3134

Pre Bday energies and episodes! Tomorrow is the first of at least two Bday events for the grandkid. Needless to say, she is ready for action. Her mom was making the cake for tomorrow and I had to sidetrack the birthday girl so mom could focus and get the cake made. It worked for the most part but we spent over a couple of hours "pretending" and playing with several of her dolls and animals. The cake made it into existence.

It's late tonight as I sit down to write these notes. I'm ready for the beddy! Sleep time! Ending January and bringing in the February 2014! Happy Lunar New Year! Gung Hay Fat Choy! (a few days late but ultimately remembered. Year of the Horse! (wooden horse) There are 12 animals in the Chinese lunar cycle but each one is augmented by five elements--fire, wood, water, earth and metal.

Enuf for this rabbit! Time to dream!

3135

Slow day, slow day! I had to not do a Pilates class. Muscle in back still sore and twinging. Did sleep in late though despite discomfort with the back. 

Feeling drowsy now! I'm chugging my way through the MI-5 episodes. There are only about 80 of them in the set--80 x 45 minutes each. 3600 minutes or 60 hours. Not sure I'll make it through all episodes but it is engaging when the regular TV series are between seasons.

Also, there are many other films that could be perused--a ton of them for about 25 cents per day. What a deal!

Patio door arrives in the morrow. When? Who knows? They didn't call and confirm a time tonight.

Rain still on hold. It was good to get some wetness--we need a lot more. But, the big Bday party is set for Saturday. Will be nice to not be cold and wet.

Well, onward to dreamland I go!

3136

Back is better but still bothering me a bit. Punted on yoga class today and will probably do so on Pilates tomorrow. I rested some today and ate a bit. Did nothing of note.

It did rain some last night and today. Doing so cleaned the air and made things brighter, despite the clouds and overcast. Place was quiet today--daughter was gone most of the day and I was in and out. MD was here by herself quite a while but I think she probably enjoyed the quiet for a change.

Guy doing the patio didn't show because of the rain. Hardware place will deliver the new door on Friday. My tax returns made it through the e-gateway and were accepted by the two taxing authorities--Fed and State. Now, just waiting for the refunds! The Feds don't start issuing refunds for a few more days.

I'm making my way through MI-5 episodes--from the first to the last. The series is really well done. They manage to pack in a lot of action and suspense in each 44 minute episode.

I've been taking my green tea latte in the late mornings. I think it still helps lift my afternoons (although lunch still pulls me back some) and doesn't add to my nighttime awakenings. One other benefit of doing this (I think it's a benefit) is that I get to SBs in time to get one of their delicious morning pastries. They are usually gone by lunch time.

January is hurtling to an end--February is staggering into view. All is well that is dug deep enough!

3137

I spent the day wincing from the pulled muscle on my left lower back. It doesn't bother me except when I move! If I sit still and don't twist or turn, I do alright. But movement causes pain! So I didn't move a lot today.

Person who was to start work on the patio called and postponed the activity. He'll be here sometime this week unless it starts raining. I ended up doing my laundry.

Listened to O's speech tonight on the state of the union. He seemed to take a non-confronting approach. He didn't harp and blast, but called for cooperation and to come together for the sake of the people in the country. He used stand-ins as examples--people who were there and had needs from the system. He put a face on nearly every item on his agenda. Sometimes the face was difficult to look at--especially the soldier who had been wounded in Afghanistan.

Tomorrow would normally be a yoga class. I'm not sure that would be good for me to try given my pulled muscle. Will assess again in the morrow. Need to make final choice of the grandkid's birthday item. Her party is this coming Saturday! She will turn five!

I'm chomping my way through the MI-5 series. So far, the early shows were well done--they're tight and sharp--no flab on any of it. Will be interesting to see how the writers maintain those attributes through the several seasons.

3138

Small support group meeting today. Only six of us--3 of us with PD and 3 caregivers (woman who hosts the meeting's husband is in a care facility). But, it was still good to meet and share information.

One couple was from India (Mumbai). The other couple are still making trips on their motorcycle and camping out with family. The woman whose husband is in the care facility has an odd sense of peace about her despite the stuff she has to deal with in caring for her mate.

I'm having some kind of problem with a muscle in my left side, lower back. I seemed to have pulled or irritated that area. It's giving me some discomfort when I have to use the muscles in that region. It's not like a fractured rib, but more like a strain. I don't have a clue when I managed to tweak that area and set up the problem.

Tomorrow the guy comes to start the repair work on the patio and the sliding door to the back yard. It's forecast to have some rain over the next few days. I shut down the sprinkler system so the work in that part of the yard is not slowed by having everything be wet.

I had an elaborate dream last night (plus I had to get up several times to pee). Pee dreamings! (I hope not!) Enough, enough! I did my taxes today and e-filed them. Used good old TurboTax! Handy piece of code! Awaiting the returns!

3139

Went to the Art Beast house today! Art Beast is a house that has been opened up as a kid's play place. They have arts/crafts areas, pretend areas, things you can make a lot of noise with, and other things that can keep a kid busy for hours. Today was a bit crowded since there was a birthday group on site. The birthday group took up the entire upper floor with kids spilling down into the middle and lower regions.

We (me, the ex, and the grandkid) also took a break from the Beast and grabbed some lunch at a cafe that featured vegan baked goods along with great french fries and burgers. I had a delicious chicken burger and a quantity of spicy fries.

I'm sore and achy from the exercise classes I did this week. Tomorrow there's a PD group meeting in the morning. Look forward to seeing the people. It's a small group--only about 8-10 people.

I slept poorly last night. Got up several times to urinate. Didn't nap/rest/or exercise today. Hopefully, all that will moderate the kidney/bladder activity some.

Watched the film The Iron Lady tonight. Meryl Streep is an incredible actor. She was the iron lady. Thatcher came across as being authoritative and nasty as she went through her various roles in British government. She made some important and difficult decisions while she was in charge. She became a doddering and confused older woman who lived in a dream world, talking to and seeing her dead partner. I may watch the documentary by the same title to see what the movie version may have created beyond the historical person.

3141-3140

Missed doing a post last night. Not exactly sure why! I think it was because I had a huge lunch, a big dinner, and was up late watching a mystery series that had to do with WWII code breakers, who happened to be a team of women. The series was well done and I had to watch the conclusion and the solution of the puzzle that the women faced.

I was also put off a bit when I went to the spa to work with a trainer. He walked me through some preliminary checklists and the issue of PD was mentioned. He said that he would need a medical clearance from my doctor in order to proceed. I felt that the issue had been raised when I first enrolled and nobody mentioned needing such a release then. Now, several months into the program this caveat is disclosed. I felt like dropping my membership, asking for a refund of all I had paid so far, and going to another, less expensive, gym.

But, I didn't do that and after today's Pilates class (and doing a neighborhood loop as well), and spending several hours with the energetic grandkid, I felt physically quite good. The Pilates produces effects very quickly. Hopefully, my previous neurologist will sign off the clearance (and not make me wait until I see the new one in March) and I can keep up the momentum.

I've eaten like a horse for the past several days. After today's class and walk around the loop, I was really hungry. Fortunately, my daughter put up a fine meal tonight (artichokes, broccoli, rice, orange chicken). I ate a double portion which has not been the case for me in quite a while.

It was much warmer today--balmy was more the case. The heater didn't come on in the afternoon even though it's fairly deep into the PM schedule.

Got a note from one of the men of the men's team. He's going through a series of evaluations regarding his heart valve. He may need the valve to be replaced. Sorry to hear such news. One positive aspect is that he's going through Stanford for treatment. He should be getting the best of treatment there. Wishing him wellness!

3142

Pilates today! I came back after grabbing some lunch and collapsed until about 3pm. I went out like a light. Got up around 3:30pm and went for a green tea latte. That infusion has kept me going all evening. Tomorrow, I meet with a trainer to set up some strength training/gait and balance regimens.

Don't have to deal with core and more--Pilates is handling that. Still have to check out the Bowen Technique people and process. Didn't do a loop yesterday/today--classes were enough. But, I need to make room for doing that exercise--really should be doing it twice a day in addition to classes. Will have to see! Slow and steady out the door. Then, if endurance emerges, will do more and more.

I  checked with MD about me waking up a few nights ago, and yelling loudly. I was dreaming and, in the dream, I was yelling at someone. In fact, I awoke from the dream actually yelling--I came awake as I did so. I've done that several times--either yelled out or threw my body out of bed or other such kinetic activities.

Early to bed tonight! Reading by the incandescent light! Reading stories and tales of plight! Sometimes dreaming through the night! Sleep tight--don't let the bedbugs bite!

3143

Did yoga class today! I am stiff and creaky. The class is small but everyone else is relatively more flexible than I am. It felt good though--moving and stretching helps overall. But, I didn't make it around the loop today. I could have done so, but napped instead--and played a lot with the new phone. I hooked up a music App and figured out some other things. For one, I discovered that I couldn't make a mobile deposit that was over a certain amount. I had to go to the bank and make the deposit--disappointing!

I'll be doing a Pilates class tomorrow and will have a session with a trainer on Friday to figure out some other regimens to balance out the week. The trainer's name is Zack.

I'm fairly logy at this hour. I have sat a lot today while puzzling over the phone features. But I'm getting more efficient in adding features and making changes. My nosebleed of yesterday was not repeated today. I think I just had an irritation in the nostril that got triggered with the horseradish I had for lunch yesterday.

Grabbed a sandwich today at Pantera's--they make good food. I also picked up a pecan braid that they make. Delicious--especially with the green tea latte! Exercise and eat, put in some time off my feet, and give myself a treat--it can't be beat! It is so sweet! Repeat, repeat!

3144

Finished the latest Thomas Steinbeck book, In the Shadow of the Cypress. I could not put it down. The ending shifts to the current times and layers in many of today's technologies. The tech helps solve the many mysteries that surround the action of the story. I look forward to his next work and I hope it's on its way.

I did the neighborhood loop today--after eating my way through the morning and early afternoon, napping for a while, and then stumbling my way around the loop. Will head out to yoga class tomorrow and Pilates on Thursday.

When I was eating lunch, my nose started to bleed. Perhaps it was the horseradish that came with the meal (corned beef and cabbage). It didn't bleed a lot--just a few drops. But, it surprised me! I haven't had a spontaneous nosebleed for as long as I can imagine.

Been quiet on the new phone front today. I figured out that I can read and send email from my mail account over the phone. In fact, I'm starting to realize that if I choose to do so, I could do nearly everything I do on my computer on my phone. Just have to get used to the smaller real estate. I noticed that after using the phone my computer screen feels really big. Strange worlds of perception!

Watched a new CBS show, Intelligence, about what happens when a high bandwidth chip is embedded in a human. The person with the chip becomes an instant Google-brain and can find, manipulate, and process huge volumes of data, in all forms. It's an updated version of the $6 MM man--except he's now the $60 billion man! Oh, yeah!

3146-3145

Didn't post last night. I was blitzed and just wanted to read more of the Thomas Steinbeck book, In the Shadow of the Cypress. It is a brilliant novel. It picks up a thread from the Silver Lotus and carries it through the end of the 19th century, into the beginnings of the 20th, and all the way into the 21st. It is a history mystery that is a page turner while coughing up a deluge of historical information and references to the Chinese people and how they work and think. I haven't been able to put it down.

I made the loop walk today. It's been a few days since I made the trek, but I'm back on schedule once again. And, intend to do so with classes as well.

Also just about finished a BBC short mystery series called Endeavor (but probably spelled the English way--Endeavour). It is a prequel series that depicts Inspector Morse as a young policeman/detective where he discovers and hones his intuitive skills as a puzzle solver. There are only a handful of episodes, but they are absorbing and well done.

Yesterday was spent in a haze, I feel. The day went by but nothing much registers. I did post a message on my new phone (1st one!). I think it went through. I got to everything a bit late yesterday, hence no posting and no distinct impressions. We went to the park for several hours (me, grandkid and ex). It was sunny and nice outdoors. I remember eating sporadically and off schedule. I recall that my daughter cooked up some mini-potpies that were tasty.

It's getting late now and I just want to continue reading the Cypress novel. Arrivederci to all and to all a good night!

3147

Saturn's day! I went to a movie (cinema house) for the first time in years. The last time I went was about 5 years ago with GH. We saw Synecdoche NY. At that time, I had to go to the bathroom frequently during any 90-minute period. I just stopped going out to movies around then and we started to watch DVDs at his home.

Tonight, we saw Nut Job--a Korean-made animated film. What can I say? The film was squirrelly, to say the least. The best part of the film was the credits--which got more chatter from the audience than did the film. The plot was somewhat convoluted and had been forced in certain directions--making the flow a bit choppy. We saw the film in the digital theater--not the 3D one. I'm not sure that 3D would make it any better a film.

The grandkid sat virtually still for the film's duration and the seemingly endless previews. She's going through a control phase where she wants to have everything go her way--it's that or the highway with her. I was somewhat amazed that she sat through the longish film with so little of her normal sidetracking and forceful behavior.

She's much more flexible with my ex (her grandmother). She's being very recalcitrant with me and her mother. Time will no doubt change all this, but it is irritating at this time. She is really smart and has already figured out where she can press and where she has to hold back.

I didn't make it to Pilates class this morning. I sat down, for what I intended to be a short rest, and fell asleep for over an hour! I went out like a light!

3148

Fry day! Fish on Friday--I had lobster seafood salad!

Picked up my glasses with the new lens. I can see really fine print--really fine--but only with the glasses in place. Otherwise, I can't see very clearly anything that's up close and small. But, for reading now I can motor. I was OK with my old lenses, but I'm great with the new ones. I can see the sea and the sea sees me!

Didn't do much today by way of exercise. I didn't do the loop--and I was doing so well for the past week. Have a Pilates class in the morrow--I was achy and sore from Thursday's session. Back to it in the morrow.

It got cold last night--32 degrees F or lower. This morning, a truck with the label Mid City Meat Company pulled up in front of the house. The doorbell rang and a woman asked if we were interested in buying, at a discount, any frozen meat. I had to wonder if it wasn't a scam of some type. I told the woman we were vegetarians! Ha! We all had a laugh! She gave me a card with her name and web site. I looked at the site--it was a minimal installation--just enough to indicate that she's probably legitimate but is probably just wholesaling marginal product.

It was curious that she only stopped at our house and none of the other places on the block. And, it was also curious why she stopped at our place. Hmmm! Something fishy on this Fry day, perhaps?

Holiday weekend! MLK day on Monday!

Reading the Thomas Steinbeck novel In the Shadow of the Cypress! A good read so far--better than Silver Lotus, I believe. Will read more tonight with my new lenses! Oh, yeah!

3149

Thor's day! And the Pilates wasn't easy, but it still felt good. The 50 minutes went by quickly and we almost never got off of our backs. Core and more! I felt wobbly after the session but I still walked the loop later in the afternoon. I'm partially blitzed now, but it's a better thing to do than not to do. I went for a green tea latte to bridge the gap from workout to going to bed. Other than feeling somewhat muzzy, I'm rolling along, singing song, and washing all my troubles away.

I tried to find another source for Athletic Greens, but they have the distribution sewed up. The only place that offers the product is on eBay--where you have to bid for the item. Why anyone would buy the product and then try and ante it up in a bidding war doesn't make a lot of sense. I would worry about what it is I would actually be bidding for. The AG product sounds like it is unique and well formulated, but their web site is irritating and a lot like a TV infomercial. The tone and navigation is off-putting, to say the least. The pricing is buried in a one liner that notes a day's dose runs you about $3+. You have to do the hidden arithmetic. And, you can't get more info unless you fill out a personal data widget that asks for more than I'm willing to divulge on spec.

Oh, joy! The price of trying to be healthy!

Had a BLT at Annie's for a late lunch. Of course, it came with french fries. I've probably eaten more FFs since I've been here than I've eaten in the last ten years. But, they taste so good! Goodly comes and goodly goes, and goodly steps upon my toes!

3150

Windy day! Not really, but that keeps the "day" theme going for the week. I was in slo-mo this morning and the day just slid on by without any big events. I walked the loop again today. I've decided that I will do the loop every day, barring funky weather that would make it hazardous or too wet to travel.

I went for lunch at the fish and chips place down the road. Actually had a combo fish and calamari and chips--very tasty. The owners stock good quality sea food--unlike many of the fly-by-night fish and chips experimenters who think it makes an ideal venture. The food in this place is tasty and well prepared. After I finished eating, I went for a green tea Frap--a mild departure from normal but it was warm enough to justify going for the cold! And, it was delicious!

Pilates class in the morrow. I'm a bit stiff and tight, but I have to do it--my body is screaming for some movement and resistance. Regular instructor will not be there--will experience a different pattern of exercises. Should be good for the bod! Late class, though! The day is half over by the time the class ends. Oh, well! Ring the bell! Make it knell! Who can tell?

Daze without end! I confirmed that I had triggered a withdrawal from an IRA that will cover this year's MRD. Looked for places that sell Athletic Greens (a supplement that contains about 100 ingredients--food items that are mixed together and reduced to a powder). Unfortunately (with respect to the price of the product), the product can only be acquired online from the producer. They totally control the distribution and thus the cost ($97 for a month's supply). The supplement is supposed to do good things for the body. Will keep looking. There are several products that claim to be alternatives that are just as good. Athletic Greens has sued several of these competitors for infringement. I guess the lawyers will end up with the bulk of the greens (if you know what I means).

3151

Twos day! Sometimes thought of as the 2nd day of the week--sometimes not. Walked the loop again today. It felt more comfortable. I just have to make it every day, eventually. My legs and feet need the movement and palpitations. The calves, the 2nd hearts, need to experience some pumping daily.

Didn't do much today except the loop walk. Got a late start, again. Picked up my Azilect prescription, did a green tea latte, verified that I could connect to the SB WiFi (or any available, open system), and grabbed a lunch at RIM's (the deli down the street). RIM's makes goodly sandwiches for a fair price and with quality ingredients. Better than Subway!

Got a bill from the eye surgeon. Have to meet my medical plan's deductible so will be some $$ out of my pocket--but nothing major. Also got a review questionnaire from the surgical facility.

No nap today so I am feeling somewhat blitzed right now. Will go to yoga class tomorrow and Pilates on Thursday. Expect a call from the optometrist that my new lens have arrived. That will be nice--my old set of reading glasses are marginal. I need the new prescription.

Picked up some books to be read with the grandkid. She's with her dad for a few nights and then will cycle back this way. Oh, yes! Did my laundry! I seem to have drifted away from my regular schedule on this activity--whatever my regular schedule was. I have holes in my socks, dear Liza--dear Liza! I have holes in my socks, dear Liza, my own! Into the recycling bin with them!

3152

Moon day! And the living is breezy! Got an email from a friend in the Bay Area. It was someone I didn't contact as I made the move to Fair Oaks. It was good to hear from her and it gave me a chance to update her on my "disappearance."

In getting her note and putting together my response, I used up the morning time. So got to lunch a bit later than I had planned. Had a huge bowl of pasta with meatballs, a salad and garlic bread. My daughter put together a dinner with, you guessed it, pasta and chicken and asparagus. I have eaten enough for this day.

I did come back from lunch and went for a walk around the neighborhood loop. It's getting easier, but I still have a lot more conditioning to do before I can jog the route.

Learning more about my new phone! The device is addictive once I got into the swing of how it works. I loaded my first game--and so the story goes--I spent a lot of time with the device today.

I'm running late tonight. Don't know where the hours go! Somewhere over the rainbow!

I finished watching the British (Irish) mystery stories about an Irish detective, Jack Taylor (I think I misspelled his name as Tailor in a previous post). The episodes had several strong characters and excellent stories/plots. It would be nice to have more than the six stories. But, there's many other stories to be seen. Many, many more!

3153

Sun day, again! Odd how the days always follow each other no matter what! Invariable unless you're in a coma, I suppose. Another s-l-o-w day with sunshine on the way! Woke up early, but didn't do anything significant with the extra time. Just mucked about so far.

Did do a loop around the neighborhood. It was a bit windy, but quite sunny and bright. I felt like I had run the loop when I returned. Had to lay down for a while and perhaps napped some as I did so.

Did determine that the new phone automatically logs into any open networks--like the ones at the SB locations. Not sure how safe it is to do that, but it's available if needed. Also determined that I can stream TV episodes (those that are available) through the phone. In case I want to do that at some WiFi location when I'm not at my computer. The digital world is available everywhere. I just have to watch my data limit--I only signed up for 1GB over the phone per month. So far, I'm not getting close to that limit. I might do so if I start streaming movies or TV episodes or sports' events. But no need to worry now. I've set an early warning alarm if I get close to that limit.

I like doing the walking loop about the neighborhood. It feels good even though it is also tiring. I actually look forward to being able to jog the loop--not now of course, but eventually. That feels ideal!

Well, about time to take a pill and let the rest of the sun day unfold. I'm getting the muzzy feeling and hope the pill puts me back in balance. I had my green tea latte already (earlier in the day) so I can't look forward to doing that again. Ahhhh! The variables of life!

3154

Drifty day! Some rain but not enough given how dry we are. I kissed off the Pilates class this morning and went for a latte and a pastry instead. I was feeling achy and sore and didn't feel like putting my bod through any more. So I punted for the warm and sweet!

Then things drifted completely away. Don't know exactly where the rest of the day went. Now it's time to close out this one and open up the next.

I watched several of the TV episodes that had been broadcast over the past few days, and one episode of the Irish mystery series dealing with Jack Tailor. It's part of my project to watch all of the mystery series on Netflix--just to fill the chinks in the network programming schedule as they end and restart seasons.

People are ill all around me! Grandkid, MD and ex! Only my daughter and I have escaped. Our immune systems are similar--strong and able to maintain without succumbing to the bio-threats. That, and some green tea and healthy foods (me, for the most part not so good on this latter item).

Right now, I'm a bit cooked from watching so much today. It was rainy and cold, which didn't entice me to get out much today. Perhaps, we'll have a break in the weather tomorrow and I can at least make the walking loop about the neighborhood.

Still learning new things from the Smartphone! Clever engineering and design, once I could penetrate the interface. Expect that I'll make many more discoveries.

3155

Fry day! Hooked up the theft protection link to the new phone. With the software, I can locate the phone, turn it off, activate an alarm and other security features. Pretty slick! As usual, it took some fiddling to get everything to work, but I puzzled it out. Mainly, I had to switch to another browser--the application wouldn't work in the Safari browser--I had to load and install Firefox. But it is done!

Tried out calling with the phone while at SBs (green tea latte) and it worked fine. I just realized that while I was there I could have tried to link into the SB Wi-Fi. Will do the next time I'm at an external WiFi location (not the one in the house).

I went for my promised loop around the neighborhood. The walking tour takes about 20 minutes and has good up hill/down hill features. I was a little wobbly since I haven't done much walking for a while. Looks like I can easily remedy that condition.

Tomorrow is Pilates in the morning. I'm more than a bit sore and achy from yesterday's Pilates session. I have to keep at it and those symptoms will go away. Just have to get up and out in the morrow--class is earlier than others that I go to.

Not very hungry tonight! The last few days of big foods is slowing things down. Time to taper some and let the system clear. Supposed to get a bit of rain tomorrow. That event would be welcome. Let it rain, let it pour! Let it knock upon the door!

3156

Pilates class today was tough. I had some residual soreness/slowness from yesterday's yoga class. The Pilates class just amplified everything. I came away from the P-class feeling hungry (as if I've not already been eating too much) and shoveled down a lunch special from Annie's--Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, salad and garlic toast. It was a huge platter of food and I downed it all.

After that morning foray I'm ready for a nap--but I don't think that's what I'll do. I'll post more later after the day unfolds.

********

Unfolding! It's a bit later in the day and I'm still buzzing along. I went for a green tea latte and some groceries. Now I'm returned and the afternoon has melted away. Oh, yes! I did watch an episode of NCIS--with no commercials for some odd reason. I won't complain if they lose the ads. I think I know what I did to trigger that outcome--will try it on another show and see if it works. Until then, it is a secret!

It's 4pm and the faithful fan/heater come on. It gets warm for a while--almost too warm--until it hits the target temperature and goes into maintenance mode. Will be curious how the device works when we hit the hot summer times with 100+ temperatures.

I think in the morrow I'll do a walking loop around the neighborhood. It will be less intense than doing work with weights, which I intend to get back to at some point. For now, slowly is better-ly! Plenty of time to amp things up, but no need to do so too quickly.

3157

Yoga today! And I'm on my way! Tomorrow will be a Pilates day! Hey, hey, hey! Felt good to restart the program. I've gained a little weight and lost some of my strength and tone over the past few months. Now, I'm back on track. I felt really good this afternoon after yoga, lunch and green tea latte!

Came home from yoga session and tasty rice bowl of sesame chicken and started figuring out the hands free, Bluetooth, wireless device. It linked up to the phone and I can "hear" the phone and communicate with it from anywhere in the house (and probably up the street). The phone software is magical--I speak and it translates (very accurately), enters the spoken words onto the screen, and follows any action commands that I speak. I can't help but wonder what this innocuous device might be doing to my brain, but it's fun to use. The device "whispers" into your ear whatever audio the phone is emitting. Usually, the phone goes mute while this is taking place--no ease dropping allowed.

I had a thought the other day, as I slogged through getting the phone up and running, that Smartphones are very similar to an old gag item--the pet rock. With pet rocks, you simulated feeding and caring for the rock as if it were alive. The Smartphone ups all that to a higher level. You actually have to feed and care for the device (give it data, upload Apps, install features, purge old files to make room for the new, increase its memory chips, and so on) to keep it going. Plus, unlike pet rocks, the Smartphone is always watching how you are doing things with it and modifying its behavior to accommodate your changes. Pet rock goes digital!

Quiet here today. Everyone is recovering from my nephew-in-law's visit and the faded (now) holiday events. All quiet on the Gerhardt front (and back) except for the unheard whispers of the Bluetooth communications. Let there be noiseless noise!

3158

Today is a day of infamy! It is the day that I had my first conversation over my new phone! It worked like a dream! I could hear what was said clearly and I believe I was heard clearly as well. It is a dream machine! While we were talking, I was able to browse out and find the local temperature, and then return to the conversation. All is well with mother bell (or one of her children).

I was also, after some difficulty, able to register the device on the warranty site. My first attempt led me into a maze of contradicting instructions, which I had to abandon. My second attempt took me into a new set of screens and I was able to complete the registration. Miracle number two!

My nephew in-law left this evening for his home base. I'm not exactly sure why he made the visit--perhaps was encouraged by his dad who probably fronted for the cost of making the trip. He and his grandmother were both ill or not feeling well throughout the visit.

I went to the PD support group in Roseville this afternoon. I was a bit buzzed from not sleeping all that well last night, but I made it to the session. There was a set guest speakers who do PT work with PD'ers using the LSVT Loud and Big exercises. The discussion activated some physical memories of the LSVT work I did in Sunnyvale. My voice was strong on the phone call tonight! Noticeably strong!

Tomorrow I resume my exercise sessions. Tomorrow I do yoga; on Thursday I do Pilates. I'm ready to go! I know I have to phase in slowly, but I intend to fill my card before seeing the movement specialist in March. By the Ides of March, I will be back in the battle! Yes, I will.

And my next phone project is to get the remote wireless device hooked with phone. I want to be able to answer calls hands free. Voice control comes next! I'm getting wired and the living is easy! Phones are jumping and the signals are high!

3159

Rag tag day! Spent the morning and part of the afternoon at the Sprint store. Turned out that something was out of sync with the new phone's OS software. They had to reload the whole system--essentially a complete reboot and reinstall of everything. It wasn't too difficult but it was time consuming. The feature that didn't work was text messaging. No messages were getting through and being recorded. The feature now works but is somewhat slow. Also, I haven't successfully connected to the House WiFi. I'll try it tomorrow at SB when I get my green tea latte.

There's a PD support meeting tomorrow in the afternoon in Roseville. I'm planning on going but there may be some shifting required--there's a nephew-in-law visiting (son of my ex's brother). He's quite verbal and decked out like a wandering beanpole--he's about 6 foot and 8 inches! He plays basketball (how could he not) among whatever other distractions he is into.

Daughter cooked a tasty meal--nephew however (her cousin) was not feeling well. He thought he's gotten a bit of food poisoning from his last night's dinner. He seems recovered a bit now and is talking on the phone with several of his friends.

I'm feeling relatively fried from all of my techno battles. Hope tomorrow is a kinder digital day!

3161-3160

Lost in SmartPhone land! My new device arrived on Saturday and I've spent more than a few hours trying to grok the interface and user-friendly features (not). The device is the right size, which is one of the key features I wanted it to have. It looks like it will handle my basic phone needs: voice calls and messages (and perhaps a camera or two). The rest of the multi-tiered architecture might possibly be of no value to me since I would have to spend more time learning how to use stuff that I'll hardly ever need.

The phone is big--6.3 inches on the tall diagonal dimension! A handful to say the least! It's a cross between a pad/tablet and a phone. It is put together in a slick, high technology package that makes you feel like you're holding the ultimate tool. But how it feels and how it works is difficult to reconcile.

I ended up not posting yesterday since I got so buzzy and warped just getting the device activated and learning how to do the basic-basics before collapsing into the dream time.

Today was project day with the grandkid--making 25 valentines for her to give to her classmates in February. Of course, she lost interest about half way through the project and the grandparents had to finish the final batches. The valentines are an odd combination of owls and hearts, but the kids will like the big candy heart glued to the owls' faces.

Before we jump into the valentine department, the grandkid's B-day is coming around on or about the first of February. The second month will be sugar-coated--at a minimum!

3162

Saw the eye doctor this morning (early) and all is well. I have to continue drops three times a day for three more weeks using just one of the medications. But, all is well and I can resume exercising. Have to go from about zero once again, but it will be worth the effort.

I got fitted for a new pair of reading glasses--a set that should eliminate the bifocal lenses that I had in my last set. Simplify--only one pair does all. (I don't need distance glasses, just reading.) Thank you, Medical Insurance, for helping pay for all of this eye-focused activity! Don't know what I would have done without you.

Did laundry today and realized I need to replace sheets and pillow cases, and bath towels. They are getting thin and unraveled. Probably should replace the mattress as well--it's had a lot of usage over the past few years. Sleep has raveled up the sleeve, and the pillow case, and the sheets, and the bath towels. "Ravel" is a strange word! It means to both untangle and complicate! How can that be?

Expecting my new SmartPhone in the morrow or by Monday latest. I think the transfer of contact information is handled when the two phones (old and new) are respectively deactivated and activated. That's what my preliminary instructions imply--but I know how misleading documentation can be!

Midwest is expecting super cold weather over the next week. Hope it doesn't drift this way! Don't need cold weather--not at all.

3163

Found out today that I will be able to copy my phone book to the new phone. Whew! I was thinking I would have to reenter them manually. Computer does what computer does well! Repetitive actions!

Had a big lunch (again today) and found out that there is no CW line dance class until April--bummer!

Have post-op review in the morrow--early in the morrow! Have to be out and on the way by around 8am. Will also find out how much exercise I can be doing--should be back to normal, I would hope!

Finished the Thomas Steinbeck book, Silver Lotus. It was an OK read, but I thought his short story collection was better. Lotus got a bit tedious--although I did read it through.

Was a bit warmer today--heater only kicked in around 6pm instead of 4pm. MD still said she was cold. I guess when you're in your 90s things might feel colder. Anyway, the heater has kicked in and the place is getting toasty.

I'm watching a British TV mystery series, The Fall, about a serial killer in Belfast. The series stars Gillian Anderson (of X-Files fame) as an Irish police person who profiles the killer who performs a series of brutal, sadistic murders. Strange to hear her with a slight Irish brogue. I've also heard her do an English accent in another film. Well I'm off to watch the final episode. Hope it's not too scary!

3164

New Jahr! 2014 and the living is easy! I will be getting back on track with exercise and doing what needs to be done. There's a support group in Orangevale tomorrow. Looks like we're going to watch an excerpt of the movie "Awakening." Great movie! Ending is a bummer though.

I see the eye people on Friday for a post-op evaluation. I've been putting the drops into my fixed eye for three weeks now. Tomorrow, I cut back to only one medication, three times per day--for another three weeks. I'm over the hump! I'll be cruising onward.

Awaiting the arrival of my new phone. I know that there will be a learning curve. I've watched a couple of YouTube videos that were helpful with getting started. I became aware of a Metro PCS shop that is in the same complex as one of my Starbucks places. It was there all the time and I just never registered that it was there. Perhaps can get some accessories from them.

I had a monstrous lunch today! Ate at Annie's! Had a chicken fried steak smothered in gravy, two eggs up, a pile of hash browns, and rye toast with butter and jam. I was hungry and I felt wonderful taking care of that condition. It was delicious and very filling!

It will be good to get back to exercising and classes--especially when I'm starting to eat such gargantuan meals. Can't get enough of that wonderful stuff!

Fireworks were many and loud last night. I guess it's not against the law (like it is in the Bay Area) to fire off some types of incendiary items here. They were close and loud. It was midnight and I awoke to a thunderous explosion. The racket persisted for about half an hour! Happy New Year!