Helenka, Queen of Outer Space

Unfortunately, I can also feel excruciating pain (for the past few hours) … so I am tending to accept the connection for pain as a damn catalyst for bright, crisp vision. And that's just SO unfair. Sigh.

Though I'd set the alarm for 7:25, I woke up after 5 in the middle of a weird dream that involved some of my female friends and acquaintances and a stupidly renovated building - not sure what it was - but the women's washroom was all done up in chintz, with four corner stalls while there were more toilets out in the open, including one in an alcove fireplace! The private stalls already had "dibs" on them, and someone was willing to make embroidered signs with the names. Whoa!

So, after that weirdness, I had a leisurely getting ready time, which has become simpler as I no longer wear face powder, if it's half-covered up by a mask.

My ride came early, so I was able to pick up a few things at the pharmacy. I was half an hour early for my pedicure appointment, but that was okay. So, the new protocols include having the foot-bath lined with plastic bags and no whirlpool action. But at least I had lots of super hot water for soaking. I was done a little over two hours later. Yes, my nails are fabulous - gold with a gold sparkle overlay.

I was beginning to stiffen up from sitting for so long; it didn't help that I still had 45 minutes until I'd be picked up. So I ate some chocolate and drank half my iced coffee concoction.

When I got home, I found out my cat-sitting services would be required next week. Yay. More hilarity with Ce-Ce!

Relaxed for the rest of the evening despite the grotesque pain, watching TV (including Trek) and munching on chocolate chip cookies. Now I'm going to take advantage of the vision to read.

Okay, let's get serious. These old broken feets aren't going to be tripping the light fantastic. But, after my oh-so-needed pedicure, I could have … er … danced all night!

I set off for the mall at 11, wearing a fce mask for the first time. It wasn't too horrible, as long as I didn't exhale through my mouth. I was really early but that was okay. Right now, I have pretty silver toenails with sparkles on top. Why do you ask about my age?

After that, I picked up some supplements and powder at the drugstore. Ha! It'll be a long time before I wear powder in the sweltering heat. I only had shiny eyeshadow and black mascara on. Not even lipshine because I didn't want the inside of the mask to get goopy.

My final stop was the supermarket and it was almost a disaster. Why? Because they moved all sorts of things around. I bought salad fixings, grapes, yogurt (hve no idea what flavour). buns and cheddar slices. And grapes. Abd then gad to wait a very long time for my bus but it was early. The driver carried my tote in and when we reached home, Things are ly weird; because of social distancing, there can be only one client at a time, so he rushes around making multiple trips.

When I got it, I collapsed. Drank lots of water. I'm really happy for the distraction of summer repeats of some shows. Watched Bull and Young Sheldon (one of my fave Trek-inspired epis). Right now, I'm wearing a champagne lace and satin nightie I haven't worn for nearly two decades; but, when you need to do laundry, just about everything is acceptable. What is not acceptable is having lousy sight tonight (gee, it had been terrific at 5 this morning). But I'm till trying to read my latest library book.

Finally, I was surprised to receive another beautiful card from my fairy godmother Marilyn. It included Kilmer's famous Tree poem. I think I'll send her a snippet of the Reversebang story I wroke that referred to it. Uh … tomorrow.

Well, on wht I still call Dominion Day (long degraded into lacklustre Canada Day or - in Quebec - Moving Day), I had two naps instead of one. Woo-hoo!

I was feeling wordy, so I sent a long response to a reader who really enjoyed one of my recent stories; I also finally got in touch with one of my oldest church friends who always sends out animated cards. He'd sent me a delightful b-day card and today there was a Canada Day card. Though I couldn't really see what was happening, I loved the rendition of the national anthem.

And that was basically it. I'd had a decent 6 hours of sleep overnight without pain (though I can feel my muscles clenching and will be relieved to take my pills soon). Watched a titch of TV (including one of Jeopardy! James's spectacular wins) and received a pleading email from the meals admin. So I'm considering giving in to the publicity photo … as long as it is taken from my right side! Even better if I can approve it before they run it. I'll email her tomorrow.

And that's a wrap.

Um … what? Well, S. decided to water the pretty flowers surrounding the no-longer-a-baby tree on the front lawn. But the old hose broke, so she was trying to remove the connection to engage the new hose, when a part of the faucet broke off (turns out the solder was old); suddenly, there was a river of water gushing out. She tried calling loads of people but could only reach our contractor who told her what to do. She couldn't reach the shut-off valve so I suggested the small ladder. Where was it? Oh, just the shed at the rear of the backyard. I swear, she sprinted there and back within seconds!

Other than that, I had a strange morning. After going to bed around 1 (early for me, eh?), I stirred after 6, after 8, and finally became alive around 10:30. So the good news is that hair salons can reopen on Wednesday. OMG. I want ALL of this hair gone-gone-gone. I'll try phoning tomorrow to see if anybody answers. ::crosses fingers::

I wasn't really in the mood for reading, so only watched TV. Have been drinking lots of water but feel too nauseated to eat. Yuck. Anyway, that was my oh-so-exciting day.

Yes, it was my birthday and all my special plans went awry. But I still had a wonderful day. Gee, the blonde is finally getting wise.

The day started off when I sprang awake at 5:25 (yes, I do love my palindromic numbers). The best part is that, despite falling asleep with the TV on, I was in no pain and had exquisite vision. So, I washed my face and put on eye makeup. Yippee!

Later, I tidied up and decorated. I took a chance by reaching up to my shelf in the closet and grasped the clear bag that held my cheap (but pretty) fake flowers. As I'd smashed my green vase, I had to put the stems into an empty peanut jar! Then I tried to remember where my more expensive and artistic rope was with flowers attached (created by one of the designers at the Shaw Festival). I found it, too! I added it to my bannister.

I made space for my iPad on the dining table. I'd planned to pour myself a glass of Coke, but ran out of time. I quickly put on my black/gold spider scarf on my head and added my two jewelled butterfly clips. I'd cut my bangs earlier, too. And, then, I tried to find the invite Brian had sent me. But I couldn't find the gmail icon I normally use. Help! So I was in the alternate one, but I couldn't read the print. Sigh.

Naturally, Brian called while I was scrambling. When I answered the phone, I think I disconnected the hotspot. [Of course I did!] It turns out S. had d/ld the incorrect app; so Brian and I talked while he and Peter were on Zoom. It was frustrating and I was pouting. And only then did Brian send a link to the correct app. Um … Brian … why couldn't you have done that in the first place? So, after the hour was up, Brian said we'd reconnect next weekend and he'd give me a tour of his special trailer.

After that, I was so weary. I'd already had to take a couple extra Robax. I enjoyed the rest of my lambchops and finally had that glass of Coke and the lemon tart I was supposed to eat on screen. At least I made use of my vision by racing through another book. As for birthday greetings, I was delighted to receive a pretty email from my childhood pal Danny and I emailed her back. There were also other electronic cards and greetings which I will answer tomorrow, as well as a pretty card from SuM and S. I was completely floored to get a phone call from the meals admin who wished me a happy birthday. She also mentioned that they'd received Covid funding for Seniors was were extending fully-paid subsidies for two months. Well, that was nice to receive. She also asked if I'd answer some questions about how I first enrolled in the program. I can still remember Brian nagging me to apply!

I finally had to lie down for a nap at 8. But wait, that's not all. We had a power failure in the house! Good thing I use my cellphone alarm. Anyway, it was restored and I slept for about 90 minutes. And then had to restore my last session. Naturally (sigh), there were complications.

Still, it was only the first of several celebrations. I told the boys I'd keep the decorations up until we do Peter's birthday in two weeks' time. Now, at the end of the day, I think I'm going to have some chocolate and another wee glass Coke.

So, I've had amazing vision nearly the entire day. It's fluctuated only slightly dipping down to white, but springing back into butter or squash yellow for the most part (I'd like to claim it was the force of my mind, lol). OTOH, I had unusual digestive problems, something I rarely have. Connection? I dunno.

But I definitely took advantage of the sight, jumping to watch this week's ST: Picard. Mind you, I'm still confused as I can't tell who all the characters all. I guess I'll have to ask S. once she's watched it too. But all the subterfuge!!!

I finally wrote and sent my final Happy New Year email to my childhood friend. I caught her up on some of the good things in my life (and not just the pain stuff). It'd be good to hear from her again.

Anyway, my pills are calling me. I was too lazy to set out my clothes for tomorrow, so I'll have to hunt for my black satiny blouse in the morning. And I think I'm wearing my Parisian scarf. 'Cuz vanity is a necessity, especially in the winter!

Apparently, I sleep like a blissed-out baby when it's snowing. I hate the stuff and it was particularly dangerous out today, but I had a wonderful sleep. I opened my eyes at 7, noted the time and rolled over. To my surprise, I'd fallen back to sleep quickly, roused by the alarm at 7:35. Wow! Even better, I was in NO pain.

I had a leisurely morning until it came time to leave. Ack. Snow, everywhere. But at least I got to my destination, the mall, shortly after 11. I had a wonderful time at the salon. The pain stayed away but, just in case, I took another Robax dose at 1. Then I went off to the drugstore where I had wonderful, personal assistance from the cosmetician. I got everything I wanted except for the glittery eyeliner! She even helped me get the perfect Kissymas cards, After that, my last stop was the supermarket. I'd remembered from last year where the mincemeat tarts were, but had to ask where to find whipped cream (yes, the instant aerosol one). As I couldn't find the deli cream cheese, I splurged on a party-pack (4 flavours) of hummus.

My driver was on time and we enjoyed chatting as he drove. Turns out he's worked in just about all of my old 'hoods, and spoke of moving a former captain of the Maple Leafs onto my hoity-toity street! Well, imagine that. He was very solicitous and helped me all the way up the driveway, through the garden, up the treacherous steps where snow was piled at a 45 degree angle.

I was so happy to be home and unpacking my treasures. Watched my recorded TV and an absolutely hilarious Young Sheldon. He's at a birthday party for a quirky boy (who may have been on the spectrum). The two of them are on their own, away from the other kids. Sheldon insisted on wearing his Mr. Spock outfit, pretending to analyze Earthlings. At one point, the kid says he's going to find Sheldon's mom. Sheldon replies, "My mom is on Vulcan." The kid didn't miss a beat before saying, "My mom's on Valium!" I just screeched. I didn't even erase it!0

Well, it was almost too good to be true, but I felt the pain start attacking my back around 8, so I quickly swallowed more Robax, lying on my back, and aiming the heater at the affected area. Whew. I think I just dodged a bullet! So I celebrated by having two mince tarts with whipped cream for … supper!

I also had a couple conversations with the Prez. I finally sent him my uhique observations of our general meeting (in September), to be inserted into a new page on our website. Yay!

I think my driver was just as blind, driving up the local highway in very thick fog which made my blindness even more so. But I arrived at the blind centre with lots of time to spare. Settled into my fave table, had a quickie conversation with the Prez, and chatted with friends and acquaintances, one of whom said my curly hair suits me, makes me look ten years younger! Our speaker turned out to be not from the government but an activist who talked about all the bad news (like the accommodation-sharing penalty; used to be if a man spent the night over at a woman's place, she got dinged because it was assumed that, if they're having sex, he's supporting her - the infamous spouse-in-the-house rule). Now, this rule, as applied to disabled people under the program, means that even if you're simply sharing space as friends, you're still going to get dinged. If you're both disabled, you both lose! Yes, the draconian con(servative) government of the province is making a lot of people miserable. Another reason to be glad I'm old.

I was happy to get home even though I'd survived with two Robax since around 8 a.m. But I quickly had to swallow a couple more and head to bed. I watched all the local shows and recalled last night's Bull that had been brilliant. Involved a woman charged with her husband's murder. Turned out, HE tried to suffocate her with a plastic bag, whose contents were consistent with someone struggling to get free. She was found not guilty. The kicker: beside heavy drinking and a volatile marriage, the reason she couldn't remember what had happened was because her secret Alzheimer's had amped up from low to moderate. She didn't want to divulge it even to save her life. After she was exonerated, she resigned from the board of her wildly-successful company and donated a bundle toward research of the disease. Just fascinating!

Anyway, it's time to swallow my pills and hope for good sleep. I'm not even setting the alarm. And that's a very good thing.

But, alas, the back spasms had other intentions. I tried to tough it out after swallowing another Robax but it didn't take until I'd been out of bed for absolute hours. Don't ask me how I survived church with so little sleep. Even worse, I was having a gross hair day so I wore a semi-sheer red and white circle patterned scarf on my head. Church-John kept threatening to pull it off my head! Nooooo, I mock yelled … and prevailed. No scarves were pulled.

Church was fascinating, especially today as Rev. Deana got to preach about Hildegard von Bingen. Considering all of her accomplishments so many centuries ago, I wonder if she even slept! She certainly made efficiant and brilliant use of her hours and days. So, naturally, I have to read up on her. Our new music director was at the piano today, getting more into his role that will commence on October 1.

It's a good thing summer decided to stick around (high around 80), as my ride was 30 minutes late. I was so relieved to finally get home and fall into bed for that nap. I managed to sleep through all sorts of unpleasant visitors and sounds which was another relief. When I woke up, I got sidetracked by reading FB on my phone and am so glad I did. It turns out that Battle of the Blades had started on Thursday night so I managed to watch it on my computer. But it'll be so much nicer watching on my TV from now on. Also checked last night's SNL and it was another rerun, so no season premiere yet.

I think I'm fading fast - again - so I think I'm headed to bed again.

So, what was waking up at Pi? Well, I'd gone to bed at 12:30 (so early), setting the alarm for 6:25, because we were expecting the plumber at who-knows-when and I'd scheduled my grocery delivery for 7:00 through 9:00 a.m. I'd cleared the furniture away before bed last night, resulting in the usual excruciating pain that woke me up at 3:14. I swallowed a Robax and tried to get back to sleep. Even though I could feel the warmth spreading through me, I just couldn't fall back to sleep. So I got out of bed at 3:55.

Imagine my surprise to perceive the rest of the house was up. SuM went to the bathroom. Seeing that there were vulnerable pots outside during a windstorm, she went out on the back deck. Bast seized the opportunity to fly out, while S. was calling, warning against letting the cat out. Oops. Too Late. So, then, S. is at the back door seeing Bast glaring at her from the leaves of the tree! Someone, S. got the cat inside.

What's this about Friday the 13th? Well, my groceries were delivered around 7:25. It took forever to sort. When I was through, I was missing about 7-8 items but had been charged $50 for them. So I called CSR who managed to call the truck, learn my bag was there, and that I'd have it after 11:30 a.m. Also, they were still out of the good ginger beer. At least I enjoyed my sesame shrimp rolls for lunch.

I'd been taking Robax every few hours and, by the time 3 p.m. rolled around, I felt as if I'd been awake forever. I was so groggy, I went to bed and watched TV, but I kept zonking out for a few minutes at a time. Sigh.

Add my confusion as I'd had great vision in the morning that disappeared suddenly in the middle of the day then reappeared in the evening. While it was still good, I prepared a report on the books we're reading in 2020 for the leader. I'm basically alternating funny and serious books. Hope it works. We also exchanged pleasantries. Even virtual, every connection counts.

As I'm fading (and so if my sight!), I'd better go to bed. I'm doing the unthinkable! As I'm delaying laundry until tomorrow, I'm wearing my leopard caftan to bed that clashes with my sheet set. Oh … dear.