Time Does Really Fly
My goodness, it is hard to believe that almost six months has past since my last post on November 9th. A half-year. I have the same ambition, but not the same body. I’m afraid the old body is having a rough time with the Parkinson’s.
It used to be that I could do many more things with a body that refused to quit and I could rest in the fact that even though I had a terminal disease I could stay even and balance out the good with the bad.
Ah, but I still love the Ulysses poem by Tennyson…
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.
I will try to remember some more tomorrow. The computer is an unforgiving monster, if I hit a certain key I can lose it all. I have learned to quit early and to say, “to be continued…”
Thoughts from Sid Allcorn
This went out today to my new church so I want to share with a few of my old friends too.
Well Gail my heart cries this day.
The big question on Nov 11 is not how many or where BUT rather WHY?
WHY did young Men and Women die?
SO that we can go on dreaming our impossible dreams
SO that we can go on loving whoever we want
SO that our babies can live past 5 years old
SO that we can do whatever we want on a Sunday morning
SO that what we think and say and feel is important
SO that everyone has the same rights, even if you make a mistake
SO that if you want to cry you can and someone will say ” I’m here”
SO that if you can’t walk, talk, eat, smile well, there will be someone to help
SO that when you come home from the battle you know it was worth it when you hear ” Hi Dad” or “Hi Mom .”
AND never have to say, he or she died in vain.
New Years in September
I think I have 15 minutes to get an entry into Sept.3.
I vowed to have some little tid bit for every day in Sept and I have already
lost 2 days so hang on and I will win this self-inflicted challenge.
1.) Special Parkinson’s recipe + 2.) idea for Parkinson’s exercise
Here is a very simple, tasty, main meal called Parkinson’s Delight.
step # 1 Go to your favorite appliance store and buy an automatic can opener (battery powered.). While you are out get some tins of summer sweet small peas. Get also some (thick) cheese slices and a tub of salt free margarine..
Now here it starts to get really complicated so pay attention.
Heat up the whole tin of peas (preferably after removing the top of the tin with your new opener.)
Now go over to your microwave and spoon some of the peas onto a dinner plate with lots of margarine (salt free.) Now put at least 2 cheese slices (thick ones) on top of peas. Run it for about 30 secs.
Eat and enjoy. Eat the whole darn tin if you want.
Goes good with cold beer and a snooze when finished.
2.) I use a walker and try to make every step as big as possible (no sliding feet) . Count each step and aim for some place about 700 steps away and count. Then 2x it when you get back. Then try to see how you can lessen the # by taking bigger steps. I stop a lot and read a book too. Then when you get back have another beer.
A few thoughts & trike & book trailer .
Sorry for not putting more into the blog but a few things have happened that
have kind of thrown me off for a bit
You know that having a disability requires constant effort to keep going
as if all were normal. So many times now I have found myself without a cane
or walker. I just get up from somewhere & walk out as if I had to remind
myself that I am handicapped. Another part to deal with is the idea that I
am never going to get over it . It is quite a thought to hang on to that
about the most I can do is keep it at a level that is acceptable.
We are brought up to believe that when something holds us down we need
to fight it and OVERCOME it but with Parkinson`s the one word missing is
OVERCOME,
I would appreciate any thoughts about this .
One great thing I have done is to buy a TRIKE. Yesterday I went for a 4 hour
ride and discovered the bike path along the Ottawa river that seems to run
continuously from Trim RD on east to Rockcliffe park on West. All nice &
smooth. Will have to see if a map is available– anybody know.
Whoops will have to stop for awhile as my computer now does
New Apartment, Conclusion of “The Knight Who Cried”
Well how time goes by. I guess you could say I have been adjusting. Yup, I moved again – 5 times in 2 years. I finally found a bachelor apt where they separate the meals from the room. As a result my rent is about half to a third of other retirement homes. By the way if you want to visit it and get a free lunch I am into a contest now to get more people here. It is only on until August 31.
I HAVE JUST MOVED INTO THE VILLA ORLEANS IN ORLEANS! I WANT TO SHARE WITH ANYONE OLD LIKE ME (74) WHY I DID AND WHY YOU SHOULD TOO!
The staff is fantastic, they are is young and great and really care.
1.) tired of paying for things I never used or needed.
2.) independent or supportive program completely separate with “a la carte” services.
3.) paying now 1/2 to 1/3 of what I used to pay.
4.) all meals or only one meal only if I want them.
5.) free shuttle: to shopping 3 times per week and special events every week. Physio 3 times a week. Movie theatre. Library, church services, bingo, skip bo, whist,
6.) now I can afford to go south for 4 months and keep my apartment.
The best part; I am so pleased that I have volunteered to take part in a contest to see who can bring in the most folks for a tour and free scrumptious lunch. I get the lunch too. So call the Orleans Villa at (613) 837-1100 and please tell them Sid sent you. I`ll get to meet you (at lunch.)
Okay here is part 6 of my story. Hope you have enjoyed it. This is the conclusion, hope it brings a little tear.
The Knight Who Cried
Part 6
Finally the announcement came that the winner was the Extraordinary Knight and his extraordinary horse, Starfire. On the way toward the royal throne our Knight looked longingly for”Donna of the Bubbling Brook” but to no avail. He dismounted at the foot of the long stairway where at the top sat the queen. Before he could start the climb there was a thunder of hooves and straight across the grounds came Starfire`s girlfriend. Starfire was beside himself and looked for permission from his master. All Sir Knight did was nod his head and Starfire took off like a speeding bullet. The crowd loved it. So our Knight began his climb to receive his prize. As he climbed he began to wonder why he had not seen Donna and yet her horse was here. He must have just missed her. As he approached the throne he lowered his head and knelt just before her.Now I crown you Knight Extraordinary. THE VOICE WAS FAMILIAR. He quickly looked up and saw his Donna. His amazement was second only to the cheering of the crowd. Rise SIR KNIGHT and meet your Queen. Then I am told by the same story tellers that the Queen kissed the Knight and that was like lighting a stick of dynamite. He ran down the long flights of stairs whistled and Starfire followed not far behind by his girlfriend came running up and then the story goes that he leaped onto the horses back and went at a fantastic speed around and around the compound. Finally the victorious two exited the grounds with the girl friend swinging around and returning to the foot of the steps.
Now on his way back to his campsite he suddenly realised that he had fallen in love with a Queen. He also realised a split second later that he had tumbled into an impossible situation. He would have to leave as soon as possible because and this was an irreversible law. A queen could not afford to enter into a relationship with a commoner let alone a wanderer who happened to be a Knight. Now it was here that it happened from the highest pinnacle of happiness to drop to the lowest pit of despair was too much for even a very brave Knight and a tear fell and then another and Starfire stopped as he knew his master was hurt far worse than any wound could hurt. His heart was broken. Our very brave wonderful Knight cried. He dismounted and put his cheek upon the cool head of Starfire who if he could have would hold the Knight and comfort him. Instead Starfire did the only thing he could he pawed the ground and snorted as if fire were about to come out his long brown nose. He actually nosed his champion to get back into the saddle. When he was sure he took off with every ounce of energy within his huge body and tore through the long grass as if rockets had been lit. The Knight understood and soon joined his magnificent steed in a long journey away from the campsite away from the terrible disappointment.
It was early morning when they finally stopped and bedded down for what was left of the night. You see, in case you missed it, Starfire had lost too. But the story does not end here because this is too sad. The days rolled on and if you had been watching the man and his horse looked quite normal. There never were anymore tears. But you see this Knight held a special kind of love. It was the love of presence and it is not very often understood. All he wanted was to see her and make sure she was okay. It didn`t even have to be for long. And so the tellers of tales who understood this had our Knight after quite a time return to the stream where he had first saved the beautiful fox. And when he did guess who was riding by. Donna had gone for her daily ride passed this spot almost every day and today she was rewarded. The Knight quickly stopped and so did she. He could feel his pulse quicken as he drank in every feature and they each inquired as to how they had been.
Now this was all he needed and he left her presence content in having seen her, talked to her and found she was okay. As the story goes our Knight wandered the world and returned to this spot every once in a while to keep his love of presence alive and well.
One story teller in particular, whom I trust a lot, claimed that he had heard through the story vine that on one such visit she had given up her throne and after one particular meeting of presence when they left the stream all you could see were their two backs and the riders were being taken in the same direction by two horses who were also moving in a careful step. You see in case you missed it Starfire had the same kind of love.
THE BEGINNING
Falling, Parkinon’s Society, Reduced Acid, Part 5 of “The Knight That Cried”
Hello Everybody.
For some unknown reason I seem to have an increasing sense of falling. It happens mostly when getting up and down from a sitting position. It is quite embarrassing and depends on the situation. Not that I actually fall but to wander through my day feeling this way is kind of new to me. Is anyone else experiencing this?
I wondered if anyone would contact the Parkinson’s Society re: finding out three things.
1.) are they interested in a disc I had made from their exercise program that seemed to be just on VHS?
2.) would they consider a link on their site re: my “Living with Parkinson’s.”
3.) how about some finances to go ahead and get a laser cane that has an LED light built in.
Just a few ideas.
Now good inventions. I found a reduced acid apple drink yesterday. I think I mentioned having trouble with acid lately. Anyone want any more info on that???
Part 5 of The Knight that Cried is next.
The Knight That Cried
Part 5
Well it was still fairly early in the day. Our Knight secured his horse and thought that maybe he would go into town and try to see just what he had been signed up for. He didn’t want to attract attention so he left his horse in the woods and walked along the same path that Donna had walked. Eventually he heard some yelling and headed in that direction.Then he saw what he thought was the most ridiculous thing he had ever seen. Actual Knights all dressed in armour were charging toward each other and it appeared to be a matter of trying to knock each other off or drive a long spear through each other. Well he had no patience with this so headed back to Starfire.
It was evening now and he was finishing up his supper when all at once Starfire took off across the meadow and it was not long before his friend came into view bringing Donna to the fire. Well Donna hardly had time to get off her horse and the two horses took off down the meadow like the wind. Donna and Sir Knight watched as they gradually disappeared.
“Well are you all ready for tomorrow? ” asked Donna.
“Yes sure no problem.”
The only problem he was having was trying to relax and understand why his only thought and feelings seemed to be centred around his visitor. He found as they sat and talked how easy it was to carry on a conversation. Unfortunately it was time for her to leave and she stood up and called her horse. She turned to thank her host and gave him a tender kiss on his cheek. He said good night and asked if she would be there in the morning for the tournament. She said she would definitely be there and then was gone.
Our Knight sat by the fire and of course it wasn’t long before Starfire was snoring. He poked at the fire and could still feel the spot that she had kissed him. He was so excited that he took off across the field running as fast as he could. He finally returned to the fire and sat all out of breath but feeling marvellous. He frankly had never done that before and began to realize that he wanted to have Donna at his side. He had certainly heard the word love and of course he loved his life, loved his horse and so on but he had never used the word love in connection with a woman. He had often wondered what it would be like. For Sir Knight it was a kind of longing to see her, to look around and see where she had stood and see her smile and where she had sat at the fire and where they had alked holding hands. He went to sleep right by the fire because that was where she had last been.
About 8:30 they arrived at the grounds where he had seen the tournament going on. Starfire was a little nervous because he had not seen what they were about to do but he had absolute trust in his master. The two of them watched while others charged at each other and Starfire rapidly planned a strategy that would fit with his rider not unlike the one they had used in all their real encounters. Sir Knight studied the crowd and could not find his Donna. Perhaps she would be here when he won. He then noticed that there was a special part of the stands where he guessed sat the royalty. Yes he could barely make out a kind of throne where sat a Queen. It was so far away that all he could see was a glistening crown.
Then the horns blew and he was announced as “The Extraordinary Knight”. Everyone looked around and could not believe their eyes when Starfire stationed himself at the one end of the field. The crowd gasped as neither horse nor rider wore any armour.
For what happened next we will have to rely on the story tellers that still tell the story that for the rest of the day various Knights went flying through the air with spears that never seemed to find their mark. Sir Knight and Starfire (as the story goes) never really seemed to be there at the second of impact.
2 more weights. anybody else??
Comment:
#8764 is at 157 lbs
#9567 is at 195 lbs
A Few Thoughts on Relationships, Good/Bad Inventions, Part 4 of “The Knight That Cried”
Hi folks,
I have been thinking a lot about relationships lately. It seems to me as if there are so many different kinds. Maybe an interesting salutation to try would be “Hi how are your relationships ?” intead of the worn out, obsolete — “How are you?” to which you wil probably get the standard reply –”fine” — whether you are or not — because you know they don’t really care anyway.
Can you imagine how it would even change the appearance of the street — where you would see people actually sharing their answers? They might even be talking in groups.
A typical answer to the new salutation might be :Well my wife and I seem to be so busy right now that I find myself relaxing on the way home by stopping for a beer.” And so on. Hey let’s try and comment. Now you might have to listen to somebody and next time I ‘d like to share some ideas re:
Empathy .
Bad invention? Can everybody master the art of opening a 2 litre box of milk by pushing back the top of the box? So far, if I had a cat he would have had 300 litres of milk to lick off the floor. So what is the trick????
Now part 4 of my little story. It would be great f you read it to your kids.
The Knight That Cried
Part 4There was also some incredible armour for Starfire and himself. He didn’t have to wonder for long where it had all come from as Donna rode up on the most beautiful horse he had ever seen. Now of course Starfire was right there to greet them both. There was no question about Starfire’s
attention. He may have been hurt but right now he nuzzled her horse and did not seem any the worse for wear. They were just like a couple of kids as they went galloping at full speed up and down the meadow.Donna asked if it was okay to stay for a little while since the horses were having so much fun. Of course, said Sr. Knight and after he thought now wait a moment he never had company and yet it took only a second for him to say yes. She sat on the grass and began to ask all kinds of questions about his past. Did he have any royalty in his family, had he ever married, did he have any kids, had he ever lived in any kind of palace. All his answers were no.
Everybody had been very glad to see her when she showed up but her Dad and Mom had passed away while she was gone and she had been the only child. “I see there is a tournament next Tuesday at 3. Are you going to be in it? If you are I will be sure to go.”
“Sure.” he said so fast that he had not even thought about it. He’d never even been to one. He wouldn’t even know what to do.
“That’s great then I’ll see you fight.”
“Fight?” he thought “What now?”
Poor sir knight he had no idea what was happening to him. They both sat in silence and watched their two horses. it seemed so nice with the warm sun shining on her golden hair and then she asked him if he would walk her back toward the town. He got up and they started to walk. Remember that although our Knight had rescued lots of people he had always made a point of leaving shortly after. So he had traveled far and wide but always with a purpose. To fight for no purpose was quite strange for him. He had managed to live very well on all the rewards. He was not a well read Knight.
They started to walk across the meadow where the two horses were having a great time. Then he felt Donna hold his hand in hers and it felt so nice he covered hers in a firm grasp with a hand that was twice the size of hers. Eventually the meadow gave way to the woods and she stopped, released his hand and called her horse. They both came at a full gallop. He helped her up on to her horse and she was gone. Sir Knight thought that Starfire would be exhausted but he looked at Sir Knight and shook his head as if to say hang on. He took off and ran faster than Sir Knight had ever known. So two very happy companions neither of them knowing what was happening slept content that something awful nice was happening.
Our Knight woke up in his large tent with quite a start. He had heard some rustling outside. He quickly pulled on some pants and cautiously opened the flap of his tent. There was Donna frying up some gorgeous breakfast and of course Starfire was up and cavorting in the meadow with his new playmate. Both Starfire and the Extraordinary Knight you might say had never had a holiday and this was really different for both of them to have this time.
Before Donna knew he was up Our Knight stood at the tent opening and listened to her singing. It was quite soft and beautiful. He looked around and knew he was in the right place and everything was as it should be but how come it all seemed so new and colors were brighter, the
sky bluer, the grass greener. Then Starfire saw him and he came full speed with the tail straight out and his girlfriend close behind. He came right up to Sir Knight and as he stroked the huge head the horse licked him full in the face. But he was soon gone again. Donna now had him sit on a log and he ate the biggest and tastiest breakfast he ever had.”I came over early because I have so much to do, she said. But I want you to be strong and healthy for the tournament. You are twice as strong as anybody else in it. I registered you under the title “Extraordinary Knight. I hope that is okay.” “That’s fine “. It starts today but you are not on till tomorrow at 9. I’ll see you then. Then she called over her horse and left with Starfire close behind until the woods and then he came again full speed back to the camp and was snorting like a bull.
First Report on Weight. Part 4 of story later today.
#4579 is at 237.2 pounds.
