Rock 11

Getting ready to close it up for the weekend. It has been a rather slow day, even if I overslept. Just found out I did not win The Dude's first contest. Was not even close! It was fun to try, however, and the winner was his boss. Hmmmmm??

Since The Dude informed me someone had been hired, I have been trying to cope with the new environment. While returning was never immediate, it was an option. Not now. Guess closure has its moments. I am not terribly upset. While it really was not my decision, I can live with it.

The lady across the street died. I have been watching the family gather stuff. Yesterday was a formal reception, to which I was invited. Decided not to, as we were anything but close. Still she was a fine person, and her husband was a special peach. Our older group has lost 3 families and a dog just this fall/winter. Kind of sad, but I welcome the new and likely younger.

Always enjoy my weekends. Today I hit the grocery, so some of the stuff is here already. Sat. morning I usually enjoy a hearty cup of coffee and my shoppig at The Coop. Once again hope to see The Dude. Or possibly my neighbor Bob. Or as of now, zippo.

Darn this keyboard. If you see typos, could be the stuck keys. Takes forever to type now. Bravo the new computer sometime next week! I figured memory was the main problem, not typing. Live and learn.

Been a nice week. I am settling into a new routine. Still need to get more rest, but otherwise doing well. Slowly spouting new wings and trying on new mes. And of course celebratng The Dude's growth and fne progress.

Heard from my bud Brian this morning. He travels a lot, so it is unusual to get a prompt reply. Nice to have his best wishes. He was unaware of my situation and expressed concern. Nice to hear.

Frankly I am thrilled about the speedier PC. The more I ponder it, the more grateful I am. It is nice to have friends who remember fondly the years together and who try to still meet your needs. Of course I realize what has been missing since surgery, but of course there have been gains. Either way, I am not in total control of destiny and go with the flow, one of my fav expressions. True friends accept what is and work with it, perhaps recalling what made us friends in the first place!

Speaking of that, I see The Dude has starved to within 2 pounds of victory. Sure cannot match him. I am holding my own, with days up and days back down. Still seeing a 2 on the scale. The Dude is claimng final victory, and he credits our pact with pushing him onward. Glad I could help. He is a dear bud and I have no problems with his apparent victory. We both win either way. My best to him.

Still bothered by our botched lunch effort Wed. We are going to try again to see a computer trade show. His website is not doing well, he reports. It now has become complicated, as he is a computer whiz. He has pictures, several pages, whatever. While I just type, Th Dude manages. I sure respect his skill.

So it is a rainy morning. I feel good today, better each day thank goodness. Hope we can do lunch as planned this time. Anyway, plenty to do at home, as I continue to nurse my illness. Seems to take plenty of time some days, but that is why I am away from the office still. Trying to get my strength.

End of a rainy afternoon. Time to hit the blog. It has been an up and down day, but mostly up. This morning I was promised a new computer with much more memory. It replaced this one, and the next step wll do the same. While I have been grateful for the Aptiva and while it has done great things for me, more memory will be grand. AOL refuses to upgrade my curret software, for example. So in a week or so I will have more options. And my keyboard is starting to drag. Nice surprise from an old friend.

Got loads of mail this morning. Yes, another medical bil! And I was invited out by The Dude. To which I replied promptly. And I waited nearly a half hour, and I walked in the rain, and finally I saw The Dude driving by on the way back to the office. So I shopped, sloshed home, and cussed.

But the good news is our weekly paper contains a new menu from The Dude's pizza joint. I have already told him I am looking forward to a delivery Satuirday. Will choose the pie in plenty of time for his shift. He has been difficult to get ahold of recently at the store, and my orders have been ignored. But not this week. Plenty of time and a new selection list. My bud will come thru.

So the work day at AC is closing. It has actually been a busy day. I have some credits, like a new PC. That wll be a big help, as this faithful box has been very slow when compared to the office set, which is the latest.

We may have reached the end of the snow season. It is supposed to changeover later today and warm even more. I am planning on being home until at least lunch. The storm is due any minute at AC.

Isolation is not all bad. I am feeling well, but still tired. Slept fine, even without the animals. They each have a favorite place and need me only if sleep interferes with the feeding time. Sometimes like today they just wake me and run, not wanting to waste even a minute. And of course I just play along and arise. Makes me sleepy later, but gets them off to a good start. Then they can just take another nap, but full.

I am most happy to mention that with some increased walking, the weight is again dropping. The scale this morning indicated almost a new record low, just above the first major milestone. The Dude indicates he is nearing the end of the whole diet process and will win the "bet." He has chosen to starve himself, something he will not maintain, so perhaps we should bet on the number on next January 1. I plan to reach the goal later in the year and go on from there, rather like reaching a new planet. While I have been greatly slowed by my illness, I have not wavered and done what I could to at least hold.

I am noticing the keyboard seems to be sticking, at least on the blog. Should ask The Dude how to get back the usual fluid motion. He is a computer whiz, as he demonstrates in his new blog venture. He is now trying to sell t shirts. Well, I might wear one to help him out, but I sure would not buy one. The prices are just "a bit" steep!

Speaking of my best friend, he was caught breaking the law recently. Instead of straightenig out his act, he describes his time making a plea as one of trying to attract chicks to his new torso. It appears he was unsuccessful in both efforts. I see no remorse for his outlaw acts, and no success getting a date. Guess that day really fell through?

Well, on to the chores. The longer I stay home, the more I get into a new routine. With the snow now starting, I expect to be home until picked up. Walking might be tricky. But there is always plenty to do, as I work my way through AC to put things rght.

Good Monday morning. Nice and sunny, but hardly warm. We are expecting more snow later, so I need to shop soon. Weekend was quite nice. Not terribly productive other than the Coop run, but pleasant. I have to remember my energy problems and continue to take it easy.

It was a real joy to get mail without even a single medical bill. Sure seems like forever since the operation, but not to the creditors! While at times something positive arrives, mostly the best deal is nothing costly. While I can pay the bills, sure do not want to.

As I start each morning with business on the Web and always check The Dude's site, the changes there were quite a surprise. He has been tweaking it. Knew that. But over the weekend, he put up new graphics, a page to sell t shirts, etc., and even a suggestive page with well built dancers. What gives there? My best friend also inserted a "secret" button. I, of course, cannot log in. Hope we will explain and share. Feel left out and a bit put off. I think the graphics look quite good, but the point of some moves excapes me.

Anyway, it is getting on to lunch. Hope The Dude calls soon to set somehing up. Then on to a bit of shopping and the storm watch. The biz for Monday is done, as walking is still a trick. Looks as if this week will be kinder.

Happy Sunday. We had enough snow to pose a problem and also to be lovely. Not heavy stuff either. So far it has not gone away, but it is supposed to finally warm up. It suggests a nice day to mellow out and hopefully receive some e mails. The 2 animals seem to need a long nap. They have spit at each other, but done no harm. I think Nutmeg is old enough that it would take a major incident to get her into a real fight, but she pretends!

I had a nice ride and coffee with a good friend on Sat. Always have the dark roast, and the nice visit was great. We have discussed at various times buying the local market, now closed. It would be a challenge working together, but probably fun. Of course The Dude and I had similar ideas, but he has been pretty quiet lately. Anyway, I loaded up at The Coop and came home. The snow was a small problem, but today is another story. Mostly overnight.

It seems time to move on from being a person going back to whatever to someone off on a new adventure. Whle I would not hesitate to go back under the right rules, it seems unlikely. So once again I need to adjust my vision. And, of course, recover.

I cannot believe the illness situation has helped my high blood pressure. A calm week would be nice. Once I figured on just doing samo samo, but it was not possible. So onwards and upwards.

Just returned from the weekly Coop trip. Earned a ride over with a friend this morning. Had coffee and a nice visit. Bob has been a friend and neighbor for months, but our neighborhood market recently closed. Thus he no longer makes me lunch. He was real good. Since he also sells clothes, he always looks sharp.

The Coop was crowded as usual. No one to discuss food with, as The Dude did not respond this week. Oh, well. I managed, walked downtown, and rode the bus. Plenty of snow in the meantime, so the home trip was more challenging.

Suire nice to be back with food in the fridge. I am ever so glad The Dude and I decided to go another way and join up. It has been a real pleasure to enjoy fresh coffee and then shop. Sometimes the chatter is great, too. Most often, not.

Well, we have a new neigbor moving in down the block. And last night, the EMT's came as well. Always change. I have no special plans and nothing to read. Good afternoon to kick back. The weather makes travel a real hazard.

Afternoon agan - a bit slow. Busy day so far. I discussed another contribution to my IRA. Seems an odd time to shell out, but then not really. The new broker also is a cancer survivor, so we started off with the truly important stuff! Hers seemed more serious, but she pulled through. Good going!

I have been working on the IRA for several years, first sold bya neighbor. Never a regret about saving for retirement. Took me an awfully long time to get underway, but I found an approach that works fine for me. The climbing market got me out of the hole.

Think The Dude makes a good point about appearance and speaking. Shoot, I hardly notice what he looks like - ok, a glance or two! He always has interesting stuff in his blog, and I never miss it. Also enjoy the pictures. Looks like a winning kid.

Well, I have wrapped up the dues for the week. Not a bad week, with one good time with The Dude and mostly business. I always look forward to doing coffee on Saturday, the shopping, and then home. Hope to discuss the future with The Dude We both have lots going on. It is always a mellow time.

Hope the fog and snow leave this weekend. The footing in the yard is really bad. I still like the white look, but it is more than time to move it along. Supposed to rain some.

In other news, this blog has been hacked by XXXXX on 4/9/04, who is wondering how long it will take the owner to notice the subtle changes that have been made to posts herein. Look for celebrity names to appear in place of real names!

You know, I think the word for the day is "love." It is now late afternoon on a gray and foggy winter day. I have recently returned from the annual Buy Idaho show at the Capitol. It features local companies and FREE samples of their wares. Nothing is sold. Other than my favorite bread no longer being handed out, the show was a joy. I went early and beat some of the lunch crowd, but not all. I had invited The Dude to meet up, but got no reply. And then when I was on the third floor working down, there he was as if we were on the same wavelength, not at all unusual

I always love this show and take in every booth. I did not come away with as much as usual, but it was a joy to see it again and to have the energy to walk downtown and back in good shape. Now that the semi-painful rest period is over, I enjoy beng more active as before, and ABLE to do it

I must say it was pure pleasure to see The Dude. It had been over a week, and when you are alone, each day seems longer. We are always open and sharing. Never a judgment. Always all for one and one for all. I had such a good time and did not want to leave The Dude may be promoted, which works well for me. I realize his many talents and how valuable he could be. The selection is just ahead. I promise The Dude a dinner if he wins.

So I am home again, ready to select from among the many free teas collected. It was good to see the cats again, and the home, and whatever. As I said, a day of love. Oh how I miss The Dude, but he is going so well. Whatever I can add to it, I surely will.

Tuesday afternoon, nearing the big speech tonight. Just returned from a haircut and feeling good. The walk took it out of me, but I am home and back at the old computer. Not too much went on today.

It is still chilly, but a brisk walk feels real good. I saw the dr's nurse, who said I looked better. Also cashed some small checks for online surveys, which just paid for the cut. Small change, but it adds up!

The Dude bought a new video camera, which he displayed by showing a clip of his drive to work. Not sure how he took the shots and drove, but The Dude is one clever guy. And, frankly, I think his day job is safe. There was no actor, just a bunch of headlights. Not a box office hit. But he got a start, and I applaud. Hope he can join me for the freebees at the Capitol. The snacks are good, and you see only items made in the state. Nice show, and all free. I notice such things these days.

So the transition continues. I must say the closure was awkward, and I am not proud of it. But since I was not allowed to express my own vote, I just checked the options granted me. Any ending is jarring, and this one seems even more so.

Monday afternoon all ready. It is sort of a holiday, for some and for me always now. I felt like working on the strength, so walked to The Coop. Skipped coffee, just bought one item. Had a nice stroll down the aisles. Seems not so cold today, so really enjoyed the "workout." Got home for lunch with The Dude, but was not called. Oh, well.

I got to thinking about my illness. While the dr says there is no connection, it does seem strange I would be hit in the same place where the growth began. On the one hand it is disturbing, and yet it may indicate a reason which would make me very happy. It is hard to believe there is absolutely zero tie. And of course, since perhaps the cause was so rare, maybe it is cured. Always hope.

I have been thinking about the future today. Sure would like to chat, but my bud has his own issues. He seems to hold my illness against me, in that my mind has been cloudy. Hope I can convince him that I am BACK. Or if not, moving that way. He is so stimulating that he is sorely missed.

Walked by the Capitol. The MLK rally was starting up. I recalled the last rally, where I met The Dude and his cute baby. We had a good time, standing together and cheering. Not sure if he attended today, but I felt the cold was not good for me. Looked around and left. Noticed that The Coop had a booth. Hurrah!

So on to more thinking this afternoon. My world is a strange place right now, and I try to make the best of each new event. Perhaps being so alone is not the best approach, but it is what is. Sure could use some advice at times!

Nice slow Sunday morning at AC. It is past 11, and I am just now getting underway. Saturday was the usual day, a nice walk to The Coop without the usual coffee. No one to chat with. Met an employee inside who is entering the UW grad program. We had a great visit. Since The Dude does not stop by very often, I get lonely and look for chances to have an intelligent chat, much as I have with my main man. Anyway, nice visit over the brown sugar. I received my main magazine, Sunset, and dived right in after parking the food. Each issue puts me in a mellow mood, as I can travel without the bother and expense. Not a 100% answer, but darn pleasant. Also enjoy the flower articles getting ready for the new season. I am ready!!!

Turned in early once again and had a great night. Seem to sleep better these days, and the pain has gotten to the point where it isn't a problem. Even the cats seemed to do well. Of course in their case, it does not take much!

Nice Sunday morning. I have learned that cancer needs a happy and a positive mood to fight, so I try to relax more and not let the issues, and there are so many, get to me. I need to do a bit of shopping today, then home for the afternoon. Hope to hear from some good buds today, including you know who. Anyway, there are enough little things to do to keep me active.

I watched a fav show, the European adventures of Rick Steves, a fixture on PBS. Sometime back I suggested to The Dude we consider taking a tour. He has not replied with a definite answer, so I dreamed of us doing the same route as on TV. Brought tears to my eyes, as we could have such fun and learn so much from each other.

Anyhoo, on to another day off. We have a Monday holiday as well, so it could be interesting. Plan to continue the positive attitude and good vibes.

Still cold again! Usual fog and ice combo. Not supposed to clear freezing once again. But I am tucked in with the computer, so can do something. And the final paycheck has been deposited. Not sure exactly what that means, but it is a fact. Have been here before - happy today and sad tamale.

Recently I have come to view Fridays as a 3-day weekend. This coming one, we have Monday as well. But for today, I have no special plans and may be home most of the day. My attention seems to have focused on rearranging, which is nicely coming along. Nothing grand, just a few tweeks.

It has irritated me no end to notice Dad's nice ring gone. My hunch is that because it has loosened due to the diet, it fell off during the night. If so, that means indoors, so it should be somewhere. It has been very loose, but I did not want to take action until finishing up the diet. I had it expanded recently due to a bee sting that proved I was allergic. The ring stuck and turned the finger black. That problem was fixed, but then The Dude challenged me to lose weight. I did, and the ring vanished. Hope it shows up, as it is a family heirloom, one of a very few.

Still cold and icy in town. While the sidewalks have gotten a bit better, it still is a struggle. As a result, I phoned my favorite pizza place late yesterday and ordered a veggie kind for delivery. This place does have good stuff, and I think The Dude works there on a Wednesday. Asked him to do the honors. And what showed? Zippo. Starved. I waited all evening for the food. The Dude has been complaining lately about bad roads, but if he is the delivery dude, tough!

I have tried several times to score an order from this place because the pizza is pretty good, if expensive. Guess I might as well return to my old fav PH, which always has been cooperative about delivery and has a much nicer restaurant. I have eaten there for my entire time here, but switched due to my best bud. But if my loyalty is rewarded by no food, why bother? I remain puzzled and pizzaless.

I had another medical bill from one provider. Of course how does one know? Trust?? The bill states they do not accept insurance payments. Why the hell not? So they submitted it anyway, got nothing, and sent it on to me. What gives? And what exactly did they do? The bills do not describe procedures much.

With the cottage my main focus these days, I continue to make progress on the cleaning and rearranging. Feels better by the day. The cats still sleep most of the day, or at least until the fog lifts. We have a nice time in a slow way. I often have to wait, and often have to slow down for recovery, but manage to struggle on. And hope around lunch time that The Dude can make it over.

Late blog today - almost news time. Was going to start earlier, but a slow morning put me behind. And there was nothing from The Dude to kick me, except another brag about losing weight. Despite his constant cheating, he still is walking over me. But he is my other half, so really do not mind. He is looking great.

Did not see The Dude today. Plugged on through the day. Another medical bill arrived. How does one check it out? I do not mean the math, but the procedure. Seems a bit slow, but whatever. I keep hoping it wraps up the illness, but there seems to be no promise of such.

It has been a rather good day. Finally found a product to clean bowl rings, a problem from the day I moved here. No chemical seemed to cure it. This was quick and really easy. Also read the new rose booklet from my favorite grower. Prices are steep, but the photos are quality. Not buying yet, but looking hard. I also thought about the 2 dudes who seem attracted. The eyes tell the story. Makes an operation survivor feel alive. Hope The Dude is paying attendtion.

Each day feels more natural, as if being home is the right choice. Anyway, my health is the primo thing. Until I have some energy and some focus, I cannot do a job justice. Whatever someone else says, I am the person in the human suit here. Yes, I miss someone like hell, but life is an entire experience, and I must take the bad with the very good.

Another foggy morning; another morning of getting organized. New life beginning. Have to forget the old routine and get with the program. I am feeling really fine today. Slept badly, but did fine after some pills. Could have kept going until noon, but didn't.

Monday was a nice day. The Dude dropped by to present me with an office Christmas present, a nice bag from one of our firms. Probably will not use it often, but it is nice to be remembered. And The Dude has gotten back to his pre-cheat weight of 182, which looks fine on him. He sure is getting better and better. I am about the same, as usual, no cheating and no losing. But since The Dude is the other half, his progress is just terrific. He can see the end, while I can only see lots of hiking, gardening, and activities for the spring. Whatever, we are doing the right thing.

So I am starting the day with energy. Hope to see The Dude for something. No specific plans, but he surprises me, for good or bad. Anyway, I have a good read, the latest issue of the Vegetarian mag. I hope he receives the same and follows the advice. Heh, heh.

Ah, Sunday. The end or the beginning? I have just read my mentor's new blog called Elegantsquid. Not sure why he changed. The format is a bit different, and he is doing more than one blog now. Always interesting, more like an editorial on life. I never miss it, though he often does!

As the changes in life set in, I get more comfy with each day. The diet continues at full speed, as it seems does his. He sometimes mixes strange combos, but they do sound slimming. I just continue eating less and better as the longrun way to go. I am sure he leads, but I have the handicap of being ill and not able to go 100%.

So life moves into the next phase. As usual I do not feel really ready for anything, but try to cope. It all is so overwhelming right now. And my best bud The Dude has seemed to pull away just when I need his support and frankly his vehicle. Don't think it is an SUV.

I have few plans today. Probably try a run to the store. Candles would be nice, but will try not to fall over the ice. I made a similar run Friday and had just a bit of difficulty. But there is plenty of time, a dry day, and a willing spirit. The animals are down for their winter's nap.

I have not seen The Dude all week. He has said if I do not come into the office, it is out-of-sight out-of-mind. Did not want to believe him, but sadly it may be true. Illness seems to make one especially alone, and with all the free time and pretty good ability, I could get out more if someone cared. Otherwise, it is the cocoon.

So I am hoping for another good week. Wrapping up and unwrapping at the same time. I have had some great emails, but little local interest. Well, the key thing is to get back to 100% right now. The Dude will have to make his own decisions.

Another cold and snow-covered day here. The sun is shining, but the snow is going nowhere. I had hoped to get out today, but the streets are soooo icy after a few days of little new snow. I have food, so can just stay warm. The house is nice with the added light, and the cats are sound asleep.

The first week of my "retirement" has ended. Got a couple of cards today, but not much. It takes time to put the illness in perspective, the end of the job in perspective, and the future clearly ahead. And the person I planned to spend the future with no longer seems to care much. He has been simply unavailable. Seems to put more emphasis on a new website than his buds.

So not much to add this noon. Nothing especially new or exciting. But restful is not all bad!

Another snowy day in Boise. Odd to have snow on the ground so much, with the ice underneath presenting a real challenge. My feet are still pretty sore, so my balance could be better. I have been very careful going out and am putting off errands until the coast is clear.

So it is another cozy morning in AC. Trying to adjust to new times, new chores, and new challenges. As the break from the office widens, the new steps make more and more sense, and even become life itself. I need to plan and think in new ways, and it takes time. Eleven years is a long time, and the break was not exactly relaxing.

It has pleased me how many people have shown interest and friendship, even some new ones who work elsewhere. I do e mail daily, some calls, and often see neighbors who care. It is my first break with limitations, so help is nice, though I do not use it often. The bus is fairly convenient, even with a higher fare.

My future with The Dude surely is a puzzle. He was so very caring during the hospital visits, so eager to do lunches on our regular schedule, and by far the best friend from the office. But recently there seems to have been a pulling away, less time, fewer details, just less caring. He has been critical, and I realize illness makes one different. But it has been a surprise. I just keep saying the same thing, how much I care and how much I want to plan a future. If this is not the week to hear it, hopefully soon it will be again.

So I plan for a quiet day around AC. The cats are fed and asleep. The place is pretty clean. And the owner is looking forward to some AL. And hi to The Dude wherever he may be in his life.

Something cozy about Tuesday morning, with the snow and the extreme chill. I found out yesterday that walking is a problem, as I had not gone 3 yards before I collapsed. Slowly enough not to hurt, but a sign of problems. So I am staying put. Does not help the diet, but health is even more important.

Had to make additional decisions without my best friend, The Dude. The job situation must be resolved by now. Heard nothing further. No medical this week, but always decisions. I know The Dude has questions about our next steps, and I want him to know I understnd and will wait. Miss him terribly, and hope to do a lunch. But he is a fine person and usually has his own full plate. Until he reaches my situation, he will never truly understand!

I spent much time Monday, between cat visits, rearranging and fixing. Now that I am home more, some things can be handled better I am learning. Worked quite a time to fix a clock, and this morning it is right on the button. Clap, clap. The house gets more welcoming and comfy each day I can spend at home and not roaming. Today looks like another such day. I have no special plans, but always find more things needing attention.

Looks like more snow later. We need something to melt off the ice peaks on all the sidewalks. It is just fine with me, as I do not have to be anywhere. If The Dude collects me for lunch, we can drive. The local spot closed anyway. A nice meal would really lift the spirits.

Seems to be a problem publishing blogs. This is the third one, the last 2 not posted despite saying they were. Guess we should cover the entire weekend. On NY Eve, I was asked to return to work and was not up to it. So I did not. Also on that day, I "said goodbye" to the local market, which closed after 82 years. Wanted to sit and visit, but the crowd was so large I just bought chips and left. Checked again Sunday. A couple was cleaning the equipment, did not know either. So my friend was gone, and I will have a problem seeing him again. He works at a clothing store, expensive type - something I have no need of.

Today begins the new pattern, I suppose. Not much in the mail, and little on the net. I have not seen The Dude for many days, but did receive e mail. He was ill, so we missed lunch last week. Anyway, I am thinking of him and wondering how his holiday went. Since he has declared some decisions about us, the future looks cloudy. But I can say without question how much I miss him today, especially now that lunch has passed.

I sure have major questions about the future. Good news is that the diet is back on track and I am in the familiar digits above the next 0. Would like to cross, but the snow keeps me from exercising much. Very slippery sidewalks. Today is cold and quiet, so I am spending time with the pair of cats and the PC.

This is the first day of the new year and the new type. I am looking at what needs done and when we should do it. Nice to have time to think, but lonesome without The Dude to tease. We get along so great. Wish he were here to start the household stuff. But he has traffic to calm, and he does a fine job.

So let's hope this one posts and we are off in the new year. Hard to say what the last blog of the year will say. I have hopes, but few details.

Happy New Year. The first paragraph was just bleeped away, so here it goes again. And my complete last blog was also not printed. So to summarize the week, I was asked to return to work. What with the continued soreness plus the memory loss my boss noticed, I declined. My status today is not finally resolved, but I am ready for whatever. I am not anxious to leave my longtime position, but whatever happens is for the best. I have been giving much thought to options.

Today the Cottage is snowbound. We have another couple of showers today to add to a fair total. I got out the shovel once again, but it was easy going. Just returned from a walk to the market, which closed after 82 years. The Dude likes the place, and I have toyed with taking some action there with a couple of friends. No plan emerged, so I am just waiting.

Got the decorations down and prepared the house for another year. It will be a most interesting year, and I hope to be ready for it. Feeling OK today, but tired again even with a long night. BS woke me up once again. When she is hungry, there is no other answer.

So I am waiting to hear from The Dude and his ideas for a new path. There is a lot on his mind, and I would love to hear it. Have missed him all week. I know he was sick, but so far nothing at all this weekend.

Good morning and Happy New Year. Up early today, as I turned in early. Yesterday was quite stressful. As I was asked to go back to work and did not, I expected a followup at anytime. Glad to see my payment was made as usual. Nice to have a happy holiday before the outcome appears.

On the Eve, The Dude was sick and did not make our lunch. Too bad, and I missed him as usual. Attended the closing sale of a local store - 82 years young. Hoped to sit and chat, but the "crush" of customers made it impossible. I did find a good buy on a small bag of potato chips and bought it (empty).

Of course one thinks about the old year. It sure was impossible to predict, huh? My best friend The Dude and I agreed to diet and turn veggie. Never figured that one! Summer passed, and my supervisor sent me to the ER. Turned out after the second operation, I had cancer. Spent just a short time in the hospital, but managed my own care for weeks. Not always easy, but generally OK. Biggest problem was a lack of energy, so I got behind on the diet program. Also had some pain and had to take many pills daily. But progress was made, and my doctor visits are much easier to take.

All in all, every event of 2003 was affected by my best friend, The Dude. He agreed to get in shape, and he drove me to the hospital. He offered to spend the night during care, and he met me for lunches as before. He was a hero, and I miss him the days we are apart. He surely had his own challenges this year, far too many, and he came through ready for more. Bravo, Dude. Oh, yes, I should mention it was reported to me that he cheated on the diet, and even at least once ate meat. Yes, he admitted the same, but claims it was just once. Yeah?

So on to 2004. My work situation may or may not be finally resolved, so I remain in limbo today. Looking forward to some TV. It snowed yesterday, and the snow remains, but it is already raining, so warmer. Walking was tough, even a couple of blocks. Not all local streets are plowed. But I also will think about the rest of an interesting year. I think The Dude and I have plenty of challenges ahead, hopefully this time positive!