November 10, 2015 Thursday Afternoon

Yes, I am alive.  I could not believe the date on my last post.  I am happy to say since my last post life has been OK.  Nothing major bad or good to report.  The best news of all is that Kali is still with us.  I had thought about a month ago that we would be euthanizing her since her health is declining since she is over 16 years old.  I am happy to report that the antacid I have been giving her a half hour before feeding seems to really help with her stomach problems and keeping her food down.  Having to get out of bed at 6 AM to give her a pill before her 6:30 feeding has not been fun.  I some morning find myself throwing up bile for a half hour between 6 and 6:30 AM.   Still have not solved that problem.  I also have switched her to a rice hamburger and some dry food for her breakfast and supper.  I still am just hoping she makes it to Christmas to be honest.  Health wise I am doing ok.  I am still working with my irritable bowel meds trying to get the dose correct.  The current dose has me so plugged lately so I have started this week cutting the pills in half and only take half dose twice daily.  I think it is a better dose, time will tell.  I went from having explosive bowels each morning to blocked and not being able to poo.  I also still have morning bile issues as I stated earlier.  I make a point to eat saltine crackers during the night and even take my prescription antacid about 4 AM and some days it works, most days it does not.

The weather here in Wisconsin up until today has really been very nice.  We have been in the 60s for the month of November which is unheard of.  I have gone on many walks on the river trails and woods.  I still feel so at peace when I walk in the woods alone.  Actually I don't feel alone and talk to my spirit guide or who ever will listen.  Call me crazy.  I have enjoyed watching nature get ready for Winter.  The last few days the wind has been very strong and the temps are dropping.  We might even be in the 30s by Saturday with snow.  I am ready for Winter this year more than most.  The new electric base board heaters I had installed in the living room and bedroom are wonderful.  I can stand by the front window and not feel chilled.   Remind me of this come January when it is zero degrees outside and windchill even worse. 

I also have made a point to use the treadmill almost daily and do at least one mile each day.  That and the walks with the dogs and river trails seems to be enough right now.  Naps in the afternoon are still needed and enjoyed.  I am not sure if it is the HIV or old age but a nap in the afternoon seems to be a must these days.

I did finally write the letter to my older self that I have talked about in the past.  I wrote a five page letter to myself for the age of 70 or sooner if I am dying, to open and read.  The main theme was to tell myself I had a good life and I should be happy with the way life all turned out.   I have a hard time making it through the letter without being in tears.  I speak of my parents and current dogs that will no longer be here in 16 years.  It should be interesting to read when I am 70 years old.

Making spaghetti for supper tonight. 

Got an email from a girl that had written me after finding my blog a while back to tell me how she is doing today.  Was so nice to get her email.  Thank you.  I do enjoy getting feedback or emails from anyone who my blog has touched.

One last point.  I find it very interesting to listen to people talk about Charlie Sheen's announcement that he is HIV.  About half in my circle know my HIV status so when I hear things like 'that's what you get for being a drunk slut' coming out of my husband .... I have to pause.   I did correct him but if even my husband jumps to that conclusion I know others do also.  Just for the record, you do not have to be a drunk slut to get HIV.

Next week is Thanksgiving.  We will be going to my sisters this year.  Should be a nice event.  Thankfully we will not have to stay long and will be home and snuggling with the dogs in no time.