2831

Went to the CW dance this afternoon. There was a goodly number of people despite the coolness, the rain, and the holidaze. I only lasted for a bit over an hour. I was dancing fairly well, but I just got tired and didn't feel like pushing my limits beyond that point.

There are actually three dance classes in the coming week--on Tues, Thurs, and Friday. Tues will be a push after the PD support group luncheon. Thurs will also be a push after the PD support group meeting. Friday doesn't compete with other events.

I feel good after today's dance foray--despite my energy depletion as the dance progressed. It was good to be moving versus the relative hubbub of the holiday events.

I started watching the Nikita series. The lead in Nikita is starring in TV show--Stalker. Nikita, at first blush, looks like it will be a good series.

B told me a story about one of his uncles and what he did on a Thanksgiving Day. The uncle, without letting anyone know, slipped a capon into the dinner turkey's cavity. When the turkey was being sliced, the capon was revealed--making it appear that there was a baby turkey inside the larger bird. His joke made that a Thanksgiving to remember.

Ho, ho, ho!

2832

Thanksgiving feast is done! Everyone scattered to their beds and napped after eating. My daughter spearheaded the process and the meal was beautiful, tasty, and festive. For me, it was like a bit of a hike uphill, but I made it. I also did a several hour nap afterward.

The turkey was cooked by B using the charcoal broiler--gave the bird a slight smoky taste along with the spices that were used to marinate the beast. Superb!

It's feels cool this evening even though it's warmer than it has been. Even so, my hands feel like they are stuck in a refrigerator. And, I could sleep a lot more--given the chance!

People are starting to mill about--it is approaching dinner time. I can't think about eating leftovers. I think I'll stick to my regular fruit repast of pineapple, watermelon and blueberries. Let the hearty plow through the remains of Thanksgiving past.

We had an apple pie that was given to my ex from one of her vendors--she brought a thank you card for us to sign. I signed, "Your gift was the apple of my pie"!

2833

Fry Day! I dreamed about something last night that caused me to wake up. In the dream, in which I don't remember details, I was doing something that required me to move quickly. As I did so, I awakened. I think I said something in the dream and was talking as I awoke.

I slept some today. I could have slept more but tomorrow's feasting is triggering some of today's activities.

I was playing with the grandkid using an I Spy deck of cards. The cards have four categories: numbers, colors, shapes and letters. As we played, I noticed that there were six letter cards that were not included in the letters' category (J, K, Q, V, X and Z). They were probably left out since they occur with reduced frequency. I noted that the cards were missing. The grandkid started going through the deck, in letter order, verifying that the cards were missing. The amazing thing was that after I had named those cards, she totally recalled them as she made her way through the deck. It's difficult enough to recall multiple objects out of sequence, especially objects with no associated images. It's another thing to not only recall such objects, but to do so after only one announcement of the items is exceptional.

She demonstrates this ability in a lot of other contexts. For example, when I mentioned that I needed some toothpicks to make a puzzle, she directed me to a cabinet where there was a box of picks--on a shelf that was high above my head and that would be difficult for her actually see.

The good news is that she remembers everything--the bad news is that she remembers everything. Her mother is going to have an interesting life with her.

2834

Turkey Day! Oh, what the hey! What can I say about the day? I slept some, I ate some, I washed some, I shopped some, and I watched a lot of video episodes from CBS's weekly offerings.

Now I grow tired and I still have laundry to fold--if I'm that bold!

The highlight of the day--I was in Raley's picking up a turkey sandwich (I had to eat something and turkey sounded right). When I ordered the sandwich, a woman, who was waiting to get something from the deli, said that I could come to her house for dinner since I was not having a Thanksgiving meal. I thanked her and told her that I was going to have a turkey dinner--just a few days later than everyone else.

My daughter came back from her dinner with her fiancé's family. She was floating along since she got to announce their engagement and show off the ring. She had picked come carrots from the garden and made a veggie basket with all of the produce. She then got to ask everyone, who made comments about the basket, if they saw the "carat"? Clever pun!

Tomorrow is the start of activities leading up to Saturday's feasting. I'm in charge of bringing the breads to the table. I've scoped them out and will pick them up later Friday night or early Saturday morning.

Enough for now! Time to fold 'em!

2835

Day before the great turkey day! We will not be celebrating the holiday tomorrow, but on Saturday! Saturday is International Aura Awareness Day! We will make sure we are aware of our turkey's aura when we sit down at the table. Soon the only thing left of it will be its aura.

So, tomorrow should be a relatively quiet day around here. The hubbub will begin on Friday and continue into the weekend.

I napped away most of the afternoon. I went out early for a latte, napped a short while, went back out for lunch (O'Connor's BBQ with sweet potato fries--yum!), and came back and napped until around 4pm. I then began to watch the TV episodes from the past few days. That became a mini-marathon that has just now concluded.

And, I am feeling drowsy and sleepy--I'll wrap it up soon and read a while. Then off to dreamland and my bladder call early in the morning--usually around 2am or so. I'm almost sleepwalking my way through that each night.

So good night to all and to all a good night! Oh, yes! That's another calendar day--December 25th which is "No 'L' Day" (heh, heh)!

2836

Did a dance class today! Was good to move and groove! Not many people there but a few stalwarts that made it work. I felt good afterward--a bit tired but a good kind of tired.

In fact, I'm starting to fade even as I write--and it's still somewhat early for me to bed down.

I had a Jamba Juice for dinner--their Chocolate Love which has peanut butter, chocolate, fruit and other stuff. It was a good treat/eat after the class activity.

There is a dance on this coming Sunday (after out local feast on Saturday). That event will help work off the calories gained the day before--but I also have another feast on Tuesday with the Roseville PD group.

Well, time to let go and let sleep! Cold tonight! I'll leave the heater going! It's 46 heading for 40 right now--another cool one so it seems!

2837

Moon Day! It got quite cool last night--I left the heater on all night! It's just now hitting 60 degrees and it's starting to be time for the sun to start running to the West. I napped a short while after coming back from an ample breakfast. I awoke during the nap feeling cold and ran down to SB's for a latte. That's awakened me as well as warmed me up.

I think I may have dreamed last night about Xmas shopping! I hope not, but it is possible. I'm debating about doing most of that activity on line. That's clearly the way to go versus fighting the crowds and clouds.

Have a dance class tomorrow! Looking forward to moving some. I've gone sedentary with the beginnings of the holidaze. And I will be much the same until the new year rolls around.

I awoke about 2am last night. I felt like I had slept more than I actually did, but the clock told the truth. I read myself to sleep but only slept for a short spell--then awoke feeling like I had rested. The heater was producing some noises as it cut on and off. These were sounds that I hadn't heard since last winter. Eventually, I drifted into sleep and napped until early morning bladder promptings began--around 7am.

Quiet here right now! MD has done her Monday shopping and has retired for her afternoon rest. She and her caregiver got off to an early start today. I just remembered that I need to drop by the dental office and get them to prescribe a refill for my mouthwash. Off I go!

2838

Sun Day without the shining orb! No rays today to warm the hay! It feels chilly and damp.

I had an intense dream last night. I was in a city. The streets were full of trash and debris. I was with another person and we were looking for someone that we needed to contact. However, we stood out like sore thumbs in the neighborhoods we had to explore. At times, we were the only Caucasians that could be seen--everyone around us were from different ethnic groups. Most everyone, but the two of us, looked like they were criminals or member of different street gangs.

We had parked the car at the border to the area we had to investigate. But, after walking around, we decided to get back to the vehicle and postpone our investigations until the next morning. We made it back to the car, but when I pulled out, I sent us up a narrow street where I couldn't turn around. I had to keep following the narrow access we were on--behind us other cars now blocked any hope of returning the way we had come. I decided to turn on the next road that was perpendicular to our current route. A place came up on the right and I turned the corner and accelerated. Unfortunately, that street began to narrow immediately and in addition looked like it was going to dead end shortly. Even as that thought registered, the road ended, blocked by a mound of dirt. I decided to accelerate and just go over the barrier. When my front wheels topped the barrier, we saw that there was no road on the other side--just a steep down slope and an empty field. About then, the vehicle began to dig into dirt at the top of the barrier. It crunched to a stop with the vehicle balanced on the top of the berm. We were stranded and the people in the cars behind us were exiting their vehicles and moving in our direction.

The dream ended and I awoke with a jolt. The themes of searching and uncovering something seems to permeate my dreams.

I just ate a very late lunch! I slept in this morning, went for latte, and came back and napped into the afternoon. I had a huge bowl of soup--that warmed me up.

2839

I awoke last night about 2am, for no particular reason! I just woke up as if I had done hours of sleep. When I got back to sleep, I then slept through until about 9am. I got up then and went to SBs for a latte and pastry. I returned and napped for a while and then went out for a late lunch.

I was hungry for a warm dish with pasta. I went to the Olive Garden and downed one of their not-all-that-fancy dishes--Fettuccine with chicken and squash, plus the huge salad and bread sticks. It was somewhat tasty and definitely filling, but nothing to rave about. Their service is slow and their prices are high (for what you get). I went because I had a gift card--I'll probably use what's left on the card to get a dessert. I doubt that I'll go out of my way to eat there again. There's too many other choices around here.

I spent about three hours with the grandkid this afternoon. B had to go to work and my daughter was out of it (not feeling well), so grandpa drew the straw. She's growing up--I've now been with her for slightly over a year. She's changed a lot in some ways--not so in others. But, she keeps changing, as anyone would suspect. She's going to be an exceptionally bright person as she ages and discovers how to apply her natural skills and strengths.

Finished watching the series of Inspector Morse! Not a happy ending nor one that leaves one thinking that Morse was as solid as he seemed to be. It was like watching a batch of wool disappear as someone pulled a loose thread and the whole thing unravels.

Starting to fade now and it's still quite early! The turkeys are coming! The turkeys are coming! And with them the dressing, dishes, desserts, breads, and other victuals--or so everyone hopes for!

2840

I had a set of active dreams last night. There was a dream inside a building, a dream about being in a park, a dream about being on the edge of a cliff, and one about being in a crowded city. In all of the dreams, I was looking for something or someone. The dream scenes just kept shifting one into the other, but the search theme was the same for all.

I can hardly tell that I had intrusive dental work yesterday. I rinsed last night with warm salt water--tonight I'll brush those newly worked areas very gently. I spent most of today resting and eating. My daughter's and partner's day of joy has been completed--they returned late last night after their excursions. All vehicles are now parked in the driveway--we are all starting to mentally prepare for the upcoming feasting days.  She is wearing a bright engagement ring. All's well in the world!

I'm treading water as we go through the holidaze period. I would rather be dancing, but the classes have been curtailed in homage to the season.The only good news is that I don't have any medical appointments until next year--they begin again in January. But so does the dancing!

I've been here in Fair Oaks for just over a year now. For some reason, it seems like a much greater time than that--but it's just the 10 or so years of dealing with PD that pushes my time sense around. My dreams last night reflect the fact that I am looking for someone or something to hold onto--to help me bridge the coming years and challenges. Who or what the may be I can't see clearly, but I know that I am searching--perhaps unconsciously, but searching just the same. May the holidaze season bring some clarity--that would be a gift to myself.

2841

Dental mental day! Had the left side of my teeth scraped and planed this morning. The hygienist was 30 minutes late because of traffic. She is quite knowledgeable about the current techniques and procedures, and is really efficient though. I've been fortunate to have her work on me.

She had to numb my gums in order to do her work, but it all went smoothly and well. I actually just went and ate lunch despite the residual numbness and sensitivity. I've been washing the area where she did her work with warm salt water--the ultimate cure for any disturbance in the teeth domain.

B has asked my daughter to marry him and given her the engagement ring. She has said that she would marry him. They are off celebrating his birthday (today) and their new relationship. May the heavens bless their joy!

I'm feeling a bit punky from my day's events--no breakfast, a long session in the dental office and chair, a big lunch, a late latte, a restless nap, the cold weather, the rain, and a few more things, no doubt. The dental work, the work on the truck, general expenses, and several miscellaneous outflows are crunching my bank account. Not a big problem, but just noting where I am to remind me to begin to taper off some. That action will be somewhat difficult since the holidaze season is upon us--but I will try.

I think I dreamed last night that someone stole my truck. He had found my duplicate key and just jumped in the vehicle and took off. In the dream, I didn't react all that strongly over the loss. I just started looking for a replacement.

At this moment, it is completely still for some reason. No traffic noise, no heater/refrigerator sounds, no music, no sound of rain--nothing but stillness. That state only maintained for a short time and then was replaced by all the regular sounds. Dinner time approaches--almost time to heat some soup, I think! I had such a robust lunch that I'm uncertain how hungry I might be. We shall see!

2842

Rain is upon us! Not a lot, but still some moisture. I'm feeling really logy--no movement and dancing makes me a logy person.

I went out for breakfast and picked up a birthday gift for B. He and my daughter are out getting vehicles repaired and ready for B to drive. I went to Macy's and picked up gift for B. I boxed it and got one of those bows with a battery that blinks the bow when it is turned on--makes the package come alive.

I came back from all that and napped for a while. Now it's early in the afternoon and I just want to climb back in bed and sleep. I grabbed a latte to warm me up and perhaps wake me up as well.

Daze without end! End of the daze!

Have a dental appointment in the morning--to complete the procedure of scaling that has been done on my right side teeth. As I've intimated, I'll be glad to have this process completed. Hopefully, I'll never have to do it again (but that's probably a vain hope). If I have to do it again, I hope that I can work with the same technician. She is really good and mindful.

Well, that's it for now! Can't think of anything else worth mentioning--or can't in fact think of anything at all. The tablet clears--between the ears--and marks the years--with lots of cheers!

2843

Got to sleep late last night--actually early in the morning. I got engrossed in solving toothpick puzzles--and what with one site or another suddenly it was early morning. No dance class today so I've been napping my way through the day. That, and eating!

It was quite cool last night and has remained so throughout the day. Rain is coming, or so says the predictions. So it will soon be cold and wet!

The music for the We Forgot to Dream line dance keeps playing in my head. I don't usually reverb a piece of music on and on like this, but it's happened with a couple of dance tunes recently. It's an odd sensation, for me. I seem to be feeling the music more than hearing it play. My brain patterns must be changing as the PD symptoms progress and morph.

I went to TJ's on the way back from taking B to work. I picked up some items that I wanted and I found a jar of Fig Butter for MD. She had mentioned how much she once liked the taste of that preserve. Her mother made batches of the condiment from scratch, harvesting a fig tree that grew in their yard. It turns out that Raley's also carries that item, but at a premium price. TJ's price is more reasonable. Will get MD's review of how well TJ's version matches up against the memory of her mother's productions.

Her mother made her fig butters nearing 100 years ago! A long time between tastings!

B's birthday on Thursday! They have a whole thing planned out--and B is going to present my daughter with an engagement ring as part of the activities. Will be a memorable date on the calendars! A memorable date and a memorable set of events!

2844

Good news from the dentist today--seems that the intense hygiene sessions are showing progress. Great! They moved my next session up to this Thursday--it will be good to have that done and behind me. Next Thursday is B's birthday, I believe!

Weather is cool and I'm struggling with the changes--I don't do well in any form of weather extreme. I fell asleep after lunch (fish and chips) for about 3 hours--awoke feeling cold and shivery. I didn't get to sleep until quite late last night--I got hooked into playing Just Words.

I played the Inspector Morse episode where he reveals his (very unfortunate) first name. He got his reward for doing so--a tryst with a new lady whom he met while solving a case. Hint: His first name was given away in the TV series about him as a young policeman--It is the name of the series!

Our mailbox is getting overflowed with donation requests and packages. MD's name is being sold to one and all since she is a consistent donor--the creeps leap on someone like her and try to extract monies by any ploy. I doubt that half of the requests are legitimate! She doesn't send any one of them a lot of money, but she does methodically send a couple of cashier's checks each week. I believe that most of them are for $10--so she spends about $80 per month. But the sharks smell the faint hint of green blood and keep on circling, thrashing the waters with their offers, hoping for a score.

It's warmer now--since I moved the thermostat target temperature to 72 degrees. It's predicted to hit the high 30s tonight! Tea time!

2845

Sun Day but plenty cool! Some forecasts are saying we go into the high 30s during the night. I'm going through the biannual climate change as we switch between cold and hot seasons. It seems to take me a few weeks to acclimate no matter which direction we go. Hot, cold, cold, hot! One makes me sneeze, one makes me snot!

Awoke early this morning--people talking, eating, and moving around. I managed to hunker down and not get up until about 9 or so.

When I went for lunch, the cashier shorted me a few dollars when she made change. Later, at SB's they were giving a second drink free. The women in front of me bought me my latte using the SB's deal. So, on balance, I am even! Thank you ladies! Good luck cashier!

Everyone seems to be dealing with some form of car-ma! Breakdowns, repairs, crashes and more! 'Tis the season to be jolly except for these car things!

I did manage to nap some today, after lunch, and before waking up to people returning from lunch. And I'll probably nap again now that it's quiet--despite my morning V8 and afternoon latte. I grow old, I grow old--I take a nap when it grows cold!

Dental appointment in the morning and no dance classes for the next 8 or so days! Oh, what fun!

2846

Up in the morning--out on the job--work like a devil for my pay! Not really! I did get up fairly early today--followed my daughter so she could drop off her vehicle at the dealer's. B's brother dropped off a vehicle for B to start using. He'll be glad to be back on the road again, I bet.

I had a huge burger and fries for lunch--and had pizza for dinner. So much food--but I guess I was hungry since I ate it all.

My ex dropped by this afternoon--she and the grandkid went to the salon to get their nails done. We played one of the grandkid's new games--sort of a Connect 4 with images as the triggers to mark spots on the board.

I got a couple of short naps today--but for the most part, I sort of slugged through the fog and tried to keep going. The dances that we worked on yesterday kept coming to mind, along with the music for We Forgot to Dream. It is a good piece of music--makes me want to dance!

Traffic around the neighborhood was gridlocked. The road crews were doing something just up the way that brought traffic to a grinding halt. It will be something when they begin (if they ever do) to widen the road to six lanes.

Thanksgiving plans are underway. It looks like we (here in Fair Oaks) will be doing our feast on the Saturday after the regular date. There's also a dance on Sunday--that will give me a chance to work off some of the calories I will have consumed.

2847

Had a dance class today. I was still not exactly on target with what I wanted my feet to do and what they did. We went over the complex waltz (Just Pretend) and the piece with the strong music (We Forgot to Dream). I'll have a chance to get them more ingrained when the class resumes in December.

Yes, no class for a couple of weeks, and then only some classes during December. Thanksgiving is on the agenda--whatever that may entail.

Up early in the morning--need to follow my daughter to the repair shop. Her vehicle is making some noises that sound like they need attention.

I awoke myself last night by flailing around in a dream. I was doing something in the dream that caused me to reach out, which is what I did in reality. I nearly punched the lamp on the bedside table. I woke myself in the dream and avoided any problems.

I'm experiencing some resistance to the changing of weather--it's starting to get cooler throughout the day and I'm feeling it. I've kicked the thermostat up a few degrees to try and offset the chill that I'm feeling.

It's really early--several hours left before I normally go down to sleep. I don't have any new TV episodes to view and the Netflix offerings are getting a bit tiresome. I tried watching one of the new TV series (Elementary)--it was not appealing when it first premiered and it doesn't seem to have gotten any more attractive.

I didn't exactly eat well today and I think that action is affecting me--I'm feeling a bit slow and groggy. I think I do better if I eat more than what I consumed today--even if the extra food is not all that whole. Getting late now--have to recalibrate tomorrow.

I keep hearing a high-pitched electronic noise--I can't pinpoint its origin or source. It only lasts for a few seconds and then shuts off. Maybe it's the probe that landed on the comet sending me a message. And, again, maybe it's not! Mystery noise!

2848

Rainy day! Rainy day blues! Had a dance class in the afternoon. It was not very satisfying. I was feeling cold and stiff--my feet were not moving well. The floor was sticky (probably from the humidity) and I had problems moving smoothly.

Plus, we went over several dances that I didn't know very well. Hopefully, tomorrow's class will make up for today's stumble-bumble.

I stopped at O'Connor's on the way home from taking B to work. They had a meatloaf sandwich on the lunch menu that is really tasty. Having that with sweet potato fries makes for a great meal. I came home and napped for a short while before heading to class.

I seem to recall hints of last night's dreams. Nothing is clear, but the sense of what I dreamed seemed to involve me in talking with someone about some kind of project.

It's still quite early but I'm having difficulty keeping my eyes open--despite the double dose of caffeine that I had today (V8 in morning--latte in afternoon). Dream time approaches! Let there be dreams!

2849

Another slo-mo day! I'm still doing an extra push of morning caffeine and it seems to be working--feeling right. I get an immediate jolt in the morning with a V8 Fusion as I eat my daily bite of apple. I get another infusion in the afternoon with a green tea drink from SB's. Meanwhile, I may eat a breakfast and a lunch. Today it was only lunch--pizza and salad. Dinner tends to be a bowl of fruit--except when I get hungry enough to grab a sandwich or such.

Tomorrow, I'll get the chance to mix in a dance class--which will help span the day and not make it so slo-mo. I went to the spa today and canceled my membership--something I should have done months ago. Oh, well! It's done now!

I napped for a short time after eating lunch. It was quiet here--MD was off shopping with her caregiver and doing a doctor's examination. Quiet, except for the neighbor and his myriad home improvement projects. He must spending a small fortune given all of the activity at his place.

The weather is incrementally shifting into the cooler range. Last night, I overrode the thermostat and made it pump a little more warmth. It was either that or layer on more clothing.

I just went to SB's for my afternoon latte. The high school let out just after I arrived. Hordes of students descended on SB's and jammed the ordering stations, mostly with requests for water. The SB's baristas smilingly oblige and put up with the chaos.

I picked up a feather duster while I was out and about--I've already started clearing the spaces in my room where a year's collection of dust has been deposited. The small amount invested will be greatly repaid with a dust-free room. Dust on! Dust on! Dust on! Or is it dust off?

2850

Veteran's Day! A slow Tuesday! I awoke early and had a V8 Fusion and leftover Panera's sandwich for breakfast. Morning went smoothly but seemingly a bit slow. I felt clear though until it was lunch time.

Had a tasty and comfort-food plate of a meatloaf sandwich and sweet potato fries. Came back and napped for a short while and then went to SB's for a warm green tea latte--I was feeling a bit cold. The warm, hearty food helped amp up my triple heater.

And now it's almost dinner time--except that I've had enough food for today. I guess I'll finish off with fruit and perhaps cookies (MD has been baking)--fruit for sure!

I had dream night before last. I was in a house (a house I'd been in before in some previous dreams). There were some people about to storm the place--they were looking for me for some reason. I an earlier segment of the dream, I was on a bike, peddling fast along a street. I turned a corner and the road dropped away into a steep decline. I laid the bike down and skidded up to the edge of the decline. For a moment, I thought I was going to go over the edge into the abyss. I managed to inch my way back from the edge and step away from the drop off. There was a moment when I was sure I was going to slide over the edge. Later in the dream, I wondered what it would be like to let my self fall over the edge.

It's been really quiet here today--quiet and empty feeling. Right now I'm feeling a bit still but slightly anxious.

I went to the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions. The good news is it looks like I'm out of the donut hole for the rest of the year. The bad news is that there was an obnoxious customer arguing with the clerk about some snafu with his prescriptions. He was actually yelling and getting quite loud. It made me uncomfortable to even be near him. I hope the pharmacist managed to get him placated and out of there. She could always just give him a pill!

Missed dancing today! No dancing tomorrow! Class on Thursday though!

2851

Moon Daze! It's been a busy, tizzy of a day (daze). Began day with a V8 Fusion energy drink and some apple. Went to Panera's and grabbed a gourmet breakfast sandwich (egg white, turkey sausage, spinach, on a luscious bread roll).  Made a stop at TJ's where I picked up some fruit and stuff.

Came back and completed a medical summary form that has to be sent to the GI specialist for my office visit. Plus, prepared a check for the PD support group holiday lunch next month. Went to the copy center in Raley's and made copies of the stuff I'm sending to the GI, and mailed the copied form and the check.

Went back to Panera's and got a sandwich (Fontega Roasted Chicken panini). Took a short nap and then went to SB's for a green tea latte. Came back home and began to watch some of the TV shows that are stacked up and available for streaming. Now, it's almost dinner time!

Perhaps, I'll go light tonight and just have some fruit. I could eat the other half of the lunch sandwich that I brought back with me, but fruit sounds better right now.

I'm already feeling down some, knowing that there's no dance class tomorrow. The dance classes have been lacing the days and activities together--forming more of a whole from each day's events. No classes mean there is no lacing together--just a cluster of events with no cohesion. Plus, big hunks of time that the classes usually helped span.

People have definitely noticed my trimmed head--it's the shortest I've ever had it. The next step--shaved head perhaps! Maybe, may be!

Veteran's Day tomorrow! MD will fly her flag! Attention!

2852

Really quiet here today--after the hustle and bustle of yesterday. I finally got up and out close to noon--too close it turned out. CoCo's was jammed and it took forever to get breakfast--there were several large parties absorbing the waitpersons' attention. I eventually managed to get my order and scoffed it down. The place was a madhouse--loud and raucous! Not exactly a peaceful eating adventure. I'll have to steer clear of the times they are crowded and overbooked.

I got a really short haircut today! I have been asking that it be cropped close, but today was a record. I nodded yes to 1/4 inch, which leave very little hair--mostly a fuzz. It actually looks fairly good when compared to the ragged pate I went in with and my increasingly lack of coverage on the top. I won't have much to do to maintain things--just run a hand across my brow and that will do it.

I'm already missing the dance classes that will not take place for the rest of this month through the next.  Essentially, I believe there are only three or four classes for this month, and about the same  for all of December. The full roster will not appear until next year. Bummer!

Read today that studies have confirmed that people who drank more caffeine-based beverages were less likely to get PD. There is some indications that caffeine may be neuroprotective of dopamine-producing cells. The caveat, of course, is not to ingest too much in all cases. I seem to mellow out more in the afternoon if I have an energy drink (V8 Fusion) in addition to a green tea beverage. I think I'll start drinking a V8 in the mornings--during the period of time I usually feel the most frazzled. We shall see! The amount of caffeine in the two drinks is not even close to what the article indicated was a nominal amount. Always a guessing game!

2853

Busy household day! People are coming and going--some residents and others transients. Daughter's uncle is here with his spouse. Daughter had friend stay overnight. B awoke with everyone gone--they let him sleep since he got home from work so late last night. I'm drifting in and through the turbulence--trying to stay somewhat still in the midst of so much movement.

The uncle and his spouse are her to visit with MD--they'll probably take her to dinner (later). She's going to miss her afternoon nap!

I just don't feel like mingling with a crowd of people--especially when I have to sort through all the different conversations in order to keep up with what's being said. I just want to take a nap and wake up refreshed and clear.

I continue to feel buzzy and logy in the mornings and afternoons. I grow still, quiet and clear later in the evening and on to about midnight. And, it makes a lot of difference if I do a dance class in the afternoons. Like today, there is no class so I'm experiencing some of the jitters until the evening slides into place.

I ate well today, so far. I had a breakfast burrito that my daughter and her guest fixed this morning. I then went out for a green tea latte plus a chocolate croissant. I had half a sandwich from Panera's and have the other half poised to be dinner.

I may have to take B to work around 5pm, but it will good to get out of the house--especially with the crowd of people all about.

There was a lunch/dance today somewhere fairly nearby, but the thing looked more social than dancing. I had opted not to go--there will be more!

I'm winding down right now. Will post and run (or nap perhaps) until it's time to take B to work!

2854

Arose early and helped take B's old truck to the salvage yard. They paid him, under a state program, $1500 for the beast. Without the state program he would have gotten only $300 or $400 for the wreck--only considered as scrap metal. I had to drive it since B has had his license revoked. It was a stick shift and there were few people he knew who could operate the vehicle. The salvage yard was close by, thank goodness, since the truck was operating near the edge--it wouldn't have made it if there was any distance involved.

I went to dance class. It was a challenge, as usual, but we went over two good dances that will be fun to master. Over the next six weeks or so there will be a truncation of dance classes--over the holidays (holidaze)! It looks like the Friday class will be the only one to continue in December. There are two classes next week (Thurs and Friday) and then the reduction begins.

I did my laundry tonight.

The dance class today was good--despite the challenge and intensity. So far, the classes always seem to help me along. I had a green tea latte on the way home from the class--which also helped me along. The SB's barista was either new at the job or was spacey--she couldn't figure out how to make the drink I usually order--green tea latte with one pump of classic. She finally puzzled it our and it was good!

I think the moon was full last night--or it may be tonight. No, it was last night. Tonight's still greatly full, just a little less full then last night. Today was World Vasectomy Day! Oh, yeah!

2855

Today was filled with lots of substance. I took my daughter's partner to the DMV so he could get some needed documentation for salvaging his truck. He revealed that he and my daughter are planning a wedding. He had picked out rings last night. They are planning on getting joined in just a few days! I'm happy for them--they seem really good with each other and with the grandkid.

After finishing up at the DMV, he bought me lunch. We ate at one of the places where he works.

When I got back home, I napped for a short time and then picked up a latte and headed on to a dance class. Despite my initial thoughts that I may not do well in the class, it didn't happen that way. I danced fairly well for 1.5 hours. My feet were a bit heavy and stiff today, but were better than previously.

Dancing is good for me. Dancing is helping me move beyond the constraints of my medical condition. Dancing is fun, challenging, and requires a lot of energy to overcome the inertia that I have developed. Movement is healing and stabilizing.

Tomorrow the plan involves driving the truck to the truck graveyard place and doing so in time to get to my afternoon class (1:00pm). Right now, I feel some of the anticipated benefits that I am expected to encounter tomorrow. Why not? Let the good times flow!

I noticed that CBS is letting some episodes leak through the pay-as-you-watch barrier that they have constructed. I was prepared to not be able to watch any of my favorite shows. I was happy that some shows are still available to be seen without having to subscribe to the CBS service.

Starting to drift! Time to sign off and enter dreamland. I seem to recall that I dreamed an intricate dream last night and when I napped in the afternoon. I believe the dream involved resolving some type of commodity exchanges. I think it was a positive and pleasant set of images.

2856

CBS has gone to a subscription format for streaming previous episodes. Too bad! I was a faithful watcher (which included ads) but I don't think I'll sign up for fee-based watching.

My teeth feel fine today (gums and teeth) after yesterday's scaling procedure. I'm still only doing softer foods (had oatmeal for breakfast) and not chewing on the side that had the work.

Tomorrow could be a busy day, but I may not be able to do it all. There's a support group meeting in the morning (10 to 12) and dance class (3 to 4:30). I could do both and get a short rest in between. I'll see how I feel in the morning and go from there.

I napped some today--after breakfast and before getting an afternoon Frappuccino. Since then, I've been just hanging out. The repairman troubleshooting the noise issue with the new refrigerator showed up. After completely disassembling the appliance, he determined that we have a noisy unit. The ball has to bounce back to the sellers for arbitration--replacement unit or fix the current one?

Is a puzzlement! The repair person only spoke Russian with his boss. It could have been an episode from a sitcom--only dealing with the whole thing is not all that funny.

I'm feeling really punky right now--punky and drifting. Will see how things go as the day plays out. Will I feel better when I've eaten dinner and watched a little Netflix (now that CBS is gone)? Will I feel better in the morning? Will I feel good enough to go to the support group meeting? Or, will I only make the dance class? Or, none of the above?

I picked up a new sonic toothbrush today. Will give it a try in tonight's hygiene regime. Bacteria attack and hope they don't come back--clickety clack, get off my back!

2857

Underwent an intense dental procedure today--deep scaling! The hygienist spent over an hour cleaning and clearing the right side of mouth. She numbed the area and then proceeded to scrape the area below the gum line, clearing it of tartar and calc. After she had cleaned the area, she then went in with a laser device. The device essentially cauterizes the region. Since I had been thoroughly numbed, I felt only minor pain every now and then.

The region is a little sore, but not very much given the process. I'll get the other side done as soon as they have an opening or 12/1, whichever comes first. Sound would be better than later, but there would have to be a cancellation.

I didn't make it to dance class--the dental work took a little longer than I had predicted and I really didn't feel like rushing anywhere after it the work was over. I had an episode of shaking and trembling while in the dental chair--triggered by the knowledge of what was going to happen and the anxiety produced. Also the expense involved even though the cost is only about 20% of what it would take to try and grow new bone. I'll see if these symptoms reoccur when the second half is done. I'm thinking that now that I know what to expect that I'll not be so anxious. We shall see!

Last night's dance class was wonderful! I went despite the pre-feeling that I would feel clumsy and tired. The movement and music produced a quiet feeling, and a reduction of anxiety while I was there. We also reviewed and danced the Cowboy Cha Cha which really amped up the good feelings. I realized when I was back home that I felt much clearer and awake. There's a message embedded in this result that seems to point to what I need to do to capitalize on this condition.

I feel like I'm riding on a roller coaster. I'm noticing that I'm having ups and downs, and the ups are way up while the downs are way down. I'll continue the mappings and see where they lead.

I'm hungry! I only had some soup after the dental work and some more soup for dinner. I'll eat more tomorrow even though I'll still be eating softer food.

2858

Not feeling 100% today! Been feeling wimpy and gimpy most of the day! Went out for breakfast/lunch, but mostly stayed in bed--either napping or just laying still and enjoying the non-movement.

I'm still planning, at this time, to go to last dance class this year at the OV recreation center. I still think movement is better than non-movement. We'll see once the class is over!

I came away from yesterday's dance event feeling out of sorts--tired and not feeling exactly right. Well, after tonight, Monday's will not be a dance night for quite a while. Maybe just dropping that one evening will help put things back in balance.

I'll be heading to the dental clinic tomorrow for an intense hygiene. I've not been looking forward to this activity but it's something I need to take care of. Although it might be a push, I still could make part of the dance class tomorrow afternoon. I'll see how I feel after tonight's event and tomorrow's dental activity.

Well the time has come to take a shave and a shower. One ablution before the motion begins. Back in a bit and feeling better, I hope!

Tomorrow is National Candy Day, except I have a dental appointment!

2859

Legs and feet were moving slow today! I had difficulty getting them to move with the music and follow the patterns. DST is also a partial culprit in this situation. Dancing at 2pm clock time was really like dancing at 3pm body time. My body felt the shift and was balking at the timing. Or, my legs and feet just weren't moving today.

Today is the Day of the Dead And my feet and legs were dead! Right on time, I suppose!

Everyone is back from the Disneyland trek--and that also had some effect on dancing. I didn't get a quiet, restful nap before heading to the dance. The house was back to its normal decibel levels and attention points. Ex was here along with the tribe.

I also did breakfast (actually lunch) a bit late in the reset morning. I seem to need more fuel than I've been usually getting.

But right now, as I've come home to some quiet (everyone except MD is out), I'm feeling tired and foggy. That's not the usual effect that some dancing has been providing. After an hour on the floor today, I was ready to sit down and fade away. I got up for one more dance but was so clumsy I called it quits with that one. Even though some of the upcoming dances I would know--I just didn't feel like mushing my way through them making faulty steps.

Well, the clocks have been set back and the day is dead--time to get some rest and ponder what may be next. Have a last class in OV tomorrow night. I don't think that they will restart that class until next year. That will give me another night off--I think I can use it! Tomorrow is national sandwich day! So be it! Actually, I had a sandwich today--turkey BLT with avocado! Yummy!

2861-2860

Went to dance class yesterday and it went fairly well. There are so many old/to-me-new dances that I'm still playing catch-up with!

The rains came, finally, and with a vengeance! Late last night (early this morning), I was awakened by the sounds of water hitting the skylights and rushing through the rain gutters. It was a deluge.

Unfortunately, the sprinklers decided to come on this morning. That makes S, T, Th and Sat now! What happens tomorrow?

I didn't post anything last night--I was tired and logy from the afternoon's activities. And MD didn't want to deal with any trick/treaters, so we turned the lights at the  doors off and pretended no one was home. No goblins braved our darkened street anyway. Like last year, there were no hoards of kids begging for treats.

So it's National Vinegar Day today and LL's birthday! I spoke with her last night and caught up with her on her current journeys.

I could have slept in this morning--what with the light rains and coolish weather. But, the dogs and fish still needed attention and that is done. I'm about to head out for a breakfast search and then come back and nap a bit. More later--perhaps! As the spirit of Vinegar Day fills the void!

************

Daughter and crew returned from Disneyland! The place is full of glitter and sprinkle dust--metaphorically! They had a great time--they were there for a whole week.

After a huge breakfast, I ate a big lunch--more food than I've consumed in a 24-hour period for quite some time. I just felt hungry--really hungry.

Have set the clocks back an hour and am slugging my way through the cranked clock display, waiting for bedtime to arrive.

Tomorrow I'll hit the dance floor for a couple of hours of movement and music. Getting drowsy now, but it's still early by the clocks. Tick-tock we set the clocks backward by an hour! That time of day just doesn't play--it leaves a taste that's sour!