Dear Family and Friends,
8 pm and I'm sleepy. This has been a work in day, still trying to get my desk clear, orders set up and scheduled, research done and appraisals shipped out.
Ken called this morning and so we walked together our 2.5 miles in the cold and fog. Each day it seems to get somewhat easier, only seemed like 8 miles today. Then back from the walk, a long hot shower to calm aching muscles, then brown rice for breakfast, then settle down at the desk to write checks, complete appraisals and email them out, sort more piles of mail and papers, set up new orders.
At 3:30 I drove to the bank to make a minimal deposit, nothing in the mail now for days. Tomorrow is house payment day, another hurdle to cope with.
This morning after the walk I discovered that I had lost 4 lbs since I started this process of exercise and more careful diet. That was very encouraging. I broke back in the 220s out of the 230s.
Today the house has seemed very quiet in spite of the dogs doing their barking thing once in awhile. It was hard to sit still and work, I wanted to be going someplace to do something out.
Tomorrow afternoon I have yet another appointment to see the oral surgeon in Stockton. I'm going to make every effort to be early for that appointment. then once an appointment has been made for the sedation and tooth repair I can make other appointments and perhaps start the cleansing diet as well.
Weekend plans are starting to take place. I will drive the motorhome down and spend the weekend at Jason and Jo's home. I can see Timothy once again, help with some projects and hopefully Nikki and Steve can bring Keanna down for the day as well. I love to see the family get together. Knowing I might be at Jason and Jo's over the weekend gives me something to look forward to and right now that seems to help a lot with the passing time.
I am concerned about Fern, my friend in Tracy who I heard fell and broke her hip recently. I'd like to visit her but I can't find out where she is, everyone I call is away from their phone lately. Like Tracy fell off the face of the map. Even Wes has not been heard from for days and he lives in Tracy. Strange!
Take care good friends, precious family.
love
tim
Monday, January 14, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A good day!
Dear Family and Friends,
Highlights of today are: lunch with Keanna and Nikki at LaVia, a good Mexican place to eat at Bethel island, late afternoon visit with Barb and Gerry to deliver a walker for Barb's safety, a brisk walk around the lake this morning which included phone calls with Art and Sharon, many loads of wash completed and folded, office much more organized, files over 5 years old pitched to make room on Tom and John's shelves for new items and much much more.
Pain drove me out of bed this morning around 7 and I stumbled downstairs to the office to read the news and the emails, then I started the wash, started to sort and clean the office, unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, peered under the sink for the 10Th time to make sure there were no water leaks, none! Made oatmeal for breakfast, so good!
This coming week will see the start of more medical tests and appointments, will include a long day down to Hanford to see several properties, will see several appraisals going out the door that Jean, the writer, has prepared for me and will involve some invoice collecting through statements to our wayward clients who forget to pay.
Since living alone is setting in I'm trying to find a rhythm, a schedule that works, that includes exercise, timely meals, blocks of working time, ongoing cleaning and sorting and advance planning for upcoming excursions. Nan did such an excellent job of planning our travel and fun events that all I had to do was just go along, everything was worked out. Now I need to consider the balance of fun and work, between staying home to clean and fix and being away to enjoy and relax.
I've been very careful about taking my pills over the last couple weeks and am taking the blood sugar tests and blood pressure tests as well. I'm planning on the cleansing diet but I'm just not sure when to do it so as to avoid conflicts with the various medical tests and appointments that are to come. Most of my clothes work best with a weight of 210 or less and right now I've over 230, a significant difference. I do not plan to buy new clothes when I have a closet full of ones that fit at a lower weight. Yet this whole process is hard, about the only thing I really enjoy is eating and that is already being changed a lot.
I'm doing OK, the walking is waking me up but also producing some very sore muscles and other pains I cannot fully explain. I would appreciate your prayers that I can stick with the search for better more reasonable health, that I can drop some pounds and that God can use me in some manner to help people.
Thanks for all you have done,
love
tim
ps I've sure enjoyed spending time with people I love this whole weekend, what I lift to just get to be with people, especially with Keanna!
Highlights of today are: lunch with Keanna and Nikki at LaVia, a good Mexican place to eat at Bethel island, late afternoon visit with Barb and Gerry to deliver a walker for Barb's safety, a brisk walk around the lake this morning which included phone calls with Art and Sharon, many loads of wash completed and folded, office much more organized, files over 5 years old pitched to make room on Tom and John's shelves for new items and much much more.
Pain drove me out of bed this morning around 7 and I stumbled downstairs to the office to read the news and the emails, then I started the wash, started to sort and clean the office, unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, peered under the sink for the 10Th time to make sure there were no water leaks, none! Made oatmeal for breakfast, so good!
This coming week will see the start of more medical tests and appointments, will include a long day down to Hanford to see several properties, will see several appraisals going out the door that Jean, the writer, has prepared for me and will involve some invoice collecting through statements to our wayward clients who forget to pay.
Since living alone is setting in I'm trying to find a rhythm, a schedule that works, that includes exercise, timely meals, blocks of working time, ongoing cleaning and sorting and advance planning for upcoming excursions. Nan did such an excellent job of planning our travel and fun events that all I had to do was just go along, everything was worked out. Now I need to consider the balance of fun and work, between staying home to clean and fix and being away to enjoy and relax.
I've been very careful about taking my pills over the last couple weeks and am taking the blood sugar tests and blood pressure tests as well. I'm planning on the cleansing diet but I'm just not sure when to do it so as to avoid conflicts with the various medical tests and appointments that are to come. Most of my clothes work best with a weight of 210 or less and right now I've over 230, a significant difference. I do not plan to buy new clothes when I have a closet full of ones that fit at a lower weight. Yet this whole process is hard, about the only thing I really enjoy is eating and that is already being changed a lot.
I'm doing OK, the walking is waking me up but also producing some very sore muscles and other pains I cannot fully explain. I would appreciate your prayers that I can stick with the search for better more reasonable health, that I can drop some pounds and that God can use me in some manner to help people.
Thanks for all you have done,
love
tim
ps I've sure enjoyed spending time with people I love this whole weekend, what I lift to just get to be with people, especially with Keanna!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Sabbath Rest
Dear Friends and Family,
10:30 and I'm ready to rest. Not that I've not rested today already. This morning the dogs persuaded me to take them for a walk around the lake. We all were pretty tired and sore by the time we got back, then breakfast and then get ready for the day. I drove to Lodi Fairmont church but didn't end up staying, then to Bob and Carrol's home. We ate a place nearby which had really good food and then back to unload the ramps Bob had allowed me to use. What a blessing they turned out to be. Between the ramps that Art had made and then the aluminum ones Bob loaned me it allowed Nan to move freely about the house and garage again. Over and over they were used to Nan's benefit.
Then home to sleep in my office chair, then time to tackle the leaking issues under the sink in the kitchen. I slowly turned both supply lines back on and so far no leaking. When I run the dishwasher I'll keep a close watch as nothing else is producing a leak now. I've read emails, watched some TV, most of the evening I've watched the Christian Hope Channel. Not only does it have a great picture and perfect sound but the programming this evening was excellent. They had a concert by Whintly Phipps, a black soloist who works often with the Billy Graham Crusades. His music was just beautiful with nice background orchestration. Somehow when I switched back to regular TV it seemed shallow and commercial in comparison.
When I arrived at Bob and Carrol's today I did not feel all that well but by the time I left I felt much better, not sure for the reasons but the transformation amazed me.
I hope to get a long accomplished tomorrow including preparing to ship the DVDs of the services. I have one with the memorial, one with the graveside and one with just the 8 minute powerpoint presentation. I wish I knew better what most people want of the three or if all three then that's OK to. I really appreciate George and Yvonne's help by obtaining these copies for family and friends.
For now I'm bidding you each good night. For those of you who are wondering how we as a family are doing, well I think we are doing OK. We all have moments when losing Nan seems just unacceptable, terrible, unbelievable. Then we each move on in our own ways of coping knowing Nan would want us to do what we need to to care for each other and find peace and joy in our lives. Please do not read into what I have said that we have it cornered for finished. We are only beginning to live with how the loss effects our entire lives. From lost recipes to empty lonely hours this is a tough thing to get through. I have great respect for Nikki and Jason and their families, they are very helpful to me and are supportive all the time. And the constant intervention of loving family and friends with emails, text messages, calls. That is very helpful. I want to tell you, I deeply appreciate the comments people make to the blog, what a lift those words have been over and over again. And yes I miss Wes. Where are you Wes? Have you been ill?
love
tim
10:30 and I'm ready to rest. Not that I've not rested today already. This morning the dogs persuaded me to take them for a walk around the lake. We all were pretty tired and sore by the time we got back, then breakfast and then get ready for the day. I drove to Lodi Fairmont church but didn't end up staying, then to Bob and Carrol's home. We ate a place nearby which had really good food and then back to unload the ramps Bob had allowed me to use. What a blessing they turned out to be. Between the ramps that Art had made and then the aluminum ones Bob loaned me it allowed Nan to move freely about the house and garage again. Over and over they were used to Nan's benefit.
Then home to sleep in my office chair, then time to tackle the leaking issues under the sink in the kitchen. I slowly turned both supply lines back on and so far no leaking. When I run the dishwasher I'll keep a close watch as nothing else is producing a leak now. I've read emails, watched some TV, most of the evening I've watched the Christian Hope Channel. Not only does it have a great picture and perfect sound but the programming this evening was excellent. They had a concert by Whintly Phipps, a black soloist who works often with the Billy Graham Crusades. His music was just beautiful with nice background orchestration. Somehow when I switched back to regular TV it seemed shallow and commercial in comparison.
When I arrived at Bob and Carrol's today I did not feel all that well but by the time I left I felt much better, not sure for the reasons but the transformation amazed me.
I hope to get a long accomplished tomorrow including preparing to ship the DVDs of the services. I have one with the memorial, one with the graveside and one with just the 8 minute powerpoint presentation. I wish I knew better what most people want of the three or if all three then that's OK to. I really appreciate George and Yvonne's help by obtaining these copies for family and friends.
For now I'm bidding you each good night. For those of you who are wondering how we as a family are doing, well I think we are doing OK. We all have moments when losing Nan seems just unacceptable, terrible, unbelievable. Then we each move on in our own ways of coping knowing Nan would want us to do what we need to to care for each other and find peace and joy in our lives. Please do not read into what I have said that we have it cornered for finished. We are only beginning to live with how the loss effects our entire lives. From lost recipes to empty lonely hours this is a tough thing to get through. I have great respect for Nikki and Jason and their families, they are very helpful to me and are supportive all the time. And the constant intervention of loving family and friends with emails, text messages, calls. That is very helpful. I want to tell you, I deeply appreciate the comments people make to the blog, what a lift those words have been over and over again. And yes I miss Wes. Where are you Wes? Have you been ill?
love
tim
Friday, January 11, 2008
Blog adjustments, I hope they help.
Dear Family and Friends,
How I love knowing Friday is over, the weekend with its blessings and rest are here. I firmly believe our Maker knew what He was doing when He included a Sabbath Rest in the weekly cycle. I have experienced many blessings this week and I'm sure you have as well. Highlights for me include: Art coming to visit, riding shotgun with me for work, giving me a real boost with the clean garage and a place to park the bug and the many other tasks he accomplished while he was here. Several appraisal orders have come in this week, enough to keep me somewhat busy and in the process my mind has been busy. The doctor appointment with Jim went well and laid a foundation for several health enhancing things to come. My fragile tooth no longer hurts like it did but of course needs a lot more repairs. I started attending a grief group. I've finally learned how to use the remote control, Nan and Marilyn would just take it away from me and find their own channels but they both are away so in desperation I am mastering this devious device. I've started eating very differently than in the past and some weight has already dropped off. I've walked three times this week including one Art led expedition around Willow Lake which I'm sure is about 10 miles but Art says, no, only 2 or so. My little car has made it another week and its grill has not totally fallen off yet but is hanging by a couple plastic ties. The dogs no longer go outside to potty having found it is much more pleasant indoors, errrr. The kitchen sink can no longer be used, it has some sort of leak that put lots of water on the floor on the night when Art was here. Together we took every thing out from under the sink and found a plastic tray which was full of water. So now the doors stand open and a little heater is trying to dry out the area once again. Some day soon I will turn the water back on and watch for the leak, then with expert skill and cunning repair it ( hope). Gradually the house is taking on the character of a home where a single guy lives. Vital things like clean clothes, towels, a worn out Christmas tree are all standing in their places waiting for further contact. Everywhere there are projects waiting for their turn but with no honey do list they continue to wait. Christmas flowers are beginning to drop their colorful leaves, do they need water or something? Numerous extension cords cross and criss cross the floor in the office since they have not yet been removed and Starr is lurking nearby in hopes that I might decide she is worthy of a treat or two. Lady has assumed one of the pillows Nan used to use as her new bed under Nan's old desk and every available flat surface in the office has stacks of vital papers, stacks that would immediately fall if a wind came through. However progress has been made. The overhead light has new bulbs, this became an issue when the last of the 4 bulbs burned out leaving a very dark room which is precarious since there are so many items on the floor like laptop case (fresh from Hawaii) file cabinets, tax boxes, etc to fall over.
Everywhere I look beckons, please throw me away, please shred me, please file me, please read me, please pay me, please, please.... Well at least life is not boring.
For those of you who still use your furnaces a word of advice, quit. In just a few days your body will adjust to numbing cold, your toes no longer hurt when you bump something, you forsake the robe for sweats as robes leave legs to freeze, if in desperation you let the dog sit in the chair with you, amazing how much heat the little buggers can put out. Furnaces waste money and create a false sense of security, living here means you don't care if a door is open since the air inside and out is the same temperature. Coats no longer are luxury devices, now they are essentials for survival. Did you know even microwaves put off heat while they are on? I didn't know that until recently. In this house it is easy to tell if something you are about to eat is warm or not, you can tell by the steam rising. The refrigerator no longer cycles on, no point. I am embracing winter and should I live until spring I will then thaw out and move on. At night blankets no longer are a choice, they are a vital link to slumber and Starr no longer sleeps on the blankets, she burrows under the blankets and presses so hard against my back that she almost pushes me out of bed. In the morning I know its cold when I see her breath steam rising.
Towels no longer dry during the day unless it gets real cold and then they freeze dry. I used the jetted tub once but the water cooled so fast the joy was quickly gone.
Yes I suppose I might consider one more furnace repair person but I feel sorry for these guys. They come, pass their magic wand over the unit and it lights and heats the house to 80 degrees, they declare it fixed and go away. It works until its time for it to start up again and something is missing, the ability for the aging piece of junk to light again. Unless the repair person is willing set up camp next to the furnace and wait we may never get it fixed. We are working on the third winter without it working so there is no real rush this time. Now its just me and I'm learning to like the cold and if I get too cold I just go get in the car and drive around, that heater still works.
Tomorrow I'm going to Lodi Fairmont church to see the new remodeling that has been done and to enjoy the worship hour, then I'm going to hook up with Bob and Carrol, return the wonderful ramps they graciously loaned us and have some lunch nearby. Keanna has a busy social schedule tomorrow so we can't do Sabbath School this time.
As I've exercised, cut way back on the wrong foods, cut the amount of food way back and included lots of water in my days the old mind is starting to wake up. I've taken baby steps toward a better life and I really appreciate the encouragement you've given.
So tonight I thank you for caring and my prayer is that this will be a special time for you and your family to enjoy life together.
love
tim
ps I've found there are several pages of settings for the blog I never knew about before. Jason did the set up in a tiny hotel room in Boston last time. I hope the changes I have made will allow you to comment without the hassles you have been experiencing. Please let me know.
How I love knowing Friday is over, the weekend with its blessings and rest are here. I firmly believe our Maker knew what He was doing when He included a Sabbath Rest in the weekly cycle. I have experienced many blessings this week and I'm sure you have as well. Highlights for me include: Art coming to visit, riding shotgun with me for work, giving me a real boost with the clean garage and a place to park the bug and the many other tasks he accomplished while he was here. Several appraisal orders have come in this week, enough to keep me somewhat busy and in the process my mind has been busy. The doctor appointment with Jim went well and laid a foundation for several health enhancing things to come. My fragile tooth no longer hurts like it did but of course needs a lot more repairs. I started attending a grief group. I've finally learned how to use the remote control, Nan and Marilyn would just take it away from me and find their own channels but they both are away so in desperation I am mastering this devious device. I've started eating very differently than in the past and some weight has already dropped off. I've walked three times this week including one Art led expedition around Willow Lake which I'm sure is about 10 miles but Art says, no, only 2 or so. My little car has made it another week and its grill has not totally fallen off yet but is hanging by a couple plastic ties. The dogs no longer go outside to potty having found it is much more pleasant indoors, errrr. The kitchen sink can no longer be used, it has some sort of leak that put lots of water on the floor on the night when Art was here. Together we took every thing out from under the sink and found a plastic tray which was full of water. So now the doors stand open and a little heater is trying to dry out the area once again. Some day soon I will turn the water back on and watch for the leak, then with expert skill and cunning repair it ( hope). Gradually the house is taking on the character of a home where a single guy lives. Vital things like clean clothes, towels, a worn out Christmas tree are all standing in their places waiting for further contact. Everywhere there are projects waiting for their turn but with no honey do list they continue to wait. Christmas flowers are beginning to drop their colorful leaves, do they need water or something? Numerous extension cords cross and criss cross the floor in the office since they have not yet been removed and Starr is lurking nearby in hopes that I might decide she is worthy of a treat or two. Lady has assumed one of the pillows Nan used to use as her new bed under Nan's old desk and every available flat surface in the office has stacks of vital papers, stacks that would immediately fall if a wind came through. However progress has been made. The overhead light has new bulbs, this became an issue when the last of the 4 bulbs burned out leaving a very dark room which is precarious since there are so many items on the floor like laptop case (fresh from Hawaii) file cabinets, tax boxes, etc to fall over.
Everywhere I look beckons, please throw me away, please shred me, please file me, please read me, please pay me, please, please.... Well at least life is not boring.
For those of you who still use your furnaces a word of advice, quit. In just a few days your body will adjust to numbing cold, your toes no longer hurt when you bump something, you forsake the robe for sweats as robes leave legs to freeze, if in desperation you let the dog sit in the chair with you, amazing how much heat the little buggers can put out. Furnaces waste money and create a false sense of security, living here means you don't care if a door is open since the air inside and out is the same temperature. Coats no longer are luxury devices, now they are essentials for survival. Did you know even microwaves put off heat while they are on? I didn't know that until recently. In this house it is easy to tell if something you are about to eat is warm or not, you can tell by the steam rising. The refrigerator no longer cycles on, no point. I am embracing winter and should I live until spring I will then thaw out and move on. At night blankets no longer are a choice, they are a vital link to slumber and Starr no longer sleeps on the blankets, she burrows under the blankets and presses so hard against my back that she almost pushes me out of bed. In the morning I know its cold when I see her breath steam rising.
Towels no longer dry during the day unless it gets real cold and then they freeze dry. I used the jetted tub once but the water cooled so fast the joy was quickly gone.
Yes I suppose I might consider one more furnace repair person but I feel sorry for these guys. They come, pass their magic wand over the unit and it lights and heats the house to 80 degrees, they declare it fixed and go away. It works until its time for it to start up again and something is missing, the ability for the aging piece of junk to light again. Unless the repair person is willing set up camp next to the furnace and wait we may never get it fixed. We are working on the third winter without it working so there is no real rush this time. Now its just me and I'm learning to like the cold and if I get too cold I just go get in the car and drive around, that heater still works.
Tomorrow I'm going to Lodi Fairmont church to see the new remodeling that has been done and to enjoy the worship hour, then I'm going to hook up with Bob and Carrol, return the wonderful ramps they graciously loaned us and have some lunch nearby. Keanna has a busy social schedule tomorrow so we can't do Sabbath School this time.
As I've exercised, cut way back on the wrong foods, cut the amount of food way back and included lots of water in my days the old mind is starting to wake up. I've taken baby steps toward a better life and I really appreciate the encouragement you've given.
So tonight I thank you for caring and my prayer is that this will be a special time for you and your family to enjoy life together.
love
tim
ps I've found there are several pages of settings for the blog I never knew about before. Jason did the set up in a tiny hotel room in Boston last time. I hope the changes I have made will allow you to comment without the hassles you have been experiencing. Please let me know.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Art is a great helper again...
Dear Family and Friends,
I've just come from a grief counseling session held at the local Methodist Church. Even though there was only one other person there plus the leader it was helpful and I think I'll go again. It started at 7 and I would have forgotten except Art called and reminded me.
I was able to sleep in this morning with less back pain. I didn't wake until about 7:45 and I was shocked. I climbed out and Art was ready to walk so I dug out some warmup clothes and we walked. We walked around the lake which is between 2 and 3 miles. Felt like 20 to me but I made it without any huge issues. Then back for a quick yogurt breakfast, research and on the road to Cotati. This little area is located in the Sonoma wine country below Santa Rosa off of Highway 101. It was a cute little farm on 5 acres. Loree had called to say a new order had come in for Rohnert park which is a few miles north of where I was to be so I was able to fit that in also. I found the local Olive Garden for lunch and had soup and eggplant. It was a lovely lunch and then out to shoot comps and head home. Traffic was pretty brutal coming home but I still took time to stop at Longs for a new drug the doctor has prescribed to replace one that tends to cause heart problems in a few people. Then home for a quick tomato and peanut butter sandwich with a glass of milk, meds and then to the recovery group meeting.
When I got home I discovered that Art had been busy. He had rearranged things and cleaned up so I could park the bug back in the garage again. He had done a load of wash, cleaned the decks and who knows what else. What a guy. Thanks Art for all your help in the past 24 hours.
He also brought me a book about a cleansing diet which he has used effectively and I am considering. I got the go ahead from my doctor, now I need to just do it. It lasts 10 days and consists of lemon juice, ciaan pepper in tiny doses and maple syrup. Art lost 10 lbs and feels much better since doing the cleansing.
I am already feeling much better. This morning my resting blood pressure was 112 over 67, a far cry from yesterday where it was 159 over 87. Also my blood sugar is already dropping and is 132 this evening, a major improvement from last nights 146 and 159 the day before. I've had lots of water today and am feeling much more alert and awake. I've learned from my doctor that when I eat carbs I also have to include some protein as protein burns slowly while carbs act fact. So I'm giving that real attention. I'm not allowed to eat anything very firm right now due to the weakened tooth, that will be fixed when they finish the root canal. Bob, I sure hope this get this done before a year passes like your experience.
Tomorrow I go to San Francisco in the morning to see a condo and then back to Brentwood for an afternoon appointment. I am very grateful that God has granted some orders in spite of their locations far from home.
I think Nan would be very pleased with the steps I am trying to take as the days go by. She was always after me to take care of my health and she liked me to work as long as I could get home at a decent hour in the evenings.
I'm very thankful this evening to be home safely after driving nearly all day in the rain and traffic. I'm thankful for a wonderful family both here in CA and in Texas and Denver, Oklahoma. Life is certainly different now, quiet, sort of feels selfish as I now do what I want to when I want to in a manner I never would have done while Nan was here.
Once again I thank Art for his help and Sylvia for coming out to visit last evening. Sure helps the week go by and brings happiness to spend time together.
Good night / morning my friends and family,
love
tim
I've just come from a grief counseling session held at the local Methodist Church. Even though there was only one other person there plus the leader it was helpful and I think I'll go again. It started at 7 and I would have forgotten except Art called and reminded me.
I was able to sleep in this morning with less back pain. I didn't wake until about 7:45 and I was shocked. I climbed out and Art was ready to walk so I dug out some warmup clothes and we walked. We walked around the lake which is between 2 and 3 miles. Felt like 20 to me but I made it without any huge issues. Then back for a quick yogurt breakfast, research and on the road to Cotati. This little area is located in the Sonoma wine country below Santa Rosa off of Highway 101. It was a cute little farm on 5 acres. Loree had called to say a new order had come in for Rohnert park which is a few miles north of where I was to be so I was able to fit that in also. I found the local Olive Garden for lunch and had soup and eggplant. It was a lovely lunch and then out to shoot comps and head home. Traffic was pretty brutal coming home but I still took time to stop at Longs for a new drug the doctor has prescribed to replace one that tends to cause heart problems in a few people. Then home for a quick tomato and peanut butter sandwich with a glass of milk, meds and then to the recovery group meeting.
When I got home I discovered that Art had been busy. He had rearranged things and cleaned up so I could park the bug back in the garage again. He had done a load of wash, cleaned the decks and who knows what else. What a guy. Thanks Art for all your help in the past 24 hours.
He also brought me a book about a cleansing diet which he has used effectively and I am considering. I got the go ahead from my doctor, now I need to just do it. It lasts 10 days and consists of lemon juice, ciaan pepper in tiny doses and maple syrup. Art lost 10 lbs and feels much better since doing the cleansing.
I am already feeling much better. This morning my resting blood pressure was 112 over 67, a far cry from yesterday where it was 159 over 87. Also my blood sugar is already dropping and is 132 this evening, a major improvement from last nights 146 and 159 the day before. I've had lots of water today and am feeling much more alert and awake. I've learned from my doctor that when I eat carbs I also have to include some protein as protein burns slowly while carbs act fact. So I'm giving that real attention. I'm not allowed to eat anything very firm right now due to the weakened tooth, that will be fixed when they finish the root canal. Bob, I sure hope this get this done before a year passes like your experience.
Tomorrow I go to San Francisco in the morning to see a condo and then back to Brentwood for an afternoon appointment. I am very grateful that God has granted some orders in spite of their locations far from home.
I think Nan would be very pleased with the steps I am trying to take as the days go by. She was always after me to take care of my health and she liked me to work as long as I could get home at a decent hour in the evenings.
I'm very thankful this evening to be home safely after driving nearly all day in the rain and traffic. I'm thankful for a wonderful family both here in CA and in Texas and Denver, Oklahoma. Life is certainly different now, quiet, sort of feels selfish as I now do what I want to when I want to in a manner I never would have done while Nan was here.
Once again I thank Art for his help and Sylvia for coming out to visit last evening. Sure helps the week go by and brings happiness to spend time together.
Good night / morning my friends and family,
love
tim
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Art is a great helper
Dear Ones,
Quick blog this evening. I'm so sorry that responding to this blog is becoming so difficult. I will try to look into it to find out why.
Art arrived this morning to a real mess. The power failed to the entire office about 9 am so I spent valuable time using extension cords to make things work again. By the time I did research and got ready we were late, so late that the doctor could not see me today so had to reschedule the consult for the 15th. I hope my tooth holds together that long. Then we shot comps in Stockton in Weston Ranch and headed to Lincoln near Roseville. That home proved to be very well kept and attractive. Then we joined Barb and Gerry for lunch. Then back for the comp photos and then headed home. I was so sleepy with all the carbs that Art drove. I slept and he fought traffic all the way home.
This evening we had a surprise visit from Sylvia and we talked recovery and found out that we both were doing pretty well in the process. Both Art and I enjoyed having her visit. Then I worked on making a quick meal, it was too late for Art to eat. Then meds, some important office work, open the mail, found the important papers had arrived from the insurance company, built a fire to take the chill off and now am ready to hit the hay. Tomorrow I drive to Cotatti, near Santa Rosa to see a ranch and then back here to work if I can stay awake.
I'm dealing with blood sugar issues right now. The numbers are way higher than they should be so exercise has become vital. Art and I are going round the lake in the morning, its 3 miles and will prepare me for the next time with Ken, my walking neighbor.
So good night my friends,
love
tim
Quick blog this evening. I'm so sorry that responding to this blog is becoming so difficult. I will try to look into it to find out why.
Art arrived this morning to a real mess. The power failed to the entire office about 9 am so I spent valuable time using extension cords to make things work again. By the time I did research and got ready we were late, so late that the doctor could not see me today so had to reschedule the consult for the 15th. I hope my tooth holds together that long. Then we shot comps in Stockton in Weston Ranch and headed to Lincoln near Roseville. That home proved to be very well kept and attractive. Then we joined Barb and Gerry for lunch. Then back for the comp photos and then headed home. I was so sleepy with all the carbs that Art drove. I slept and he fought traffic all the way home.
This evening we had a surprise visit from Sylvia and we talked recovery and found out that we both were doing pretty well in the process. Both Art and I enjoyed having her visit. Then I worked on making a quick meal, it was too late for Art to eat. Then meds, some important office work, open the mail, found the important papers had arrived from the insurance company, built a fire to take the chill off and now am ready to hit the hay. Tomorrow I drive to Cotatti, near Santa Rosa to see a ranch and then back here to work if I can stay awake.
I'm dealing with blood sugar issues right now. The numbers are way higher than they should be so exercise has become vital. Art and I are going round the lake in the morning, its 3 miles and will prepare me for the next time with Ken, my walking neighbor.
So good night my friends,
love
tim
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Health status update.... not too bad
Dear Family and Friends,
Today was dedicated to a doctor visit to discovery results from last Friday's blood draw. The results were much better than I expected based on how I have been feeling. Cholesterol was just 106 which was a shock. Triglycerides were a bit high but not too alarming and the balance between good and bad levels was surprisingly good. Doctor Jim who was my next door neighbor in college at PUC has prescribed several tests to be done as soon as possible. I will be having the joys of some lower back xrays for the night time back pain, a cardio evaluation with Dr. Savage including a treadmill stress test and a colonoscopy which everyone says is such a blast to experience. In addition he wants me to come back on the 21st for a full physical and see my eye doctor as soon as possible. He says with diabetes one needs an eye exam every year. In addition I found out that Dr. Jim still loves to play racquet ball and I am joining a club called In Shape which is about to have racquet ball courts at the completion of construction.
Its going to be difficult to work in some appraisal work between all the tests and procedures. My weight was down 4 lbs today over the high point so I felt good about that. The visit with Jim was very pleasant and helpful. On the 16th I'm going to his evening cooking school, a 2 hour session on the importance of eating the right foods and how to prepare them. It costs $50 but I think it will be worth it.
I was on my way to the doctor this morning when I found out they had overbooked so I came back home and worked, paid bills and then drove back at 2. After the visit I went to the PetCo and purchased good quality food for Starr and Lady, they are my precious company these days and I don't want them sick. I also got some decent cat food and some treats. Then to Trader Joe's which is one of my favorite stores. Since I am having to be very careful with my tooth due its current extreme weakness I purchased some soup and some soft bread. Then to Longs for meds and to turn in a new prescription. I've been taking Avandia for a long time but lately the press is reporting some heart issues with it so the doctor switched to a saver drug called Actos. I currently take Actos, Amaryl, Altace, Aspirin, Glucophage, Crestor, Zetia, Tricor and Niaspan along with 4 large fish oil tablets every day. Someday when I've lost weight perhaps some of these can be removed as I don't care to take drugs at all.
Tomorrow is the day to meet the oral surgeon at his office in Stockton for a consultation. Then Art and I drive to Lincoln Hills in Sac to do an appraisal and hopefully meet Gerry and Barbie Lammerding at the local Spaghetti Factory. Then on to San Pablo to see a unit and then home. Art will be my guest for the evening. I am really looking forward to seeing friends. Thank you Connie for sharing Art with me tomorrow.
Someone called today about the stair chair and I so hope it can go to someone with the same need we had. What a helper that chair was for Nan. It let her move about freely for many months, perhaps a year and let her sleep in her own bed all that time in the privacy of our bedroom instead of the middle of the living room. What a blessing David and Sharon were to have provided it for Nan.
Jason called this evening and reported that his house was sort of groaning or shuddering. It did not sound good at all and I hope he still has a house by morning. Not your usual phone call at all.
When I got home tonight I opened a can of soup from Trader Joe's. It was soooooo good, 2 minutes in the microwave, some crackers, a couple left over biscuits with peanut butter, a glass of milk and I had a feast. I'm learning to survive and would rather eat here now than out.
Please join me in prayer for Jason, Jo and Timothy tonight and for Irene who continues to battle pains due to the medicine she is on.
Thanks for the nice messages to the blog today, I find it very hard to believe that Joyce Connor can get Social Security. That is for old people and she is NOT old, something can't be right. Bob and Carrol, I had no idea so many lost trees and fences and Wes, thanks for pointing out that in spite of a root canal it was a good day overall.
love
tim
Today was dedicated to a doctor visit to discovery results from last Friday's blood draw. The results were much better than I expected based on how I have been feeling. Cholesterol was just 106 which was a shock. Triglycerides were a bit high but not too alarming and the balance between good and bad levels was surprisingly good. Doctor Jim who was my next door neighbor in college at PUC has prescribed several tests to be done as soon as possible. I will be having the joys of some lower back xrays for the night time back pain, a cardio evaluation with Dr. Savage including a treadmill stress test and a colonoscopy which everyone says is such a blast to experience. In addition he wants me to come back on the 21st for a full physical and see my eye doctor as soon as possible. He says with diabetes one needs an eye exam every year. In addition I found out that Dr. Jim still loves to play racquet ball and I am joining a club called In Shape which is about to have racquet ball courts at the completion of construction.
Its going to be difficult to work in some appraisal work between all the tests and procedures. My weight was down 4 lbs today over the high point so I felt good about that. The visit with Jim was very pleasant and helpful. On the 16th I'm going to his evening cooking school, a 2 hour session on the importance of eating the right foods and how to prepare them. It costs $50 but I think it will be worth it.
I was on my way to the doctor this morning when I found out they had overbooked so I came back home and worked, paid bills and then drove back at 2. After the visit I went to the PetCo and purchased good quality food for Starr and Lady, they are my precious company these days and I don't want them sick. I also got some decent cat food and some treats. Then to Trader Joe's which is one of my favorite stores. Since I am having to be very careful with my tooth due its current extreme weakness I purchased some soup and some soft bread. Then to Longs for meds and to turn in a new prescription. I've been taking Avandia for a long time but lately the press is reporting some heart issues with it so the doctor switched to a saver drug called Actos. I currently take Actos, Amaryl, Altace, Aspirin, Glucophage, Crestor, Zetia, Tricor and Niaspan along with 4 large fish oil tablets every day. Someday when I've lost weight perhaps some of these can be removed as I don't care to take drugs at all.
Tomorrow is the day to meet the oral surgeon at his office in Stockton for a consultation. Then Art and I drive to Lincoln Hills in Sac to do an appraisal and hopefully meet Gerry and Barbie Lammerding at the local Spaghetti Factory. Then on to San Pablo to see a unit and then home. Art will be my guest for the evening. I am really looking forward to seeing friends. Thank you Connie for sharing Art with me tomorrow.
Someone called today about the stair chair and I so hope it can go to someone with the same need we had. What a helper that chair was for Nan. It let her move about freely for many months, perhaps a year and let her sleep in her own bed all that time in the privacy of our bedroom instead of the middle of the living room. What a blessing David and Sharon were to have provided it for Nan.
Jason called this evening and reported that his house was sort of groaning or shuddering. It did not sound good at all and I hope he still has a house by morning. Not your usual phone call at all.
When I got home tonight I opened a can of soup from Trader Joe's. It was soooooo good, 2 minutes in the microwave, some crackers, a couple left over biscuits with peanut butter, a glass of milk and I had a feast. I'm learning to survive and would rather eat here now than out.
Please join me in prayer for Jason, Jo and Timothy tonight and for Irene who continues to battle pains due to the medicine she is on.
Thanks for the nice messages to the blog today, I find it very hard to believe that Joyce Connor can get Social Security. That is for old people and she is NOT old, something can't be right. Bob and Carrol, I had no idea so many lost trees and fences and Wes, thanks for pointing out that in spite of a root canal it was a good day overall.
love
tim
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