I don't make up stories for the blog. I may edit my own thoughts, delete info, exclude certain details, but I tell the truth.

I woke up this AM, found my glasses on the floor (I often fall asleep with my glasses on) put them on and noticed a smudge on the left lens. Wiped it clean.Put glasses back on. Something still isn't right. I move the glasses around my nose. Then I look at the glasses again. Guess what....the right side lens is missing.....no glass.....I look around.....it is on the floor. I pop it back in the frame, and wonder whether or not to share this sad tale of  " DUH ".

Learned an important tip yesterday for those of us with short term memory issues (CRS...can't remember shit). When you park your car in a BIG multilevel or expansive lot, take a pic of the number of the spot or level (easy to find) then you don't panic  when you are done shopping and try to remember 1. which way you came in (malls have multiple exits) 2. that you even took a picture of the parking space.


Diane

This image (couldn't get my phone fast enough for a live pic) was what I saw at 3 am at my bird feeder. A big beautiful deer (no antlers) was standing at the bird feeder happily eating my birdseed . Just the perfect height so the dear deer didn't have to stretch or bend  to eat. I tapped the window...he/she ran only a few yards away and came right back....so I tapped louder..... off she/he ran further...I went back to sleep...don't know if there was a return visit.

So I of course I went to the computer to see how to keep deer away (without any harm) and found out that deer don't like Irish Spring soap and human hair. Okay. Got the soap, but not a lot of extra human hair.....I'm keeping what I have thank you.

1st time I see a bear at the feeder will be the last day I feed anyone
 but cats and humans.
Tonite I have put large plastic bags over the feeders (another internet suggestion). Come on....I dare ya.....

Diane

This crazy weather is exhausting my cats.
80* to 20* in 2 days. For me every bone, neuron, muscle & tendon aches. PD exercise and yoga stretches out the tightness....meditation relaxes (at least for a few moments) the anxiety of daily living.
                                    
       I have gone to 2 support group meetings at St. Marks. I am the only woman (so far) and I find it very interesting to hear what the concerns of the men are.....meds (timing/effectiveness) and giving up driving (a man without a car is a major BIG deal). Looking forward to learning more about men and PD, since my personal experiences have been about myself, my grandma and my mom.

HEY gotta go and do some birding and squirreling and weeding and landscaping and writing and repurposing furniture ... the usual self assigned chores and duties of a WOMAN with PD.

Diane

Good Morning Senior (and other) Friends

IT IS OFFICIAL !!!! The New York Times ran an article 
(http://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/nyregion/retirementmedicinal. 
marijuana } OR go to google and put in NYTimes medical marijuana and the article should pop up. So it must be true if it is in the NYTimes ..... POT IS GOOD !!!!!

Call it what you want....cannabis, weed, pot, reefer, herb, dope, or grass....it COULD be beneficial for those of us with PD, aches, pains, old age, etc etc.

I have gotten liquid marijuana from a local DC doctor (yes its legal). At the end of a long (or short) day, at around 5 o'clock, a couple of drops under the tongue and a glass of Pinot Grigio seems to take the edge off.....NOT a "high" (like college days) but a relaxation ? easing ? lessening of anxiety ? As my favorite T shirt says 'WHATEVER'.

I may have some new readers (I have been passing out my 'cards')
Quick update about me and the blog......I am 66, 4th generation PD, have the LRRK2 gene, retired MCPS teacher, mom, grandma, sister, wife, friend.

I am obsessed with feeding birds, battling squirrels, my 2 cats, word puzzles, Jeopardy, chocolate, moving furniture and rocks, pulling weeds, YA KNOW, the usual insanity.

No need to comment on the blog. You can always reach me at dianegtunis@gmail.com for comments and advice!!!

Diane

February 15th 2017

This monkey mug pretty much sums up the past week.....the good, the bad, and the kinda ugly !!
_______________________________________
Lets start with the good list:

*Saw my PT Jenny and she says I am doing pretty well and once a week balance training will complement the 2x a week YOGA at the JCC and 2x a week PD exercise class at St. Marks Church.
(no you don't have to be Jewish or Christian to attend either class) Many thanks to teachers Amy and Kim who apparently know what they are doing !!!!!
*The church exercise group has formed a support group that will meet once a month. So far (1st meeting) I am the only woman. It is interesting for me to hear men talking about PD. Up until now my personal and family PD experience has been with women only.
*The monkey mug was on sale.
* The strong winds have blown a million sticks and limbs all over the yard. Love picking and piling them up !!!
______________________________________________________
Now for the bad:
 *I had a one and a half (1 1/2 ) hour MRI yesterday (routine) .The tech asked me to try not move. I wanted (but didn't) to scream                    " you idiot I have a movement disorder"
*My toe hurts and my shoes don't feel right.
*NEW bathroom shower leaks
*Starting to NOT be able to read my own writing
______________________________________________________
The ugly:
Donald Trump
______________________________________________________
Diane

February 7th  back in N.Bethesda Md.

Which one of these pictures do you think is the real piece of art (sculpture) Sammy and I saw this past weekend at the Whitney Museum ?

Hard to tell isn't it ?

I spent a few days in Williamsburg Brooklyn visiting Sammy and Sara and Brian and Emma AND ta-da OSCAR, the smartest cutest adorablest grandnephew in the world.He was given the task of passing out the cookies I brought for dessert.Oscar choose the one with the most chocolate chips on top. Again, brilliant.

Today I spent the day following up after my 3 hour neurologist visit on Monday .Made appt with Community Radiology for updated brain scans. Made an appt with National Rehab for refresher PT. Then an appt with Lab Corps for blood work. Then Medicare to clear up why ??? I am having all this done (not workmens comp).

I can't imagine what people have to go through if there are multiple medical issues.Luck I have only one. It's like a full time ...okay part time...job handling all that goes on in 'retirement '...not complaining, just commenting.

Saturday in Brooklyn (Williamsburg) Feb 4 2017 (quick trip)

Happy Birthday to my mom Lola Parker Galin, who would have been 95 years old. We love you and miss you. To honor your memory I do crossword puzzles every morning, and watch Jeopardy every night. I try to "stand up straight", love my children and grandkids almost unconditionally (as you did), take my meds.
You had 3 brothers and were thrilled that you had 2 daughters. You hoped that Janice and I would be close and supportive of each other and we are. You accepted responsibilities way beyond what was required. 
You taught us to hate Republicans.
You taught us how to make matzah ball soup.
You taught us to love Broadway musicals. (you tried to get us to appreciate opera and classical music but no go)
Okay mom, you weren't perfect, but damn close.