3226

Pilates uber alles! Went to Pilates class today. It was strenuous! I seem to have some kind of reverb from it (or the Indian food I ate). I'm flushing and my face feels warm. I slept some and went out for a green tea latte, and came back and slept some more.

I was awakened by kids' voices. The grandkid and one of her friends were gathering before heading out to an evening of trick-or-treat fun. Everyone was dressed up in some way--costumes and makeup and props).

The house went preternaturally quiet when everyone left. I plan to watch a few of my favorite TV episodes and let the night roll by. The house strategy is to ignore any goblins and hole up, pretending no one is home. We'll see how that plays. Don't expect many kids on this street, but you never know.

Tomorrow will do laundry and look into doing a resistance session at the gym.

3227

Went to yoga class today. Felt good but I also need to be doing more. Yoga is fine once a week but I need a more physical workout as well. Will go to Pilates class tomorrow and will do Pilates again on Saturday. Perhaps can slip a resistance session in on Friday.

Discovered that I will miss the PD (Orangevale) support meeting next week--I have doctor's appointment in the same time slot. Will look into going to meeting in Folsum next Tuesday. Could also go to one that meets on third Monday in Roseville.

Got a call from LL. She will be in the area in early December (in Roseville). We'll get together as she passes through.

Today was a quiet day. I slept some, ate some, read some, watched a few TV shows, and ran some errands. Had an OK lunch at Annie's (fish and cheese sandwich with french fries). Not one of their better offerings--I should have known better--could have guessed that it would not be anything great.

Tomorrow is Halloween! We set the clocks back this weekend--falling back! And creeping up on Thanksgiving! The holidaze begin along with an eye surgery! Oh, what fun!

3228

Feeling tired today! Can't seem to shift gears and get into a productive mode. I just wanted to sleep today--which I did some. But I also went out and about as well--despite feeling like I was stumbling about. Found a local bakery--was not too impressed by what was offered. Place looked like it was more specialized into making cakes.

There was a Japanese sushi bar in the same complex. I tried their rice bowl and found it to be delicious--also filling, tasty, not at all expensive. The rice bowls go for $5.50 (about $6 with tax). I had the sesame chicken with the spicy teriyaki sauce. The chicken and some vegetables were served as tempura on top of the rice. Very good!

I ate and ran some errands and then napped for a while. Went out later for a green tea latte and picked up the eye medications I'll be using during pre-op/post-op activities. There are four different medications (drops and ointments) that have to be applied in specific ways. I get tired just thinking about the process.

Experienced my grandkid causing a conflict with her mother over dinner. The grandkid started off on an even keel, but as dinner progressed she kept escalating things with her mother, causing a flareup. I couldn't help but feel that my presence helped trigger the outburst--just being there gave her the opportunity to act out--and she did so. I'll bring all this up with my daughter and see what we can do to moderate such events. By the time we sit down for dinner, she's already had quite a long day and is on the edge energywise.

Tomorrow is gentle yoga class--look forward to going. Winter is a coming in... Weather is cool and blustery!

3230-3229

Started an update of the Mac OS last night that took half the night. Finally had to pause the download and finish the task today. In the process, I made no post last night. I got to bed late even though I had to get up early and go to the eye doctor's office. I was also somewhat blitzed from yesterday's outing with the grandkid. We (the two grandparents) took the kid to an art play house. The place was full of kid's arts/crafts stations where you could paint, play, create, and generally run amok. We took a break after a few hours and went to lunch. We then headed back to the play house for a few more explorations. When we got home, I was ready to collapse. I finally did so, but got mired in the OS update process, which went on until it was late.

Arose this morning around 7am and left a little after 7:30am for the doctor's appointment. I was scheduled to be there at 8:15am, which I made easily despite the traffic. I sat in the waiting area for about a half hour and was finally called for the examination. I was put into a host of face cradles in machines that measured different aspects of the eyes. The measurements were made to determine the exact dimensions of the lens that will be installed in my right eye. The technician also walked me through the various options regarding the procedure that would be used and the type of lens that would be installed. After a gyration, the technician realized that my insurance only paid for a standard type of procedure (physical intervention instead of laser-assisted) and one type of lens (monocular instead of multi-focus). So with that resolved, she walked me through the pre-op things I needed to do (there are several preparatory things that must be done) before undergoing the actual surgery. She was very thorough and knowledgeable. So now the games begin!

I came back from the appointment and grabbed a massive breakfast at Annie's (first breakfast that I've had there). It was quite filling and tasty. I came back home and fell asleep for several hours. The intense morning activities left me fuzzy and tired. Got up and went for my green tea latte infusion. Finished off the day with a game of Candyland with grandkid, daughter, daughter's friend, and me--the guys won!

Finished the OS download and installation at last! May the electrons roll!

3231

Busy day! We did a family outing (daughter, grandkid, daughter's partner, ex wife, and ex-mother-in-law). We went to the grandkid's gymnastics class--where she did a nonstop set of exercises which I don't think I could do. We then went to a carnival in the shopping center, rode many rides, and stopped for lunch. We rode a few more rides and motored home where we rested (sort of) and had dinner. Daughter made a pozole that was really tasty. We then went back to the carnival site and located a haunted house setup that was really well done. The actors in each room of the "house" were quite freaky and scary. After the haunted house, we returned home to drop off some of the less energized people. My daughter, grandkid and ex returned to the carnival and closed down the rides.

The grandkid is a nonstop bundle of energy and noise. She is quite the director and keeps things moving.

Thank goodness for my SB's green tea Frap--it got me through the day and evening.

Oh, yes! My ex had brought along a craft project that she, me and the grandkid did in the afternoon. It was the making of a stepping stone--we embedded buttons and colorful objects in a bed of wet concrete. The activity produces a colorful stone that can be put out into the yard or garden.

All in all, it was a busy, happy, tiring day. I admire both my daughter's and ex's stamina and ability to flow with the go of what my grandkid manifests.

Not too late yet, but I am fading. Time to head for the bed!

3232

Got tangled in the tech today! I hooked up my printer and printed out an article I had promised to my ex-mother-in-law. I then tried to boot up my old Mac notebook. I was presented with a login screen and I couldn't recall what the user name and password might be. I think the computer had cycled into a deep sleep state over the month I've had it unplugged. The battery probably lost all of its charge and the system dropped into a state that used as little power as possible. Somehow, that state triggered a login prompt, which it normally did not have to do.

I finally quit trying to guess the name and password and looked up a workaround--one that lets the user reboot the system and install a new user--with a new name and password. I somehow successfully managed to perform this task (involves opening the command window and entering cryptic command lines). But, I discovered that I now had a new partition of the hard drive that contained none of my files.

After playing around a bit with the finder, I discovered that all of my old files were in a separate user folder, only they were locked and my new user ID did not have permission to open the files. I played around some more with the info windows, and found a way to extend permissions to my new user ID. Voila! My old files are retrievable!

As a reward, I got a haircut, a sandwich, a green tea latte, a pumpkin muffin, and came home and napped. Too much tech makes for a sleepy user! The grandkid and I read some and played some before dinner. Tomorrow we're going on an outing to include a visit to the grandkid's gymnastics's class, a stop by a local fair, and an exploration of a haunted house!

Didn't make it to the gym today and will miss tomorrow's Pilates class. But grandkid outings trump exercise classes (unless it's the grandkid's classes)! Optometrist called and moved my Monday appointment to 8:15am! Hope my eyes are open at that time of day!

3233

Did a Pilates class today! It felt good, was a challenge, but worth the effort. It was like Core and More, but shorter--thank goodness! Looks like I'll make it and gentle yoga two of my mainstays. Pilates is repeated on Saturday. Will do a workout (weights) on Tuesdays and Fridays. That leaves Mondays and Sundays open. Things are coming together!

Made a dental appointment with dental group for an exam and X-rays, and to set up a hygiene plan.

Had a massive lunch today at Annie's--meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, garlic bread, corn, and salad. It was filling and very tasty. They have breakfasts for $2.99--I'll have to give them a try.

I felt pretty good after the Pilates class--I only napped for a short spell after coming back from lunch.

Grandkid came home today and we played together a little before dinner. Daughter prepared a really nice dinner (pork chops, potatoes, broccoli, veggie casserole, apple sauce). I'm still not eating dinner--just some fruit at dinner time. Big meal is at midday (Annie's, Indian place, Raley's, and such).

Will contact neurologist (preferred) tomorrow and see if I can set up an appointment. The time has come the walrus said--the time has come.

3234

Made it to "gentle yoga" class today. It was a light class--simple poses and time went by quickly. I came back and grabbed a sandwich at the International Deli. It was a h-u-g-e sandwich! It was also very salty--probably too much salt for my own good. Came back and napped out until it was time to make a run for a GT latte. Came back from SB's and napped out again. Awoke near supper time. Grabbed some watermelon! Water and hydration felt good.

Will try Pilates class tomorrow and see how it fits into regimen. Felt good to stretch and move today. Just need to keep at it--keep adding routines and see how it feels.

Was drowsy and tired this afternoon and evening despite exercise, naps, and food/drink. Kept feeling like I just wanted to lay down and sleep. Even now--I feel like it's difficult to keep my eyes open. I watched a couple of TV episodes, but kept feeling like sleeping instead of being engaged.

The garbage pickup armada descends upon us in the early morning. They pick up the garbage each week and alternate between the recycles and the yard trims every other week. Tomorrow is recycles. Order, order in the trash hauling empire!

Road work continues on Hazel, the main artery to the cross routes of Madison and Greenback. Like all cities, road work is always underway and causing delays and route changes. Such is life along the many roads!

3235

Installed the two clusters of three pieces of art this morning. I wasn't sure if the monkey hooks would work to abut the pieces correctly--but they made it a snap to do so. Hung the six pieces in record time--although there are a few extra monkey hook holes that I made as I worked to abut the pieces. That corner of the room now looks like an art gallery!

I celebrated by going to Annie's for lunch. Had the deluxe turkey sandwich with french fries--filling but more than I should have eaten. I came back and crashed for a couple of hours. Went out for my afternoon green tea latte. I feel somewhat quieter but also still feeling somewhat frantic as well. No rest for the peaceful one! No peace for the restful one!

Just finished dinner with my daughter and her grandmother. I had a bowl of fruit and a taste of my daughter's casserole that she prepared. It was very flavorful! She likes to toss on the spices.

The spa has a gentle yoga class tomorrow that I'll attend. Thursday there's a Pilates class that I could give a try and see how it feels. Need to get started (or restarted as the case may be)!

I deposited the security rebate check at the ATM. The setup was one of the newer devices that doesn't require an envelope and deposit slip. You just insert your card, shove in the checks, and the machine figures it all out. Brave new world! I've been here nearly one month and I've had to absorb a host of changes and adjustments to my previous routines. And, no doubt, there is more to come. Some things are never the same now, but always changing! The times they are a changing!

3236

How's it hanging? Three up and seven (or nine) to go! I put up the two largest pieces today. They look good. I figured out how I want to hang the three woodcuts and the three Indian paintings. Each set of three will be grouped into a triangle layout with two abutted on top and one centered and abutted below.

I had a bit of a problem hanging the third piece. I had to pull the monkey hook and move it up the wall about an inch or more. The wire cable may have stretched out once the piece was hanging or I may have marked the placement of the hook wrong. In any case, the piece is now hanging better. The extra hole I had to make is behind the piece--so no harm no foul!

Got a check from the previous landlords with my security deposit minus their deductions for work they had to do to clean up items that I missed. They charged me for a person to come in and clean the screens, windows, sills, and underneath the stove and refrigerator. Fair enough! Those areas weren't cleaned by the team I brought in to go over the apartment. Live and learn!

Got my medication prescription that the pharmacy was slow in filling. Turns out that it was supplied by a firm that manufactures the medication as a generic form of the branded product. I get a little nervous wondering if this firm will be as careful as the original patent holder. The good news is that I found the firm on the Internet. The bad news is that it is the second firm to generate my supply over the last two prescriptions! No wonder it took so long to fill my order! The good news is that it looks like I may be coming out of the donut hole--my cost for this prescription was greatly reduced. May it be so!

3237

Medical alert! Medical alert! Or so I thought when the alarm went off and a voice from the heavens started asking if everything was alright--and the phone started ringing. Turns out it was a false alarm--my ex-mother-in-law accidentally triggered the system. She's working to fend off a bout of congestion and a coughing spell that's giving her some problems. Her help person will be here tomorrow--she was gone over the past week--and was obviously missed.

Made me realize that I don't have a clue of what to do if the alarm goes off for real. Have to work that out. Obviously, I'd ring 911 and hopefully that will send the EMTs into motion (they are housed a block away--they could walk over). But, I would need to know who her PCP is, any medications she may be taking, and lots of other details.

I used the new tools and hung one picture today. The new "monkey hook" work as promised. No need for a hammer and damaging the wall--the monkey hook was installed by hand once I had the location marked. I need a step stool to help put me at the right height and I can hang the rest.

I slept in this morning after waking in the early hours to make a bathroom run. Half the day was gone before I was up and about. Had a late bite to eat when I went for my green tea Frap at SB's. Had a brie and ham panini--delicious!

Quiet here now! Except for the rumbling of a big truck every once in a while, the night is quiet!

3238

Not that late but I am tired. Went shopping today and picked up the tools needed to hang pictures. I picked up a laser level, a stud finder, monkey hooks, a tape measure, and some painter's tape. I've unpacked the tools and tried them out--they're going to help a lot!

I had a hefty brunch at Annie's--Italian sausage, biscuit with gravy, two eggs, and hash browns. That's two days in a row that I've had a big meal at Annie's--the food is addictive! Plus I can't seem to go much past noon without eating. Also did a green tea Frap a bit later again today. The anti-oxidants in the green tea seems to be needed by my system--it's either that or having to collapse each afternoon.

I drove over to Folsom to get the hanging tools and while there went to the TJ's in the same shopping center. I found the TJ's there is a bit nicer than the one I've been using--it's bigger and has a bit more variety. The route is also a bit more scenic. Over the river and across the bridge!

Picked up one of my prescriptions--the other is yet to be filled. Don't know what the delay is all about--clerk said that it would be filled on Monday. I hope so or else I'll have to do something early next week to expedite the process--I have about 5 more days of medication now.

My daughter had to go back to the bay area tonight and tomorrow. I agreed to deal with the dog in her absence. I managed to get him to go outside this afternoon and he even did some running/chasing with me. I had to bribe him with some pieces of chicken strip--the only way I can get him to move. What a dog's life he leads! He seems to freak out when my daughter isn't around--or pouts! In either case, he refuses to move and just wraps himself in a blanket and curls up in a ball until she returns.

Tomorrow is picture hanging day! I will hang some pictures! I will!

3239

It's late and I'm sleepy. I had a gigantic lunch today--a rack of BBQ baby back ribs with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn kernels, garlic bread, and salad. Ate at Annie's--price was $10 for the feast! It was the most substantial meal I've eaten in a long time.

Daughter has returned from her overnight trip. Tomorrow I'm heading to Lowe's for picture-hanging tools and gear. Did laundry today! Called previous landlord and asked about rebate of security deposit. Still waiting for pharmacy to fulfill PD medication prescription--it's taken them days to make good on the order. Not sure why they are taking so long.

Watched a movie on the streaming service that I registered for a free one-month trial. No commercials! I found the collection of British crime/mystery episodes. Have to adjust my web browser (Safari) to accommodate a requirement that the service says must be set (private browsing--have to turn it off). Not a big deal. Will cancel my account and become a device on my daughter's account--she can support up to four devices for the standard price.

Got to SB's later than usual and green tea Frap left me not hungry around dinner time.

3240

Stayed close to home all day. My daughter is out of town until tomorrow afternoon. So, great-grandmother and I are on our own. Not that I'd be all that effective should there be an emergency, but I'm better than no one on board. And, there's the dog to deal with! We coaxed him out of his hideaway with the use of leftover fried chicken skin. Otherwise, he'd just curl up and never move.

I spent some time looking at how-to videos about hanging pictures. I think I've found a solution! I just need a laser level, a tape measure/ruler, a stud finder, some monkey hooks, a pencil, and some painter's tape. Monkey hooks are designed to be used on wallboard surfaces. They are simple to install and don't do a lot of damage to the wall. I'll go to the hardware store and pick up the needed items--and then mount some pictures! Oh, yeah!

I didn't get to the Pilates class today, but I'll start this weekend of getting on a schedule. The eye surgery is almost two months away--I can't just vegetate until the surgery takes place. I'm already getting a little heavier from eating without exercising. Not where I want to go!

Well, early to bed tonight. I'm reading an interesting set of short stories by Marisa Silver, Babe in Paradise. I discovered today that I can watch streamed movies on my computer--just had to load a plug-in. My daughter is signing up for a service and can connect up to four devices for a single monthly fee. What a deal! Movies galore! Galore-ious movies! Dive into the cinema pool!

I awoke this morning to lots of flashing lights, lots of noise, and what I thought was some kind of disaster in the making. It turned out to be the trash pickup truck which does its duty on Thursday mornings, very early, and very loudly! The house across the way is lit up like a military compound already. The truck's flashing lights only added to the burning brightness. Glad there's only one trash pickup each week!

3241

Slept in this morning and missed going to gentle yoga class. Yesterday's out and about episodes seemed to have tired me more than I knew. So, I slept the day away.

There's a Pilates class tomorrow that I may attend. I'm sure that I need to be doing something as strenuous as that type of class, but the question is can I? I need to be moving and such a lot more than I've been doing--just have to start doing it.

Switched my prescriptions to a local pharmacy. The automation that ties everything together is really good. I gave the pharmacist my information and she switched it over immediately. Still in the donut hole but I've got my pills to keep me strong!

Watched several episodes of my favorite TV shows this evening. It's getting late and I'm feeling frizzled about now. Eye clinic sent me a revised surgical plan--turns out the person who filled out the original plan had to switch me to another surgical clinic for the procedure. Amazingly, she corrected the new plan, put in the mail yesterday, and it arrived today! The PO rocks!

All quiet here on the home front! The grandkid is with her dad and her mother is going to be out of town tomorrow night. So, it will be just me and my ex-mother-in-law! Oh, and the dog!  

3242

Up in the morning! Out on the road! Traffic, traffic everywhere! Made the trek across town to the eye specialists' compound. The setup there was impressive. The processes and procedures were streamlined and efficient. Seems that I have a cataract in my right eye and need surgery to fix the problem. I came away with an informational packet that describes and defines the steps to be taken. As part of the process, I had to name a PCP and set up an appointment with him to get a pre-surgery EKG. The entire process and followup sessions stretch from now through the end of the year into January. The surgery will be done in early December--my holiday gift to my ailing eye!

I had hoped that the whole thing would be done more quickly--I'll just have to wait a few more weeks before I can really drive at night. I'll have to make do with fitness club classes and workouts for now. After the first of the year I can experiment with night classes.

Getting old sucks! The older I get, the more I forget! But I have no regrets! The sun never sets! Fate is a bet! A prize-winning pet! But, getting old still sucks!

Gentle yoga in the morrow! Dilation, expectation, rumination, railroad station! Getting sleepy, getting weepy, kinda creepy, time to sleepy!

3243

Moon Day! Made it to yoga class (supposedly an introductory class) and struggled with the basic three--flexibility, strength and balance. It felt good to do the class although it was frustrating to be so tight, weak and unsteady. Class was not too big. Hope I can get to "gentle yoga" class on Wednesday.

But tomorrow I have an appointment with the eye specialists early in the morning. I'll no doubt find out what the blurriness in my right eye is all about.

When I came back from yoga today, my ex was here to meet with an agent from the company that underwrites my ex-mother-in-law's medical needs. The agent was here to evaluate her state of being and to verify what she needed in the way of support/assistance. She's 95 and still going, but they want to make sure she's getting all she needs to stay that way. They met for nearly two hours! Long evaluation with lots of questions!

I ate a tasty sandwich (panini with ham and brie) and came back and napped until the medical evaluation got underway. When the evaluator left, I went to SB's for my afternoon lift (green tea latte).

My daughter got back around dinner time. She put together a fresh salad. After dinner, she left to go return some videos. She'd only been gone a short while when she called and asked if Irie (the dog) was with us. He wasn't! Seemed that he had slipped out and had tried to follow my daughter. She was driving through thick traffic and apparently the dog had been tailing her. I threw on my shoes and started up the street to see if I could locate Irie. As I went out the front door, he rounded the corner and headed inside. Turns out that he had decided to return (perhaps after almost getting creamed by the traffic). All turned out well! He had made a safe return--thank goodness!

The clock goes tick! The clock goes tock! The cars keep going around the block!

3244

Feel like I need to sleep--I'm tired and logy despite today's green tea intervention. I really never napped much today. My ex was here doing minor repair work to the house and I spent some time with her. We had a good one-on-one exchange in the afternoon when everyone left to go pick out pumpkins.

I knew that at some point, eventually, we'd get a chance to talk some about the past. Unfortunately, for me, I was in one of my foggy periods and had a difficult time engaging--but we got started. I was surprised and pleased with what we did discuss--I'm sure we'll do more! Can't help but do so given the situation.

Spent some of the day playing with the grandkid. My ex had brought her a birdhouse assembly kit. The pieces had to be painted and then glued together. It became a family project, was a lot of fun, and ended up with a grandkid-decorated object that'll grace her room.

I didn't get to the spa this weekend. There is a yoga basics class in the morning that I will try and attend. I have to go out for a few things, but I also need to spend time filling out the optometrist forms that I'll be turning in on Tuesday. My list of to-do items continues to expand. I will get things done! I will get things done! I will!

The night spreads against the sky. It sends out rays of brightly lit colors that mark the distant clouds. I am feeling frazzled but more at peace with things. I fall into a dreaming sleep!

3245

I awoke feeling like I could just sleep forever. I got up anyway and after a few false starts I pulled the framed art out of their wraps. Nice collection of different images and techniques. I found a silk screen print that I had produced and an etching that I had created. I also found a painting that had been done by my daughter when she was really young. I also discovered a packet of various things she had created some of which are quite impressive.

I skipped out to grab a bite and went to the Indian place. They had a weekend buffet set up. I was the only customer and the first to dig into the numerous dishes. Their weekend price is a bit higher than on weekdays, but it's a bounty for just a few dollars more. Their dishes are somewhat spicy and I came away feeling flushed and fluttery. I went to TJ's to pick up some staples. As I backed out of a parking space to leave, I bumped into another car backing out as well. There was no major damage, but my higher bumper tagged the woman's fender panel, scraping away some paint. There was no damage to my truck. We exchanged names/numbers and I suggested that she might just pick up some matching paint from a dealer and touch up the scratches. She called me after checking with her husband and agreed that insurance was no solution--our deductibles are too high. They said that they would just touch it up. I came away a bit rattled--what I don't need is having to deal with a collision report. We were both at fault--we met in the middle!

When I returned, my ex was pulling up. The grandkid was up and about, and tagged my ex to read and play some games. I excused myself and went and napped for a bit. After napping some, I made a trip to SB's for my afternoon bounce. Meanwhile, my ex started a bird house project with the grandkid and then began installing new towel racks/hangers in the bathroom. I felt like a fifth wheel watching everyone doing things while I stood around. My daughter put together a hearty dinner and we all sat down to eat--four generations all in a row plus me!

After dinner, I pulled out the Go Fish cards and we played a version based on showing what was in our hands since holding the cards would be difficult for the grandkid. As expected, she picked up the adjusted game rules and went on to win several games. When I switched the game play to a memory game, the grandkid excelled once again (we had 40 cards in play on an 5x8 grid). She demonstrated a remarkable ability to remember where cards were.

I'm feeling a bit better this evening than I did around midday. It's still fairly early but I think I'll watch a TV episode before shutting down the lights.

For some reason, I was thinking it was Sunday already (it's only Saturday)! How time seems to fly when I'm in a fog! Could do a yoga class in the morning, but don't think I will--at least that's my body/spirit's conclusion right now.

3246

Went to a yoga class (multi-level) today. I'm not as flexible, strong or well balanced as I could be. But the class felt right--it was the right level for me. It seemed really short. We lay in Shavasana for a while at the end--which felt really good. I came away from it feeling a bit buzzy, but after grabbing a sandwich I fell asleep for a couple of hours. I spent about 30 minutes looking for a deli that my daughter told me about. I must have driven past it several times and could not find it. Later, after a nap and a green tea latte, I managed to locate the place--it's a tiny place with almost no signage. Now I know where it is--it's gotten good reviews despite its smallness and out of sight storefront.

The health spa where I took the yoga class is quite the facility. I see myself going there almost every day. It's huge and has lots of equipment--and it's not crowded. I should be able to create a solid regimen that lets me mimic most of what I was doing at the PI in Sunnyvale. I just have to handle my vision issue, get caught up with dental work, and set up a PCP and neurologist--plus get my medication prescriptions worked out. One day (step) at a time! One step!

It's been a lot cooler here than I expected it to be--can't complain--the weather has been perfect! Cool fall breezes!

I worry about what has to be done to correct my vision issues. I hate the thought of having to undergo surgery of any kind, but I need to do whatever needs to be done--it'll be better than what I can do right now--which is not much if it involves my right eye or night vision.

It's not that late yet, but I'm ready to hit the bed. My daughter is watching a movie with her daughter and her partner. There's no one room where there's a family TV screen. Each person/grouping has their own system--one in my daughter's area, one in the GGM's room, and eventually one in my room. I've been thinking that I want a smart system that can talk with my computer--but that's a bit further down the road--I need to get my health program squared around first.

I'm expecting my ex to drop by tomorrow to help install the new towel racks she purchased--and to help me hang some of artwork that I brought with me. Look forward to it!

3247

I woke up around 4am. Stayed up for a while and then managed to go back to sleep. Had planned to go to health spa for a Pilates class around noon but got distracted and missed getting there in time. Whole day was like that--something planned and distracted into other activities.

Went to the Indian place on Madison for lunch--enjoyed the tasty buffet that they serve there. Not at all crowded--hope that bodes well for their survival. Don't see how they are making it with so few customers. The food is quite good and is good for me. I came back though and went out like a light. I tossed and turned until it was time for my medication--and a subsequent trek to SB's for a green tea latte. The latte turned the tide some--I started feeling more balanced and not so antsy. After a bit, the grandkid came home and she had a stash of new books that we began to read. After dinner, she did some homework with her mom and they retired to watch a movie.

Health spa has a mixed-level yoga class in the late morning tomorrow. I'd like to attend just to get started in going there. But, I will do what I can do in the morrow. I could use the exercise and release.

3248

Made a list! Checking twice! Gonna find out who's helpful and nice! This morning I felt that I needed to get organized--and not just continuing to flow with the go. This momentous insight took up most of the morning. Around noon I had put together a list of things I need to do. For example, identify the doctors/dentists/health people that I need to contact. Also get busy sorting out the to-do items that I need to handle regarding my room.

I had a hearty sandwich at Annie's to kick things off. The french fries are not all that great but they do taste good. Went from there to the local fitness spa. I took the tour of the place (it is a two-story mountain of health machines and workout facilities) with an exercise/lap pool and other amenities). I signed up! Some of their classes will work for me (they have a gentle yoga, some tai chi, a Pilates session and much more). I realized (after the fact) that I may have difficulty using the facilities if I have to get any kind of work on my eye. The monthly cost is nominal (about $100 less than I was spending for the PI class card each month) and they have mucho machines! I also got a set of four personal training sessions so I can lay out a regimen--for example the gentle yoga is done every Wednesday morning--that's one for me for sure!

I decided to punt on tonight's yoga class (via the community center). I'm not strong enough, stable enough, or flexible enough to feel good doing that class. I also need to get my vision fixed before I try and do too many night classes. (Is this my executive function speaking or not?)

The time spent with the fitness person left me somewhat depleted. I went on from there to TJ's and came back home. I napped for about an hour, got up and took my 3pm medication, and went out for a green tea latte (to help sooth my energies). I fell asleep for a spell and got up less frazzled and more at ease knowing that I could just rest and recoup.

After a little research, I think I've discovered that there's a dental office practically within walking distance of where I'm living! I'll check them out tomorrow. I'm almost certain that they take my insurance.

So tonight I rested, thought about things, and watched a couple of TV episodes (NCIS and NCIS LA). Time to read a bit before drifting into dreams. Nothing is as what it seems!

Grandkid is not around--she's with her father. She spends time with him and time here with her mother.

3249

Sleepy Tuesday! I slept in this morning and slept most of the rest of the day as well. Managed to get out for a bite (had Indian food that was pretty good--buffet for about $10) and dropped off a bill at the post office. Did not do a green tea latte of Frap today. Went out like a light in the afternoon.

Called and made an appointment to see an eye specialist. Will see him (Dr. Bliss) next Tuesday. I'm almost certain that I have a cataract. At night, it's like a fireworks display. It'll cost me since I have spent nothing toward my deductible on my new policy. I have a $700 deductible amount. But not being able to see correctly is not good.

Despite all of the sleep I had today, I seem to be ready to nod off immediately once I head abed again.

I see the sea, but does the sea see me?

3250

Moon day, Monday! Did some research regarding vision specialists--looks like the one M goes to takes Medicare and they are close by. Drove tonight to/from class at about sundown/8pm. Clearly (or not so clearly) my right eye is not working well. At night, every light looks like a fireworks display. It was a bit easier to navigate tonight versus last Wednesday mostly because I knew what to expect when I left class.

Went to a line dance class tonight. I had some problems with sideways movements. And my balance felt tenuous. But I knew the two dances that were taught--Cowgirl Twist and Ten Step. It's starting out as a pretty basic class--will see how it evolves. Head back to yoga class on Wednesday--will get a feel for how I do as the routine becomes more predictable.  No line dance class next Monday--it's a holiday (Columbus Day perhaps??)!

I picked up some decks of classic game cards: Go Fish and Old Maid. Found them at Toys 'R Us--they have an extensive selection. They were out of stock on others but a salesperson said everything was on back order and would be in soon.

I felt out of sorts most of the day today. I came back from errands and slept some. I got up around 3pm and grabbed a green tea Frap. Came back and slept. Got up and ate some dinner and went to class. I felt good in class--my body recalled the feeling of movement and the music! There was joy in moving even though I kept feeling my legs and feet grow tense. Have to keep moving! Will move the cross trainer into my room and begin regular, daily striding.

Feel like there's lots (took many) details that I need to be doing. I believe that the PD is bringing on a form of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). I seem to be ringing all the bells in this category of symptoms (executive function, slow thinking, difficulty retrieving words, unable to multi-task or deal with lots of different inputs, forgetfulness). I would say that MCI is my most notable (to me at least) of the effects of the disease/medications. Time to train the brain (again)! Or is it entrain the brain?

3251

Sun in the fun day! For some reason, I feel flaky today. I slept fairly well last night, but feel jittery and shaky. Did some puzzles with my granddaughter just before she left with everyone who's heading for the marriage event. Talked some with my ex regarding a host of things--she's helping make a place/space for me here.

I took a shower, shaved and went to the grocery store. Picked up a bulky sushi dish that combined crab and tuna. I munched it down. Came back to discover that I had locked the doors and my ex didn't have a key. We exchanged calls to sort things out. She was running some errands and would be back soon.

I lay down and napped some before she came back. We talked some more about a bunch of things and she took off to go to home. I slipped out to grab a green tea latte (tried a new place--Peet's coffee). I was still feeling antsy and jittery, but slept some more. Awoke just in time to link to NPR Says You! broadcast. Listened to the show with M, my ex-mother-in-law. Strange image of two people listening to the computer! I sussed out the two mystery words and guessed the correct definitions. "olor" and "tinchel" were today's words and definitions. I was shaky and jittery through most of the show. Have quieted done some now.

As has the afternoon! Some traffic noise as cars move past on the road that is slightly above the house. I'm about to grab a nibble (probably some watermelon) and afterward will settle in and watch a TV show or two. It's not very late and the evening spread out against the sky like a patient etherized upon a table... I grow old! I grow old!

Have a dance class tomorrow! Will be interesting! Dance, dance, dance the night away!

3252

First full family day in Fair Oaks! Yesterday was my daughter's birthday. Daughter and grandkid are in a wedding tomorrow. They had a rehearsal dinner last night. Today my daughter was getting her nails done and other pre-wedding activities. My ex-wife (daughter's mother) arrived today to take care of grandkid and prepare a small birthday dinner. I volunteered to take the grandkid's wedding dress (she's a flower girl) to have it steamed and pressed. To do so, I drove to Roseville (the most I've driven since I've been here) and conquered the shopping mall maze to have the dress processed. When I asked the clerk how long it would take to have the garment prepared she said "two weeks." I pointed out that the wedding was tomorrow. She made arrangements to get it done within the hour. I went to a nearby cafe and had an OK sandwich--nothing special which underlines my belief that one should never eat in a shopping mall--especially a mall as big as this one: it is huge!

Came back and napped out for a bit, and grabbed green tea latte to boost my energy level. I then began an extended time reading to, puzzling with, and playing with the grandkid.  She is a handful--more like truckload full! She is really creative, has non-stop energy, and seems to be smarter than hell! The other night, I read her a book that she had never seen or that had been read to her. We made a pass through the book and then she "read" it back to me. She paraphrased or spoke the story words almost exactly as they were written. She wasn't reading the words--she was playing them back from memory--an eidetic aural feat as far as I'm concerned. She'll be reading in no time! She'll be five next February!

I was worn to a frazzle when we stopped so she could take a bath before dinner. Dinner was an interesting event. It was to honor my daughter and wish her a happy birthday. It was attended by her grandmother, her mother, her father (me) and her child (my granddaughter). We had four generations of people sitting there--pretty awesome!

When dinner was concluded and the dishes/kitchen put to order, I was blitzed! I was asked if I wanted to play gin rummy, and I declined. I needed to sit quiet for a spell. My being was processing a lot of things. It's early but I seem to be fading though. More family reflections in the morrow!

3253

Spent the day spending the day! Not sure when I actually got up this morning. It was perhaps around 9am, I think. Did a bunch of errands (went to bank, to Target, to TJ's, to library, to get a burrito). Came home from this trek-about and napped for a bit. Then, went to SB's for my afternoon booster and came back and did my laundry.

Daughter and granddaughter went to a wedding rehearsal and came back late. So it's been really quiet. M, my ex-mother-in law, napped a lot today and this evening. I plugged in my ear buds and watched two episodes of Survivor, which brings me up to date on that series. This season is intricate and complex.

It's a bit early for me to nod off but I feel like doing so... Today I seemed to feel like just going horizontal and staying that way for the day. I didn't really just do that but early too sleep sounds good now. Let there be sleep... Or a big broom to sweep... Coins that I keep... All in a heap... With rumbles so deep...

Weekend coming along with a series of birthday/wedding activities...

3254

Day after yoga and all is well! No stiffness and no aches or pains! Felt good and continues to do so. Got out/about around noon or so. Went to Annie's for a lunch munch--had a toasted cheese and ham sandwich on rye with french fries--a filling comfort dish! I watched people ordering the huge breakfast plates that must have run about 7000 calories or more. Huge plates full of eggs, meats, gravies and grease (maybe butter)! I'll wait to try one such meal when I really need a lot of comfort.

Went to the PD support group meeting/talk in the early afternoon. It was a good news/bad news experience. Good in that the speaker is one of the leading Movement Disorder specialists in the area (country?). He mentioned an associate of his, Dr. Thakur, who is highly recommended. Dr. T is a 30 minute drive from where I am. Having him as my key PD physician is maybe possible. Will be looking into it. The meeting was also good in that I met several people who are dealing with the illness from a variety of places.

The bad news--I met several people who are dealing with the illness and it's not fun to think about what their conditions portend for me. The other bad news--there are few good neurologists/movement specialists in the area, and none nearby--I'll have to make the commute to get to them.

I came away pleased that I had attended the session (I learned a lot about different things) and somewhat buzzed from the lengthy session (2 hours), coming right up to my medication time, and needing a green tea infusion, which I went directly to SB's and fulfilled. Came home and napped a bit, had a light dinner, and spent about 2 hours reading with the granddaughter while her mom ran some errands. The reading and working with several puzzle books ate up the time and was fun!

Tomorrow is my daughter's B-Day! I've packaged up her gift and will either give it to her tomorrow or on Saturday when a celebration dinner is planned. I've got a few errands to take care of tomorrow but nothing stressful. Onward and onward!

3255

I rolled over this morning, after taking my medications and a pee, and fell back to sleep. I didn't wake up again until 9:30 or so. It felt so good! I then got it together enough to shave and shower, and head out for some shopping. I stopped at Annie's Cafe in Orangevale (I finally realized that that was where I had seen the place when I told my daughter it was off Madison) and had a blue plate special--hot turkey sandwich. The place is a trip back in time. It's an old style place with simple but hearty menu items and all day breakfast choices. It's not a CG but it has a good ambiance.

After lunch I went to Macy's (in a huge shopping complex that everyone says is small when compared to others in nearby Roseville) and picked up a scarf--a B-day gift for my daughter. I then stopped by TJ's and picked up some of my regular staples. Rambled back home and napped for a while. Got up and made a SB's run for a green tea latte (I have to have a SB's infusion about the same time every day--around 3pm--if I want to keep rolling in the afternoon). The latte did the trick! I coasted along until it was dinner time (I had some fruit as I've been doing each evening). I then went to yoga class (my first Fair Oaks [really Orangevale] exercise activity (other than lugging heavy boxes back and forth).

It was a tough class--not too long thank goodness. The instructor did a set of connected postures in a flow process (meaning you don't stop and go, you flow from one pose to another). I was unable to do a complete version of several poses--especially those that combined strength and balance. I was sweating like a hog by the time we stopped. It felt wonderful though! My body loved the intervention!

On the way home, I realized that my vision is off. I am having problems focusing in the dark, and have both blurry and double vision elements. I've known for a while that my vision was off, but I've not been doing any in the dark driving. As I sit here now, I see that my vision in my left eye is a bit blurry but functional--not so with my right eye. Unaided, its images appear blurry with some doubling. Have to get it checked--especially if I have to do any night driving.

Tomorrow I'll be heading to the PD support group meeting in Orangevale--at the Eskaton facility. Looking (blurry) forward to it!

3256

This morning I cleared my room of the piles of boxes and things that were cluttering the space. I started sorting items, noted what each box contained, and stacked them in the closet. This feat is step 1 (of several steps) in organizing/creating order in my new cave. When I step into the room now, I have a sense of things coming into balance (and not falling into chaos). Much better! Much better!

In the process of bringing things to order, I repositioned my work table. With that done, the room is now feeling even bigger! I have plenty of space. In fact, I'm going to move a cross-trainer that no one is using into a corner of the room. When the weather gets inclement, I can stride away in situ.

The morning's surge gave way to an afternoon slowdown. I had a big lunch, rested some, and grabbed a green tea latte from SB's.

Talked some with my daughter, who is up and about after her weekend of feeling ill. It's her birthday this coming Friday. Friends and family members are putting together one evening of celebration. She's also participating in a friend's wedding as well.

I got a note from the person who coordinates the local PD support group. I will meet everyone and hear a guest speaker at their next get together on Thursday this week. Looking forward to it!

Granddaughter has been away for several days--with other family members. Wonder if she's coming home tonight? I have several books that we can read together.

Yoga class tomorrow evening--session number 1--first class in my new location. Oh, yeah!