Hope all are still well. So far, so good, here. Stay well.
Where to go from here?
9 years ago
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
This 'Christmas' cactus has it's calendar mixed up
I'm starting to get the hang of the camera on the iPad, finally. No expert, certainly, but at least I've learned how to zoom and focus. My Christmas cactus is starting to bloom again, and tonight the light was hitting the first bloom nicely. A little beauty for a stressed world.
Hope all are still well. So far, so good, here. Stay well.
Hope all are still well. So far, so good, here. Stay well.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
A damp bike ride and yummy Keto tacos
I really itched to get out for a ride today, but it was overcast and misty and a 30% chance of rain. But rain wasn't due until around 1pm. So I dressed for the occasion (excepting my rain pants, which I won't forget again) and headed out in the mist, tail light flashing. A short ride on the riverfront bike path took me to a lightly used road that goes through neighborhoods (beautiful neighborhoods, million $$ homes) to another lightly used road which took me to the road to the sweet little town of Coburg, where I lived briefly before moving in here. That road is normally busy, but today it was practically empty. I had better sense than to try to ride to Coburg -- yet! -- so I took the normally-busy road back towards home, then on another normally-busy road back to the bike path, and home. Just over one hour. Wish it had been longer, though the mist turned to light rain for awhile, and it didn't bother me. Still -- a good ride. Any day on the bike is a good day.
Then it was lunch time, so after changing into dry clothes, I hit the kitchen for today's Keto Tacos. I choose my own foods on the app -- nothing is scheduled for me -- and this is one of my favorites.
'Tortillas' are big, sturdy cabbage leaves from my garden. They never fall apart, split, develop holes, etc. as other greens I have tried for this do. Slathered with a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce, gobs of fresh guacamole, a tad over 5 ounces of organic grass-fed ground beef cooked in a patty then divided into 4 thick pieces. Topped with cabbage and chard leaves from the garden mixed with the last of my home-fermented kimchi (there'll be another batch ready early next week).
Soooooo good. Years ago out in this part of the world there was an ad for a hamburger chain that always featured people biting into a juicy, drippy burger (and they really were good). The tag line was "if it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face". These tacos are indeed messy to eat, but that's part of what makes them good. I don't know what happened to the burger chain over the 4 years I was in Georgia, but they're no longer good. I only tried one since my return, and it was a horrible disappointment.
I've made some really fun and tasty foods while on this diet, and often wish afterward that I'd taken a photo. Happens often on what I call 'clean out the fridge day', wherein I do just that -- using bits and pieces of mostly veggies that are about on their last useful days.
Other than that -- life goes along well. So far!
Then it was lunch time, so after changing into dry clothes, I hit the kitchen for today's Keto Tacos. I choose my own foods on the app -- nothing is scheduled for me -- and this is one of my favorites.
'Tortillas' are big, sturdy cabbage leaves from my garden. They never fall apart, split, develop holes, etc. as other greens I have tried for this do. Slathered with a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce, gobs of fresh guacamole, a tad over 5 ounces of organic grass-fed ground beef cooked in a patty then divided into 4 thick pieces. Topped with cabbage and chard leaves from the garden mixed with the last of my home-fermented kimchi (there'll be another batch ready early next week).
Soooooo good. Years ago out in this part of the world there was an ad for a hamburger chain that always featured people biting into a juicy, drippy burger (and they really were good). The tag line was "if it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face". These tacos are indeed messy to eat, but that's part of what makes them good. I don't know what happened to the burger chain over the 4 years I was in Georgia, but they're no longer good. I only tried one since my return, and it was a horrible disappointment.
I've made some really fun and tasty foods while on this diet, and often wish afterward that I'd taken a photo. Happens often on what I call 'clean out the fridge day', wherein I do just that -- using bits and pieces of mostly veggies that are about on their last useful days.
Other than that -- life goes along well. So far!
Monday, March 23, 2020
Rain again.....
Yesterday I dredged up the nerve to take that new bicycle of mine out for a real ride, around 8am when few people were out and about to get in the way or mess up the sounds of nature. Total of about 18 miles, which is basically a loop of the river trail system. I've done that ride often in the very distant past, but haven't done it all the way in recent years/months/weeks. Weather was cool, but sunny. Scenery lovely -- the river running full alongside, greenery, Autzen Stadium, geese in the pond at Alton Baker Park, the usual.
I started out still feeling a bit shaky on the bike, unaccustomed to the new center of gravity compared to past bikes. But somewhere along the way, seems like it was about halfway, where I crossed a bridge from one side of the river to the other, I suddenly realized that things were feeling natural, that I was becoming one with the bike. Shifting (as in turning the wheel the right way) was becoming automatic. In places I found myself using 5th and even 6th gear, moving rapidly and enjoying every minute of it. Took me 1 hour and 32 minutes, door to door, non-stop. And it was wonderful.
Then yesterday afternoon a neighbor suggested climbing Skinner's Butte near downtown Eugene this morning. And she doesn't just climb it, she knows the network of trails and we go up, and down, and around, and up, and finally down again, so it takes awhile and is a good workout, including some stairs.
Being a glutton for punishment, I thought this would be a good idea. My body and mind resisted this morning, but I knew I'd enjoy it so off we went. Again, we were early and there were few people out, but the hillsides we walked through were peppered with large swaths of beautiful, large, fully-opened white Trillium popping against the greenery. Really a spectacular display, and wonderful to see. My Fitbit called it at 86 minutes and over 8000 footsteps, measured from when we got off the bus a few blocks away to when we returned to another bus stop another few blocks away. We got home just in time -- the wind was picking up and cooling off, and the rain wasn't far behind. So glad we went!
No telling what tomorrow will bring. I'll see how my body reacts to these two days, and then decide.
I started out still feeling a bit shaky on the bike, unaccustomed to the new center of gravity compared to past bikes. But somewhere along the way, seems like it was about halfway, where I crossed a bridge from one side of the river to the other, I suddenly realized that things were feeling natural, that I was becoming one with the bike. Shifting (as in turning the wheel the right way) was becoming automatic. In places I found myself using 5th and even 6th gear, moving rapidly and enjoying every minute of it. Took me 1 hour and 32 minutes, door to door, non-stop. And it was wonderful.
Then yesterday afternoon a neighbor suggested climbing Skinner's Butte near downtown Eugene this morning. And she doesn't just climb it, she knows the network of trails and we go up, and down, and around, and up, and finally down again, so it takes awhile and is a good workout, including some stairs.
Being a glutton for punishment, I thought this would be a good idea. My body and mind resisted this morning, but I knew I'd enjoy it so off we went. Again, we were early and there were few people out, but the hillsides we walked through were peppered with large swaths of beautiful, large, fully-opened white Trillium popping against the greenery. Really a spectacular display, and wonderful to see. My Fitbit called it at 86 minutes and over 8000 footsteps, measured from when we got off the bus a few blocks away to when we returned to another bus stop another few blocks away. We got home just in time -- the wind was picking up and cooling off, and the rain wasn't far behind. So glad we went!
No telling what tomorrow will bring. I'll see how my body reacts to these two days, and then decide.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Sunshine in the Garden
It's another beautiful, sunny spring day here, and it's impossible for most of us to stay inside. Fortunately, there is plenty of room in the garden for people to enjoy the sun or the shade, and not be close together. I went out a bit earlier to read in the sun. My internet (iPad) even works out there, as my apartment faces the garden.
This was my view from the chair I sat in. Not a lot happening here yet, but a few things are blooming and bulbs are rampant, and a few young veggies here and there. It'll be a riot of color soon.
This is my garden box, opened for the day's fresh air and sunshine. The frost-gard 'tent' was there all winter, and provides a great growing environment for various things. Weather was fairly mild this winter, for a change, so mostly it kept the cats and squirrels out. But now, everything in there is taking off like crazy. The Swiss chard (red stems) is ready to harvest again. I've been using the big, darker green cabbage leaves for taco shells. They actually work pretty well for that. They're sturdy and tough, and tend to 'cup' just the right way. The garlic in the center is just to repel bugs, and it does a good job of that. No pests like garlic! There's also young romaine lettuce, but you can't see it here.
I could remove the 'tent', but then the cats would get in and dig and poop in it. That bit of white netting is only large enough to cover one side. Eventually, I'll get a larger piece to cover the whole frame, then remove the fabric. But there's no rush. They're happy for now.
A little closer look inside. I do love growing as much of my own food as will fit in this small box.
I've been walking a lot lately, around the river paths and such, and have observed that in the early mornings the paths are almost empty. A person or a bike here and there. In the afternoon, more of them. So this morning I went for a hour's walk at 8am, and saw only a few people the entire time. It's chillier then -- I think it was around 37F -- but not bad once the body warms up from exercise, and with the sun. So hopefully tomorrow morning I'll get up the nerve to try it on the bike when it's that cold. I think it'll be OK, and I'm itching to get out there!
Stay safe, all.
I could remove the 'tent', but then the cats would get in and dig and poop in it. That bit of white netting is only large enough to cover one side. Eventually, I'll get a larger piece to cover the whole frame, then remove the fabric. But there's no rush. They're happy for now.
A little closer look inside. I do love growing as much of my own food as will fit in this small box.
I've been walking a lot lately, around the river paths and such, and have observed that in the early mornings the paths are almost empty. A person or a bike here and there. In the afternoon, more of them. So this morning I went for a hour's walk at 8am, and saw only a few people the entire time. It's chillier then -- I think it was around 37F -- but not bad once the body warms up from exercise, and with the sun. So hopefully tomorrow morning I'll get up the nerve to try it on the bike when it's that cold. I think it'll be OK, and I'm itching to get out there!
Stay safe, all.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Another new toy......
Life goes on after emotional losses, which is a good thing. Adam will always be a part of my heart, and there is no one else to fill the empty hole he left behind. But rather than let myself slip into a depression, I used my Buddhist training to let go, to not hold on to the past, or to current emotions. I still miss him -- especially right now when the Ducks have both the men and women in March Madness with the women likely to win the whole shebang. I can't help but think 'Adam would have loved this', and I allow myself that moment, then move on. Such things happen all the time, but are lessening.
Last week, after a bunch of nice days when I wanted to get out on the bike but didn't feel safe on my old one any longer (bike was sound, this old body less sound, and getting on and off it was so difficult that I was in danger of falling during both processes). So I took it to the local bike shop and traded it in on a model I've been wanting since November or December. It had to be ordered, but was ready on Saturday and I took the bus downtown Sunday morning (brrrrrrr, the warm sunny days had hightailed it elsewhere) to pick it up and ride it home. It's quite a lot different from other bikes I've had in my life, so I was a little teetery at times getting used to it, but the streets were quiet and the bike path not too far away. I made it home after a rather nice 40 minute ride along the river, getting used to my new toy.
This is where it lives in my house, so not the best place to get a photo. Nicest thing is that it has smaller wheels (not as small as they look in this photo, only slightly smaller than my old bike) and a forward crank, designed so the rider can easily and safely put their foot on the ground while sitting in the saddle. That takes away one bit of unsteadiness for me, in starting and stopping. The frame is low, so is easy to step through getting on and off, which takes away the rest of the unsteadiness. The forward crank is different, uses slightly different muscle sets. And the handlebars are higher than I've ever had. But again, my body no longer liked the lower handlebars, so this was another reason to choose this bike. The steering feels quite different, probably because of the higher handlebars, maybe because of the smaller wheels. I don't know the dynamics of such things. I like the forward crank because a good push forward on the pedal gets the bike moving nicely from a stop, while I sit comfortably on the seat. Seven gears, all of which are smooth and cover my needs (though I opted not to try to cross any of the bike bridges that require going up a ramp, until I get used to it).
One important factor in choosing the color was that it blend into my living room, since it has to live there. I think that worked out fairly well. I kind of wanted a bright yellow one, but that would not have blended into anything.
Naturally, the weather has turned foggy and chilly in the mornings and by afternoons I haven't had the energy to get out there. So it sits. But there is plenty of good weather coming and I'll be ready when it arrives.
I seem to have been bitten by an insect on my neck/throat sometime before yesterday, which is when I first noticed it. And, on Monday I had zero energy, took three naps during the day and felt like I've felt in the past when some major infection was about to take hold of my body. I connected the two yesterday, rightly or wrongly. I suspect that whatever bit me injected something into my body (it bit right on a little vein, according to a neighbor who's a nurse) and that fatigue was caused by my immune system fighting off this unfamiliar intruder. At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I've hardly been out of the house, so not sure where I could have picked up a critter to bite me, unless it was on the bike trip home. Something blown in the breeze. I am feeling better daily, so I suspect that by the time the weather improves I'll feel like riding again.
Be well and safe out there, everybody. Take precautions.
Last week, after a bunch of nice days when I wanted to get out on the bike but didn't feel safe on my old one any longer (bike was sound, this old body less sound, and getting on and off it was so difficult that I was in danger of falling during both processes). So I took it to the local bike shop and traded it in on a model I've been wanting since November or December. It had to be ordered, but was ready on Saturday and I took the bus downtown Sunday morning (brrrrrrr, the warm sunny days had hightailed it elsewhere) to pick it up and ride it home. It's quite a lot different from other bikes I've had in my life, so I was a little teetery at times getting used to it, but the streets were quiet and the bike path not too far away. I made it home after a rather nice 40 minute ride along the river, getting used to my new toy.
This is where it lives in my house, so not the best place to get a photo. Nicest thing is that it has smaller wheels (not as small as they look in this photo, only slightly smaller than my old bike) and a forward crank, designed so the rider can easily and safely put their foot on the ground while sitting in the saddle. That takes away one bit of unsteadiness for me, in starting and stopping. The frame is low, so is easy to step through getting on and off, which takes away the rest of the unsteadiness. The forward crank is different, uses slightly different muscle sets. And the handlebars are higher than I've ever had. But again, my body no longer liked the lower handlebars, so this was another reason to choose this bike. The steering feels quite different, probably because of the higher handlebars, maybe because of the smaller wheels. I don't know the dynamics of such things. I like the forward crank because a good push forward on the pedal gets the bike moving nicely from a stop, while I sit comfortably on the seat. Seven gears, all of which are smooth and cover my needs (though I opted not to try to cross any of the bike bridges that require going up a ramp, until I get used to it).
One important factor in choosing the color was that it blend into my living room, since it has to live there. I think that worked out fairly well. I kind of wanted a bright yellow one, but that would not have blended into anything.
Naturally, the weather has turned foggy and chilly in the mornings and by afternoons I haven't had the energy to get out there. So it sits. But there is plenty of good weather coming and I'll be ready when it arrives.
I seem to have been bitten by an insect on my neck/throat sometime before yesterday, which is when I first noticed it. And, on Monday I had zero energy, took three naps during the day and felt like I've felt in the past when some major infection was about to take hold of my body. I connected the two yesterday, rightly or wrongly. I suspect that whatever bit me injected something into my body (it bit right on a little vein, according to a neighbor who's a nurse) and that fatigue was caused by my immune system fighting off this unfamiliar intruder. At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I've hardly been out of the house, so not sure where I could have picked up a critter to bite me, unless it was on the bike trip home. Something blown in the breeze. I am feeling better daily, so I suspect that by the time the weather improves I'll feel like riding again.
Be well and safe out there, everybody. Take precautions.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
You really don't ever know when the last time you'll speak with a loved one is. Speak well.
I found out this morning that my dearest friend died February 2, and I found out by Googling his name since I hadn't heard from him since Feb. 1 and that's unusual. To say I was shocked to see an obit appear for him in the local paper is an understatement. I'm still shocked, and stunned. I don't know the cause of death, I don't know anything other than a date. We've known one another about exactly 16 years. I remember he called to wish me a Happy Valentine's Day a few days or week after our first 'date' at a coffee shop.
There were people -- his landlords and his sons -- who were supposed to let me know if this happened. Perhaps they will at some point, but not yet. I don't have a way to contact them, other than driving out and speaking to his landlords, which I won't do.
I last spoke to him around 3pm on Saturday the 1st. He'd planned once again to come visit that afternoon, but once again called to cancel because he wasn't feeling well. I'm so used to this that I think I didn't listen closely, though I'm pretty sure it had something to do with his blood pressure. He'd run out of the meds for that and had gotten more that morning and taken them, but he sounded pretty stressed out and they didn't seem to be working. I keep wondering if he said something I should have taken more seriously. I'd like to know what happened. Maybe someday, I will.
In the meantime, my Buddhist training and practice has helped me 'remain equanimous' and understand that death comes to all of us and is inevitable. I think the shock is also responsible for the equanimity. The reality has been hitting me all day as I realized just how often almost any thought would lead me to Adam. I'd think that I'd like to share this with him, or show him this, or talk to him about this, etc. And then I'd realize I couldn't do that any longer. It's a huge, deep, hole in my life that will be impossible to fill.
I offer this chant for Making Merit [good fortune] for the dead, from the Buddha's teachings. At least, according to the senior Buddhist Nun who offered it to me this evening, and she knows her stuff.
For Adam
Verses on the Simile of the Mountains
Like gigantic boulders,
Mountains reaching to the sky
Moving in from all sides,
Crushing all in the four directions—
So aging and death come
Rolling over living beings—
Noble warriors, priests, merchants,
Workers, outcasts, and scavengers.
They spare nothing;
They crush everything.
Here elephants can hold no ground,
Nor can chariots or infantry.
One can’t defeat them by a battle of spells
Or buy them off by means of wealth.
So a wise person,
Seeing his own good,
Secures firm conviction
In the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
He who practices the Dhamma
In thought, word, and deed,
Receives praise here on earth
And after death rejoices in heaven.
There were people -- his landlords and his sons -- who were supposed to let me know if this happened. Perhaps they will at some point, but not yet. I don't have a way to contact them, other than driving out and speaking to his landlords, which I won't do.
I last spoke to him around 3pm on Saturday the 1st. He'd planned once again to come visit that afternoon, but once again called to cancel because he wasn't feeling well. I'm so used to this that I think I didn't listen closely, though I'm pretty sure it had something to do with his blood pressure. He'd run out of the meds for that and had gotten more that morning and taken them, but he sounded pretty stressed out and they didn't seem to be working. I keep wondering if he said something I should have taken more seriously. I'd like to know what happened. Maybe someday, I will.
In the meantime, my Buddhist training and practice has helped me 'remain equanimous' and understand that death comes to all of us and is inevitable. I think the shock is also responsible for the equanimity. The reality has been hitting me all day as I realized just how often almost any thought would lead me to Adam. I'd think that I'd like to share this with him, or show him this, or talk to him about this, etc. And then I'd realize I couldn't do that any longer. It's a huge, deep, hole in my life that will be impossible to fill.
I offer this chant for Making Merit [good fortune] for the dead, from the Buddha's teachings. At least, according to the senior Buddhist Nun who offered it to me this evening, and she knows her stuff.
For Adam
Verses on the Simile of the Mountains
Like gigantic boulders,
Mountains reaching to the sky
Moving in from all sides,
Crushing all in the four directions—
So aging and death come
Rolling over living beings—
Noble warriors, priests, merchants,
Workers, outcasts, and scavengers.
They spare nothing;
They crush everything.
Here elephants can hold no ground,
Nor can chariots or infantry.
One can’t defeat them by a battle of spells
Or buy them off by means of wealth.
So a wise person,
Seeing his own good,
Secures firm conviction
In the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
He who practices the Dhamma
In thought, word, and deed,
Receives praise here on earth
And after death rejoices in heaven.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Saturday Boredom
Hi, y'all.
I'm a little bit bored this evening. Early evening.
This morning I bit the bullet and downloaded Windows 10. It took awhile, but the process was seamless and easy even for a non-techie like me. Microsoft did a good job with this, from my point of view.
So now I'm facing something I've often wanted to face but didn't quite have the guts: Windows 10 does not have the simple solitaire and mahjong games that I've used to mindlessly while away time. Alas. The iPad doesn't have any, either. Yes, I could download some, but every time I try that I'm disappointed with what I got.
It's just as well, really. I need/want to not be so devoted to them anyway. I still have the New York Times crossword puzzle, as well as their new spelling game (which I love!) and a few others I haven't tried. I'll just need to read, or something worthwhile, instead of mindless play.
Mostly, after the go-round with Microsoft this morning and a few errands about town afterwards, I've spent the day with The Queen. Signed up for my annual 30-day free trial of Netflix a couple of days ago, opted to watch most of season 2 to jog my memory, and am now into season 3, which I haven't seen yet.
One of my new neighbors is a wonderful artist (as in, a pro who actually sells her work) and she gave me a print for my birthday. Today I found the perfect frame for it, but the foam backing is too thick for the frame so she's going to switch it to a thinner backing tomorrow for me. It looks absolutely smashing, I must admit. The photo does not do it full justice, as I couldn't get the colors exactly right, but it's pretty close. Then there's the glare on the frame, and the fact that it's crooked. But -- you get the idea. The colors are vibrant and strong and well balanced and the brass frame was perfect for it -- as soon as I put the print into the frame at the store, it sang to me.
What will Sunday bring? Laundry, for one. Rain. A couple of good books to read, and some exercise machines in the next room waiting to be used.
I'm a little bit bored this evening. Early evening.
This morning I bit the bullet and downloaded Windows 10. It took awhile, but the process was seamless and easy even for a non-techie like me. Microsoft did a good job with this, from my point of view.
So now I'm facing something I've often wanted to face but didn't quite have the guts: Windows 10 does not have the simple solitaire and mahjong games that I've used to mindlessly while away time. Alas. The iPad doesn't have any, either. Yes, I could download some, but every time I try that I'm disappointed with what I got.
It's just as well, really. I need/want to not be so devoted to them anyway. I still have the New York Times crossword puzzle, as well as their new spelling game (which I love!) and a few others I haven't tried. I'll just need to read, or something worthwhile, instead of mindless play.
Mostly, after the go-round with Microsoft this morning and a few errands about town afterwards, I've spent the day with The Queen. Signed up for my annual 30-day free trial of Netflix a couple of days ago, opted to watch most of season 2 to jog my memory, and am now into season 3, which I haven't seen yet.
One of my new neighbors is a wonderful artist (as in, a pro who actually sells her work) and she gave me a print for my birthday. Today I found the perfect frame for it, but the foam backing is too thick for the frame so she's going to switch it to a thinner backing tomorrow for me. It looks absolutely smashing, I must admit. The photo does not do it full justice, as I couldn't get the colors exactly right, but it's pretty close. Then there's the glare on the frame, and the fact that it's crooked. But -- you get the idea. The colors are vibrant and strong and well balanced and the brass frame was perfect for it -- as soon as I put the print into the frame at the store, it sang to me.
What will Sunday bring? Laundry, for one. Rain. A couple of good books to read, and some exercise machines in the next room waiting to be used.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Merry Ho Ho
Christmas Eve, and it's the grinch here, as always.
Plop Plop Fizz Fizz, oh what a relief it is! I used to work with the people who created that Alka Seltzer ad. Apropos of nothing.
Nowadays, though, the 'funk' has become much more insidious and sneaky so I don't necessarily realize it's even happening, though I realize something is off. Or, as in this year, I've noticed an increase in anxiety and sleeplessness, a general uneasiness and certainly a need to eat too much of the wrong foods. Comfort foods. But I didn't realize the extent of any of this until the last day or so when I noticed it starting to lighten up. Because it's almost over again for another year. I'm beginning to be more inclined to want healthier foods, and less interested in the red wine of an evening. I feel some inner excitement blossoming because the end is near, only another day or two left (and a few days after that before the media lets go of the fuss and advertising completely).
And here I thought I was such an expert at spotting this! Sometimes, it still beats me because now it's become quiet and sneaky in its ways.
For the first time since I've lived in this building (a little over 3 years now), I've appreciated the community this season. Much more connected to some people (possibly because I've reached out more). It's been a comfort I didn't expect, but appreciate very much now.
Wherever you are, whatever you celebrate or don't celebrate this time of the year, may you be happy.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Old age ain't for sissies
I've been quiet because not much is happening, since my bike ride on Sunday.
And speaking of Sunday, sometime during that day I noticed a bit of a tender spot on the sole of one foot. It felt something like what we used to call rock bruises. I didn't really think too much about it, because I've had a lot of those over the years.
By Monday, however, it was hurting a good bit more. I took a look, and there was a small round red/blue bump surrounded by red skin. I thought it might be a blood blister, though I've never had one.
By yesterday, it was still there, still sore, showed no signs of going away. My doctor couldn't fit me in this week at all, and I sure didn't think it warranted a $40 copay for urgent care.
By this morning, after a rough night of little sleep (not because of the foot, though aggravated because since my attention was on the foot I felt discomfort whenever the foot encountered the bedding), I opted for another option, a walk-in clinic at a group where I used to have a primary care physician.
It's a good thing I went. Great doctor who probably spent an hour with me. First used a needle to try and drain it, but the pain was really intense. He tried some numbing cream, which really didn't help, then a numbing injection that also really, really hurt but didn't numb it enough. A second syringe of the stuff did the job and after that I didn't care what he did. He was able to drain it quickly and lo and behold, a blood clot emerged. Not a huge one, maybe a little more than pinhead size, but enough to make the surrounding tissues very unhappy.
Fortunately it was not a dangerous kind of clot -- the DVT kind that can break loose and cause havoc in the heart.
Hopefully I'm now on the mend, and hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight because I'm really, really groggy and tired. Just wanted to say hello. Is anybody listening?
And speaking of Sunday, sometime during that day I noticed a bit of a tender spot on the sole of one foot. It felt something like what we used to call rock bruises. I didn't really think too much about it, because I've had a lot of those over the years.
By Monday, however, it was hurting a good bit more. I took a look, and there was a small round red/blue bump surrounded by red skin. I thought it might be a blood blister, though I've never had one.
By yesterday, it was still there, still sore, showed no signs of going away. My doctor couldn't fit me in this week at all, and I sure didn't think it warranted a $40 copay for urgent care.
By this morning, after a rough night of little sleep (not because of the foot, though aggravated because since my attention was on the foot I felt discomfort whenever the foot encountered the bedding), I opted for another option, a walk-in clinic at a group where I used to have a primary care physician.
It's a good thing I went. Great doctor who probably spent an hour with me. First used a needle to try and drain it, but the pain was really intense. He tried some numbing cream, which really didn't help, then a numbing injection that also really, really hurt but didn't numb it enough. A second syringe of the stuff did the job and after that I didn't care what he did. He was able to drain it quickly and lo and behold, a blood clot emerged. Not a huge one, maybe a little more than pinhead size, but enough to make the surrounding tissues very unhappy.
Fortunately it was not a dangerous kind of clot -- the DVT kind that can break loose and cause havoc in the heart.
Hopefully I'm now on the mend, and hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight because I'm really, really groggy and tired. Just wanted to say hello. Is anybody listening?
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