Perfect end of the year surprise....SNOW.....just a little bit.....sweepable (which I had to do immediately). Weather people probably said it was going to snow but I rarely believe them when it comes to snow. So pretty and clean at 6 am.

Millions of birds (approximately) have come to the feeders this am and just a few hungry squirrels. Nice. I refilled the seeds and dried corn. 

AND the best was that a big beautiful FOX ran across the backyard too fast to snap a pic.....

I'm sipping coffee in my new mug and when it gets warmer I will wear my new T shirt.

Life is good ....Happy New Year

            SO I have to say Merry Christmas to all even though I am Jewish. I love the winter and I am NOT ashamed or embarrassed to say that yes, I really like Christmas music, (O Holy Night is my favorite) and decorated trees and houses, and the no stress about gift giving to family or friends. I'm not crazy about Santa and the reindeer but not my story to share. Want a miracle? Check out the Hanukah story !

I have noticed that when they skies are grey (gray) so is my energy level.....Clouds in the sky slow me down, physically and mentally. Feel sluggish, stuffy and tired, like a virus, but not. Probably doesn't have anything to do with PD....sleepy, lethargic and then revived by sunshine and clear skies and puffy white clouds like this morning.

So today I refilled the bird feeders  (yes back to feeding all squirrels and some quick birds) and took a ride to a small park in Columbia and took a walk even though it was quite breezy and chilly. If was refreshing and invigorating.

No exercise classes this week. So its up to me to move, stretch, breathe and be alive. No problem. Good morning SUNSHINE !!!

 



   

 It's a beautiful warm December morning.....supposed to be around 60....sunny and warm ......Perfect for walking around the yard and gathering a few last leaves and twigs. Also it could be a day to relax on the couch (as LilyWhite is doing).
y

The "theme" for todays blog is the simple greeting of "Hi How are you?"
Since I retired a couple of years ago I have too much time to think about that question and answer. Depending on who asks, the response could be "Fine, thanks" . Or (more likely) I want to scream out "HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL....I'M OLD, I HAVE PD, and Trump is the leader of the free world."
I COULD add that everything (head, stomach, muscles, bones, all neurological functions) hurts. Or I COULD say "Doing OK"

I can still drive, walk without a cane or walker, move furniture, dress myself, do laundry/dishes/cat litter/recycling/yard work, and go to yoga and exercise. 

So the answer to "How Are You" is GOOD and YOU??

WHATEVER

             Good Morning                                                                                                                                                          

 It's been a couple of months since I have written about me, the cats, PD, the news.....anything !!! Fortunately no major falls, bruises, or injuries.  Had a great Thanksgiving here at home with my entire family in attendance. Celebrated family birthdays (lots of Sagittarians) 
Still going to yoga , exercise classes, raking leaves, moving furniture, feeding squirrels (and some birds).
Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas 
Let me know how you all are doing !!!

I haven't posted a blog in a while. I have written several and deleted them quickly. The blogs were either stupid, not funny, not interesting or simply dumb. There were bird stories, insect stories, cute cat pictures, etc. I am tired of my own PD stories and talking and thinking PD 24/7. If I am sick of it, maybe you are too !!!!

So while I am away in Madison, I will take a mini hiatus from blogging.....unless I absolutely have to !!!!! (not supposed to be a grandma blog) I will also (try)  not to focus on PD . Rather I plan to rearrange all the furniture, change the landscaping, tell Jaime's teacher how to organize a kindergarten classroom, and what the best curriculum  is.

I will enjoy being Lola's grandma (just the 2 of us before our naptimes) and sharing secrets and books and music.

 I will NOT take anyone for  haircuts or adopt any pets.

Can't wait for WHATEVER !!!

Diane



  

 Happy HEATHY Rosh Hoshana to all my readers, family and friends. Minimum of bumps, scrapes, falls
Getting rid of Trump and EMT calls

Accepting reality and truth
Hoping not to lose a tooth
Walking tall with a steady gait
Keep on moving and don't just wait.
(until ????? a cure ??????????)

 The queen has spoken.

Yoga, exercise, meditation and
breathing...........
Drugs, meds, whatever it takes
To drive, thrive, be alive 

Looking for continued luck
Or   WHATEVER......... I mean
WHAT THE F....!!!

Nature in MY news....(we know what is in the real world / USA)....
The bird seed store guy said it was time to clean out the birdhouses. I have 4 hanging houses around the yard. 3 are decorative (but useable ) and the one on top in the picture is a plain pine house. And of course the only one with nesting material was the non decorative one. 

I

 Inside I found grass, twigs, fur, feathers, dirt and only the birds know what else. I actually was excited to see what was inside. Remember, I am retired....its the little things that count.

                                          This blog is PDpluscats. Here are my 2 cats. White likes cushy soft spots. Monkey follows the sun.



The next part of my story is about PD and the mall. (Montgomery). I had to go to the
Apple store. I brought my walker thinking
it would get people to steer clear of the old lady (me). Didn't. So here begins my rant about lack of amenities for anyone using a device with wheels....stroller, wheelchair, walker.
1. not enough handicapped parking
2. entrances with automatic door openers....????
3. ELEVATORS ??? I know theres 1 in Macys and 1 in Nordstrom.
 Used to be an elevator smack in the middle of the mall. NOT now.  
4. Okay done ranting. Get over it. Shop online.

My relatives in Florida ( in their 90's) are fine. 
Redskins stink.
Yoga and exercise mandatory / essential for mind and body .

I think thats it
Whatever

D

             Happy New

   SCHOOL YEAR....
   TEACHERS.......
   STUDENTS....


   Redskins
   Rosh Hashana

Crayons
Markers
Backpacks

              Exercise / Yoga
       My new FALL outfit                          Lawn and Garden Work               
       (no pun intended) MY
       AUTUMN  shirt !!!                                                        
I still need shoes......

After a lot of hard work I am NOW officially registered on the Maryland Cannabis (Medical Marijuana) Commission {MMCC} which means that I will be able to use (to purchase) medical marijuana from the dispensary which is opening soon in Frederick(see Sundays Post Metro section). 

Only 1 (one) minor fall in the backyard woods in August, (a few scratches). My goal is no falls in September,,,,,no broken anything.

Thats all folks !!!

WHATEVER HAPPY !!!

MONKEY REUNITED WITH FAMILY
A little girl monkey was separated from her family more than 60 years ago. This week she was welcomed home by her brothers Jocko and little Jocko. (also known as George and little George).They welcomed her with open arms. Her name is Jackie.

Thank you Arona for bringing her home.

Other PD updates    

    ***Totally recovered from the effects of the flu shot.

@@@ Read on line (Tablet magazine), a blessing to say ( in Hebrew) for smoking weed....Boreh Pri Ha'Ganja. Not all rabbis agree on appropriateness of the blessing....Apparently the Baal Shem Tov smoked a pipe as a meditation device.

  ...there is a new hybrid strain of Cannabis indica......also known as Gorilla Glue #4, can be used to treat ailments such as PTSD pain and insomnia.      Hmmmmmm

No Thanks

                       

I guess this is a monkey / weed entry

.When I was about 18 or 19 I came home from college on a break. I had misplaced something like a pen or chapstick and asked my mother to look in my purse to see if it was there. Instead she found a tiny amount of grass in an empty pill bottle. My father started yelling WHAT IS THIS !!!????

I replied  that it was only a little grass, no big deal and Victor yells"YOU THINK I DONT KNOW ABOUT REEFER????!!

I didn't know he knew that word. I didn't ask for more info.

When I was teaching K/1 years ago, I was reading the 1st book of the Curious George series...the one where George comes to America. I was showing the picture where George is sitting in the ships cabin , wearing The Man's bathrobe, and smoking a pipe . I asked if anyone knew what was funny about the page and a little boy raised his hand and he said it was silly because "everyone knows monkeys don't smoke weed !!!"

Last story is when I was teaching in DC we were on the playground and I was chatting with 5 year old Tajma and I noticed that on the ground there was a teeny tiny little plastic baggie and I remarked about what that small baggie was for? What could fit in there ?Tajma said everybody knows that it is a nickel bag of weed.

Oh.

WHATEVER

So last week I had a flu shot and I think I then "got" the flu. From 
Thursday to last night I have been sweating and freezing  (at the same time) bad headache, muscle aches, a very upset stomach, major fatigue and either  I couldn't sleep or I couldn't wake up. Had to cancel plans . BUT  finally I feel much better. So I now can return to the usual stress stuff :Trump, N.Korea, PD, bug bites, and weeds.

And then the special "make me crazy" event of the century THE ECLIPSE. Stay in, go out, hide, don't look up. Get a grip !!!! (me!) 

Despite my retirement from teaching I still feel the excitement of the new school year. My inner calendar has always started in September ......school, Jewish holidays, new classes, new clothes, (haven't bought anything !!!). Friends are returning to their classrooms and there is a part of me wanting to be at school too.
However I can't. So I will be a volunteer when I can. And when I don't have to go to outside for recess, or worse yet , rainy day INDOOR recess, I will remember that retirement has its perks

Whatever !!!

I'm sitting in the my "studio " wishing I could be outside picking weeds, trimming branches and twigs but alas, I cannot. The insect internet has me as one of their top priority targets. In less than 57 seconds they are able to locate me, bite/nip/sting and escape without fear of death. I have tried every commercially available products as well as suggestions from  around the world about herbs, oils, scents, homemade remedies and NOTHING WORKS. Maybe if I explain to the Head BUG that I have PD he will put to the other bugs....  online, FaceBook, Twitter, and cell phones that they must cease and desist all further attacks on my PD body.

    Friday I rescued the very old and sad        chimp from an estate sale. His brother and sisters were at my house waiting for him. After some scrubbing, gorilla glue, duct tape and stitches (yes I threaded the needle ) he was ready.

Went to the dentist this week.
Had 6.... (yes 6) cavities (little ones) filled. WHAT ???????????????
I blame old age and PD..........dry mouth and other meds effects.....
Didn't have a cavity until I was in my 40's
ALL ABOUT PD !!!





I love estates sales. I don't have to buy anything but its as close as I am getting to Storage Wars, American Pickers , Hoarders tv shows and going through stuff !!!




I found these cats and their "mama" on the couch at the estate sale of an artist and sculpturer who had many many many cats pieces
I picked this one because I thought it looked like me many years ago when I was blond AND had 5 cats.

 No falls or car touching or broken anything. Whatever !!!

August 11th is my dads birthday. Victor Galin was born in 1919 in NYC and grew up in Brooklyn (about 2 blocks from where Sammy lives now). We (Janice and I) heard him talk about growing up in Williamsburg but we could never figure THAT out and since we had visited Colonial Williamsburg (as kids).... we were very confused !!!
Mostly I remember that he was smart, good looking, played trombone, sang off beat Broadway tunes ("Mumbo Jumbo from ''Stop the World'), was funny, and generous (quietly...no fanfare) Big Redskin fan. Life long Democrat and liberal. 

 And very very curly hair.....not appreciated by all......but 
WHATEVER !!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dad 

Why are leaves already falling and piling up when its only August?

                         
      I haven't been back to the pool. Doc says my experience could be abou t med timing or ????? Friend Judi says it happens to her as well.

                                               







Discussion at our Support Group included CARS. Problems (PD) are getting in and out of the car, and parking (I need rubber bumpers) Each of us has our own particular challenges while driving....but agree that it is important to our sense of independence 
I looked up online 'best cars for seniors' and of course SUBURU wins. 






 I love (always have ) estate sales, garage sales, and thrift shops. My friend says think of it as "Salvation Armani" although I wouldn't know Armani from ?????

Changing some meds. Was feeling draggy and lethargic on the patch (for PD and Alzheimers). Back to 'normal'......whatever normal is !!

Just learned that my Uncle Eddie (92) , my moms younger brother, has been diagnosed with PD. Surprised but not really.

WHATEVER !!

Diane

The pool at the JCC looked very inviting and safe....railings for holding on.....shallow end for walking in the water. I went after yoga on Monday when the camp kids had left. Yes, I put on a bathing suit. Lots of old ladies (like me) walking around the locker room naked so I lost my self consciousness quickly and proceeded to the pool. I used the ramp to enter the pool. 

The pool water was a perfect temperature . I let go of the railing and then the STRANGEST feeling came over me. I felt like there was strong undertow pulling me away from the edge of the pool and it was all I could do to get back to the railing. It made NO sense. I tried it again and same sensation came over me. I then just held onto the railing and tried to relax and float in 2 feet of water but no go. I got out of the water thinking NOT 'whatever' BUT what the fuck ???? I have no fear of water and have been a swimmer my whole life. Is it PD???
To be continued.............


Yesterday I went to Target with 2 friends and with their encouragement I tried for the 1st time to "drive" around the store. It was GREAT.....fast, easy to maneuver, didn't hit anyone, started zooming around like a crazy lady!!!!
Thanks Rhonda and Fredda for your willingness to put yourselves  
in harms way to make life easier for me !!!!!

As always
Whatever 

Diane

Back to PD Plus Cats.....me and Monkey and White resting on the couch with an empty ice cream bowl on the table...probably watching Jeopardy ....

It has been SOO HOT here in Md, that I did something I rarely do and that is wear a sleeveless top. Just to exercise class.Then I remembered that I needed something from Kosher Mart. So I went inside and there was a woman and man shopping and the woman says to me "Oh, I see you are wearing patches on your arm...do you have Alzheimers? " I say No, Parkinson's . She says No, that little one is for Alzheimers. SO of course the second I get home I read the little patch info and sure enough it is recommended for both Alzheimers and PD to enhance memory.....I should have started years ago.

I won't be wearing sleeveless until the next 100+ day.

Keeping busy indoors by of course moving furniture, playing Word Wipe on line, going to yoga and exercise (indoors ) NO weed pulling or rock moving outside.....indoor weed only.....

Whatever

The wonderful visit with Jeremy Michelle Jaime and Lola is now just a  happy memory.....

Lola was very disrespectful (which means smarter and more clever than Grandma) in that she totally ignored my attempts to baby proof the house. Lola went for objects that I had not considered... every drawer, knob, and door that could be opened and closed. Anything with 'buttons'....remotes, cell phones, computers, TV, disc player. She found bits of crunchy cat food hiding on the floor. Yucky. She can reach and stretch anywhere and everywhere.

Jaime was equally clever and creative. Funny and sassy. Knows everything and somewhat frustrated at Grandma's forgetfulness (real or pretend) . Loves stories about when Grandma was a teacher (Roger and Evelyn are her favorite kids). Almost rides a 2 wheeler. Displeased with her new shoes. Such a comedian ! So ready for either Kindergarten or maybe 5th grade.

I"ll be entering 'rehab' later today. It will include yoga, exercise, and wine. All day Law and Order . Should return to normal in 24-36 hours. 

WHATEVER !!!!!!

Good Morning

I've been up since 4 am....that is correct... I said 4 am. I would to officially like to blame it on Parkinson's. There are many PWPD (people with PD) who have  sleep issues...too little, too much, can't fall asleep, stay asleep, whatever. When I am excited about an upcoming event I tend to wake up WAY to early. (not PD) I organize , clean, sort, move objects, baby and child proof the house/yard/car and I enjoy every moment of the prep .

BIG EVENT is that Wednesday evening Sammy, Jeremy, Michelle, Jaime and Lola ARE COMING (home) to visit. I have turned our den into the "Tunis preschool and kindergarten Grandma loves you so much " area!! Rooms assigned and clean, specialty cuisine purchased, and Monkey and White promised no biting or hissing.

UPDATES

NO birdfeeders or seeds (till winter) SO only a few birds (mostly robins), some squirrels, a couple of bunnies, 2 deer and 1 snake. I miss the colorful song birds.

Walker vs. poles ??? the walker gets in my way, it's annoying getting it in and out of the car, sidewalks and parking lots have dips and cracks and are often uneven. The poles DO help me keep my balance in the yard and woods and if I am out in public then I could  use them as a WEAPON if necessary !!! (only kidding..maybe)

Still going strong with finding uses for DUCK TAPE !!!
sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't .

I went to the JCC pool on Sunday with Janice, Brian and Oscar. They enjoyed swimming in the water and I enjoyed watching them.
I also watched the people (adults). I was silently criticizing their sizes, shapes, hair, parenting skills, cell phone usage, eating, physical agility, and general appearance . (I did NOT know anybody).    (the Glick/Downies looked perfect)                         

So this week if I choose to put on a bathing suit I hope I will be able to keep my attention on the kids and enjoy the cool water  (its supposed to reach 100 this week) and not angst about my size, shape, hair, physical agility and general appearance. There will be no photos, but here's what I'll be wearing...SEE YA !!!

  

Last night's final Jeopardy  GOT IT  !!!  Answer ..........book that has a "great green room" in it ....Question ..What is Good Night Moon?

I've been watching this show since Art Fleming was host in the 60's

Now that I have walking sticks to navigate the backyard I am venturing out again. A couple of days ago I saw a black snake slithering into the woods.

          Then later that day I ventured further back in the woods and found what I hope is a mushroom  or ???

Can't wait to see what else I will find!! Dinosaur bones ? Jimmy Hoffa? Amelia Earhart ?

Whatever

Don't forget that this blog is about PD and cats ....Lily White thinks this circus tent is a great spot for quiet meditation. 
Got the tent at a garage sale. I still enjoy going to estate and garage sales. Now they are all listed on line, usually with pictures and directions to the sale. For me no apts, townhouses, long driveways or warnings about where NOT to park (like near the sale) There is usually at least one  I want to go to  each week but for various reasons, don't. .What do I buy ? bird houses, doll houses, interesting monkeys, small tables, little shelves, books, pottery, lawn stuff, lamps, and you know....whatever catches my attention !! Usual cost $ 5-$25 .....I spare no expense.

My pal Arona shared with me that her mom like to decorate her walker with duck (duct) tape. I think I'm ready to start given that I already have at least 10 rolls. I'll be looking at Michaels for more exotic designs ...I think there is a tie dyed tape. I guess I will be looking for more walkers at next weeks estate sales. Then I will be ready for holidays and seasons and moods,
(this was the PD part of the blog)

Karma experience today at a garage sale. I noticed that an older man (it was the grandpa of the sale) had a tremor in his hand and so I asked him if he had PD. He, without looking at me like I was a rude lunatic, said yes he did. We then proceeded for about 25 minutes to talk about PD, our meds, exercise routines, our neurologist (same one..Dr. Pagan) and it was random and right.

You never know.
Whatever

Now that I am using a walker I have been experiencing some challenges I didn't even known existed. Yesterday I HAD to go to the mall (Montgomery) to the Apple Store (minor/major phone problem) I thought I would be smart and park on the 2nd floor so I wouldn't have to deal with an elevator so I parked near Sears. It was a very long walk to the Apple store but okay. The Apple Store guy said to come back in 3 hours......very busy.

So I go to PD exercise class and as soon as I get there Apple texts that they're ready ( 15 min later) So I text back that I will come at 2:30. Fine. This time I think I will be smarter...park near Nordstrom, take the elevator and its a shorter walk to Apple .No parking on 1 st floor (reg or handicap ) Drive to 2nd level. Lots of parking. I park next to elevator. Elevator NOT working (no sign) Luckily my sister Janice was meeting me there so she CARRIED the walker down the steps and then we got on the elevator IN the store and we were fine. On the way back we took the escalator ...
Janice held the walker . I am fine on escalators......
CONCLUSION......don't (do not) go to the Mall !!!

 The other day I woke up at 3:30am, couldn't fall back asleep, turned on the TV (which usually puts me back to sleep) and found Cheers and I actually listened to the song and the song was a perfect description  of how I feel about PD classes

" Making your way in the world today takes everything you got
*  Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot
 * Wouldn't you like get away?
 * Sometimes you want to go
 * Where everybody knows your name
  *And they're always glad you came
 * You wanna be where you can see
   *Our troubles are all the same "  ETC ETC


PD class at St.Marks in Bethesda
                                                              Balancing Beanie Babies on                        
                                                              our heads, then juggling,                                                                             
                                                              throwing them at each other

CHEERS FOR PD FUN
SILLINESS, LAUGHS,










                WHATEVER (shit that needs                                              
                                                              to go )

I know a place, a bright and cheery place

A place that everyone knows your face

Touch your nose and try to float in space

Its called Fernando's hideaway 

Walk back and forth without a fall

Up and down a very long hall

Get in and out of a chair  no hands to help, don't try and stall

Its called Fernando's hideaway

The Doctor said NO MORE FALLS

Use a walker, walking sticks, and your brain

Same meds, new patches for stability

So no more breaks and sprains

Its called Fernandos hideaway 

                               

* will even work on icy rocks

*just your standard "get outta my way" walker

My doctor is Fernando Pagan ( Georgetown U)

Song lyrics stolen from HERNANDO'S HIDEAWAY (from the musical  PAJAMA GAME  (1954)

get it ? hernando / fernando

birdseed all gone

squirrels still searching

Whatever