Feb 21 – 26, 2020
Living with Parkinson’s
Phyllis & Sam Turner ©2020
about.me/tobecontinuedbysam
02.20.2020: Wildcats had a 66-49 victory over Washington State. The game started early (1800), and we managed to watch to the end before falling asleep.
02.21.2020:0540: up and writing. This Parkinson’s Disease is a slow-moving cloud that drifts in and out of my body, always leaving some evidence of its presence: stiffness, a tremor, or a balance issue. Not usually all three together. But this last week, there have been some noticeable changes in the use of my arms and hands. Being able to grip my water glass takes some thought. Being aware of curbs, where I have to step over. Being aware of my left arm for holding the bow. I have to think about holding it steady – more than usual. Being aware of my typing. I’m relying more and more on Dragon. Today, I notice that my balance is erratic (not erotic!)(inside joke), and I tend to lean to my left.
Heavy morning cloud cover shows a change in the weather. We may even get rain. It’s not too cold that I have to shoot inside. I’ll practice this morning, then shoot for a score this afternoon at the club.
At the PD Support Group, last Tuesday, time was spent on a change in sleep habits. Many are bothered by short awake times at night. Last night (as usual), I was awake at 0230 for thirty minutes. I awoke for good at 0445. Today, I started ChiGong exercises solo. These are good for loosening up prior to Tai Chi and suitable for just loosening up for the day.
1300: Shot league competition again. Finished with 180/300 Better than last week’s 167. Larry shot 280. and he was just practicing. More practice for me. Three more weeks of League. My goal is to break 200. I can do this.
02.22.2020: RWA today. The speaker is Renee Rose: of the Millionaire Author Mastermind Facebook group. She started building in 2012. After lunch, we had a Brainstorming session at each of the four tables. Brainstorm: the SWAG Method: Systematic Wild Assed Guessing. (With a nod to Herman Warrior & Paul Forgash – who trained me to be a facilitator for the Arizona Education Association back in the 1970s.
0630: It is a light drizzle this morning. The weather said it would be like this all day. The end result is this sunset.
The next morning provides a new color of daffodils along our north patio wall.
Not only can our grandson (Ethan) carry a tuba in the marching band, he also carries this pack for an overnight in the Santa Rita Mts. It ought to be exciting since it snowed there today.
02.23.2020: Still cloudy. May rain again today. I’m formatting PJ’s story.
0900: Off to church.
1100-: Stopped by Julie and Chris’s house for a visit.
Cold and windy. didn’t practice.
02.24.2020: Met with the Cascades writing group. I have a new member who also has PD.
1030: Tai Chi class at ALOHA – the third time. Home for a one-hour nap. (sleep habits are changing)
Edited the TCF newsletter – Walking This Valley – Excellent submissions this month.
Polished our pieces for tomorrow’s Quail Run Writers.
02.25.2020: All were in attendance. SHARING: PJ: Moving Summer 1955-her first jobe at the South Rim of Grand Canyon at the Bright Angel Lodge, where she first meets me.
FLO: Presented a variation of THE ROAD NOT TAKEN as it applied to her life. Nineteen years and two grown children, she gets a divorce. At a class reunion, she finds about her “road not taken.”
GUY: A description of his home called THE DUMP. To quote Guy: “Junkyard appeals to me. I’m sure the HOA will have something to say, so that’s that. I hope the ladies will be alright, as I don’t have a defibrillator on the premises. All the members are excited about visiting him for next month’s meetings.”
PAULETTA: THE ADVENTURES OF GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN – Winslow,Arizona. Playing hopscotch, games of jacks, marbles, and spinning on the roundabout. She has a scar to help remember her experiences horseback riding. She remembers doing the “Pony” at the dances.
SHARON: Pigs at Christmas Speaking Pig Latin in front of her little brother, hoping to slow down his questions about Santa.
BEV: The Healed Heart A child cures a woman’s sadness with a magical heart.
SAM: Holding Hands A free verse saga/journal of sixty-four years of married life.
02.26.2020: 0730: Exercise with Tresha. It may be the cold wind and the 48º temperature, but today was the most challenging day I’ve had in several weeks. I wasn’t balancing, and I was out of step on the stepping block. My body felt (feels) tired all over. I’m going back to bed at @0930. Maybe a nap will help. 1155: I slept for two hours. Yes. I feel better. Think I’ll practice at the archery club.
Here’s another ping-pong item:
Dr. Russell on Table tennis and PD: https://youtu.be/cJd5H5IIbMY
Lower Shore Table Tennis Club for PD: https://youtu.be/dzZXzeb7mu4
Another Table Tennis testimonial: https://youtu.be/IscgAyObOa8