I have it on good authority (see the comment to yesterday's blog) that I probably am in withdrawal. So in addition to wrestling with the 800 lb gorilla, I've got a monkey on my back! Hey, enough already with the simian metaphors! Actually, it's not so bad today so I'll probably hang tough and ride it out.
Withdrawal always makes me think of the movie "The Man With the Golden Arm" that my cousin D and I went to see at a rather young age. It's about a guy hooked on heroin, starring Frank Sinatra as the addict who was also a drummer and a poker player. Frank wasn't a bad actor when he put his mind to it. That was a very scary movie for a couple of young guys. I don't know how old we were, but I was driving so I suppose 20 or so.
Sunny today in the EF. When the dog and I went down for the paper at about 7:30, the sun was in the treetops, just coming over the mountain. Birds singing, sun in the treetops- really nice. I think I'll cut the grass today, later after it dries out.
I see a photo of me made daughter M's blog. Click on Bootstrap Productions in the blog list on the right. That's me under the quilt she made for me! I'm cold all the time, since the gorilla made it's appearance, so the quilt really works well.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
fog
It's a foggy day in the EF today. Very quiet due to fog, of course. Can't even hear the rooster across the street. Maybe he didn't get up yet since the light is so dim. I don't think the Marks are out yet either; no hammering or anything. Foggy is kinda spooky, ya know?
I see they are evacuating N.O. Seems a little early to me, but what do I know? I think they are overreacting to the snafu with Katrina. Like the military, they are fighting this battle with the weapons from the last war. Good luck to them. It occurs to me once again that the Northeast is just about the perfect place to live weather wise. We're out of the tornado alley in the mid west, out of the hurricanes in the tropics, out of the really heavy snow area, out of the really hot weather areas, and we get the seasons changing. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?
I'm having thoughts that maybe I'm getting withdrawal symptoms from the stopping the higher level of Oxycontin. Dr D told me that 40 mg/day would result in mild addiction, but Dr W kind of disagreed. I'm feeling kinda sickish and out of sorts. The pain is OK so I'll continue on the 10 mg twice a day. If it is withdrawal, it should gradually subside. The data sheet from the drug store is silent on withdrawal. I'll do a Google search and see what I can find.
I see they are evacuating N.O. Seems a little early to me, but what do I know? I think they are overreacting to the snafu with Katrina. Like the military, they are fighting this battle with the weapons from the last war. Good luck to them. It occurs to me once again that the Northeast is just about the perfect place to live weather wise. We're out of the tornado alley in the mid west, out of the hurricanes in the tropics, out of the really heavy snow area, out of the really hot weather areas, and we get the seasons changing. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?
I'm having thoughts that maybe I'm getting withdrawal symptoms from the stopping the higher level of Oxycontin. Dr D told me that 40 mg/day would result in mild addiction, but Dr W kind of disagreed. I'm feeling kinda sickish and out of sorts. The pain is OK so I'll continue on the 10 mg twice a day. If it is withdrawal, it should gradually subside. The data sheet from the drug store is silent on withdrawal. I'll do a Google search and see what I can find.
Friday, August 29, 2008
wetter
Remember the saying about being careful for what you wish for, because you may get it? It's been raining for 24 hours now. The grass is mostly green and perky, the garden is saying "thank you, thank you!" This morning I had fresh tomato, fresh green pepper, and fresh Jalapeno, all from the garden, in my gross eggs. Outstanding! There was hardly room for the eggs!
I reduced my pain pills from 20 mg to 10 again. Dr W said to try it and go back if needed. I do feel pretty good now, a week after the iv chemo and a day after the last of the oral chemo. I've got very little discomfort- only a twinge in the left lung now and then. Pain pills (Oxycontin) are a strong narcotic and I don't want to take any more of that than needed.
Gustav is really looking bad for New Orleans. Of course, things could change, but the prediction right now is aiming right at N.O.
I downloaded IE8 beta yesterday. Pretty nice, better colors, faster loading of web pages. It did crash once, but you expect that with a beta. The Google toolbar won't work yet- not yet compatible.
I did watch Obama's speech last night. It was an OK political speech, kinda thin on specifics, as they tend to be. The only specific I caught is to eliminate our dependence on mid-east oil in 10 years. Nothing on global warming- hey, Barack, talk to Al Gore!
The word on CNN this morning is that McCain will pick Sarah Pallin, the governor of Alaska, to be the VP nominee. She seems to be a real conservative; right to life, strong 2nd Amendment supporter, etc. She likes hunting and fishing; maybe she won't shoot a member of her hunting party, like Cheney did. One trusts she understands economics and can run a computer. The real thing she brings is executive experience in running a state. And lots of symbolism in being a woman, especially as Barack didn't pick Hillary. Of course, Sarah doesn't come with Bill, a real advantage. That would be two westerners on the ticket, not much balance if that means anything. We'll see what develops.
I reduced my pain pills from 20 mg to 10 again. Dr W said to try it and go back if needed. I do feel pretty good now, a week after the iv chemo and a day after the last of the oral chemo. I've got very little discomfort- only a twinge in the left lung now and then. Pain pills (Oxycontin) are a strong narcotic and I don't want to take any more of that than needed.
Gustav is really looking bad for New Orleans. Of course, things could change, but the prediction right now is aiming right at N.O.
I downloaded IE8 beta yesterday. Pretty nice, better colors, faster loading of web pages. It did crash once, but you expect that with a beta. The Google toolbar won't work yet- not yet compatible.
I did watch Obama's speech last night. It was an OK political speech, kinda thin on specifics, as they tend to be. The only specific I caught is to eliminate our dependence on mid-east oil in 10 years. Nothing on global warming- hey, Barack, talk to Al Gore!
The word on CNN this morning is that McCain will pick Sarah Pallin, the governor of Alaska, to be the VP nominee. She seems to be a real conservative; right to life, strong 2nd Amendment supporter, etc. She likes hunting and fishing; maybe she won't shoot a member of her hunting party, like Cheney did. One trusts she understands economics and can run a computer. The real thing she brings is executive experience in running a state. And lots of symbolism in being a woman, especially as Barack didn't pick Hillary. Of course, Sarah doesn't come with Bill, a real advantage. That would be two westerners on the ticket, not much balance if that means anything. We'll see what develops.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
wet
We finally got some wet. Seems to have rained last night, although neither of us heard it. We really need rain; the garden is yelling for water and the grass is going dormant like it does. On the other hand, hurricane Gustav is moving into the Gulf on a direct line for New Orleans. Bummer. That city may be approaching not being viable any longer.
Went to Montoursville yesterday to get a cockpit cover for the 'yak. The 'yak was still on top of the Outback, so we could be sure the cover would fit. It does. We took the 'yak down and put it in the garage, so that system is ready to go for the Northern Expedition.
We also stopped at Johnson's for lunch and I had one of their outstanding Reuben sandwiches. This led to some minor gastric distress. Dinner was another giant cheeseburger w/o bun, tomatoes and feta, and margaritas. I've taken to putting a drop of green food color in the margaritas; doesn't change the taste, but looks nice.
I think today will be an inside day, since it looks more rain coming and I have a lot of indoor stuff to do- filing and the like. Plus I can use the rest.
Went to Montoursville yesterday to get a cockpit cover for the 'yak. The 'yak was still on top of the Outback, so we could be sure the cover would fit. It does. We took the 'yak down and put it in the garage, so that system is ready to go for the Northern Expedition.
We also stopped at Johnson's for lunch and I had one of their outstanding Reuben sandwiches. This led to some minor gastric distress. Dinner was another giant cheeseburger w/o bun, tomatoes and feta, and margaritas. I've taken to putting a drop of green food color in the margaritas; doesn't change the taste, but looks nice.
I think today will be an inside day, since it looks more rain coming and I have a lot of indoor stuff to do- filing and the like. Plus I can use the rest.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
pain
Pain is not good. I spent a good deal of yesterday adjusting the 'yak rack on the Outback. It works! It needed a lot of adjusting, which involved a lot of lifting and pushing and pulling, all of which aggravated the pain, especially in the left lung area. So I skipped dinner, sort of- just had some cheese, tomatoes, and sliced turkey- and went to bed early. Then I took an extra oxy pain pill. I do feel pretty good this morning.
I suppose I wouldn't have any pain if I sat in a corner and didn't do anything., but that is not me. This is the life I have and I'm going to live it.
I've been putting a fresh tomato (from the garden) in my gross eggs. Outstanding! And I can eat them with Feta cheese too. Of course, this means there are not too many. Last year they made me sick, and we had a bumper crop. I suppose this is another example of the Law of the Innate Perversity of Inanimate Objects, the same Law which says that if you drop jelly bread it always lands face down.
I suppose I wouldn't have any pain if I sat in a corner and didn't do anything., but that is not me. This is the life I have and I'm going to live it.
I've been putting a fresh tomato (from the garden) in my gross eggs. Outstanding! And I can eat them with Feta cheese too. Of course, this means there are not too many. Last year they made me sick, and we had a bumper crop. I suppose this is another example of the Law of the Innate Perversity of Inanimate Objects, the same Law which says that if you drop jelly bread it always lands face down.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
sleep
Sleep is good. I seem to be caught up, after a nap yesterday and a good night's sleep. Ahh! Feels great!
I invented a cheeseburger sort of thing last night for dinner. Took a lb of ground beef, formed into 2 patties, large patties. Sprinkled some Worcestershire on and grilled while simultaneously and at the same time sauteing half an onion in olive oil. When I turned the patties, I put a slice of Provolone on each. By the time they were done, the cheese was nicely melted, as in a cheeseburger. Put them on a plate and smothered them in sauteed onions. Excellent! Also had a large beer mug size margarita with them. Digested very well; no gastric distress. Note to self: No grains! Coincidentally, or maybe not, daughter M can't eat any wheat. Hmm.
I watched the Dem convention last night, which reinforced what I have always disliked about them. Their heroes: Ted Kennedy, who left Mary Jo to die. John Kennedy, who was carrying on with a mob prostitute in the White House. And got us into the Viet Nam war, a fact his daughter forgot to mention when she claimed him to be a man of peace. Jimmy Carter, who meant well but was totally ineffectual. Bill Clinton, with Whitewater and Monica and all, but at least was able to get things done. And Hillary, who was only able to run for the nomination because she was married to Bill and was defeated because she still is married to Bill. Barack is the best of the lot. Of course, none of them sink to the depths of W, which must stand for WORST! Sorry- rant over.
Yesterday I called the motel where we'll be staying on the way to the Northern Front. Guy is very helpful, said a 12.5 feet long 'yak will just about fit into a room. He has us down for a ground floor room. He also offered to put it in a storage area if necessary. So that system is "go". Now the issue is if we can handle it. Thing only weighs 40 lbs, same as a bag of dog food, but neither of us is as strong as we used to be. We'll use the Outback, so it won't need to be lifted very high. Back when I bought it, before the encounter with the 800 lb gorilla, I could put it up on and take it down from the Pilot by myself. Damn gorilla.
I invented a cheeseburger sort of thing last night for dinner. Took a lb of ground beef, formed into 2 patties, large patties. Sprinkled some Worcestershire on and grilled while simultaneously and at the same time sauteing half an onion in olive oil. When I turned the patties, I put a slice of Provolone on each. By the time they were done, the cheese was nicely melted, as in a cheeseburger. Put them on a plate and smothered them in sauteed onions. Excellent! Also had a large beer mug size margarita with them. Digested very well; no gastric distress. Note to self: No grains! Coincidentally, or maybe not, daughter M can't eat any wheat. Hmm.
I watched the Dem convention last night, which reinforced what I have always disliked about them. Their heroes: Ted Kennedy, who left Mary Jo to die. John Kennedy, who was carrying on with a mob prostitute in the White House. And got us into the Viet Nam war, a fact his daughter forgot to mention when she claimed him to be a man of peace. Jimmy Carter, who meant well but was totally ineffectual. Bill Clinton, with Whitewater and Monica and all, but at least was able to get things done. And Hillary, who was only able to run for the nomination because she was married to Bill and was defeated because she still is married to Bill. Barack is the best of the lot. Of course, none of them sink to the depths of W, which must stand for WORST! Sorry- rant over.
Yesterday I called the motel where we'll be staying on the way to the Northern Front. Guy is very helpful, said a 12.5 feet long 'yak will just about fit into a room. He has us down for a ground floor room. He also offered to put it in a storage area if necessary. So that system is "go". Now the issue is if we can handle it. Thing only weighs 40 lbs, same as a bag of dog food, but neither of us is as strong as we used to be. We'll use the Outback, so it won't need to be lifted very high. Back when I bought it, before the encounter with the 800 lb gorilla, I could put it up on and take it down from the Pilot by myself. Damn gorilla.
Monday, August 25, 2008
awake
Boy, am I awake! I fell asleep watching Sunday Night Baseball with Joe and Jon (Phillies vs. Dodgers), then woke up at about 9:30, took my meds, brushed teeth, etc, turned off the TV, and lay in bed wide awake. I spent most of the night awake, with several short sleep periods. I suspect this is due to the chemo wearing off; kinda a rebound effect. I had a little discomfort in the area of my left lung, so took an Oxycodone at about 3. Discomfort went away, so I was wide awake and comfortable. Quiet night, cloudy and warm. Finally rained at about 4 or 5. I suspect I'll crash soon and have to take a sleeping day. Whatever.
We're working on a plan to take the kayak on our expedition to the Northern Front. Major issue is that I don't want to leave it on the car overnight. Yes, it has a lock and cable, but several snips with a bolt cutter and one would have a several thousand dollar 'yak. We can't drive non-stop, due to medical issues with both of us, so we have to stop in a motel on the way for at least one night. The second night we'll be with E et al in NH. S said we could leave the 'yak there on the Northern Front if we want to, so the return trip would not have any issues. But I need to work on that one night.
We're working on a plan to take the kayak on our expedition to the Northern Front. Major issue is that I don't want to leave it on the car overnight. Yes, it has a lock and cable, but several snips with a bolt cutter and one would have a several thousand dollar 'yak. We can't drive non-stop, due to medical issues with both of us, so we have to stop in a motel on the way for at least one night. The second night we'll be with E et al in NH. S said we could leave the 'yak there on the Northern Front if we want to, so the return trip would not have any issues. But I need to work on that one night.
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