2011

POTUS speaks tonight--first state of the union address. Should be interesting--don't hope for more than that.

Did a RSB session today--and it felt good. Afterward, I went by the lab--to get my blood sampled and get an X-ray. Both are for my upcoming surgery to remove the lipoma--behind my left ear. I wasn't sure why they were doing an X-ray--but I was told it's now SOP for anyone going into surgery.

The woman who took my blood--did it as quickly and thoroughly as anyone I had before. And she even took it from my right arm--which is usually not possible. Perhaps the RSB sessions are opening up my vascular systems--or she just knew what she was doing.

The X-ray was a full exposure of my chest area--frontal and sideways.

Will go to EDH tomorrow--for the Wednesday dance. There will be a substitute teacher--but she knows the dances and is quick on the draw if she doesn't. The regular instructor is on vacation--Cabo san Lucas and won't be back until the 11th of March. Tough--but someones got to do it.

Well time for the POTUS--and I bet he can't wait either!

2012

Today is MD's actual birthday--and the expected arrival of her niece and the niece's daughter got derailed. I don't know any of the details--but they haven't arrived and I think that's how it's going to go. TD hung around, waiting for them to arrive--but had BH take him to the train station. TD and CH were said to be coming by--to join the group and take MD to her birthday dinner.

TD just arrived--and is getting the poop on what is happening.

I went to a PD support group this morning--and came away not feeling so down like I usually feel after attending the monthly event. I still missed not doing an RSB session this morning--but I'll still do one on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

There will be a big bash here on Saturday--celebrating the grandson's and MD's birthdays (1 and 100).

I set up an appointment for a blood test tomorrow afternoon--and will do the imaging then as well if I can. I really can't get enthusiastic about doing medical stuff--although I need to get it done.

I'm still recalling the phrase in my recent dreaming--about the "flavor of the dream." The phrase sticks in my mind--and seems to be related to my future in some way.

2013

36,525 days in a century--MD has been here for a long time. She has clocked nearly 3.12 billion seconds or 52.5 million minutes or 876,000 hours or 36,525 days--in her 100 years she has been here. We had a nice brunch at the place where BH works--he served our table and checked to make sure the bill was properly discounted. There were 9 of us at the table--and the bill was what about two of us would have paid.

Except for the two kids--the table was relatively quiet except for TD who is a non-stop talker.

The place has a deck that looks out over the river--which is muddy and turbulent because of the heavy runoff from the recent storms. Very picturesque--and the weather is pleasant and warm when you are standing in the sun.

Tomorrow there is supposed to be some rain--and I'll be going to the PD support group in Folsom.

I dreamt last night that I was orating poetry to a group of people--one phrase stuck in my consciousness (the flavor of my dreams). I said this phrase as part of a longer poem--and when I spoke it I awoke enough to register the phrase.

Things are quiet here right now--MD is asleep and everyone else is out and about. I'm feeling a bit antsy--like I'm missing dancing/exercising while the day has been active and busy.

Perhaps I'll watch some of the Academy Awards tonight--which start in just a short while. There will probably be a lot of POTUS bashing--and other strange activities.

2015-2014

I spent yesterday dealing with the appointment with the doctor--regarding the removal of the lipoma. It was a long drive there and back--and it left me with several things I have to do to go to the next stage. I have to get an EKG, a blood test, and an imaging of the area to be treated--all requiring visits to my PCP or labs. I was worn out by the time I returned home--and went to bed early.

TD, one of MD's grandchildren, showed up around 11pm--I don't know if he was expected. In any case, I awoke when arrived--and had some trouble getting back to sleep.

I woke up this morning later than I had planned--and had to do a hurried drive to get to the RSB session that started at 9am. I made it about a minute after 9--and had a good workout. There were a dozen people there--which was more than I thought would be there. It was a mix of people at different levels--people from the two different classes that are held. But the workout was good--and I feel better for having taken the effort to get there. I'll go again next week-since the Saturday dance class is not happening.

I wrapped MD's birthday gift--and will have it magically appear in the morning before we head to brunch. It looks bright and festive--I wrapped it in a metallic purple paper, attached two big bows, and a family-signed birthday card that is for someone celebrating their 100th. Then we will meet--and eat where my son-in-law works.

I'll not have an RSB session on Monday--will go to the PD support group. MD's niece and her daughter will arrive on Monday--not sure for how long. Will get back to RSB on Tuesday--the last day of February.

2016

Double day and lots of play--hit 10,000+ steps today! RSB was an active session--but it seemed to go quickly. There were more women than men today--8 women and 6 men. Still a good sized class for Thursday--we haven't had that many people on a Thursday.

Dancing also went quickly--yet we did 10 dances during the class.

I didn't nap between activities--I printed out some stuff I will need tomorrow when I meet with Dr. Long. I also picked up some birthday wrap and ribbons--plus a Happy 100th birthday card for MD's upcoming weekend events. Yes, I found a card for someone who's having their 100th--I thought there might be one and there was!

We had a mystery noise for the past two nights--a chirping that we couldn't isolate a source for. Last night, I tracked the sound--and discovered that it happened every 37 seconds. Today, we found a second fire alarm in MD's room--and replaced its battery. I clocked the blinking red light that it displays--and sure enough the light blinks every 37 seconds. Probably, the battery was fading--and every time the device blinked the red light there was an accompanying chirp. We shall see--or not hear anything that is.

Technology--so many gadgets! I had a round with the Sync feature in my car--where I got it to produce a wellness report on itself. Only, I found that I had left the brake engaged--which produces a spurious alert. I reran the report with the brake released--and all is well. It's a cool feature--but I'm still puzzling out the many things it can do.

Busy weekend on the horizon--MD's birthday celebrations will be the foci points! Happy 100th!!

2018-2017

Yesterday, did a RSB session in the morning--and a Trager session in the afternoon. Today did a dance class in EDH--and felt a bit jumbled after yesterday's activities. Yesterday's sessions felt good--but I also felt tired.

Have a double day tomorrow--and then a trek on Friday to check with the surgeon who will doing the removal of the lipoma. I just watched some YouTube videos of surgical removal of different things--lipoma, black heads, etc. Gross but informative--looks like mine could be done in outpatient mode.

A lipoma looks like a ball of chicken fat--it's generally benign and is fairly uniform in color and texture. The surgical procedure looks simple and straightforward--a small incision, a removal of the growth, and sewing up of the evacuated area. It will nice to have it removed--especially now that it's more visible because of the loss of hair in the vicinity of where it has formed.

There were other videos of the removals of various growths--black heads and other skin anomalies. The procedure is done under a local anesthetic--and appears to be painless and non-complicated. I mapped out the route to the doctor's office--there's a straight shot that looks like it will take about 30 minutes to go there. Fun and games--losing the lipoma is the goal!

2019

RSB felt good today--I'll probably go to the Saturday morning RSB sessions--on the days Rescue is not happening. Mentioned doing a dance exercise in the RSB session--the floor is a problem. Have to figure out a work-around--the floor is sticky especially with tennis shoes.

Lots of rain--and lots of schedule changes happening. Days when RSB is not happening--and I have other appointments during dance times.

MD's birthday present arrived--it's nice. I was unsure how nice it would be--but it is going to be a very good present for 100th birthday.

Today was a holiday--but most places were still open. UPS delivered despite the weather--and the holiday.

The WiFi in my room just is not working there--it's fine if I sit in the living room. It's also not working well in my daughter's area--don't know why the living room is a "hot spot".

RSB tomorrow--and a Trager session! That will be well appreciated--RSB work leaves me sore and kinked but it still has good elements as well.

I've taken a capsule of melatonin for the past few nights--and it seems to let me sleep deeper. I still have to get up to pee--but I go right back to sleep.

About time for dinner--pea soup from BH's work place. Very tasty--and quite salty!

2021-2020

Day of perfect vision--and some peace and quiet. SD just left to head back home--after eating his way through the past three days. CH came by--brought some lunch for MD and SD and is taking SD home. MD actually ate her way through the past four days--Black Angus, Chinese, home cooked dinner, and today's deli-feast.

I started taking a capsule of melatonin before bedtime--I think it's letting me sleep sounder but I'm still getting up for bathroom breaks. I'll keep trying them--and see if they help me stay asleep. They seem to help me get to sleep--which is helpful.

Got a haircut this morning--got to the barber shop at 10am (their opening time). Still had to wait for one customer who got there ahead of me--but he had a quick trim and I was in for my cut. I thought that I might as well get my hair cut--since I'll be seeing the doctor on Friday who is going to remove the lipoma on my neck. When they do the surgery, they will no doubt shave that region--so having the rest already short will be fine.

I decided not to go to SS for dancing today--it started to rain about the time I would have left and I didn't get it together to go there. Have a RSB session tomorrow--even though it's President's Day (what will POTUS be doing?). Nothing of moment no doubt--unless he resigns which would be warmly welcomed by many.

I read an article that sketched out the multi-millions of dollars it's going to cost--to provide security and travel for POTUS and his entourage. Since he wants to use the Mar-a-Largo resort--the Secret Service is spending money like never before. The costs could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars--and he would still be highly exposed since the resort will be difficult to secure since it is an open facility. In addition, many of POTUS's family members and cabinet members also require protection--and many of they are going all over the world as well. The taxpayers (us) is going to foot these huge expenditures--along with POTUS's many other costly suggested projects. Good luck to all--and to all just sit tight!

2022

Windy, rainy day--and the living is easy. Went to dance class at RP--only a few beginners and about a dozen intermediates. Did well--but I could do better by going over the dances before class.

Awaiting the arrival of SD--he's supposed to be arriving this afternoon or tonight. He'll celebrate his birthday with Chinese food--and whatever he can find in the fridge while he is here.

He just arrived--and the fun begins. His brother, DD, was here last night--he didn't look very well. He said he had some kind of upper respiratory problem--the trek up here and back in one day probably didn't help him.

I'll not go to the dance tonight--our Chinese dinner will take up the time. I'll go to Rescue tomorrow--and maybe to SS on Sunday (based on the weather).

2023

I did 10,000 steps today--perhaps only the 2nd time I've done it. It took both a RSB session and a FO dance class--plus some miscellaneous activities.

RSB was challenging today--a mix of physical and mental. We're being paired up more--which adds an element of having to deal with another person instead of just charging on my own.

Dancing went well--even though it was later in the day and after the RSB workout.

I checked out the dance we've been doing in EDH (Nutbush)--and found a version that includes planking!! It should be perfect for RSB--can start with just the line dance and later add the planking element. That will be awesome--I'll just have to check out if the floor works well with the dance steps and tennis shoes.

Granddaughter gave her science poster talk today--and it was well done and somewhat unique.

DD came by and took MD to dinner--he was not feeling well and faded quickly after going to dinner. He drove up (2+ hour trek)--and had to go back after dinner.

I ate a lot today--breakfast and latte, sandwich for lunch and dinner, plus some of the dinner that was cooked in the crockpot all day.

Dance tomorrow--and SD showing up which means a Chinese dinner with him and MD.

2024

Had a slow day today--it was like time had expanded. I went to EDH for dancing--and that went fairly well. I think the RSB is affecting dancing--making the body stronger so there is better coordination and movement. I still have difficulty with cha-cha steps--and triple steps in general. But I can move and spin--just have to keep on going.

Granddaughter is doing a science project--she makes her presentation tomorrow. There has been a lot of tension generated--with her mother, BH, and the kid all working on the activity. They will be glad it's done with--it's been a several-week effort that has stretched everyone's limits.

She put together a re-grow experiment--she put several vegetables in glasses of water to determine how they would regenerate. The garlic, thyme, celery, onions, and basil all regenerated--the sweet potato and sweet pepper did not. The garlic, celery and onions generated lots of roots--and extensive leaf elements. The herbs just added new leaves and stems--the potato and pepper didn't produce any new parts. There was no dirt--just water which was topped up as needed. She kept records of daily changes--and summarized the results in on a poster board which included photos and clip art.

Tomorrow is my double day--RSB and dance. Visitors will start to arrive to honor MD's 100 year birthday--and the birthdays of others.

2025

Rock steady--got a checkup this morning and I seem to have improved in several areas. One that I have not shown improvement--balance! I seem to wobble more than I was doing--especially when using my left foot.

Today, I continued to do well with jumping jacks and rope jumping--in fact I did 52 uninterrupted rope jumps in 29 seconds. That and 200 punches in a minute--make for some impressive capabilities. The run we did yesterday (around the building) was also something new--it's been a while since I've run or jogged at all. In yesterday's run, I noticed that I left in about the middle of the pack--and I could have been the first back if I had wanted to do so. I finished in the front of the pack--with just the coach ahead of me.

Truck is gone--I notice the empty space in the driveway every time I return home. There is a bit of nostalgia there--we were together for nearly 15 years. But, I like my new vehicle--one that I don't have to worry about each time it is driven. And one that gets me where I'm going--smoothly and without trouble.

I grabbed a slice of quiche for lunch (had a breakfast sandwich and latte for breakfast)--and an apple pastry. I'm feeling mildly hungry--especially after the RSB session (yesterday and today). The weather is shifting--getting warmer and sunny. Fine with me--I don't do as well with cold weather.

2027-2026

Missed doing a post yesterday--I went to sleep early and spent time making my truck disappear. The truck was picked up this morning--and is gone. I went to the AAA office and changed my insurance--and went online and filled out a DMV form regarding the gifting of the vehicle.

Went to RSB this morning--and did a heavy workout which included a run around the building. That's the first running I've done in ages--it felt good and stretched out the kinks so I could do jumping jacks! Amazing--I actually did quite a few (of everything). We did 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 reps at several stations--that's 36 reps at each station! The formula n(n+1)/2 gives the total--with n=8 that's 36.

That's also the most calculating that I've done in awhile--will probably do more tomorrow since the coach on Thursday (last week) had us do 7 down to 1 reps or 28 at each station! Tricky those coaches--I had no idea I had done so many reps until I just wrote this down. I guess I'll sleep well tonight--I just noticed that I missed my late afternoon medication.

2029-2028

Two days of dance--and some prep for getting rid of my truck. I'm donating it--to a charity that provides needy families with vehicles.

I started the truck this morning--and backed it in so it can be towed. Once I had it in place--I tried to restart it and it wouldn't start. It may be out of fuel--but I'm not going to troubleshoot it. Just get rid of it--and get it off my insurance.

It turns out that I can submit my change of ownership form via the web--doing so will increase the chances of it getting recorded.

Today was spring like--sunny and bright. The waters are flowing--the river near the house is hitting the high water stages.

Well enough for tonight--time to sleep since I have no major activities in the morrow.

2030

Rain soaked days--low spots in streets collecting water so cars can splash and dash. RSB had 9 people this morning--and coach put us through the wringer. I'm wrung out right now--and wrestling with whether or not to go to dance class. I know I should go--but a part of me just wants to roll over, draw up the covers, and stay in bed.

Feeling steady as a result of doing RSB--but the steadiness is fragile. The time to get up and go to dance is drawing close--no time to nap.

Driving through the deluge is harrowing--the wipers on the car produce only moderately clearness. I don't have good visibility--and the lane markers are barely visible.

About time to get it together and get on with day--despite wanting to curl up and cover up. Time to dance--and kick it up. Onward and wetward--I go!

2031

Rainy day--and the dancing was easy. Went to EDH class--through the pouring rains. The drive on highway 50 is like going through a wind tunnel--the rain gets blown into the windshield in sheets. Makes it difficult to see clearly--even with the wipers set to the highest level. When I exit 50 and get back on surface streets--the rain seems to be less intense.

I was feeling logy today--even though I slept fairly well and I stoked up on food and drink. I was stiff and sore--probably from yesterday's RSB session. Have a RSB session tomorrow--which should smooth out the kinks. Will be followed with a FO dance classic the later afternoon--and hopefully a small nap after RSB before heading to dance.

It's early now--just a bit after 9pm. The week is shooting by--time and events ticking and clicking.

Class is 10am tomorrow--so I need to be on the way at 9 at the latest. 8:45 would be even better--but I seem to like to stay hunkered down even for the extra 15 minutes. Minutes of sleep--feels so good!

2032

RSB and Trager--both went well. RSB was a workout--multiple stations that kept everyone moving. Today there were 13 people--more than normal for a Tuesday (yesterday was a record of 19 people).

I managed to get 200 punches in a minute--I did 190 in the first round and hit 200 in the second round. I was convinced that hitting 200 was not possible--but I did it!

Trager felt good--my body was achy and sore. The massage really loosened everything up--and I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight.

I napped between the two activities--a deep nap after I downed some lunch. I had a smoothie and a pastry before RSB--and went for a sandwich and lemonade for lunch. Had the rest of sandwich for dinner.

MD cannot manage to use her remote consistently--despite a lot of coaching she keeps failing to make it work. BH has patiently attempted to show her how to use it--but it doesn't sink in. She also still has difficulty with the electric can opener--despite lots of coaching. 100 years old and counting--I guess she doesn't have to master all of the various gadgets.

2033

RSB today--and the boxing was tough. For some reason, I seemed to run out of steam--especially on any of the planking activities. We were doing 30 second planks--but after two of them I started fading. Will see what happens in tomorrow's class--perhaps today's work will have influence on tomorrow's activities.

Rainy, rainy daze--Heavy rains today with more on the horizon. Tomorrow will do an RSB session in the morning--and a Trager session in the late afternoon. Ho, ho, ho--it's off we go on the RSB rodeo!

Enjoyed my stint yesterday with Super Bowl LI--first football game I've watched in ages. About the only thing somewhat unique in the 50+ year old event--was halftime with Lady GaGa. Otherwise, it was like most of the other SB in the past--except for the overtime play (first time ever in 50 years).

I had a lemon pasta dish at the BBQ place after RSB--and have a bit left over for dinner. I came back and slept some--which seems is part of doing RSB.

I ordered an RSB t-shirt--so I will be joining the crowd. Nearly everyone already has one or more shirts with RSB logos--and the number of people are increasing. Today was the largest RSB class since they've opened--and there were several people not there. It's going to be crowded when everyone comes on the same day.

2034

Super Bowl LI--is history and lots of it. It was a heroic, come from behind, event--punctuated by a half time extravaganza with Lady GaGa in minimal costume.

Today was a s-l-o-w day--seemingly not going anywhere or accomplishing much of anything. I meandered about until SB LI began--and I watched it for over 3+ hours. It was streamed over the Internet on FOX--so I watched it on my computer. The streaming was intermittent--but worked well enough so that I could follow the action.

RSB in the morning--early class so I should leave around 8:45 at the latest (8:30 would be better). My body misses doing intense exercise over the last three days--it's looking forward to tomorrow's activities.

Doing my laundry--It's Sunday and that's something I do on that day of the week. So organized--so predictable!

I went to the international market--what a blast of a place. Huge place with a huge inventory--of hundreds of exotic items that are from many different cultures. It has a grocery section--and a cluster of prepared foods in a food court area. I didn't buy anything--but I did locate the Japanese seasonings in one section of the grocery store.

The many customers matched the foods--people who were from distant exotic places.

2035

Last night we went to the local sushi bar--to celebrate the granddaughter's birthday. The food was incredible--the freshest raw fish I've ever had.  There were just 6 of us at the table--including the new grandson who sat through the dinner without any complaints.

I went to the Rescue dance class today--lots of people there. For the most part, I'm doing well--my movements and dance steps are working. I danced for about 2.5 hours--get a break tomorrow since I don't have any classes scheduled.

Super Bowl LI tomorrow--grocery stores are being filled as people stock up for the game.

Today there is a lot of birthday cake to be eaten--I'll do my share.

I grabbed some chicken wings on the way home--the deli had a lot on hand because of the game. They were really tasty--they do a marinade with vinegar that make them melt in the mouth.

2036

Dancing and rain today--dancing went well. I slept poorly last night--was up and down quite a bit for bathroom calls. Bladder was overactive last night--I seemed to be up about every hour or so.

We are celebrating the granddaughter's birthday tonight--her birthday is actually tomorrow but she'll be with her dad.

I'll probably head up to Rescue for dancing tomorrow--have to keep moving and there's no RSB on Saturdays (at least right now... supposed to change soon though). RSB on Sundays is being cancelled since the two PT coaches have to be dropped--because of a conflict with their Kaiser positions.

A lot of the current stories in the SciFi periodicals use today's medical technology as starting points--like the one I'm reading now that has a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) that has AI capabilities. The increased activity in today's medical arena--is being extrapolated into the many futures found in the SciFi literature. The PCA proposed in the current story--has elements of Siri, Echo, and others.

2038-2037

I didn't make an entry for yesterday--went to EDH class and slept a lot. Mystery--missing block of time.

Double day--makes double play. Awoke late and had to hump it to get to RSB on time--but I made it. We did a lot of action at the various RSB stations--a fair amount of core work was involved. I grabbed a quesadilla on the way home--and had a pecan roll and SuperFruit smoothie before class.

Went to dance class at FO recreation center--and did well even with a few of the dances I don't like all that much. The boxing is helping the dancing--that's what seems to be happening.

At the RSB session--an announcement was made concerning the two coaches who are PT's at Kaiser. Kaiser ruled that the PT's could not moonlight at the RSB facilities--I'm sure for plenty of reasons. Too bad--they had gone through the certification process and looked forward to helping people in the RSB program.

I just had a tasty dinner--pork roast, steamed cauliflower, and cornbread. I was feeling wobbly--and the meal settled things down.

Have a dance class at CH recreation center tomorrow--and a class up in Rescue on Saturday. Everything keeps moving along--going somewhere (hopefully).