Say What?

It's an absolutely gorgeous day out—perfect for golfing or riding—but I'm grounded from being out in the sun due to another Photodynamic therapy session yesterday. I need to remain out of the sun for two days after the procedure. I have one more of these sessions scheduled for another month from now.  I'll be out and about tomorrow but the weather won't be quite as nice. For now, I have to be content to sit in the shade on our deck with thoughts of going on a long-ish walk when the sun gets a little lower—about the time I finish this blog update.  With the cooler weather, my trishaw rides at Trinity Care in Farmington are coming to a close. I only had two riders last Monday. Temps above 50ºf (10ºc) without too much wind are very doable but anything cooler than that is a little too chilly for my riders. It's been such a rewarding volunteer opportunity for me, and the residents enjoy getting out in the sun and fresh air with the wind in their faces. I hope to give rid...

My blog/journal turned 20 years old earlier this month. When blogging became a thing in the early 2000s, it seemed a perfect fit for me. And it has been. I first became interested in journaling when my mom sent me a diary/journal for Christmas in 1976 while I was enlisted in the Navy. I liked the routine of ending each day with a simple entry that talked about my day or my thoughts. I could count on another blank journal from her each Christmas until my enlistment was done.  I used to pen a weekly entry in my blog but I no longer write that frequently. It's still an important place for me to sort out my thoughts and to make mention of things that matter to me. My transformation over the years from conservative to progressive can be found in my posts as well as so many proud moments of having a ringside seat to Rachel's life and watching her become the person she is today. And of course, my wingwoman, Tammy, and our life together. I'll list below some of the more meaningful...

Charlie turned 15 yesterday! He's slowed quite a lot in the last year but he still enjoys going for walks and getting a nice treat upon our return. One late afternoon last week we went for a 1.7 mile (2.7 km) walk that took us about 75 minutes. He was a happy boy as I walked along behind him while he let his nose lead the way. I know our time together is drawing to a close and that saddens me. I don't imagine us getting another pup after Charlie is gone but I've learned to never say never. I mentioned in my last post that my cluster headache condition has returned. I've been laying low, not wanting to stray too far from the O2 tank  that provides me with mostly dependable relief. I say mostly because there are times when it struggles to overcome a headache, leaving me rocking on the side of the bed with my head in my hands, taking deep breaths through a special non-rebreather facemask waiting for the pain to subside. It's a disturbing scene to anyone who witness...