Sidewalks Aren’t For Wheelchairs

     I’m trying to get a curb cut at the back of Perry Hall middle school so I don’t have to travel on the broken sidewalks. It’s hard to get up on the sidewalks anyway, no access, not enough of those curb cuts. I spoke with the county, they will put in 9 of those cuts, but can’t fix the sidewalks, different department or some other nonsense. The truth of the matter is that the sidewalks aren’t for people in wheelchairs. They are narrow, have expansion joints, grass encroachment from homeowners that don’t edge, bushes that block the path, toys, low hanging trees, tree roots that push up sections, not a cake walk. Those 9 cuts the county will put in are all at intersections, they won’t do one in the middle of the block, which of course is where I want one. No biggie, I will use the street, use 1 of the 9 cuts the county has offered, then a short trip to the middle school on the sidewalk. Brings me back to the cut at the middle school. That cut isn’t in the purview of the county, it belongs to the school board, different bureaucracy. I’m looking for just one! They don’t see the need. I know who to talk to, Mohammad Musti, no luck convincing him, yet. 

Camp Chapel Laundry Day For The Homeless, And Blogging For The Perry Hall Patch

Starting a deal tomorrow where we are having a day at a local laundromat to help the homeless folks get their things clean. It's been 3 weeks since the shelter closed, so this is already past due, I mean think of it, 3 weeks without doing laundry. Add to that these guys are living in tents out in the woods and you realize how much they could use a wash day. We made some bagged lunches today at the end of services, so we shall see how it goes, keep your fingers crossed.

Got an email from the editor of our local Patch, wanted to know if I would be interested in blogging for them? Being my schedule is somewhat open, I told them I'd be tickled pink to participate. The wife hasn't seen it yet, she was in New York Yesterday, Atlantic City today, but I'm sure she won't like the picture I used. Anyway, a good way to fill my time, and also a way to get my voice heard about things that be on my mind.

Why Don't We All Plant 2 Zucchini At Church To Give Away to Our Hungry Neighbors?

Was reading this piece about an 11 year old girl that stole my idea for feeding the hungry when it hit me, she didn't steal it, she just did it. Why can't I go to churches, go to my church, see about planting 2 zucchini plants? Anyone that's ever seen how many zucchini you get off just 2 plants would agree, that's a lot of food for people who don't have anything to eat. We must have 15 churches just right here in Perry Hall, that's 30 zucchini plants, or a lot of zucchini! People see how easy it is, maybe next year we plant 4? It could, and should be an explosion of food, think about it.

Beautiful Day, Ugly People, and Lame Answers

Had a very frustrating day. It was absolutely gorgeous here in Baltimore, too much so to stay inside. Against my better judgment, I loaded up my chair, took my lunch, and went to my secret spot. OK, my secret spot isn't so secret on a Saturday afternoon, there were 5 billion there! I was there, so I may as well stay, so I went to park, so began the fun. There are only 5 parking spots there, all of them handicapped spots, and a big sign that says no stopping anytime. Of course that means there were cars everywhere, in the spots and stacked up blocking the spots.

I went to sit by my bridge, random humans everywhere, so I ate and went to leave. More cars, more random humans, so I called Baltimore County non emergency police number. Figured it would take a while, so I left down the road. The cop passed me on the way out, so I hung a Uey and went back up, well the cop was already leaving! I asked him why, he said there didn't seem to be anyone parked illegally? I said hello, no stopping! Just about then 2 of the guys that were parked illegally came up, and get this, the little guy had a big mouth.

This little dude starts mouthing off about how I've been up there for hours, taking pictures of the kids, being a pain to all the people at the park. I told him he was full of shit and still illegally parked, I know! The cop tells me I have to leave, the balls in his court now. I told him that was cool, showed him my badge, told him when he was finished I'd be waiting at the end of the street to have a talk with him. He came up apologized for the way it went, said tickets didn't seem to work, told me how busy he was. I don't like humans very much.

A Death, Possible Kidney Issues, and Paid is Easier

One of our neighbors passed away yesterday, she was 65. She was one the original owners when the development was new, and I used to cut their grass when I was about 14 or so. I was thinking of the time in my life that 65 was an ancient age. It doesn't seem as old, especially as I close in on 50. I feel so sorry for her husband, he was pitiful yesterday. He was so upset he didn't realize she was still upstairs, he thought the paramedics had taken her. Viewings Sunday, funeral on Monday. We have gone to way to many funerals lately.

I have an appointment with a kidney specialist on Monday, they want to figure out why my vitamin D level is still going down. I am so open to suggestion, the place where I think my kidneys are has hurt for a few days. I'll probably be on bed rest by Sunday, what a wuss! I can not put into words just how pissed I'm going to be if it turns out something is wrong with my kidneys. I will write a very strongly worded letter to someone, only one thing allowed, per person. Of course I would take anything if it protected the people around me, but it doesn't work that way.

We have a couple of guys coming tomorrow to do some work in the yard, it needs it! I have finally given in to the idea that I can no longer do the yard work. The boy is old enough, but I've never showed him how to do the fine things, like what's a weed, what's a flower. This is all part of my new if I can pay to have it done I will attitude. I had a family member coming to put the new screen door on, no show. Paying $700 to have the yard work done, no more begging. Can't wait to explain the yard sign with another landscaper's name on it, but such is life. I'm looking forward to being sit out there without getting depressed!

Arrowhead Hunt, Hand Paralysis, and What Stops Next

Went out today, searched for arrowheads at a new building sight down by the river. Doesn't that have a quaint, small town sound to it? We actually live in an incredibly none country area. Yeah, we have open spaces, deer, saw a tiger once, honest, but it's not country anymore. You can't swing a dead lawyer around without hitting a new development, but we do have rivers, just not right here. So, anyway, spent the day out, made it go faster, I just have to figure out where to go tomorrow? Actually, I have a MRI in the morning, have to go to the airport at some point, need to figure out when, so I will plan where to go Friday.

Right hand is giving me a fit. Not really, a fit to me is when it hurts, mine is dead. Ever see the Carol Burnett episode where Tim Conway is the dentist? It's a classic, he accidentally injects his hand with novacaine? Funny stuff. Not so funny when that's what you feel like everyday, but what are you going to do? I can't write, eat, I can't even scratch my ass with my right hand anymore. Had somebody ask me why I always scratched my ass, told them I was the only one that new where it itched! Not enjoying this new paralysis, not a little bit.

The things that have fallen to the side so far have been tough. I bellow about things, my way of dealing with my life, but also my way of preparing the people around me for my life. I know there are people that have done incredible things, all with limited, or in the case of that Hawking guy, no mobility. I'm not one of those people! It's a tough realization that you have limited to no marketable job skills, but I don't. Thing is, I didn't before. I eked out an existence, a living, mostly due to my physical stature. Being confident that you could take down anything on 2 legs with your bare hands doesn't translate well to most job descriptions, especially because that too is gone. I guess my point is, I'm not looking forward to the future, not the one I see before me. If I could, I'd cross my fingers for a better outcome.

Multiple Sclerosis, Weather, Housing Crisis, and Help Getting Up

The weather did its flip flop, the meteorologist dude didn't miss this one, just my luck. I am drained, haven't done a single thing, doesn't look like I will either. With a high of 56 today, it has the potential for a 40 degree swing in temperature in 1 day! I suppose I'm getting to the point that I will need to create a sealed enviro for myself, keep a constant year round temp and all. Next thing you know I'll have Kleenex boxes on my feet and store bottles of urine!

The wife and I went for a drive last night. We toured all the newer sections of Perry Hall, something you can't do in a few minutes. It was scary how many houses were for sale, or appeared empty. It is also apparent that most of the new home owners wanted little, or no yards at all. Don't get me started on the size of these houses either, most appear to be the kind where you can brag about your square footage, that is until the bank took it away! We had a good time, but not as good as coming home, and we can still afford to live here, and take rides!

I need a device to help me get up out of the chair in the living room, where I sit most of the time. They sell things called chair risers, but most of them look a little flimsy to me. They also sell furniture leg extenders, to raise the height of the chair. I think I like these better, I need help getting my legs past that 90 degree angle where I can more slide off the chair if that makes sense? I feel like a weight lifter who is trying to lock out his legs every time I stand up.

Multiple Sclerosis, Vehicle Held Hostage, Changing Scenery, and Marrying Well

The wife had a business dinner for a new surgical center she markets for tonight. The caterer she used is also going to do our 25th anniversary party this fall. The food was excellent, it better be, we have a ton of it here! We are going to be renewing our vows at the church the kids were Christened in, and we will be buried in the church cemetery. I don't mention the cemetery and marriage in the same sentence for any particular reason, it just worked that way. I'm looking forward to it, it having been the smartest thing I've ever done.

We took the car and dropped it off Sunday night, they called this morning and told us they can't figure out where the oil leak is coming from. They had for 2 full days, have years of training, and they came up with the same thing I did! They are going to see if it is more apparent tomorrow where the leak is leaking. The wife is taking my truck to work, leaving me stranded. Funny thing is I go days, sometimes weeks without leaving the house, it's just different when you know you have no wheels.

I changed things around for today, moved the command center into the family room, down in the basement. I commandeered the boys desktop, added a new user, loaded all of my things on that. There is a bathroom right on that level, everything but a kitchen, I just needed a change in surroundings. I think that's one of the toughest things to deal with in this mess? Sure the physical part is bad, but the mental part is just too much sometimes. Thank God I love this house, I can see every inch of it in my mind, I've had the time to memorize it.

Multiple Sclerosis, Raindrop Technique, Young Living Oils, and Holistic Healing

When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1987, I had the feeling I was living in the best place possible, close to both Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Center. What else could a person hope for, to be so close to 2 such prestigious hospitals. I also remember how little I knew of holistic medical treatments, and to be honest, how little credence I gave to them.

Now fast forward 22 years. I've been through everything modern medicine has to offer, and yet I still slide. I'm interested in a holistic approach, but I don't know how go about it. I looked, I asked my doctors, but no viable solution was found. Enter my Facebook experiment. I had decided I spend too much time alone, partly because of being home due to the MS, and partly because I prefer it that way. Alone I can do as I please, and I never have to take my ball and go home because I didn't get my way. Even as a self proclaimed hermit, it can get lonely after 12 years home alone.

I was cruising Facebook, checking to make sure the kids were acting appropriately, and I realized some of my adult family was also on. Then I saw a place to search your school, and found a few people I knew from high school. I joined a group called Perry Hall Class of 1980 with 22 total members. We all talked online, and then went out for what we called "a mini reunion", it was a blast! One of the women there, the one that started the group, had mentioned that she was involved with holistic medicine, my radar was tuned in. To further cement the deal, she asked me if I had ever had mono, which I not only had, but have been interested in as a possible cause, or factor in my MS.

I asked my friend to write me up a brief explanation I could add to my blog explaining the process, and the following is what she sent. I plan on setting up an appointment with her to do this very soon, I hope there are things in this we can all benefit from.

Epstein Barr---The MS Missed Link???
If you research Multiple Sclerosis on the web these days there are many articles that talk about the Epstein-Barr Virus being the possible “missed trigger” in people who are genetically susceptible to MS. New research has been suggesting that young adults with high levels of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus appear to be at increased risk for developing multiple sclerosis later in life.

For years there have been findings that a virus could a clue in the onset of multiple sclerosis, a neurological disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves), which affects some 400,000 Americans. Recent evidence implicates EB virus as a possible trigger for MS.
Almost everyone is exposed to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) by the time they reach adulthood. Infection early in childhood is common and usually does not cause severe illness, but infection that occurs in adolescence often leads to mononucleosis.

A LITTLE KNOWN FACT
Every virus, medication and toxin that a body is afflicted with or exposed to lays down an “imprint” or residue on the ganglion cells. These nerve bundles are located alongside the spinal column. If a body comes under stress and the immune system lowers, a dormant virus may “pop up” and affect the body. For instance: the Chicken Pox virus. The symptoms of this childhood disease goes away within two weeks of outbreak, but it’s residue lays dormant in the cellular structure alongside the spine. Later in life if a body is under great stress mentally, emotionally or physically and the immune system is depleted from this, then the body can have a shingles outbreak. Same virus…revives when the opportunity is presented.

WHAT TO DO?
As a holistic health practitioner I am trained in many modalities and have been exposed to a full gamut of old and new age therapies. I am a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, CranioSacral Therapist, Aromatherapist, Reiki Master, etc, etc. Of all the techniques and therapies I use and have had used on me I must say that Aromatherapy is the best healing agent. More specifically “Raindrop Technique” using 11 highly anti-microbial therapeutic grade essential oils is THE MOST EFFECTIVE detox treatment modality.

Case in point--- Last year when under a great deal of stress myself I contracted EBV – mononucleosis at age 46! Uncommon at that age, but nonetheless I got it. I immediately went to work researching the virus and gathered a team of fellow therapists. I trained them all in the Raindrop Technique and had them work on me twice a week for 6 weeks. At the end of the six weeks I went back to my MD and had blood drawn again to see the titer level. My EBV was gone from my system. My doctor thinks it was a mistake. I know it was the oils. Will this happen to everyone that follows this regime? Maybe, maybe not. Exercise, nutrition, rest and stress levels all play key roles here.

I do believe the Raindrop Technique is the best detoxification treatment for any condition the body has. (read below for background and specific information about the oils used)

WILL RAINDROP CURE MS?
When I first started the research project with EBV and Raindrop Technique I read the articles about MS and EBV being a trigger. Having several MS clients myself my mind immediately starting to think of the possibilities. To make a long story short…No I don’t believe it can cure MS. I do believe though it has a good chance of being arrested with no further lesions being created. In theory if the EBV is the link that causes the lesions…and the body gets rid of residue of EBV then there should be no new lesions. In any case, detoxification from the virus along with all the medication residue that is in an MS body is a highly recommended treatment.

What to look for in a practitioner
Someone you feel comfortable with. If you have an appointment with a practitioner and come away not feeling “comfortable” then you probably are not resonating with each other. It doesn’t mean that practitioner isn’t good…he/she just may not be good working with you! Look for another.
A licensed massage therapist (in Maryland you need a CMT license in order to do Raindrop Technique)
Someone who using Young Living Oils ( the best)
RAINDROP TECHNIQUE and YOUNG LIVING OILS BACKGROUND


How was Raindrop Technique Developed?
D. Gary Young developed the Raindrop Technique® (RT) during the 1980s based on his research with essential oils as antimicrobial agents, and prompted by some fascinating information he learned from an elder among the Lakota Indian Nation in South Dakota. This Lakota elder related that several generations ago, his ancestors regularly migrated north across the Canadian border into the northern regions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where they often witnessed the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. When the Aurora Borealis was on display, those who were ill or had complicated health problems would stand facing the dancing lights and hold their hands out toward the lights and inhale deeply. Their belief was that the air was charged with healing energy from the Aurora Borealis. Mentally, they would “inhale” this energy into their spine and then out through nerve pathways to afflicted areas of the body.

This process stimulated an incredible healing effect for many of his ancestors. Effleurage (feathered finger stroking) became associated with this tradition after the borders were closed and the Lakota could no longer migrate north. Restricted to their reservations, they began practicing this energy process mentally, coupled with light stroking to facilitate the spreading of energy through the body.

It was this tradition that provided the promptings and began the process that gave birth to the development of Raindrop Technique (RT). RT is based on the idea that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. The pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn, contorts and disfigures the spinal column. Along with detoxifying the whole body.

The Purpose of Raindrop Technique is to stimulate every organ, muscle and bone of the body at a cellular level through the oils, boosting the immune system, bringing the body into structural/electrical balance, and enabling the release of toxins or disease wherever they may be lodged—including those illnesses lodged in the mind and emotions.

Most of the raindrop oils are high in phenolic content to ward off potentially damaging viruses and bacteria while cleansing cellular receptor sites to enhance inter and intra-cellular communication and improve overall bodily function. Some raindrop oils contain a variety of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes to assist in deleting misinformation in the DNA and in reprogramming correct information in cellular memory to restore and maintain physical and emotional wellness. The oils used in raindrop technique must be high quality therapeutic grade oils.

The maladies of the body and mind are in layers. During any given Raindrop session only those layers the client is ready and willing to release will be released—both physical and emotional.

Raindrop Technique is a complete modality, in and of itself, that reaches to all levels of the body, mind and emotions. Raindrop alone is sufficient to awaken the self-healing powers the client and does so in a way that delivers optimal benefit according to the readiness and willingness of the client at the time of treatment.

Raindrop Technique stimulates detoxification of the body. Therefore, it is crucial to drink plenty of water following a session and avoid toxic fluids such as soda pop, coffee, or alcohol. A good rule to follow is to divide your weight in pounds by two and drink that number of ounces in water ever day. Sometimes the detoxification process results in bodily soreness, headache, sinus drainage, coughing, or a rash on the skin. While unpleasant these symptoms are temporary and are merely and indication that the technique is working and perhaps, saving you from a much more serious illness at a later time. If the colon, liver, and kidneys are saturated with toxins and unable to function normally, the skin becomes the third organ of excretion—thus a rash. If that happens, stop using oils for a while and double your water intake. For the vast majority of Raindrop clients their experience is a pleasant sense of improved well-being, relaxation, and energization and, in some cases, chronic ailments have fallen away immediately or have disappeared soon after the session.

Raindrop Technique can lead to permanent healing, but…The correction or healing of maladies will vary widely among clients according to their needs going into the session and their willingness to release what ails them at the time. Not all problems can be solved in a single session. A state of ill health is usually the result of many years of accumulation of toxins and traumas—physical, mental and spiritual. Each Raindrop Session can potentially correct something, but to completely return to a state of perfect health may take a series of session over time—plus lifestyle changes in terms of diet, exercise, habits and environment. Raindrop Technique cannot lead to permanent healing unless permanent changes are made by the client to eliminate the factors that led to the ill conditions in the first place. What Raindrop Technique does is to help cleanse one of the consequences of past negative activities and affords one the opportunity to start afresh and get it right in the present and into the future.

Strong emotional releases can sometimes occur with Raindrop since the oils, when inhaled, go directly to the central brain, which coordinates the memory of stored emotions. The oils also go directly to muscles, tissues, and organs throughout the body where emotions can also be stored in cellular memory. Essential oils can penetrate cellular membranes and release these forgotten emotions.

The benefits from Raindrop may not all be apparent immediately following the session. Adjustments can continue throughout the week following. Some clients experience a healing immediately upon receiving Raindrop. However, the completion of the benefits to the client’s mind, body, and emotions takes place over a period of hours and days following the session and may not all be evident right away. Furthermore, some of the benefits may be subtle and not noticed for a while. One can never predict in advance what benefits Raindrop may bring in a given session. Therefore, evaluation of the benefits received from Raindrop Technique may take several days to assess.

Essential Oils are aromatic volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. Essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs. The distillation process is what makes essential oils so concentrated.

Young Living Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils deliver positive benefits to the whole body through smell, direct absorption into the skin and by normal digestive processes. Antiseptic, calming, stimulating, soothing, Young Living Essential Oils bring balance to all systems of the body. Young Living active ingredients used in Essential Oils and their other Products are 100% organic, grown in organic conditions and are specially harvested and steam distilled to ensure Therapeutic-Grade quality. Young Living Essential Oils and Products do not contain any artificial coloring, artificial fragrances or additives.

OILS USED IN TREATMENT

* VALOR is the most important oil used in this treatment because it helps balance the electrical energies within the body. It works on both physical and emotional levels, supporting the electrical and energy alignment of the body.

* THYME is highly anti-microbial and is used for its ability to support the immune system by attacking any bacteria, fungus, infection, or virus that may be present. It may also help one overcome fatigue and physical weakness after an illness.

* OREGANO is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Works with conjunction with THYME to strengthen the immune system and to attack bacteria and viruses. It may also help balance metabolism and strengthen the vital centers of the body.

* CYPRESS improves circulation and relieves spasms and swelling. It is used for its anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, anti-microbial and diuretic properties.

* BIRCH / WINTERGREEN is highly anti-inflammatory so it is great for removing discomfort associated with the inflammation of bones, muscles, and joints. It may help with arthritis and rheumatism and also help cleanse the lymphatic system.

* BASIL has anti-spasmodic activity that relaxes muscles. It may also help with gastrointestinal problems, poor memory, and mental fatigue while helping one maintain an open mind.

* PEPPERMINT has pain-killing properties and is anti-microbial. It is used to calm and strengthen the nerves, reduce inflammation, and is highly effective when dealing with conditions related to the respiratory system. May help to reduce fevers, nausea and vomiting. It also stimulates the conscious mind and enhances mental retention. PEPPERMINT has a synergistic and enhancing effect on all other oils.

* AROMA SIEZ may help to relax, calm, and relieve the tension of spastic muscles resulting from sports injury, fatigue or stress.

* MARJORAM anti-spasmodic. It is used to relax spastic muscles, migraine headaches, soothe the nerves, relieve cramps, aches and pains, and to help calm the respiratory system. Also supplies energy during times of stress and weakness.

* ORTHO EASE MASSAGE OIL is the crowning oil to this application. It is used to help relax all the muscles of the back and legs and to help reduce any stress, arthritic pain, or tension that may exist.

* V-6 MIXING OIL is used to help dilute any of the oils that may be somewhat caustic to the skin.

Jughead's Baltimore Gardening Club

I'm going to be starting Jughead's Baltimore Gardening Club. We are going to be a group that gets together to exchange ideas, fruits and vegetables, and recipes. How cool would it be to trade zucchini to make bread, with that guy that has the pickling cucumbers for those killer bread and butter pickles? Got a ton of cherry tomatoes, but looking for musk melons, then this is the place. The only thing I ask is that you grow your stuff organically, and for every trade you make, you donate a fruit or veggie to the needy. It's a small thing, but let's make it our thing!

Andy

Baltimore County Government, Rec and Parks Land Acquisition, and No Trespassing as a Marketing Strategy

Ya ever get a bee in your bonnet over something that normally you wouldn't notice? I am in the middle of that right now with this piece of property here in Perry Hall. When I first starting working for the Sheriff's Department in 1983, the Sheriff was ordered to take a piece of property for the common good so it could be made into a park. The part went someplace else, but 3 three houses still got torn down in about 84? I know the one house belonged to an elderly couple who got uprooted to someplace else. That's the easy part of the story for me, this is when it gets a little strange.

I'm waiting for the land records copy to get here to see if I can figure out why the County tax records show they bought the property in 1997? There is also a private company operating a nursery on the site right now. My councilman told me the County leased the property to them for $1135/acre for the entire year, that's $10,215 for the entire year. Google property in Perry Hall to see why that's an incredible deal! The nursery has no sign, the mailing address is a PO Box, and their water supply is a fire hydrant! Sweet deal if you can get it. Rec and Parks says it is advertises when the County has property to rent for farm use on the County website, and the Jeffersonian Newspaper. I couldn't find any record of the ad, and is a nursery considered a farm?

Like I said, I usually don't care about this sort of thing, but the answers I got were insulting. I asked if they thought it was odd that the only signs at the address were do not enter, and no trespassing? They asked me how I knew the nursery put those signs up? I told them I obviously didn't know who put them up, but I knew it wasn't me, and logic says the county didn't rent the land to them and then put up do not enter signs! I called them today to see if I could get in on this action, but they told me they haven't had any property up for lease for a couple of years. That's odd, the nursery was the only bid in February of this year?

Multiple Sclerosis, Rusted Steps, Brothers, and Stupid TV Commercials

Has everyone seen the Antwerpen car commercials? I'm trying to figure out what the hell the main idea of the ads are. I don't know if the 2 guys are related or not, but they are in all the ads. The one guy is the owner, so I suppose he OK's the ads, after all, he's in them! They almost all end up with them getting splashed with water, or shaving cream, or something along those lines. Why does that make me want to buy a car from them? It makes me want to NOT buy anything from them! I don't know that I would cross the street to put them out if they were on fire at this point! They rate right up there with that fat bastard that used to say "YEP" to every deal.

I'm going out with the brother tomorrow, going to watch him work and grab some lunch. Yes, it is a surprise, I'm not an only child. I'm actually the middle of three, we just talk about the other 2! The brother owns a landscaping business, so I will rag him all day tomorrow about the way he is doing things. I'm going to check the Baltimore Snackers website to find a good place to go for lunch. The last time we went Mexican, maybe Indian, or noodles? I'd better have a backup plan, the brother isn't that adventuresome and eater. I wonder if we can find a place that sells good manudo? Oh well, either way, it should be a nice day.

The side porch fell off of the house yesterday. OK, it didn't actually fall off, but the bottom step did. That isn't note worthy in many cases, but we have the traditional 1970's style side porch, made from steel, weighing about 6 tons! All the houses in here have them, and they are all starting to show serious signs of rust. My problem is I use the side door. I suppose you would say just use the front door, but it's not that easy. The front steps are cement, and there is a lip to the top step. I can not get my foot over that lip without getting the toe of my shoe caught. I guess I need to have a new porch put on, but we have to keep the 1970's aluminum awning, it's cool!

Multiple Sclerosis, AFO Adjustments, End of Physical Therapy, and Lending a Helping Hand

I've worn the new brace for a couple of days now, still not sure what I think? I'm going to have the guy adjust a few things, take the ankle strap off and see about getting rid of the padding on the bottom of my foot. Well, not get rid of the padding on the bottom of my foot, the padding on the brace where the bottom of my foot goes. All of it is a comfort issue comparing the new brace with the old, and at this point the old brace holds a slight lead in that department. We shall keep at it until I get it just right! Still no word on the stim, I will wait until tomorrow, then start a courteous phone campaign to find out what is next.

Physical therapy was the last one until the stim comes. We adjusted the height of my cane, it was a little long, high, whichever one makes sense. The therapy gal had me use one of their adjustable metal canes with a straight handle and I liked it! I have a wooden shepards hook cane that is all beat to hell, and it gave me a splinter in my chin, so I may have to replace it. I got the splinter resting my chin on the hook of the cane. I did like the one today. The therapy girl asked me if I was ever serious, and I asked her why? She told me it was a very good point! There are enough times that I have to deal in reality, so I live by Willy Wonka's credo, a little whimsy now and then is relished by the wisest men.

I started looking into setting up a not for profit charity today. In one day I learned that a non profit raises money for a charity, making no profit. A not for profit is allowed to raise money, pay salaries, and donate or perform a service. I think that's right, if it's not, it's all going to be in the wife's name, I'll miss her! The wife is the ideal person to be in a position like that, she is the premeir event planner in the Baltimore area, but it gets old raising money for people who don't appreciate it. It's time for her to do it for something that excites her, and she looks forward to doing it, all while having me tag along with her like Chewy to her Chelsea Lately!

Multiple Sclerosis, Church Dinner, New AFO, and Doctor REALLY Deciding Health Care

Big doins in Perry Hall tonight! We are heading off to Camp Chapel United Methodist for their pancake supper. We are taking the in-laws with us, and we are forcing the boy to leave the bowling alley and go with us too. We are trying to talk the in-laws into going to our church, theirs is a victim of the parishioner's age, and the decline of the area the church is in. It's tough for them, that has been their church probably 60 years, or close to it. We get to see a lot of people we know, a few I went to school with, but don't know who I am, it's fun. I strove for anonymity all through school, and by the number of people who don't remember me, I must have done it!

I went for the new brace yesterday, had the final fitting, and told the guy how it felt. The rep is going to adjust it, grind a bit here, shave a bit there, add a new kind of strap, and make it so it fits into my shoe. It felt good, less plastic wraps around the leg, so therefore less plastic to rub against the leg. This one doesn't have an articulated ankle, and sits 4 degrees forward, both to help prevent me from hyper extending the right knee, and to aid in the foot drop. It only had one strap, I asked them to add another "buckle" strap down at the ankle. All in all it should work nicely, but I am still hoping it doesn't get too much use.

The doc at physical therapy filled out the paperwork for the stim yesterday too. The whole place seems excited at the opportunity to work with a patient who has the stim, me! OK, I have nothing to do with it, but they are excited, they don't see many patients with the stim. I asked the doc why, she told me they don't recommend it to many patients because of the cost. Whaaa? That seems a bit strange that they would make that decision for people, and I told her just that. Is it a good tool, yes says she. Is it easy to work with, yes again. Would you recommend it to a family member, most definitely says she. I told her I'd kill for one, I'd kill her for one! Then I told her I was just kidding, I liked her, I'd kill her for nothing! Odd that they wouldn't offer it to everyone and let them decide if it was out of reach.

Multiple Sclerosis, Stuck at Home, and a Busted Hot Water Heater

Day three of my captivity, I sit, I wait, no hot water. Don't these people know I have things to do? Oh yeah, never mind, I don't. Still, I get tired of waiting on people. I do go out to the grocery store, or to the library, or to Burger King to play bingo, come on time, bring the part, and fix it the first time! I was kidding about bingo, I haven't gotten that bad, yet. 5 words you don't want to hear from the BGE guy when you are standing in the basement, and he is looking at your hot water heater, "I usually do kitchens"! Let us hope that they can get it done on the third visit.

Today would have been a good day to don our winter shorts and go watch wild life along the numerous walking paths in Perry Hall, they even have handicapped parking. I'm not sure I get the idea of handicapped parking at a walking trail, that's like having a cash bar at an AA meeting! There is a light covering of snow on the ground, a nice breeze, just perfect for sitting outside. Hey, I could even work on my vitamin D consumption/absorption/intake. You wanna get noticed, go sit in a folding chair, looking like I do, in shorts, with a soda, a donut, and some Slim Jims on a snowy day! Just not today, BGE is coming between 8 and 5!

I think I over did it at the therapy session yesterday? My arms from the elbow down, and my legs from the knees down, are vibrating today. I feel like I'm running a jackhammer, but I'm obviously not. I also had the jumps in my legs last night for a little while, but they stopped as suddenly as they started. The LDN must have kicked in, go LDN! I have to ask if riding a bike is something that will fit the program. I'm pretty sure the walking paths, some of them at least, are for bikes too. All that stuff from above, the shorts, Slim Jims, add a helmet to that get up, sweet!

Multiple Sclerosis, Physical Therapy, and LDN Acting Empirically

The girls at therapy tried to kill me today! I asked them both if they got paid extra if they made me cry? I did an exercise bike thingy for your hands that the resistance kept changing, no fun at all watching the clock click down from 8:00 to zero, I was ready for a break at 7:15! They are both happy with the progress I have made, I am more flexible, more able to lift the right leg off the floor. I don't know, it feels to me that I am just more tired, more numb, and did I mention more tired? Only 3 more visits until my evaluation, I hope they have a little graduation ceremony, I do like parties.

The interview I did at Multiple Sclerosis Central seems to be well received, I was worried about that part. I wasn't sure if I was going to tell anyone, but I'm glad I did. I'd like to say the whole thing was me, but without Merly Me recruiting me to do it, and asking the questions, I'd still be wondering the best way to get my message out, thanks. It's also exciting to check back every once in a while and see that there is another response, pretty cool.

The LDN seems to be going well, I'm thrilled that the leg cramps are doing so much better, so if you have empirical evidence that it can't from the medicine have the courtesy to keep it to yourself! I still haven't told the neuro I'm taking it, he's such a nice guy I suppose I'm holding off so I don't hurt his feelings. Empirical is a good word to describe LDN because it's definitions support both sides of the medical opinion concerning it. I loved learning words that the definitions didn't help all that much. So far this year I wanted to do PT, I wanted to start the LDN, and I wanted to eat better. You have to admit, 2 out of 3 ain't bad! It's $1 crab night in Perry Hall, yahoo!

Christmas Preperation, Setting The Menu, and Youth Skating Program

Just a few days until Christmas, I had better formulate a plan to attack my shopping responsibilities, I don't want to wait too long and not be able to get what I want. I have a list, but I got the list items already, do I get her a vacuum? She would kill me if I get her household items, I better go with a lawnmower, just to be safe. If I go early enough, I can get the couple of things I need, and go to have my blood drawn, and get stuff for dinner, I will have time to get the boys hair cut. Sounds like a busy day, but it should be fun.

Christmas dinner is here, looks like ham, Cole slaw, scalloped potatoes, collard greens, and probably corn bread. I wanted to fricassee a couple of rabbits, I think they call that a herd, or warren of rabbits, but got voted down by the wife. She wants to add a roast of beef, something that can be done in a crock pot and forgotten. We are becoming crock pot wizards, having done the turkey breasts there for Thanksgiving. I will do anything she wants, shes my baby, and as always, in charge!

The girl is home from school, I went to watch her teach her skating classes, it was fun, and she does a great job. I pull a lot of weight with the program, I have been the master of ceremonies for years now, doing the voice overs, and announcing the children in their special parts, so they let me go watch. Actually it was open house and all the parents were allowed to watch, but it sounds better to say it was just me. So she skated and was in heaven, the boy bowled all day, so he too was in heaven! Both my kids were in heaven, so I was a happy guy too!

Vitamin D Therapy, Multiple Sclerosis, a 40% Deterrent

Vitamin D night here in Perry Hall, it's good to have something to look forward to. I think I am almost finished the first round of medicine, something I will have to check. Has it done anything for me? Who knows? The more I read, the more I wish I had tried the LDN therapy first. The neuros didn't want to go with that one because there is no evidence, other than anecdotal evidence to support it. Where is the evidence to support the vitamin D therapy, even anecdotal?

Go in the sun, don't go into the sun, make up my mind! Next thing ya know there will be studies saying the youth of America are more susceptible to MS because of the sunscreen we lathered on them. It almost looks like I'm not a good candidate for D therapy, I already have MS! In mouse studies, it helped keep the mice from getting something close to human MS. That's what I'm banking on, Ben and Willard got enough sun to not get a widely accepted mouse model of MS, it therefore does it all for me! No, but it may be enough to check into for my kids, and my nieces and nephews.

So it looks like the vitamin D won't do too much for those of us in the club already, but there are strong signs, up to a 40% chance, it can prevent MS with a 400 iu pill everyday. The kids are going to start on just that tomorrow, and I am passing the word on to the rest of the family. For me, that is a plus, I'm not real hopeful in a cure, they haven't cured anything yet have they? I'm just looking for something to make life more manageable, and a neuro that tells me a direction to head, even if it's not with the flock.

Multiple Sclerosis, Atkins, and Electric Scooters

I sent this picture to my mother tonight and she thought it was a mobility scooter. She thought this was one of those things old people ride at the grocery store up on the back of your legs. I had to explain to her this was something for fun, an electric, green technology, no gas, stick it to the man mode of transport. Put a whip antenna with a raccoon tail on it and I'm in business! Can you see me tooling around Perry Hall on my new scoot? Throw in an ooga horn and I'm a terror! Sure, they say you can't be over 260 lbs, but what does that actually mean? Can you be a little over that weight? What if you are close? I need a lawyer! I've been violated. Am I going to let them decide how much I can weigh? Well it sure looks like if I want to ride an electric scooter! 15 miles per hour must only be for skinny people?

That must sound funny to most people to hear someone say 260 lbs is skinny? I've been over 200 lbs since I got my learner's permit at least. That says 215 lbs, and that was 1978! I was bigger than my father the day I came home from the hospital in 1962! Most of my adult life I have been right around 250, so this extra bit I am toting around is just a temporary set back. I'd venture to say I should be down to scooter weight come about January. I could of course try to find a cool scooter made for portly gentlemen, but it would not only be more expensive, it would defeat the plan of dropping the ballast.

I am trying to figure out just how to do this Atkins type diet thingy. I've done it before, more for a quick weight lose, and it does work for that. I'm thinking I need to drop this weight first. All the worries about if a certain diet is safe or not doesn't fit, not when you are looking to loose at least 75 lbs, carrying that extra weight is what's not safe. Take the weight off, then figure out where I'm going to fall with the rest. Maybe Atkins will be friendlier with my type of MS then the Swank was. Any day now everything is going to come together for me. The weight is going to fall off, the vitamin D is going to do it's thing, and I will be able to ride a scooter and not look like one of those fat twins in worlds Guinness Book of World Records!

Vitamin D, Multiple Sclerosis, and Highway Robbery

I should get my paperwork for having my blood checked tomorrow, just to make sure my kidneys are OK, along with everything else. It's funny when you realize something, especially when you aren't looking for it. I noticed the other day that my urine was particularly pungent, not that at other times I think it smells good mind you, but extra strong at this time. I was trying to think if I had eaten anything unusual in the past few weeks to cause this phenomenon, like when you eat asparagus. Nothing comes to mind, so naturally my mind drifts to what is melting inside me, or what could the vitamin D be dissolving?

I'm sure it's just one of those things, but is there something else I am missing? I feel like I should be taking something else along with the D. I think I read once something about some kind of something you were supposed to take along with the D, but I can't remember. The neuro would have told me if there was something else, right? Do I need to ask him, so he can ask the guy he knows, the guy who knows stuff about vitamin D? I think I may just wait to see what the blood work says and then see if there is anything to worry about, I mean it can't kill me, can it?

I met a guy today that probably makes more than my neuro, and my PCP. I don't think he has any special degree, maybe not any special training either? He didn't appear to be able to dunk a basketball, or throw a touchdown pass. I doubt he could sue anyone for me if I had a hankerin to do so. He was just an average guy, but an average guy who had come up with a plan! The boy is out of service for yard work, and I'm not able to do it myself anymore, so the wife knew a girl, who knew a guy who does that sort of thing. He came and cut the grass, edged the sidewalks, trimmed, and blew the grass off the walks. I used to do the lawns in this neighborhood for $5 a piece. This guy got me for $45, highway robbery, but it looks good!