Category: Life

This morning I was seen by a matronly Caucasian female at the The Center for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Gynecology. The only male Mayo professional I encountered this entire trip was a guy tending the desk during lunch at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, who told me the department was empty and I might as well go get some lunch like everyone else. I’m home! The Dogs were awful glad to see me. My left arm is awfully sore from that vaccination yesterday.

I started this morning with a vein puncture, and I admit, I was more anxious than usual because of the additional material required by my participation in the Mayo Clinic Biobank. EKG. X-rays of my Hip and Shoulder. Visit with My Doctor. A consultation with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, who wrote some specific PT orders for my hip, but beyond that totally approved of what’s been done, and will continue. Mammogram, again a little more anxious than usual, given last year’s abnormal and biopsy. No word on this until sometime tomorrow. My lab results are stellar! While my total cholesterol is an unacceptable 208, it’s because my HDL (good) cholesterol is so high (99) and my NonHDL (bad) is so low (109). Triglycerides=73. Glucose=90. I got a Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis vaccination. I was admonished for not getting a flu shot. I pointed out to her that, unlike most people I know, I’ve not had so much as a sniffle this winter. No flu shot, sufficient sleep and daily vitamins is a health strategy my Doctor can’t recommend. Go figure. My Doctor was concerned about the rash on my right arm, but I don’t think it’s anything more than my usual dermatitis. I declined a visit with Dermatology and promised to notify her of any change. Every Doctor and Technician I saw today was a Caucasian female. By my experience, there is less and less cultural diversity here and that cannot be good.

Early Mass followed by pancake breakfast. When I checked in to my DoubleTree Hotel, they handed me a warm chocolate chip cookie that smells wonderful. I can’t eat it and I’m thinking it will have lost a lot of it’s appeal by late tomorrow morning when I can finally eat it.

We drove up to Walker to visit my Dad.

We took Hanna to the Vet for her annual checkup. She’s got a nasty ear infection that I feel bad I wasn’t aware of. Hanna also has a tumor on her chest that is harmless but needs to be watched for change. Avery made a rabbit out of a pear half, some dried fruit, cashews and cottage cheese. We made Tuna Carrot salad.

My household has now joined the ranks of those without a landline.

Some time earlier this year, I set out to walk 100 miles on the treadmill. I wish I knew precisely when I started, but I don’t. What I do know is that I finished this morning! Now, my goal is to do 100 miles on the TechnoGym Wave and I hope when I’m done with that I can start exercising outside with the dogs.

Early Mass. Nap. Knitting in the sunshine on the deck. Teddy’s first birthday party.

Shamrock Shuffle 5k: 44 minutes, 3.14 miles, 14:02/4.3, HR=163. Recovery HR=137. Not sure what that means, but my Garmin Forerunner 310XT seems to think it’s important, so, I’ll track it!

With the promise of spring, my itch for a tiny boat has returned. I’m thinking another like the original TickledPink. Only 13’, small enough to detail myself with a toothbrush, yet stable enough to brave the rough waters of Lake Minnetonka on the weekends. I’m going to sleep on it.