2558

Moon Day--and the living are living. Cooler today--and a bit of a breeze that feels good on the skin. I think I stayed up late last night--watching episodes of Wallander (Swedish edition). I know I slept in late--and napped some this afternoon before going out for an afternoon Frap.

I feel good today--some of the buzz around the edges seems to have mellowed away.

Back to dance classes tomorrow--last four days have been clearly something I need to change. Not doing some movement-based activity each day is not the way to go--I need to keep moving.

I dreamed/visualized playing handball last night (or early this morning)--it felt like a good movement activity to go along with the dancing. Only issue is that I haven't located any outdoor/indoor courts to speak of--a few some distance away but nothing close. Will keep looking--might find some tennis practice walls that will work.

Estimator for the floor covering project came by today--I'm not all that enthused about repeating what was done in the kitchen in the laundry room, my bath area, and in MD's toilet. But MD wants to do it--so it will be done unless the cost is too high.

Dance the dance--and let things spin. Meet each day--with a cheery grin.

2561-2559

Hmmm... Missed doing posts for two days--this is being done on the third day since last post. Where did the time go--I slept a lot, I think? I made it to the gym on Friday--but nothing done on Saturday/Sunday. Eat, sleep and eliminate--I was doing the basic three for three days. Hello--am I out there?

The ex was here yesterday and last night--she spent most of that time with the grandkid and MD. She left early this morning--she had a dance activity that she planned to do this morning.

Well, one more week of only three dance classes--and then we go to four per week. Plus any dances or workshops--and practice time.

I went to the Indian buffet today--the spices and a flavors felt like what I needed. Some of the dishes were very tasty--just what my body craved. Although, I couldn't eat a lot--I filled quickly.

It was cooler today--nice wind blowing through the area. Huge classic clouds in the sky--majestic and looking like they were heavy with moisture. But there was no rain--nothing falling from the sky.

One more day without a dance class--and then back to the beat.

2562

Dancing is done for this week--good class today although I had trouble doing the most difficult dance. Trip to the brew pub after class went well--although I seemed to run down toward the end of things. Had a serving of bratwurst and a root beer at the pub--good bratwurst.

Found out Friday classes do not start next week--but the following week. That's the week I do a visit to the PD doctor--I don't have much new to talk with him about. I'm tired a lot--I have the cramps in my feet. I'm doing a lot of dancing--it's the only thing that's keeping me going.

I'm drifting now--feeling the result of this afternoon's activities. And so it goes--where no one knows.

2564-2563

Two days of dancing--and one to go. Doing well with it--despite the tiredness it brings. Tomorrow will be the most challenging of the three days--since we will be doing Improver level dances. Plus there is the soiree afterward--although that will be made easier since there will be food.

The floor covering man installed the new vinyl in the kitchen today--he did a great job. Out of the 12 men that he works with on similar projects--he is only one of two that can install the flooring like he did today.

It's early--but I'm sleepy. I awoke early this morning--and didn't take a huge nap before dance class. I did have a Frap for brunch--and quaffed a caffeine drink before class. The mix of the two--Frap plus V8 Fusion seem to iron out any quirky feelings I might be having. I really didn't eat a lot today--breakfast sandwich and some toasted tortillas with cheese.

Didn't post yesterday--ran out of steam last night. I'm running low now as well--I've already watched a couple of movies/episodes. No more of that tonight--time to wrap it up I guess.

2565

Moon Day--and the living is easy. Fish are jumping--and the cotton is high. Weather was cooler--and there was an occasional breeze. Awoke early (around 7am)--took my morning pills and went back to sleep. Awoke to the sounds of neighbors, gardeners, and A--they all converged and pushed me to awaken and move on with things.

About 11am, I finally made it up and out--grabbed a sandwich and smoothie for brunch. Came back and napped until it was time to head for the gym--did a circuit, grabbed a Frap, and came back. Watched the last episode of Wallander (English version) that's on Netflix--queued up the Swedish version (only has seasons 2 and 3). Not sure I'll like having subtitles to deal with--but I'll give it a spin.

Dance classes start over tomorrow (Tues, Wed, Thurs)--Friday class resumes next week. I think I'll do better with four classes and three (or less) days off--versus three classes and four (or less) days off. We shall see--doing the gym today left me feeling better for going there. If I fill my dance card perhaps that will extend my on times--or not.

I keep noodling thoughts about doing a PD line dance class--nothing comes in clearly but I notice that I stop every now and then and try and visualize how it can be done. That and a dozen other trains of thought--about everything that could be done/should be done.

Too early to retire to bed--don't have any new SF zines. Will give Swedish Wallander a spin--see how it plays.

2566

Didn't make it to the gym today--felt achy and stiff from yesterday. So elected to eat and sleep--sleep and eat. Had a waffle with banana, nuts, and caramel--plus scrambled eggs and bacon. Then had a Frap in the afternoon--after a siesta. Finally, ate a light dinner--apple, fig newtons, and salmon jerky. Strange diet--diet from a lost planet.

No class tomorrow--will see if I can do a lap at the gym though. Felt really tired today--even after I ate, napped, and had a Frap. I feel like I just want to lie down--and not get up. I want to sleep and sleep--until I don't feel like sleeping any more.

Learned that my oldest son, F, has been the crew boss for the past 4 years on the TV show Revenge--that's a long stint with one show. I think the show has been cancelled--so he's moving on to another new season show.

He indicated that they may be up this way--his daughter, A, is on a roller derby team (she's in 4th grade) that may be here this season. That will be a wacky time--J et al can meet one of their relatives.

Well, I fade and drift--time to shift to horizontal. And away I go!

2567

Awoke early--went to breakfast early as well. Had breakfast at LAFB--their food is fairly good but their service sucks. Came home and slept--got up and went to the gym around 2pm. Did a workout circuit--which felt good. Stopped for a Frap before coming home--that finally kicked me into gear. Didn't do anything amazing--just watched a few episodes of Wallander. They are running out of space/time to really do anything totally unexpected--the plots are becoming similarly formulaic.

My prediction that any series signals its demise--when the protagonist moves in with a partner/mate. Wallander is showing such as signal--bye bye chief inspector.

When I awoke this morning--I was going through possible scenarios where I lead a class of line dancing for people with PD. I can't expect everyone to do what I'm doing now--3 to 4 classes per week some of which is intermediate level dancing. For many people with PD--the classes would have to be simplified. But my mind/body/soul are playing with the idea--will see where it takes me.

If only I can go beyond the tiredness that I keep butting into--I feel that the ACV I'm doing every morning is making a difference. I can feel my energy rising--it's been a while since I felt that but I'm sure it's starting to happen. Still have outstanding medical issues--but maybe the ACV will help do a reset. I hope so--and I hope all detrimental issues do a fade out. Away they go!

2568

Sleepy Friday--Can't seem to get enough sleep today. Slept fairly well last night--but am still trying to really wake up today. Feeling hungry too--had a plate of pasta for lunch and a Frap, but still looking forward to dinner.

I came back from lunch and hit the bed--spent the four hours napping and peeing. Every hour I had to head for the loo--and do my due. Did do an ACV dose this morning--perhaps that has over activated my bladder, perhaps.

I keep hearing fragments of songs and dreaming parts of dreams--aside from the neighbor's early morning wake up radio blaring. That and his revving his motorcycle--which rattles the windows with its loud exhaust system. His neighbor, MA, probably is ready for mayhem--what with the construction work that took place and their noisy return.

Ending of beginnings--beginnings of ends. Pretending of endings--and endings of pretends. The weaving of words--and the wording of weaves. The thieving of robbers--the robbers of thieves.

Sing-song babble--comes and it goes. Did not make it the gym today--must do so tomorrow. I cannot just lay about--and wrestle with my dreams.

2570-2569

Missed making a post last night--I was zonked and ready for bed. Had good class in El Dorado Hills yesterday afternoon--we danced for the seniors and that was uplifting. What else happened yesterday--I think I don't remember? I can bring up images of me dancing--but nothing of substance. Oh, yes--there was the one new dance "Colours of the Wind." It was simple but elegant--hope to dance it some more.

Felt good after dancing today--there's a couple of more challenging ones but I'm doing well with challenge. Had a hearty brunch--flat bread with eggs, bacon, cheese, and scallions. No class tomorrow--Friday classes will not resume soon enough.

I downed some ACV diluted with water this morning--as I did yesterday. Perhaps may be triggering the placebo effect--but I seem to be more awake and balanced with just these two doses. Will continue the morning regime--and see what happens to the lipoma, my sleep patterns, skin irritations, and other issues. Seems like a lot of things that need attention--and such a tiny intervention. But good things come in small packages--or so goes the saying.

Dancing and ACV--my primary balancing items. Been watching a detective series set in Sweden--Wallander. Kenneth Branagh and an ensemble group--deal with some intriguing criminals and their crimes.

Have four days ahead with no scheduled dancing--have to make it to the gym. Have to keep things rolling--keep it moving!

2571

Day went sideways--in many ways. The guy who was to do the estimate for the kitchen appeared about 8:30--surprise! Got to the dental office--and discovered that my regular hygienist had been replaced. J, the hygienist I've had for over a year, was the best I've ever had--now she's gone.

Made it to Panera's--downed half a sandwich and a smoothie. Went home and napped until it was time to head to dance class--feet and legs not moving smoothly. Went through dance class somewhat on automatic--I'm not getting enough sleep.

Stopped on way home to pick up some ice cream for MD--she needed change for a $20 and wanted some ice cream. I made the stop--and got a cone for myself.

As we neared sinner, my phone rang--it was someone from the medical group. She wanted to know if I had set up a repeat colonoscopy--I was confused. As we talked I finally got the message she was trying to give me--that the surgeon had suggested that I reschedule a follow-up colonoscopy within 6 months. I thought he and I had talked about 3 years--but he had left notes more in line with what she was repeating to me. Bummer--that means another round around Nov/Dec. I get what they are saying--that we should check the growth of the single remaining polyp sooner rather than later.

Not something I wanted to hear--anxiety level starts to rise.

Dance tomorrow--in El Dorado Hills. Looking forward to that--better than a colonoscopy.

2572

Someone ate my sandwich--I had kept half of my lunch, planning to have it for dinner. When I looked in the refrigerator at dinner time--I found that someone had eaten what I had saved. The sandwich was from the BBQ place--and was delicious and very tasty looking.

I suppose that A had moved the container from my shelf--and put in MD's area. Either that or MD had taken a look at the food--and ate it because it looked so good. In any case, someone ate my sandwich--and I had cheese and apple for dinner. I didn't say anything to MD about it--no reason to make her feel guilty since it's gone already. I suppose I need to mark anything I put on my shelf--today's container was a plain styrofoam box with nothing to identify it.

PD support meeting was larger than usual--had about 20 people. Three of the caregivers had lost their spouses since the first of the year--it made for an emotional meeting. There was a lot of discussion and sharing--it was a good session. There was a guest who does yoga with people who have health issues--unfortunately her classes are a bit far for me.

Really warm today (and is still so)--too hot, too hot. Have a dental hygiene session in the morning--and a dance class in the afternoon. Here's a poetic thought that LA sent me in her recent email--

               Living a life of task as told

               Keeping away hunger and cold

               I raised my eyes

               and I was old

2573

10 pm and it's 99 degrees outdoors--muggy and sweltering inside. More of the same tomorrow--never ending heat.

I went to the Shingle Springs dance today--or I went part for the way there. There was a grass fire on the side of the freeway--and traffic got halted for miles. I finally took and early exit--and used Google maps and the GPS to get me there via some back roads. Dance was all right--not many people and a building without AC. No one from my regular classes made it to the dance--some, like B, turned around when they encountered the road block. Others may have not wanted to deal with the heat--or whatever.

I was somewhat logy dancing--partly the heat and having to deal with the road block. I ended up knowing/or learning about 70% of the dances--which was not all bad since I just took a seat on the ones I didn't know.

There was a woman there who looked like she was struggling to do the dances--she had some kind of problem, perhaps even PD. But she kept trying to do the dances--she kept on moving.

There's a PD support group in the morrow--the one in Folsom. Right now I'm sleepy--ready for the bed-die. Got an email from LA--she finally responded to my earlier posts. Good to hear from her--it's been a while.

2574

Went to brunch with S, D, and MD--delicious treat. The place was trying out a new brunch menu--and it is filled with tasty treats. I had a skillet entree with three eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, cheese, a special sauce, and other delights--I ate the whole thing. The flavors in the dish were outstanding--will be memorable.

Came home and slept for several hours--finally got up and out for a Frap.

Dance tomorrow afternoon in Shingle Springs--temperature is predicted to be over 105. Hot, hot, hot--it's nearly midnight and it's 80 outdoors still.

Watched a movie, House of Spirits, that was adapted from Allende's book by that title. The film had some heavy duty talent--Streep, Ryder, Irons, Mueller, Redgrave, Banderas, Close and such. I think I had seen the movie before--but except for a few visuals I didn't seem to recall many details.

I stayed up quite late last night--didn't get down to sleep until about 4am. That contributed to my lethargy today--but it didn't seem to have much of an effect on how I felt today. Brunch became an anchor as the day went by--and the long nap after brunch put things back in place. Will see what happens tonight--and on into tomorrow afternoon and the dancing.

2576-2575

Long day yesterday--and a not so long one today. Yesterday a visit with my PCP, a hearty breakfast, a dance class, and wild non-sleeping night--today a lot of sleep, food, and a restful but slightly chaotic day. Tomorrow--who knows? Right now a bounce off of Night Train to Lisbon--and a catch-up on TV shows and hopefully some better sleep tonight.

I awoke last night and got tangled up trying to get to the bathroom--I got enmeshed in some of the furniture and barely made it to the toilet before everything came loose. I don't know what I was thinking--if I was thinking. I'll not do that again--I'm sure.

Place where B works is offering a friends and family brunch tomorrow--trying out some new menu items. I'll wait until the morning to decide if I go or not--right now I feel like opting out. Actually, I feel like that about everything--or so I felt most of the day. The movie Night Train to Lisbon triggered  some of these feelings--the storyline reverberated with me in many ways. I keep thinking that there is more I could be doing/should be doing--instead of mucking along as I've been doing for the past 10 years.

I went to Annie's today for breakfast/lunch--I thought that they would be offering their regular Friday special. The have changed the Friday special--fish and chips instead of BBQ ribs. Everything changes--no matter what I'm doing.

Warm tonight and over the next few days--over 100 degrees on some days again. Tonight it's muggy and staying warm even though it's almost 10pm--around 85 degrees outdoors over the past hour or so. That means it stays around 78 in the house--and the AC doesn't kick in.

Enough discussion of weather conditions--inside, outside, and mentally.

2577

Meteorite showers--but only early in the day. Too early for me I think--I've tried tuning into the NASA live feed but the dead screen is boring.

Went to Dorado Hills dance class today--good dancing except we did some dances I cannot find. Found some that were close to what we were doing--but not the exact same. Have a class tomorrow--after doctor's appointment. Then a break of a couple of days--and a dance on Sunday!

I ate poorly to not at all today--and will be fasting in the morning in case I need to do blood work. Although, I could do blood work another day--don't have to fast if I feel like I should not.

I'm fading--and I stayed up too late last night. So need to close this down--and read a bit before I hit the sleep buttons.

2578

Dancing felt good--have to figure out some way to dance every day. The only think that works--end of story.

End of tonight's posting as well--getting late and need to close the gate.

Dancing tomorrow--at El Dorado Hills senior center! I'll be there--with my dancing shoes.

2579

Day has zoomed by--spent not doing much. Mild weather--nice breeze keeping things moving.

Becoming a movie freak--watching a couple of movies a day. Keep looking for the ones rated the best--ignoring the ones with 2-star reviews.

Dance class tomorrow--I previewed several of the dances that are likely to be done in class.

I think I dreamed either last night or sometime today--as I napped away the hours. Dreams were chaotic and tense--probably triggered by the movies I've been watching.

Bowels turned really loose--I think it was yesterday's breakfast (German pancake filled with sweet cheese and peaches). Ever since the colonoscopy, I seem to have a day each month where my elimination is loose--usually after I eat a big meal at CoCo's. Also might be related to medications--they all say that they may cause diarrhea.

Almost the end of Moon Day--meteor showers on the way.

2580

Soon Day--and the gym is in play. I made it to the gym today--and it felt good. I missed going there on Friday and Saturday--but I got back on the horse today.

I stayed up late last night--reading some SF short stories. I nearly skipped my bedtime dosages--for some reason I was convinced that I had taken them. I awoke around 6:30am--took my morning medications and went back to sleep. I finally made it up and out--and had a hearty breakfast before napping some more.

Watched a somewhat gritty film Substitute--about a black-ops mercenary becoming a substitute at a mixed-race high school where the kids aligned with gangs. One of the key gangs helped with a drug smuggling operation--until they encountered the Substitute. Predictable film--with lots of action, gunfights, and trash talking.

Quiet, very quiet, around here today--no particular reason it's that way. School restarts next week--feels like everyone is holding their breath.

I'm scheduled to see my PCP on Thursday (day school begins)--going to ask him to go over the colonoscopy results and figure out what can be done about my low energy levels.

2581

Cooler day--wind was buffeting and felt good. I awoke early--and went out to breakfast as soon as I got organized. Ran some errands--watched some movies. Basically a lazy, hazy day--with not a lot feeling like I had to be anywhere or such.

MD is spinning her wheels and keeps bringing up different projects she wants done--steam the rugs, finish the patio, finish the kitchen, redo the kitchen floor, paint the house, complete the yard work, and more. She forgets that she has mentioned projects to one of us--and repeats the request to another. And there are a host of minor projects that need to be done--along with some major revamps like reworking the kitchen so it's more efficient.

Meanwhile, there are other things people need--upcoming wedding preparation, new child on the way, daughter completing her college work, and a host of other activities. Plus there are the day-to-day needs--shopping, eating, cooking, laundry, and much more.

I battled my way through the patient health website today--trying to confirm that I know I have an appointment with my PCP on Thursday next week. I think I may have finally sent a confirmation--but with such a poor user interface I can't be sure.

2582

Free Friday--no dance class on Fridays this month. Went to the LoveAtFirstBite cafe--had a huge breakfast. There was enough left over that made dinner happen--gravy, biscuit, sausage patty, eggs, potatoes, bacon. Enough to feed a small family--a comment made by a person who saw the dish. Menu is a bit pricey--but the range and quality of the food makes it worthwhile. I'll be going back--with my carry-home in my pack.

There was a dance in Shingle Springs tonight--but I didn't go. There was the drive to/from--with the return trip happening around 9 o'clock. Besides, I was feeling zonked out--I napped most of the afternoon. Feeling a bit more energetic now--much better than in the afternoon.

Long weekend begins--having Friday free makes for long spell between dance classes/dancing. Looking forward to September--when Friday class restarts.

Saw a video of the WalkCar--an innovative, portable, movement platform that allows a person standing on the device to glide on sidewalks or other relatively smooth surfaces. The current price is about $800--cheaper than a medical tricycle, wheel chair, or such. I can see me using such a gadget--I can see many different people using the product.

2583

Can't sing happy birthday--copyright infringement issues!

Had a memorable feast for breakfast--quiche, fruit, sausage, coffee cake, orange juice, bagels, and more. The grandkid gave me a rhyming storybook that she created for my special day--it was really sweet.

Went from the warmth of the family to the heaviness of the support group--about 11 people. I experienced wanting to shut down while I was there--perhaps an inner resistance to thinking myself as being one "them." Or not having a caregiver--I am the only person who does not have one. In any case, I shut down--and was glad to be out of there.

About time now for today's dance class--I just realized that there is no class tomorrow. I have to pick up a new dance card today--so need to leave a bit early. I used my new listing of dances to prepare for today's class--it works and helps remind me of the dances.

Time to move along--and dance the Frappuccino Boogie!

2584

BD minus one--tomorrow is the day. My daughter is preparing a breakfast feast--which is more than I had really expected. I thought it was below the radar like last year--but guess it was not. 76 is the new magic number--which contains my lucky 13 and the stable 4.

Dancing today went well--despite how logy I felt before going there. We did some dancing for the seniors--which is always satisfying.

MD fell off of a chair today--nothing broken but still somewhat scary. There was no one with her--she had to crawl across the room to another chair to get herself up. I had just left for dance class--minutes later she got a phone call and fell while she was on the line to DD. He must have thought they had just lost connection--she had dropped the phone when she fell. She didn't have her emergency pendant with her--so she couldn't have signaled for help if she had been hurt. We're going to have to make sure she's not alone--that someone is always nearby.

Have a PD support meeting in the morning--so it's breakfast, support meeting, a slight rest, and then dance class in the afternoon. I've continued to add to my dance list--over 100 dances in my repertoire. The list will give me a quick way to scan to see if I have that dance in my memory bank--and can quickly review it, if needed, on the Internet.

Getting late--I estimate. Another date--is on the plate. I can't wait--I'll storm the gate. But there's fickle fate--to anticipate. Goodnight mate--don't stay up late.

2585

Dance felt good today--and I added a few more dances to my list. It was a cool and cloudy day--which is making it a bit warm right now. I still feel groggy--despite the amount of sleep I got last night/today.

I awoke early today--there is a major construction project happening at the neighbor's place. Unfortunately for him or somebody--it look like a re-do. They've excavated the entire parking area in front of the garage--something they've done once before. Now they're digging deeper--but first they have to dig it all up.

It tried to start raining today--but didn't make it.

I've written down over 100 dance titles so far--and I've still got a few to excavate from some old play lists. How does a brain go about performing such a feat--especially with so many parameters involved? There's movement, patterns, counts, music, what others are doing--and so much more.

More dancing tomorrow--easy dances compared to some of today's and nearly all of Thursday's. Building my list of known dances--gives me a sense of mastery over my ability to dance the dances.

2587-2586

Almost missed two days of posting--I just zoned out for the most part and let the days go by. Continued to fill out a list of all the dances that I know--list now has about 100 entries. I'm a bit surprised that I can't think of more--but 100 is cool.

I think I truly know these 100 dances--quite a few are not oldies but more recent dances.

Have a class tomorrow--I'm ready! It's been a long 4 days since I last danced--now I'll get 3 in a row.

Did my laundry today--and ate quite a lot. That's been true (eating not laundering) for the past 4 days--I've been downing the calories. And I've watched a number of movies--more than 2 per day.

Dreamed last night that I was involved in some form of disagreement with a person who was well known publicly--the whole argument was centered around our opposed viewpoints on some technical issue. He, who was a person from my distant past (DT perhaps)--had come out in the media with an article that criticized my opinions and views on the subject. I had set up a meeting with him to try and reach some way to reconcile our disparate views. I was accompanied by a personal friend (LLE from the past)--and she was quite angry over what he had written about my views. She kept sniping at him and his arrogance--when we signed into the visitor book, she printed "BULLY" next to his name. I kept trying to get her to ease off--but she was incensed and was not going to let things go peaceably.

2588

July is gone--and August is on! It's late in the evening--and I'm feeling tired. Went to the nearby lake--crowded with people lined along the shores. I actually waded out into the water--so I could be with the grandkid as she paddled about. Too much humanity for me--but I'm sure it gets even more dense when it's a holiday weekend.

Watched a movie tonight--The Eleventh Victim. The ending was heavily telegraphed--felt about half way through that I knew how it was going to turn out. Plus there were side stories that never truly coalesced--just dropped and plopped, never fully played out.

Enough for this night--heading for the bed!