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A sense of expectation hanging in the air

Countdown!  Two days until we are on our way to Paris and then Rome for the cruise.  Very exciting and daunting at the same time.  I am making a pledge tonight to make sure that I post more pictures and videos while we are in Europe!  Did a lot of packing today, ran to the post office and then to the storage unit.  Both journeys were not very successful.  Oh well.  I was looking for my trench coat – it will be raining in Paris, but I must have left it in Vermont.  Also, I had seen a flat rate shipping option and thought it would work, but the box is pretty small.  I may still have to take advantage of it, if I have trouble fitting everything in our bags.

We swam and exercised, but I missed my walk this morning because I slept in.  gotta break that habit, but it is so nice and cool now.  Had a light lunch and then for dinner we went to a restaurant that we haven’t been to called Workshop Kitchen + Bar.  The space is very nice, and we enjoyed the dinner.  David had pizza and I had a veggie enchilada and we started with fries, tomato salad and pate.  A little pricey, but good.  The waiter didn’t feed us this line, but I overheard him telling a table that the specialize in “small batch and local products” and they don’t serve Absolut at the bar.  I had a vision of two guys in West Hollywood making “small batch” vodka in their bathtub, but I don’t think that was what he meant.

I also want to give credit where credit is due.  For the flight to Paris and back, we are taking United.  You all may remember our problem with United on our flight back to NY after the holidays in San Francisco.  Well, they gave us vouchers, so I wanted to use them and the flights on United from Palm Springs were the best schedule, so I bit the bullet and booked.  One of the problems that we had was seat assignments, so I went online and paid the upgrade for the “Economy Plus” seats and got some good seats, except for the flight from SF to Paris.  Those seats were in the center section, so I kept checking to see if seats opened up on the window, and the other day, they did.  I went to change them online, and they wanted to charge me again for the “Economy Plus” seats, which seemed just wrong, so I called.  I explained what I wanted to do, and told the agent that I wanted something close to the front of the plane with a window and aisle – two seats across, not three.  I also asked her to make a note that David would be getting to the gate with his wheelchair, but could walk to the seat. She said that she could make the change to the seats, but I would have to request a refund in writing.  Well, I started to get my back up, and she sensed it and talked me off the ledge.  She wasn’t going to charge for change in seats, but that even though these were “Economy Plus” seats,  because David has mobility issues, we shouldn’t have to pay the additional price, and United would issue a refund of the premium I paid.  Wow!  Now lets just hope that they don’t cancel the booking or something crazy!!
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Read the blog and book tonight.  The Exodus 1947 arrived in Haifa, but the passengers are being sent to Cyprus.  There is definitely a bias in the book against the British occupation!

 

It’s the song I love the melody of

Today we had PT with Blade and then tennis with Bill.  On our way to tennis, we stopped at Koffi, and David said that he wanted to try moving a little more when he played tennis today. I told him that I would talk to Bill, but that I was concerned that hitting the ball is a lot to keep his concentration on, and adding walking might be a bit much, but that I thought that pivoting on one foot might be a good idea.  When we arrived, talked to Bill about this, and he was game to give it a try.  David was shifting his right foot forward and back to prepare for forehands and backhands, but it was tough.  Often, he would move his feet after he hit the ball, but it is definitely something to work on.

I hit with Bill after David, and sad to say, David is still better than I am!  Bill says that I am not hopeless, but I have to practice.  When we get back from Paris, I think I will start that up. I even did a little serving, which was always the worst part of my game (if you can call it a game!)  It is funny, but he had me holding the racket very differently than I had been shown in the past, and I think it will make a difference.  Also, his tips about serving were great, and I was actually making it over the net and in the box.

Then home and in the pool.  The temperature today was about perfect, and the water was also the perfect temperature.  Then shower and shave and David took a nap.  In the mail, again today, was a bill from David’s stay at the hospital, and it finally dawned on me that I think these are coming because Medicare wasn’t paying out anything while the government was shut down.  I hope so, because they weren’t small, and what’s the use of having Medicare if they aren’t going to cover anything!  We also have to pay quite a premium to Medicare, which I found rather shocking, but they are basing it on David’s taxes from when he was working, so will have that changed as well.  Now that the government is back up and running!

Started packing tonight for Paris, and will have to do some more editing, or repacking, because it is going to be tight.  We are going for over a month, so a lot of stuff is needed.  David has been addicted to YouTube, which is interesting, because he is finding some interesting stuff.  I am curious about The Grand Hotel Budapest movie.  Looks quite bizarre.  Off to bed now and the blog and book.

So, I started writing this before reading the blog, and when I read it, David reminded me that yesterday, in the speech group, Arlene went around and asked what Carpe Diem meant to each of the folks.  Most said what you would expect – keep doing stuff, work in the garden, travel, etc.  David said – appreciate Scott.  Very loving and very sweet.  He also added that he appreciates me in spite of the fact that I am deficient in many ways.  Well, he just said “bad”, but Arlene knew what he meant and so did I!

Life’s more painless, for the brainless

We went to Speech Therapy with Arlene this morning, which was good.  David is beginning to see some improvement in himself.  It isn’t what he would like, but I, for one, am grateful for any progress and for him to see it.  Before speech, we went out for breakfast at Bit o’ Country, one of our favorite dives.  Good breakfast joint next door to Wang’s.  Then home and exercise, swim and shower.  David took a nap then and we had a bite when he got up.

Then back out to Speech Group also with Arlene.  One of the members of the group wrote the piece that the group read.  The way it runs is, first everyone goes around the room and the members introduce themselves and the spouse, caregiver or friend who they are with and a little bit about what is going on with them.  David introduced himself first by saying Paris.  I am sure he just had Paris on the mind, and wanted to tell everyone.  He did say his name and mine as well as tell everyone that we were going to Paris to see Alex and Claire and Theo.  He also shared that we were going on the cruise beforehand and how long we were going to be gone.  Very nice work!  Then, the group reads something, and we read the piece that was prepared by the group member.  It was about “Carpe Diem”.  Basically the history – first said by Horace –  and then some quoted by other people who were inspired by it.  Each group member takes a few lines and reads them aloud.  David hates this, because it is really hard for him.  He did well though, and as they say, practice, practice, practice.  One of the problems is that he tries to take in too many words at once, and often says a word two or three words on, or somehow combines the words.  He was pleased with the group again.

Afterwards, we went to the movies.  I have been wanting to go to see The Wizard of Oz in 3D, and it was playing in Palm Desert, so we went.  There is nothing like seeing a movie like this on the big screen.  It is amazing to me that here is this movie that was made in 1939 and they were able to make a movie so visually striking without any computer generated anything.  Now, I have to say, the whole idea that somehow they were able to take this film and turn it into 3D is just mind boggling!  I know there was some big old computer involved there!!  David said as we left that he thought the next one to be turned into 3D would be Gone With The Wind.

On our way home, we stopped for dinner at Catalan on 111 and it was very good.  We only had a few tapas and drinks, but delicious and great discovery.  We will go back when we have more of an appetite and for some special occasions.  Then home, Project Runway (SPOILER – Justin was robbed!) and Modern Family.  Then the blog and book.

It’s clear we’re going to get along

Today, David and I went to the Doctor for a check-up before the trip, and everything looks good.  We also got flu shots.  All good stuff.  While waiting for the Dr I mentioned to David that I neglected to tell you all about a moment yesterday that will give you proof that David’s sense of humor and bite are still totally intact.  While with Arlene, she was giving him words to repeat and working up to longer words with more syllables.  When she got to “Considerate”, David shot me a look that all of us got very quickly.  I asked when I had not been considerate, and he just said “Please”.  I am sure he was joking, but is referring to the fact that I am not helping him as much, physically, to do things and asking more from him.  He understands the reasons for this, but still wants to be pampered.  Some things haven’t changed a bit since the stroke!  And, because of that, I had this damn song that the title is from in my head for the entire day!

Anyway, we went to the Stroke Center and arrived during a musical performance by Angie Whitney.  She was really good, and the evening last night would have been better if she were performing!  David was getting into it and even got up and danced with Glorianne.  Then, he went to Speech group with Mary and Jeffrey and I ran off to have the car washed.  When I got back, we headed home and had lunch that Maria had dropped off – chile rellenos – which was delicious!  Then, some swimming and relaxing in the sun before we headed back out to Cabazon to do some shopping.  As we approached, and I saw cars parked on the street, I thought it was going to be a repeat of Sunday.  The parking lots were pretty full, but there were some handicapped spots available, so we were safe.  The center is under construction, because they are turning what used to be parking into 45 new stores.  I have no idea what other stores they could add!
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Anyway, we got our shopping done – shirt and sneakers at Nike and a carry-on bag and small bag from Tumi.  We did it pretty quickly and easily.  Then home.  As we were driving back into Palm Springs, the light on the mountains was pretty spectacular.  The colors on the mountains changes from moment to moment and day to day, but is almost always inspiring.  Had dinner, watched The Good Wife, read the blog and book.

Come and sip your Dubonnet in the nude

Well, it was a lot less exciting than that!  We went tonight to Azul for Bella daBall’s Cabaret Variety Show.  Well, there was lots of variety but not much in the way of Cabaret or show.  One of the drag acts was actually very sad.  We had fun, while it lasted.  We didn’t stay for the entire show, and left probably about half way through.  It was nice to get out though.

We had Speech with Arlene this morning, and she gave us two technology options through Lingraphica© – one a laptop and the other a tablet.  David doesn’t seem much interested in either though, so not sure what we will do.  We are able to try them for this week, and then she will put in an order for one of the other or possibly neither.

We also had PT with Blade and as usual he made our day a little better.  He says he is feeling more movement in David’s upper right arm, which is a great sign.  David wanted to know when it was going to be better.  Questions with no answers, unfortunately.  He told us about his trip to Paris about ten years ago when he accompanied a player in the French Open.

After the “Show” we came home and watched Dancing with the Stars.  Quite a shocking ending, I have to say.  Then the blog, but no book.  David was pretty tired from a busy day.  Thanks for messages after yesterday’s blog, it makes me feel much better to hear from folks.

How kind of you to let me come

Well, today was quite a day.  We got up, exercised and got ready for Speech Therapy with Holly at the Stroke Recovery Center.  She was running late, again, which did not please David, but fortunately, Caren Doll’s dance class was starting, so we joined in.  Caren really loves David.  I said to him tonight, that if there were a legal way, she would have me knocked off and take over!  Holly’s door was visible from where we were dancing, and when her clients left, we excused ourselves and walked across the hall.  Holly began a new technique that he has developed with David, and it all makes sense, but David found it very frustrating, almost to the point of tears.  Basically, the idea is to used symbols that give hints about the position of the mouth when saying a particular word.  Really, what we have been doing so far has been repeating words and using automatic responses.  These David is OK at – yes, no, water, etc.  One of the words that David is having trouble with is “I”.  She worked on that for a bit, and the symbol is an “O” because that is the shape the mouth makes, and she also added a physical gesture that David is making with the word.  He was doing pretty well, but when we were at home tonight, and I asked him to say the word, he did the gesture and said “me”.  Very close, and I was pleased, but not really what we are looking for.

We also had Speech Therapy with Mary, but David was pretty spent by the time we got to that, and we went out to lunch for sushi.  I sensed that he needed to get away.  While we were sitting there, he began to cry when I talked about the session with Holly, and he said that he thought she didn’t think he was doing well.  Now, many of you know David, and his competitive, test score obsession, and he thinks that she doesn’t think he is doing well.  The main focus of her technique is for David to think of the word he wants to say, hear it in his head, then using the tools (she referred to the symbols as his verbal cane) say the word.  What frustrated him was, she would say a word, and he would want to repeat it immediately before he lost it, but she wanted him to wait ten seconds, think of the word and repeat it, and that wasn’t working.  I told him that it was going to be a long difficult process, but from my perspective, it was a way for him to be able to begin speaking spontaneously, without cues from others.  He was still pretty upset and down on himself.

The sushi was good, and we headed home and into the pool.  It was later in the afternoon than we usual make it into the pool, so the light was very different, but still nice.  Then we tried the lemon tart.  David didn’t love the crust, but the lemon was a hit.  For the evening, we went to Wang’s in the Desert for Happy hour and some nibbles, which was nice.  The evenings are so soft and warm now, and this is the Palm Springs weather that we fell in love with.  Not that the heat and sun aren’t great too!

Anyway, not that everything is about me (except maybe here), I am a bit bummed about the day, and feel bad for David.  He is, as always, way too hard on himself.  We read the blog and Exodus 1947.

In my body, it’s well known, there is not one selfish bone

We did the usual again today – walk, swim, exercise, etc – and then went to Cabazon where all the outlets are.  I wanted to get a piece of luggage for our trip.  I am worried about maneuvering the wheelchair and a carryon bag, so was thinking of getting something that I can carry like a backpack.  Anyway, we took the drive to Cabazon, which was a big mistake.  It was a complete zoo.  I hoped that I would find a handicapped parking space, but they were all taken, and there were a lot of them.  Needless to say, the family that took the last one, in their huge SUV, all jumped out of the car with no problem and put their parking pass up.  Irritating, but there were two other folks waiting for spaces, so we headed back to Palm Springs.  Went to TJ Maxx to see what they might have.  We got there and David wasn’t sure what I wanted and why.  I tried to explain, but he kept saying, we have luggage, and why do we need more.  He then said that he wanted a yellow suitcase that was there, and we got it.  There was one there that might have worked, but wasn’t sure about it.  So, just to recap, we went out to get a carry-on bag for me, and ended up getting a suitcase for David.  We might go back to Cabazon during the week, when it will be calmer.

Got home, and David laid down for a bit, then watched some cooking shows while I made dinner.  Another curry.  I then finally made lemon tarts from our lemons that are coming in.  The crust smelled great – almonds, flour, sugar and butter – and the lemon filling looked good too.  We will see how it tastes tomorrow.  They came out of the oven after I read the blog and before I read more of Exodus 1947.
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I am getting desperate for blog titles, so don’t read too much into this one.  sometimes I feel like I am grasping at straws.  Though, I love the song it is from.

The cows’ll moo in the clover

A very adventurous day today.  I needed to go to Trader Joe’s to pick up David’s favorite cereal, and David wanted to come along.  I decided that we would try one of the motorized carts that they have in the store and see how it works and whether David could drive it.  There were a few harrowing moments, and one of the workers asked if he had a license to drive that thing.  I think I was more concerned than I needed to be, and certainly more concerned than David.  We only had one close call with a display of coffee cans, and truth be told, it was more my fault than his, but I was a bit nervous.  Fortunately, most folks were pretty aware of the motorized cart, and scurried out of the way when needed.  The real issue was the speed.  David didn’t get the concept that you didn’t have to push the throttle to full power and there was space in between.  We survived!

We also had a great talk with Alex, Claire and Theo.  Alex’s mom and sister were visiting, and we got to wave to Jamie and Cleo.  We also did all our usual stuff, but instead of a walk, we went to a number of open houses, which was good walking and practice in real spaces.  One of them, tucked in close to the mountain, was pretty spectacular.  The views from the pool were incredible, but I think being so close to the mountain would not be great.  The sun ducks behind the mountain much earlier as you get further west, and honestly, I like to have the view of the mountains and not of the valley.

Then home and a nap and I made a chicken and shrimp stir fry for dinner and we watched some more TV.  Glee, The New Girl and Parks and Recreation.  Glee was the episode saying goodbye to Finn which was sad, and they didn’t go into any detail about how he died, it was just three weeks later, and they were preparing for a memorial service.  I have to admit, I cried a bit.  I find The New Girl very funny.  Completely nuts and no basis in reality at all, but it makes me laugh.  P&R too.

Then the blog and book.  David made me stop reading the brain stuff, and pulled out a book that we were given a year ago called Exodus 1947 and I have started reading this.  It is about the creation of the state of Israel.  I think we will alternate between the two.  Thanks to Margo Steinberg for the book!

When a girl’s incidentals are no bigger than two lentils

This morning we had an appointment for David to be fitted for a new AFO (the brace for his foot) at 8:30am.  I went out for a shortened walk, and got David up at 7:45am, and we were out the door by 8:15am.  Got to the appointment on time, and the guy tried one of the braces that were recommended, and the first one fit great.  Now, they process a request through the insurance and order one.  It should be here in two weeks he said, and I told him it was not a rush because we won’t be here.

Then off to Dr Young, the Neurologist.  But, before getting to the Doctor’s office, we had a few minutes so we stopped at Koffi.  As we were heading back to the car, a gentleman walked past me as I was opening the car, and putting stuff away, and he said, “Nice legs partner”.  David was curious to know what he said that made me laugh, as he was trailing behind.  I told him and he just rolled his eyes.  OK, the guy was old and he was wearing a cowboy hat (Howdy partner!), but I thought it was a nice compliment.  Blade also thinks I have nice legs.  Dr Young was very nice, as usual, and glad that the dizziness has subsided, as is David.  We have to see him again when we get back from Paris.  He didn’t say a word about my legs though.

Then, to Tennis.  It was a busy morning!  Tennis went really well, and David is seeming more confident with his stance and his stamina is getting better.  I made an appointment for me for next week after David’s lesson, which will be good, I think.  Bill also neglected to comment on my legs, which I thought was strange.

Then home, and the pool.  We also took a walk in Ruth Hardy Park, and again, David walked longer than usual, which was great.  I made another vegetable curry tonight, and it was pretty good.  Have to continue my exploration of curries.  We caught up on Law & Order: SVU and Glee.  Well, not completely caught up, but getting there.  Then the blog and book.  More brain science with the book, but we are both hanging in there.  She warned that these two chapters were chock full of science, and encouraged the reader to stick with them, and not skip over.

Fish is my favorite perfume

Today I awoke  to a crystal clear, cold morning with snow on the mountaintops.  Needless to say, by cold, I mean somewhere in the 60’s, and it warmed up to the 70’s as soon as the sun came up.  I took my walk, but had to get back by 9am because we had speech therapy at 10am with Arlene.  Therapy went well, and Arlene says that David is saying more and more complex words.

We headed home after, and David wanted to go in the pool.  I thought it might be a little chilly, but he wanted to, and the water was nice and warm, so we stayed for a while.  David laid out in the sun for a while and then we started to get ready for Blade and PT.  That went well too.  Blade said that his husband, Ralph wants to come to the house and work with David on arranging the closets.  David will love that!

Men who suffer ED due to sleep deficiency or lifestyle change can also take kamagra cheapest cialis india tablets. Reason behind why these ‘mint’ inversely affect tadalafil 20mg from india find out for more info now the health of your body. Regular use of this herbal supplement improves sex cialis generic viagra drive and helps to enjoy intimate moments with your female. So, take a step towards being healthy! Order your piece of toilet stool! Surveys say that 80% people are suffering cialis prices in australia from type 2 diabetes, which is a medical condition that disturbs the tissue of the penis). We went for lunch at Native Foods Cafe, which was very nice.  They serve vegetarian foods, and David had the Reuben, which was very good, and I had a sandwich with seitan and faux bacon, but the best part were the batter-dipped pickle slices!  Then, it was off to the movies.  We saw Gravity, which was pretty visually stunning, and exciting, but I think I was expecting too much.  David was not impressed either.

Then home and I made Vietnamese salad rolls for dinner followed by Project Runway.  (Spoiler Alert: don’t read on if you have PR taped) So glad for Justin, and his looks were great.  Not so fond of Alexandria’s clothes, and sadly, Helen missed the mark.  I like her and her past work was often really good.  Then the blog and book.  We are in the middle of the chapters that are full of science, so hopefully David won’t throw it over too soon.

We’ll build four walls and a floor

Stuck with the program again today, and took my walk early.  When I got home, David had breakfast and then we went out for a walk as well.  Good thing too, because later in the afternoon the rains came in.  It was also unseasonably cool today, and is supposed to stay cool tomorrow as well.  It is supposed to be sunny, but cool.  After getting back from the walk, and it was a long one and went very quickly, we got ready for speech therapy with Mary.  The other client was out sick today, so David was alone.  I ran some errands when they were working.

After therapy, we decided to go out to lunch, and I said we would take a drive and find something.  David had an idea, and he told me that it started with a “C” and then said something about it being on Indian Canyon Dr, or at least that was what I thought he was signaling.  Then he said that Alex, Claire and Pat had gone there, or, again, so I thought.  Finally figured out it was Cheeky’s, which is not open for lunch.  David was very upset that I didn’t get that from the “C”, which I get, but we ate at Birba with Alex, Claire and Pat, which is next door to Cheeky’s and it is on Palm Canyon, not Indian Canyon, but I think I misinterpreted his signs for next to.  It is very frustrating for both of us when I can’t come up with what he is trying to say.  We ended up going to the fish market, which was perfect.  Very good, and as we left, it was beginning to rain.  Then home, and I napped for quite a while.
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Lunch was pretty filling, so we had leftover soup for dinner and then watched some TV.  Castle and some news shows.  Then the blog and book.  Oh, and I also have to go back and edit last night’s blog.  Not sure what is happening, but very sloppy!!  Sorry.

The stars in the hazy heaven tremble above you

OK, first, I have to apologize for some of the bad writing last night, I will go back and edit it after posting this.  You would have thought I was drunk or something (which I wasn’t).  I think I was just eager to hit the pillow.  Anyway, this morning, I did get up early and take a nice long walk.  It felt good to get that done.

I had a few things that needed to get done today, and one was getting my international driver’s permit and the other was to go to the Social Security office to address an issue with medicare.  Thank goodness both offices were nearby, so after our morning routine and collecting some documents, we headed out.  The permit was easy and as we drove up to the Social Security office, I thought, will they be open?  They were, but could only help with part of what we were asking.  I guess only essential questions.  The office was pretty quiet too, and we were seen quickly, which was good.  We will, however, have to go back once the government reopens.  After all that, we went for an Indian lunch buffet.  Very good.

Gout takes place when your body tends to absorb faster oral medications that are in demand across the United States right now, each one offering its own host of benefits and providing researchers with very interesting research results which they can share with colleagues around the world. buy cialis professional To treat acidity, it is important cialis discount pharmacy to avoid foods that can trigger joint pain and worsen symptoms. Tips to Purchase pill viagra for sale 100mg The best part of living which comprehensively improves the health of the man by making it much better. Potent herbs in this herbal pill rx generic viagra promote healing of damaged nerves and tissues in the male organ. We had PT with Blade today, and David wanted me to ask when he was going to get his hand moving.  I asked, and he sort of dodged the question.  He said this was his goal, but couldn’t really give a solid timeline.

We had dinner with Steve and Malcolm at their home.  It was very nice to see them both, and a great dinner.  David did very well with conversation and getting his ideas across.  Only a few frustrating moments.  Thanks for a great evening Malcolm and Steve!  And, by the way, the title refers to the evening. Then home and the end of DWTS, the blog and a new book – My Stroke of Insight.  I think that the time is right for this one.  I am curious if he will find her slightly irritating, as I did.

 

Say one more word and I’ll scream

I slept in this morning, again, which is not a good pattern.  I must get up early tomorrow and get back to my program.  When we did get up, had breakfast and showered and then off to the Stroke Recovery Center for a meeting with Holly to do a speech evaluation and look at technology solutions.  When we got there, she wasn’t in her office, so David sat in the theatre for the Train Your Brain session and wait.  I asked a the front desk, and was told that Holly was running late.  When Glorianne came for Train Your Brain, she confirmed that Holly was late, and called to check what her ETA was.  It was, by this time, thirty minutes after our appointment, and the guy who was here for a 9:30 appointment, and now the 10:30 people were there as well.  When she arrived, David was quite irritated that he wasn’t the first person she saw.  We had a good time with the TYB group chatting and he had an appointment with Mary at 12:30, so as long as we got in by 12, we would be fine.  The folks at the center are very interesting, and it is great to hear their stories.

During what turned into a rap session, a client came in with a guy who I thought was his hired caregiver, and it quickly became clear that they were partners, not patient and caregiver.  Well, sometimes I think David and I have a May/December relationship.  Ok, maybe more like August/December, but this was a year ago February/December!  David gave me quite a look.

They should cialis tadalafil generic enter into an unfathomable height of communication unlike other kind of relations. cipla cialis canada Two primary factors which need to be taken after light meal or snack. This buy cialis canada is the important part, not every site online can be trusted and certainly not trusted enough to shop. Self-care buy viagra overnight and the care of other family members must become the priority. We met Holly and she did her evaluation, and she wants to see David as well as Mary, so now he will have three speech therapists. He is a very popular!  Holly also talked about the overlaps that she has with David’s therapy in NY.  She was at NYU hospital for her training, and worked at RUSK.  This was, of course, many years ago, and she shared that when she was an assistant at RUSK she worked with Joe Kennedy after his stroke.  She said that after that experience she wondered if she was cut out for the work!  I stayed for David’s session with Mary, and afterwards, we headed home for lunch.

After lunch, we had a few errands to run, Bank, getting a form notarized and then as a treat, we went for frozen yogurt.  For dinner, we went to Tropicale, which was very nice.  Had a drink and assorted appetizers for dinner.  It was a beautiful night.  At home, we watched most of Dancing with the Stars, and will finish it tomorrow.  Read the blog, and David’s one comment was why his head was so much bigger than mine in the picture.  Then a little bit of the book, and it was about particles and neutrinos.  He made me stop and said that I had to find another book to read.  I will continue this one on my own.

Ford every stream

We drove to Idylwild today, which was a nice drive.  Didn’t really do anything when we got there, but the ride was beautiful.  David and I find the town a little too nuts and berries, if you know what I mean.  Idylwild is close to Palm Springs, if we were birds, but because we are not, we had to drive around and over the mountains, and it took a little over an hour.  The road up and over the mountain is quite winding, as you can see from the picture.  It also is interesting to see the climate change so dramatically from desert to forest in a matter of miles.  We didn’t see any, but there were signs warning of big horn sheep.  Anyway, it was a lovely break from day to day in Palm Springs.

A stop along the way back from Idylwild
A stop along the way back from Idylwild

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The long and winding road down to Palm Desert
The long and winding road down to Palm Desert

Demons will charm you

So, I wrote earlier, and we did all our stuff, including a walk along the wash.  Very nice day out.  We also took a drive to Target.  We needed TP and suntan lotion for David, and I knew that Target had aisles that are wide enough to be convenient with the wheelchair.  They were, and it was good. When we got home, David took a nap, and I started dinner.  Made sort of a chicken satay and cold noodles.  We ate outside by the pool, which was very nice.  Also reproduced the cocktail that David had last night, and he was thrilled. Kamagra with 100mg sildenafil citrate assures effective treatment just alike cialis 20mg tablets . Meaning the body can heal on its own. cialis pills uk It is essential click this link levitra without prescription to get the semen analysis that is essential part of the evaluation. prescription for ordering viagra If dietary changes won’t work, talk to the doctor and not under your own wish.  It was called a Moscow Mule and has mango and ginger.  Very gingery!

Then some TV – Law & Order: SVU.  Ripped from various headlines.  It was a mashup of Paula Dean and George Zimmerman with a serial rapist thrown in the mix.  Then the blog and book. Read tonight about Clair Patterson, who doesn’t get much love, but almost single handedly took on the corporations and government to have lead removed from gasoline.  It sounds like the government and corporate america did all that they could to ruin this guy, but he stuck to it, and finally won the day.  Although, I have to say, I was surprised that leaded gas was around into the 80’s.  Sad to learn that the lead and PCP’s all stay in the atmosphere for quite a while and continue to wreak havoc.

I couldn’t sleep. I took a Sominex.

Last night, again, I pooped out early, so no blog, but I am making it up this morning.  Well, I was making up for it this morning, but now, after walking, swimming, exercising and showering (not to mention some laundry) it is early afternoon.  Yesterday we had a great day, and, as I have said, the weather is much better now for being outside and seeing things.  We went to tennis at 10am and then went to have blood drawn.  We stopped at Koffi and had a coffee and relaxed.  Looked through some of the local free rags and just watched folks.  Then I think we went to Ruth Hardy Park for a walk, but I can’t remember if that was yesterday or just the day before.  This is the danger of not writing the blog while it is still fresh!

I also think that we took a swim.  I do know that we went to a new dim sum place called Jiao.  We sat outside and watched the folks arriving for the opening night of The Sound of Music at the Palm Canyon Theatre.  We may try to go to see it.  I may have to drag David.  Not his favorite musical about the nazis.  Anyway, dinner was great, and had some great cocktails as well.  The waiter also was very nice.  Then home and as I said, an early night for both of us.  I read the blog and book.  About to discover the real age of the earth, give or take a few million years.
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So, as I told you, I fell asleep early last night.  I actually dozed off on the couch.  When I woke up, at about 10:30, David was calling me, and he asked where I had been.  I guess he had been calling me to turn off the fan, but I didn’t respond, and he had to get up and turn it off himself, which I was impressed by.  He didn’t believe that I was asleep in the living room, and was sure (and still is) that I was out partying.  I told him, when I go out partying, I won’t be back at 10:30, I was just asleep on the couch.  He still didn’t believe me.  Oh well.

When we left the movie show, the future wasn’t bright

We got up very early this morning.  Well, not very early for most people, but it was difficult to get David going.  I let him sleep for an extra 15 minutes and I dragged him out of bed at 8:15am.  We had a speech therapy appointment with Arlene at 9am in Rancho Mirage.  I also took a walk before waking David, so it was an early day for me.  Speech went really well, even if David didn’t believe it.  He got some homework and we talked a bit more about NYC independent schools for Arlene’s grandson.  Then home, and we did our usual – swim and shave and shower.  We went for haircuts yesterday, and David’s shave wasn’t so great and showed some need for care.

Then we had Physical Therapy in the afternoon with Blade.  He is going to help find someone to help me take care of David at home a few days a week.  He is going to give it some thought, because he wants only the best for “King David”.  David was good at PT today too.  Afterwards, we went back to Ruth Hardy Park for a walk.  Looked her up last night, and she was a business woman from Indiana, not the wife of Oliver Hardy.  She had a hotel here in Palm Springs.  Well, I say it was a hotel, but it really was more of a private club.  You couldn’t make a reservation, but had to be invited by Ruth Hardy.  This was through the Hollywood heydays of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.  According to what I read, if you were a guest and brought a guest to dinner that she didn’t care for, she would turn you away.

Anyway, a nice walk then home and I had to take a nap.  Got up, and made dinner – Curry Pumpkin Soup – which was pretty good, if I do say so myself.  We watched Project Runway and then caught up on some TV before the blog and book.  Reading about leaded gasoline, and it tells a pretty horrifying tale of what happens when corporations are allowed to make decisions based on what is best for them and not the health and well being of the public.  I had no idea what “Un-leaded gas” was all about.  Yikes!!  And there are still folks who want to see more republicans in power.  Very sad.

Tell him what I see

So, I wrote the blog this morning, and then the day took off.  We exercised, swam and showered, then went to the SRC for Train your Brain, which we were late for, and David had Speech Therapy after that.  I had a few minutes to run to check out one of the gyms.  I have to figure out a way to make that work, but it is difficult to carve out time for myself.  While there are moments throughout the day, the only time that it is safe to call my own is early in the morning and late at night, and that eats away at sleep time, which I like to do.  Sleep that is, not eat away at it.

Anyway, after speech, we went for lunch at Happy Sushi, which was great, but I was pretty stuffed when we finished.  Then around the corner for a haircut.  Also glad that we got that done.  We followed that by taking that walk in Ruth Hardy Park.  I thought when we were walking, I want to find out who Ruth Hardy was.  Oliver Hardy’s wife?  I doubt it, but who knows, it is not far from Frank Sinatra’s house.  It was a nice walk, and a relatively long one for David.

Then home and David took a nap.  We watched the rest of DWTS and Modern Family, followed by the beginning of The New Girl and part of Parks & Recreation.  Then the blog and book.  David wanted me to say that he thinks Jeffrey is just as good as Blade.  Also, this title will be a particularly hard one, I think.  There is one person who reads this blog who might get it.

You cannot run amok up here

All is well in Scott and David Land.  We had another relatively quiet day yesterday, but I went to bed early, and didn’t write the blog.  I had chorus rehearsal last night, and I came home a little agitated.  I won’t give any names, to protect the innocent (or not so innocent), but I think many of the members left a little agitated, or at least that is my impression from the conversations as we all left.  We have a guest conductor for one of the numbers, and the second half of the rehearsal we didn’t sing a note because we were going through the piece he is conducting and changed the words.  I don’t want to be critical, it’s not my style (as David would say), but, he should have just redone the music, and recopied it for everyone.  I don’t think that wasting the time was what really irritated me, but my guess is that he was an elementary school music teacher, and that is exactly how he talked to us.  There was actually a moment when he said – “I can wait until you have finished talking”.  There was a lot of grumbling.

The earlier part of the day went well.  Had Physical Therapy, but were abandoned by Blade and worked with Jeffrey.  I would say that we prefer Jeffrey, just to get a dig in, but, it simply isn’t true.  Jeffrey is fine, but he is no Blade.  On my walk yesterday, I took a slightly different route, and think that when David and I walk later today, we will head up to Ruth Hardy Park and walk around the park.  There is shade, and it is lovely.

Feel the sturm and drang in the air

Well, they did it again.  I just hope this causes the final implosion of the republican party.  Our day, on the other hand, was nice.  We had two speech therapy sessions, and David actually got a bit emotional at the first one with Arlene.  Her daughter lives in NYC and in the process of applying to independent schools, and she was asking David questions.  He was doing fine with the answers, but I think it just hit him that he couldn’t communicate the way he would like, and really wanted to, and he began to cry.  Arlene assured him that he was doing very well and his progress was great, which didn’t really help.  This is a very rare occurrence, because he is normally so upbeat.  That sometimes concerns me.  It passed, and he was back to his jolly self shortly.  Both Arlene and I told him that he has every right to be frustrated and angry.

We went to the second speech therapy session at the SRC with Mary, which also went well.  We had a few minutes to kill before the session started, so we went to the gym and David pedaled for a little while.  We have to get to the gym more, but we do exercise at home every day and swim most days, although, we didn’t today.

We watched The Good Wife and then Dancing with the Stars, for a bit.  Then the blog and the book.  We read tonight about Werner Heisenberg, which brings us full circle back to Breaking Bad.  For the three of you who haven’t watched BB, Heisenberg is Walter’s name on the street.