Hello, Rosedale!

You do intrigue me.


I mentioned in a previous post that I'd had a visit from someone within Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles. The imagination soars. For those who are not familiar with Rosedale, it was created in 1884 when Los Angeles was still a "small" town. A lot of our SoCA historical figures (like John C. Fremont) and early entertainment figures are buried here. Anyway, s/he continues to visit from time to time. Brightens my day every time, so thanks for coming by.

My dad continues. He struggles to put together the right combinations of substances to stay comfortable. I'm putting together an article titled "What They Don't Tell You About Pancreatic Cancer". Some of the surprises - like the nausea and belching - make sense once you ask the question and eventually get an answer. The pancreas is working out of whack, the amount of bile being dumped into the stomach goes off the charts and causes problems. OK, that makes sense. But it turns out the pancreas is also responsible for hormones that facilitate brain function. Somehow those going out of whack are causing dementia, and for me the most painful part of this exercise has been watching my "mind like a steel trap" father - who has ALWAYS been in control of his faculties - now confused about where he is and what he's doing.

He did have a lovely time Tuesday, however. My nephew had his end-of-the-year middle school band concert (first year, only chair bassoon). It took some imaginative car and wheelchair juggling but we managed to get two grandparents there in time for nephew's performance (great job!). Dad was so excited! He lasted for about five hours (not counting the cleaning up, grooming, dressing part) including concert and dinner afterward. Even managed a half slice of banana cream pie after dinner. Then was fast asleep within seconds of that last bite.

BTW, I neglected to give credit for the beautiful portrait I used in my last post. My lovely and talented DIL took that picture of my dad and his baritone.

She and DS1 found out that he did get the job he interviewed for through the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) and have been posted somewhere in the Shizuoka Prefecture.


They haven't heard what city yet, but the prefecture is the home to Mt. Fuji so they will have plenty to see, do and explore.

And I will have plenty to see, do and explore.

Just five more days of school before summer break. If my Dad dies before summer is over I may go up to Utah for a visit, but for now am just planning to stick close. I will work in the garden, deep clean the house and laundry area and do the other things teachers usually do in the summer but which I have neglected for the last seven years since Utah became part of my world. Of course, I plan to spend time with my folks.

Disneyland will probably be the extent of my summer travel plans this year.

I'm also hoping to increase the amount of time I can spend at the gym. Tonight I rejoined Weight Watchers (again). I'm setting a 2-pound-per-week goal for the summer. Twelve weeks x 2 pounds per week = 24 pounds. That would have me starting school 50 pounds lighter than the year before and halfway to my weight loss goal. I decided to rejoin WW because - with all the stress looming for the summer - I can see the potential for a massive backslide over the summer. WW will - she says hopefully - be my safety net.

Wish me luck!