tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51196301951813037992024-03-13T14:45:50.791-07:00Dannys worldDannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-60955166433337138722012-04-28T09:57:00.000-07:002012-04-28T09:57:42.267-07:00Thats some dogSo I am sitting in my easy chair eating soy beans in the pod. My 'little" dog Christie is waiting for me to give her one. I reach into he bowl and put my hand out with the bean. I just knew she would not eat it. Well, she sat there in front of me and ate the whole soy bean, pod and all. So I gave her another and watched her do the same thing. She just chewed it up and swallowed it down.<br />
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She continued to sit there and watch me eat the soy beans. Unmoving. Always watching. Ten minutes passed and I looked down and she was still there . Not taking her eyes off me. So I gave her another soy bean and watched her. She took the pod in her mouth and chewed. I thought to my self, "Stupid dog". Then she did something unexpected. She opened her mouth and pushed the pod off onto the floor. She then picked out the beans and ate them right down. <br />
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I was floored. I thought it was a fluke so I gave her another pod. She did the exact same thing. That dog watched me eat the soy beans and learned how to eat them. Over the next hour she stayed by my side and shared the bowl of soy beans. Now if I could just teach her to put the pods in the waste bowl.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-76355251256921314992012-03-16T17:52:00.003-07:002012-03-16T19:10:09.368-07:00Why do I keep doing what I do?These last few weeks at work have been very stressful. We have started doing moderate complexity lab test for a procedure we now perform at our clinic. That means that we needed to get our lab accredited. It has been a lot of work to get all of the records in order. Then we received notice that we were going to get inspected by COLA.<br /><br />Now add to the mix one of my nurses telling me she wants to transfer out of our clinic and back to the dialysis clinic. Our clinic has a small team and each team member plays an important role. The loss of one person means extra work for every one else until a replacement can be found and trained. Just to make it more interesting, my lead RT turns in his letter of resignation. Great, the only one of my techs that can scrub the arterial cases that the surgeon feels comfortable with on the table and the most experience.<br /><br />Did I mention that this last week was also spring break so I have had one or two teammates out each day? I have been at the clinic every morning before 6 and leaving after 5 for the last three weeks. Being in a salaried position means there is nothing extra on the pay check for all of the extra hours. The added stress and extra hours really took a toll on me both physically and mentally. I was starting to think why do I continue doing what I'm doing?<br /><br />Then we have a follow up visit on a patient that we saw in the clinic for peripheral artery disease. She was not able to walk around the store without having to stop and rest her legs and let the cramping go away. Two weeks ago week did a procedure on her legs and restored blood flow to her lower legs. During the visit she started to cry. The nurse was speaking in Spanish so I didn't understand much of what was said. I thought she was up set over something. The nurse gave her a hug and she started to tear up as well. At this point I really needed to find out what was going on. I was told that she is very happy. For the first time in a long time she was able to go dancing.<br /><br />And that is why I keep doing what I do.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-26070935280671813872012-03-11T16:54:00.002-07:002012-03-11T17:22:59.046-07:00The Vampire's new trickI was at work last week when my cell phone rang. It had an unfamiliar area code so I answered it. It was the blood bank calling to set up a donation. I thought this unusual because I have their number memorized. I felt bad that it has been so long since I last donated. I said sure, sign me up for platelets for Sunday.<br /><br />I arrive early just in case they have a cancellation. I get the paperwork done and kick back to read my Nook book. I no sooner turn it on and I get called into the screening room. My weight is up and my blood pressure is down. Oh well.<br /><br />The first thing I notice when I get to the back is that they did a remodel. The canteen was made larger and they had computers set up for the donors to use. The next thing I noticed was all the new faces. I only saw two techs that I knew. This does not concern me as I have such good veins.<br /><br />The tech sticks the 15 gauge needle in my arm and I don't even feel it at all. She took a blood sample and returned a few minutes later. I was eligible for a double platelet and a unit of red cells for 90 minutes on the machine. Sure, why not. I have nothing else planed for the morning.<br /><br />I looked through the movie list to see if they have any new movies that I want to see. Nothing peaks my interest so I decide to just read my book. 90 minutes just flew by and my procedure was complete.<br /><br />I'm not sure why I have been avoiding the vampires here lately. I have never had a bad experience and everyone treats me nice. I guess I just needed a break.<br /><br />Well, breaks over!Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-77975260166821675162011-11-22T17:04:00.000-08:002011-11-22T17:32:52.613-08:00Tour Davita: The Aftermath<div>While on the tour this year my knee started to give me problems. If not for the encouragement from my team I never would have made it. On the last day of the ride my right leg was almost useless. Pushing down on the pedal when going up any hill was extremely painful. The pain in the knee continued even after the tour so I had to go to the doctor to see what was going on.</div><div> </div><div>After x-rays and a MRI the problem was identified. I tore the medial meniscus. There was edema and fluid collection with slight swelling and degenerative changes as well. I opted for conservative therapy. I had my first steroid injection and the knee is feeling better all ready. I have a second injection scheduled for December and I hope it will be the last that I need.</div><div> </div><div>I hope to be back on my bike this weekend and see how it holds up. </div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-21613079434110559102011-09-22T18:22:00.000-07:002011-09-22T20:28:47.420-07:00Tour DaVita 2011: The Glory<div><br /><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsxWkDozdk12AGDhXnsIiPGpzyGudfzhGIKI02YPIFwn7pMG6hX8aGN_R_AeQTuXiJWqsvpDncW_MsA75Ur4aVq95VHyebpnTdh6ugA_On5KHYWNqI8R0Kc0jl9KJRIB0O6k1tlNgtQdP/s1600/P9170059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655372138583961506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsxWkDozdk12AGDhXnsIiPGpzyGudfzhGIKI02YPIFwn7pMG6hX8aGN_R_AeQTuXiJWqsvpDncW_MsA75Ur4aVq95VHyebpnTdh6ugA_On5KHYWNqI8R0Kc0jl9KJRIB0O6k1tlNgtQdP/s320/P9170059.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATa2t39YEnIKO7AoiXXQeHkoJpm1nykJDMBUcSSMGXNjB1GgGb3rxUxSqJBFL3C4sWw3-Ssxna35i5ZiQFKkDpMgihwgYavj7dRIRwd_fPl2ApDx20Wp7J33EHcymueu7KNhn2ISpi31c/s1600/P9170056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655371735920282338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATa2t39YEnIKO7AoiXXQeHkoJpm1nykJDMBUcSSMGXNjB1GgGb3rxUxSqJBFL3C4sWw3-Ssxna35i5ZiQFKkDpMgihwgYavj7dRIRwd_fPl2ApDx20Wp7J33EHcymueu7KNhn2ISpi31c/s320/P9170056.JPG" /></a><br /><div>The tour was awesome as usual! <a href="http://www.backroads.com/">Backroads</a> did an excellent job on the route and the camp sites. The food was catered out this year. I was rather disappointed with breakfast and most dinners but lunch on the road was always good.</div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8YClHaKMNMt7cH7HGs2FceErrjkIw2Y_Ev0R1uB4Fi77bHWFiuR8dOKIhjrFhpL8h9_7puzAl1Bgy9gGu9bi_auYvSLiH1mtlFzjw0NkwCFOnTbgFXr32X5HKLK5nq5hSGh0wdnz4DS2/s1600/P9170086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655375075360966130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8YClHaKMNMt7cH7HGs2FceErrjkIw2Y_Ev0R1uB4Fi77bHWFiuR8dOKIhjrFhpL8h9_7puzAl1Bgy9gGu9bi_auYvSLiH1mtlFzjw0NkwCFOnTbgFXr32X5HKLK5nq5hSGh0wdnz4DS2/s320/P9170086.JPG" /></a></div><div>Day 1: The bus pulled into the beautiful park like setting of <a href="http://www.skibutternut.com/">Butternut Ski resort</a>. I checked in and made my way to the bike line. Backroads fit me for a bike and adjust my helmet. I then make my way to the tents. Same as always, two people per tent. I am nervous about sharing my space with someone I have never met. I pick a side and set my things out for the ride the next day before I go out exploring the grounds. I met up with the <a href="http://lifelinevascularaccess.com/">Lifeline Vascular Access</a> team for dinner. Then it was back to the tent for a night of sleep.</div><div> </div><div>Day 2: There were two options for the ride today. The basic option was a short 53 mile ride and the long option was a formidable 86 miles. I started off with the mind set to save my self for the century ride. I arrived to lunch by 11 o'clock so made the decision to do the long ride, The country side was beautiful. The trees looked like they were trying to decide if they would start changing colors. I had a flock of wild turkeys cross the road in front of me along the way. The hills were a real challenge for me. It was just one hill after another. I did make it all the way to the finish line but my right knee was was killing me. It was dinner and bed.</div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuZBGDmMBw0d_K19-9U3bTToNm4Ileu1U_UkVhbIccx82yAWECSHSV3ipwfzl_iBwV1FF7vlffyV-P3yW5QHgFOAE6MRHlzmab9_Mm9h4O8W-sF3ABQoujg7NOJ6P8Qe47XSn9crjrsVY/s1600/P9190126.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655391120306844450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuZBGDmMBw0d_K19-9U3bTToNm4Ileu1U_UkVhbIccx82yAWECSHSV3ipwfzl_iBwV1FF7vlffyV-P3yW5QHgFOAE6MRHlzmab9_Mm9h4O8W-sF3ABQoujg7NOJ6P8Qe47XSn9crjrsVY/s320/P9190126.JPG" /></a></div><div>Day 3: 76 mile ride for the day. The day starts off with a very long up hill segment. About 13 miles to be more exact. Not all at once but just one after another after. When lunch rolled around my knee was done and I was ready to quit for the day. My teammates encouraged me to continue so I looked for a wrap for my knee. Backroads helped me out once again with a bandage wrap. Not quite an ace but it did apply a little compression. We headed back out on the road and I was able to finish out the day. Once again it was dinner and bed. I slept much better this night as I was so exhausted.</div><div> </div><div>Day 4: I have been on two other Tours and I have not been able to complete the long ride. I was not sure I had it in me to finish this ride again. The morning started off with the sound of rain hitting the tent. It was going to be one of those days. I had to make the decision by mile 53. That is where the ride split. One way was the century mile ride and the other was the century kilometer ride. Once again my teammates encouraged me to push myself like I have never pushed my self before. This day was no different than the previous 2 with regards to the hills they just kept coming. My knee was starting to hurt even more than the previous day. We finally made it to the coast line where the ride would be more or less flat. However the wind off the Atlantic ocean was very strong and of course it was a head wind. I think I would much rather have hills than a head wind. With a hill you know where the top is and the reward is the down hill. I sent my team on ahead as they will pull you off the road when it gets dark and I didn't want to be the cause of them not finishing. I road the last 8 miles on my own. I just kept pushing down on those pedals and moving forward. Then blast it all if there wasn't another hill thrown in before the end. I almost lost it right there. But then the Backroads van drove by and shouted words of encouragement. I finally made it to the turn into the camp grounds and tears welded up from my eyes. "I made it!" I kept saying to myself. As I crossed the finish line and there were so many people there to cheer me on. I am so thankful for the words of encouragement that not only came from my team but also from people that I didn't even know. This was truly an experience that I will never forget.</div><div> </div><div>Reflecting back on the ride and all the miles that were logged on this tour it is quite a feat. We rode our bikes from one side of Connecticut to the Atlantic ocean. On the first day we rode through three states, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. </div><div> </div><div>WOW! What a ride. I can't wait until next year. Hear tell it will be in Denver. </div></div></div></div></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-45992088436157537462011-09-04T16:53:00.000-07:002011-09-04T17:25:55.799-07:00Tour Training<div>I did a 38 mile training ride this morning. We were on the trail at 0630. It was still dark but it was nice and cool. The small animals were on the move with the cool weather. I almost ran over several different critters. I was concerned because I didn't want to swerve to miss and ride off the trail but I didn't want to hit the animals either.<br /><br />I had visions of being laid up in the hospital with broken bones and such. I started to have poems run through my head about the incident. I was on my bike and hit a squirrel and to the ground I did hurl. Besides the squirrels, there were several lizards, red birds and field rats that crossed my path.<br /><br />It is because of these incidents that i have decided to make that my last long training ride before the tour. The evening rides are not as bad with the critters. I only have to worry about the heat. Due to the heat I will be keeping the rides to 14 miles max.<br /><br /></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-62308523703603933042011-08-29T17:01:00.000-07:002011-08-29T17:52:10.395-07:00My Tour DaVita 2011:in training<div>It is hard to believe that another year has passed and it is that time again. I look forward to September as I do Christmas. It is time for the annual Tour DaVita. This year the tour is in beautiful Connecticut. If I have my way the weather will be cool but more importantly, dry. Last year in Washington State it rain most of the time we were there. The weather broke on the final day and we were able to see the mountain. I still had a lot of fun and enjoyed talking to teammates from all over the states.<br /><br />This year I am going to push myself to do the century ride. On the third day of the tour we are giving the option to do a 100 mile ride. I have not been up to the challenge in the past tours but I am training hard this year. I have been doing daily 14 mile rides and then this last weekend did a 50 mile ride. I know it doesn't sound like much but I am training on a mountain bike. Not to mention that the temperature has been triple digits for just about the last month. I was able to do the 50 mile ride in less than 5 hours and the temperature was 94 when we finished.<br /><br />I will continue to do the short 14 mile rides during the week but I think I will hold off on the long rides due to the extreme heat. I think I will keep it under 30 miles a day on the weekends. That should be three hours in the saddle, more than enough to toughen the skin for the tour.<br /><br />Last year my camera bit the dust due to the wet weather. I kept it under my wet weather gear but the rain was such that it soaked though the gear. I hope to have a new camera to take with me so I can capture all the memories. So check back after September for a follow up on how well I did and I hope to have some pictures posted.</div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-89799977798061159302011-03-09T16:48:00.000-08:002011-03-09T17:26:22.598-08:00Pants on the groundThe weather here has been beautiful! The temperature is getting into the 70 and low 80 degrees. I have made it a point to continue my evening walks during the week and morning walks on the weekend. While on my walk this afternoon I learned a valuable lesson. I need to either wear a belt or buy smaller short pants. I was walking and my pants ended up down by me knees. It wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't been going commando! Just kidding! I was wearing underwear but is was still embarrassing. I kept looking around for something that I could use to hold them up. At mile 2 I found a caution tape that was put up for construction so I used a piece to hold my pants up. I was able to complete my 5 miles. I will be better prepared next time.<br /><br />The trails are so nice this time of year. The trees are just getting their leaves.There are so many different shades of green going on. Some of the trees that bloom are in bloom and add a splash of color. The other thing that I like is the smell of honey. The agarita plants are in bloom and the smell great! I love this time.<br /><br />Now that my blood pressure and cholesterol are under control it is time to start back with the blood donations. I have an appointment this Saturday morning. I donate at 0700 and hope to be out on the trail by 9:30. I want to get in a 10 mile walk on Saturday and shoot for a half marathon on Sunday. Or maybe see about getting the bike out and taking it for a spin. Either way it will be a great weekend to be outside.<br /><br />Let the summer fun begin!Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-37285373556483737232011-02-26T10:40:00.000-08:002011-02-26T11:44:54.520-08:00Community serviceI spent my morning picking up trash from the local park today. It was part of a community service project to clean up the parks. We were assigned to clean up the Bandera road area of the Leon Creek Greenway park. There was so much trash!. I was amazed at just how much we picked up. Our group picked up over 25 lawn bags. I took my daughter Ashley with me. We walked and picked up trash together but more importantly we spent time together. It is these small moments that I treasure. I picked up 5 of the bags of trash that were collected by the group. Ashley told me that I am such an over achiever. I told her that I would rather be known as an over achiever than a slacker any day.<br /><br />This is just one of the community service projects that we do together. We have spent several days with Habitat for Humanity. I think it is a win win situation. The community gets help and I get to spend time with my kids and instill my values. I can't help but think that I get the most benefit. I know that my kids don't think they are benefiting now but in the years ahead I hope that they will.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-30624078275077711912011-01-08T18:40:00.000-08:002011-01-08T19:07:23.912-08:00I said. I did.I had made the comment yesterday that if I get an early start on my morning walk I would do 20 miles. Well this morning I was on the trail at 0730. I just reached my 5 mile mark when I remembered what I had said. As I was walking back toward the car I said to myself "What were you thinking?" When I got to the parking lot I opened my car and grabbed my banana and my water and headed back out on the trail. As I passed each mile marker I would say "I said. I did." I kept pushing on and at mile 15 I hit the wall. I made the first 10 miles in 2 hours and 3 minutes. The next 10 miles was 2 hours and 17 minutes. By the time I was back to the car I was ready to collapse. I sat down and exclaimed "I said. I did."<br /><br />Then I was thinking, why did I do that. No body would know what I had said the day before. No body would care that I did or didn't do it. But I would know. And it was that important to me. So that has become my motto for the new year. "I said. I did."Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-13313636354000583362011-01-01T06:47:00.000-08:002011-01-01T07:14:22.705-08:00Go for the gloryGlory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it. <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/mohandasga166288.html">Mohandas Gandhi</a><br /><br /> I was reading the quote feed on my blog and I read the quote from Gandhi "you must be the change you want to see in the world". I love that quote from him. So I went in search of more writings from Gandhi and this one made me think about New Years day. As we move into the New Year we make our resolutions. These are our goals for the coming year. The most common resolution is to loose weight. So many of us start off strong and then become discouraged because things are not going as planned. And so you give up trying. There is no longer an attempt and you loose self confidence. Don't give up. Go for the glory.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-91132803495757920992010-12-31T19:01:00.000-08:002011-01-01T05:33:13.983-08:00And so a new year beginsAs the midnight hour approaches I take a moment to reflect on the past year. I was able to do the Tour DaVita again this year. I endured more cold and wet weather than I thought possible while pushing my self to go the distance on a bicycle. What great memories of the friendships I have developed over the years. The next tour is in Connecticut and I hope that I am able to attend. I bought a new car this last year. My wife and daughter were in an accident in the Honda Fit. I give thanks that they were not injured. I traded the Fit in after the repairs for a much larger Kia Sorrento. I just love the ride and it is still pretty good on the gas. I lost 25 pounds this last year. And as I dropped the pounds I lowered my blood pressure and my cholesterol.<br /><br />While I reflect on the past I look forward to what the new year may bring. I do have some goals that I would like to work on this year.<br /><br /><br />I am starting the new year at 173 pounds. I would like to be 165 by my next doctors appoint on June 1st and to end the year less than 165.<br /><br />I would like to keep a log of the miles that I walk. I have been walking 25 to 40 miles a week and I would love to see what that number would be by the end of the year.<br /><br />I want to walk a ½ marathon every month this new year. I have done it once or twice this past year.<br /><br />Ride my bike more this year. Teri gave me a road bike. It needs a little work but is in good shape. I put new tubes in the tires today and will road test it in the morning to make sure all the gears work.<br /><br />Get my daughter into college. She has been doing so well in school. I am very proud of her.<br /><br />Bond more with my son. He is growing up so fast and changing so fast. He is doing outstanding in school and makes good choices. I am proud of him as well.<br /><br />Here is to the new year. May it be even better than the last. Always remember, you create your happiness and life is what you make it. Make it a great year!Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-19966052046755530602010-12-17T17:21:00.000-08:002010-12-17T17:57:26.662-08:00Looking BackWhere did this year go? It seems like yesterday it was the start of the year and now it is almost over. I was looking back at my post from January and the things I wanted to accomplish this year.<br /><br />Read 12 good books. I have read more than 12 good books this year. The best series that I read was <em>The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo</em>. I read all three books back to back. It was a very good read. I was so disappointed when it was over. I love to read books like that. I then watched the movies. They were good but I have yet to see a movie that is better than the book.<br /><br />Loose 20 pounds. Well in fact I have lost a total of 24 pounds! At the beginning of the year I was diagnoses with a fatty liver and high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I was put on medication for the cholesterol and blood pressure. I started to walk in the park and now I walk about 35 miles a week and watch what I eat. My blood pressure is now fantastic and cholesterol is below150. I find out on Monday how my liver is doing.<br /><br />Give 20 gallons at the blood bank. I did not reach this goal due to my health conditions. I wanted to make sure that I had all of my issues taken care of so I can donate for years to come. If all is well on Monday then I can start to donate again. I may even try to get a donation in before the end of the year.<br /><br />Be happy with my decisions. Well that is another tough one. I have to make decisions that effect not only me and my family but also my team at work and patients that I see. I would have to say that there are few decisions that hind sight would change my choice. I would have to say that I am happy with my decisions that I made this year.<br /><br />The past year dealt many challenges, both personal and professional. It seemed like there was one obstacle after another put in my path. I have been able to overcome those obstacles and turn them into inconveniences and learning experiences. I look forward to the many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">challenges</span> that the new year will bring.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-8177276485310301822010-10-10T09:59:00.000-07:002010-10-10T12:00:39.599-07:00Battle of the ShoesI have had many posts on shoes. It is hard for me to find a pair of shoes that don't give my feet problems. Years ago I had a pair of Nike Yankee running shoes. They fit my feet the best. I put several hundred miles on those shoes before I had to replace them. That was back in high school when I was on the cross country team for Soul American High School. When I returned to the states half way through my senior year I did not continue with the cross country team at Copperus Cove.<br /><br />Lets review. I was wearing a pair of Nike shoes but had worn out the heal on the inside of the shoe. They were a good shoe but I never did any real distance walking with them. I got another walking shoe from Rebock. I then started doing distance walking. My feet always hurt. Time for a new pair. I saved up my pennies and a half off sale due to store closing got me a pair of New Balance 1200 series. Almost a hundred dollars at half price. These were no better than my other shoes,in fact they were worse. I started to get blisters the size of Texas on the inside of my heel and the back of the heel as well. From there I went with Sketcher. They felt fine at first but then the blisters on the inside of the heel started after a few miles. It got to the point that I did not want to go walking. That is when I got the Vibram Five Finger KSO shoes. Finally no more blisters. I actually enjoyed walking again. My feet felt fine, until I started distance walking. After 5 miles my feet were numb and tingling. If I stay on the trail over dirt and grass I do great but all paved walk was not good on my feet. I was back to square one. This weekend I bought a pair of Asics shoes. I tried on at least 10 different shoes at the store. I would put on both shoes and walk around the store. It came down to three shoes and all were Asics brand. The ones I bought have a gel sole and really cup the heel. I went out this morning for a walk. I was only going to do 5 or 6 miles but my feet felt so good I ended up doing 13 miles. When I got home and pulled off the shoes, no blisters. I think I found a shoe that fits my foot.<br /><br />I still have foot pain when I walk distance. I can deal with that as long as there are no blisters. My next step is to see if I can get inserts to take the pain away. Stay tuned.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-74944445941380462332010-09-24T18:59:00.000-07:002010-09-24T19:02:47.002-07:00Tour DaVita 2010I have survived the tour yet again, only this time unscathed. Last year on day two I ended up in the Emergency Room and had 13 sutures placed in my right calf that was sliced opened from the sprocket. For those of you that don’t know what I am talking about, the tour is Tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DaVita</span>. It is a three day bike ride that benefits the Kidney Trust<br /><br />The Kidney Trust is a non profit organization that provides free testing of kidney function and provides financial assistance to dialysis patients. On the first service, 90 percent of adults with kidney disease do not even know they have it. Once found, lifestyle modifications can be made to prevent the disease from progressing to end stage renal disease (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ESRD</span>). That is when you need to be placed on dialysis three times a week until you can get a kidney transplant. The second service takes the burden off of a patient having to decide between paying for a medication and paying the rent.<br /><br />The tour this year was in Washington State. You can check out the route and pictures and video at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tourdavita</span>.org. We started off in Tacoma. The first day was approximately 66 miles. The rain was a slight drizzle most of the day with the temperature in the upper 50’s. There were two large hills that day. I made it half way up the first hill and then had to walk my bike up the rest of the way. I looked at it as on opportunity to stretch my legs and enjoy the sights. The second hill was even more brutal. As I start to make my way up I get cramps in my legs. I had to get off my bike to stretch my legs out. I look down at my legs and it looks like snakes crawling under my bike shorts. The muscles were just jumping. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">couldn</span>’t even walk. Then the cramps moved to my lower back. Ouch! The guest speaker for the night was riding his bike up the hill and saw that I needed help. He took my bike and pushed it up the hill while I tried to stop the cramping. After about 15 minutes and a bottle of water, I was back to good and continued on my way. I finished all the miles that day and made it in by 3:30. I hit the showers and then the massage table.<br /><br />Day two was the visit to the dialysis clinic for a presentation. The morning was crisp and just a very slight mist coming down. We rode to the clinic and just about half way through the program the rain started to come down in buckets. I decided to stay and tour the dialysis clinic to kill some time and see if the rain would let up. After about 30 minutes it did not so I took off. It was raining so hard I had to remove my glasses to see. There were several steep hills on the ride and I stretched my legs on all three. On one of the hills a car full of girls drove by and one yelled out the window “Nice ass!” Boy, it had been a long time since I heard that! Only my bottom was starting to hurt and I was ready to give up. I had two friends, Kevin and Marjorie that pushed me to continue. I carried on with their encouragement and we all crossed the finish line together. That was 79 miles in the pouring rain and temperatures in the 50’s. It was a miserable weather for the ride but the sense of accomplishment and the company kept was worth it. It was after 6:30 when we arrived. I took a nice hot shower but unfortunately the massage tables were closed.<br /><br />I started day three with the intention of doing the full century mile ride. As the day went on the soreness on my groin was getting worse and worse. The hills were plentiful this day as well. The day started off with rain and about 30 miles out the rain slowed down and then the sun actually broke through the clouds. By the time I made it to the lunch stop I was in so much pain it hurt to walk. Not the legs, the groin. This was the 45 mile mark and I made up my mind I was done. This was a difficult decision but the right decision. I did not want to risk further injury. I ate lunch and turned in my bike. I fell asleep on the one hour bus ride to the camp. After a nice long shower I went to the finish line to cheer the arrival of other riders. I had so many different emotions as I rang the bell and waved to the riders. I was filled with joy that they had finished the ride and disappointed with myself for not completing it. I just have to remind myself that I did my best and there is always next year.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-91985441012719096722010-09-11T16:49:00.000-07:002010-09-11T17:22:09.616-07:00Dazed and ConfusedI called my Dad the other day to see how things were going. We had just finished the week with a tropical storm and lots of rain. I also wanted to see how Mom was doing with her radiation treatments. I called his cell phone and he picks up.<br /><br />Dad "Hello"<br />Me "Hi Dad, How's it going"<br />Dad "Fine..."<br />Me "I just finished helping Paul with the trees that fell down in the storm."<br />Dad "O-Kay..."<br />I go on talking for about a minute about helping Paul and then I say "Dad....Dad...." The phone is dead. So I wait a few minutes for him to call back. No call. So I call him again.<br />Dad "Hello..."<br />Me "I lost you there"<br />Dad "Yeah...."<br />Me "Did you get a lot of rain this week?"<br />Dad after a pregnant pause "Yeah....."<br />Me "Dad are you all right?"<br />Dad "Who is this?"<br />Me "It's Danny!"<br />Dad "OH!"<br /><br />And so went the conversation with my Dad. From that point on we had a great conversation. I was starting to think that my Dad had a stroke or something. I know it had been a week or two since we spoke but come on.<br /><br />When I talked with him today I asked him about the conversation. He said that he was in the truck on their way to eat dinner and the phone sounded like it had an echo. He said when the phone disconnected Mom asked him who it was. "Just some lady telling me about cutting up some trees" he says. When I called back and finally told him who I was everyone in the truck had a good laugh.<br /><br />Then I started thinking. I started off the conversation, "Hey Dad." Who could it be? Do I have other siblings out there that I'm not aware of? Good lord I think nine is enough!Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-87832582958363569722010-09-08T16:58:00.000-07:002010-09-08T17:13:47.481-07:00Rain rain and more rainTropical storm Hermine rolled through south Texas yesterday and today. With the first wave we got a little over 5 inches of rain. Then last night 2 bands came rolling across the area. It started about 1:48 this morning. I know this because the storm was very loud. My dog Larry is a big chicken when it comes to thunder. He jumped up on the bed and I couldn't get him to get off. He stayed at the foot of the bed the rest of the night. I know this because he was shaking the bed like it had a massage motor built into it. Larry weighs 58 pounds and I could not budge him. Then princess thinks she can keep the thunder away if she barks when she sees the lightening. The second wave moved through about 3 in the morning. There was more lightening associated with the second wave and a lot more rain. Between the 2 waves we added a little over 3 inches to the total. As I sit here typing the rain is still coming down in waves. Hermine has brought a total of about 11 inches so far with scattered showers expected tonight. This rain was welcomed as we were getting close to water restrictions. Everything is already looking greener.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-74982878016782417152010-09-04T17:31:00.000-07:002010-09-04T17:38:05.770-07:00A Walk in the ParkI stepped out of the house this morning to hang another ear of corn for the squirrels. (One was setting in the tree staring in the window!) The air had a crisp feel to it as a cool front had blown through yesterday. It felt like the perfect morning to go to the park for a walk. I came back inside and woke up the kids, it was after all 8:40 and half the day was gone already! The kids come down stairs and Chris jumps on the computer while Ashley sits on the sofa with her mom. I tried to get someone to go with me but I had no takers.<br /><br />So I get to the park at 9:00 and there is only one parking spot left. Perfect! As I get out of the car a runner is just getting back from her run and lets out a primal scream. “I did it!” she yells. I shouted back “Great job!” and others around start to shout out their remarks of encouragement. I don’t know what her goal was but she achieved it and that was great. It was so nice to see strangers interacting in such a manner.<br /><br />I head out on my walk moving at a good pace. The park was a hopping place. There were walkers, runners, skaters and bikers making good use of the cool morning. When I go walking I like to listen to the sounds of nature. So many had there ear buds on and not really paying any attention to anything or anyone. I was saying good morning left and right. Some people were friendly while others just appeared to ignore the greeting.<br /><br />I started off with the goal of walking 13.5 miles. At 5 miles my left foot was getting uncomfortable. The inside heel was starting to hurt so after another half mile I stopped to look at it. Before I left the house I used padded mole skin on the heel as it had been a problem in the past. When I removed the sock the mole skin was just barely hanging on. The sweat was doing a number on the adhesive. I had a blister on the back of my heel the size of Texas and several smaller blisters on the inner heel. Well that put an end to proceeding further. Unfortunately I had to walk 5.5 miles back to the car with the blisters. Ouch!<br /><br />On the walk back I came across an older gentleman that was picking himself up off the trail. He was bleeding from both arms and one leg. I asked him if he was all right. He was brushing the dirt off his legs and looking at the ground. He said that he had moved off the trail to let some bikers past and then tripped on a vine. I guess the riders didn’t notice. I made sure he was good before continuing on my way.<br /><br />I made good time back to the car. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to go the 11 miles. I had plenty of time to meditate and clear my head. My battery is charged and I am ready for the week ahead. Who knows, I may go riding tomorrow but I know I will hold off on the walking until after Tour DaVita.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-9846873686363849542010-08-14T14:10:00.000-07:002010-08-14T14:39:57.490-07:00Vibram Five Finger toe shoes: the VerdictI have had my Vibram toe shoes for a while now. I have worn them as my daily shoes and have worn them out on the trails. I have about 70 miles on them. My first impression of them was a foot saver. I had tried several shoes but all hurt my feet. The Vibrams did not make my feet hurt. I thought I found the perfect shoes. Today I went walking the trails and walk ways in the park. The path is mostly concrete with stretches of dirt path. After six miles of concrete my heels were feeling the lack of cushion. I had to walk the last mile back on the grass next to the concrete walk. The difference was night and day. I will say that because I gave my feet a rest from conventional shoes for two months I am now able to wear my dress shoes without any foot pain. I will still wear my toe shoes, just not all the time. When my KSOs are worn out I will buy another pair of toe shoes.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-15966192515016423492010-08-13T18:55:00.000-07:002010-08-13T19:02:01.681-07:00School DazeWhen did they grow up? I woke up this morning and my daughter was starting her first day of her last year of high school. What happened to the first three years? School starts and then I lose her to her friends. The first day and it starts already! I am at work and I get this text message.<br /><br />Ashley: “Dad I need 15 dollars”.<br />Me: “Why?”<br />Ashley: “I’m going to the movies and then out to eat at EZ’s”<br />Me: “Says who?”<br />Ashley: “Dad we talked about this a few days ago.”<br />Me: “I don’t remember”<br />Ashley: “Stop it Dad! I told you yesterday!”<br />Me: “No”<br />Ashley: “Mom said O-Kay”<br />Me: “So was it a few days ago or was it yesterday?”<br />Ashley: “You have selective hearing!”<br />Me: “No”<br />Ashley: “No what?”<br /><br />I just left it hanging at that. What is the deal with texting any way? Wouldn’t a phone call be so much quicker?<br /><br />So Christopher, not to be left out, tells me. “Dad, I need some money.” “Why do you need money?” I ask. “Because Mom said I can go to the movies with my friend tomorrow.”<br /><br />So while at the store I get cash back. I am walking out the door and Christopher asks, “Did you get the money?”<br />“Why no. Was I supposed to?”<br />“Yes you did, I saw it.”<br />“Then why did you ask?”<br /><br />My head hurts.Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-83211677964422769082010-06-30T18:24:00.000-07:002010-06-30T18:41:58.188-07:00Owl house up date<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86JU-1ApgesBtnfzaWhkTP7l67WXm13dIWWYCGT7cyZmUooxSMdH3Q560SihXKKhcIGifeGBN7dBcjyiZaecG7MTPbsekNpfOLBKfdbE9-zSpHK3BYsefgp7slW4AMpdRgLVikxulw3Q-/s1600/DSC02996.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488743164641838066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86JU-1ApgesBtnfzaWhkTP7l67WXm13dIWWYCGT7cyZmUooxSMdH3Q560SihXKKhcIGifeGBN7dBcjyiZaecG7MTPbsekNpfOLBKfdbE9-zSpHK3BYsefgp7slW4AMpdRgLVikxulw3Q-/s320/DSC02996.JPG" border="0" /></a> The sun was setting and I went out to check on the Owl house. We had quite a storm blow through here. It took down trees in the area so the wind was very strong. The Owl house was still bolted to the tree about thirty feet off the ground. All of the bees were back at the house and as you can see it is over flowing. The bees so far have not bothered anyone. I can walk around the yard and under the tree without any problem. I have mowed the grass and even used a chainsaw without incident. I will leave them be for now. If they become aggressive then I will have to do something about them. I wonder what happens to them in the winter? Do they stay put or do they die off like a wasp? I will have to do some Internet searches to find out. I had asked Melanie to go out and check out the Owl house. She said, "Why, do they have little honey bear bottles lined up for us?" Obviously she isn't as excited about the guests as I.<br /><div></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-38895487190518320712010-06-13T16:12:00.000-07:002010-06-15T16:46:37.993-07:00Vibrams fivefingers KSO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2RRiGVbAZ-5U7Jrar85G9fYVScig-oGpNM-osein7TNBnMKJ8ZF1XpXoEkPr-YAKkz6K6LcjyBGO5txuMuJCCXs_JlhbXEfwQlnUUjesWUSFHQzdHwol3dW5WkL490ayVr4eEEgi6CRp/s1600/DSC02844.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483150783814404802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2RRiGVbAZ-5U7Jrar85G9fYVScig-oGpNM-osein7TNBnMKJ8ZF1XpXoEkPr-YAKkz6K6LcjyBGO5txuMuJCCXs_JlhbXEfwQlnUUjesWUSFHQzdHwol3dW5WkL490ayVr4eEEgi6CRp/s320/DSC02844.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">After reading all of the hype about these shoes, I got a pair for an early fathers day present. My family was tired of listening to me talk about how much I would like a pair but what if I don't like them. What if it they hurt my feet. I didn't want to spend $85 just to have them sit in my closet.</div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">I use to wear Nike shoes and I absolutely love them. I heard how great New Balance shoes were so after much debating I broke down and bought a pair. $150. Ouch! I went out walking and they felt great at first but then my left foot started to hurt on the inside edge of my heel. I walked about 3.5 miles that day. I had to pull my shoes off when I got back to the car. The left foot had three blisters all around the heel. I was hurting for weeks. I healed up and then tried them out again. I ended up pulling them off and walking back in my socks. I told my self never again will I spend that much on a pair of walking shoes.</div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">I still need to run my Vibrams through the paces to see how they will do for me. At first blush they are great. I walked about 3/4 of a mile on the sidewalk and then returned on the trail. The KSOs did well both on and off the walk way. This week I should get about 20 miles logged in the shoes. Stay tuned.</div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-90975976373454563382010-06-09T14:17:00.000-07:002010-06-09T14:32:12.013-07:00Owl House Guests<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaiq8kC3V92CsvmGEDIxpkbRz8_bAlBAKhEjYyTpxfzssoNZT5PZYA1UtOC5I7u-MdqiktJAHys24CnBMfQdXn2mfkBvd94X0YZdKHO4aKMcJL8C0Yi4WRvBl4KPmSSV_NFMiBrJeXjT8/s1600/DSC02701.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaiq8kC3V92CsvmGEDIxpkbRz8_bAlBAKhEjYyTpxfzssoNZT5PZYA1UtOC5I7u-MdqiktJAHys24CnBMfQdXn2mfkBvd94X0YZdKHO4aKMcJL8C0Yi4WRvBl4KPmSSV_NFMiBrJeXjT8/s320/DSC02701.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxfYqc2DMOHYAko-KrN6839fxGyl3ZIHMNNJEPTSwCqmsmvJ6fnZr4kspEUKFXZpnw41Cy5Lo-shMIfAU-29iYUJA0DfOPA6ILd9koVt1P9vrQg6qMDgDSiiAz9OnsVfP7UHs_X4_1OwV/s1600/DSC02702.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxfYqc2DMOHYAko-KrN6839fxGyl3ZIHMNNJEPTSwCqmsmvJ6fnZr4kspEUKFXZpnw41Cy5Lo-shMIfAU-29iYUJA0DfOPA6ILd9koVt1P9vrQg6qMDgDSiiAz9OnsVfP7UHs_X4_1OwV/s320/DSC02702.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjr6dQwRPcaNRJyLIkmxM3OSrvOM98bOfjMwkfJq1xdeLzvunWknKKgY6BmUKxGQ3YkKgbfL_rUerodIce9vWXNn6Oml4xHE1mLEGJ0fEA0sPoYzyeQPMk9zpQhNNrU5hQ2JytIEB1Xrb/s1600/DSC02703.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjr6dQwRPcaNRJyLIkmxM3OSrvOM98bOfjMwkfJq1xdeLzvunWknKKgY6BmUKxGQ3YkKgbfL_rUerodIce9vWXNn6Oml4xHE1mLEGJ0fEA0sPoYzyeQPMk9zpQhNNrU5hQ2JytIEB1Xrb/s320/DSC02703.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6XHOwZIPEnROIV1chvWrB_nueOuKWu6SRnyVgvNy9T6tPLN0bm9By-zeZGrq9EVpCctOhwp2zHnkUYtbfR6fCGf0DntXn8cNeRGIHUZUGD9WlJKPB84OmHim_abtgMkeC6FAAjfWhyphenhyphenp4/s1600/DSC02704.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6XHOwZIPEnROIV1chvWrB_nueOuKWu6SRnyVgvNy9T6tPLN0bm9By-zeZGrq9EVpCctOhwp2zHnkUYtbfR6fCGf0DntXn8cNeRGIHUZUGD9WlJKPB84OmHim_abtgMkeC6FAAjfWhyphenhyphenp4/s320/DSC02704.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" alt="Posted by Picasa" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"> </div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center">After what seems like forever I have guests living in the owl house. Hundreds, maybe thousands actually. I was in the back yard today looking at a tree that I cut up last weekend and just happened to look up at the owl house. It had been several weeks since I had looked at it. A picture says a thousand words but these pictures do not do the bees justice. The bees are very thick in the opening. I am not sure if that is honey comb that I see or just bees swarming to keep the inside cool. You can hear the hum of the wings beating back and forth. Very cool. I just hope they are not the African honey bees that will chase me around the yard when I mow the grass.</div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-33326374524841287152010-06-03T16:19:00.000-07:002010-06-04T03:45:07.705-07:00A Memory Fading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmpzIVrNAYiTPTKTYkVtT9OFzwUJSCuqiWedjvdbY6qi7gjI_S744bgJaGdz6y-D7nY1NlRgvONaJgsAPcq9yiSg4sEGz6MXA9PZrtfblbSnrUpWu8BNLzBTjgNxo4ONsgtMxBVvRIPaB/s1600/DSC01504(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478702671496800898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmpzIVrNAYiTPTKTYkVtT9OFzwUJSCuqiWedjvdbY6qi7gjI_S744bgJaGdz6y-D7nY1NlRgvONaJgsAPcq9yiSg4sEGz6MXA9PZrtfblbSnrUpWu8BNLzBTjgNxo4ONsgtMxBVvRIPaB/s320/DSC01504(1).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As you know if you have read my blog, I am a huge Famous Quote addict. I have a new quote delivered to the blog daily. They always provoke a moment of thought and reflection. The quote today is: <strong><em>Memory is the personal journalism of the soul</em></strong>.<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/r/richard_schickel.html">Richard Schickel</a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This got me thinking about my mother-in-law. She is in her fourth year with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. We had to have her placed in a home that cares for patients with this devastating disease. She is more and more confused as the days go by. I can see changes each time I see her, which is about twice a month. Melanie sees her about four times a week.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I get to hear all about the interesting conversations. It is very sad to think that her personal journal is getting erased. Her memories are going away but her family will remember her as she was before. We will cherish the memories we have as she was and be thankful for them.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Alzheimer's sucks.</div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5119630195181303799.post-56334842906546313312010-06-01T17:57:00.000-07:002010-06-01T18:34:59.395-07:00Your storyEvery life is like a story. They all start the same and they all end the same. You are born and then you die. What happens in between is mostly up to you. In the early years, you are mainly directed, much like an actor in a play. Then you step up to the director position. You call the shots and set the scenes. What story will yours be. An action adventure. A love story. A comedy. A tragedy. You are the master of your world. You can choose to be villain or the hero. You can choose to be rescued or you can do the rescuing. It is all choices. Don't stay behind the curtian. Pick a part and play it. Mix it up. Only you can play your role. In interviewing elderly people and asking about what regrets stood out the most, it was not what they did but rather what they didn't do. Choose wisely and live well. What will your story tell?Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09567687073573067899noreply@blogger.com0