Friday, June 30, 2017

1892

A/C is on its way--new unit specified and purchased. Big bucks--but it will be more efficient and should save some monthly monies. My ex signed up for a loan--and got a credit line that covered 80% of the cost. Paid the 20% shortfall in cash--and now it's just the 2 day installation scheduled for mid July.

Going to be hot for the next two weeks--peaking on the days that they will do the install. A/C is expensive--but necessary in this area. Going to be a hot summer--and of course a cold winter.

I took the extra medication last night for the first time--I think it caused me to wake early (earlier than  usual but with more alertness). I had a V8 Fusion, vital reds, and my midday medications--and I feel a slight bit buzzy but awake. I think that the added dosage is going to help me stay on an even keel--I was going too long from my 3rd dosage and back to my 1st intake. Adding a 4th capsule around bedtime--will help bridge the gap between my 3rd and 1st actions.

I took my BP readings around noon--and the new BP device works well. It will be interesting to see what the readings reveal--once I have made 10 days of measurements.

Finished the Rectify series on Netflix--it is a good production. It held together well as filmed events unfolded--and the characters were all very different which kept the action moving and zagging. The lead character, Daniel, was a tough role to play--and the actor who did so managed to pull it off with a lot of low key reactions and underplaying of scenes.

I keep thinking today is Saturday--for some reason. It's Friday--and it's been a busy day that's still has several hours in which to do things. However, I'm feeling more like it's time of a rest--let the time clocks roll.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

1893

RSB felt good--it was challenging. We started with up/down/hold it squats--while bouncing a ball. We then did 5 stations of right/left/both hands activities twice--and then 10 minutes of cardio followed by 10 minutes of boxing. We concluded with some cool down routines--and the session was over. My lower back was screaming after each of the 5 station exercises--especially the ball slams. In general though--I felt like I'm getting stronger.

The A/C is limping along--we're meeting with the repairman later this afternoon--to get the skinny on what can be done and how much it will cost. I have thought some about how to finance the repairs--without having to shoulder a big monthly payment. I'll go into the details after we have the meeting--we shall see said the blind man.

I'll need to clean out the closet in my room--the access panel is in that nook. It will be an opportunity to go through the boxes I have stored there--and that I've been procrastinating sorting and emptying. I've been here nearly 4 years now--and those boxes are there every morning when I open the closet door. I also have some boxes out in the storage sheds--but that's another task that will need to be done some day.

I started logging my BP--so I can report the results back to the doctor. I picked up a small device that goes on the wrist--and it quickly takes the measurements and displays the results. The sphygmomanometer has come a long way--gone are the old style units with the air pressure bulb.

BH, the grandson, is having a rough day--he's been giving his dad a tough time today.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

1895

When it doesn't rain--it pours anyway. Today was a busy day on all fronts--the A/C crashed yesterday and there was no cooling air last night. I met with my new neurologist this morning--and he did a great job of doing my intake and providing suggestions for some PD issues. He said that I should get a BP device--and record my sitting and standing BP readings for the next 10 days. He prescribed an additional time released PD medication--to be taken at bedtime to see if that helps with the feet/leg cramping. He indicated that it might be a wearing off phenomena--and that I might need a bridge dose while I sleep. He also prescribed that I take a Big and Loud workshop--I've never had a formal session (just hit and miss occasional exercises). He also suggested that I take a daily dose of prune juice/bran/applesauce--to help with constipation.

He noted that I am in really good condition for my age--and my PD states. He said he thought that I was in my 60s--he was surprised that I'm in my 70s. He asked that I see him in 2 months--which is the earliest I've been seen by previous physicians. I felt good after the office visit--I came away encouraged that all of the stuff I've been doing is making a difference.

BH got an A/C repairperson to come by and look at the unit--he uncovered a host of issues with the system. First of all the unit is over 30 years old--and it has a lot of problems. It looks like the whole system needs to be replaced--which is a major project.

BH set up a meeting tomorrow afternoon--to go over the repair options. As he talked about that meeting and who should attend--he said that TD had had her car totaled. She was unhurt--but her vehicle had been destroyed.

I had a good Trager session yesterday afternoon--but I was logy and heavy-footed while dancing today. My feet/legs felt better because of the massage--but my movement was poor. Have an RSB session in the morning--looking forward to that.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

1896

Did an RSB session this morning--and it feels good to have done so. Was relatively inactive over the past two days--good to be back at it. Scheduled to see the new neurologist in the morrow--have a list of things we need to cover.

I picked up my one PD medication that is so expensive--over $700 for a 30-day supply. My co-pay is nearly $300--or roughly $10 per tablet.

Getting ready to see Trager massage person--and get a treatment. Looking forward to the session--letting go of some of the soreness that I'm feeling in my feet and legs.

Need to get something to eat--had a smoothie and pastry before RSB class. And a V8 Fusion with vital reds--to help stave off the tiredness that I'm feeling. But I need some fuel--will make a run to SB's and grab something.

It's Tuesday and my son-in-law usually prepares a hefty meal--he shares with his friend, C, and the kids et al. But it's a long time before that meal will be offered--I'll need something solid before that meal happens.  I just recalled that I had a yogurt and a slice of banana bread yesterday--after the PD support group meeting. For some reason, I couldn't recall eating that snack--when I listed yesterday's food items. It was a lemon yogurt--that makes my mouth water as I recall having eaten it.

Monday, June 26, 2017

1899-1897

Where did the weekend go--Why did I miss posting Saturday and Sunday?

Saturday I did a double day of RSB and dancing--11,000+ steps according to my FitBit! Sunday I did some errand things--but nothing like exercise or such. I slept quite a bit--and didn't move all that much.

The weather cooled down (still hit the 90s)--but with the heat lifted I felt better.

Today, I went to the Folsom PD support group meeting--there was a presenter who gave a talk on PD hallucination and psychological issues. He presented the current thoughts regarding these issues--and talked about the one drug that has been proven to alleviate such symptoms. I haven't had any of the symptoms he discussed--so it is a medication I don't have to deal with.

The support group facilitators are dealing with a lot of turmoil right now--the woman is dealing with cancer, chemo and radiation treatments, and PD. Given all she is handling--she is staying remarkably upbeat and positive.

Tomorrow, I do an RSB morning session--and a Trager treatment in the afternoon. Wednesday, I see my new neurologist--and will be doing whatever intake is required to work with him and my PD symptoms. Onward and onward--as the fates allow.

Friday, June 23, 2017

1900

Cooler day today...not by much but it's definitely noticeable. Went to the car dealer this morning...got my car serviced for the very first time. It's been about 9 months since I acquired the vehicle--and I've only put about 7,000 miles on it. If I continue at that pace--I'll only put about 8,000 or 9,000 miles on it in the first year. Easy rider--take a shower!

Yesterday, I figured out the finger math technique for 6x6 through 10x10--my granddaughter picked up the 9x finger math concept immediately. She'll have a bit more challenge learning the 6x/10x concepts--but she will get it quickly. She is really gifted in math/analytical skills--and gets complex concepts after just a single walkthrough.

I've been drinking a single can of V8 Fusion every day--and I'm convinced that it's the way to go. The single dose of caffeine helps me float through the day--augmenting the medications that I take and keeping me from getting foggy and tired. In addition, I also get 1 or 2 fraps each day--which also contain caffeine and supplement the V8.

I have to watch my intake of dense protein--items such as beef/pork clog me up as does heavy carbs. For lunch today, I had a piece of salmon--and a serving of raw salad. That level of food intake seems to moderate the clogging problems--and keep things moving through my system. On Wednesday, I had a major clogging episode--and I don't need to be doing that even though the food was tasty and satisfying.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

1902-1901

Missed posting yesterday--not sure why. Went to dance class in EDH--lightly attended. It was way hot yesterday--and more so today. Today I went to an RSB session--and came away zonked. From the exercise and the weather--could hit 111 degrees today. Even though there's AC nearly everywhere--the heat is stifling and tales its toll despite the islands of coolness.

No classes tomorrow--have a service appointment for my car early in the morning (8am). I had a smoothie and a pastry before RSB session--but didn't do a lunch munch. Grabbed a frap a short while ago--and picked up some salmon and salad for dinner. I'm a bit wobbly from not eating something for lunch--I did down a V8 Fusion and a dose of vital reds which got me through the afternoon.

I think that I'm getting stronger and better in many ways--but I also feel like I'm also going in the opposite direction is other ways. My dancing is slowly getting less and less polished--my festination is getting more pronounced. I feel like I'm living to exercise--instead of the other way around.

I have moments of clarity and good feelings now and then--and when they come I give a sigh of relief and soak in the glow for as long as it lasts. I keep thinking that I can get to a state where the illness is in the background only--not in the foreground as it seems to be now.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

1903

100+ and climbing--some forecasts are saying it will hit 110+over the next few days. The AC is struggling to keep up--RSB session this morning was done lightly so we didn't get dehydrated.

Dance tomorrow perhaps--it is cooler in my car than most other places. Except for SBs--they have it cranked up and it's almost cold in their shop.

I napped some after RSB today--I took a cool shower and may do another one as I head for the bed.

Not fully hitting oral cylinders right now--will close off this post and look for cooler spot.

1904

102 heading for 108--hotter than a tinderbox! Went to RSB session this morning--coach had us do a lot less cardio so we wouldn't overheat. We did more light weight lifting--and exercises on the floor.

It's now around 4pm--and it feels like 100+and more. The AC is barely keeping up--it stays a few degrees higher than the thermostat setting. Too hot to plot--the inside of my car is like a furnace. Everything metal is hot to the touch--and we have several weeks of this coming our way.

Had the casserole leftovers from Sunday's feast for lunch today--it was as good as when it was served yesterday. I'll most likely eat light tonight--apple and cheese, if you please.

One of the guys in the RSB class has fallen several times--he's really beating himself up. The last fall (lat Friday) cost him a visit to the ER--he banged up his knee and hand/wrist. He came to class today--and sat out and watched everyone working out.

Just came back from my afternoon frap run--ready for a nap but don't know if I can do one until it cools some. Just checked the thermostat--it was set a few degrees too high so the AC was shutting down too soon.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

1905

Father's Day--and a feast of a brunch was created by my daughter. French Toast casserole with blueberries and peaches--plus sausage, ham, pineapple, and tater tots. Truly a feast--plus she had a latte ready for me when I awoke.

Weather is supposed tone at record levels today--108 degrees! Too hot to trot--way warm and sunny. BH has to work today--outside on the patio at the cafe. Might cut into his regular holiday crowd--although many will still show up with ancient padres.

After the big brunch--I nodded off for a while. Woke up to take my medications--and go back to sleep. But, now I'm awake and will head out for my daily frap--despite the heat and burn.

Today is laundry day--and shower and shave to get ready for tomorrow's RSB session. Monday's class is always well attended--around 20 people but may be affected by the weather. Even though it will hit 100+ by the afternoon--it will be in the 80s in the morning. So gym will be warm-but not yet too hot to box.

The daze speed by--in the blink of an eye. My oh my--why oh why?

Saturday, June 17, 2017

1906

Had a 10,000 step day--both RSB and dancing. Hot, hot, hot outside--heading for a 103 or more. The AC in the house is struggling to keep up--I'm sweating as I sit in the living room which is the coolest room in the house.

Went to the RSB session that starts at 9am--which means I was up and moving by 7:30. I got to Rescue for dancing around noon--I had grabbed a sandwich and frap on the way. When I got to the Rescue parking lot--there were no cars there. The people who were there had squirreled their vehicles in the few shady spots--there were only about a half dozen dancers in the classroom. More kept coming over the next hour or so--there was a full class by 1pm.

I felt good during the dance session--despite my RSB activity at the start of the day. But I had a fair amount of moving difficulties--my feet and legs kept freezing and festinating. I'm going to have to work on correcting these issues--or else I'll reach the point where I can't dance well enough to make it enjoyable. One of the major hitches involves movements to the sides--grape vines and weaves. I can practice those steps outside of class--and see what happens.

Tomorrow is Father's Day--my daughter is making a tasty breakfast that involves a peach/blueberry dish with a custom syrup. Yummy, yummy--for my tummy!

Friday, June 16, 2017

1907

Respite day--hot, hot, hot! No classes--so day is like molasses. Slept in this morning--but finally got up and out. Set up an appointment to get car serviced--first time since I bought the vehicle. I'm not driving lot or much of any distance--just to classes and back and that not even every day.

I think I had a dream last night--a mix of the movie I watched (God's Pocket) and my RSB classes. Strange combination--movie was good even though my prior was that it wouldn't be. Always nice to be surprised--movie was gritty but portrayed what life might be like in lower income section of a big city that has a lot of history and inbreeding.

I feel like I'm treading water today--nothing of major interest to focus on. Several visitors expected--MD's sons and daughter. It's Father's Day weekend--will have a Sunday brunch with my daughter and her kids. We're just having a brunch at home--between the heat and the crowds I'm not eager to go out so home is great.

I feel pretty good today--seems like less residuals from yesterday's RSB session. Less tired, sore, and achy than usual--perhaps I'm starting to get some of the good effects of the exercises and not just the downside sensations.

RSB and dance tomorrow--a double day is on its way. What can I say--except let it play.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

1908

Heat and hot today--running in the 90s and forecast to hit 100+ over the next several days. Had an RSB session this morning--in a warm gym but with fans helping keep things somewhat cooler than the ambient readings outside. We had a small class--only 9 people. The heat probably kept some from showing up--the coach was the new guy, Nico. All of the coaches are good--each has his/her own style though. I stopped at the BBQ place--had a protein-centric lunch and came home and napped.

No classes tomorrow--will go into the car dealer and set up an appointment. It will be the first service on the vehicle since I bought it--which I did about 9 months ago. I'm not driving very much--but it's nice to have a hassle-free mode of transportation since my classes are spread out.

I didn't sleep all that well last night--I was up and down a lot going to the bathroom. When I got up around 3am--I had trouble getting back to sleep. Finally, around 4am, I nodded off--and got some sleep over the next 4 hours.

I got an odd email from the EDH dance instructor--she wrote it about 1am and sort of mind-dumped some of her thoughts about her classes and the senior center's requirements for her sessions. The way the message is structured--it reads almost like a stream of consciousness, like a dream. It's quite lengthy--and goes through several scenarios of what she is dealing with.

DD and SD, MD's sons, will be showing up tomorrow--on their way to a river rafting trip. It's been a while since either of them was here--they'll take MD to dinner.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

1911--1909

Been busy so far this week--RSB sessions, Trager massage, and a dance class. These took place over the past three days--and will do an RSB session in the morrow. Then a rest day on Friday--all with weather shifting into hot mode with 95+ temperatures.

Don't know why I didn't post here on Monday and Tuesday--the RSB sessions left me wanting to come home and nap, which is what I did.

Today's dance class felt good--too move around without having to strain or exert myself. I felt quite good after yesterday's Trager session--but I went to bed early and was asleep by around 10pm.

I've been eating quite a lot--the exercise sessions are tapping into my energy stores and I seem to be craving food, protein in particular.

The weather is forecast to be even warmer than first predicted--it appears that there will be 100+ temperatures every day for the next week. Too hot--too hot! Global warming is happening--and it's happening here.

Sunday, June 11, 2017

1913-1912

I spaced and didn't post yesterday--got up early and hit the RSB class and then went dancing. In the afternoon, I got absorbed with looking for one of MD's relatives on the Internet--and before I realized it it was time to hit the bed.

RSB and dancing went well--RSB class was light and the dance class was packed.

Today, I'm moving slowly--and having a bit of a struggle focusing. I feel like I'm moving through molasses--I just downed a V8 Fusion hoping it will boost me up and help me get focused.

I printed out the info on MD's relative--I went to the FedEx center and managed got their printer to work.

Resting today--tomorrow will do an RSB session somewhat early in the day. I'm sore today from yesterday's session--hopefully will work some it out tomorrow.

As I came back from RSB yesterday--I passed through one of the protests over sharia law. It was in Roseville--why, I'm not clear on. There were around 300 people involved--and I passed through the traffic slowdown the event was causing. There were a contingent of police present--but I guess everything went peacefully.

Friday, June 09, 2017

1914

No classes today--strawberry moon tonight. I just downed a V8 Fusion with Vital Reds--need to see if I can wake myself up. I'm dragging along this morning--feel fuzzy and sleepy.

Watched a good movie last night--Deadfall. It was a tense story about a brother and sister--who rob a bank but get in an accident that forces them to split up. They go their separate ways--until their actions bring them back together for a tense conclusion to their fates. It was a well done script and plot--with a fair amount of action and a very believable set of outcomes. I think I dreamed some variations of some of the scenes--but not a lot.

I spent some time this morning untangling some of my user name/password entries for my telephone--amazing how messed up these items can get when I reset them but don't write them down somewhere. Memory can't keep them straight--without a lot of backup. Days of haze--and ways of daze!

Daughter completes her weight loss competition at her work place--she may have won the main prize or come in 2nd. She'll probably be glad that it's over and done with--although she'll continue being careful of what she's eating so she can continue to lose and keep off any extra weight.

Tomorrow is RSB (early) and dance at noon--looking forward to some exercise and movement.

Thursday, June 08, 2017

1915

RSB session was not as intense today--the coach was a bit off and that seemed to affect the boxers. I was a bit off as well--I overslept and had to rush to make it on time. The rain didn't help--traffic was somewhat jumbled.

I tuned in to some of the proceedings of the committee investigating the Russian interference with our last year's election--the testimony of the ex-FBI director has everyone's attention. He didn't feel comfortable after his talks with POTUS--so he wrote everything down. Good move--it has managed to put a muzzle on POTUS for the near term. No tweets from the master tweeter--at least for a few days.

No classes tomorrow--will have to make sure I do some activity and don't just sleep the day away.

Granddaughter is riding her bike--sometimes erratically, but riding just the same. BH coached her through learning to ride--and she's getting better every day. She's about to finish up with school for the summer--so she'll be at the pool a lot. She's a really good swimmer--it seems to be in the DNA on her mother's side (and grandmother and great grandfather).

The grandson is walking--not all the time but he's got the idea and keeps on trying. He's also getting very verbal--he's saying words, singing songs, and such. Going to be an interesting summer--for everyone!

Wednesday, June 07, 2017

1917-1916

Went to RSB yesterday--and zoned out during the afternoon. Had a late dinner with daughter and family--then zoned out again.

Went to dance class in EDH today--we did some demo dancing for the seniors. I was somewhat out of sync today--I was not moving as freely as I would have liked. But I know that I'm doing more than many others are able to do--I will just keep on dancing as much as I can and let happens whatever happens.

I'll do an RSB class tomorrow--but will not try and make it to dancing up in Rescue. The morning class just gets done too late to make it up to that class--and so it goes.

Had a vivid dream last night--set in a mountain area with a bunch of ramshackle buildings that housed some mountain people. The shacks were used as living places in the winters--and opened up as shops in the spring and summer. The tenants made various items--which they sold in the season when they were open. The dream had me traveling through the region--going to different villages and gathering some sort of information. There was a woman who was in charge of things--and she spoke with me and gave me suggestions for places to go and people to see.

Monday, June 05, 2017

1918

Today's RSB session was intense--I felt I was somewhat stronger. The continued work with the RSB team seems to be increasing my stamina--even though I feel somewhat zonked after the session.

I grabbed a sandwich after the class--and that helped overcome the zonked feeling. I still have half of the sandwich for dinner--along with the rest of the banana cream pie I got last night from Black Bear. The pie is quite rich--but very tasty.

The facilitator for the Roseville PD support group is doing the less intense 1-2 class--his spouse was dropping him off as we completed our session. He was having severe difficulties--he was festinating and freezing just getting out of his vehicle. One of the caregivers helped him navigate into the gym--not a good day for him.

MD said that she got cold last night--the AC would have only come on if the temperature was really warm. I think I wasn't using the covers at all--not sure why she experienced being cold. I'll have to check things out tonight--but I don't think the AC is kicking in during the night.

Sunday, June 04, 2017

1920-1919

Did an RSB session and a dance class yesterday--and they went well. I was a bit tired by the end of things--but not all that much.

Today I'm just floating along--no classes until tomorrow. Have an RSB session in the morning--but nothing in the afternoon.

The grandson is almost walking--he's taking a few tentative steps. He's repeating words--hi, bye, row row row your boat and more.

Will be heading out for my afternoon frap soon--went to Black Bear for breakfast. Place was jammed--big waiting lines. It's going to be a popular eatery--great location!

Friday, June 02, 2017

1921

No classes today--and the living is slowed down. I slept in this morning--and then went to CoCo's for a late breakfast. I was thinking before I awoke about their waffle/walnut/caramel/banana/whipped cream dish--and that's what I ordered. It was delicious--and quite filling.

There is a new place across the street from CoCo's--the Black Bear Diner. Lots of comfort food offerings--and a huge menu that covers breakfast/lunch/dinner. A bit more expensive than CoCo's--but it will make a good alternative eatery.

I am stiff and sore today--so it's probably a good thing to not be doing a class. Although, I should perhaps do some stretching--and light core work here at home.


Thursday, June 01, 2017

1922

RSB this morning--and came home and slept for several hours. The workout felt good--but was challenging. The coach is working on Thursdays just using one hand/side at a time--first the right, then the left, and then both. My left side is weaker--and the sessions bring that out.

We had a bigger than normal number of people today--and there were several people who had not been coming for a while plus some newbies. Tomorrow I can rest--since there is no dance class. I think I slept well last night--better than usual for some reason. Saturday will be a double session--RSB early in the morning and dance in the midday (truncated a bit by the buffet lunch for one of the dancers).

I watched the conclusion of a Netflix movie last night--Cradle 2 the Grave. It was a movie that was an excuse for a lot of fight/car crash/and other over the top stuff--mixed martial arts, lots of weapons, and many, many fights. Toward the end, I just wanted it to be over--and I was happy when it was.