2071-2070

End of 2016--start of the new year. Did a PT session yesterday--have one more next week. RSD, dancing, and otherwise--all restarts in the new year.

Awaiting the fireworks--they will no doubt light up the night. This area allows fireworks--which never seems like a good thing but it seems to work. I didn't see a lot of fireworks' stands--like there are around the 4th of July.

I spent a few hours today--trying to solve the star puzzle. I just don't get it--it looks so easy on the YouTube video.

2017--what will it bring? I've been here a bit over 3 years now--and I don't think I'm better off. I've just been treading water--and floating further and further down stream.

Dinner time--I had a tasty lunch at the new Mexican grill. It was the third attempt to get a lunch special--which today they did have although it was being prepared when I arrived. It was a shrimp taco plate--tasty and filling. Their horchata is really good--first time I tried it.

They gave me two free meals the last time I was in--and didn't get a lunch special then. I'm starting to hear a few distant firework explosions--happy new year! Let it be a good one--2017!

2072

Sleeping a lot--can't seem to get up and go. Just want to sleep--and try solving the wooden puzzles I got as gifts. The puzzles are not all that easy to do--even with the help of Internet tutorials!

 The video solutions have the issue of right/left--with the person showing the solves facing you. It would be easier if I was looking over their shoulder--easier but still not perfect. I am determined to solve the star puzzle--the first one I started with. I've spent hours over the past few days--getting close  but no cigar. I've found one solution--that is tough to complete at the final step. Some of the videos demonstrate this solution--but it's not as elegant as the preferred one which requires more hands and fingers than I seem to have.

I'm feeling logy and dull--and the loss of regular exercise sessions seems to be magnifying these conditions. Weather is not helping--it is staying cold throughout the days and nights.

I have a PT session tomorrow--and one next week (year). I haven't seen a schedule for RSB and the new year--and dancing is still not starting until late next week or beyond.

Daze of whine and rosaries--and other such illusions. Let there be light--and heavy too.

2073

I slept a lot last night and this morning--over 10 hours according to my FitBit. I dreamed that I was making a trip in a Jeep--over the coastal range to the ocean. The maps made it look like it was a simple trip--but we knew that there were side tracks that had to be made. We, CW and I, talked with a  couple of guys who supposedly knew the route--and were willing to accompany us in their Jeep. I didn't fully trust these two guys--but we made an agreement and prepared for the trip. We landed jerry cans of fuel and water--and enough supplies to let use the duration. One of the men who were accompanying us--suggested that we take something that could identify each of us and put them together in case we had an accident. We fired up the vehicles--and began the trip. I awoke and the dream ended--we had just encountered a detour that we had to make to get past a set of power lines that were blocked off with fencing.

I'm about to pop out to grab some lunch--before heading to the PT session in the afternoon. I'm feeling pretty good after yesterday's RSB work--and lots of sleep. There's no RSB tomorrow--I'll have to make do and will probably try and do a walk around the neighborhood. Awaiting news regarding RSB classes next year--and the start of dance classes. I'll be glad that the holidaze season is complete--and I can get back on schedule with everything.

Today is my ex's birthday--MD is getting her a gift (a birthstone pendant). Happy birthday--to all the Capricorns!

2074

Freezing cold this morning--and it was good to exercise with an RSB session. It will be the only one I do this week--what with sessions canceled, the new year's events, and the big move of the facility. I will be doing several more PT sessions--and if today is any indication, I'll be sleeping a lot. I came back from RSB and lunch--and went out for a couple of hours.

I went to the BBQ place for lunch--and they are still not back to doing a daily special. I ordered from the menu--had a tasty cheese-steak sandwich which was big enough so I'll have half of it for dinner.

I watched a British film last night--The Imitation Game. It was about Alan Turing--the mathematician who helped crack the Enigma code of the German forces. It was a good film--that focused on that one man and how he was not lauded during his life for the amazing contributions he had made to the field of computation. He fact he killed himself--and was treated like a criminal because he was a homosexual, which was a criminal offense in those days.

I'm coasting along today--feeling tired and logy despite the RSB activity this morning. I'm now sitting in a dark room--clonking away on this posting. Making my way to dinner time--and folding things up as the night continues.

Daze without end--waiting for the next moment, and the next, and the next. In this petty pace from daze to daze--to the last syllable of recorded time.

2075

Was the day after Christmas--and all through the house, everything was quiet. People are sleeping--not dreaming of anything. Temperature last night hit the high 20s--and it's been chilly all day.

SD is home by now--A. MD's caregiver, volunteered to take him home. She does more than can be expected--MD is fortunate to have someone who does so much for so little.

BH, the grand baby, is raising a fuss--BH, the dad, is sacked out with an illness. I have napped on and off all day--hopefully will do an RSB session tomorrow. I slept a lot last night and today--I was worn down from the holidaze. It felt good to just stay horizontal--and let the time drift by.

I'll shave and take a warm shower after dinner--so I'll be ready to go to RSB in the morning.

Countdown to the end of 2016--and the beginning of 2017!

2077-2076

Twas the night after Xmas--and all through the house, people were burping and otherwise expelling the remnants of the many meals. Brunches, lunches, dinner, snacks, breakfasts, and desserts--all competing to be turned into fat cells. And piles of gift wrapping debris--from the mountain of gifts that were exchanged.

I didn't post anything yesterday--it was our most celebratory day and evening. We did gift exchanges for our local tribe yesterday--with more done by the tribe as they went to other venues both yesterday and today.

I did my weekly laundry tonight--after watching SD down a whole pizza which he had delivered. He had already downed the remains of the Chinese feast we had ordered on Friday--it was a load of food and he ate the bulk of it.

I'm missing my daily RSB/PT/dance activities--my body is pleading for movement and exercise. Hopefully, will do an RSB on Tuesday--and PT sessions on Wednesday and Friday. Then dancing resumes--if I can do it. I am having movement difficulties--will know more when classes actually begin.

2081-2078

I can't believe that I've not posted for three days--must have been a daze. It was four days of intense exercise--RSB and PT done two days each. I didn't skip doing anything consciously--I just didn't do it and somehow blanked it out. The exercises were intense--and I was tired after them both.

Today I did a PT session--and could feel that I was getting better at some things and being stronger with other exercises. I don't know if this is going to moderate my PD symptoms--but I'll continue and see where it goes. If there is moderation, I believe I'll have to do some of the PT work daily--in addition to my other routines. Not something I'm looking forward to doing--but it may have to happen.

SD arrived today--and we had a huge Chinese dinner with MD. The sack of food was really heavy--SD scarfed down most of it (and will finish the remainder for his breakfast. The whole tribe is doing a brunch tomorrow--and a gift opening jubilee. The H's are at some event tonight--and will head for others after tomorrow's brunch.

There is no RSB until next Tuesday--and I'm scheduled for PT sessions on Wednesday and Friday. And then comes the new year--and the restart of dance classes. I don't know how I'm going to do with dancing--the several weeks of no dance, and the increase in symptoms, hasn't left me feeling like I'm moving better. In fact, the opposite is true--I feel like I'm moving slower and with less smoothness. But I won't know for sure until I try it--so January will be a month of seeing where I am.

2083-2082

Went to RSB holiday celebration yesterday--lots of people (about 80-90) and lots of food. Had a White Elephant gift exchange--and I ended up with a sack of truffles. Event was upbeat and celebratory--although I got turned around on way home and had to stop and figure out where I was and where I needed to go. It was getting dark--and I was in a totally new area where I didn't know the routes. But with a bit of noodling--I realized where I needed to go and made it to some familiar landmarks.

The event was a good experience--but I was tired by the time I got back home.

I slept a lot last night--and was late getting to the PD support group meeting this morning. The attendance was small--the upcoming holiday activities no doubt keeping everyone busy.

The weather has been quite cold--boy during the days and nights. My PD is not a happy camper with cold weather--and with weather changes of any sort.

Will do a RSB session in the morrow--and a PT session on Wednesday. Those workouts will unkink some of the symptoms that seem to appear with cold weather. Will do a repeat duo on Thursday and Friday--and then dive into the holiday weekend.

2084

Did not go to Rescue for dancing today--thought it better to stay here and wrap my holiday gifts. Good decision--I got them all wrapped and had I gone dancing that would not be true.

Weather was in the 20s last night--and hung in the 40s during the day. Will be more of the same for the next two days--there was ice on my windshield when I went out around 10am. Fortunately, the rain stopped--or else we might have had some and icy streets.

Holiday party tomorrow--put together by the RSB coaches. Estimated that there will be 100 people at the event--that will translate into a lot of food for the potluck.

DD and his partner are coming by to visit with MD--and take her to dinner. They were supposed to be here around 3pm--it's now nearly 4:30pm and they haven't arrived. DD's partner's plane was delayed--she flew in from SoCal to join DD here in Sacramento.

They just arrived--and they have headed out for dinner. TD is with them--he did his hair in a Dr. Seuss do were it's pulled up into a "dunce" tower. He goes out of the way to present an odd persona--he naturally looks odd already without adding strange hair styling.

Everyone's now gone--and the house is quiet except for ambient noises. Daughter is doing another marathon final--she will be at it for several hours. BH is working--and the grandkids are with various family members. I am still and quiet now--there is nothing happening to kick-start my thoughts. When there is no input--there is stillness and a sense of peace.

2085

Did a PT session--could notice some increase in balance and strength. Had session in the early afternoon--and despite its short duration, it left me tired.

Had lunch at Cafe Rio--salmon tacos on today's special. While I was there, I went ahead and ordered the chip and salsa tray--for Sunday's RSB celebration.

Made an appointment to see surgeon about removal of lipoma--earliest date was 2/24/17. I expected as much--the doctors are booked out into forever, especially the ones that are really good. Also they also they work out of several locations--this time I have to go to a campus that's out in south Sacramento. Looks to be about a 30 minute drive--assuming I don't get lost on the way.

Have all the stuff I need to wrap holiday gifts--I picked up some tape and extra wrapping paper. The Dollar Store is the way to go with these items--lots of selection at a really low price.

Debating whether or not I go up to Rescue tomorrow--not feeling much enthusiasm for going. Although with Sunday and Monday I will not be doing much moving--so dancing is probably the better thing to do tomorrow instead of zoning out. Will see how I'm feeling in the morning--and go from there.

2086

Rain and more rain--windy and wet! Did an RSB session this morning. It felt good despite the weather--we ran some on the sidewalk under the shelter of the buildings. I didn't notice any interactions with yesterday's PT session--there is a lot of overlap.

I came home tired though--and hungry. I went to the new Mexican grill--had their lunch special (tamales, rice and beans, with sauces, cheese and more). Very reasonable costs--lunch specials are about $6.

They didn't have enough people working the serving line--so it seemed like it took forever to get an order placed, paid for, and on the table.

When I got home I heard that there were a couple of guys casing the street--probably looking for packages that had been left on porches. Holiday scavengers--looking for easy gifts. They grazed B's truck as they drove past--not a big scrape but still left a mark.

Have a PT session tomorrow--it will be earlier in the day which I think will be better than late in the afternoon.

Feeling like things are piling up--lots of events happening over the next 2-to-3 weeks.

2087

Didn't do any dancing today--did PT only and it left me on empty. I'm glad I chose to not do dancing--the PT exercises were not very intense but they were strenuous. I especially had difficulties with the balance apparatus--and with my right leg/foot/strength.

Nothing we did in PT was difficult--just didn't have the balance/strength to do a lot of repetitions. I guessed that if I had gone to dance before going to PT--that I'd already be tired and wouldn't be at full pedal for the PT activities. The PT sessions are about 40 minutes--and covered several stations and tasks. I felt tired after eating lunch--but I didn't do much of a nap.

I think the PT is going to help me with awakening some of the movement difficulties I seem to be exhibiting--cha-cha, grapevine, sideways movements, festination, and foot dragging. I realize that I'll need to be some exercises every day--in addition to what I do in classes.

I took my 4pm medications around 5pm--and they are just now kicking in it seems. I had some dinner about an hour ago--and it's now about 7pm.

Have an RSB session tomorrow--which should be a positive go. I've got plenty to observe and notice--about RSB effects on PT and PT on RSB and how both fit with Trager work. It's like I have a lot of data regarding how PD affects my movements--I just need to merge the data elements and grok the patterns they deliver.

The sound of silence--just now came over me. The S&G tune keeps playing in my head--welcome darkness my old friend!

2088

RSB and Trager--a full day of doing something for my body (and brain, and soul). RSB went smoother than yesterday's session--which left me huffing and puffing. Today, I went through the activities without feeling like I was on one cylinder--even with some running and difficult calisthenics (side straddle hops, and such).

Just got back from Trager session--where I learned how I'll have to teach myself how to move in certain ways. In particular, movements that I know I have done before--but am having difficulty doing now. I need to retrain the brain--by modeling the movement like my body knows how it was done before.

I ate a lot today--and didn't nap in the afternoon very long. After breakfast, RSB, and lunch--I was ready to collapse but that didn't happen. The time from lunch to Trager went quickly--and I don't recall what I did exactly.

Tomorrow is EDH dance class--maybe the last time I go this year. I've got PT scheduled on Wednesday through the end of the year--as well as Fridays. And dancing up at Rescue on Saturdays may also not happen--there too much holiday activities on or near the few Saturdays left this year.

2089

Awoke late and had to hump it to RSB session--made it just in time. Coach had us jog this morning--was tough on my legs. My hamstrings started to burn and not work as I ran--I never felt that sensation when I used to run 10k's. Breakfast was a piece of pumpkin pie--and a meal replacement drink.

The workout felt good overall--although I had to slog my way through the 1.5 hour activity. The non-movement over the past three days didn't help--along with the wet/cold weather.

I awoke late because I slept well last night--only got up a couple of times during the night. I was up at 6am and took my medications--and then went back to sleep for 2.5 hours.

I had a big lunch at the BBQ place--a mushroom cheeseburger with fries. It had a huge ground beef patty--smothered in succulent mushrooms, onions, and cheese. Yummy, yummy--for my tummy! I came home and conked out for a couple of hours--between the RSB and the food, I went out like a light.

Waiting for the UPS delivery of one of my holiday gifts--should be dropped off soon. Then just one more item on its way--and the wrapping will begin. Need to pick up some bows--will hit the dollar store and its horde of cheap holiday wrappings.

Tomorrow brings another RSB session--and a final Trager treatment for this year.

2090

Can't get warm today--moisture in the cool air helps keep things chilly. B, the grandson, has the sniffles--and a bit of a cough. It's been a long day--since I've not been doing anything like exercise. Have an RSB session in the morrow--which will help heat the bod, hopefully. Have a lot of bodywork scheduled for the next couple of weeks--RSB, dancing, Trager, and PT.

I discovered a Celtic singer, Loreena McKennitt--she has a performance on Netflix that mixes Celtic and Arabic musical themes. Her musicians play a range of strange and conventional instruments--and create a wonderful sound. I feel like I should be listening to more such music--especially when I'm driving/moving around on autopilot.

Picked up a gift for my daughter today--have two more items to be delivered. My gift shopping is done--just have to wrap the items and put them on/under the tree.

Laundry night tonight--regular weekend (or week starting) ritual. Let the soap suds flow--let the good times go.

Supposed to rain over the next few days--we're getting a lot of moisture for everything still being dry.

2091

Rainy daze--and the dripping is easy. Didn't do much today--except sleep, eat, and dodge the raindrops. Printed MD's word list for the past week--and didn't make it to the Rescue dance session. Will have to do some exercising on my own--since tomorrow will make it be three days without exertion of any form.

Wanted to walk yesterday--but didn't make myself do any. Today's rain was not inviting--although I dreamt about moving. In one dream, I made a circuit around a large house--jogging along at a decent pace. A second dream--had me exploring a maze that wound around a forested area. There was a place where there was a slide--which fell into another slide. When I jumped on the first slide--I was surprised when it dropped me onto the second one and then deposited me into a small courtyard.

The dreams were vivid and kinesthetic--I could feel myself sliding, falling, and hitting the ground.

Places were crowded today--SB's was filled when I went for an early latte. Panera's was also filled when I stopped for lunch--had a bowl of Mac-and-Cheese with bread. Brought a sandwich home for dinner--turkey and cranberry on a flatbread. MD has been prompting me to snack on the energy bars and drinks--that she received from TD's partner. I've tried the energy (wellness, meal) bars--and they are tasty. I haven't, as yet, tried the drinks--but I will.

I've been taking the Vital Reds supplement for 2.5 months now--and I think it has helped raise my energy levels a bit. It hasn't produced any big effects--but it seems to have helped some. I have to decide whether or not to order another batch--and need to do so soon since I've got about a two-week supply left.

2092

Saw my PCP this morning--and got a referral to have the lipoma on my neck removed. It will be nice to have the thing removed--with me having less and less hair, it shows up more and people notice it. Hopefully, the surgery can be done on an out patient basis--with minimum anesthesia. The surgeon is the same one that I spoke with after my colonoscopy--he would have done any remaining surgery if required. That followup is still pending--I need to see the doctor who removed the polyps and get a reading on whether or not another colonoscopy is needed. Too many medical things--seems like my whole life involves dealing with medical issues.

Missing doing something physical today--days seem to go better when I'm exercising and moving. Just floating along doesn't work--any kind of activity is more comfortable than treading water as the day goes by.

Time for my afternoon SB's imbibe--waiting for today's postal/delivery of my initial set of holiday gifts. I'm more interested in adding game elements to the "SB for Life" game--than I'm craving a warm/cool drink.

2093

Chilly today--and hot tamale! Rain and coolness happening all week. Heading to RSB session in just a while--despite my current feeling of only wanting to sleep. No rest for the PWP--have to keep on moving.

Have to pick up a couple of gifts--something for daughter and for Trager lady. Rest of gifts are en route--so says the Amazon notifications. Some will arrive today--some on Monday and some later next week.

Will see PCP tomorrow--go over PT program, low BP, lipoma(?), and more.

Some worry and concern about my situations--financial, health, living space, and other things. Time to go pound the bag--and let the tightness flow.

2094

Pearl Harbor Day--MD was bombed 75 years ago on this day. She was a civilian leaving on Hawaii--she later joined the Waves and got stationed in San Diego where she served out the war. She's one of a handful of people left who were on Hawaii when it was bombed--she's now 99 years old and still on the go.

I went to EDH dance today--even though I could have just slept all day. Yesterday's PT session and RSB activity--left me feeling logy and stiff. Dance movements were really difficult to do--I just plodded my way through the 2 hours of movements.

I ate a late meal (lunch)--and did not have anything in the morning. I think that did not adequately fuel my system--and the late lunch was a mexican-style tostado that was more like a salad with not a lot of carbs. Also, I didn't have any caffeine until after dancing--when I stopped for a latte.

Tomorrow, I'll be doing an RSB session--which will be great. The workout in RSB sessions seem to be the best of things that I do--despite the intensity.

2095

RSB and PT today--and I'm ready for a break. The RSB session went well--even though we did some running as well as other activities. The 1.5 hour RSB sessions seem to go very quickly--although I space out near the end when I'm getting tired.

The PT session was not very strenuous--more challenging and informative. He tested my strength and flexibility--and noted that the muscles in the hips and tush areas are weak. He put me on a balance board--which tested my ability to stand on the board unaided in left-to-right and forward-and-back directions. He also had me balance on each foot--while standing on a soft pad. He then had me do rabbit steps (sideways movements)--with my legs tied together with a rubber band. Next sessions, we'll do more of the same--plus whatever he adds as we progress. I can see that the sessions will introduce me to exercises--that I can do on my own eventually.

I'll have to miss some Wednesday dance classes over the holidays--I'll be doing the PT sessions instead. Will do tomorrow's session--and see if today's RSB and PT activities affected dancing in any way. Probably not--but will be interesting to note anything that happens (or doesn't).

I did my holiday shopping yesterday--ordered most of my gifts in one online swoop. Have just a couple of gifts that I'll get locally--ho, ho, ho!

2096

Almost done with holiday shopping--just a few more items and can hit the "ship it" button.

Had a good workout at RSB session this morning--although we did some running and I could feel it in my legs. I came away from the session feeling like I didn't have enough fuel--I was shaky since I only had a smoothie and a pastry before class. I had a lunch afterward--but didn't feel like eating the whole thing so brought rest home for dinner.

Will do a RSB session tomorrow morning--and have an intake appointment with the PT people in the afternoon.

In the meantime, I'm feeling the cold--have the heat on but still could be warmer. I eventually will acclimate to the season change--it just doesn't happen overnight at the first hint of cooler weather.

Big class today--there were 17 people who showed up for the session. It will be great when we move to the new space--except we can then run further and will be encouraged to move more than we can do now.

Waiting for the daily mail to arrive--it's Monday and the postman always runs a bit later on the first day of the week. MD is still getting over 200 pieces of mail per month--almost all of which end up in the recycle can. Probably the same for every mailbox--'tis the season to get junk mail!

2098-2097

Went to Rescue dance session yesterday--danced for 2.5+ hours.  The dancing woke me up--I was feeling foggy and somewhat wobbly. The dancing left me tired--and I just didn't try to do much of anything afterward.

I slept in this morning--and had a big lunch at the India buffet. I was hungry since I didn't eat anything for breakfast--and had a light dinner last night. I watched a film, Compulsion--based on the Leopold/Loeb kidnapping and murder trial. Orson Wells, Dean Stockwell, and many other recognizable actors were in the film--with the 12 hour summation by the actual attorney, Clarence Darrow, shortened to about 20 minutes with Orson Wells doing the part. It was an interesting film--well done in black and white when Dean Stockwell was young enough to play a 19-year-old.

I started my holiday shopping--went online and wandered through Amazon and found a few items. My goal is to load up the Amazon cart and press the button--doing all of my shopping online. Sounds like a good strategy to me--we shall see! I don't have the enthusiasm to do actual shopping--so online here I go!

Busy week coming up--dancing, RSB sessions, PT appointment, PCP appointment, and whatever else there is to do as the days unfold. The weather continues to be cool--with a promised less than 30 degrees promised for midweek. Tonight is laundry night--my end of the week (or beginning of the week) ritual. Oh, boy--what a joy! I'll have to order another toy--to give to the girl and give to the boy!

2099

Windy today--windy and cold! No classes today--did some shopping. Will head up to Rescue tomorrow--do some dancing. I'm stiff and wobbly today--from yesterday's RSB session. Legs feel rubbery and shaky--the running/hopping we did yesterday seems to cause some instability today.

MD told her caregiver, A, that she wanted to get a heater--that she's cold in the mornings and her space heater isn't working. There's nothing wrong with the heater--other than operator error. She's never taken the time to learn how to operate the device--it's the same with her TV and other gadgets. Yesterday, she put a bag of plastic beads in the microwave like she's done before--that when heated can be used like a heating pad. She either set the timer to a large value or set the power really high--the bag of beads exploded and fused some of the plastic to the interior of the appliance.

She set off the fire alarms the day before--she had put a skillet of meat on the stove and forgot that it was cooking. The house filled with smoke--and set off the alarms.

She is 99 years old--and can't be expected to stay on top of things as she once was able to do. But, it's looking like she's going to need some monitoring--so that she doesn't do something that creates a problem. Being 99--she's got her rituals and will be difficult to get her to adapt and make changes. She's about 2 months away from her 100th birthday--1917 to 2017! She's done a lot--and seen a lot. She's outlived all of her siblings--and two of her children.

2100

December the First--and the holiday music is playing everywhere. Went to the RSB session this morning--after sleeping in until the very last minute. The last time I remember was about 7:30--and then it was 9am or later. But I scooted up and out--and arrived just before 10 along with the coach. She worked us hard today--I felt winded and weak throughout the session. I had downed a energy bar and a V8 Fusion--but maybe that wasn't enough fuel for the workout we did. I came home and rested for a bit--and then went and grabbed some lunch (at the new Mexican grill nearby). Came back and fell asleep for a couple of hours--awoke and went for a latte.

Right now, I'm fuzzy and tired still--nothing on the agenda tomorrow so I can recoup. A, MD's caregiver returns tomorrow--she's been on vacation for over a week. She'll take MD to see a doctor--about the swelling in her feet and legs. Phone's ringing--it's probably A checking in.

Getting cool tonight--in the mid 30s or so. Heat is on and cooking the place--MD put a heating bag filled with plastic pebbles in the microwave and it exploded. Not sure why--she's use the microwave to heat the item before. But this time it exploded--and blew the plastic beads all over the kitchen.

Watched a fight movie last night--about a guy who comes to NY and gets involved in the underground urban fight scene. An unlikely reality--but it did have an up ending, sort of. I had thought I'd see more about boxing than was covered--it was mostly brawling and free for all, not boxing.

Light dinner--apple and tapioca. Lunch was enchilada, with beans, rice, salad, and pork plus cheese. It was OK--but nothing special. A step up from Del Taco and Chipotle--the other two places in the mall nearby though (ingredients are super fresh).