A second post in what will not be an ongoing series. I do plan additional writings, but plan to approach them slightly differently. And I hope that everyone that reads this has a wonderful day!

It has been raining in Colorado. Very good for us, as we need the moisture. We have gotten enough along the front range that we are now out of severe drought. It makes everyone a bit grumpy though; and that makes me smile, because in Pittsburgh you simply had to get used to the gray skies. And I was in Pittsburgh for many years. I like the Colorado sun (and rain, and even the Colorado version of winter) better than the Pittsburgh climate.

Since my last post, I have been on a roller coaster ride. I thought COVID was the worst shaking that I would receive. But since January of this year I have moved, am in the process of selling my house, downsizing (again) to fit into my retirement apartment, and have run into several health issues. More about those below.

The retirement community I am in seems pretty reasonable. I chose them in part because they offer transportation, although they have a limited radius, and for now, are only offering transportation to medical appointments. I had a conversation this week with the chef in their kitchen, and will likely try the dining room at some point. Although I am a bit of a challenge to cook for. I have many diet restrictions, based upon the heart and thyroid disease, and at least in part, I think, based upon old age. What I can safely eat has changed quite a bit over the years.

On the health changes: I turned 67 in January, and in late December had a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) in my left eye. In non-medical terms, a floater.

What I learned from the eye doctor is that because I am extremely near-sighted, and due to my age, this is a common occurrence. That pushed me to make the decision to get out from behind the wheel, hence the move to the retirement community, as at that time the doctor told me it was likely to happen in the other eye. And it did, about four weeks ago. Unfortunately, when it happened to the right eye I also developed a small retinal tear. And in examining the eyes, they discovered a retinal tear in the left eye as well. So now I have had laser surgery on both eyes to repair those tears. The good news is that they both seem to be ‘fixed’, although I still have floaters. The other news is that online told me to expect minor discomfort from the eye surgery. I would call some areas of the moderate discomfort, not ‘minor’. Just for the record.

I have also developed a ‘frozen shoulder’ (my left shoulder). So right now, it is limited range of motion, and quite painful at times. I have been assured by physical therapists (I have seen three at this point) that it will get better. It is just taking time and attention. Patience is a virtue, right? And this particular shoulder has had several traumas over the course of my life journey.

I am also at this time struggling with cholesterol levels, and most recently may have some blood pressure issues. Checking it routinely now. And wondering how much it is related to the ongoing pain in my shoulder.

Enough for today. My grandmother used to say “Getting older is not for sissies”. And my mother would say “Well, that is just the way of it”. Some German and Scottish stoicism to get me through. FWIW, future posts will be a bit more upbeat in tone.

All best on your life journey.