Helenka, Queen of Outer Space

Which may have also been captured on camera before hundreds of people. Arrgghh. That's what happens when we have a guest musician whose guitar just HAS to be in the place my chair normally goes. But, no. I was placed at the end of the altar rail. The person placing my chair had it at an angle, so I tripped over its foot and went down on my hands and knees! Luckily, it was only anointing; otherwise, my entire Communion kit would have gone flying!

So, after I was done, I limped back to my pew and felt my foot swelling. Luckily, my boots helped support my ankle, but I'm afraid to see what it'll be like later. Anyway, in better news, church-John and I will get together tomorrow around noon to Get. Stuff. Done.

Today was our Santa Claus Parade. It was brilliantly sunny, but c-o-l-d. Brrrrr. I couldn't wait to get home to take a couple of Aleve to help with the swelling. I finally removed my boots so I could lie down. Watched last night's SNL. I've also been reading the book club selection for January. It's an odd duck: parts of it are incandescent, other parts pathetic. But it is entertaining and well-written.

Anyway, I feel like knocking off early. Hoping for sleep though it might be too much to ask for after a wonderful sleep last night.

So, I may not have (definitely NOT) seen the step up to the lane. Gee, it's a good thing everyone else around me was blind. ::inserts canned laughter:: But, owwwwww, and on my bad right knee, too. I rejected assistance in getting up and managed to do it on my own. After that, I generally tried to have someone at the step to help me up and down.

So, it was definitely a good thing that I'd already swallowed a muscle relaxant on the drive over. After yesterday's rain and cold, today we had mostly cloud but a sprightly wind and a titch of warmth. I really enjoyed the drive over with the windows open.

I had a blast. Even though our teams were uneven. Even though our lane skewed right. Even though I didn't have the natural advantage of a quick approach and a powerful release. I was using what they call a ramp assist, basically a curved slide for balls that I could position anywhere within the lane. Even when I positioned it against the left ledge, the ball still missed the pin on the extreme left. So, that was the best I could do, one pin left. But-but-but, I had fun. I raised my heart rate, had lots of disjointed conversations as we rotated. And my driver showed up early - around 3:50, so I delegated our team's ace (Peter, the book club leader) to finish off my turns!

When I got in, I had to phone the drugstore: they needed a description of WHY I was going take the atropine on an as needed basis. Oh, boy. That was fun, describing my unique sight properties. They also thought whoever'd dropped off the Rx (either SuM or S.) was my daughter! Uh ... no. Then I had a quickie supper (3 wee tins of flavoured tuna and dessert of mini Halloween treats) so I wouldn't faint. Watched the usual news and game shows. And now I'm fading quickly. I've just taken my pills with ginger beer and need to go to bed soon. Bed ... ahhhhh.

I, however, did not fare as well. So, here it is May and I wake up from pain in my right calf (at 6:33 yuck). Not sure if I ever figured it out why the pain is only in the right leg. And then it hit me. Blondie, you had a bad fracture of your right ankle that reset badly. And the calf isn't that far from it. So, whatever the connection is, your calf suffers. Oh joy. NOT.

Even better (also NOT), I slightly lost my balance in the evening and, by grabbing on to something, I managed to crack a part of my thumbnail. I trimmed as much as I could, then wrapped three bandaid strips around it for stability.

Caught up on yesterday's TV in the afternoon. Whoa! Talk about intense or cliffhangers when it came to the two N.C.I.S. shows and also Bull. Next week is going to be psychologically draining. Also watched the show that revealed the American Idol top 10. What a waste of time. And such a hypocritical action by TPTB. Sure, have a this-is-the-absolutely-final-year season and ... just two? years later, sneak another one in for gullible fans. Didn't care for the singers or their song choices.

Anyway, time to climb into bed where I hope I won't sustain any new injuries though, with my repertoire and history, I can get injured there, too!

So not, Not, NOT!!!!!!! Alas, I was unable to sleep in until the alarm at 5:30 a.m. Arrgghh. Anyway, I got everything done, was dressed in my azalea, mango, and black top, under my new fall coat at 8:00 a.m. Church-John arrived soon after and we were off on our one-day adventure. Because we're on the cusp of Canadian Thanksgiving, the traffic was very light and we arrived soon after. We had a TV crew for the diversity & disability network trailing our bunch.

We arrived at Stratford in a couple of hours. Too bad the loading and unloading weren't ... logical because it took ages for people to get on and off the bus. Sigh. Plus there was the issue of the guide dogs. I was constantly worried I'd step on the one that kept sticking its head out into the aisle. Sigh.

When we arrived, we were served a picnic lunch. I'd made sure I had a turkey bacon club in my bag and church-John a gourmet egg sandwich, so we could each have two flavours. I swear people around us were amazed we'd done that. There was also a touch tour of costumes and props (swords, wigs) at the end of the lobby but I wasn't moving as I was protecting my miserable spine by sitting in my padded chair.

Things were a little disorganized getting into the theatre, an old building which c-J and I thought had been either an old movie or vaudeville theatre. But I had my headset to receive descriptive audio of "HMS Pinafore" as we were seated in Row R. Sigh. At least I was on the aisle with clear sightlines, though fuzzy view of the stage. It was hard work paying attention to the audio feed and hearing all the dialogue. But at least the music was familiar. The tenor had a lovely voice, so I must look up his stats.

After the end, we staggered onto the bus, relieved we were on our way home. Traffic was decent until we reached the city. Then the driver did some fancy moves that saw the bus end up on the toll highway. Obviously our Pres had made an executive decision that he needed to get us back to the blind centre sooner rather than later, as several people would be being picked up by their ride provider. Even so, we didn't get in until around 7:10 after which c-J still had to retrieve his car. Finally the two bedraggled pups (us) got to my place. So, all is well because I'm home. Ha! Of course not. When I was pulling the car door toward me to close it, I slammed it against my face. Thank goodness, it struck my right cheek (hurt like hell, but at least the boniness will mean no hematoma).

When I got in, I just had to watch tonight's Jeopardy! to see how Austin was doing. He won, even though the competition was tough. I still have more TV taped, but I'd leave it until tomorrow. For dinner, I had chicken noodle soup and finished the end of my White Zinfandel. Now, pills and sleep, please ::she begs the universe::

It's true, I swear.

But, first, all the amazing stuff from the morning. I woke up at 6:56 and started work almost immediately. Crossed my fingers and flicked the switch for the overhead lights. Huge sigh of relief. They worked (even though they are dying). Started removing the body pillow and comforter from the ledge next to the bed and - lo and behold - there was my white library card lying next to one of the piggies. Another huge sigh of relief. Just in case, I typed the card number in a doc. Should also send myself an e-mail. After that positive start, I pulled out two totes and filled them with the Christmas deccies. Then I put each tree in a separate garbage bag and moved them into the storage closet along with two empty packing boxes (that, covered with wrapping paper and a glitzy shawl, can be a tree table). I also lowered one leaf in the dining table, moving a chair over and making room for the fireplace implements. Even if the fireplace is electric, I still love the "classic" look. Once that was done, I was all hot and ... hot. It was after 9:00 a.m. Time for me to reward myself with brekkie.

My only remaining frustration is that the iPad is not charging. Yes, there's a blue light on the charger but it looks awfully weak. After getting more advice from Brian, I may have to try a new outlet, though I don't have many exposed ones. Sigh. As the temperature was dropping, I was too chicken to wash my hair (sigh) but luxuriated by using up the last of my Euphoria shower gel, knowing that Brian would soon be receiving the purchase he made on my behalf. I wanted to layer more of the same scent but - arrgghh - couldn't find my black pin-striped case holding ALL of my Euphoria products. Aggravation!!!!! I guess I'll wait for first morning sight tomorrow.

As I'm trying to empty both fridges, I enjoyed some creative combos: lunch was cooked mini-peppers in cream of tomato soup. The peppers really infused their flavours into the liquid. And supper was fresh Alfredo pasta added to turkey noodle soup. I know it sounds weird, but it was satisfying.

So, what's with the brain drain? Well, I was watching Jeopardy! (no surprise there) and totally blanked on the Final (TV character whose name is now synonymous for fixing things, especially on the fly). OMG, how could I have missed MacGyver, especially as I was going to watch it next? If it's any consolation, the two-day winner with over $50K came up with a blank, too. Some days, the brain does not cooperate. Anyway, MacGyver was both satisfying and scary, in a crossover with Hawaii Five-0 which I don't watch.

I think I'm going to enjoy a bit of chocolate and then climb into bed. I deserve a terrific sleep and an opportunity to reduce the swelling of my insteps (stupid falls). TTFN.

And I overslept in the evening. So I'm pretending it's still Monday.

Yes, I'm okay. Naturally, I did it on the stairs, falling on the second to top one. Luckily, most of the impact was on my right shin so that, by the time my poor, poor, poor right knee hit the landing, the descent was very slow and mostly gentle. But, still. I. Hate. This.

And I have blind group in the morning. So back to (please let it be) healing sleep until 5:30.

Oh, writing my fic? Hahahahahaha. I did actually write, but it's tough going. I'll just have to buckle down when I get back in the early afternoon. There was good news during the day, but I'll wait to describe it and more acceptable physical pain when I have a chance. Oy.

Got in my requisite 8 hours of sleep (with only a slight hitch, waking up around 5:30). Only had an hour before needing to be in SuM's living room at 10:30 to wait for my meals. Good thing I had yogurt to stave off hunger.

Luckily, I didn't have to wait long as my usual Tuesday volunteer made the delivery at 10:47. While waiting, I'd started watching this week's Houdini & Doyle epi on SuM's TV but was happy to get back to my TV placed closer to my bed, so I could see clearly. Ooh, spooky. Making Edison invent a contraption that would allow the spirits of the dead to communicate with the living.

Spent some time checking online into this quasi-medical company that'd been entirely unknown to me until yesterday. I'm really curious to know what their rates will be, but am in no hurry to start as long as I'm still suffering from my fall.

In the evening, I both enjoyed and was relieved to finish my wine-veggie soup (three whole glasses) with lots of zucchini seeds on the bottom. I added some grindings of sweet onion salt to perk it up. I can't wait to get all my new foodies delivered tomorrow. Tonight's Jeopardy! was both sad (the very personable champ, an older man, lost) and unsatisfying. There had been so many weird categories eliciting few correct answers, so it was also a fairly low-scoring game. Bleh.

Thinking of approaching church-John to be my escort for the wine tour. I think he'd enjoy it and appreciate getting a deal for half price. And the only additional responsibility would be to pick me up and drive me home. Is that SO bad? [I want to hear CRICKETS, people!] ::giggles and scampers off to pay a bill::

There's no better title for someone who woke up at ::shrieks:: 4:20 a.m., despite going to bed only at 12:45. So. Not. Fair. Even more so after my injury. Well, obviously, I had lots and lots of time in the morning to read and get ready. Decided to revert to my fave stained glass top, always a stunning visual, as I was scheduled to be on duty.

I was thrilled my ride wasn't due until 9:25. Woo-hoo. Now imagine me going outside early and sitting patiently (yes, I know it's a stretch) and joyfully (no, not kidding) because it wasn't hideously cold with extreme snow conditions. Hey, I'll take every reprieve. I was on a direct run (with a sweet driver who'd driven me often when I lived by the lake ... and he still remembered me!) so I arrived with enough time to indulge in a hot cross bun.

I was very bouncy to greet our guest cellist when he arrived. The music today was even better than usual, as he and the music director did some mighty fancy playing to make up for the absence of the organ. Church-John had brought gifties (I think he's regifting Christmas prezzies that he's not allowed to eat) for Ashley and me. She got deluxe mixed nuts and I got the Texas candied pralines. Oops, you'll have to excuse me as my mouth is all gooey and chewy ATM. I was also bouncing because I brought my new E.T. to church. He sat up on top of my bag (so that he'd be in Brent's direct line of sight). Hey, I so love me.

It should come as no surprise that church was its customary amazing self today as we honoured MLK in music and words. Also no surprise that I found my own healing by being on duty. It wasn't just the aching knees, but my right wrist was very painful (from having to use my cane as my only support yesterday). All pain diminished just from being there. I was so happy to learn that Uncle Ernie was there (in the care of his husband), since being released from the hospital. Unfortunately, I couldn't approach him after the service because I was in a hurry to get to my ride.

I only had one bad thing happen and that was misplacing my fave black scarf after the service. When I went back to the pew to look for it, it wasn't there. Also not at the lost and found. So I was sad to leave with the uncertainty of not seeing it again. Imagine my relief to get a text from c-J that he had my "noose". Good thing I won't need it until next weekend.

When I got in, I had to throw my black tablecloth in the washing machine. Why? Oh, I'd just spilled a full glass of OJ (with extra pulp) in the morning. Yes, more repercussions from 4:20. Then I got to work on my review where I interspersed personal medical details. After I posted, I could finally enjoy my lunch of leftovers ... and do another load of laundry.

Thoroughly exhausted I needed to lie down for a nap, holding on to super-soft E.T. Someone I managed to drop my alarm/cellphone, so it's where I can't see it (under the bed?). Well, I'll look for it tomorrow. Maybe E.T. will guarantee me a better sleep. No better time to find out....

I think the heat and humidity have finally caught up with me, in my fortress of solitude (lol). OTOH, I managed to sleep in until past 11 - a miracle, I tell you! I only disturbed my pain with one load of laundry. Will ... consider doing another one tomorrow. So, what's with the pain? I have my suspicions that, as it's always in the right leg, it might be connected to the badly reset fractured ankle. Will investigate further. But, for tonight, I'm downing a second extra-strength ibuprofen, even if only to help with inflammation. As for the heat, am considering wearing my hair up (or a facsimile thereof), in order to avoid feeling as if my shortish hair is turning into a Louisiana swamp. Ugh. I've already unearthed my container of sparkly fairy dust to dust over my limbs in the morning. Yay for useful purchases.

Had a quiet day, spent mostly reading, with bouts of lying in bed to alleviate the pain and a titch of TV which included a rerun of Murdoch Mysteries, one I'd recorded about the opera murder; there would have been a second epi from the TV ... but the heat gave me amnesia so I forgot all about it. Sigh. Anyway, I think it's time for more ... Perrier!

Especially when Grumpy won't come in out of the rain and I've been standing for at least five minutes at the back door, plaintively calling his name. OTOH, SuM said that, when she got home, he must have responded to the sound of the car motor and appeared like a flash. Silly wet cat.

I seem to have escaped any serious damage to my knee after the fall. Yesterday, the cartilage seemed to be popping every so often as I swiveled from side to side in my computer chair. I know, I know. Don't swivel. Today I appear to have ease of movement with no weird sounds.

In the evening, I watched my usual shows and then a repeat of yesterday's MasterChef. Yes, I must be bored. And hot. I actually had to wear my chilled neck wraps for most of the day. So, when the mini storm arrived, I really appreciated the cool breeze through the window. Anyway, I'm getting back to finishing my mega reading. And eating chilled red grapes. TTFN.