Sunday, February 23, 2025

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Day 194

Good morning, all.

I don’t recall if I’ve mentioned this earlier, but the count of days above represents the number of days since my diagnosis on August 13, 2024. I do this to track the progression of my symptoms, to try to understand or anticipate what’s coming, and to keep things in perspective. Maybe it will help those of you reading my daily journal understand where I currently stand. The good news is… I’m still standing. The day I lose that—well, I don’t even know what to expect or say when that day arrives.

One more day before the blog goes live. There was no opportunity to talk to Geoff or really anyone yesterday. The noise from the grinding, sawing, hammering, and the compressor was enough to make anyone lose their mind.

I’m glad Bear wasn’t in the house during this phase of the project. Cindy left at 10:00 and stayed out most of the day. However, she returned too early, and we ended up in another silent movie—her lips moving, but the deafening construction noise drowning everything out. By 4:00 we were asking ourselves…”when is this guy leaving?!?!”

Alex showed up a couple of hours after the work started, carrying one of the floorboards with a photo of Cindy and me engraved into the wood. I loved that he did this, and almost immediately, I attempted to walk the plank up the stairs. As soon as I took the first step, I quickly realized that carrying wood in one hand and a cane in the other was a circus act I had no business performing. I handed the flooring to Alex…another smart preemptive. We handed the flooring to one of the installers and explained where it was to be installed. I got choked up trying to explain the significance of this piece, but the installer understood and was genuinely excited to install the personalized flooring, so no words needed.

Alex stayed for a few hours… he has to travel from Highwood so it made sense for him to stay and catchup. We attempted conversation between the chorus of cacophony of construction sounds—some so loud they could make a cat’s hair stand on end. Seriously, these were obnoxiously loud. I even recorded a snippet just to capture the madness. I don’t know how anyone does this job all day and still manages to sleep at night. I could barely push the noise out of my mind when I went to bed.

Today, the “taper” is coming to repair all the drywall holes scattered throughout the house. One thing’s for sure—this will be quiet work. I actually enjoy watching the taping and mudding process. It’s such an art, and professionals make it look effortless. When I do it, however, the results scream “novice.” Part of me wants to ask about fixing my previous attempts, but I think it’s best not to add to this already long project. We’re at four weeks now, with two more to go. It’s time to wrap this up.

A big thank you to Donna for the Do-si-dos Girl Scout cookies! These are the only Girl Scout cookies I eat, and I can demolish a sleeve in less than five minutes….no joke…ask Cindy. Yes, I might be a little obsessive about them. Last week, I even had Cindy drive to Jewel to see if we could find a troop selling them—no luck. Then, on Tuesday, during tax prep, one of our clients dropped off a full box of Do-si-dos. I never saw who did it, but when I heard the telltale rustling of a sleeve being opened, I looked up and saw that familiar orange box. I shouted out in excitement—it had been a long day. So long, in fact, that I had a chocolate donut sitting next to me for six hours, untouched.

Unfortunately, my outburst channeled something out of The Exorcist. JoAnne, our retired schoolteacher, took one look at me, closed the sleeve, and put it back in the box. She settled for a stale donut instead. And yes… I took the cookies home. I suppose I’ll have to apologize to JoAnne on Tuesday for my outrageous and completely inappropriate behavior. But let’s be honest—those cookies were worth it. Maybe somebody will bring Strawberry Twizzlers in this coming week.

Have a great Sunday.

Love you guys.❤️