered by allergies. Today, when I awoke, the siege was over. My sinuses were dry. It was as if someone had turned off a tap. Foods, of course, didn't help. Whatever I ate also contributed to the allergic reactions. Had an acupressure session this afternoon and that put the seal on the reactions. Now, I feel clear and awake. I'm still flushing but not as much as I was over the weekend. My diagnosis seems to ring true. Also the several days of rest helped rekindle my immune system. I didn't do any classes (will start back tomorrow with G&B session) during the hiatus. Weather report for tomorrow is plenty warm for a March day!

Keep getting more messages on my computer that my browser and plug-ins are not up to date. Plan to make a visit tomorrow to the Apple store and scope out a price for one of the 13-inch laptops. I don't think I want to go through the learning curve for an iPad. The laptop will cost more but will certainly be more familiar. Will see after my visit to the place and can put my hands on the devices. I have to do something--my current system is bordering on being completely useless.

 Had several dreams over the past few nights. Mostly dream extrapolations of the movies that I watched. An interesting side light--if the movie was in French I seemed to dream in French (a language I do not know). The same happened over several nights with films in various languages (German, French, British and so on). In several of the dreams, I was a character from the film. I was aware, in the dreams, that all this was happening--making a "that's interesting" nod to myself as the action occurred.

Have eaten lightly for the past two days. May have to grab something more robust tomorrow--after the class.

3359

My sneezing fit retreated some today. Did not go to class; slept a lot. As the evening progresses, the sinus drainage returned along with another round of of sneezing. Stepped out in the early afternoon and picked up a Nabayaki Udon (sea weed, spinach, udon noodles, in a fish broth) which seemed to clear my system for a while. May have to much on my plate for tomorrow--PD dance, resistance training, and acupressure session). Will see how I'm doing when I awake in the morning.

Watched a French film this evening--Look At Me. It's a modern day family story about creative types and the dysfunctions that may accompany their battle with themselves for expression. It was a well done film centered on an overweight daughter with a beautiful operatic voice, her father a well known writer in his fading days, a step-mother about the same age as the daughter, a voice teacher and her writer husband who is on the ascent with his writing, and a handful of friends and family members to round out the repartee.

Heading to bed early tonight. Will read some between wrestling with nose issues and such. May everything be clearer in the light of day!

3360

Lost in sneezy land! Awoke this morning mostly clear but as day went on sneezing and sinus drainage took over. Seems to be more of an allergic reaction (to what? to something!) and not a cold. I notice that no matter what I eat seems to trigger more of the reaction. I slept well last night and all the symptoms seemed to abate as I slept. But everything returned today as the day unraveled.

I picked up a USB thumb drive and started offloading files on my iBook. I'm settling in on getting a new Mac laptop. Looking at 13-inch models--either the Air, the Pro (without the Retina display), or the Pro with the Retina. All three have pluses and minuses with minor variations in what can be put on each device. I'll home in on one of these options and put in an order this week (plus or minus a continued sneeze attack).

Watched a film this evening--Look to the Sky. It was a story about a family from Holland who got sent to a work camp. The story was based on the recollections of young boy who managed to survive the ordeals. He ended up losing both his father and mother. It was a narrow cut at the events and atrocities of that period. It didn't say much about the larger context of that war and the things that were done by the Germans. Life in the work camp was harsh and cruel but everyone there seemed to have limited knowledge of all that was happening (as portrayed by the author).

C&M class tomorrow if I can throw off this sneezy/wheezy entanglement! We shall see (seezy)!

3361

Day of sneezes and sinus draining! I seem to have either picked up an allergy reaction to something or have picked up a cold. Seems more like an allergy. I'm keeping the Kleenex people happy! I wheeze, I sneeze, I let the breeze blow the pollen from the trees. Did laundry this morning, grabbed a bite to eat, and went back to bed for a while.

Watched a film this evening--Ridicule. It was about life at the court of Louis XVI right before the downfall of France (the same time about which GH and I are reading about on my read-aloud days with him). People in the court spent their time in intrigue, lavish balls and salons, and ignoring their impending doom. The film was like a slice of life of that times. It looked nice, with all manner of costumes and such, but it wasn't very deep. It stayed on the surface of those times and never really plumbed the depths of what was happening or was about to happen.

Spent some time looking at tech toys--have to replace my out-of-date laptop. Not sure that I want to deal with an iPad. Looking more closely at a Mac laptop. I went by the Apple store here in PA--what a buzzy place! They have two large concrete barriers on the street in front of the place--as if they were expecting a riot or such. Place is too busy/buzzy for me--will do most of my research online.

Well the clocks jump forward--springing forward in just a little while. Most of the gadgets are programmed to reset themselves. Only the few analog devices will need hands-on intervention. On the way to another day!

3362

Resistance training went well today. I felt strong and seemed to even do presses with more ease. Session went quickly--seemed to zoom by.

Somehow, on the way to class, I managed to lose a check I had made out for a class card. I filled out the check before leaving the house but it had disappeared from my wallet when I got to the class location. I must have dropped it when I paid for my lunch. Is a mystery! Thank goodness for the Internet--I was able to put a stop on the check from online.

I spent some time trying to see if there was any way I could do my taxes on my computer. Determined that I am using an out-of-support browser(s) and operating system. Bummer! Guess I'll have to go ahead and get an iPad or such. My computer is 7 years old but it's a doorstop now! The pangs of technology!

Physically, I felt really good today. I attribute it to the acupressure session I had yesterday. I simply feel more grounded and balanced after the treatments.

Got a touching note from MF. She had to put EF, her husband in a care facility for people with Alzheimer's. Her note oscillated between relief and sorrow. Relief in that she no longer had to deal 24/7 with his reactions, moods, and outbursts of frustration. Sad that she had to do it and not have him around. He can still play the piano and sing so he has become the star of the facility.

Endings and endings! Endings and beginnings! May he do well in his new surroundings!

3363

Movement class today was down to just two students and the instructor. Worrisome! Hope the class continues but it's got to be a problem with so few students. Discovered that my computer is now almost useless. Going to have to get a new device. I'm encountering too many warning messages regarding having the most up to date browser and operating system--neither of which I can update--they are no longer supported. Rats! Drats! And other cats!

Resistance training tomorrow! Had a good acupressure session this afternoon. Restored my balance and energy levels! Look forward to another session next Tuesday.

Watched Disc 2 of the Carlos documentary this evening. It's quite a story about his first episodes and then his insinuation into the terrorist networks and groups. It's really shocking to look at what governments were willing to do to try and appease him and his henchmen when they staged kidnappings and attacks. Our current day policy of no negotiations was underwritten by what he and others managed to foster. Of course, the terrorist organizations evolved and adjusted their techniques so that we ended up with the 911 catastrophe and more.

Some rain falling! Things cooling down (despite the news that we're now experiencing severe global warming). Getting sleepy! Don't be weepy! There's a tepee that's not too creepy!

3364

Mental dental done today! Had a hygiene session that went smoothly and well. But, I have a backlog of stuff that needs to be done--Fluoride treatment, cavities, and such. Scheduled the fluoride treatment and will go from there. Will brush more often and more thoroughly and see if that makes a difference. I thought I was doing everything that I needed to be doing, but the hygienist says differently. Onward to hygiene I go!

Dreamed last night about working with a group of people who were designing some sort of universal tool or device. In part of the dream, I stood up and outlined some extensions of the proposed design that would create an even more valuable device. My approach for making this happen was to take the current ideas and flip them over in terms of what they did. For example, there was one item that was designed to form a bubble-like band aid. When I reversed the bubble so that it depressed an area of the skin it turned out to work more efficiently. I helped reverse the designs on several other devices during the dream.

Started watching a long film about the escapades of Carlos the Jackal--a infamous terrorist. There are four DVDs in the set and I watched DVD side 1 so far. It's quite an elaborate film that is presented in 5.5 hours of footage. How it managed to get produced on a supposed budget of $18MM is surprising. The on location shoots with recreations of the bombing and terrorist events are amazing. Well, have about four more hours still to go.

G&B class was well attended today! Came away somewhat foggy but it felt good while we were moving and stretching. Movement class tomorrow! Weather has turned rainy and cold for some reason. Have an acupressure session scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Oh, Yeah!

3365

Truncated PD dance class today. The instructor had to go back over the hill for a noon appointment so class was shortened. That left 2.5 hours or so until the next class--resistance training. I opted to grab a bite to eat. That didn't fill out all the time and I ended up listening to Fresh Air.

Had resistance training class and I felt strong but was also had an intense episode of turning red in the face and flushing. Can't seem to pinpoint what's triggering this condition. I'm beginning to suspect that it's something that happens as I approach the times when I take my medication(s). My metabolism, as I'm using up the last dose of medication(s), flares up--like it's asking to be fueled.

Dental hygiene appointment tomorrow afternoon. I'm probably not going to get any gold stars this time. I've let my dental stuff go to some degree--I just didn't want to deal with it and everything else. Now, I'll have to deal with the consequences.

Dreamed last night a dream that was a redo of other previous dreams. It had something to do with working and helping build a device with all kinds of technology elements. I realized in the dream that I was re-dreaming an earlier dream.

Watched a slo-mo movie this evening--Los Muertos. It was like a National Geographic special with almost no dialog. There were long takes and lots of footage of jungle and a river. It was a short film that ends with a complete blackout that leaves the viewer hanging in space. There is a lot of back and forth in the critic's pieces of whether the film is brilliant of banal. It's both!

G&B class tomorrow along with rain and dental work! Is that diffuse enough, or what?

3366

C&M class was lightly attended but not a light workout. I was at the limit on several of the exercises. The interesting thing is that I felt really energized after the session. I managed to go though the rest of the day and evening with only a small nap. I ate a lot today and even now feel like I'm hungry--that I could eat a whole meal (which I'm not going to do this late in the evening).

I read aloud this afternoon to GH. We're reading an historical book about the French Revolution and its aftermath. It's a bit of a tough read since there's a French word on nearly every line. So far it has taken us from the days prior to the revolution which set up the conditions that brought on the downfall of the empire. Its quite a treatise on what happened and what machinations there were along the way. There are echoes of today's problems (wars, starvation, unmonitored governments, and so on). What goes around comes around.

PD dance tomorrow and resistance training session. Looking forward to the activities! Let there be dance!

3367

Slow day this sun day! Not much done! Made it to the library and to grab a bite to eat. But day went by in a blur. There was a fair amount of coming and going here in the apartment complex. Nice weather kept people moving.

C&M session tomorrow! That will be good! Not doing any exercise even for just two days over a weekend doesn't work. I need to do something every day even if I also have to nap to recover. Read an article about a health facility that's doing special PD movement and exercise program. The photos told the story--the people in the class were moving and smiling. You could see by their posture and expressions how beneficial it was for them. So it's C&M tomorrow and then a pretty full week on the horizon--classes every day and acupressure sessions as well.

Picked up a fresh set of DVDs and new books of short stories. The library rocks!

Began to take a peek at my tax preparation stuff. Most companies are sending e-docs of forms and stuff--we're almost a paperless society! Beats dealing with all those pages of stuff!

Heading to an early bed tonight. Ready to read a bit and get some sleep. Tomorrow we go!

3368

Awoke early but only took medication and went back to sleep. Finally got up later in the morning. Warn day! Had a spicy dish of General's Chicken at Chef Liu's. It tasted really good. Went shopping at TJ's to resupply my meager larder. Picked up a piece of carrot cake at CG--they have the primo carrot cake of any place around. I've been craving a slice for a few weeks and have finally eased that urge.

Dreamed last night a convoluted dream about a house. I had moved into one part of the place along with a kid and a wife. We shared the property with a bunch of guys who seemed to be doing things that might be illegal. They kept coming into our part of the building, taking things, and rummaging through our belongings. I kept complaining to the nominal landlord who also lived in the other part of the building. He wasn't too sympathetic to the problem. He'd just nod and say he'd speak to the others about it, but he wouldn't say when. It was a frustrating dream and it's one I've dreamed before with slightly different issues. I remember while in the dream that I noticed that I had had similar dreams before.

Watched a British horror film this evening--Lady in Black. It's a remake of a 1989 film with a slightly tweaked plot and new actors. It was a huge box office hit and was very well done. It was played out without any blood and gore--sticking mostly to scary scenes and frightening bumps in the night. It got a little boggy in the middle but maintained enough tension and scary things to keep me going. I seemed to have ended up with several horror films this week--not because I sought them out--they just were there in front of me as I grabbed DVDs from the shelves.

Sun day tomorrow! Let there be light! So bright!

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Resistance training had a large group of participants today. There were a few new people but most were regulars. I felt strong in the session--only had a little struggle with presses. I was tired when I came back though. I fell asleep for about an hour or so just sitting in my chair.

Watched a film this evening--Frozen. It was a thriller/horror piece about three people who get stuck on a ski lift when the lift closes down with them en route to the top. Thankfully, there is not much that can be done by three people hanging by a cable on a deserted mountain top. The suspense involves whether or not they can engineer an escape or whether anyone will come looking for them. Since they didn't tell anyone where they were and what they were doing that leaves trying a variety of escape efforts. For the most part, their efforts are doomed. The film was shot in actual blizzard conditions with sometimes below 0 weather. Plus it was all shot at the level of the gondola--high up in the air. The film was given poor scores in reviews and its reported box office results didn't seem impressive.

Weak blends for the week that ends! March 1 and the weather is balmy! Busy week coming up! Lots of classes, acupressure, and sorting through things--things that form the contours of the dreams.