Puppy play day, it's been a while...

Monday was really cold and windy. I took Robby out for a cruise a couple of times but we only made it to the wharf, through the boardwalk and back. I can stand the cold and rain a little bit but I just can’t take the wind. I came home and Heather was cooking a bunch of food in the kitchen smelled wonderful. Teresa came and put me to bed and we kind of try to figure out a bunch of stuff that needs to be done, kind of spring cleaning and organizing. She is off from school in June so hopeful we will get a lot done.

Tuesday was supposed to be cold and rainy so I ended up staying in bed all day again, it really was rainy, windy and cold so I’m glad I did but I just get so frustrated at everything when I have to stay in bed. Teresa came by and gave me a nice long hot bath and put me back to bed and now I just wish I could sleep until the morning.

If you are going down a road and don't like what's in front of you and look behind you and don't like what you see, get off the road. Create a new path! Maya Angelou

Wednesday was such a great day. I got dressed and got up early and took Robby for our usual long cruise, the weather was perfect. I came back and Heather was cooking, it always smells so amazing in here when Heather’s around. Cassy came and put me in the standing frame and told me that she gets to go to San Diego for some classes and she’s going to be helping her parents with their business, that is so great for her. She also has 21 units at college, I don’t know how she does it. I’m again looking for a part-time evening caregiver. Lee and Claudia, my uncle and aunt and my mom and I played cribbage. My uncle was my partner and we won almost every game, I think we won at least four dollars... woo hoo!!

"Practice enjoying the present moment, rather than using it up consumed with guilt over the past or worry about the future. Refuse to allow any thoughts based on your past to define you." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

Thursday after I got up I kept waiting for the weather to get nice, it was supposed to be 70°, but it was cold and windy all day long. I waited as long as possible and then I decided I better take Robby out for cruise. We cruised down the wharf and the boardwalk but then noticed a couple of off leash dogs along the reservoir so we turned around and came back, it’s getting pretty frustrating and everybody is surprised when “all of a sudden their dog is aggressive”. We cruised through town just to practice pushing the button to change the light, he gets a little over anxious sometimes but he’s pretty accurate. I’m hoping that when my cousin gets here I can get a video of all the stuff that he does because he does it with such enthusiasm, it is adorable. Maybe I just think it is because he’s my guy?

Via Vatican: Faced with the death of a man, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibility of everyone before God and man, and hopes and pledges that every event is not an opportunity for a further growth of hatred, but of peace.

Friday was a good day but a not so good day. I got to sleep in until 8:30 AM and then I got a nice long massage. My personal care took way too long but I got a nice long hot bath and then went back to bed, of course it looked like it was really nice outside so I’m kind of bummed that I didn’t get to go out and run around but tomorrow I will be up and out of here early.

Saturday was a gorgeous day. Time and again for our monthly support group. Only two people besides me showed up but we had a good time and decided it was about time for a barbecue. I sent an e-mail to everyone asking if they would attend and what day would be good for them... we’ll see how it goes. On the way back I ran into a lady who was looking for the support group, she was running late and missed it. I talked to her for a while and took down her e-mail so I can send her reminders for the next one, I hope she can make it. I cruised home and Heather was cooking up some more stuff in the kitchen, she is going to be gone for a little over a week and wanted to make sure I had enough food to get me through until she got back... she is always so sweet.

Sunday was such an awesome day. I sent a message to Dr. Owens asking her if the dogs could come back and play again, Robby missed them so much. I never heard from her so we took our usual long cruise around Santa Cruz and Dr. Owens called me on the way back so I had her come over with Bella and Ozzy, she brought over her daughters Brooke and Nina also. We dug out the pool that I got for them for the summer and they have such a great time. You could tell they really missed each other a lot. Robby is now sleeping like a baby. My uncle came over with a huge bowl of popcorn, he makes a perfect with a lap of butter and salt. Unfortunately I cannot have any butter because I’m on the elimination diet. It’s not doing me any good and I really really miss cheese and butter. I know I can make it until June 10.

James Durbin homecoming...

Monday turned out to be a good day, hopefully it’s going to start to get warmer. Robby and I went on our regular cruise but stopped at Ross to do a little shopping. We didn’t buy anything but I love that place. We came on home through town and after we crossed the street we were cruising down Pacific Ave. and I heard a little kid say “mommy, there’s that dog that press the button to change the light” they were so impressed. I have a very talented and helpful dog. We tried to get him to do the elevator but the buttons were on the wrong side and there was a rail so I couldn’t get Robby any closer... he helps me out when he can. I came home and Heather was cooking some wonderful stuff and it smelled so good. Teresa came and put me to bed and later on my uncle and aunt came over to play cribbage, my uncle was my partner and they put us to shame... we will get them on Wednesday.

Happiness is not found at the end of the road, it is experienced along the way. So take not for granted each moment of your life and you will find a reason to be happy each day.

Tuesday was really nice. I got to sleep in on and off until noon. After I got up Robby and I cruised through the lagoon, down to the end of the wharf and back, through the boardwalk and then back home. There wasn’t a lot of people around, it’s hard to believe that this Saturday is going to be so crowded everywhere with everybody wanting to congratulate James Durbin and welcome him home. Heather was making a spinach salad with cucumber, tomatoes, asparagus and crab... needless to say it was awesome. Teresa and I went downtown to Palace Art supply, Teresa needed a couple of frames. The weather was perfect except for on our way home it got a little cold and windy.

"The Canine Bill of Rights
I have the right to give and receive unconditional love
I have the right to a life that is beyond mere survival
I have the right to be trained so I do not become the prisoner of my own misbehavior
I have the right to adequate food and medical care
I have the right to socialize with people and dogs outside of my family I have the right to have my needs and wants respected
I have the right to special time with my people
I have the right to only be bred responsibly-if not at all
I have the right to some time and space all my own
I have the right to be foolish and silly, and to make my person laugh
I have the right to earn my person's trust and to be trusted in return
I have the right to be forgiven
I have the right to die with dignity"
~~ Carolyn Krause

Wednesday was really cold and really windy. I took Robby for a cruise through the lagoon and down to the end of the war before my manicure/pedicure. After we went down through the boardwalk and started down the reservoir but they were doing some roadwork so part of it was closed, we just turned around and came back home. It got really nice for a while and then the wind kicked up and I wasn’t really feeling very good so we were done. At night we played cribbage and watched American Idol, I can’t believe James Durbin will be here on Saturday... I hope I get to see him but it will probably be so crowded I won’t be able to.

Thursday was pretty close to a perfect day. I got up early so Robby and I took our usual cruise around Santa Cruz and came back to rest and get water, the laid-back switch on my chair broke so I’m afraid to be gone very long. We took off again but only had time to go through the lagoon, down to the wharf, through the boardwalk and partly down the reservoir. Some stupid dog owner had their dog off leash and chased us back towards the boardwalk so we decided to come back, very frustrating... I wish these people would keep their dogs on a leash. When Teresa came she waxed and shaved me and then I got a nice long hot bath and went to bed, I slept great.

Fridays I am really starting to like. I get to sleep in until 8:30 AM when the massage therapist comes and gives me an hour and a half massage. Karen comes in at 10 AM and gets me dressed and I’m usually up by 1 PM. I made it down to the wharf and the boardwalk and then had to come home because Cassy was going to be here at 3 PM to put me in the standing frame and then to bed. My uncle and aunt came over to play cards and they put us to shame. The weather was perfect.

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself." - Josh Billings

Saturday I got to be being done real early so I could cruise around town and watch everything get ready for James Durbin homecoming. There sure were a lot of people around. I cruised by the beach stage about noon and people were already crowding around to get a good view of James singing. I cruised over to the wharf, through the boardwalk and down son Lorenzo reservoir and I noticed something going on at San Lorenzo Park so I cruised over. There was a couple of bands and a bunch of booths with people selling stuff. I cruised around for a while, they have a ramp going down to the lower part where it’s mostly grass and the concrete sidewalk was blocked with a portable toilet and some garbage cans so I had to turn around and go back. I came back home to rest for a while and started to get really cold and windy and the weather center was supposed to rain at 4 PM. I thought about it for a long time and decided it would be best not to go down to the boardwalk to watch James preform, I don’t think I would’ve been able to see anything because they say there was 20,000 people and I kept going outside and it was just too cold and windy, I didn’t want to get stuck out in the rain. I knew I would be sorry if I didn’t go but out also be sorry if I did. I just watched the results on face book and of course everybody had a great time.

Sunday was supposed to store them all day so I just took a nice long hot bath and went back to bed, of course the sun was out all day but it was very windy and cold. I did get a call from the guy that is installing my lift in my new van and he is almost done. After he sends it back to the place that did the conversion they will drive it here and install the tie downs where I want them and then it’s mine... finally. It will be nice to have a van that I know will start every time I needed to, the van I have has been a very good van but it’s time for a new one.

Mother's Day...

Monday I took a really nice long hot bath, got dressed and got up. The weather outside was perfect, even though it was supposed to get up to 75°. Robby and I took out on our regular cruise around Santa Cruz. As we were cruising down the reservoir I could see this young guy stumbling towards us. At first it looked like he was just too hot because he had a big thick jacket on but as we passed by him I noticed he had a really strong smell of alcohol, he looked like he was probably 14 or 15 and I felt so bad I didn’t know what to do. I came back and as soon as I came in the door I could smell wonderful things in the kitchen, Heather was here. She made or pork roast with carrots, potatoes and onions, a meatloaf, chard, quinoa, bok choy with ginger and some trout with lemon and capers. Is that a dream come true or what? When Teresa came she brought some mustard chicken, kale and potato soup... it was awesome also. I just love hanging around people that can cook and do it so well. Theresa put me to bed and we decided since I have so much awesome food at my house we will go to the Tiki room tomorrow night for dinner, I know it doesn’t make much sense. Last night as I was about to go to sleep I heard little toenails walking down the hallway towards the living room. I turned the volume off on my TV and I said “are you kidding me?” Then I heard even faster toenails coming back into my room. I think it gets really warm in here for Robby so he tries to sneak out to the living room, I just need to keep it cooler in here... I forget he has that big heavy coat on.

Tuesday I didn’t get up until noon but it was a great day. Teresa came in about 11:30 AM and got me up so that Robby and I could cruise around for a while. Robby got a much-needed bath this morning so he was ready to run around and dry off. We went through the lagoon and down to the lighthouse but we couldn’t go any further because they were working on the rails and they had everything balked so we turned around and went down to the wharf, it was so beautiful and not very crowded. We cruised through the boardwalk and started to go down the reservoir but it started getting really hot so we turned around and came back. Teresa and I went downtown for a little shopping, mostly just a lot of looking, and then we went to the Tiki room. Karen has been telling us about the Tiki room for a long time and we have been wanting to try it, we were not disappointed. Usually we end up eating way too much so we split a burger and some sweet potato fries. The burger that we got was a cheese, bacon, pineapple and grilled onions... of course my half didn’t have cheese on it. The burger was awesome and we will definitely be back. I never really liked sweet potatoes but the fries were really good. We came back and Teresa put me to bed.

Wednesday my personal care and extra long time but I got to take a nice long hot bath and go back to bed. Tonight is American Idol and cribbage, I’m really looking forward to that. I heard that there’s a good possibility if they don’t send James Durbin home tomorrow night on American Idol he will be back here around the 14th for a concert. I will definitely be there for that if possible. His family is supposed to be up a Mother’s Day brunch at the Coconut Grove on Sunday, I hope I get to meet them, or at least see them.

Thursday was the first Thursday I have gotten up for a long time and it felt great. I had the bright idea of putting my leg braces on and my large brace, all made of plastic. I got to be about 74° and I will never do that again. My evening caregiver wasn’t going to be here until 6:15 PM but they canceled one of her classes so she was here at 4:30 PM, I was so relieved she came early. I ran out of water by 2 PM. It really was great to get out and wander around. We went on our usual cruise around Santa Cruz and then came back to rest for a bit and cool down and we started to go again but I wasn’t sure how hot the ground was on Robby’s feet so we just came back and watch the rest of the movie I had “two weeks notice” always a funny movie.

Friday I got to sleep in and then I got a nice long massage followed by a nice long hot bath, it was awesome. I got up and Robby and I cruised through the lagoon, down to the lighthouse, to the end of the wharf, through the boardwalk and back home. I did a standing frame and then went to bed, the weather and the day were both perfect.

Saturday I was supposed to participate in the human race, a stroll down West Cliff for your favorite charity... of course mine was canine companions for Independence. The scheduling got all screwed up and I ended up not going, Susan’s mother-in-law said that she would pick up my T-shirt for me. Robby and I went on our extra long cruise through Santa Cruz, the weather was perfect. We got home and Robby had some water and I rested for a bit and we took off again. As we were cruising back from the lighthouse we ran into the owner of Robby’s grandma, I can never remember their names but they are very sweet. She said that they are looking at houses here, I really hope they move here. We took off at 11 AM, came back briefly and on our second trip we got back just as Cassy text me and said she was on her way. I went to bed and then Lee and Claudia, my uncle and aunt and my mom and I played cribbage. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Sunday was Mother’s Day and although the weather was not very nice the day was awesome. My mom, my aunt, Teresa, Karen and I went to a Mother’s Day brunch at the Coconut Grove on the boardwalk, where Heather works. The food was awesome and I went off of my illumination diet and it was so worth it. The custard French toast was out of this world and the best bacon I think I have ever had. The desserts were awesome, I had a chocolate chocolate truffle but they have a little bit of everything. Everybody really enjoy themselves. After the brunch my aunt and I went to see water for elephants. I thought it was a really good movie and so did my aunt, she read the book and now I’m going to have to. The sun finally came out at the end of the day but it was still cold and windy.

Out and about...

Monday turned out to be a good day. I got up and started to take Robby for a cruise but when I got down to the soccer/skate park it started sprinkling so I thought I should turn back, good thing I did because it started raining. I waited for a little while and then started out again, I made it all the way to the boardwalk before it started sprinkling I’ve decided to just keep on going. It just sprinkled a little bit but we got in a nice cruise so it was worth it. There sure was a lot of tearing up of the roads by the wharf, kind of hard to maneuver around but all of the men working around that area were really nice and helpful. They even stopped traffic for Robby and I, mostly for Robby and I know... he gets that treatment everywhere we go. I came back and Heather was cooking and it smelled wonderful in here. I’m still trying to work on eating 4-6 small meals a day and although it’s not working very well I am staying off of dairy and the rest will come as soon as I figure it out. I took a couple of PMs because my neck, shoulder and arms have been hurting the last couple of days... I’m sure because of the weather. Hopefully I will be able to relax and watch couple of movies. I’ve decided that people with Smart cars must be pretty smart but they don’t have a very good sense of humor... I saw this lady parking her smart car and I drove up alongside and said “your car is just a little bit bigger than my wheelchair” she was not amused. She had a couple of kids with her so maybe that’s why she was cranky?

Tuesday was a day stuck in bed, my neck and my arms are getting really sore. Today is my last Tuesday stuck in bed and I think that I can handle staying in bed for one day a week. Cassy came over this morning and fed Robby and I and Teresa will be here sometime this afternoon. I watched a movie called the other sister, I have seen her before and it’s a really cute movie. I also watched a new series called relapse, a guy who deals with people who keep relapsing on drugs and alcohol. I usually watch intervention on Mondays but it hasn’t been on for the last couple weeks. Teresa showed up about 1 PM to get me up and out of here, I was so thrilled. I took Robby for a really long cruise and then I met her at a place called 99 beers on the wall and we had a hamburger and then cruised around downtown for a while and look at shoes. It turned out to be an awesome day.

Wednesday I was supposed to go and get a manicure/pedicure but the guy from Hill-Rom called and wanted to come and repair my bed so I had to reschedule my manicure/pedicure for Saturday. The guy came out to look at my bed but had to order the parts. The parts were delivered here and of course when he came out to install them the bed is working fine and it has been for two weeks so we decided to keep the parts here and just wait until we need them. I bought his bed on Craig’s list about a year ago but the guy told me that it was still under warranty, usually when you purchase a bed from somebody else the warranty doesn’t carry over. After he left I went to take Robby for a cruise but of course it was sprinkling, luckily I took him earlier so he won’t be going stir crazy. Cassy came to take me for a couple of errands but my van would not start, my guess is the battery is dead again. She put me to bed and then went to run errands for me, luckily she loves to do errands. Uncle Dick and aunt Kathy, Lee and Claudia and my mom and I played cribbage. I got some cheese and crackers and some chocolate for Easter and I can’t have any of it because of my elimination diet but they can all enjoy it. My aunt Kathy was my partner and we kicked butt, won four dollars... woo hoo!!

"Don't mistake kindness for weakness." - Albert Collins

Thursday was another day stuck in bed and of course it’s beautiful outside. My mom goes and plays cards so I pretty much had the house to myself, I watched a couple of shows that I TiVo and slept most of the morning. My aunt and Lulu came over for a visit, to take Robby out and play with him a little bit in the driveway... I think Robby wore out first. I can’t believe how big lulu is getting and she talks up a storm. I found out yesterday that Karen graduates June 11, I thought it was May 11... I don’t know if I could stand one more month staying in bed on Tuesdays and Thursdays but I might not have a choice. I think by the time I interviewed, hired somebody and train them it would be time for them to quit. Teresa came by and gave me a nice long hot bath, that sure felt great.

‎~ Dogs are miracles with paws. ~
Susan Kennedy

Friday I got a nice long massage and my chair fixed. The cable got split from leaning back in my chair so Daniel came by and fixed it for me, he also fix the headrests AGAIN. Robby had an appointment today to get his eyes examined so I couldn’t take him out of the house to go on a cruise or anything until about 3:30 PM, his eyes were still really dilated even after that so he just stayed in his kennel. I cruise downtown to exchange some sandals that I bought a while back and to get some wrapping paper at CVS. I came back and stood in the standing frame for an hour, it felt really good.

‘A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than his owner can express with his tongue in hours.’ -Anonymous

Saturday was a really long and stressful morning, by the time I got up I was exhausted. I think it was up about 20 minutes when Cassy text me and said she was out of school already, she told me it was that it be a long day for her and she wouldn’t get out until about 4 PM. I told her to give me an hour and a half to run Robby for a little bit and then meet me here at 3:30 PM. When she got here she told me that she wasn’t feeling good and she was just going to put me to bed and she wasn’t coming in tomorrow, Easter Sunday. I really don’t want the girls coming in when they are sick because I don’t mean to be sick. Heather came over this afternoon and set up a spiral ham, some sweet mashed potatoes and some green beans for us to have for Easter. I’ve been really cold all day but I’m trying not to turn the heater on too high because Robby ends up in the living room, my mom found him there the last couple of evenings. I can’t blame him because it is warm in here that he cannot do that so I put his other bed in my bathroom and hopefully that will work, there is tiled floor and it’s cooler in there.

DOGS LIVE HERE~
If you don't want to be greeted with paws and swinging tails
don't come inside because dogs live here.
If you don't like the feel of a cold nose or a wet tongue,
don't come inside because dogs live here.
If you don't want to step over many scattered toys,
don't come inside because dogs live here.
If you think that a home ought to smell of perfume,
don't come inside because dogs live here.
If you don't mind all of this,
you will be instantly loved when you come inside,
because dogs live here. ~Author - David Lester

Easter Sunday I ended up staying in bed again. My caregiver came in on Saturday evening and said that she didn’t feel good and that she wasn’t going to come in Easter Sunday evening, it was already too late to make other plans. As I was looking on face book Sunday afternoon I see pictures of her over at her friends smiling and having fun, I was so frustrated that I sent her a message... normally I wouldn’t have done that but I already have to stay in bed two days a week and it’s so beautiful outside. After messaging her I found out that she was at home sick just posting old pictures from her phone, I felt really bad for not believing her. Heather made my mom and I a really nice ham, mashed sweet potatoes and green beans for Easter dinner.

Monday turned out to be a really great day. It was misting outside but I decided to take Robby for a cruise anyway, when we got down to the wharf it started raining harder so we came back. As soon as we got back it lightened up a little bit so we took off again up and down the wharf, through the boardwalk, along the reservoir and down to Ross. We went in Ross and looked around for a little while and then came back through town. When we got back Charlie and Terri came by to say hello, I have not seen them for a very long time and it was really great. We went back down to the wharf and then came back because it was time to go to bed. The weather started out not so good but it ended up being a beautiful day.

Tuesday was so beautiful I couldn’t wait to get dressed and get out of here. Teresa came and got me up about 11 AM and Robby and I took off for the day. we cruised down to the end of the wharf and then to the boardwalk. As we were cruising down the middle of the boardwalk I saw a lady with a dog, as soon as the dog saw Robby he crouched down and froze. I looked around and there was a security officer standing right there but he did nothing. The lady laughed and said “oh look he wants to play”. There are certain ways that a service animal is supposed to act in public and this was nowhere near the train service dog but the lady must have told them at the office that it was because he had a little pink tag. It’s getting more and more frustrating watching these people say that their animals are service animals and then they try to attack my service dog. I was going to try to do something a while back but got to frustrated and gave up but I think I’m going to try again, this is just not right. We cruised down the reservoir to pets mart and I went in to ask if they have some water down somewhere for dogs, they said that they are not allowed to do that. I told them that I had my own bowl and they got somebody to give Robby some water, it was really hot out today. We cruise back through town and down to the wharf again and then back home to eat and rest and then off again for another cruise through the lagoon and back down to the wharf. It was unbelievably gorgeous outside.

Wednesday after I got up Robby and I took a cruise around the wharf and the boardwalk. The lady that does my manicure/pedicure works right about the boardwalk so I didn’t have time to go to far. After the manicure/pedicure I was going to meet Cassy at the buttery to get cupcakes for my moms birthday which was today, we had some people over to play cribbage in the cupcakes were awesome. I wasn’t going to have any because I’m supposed to be off of dairy and butter but everyone kind of insistent so they scraped the frosting off of one of the carrot cake cupcakes and I ate it... I was not the only one that agreed that was the best cupcake ever. We also got chocolate/cheesecake, mocha, double chocolate and another kind I can’t remember.

Thursday was a pretty good day even though I had to stay in bed. I watched a movie called did you hear about the Morgans? And a bunch of episodes of the office, I love that show. Teresa came by about three and we did some personal care and I got to take a nice long hot bath and go back to bed. I didn’t sleep all day like I usually do on Thursdays so hopefully I will sleep really good tonight.

Friday I got a nice long massage, got dressed, got up and met Karen and Teresa at Cosco. A couple of days ago my van wouldn’t start and I haven’t had a chance to get somebody over to jump it so I haven’t been able to use it, I hope it’s just the battery. I got a solar battery charger but if it is the battery even that is not working now. It has been a while since I have been able to go to Costco so we got a lot of stuff, we had to quit because the basket was getting too full. I met a gentleman there who is a member of the Lions Club in Watsonville, they are all such nice people. After Robby and I cruised back from Cosco we cruised over to the wharf, down to the boardwalk and part way down the canal before Cassy messaged me and said that she was on her way back from San Jose with her mom. Heather came by and cooked a bunch of wonderful stuff, it really was a great day... and I got to go shopping at Costco. My uncle and aunt came over to play cribbage, we play a dollar a game and I won six dollars... I think that’s a record.

Saturday was awesome, the days are just getting better and better. After I got up I took Robby for a cruise through the lagoon, down to the end of the wharf at back, through the boardwalk, along the reservoir and down to Ross. Instead of coming back through town I came back down the reservoir so I can stop at FedEx and get a couple of shipping forms and I went into CVS to look around for a bit. When I got home Cassy text me and said that she was out of school so I had her meet me back at FedEx so I could send my brother is new time capsule from Apple, hopefully they will improve the speed of our computers and they have a lot more room for storage. I didn’t think that I would need more room since I got the Mac but I have a bunch of photos, music and audio books. It was really warm outside, it got up to 73°, but the wind made it really nice. I was going to have somebody set up Robby’s new swimming pool so I could have Bella over tomorrow for a play date but I forgot, Robby really misses Bella a lot. I look at the pictures of them playing, I have them on my computer as a screensaver, and it really makes me sad because they always had such a great time. Lee and Claudia, my uncle and aunt and my mom and I played cribbage. They were eating cheese and crackers and I was very jealous, I’m going to have a cheese party after my elimination diet. Cheese is about the only thing I really miss. I lost a dollar.

Sunday the wind died down but it was still really nice outside, I thought it was going to be a lot warmer. After I got up Robby and I went on our regular cruise and on the way back we still had time so we were in a cruise back over to the wharf when I remembered that Robby needed some water so we came home to get him some. Before we left again I decided to practice a couple of his commands so we decided to practice turning the light on and off and as he jumped up to hit the light switch with his paw it slipped and he locked the deadbolt on the door, I can not open the door with the button on the side of my chair if the deadbolt is locked. The button for the front door was in my chair but not working so I can open the front door with a button that I have on the table in my room but if I go outside I can’t open it to get back in so we were basically locked inside the house. Luckily Cassy was going to be here in an hour so we just waited. I did the standing frame and then went to bed. I was supposed to go to a birthday party today but I’m having problems with my van, I can’t wait until my new one gets here. I’m supposed to take Robby to get recertified in June and it’s not ready by then I don’t know what they do but I will be able to go to Santa Rosa.

Such beautiful weather...

Monday was a really awesome day. I took off with Robby and we went all the way down to natural Bridges Beach, about 7 miles, and back. We went down through the wharf and through the boardwalk but had to come home because it was 3 PM, time for Robby and I to eat. Heather was here so she fed both of us and then we were on our way again cruising through the lagoon and back down to the wharf. There was a brown and white puppy running around all over and I was so afraid that he was going to get hit. He did come up and sniff Robby and a gentleman on a bike tried to grab him but he was just too timid and ran away. He had a collar on so I hope that somebody got him before he got run over. I saw a guy who was putting flowers at the memorial site for sky and Patrick and started talking to him. I asked him who the flowers were for and he sent for everyone but especially his son sky, I told him that Patrick was my cousin and we talked for a couple of minutes. I told him that my uncle showed me his yard and how beautiful all the flowers were, he keeps the flowers growing for Patrick and skies Memorial. He said they were like firk and Frak. I also ran into Robby’s veterinarian, Dr. Dave. I seem to run into him all over the place, he is such a neat guy. I ran into my neighbor clear down on Westcliff Drive and talk to him for a few minutes also, he is always so sweet and makes me smile. As I was cruising around the wharf I walked by a lady and she said “you are all over the place today” she didn’t look familiar but I’m sure I saw her somewhere along Westcliff. I wanted to make sure that Robby got plenty of exercise because tomorrow I’m going to be stuck in bed. Robby seems to be exhausted, I know my arms are exhausted but that’s good. I can’t wait until we can start running around like that all the time.

‎"If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat."
- Unknown

Tuesday’s and Thursdays are going to suck for a while, I have no morning caregiver until May 11th. When the weather is cold I don’t mind staying in bed all day but when the weather’s nice I would much rather be outside cruising around. I guess I should be grateful that I don’t have to try to find a new temporary caregiver, I’d almost rather stay in bed than go through that. There is a couple of really good movies on pay-per-view so that always makes the day go by faster. I do get to look forward to a nice dinner and a nice long hot bath. I was having a bad day when Heather showed up and made...pan fried tilapia with arugula and Parmesan stuffed tortellini with artichokes, asparagus and tomato basil pesto. It was AWESOME and I ate it all!! Teresa came by and gave me a really nice long hot bath and now I’m in bed watching Tangled and I feel so warm and cozy.

Wednesday looked like it was going to be a really good day and then it started raining. The sun will come out for a couple of minutes and then when I decided to take Robby for a cruise it would start raining, we did get in about an hour before Cassy came to take us shopping. We went grocery shopping at Safeway and then to the mall to look around for a while and get some plant pulleys for my hanging plants on the front and back porch. I came back and my mom was making banana avocado bread and my uncle was making chili. I didn’t get to try the chilly yet but avocado banana bread was awesome. We played cards last night with Lee and Claudia and my aunt and uncle and everybody enjoyed it. The last game we decided to play for two dollars and we got skunked so it cost me four dollars for one game BUT we had fun and it was good company.

Thursday I was stuck in bed again and of course it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. It looks like at least on Tuesdays I won’t be stuck in bed all day because treason is going to come and try to get me up, she has an hour and a half between classes. I think I would go crazy without her.

Friday I had an appointment at Seton in Daly city to find out why I’m having stomach problems. The doctor thumped on my belly a couple of times and said “yes you have a problem” he put me on an elimination diet and then I go back in June on Monday for an x-ray and then I have to take this weird little pill and then go back again on Friday to see where all the little particles in the pill are having problems getting through. the first thing I had to cut out is all dairy, that won’t be too hard for me because I don’t eat that much except cheese and butter. And then beans and peas and then fruit... it probably would have been a lot easier if you gave me a last what I CAN eat. If it works it will definitely be worth it. After the doctor’s appointment Teresa and I went to Olive Garden for lunch, it was awesome and we ate too much. I had the little pastries stuffed with cheese and herbs with beef and she had the same only with chicken. I also had sausage and potato soup that was Keller. I have been craving that place for a while and it didn’t let me down, I can’t wait until my next visit. I tried to find Dr. Crew, he was my wound care doctor in January 2010 and after my flap surgery he came to visit me every day in the hospital, he is so sweet. I’m really not sure that he would remember me but it still would be nice to see him, I’ll try again next time. Before we went to Daly city Robby and I got to take a cruise to the wharf and back and after we came back we went down to the boardwalk, down the reservoir to pet Smart and then back through town just in time for Cassy to put me to bed. Lee and Claudia, uncle Dick and aunt Kathy and my mom and I played cribbage. Not ready to talk about the outcome yet...

Saturday was a gorgeous day, it got up to 70°. I started my day off with a massage and then after I got up I went to our monthly support group. There were six people there and the guy who started the face of the page, Ricardo, showed everybody how to maneuver around face book, I thought I knew a lot about it but I really learned a lot. He changed the name and the people that you did it more than doubled. It’s getting to be pretty popular not only around here but also oversees. He changed the name to neuro disability newsfeed. I get more and more excited about the support group and everything that’s going on with it every month, the people are just amazing. When I came back from the support group Melissa was painting my windows for spring, we decided not to do Easter because then I can keep it up longer. I was supposed to start eating five meals a day today but it didn’t happen. I had a protein drink this morning and then forgot to eat again before Karen left, by the time I got back home it was almost 4 o’clock so we began after Cassy put me to bed. Tomorrow I swear I’m going to do better.

Sunday was another long, exhausting morning so I just decided to take a bath and go back to bed, I hope I’m not going to be sorry because it’s supposed to rain tomorrow. I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to eat five or six smaller meals every day. I think I’ve pretty much have it figured out, I hope it works. I was going to relax and watch a couple of movies but I fell asleep most of the day so now that I’m wide awake I’ll give the movies a try.

Nice weather and great family...

Monday was another bad day stuck in bed, I can’t wait for my doctors appointment on the 15th and I hope they can find out what is wrong with me... really tired of this. I called Hill wrong to see if they could come out and take a look at my bed, the function lights on the side rail keep locking up and sometimes they just don’t work. I had the guy come out once before and he showed me how to unlock it but it just keeps happening and now the only way I can get them all to unlock is to unplug it and plug it back in and now only works for a while. I kind of hope they don’t come out today because I would rather not be in my bed when they’re looking at it but I’m glad to see them whenever they get here.

‎"I have found that when you are deeply troubled there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source." 
--Doris Day

Tuesday was an absolutely beautiful day and it was so nice to be able to get up and get out. Teresa took Robby over to Westside animal Hospital to get a bath and I went over to him waves and curls in sunshine Villa to get my hair dyed, manicure and pedicure. Teresa and I went to try a new Chinese food place and it was pretty good. The Thai place we usually go to wasn’t open and it was right across the parking lot so we decided to give it a try. After we got back Teresa waxed my face and then she put me to bed, it was a really long day for her. While Robby and I were at the spa she washed the winter comforter and curtains in the spare bedroom and got out the summer set. Teresa is awesome, I really don’t know what I would do without her.

Wednesday started out to be a really good day. Robby and I took off for our regular cruise and the sun was shining. I got down to cost plus and found a couple more things that I needed for Easter. While I was there I ran into a gentleman whose wife was on the last stages of the interview to get a canine companion for independence dog, they had waited about a year and were very excited. I hope I run into them again after they get their dog. On the way out I ran into Foster, he founded an organization here in Santa Cruz called shared adventures. They are always doing something. Last year I met him at one of the concert on the beach and got to talk to him for a little bit before the concert, she is very sweet man. The next time I ran into him was almost literally, I was late for a movie and I needed to take my dog to relieve himself and I was just going to fast. I apologized and then hurried on my way. When I ran into him today at cost plus I talked to him for a little while and then came back home. Cassy came by and took Robby and I to the dog park in Scotts Valley. When we got there there was about 10 dogs there, Robby and I were so excited. Immediately this big brown boxer came over and kept trying to mount Robby. It was so annoying and the owner did nothing to control his dog, he looked like he thought he was a big macho guy and was probably proud of his dog... I should’ve told him that Robby was a guy? Finally it got to the point where Robby was growling and barked at him so we had to leave, Robby is not supposed to do that. I was so angry that we had to leave because of this one stupid guy and his dog, out of all the 10 dogs in the park Robby was the only one his dog was annoying. You just ruined the whole rest of my day. I came home and went to bed and had dinner. It’s amazing how just one thing like that can ruin your whole day. I kind of wish now that I would have said something but it look like the same group that was there probably every day, they all seem to know each other, and they probably would have just laughed at me anyway. Next time we are going to bring a squirt bottle.

Thursday turned out to be a really good day even though it was raining on and off. Teresa and I went to lunch at Ristorante Italiano, one of our very favorite places to go and we are never disappointed. We got fried calamari and fried shrimp, garlic bread and we both ordered spaghetti with seafood, I got scallops and Teresa got shrimp. Needless to say it was awesome. I Got a coupon from goupons. We went to the nursery to get a couple of Easter plans and ended up also getting a couple of parrots beak plants, I just love the way they look. I hope this time I can keep them alive, I just have to remember to have somebody warn them of a lot. We were going to go to Costco but we were afraid it would start pouring down rain as soon as we got out so we decided to go on Saturday instead, the weather is supposed to be nicer. We are both really tired and full, it was so good and we ate way too much. We just came home and Theresa put me to bed and we watched the dog whisperer for awhile. I watched the doctors TV show and last week they had a episode on knuckle replacement for arthritis. My uncle has arthritis really bad in his hands and he has tried everything so he was really thrilled when I showed him the episode, I really hope that it helps him.

Friday was a great day although the weather was not very nice. After I got up I started to take Robby for a cruise but when I got outside big chunks of ice were falling from the sky, not hard like hail but really soft chunks so we came back inside and waited for it to stop. After it stopped I met Teresa at the taco bar downtown and we had a couple of tacos and wait to see the new movie Arthur, it was really funny and we both enjoyed it but not nearly as funny as the original. We stopped in a couple of stores to look at shoes and then came home and Teresa put me to bed. Before we turned off my cell phone my niece Corinne text me and said that her and her dad are coming to visit tomorrow, hopefully we can go have Spam sushi.

"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons." - James Thurber

Saturday was a beautiful day but it was really windy. Robby and I took off and we got about halfway down the wharf and the wind was getting colder so we decided not to go any further. We cruised through the boardwalk but it was so crowded it was really hard to get through so we turned around and came around the outside. We cruised along San Lorenzo reservoir to Ross and then back home through town. When we got back my brother Stanley, Janet and Corinne were here, they came down for the weekend. We went to have dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Robby and I met them up there. I had the Carnitas plate, usually enough food for at least two meals. We came back and after I got into bed we all played cards with my uncle and aunt, I actually won several games.

Sunday after I got up we all went out to breakfast and then Janet, Corinne and I went shopping at the Capitola Mall for a dress for Corinne’s dance. She found two really adorable dresses so her mother got them both for her, she looks so cute and both of them. We went to Ross and looked around for a while and Robby and I cruised home along the reservoir while they drove the van back. Teresa came to put me to bed and we had pizza, what a great day. My brother and my family went home and now I’m just sitting here trying to get warm.

It's beginning to feel a lot like summer...

Monday turned out to be a gorgeous day. I had a dentist appointment so Robby and I left early to go on an extra long cruise, it has been a while since we have been able to and it sure felt great. We took the long way home through San Lorenzo Park, and back through the boardwalk along the Levy. I forgot to start the odometer until I left the dentist office, it was almost 5 miles... that’s just one way.

Tuesday was also a gorgeous day. Robby and I cruised down Westcliff Drive to natural Bridges State Park, surprisingly there was not a lot of people but some really beautiful sites. I saw something in the water that I thought was a seal but I think now it was an otter. The caregiver that I have for Tuesdays and Thursdays told me today that it wasn’t really worth her coming all the way out here just to do care giving, she was giving me a massage on Thursdays and I think that’s really what she wants to do. She is also very busy because she works on a form. I will miss her but she still doing alterations on my clothing and making me some new camps to wear, I have to have elastic around the waist and no pockets so I will still get to see her every once in a while. My uncle, my aunt, Lee and Claudia, Lee’s sister and her kid and my mom and I played cribbage and ate cheese and crackers, I love to taste different cheeses. My uncle was my partner and we didn’t do very good, everybody was really tired but glad we did it.

Wednesday was another gorgeous day, just keep them coming. I took Robby for cruise over to the wharf, around the boardwalk and back. I knew that we were going to go and look at a couple of dog parks later so I didn’t want him to get too tired. The first one was in a nice area but there was no dogs around and it wasn’t very accessible, I would have to watch from the outside. It is the only one we could find in Santa Cruz that is enclosed so I think I will ask Dr. Owens if she wants to go and try it out. The next dog park that we checked out was in Scotts Valley, it was really really nice. I remember going there for the Woof to Woof dog festival last year, Robby and I did a demonstration for CCI. There was a one-year-old German shepherd puppy and a little brown yappy dog that wouldn’t stop biting Robby on the butt. Then a lady came in with a little black lab puppy and that was just what Robby was looking for. Robby was really nervous at first and wanted to play with the dogs but stayed in the middle of two chairs and then he ventured out. Since we were in Scotts Valley we stopped to get Robby some dog food, that is the closest place that carries his brand of food. When we got back Heather was cooking in the kitchen and it smelled wonderful, everything was still warm but I couldn’t eat yet because I had to do the standing frame first. I did the standing frame for a half an hour, went to bed and then ate a salad and some chicken.

My cousin is an awesome chef and she has her own website...http://snailsview.com/

Thursday was Kimberly’s last day to do personal care and massage, I really enjoy having her around but she is so very busy. She’s still going to be doing some alterations and sewing for me so I will still be able to see her once in awhile, not to mention face book. We had a really rough morning and I wasn’t feeling very well so I just stayed in bed, I did make an appointment to go back to Seton to see if I could find out what’s wrong with my stomach. Robby still looks like he’s exhausted from yesterday so I don’t feel too guilty. There are a couple of movies on pay-per-view that I would like to see and I have a couple of Netflix movies to keep me busy. Teresa came by and gave me a nice long hot bath and put me to bed, all snuggled in.

Friday was really nice in the morning and then it got HOT. Robby loves to help so much we decided to pose him with a big garbage cans so that it looks like he is pushing them out to the street, it turned out so cute. I started to take Robby on our morning cruise when I noticed that he was limping so I brought him back so Teresa could take a look at him, she found a little rock or something embedded in his pad and we went back out and he was fine. We went down to the wharf because the wind is cooler, down to the boardwalk and then back to the cooler wind on the wharf. When Cassy came I had her take us over to Toys “R” Us so I could get Robby a little pool for the yard to cool him down when it gets warm, I am really jealous because it is so cool. It has a cover over it and you can hook a garden hose to the top and it will spray downward like it’s raining. I can’t wait to see him play in it. I got to bed and got settled before the bed decided to break down, none of the functions on the side rails are working. The last time the technician was here for that problem he showed me how to reset it but it just keeps coming back on. Of course this happens on a Friday at 6 PM. Hopefully somebody will be around tomorrow and I can get somebody out to take a look at.

Saturday was another perfect day, not too hot. Robby and I went for an extra long cruise and did some shopping, is it still shopping you don’t buy anything? We looked around for a while in Ross, the world market and one of the stores that I like downtown. Cassy text me and asked me if I wanted some spam sushi, she has been telling me about it for a while now so I decided to try it. She gets it at a Hawaiian place and it was actually really good, I will definitely have it again. I got back and just as Cassy was ready to put me to bed her mom called and said that the dogs ran away, they have three. Her mom was on her way home from Valley medical center in Santa Clara and she got a call from a lady who found the dogs so Cassy went to go get them and luckily they were all safe. My uncle and aunt came over to play cribbage and my uncle and I actually double skunked my aunt and my mom, I think that was the first double skunk for me and it felt AWESOME.

Sunday was another draining long morning so I ended up staying in bed and of course it’s beautiful outside. I was going to go get a couple of tacos with Heather and then go to the movies with Heather and Cassy to see Paul, I’ve been wanting to see that for a while. I can’t wait until my doctors appointment next week so I can find out what is wrong with my digestive tract. Jess and Teresa took Robby over to the beach to run off some of his energy, Robby just loves the beach... luckily he gets a bath on Tuesday.