Spooks Were Out

 Haven't seen a kid Treat or Treating on my street in THREE years. Tuesday night they came in droves. Most of them came in one big bunch with moms attached & babes in arms. Most of them were under 8 with a sprinkling of older kids, probably brothers & sisters sucked into taking out the little ones to keep them safe when a door opened!! I was a bit of an attraction dressed in my best air-hose & purple polar fleece. One little boy wanted to know what was sticking out of my nose. So I had to explain to everyone. They thought it was a neat costume!! I was very grateful that I ordered a box of KitKats, Coffee Krisp & Smarties with my last grocery order!! I think I only have three Coffee Krisp bars left over.

Did anyone notice the Christmas commercials started just after midnight on Hallowe'en??? They sure aren't wasting any time! My Virtual Poppy notice arrived on Wednesday morning as well. Every year I now order a Virtual Poppy since my old Poppy seller at the local London Drugs died. I think he sold Poppies at that spot for over 40 years. I remember him being there forever - until he wasn't. I don't even want to think about Christmas .  .  .  .

Wednesday, Nov01, I drove myself to my doctor. I haven't been out in my car since last year, early in December, when I took myself to the Covid centre in the local mall to get my shots. 

It took 2 & a half hours to prepare for the damned appointment! I left 45 minutes early & made it with a little time to spare. I was able to get Frank, the walker, in & out of the car - with difficulty, walk from the car to the doctor's office & back - very slowly & get myself to the local Mcdonald's after for a coffee. I had to have that coffee & rest before I could get up the energy to haul myself & the oxygen cart up the ramp at home. While sitting & sipping, I cranked up the oxygen to give myself a blast for my heart & brain! Luckily, I was able to adjust my oxygen valve from high to lower, full on or pulse to suit my needs & work load. I think I was out for almost 3 & a half hours!!! 

I find it easier to drive the car than walk any distance so "drive thru" or "curbside pickups" are my destinations of choice!!! I'll tell you, when I got home, dragging myself up my ramp, into the house & to my chair was just about all I could do. I had a pee, a drink & went to sleep in my recliner. Four hours later, I woke up. I had another drink, took my pills & went to bed. And I could barely move when I woke up on Thursday. Good thing I had sliced meat, bread & fruit in the fridge. Made a pot of tea & spent most of the day quietly with a long afternoon nap to recover. I was still tired & achy on Friday but I think I'll live. I must get out more often, especially now that my new valve gives me about 4 hours of oxygen per tank if I adjust the flow as I need it. What will I do with so much freedom???? Wink, wink.

Knitting - I've almost finished the second pair of long cuffs. I'm taking it easy on knitting time since my arm & especially my shoulder muscles & tendons are complaining mightily. Not sure if I need higher arm rests or a big pillow in my lap or what. Maybe my shoulders have just atrophied somewhat. Karen, is this a Rotator Cuff problem??? All I know is that they burn & hurt like hell if I knit too much!!! Gad. I used to knit for HOURS just a few years ago. Anyway, I'm doing some knitting every day trying to improve the situation. 

I have a top-down, raglan, garter stitch cardi on the go in Briggs & Little Durasport yarn. I originally bought the Durasport for heavy house socks to keep my feet warm. But, socks have become impossible to put on - yeah, I tried a couple of those gadgets to pull on socks - so I decided to knit a sweater with it instead. I find I need a sweater all the time when I'm sitting & even in winter, I prefer a sweater going out in the car. So it's a good option for me.