29 February 2024
I made 0.99 miles today – might as well call it 1.0! Of course, my legs were like overcooked spaghetti. I made it all the way down one of our finger isles and back. It really gave me a sense of accomplishment.
I actually feel really good today, albeit still weak. I managed my complete routine of home physical therapy. I have two sessions next week with Shannon, one on Tuesday and one on Thursday. She really puts me through my paces.
Yesterday was my visit to the endocrinologist. I was early for the appointment and even though I was taken back on time at 2:30 pm, it was 4 pm by the time I got out of there. I’m not complaining. He spends time with me. He suggested I might consider an antidepressant and suggested I contact my GP which I did this morning. I’m awaiting his call to see if he wants an office visit or if he is willing to prescribe one. The endocrinologist suggested either Cymbalta or Elavil, both seem to help with neuropathy in addition to depression.
I’m not a great fan of antidepressants but as Dr. Jellinger said, there’s every reason I should be depressed with what I’ve been through.
Last night was movie night and Chris, Tucker and I saw No Reservations starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Echhart. We picked that movie because Abigail Breslin played the young kid in our last movie and she was in a starring role in this one. That kid can act! Of course, she’s not a kid anymore. She’s 27. She was nominated for an academy award for best supporting actress for her role in Little Miss Sunshine.
This afternoon is happy hour with Jim, Holley, Tom and Kurt at the Secret Garden. I look forward to seeing them. I haven’t seen Jim or Holley in a while and it’ll be good to catch up.
I found another bloomer in the yard today. The weather is quite warm and I suspect more and more plants will begin to bloom. This one is Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) considers this invasive and wants people to not plant it. I didn’t. It just came up in the yard. I collected two species of Ruellia when I was doing my thesis at Tishomingo State Park back in the 70’s, R. strepens, and R. caroliniensis. It was strange to find the genus in my backyard. The species at the park grew along the banks of the creek in the park.
I can see why people planted Mexican petunia in their yards. It’s quite attractive. It’s a member of the family known as Acanthaceae. The family name is derived from the genus Acanthus. You can see carved Acanthus leaves in Corinthian columns and also as carvings on pieces of furniture.
Time for lunch, then to crawl up in bed and read. I feel a nap coming on.
Stay tuned!
P.S. Dr. Dunhill’s office called and he wants to meet with me to discuss the antidepressant. Remarkably, I got a Monday appointment. Usually these appointments are month in the future.
