Train Ride

I could not help myself. I have really been trying to be better at sniping images of people in public which I think are interesting. I thought about actually offering some of these people of interest a buck for their image. I just haven't known how to get around to asking that person for permission. I think I'll do it though one of these first days. I don't mean to poke fun at these folks just there images and plights are so interesting to me. I know I got a great deal of the sport when I was posting an image once a day from my ride in to work On the train or bus.. I'm afraid as long as I out in public an have an option to harvest an image here and there I will do that.

Yesterday was a pretty good day even though I struggled through the night trying to sleep. If only come to grips with the fact that my spasticity is definitely getting worse or my night spasms are getting worse. I tried to sleep with the legs bent because it's more comfortable for me but my spasms tend to straighten my legs like somebody was pulling on my legs. Sometimes if I'm lucky I can raise my bed or situate my body in such a way that my legs are bent up and uncomfortable for a short period of time and if lucky can drop off into a sleep. However it seems to always, leg spasm, I awake start the process all over again. I am blessed that at least I'm not in pain when this happens – – even though it looks as if I am. I'm just in some discomfort both from the spasm in the knowledge that I will not be at the top of my performance the next day. Hopefully the upcoming operation will lighten up the amount of spasticity I am now experiencing. I was coming home from my Wellness session. And I boarded the train at 2100 S. at the central city station. I sit at the front of the train and look back on the rest of the seats and in the first seat that I saw and noticed this large fellow sitting just sort of staring off into the distance. He looked tired, detached forlorn. The train Rocked back and forth As we hurled down the track And I clung to my chair to not be thrown out. This is when I noticed the traveler Had a folded piece of cardboard at his side. This guy was a better man one of those people who stand at driveways the supermarkets are interstates with a sign saying they would do something for money usually work. I cannot read but was obvious guys placard but obviously he was either traveling from point a to point B or maybe it reached his daily quota was heading home for a big night after stopping at the market first or maybe even the liquor store.It didn't matter to me whether market or liquor store,hell he had earned his money – – I think begging is one of the hardest jobs there is. He was most likely going to another intersection for the going home people. It was the middle the afternoon when we shared a train. He had the look of a factory worker with two jobs Just trying to stay awake to make ends meet.

November Thoughts

I'm really trying not to let this whole surgery thing freak me out. And I really think I'm doing pretty well. I've accepted the fact that surgeries coming and that I spend time in the hospital and then spend time in a long-term care facility i.e. nursing home rehabbing. So I know this is all going to have it is real now I can almost touch it. However, when I got home today from my workout sugarhouse, Dianne informed me that the surgery is not 10 December as I have been told surgery is now 14 December. Changing the date the surgery is not really a big deal but just sort of irks me. But I remember when I had a discussion with nurse Susie about when I wanted it surgery she often the 14th and I said no I want the 10th  soon as I could this was the first surgery date that was open on Dr. Daly's  schedule.They can be so screwed up and just doing the calendar what else can they screw up on? Like I said it's not a huge deal is big enough to be just a little bit of stress.

I've been having trouble trying to get my posts on any type of regular basis I don't know why except for I think I'm a little bit shy in dictating to the machine when other people are around. So I try to find times when I'm alone but they never get around to dictating the posting. So for the first time I think I'm going to start working on posts that may be less than the 500 words  I have labored to do when updating my blog. I would like to get into some sort of rhythm With my blog posts but that can be real difficult next couple months as I deal with the surgery and its consequences. I would just have to do the best that I can and hope that everything is not surgery focused… I really am trying not to be a major drama mama on this whole thing.

December 10, 2015

I got the word yesterday. I spoke with one of the people from my neurosurgeon's office. My MRI has finally been read. My medical professionals have this great program where they list all of your medical stuff on the Internet and you can go access that information as soon as it's published. Dianne found my MRI results and Printed them out for me. However, I was not able to make heads or tails out of the document except for getting a bit of a sinking feeling that all is not as well as I felt or looked. I figured I would have to call Dr. Daly's to find out more information and see what my next step will be. So I was a bit relieved but shocked yesterday when I got the call From daily's office. I don't remember much the call at least the specifics the feeling I got was the dark Dismal. All I remember was the woman on the other end of the line saying “Dr. Daily feels we need to get that stenosis out. We can schedule you for December 10 or anytime after the first of the year.” After that nothing else was just a buzz In my earpiece. My knee-jerk reaction was by all means January or as long outdoes I can make it. I did the cowardly thing by deferring my decision of the surgical date until I had time to speak with Dianne.

It's kind of funny about how putting a date or time Event suddenly makes the event real or concrete. The changes from something “out there” to actually something definitely concrete and going to happen. When Dianne got home I informed her and she looked at me like what you just take the date December uncolored good? I just want to make sure the date was all right and would not conflict with anything else we were doing so close to the holiday season – – like we do anything for the holiday season. I was just doing my last bit of denial.

So I called yesterday – – Wednesday – – let them know that December 10, would be fine just fine. It's funny how do them/staff of the doctor or hospital is just another date on the calendar. I could visualize Susan Scribbling my name down On the calendar or type my name in the computer calendar, popping her gum and going for next task, Not knowing or possibly even carrying about what that date means the person on the other end of the phone. But that's okay – – more I thought about doing the operation sooner than later probably works out for the best. Even though I lose Christmas and New Year's I would've lost those holidays anyway fretting about an upcoming operation. Now for better or worse surgery will be done by the time the holidays roll around and hopefully – – I'm still around – – I will be recouping heading towards a better life of less tone and doing rehab get myself ready for the summer of my 65^th year. It's going to be a very good year

No Strain No Gain

I'm just in from working out. The season has finally caught up with the calendar. It's cool and wet outside with the breeze which makes me ambient temperature of 57° feel even cooler to me. It's Monday and really it's the first time back to the gym this week and I missed Friday because I had forgotten to plug my chair and Thursday evening. Even though my chair probably would have made it to and from the workout I just didn't want to chance it and stayed home. I knew the weather was going to be cool. I still have my window cracked in the bedroom and listen to the rain overnight and it was chilly this morning when I got up. My brother asked if I wanted long pants but I'm sticking to my shorts right now… Don't know why except for one of the longest summer and be as little problem was possible for those who have to assist me in my activities of daily living like getting dressed and undressed. So I dressed in shorts and found a light sweater to wear knowing I would be cool and thereby uncomfortable all day.

Dianne my coffee in the to go cup that how to secure top that wouldn't spill easily And out the door I went. I was uncomfortable but not too bad Sort of like a toothache that has not gone nova. It's always a cool wind that blows down State Street. I just focused on my cell phone reading emails waiting for the bus. But the bus did arrive I was more than pleased for the hheat coming out of the door. I was early today so I dallied here and there on the way to Wellness. Stopped at Barnes & Noble checked on the titles for science fiction also stopping in Whole Foods and snagging samples were I could. Got some nice cheese samples and of course grapes. I have been out of grapes for a couple days.

At Wellness it was good to see the folks I usually work out with and it was good to see that Ellsworth was back from his nose operation and recuperation. He was off all last week. Not many people at Wellness this morning but those who were there were quite labor-intensive for Ellsworth and he was the only one on. So I chatted with Mark and Mark and Tony when he came and finally Ellsworth was able to assist me in my lifting. However, I mentioned to Ellsworth that My right wrist was hurting and my hand was intermittently numbing. I had already done the rickshaw and chest press and was working on rows but after my first set I mentioned that my wrist hurt which began Elsworth interrogating me as to when, what was I doin when I first noticed the pain and how severe is the pain Ellsworth essentially shut down my workout at that point in time. Indicated that if there was pain I was not to work out. I was amazed but I follow his lead and he seems to know what he is talking about.

I've also noticed that where my glove on my bike also irritates the nerve on my the ulna on my right wrist.I do not plan to stop riding my SaratogaBut I really want to get rid of this pain and and frames not related to my stenosis… Just another thing to ask neurosurgeon if and when he ever calls back.

Sunday Limbo

I had really hoped I would of heard back from my neurosurgeon by now. It is now been more than a week since I did my MRI. I mean the whole point getting my MRI done as quick as possible as to get results and begin developing the next plan will be. We did hear back anything by Thursday Dianne finally called on Friday to be informed that Dr. Daly was away on conference would not be back until next week I guess for Monday. So the MRI has not been read And we are sort of sitting in limbo.

The weather has finally cooled with a cold front wandering in last night clouds the day and rain overnight. I still have my window open a crack the cool wind feels great over the evening hours but that be ending shortly as the temps continue to drop. Sleep is coming somewhat better as the meds continue to get a foothold on the UTI. I have rough nights though,last was tough with only a couple hours sleep—waking feeling like I need to drain but only draining 200 Ccs and then not being able to return to sleep. I'm a bit groggy but not too bad. I continue to wear my shorts. I think this year is record for how late I have worn shorts into the fall. I may even wear the shorts longer because I feel shorts are much easier to dress me with then long pants.

My current Project is trying to sew my hoodie that I tore up a year or so ago when I was wearing my hoodie around my neck and the garment got caught in my wheels and rip the hell out of the hood. I finally got some thread and Needles and have started the job of sewing the item back together. This is good and being much more difficult task than I like but something do. I don't think my sewing the last But maybe long enough and I can always go back an resew If I need to. I just hope I get this project done for spring that sort like to use the hood on my trips back and forth gym.

Its that kind of Sunday, Not much is happening just trying to get by. About ready to go start mixing up a meatloaf for dinner. I love meatloaf with lot of ketchup and a baked potato with sour cream perfect menu for cool autumn day.

Waiting By The Phone

The autumn days just keep coming One perfect day after another. The mornings are cool but quickly burn off to beautiful afternoons. Saturday was such a day Saturday my date for my MRI. See what the weird time 1 o'clock in the afternoon for my MRI. Usually I have these Procedures in the early morning. But since I kind of demanded that I get the next earliest appointment I got stuck with 1 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. That's okay I doubt that of been doing anything significant anyway.

We got To radiology right on timeAnd I was kind of surprised at how busy everything seemed to be. I kind of expected tumbleweeds for Saturday afternoon radiology clinic. Dianne had taken great effort to make sure that I was wearing clothing without any mental saw we not have to strip down and do the night thing. Of course they had no lift speak of so they had to get muscle to load me on to the donut. I once again selected Billy Joel for my music after complaining that the last time all I got was to Billy Joel songs and then selections of near like Billy Joel songs. This is because they use a music provider like Siri or something but forgot about his way to load up a bunch of Billy Joel's from the Internet.

They laid me out on the machine and I sort of think my spasms are getting worse – – maybe more about that later – – however I was able to lay pretty still for the duration of the scan spasming only two or three times and even then not very noticeable. The selections of music worked really well and 45 minutes seem to fly by which was a blessing. There is something awful snarky about doing an MRI on a Saturday afternoon. Anyway the tech said I did good and got very good images what that means I can only imagine but we'll see now.

So now it's Wednesday almost half a week since my scan and no word from the Neurosurgeon. So, taking matters into my own hands and make a call this afternoon I got home from Wellness. Of course I was immediately stuck into (hold time) But eventually someone answered the phone And after giving that person more information informed me that of course he could tell me nothing about be sure to relay this information forward to the surgeon or clerk of the surgeons business someone would get back to me hopefully by the end of the day. I'm sure I hope they will not tell me anything and that the best I'm going to get is a date to meet with the Doc again When we will really get down to business of whether or not I will need another operation. As I indicated earlier I sense and other people have told me that I am getting stiffer this of course means spasticity is increasing. Nothing like I had before and still not a good sign and I am sure something that Doc will want to hear about. I just wish things would go back to being normal or maybe this is the new normal.

.

The Incredible Shrinking Man

Last night when I went to bed Dianne noticed that I had to small skin breakdowns on my butt this is kind of terrifying to me. Decubitus ulcers are pressure sores are some of the worst things people spinal cord injuries have to deal with. Over the years my skin has become more and more delicate and I must be very careful when I do get these skin breakdowns. These breakdowns I'm convinced are directly related to my power chair being out of commission having to use my backup chair. I love having this backup chair and the ability this chair just me to be independent And carry on my life. However, the chair is too big for me and I do not have the appropriate cushions for this chair which therefore leads to a rocking back and forth when I drive the chair which wears through my skin. Dianne has crafted a synthetic skin Which works pretty good but still I have to be careful when I am up in my chair. Therefore my activities on the outside have come to a grinding halt. This used to drive me crazy but now think, I am beginning to accept the fact that I'm not as “not as out there” as I would like to be or even as I perceive myself to be in effect I am becoming invisible. Like Frodo with his ring I feel I am becoming more and more invisible each day and somewhere deep inside I am okay with that. Last week I only went to one of my Wellness programs meaning two days I did not work out lifting heavy weights. I think I only used my Saratoga silver three days Because it was too painful sitting up on my sore butt.

I called the durable medical provider today, the company that I bought my power chair through, they indicate another week to seven days before parts arrive needed to repair my chair. This used to infuriate me but now it's like ho – hum... Okay. I'm spending my days tilting back in my chair trying to squish the squishy stuff in my cushion back under my hips for comfort and protection and this seems be working for the time being. I'm even considering with enough Amazon Prime selections on my cable staying bed all day And tell my repaired chair arrives or mighty pressure sores heal. Right now the breakdowns very small and I don't think would take much down time to heal and I'm willing to go that road if I have to.

But back to my main point regardless of the issues I'm becoming smaller and smaller and soon I will be invisible and perhaps that is not all bad. But maybe when I get my chair back and back in my regular cushion again maybe I'll get rejuvenated now be able to push back the desire to rub the ring and be less seen.

Death Be Not Proud

I'm going to die! I wish this were not the case but I'm having to come to grips with the idea of my evitable end On this last marble. Oh let me put your minds to rest, I don't have cancer, at least not that I am aware of right this minute, and have not done the MRI that we spoke of yet which may or may not have some liked to timing but the fact that I'm 64 and and questionable health is making me consider true end-of-life scenarios.

I cannot believe how typical I am of the baby boomers. I'm essentially poor, I'm thankful for health plan that I have but It's a pretty dismal The plan really leaves me the lurches in the number of ways. We are caught in the feeling of circling the drain of our current style of living. Just one pick up medical or Otherwise we would be down the drain. So we are living one day to the next hoping for the best.

When we met with my neurosurgeon last week speaking of the remaining stenosis and what happened what could happen when he tries to remove stenosis you actually said I could die from the operation, if the operation is warranted. He did not say to get my life in order our anything as dramatic but I got the message. In fact the past couple of years Dianne and I talked about how he want to and for each of us to play out If and when The dark Moment comes. I have even considered writing my obituary just so no one else will have to deal with that issue. I assume that writing some other person's obituary is always a drag or at least it would seem to be. If the person's death was not scheduled and an obituary is not written someone has to make something up pretty fast and I've seen some of those obituaries and they are not pretty. So writing one's own second allows you to exercise your creativity at fiction more important have some degree of control into the process and how you'll be considered in the end.

I do not have the time or the inclination at this point to discuss my conversion from a burial to cremation Let's just say been a long time coming And though I'm not completely comfortable with the concept of being incinerated I no longer feel that burial in the ground is the only way out. It must have been a large part of the decision has been based on cost which is not cheap and how rude and crude the whole concept is when one thinks about Ground burial.

So I'm thinking “why not?” After I made this acceptance I started thinking about where I would want my ashes spread. Truth be told that many places left I would want to be spread. The little farm I was brought up on as long since been dissected into smaller homes. The “cabin” my brother and two friends used to hang around as kids I'm sure has also been co-opted some sort of river bottom estates which is a shame And two half acres which is to be desert property of my families as long as so and I'm sure also been gentrified.. So I've contemplated what was left: there's the Boise River By the islands were used to hang out as kids and again I think like our It is co-opted by rich people. It seems like such a waste dump my ashes in the river just because it's the river. I'm thinking which might be a good place might be table rock. Table rock had a quarry at its rear and rises up ove Boise city And I think well stand there for the next thousand years at least. There's a regular housing that has taken over Table rock but I'm hoping the quarry still remains and if so can I get someone that is indeed there? I think that's the place. Of the four of us to enjoy that area one has cancer, one has Parkinson's getting close to the end stage and one is my friend John who to my knowledge has no significant health issues aside from aging. Have not yet talked to about this idea and whether or not he would even go through with it. We were relatively close growing up to adolescents and then went our ways but we'll have to see. We'll have to see.

As Good As It Gets

Clouds rolled in during the night and about 2:15 in the morning, this morning I was awakened to thunder and rain coming through the window. The temperature had dropped significantly and my whole world felt like Fall had finally reached my room. I was not aware, although I felt a few drops on my face during the night, that rain in a significant amount was coming into the room. My bed is right under the open window and one of my blankets got fairly wet To the point that my brother was concerned when he came in the morning to be dressed up in my chair. Thank goodness I was not aware of the event. I was quite comfortable upon his arrival. There's nothing I hate more than having wet blankets and having to call with the wetness through the night.

Today is a wet day feeling like the fall that it is and I like that even though it will limit my ability to be out and about but as I mentioned in earlier Blogs my ability to be out and about is quite limited due to my broken Wheelchair having to use my two large backup chair.I am unable to sit upright in my chair there by putting too much weight on my right hip risking skin breakdown and just plain discomfort. The cushion I am forced use does not have the protection I need. Dianne has come up with a great idea of taking some of the pouches in some of my other Cushion and put the pouches in the cushion I use. This is a great idea. Hopefully, sometime during the weekend we can achieve this. Hopefully, my broken chair will be repaired and I will be back in the saddle with the chair and use and be comfortable using. I need to be careful because I can see staying home all the time could get quite comfortable. I really need to be out in the community doing what I do which may not be a lot but I need to be out there. My need to be in the community seeing what is happening having the community see me seems very selfish but it is who I am and I seem to have any be out and I can only do that in a usable power chair .

Dianne brought home a dozen meatballs yesterday shopping excursion after Ani's volleyball game. We need to use them fairly quickly And nothing like a fall day to make me feel like cooking so I went to work chopping onions and garlic's opening cans of tomatoes, mushrooms And green peppers, throwing them all of the Stove to simmer and mix their wonderful flavors To produce a wonderful sauce for to night's spaghetti.I only wish I could've produced some sort of garlic bread that or garlic toast that would make a perfect dinner.

I've been busy today cooking, writing and doing some physical stuff. I even made a list of things I like to have accomplished today I don't think I'm going to get it all done but the list has kept me on taskAnd kept me away from watching recorded movies on my flatscreen. Sometimes as good as it gets.

What's A Person To Do?

It is warm and almost blustery today, this first day of October feeling more like summer then Fall. However that's okay supposedly home front will move in tonight bringing lower temperatures and possible thunderstorms sounds great and of course this only makes sense since it is conference weekend and there is always poor weather or conference.

Well we finally had her appointment with Andrew Daly M.D., neurosurgeon and I think it went okay. We went about a half-hour early as requested and had x-rays taken so we met with the Surgeon he was up to speed Seemed quite pleased with the results of surgery and the healing that had taken place. He of course asked how I was doing I was truthful as I could be Fearing the worst which can result from my answers. I have to admit I am terribly frightened of any further messing around with my spinal cord. Dr. Daly explained that the pressure and been removed from the spinal cord and spinal cord seemed to beFilling in the space which is what we wanted. The big knuckle still remains And the Doc seems cautious to do anymore surgical intervention, Which is fine by me. He even suggested more than once that with the release of pressure the other stenosis may disintegrate at least that's how I am reading his comments. He did order an MRI which I'll be doing in aboutncel a week and this will be the teller. If the stenosis Has not grow and let it stand Keep an eye on the area. However, if there is activity with the stenosis that we will immediately surgically interesting. When I asked the doc about tWhat the results might be from such procedureHe indicated anything that from complete quadriplegia to death– – Just don't know about the brain and spinal cord. He agreed with me that operation on the stenosis at best is a crapshoot. This of course scare the hell out of me and since I am not experiencing any significant symptomology of increased stenosis impairment and then I'd say fuck it, I'll take my chances until it looks like I don't have anything else to do. He was all for immediate action visiting growth… Crap. Then I read on one of the disability forums that I dropped in on every once in a while, that many times stenoses will grow back! Unbelievable.So there you go what is a crip to do?

Good news on other fronts. Make contact with Alpine medical and it sounds like I broken axle is going to be covered by warranty! As much as I appreciate the coverage it will still be probably at least a week if not longer before parts command and the actual repair the power chair is accomplished. In the meantime I am trying hard not to aggravate my ass I can tell skin is fragile and cushions I have just not cutting the pressure on my butt. Therefore I have really quite limited my travels outbound, which of course includes Wellness. This also included any involvement with the national action with ADAPT. Which is kind of bad I think I would've enjoyed more involvement with this group even if it made me uncomfortable. It really is a shame that Salt Lake disability people are not more supportive. Salt Lake ADAPT could sell themselves a lot better to do a lot more marketing of their events. The group really does need help I just wish there were not so spooky. It's all such a scam on both sides, what's a person to do.nt

National Action

Blog September 28, 2015 – – Monday

I have never been part of a national action before so I was really not sure what to expect. Oh, I have been part of the local action scene years ago when we were striving to make the local bus system accessible to people with disabilities i.e. people in wheelchairs. In the past we have posted regional actions where agitator/activists from other states have come to Utah and we staged actions again for access to the local bus system as well as local Medicaid trying to increase options for folks with disabilities specifically dental and increase the Medicaid allotment checks. And again, that is bringing into the community for five people maybe a few more were supposed to be pros at direct confrontation advocacy – – nonviolent see Martin Luther King. But a national action that's way different. A national action is bringing in as many people as possible and staging numerous actions over numerous days.

Yesterday was the beginning of a national action here in Salt Lake City from what I can tell the goal of this action is to bring an awareness to the local electorate and governor and other type bureaucrats up and down the food chain of the need for more choice for people who are destined to live in nursing homes against their well. As far as I can tell this action is being hosted by the local DRAC folks, DRAC is what the local ADAPT became, In my affiliation with the local Independent living Center I was fairly active in ADAPT . In my Association with the local ADAPT I found this organization and its affiliates to be a bit scatterbrained but their motives are honest and true. Yesterday was the kickoff event I wanted to be part of it for host of reasons but mainly to show my support for local ADAPT and Barbara Toomer who is been the director of this is that for years directly and indirectly.

In honesty I was a bit reticent I didn't figure a lot of them show up is going to be another failed project however I was surprised I got to the hotel saw how many folks with disabilities had shown up. There may have been 100 or more which is a lot when you think about It. Sadly there were only three or four folks from Utah in the delegation. They have published the wrong times and so I thought I had our before the events and actually there were staging to begin event as I roll their. There is government action role basically a serpentine wheelchairs from the hotel at 161 W. 600 S. six blocks north to the state capital. Utah has huge blocks and that is a whole other story. I was really quite spooked at not

knowing if my chair would make the roller not is not only do you traverse 6 to 8 blocksBut the last 2 to 3 blocks ours the uphill to the state capital. I was with my buddy Andy was the director of a local Independent living Center here in the state was a quadriplegic similar to me. And he has pretty good upper mobility are in the line and pushes a manual chair Andy is also a big lad and I knew this is going to be a near fatal push For Andy.

We started out and I was included in the red group just the first group Barbara Toomer's group at The Head the of the line. We were to roll in a tight single file line, serpentine they had disability cowboys rolling up and down the street to make sure we stayed in line. It was a okay experience a little short of horrible but it was a long role. Andy held on to my chair for a while trend give us aid but finally had to disengage is restarted the upgrade. I made it to the top with about 60% charge but I knew that would deplete quickly trying to get down the hill to train a bus that I can use. I ended up calling Ute cab Became got me and drove a couple blocks to the train for less than five bucks – – I love this service.

ADAPT will be in town for the next 3 to 4 days and will be having actions during those days. I kind it would like to take advantage of being part of his national action but my power chair just is too painful and I still wait to see if the new chair will be repaired it's all a challenge. I'll keep you informed if there's any changes

National Action SLC

Over the years sure I have commented off and on about my involvement in direct confrontation actions in the area of disability. This is a rule I do not relish it was something I could do that was part of my job description, or at least I thought was part of my job description and I treated it as such. I've never gotten arrested as a result of my direct action confrontation but many of my college have. I really have never become involved on the national level for one reason or another, most likely because I rarely went on the business trips where national actions were happening.

Last week it came to my attention that local ADAPT is hosting a national action Salt Lake City next week or beginning Sunday. Quite frankly I be surprised if they pulled in many national adapters but you never know and I feel I better be ready. I have been contacted a couple of times by Barbara Toomer who is sort of all things ADAPT in this city – –And country for that matter. I've been invited to a couple of the planning but really if not been inspired to the point of attending but with physical workouts and broken power chairs I haven't been really quite available. But maybe I'll drop in on the the pre-meeting for the Sunday action. It sounds like it's going to be a march from downtown Salt Lake up to the state capital building. I really think this will only have an impact If three or 400 chairs show up. But I would like to join in the March as a show of solidarity. I'll be quite interested to see if and how the local Independent living Center is planning to participate. If it sounds like I'm a bit reticent in this whole event is because I've dealt these folks before, at least the local group and have never really seen a lot of organization take place. There volunteer group that you know what they say about volunteer groups only being as strong as the weakest link is true and anyway something like this takes a lot of planning. At least I think it does. However, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and I'm willing to be supported. Going to the planning meeting for the premeeting before the event on Sunday to see what comes I willat least Be able to say I was there regardless what happens. I wish I had a better chair at least one that is more comfortable and butt protective.

Backing Up the Back Up Chair

It is definitely a drag when your backup chair needs its own backup chair. I am of course having to use my backup chair sets the wheel fell off my main chair – – see yesterday's post. However, I broke the footplate on my back and chair so I have to ride with my foot crossed over my right foot in order to use backpack chair. This means a trip over to Utah Center For Assistive Technolog or U C A T. Actually I am as fortunate as hell getting our time from the U C A T staff. There are booked into the next couple weeks. I sure hope they're able to put together some form of solution to the problem of the missing Footplate.

Y'all remember that we bought this chair from th Create program a few weeks before my new chair came. Part of the concept was I would have a backup chair in case I needed one. For a prophetic was that? However I managed to bring the left footplate on the chair couple days after I got it. Since my new chair came shortly thereafter I sort of forgot about the backend chair and its growth case and that's not even true I remembered I just never got around to getting back to Create to repair the issue. There's no excuse for this I know better I taught the need for keeping your equipment up to snuff and I'm the biggest Abuser.

UCAT is a program of the state, UCAT's a state agency. One of the few state agencies/programs which I think really does a great job for people with disabilities. Fortunately for me UCAT is a little-known piece of work that is incredibly positive. I think of solutions and ideas for needs of people disabilities problems you might have solutions. You have a shop where they can manufacture solutions which is what I am hoping for today. They're becoming more and more busy as people find out about them but usually you can still weaseled yourself in for service if you really need to which is what I did. Hopefully I will have a better day than yesterday trying to keep my feet on the front panel and the weight off my ass.

Dianne will drop off the other power chair to Alpine medical yesterday and they are going to look at and hopefully sooner than later but I'll be surprised As they get to my chair of the week and or even next week.

1707 hours… 09 2315 – – Wednesday

What a day!? I got to the UCAT building and again I was two hours before my scheduled appointment and that's cool I had to do besides I wonder visit with the new director of UCAT Michael Wallenstein (close enough). Michael's old friend of mine used to sit on my Board of Directors when I ran an information line for the state of Utah. The action is a great guy and one am glad that the directorship from UCAT he'll make a great asset to that organization – – but I spent an hour visiting Michael didn't work on my chair and it was more money than I thought was going hundred bucks but I guess that's the price of doing business even if you do have the state agency guy finally broke it down to 50 bucks parts 50 but flavor is probably an hour and a half later so I guess on that level I got a deal. And I think it a good job manufacturing footplate that is not withstand the stress I put on the footplate. It was a long day already from especially in this backup chair even with repaired footplate. The seat is really too big for me and my scoliosis lists me over to my right side I need to get some sort of pillow our case a briefcase or some stick and that area of sufficient strength I also experience a lot of stress on my butt/right cheekSpace if I'm going to use this chair for any significant period of time. I really need this support when I work out and when I use the Saratoga Silver. Knowing this I can get myself better squared away for tomorrow. When we will do it all again.

Tuesday's Challenge

My life just gets more bazaar with each and every day. Yesterday, which I will refer to as Miracle Monday started out normal enough. Salt Lake is currently in that span of time for summer closes And winter Socks us and where the days are nearly perfect. Days beautiful from sunrise to sunset temperatures almost in the 80s sometimes almost 90 but perfect days for being outside riding the  system. We will probably have this kind of off and on for the next two weeks.  The dates are gorgeous. I went to my morning workout over and sugarhouse with no issues to speak of. I wanted to get home as soon as I could use the restroom as well As get some lunch. I thought about purchasing something on the way home decided just to get on.

One of the strange events in the morning or afternoon was that I usually get off at the 53rd St. TraX station and from there I there wait for the 201 southbound Or I just take off and drive my Chair home Usually going over the overpass and down 300 W. Today however, I decided to get off the train at fashion plates are 6400 S. and then navigate third west North until I get home.I just crossed the bridge in the industrial section and was passing by garage where I used to take the cars for repairs. A place called technic care operated by two brothers they been there for decades. I was on the side of the road heading west on my chair tugged to the right And in an instant my chair spun around and I was perched on the side walk and seem to move my chair. I have to admit I was a bit disjointed. This event has been witnessed by an adolescent employee of a daycare center right front of me. I would find out her name is Evelyn and she stuck by me for the next hour. I realized I had lost the entire off my chair when Evelyn picked it up to show me why I was not moving. For a moment the whole thing was surreal I could not figure out what had happened to my chair. Whatever was going on I was not going anywhere fast. Didn't take long for a small crowd to form. People returning from lunch to work and saw me on side of the road. A couple of guys were returning from lunch, even if Buddy of mine named Paul who used to sell me my wheelchairs stopped by And stood by me until the end. I eventually was able to call my wheelchair shop a place where I purchased my chair they ended up sending out to technicians who were useful just barely. Finally we were joined by officer Meacham, Quite a nice young man who seem to care.

It took some talking and convincing of the guys from Alpine medical techs who came to work on my chair.  These guys wanted to send me home in an ambulance but there is no way I was going to incur that kind of cost. I finally had to sign a waiver of responsibility and I finally got my chair together to the point that I can actually drive it for how long we don't know. I was able to call Dianne came and got me in a wheelchair van. I got home stayed in the chair for the rest of the day and we got out the old chair see what we can do. Guys from Alpine said they will try to work on my chair and see if they can get a fix goingBut I don't whole lot of faith these guys… Yet.

This morning I had my brother put me in the old quantum 6000 with only 1 foot pedal and I have been gimping around all day. Just painful and difficult sitting and keep both feet on the one pedal. I called UCAT, and of course they are slammed but will be in for an hour tomorrow Wednesday and hopefully we can get some sort of fix for the backup chair. I'm getting a bad feeling about this challenge but it will pass I'm sure as all things do. I just have to be upbeat and I'm going. Thank God I have Dianne in my corner she took the chair in the Alpine's afternoon. I bailed on Anakah's game hopefully I can make it another time out system matter waiting and hoping keeping our fingers crossed.

My Monday Miracle

My life just gets more bazaar with each and every day. Yesterday, which I will refer to as Miracle Monday started out normal enough. Salt Lake is currently in that span of time for summer closes And winter Socks us and where the days are nearly perfect. Days beautiful from sunrise to sunset temperatures almost in the 80s sometimes almost 90 but perfect days for being outside riding the system. We will probably have this kind of off and on for the next two weeks. The dates are gorgeous. I went to my morning workout over and sugarhouse with no issues to speak of. I wanted to get home as soon as I could use the restroom as well As get some lunch. I thought about purchasing something on the way home decided just to get on.

One of the strange events in the morning or afternoon was that I usually get off at the 53^rd St. TraX station and from there I there wait for the 201 southbound Or I just take off and drive my Chair home Usually going over the overpass and down 300 W. Today however, I decided to get off the train at fashion plates are 6400 S. and then navigate third west North until I get home.I just crossed the bridge in the industrial section and was passing by garage where I used to take the cars for repairs. A place called technic care operated by two brothers they been there for decades. I was on the side of the road heading west on my chair tugged to the right And in an instant my chair spun around and I was perched on the side walk and seem to move my chair. I have to admit I was a bit disjointed. This event has been witnessed by an adolescent employee of a daycare center right front of me. I would find out her name is Evelyn and she stuck by me for the next hour. I realized I had lost the entire off my chair when Evelyn picked it up to show me why I was not moving. For a moment the whole thing was surreal I could not figure out what had happened to my chair. Whatever was going on I was not going anywhere fast. Didn't take long for a small crowd to form. People returning from lunch to work and saw me on side of the road. A couple of guys were returning from lunch, even if Buddy of mine named Paul who used to sell me my wheelchairs stopped by And stood by me until the end. I eventually was able to call my wheelchair shop a place where I purchased my chair they ended up sending out to technicians who were useful just barely. Finally we were joined by officer Meacham, Quite a nice young man who seem to care.

It took some talking and convincing of the guys from Alpine medical techs who came to work on my chair. These guys wanted to send me home in an ambulance but there is no way I was going to incur that kind of cost. I finally had to sign a waiver of responsibility and I finally got my chair together to the point that I can actually drive it for how long we don't know. I was able to call Dianne came and got me in a wheelchair van. I got home stayed in the chair for the rest of the day and we got out the old chair see what we can do. Guys from Alpine said they will try to work on my chair and see if they can get a fix goingBut I don't whole lot of faith these guys… Yet.

This morning I had my brother put me in the old quantum 6000 with only 1 foot pedal and I have been gimping around all day. Just painful and difficult sitting and keep both feet on the one pedal. I called UCAT, and of course they are slammed but will be in for an hour tomorrow Wednesday and hopefully we can get some sort of fix for the backup chair. I'm getting a bad feeling about this challenge but it will pass I'm sure as all things do. I just have to be upbeat and I'm going. Thank God I have Dianne in my corner she took the chair in the Alpine's afternoon. I bailed on Anakah's game hopefully I can make it another time out system matter waiting and hoping keeping our fingers crossed.

Fair Beware

Yesterday I went to the state fair! The reason I have this as being a big deal is because I wasn't going to go to the fair. I would've been much happier to stay home and be a recluse while the rest of the family went to the fair. In fact Saturday afternoon I was not going to go to the fair and I said as much. But as I thought about my statements and myself are kind of had a change of heart. Granted I still do not want to go there but there are those who would like to spend time with me at someplace like the fair. And I do like spending time with these people I call family didn't want to myself what a fool I am not to take advantage of something like this. So, I made the decision often fair is going to go the next day, Sunday.

I would like to blame the mood, my mood, on the that I had a poor night's sleep and I did. I nearly fell out of bed my legs somehow spasmed over the side of the bed. I spent a good part of the our early morning trying to pull myself back on the bed losing precious sleep hours. So I was a grump. I was hoping I would get a second wind carry me through as an honorable grandpa but that really didn't happen. Now mind you and my family goes to the fair it's an all day event we got There at about 10 am And begin to wander around fair. We checked out the animal barns which I can always do without. Since I was raised on a farm I've had my share of animals groomed or otherwise. Even if stalls are maintained in the air conditioners working the fact remains these animals were meant to be outside not inside where poop is poop No matter how many times you take poop out on a silver fair shovel. I don't like pigs unless they are on a plate the same with chickens And turkeys. Rabbits and pigeons Is just a waste of time unless you trying to kill time which which we did at the animal barns. We dined on fried food fair style were talking about corndogs, elephant ears with cotton candy. I could really tolerate this which is strange because I used to love fair food.. It was the only time you can get real corndogs but now the real corndogs are foot-long and cost $7.50.! I had a bite of one just isn't the same corndogs and used to be. I'm just not fun. Seems like we've been two or three times during the event. Yet ice cream, root beer and elephant ears. I have to confess I did purchase a couple bags of jerky at some point way overpriced but I think I will enjoy jerk.

Morning migrated into afternoon and it was time to subject the grandson to the amusement rides. This was his first real fair with real right and he took to it like a duck to water. We spent the next four or five hours watching them ride the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, A roller coaster thing and other rides I can no longer remember. He had a great and everybody else had a great and I suppose I get to in a grumpy grandpa sort of way. Nothing is more precious than time with family.

Rivers Of People – –Farmers Market

I had a pretty rough night, I tossed and turned couldn't get comfortable I couldn't slept very much But finally when daylight came and I could no longe force myself back to sleep No matter how hard I tried Dianne got me up and that felt pretty good – – much better than I should for the night that I spent. For some reason I was committed go to the farmers market today. I really like the idea of the farmers market, I have this vision of local neighbors bundling their produce together heading down to the park and having a stall where they could sell their goods. I am always somewhat dejected when I get to the park and find there are no neighbor selling your wares but professional farmer families Selling produce out of the back of their big trucks. So is not neighborhood Farmers statewide farmers. I don't know why if I think about it too hard I quickly become disenchanted and look for good reason to leave.

It's kind of weird, I got the market today after waiting for the bus which by the time that I got to the bus stop was running one hour headways. So, the market was pretty willful people when I got there, What I found in find really strange is that the vendors are in the exact same place they were last year in all the years before I've got to the farmers market. The bread vendors or Baker's were in their spot, the Dragon Lady and her melons were in her spot in the corner, Schmitz: truck of course was in that spot nothing to change. In fact I didn't even take pictures because they look exactly like the pictures I took last year and the year before. Even though it did not recognize anybody in the crowd I recognized everybody in the crowd. Lots of old folks, lots of old hippies, lots of serious young folks who wish they could have been hippies but now settle for food purists. Always amazed at the amount of Russians in the crowds. Walking around in a group talking Russian but looking like everyone else. The only thing I saw a change a little bit was the kids from the farms. You get to know them… Not know them but them They've grown a year just a little bit older. I always think about how much they probably hate being there giving up their weekends every fall to help out sell the family produce. They probably been strong-armed by parents who make deals with them are actually employ them. Like if they help out all year they will help purchase the vehicle the kid wants or more importantly help the kids a tuition the college purchased close in electronics for high school. It's the age-old story the kids are always indentured servants. The kids looked healthy and most of them actually looks sort of okay climbing into the truck bringing out watermelons, bags of corn boxes of tomatoes in all other items of produce.

Truth be told I wondered why I wanted to be there the second I got there. There are tons of people and dogs and kids everywhere.. I had to get into rivers of people flowing in one direction or another. It's not that great deal of food wise or moneywise it's just something to be which is good for me. What I needed so when I go somewhere on Monday and they ask you what I did this weekend I have something to tell “oh! I went to the Farmer's market and got some corn”. I will have to say all I didn't do anything just hung out. This is important. I did something I got up I got dressed for a bus to the farmers market and came back. Perhaps that's what it's all about being part of the flow of river people at the farmers market.

Like Really People Do…

Delet

Last night, Thursday night, quite frankly all day Thursday the day had been dreading for some time because of so much stuff we were thinking of doing. Friend of ours my wound care specialist Kevin got himself involved with a band, a rock 'n roll band. And last night they had their debut set a local bar called Liquid Joe's place and every gun before but often passed and was curious as to the layout. Dianne got to know Kevin couple years ago When I had or was experiencing some possibly serious decubitus Wounds on my butt. Kevin is a trained physical therapist who for one reason or another became a specialist wound care and I think He is one of the best specialists in the area. It a great deal of good by me and I sure won't support him. What is of interest is that in the time we knew him or have known Kevin is had a couple of spinal cord injuries himself one resulted in serious damage to his hand. So for Kevin to be playing guitar in a band is no small feat.

Thursday is the day I usually have my health care attendant over for the usual care and shower. Dianne really want to go to the debut of the Horse concert. So I made arrangements with the healthcare will and move my day of coverage from Thursday to Friday. It also happened Anakah had her volleyball game Thursday as well. I slept poorly the night before and I was quite tired All day and I was really kind of spooked on how I was going to deal with the day and the evening. However, we got through the volleyball game – games. Went home and rested a short while and actually got a second wind for the concert. Thank goodness Kevin sent for 8 PM any later would've been dead ducks.

We're pleased to see that we were not the oldest folks at the venue. It's hard to say how many of the people there were there to support Kevin from his professional side of the University Hospital there seem to be a lot of folks there to support him. The band was okay I think a little shaky in spots but I'm impressed that they put together and pulled off the event. They played for about an hour, mostly 80s music and there was even some folks dancing at the last Of this set. Reaction got home around 10:00 PM because of that actually. As little worried about how I would feel this morning since I wanted to an early workout and my brother would be here to give me a 6 AM but he came and I didn't work out and did pretty well it was a good evening and a good morning. I'm glad Dianne got me into really felt good being out among real people get after-hours living like real people do.

Really! It's About Time

You read right it is 9 September almost 2 weeks in the month and this is the first blog been able to produce. I'm just damn pathetic and I don't know if I'm going to get any better. I'm coming off off and almost two-week illness that has just really laid me low am totally surprised how devastated it made me to the point that I spent a whole weekend in bed and that really did not help that much or at least I do not think staying in bed did. Somehow along the line I went in and had some blood drawn and I was totally blown away by the results. The results indicated that I was anemic! Me anemic cannot believe it. Granted the last couple of weeks I have been bleeding a little bit pretty significant rectally and Dianne believes that might be the basis for my anemia whatever the case is I seem to have something significant. I finally was trying to push myself into getting back to how I was – – because I was literally too tired to go into Wellness – – and I went wellness on Friday, last and Alex sent me home indicating that I was too weak and I've indicated I was also dizzy. I'm sort of glad for that but still worries me. About a month ago I was in have blood drawn for a full workout in my hematocrit's came back A-OK so I don't know what is happened from that point to the point where it showed I was way low on my hematocrit and anemic. I can't believe it was just the rectum bleeding. It's kind of spooky though.

With the extra time however, I was able to work on letters and have the girls done and will have to get them out the next day or so. We've had an issue with the printer not being able to locate our computers or vice versa but now Dianne has got us back online and printing will be much better and more efficient. It still challenge to print with the printer in the old computer room I am thinking Of moving my laptop into the computer room so I'll be right there to do the printing and I need to have done i.e. printing envelopes for the mail. I think having my computer and the old computer room is better anyway not only from the standpoint of free enough space in the bedroom but also moving my computer out of the bedroom where I sleep and kind of relax and into the computer room where it will be functioning as a working piece of equipment for that room – – I know this is convoluted thinking about that sort of makes sense that whole Asian kind of thinking – – you know what I mean. I'm getting kind of excited about overtone and trying to figure out how best to use it. Once again if they don't let you work out at Wellness or wherever I can always work out home in the guess is my end goal. Again however I was glad to get back to the gym this morning and see some of the old guys. I really do think I need to socialization that Wellness tends to bring me. Interesting. I hate to be so predictable.

I really do have something to write I just need to figure out a time and space to do it on a regular basis. Hopefully something more creative the next day or Soon.

Thinking

It's the dog days of summer, hot as the days begin to wind down towards fall. Just gotten in from my trip to Wellness this morning . I feel pretty accomplished because today I went up to hundred and 30 pounds on the press in the row which is pretty good for me.. Actually pretty good For a lot of folks in the really makes you feel like an achiever. On my way to work out this morning I was pleased to run into an old friend whom I met when I served on Murray city disability board. She's a quadriplegic it seems a bit more involved than me but still she's been out there a long time. She's a PhD Mary to this German guy and I was so impressed that she traveled back and forth the German on a regular basis. Now she lives in Boise Idaho which is But her husband still works here Salt Lake so the commute two weeks at each home. I wish I had gotten a picture of her. She looked great there is a couple times in the past abortions are pretty hammered but she is been in a fairly rigid physical regimen seems to make a big difference. We talk about all kinds of things in the short time we had together was of most interest that she to one time had stenosis and had it removed which really impact her independence but she's come away with it very well. This again sometime in the past and I guess I didn't need to know about it till now. She agrees Dianne and me that I need to get second opinion and see if we can get say procedure done at the death Star close to the house. Just amazing. I don't know why but she sort of gave me hope things don't look so bleak now.

Silly as it sounds fairly excited about my workout today we increase my weight load to 130 pounds for the press and the role, three sets of 10 reps. I mean I knew I could do but what I've been coming to the realization the past couple sessions is that I need to be pushing myself more and add 130 pounds I am doing just that. I don't think I can do 130 I know I cannot do hundred and 30 on the rickshaw so I'm still struggling with 120 pounds there and I think I will be there for some time. It's no big deal but kind of is for me.

I said goodbye to everyone and made my way for home stopping at whole foods and getting some grapes and corn for the weekend. While there I ran into one of the wise of the participants in my Wellness program Mrs. Kirk, Mark Kirk's wife. We had a nice visit I found out a lot about Mark what he's going through and put in perspective what's going on with me, Medically. She reinforced the idea of the second opinion and severely considering whether I even the procedure and what consequences will be not doing the procedure. Wow quite a lot of stuff to think about.

Just Another Monday

This is been a good Monday so far, my brother got me up this morning as usual… Is here right at 6 o'clock and he does a great job. I worry that I'm working too much but he says is not in work too hard and I have taken face value. Truth is I've gotten much better and enjoy seeing him every morning. I hate That helping me bites into his workday it's only 30 minutes but still as 30 minutes begins me everyday which adds up to two and half hours a week hum,I guess I should feel guilty. I try not to think about it and get on with my life.

I'm really trying to operate the early workout routine. So I shaved, finished getting dressed ate a swift breakfast And headed out the door. Stopped at the bank cashed the check and came on in to Wellness. It was well after 1030 by the time I got to the Wellness gym and it was sort of busy not too bad but there's only one person to help but I didn't mind waiting. I have gotten to know many of the other participants and I spent some time visiting with them. Alex eventually gets around to me and that's good. I'm able to load the rickshaw on my own and adjust the handles to meet my needs. I'm now working at 120 pounds and is a real challenge. In order for me to even get enough muscle to push down the handles I must rely on getting someone to push a pillow behind my back which in turn pretty straightforward and allows me to put maximum strength on the down dressed. I did my sets but the sets were pretty shoddy but I did them anyway. I'm doing 120 pounds on my others as well, the rows And the pressesWhich are easier to execute then the rickshaw. It's a quick workout even if I do it with ample rests the workout still only takes about a half hour then I am on my own. This is great however I can head straight for the bus get home by noon or early afternoon. Today is a bit later because I stopped at whole foods for bread and grapes.

I did the unthinkable and stopped in at the McDonald's next-door to the market or rather across the street from the market and grabbed a burger. I hate eating McDonald's food but just the cheeseburger seems the least of the poisons. I may get got home and read until Dianne got home from Her morning with Bridget and Asher. It's a hot day and thankful to be wearing shorts and feeling pretty good. Got some good sleep and that certainly makes my day go better.

Now late in the afternoon almost 4 PM which means I need to start getting ready for the rest of my workout which is a 30 minute pump on my Saratoga silver. I listen to Marketplace broadcast from New York WNYC every weekday at 4:30 PM which means every finished right around 5 PM then I'll figure out dinner and get ready for bed at seven. This is my Monday and it's good enough for me.

Breakfast Memory

I stopped at the hospital, IHC Medical Ctr., ThursdayTo grab a quick breakfast before I did the trends evaluation At the UTA Transit Authority's evaluations Center. I had the time, the house went up to the bus stop and took the 201 into the hospital at 5300 S. Actually, I love having breakfast at IHC, prices are right and one can get almost anything they want – – breakfast wise and there's all kinds of medical staff wandering around that's always sort of cool. I knew I had time because the next stop was just one stop away at 4500 S. so I knew I could do breakfast and get to my nex appointment.

Now I had better be careful because finding their breakfasts way too good. I stopped at the hospital cafeteria earlier in the week for another early morning appointment. I can get away bigger than our down if I do not watch out anyway Thursday morning I ordered corned beef (From a can) and omelette and hashbrowns and gravy. It was not healthy but it was good. We got me really thinking however was the corned beef and cabbage was scooped up With ice cream scoop. You know the kind that if you go especially ice cream shop we still use to scoop ice cream out of those 5 gallons ice cream carton round drums. Seeing the rounded, perfectly rounded balls of Corned beef with me back to my grade school Lunchroom at good old Campus school. I believe I've gone over the past four about how rarely I was able to enjoy hot school lunch but sometimes I did. Luckily for me lunchroom often served mashed potatoes and gravy. What I remember most about the mashed potatoes and gravy aside from their wonderfully great flavor was that the good old cooks Of the lunchroom would scoop up individual servings of this wonderfully starch dish with what appeared to me as ice cream scoops. Next, they would drench the mound of Mashed potato with this great yellow gravy. I know I should have done without scoop of corned beef hash but the perfectly round ball Of Protein and starch was too much to..

The meal was great knew it would be but the memory is even greater. In an instant I was carried back to the lunchroom holding a tray in my hand going through the line in this grand old ladies throw perfectly round balls potatoes on my plate it Made getting up early Worthwhile.

I Well Ride!

I finally did it! I know I railed on the past about paratransit and have it really does violate a lot of personal rights that I think people disabilities Have. As many readers know I worked great deal of my career as a transportation corridor for an Independent living Center in Salt Lake. I fought paratransit for a host of reasons trying to encourage people with disabilities To ride mainline service, fixed routes or regular bus routes. This was a national feeling of the independent living of course it never caught on and people disability sold out for the most part and went to paratransit.So, over the years I pretty much ignored paratransit however in order to take advantage of one of paratransit's functions here in Salt Lake City I've caved in and I've elected to go through the process being evaluated for inclusion to the ranks of paratransit riders. This is totally self-serving and I confess I'm a weak vessel but I don't plan to use paratransit if I am eligible however I do plan to use paratransit card which will allow me to ride Fixed route buses without charge. I don't mind paying a fair I really believe $1.25 to deal.

To be honest I did not know what to expect at paratransit evaluation. They never really set how long the process would take and I cannot figure out why it would take long at all at as I said I'm going through the process. He showed up the paratransit service center this morning at the appointed time 9:30 AM and we got on with. I spent some time with the past bus driver who been elevated some sort of transit counselor in the program. We chatted she took notes and I was a good boy. Following this 20 minute visit she turned me over to Alex who actually did the clipboard thing and ran me through the system. In some ways The experience is pretty entertaining. In some ways it felt like a sheepdog going through trials. The areas laid out in a huge room seriously, I would say quarter football field in size. You have a number of tests laid out native ramps that supposedly mimic real-life scenarios that a person has to negotiate with their wheelchairs and are tested. There is even simulated crosswalk with crossing lights to test your ability to cross the street in the significant amount of time needed during the lifecycle. There is another section of gravel to see how a person negotiates gravel walks. There is even a full-size bus that you have to get on then go to seating section just like on a real bus. Following this we take a walk this walk goes from the building using public sidewalks hollowly to IHC hospital, crossing the street at the end turning me loose to go On my way.

Alex informed me that the material that would be taken adjudicated to see if I actually qualified for the service and that the Authority had up to 21 days to produce a conclusion however he indicated That I would know the results much sooner. Either way it's okay with me I am going to ride the bus one way or the other. It would just be convenient flash pass rather than digging out my wallet and buy a transfer or ticket. I don't feel good about what I did but I will try.

Back In The Saddle Just Fading Away

It has been more than two weeks since last I blogged, a majority of that time has been the fact that we have been without Internet connection. In fact you have a new Internet provider who provides more services less cost only had to wait almost a week before we were able to have them install the service. This last week I've been busy with things outside the house every day. As usual extremely lame excuses for this block in submissions– – Maybe it's just August break now that I've had the bright perhaps I can get back in the saddle and do some better writing Or at least more writing.

Nothing significant has happened with the exception of typical August heat and the days begin to cool in the mornings. Wellness of course keeps me busy as do the writing of letters first couple weeks of month. This seems more challenging than usual but I finally got the main letters out I even got a letter Asher– – Which I think I will continue to do so maybe even Ani. I have not been sleeping well but enough to get by I just rollaround fog sleepiness. I am getting by.

Yesterday I had a Utah Nonprofit Housing Corporation meeting, this was a board meeting and I had not been to a board meeting since before my next surgery so I figured it was due. I figured it would be light-duty sense it was also the grand opening for the facility new building project. The call for board meeting was just a pretense to get folks, specifically the board, together to to do the open house. Is weird though the board meeting, even though abbreviated was scheduled for 9 AM which is pretty early but I decided I could make it. So right after Carl got me up I took my meds And – out the door. I caught the bus to the train station and found I had a little time so I went to the I HC Hospital breakfast.

I enjoyed vegetarian burrito and then off to the board meeting.

I enjoyed seeing a lot of you folks had worked with for years. It's been a great deal of my work life doing housing Salt Lake County and the state for that matter. I saw myself as an engine part of the housing front representing folks with disabilities, Who are low income. A lot of the folks I have served with over the years I've either died,, retired or getting ready to retire. What a shock! We have been replaced by the new legions will not surprising always discomforting. The event was a long time commitment mostly therefore we had an hour and a half break between a board meeting and the open house . I rolled around the area looked into trying to find someone to manufacture steel that I need to save the house for me destroying the property.It's hard to realize how faded I have become. I understand how so many cultures see old age is a form of just fading away.

Draconian!

The got this email is my notification meeting with UTA Paratransit mobility service people to ascertain If I disabled enough to ride the Paratransit service.You all might remember from my rants in the past but I am not a big fan of paratransit – – in fact I aggressively fought paratransit any old days of accessible transit history. Without going into a huge history lesson let's just say paratransit is not good for people disabilities and other living things. However, good or bad paratransit won out. Actually I was naïve enough in those days to believe we could make a difference. Paratransit was a national movement as far as national transit goes it was, and whether we liked it or not.

Now 30 some years later I am using regular transit, fixe route transit Almost daily. It costs me $1.25 each ride, and that's if the driver insists I ride for nothing This does not happen as much as it used to but still happens. Many times I have to insist that I pay my fare To get my transfer, that small slip of paper that lets me ride the bus/Train free for two houhis is important especially on tracks Where the Traxx cops will actually find Big bucks if you don't have proof of purchase. I do not mind shelling out the $1.25 it is just a hassle. I really didn't have to deal with this issue too much when I worked for the state because we got a free pass through the state. I just had to show my ID that was good enough.. Now however in retirement that is not the case. I've known for some time that if I become part of the flex transfamily I could ride the mainline service without charge. So I have been trying to pass couple of weeks to get certified, yes certified to ride the service. The process is as draconian as paratransit is itself. You have to start by filling out a bunch of paperwork – which is okay I can accept that readily – then you have to get the doctors documentation of disability and then you have to go in front of a board which actually mandates you go through a obstacle course and then discussion on why you cannot ride the mainline service or fixed route all the time. It's stupid!I've tried to do this a couple of times each time I've tried I have finally given up the desperation just too many I s to DotAnd T's to cross.

Well I finally got my thought was the paperwork I needed done and I went to the UTA Paratransit Mobility Center to submit my paperwork. They scheduled me for an appointment later on August and I thought I was done. The paperwork I brought with me which of the document signed by my physician and other stuff they said I did not need. So I better go. Then I got the document in the mail which says I am going to need stuff, signed by my doc. I do not know if I even have the materials anymore which means I'll have to start from step one in order to get this project accomplished. It really is enough for me to throw my hands up in the air and say screw it I don't need the stress. I'm happy with just shelling out The $1.2 for each ride. So it's back to my doctor's office – – which I hate to do getting everything back in order again. This guy be a better way to ride public transit.