The Boy Broke His Hand, and I'm Feeling Pretty Good, MS and All

Our luck continues, the boy is in the Maryland State Bowling championship, he broke a bone is his hand today. I guess it is lucky, it was his non bowling hand, but give us a break, no pun intended. Took him for Xrays, bone in the back of his left hand is broken almost in two. We go to Union Memorial Hospital hand center on Monday, the place he had surgery last year when he broke the other hand! This wasn't in the brochure.

I'm feeling pretty good, the back is getting stronger, the legs are too, the stimulator even seems to be working better. The 10 mg Prednisone seems to be helping, the wife seems to think so, says I'm moving better. Balance is still an issue, but Mary Lou Retton I never was, so can't complain. Getting outside, seeing all the trees and bushes exploding green, perennials poking up through the ground, don't think that hurts. Planted my trash can potatoes today, but that's another story.

A Beautiful Day, The Boy Bowling, and The Girl Under The Weather

What an incredible day! These are the days I debate burning down the house and living in a tent. Luckily I have that little voice in the back of my mind, the wife asking if I'm some kind of idiot! Reminds me of an old Marx brothers, line. The guy says to Groucho, sir you're very near an idiot, Groucho replies, well I'd better move. Had all I could stands, couldn't stands no more. We have a light in our foyer that I hate! Had the same one in the parents house up the street, hated it then too. Told the wife, look, it's dirty, reached up, touched it, the glass fell out and broke. We're getting a new light for the foyer.

The boy is working his first night as counter man at the bowling alley, big doins in these parts, and something he's been waiting for since he was 9. He also worked a PBA tournament at another center the last 2 days, wish we could figure out to parlay that into a job for him. He wants to be in this line of work so bad he can taste it, so we are with him, I'm sure my parents were more worried about me at that age, I had no plan!

The girl is sick, a combo of things. She has allergies, just finished her big skating show, and is plum wore out. We said something about a job, that may be contributing to it also, but the jury is still out on that one. She missed class today, I told her to stay away from me, I could see the germs dripping off of her, she likes it when I do that. Things are getting back to normal, so I'm running out of time free of being held responsible.

Staples Out Today, and The Boy Turned 18

Got my staples taken out today, they did everything but collate me! The young physicians assistant, who was excellent, told me to bend over and he'd take care of me. Forgot for a minute where I was! While I was worrying about how much it would hurt, and whether they were going to knock me out, he was finished. Told me I was doing great, incision looks good, offered me more drugs, and told me to take it easy for a few more weeks.

The wife is in crisis, or a panic, or something she doesn't like. Her baby, the boy, turned 18 yesterday, on St. Patrick's day. She had him on that day to keep me out of bars, knowing I'd be home because of that. Not sure if I'll ever forgive her for that, or him for that matter, damn inconsiderate if you ask me. I told her just think how her mother must feel, she's her baby, and she's almost 50! I'm hoping the swelling goes down soon.

Here's where he spends all his time, pretty good at it too!

Born Free, Youth Bowling, and Fighting Fatigue

As you can see from the picture, my efforts to capture the feral cats has yet to be successful. You may also notice the total and utter fear I have put into these wild felines. This Siamese mutt, if cats are called that, could hardly sun itself out on our pool deck today he was so scared! I may need to rethink my strategy, looks like what I'm doing isn't working?

The boy has another bowling tournament tomorrow, this one pretty close, at Country Club Lanes. He is in singles, pairs, and team events. I think it's 9 am he has to be there, so I volunteered so the wife can get some much needed sleep. The problem is it won't work. She will get up to make sure we have everything we need, and probably not go back to bed, but the offer is there. The boy needs to move on the adult leagues, he is up against little kids in some of the events, and he aint little! He just wants one last trip t the junior nationals, and they are July.

Was reading some other blogs today, I see fatigue is an issue with a lot of my fellow MSer's, just like it is for me. I truly believe it to be the worst part for me. I have days, combined with the depression, it's tough to get up from bed. I take my nutsy pills and feel better, but yet to find anything for the fatigue. Every
once in a while the fatigue won't be there as bad, it's nice to feel like my body can go out and do things, even if I know better.

Local Bowling Tournament, Top Chef I Am, and Dead Feeling In Hand Getting Worse

Got a text message from the boy, he's a plus 131 after 3. I thought that was a little arbitrary, then the wife remembered he is in a local tournament, and we forgot about it, we are the basement level of parents, didn't even go to our little babies event. He said no sweat, his grandparents were there. How the hell did they know? Aren't these the 2 that are worried they are forgetting things? I'll ask one of the old men up the bowling alley how he did, they will know it before me. He is in first place right now, hope he hangs on, this one is a mix of juniors and adults.

I made an incredible recipe for dinner tonight, used up the rest of the squash, onions, and tomatoes. I went out on limb, nobody here likes squash, but this looked so good, I couldn't resist. It was a success, even the girl ate it. The wife said it was the best side dish she had ever had, but she lies, tells me everything I do is perfect! The boy hasn't been home to eat since he was 7, and he wouldn't have tried it anyway, even at 17. I loved it, but I love everything.

1 medium bell pepper, cut in 1/2 in cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium zucchini or 4 small yellow squash
1 2 or 3 tomatoes
4 slices bread, toasted and cut in small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Parmesan cheese

1. Saute onions&bell pepper in margarine for 5 minutes,add squash that has been sliced and cubed.
2. Saute 5 min more,add tomatoes, (break up whole tomatoes) cook 5 more minutes.
3. Add bread cubes and seasonings.
4. Put in 2 quart casserole,sprinkle top with parmesan cheese.
5. Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.

Cooking is an area I am really seeing a difference in. Cutting things up has become increasingly harder, I need to do a little research on different ways to accomplish this task. I'm not recovering from these things as fast as I used to, if at all. The right hand is declining quicker then anything else to date. Writing is all but gone, anything that needs any dexterity has flown. I still have my left hand, so no panic, yet, but I am having some of the original twinges I had in my right now in my left. Not cool, I specifically remember asking to have only one side affected, where is Mr Demille?

Bowling Tournament Ending, Spinal Injection Postponed, and New Garden Planting

They boy has done well so far, though we are having a hard time convincing him of that. He finished 106 out of 450 in singles, 12th out of 100 in doubles. He has one more competition tomorrow, so it has been a lot of bowling. He gets down because he thinks he should do better, but we can't get him to look around and see he is right in the thick of things. I guess that comes with age, and maturity? The wife is loving the feel of pool water warmed by 115 degree heat, I may never get her back home from the casino! Today is the last full day of bowling, unless he does well, then it will be tomorrow too. I pick them up just before midnight Thursday, can't wait.

Because of picking them on Thursday, I had to reschedule my final spinal injection. It has definitely made a difference, but I will be curious what it feels like in a week in half? I always wonder if that LAST one of anything is totally necessary, or if it is just an extra precaution? I am being so responsible, I called and canceled this weeks appointment, scheduled the new one, payed all of the bills, I almost can't stand it. I guess in a perfect world I will feel so good by next Thursday I can just cancel my appointment and go live. Being a realist, I plan on having the last injection regardless, taking that extra pound.

It's time to plant my fall crops, and I've been thinking about this. I have decided to adopt an "Asian" way of eating for a majority of my meals. Asian cuisine consists of much more vegetable intake compared with meats, or proteins. I'm going to plant accordingly, things that can be simmered in a hot pot with broth, and small amounts of protein. Things like bok choy, cabbages, and beans. I've decided that's how I'm going to attack my weight issue, grow some good stuff to eat, and eat less, it can't miss!

Vegas Vacation, Artifact Dig, and Race on the Big Screen

The wife and boy made it to Vegas with no problems, that's a good thing, I like good things. The wife was a nervous wreck, 90 lbs of balling balls and she she sees a problem with the luggage? 30 lbs each as carry one, 30 in the luggage, done is done! The boy had practice tonight, made 7 - 10 split, he's pumped. The wife is hitting the casino to win some money, have a drink, and relax a bit. I told her to be careful, there may be gigolos in the casinos, preying on women. She told me she sure hoped so. Ouch! The boy bowls at 6 pm tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed.

I'm going to go look for arrowheads tomorrow, a friend is building a house, he's found all kinds of things. His parents live next door in a house built in the early 1700's, so it's an old area. I think his dad has a metal detector, he's going to let me borrow it. Why wouldn't he we haven't gotten arrested together 30 years, so we can be trusted to play nice. I want to see what kind of things are there, maybe muscat balls, arrowheads, or even buttons. 2 things amaze me, we had wild Indians warring in our area at some point, and we have deer, 200 lb wild animals running around our neighborhood, now! That is so cool.

I don't claim to be the smartest man in the country, I leave that to the politicos, they are sure of lots of things. They are sure one of the biggest fixes we needed was for the Professor, the cop and the President to have a beer, bury the hatchet. Cool, that will fix the problems the black community perceive. I for one would want to attack the murder rates in our cities. Our young men are dropping like flies. 5 just this past week in Baltimore, and that's just the number that was killed, 3 times as many shot! 130 murdered for the year so far. I think it's horrible when white cops hassle black men for no reason, but look at the larger picture here, people are dying, 1000's of them a year.

Doctor Day Done, Out of Town Family Visit, and Viva Las Vegas Bowling

Had my Doctor day, went off without a hitch. Both the spine doctor and the dentist told me I was the best patient they've ever had! Well, they didn't tell me I wasn't? The dentist was able to save the tooth that broke off, said he didn't want to preach, but like he told me 12 years ago, I need a crown on that tooth, pretty hard sell. The spine dude did his thing, told me if I'm better before next Thursday just cancel. I think they only give you a third of the meds each time so you have to return. I need to go for blood work, maybe I will do that bright and early, be done for the week.

Had family in from out of town, went out to dinner, it was nice. Caught up on everything, caught them up. Afterwards we sat around the house talking. My kids can't get over how much I look like my uncle, even more how much I sound, and have his mannerisms. It's never long enough, we hadn't even started to see who could tell the best lie when the night was over. Nobody lives close anymore. The parents are on the eastern shore, aunt in Harrisburg, Pa, uncle on eastern shore, another one in Medfield, MA. I miss the family times, they were the best, it's just different now. So we take what can get, when we can get it.

The wife and boy leave for Las Vegas in the morning, Junior bowling championship #2. They are both excited, him about the bowling, her about not driving 10 hours. The flight leaves BWI at 9:15, so we will be leaving here about 7am. I didn't get up that early to go to work! I told the boy, no sprained ankles, the final round is on ESPN next Wednesday. I hope he has a great time, does his best, and finishes in a spot he is happy with. We love him, and are already proud of him, so there isn't a lot more to be said. I also hope the wife wins a few million on one of the slot machines, and comes home rich to papa! I will miss them both, killing me to have to miss another event, I hope they understand I want to be there.

Wrong Message Ads, Boy Bowls On, and Missing Family Time

Have you seen those commercials for the different companies, most of them attorneys, telling you to contact them if you have accumulated too much debt? Interesting concept, buy too much, we can settle your debt for pennies on the dollar. Sweet! Kids, come in here and see this! Let's teach them they can do whatever they want, especially spend more money then they have. We already filled their heads with participation trophies and everyone is equal. Let me tell you, we aren't equal and we all know it! There are things you can do that I am horrible at, and likewise I'm sure. We are going to pay the price if we don't start showing our kids responsibility, you have to work hard, be good with money, accept we are all different, but that we should all have the same basic opportunities.

The boy finished in the middle of the pack, 600 something of 1,100 or so on day one. Not too shabby for having hurt his ankle, but we have tried to teach him things happen, it's up to you to do what you will with it. I think it's funny though, if he were home, and it was time to cut the grass, he may have a hard time with his ankle being all busted up? He is doing great though, a couple of his friends are with him, the one guy, who just mad the age, is in 21st place, well done. The entire group went out to dinner, and I hope are calling it an early night, for the parents sake!

It was a splediferous day here in central Maryland, high temperature, but low humidity, rare for mid July. Turned the air off last evening, low 50's last night, and more expected tonight. Nights like this in the summer I miss my parents living up the street. We would spend the day there swimming, eating, family would be there, then in the evening we would sit on their screened in porch, just being together. I guess time changes those things, the shape my family is in, we probably wouldn't spend the time together if they all still lived here. I wonder if they remember we had such fun together? Oh well, at least I remember it that way.

The Boy's Bowling, Forgot My Rebif , and Swimming Pool Repair

The wife and boy are at the first night of competition, he just got started. It should be interesting, he was in the hospital last night, twisted his ankle stepping off the curb! It's his left ankle, I thought that made it worse, he says, no, if it had to happen, it was good it was that one. The wife is going to have an ulcer, she really gets wrapped up in it. I do too, but I don't show it as much as she does. I told him I want to see him take his time, look around, do his best, and above all else, have fun! I also told him to every once in a while check his mother's pulse!

I've been doing injections at home for about 12 years now. I did something I haven't done in that 12 years, I forgot to do it last night! In the old days I would have panicked, been on the phone calling around for an answer, but I didn't do it this time. I got online and found about a gazillion answers to my "missed my rebif injection" google. Turns out not to be that big a deal, I take it tonight, Wednesday, and Saturday, then next week go back to my Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday schedule. Can't believe I forgot, the daughter remind me, so it's her fault!

Made the arrangements for the pool liner to be replaced. They are coming Thursday, we went up and bought the liner today. I was putting it off, in part because I wanted to make sure the wife was up to taking care of it, I don't think I am going to be the primary this year, and the cost. It's not so much that it was too expensive, but because of the economy if we should. I worry too much sometimes about money, even though I take care of the bills now, I guess it has to do with not having worked for over 12 years. Anyway, we will have it done on Thursday, and the wife will be able to take a dip on Sunday, she has earned it!

Indianapolis Bowling Tournament, Bioness L300 Working Great, and Friends Pain

The wife and the boy arrived safe and sound in Indianapolis, just a short 604 mile drive. More proof that my wife can do anything! The boy doesn't start the bowling tournament until Sunday, he has practice sessions tomorrow, and he is in heaven! I'm sorry to have missed the trip, but there is no way I could have gone, they would have had to pour me out of the car. It's not enough that it takes things away from me, but MS is going too far when it effects my family, and I won't stand for it! OK, I can't do anything about it, but I can cheer him on from here, but I don't have to like it.

I had another stimulator check yesterday at Dankmeyer, they told me I was doing great, fitted my new cuff with electrodes. My Bioness L300 is working just great, I am able to walk farther, and longer, with much more comfort. We went to the vineyard the other day, I was able to go everywhere I wanted with no problem. I don't run from spot to spot, and I still use the cane out in the open, like Thursday, but it is a joy to be out and about again. I need to start stretching again, my range of motion is holding me back. If I can get some flexibility back in the ankle, I should be about to increase my mobility even more, so that's a good thing.

We had some horrible news this morning, a dear friend's 26 year old daughter passed away last night. We don't know what happened, but does it get any worse regardless of the circumstance? She was suffering from Celiac decease, had lost a ton of weight. I worked with her step-father, and went to high school with her mother. My kids look at them like family, we are heart broken for them, and are all shocked at her passing. It is hard to imagine that happening, it has to be a parents worst nightmare.

Multiple Sclerosis, Yardwork, Pool Opening, and Vegas Here We Come

What a great day here in Maryland, they should all be this nice. I got a lot of things done outside, I felt particularly good, so that helped. I trimmed most of the bushes, transplanted a bush I have been wanting to move, and cooked lunch out on the grill! Now it took forever to do it all, and I didn't finish, but I don't want the boy using the electric trimmer, and I can't expect my father do things all the time when he's here, it's times like this I wish I had a brother! I enjoy it anyway, but we shall see if I'm still diggin it tomorrow!

We will be opening the pool in a couple of days, that's always an exciting time. This year we have to check and see where the leak is in the liner, I'm almost positive we have one. The family is going to learn how to do the pool this year, I love to swim, and I enjoy taking care of it, but it's getting to be a little much for me to handle. I also want to get a different type of ladder, one that is more like steps, hopefully that will make it easier getting out. I wish I could find a 1890's bathing suit, save the neighbors the pain of catching that show!

The boy did qualify for the bowling tournament in Las Vegas. We got an email yesterday, reminding us send in out information packet for the tournament. OK, we will be there! He is going to have quite a summer, a cruise, youth national Junior Gold championship in Indy, Teen Masters championship in Vegas, and he cuts the grass! We know where our vacation time will be used for, well the wife's, I'm on permanent vacation. We don't mind, we love it, and this too will pass, so we enjoy it while we can, I just hope I'm able to participate.

Multiple Sclerosis, Girl Wrecked, Boy Bonked, and I lounged

What a wild and crazy day I had, considering I didn't leave the house, that's pretty amazing. The girls first day of work didn't happen today, she had an accident on I70, clipped a do not enter sign that almost came through her window. It was one of those deals where the car next to her on the interstate cut her off to make their exit. She wasn't hurt, so that one is a no brainer.

The boy went with the wife, 3 hours south to his bowling tournament in Virginia. He gets down himself when he doesn't bowl 300 each time, we are working on that. He did great! He also missed qualifying for Vegas by 4 pins! He doesn't get that with the sport pattern, everyone bowls below their average. He has another qualifier next week, this time in New Jersey, keep your fingers crossed with a brighter outlook!

In comparison to that, my day, my personal day, was boring as all get out! I sat and waited for AAA to bring the girl home, they couldn't find her, so she sat out on the side of the road for 3 plus hours. AAA and I will talk on Monday. I watched MD get destroyed by Syracuse in Lacrosse. I could feel the effects of the raindrop therapy, not good or bad really, just there. Tomorrow is another day, I'm looking forward to seeing how I feel.

Multiple Sclerosis, Raindrop Day 2, Girl Working, and Boy Bowling

I had my second raindrop session tonight, all went well. It's a very relaxing thing, I easily could have fallen asleep tonight. The smells are wonderful, the different mint oils, the herb oils, makes me hungry just talking about it. One of the oils, I think the wintergreen, didn't burn, but it did get hot. It reminded me of something called atomic balm, the smell of any high school locker room,at least around 1980 anyways. I'm drinking my water with cucumber, I'm also planning on sleeping in the bathroom tonight!

The girl is officially a college senior, hooray! She moved all of her things back in tonight, the pride is complete again. She also starts her new job tomorrow, double hooray! The wife got her a job with Boordy Vineyards, I think stomping grapes for the fall line. Tomorrow is an off site catering job in Columbia, and then a meeting at the vineyard, so she will rack up some frequent flier miles on the first day. I told her she has been burning the candle at both ends while free at school, maybe she should get a night job too, just to stay sharp!

The boy has a bowling tournament in Virginia tomorrow, he trying to qualify for a national tournament in Las Vegas. We are already taking him to Indianapolis for the junior nationals in July, he needs a sponsor, and I don't mean us! The tourney tomorrow is about 3 hours away, so that's 6 hours just in the car, so that means I won't be making the trip. I don't do well if I stay in one position for too long, I'm always standing up, sitting down, sta...you get my point. Add this to the list of things I hate about having MS, it's taking away a part I can't compensate for, and I'll never get back.

Extended Family, Retracted Family, and Pride in Family

Got to see the nieces, and the great niece from the eastern shore today. Went to the brother's house for a great breakfast, and a great visit. The great niece held her arms for me when I went in and came right to me, that was especially nice. Most small children are afraid of me, so are most small adults for that matter! I got to sit and feed her while she sat on the table, something I used to do with her mother. It was very nice, but also reminded me of how sad it is that the family is spread out now. I miss the great family times I remember as a lad, and yes, I think I was a lad once.

The boy isn't aware there is an economic slow down, he is working like a fiend! He has worked all weekend long again, and I mean all weekend. He worked yesterday and today, 12 hours each day, and volunteered with the rocket league at bowling. The rocket league is a group of developmentally challenged children that he coaches in bowling, we are very proud of him for that. He has a tournament next weekend for the high average crowd. He is one of 10 males to qualify for the regional tournament, pretty good since it is a point thing, and he bowled the first half of the season left handed.

The girl babysat all weekend, even overnight. The wife and I were home alone most of the weekend. She taught her rollerskating most of the day yesterday, so both kids are bringing in some coin, time to make them start giving me a cut I think. The girl drove back to the dorm, probably has a wild party, or a top secret sorority meeting. She is doing a great job with school, and living a life we wanted her to have, it's fun to watch. Not too many people who can honestly say they are very proud of the people their children have grown to be, but the wife and I are two of those people who can. So what's all this pissin and moanin about a little numbness, life is good!

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!

Multiple Sclerosis, Bladder Urgency, and Youth Bowling

The boy bowled another 300 yesterday, I've lost count what number that makes. He is having a blast, and so are we! It is a real joy to see your children enjoy something so much, and he sure does that. He would be up the bowling alley all the time, he almost is already. He called to tell us how much fun it is to cook on the flat top up there, especially bacon! I can't to get the little jerk to fix me a soda when he's home. He's there everyday, bowls everyday, and has been working everyday. If I can only get him to get his license, life will be
good!

I remember I couldn't wait to get my drivers license. I had tons of things to do, places to go, people to see. He wants to get an electric scooter! The bowling alley is just a little over a mile from the house, I told him to start walking, but he didn't see the humor in it. I want him to get his license so I make him run to the store for me, or so he can run general errands for me. I think he knows that and has decided that as long as he can bowl, he can do without driving the truck. He has gotten a little bigger in that second picture, but still fun to watch.


I have to find out if there is something I can do about the frequency of visiting the bathroom? I have always had the bladder of a 5 year old, but this is getting ridiculous! I swear, for each ounce I take in, a gallon comes out! I have no idea what is causing this, or if it is new it at all. A couple of the meds can do it, family history plays a role, and I'm sure the MS monster has something to do with it too. The worst part is the urgency of the whole thing, there isn't much room for thinking I may need to use the bathroom soon. When it hits, it hits! I'd write more, but I have to go to the bathroom!

Multiple Sclerosis, Gluten Free Diet, and Old Friends

I went to the boy's bowling tournament today, because I knew I could just sit, and I could watch him too. I saw a girl I went to high school with, she was there watching her nephew, that was nice. She dated a friend of mine, we played basketball together for years. I asked if the guy had ever put on any weight, he was tall and very thin. She said he hadn't, but he was bald, so that made me feel good! It's good to see people from another time.

Another friend gave me some good intell on shopping at Trader Joe's for gluten free products. She unfortunately has a couple of boys that are in need of gluten free foods and was gracious enough to share some info with me. I'm sure I will be picking her brain for more information, mainly because I really think the key to all of this MS stuff is going to have a food component, and I'm eliminating food theories one by one. Gluten is next on my list, so far Swank and Atkins are no good for me, but onward we go!

The leg cramps are driving me crazy! They are cycling about every minute, or minute and a half in both legs. My legs are just throbbing, like someone has been beating me in my sleep. Everyone here denies having done so, I will have to take them on their word! Everything I read say it may take months, maybe even longer to see benefits from any eating program. That may well be, but I saw problems with the other diets almost right away. I'm just looking to catch a small break, I think I'm due, I can feel it!

Mutiple Sclerosis, A Great Thanksgiving, and 3rd Place in Bowling Tournament

We had a great turkey day, good food, a beautiful day, and time with family, who could ask for more. The food was a big hit, so all the work was worth it. The parents even went as far as to say it was maybe the best food they had ever had for thanksgiving. That is particularly good when you realize that is like a combined 315 Thanksgivings! My parents went home, so the house is quiet, but it was great having them stay with us.

The boy had a bowling tournament today, and he did great! He was leading after the first 3 games, and was in second after 5 games, well above the level of the cut. He was still in second place after a 3 game final round qualification, still going strong after 8 games. After the final round, what they call a step ladder round, he finished in 3rd place for the day, not too shabby for only being back to his right hand for about 2 weeks! He added $70 to his college fund, that's how the prize money is structured, so a great day in all.

I had a blast, got to be the host for family time, always a good feeling. We also did a lot of work to ensure a nice day, but well worth it. My body has decided to ask for a legal separation from my spirit! I still have the will to frolic, but a body that can't, or at least won't. I am paying the price for the last 2 days of work, but that's OK, I was able to do it, and will do so for as long as I can. I also think I am teaching my kids an important lesson, one that shows that family comes first. It's not always easy to do when the MS rears it's ugly head to remind me, "Hey, I'm still here," but I think it's worth it. I got to do all I wanted to do for the holiday, as for the price, I'll pay it, I had a blast!

Multiple Sclerosis, Diet, and Youth Bowling

Have you ever really looked into a gluten free diet? Holy cow, is it complicated! Now I say that, but I haven't been to the grocery store to read labels. You can have bread, but it's made with stuff like tapioca and brown rice flour. Tapioca flour, as in the pudding? Bread means sammiches, so this one has possibilities. Does Weis or Super Fresh sell gluten free bread? I suppose I need to go up and see for myself, sounds like a road trip!

The boy got his info for a list of new tournaments for junior bowling, looks like we are off to Pittsburgh, New York, and I forgot the other places he said. He is thrilled to be bowling right handed again, as are we. I think I'm more excited that we didn't have to buy any new balls for him to use left handed! He has a tournament this Friday and Saturday, another one Sunday, and leagues on both Saturday and Sunday. He also works all 3 days at the bowling alley! I guess we are lucky, we at least know where he is going to be?

The legs are feeling a little better, I do believe the Atkins diet almost killed me! I felt pretty good everywhere, except my arms and legs, oh yeah, and the total loss of energy! I think some of the stuff I read must have been right? Actually almost all of the stuff I read told me higher fat was bad. It also told me that no red meat and extremely low fat would make me feel good. WRONG! I felt equally bad, but in different ways on that one. I'm going to give myself until next weekend to start the no gluten shtick, so pumpkin cake beware!