Helenka, Queen of Outer Space

First of all, I. SLEPT. Woo with a side order of hoo. I'd gone to bed around 1:15 and slept until 10:15. It felt amazing. Then I got to be lazy all day long. Exchanged e-mails with church-John. I had to laugh, because the resto we visited yesterday commented on my FB post. So I commented back. Mentioned how much blind old moi appreciated the fact that they put their menus on their website. Also signed up for a book club at my vision loss group. Our first meeting will be at the end of October. On a weekday. Mid morning. All are eminently doable.

Continued reading my latest Sawyer book that is captivating ... about the existence of the last conscious thought that apparently houses the soul as it escapes the confines of the dying body.

Reverted back to old behaviours as I drifted off during the 6:00 p.m. news. Oops. Managed to watch most of WoF and all of Jeopardy! Then was confronted by the wasteland of no new premieres on TV. So I'm listening to songbirds. So very pretty and soothing.

I think I'm headed to bed, as I'm yawning (an excellent sign, believe me). I'll try to read for a while (though it's harder to absorb philosophical and biological principles when I'm sleepy). I can't believe tomorrow is already Friday. Just where did my week go?

Yup, hard to believe but.... Yesterday I received mail from the city's housing authority. I'm on a years'-long waiting list for RGTI housing. I've missed receiving important mail from them and have complained, the last time being in a registered letter sent IIRC in mid-March. And it took them until YESTERDAY to reply to me. Siiiiiiiiigh. Anyway, now I can indicate choices about the housing I'd like, even if nothing happens, but I will have had the illusion of choice.

Now back to last night. I did go to bed after posting but couldn't fall asleep. So I crawled out of bed and continued reading Agatha Christie. Until 4:00 a.m.! Somehow (miracle), I managed to fall asleep and, with the exception of 6:20, slept until my alarm at 8:00. But I feel so worn out.

Got ready for my visit to my eye specialist. It's a cloudy but breezy day. Still, I don't like the dullness of the sky. My driver took me past the church (which I thought was hilarious). When I arrived, I decided not to do panic shopping at the drugstore, so just got money from the bank, then sat outdoors where two people recognized me (the first an old neighbour from last decade who kissed both the top of my beret and my hand,the second a church friend I'd seen only yesterday). My appointment was for 1:00 and I was the first patient seen. I like our visits but today's was very frustrating. Between the inadequate sleep, too much reading, and not enough sunlight to encourage my pupil to dilate, my vision was the worst it's ever been. I could barely see the outline of the giant E. And the second slide seemed to be in red spider scribbles. Uh-oh. Still, he's so funny, he made me laugh. I told him about how much I enjoy being in the new group because of trips and parties and he observed he'd always thought I was a "party girl"!

Being done so quickly was unexpected, so I just vegged in the lobby and waited. For a very long time. But my ride finally came at 3:00 and we were on our way via a detour. Past the museum where I also caught a glimpse of my old building, down the street where I'd eaten at a sushi restaurant, across the street from the building in the chich neighbourhood where I had a fab summer job for two summers. And, then, he got me home very quickly. Yay!

Had a very quiet evening with the customary TV shows. I finished the first Christie Book, but have to reread the last chapter because I got confused. Oops. Better slide into bed soon to recuperate.

First the sleep. Was irritated to have woken up shortly after 7. Not impressed. I read for a tiny bit, then managed to slip back to slumber and didn't wake up until 10. Much better. Continued slogging through the Trek novel until I was felled with lethargy at 4:10, when I set the alarm for 5:50 and dropped off again. I have no idea why my body is acting this way.

In the evening, I managed to watch the news and my game shows, then returned to reading. Getting close to the end which is a relief as the book will expire in just a few hours.

Had a bit of fun with Brian who baited me (ME?) with a FB post about making cultured butter (oh, he's baiting me all right) that he seasoned with a salt from the most imperial salt chest (a gift from me, natch) with no name, just the number 3. That's because there had been a master list of all the salts. Which Brian lost. So I (moi!) found the list on my computer (yay for blind detecting), chastised him mildly on his post, then resent a copy to him. Aren't I the best chosen big sis? Anyway, I suggested he invite me over in September and he agreed. He'll even put on a tea spread. I like that idea very much.

I also received a response form from my blind group asking for info for our upcoming trip. I sent the form to church-John, asking him to fill out his own. I really can't wait for that trip. Too bad it's like 8 weeks away. Wah. Oh, well, I'm sure I'll find something to do to distract me. ::begs the universe for a nice distraction::

But I was especially thrilled to sleep in all the way to 9:26 (after going to bed minutes before midnight). In a house with a grumpy "Grumpy" cat, even. A blessing, indeed.

Was busy reading both my Trek eBook and SGA fanfic on the desktop. And I got another load of laundry done. Always makes me feel so virtuous and it even smells and feels good.

Tried yet a different water today, San Benedetto. Hmm. Still thinking about it, but it's quite possible that I may be a Perrier loyalist no matter what. Also gorged on fresh apricots as I noticed they were beginning to spoil (after only two days). Boo to impulsive fruit.

Was surprised to receive a "how are you" e-mail from one of the more sociable people in my old blind group. She had two more eye surgeries this year, so I guess I'll learn all about them at our meeting in September. Anyway, I'm headed back to bed and my Trek book. Library deadlines are a pain.

First of all, body (yes, I'm talking AT you), I didn't appreciate being woken up at 4:40. The alarm is set for 5:45. Can you tell the difference? Sigh. Anyway, I got ready and put on my pretty pearls with added bling. My ride wasn't until 9:15, so I had a bit of time to relax. As I seemed to be on a completely different schedule, I didn't arrive at church until 9:55.

Church was - as always - fabulous. Our Presider gave us "blanket permission" to dance during the Offertory - a Mamma Mia medley! I had to giggle as my jeweller was in attendance and made a beeline for me to compliment me on the goods. I also received another compliment and told the person that it was my melted down wedding rings ... which she thought was cool.

Church-John gave me the ticket for Brent's retirement bash. I'll have to pay him next week. And arrange for him to take me up north to get my brakes fixed.

So, blondie, where's the excruciating pain, already? Patience, grasshopper, here it comes. When I arrived home and stowed my walker in the garden, I walked up the back deck steps and reached for the back door knob. It. Did. Not. Move. Arrgghh. SuM had left on vacation and locked the back door (for which there is no key). So I had to not only hobble back down the driveway, but gingerly climb up the steps and try to open the screen door at the same time. The same screen door that is not secured, so it will flap all the way open. It's a wonder it didn't break off. By the time I got in, I was in so much pain, especially in my feet.

But I couldn't relax, as I had my review to write of the service. Sometimes I amaze myself and this was one of those times. When I finished, I fed the cats, and then - just before I collapsed - I sent a long e-mail to my blind group. They were asking for feedback and ideas. Oh, boy, did I give them feedback! I still hadn't had any lunch. I then watched the news (and dozed off). Then I watched Big Bang Theory - an epi from 2014. It guested James Earl Jones and Carrie Fisher. I enjoyed it so much, I watched it again!

The pain was more than enough to derail my appetite. I ended up eating a few mixed nuts and small containers of yogurt. And swallowed my pills down with a can of Coke. That was it. I'm just waiting for my ankles to feel less paralyzed, because it's very unpleasant - on top of the screaming pain. I'm just hoping the cats will let me sleep in. Only way to find out is to go to bed. Good idea.

... then there was the rest of my day. First, I got to waste two hours of my time waiting for my meals to be delivered. Surprise, blondie! Someone forgot to deliver them. ::growls in irritation:: So, I'll get them tomorrow. ::crosses fingers:: At least I had some good info from church-John. I wanted to go to church on Saturday to meet the new senior pastor, but he's suggesting this Thursday as there'll be a much more in-depth session about the selection process. Yes, please!

I finally got a chance to start getting ready slowly. Funny thing is that SuM and gf came home exactly when I was leaving. They enjoyed the boat ride. I sat in the hot sun (what an amazing day - finally) waiting for my minivan to arrive. It. Was. Late. Oh, well. I still arrived in good time shortly after 6:00 at the pub on the other side of the city. My new friend Janet had brought her mom again. And, natch, our leader was there. He'd already ordered appetizers to share with everyone. So I got to taste a deep-fried pickle (whoa! temperature too hot), calamari with garlic aioli (yummm), and some veggie bits (rejecting the hummus).

I myself ordered a summer special: thinly sliced seared tuna and mango on a bed of arugula, with avocado and sesame seeds, dressed in a wasabi vinaigrette. Wow. It was fabulous. Added a side order of sweet potato fries most of which I brought home. I also had two light beers with wedges of lime. As I was expecting my minivan at 8:30, I went to sit outside before 8:25. It arrived at 8:35.

I started feeling uncomfortable especially as we were travelling east - away from the sun. By the time I got home, it was 9:35. The driver helped me get into the garden and then I had help getting in the house. So ... I did this particular pub once, but I'm not going to travel that far again, especially not at night. Sigh. OTOH, I poked Janet to find us a Chinese restaurant to visit - even if it's nearer to her place.

Now it's time to let the painkillers do their work. Bouncing around in a minivan (why did it not have a stool for my feet) with legs hanging off the floor is always a recipe for disaster! So, pills, a tiny bit of reading, and then blissful (she hopes) sleep.

Sigh. I could feel my pulse in my neck as I burrowed my head into my pillow trying to find a position where it wouldn't happen. Somehow (magic?) I managed to fall asleep but it certainly wasn't enough when I woke up at 5:40 ugh-o'clock.

But I was a happy camper off to my blind group meeting. I finished the word game and packed it up along with my iPad. Yes, I was experimenting, carrying it in an old designer handbag that had always looked and felt awkward. But it fits the iPad perfectly and the semi-long straps can hang off my walker handle. Total win for the blonde who just saved some money.

What did not please me was walking out onto a wet deck, then cringing as I stepped through soaked grass with open-toed shoes. Ick. I arrived at the centre really early, so tried reading my book in the lobby. Rats. There was too much glare from both the overhead lights and the windows. So I guess I won't be packing it any more.

The meeting was lots of fun. We played my game and there was lots of laughter. Now I have a whole year to come up with another one. Before lunch I paid for church-John's and my trip tickets. Yay!!! Lunch was terrific: a selection of subs, 'tater salad and a homemade pasta/quinoa/slivered veggie salad, cheese'n'crackers, a variety of cookies and cakes, and cans of drinks. Yum. My new friend Janet and her mom Avis sat with me. Janet is a scream: we're egging each other on. If I go to something, she'll come, too; and I'll do the same thing. She's coming on the trip but said she's also attending the pub night next Tuesday. So I decided to do it, too. Even though it's all the way across the city and I'll be getting home late. SuM had better leave the kitchen light on.

When I got home I e-mailed Janet, confirmed times, RSVP'd the group, booked my rides, exchanged more giddy e-mails with Janet. Yes, we're officially silly. Today I was lucky that Grumpy actually came inside the house when I called him. What a relief. Exchanged texts with SuM, and also with c-J about the trip.

Read a bit more of "Rogue One" and I should be sliding into bed soon and reading for a while. And, then, I'm hoping for some respectable sleep. ::crosses fingers::

So, I still got wet, but I do dry off, lol. After I got to church and Jan arrived, we decided to go back outside to get some fresh air. Lo and behold, the sun was coming out. It was fabulous, with a tiny hint of a breeze.

Church was amazing. The music superb. I was on duty and found out later that I'd been on the webcast while serving communion ... and there were these adorable painted toenails sticking out of my open-toed shoes. Awww. I asked church-John whether he might take me to Canadian Tire (the one in my 'hood) some time this week. I have a whole bunch of summer-related sprays, etc. I need to get. I also suggested we could visit the new restaurant I'd been to. I'd really like that. There was a surprise at the end. The search committee for a new senior pastor presented the successful candidate (who still needs to be voted in). He's a United Church minister from the prairies. He's young, has a quirky sense of humour, and seems to enjoy saying naughty things (as does Brent). He'll be here in two weeks' time. Yay!

When I got home, naturally, I had to write my summary. It took a very long time. Sigh. But I was pleased with it. Then, when SuM came home from work, she texted me, saying she'd like to donate to my blind group. Yaaaaay! So she gave me a cheque.

In the evening, I didn't do much other than watch the news. Stayed on the 'puter, read my "Figaro" mystery for a while, and just vegged. At least I'm feeling mostly cool. Anyway, time is fleeting. I'm going to finish my Perrier, then go back to reading. Looking forward to a mostly lazy day tomorrow.

So ... I had another goal today, to find out about the trip to the Science Centre. Oops. I had the wrong day marked down, and then I saw what the specific focus would be and I simply wasn't interested. So, it's a good thing I'm not submitting my body to pain for no decent reason.

While I was dealing with matters pertaining to my vision loss group, I RSVP'd to the BBQ portion of the Walk-a-thon and confirmed that I was available to volunteer that day. Now I just have to find the specific address ... for that part of the beach(!) so I can book my rides this coming Wednesday. Let's just add it to my list of goals, eh.

After all, it was an excruciatingly looooooong day that began (against my will) at 3:22 a.m. So, what did I do? Reached for my iPad to continue reading "Life of Pi". I'm getting closer to finishing it. Too bad it didn't start to engage me until about chapter 60 (of a 100). But I'm being stubborn in wanting to finish it. There may still be surprises.

It was really overcast when my driver picked me up at 9:00. I'd been so worried about rain, I completely forgot to adorn myself with my tropitcal scarf/sarong. Felt so plain as we sped up north. Ahem! Blind blond is still a better navigator than most. Why? Well, the driver got distracted by construction. I asked him what cross street we'd just passed. He replied "Broadway". Uh ... driver, that's NORTH of where I need to be. His distraction had made him think I was headed to the hospital further north. Sigh. But no prob, as I was early enough to sit and enjoy the sun - hey, where'd that come from?

Our meeting was AMAZING!!!!! First of all, our monthly guests provide us with a booster vaccination against depression. Whenever we're feeling down on ourselves because we can no longer do (or were never able to, if blind since birth), we're introduced to people who broke barriers and persisted. The retired lawyer, now activist, gave us a stumble down memory lane as he talked about the barriers just in studying to become a lawyer. Decades ago, he had to rely on monster reel-to-reel tape recorders and a human reading service that could only allot him a couple hours per week.

After our break, our leader told us of the fabulous trip planned for this year. This time, it'll be to Stratford Festival (I haven't been in decades), to see "Pirates of Penzance" with a hands-on costume and prop tour, lunch in the theatre lobby, and descriptive audio headsets, as well as a comfortable bus ... all for a reasonable price. The trip is set for Oct. 9 (the Friday before our Thanksgiving holiday weekend). I'm already soooo excited. Oh, John.... ::giggles:: I also found out more about the fund raiser for which I'll be posting a personal plea to my FB friends. I just have to write it. Before I left, I reconnected with the pleasant woman I'd met two meetings ago. We really do have to go out as we're so vivacious together.

When I got home, I had to deal with weird cats. The sun had disappeared and more rain was on its way. No wonder I was in so much pain. After I'd fed them, Ce-Ce started behaving oddly, even before the thunder came. She'd flattened herself against the floor and was trying to crawl under my door to escape. I tried to get by her, but she was too quick for me. She headed to the side of the couch where she hunkered down on the floor. Again ... weird. After she left (of her own accord), I started nodding off, from a planned 90 minute nap before the news, to dozing off in the next couple of hours. missing significant swaths of news. Sigh. But I got good mail: my new health card. Oh, look at the fuzzy picture. Would you believe I don't look much different from my employee ID from 4 decades ago (and then I was wearing a curly wig)? Not sure why the pic is so overexposed. Weird.