Woke up this morning, and my foot was still not behaving itself.  Called to get an appointment with the Doctor, and was thrilled that I could get in to see him this afternoon.  Then, after breakfast, we went to Life Changes at the Stroke Recovery Center.  The group was very nice, and I am finding the dynamics in this group interesting.  There are these two guys who are normally there, and the one hates the other.  I have to admit, he isn’t my favorite person either, but his hostility is so obvious – he just glares at him whenever he speaks.  There are also two sisters who are always there, and I find them fascinating.  They are always knitting.  I find myself wanting to know what their stories are.  Anyway, it was a good group, and very relaxed.

When we got home, Maria was there and cleaning.  When she came last week, she became a little emotional as David was wishing her a Merry Christmas.  She is very good to both of us, and usually drops off some terrific Mexican food every week.  Tamales are my favorite. Also found out that Tamales are a typical Christmas morning meal.  Another project – learn to make tamales and start a new holiday tradition!  Before Maria left, the aide showed up, and we took a walk.  Halfway through the walk, David asked Carla to talk and tell him things.  Well, that was it.  She talked the whole time, and at a certain moment, when she left the room, he motioned that I should tell her to be quiet.  I will talk to her, although, in the end, David seemed to like her a lot.

I left them alone and went to the Doctor.  He confirmed that it is gout, and we have adjusted my medication to see if that works.  He doesn’t seem to think that there is anything to be done except find ways to lower the uric acid.  When I got home, David and Carla were sitting at the table, and she was talking about her kids.  I showed he the exercises that David does and some of the speech worksheet he has.  She seems nice, and it will be good to get some relief three days a week.

Not much going on this evening, just dinner, some TV and reading and now, sleep.