93 Downslope

24 June

The real trick in getting older and coping with the inevitable downhill slope is to make it as easy as possible like riding a bike downhill. Drugs help of course but I am coming to the end of my daily half dose of steroids that I have been on for the past week. I have been very productive on the medication and find that I just keep working on the long job-list from (before) dawn till dusk but I haven't slapped anyone, - yet! That drug holiday now comes to an end and hopefully there will have been some good healing as a result.


26 June

As expected, stopping the steroids has been quite unpleasant. Today I am in survival mode but each day should be a little better. One good distraction is my complete stock of Star Trek episodes downloaded by son Michael. What a great gift and it should keep me entertained until I am feeling better. In 1969 during our first year of marriage I watched Star Trek every night after we got home from work while Cheryl cooked dinner. You are right in thinking that this caused some friction in our relationship!




30 June

One of Cheryl's favourite sayings is "It won't last".  It's a good for dealing with problems like pain, hunger, a losing lottery ticket, a rainy day etc.. Another of her favourites is "One day at a time".  This one fits really well with my philosophy of living in the moment and not mentally roaming in the unalterable past or the non-existent future. Our cat Blaze is a shining example of these two sayings. He never ruminates about the past or future. All his energy is focused on satisfying the needs of the moment. These are food, going out, coming in, tummy rubs, chasing the laser pointer, having his head scratched, sleeping on our bed and more food. Cats can teach us so much!


I mention these ideas because I am feeling better this morning. I still need a few extra shots of morphine but I am over the worst of the steroid withdrawal.

For those of you who are still working I hope you have some good holidays during the next few weeks, and for those of you who are retired, I hope you are well enough to enjoy our continuing holiday!