Amazing

Fewer than 30,000. That number represents cases of PH in the U.S. 31,800,000: the U.S. population in mid-2011. Do the math.


Later, Dude.

Points to ponder

Children remind us to view life with awe, especially this time of year.

Pets remind us to love unconditionally and trust the ones who care for us.

Friends remind us we are not alone and someone cares.

PHriends remind us someone knows how we feel.

CFers remind us the quality of life outweighs the quantity.

Family reminds us of our beginnings.

You remind me how lucky I am, Dude.

Later.

Lost it

I flat wore myself out today. I proved the adage, "Use it or lose it." Apparently the two weeks I was sick killed what muscle tone and endurance I had. I walked in the door at 3 p.m. with barely enough energy to take my clothes off, do a Tyvaso treatment, which was four hours late, and feed the kitties.

What did I do to cause my arms and legs to ache? Well, not a whole lot. I closed my account at that vilified banking institution. I also drove through the pharmacy to pick up some meds. C and I went to lunch and then to Wallyworld and the grocery.

My arms, legs, knees ache. Time for the Tylenol and bed.

Later, Dude.

More random thoughts

Below are the start of blogs this month that did not go beyond the first sentence or two, thus the random thoughts title.

When things go wrong, we look for answers, excuses, anything to explain why events unfolded the way they did. Karma, God's punishment. Just desserts.

Years after you are gone, no one will miss you or even know you existed.

I am a bit aggravated. I managed to capture the lead in the Fantasy EPL League. I expressed pride in my accomplishment in a public manner. Of the five opponents, well, I got a congrats, but a look out now comment from one of them; a yeah for you; and then the son of a gun who said "Eek, I have not even looked at the game in weeks." The statement's accuracy aside, the speaker could be kinder. Look out now, Buster!! You have lit a fire under me that will make your butt toast.

Winter beats at my door hounded by a cold north wind. Despite the new weatherstripping, the chill wind blows enough through the gaps to snuff a candle.

Missing you, Dude.

Later.

Rest easy

Another gray day. I received notification from the Tyvaso folks that my three-month re-certification  is tomorrow. Because I was sick, I did not check my mail for a little over a week. Well, I tried to call the senior clearance specialist. Same woman I have had problems with in the past. She did not return my call, so I called someone who sees this woman and promised to hand deliver the paperwork which I faxed. I guess I will find out soon if she got what she needed and the company will continue to pay for the drug.

Just got word on FB another of my PH friends, who had a transplant, has died. RIP Sheila Williams.

A couple of CFers I knew of also died recently.

Later, Dude.

Seasons in the sun

I awoke to frozen fog. The wind did not blow, but somehow the day looked colder than reality. I snuggled under a blanket and a comforter with the kitties lining my left side. A football game and a couple of basketball games later, I stir from my cocoon. Eight hours later, the gloom prevails. Soon I will seek the warmth of the covers.

This year ends on a note of thankfulness. I am thankful I have gotten to spend quality time with my brother. I think he did not understand what my disease was like. I am older than he by four years. Now he calls about once a week to check on me. I have learned to appreciate my sister-in-law. We went to college together many moons ago. Then we went our separate ways until she met my brother again.

I am thankful for my Facebook friends. I continue to keep in contact with many of the folks I used to work with. Journalists move around. Most of my journalism friends no longer live here. I enjoy seeing their children and themselves growing up. Another group fills my soul with support. They catch me when I fall into despair. They encourage and empathize. A small group of your friends helps me keep a connection, somehow making it more real.

I am thankful for understanding. I am thankful for thoughtfulness. I am thankful for blessings.

Later, Dude.

All thumbs

 A special friend thinks she can transform my brown, kill everything in sight thumb into a green one. She sent me three African amaryllis bulbs. So far, the confidence in my abilities to change appears justified. Two of the bulbs have three shoots that seem to grow by the minute. The largest bulb has the potential, you can see the beginnings of at least two shoots.

My Tracleer shipment for this month appears lost in lala land. I will make more calls today. I have three pills left. To be fair, I think the problem lies with UPS, not Accredo.

That is all.

Later, Dude.