2800

Happy New Year--almost! Welcoming in 2015 and all that it may bring! Guests are gone and peacefulness settles back upon us. It's been a gnarly couple of weeks, but things start falling back into patterns--the calendar fills with entries of things to come.

Resolutions? I am without a host of promises to myself. Perhaps I shouldn't be in that state but I'm sure life will present itself as the days unfold. I think this morning I awoke as my mind sifted through my memories of my early days--when I was really young and living upstairs above the tire vulcanizing shop. So many things that I did during those long days--how I spent my time learning about the world.

And I went through the many jobs I've done and the serendipitous way they came to be for me. So many chance events--so many tiny tweaks that sent me off in various directions.

It was really cold today--sunny and bright, but cold as could be. Tonight it's supposed to drop to around 25 degrees! How can that be? When did winter begin a new year so chilly?

Dance classes return with the turning of the calendar pages. My body is looking forward to the movement and play. It's been a somewhat sedentary several weeks without a lot of moving about.

I picked up my last 2014 medications--just in time! I was able to get them at the best prices since I was in the catastrophe bucket. One prescription only dinged me for 43 cents! Way to go ACA--Yeah for the prez! My 2015 co-pays will be a lot higher than that--and even more when I hit the donut hole. But, onward and onward!

See you next year!

2801

Long and wacky day! Day began with me sending a note to the pharmacy regarding prescriptions. The pharmacy did their usual good job and started filling the requests before I made it to SB's for my daily latte. There was a bit of back and forth regarding being out of one medication and needing to contact my PCP to authorize a refill on another. That appeared to be handled by lunch time--they are really on the ball.

I went to the bookstore and picked up a couple of SciFi periodicals. When I got back home it was around noon and T, D's son, had arrived. T is a hyper person who lets whatever is running through his head flow out of his mouth. He speaks rapidly, intensively, and without many break points from his audience. He is probably brilliant but over time I would not be comfortable having to listen to him rattle on like he does.

At some point, I grew hungry (I had only had an apple and a bagel in the morning) and volunteered to grab something to eat for T and I. I went to the BBQ place and discovered that they were closed for renovation. I backtracked and went to Dad's Cafe where I picked up two pulled pork sandwiches. The sandwiches were good but slightly expensive.

When I returned, T had zonked out on the couch and stayed there until dinner time. In the interim, I ate half of one of the sandwiches and put the other in the warm microwave thinking T would eventually awaken and eat it.

In the late afternoon, we were all stirred to circulate by MD who wanted to order some Chinese. I told her to skip ordering anything for me--I had 1.5 pulled pork sandwiches that needed my attention. I'd put the 0.5 sandwich in the refrigerator and microwaved the one that had been meant for T.

We (daughter, fiancé, MD, T and me) ate dinner together. After we had finished eating (through which T kept up an almost non-stop monologue), D, T's dad, arrived. D and T together is like doubling the syllables and doubling the pace of the conversation.

It is late now. D left to find a motel room; T is crashing on the grandkid's bed. I'll probably start watching an episode of Nikita and call it a night soon.

2802

I had an odd dream last night. I had been invited to a presentation regarding getting more control of your life. It was an est-like gathering with new people, like myself, and others who had been in the program for some time. I had been invited by a man who I had met in the coffee shop. We had spoken to each other on some of our daily visits to the shop. Some of the things he had talked about sounded intriguing so I agreed with him to attend a presentation.

As people gathered for the presentation, we were encouraged to find a seat in one of the chairs that formed a large oval in the room. The chairs were placed so that you could see everyone in the oval arrangement--there was no stage or dais. As we each selected a chair, one of the organizers would approach and give us a packet of materials, which we were asked to place on the floor under our chair along with any backpacks or items we were carrying.

Soon most of the chairs were filled and the presentation began. One of the organizers stood up, welcomed us, and began to talk about the world, the state of the world, and how each of us had a part to play in how the world would become. The introductory statements were reinforced by projected images, onto a curved screen that encircled the seats. The images were powerful and evocative--showing candid shots of people working, living, fighting, starving, rioting, dying, and so on.

The presentation shifted from a lecture to an interactive discussion. Everyone was challenged to participate--in order to, as the organizers suggested, find the truth. The search for the truth became the mantra for everyone to discover and reveal. At times, there was tension and confrontation as each of us spoke our beliefs about what was true or not.

I remember that I was feeling very uncomfortable as the event progressed, especially when I stood to voice my thoughts and ideas. I kept wondering why I was there and why I remained there despite  an overwhelming sense of wanting to just get up and a leave.

I awoke while being in the dream and felt a wave of relief as I noticed that I was waking up and not in the actual space within the dream.

2803

Long day, but what the hey! It was the ex's birthday today and she drove down to spend it with her grandkid and family. She's doing well after the surgery and is looking good for her age--she's 66 now!

Our daughter made a hearty soup from the leftover ham shank of our Xmas repast. It contained potatoes, onions, carrots, Brussels sprouts, sausage, and more. It was tasty, filling, and a good firewall against the cold weather. They also made a carrot cake (with less oil and sugar than usual) and it was liked by all.

They went to see the movie Annie in the afternoon--I elected to rest and be quiet. It was a good choice!

A son and grandson of MD's are rumored to be dropping by tomorrow (or later in the week).

My daughter and her fiancé brought back good reports of the place they are considering for their marriage. Of course, the key factor is going to be money--an event like that with over 100 people is going to run a fair amount even if they economize. There will be more discussions on this topic as the new year unfolds.

Meanwhile, I look forward to some dancing before all that--dancing and moving, moving and dancing!

2804

Picked up a birthday gift for the ex today. I finally settled on a daily calendar with a new joke/cartoon each day--365 points of humor! Seems appropriate!

It was really cold last night--in and around freezing but with little wind to push down the chill factor. I had a hefty breakfast at CoCo's--oatmeal et al. Felt good to put some warmth in my belly.

I was up and down last night--and sleeping some today to help restore the balance. My daughter and her fiancé are out looking at potential wedding sites--for a wedding that's predicted to take place in 2016. That's a long way off! But they want a big event with over 150 people--so the dance begins!

I think I dreamed something last night that was related to all of the Nikita episodes that I've been screening. I think that show is starting to affect my psyche in some strange ways. My dreams are starting to look like Nikita stage sets.

It's not for certain, but I think that the salt crystal lamp that my daughter gave me for Xmas does help refresh the room where it's located. I found a trivet to set it on and can turn it on for most of the day--I just have to shut it off late at night. It supposedly creates negative ions and scrubs the air in the room of positive ions. No matter what, it looks nice and friendly sitting in the corner emitting its orange light.

Counting down the daze for the remainder of this year--and down to the start of 2015! May it be a year of betterment!

2805

Twas the day after Xmas, and all through the house, no one was stirring, or mixing, or baking, or cooking, or doing much of anything--except sleeping! The leftovers are freezing, all snug in their tinfoil wraps. The outside temperatures are hovering in the high 40s along with a sparkling sunshine that fails to heat the air.

SD, MD's son, is on the road again, back to his safe house in the valley. He was relatively quiet and out of the way except around meal times. MD made sure he had plenty to eat--although he seemed to be less omnivorous than usual. 

The ex dropped by today after her visit with her doctor--they removed the catheter from the operation for which she was very happy. Wearing that thing for over a week was getting to be a nuisance. She seems to be doing well given the surgery, but she still has several weeks of recovery.

Her birthday is Sunday--don't know if she's coming here or not. Our daughter is probably planning something--after she recovers from her Xmas feasting activities.

I plan on catching up on my naps over the next few days--I've been off schedule what with all the activities and visitors. Although, more visitors are expected next week.

Dance resumes next week (a week from today), for which I will be glad. Will be dancing my way into the New Year--the only way to go! 

2806

Ho, ho, ho! It feels like we're getting snow! Tonight, the temperature is supposed to flirt with freezing! It's a sunny, beautiful Xmas day, but it is cold outside! It's about 55 degrees right now and probably starting to head downward in the coming hours.

Quiet here today since the Xmas action has been moved to other locations. We are still planning for an Xmas-like meal for tonight. I just put the ham in the oven so it can get warm over the next few hours--just the opposite of the weather!

SB's was busy this morning. The barista team were all there and decked out like elves. Many other places, however, were not open today--their elves got a day off.

I like the Himalayan salt crystal lamp that my daughter and her partner gave me for Xmas. It produces a comforting orange light and supposedly emits negative ions to refresh the air. I like the warm colors that it produces--even though it weighs a ton (it is a big rock).

I just noticed that it should be placed on a coaster or trivet. I'll have to search one out.

All for now! Xmas is on it's way until it arrives again a year hence. No recompense! Just build a fence! Don't take offense! Don't be so dense! The world's immense! It all makes sense!

2807

Twas the day before Xmas and the sleigh has landed! Toys and baubles everywhere! I was up and down most of the night trying to put my selections under the tree, along with several other elves.

Well, it is done and over here--the action now moves on to other venues. Helter-skelter transforms and spreads. I made it the pastry shop this morning before the ravenous crowds bought up everything.

I dreamed last night that I was with my two sons and they were very young. We had just learned that their mother was walking away from the marriage and taking off for parts unknown. I was left to care for them--and deal with the fallout of her leaving us. At one point, I was realizing that something my youngest son wanted should just be given to him. He wanted something that used to belong to her--but it didn't matter if he now took it for himself. It was a realization that applied across a lot of decisions that I now had to make. I needed to start choosing what was best for us given that she was gone.

In another part of the dream, I was telling someone about a storefront that had been bought by someone who was going to renovate the place. The shop or building had appeared in some earlier dreams--and there was a thread with the place fixed up in the current dream.

Rainy day today--wet and cold! Found out we're having Xmas dinner tomorrow night--on Xmas day! That sounds novel--I think!

2808

Twas the day before the day before Xmas! And Santa is coming tonight--a day/night early for this household. Feels out of kilter somewhat--and it is! I just plucked another postal gift that arrived in today's mail. It is a dense package for my daughter from some kind of condiment catalog. We shall see (or taste) as the day/night unfolds.

Xmas dinner is set for tomorrow evening--Xmas Eve! More out of kilter crunching of the calendars. But the good news is that by the day after Xmas (actual day after) all will be collapsed and flowing back in the channels. The New Year will arrive in a timely fashion--and all will be in place for the coming 2015.

I made copies of MD's stories that she's planning on giving away as gifts. I read her story of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which she experienced first hand.

I had a spinach Florentine omelet this morning with hash browns, cheese, blueberry muffin, and chased down with a green tea latte. I came home from breakfast/copying and slept for a couple of hours. It felt good to rest but now I'm awake and hungry for something to munch on after such a late breakfast. May trek out to Pantera's and grab something to bridge the gap between now and dinner. If I do go out, I'll also stop at the bank and replenish my Xmas bundle--it's been shrinking faster than usual. Blame it on the holidaze, the holimaze, the holihaze! Those were the daze my friend and we thought they'd never end--but they did! Ho, ho, ho a bit early!

2809

One of the photographs that I took of my daughter, her daughter, and fiancé is being made into a holiday card. The three of them were reenacting the scene where he was asking her to marry him. They staged the shot as a frozen-in-time image with the daughter and grandkid showing surprise while he was down on one knee, extending the engagement ring. It's both funny and moving!

We're doing the opening of our presents on Xmas Eve morning and having dinner that night. The shift is to accommodate other extended family events at other homes. Makes if somewhat crazy since Santa will have to arrive tomorrow night.

It seemed busy and somewhat hectic everywhere today. Seems that a lot of people are still shopping and wandering through the many places having sales.

MD went with her caregiver, A, today on a major outing. Shopping never ends!

I filled out my calendar for January, 2015. I was surprised at the many scheduled events that span the first month of next year. Between, doctors, dentists, and dancing, days are quickly filled. So be it! Onwards to 2015!

2810

Happy Winter Solstice! Longest night of the year tonight--starting about now! Festival of Lights!

I had a series of related dreams last night. In the first dream, I was in a building where there were some legal offices. I was in one of the offices reviewing a product design. The product had a number of unique features that could be represented in patent applications.

When I finished reviewing the product and the patent applications, I went back downstairs and into the street. I crossed over to the other side of the street and entered a building with many offices. In one office, there was a firm with whom I had once done some consulting projects. I went into the office and started saying hello to the people that I knew. We talked for quite some time, mentioning people who weren't there anymore. During the conversations, the name of the legal firm that I had just visited came up. I noted that I had just come from their offices. Things got a bit awkward--the consulting firm had done some analytical work on the product I had just reviewed.

The dream shifted to an area near a beach. I was meeting someone there and we were going to camp out overnight. It had started raining and we found a spot under an overpass where people had staked out spaces for sleeping pads. We were in an alcove with two other people. We spoke with them and scoped out how to arrange our spaces so that we didn't crowd each other or let the bedding get wet. At some point, there was a reference to the same law firm that I had visited earlier in the day. The name came up in the conversations with the other people in the sleeping area--they too had some relationship to the product that was being scrutinized.

Strange dream! It was filled with detail and the coincidences of our relationship to the product. The final segment was dark and stark--with the rain, the odd sleeping arrangements, and the whole thing taking place at night.

I played some online dominoes and the game came back to me--I used to play dominoes a lot when I was a boy. In particular, the basic game where you collect points for pips that were multiples of 5. I used to be a master at that version--will see if I can interest the grandkid in playing. We can always build knock-down domino patterns!

2811

Saturn's Day! And a few more shopping days before Xmas! People seem to be out and about. My ex went home this morning--she is doing well given that she had major surgery just a few days ago. She will probably rest better at her home versus here with the ongoing traffic and flux.

There is a guy who frequents SB's--J--who uses a walker to get around. His legs/leg muscles do not function well and he has to use a walker to move about. We exchanged medical notes regarding our respective maladies. There is another guy who goes to SB's who has some kind of shoulder problem that affects his ability to hold things, use his one good arm, and so forth. His name is A and I've observed him around the place every day--today was the first time I've heard him speak. He related a story about his father who was hospitalized for over 120 days but who came back and managed to restore his health.

J was surprised that I had a problem like PD--that it wasn't obvious--and that I was as old as I am. I told him about my use of dance as my "therapy"--something that he, unfortunately, will probably not be able to do himself. I had been curious for quite some time as to what he was dealing with--his condition is early onset--he is still quite young.

So, it's quiet here right now--and hopefully for a few more days--as we munch our way into the New Year.  Dance classes restart immediately after New Year's Day, 1/2/15, and continues full on the following week with a dance happening on 1/4/15. Dance, dance, dance!

2812

Despite the deluge from the heavens, I made it to dance class today. It felt good to move and dance, and to see everyone before they disappear into the holidaze maze.

The ex was released today and she holed up here to rest and recoup. She's planning on leaving in the morrow and going home. That's pushing it a bit, but she's planned everything out.

Our daughter fixed a tasty dinner and the grandkid is learning something about having a relative who is not 100% as usual. I had a hefty breakfast this morning, which carried me through the day and into the dance class. I faded a bit toward the end of class, but did alright.

I got through to my Medicare insurance company this morning and learned that I was not auto-enrolled in my plan for next year. In fact, the plan I'm on is being phased out. If I hadn't called, I would be without insurance come 2015. The plan I switched to is more expensive on a monthly basis--I can always switch over to another company when the opportunity arises. For now, I just wanted to make sure that I'm covered two weeks from now. What a pain! That's two years in a row that I've had to deal with plans being altered with virtually no warning. Have to get more in control of this issue--especially as I get older and require more support.

I dreamed last night that I was appearing before a panel that was interrogating me regarding my abilities to take on a role in a government organization. It was a lengthy and exhaustive process, but I was doing well with my responses and replies.

2813

Long day, or so it seemed. We made a run to the hospital to see how the ex was doing after her surgery. She was doing well and came through in good shape--given the double operation she underwent.

The grandkid insisted that I sit in the rear seat with her--a shift in attitude regarding our relationship. A year ago, she would not have made the same request. Some progress in that domain!

When we returned, I had only eaten half an apple and had a green tea latte in terms of food. I went to Annie's and downed the Thursday special--meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, soup, a veggie, garlic toast and water. A hefty lunch!

In the later afternoon and evening, I caught up with my weekly TV shows. Watched the final scenes from this season's Survivor. The $1MM winner was the logical and best pick--although there was some good wishes for the older man who made it to the final tribal meeting. But the winner did the right thing by getting him eliminated--he was a strong candidate to win the million if he was in the final three.

One week until Xmas! Some of the crowd of people who were planning on being here next week are not coming until the following week. That seems like a better thing to have happen.

Last dance class for this year tomorrow! Only about a week and a half before classes/dances do a restart--Not so bad! Well, like I said, it's felt like a long day--and I'm ready for the beddy.

I managed to do my laundry somewhere along the way today.

2814

Awoke around 4am--as the ex was preparing to leave for the medical procedure she was scheduled for this morning. All went well and she is in recovery--and will have to be at the hospital for a couple of days, at least. I'll see her tomorrow when a group of us will make the trek to where she's housed. She had a large cyst or fibroid removed plus some corrective surgery while she was on the table. It was not a huge procedure but still fairly invasive and not just a simple thing.

I'm somewhat blitzed from awakening so early and not making up for it throughout the day. I ended up spending quite a while with the grandkid. My daughter and her fiancé fixed a tasty dinner of BBQ'd salmon, elk, potatoes. garlic bread, and salad. She is a really inventive cook and her dishes are so well seasoned.

Well tomorrow will be here soon enough. I'm heading for the bed a bit earlier than usual--someone has to do it. If for no other reason than to help balance out the CO2 levels--or some such folly.

I grow sleepy--I grow weepy--Maybe creepy--Off the deepy--There I go...

2815

Dreamed last night that I was in some kind of training camp. We were being trained to learn how to survive in hostile environments. There was a lot of psychological stuff being used to keep us off balance. I think I was having trouble following rules--and was getting into hot water all the time.

The dream was really clear when I awoke, but it faded quickly once I was awake. The dream had an overall feeling tone of tension and struggle--but was still not off-putting or too tough. I was doing well in the process despite the problems I was encountering.

I just hear a part of a phone call for MD--D, her son, called to let her know that plans were changing for next week. Sounds like he and his son, T, were not coming here next week. That's a good thing! There were too many people planning on being here--MD can't do much to host a horde of people. And there are already a host of people here anyway.

More, later, perhaps! The ex is supposed to come here to spend the night. She is going for some corrective/exploratory surgery tomorrow. More people coming and going!

********
The local community activity catalog has a photograph of a recent line dance--and I'm in the picture! The shot was a wide-angle image so everyone is very small--but I recognized myself dancing away. Fun for everyone!

2816

Went to the PD support group in Folsom this morning. Small number of people, but lots of interactions. Lady who hosts the meetings has agreed to stay on as long as we (the group) can step in when she needs a break. That's good news! (And she brings some killer cookies each time she attends.)

It is rainy and cold today! Not my favorite weather conditions. I feel stiff and achy, and shake a bit more than usual. And, as always, I feel tried and drowsy. I grabbed some lunch after the PD meeting and came home and fell asleep. Woke up after an hour or so and went out for a latte.

Had lunch at the BBQ place--enjoyed the sweet potato fries, as usual.

I've been dreaming but not remembering many details. The dreams have been realistic and involve mostly people that I know.

Only a few days left before Xmas--and a few more until the New Year. Then, it's back to a more filled out regime--with dancing, doctors, and dentists. Oh, boy! Oh, joy!

Just picked up the mail and MD still gets the prize--she receives a hefty stack of donation requests every day. Her name is on the "person who donates" lists and she gets bombarded with multiple solicitations every day. What a waste of trees! And a waste of so many people's time--hers, mine, theirs, the postmen, and numerous others. I don't think she sends out that much money to any one organization--perhaps around $80/month to eight different groups. And so it goes! Don't step on toes! Or question woes! The money flows! The budget grows! As does your nose!

2817

Well, my Xmas packaging is all wrapped up! Spent this morning transforming the gifts into jolly little objects ready to go under the tree.

It got cold last night--the heater kept turning on and that kept me awake for some time. I finally reset the thermostat to a cooler level--it was like the setting I was using was on a balance point. It only took a minor cooling down and the heater would turn on. It must have worked--I went to sleep after making this last adjustment.

The postman just arrived with some deliveries. I guess they are working the weekends in order to keep things flowing.

I sent in a review for one of the products I had shipped to me--the letter opener. It's a lovely piece of work but the product description says the item is 8" in length--it is 6". It's not a likely metric to inches error--probably just a typo. It still opens letters smoothly and the silver inlay makes it an attractive thing to have on the desk.

I've completed season 1 of the Nikita series. Got a bit hokey around the end parts, but everyone couldn't killed off without limiting the second season's plots. So nearly everyone who was anyone in season 1 is still alive or can be (as was pounded out in the first season) resurrected (or in the case of several Division operatives--promoted). But, I'm addicted and will, no doubt, follow Nikita into the second season of mayhem and subterfuge.

It's about time for me to seek out a warming latte. I had a late lunch (no breakfast) and I'm wobbling some between napping or lapping. I choose lapping for now--naps can happen anytime.

2818

Saturn's Day! There was a major car crash along my route to breakfast this morning. There were at least 3 vehicles mashed up and perhaps more hidden behind the fire trucks and EMT vans. It was at a busy intersection--one where someone running or anticipating the lights could trigger a major crash. It appeared like that is what happened. Merry Xmas season!

Lots of people in the stores! This weekend and the next are shop until you drop events. My daughter got a package in the mail today that barely could be squeezed into the drop box. It filled the space almost completely. One quarter inch more and it would have been impossible to retrieve.

I had a huge breakfast. I was hungry and wanted something comforting and filling. Had a caramel-coated waffle with bananas, nuts, syrup, eggs, bacon and water. Very filling! Chased that down with a SB's latte. Ate breakfast late so skipped lunch. Now, I'm starting to get hungry again--although I may go easy and stick with just fruit. Breakfast maxed my calorie count for today.

I'm feeling fidgety. Yesterday's dance class left me with feelings of wanting to move more--and shopping isn't a satisfying substitute. Neither is eating! Walking would be nice except it's relatively cold outside today--cold and damp! Not appealing!

I suppose I could wrap my Xmas gifts--just have to do so when the grandkid isn't lurking in the area. If she sees anything like that activity, she will never stop probing into what is happening.

I could nap some more (I've managed to nap quite a bit today already). We'll see!

2819

Dance class and rain today! It was bright and sunny this morning, but rains returned in the afternoon along with some cooler weather.

After about one hour in dance class, I seemed to fade. I don't know if it involved not eating a heavy meal beforehand, or taking my medications, or if that's just my limit (about 1 hr). We did one dance I really liked, but I stumbled through it. Anyway, it felt good to move and dance--and to see everyone.

I drove to class via a backroad path that took me through some of the ranches out that way. The scenes are bucolic--filled with space, animals, and large plots of land. I need to do more exploration around this area. I've been relatively homebound since I've been here. In 2015, I can do more exploration and experimentation. One thing I can check out is the fishing. The American River practically runs past my doorstep. It is a fish migration route for salmon and steelhead, and is home to other fresh water species. There is also a fair amount of hunting in the area, but I don't think I'll try and rekindle that old skill.

Thirteen daze until Xmas! Beginning the countdown! Marching toward the New Year!

2820

The big storm went south of us--we still got plenty of rain, but no really heavy winds (so far). Everyone was prepared for the big one and only a little one appeared.

I spent some of my ample time going over dances for tomorrow's class. It's not like actually moving and dancing, but I still build up a visual inventory of what's in each dance and how it flows.

The weather seemed to impact MD's Thursday outing with her caregiver, A. I heard her say that she didn't sleep well last night--not sure why. I know she had a dental appointment that she probably didn't make.

I awoke around 3am but went back to bed/sleep until around 7am, and then on to 10am or so. Had lunch at Annie's (meat loaf, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, garlic bread, and salad). Came home and crashed--slept for a couple of hours. Awoke to the hiss of the raindrops on the roof.

Nighttime temperatures appear to be heading downward over the next week--it feels cold here now pushed on by the wind and the moisture.

Ho, ho, ho! It's time to go! Time for the dinner show! Oh, no! Will it flow? Who's to know? When will it glow? When we have snow? Or need the dough! Or knead the doe! Or mead the roe!

2821

Big storm on its way! Neighbors are putting sandbags around low areas, driveways, and doors. I guess they have been through this before. We have been promised lots of rain, wind, flooding, and disruption. The storm isn't going to be around very long, but it looks like it will be intense.

If the rain wakes me up in the wee hours, I'll just use that time to wrap my Xmas presents.

I wonder what's going to happen to those yards that have installed Xmas scenes and stuff? If they don't take it down, it'll be blown away.

LL called from La Jolla and said that big waves are being predicted. Not a good time to go to the beach!

My daughter said that school tomorrow has already been cancelled--to help keep people off the roads when the heavy winds hit. Boom and bang! The rivers rang! The muds and floods are coming!

Missing dance classes--will only have the one this Friday and one next week. I can review Friday's dances on YouTube but that's not like actually moving to the music.

So, looks like it's batten down the hatches and hunker down for the duration. Mother nature has her plans--and we will learn what they are as the storm unfolds.

2822

Amazon deliveries today! They all arrived at the same time--brought to me by the postal service! So for all intents and purposes, my Xmas shopping is done and over with! I still have some wrapping to deal with, but the shopping part is complete.

Weather people are promising a big storm over the next few days. Rain, winds, flooding, and possibly other phenomena! They are forecasting 50+ mph winds! That could topple trees and cause power outages.

I am becoming a major fan of the Dollar Stores. There are so many things available there--each costing one dollar! There are items that cost much more than a dollar in the retail outfits that never are over a dollar in the DS's. And they have unloaded a ton of holiday items onto the shelves--wrapping papers, Xmas-themed items of all types, lights, cards, and on and on. When I go out to pick up anything, my first thought is--can I get it at the DS? For so many household items, it is worth taking a look.

"All for now," said the brindled cow. "If I was a cat, then I'd meow!"

2823

Amazon bounty is on its way! Tomorrow most of the items I ordered via Amazon will start to appear. I picked up a couple of items today--when I wasn't sleeping. I could have slept the day away! I felt achy and tired--the cool, damp weather doesn't help any!

So quiet today! A, MD's caregiver, was here but she was relatively quiet also. When I did venture out today, it seemed as if everyone was pumping along--starting the big rush to the end of the year and season.

I was feeling really hungry so I went by the BBQ place and downed a large sandwich with sweet potato fries--yummy, yummy!

The power of the Internet--I emailed a request to refill some of my medications. In what seemed like just a few minutes, I got a telephone message that the order was received and being assembled. In another few minutes, I checked my email and there was a note from the pharmacy that my order was ready for pick up. I went to the pharmacy and the order was waiting! The entire transaction was completed in less than 30 minutes! Amazing!

I'm out of the donut hole on my medications--so the cost for them is almost nothing as compared to what I have to pay while in the hole. I can probably get one more refill of everything just before we head into 2015 and the system resets for the new year. Oh me oh my, my pills are high, sometimes higher than the sky.

2824

The highlight of the weekend was when the grandkid scribbled a bunch of things on a piece of paper and gave it to me. She said it was my Xmas card from her. She took the paper and proceeded to read it to me (even though there were no words on the paper--just a bunch of scribbles). She said the card read the following:

To Grandpa... I love you very much and this Christmas is going to be the best one you have ever had...

I will treasure that slip of paper! It was the most expressive thing she has directed my way since I've been here. I was moved!

L (the ex sister-in-law) left this afternoon. It was good to see her after such a long time, but she is intense. I don't know how she and her one son can live under the same roof. He is as intense as she is--so having them both going at it together would be something.

After she left, everyone went for a nap. I napped for a couple of hours and it felt so good. It's been damp and cold all day. I've cranked the heater up a degree or two and the place feels better. 18 days to Xmas! The count down has begun. Many people out shopping. Amazon must be starting to hum!

Ho, ho, ho!

2825

Saturn's Day! Went for a walk toward the end of the day--and walked from the house to shopping center and back. Longest I've walked in quite some time--felt alright! Helped to have someone to walk with--the ex, the grandkid and visitor, L. We ambled down and back, plus spent some time at PetCo looking at the animals. It was like being in a mini-zoo.

L leaves tomorrow and things will revert to normal for a few weeks (almost)--that is until the next holiday hits.

I am tired tonight--mostly from the stress (nothing major, but still in the background) of dealing with everything and everyone over the past few days (and tomorrow as well).

Found an interesting game, Pixel, which is like a mechanical version of an old computer game called Maxit and Connect 4. Pixel doesn't involve numbers, as does Maxit, but the blocking strategy is similar. I think it will be fun to play--so we will see soon enough. Only 19 (or is it 18) days to Xmas?

So good night to all and to all a good night! Don't let the balloons float in the light! Huh? What means? No meaning--just dreaming! All is alright!

2826

Fry Day and the beat goes on! I went to dance class today and I felt relatively good for most of it. I faded after about 1.25 hours. I realized, when the class was over, that I had not taken my medications as I had planned. I was not that late in taking them, but they might have helped me over the hump at 1.25 hours.

Daughter is cooking a dinner for tonight--in honor of our guest, L. L is my ex wife's friend and the ex wife of one of my ex wife's brother. That makes for a lot of ex ex relationships here right now. My ex wife has yet to appear, but I assume she might be--although no one has mentioned such an event.

I tried to nap when I got home from the class--but I was awakened early than I had planned as people appeared and migrated home. I took my medication a few hours ago, but I'm feeling groggy and blurry still. Perhaps some dinner and food will alter those states a bit.

I reset the thermostat to try and warm up the place--but it's not coming on yet. I feel cold but the ambient temperature seems to be holding steady despite what I'm sensing.

L is an interesting woman--but she has a manic mode of talking about things that is difficult for me to track. I feel like a bug stuck in molasses and I can't get free enough to keep up with everything that's being discussed.

I guess I am s-l-o-w-i-n-g down!

2827

Visitor in the night--daughter's ex-aunt-in-law! She was supposed to arrive around midnight--plane delays brought her here later than that. I was up until midnight, but went to sleep after that.

Went to PD support group this morning. I was a bit fuzzy because of less sleep and so forth. Speaker was a nutritionist--she went over general information regarding nutrition and PD. I may be going to this group after the first of the year--if the Folsom group taps out.

Coming up time for today's dance class. Weather has gotten much better (we had a deluge last night with the yard/patio flooding)--it was bright and sunny this morning.

I sort of scrambled taking my medications--late last night and early this morning and probably early this afternoon. Don't notice any really big effects. People in group shake a lot and I get the shakes (somewhat) just being there.

I had a huge lunch and came back for a nap. Getting to be almost time for dance class. So will sign off and start to prepare. More perhaps later!
****************

2828

The daze are flying by! We had a deluge of a rain last night--the force of the wind made it sound like a river outside. I got a call this morning from the H's with an update on their events and activities. It was good to hear from them.

I had a hearty breakfast--oatmeal, OJ, pancakes, butter, syrup, and raisins. Warm and yummy for my tummy!

Got a notice from the SS people--that I will get a $36/month raise next year! Oh, boy--oh, joy! Pays for six lattes per month! Better than the alternative(s)--no doubt!

Picked up some gift wrapping tags at the Dollar Store. They have all kinds of holidaze wrappings and such for the low, low of only $1 each. What a treat!

Tomorrow there is a PD support group meeting in Orangevale--and a dance class in the afternoon. Will see how that goes--between the rains and the cooling down that's happening, I only feel like hibernating. I picked up some soup for dinner tonight--warm is good.

I dreamed last night--something associated with the episodes of Nikita that I watched yesterday. I think I was experiencing a drama dream with kung fu action and more. I don't recall any of the detail now, but I know it was intense.

I dropped by the toy store to see if they had a set of Tiddly Winks. The clerk, who was in his teens, had never heard of the game! How do you explain the game to a person with an iPhone stuck in his ear? Amazon to the rescue!

2829

Went to the Roseville PD support group luncheon today. It was a dreary morning--rain and dampness. I pulled myself from the warm bed and managed to shower, shave, and get a latte before heading to the luncheon.

It was not a particularly big crowd at the luncheon. The food came late (like it did last year) and the time was filled with a slow gift drawing (I got an electronic card shuffler). First, it was cold in the place and after they tweaked the thermostat, it got warm. It was difficult to hear people when they talked.

After trekking back home, I went out and got a piece of white chocolate/raspberry cheese cake--and ate half of it. It was like we didn't have dessert with the meal and I had to remedy that for myself.

By then, I couldn't make it to dance class and have that be worth the trip to the place and back. So, I munched my cheese cake and let it be.

Then I started making my list (and checking it twice) regarding Xmas presents. I have a total of at least 10 to get--I've identified 5 so far. I'd like to pick all of them on Amazon and have them all shipped to me. I think that I can get at least 8 that way--will only have to go out for 2. 80% isn't too bad for the gets-by-Amazon--20% by actual shopping. We shall see said the sea to the C!

2830

Moon Day! I had to drag myself out of bed this morning. My body aches and I feel sore all over. The dancing yesterday, I think, left its mark. That and the damp, cool weather!

I started thinking about Xmas and things like presents and so forth. Not too much, but enough to make me want to just lie down and sleep. I had a big lunch (pulled pork sandwich and sweet potato fries) and napped some more--until the grandkid came home from school.

We spent several hours working on my GranPa Merit Badge. I puzzled her with an old card trick--guessing a card that she picks and inserts back into the deck. Of course, after a few plays of the trick, she wanted to make up her own version of the trick--which led into an activity spiral that brought us back to what she thinks of as her turf, where she controls the results.

Tomorrow is another big meal event--the holiday lunch with the Roseville PD support group. There is a dance class in the afternoon, but I doubt that I'll make it there.

About to start making my way through the backup of TV shows that I watch each week. I am hooked on CBS and can't seem to get enough of that CBS stuff. Onward to brainless I go!