24 April 2006 I’ve decided to not add anymore miles for a while but rather to work on upping the gears on my bike. I will be continuing to increase my physical therapy, slowly but surely. I’m liking the new work schedule, having Mondays off. I managed to get some writing done, along with laundry for me and MissB, who is doing a bit better today. I also managed to get rid of some papers, clearing up one of my hot spots, mostly.25 April 2006 I’m doing better. I wasn’t quite as wiped out and scatterbrained after my 23-mile bike ride. The weather is warming. Not looking forward to summer. I had a good session with Kevin, but then I finally dropped the defenses and didn’t try to hold back anything.
26 April 2006 I’m watching my beloved MissB falter, a little more each day. She rallies, a bit, but then... There isn’t much time, now. My sister says it’s giving me time to say ‘goodbye’ and I know she’s right about that, but I don’t want to say it. There is no easy way to do this. Kevin has mercifully reminded me that I didn’t kill my horse and I’ll not be killing my dog. Death is inevitable. I am simply choosing when, and endeavoring to be sure I choose compassionately.
27 April 2006 The 23-miles isn’t quite so disruptive as it once was.. I can actually concentrate today. I’ve come to the realization that I need to learn to eat three healthy meals a day before I try any variations on the theme. Kevin gave me a new perspective. All my life I have worried about being ‘normal’ and been frustrated. Kevin has helped me understand that ‘normal’ is relative. Normal under what circumstances? What is normal is not necessarily what is healthy. So, now I’m endeavoring to learn to be healthy.
28 April 2006 My parents have informed me, on more than one occasion, that once MissB goes Home, there will be no more dogs. I’ve been fretting about this, and am now looking at the possibility of maybe a bunny or a hedgehog. Someday, I’d like to have a dog, cat, bunny, and fish. There is something about caring for a living creature... I did quite well with work today. I was able to finish in a reasonable amount of time, more like before I picked up the extra doctor.
29 April 2006 I’ve often been told that I need to get an apartment so I don’t have to take care of the yard. I’ve been told more times than I can count that it would be too hard for me to have to take care of the yard. A number of years ago, I tried mowing the back lawn and only got it half done before it was just too difficult to push that gas mower through the Bermuda and St. Augustine grass. Recently, Dad found an old-fashioned push mower. I remember my brothers using one to mow my grandmother’s lawn in Idaho. Today, I found myself wondering. Instead of going for a bike ride, I mowed the backyard. It’s a job that takes my dad an hour with the gas-powered mower. It took me two hours, and it looks very nice. I did end up with a blister on my thumb but otherwise none the worse for wear. So, if I really want a yard, now I know I can take care of it. LOL! I’ve been more careful about being in bed between 9 and 10 p.m., and I do notice a difference.
30 April 2006 I’m a little sore today, but not bad. MissB is a bit tired, as well. She stood outside, wandering around the yard the whole time while I mowed. This coming week brings the acid test: The first 100 degree day of the year is slated for Tuesday, a 23-mile day. We’ll see how I do. I’ve discovered the generic Pedialyte with grape juice actually works better than Gatorade. Yes, I’m still getting sugar, but at least I’m also getting a serving of fruit, not to mention all those great antioxidant thingies from purple grapes. LOL!