If It's Tuesday It Must Be Orlando

Two more days until my "AMA MARATHON."  Resting last week on the cruise was great but hitting the road running is the agenda for next week.

TUESDAY is my neurologist's testing.  I've been told to allow 2 hrs for this testing.  I also have to squeeze shopping, a haircut, laundry from the trip, take Ween to have her groomed, and anything else that needs to be done before I leave.

WEDNESDAY is getting Ween to Bob, who is supposed to be taking care of her while I am gone.  I would prefer taking her, but I can't figure out a way to do that.  A third sleep study test is on the agenda, but I don't have to be there before 8:00 pm.  My pulmonary doctor thinks my Bi-Pap machine needs to be adjusted.  It will also be my "cleanup" day to leave the apartment in good shape before I leave.

THURSDAY I'm in Pasco County having eye and ear testing.  St Lukes is one of the foremost eye clinics in the world.  Dr Gills has been on the "cutting edge" (no pun intended) of cataract surgery for the last 20 or 30 years.  My optometrist did not like what he saw on the last visit so he's doing further testing.  They also give hearing tests which is convenient as I actually do need to have one done. Killing two birds with one stone as the saying goes. Right now I'm planning to stay in Pasco with either Vicki or Kali, not sure which.  Kali wants to go to JAX so I may stay there and leave for Mayo early the next morning.  Plans are still up in the air for now.  It's a good thing I'm flexible.

FRIDAY a trip to JAX to Mayo.  I'm seeing my orthopedic doctor and bariatric nutritionist.  I don't look forward to seeing my nutritionist.  She has a soft voice but "chews me out" in a nice way. Having trouble with my back necessitates seeing the orthopedic doctor. It's not the bone spur that is the problem now, it's the other side and my spine.  If Kali goes, we'll probably stay on the beach.  If not, I'll stay with Aida and her kids; Always a great time.

SATURDAY is the 10th anniversary of Tom's death.  I always "hide out" on this day.  JAX beach is a great place to get lost.

That's my schedule.  If they can't find anything this time, I'm done.  I'm tired of the testing and the term "Well, it could be ..." I'll just tag myself a hypochondriac and be done with it. I'll have to come home to rest with Ween as my faithful companion.

What do I know

Welcoming Banner

THE FANTASY

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, and when I get to travel with "the relative I can't mention," it is always first class and more.  This ship is named THE FANTASY, and it pretty much is just that-A real fantasy time.  Anything, and Everything.

Chandelier in Rotunda

The Boss and Me

If you are a cruiser, then Disney is the only way to sail.  Lush facilities, wonderful scrumptious food, music, activities for all ages, and an adult area if you don't feel the need to have children as part of your agenda.

Lunch at Enchanted Gardens

Disney is noted for their shows and fireworks at the parks, but the ship has not been left out-elaborate entertainment every night, with a full-blown fireworks show off the aft end.  Such amazing sites are available.

Welcome Drink

Having enough food on this cruise is not a problem either.  I ate at the Royal Court Restaurant for breakfast the second morning-Ham and cheese omelet, croissant, sausages, coffee, juice and a cappuccino to add to the experience.  There was so much to choose from it was hard to decide.  "How many different types of muffins, filled pastries, donuts, breads, can you possibly have?"  If you don't see it, ask for it and they probably have it available.

Room service menu is minimal, but they will fix ANYTHING they have if you want it.  I did a continental breakfast one morning, and a cheeseburger for lunch one day, but pretty much ate everything else in the restaurants.  First night was Royal Court and I ordered a duck appetizer, french onion soup, braised lamb with au gratin potatoes, green beans, and creme brulee for desert.  I also tasted someones escargot, and it was De licious.  Art decided I need my own experience so he ordered one for me.  I was so full I WADDLED out the door and moaned for several hours afterward.

Animator's Palate Show

Next night was Animator's Palate.  Wonderful breads and dips, appetizer trio with shrimp, ahi tuna, and prosciutto on a rectangular plate, popcorn soup that was the consistency of she crab soup only without the sherry with a small container of carmel corn to add to the soup, a type of "johnny cake" that they called cornbread, also a lobster entree with a green bean veggies , venison slices with purple slaw, dessert trio of cheesecake, banana creme brulee, and strawberry shortcake.  These were in small individual bowls on a rectangular dish similar to the appetizer.

Enchanted Garden was the last night. I had a chicken breast and a baked potato.  I was so full from overeating each day, I could only manage half of that.  Like I said, more food than you can imagine.

Castaway Cay

I've pretty much decided I'm not a cruiser.  My bathroom at home is decidedly larger.  I don't have to travel AFT or FORWARD for a mile outside my bedroom to get anywhere I want to be. And, I can raid my refrigerator when I want some snacky stuff. (Not necessary on ship) But most of all - my "FOOT WARMER" can also serve as a "face washer" all in one package.

It's not possible to remember everything even with notes, but this is a slight overview of the 4 days.  I was soooo glad to get home and so was my "saran wrap" dog.  I think she missed me.  I haven't told her about being gone next week.  We'll just surprise her.

THIS IS 'JUST' A TEST

Falling out of the shower wasn't exactly my idea of how to start the day, but too much soap can actually cause you to slip.  DUH!  Anyway, I don't think anything was damaged.

"The person I'm not supposed to mention" took me to St Luke's Eye Clinic in Tarpon Springs on Friday.  We were there 4 hrs.  I thought they would NEVER get finished.  I knew they were going to dilate my pupils, that is why HE went.  But twice?  I found out a few things - Cataracts, on both eyes; no big deal.  The Doctor also discovered I have the beginning of Macular Degeneration.  AND, I need new glasses.  Whew.  He also didn't like what he saw on the lining of my eye.  I have to go back for more testing.  I DID get to have a quick lunch with Vicki, one of my friends in New Port Richey.

Being in church yesterday was a real treat.  I haven't been able to attend for a long time. We are between pastors, but it sounds like they are ready to decide-four men are being considered.  The youth minister spoke and did a nice job.

The Elders search for a potential pastor and narrow it down to several people.  The Elders are the ones who decide.  The congregation doesn't actually have much to say about who is selected. This is different than I've experienced.  My former churches decided by letting the congregation hear each candidate.  (Usually about 3 or 4)  Then the congregation votes, with the district superintendent having the final say.

This past week was better physically for me; not much pain-feeling better than I have been for a very lonnnnng time.  I didn't have to take naps to keep up the energy and get rid of the aches.  I don't know why; maybe the new meds they are giving me actually "kicked in."   I've gotten some work done here at home.  For whatever reason, I'm grateful.  I really don't know how bad I feel until the pain is gone.

Today was the first day of a set of three tests with "nuclear" medicine.  My "relative I can't mention" took me.  All my guys and friends have been awesome.  "He" had to drive back. I had a "slight" reaction to the shot; nausea, aching, and upset stomach.  I was there almost 1 1/2 hrs, for a ten-minute procedure.  Getting ready was the biggest part. Tomorrow and Wed, the "scans" will take about an hr each.  It is supposed to reveal any abnormalities in my body - tumor, infection, whatever.  Wonder what it will show in my brain?

The technician said I should stay away from the dog.  She says that it is recommended not to be close to babies or animals.  Ween is not happy about me not petting her.  Wait until she finds out she can't sleep on the bed tonight.  She will NOT be a happy camper.

Friday I  am supposed to go to MAYO in Jax.  This is the first time since December.  I'm taking paperwork to see if I can get a "charity" notation so that I can HOPEFULLY have my surgery in Jax.  The surgery is on hold anyway because of my heart and lung problems. Who knows?  I just try to take one day at a time.

Resting on the couch and starting to feel better.  I have to eat light because of the tests. I'm marinading chicken and will bake it.  That should be okay.  God is good.

D I V O R C E

Divorce is a travesty to God's plan and yet I am once again faced with the decision to do just that.  I gave Bob "preliminary" divorce papers for some information that needed to be filled out on the pages before it is filed.  He didn't seem surprised.  He's hard to read at times so I don't know exactly how he feels but he filled in the blanks and handed it back to me.

Yesterday was our 5th anniversary.  (Happy Anniversary)  We've been separated almost 3 years.  In order for me to not feel in limbo, I  think this is the next step in our relationship.  I really don't know whether he doesn't want to be married or he just doesn't want to be married to me.  He will not discuss anything with me.

Where does that leave me now?  Pretty much just as I have been yet I won't be married.  I pray this is the right decision.  I don't know what else to do.

One upper that I have to look forward to in the near future is the cruise on THE FANTASY. WAHOO!!!

I AM BLESSED

"The relative I'm not supposed to mention" just text me and asked if I wanted to go on the new Disney Ship, The Fantasy, for the maiden voyage.  DUH!  

Lobby of THE DREAM

I was privileged to go on the maiden voyage of the last ship, The Dream, and it was fantastic.  I can't wait to see the new one the last of the month.

REMEMBERING

Loss of a loved one can be devastating for someone.  The loss of a celebrity affects everyone.  Whitney Houston, Davy Jones, and Robert Sherman are three people who have recently died.  Robert Sherman is probably the least know of the three.  He and his brother Richard wrote so many songs and shows for Disney, I can only begin to list them.  Mary Poppins,  Jungle Book, The Aristocats, and the list goes on and on.

Whitney Houston was every one's favorite darling- songs, movies, directing; so much talent and gone entirely too soon.  I did not have the pleasure of seeing her in person, but enjoying her music was a past time for me.  The nation mourns with her family.


But Davy Jones was someone I had seen in concert many times.  He usually came for Disney's FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW in the Spring.  He was a true showman.  These pictures were from his 2009 show.  Cute, personable, talented.  I enjoyed all his concerts.  Saying goodbye is always hard, for any reason. Not only will his family miss him, our world will miss him and his music, for music makes the world go around and lightens your heart. His did both.

FOOTNOTE:
Just found out that for Flower and Garden Davy's former partner in the Monkeys, Mickey Dolenz, will be taking Davy's place.  This will be a great way to honor Davy.

Change?

Over the years, I have had many, many "Charles" in my life.  Starting with my brother Charles, dated 3 or 4 Charles, engaged to a Charles, named my natural born son Charles, and my roommate Charles.

My backyard

Today is Charles Pugh's birthday (former engaged person).  Why have I remembered this date for over 40 years - I REALLY don't know for sure.  It's just one of those unimportant facts I have stored in my memory chip for a brain. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to change memory chips as easily as you can change SIM cards?  I would be sooooo smart and up to date on all my facts.  This could be a project for the Cupertino area of the world.

Yesterday I went to my pulmonary specialist.  My breathing capacity has gone down from February's test.  I asked what that meant and he said it meant I wasn't breathing well.  WELL, DUH! That's why I'm going to him in the first place.  So, I'm in for another round of testing with him.  I wonder - is there a limit to the number of tests a body can stand?  I bet I reached my limit a looooooooonnnnnnnnng time ago.  Oh well. Here we go again.  (I have a blood test tomorrow.  I hope I pass.  I better go study for it.)

Quiet Is Good

So far this week, it has been quiet in my corner of the world.  I only have one doctor's appointment and a blood test.  No doctors for Mock.  (Whew)

Ween is sleeping after a mid-morning breakfast of Doggie Food and licking my yogurt container.  I've decided not to feed her anything connected with "People Food."

We have been walking as much as possible, which is not far for me but we're building time and distance each day.

Yesterday was an exceptional day for me.  I went "shopping" for clothes; alone.  I DID have Barb on speed dial, just in case.  We figured out that I had not had any new clothes since she was down here the last time, which was over a year, maybe two.  I know "holes" in your jeans is again the "in" thing, but it's not my "in thing."  I finally found 3 pair of pants at Kohls and immediately quit.  That is more shopping than I want to do at any time.  I also had my allergy shots, did some grocery shopping, picked up some "drugs" from Target, and went to Honey Baked to purchase some Ham.

One of the problems with feeling good is that I try to make up for time lost and I usually feel bad the next day.  Today is an okay day.  Maybe I'm finally coming out of this "unhealthy" era I have been in for a while.  I certainly hope so. In any case, God is still good and in control.  I'm thankful for that.