Geeze what a week! It started out with almost nothing and by the end - whew!
Wednesday - Cinco de Mayo. I had a doctor's appointment. Colette had to work, so this is one of the few times I've gone alone. I need to mention that I'd started to use the walking stick again as of last Sunday. Getting around outside of home has become increasingly difficult - hip joints, knees and ankles are very stiff and the faster I tried to go, the shorter my steps become and I find myself shuffling along. I made the stick myself with the help of the maintenance crew here in my complex (it was originally an eight-foot flagpole with the filial removed and twenty-six inches cut off.) I sanded the rough edges with an emery board, then painted them over with clear nail polish, stuck a rubber floor protector on the bottom, drilled a hole near the top with my hand drill and ran a leather lace through that. It helped with my balance when I had to hurry to work and just strolling around the block (this was back in '06, if I remember right), but this time it seemed more a nuisance.
Anyway, I was asked at the last appointment to make a list of things that I wanted. Sky was the limit, they told me, nothing is too incredible. So among the things I listed (seven) I asked for a handicapped-placard. Needing to park close is the reason why I go so early in the day for everything; she thought it was a good idea and gave me a prescription for it. Seeing my stick, she thought I should get a four-point cane. It's made to help with balance, and it'll stand alone. Then she had me perform a few neuro-tasks - touching my thumb to each individual finger, touching my nose and then touching her moving finger, and standing with my eyes closed. I had trouble with all of them...
I asked her opinion. With the resting tremor (shakes when sitting still, stops when moves), she said, it looks like Parkinson's, but for the rest, like multiple-sclerosis.
I still hadn't heard back from OSU, but she thought that maybe I should have an MRI to take with me. We scheduled it for the next day at the Valley's south site (which is just around the corner from us). I was going out with Mel and Bobby for lunch, but I had time to fill the prescription at the BMV. It's mine for five years. God, how strange this all seems...all of it.
Mel's doll went back to her today (we should have taken before and after pics, now that I think of it). I'd finished gluing on the wig (later it didn't make sense to just tack it on; if Mel was set on getting a new one, there'd be no use for the old anyway), and you can run comb through the hair with very little trouble.
I had Mel close her eyes while I set the Toni - right leg up, arms close to the sides, hair flying out behind - so that she's step-dancing. She was delighted, so happy with how the doll's turned out. Now Mel's got her childhood friend back, wearing her mom's handiwork, and showing her heritage all rolled into one. She told me she's going to display the Toni in the living room - which thrills me to no end

. Mel wants to pay me for the work, but I'll pass. There's some things that just don't have a price.
We met Bobby at
Toro's - the place was absolutely packed. I don't remember much about our conversation - the food was great, the salsa was fresh, and the guacamole was a lovely shade of avocado - but then I had other things on my mind.
After lunch, I went shopping for a cane.
I know I could have found one cheaper/better/lighter/nicer if I'd gone to ACME/Canes "R" Us - I know so because I've been told - but I wanted to walk in the light of day without appearing tipsy and the sooner the better. So there's this medical supply shoppe just down the road in the neighboring pricey township, and I made a bee line for it. I stumped in with my stick, and next to the counter was this dark blue number covered in golden suns, crescent moons and star clusters. It's base is a metal rectangle with four little rubber feet, one in each corner. Everyone could see that we were made for each other, especially since it was the only one there. It did cost a bunch, but way less than three figures, and the ladies adjusted it for me so that the handle hits my wrist...
(It's Saturday now that I'm writing (been doing what I can and storing drafts until I come back - love this feature!) and since Wednesday 'the giraffe' and I have become fast friends. I'm covering the ground much faster than before and I don't fear falling. I'd don't feel so afraid to go out alone either, now that I can park close no matter what the time of day.)
I just wish that I didn't feel so tired. My shoulder had been fine up until a minute ago and now it's barking at me. It just doesn't do to continue - I don't say things as I mean to because I hurt - so I'll put it down. I really should write every day, even if just for five minutes. Things are moving so fast.
anyway, 'night and love you all,
sara