Friday, December 12, 2025      

  I prepare a list for my 15 minute medical appointment. Three issues. Any more becomes confusing. Skin rash, urine test/ UTI issues and renew prescriptions. I am clear.  Drink more water, try an antihistamine, and yep, he will renew the meds. He is kind and encouraging and no real answers. He does give me a flu vaccine shot, and encourages me to get a COVID shot at the drug store.

     Last week I sign a document as spider woman. The medical assistant laughs and accepts the paper.  My car’s door frames, lights, mirror and bumpers are covered in spider webs. In the 60’s, I wrote Richard Nixon’s name when I attended events. I prefer spider woman. My birthdate is the only ID that is important.

     I park in the dark underground parking area of the doctors building. I sit in the car hoping my eyes will adjust. Most of the ceiling lights are out. I report the problem to the doctor. I am afraid I will trip. I suggest that either they fix the lights or set up a bench near the elevator while my eyes adjust to the dark. Thanks, he says.

     We watch two episodes of LONG WAY UP, motorcycles and older guys on a road trip. Such a great show. No violence or murders or detectives. I am reading Patti Smith’s latest memoir, BREAD OF ANGELS.

 

Thursday, December 11, 2025

     Intense itching comes and goes. I am now using a soothing cream to calm down the problem. I am not sure if it comes from the chemo therapy I have had or something else.   I meet with the doctor today, maybe I will get some good ideas on how to manage this problem. I am not sick just damaged.

     At noon the lively librarian comes by with more books and stories of life outside of my house.

     When I was 15 my mother suddenly took her four kids to Freiberg Switzerland.  I lived for awhile in a boarding school where no one spoke English. I learned to navigate life without words. My mother and older sister traveled around Europe while us younger kids were stashed in different boarding schools. I am both amazed and appalled at her carelessness.

     We watch the last episode of DOWN CEMETERY ROAD, a very satisfying adventure. Today I will start a new library book.

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 

     What a difference. This morning, I am rested and optimistic. Two long couch naps yesterday and to bed early in the evening. Why now and how to keep up the good sleep. The sun is shining, the heater is warming the house, tasty breakfast.  The New York Times,news well, not so good.

     I watch the news reports on, MSNOW, PBS, and Facebook. The daily Monterey County Now is also good.  I know a lot about New York and Washington D.C. I ask folks where they get their local news. The younger folks don’t know what I am talking about. I miss the Monterey Herald when it was vibrant and filled with local news.

    I have a blue down throw on the couch.  So warm and cozy. I watch the bird movements outside the window.  Birds are in the oak tree, the bottle bush trees and the pyracantha bush. I watch until my eyes close and I am drifting into sleep.

     I am deeply into the novel HELLO BEAUTIFUL by Ann Napolitano. I am definitely committed to reading all of her books. Last night I watch another episode of LONG WAY UP, two likeable middle aged guys riding electric motorcycles through South America. No murders, no violence just problems with their motorcycles and the weather.