3166-3165

It was late last night when I realized I hadn't made a post. I was too fried to try and squeeze one out, so I skipped and went to bed. Part of the frazzle was that I had spent a lot of the day doing research on getting a new phone. I went to bed unresolved on that issue.

Today, when I awoke I began to think of all the other service providers--and how their prices might vary. I went to the ATT store. It was after getting a demo of the big Samsung Galaxy Mega, the 6.3-inch SmartPhone, and trying to reconcile the cost, size, features and relative variations in service plans that I had a thought! Let my brain do some walking through the Internet! Google the device and any articles that do the comparison of service plans!

I did so and found a site that produces a comparison table for every device versus service plans. In the table that came up for the Galaxy Mega there were details such as how much I would have to pay out of pocket to contract for a device. Voila!

The Galaxy Mega was introduced at around $700 or so. The service with the best monthly costs provides unlimited calls, text, and data for about $70/month. That service wants $400 up front for the device. Through Amazon, there is an up front cost of $50! The service plan, which is through Sprint (my current carrier) is about $70/month for unlimited calls/text with 1GB of data. Since I don't plan on using the device a lot on the Internet, this option looks good.

And the device is "big"--I can easily see everything! I ordered one--it should be here in a few days.

I can then begin to learn yet another interface. I ordered a hands free wireless headset as well. I'm ready to do the Android boogie!

3167

Quiet sun day after the Xmas tree extravaganza! People sleeping the tinsel away!

I spent a good part of the morning researching phone options. I think I've come to the conclusion that I don't need a SmartPhone. I only need a phone that does voice and text. I have little need to be using the phone for Internet access while I'm on the move. The trick is--finding a simple, text/voice only option in the flood of higher tech possibilities.

I came across an interesting device--the Snapfon--a cellular phone designed with us seniors in mind. It is not a "smart" phone, but a "dumb" one. It has an extra large font keypad and has special features such as an SOS button. And, it is an extremely low cost option versus the newer technologies. There is some uncertainty about how it gets supported in the mainstream phone networks, but a phone call to them tomorrow should help clear up any questions.

Had a slight difficulty getting to sleep last night and to staying asleep. I had a green tea latte earlier than usual so I thought that there would be less of an influence. Somehow, that didn't happen. I went out for a late breakfast today and downed a latte afterwards. Will see what happens. I took short nap after returning from breakfast and had a flushing episode right before taking my afternoon  medication. Someday, I hope, all of this will make sense.

Tomorrow, the house returns to "normal" (if that word can apply here) as the last holiday visitor "disarrives". Still have New Year events to perturb the balance, but will be much less of an effect than with the ho-ho-ho daze. And then, the New Year begins! 

3168

Trying on new things for the new year! Went to a new barber shop today. It's in the shopping center just down the hill from the house. I'd noticed it on Xmas Eve, I believe, as there was a lone barber (a woman) cutting hair. When I walked in today, I found two Asian women running the shop and cutting hair. My barber for quite some time in the Bay Area was an Iranian woman who cut my hair perfectly. I envisioned a repeat of the experience with the new shop. The women look like sisters and they have adorned their wall with images of the Three Stooges!

I got a great haircut--unlike the last one I got a few months ago. And I got a senior discount (although she said I didn't look my age--she was surprised). The trim, for seniors, is only $12! That's about 2/3 of what I was paying in the Bay Area.

I also got a green tea latte a bit earlier in the day--11am instead of 3pm. The afternoon went OK--I got a little logy around 3pm but went through it by dinner time. Will see how sleep goes (it went alright last night when compared to previous night out).

Coming to the end of the current year! Been a lot of changes, especially with the move over here to Fair Oaks. No doubt more changes can be expected in the new year. 2014 here we come! Right back where we started from!

Did some research today on the question of whether to get a SmartPhone or an iPad. I think that if an iPad can be configured to also work as a phone and messaging device that that would be preferable to getting a SmartPhone with its tiny screen. Using some form of VoIP and a "hot spot" looks like it would a lot less costly than getting a SmartPhone with its various service plans. The pad would be less costly than the phone out of the gate. The research continues!

3170-3169

Back from a trip to the foothills. It was enjoyable, cold, and dark. It was good to get out and further about than normal, and to spend the night in a new/strange location. But, it was cold. Just got a confirmation that I couldn't make it in a really cold place.

Perhaps the most noticeable features were how quiet it was and how dark at night. The incidental lighting is almost non-existent--it gets really dark when that is true. Also, there was little to no traffic where we were--it was quiet, really quiet.

The grandkid had a busy couple of days. With two grandparents around for her to give directions to, she was non-stop and a ball of energy. Essentially, she wore both of us out and her grandmother called a time out for the two adults and we drove back this afternoon.

During our visit to the gold rush towns of Grass Valley, Auburn, and Nevada City we managed to spend a lot of time in toy stores, ice cream parlors, candy shoppes, cafes, coffee shops, galleries in addition to our indoor activities at the house (building forts, reading stories, taking baths, eating stuff, making a fire, and more).

Tomorrow is the grandmother's birthday, but she elected to not stay in Fair Oaks this evening to partake of a pre-birthday meal (Chinese), but to return home. The dinner was excellent--the local Chinese food place is really good.

So I'm back in Fair Oaks and getting ready to launch into the new year. 2014, here we come!

3171

Lost in Xmas land! Lots of food, presents and festivity! Daughter and her mother cooked a tasty brunch. This is the first Xmas day gathering that I've attended in years. I don't recall the last time I was part of a gathering of family and friends. It felt good--a bit strange but good.

We'll be holding another gathering in the morning. The grandkid will arrive early to open her presents that are here. Because of multiple family gathering, she's getting several Xmas events. After she finishes here, she, her grandmother (my ex), and I will make the trek to the grandmother's house for an overnight. We'll hang out and return on Friday. This trek will constitute my first outing anywhere in several years (not counting the move to Fair Oaks). I have been holed up pretty much since my PD diagnosis. The time has come the walrus sez to step back into the world or do something vaguely similar.

I will therefore skip doing a post tomorrow and will resume (with an update on the excursion) postings on Friday. And then it will quickly become the New Year!

Today, it's been two weeks since my eye surgery and I get to stop one of the eye drops in the regimen.  I'll see someone from the eye clinic at the end of next week for a review and checkup of healing progress.

Yesterday, I drank a green tea latte and observed that it made me feel better in the evening/night. It also made me sleep somewhat poorly last night. Today, I again had a GT latte and felt better after drinking it. Have to see if it affects my sleep. From my experience with this drink, I feel that I should continue drinking this beverage (makes me feel better). Just have to deal with the sleep issue! Better to feel good (less symptoms, more alert, better concentration, and more) and adjust things with the sleeping. Perhaps, I should drink the beverage earlier in the day (have been imbibing around 3pm). Might try it around midday or even late morning. We shall see as we have learned to see! By the see, by the see, by the beautiful see!

3172

Now twas the day before Xmas! And a lot of people are out shopping still. There's a lot of traffic on the road in the stores. It's a bright, shiny day! The sun is keeping things on the warmer side.

I finally picked up the rest of medication prescription that's taken some time to fill. This batch of pills are from yet another distributor, but I believe is manufactured by the same company that formulates the pills for other companies. The good news is that I'm still in the donut hole--this batch of pills cost almost nothing on my part (like 5%).

I just took a nap after going out for a while to pick up a few things. It was a good nap, but I still feel like I could sleep more--like all the time! I had a sandwich for lunch and am starting to feel like I'm flushing and turning red. It's almost time for a pill. Which comes first--the redness from the food or the redness of anticipation for the pill? The mystery continues!

I heard the grandkid and her mother returning from their eve-day shopping and doing.

Mail is late today--or perhaps there is no more coming our way. Will check the box a bit later in the afternoon--just in case there's a last minute note or package. Oh, yeah!

Merry Xmas to all, and to all a good flight!

3173

Twas the night before night before Xmas and all through the house, everyone is stirring, especially the mice--there are cookie crumbs all over the place.

I'm kind of out of sync with everything. I feel as if I'm skiing behind a boat that's moving further and further away from me and my rope, which binds me to the boat, grows thinner and thinner. It keeps stretching and not pulling. I'm mired in the water not able to rise on my skis.

Dreamed a very detailed dream last. I was with a group of men (mostly guys from my men's team). We were an independent tech team that had enjoyed some success building products. We had been invited to an exclusive workshop, sponsored by Apple. There were other groups and individuals there as well. From the start, I felt like we were out of sync with the protocols and ground rules of the workshop. We were a moderately laid back bunch of guys who were not used to highly disciplined situations.

As we came onto the campus, I was already feeling like I wanted to be pushing the limits being imposed. We were supposed to walk directly across campus to the meeting room. I chose to walk off course through a wooded area, ostensibly to check out the types of flora there. Some minders came up to me and tried to redirect me to the meeting room. I politely indicated that I would head there once I inspected the several trees that were growing there.

And so went the whole workshop. All throughout, I kept questioning the workshop leaders pronouncements and tenets. I kept using our group as an example of how we came at product development from an entirely different perspective. We relied of intuition and the building of test models, which we then adapted and refined based on examination and feedback. I was aware, throughout the whole experience, that I was creating a lot of resentment from other groups and people by acting the way I was acting. I would have momentary flashes of doubt regarding what I was doing, but kept on going.

By the end of the all-day session, I was beginning to feel comfortable about what I had done. It became clear that the workshop was designed to find teams of people, like us--ones that would not just do things by rote, but with creativity and using risky techniques. There was a scene near the end of the workshop where I was prompted to come out to the center of the room and join a woman who was one of the workshop leaders. As I approached her, music began playing and a she and I began to dance--a festive swing dance. She was quite a good dancer and I was doing well myself. And so the dream ended--on a high note!

3174

Had an odd set of page views back-to-back over past two days--three and one hundred! Strange world of the Internet, no doubt! Had a busy day today mostly with the grandkid. She is a handful! And, it is getting close to the time that Santa arrives.

I'm still having fun with the pharmacy. After all of the gyrations getting a prescription, they only gave me 20 out of 120 tablets. They were out of stock and they had to order more. They have indicated that all will be here tomorrow, but with the holiday season in full motion I won't hold my breath. I'm glad that I began prompting the system earlier rather than later.

I learned today all about galls and oak trees. The grandkid was playing in the park and we ran across those mysterious brown ball-shaped spheres that you find attached to trees or have fallen to the ground. Tonight, I did some searches about these objects (of which there are plenty all around this area). I got a quick brain burst of data on what they are and how diverse they can be. Basically, they are the temporary homes of the larvae of a variety of bugs (mostly gall wasps in our area). The gall is both home and food for the larvae until it is ready to assume its wasp form and eats its way out of the gall. There is much, much more regarding these strange spheres. I've learned enough for now. All galls or not divided into three parts--but that's another kind of Gaul!

Tomorrow will be the last quiet day before the holidaze unfolds. Yesterday, we adorned the tree and lit the lights. Today, we decorated sugar cookies cut into a variety of holidaze images. Tonight, I craved pizza so I picked one up and heated it for dinner. It was delicious!

Days start to get longer now! Let there be light!

3175

Winter Solstice! Longest night of the year!

Today, we put up the holiday tree and decorated it and some of the living room. It was a quiet, peaceful time. We also went out to some of the sections that had holiday displays--elaborate decorations that light up the night.

There was one house where you tune your car radio to a specific station and the house decorations produce a synchronized light show set to the rhythm of the music. It's pretty spectacular! A miracle of technology! We were the only car in front of the house for several tunes. We just parked and enjoyed!

And, with my new vision, everything was clear and bright!

I'm zonked out tonight! Didn't nap today.

Grandkid was in good shape today given that she was upchucking last night. She was a bit dialed back though--I think she's bored not being in school. She needs the stimulus of the classroom and other kids--she gets bored with adults only.

My daughter's negotiation of what's happening next week, with people coming and going on all kind of different schedules and with lots of varying agendas, was masterful. She should be politics or foreign affairs. She would be great in such a role.

3176

I think I finally got the system to issue a prescription for my key medications. My PCP appears to have issued an Rx for them, enough to tide me over to the time I see the new neurologist. The only remaining hitch--the pharmacy is short on supplies and has to order a batch. Figures!

In the process, I discovered that my PCP closes up at 12 noon on Fridays. A detail I only unearthed as everything came down to the wire today. More than likely, the office is probably closed for most of next week, for the holiday period.

So I didn't get my gifts wrapped today. The grandkid came up sick this evening--she tossed her cookies around suppertime. She looked a bit out of sync when they came home this afternoon. May she be well and the stomach upset a passing thing.

Gift wrapping will be done tomorrow! The holidaze plans keep shifting so I have to get it done sooner rather than later.

My email bombardment to friends and family has resulted in a deluge of replies. It's been good to hear from everyone! Getting late now and I'm ready to hit the sack--and not look back--just keep on track--clackety clack--give it a smack--alas, alack... The sound of one hand flapping!

3177

Below is a copy of an email that I sent out to all as an update of what's been happening over the past three months...

Hi All--
Thank you, Fay and Lyle (and others), for the prompt to let people know what's up with me... As noted below, it's been a relatively short but busy period... If you happen to be on several email lists you may get a duplicate of this update...

Here's wishing all of you a happy holiday season and great new year, 2014... Love and blessings to all...

*****

Well, it's almost three months since I moved from the Bay Area to the hills and dales of Sacramento County. It's been a busy time as I settled into many new routines with family members, medical resources, support groups, exercise classes, and life-related issues (places to shop, eat, nearest Starbucks, and more).

I located three PD support groups near where I live in Fair Oaks. Each group meets once a month. One group, in Roseville, has a regular contingent of 40+ attendees. There is a lot of information sharing, occasional speakers, special events, and support. I also located an excellent health spa just ten minutes away. They are a fully equipped health facility with all manner of training equipment, classes, and assistance. The many amenities they offer include pools, a climbing wall, and a host of free classes. In a short time, I was doing two Pilates classes per week, a yoga class, and starting to do resistance work again. I was looking into starting to attend their Tai Chi class and some of their other offerings. I also signed up for a CW line dance class at the local community center (which also offers a range of health-related classes).

Alas, I encountered some obstacles! As I drove back from my first CW line dance class (which was at night), I noticed that my vision was quite blurry and that I was seeing a firework display of lights from oncoming traffic and business signs. I went to an eye clinic (one that would accept my insurance plan) and determined that I needed a cataract removed in my right eye. I had the surgery one week ago and, happy to report, all is well. My night vision (and overall vision) has been restored. It was a painless, out-patient, procedure with what seems to be miraculous results. The sad news is that I cannot do any intense exercising, lifting, bending over, or much of anything until the New Year. I look forward to getting started once again.

I had a rude awakening when I started looking for a neurologist! In a 30-mile radius of my Fair Oaks location, I found only seven neurologists who would accept my insurance plan. Of this number, six were rated "below average" in patient reviews--only one, the one that was 30 miles away, was given an "average" rating. In the support groups, I got the names of several highly recommended specialists. Of course, none of these doctors/clinics accept my insurance plan. My plan is a PPO and I can circumvent the issue by paying for services when they occur, and billing my carrier directly--it's a pain but the only solution if I want a good practitioner. Another downside: the doctor I want to use is so good he is heavily booked. My first appointment with him was confirmed for early March, 2014!

Good News: I'm getting to spend time with my really sharp (no bias, of course) granddaughter. She will be 5 in February--going on her teens! She exhibits what I call an "eidetic aural" skill. If I read her a kid's book (like a Dr. Seuss) that she's not seen/heard before, when I finish reading, she says, "Now, I'll read it!" She then proceeds to "read" the book, page by page, saying nearly the exact words of the story and following the story line of the images. I've also introduced her to playing concentration using a deck of Go Fish cards. We start off by putting the cards face up in a grid and saying their names as each card is placed. We then turn the cards over. She can nearly "run the board" by recalling where the card pairs are located.

3178

Did a round of errands today starting about noon. Checked on my Rx for my main PD medication. The request for an Rx from my 2014 neurologist bounced since I won't see him until March. The pharmacy redid the request and sent it to my PCP. Hopefully, will hear back from him tomorrow. I've got about a 3-week supply so it's not an emergency, but I would like to get a refill that will cover me until March, when I see the new doctor.

Only 7 days until Xmas! We're still kicking dates back and forth, trying to mesh with everyone's schedules and other events. So far it's been Xmas Eve, December 28, and now it's back to December 26. We could just wait until the New Year but would have a tough time explaining to the kids why Santa was a week late. Ho, ho, ho! And so we go! Without the snow!

I can hardly wait to get back to exercising and classes. I'm getting cabin fever with no physical outlet--just a lot of sitting, sleeping, and reading. I do a lot better with movement and exercise.

Eye is doing well! Have completed a week of putting drops in the eye. My checklist is filling up with check marks.

Tomorrow I'll be wrapping my gifts for everyone that's getting a gift from me. That's the plan and I'm sticking to it!

3179

It was warmer today by a little bit. Heater still turning on though as the evening cools.

Got a call from the senior apartment place in Palo Alto. Seems that my name had trickled to the top of the list. I would be moving in to the place in February 2014 if I were to exercise my option, but I told them to take me off the list. I'm not moving back to the Bay Area--certainly not so soon after moving here. If I were to look for a place like the one I'm declining, I'd find one in the now local area. There are plenty here and the waiting lists are not so long--it took over 1.5 years for me to move to the top of the PA list. That was actually fairly quick for the Bay Area, but it was about a half year too long.

Got a call from the optometrist's office checking on my surgery. All is well. I'm getting a bit logy from not exercising but that will soon change. Just have to encounter the holiday and then 2014 begins everything anew.

Put batteries in the math toy I'm giving my granddaughter. It's called Math Slam. It can be a bit loud if the volume is full on, but it has a jack for headphones (thank goodness). The game play is fairly extensive--the toy has five modes with four levels per mode. The five modes are number ordering, addition, subtraction, mystery number, and a mixed operation mode. The four levels for each mode and the progressive complexity of the different modes should make for a long play life.

The play is somewhat like Jeopardy meets beat the clock. The "problem" is presented, the four slam buttons start flashing each displaying a number (possible answers), and the player slams what he/she thinks is the correct one. The device responds with "Yeah" of "Nay" audio feedback. There is a timer that displays how long it takes a player to navigate a mode/level setting.

We shall see what we shall see! Perhaps it will be the sea we see!

3180

Went to the PD support group meeting in Folsom this morning. Only a few people there but interesting sharing. On man had just had his DBS installed. He was virtually tremor-free and had cut his medications by half. Another man shared his experience with Botox and its effects on his dystonia (it helped him reduce the severity of painful episodes). One woman has been getting Botox treatments for a locked neck muscle for quite some time and swears by its efficacy. The woman who runs the group is the one who's husband is in bad shape from the PD. She is the one that I mentioned who was so calm despite the turmoil she and he must be experiencing.

I stopped at Annie's on the way back from the meeting and had their turkey deluxe sandwich with french fries. I haven't experienced any flushing or turning red today. Food I ate was a bit richer than normal but pretty much like what I've been eating. I'm keeping a log of flushing/redness events and my luncheon meals to see if any correlations emerge.

This morning I helped MD by calling her PCP and getting the exact details regarding her appointment times and some information about a call she got from the clinic regarding a referral by her PCP. I'm glad I could help. She has difficulty with her right hand, which is what she's seeing the doctor about, and cannot take good notes and deal with holding the phone as well. Between my help and her caregiver's assistance, we got it resolved (this time).

We're going to open presents and have a brunch the morning of Xmas Eve. Then some of the group shifts to another local for Xmas Eve dinner and more presents. And I think some other partition of the group goes to yet another local for Xmas Day repeat activities. I only have to make it through the brunch on the first day (hopefully). Only about a week left before the holidaze begins! Ho, ho, ho! On with the show! Hope it don't snow! In Sacramento! Give it a go!

Sight still solid! Sleeping without the shield tonight--a day early but the tape (or the glue on the tape) is irritating my skin.

3181

Sun day and it was! Warmest day in a few weeks! Finished with the last of the holiday shopping. I found the last item that I had on my list.

Tackled a problem that has been haunting me--how to program the thermostat so it follows the patterns of this household. I did it! The heater wakes up later and goes to bed earlier than how it was set. Inserted a suggested eco-friendly set of parameters that ostensibly will reduce costs around 30%, without freezing or melting the people who live here. It was easy to do once I understood the somewhat wacky logic of how to set the rules.

Will be attending a support group meeting in the morning--looking forward to seeing some of the people from the previous meeting. Will be the last support group meeting for me in this area for the rest of the year. Next meetings kick off the new year--2014!

Vision improvement continues to be noticeable! Things were so bright and clear, sharp and readable today! My distance vision is like new--like I seem to remember it.

Time to read a bit before putting on my eye shield, taking my medication, and going to the land of sleep. Adieu my shoe! When it's through, it's through!

3182

It's getting a little less cool at night and during the day. It's still cold, but a bit less so for a few days.

Had a lot of grandkid time today. She is smart--almost too smart. No matter what games we play, she learns to play quickly. She then wants to alter the rules and make the game "her game." I started today with teaching her tic-tac-toe. She played about one and a half games before she started altering the rules. There are many ways to play the game--or so I learned from her. The ultimate variation was when she was the X-player and she started the game and then proceeded to put an X in all of the nine spots. Of course, she won. She called this variation the tic-tac-toe Big game.

I finally got her to play Capture with me. Putting her initial in a completed box kept her playing for several rounds--until I ended up with a lot more of my initials. She then announced, of course, that the rules had to change.

She had a younger boy as a playmate this afternoon. The kids, my daughter, me, and my ex engaged in a marathon kid's day extravaganza replete with making food (pizzas, cookies), art (painting, drawing, and other craft activities, games (go fish, concentration, candy land, and more), eating food (especially the cookies that they made), watching a movie or two, running around the house, digging in the garden, and so much more that I don't remember.

This will be the third night I sleep with an eye shield over my right eye. Two more nights after that and I'll be done with the shield. Time to head for the bed!

3183

I see the moon and the moon sees me! I didn't realize how blurry objects had become with the cataract in place--because it happened so slowly. Several years ago, I had to squint to get a clear moon image. Now, there it is in the sky! No squinting required!

And--the big news--I can see everything at night, clear as can be! I drove around tonight and there were no halos or multiple images. My whole being is excited and relaxed as well. I've been using a lot of energy just trying to resolve images.

I wore the eye shield last night and it was somewhat of a nuisance. But, I'll wear it as prescribed (5 nights). Don't want to lose out on what I've gained.

Like I said last night--it feels like I've been part of a miracle!

Just read that a 2nd language for interpreting DNA has been discovered. The 2nd lies underneath the 1st way of interpreting the patterns, and is based on what has been dubbed "duons." Mysteries with mysteries, secrets within secrets! The search goes on!

Too bad it's so cold! Otherwise I'd watch the meteor shower with my new vision. There will be warmer places and other times.

3184

The patch is gone and the vision is clear! I read the bottom line on the eye chart correctly! There is still a bit of on and off blurring, but it's clear that things are more in focus. Also everything looks brighter and colors are more vibrant. The big news is that multiple images have all but vanished. I'll do a trial run tomorrow night to see what it's like driving--I expect there will be clarity there as well.

I've started the regimen of drops--it takes a spreadsheet to keep track of which of three drops is being applied, the daily frequency of each drop (varies by drop type--4 drops/day for two of them and once per day for the third), and how many weeks the drops are applied. It's a boggle without a chart!

The bad news is that I can't exercise (doing anything strenuous) for ten days. I also have to wear an eye shield for the next five nights (to prevent me from rubbing my eye).

But overall it was a painless, miraculous procedure! The only discomfort was where the shunt was attached to my hand for the IV. No discomfort, pain, or other issues with the region where the surgery was performed.

Weather is warming a bit. Looks like about five days of above freezing temperatures, then back to below 30s for a while.

Dreamed last night but don't recall the details now--just that there was some tension and people confronting each other over some issues. I had a lengthy and intense flushing episode this afternoon. I'm nearly certain that these episodes are being triggered by some of the foods I'm eating. I'm going to try and clean things up--tomorrow! Not tonight!

3185

Surgery is done! The only painful part was when they put in the shunt for the IV. Otherwise, it felt like nothing was happening! No pain before, during or after surgery! I'm wearing an irritating eyepatch, which I'll keep wearing until it's removed tomorrow.

The setup in the clinic was like an assembly plant or a production line. The surgeon only spends about 20 minutes or so doing the surgery. The prep and post activities take most of the time and require several people.

It's great to have this part of the process completed. If all is well, I'll spend the next two to six weeks putting different drops into my eye and getting used to my improved sight. And getting back into the swing of things on the exercise front.

Time to get some shuteye (for my unpatched left eye).

I see the sea and the sea sees me! What color is the sea I see?

3186

Twas the night before surgery
And all through the house
I bathed and I washed
A thorough delouse

Clean sheets and pajamas! Used clean towels and wash cloths! Used a special soap that contains a chemical known to produce cancer! Only have to do the regimen once more in the morning before heading to the Surgical Center.

Biggest issue--no food, drink, or anything from midnight until the surgery is complete! That's a long time! I tried eating extra food today, this afternoon, and throughout the evening. I got a call from the center late this afternoon. The person who called walked me through a set of questions that I've answered already, but will hear again tomorrow--probably several times! They are just making sure that there are no unexpected problems. It was good to get the call--I seemed to feel better after the conversation (and lots of food).

Daughter returned from Tahoe where they had a joyous time in the snow and at the casinos. They returned much later than expected--the dog was ecstatic to see them.

It's still not midnight but I'll probably have to wrap things up and head for the bed--I'm getting drowsy--drowsy in the housy.

MD has decided that she wants to start cooking her meals instead of relying on frozen goods. Unfortunately, she cooked up a batch of yams, asparagus, and chicken that only she ate. Daughter and crew arrived with a mound of food from the Spaghetti Factory. I had brought home a deli sandwich. The snafu was created by everyone doing something that the others didn't know was happening.

Well, to sleep, to dream! Where is that antibiotic creme?

3187

Sunny and cold! Strange but true! There was a marathon yesterday--running helped keep things warm. A Kenyon won in the men's division.

Dog didn't want to stay out too long--running across a frosty lawn was not his idea of a smart thing to do. He did a quick doggy elimination and dashed back to his warm cave he makes out of the bed comforter. Clever pooch!

The dog has sharp claws (in need of a doggycure). He accidentally clawed the back of my right hand and tore a shallow gash there. I bled a bit but managed to staunch it with some compression. I washed it first with some antibiotic soap, and after compressing it to stop the bleeding, I applied a band aid that contains an antibiotic as well. Hope I cleaned it up. I shouldn't have any open cuts when I do eye surgery on Wednesday. Not a good thing to have to deal with!

Been having very realistic dreams. They seem to be dealing with deep undercurrents of dark energies and cascading events.

I felt really hungry after downing my morning dose of cultured dairy products (pro biotic) and fresh fruit. I went to Annie's for a late breakfast/early lunch. Had a toasted cheese sandwich and tasty navy bean soup (they do good soups). Came back and napped for a while and then went to the dollar store (great place to get wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon). Was going to get something from the deli--but remembered that it was Monday and went for the KFC Monday Special--two pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, cob of corn, and a biscuit--all for $2.99. I may overeat but I do it cheaply!

Tomorrow is organization day for the Wednesday procedure and Thursday follow up. No food, beverages, or anything to be ingested after midnight. Assuming I eat my dinner (usual light snack) around 6pm tomorrow that means that I end up fasting around 18 hours! No doubt, my anticipation of this event triggered today's food binging.

Signing off for tonight! What's for dinner?

3188

No Sun Day! There was some sun but it was still really cold all day. Tonight, it's supposed to get even colder.

I started the first of three eye drops that I'll be doing over the next month. This first one I do for three days and then for 2 weeks more, then stop it. The other two drops kick in after the surgery. Takes a spreadsheet to keep track of everything.

Busy day! Spent the morning making holiday ornaments with the grandkid. I had some breakfast early in the morn and some fruit/cheese late in the morn, but I still hadn't eaten enough. I grabbed a panini from the deli in the grocery store--my favorite ham and brie laced with loganberry jam. I ate half and kept half for dinner time munch.

MD had some trouble with her space heater. I gave her the one I had in the Bay Area. As we talked about how the heater works, I wondered how much it costs to run a space heater in this utility district. I looked up the data and began to run some calculations. As I figured out the data and ran the numbers, I encountered the "brain freeze" that I keep noticing when I perform simple calculations. Things that I used to be able to do in my head have to be done on paper, and even then I have difficulties. It took me much longer than it should have and I kept making mistakes and coming up with answers that didn't make sense.

The cost equation is: ((1,500 watts x 24 hours ÷ 1,000 watts per kilowatt) x $0.15 per kilowatt-hour) = $5.4 per day or about $160 per month. That's a lot for the space being heated!

I'm care taking the dog and fish over the next two days. Not sure how much I'm going to like getting up and dealing with dog poop on frozen turf. Not exactly my preferred pre-surgery preparatory activities, but the flow goes on!

3189

Cold but not that much snow/ice as predicted. Going to be colder tonight. I went to Roseville and spent an hour with LL. It was good to see her, but I felt tired and out of sync when I got there. I was anxious and the anxiety took over and blotted out the paths our conversation tried to follow.

I had stopped and grabbed a toasted cheese sandwich and a bowl of chowder. I thought that the food would ground me more. It did some, but I was still out of body during the meeting.

Came home and walked into the weekend group--MD, my ex, grandkid and my daughter. MD bought Chinese food for dinner for the five of us. The food was good and I began to settle in some after eating and playing with the grandkid for a bit.

It's late already. I've done my pre-surgery ritual tasks and am making my way to bed.

I dreamed a very real dream last night--something about buying and selling some kind of product. There were ominous elements in the dream--so much so that I was awakened as the dream unfolded.

Off to bed time! Having trouble reading--the bad eye that has fuzzy vision is getting tired. Hope the surgery fixes the issue--it's either that or wearing a big magnifying lens!

3190

Rain and snow and ice! Living in paradise! Just a little bit cooler than normal. Forecast is for snow tonight and into tomorrow. If it does snow, I don't think I'll make it to Pilates class in the morning. Too bad if that happens. Also may have to abort the run up to Roseville to visit with LL. We shall see, we shall see, eventually!

Got a call from the eye doctor's office today. They wanted to know if I had stopped taking my medications. They checked with my PCP and he said that I should not do so--to keep taking them. The eye doctors are aware of the issue with Azilect and will have to adjust the anesthesia appropriately.

I had a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of clam chowder for lunch. Tasted and felt good to have such a simple fare. I could have done the Friday special--BBQ baby back ribs--but went the simpler route. Had a short episode of flushing around 4pm--about an hour after taking my midday medication. I had a cinnamon roll on the way back from lunch. Flushing could have been related to that sugar dose. I had stopped at a pharmacy to see if they had some proxy brushes that I prefer using. Next door to the pharmacy is a donut shop that I had noticed before. The cinnamon role was delicious! The rest of his pastries and muffins look good. I've found another place I shouldn't know about! Too many good things all around!

My daughter and the grandkid came home just a while ago. My daughter had a bunch of invitations to a friend's baby shower. She needed to append a short piece of verse in a blank spot on the cards. Her printer was out of ink. So, we typed and printed the needed copies of the verse on my system, which she pasted onto the cards. The only tricky part--my printer was complaining about being out of ink also. But we made it, barely!

So, will see if there is a powdery residue on the yards and streets in the morrow--and then deduce what changes are required to do the day of Saturday.

Oh, yes! Had some odd things going on with my email accounts. I had seen a notice a few days ago saying that there was some problem with my security questions/features on one account. I never saw anything more, but the volume of traffic on that account has become suspiciously meager. I usually had daily postings appear even if most were spam. But no messages for a couple of days? Seems unreal! Will keep an eye (my good one) on that account.

3191

No snooze is good snooze! But I did snooze though but was awakened by various events. Went to Pilates class around noon, which felt good. I am getting stronger. Just hope I don't have any setbacks with the eye procedure. I've now been here over two months and have not been exercising at the rate I was doing in the Bay Area.

Did some holiday shopping today. I need to get gifts for five people. I got items for three of the people on my list. 60% done in just a few hours and fairly efficiently, if I do say so myself. So just two more to go and I'll be ready for ho, ho, ho!

Things were icy again this morning, but a bit less than yesterday. MD's caregiver, however, did a rump bump when she slipped on the patch of ice on the driveway.

I tried to watch one of my favorite TV episodes earlier this evening, and kept getting a frozen screen. I think they have a buggy upload of the show that keeps locking up when playing commercials. We shall see (or we won't) if they patch the problem or let it go as is until the next refresh is done.

I didn't have a green tea today (it's been several days now) and I also didn't take my Vitamin D3 at midday. I still had a hot flushing episode in the afternoon--after taking my midday medication. No similar reaction from the morning's or the bedtime's dosage. Could be related to large and more complex foods that I eat at midday. Today, I had a rather large club sandwich with potato salad. That's a lot of mayonnaise (egg product) and bread (two big slices of rye).

I got a nice magnifying glass for MD. It has built-in lighting elements. She's using a small glass now with no lights. This unit is designed with a landscape form (not circular but more like the pages of a book or the shape of a frozen food package). She's always peering with her glass at the 6pt (or less) instructions on how long to warm a dish. Hopefully, this item will help her decipher things more easily.

Only plans for tomorrow perhaps is to determine the other two gifts on my list. And perhaps to snooze a while!

3192

Icy, icy, lots of icy! There was films of ice everywhere this morning. Places where the sprinklers threw water onto the concrete pads and walkways were slick with ice. When I went to yoga class today, I had to run the truck heater on a high setting. Too cold for comfort!

Yoga class felt good even though I felt creaky and cranky from the cold. The stretching and twisting helped ignite my triple-heater. It also got a boost from the big lunch I had after class--pasta and meatballs, with salad and garlic bread. Have a Pilates class in the morrow! Looking forward to it as well.

I'm discovering that my system is not missing the green tea infusions I was getting everyday. I feel less anxious/antsy without them. They do boost my energy level, but at a price--light jitters and probably a less deep sleep. I also have not been drinking enough water each day. I was consuming more water before the move, especially when I was doing lots of classes. I've cut back since I've arrived and need to pick up the pace again.

Picked up the antibacterial body soap that I will use the night before and the morning of the eye surgery. So many details! But getting my eye back in shape is high priority--do what I have to do!

Did my eye surgery cleaning and anointing tonight. In a groove and on the move! The ointment makes my vision in the eye blurry. If I close that eye, I see everything very clearly with my other eye--sharp and clear! Hopefully, after the procedure, the same will be true for both eyes--clear and sharp.

The procedure I'm getting is not a laser treatment, but an ultrasound one. The pulse is used to scramble the damaged lens so it can be vacuumed up and replaced. We shall see!

3193

Getting cooler! Icy days on the way! Feel like I'm wanting to hibernate! Started the pre-op eye regimen last night. Ointment that I anointed the eye lid with made things blurry and created some irritation. Will continue the process tonight and see (or not see) the results.

Went to the PD support group holiday luncheon in Roseville today. Had several dozen people there. It was a nice lunch. People talked a lot about PD and some new stem cell procedures. Apparently there is an outfit in the area who does the treatment. Person talking about what he observed sounded positive. The procedure involves harvesting stem cells from the patient, culturing the cells so that they are available in large numbers, and then putting the cells back into the donor. The new cells then begin a process of repairing poorly working nerve connections.

But, eye surgery first--then explore other healing options.

I came home from the luncheon and (guess what?) I slept away the afternoon. I had a heavy episode of feeling hot and flushed, and I kept having to hit the head--urination was the game--I'm all peed out now!

Speaking of games--the major event at the luncheon (other than the food)--was a game of trivia with door prizes for the person who answered the most questions. Most of the questions dealt with turkeys and Thanksgiving. For example: How many feathers does a turkey have?  1000  2000  3500  5000

There were 20 questions. The most that anyone got correct was 13.

I sat at a table with four people--three of the people were Danish--Axel, Sonja, and Brunhild. Sonja was the person who answered 13 of the questions correctly. The fourth man was Fred. I think everyone, but Axel, were dealing with PD.

Attending these events where everyone is dealing with the illness, either directly or as a caregiver, makes me feel both good and not so good. I came away from today's event feeling somewhat anxious and wanting to just sleep--which is what I did. I feel better now that I have rested.

3194

Last straggler left the ranch around midday. I tried to go through my pile of stuff to be done in the morning, but that was impossible. As the last chomper standing left for his home, I went to Annie's for a quick lunch (half sandwich and lentil soup--very tasty), ran some errands, made a side trip to TJ's to pick up some foodstuffs, and stopped by the dental office to see if there were any hidden fees that would be triggered by insurance disallows (was told all is well--no surprises).

I then came home and I called the neurologist's office (the neurologist that everyone says is great) and asked for an appointment. I said that, even though they don't accept my insurance, I'll pay for the visit  myself and deal with the insurance claim directly. The booking nurse indicated that makes sense. Unfortunately, the doctor's first opening is on March 3, 2014. But I don't have to panic. I can get my PCP to give me a bridge prescription for any medication I will need, given that I am awaiting a session with a neurologist. Whew! What a set of hoops that have to be jumped through!

I came back and between resting and doing my laundry, I managed to go through the eye surgery information and figure out what I have to do to be ready. There's the eyelid cleaning and anointing that starts tonight and ends on the night of 12/9 (no anointing on the night before the surgery 12/10). There is also a daily drop that is applied 12/8 and goes through 12/10, and then continues from 12/12 for two weeks after the procedure. 12/11 is the surgery date.

On the night of 12/10 and the morning of 12/11, there are antibacterial ablutions that are done--and then the nominal no eating, drinking, from midnight through the end of the surgery. At this juncture, the next steps are all post-operative rituals mostly involving putting droplets in the eye. That set of rituals to be decided at the post-op session on 12/12!

There is a 4-page patient walk through of the surgical process from the surgical clinic that details what happens from the time I walk through the door up to the time I am put back on the street. The estimate is that the procedure takes 2-3 hours, barring unexpected events. The outline they provided seems very thorough and clinically up to date with standard safety procedures.

I just finished doing the lid cleaning/anointing for tonight and my every evening dental derby (brush, proxy probe, floss, rinse, flush with mouthwash). It's still quite early. Guess I'll watch an episode of one of my TV favorites. Tomorrow there's the PD support group (Roseville) holiday munch. A large lunch bunch will be there. Happy Holidaze!

3195

Fun Day Sun Day! I posted yesterday that I had realized that people were staying the night, last night. This morning I discovered that we had one house guest staying the night, tonight, and one was hanging out all day, today.

I got up fairly early thinking I would be sending people off and my day would become clear. After discovering that people were not leaving, I volunteered to join a run to the local zoo with my grandkid and her grandmother (my ex). We got to the small, but well done, zoo. There were plenty of exotic creatures (tigers, bears, coyotes) and more common ones (deer, rabbits, birds of all types, and others). The big deal though was the train ride on the tiny train of course. A five-minute (or less) ride that was cute but not all that exciting--except to a 4.5-year-old who knew it was there once the zoo was out of the way. She had us do a speed trip through the zoo so we could hit the train.

Anyway the bulk of the day was spent on this expedition (zoo, train, eat, park). Around 4pm I took a break (the ex had left and the her brother was still mowing his way through the food supplies)--he stays the night, tonight, and leaves, for sure, in the morning. He's getting a ride home by MD's caregiver. They must put locks on the food supplies where he lives--or else he'd eat everything available. Tonight, at dinner, he chomped through all of the residual foodstuff that was left over from yesterday's fete--the plates, bowls, pans, and all containers with anything left that was edible (and perhaps some that was not). Dinner's been over for about an hour now. He's probably already browsing around for his after dinner snacks.

As I have been learning all weekend (and before), life involves changes. I just discovered that the TV episodes I was going to watch tonight--to de-stress and relax with--are merely reruns of already viewed shows. Bummer!

So tomorrow (unless there are changes) I have to look through all of the pre-surgery materials, decipher what it is I'm supposed to do over the next 10 days, and get on with it all.

When the invalid invalid invalids other invalids, he will be invalided out!