Saturday, March 29, 2025 - Day 228

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Good morning, all.

Wow! Yesterday was a beautiful day in Crystal Lake. It’s nice to get these little teasers of summer—it reminds us that if we don’t get our act together now, summer will show up unannounced, and we’ll be left scrambling.

I’ve got plenty of loose ends to tie up. The whole e-bike situation, for example, is giving me a headache. I feel like I’m fishing for an answer but keep I keep coming up empty, instead of making a clear decision. Two-wheel e-bikes? Plenty of options. But since I need a trike e-bike, I’m stuck shopping online, unable to test one out before buying. I can already picture it: I finally pick a model, take it out for a nice, long ride—battery rated for 40-50 miles, right?—only to have it die on me at mile 20. Then what? It’s not like I can call a buddy and say, “Hey, mind tossing my 100-pound e-bike in the back of your hatchback?” Maybe AAA offers a “stranded e-biker” package. Something to look into before I commit.

Then there’s the issue of getting a motorized scooter or power wheelchair. Walking any farther than the mailbox—about 40 yards—is off the table. I miss taking Bear for walks. It was such a big part of our family routine, and while I didn’t mind skipping the brutal winter weather, Cindy was always good to tell me about the numb chilling wind. Now that the worst of it has passed, I want back in. I’m not ready to be a front porch spectator, watching life happen without me.

The flower garden is another sore spot. By now, I’d usually be outside, pruning perennials and clearing out last year’s dead growth to make room for spring blooms. This year, it’s up to the landscaper. I just hope his team can tell the difference between a flower and a weed—otherwise, my garden might end up looking more like a crime scene. Either way, it’s better than letting the yard turn into a jungle.

Bottom line? I refuse to be a prisoner in my own home when summer rolls around. ALS or not, I’m going to enjoy life. Golf? I’m playing. Will my swing send me toppling into the grass? Possibly. But what’s the worst that can happen? A soft landing and a good laugh. This whole journey is a learning experience, and I plan on figuring out how to live as normally as possible—whatever “normal” means these days.

On a lighter note, Nicole and Wyatt are in town for the weekend. We met up for an early dinner, and Alex joined us while his Nicole enjoyed being a London tourist with her aunt. We went to Tonality Brewing in Mundelein—a place I can never remember the name of, but thankfully, Google does. Great beer, great food, and a staff that actually enjoys their job. That enthusiasm makes a difference. Wyatt was impressively well-behaved despite being overtired, though he didn’t eat much—just like Grandy. Eating has been getting tougher for me. Swallowing is an issue, which is a minor frustration for now but could become a bigger problem if I’m not getting enough calories. I have a swallow study scheduled for April to investigate.

Since we ate early, the drive back to Crystal Lake was easy. So much nicer to hit the road at 6:30 instead of 8:30. Cindy, as always, was my designated driver. My tolerance for alcohol is basically nonexistent these days—not that I mind the lower bar tab. Plus, it ensures that there’s no “closing down the bar” nonsense. My bedtime is creeping closer to Wyatt’s by the day.

As we got close to home, Cindy took a detour, and we hit downtown Crystal Lake. I think it was a ploy to get some more calories in me. She slowed down as we passed the ice cream shop and suggested a Butter Pecan cone (my favorite). How could I say no? It was a great summer-like evening to sit on a bench and enjoy a treat and the still warm sunlit day. Good call Honey!

This morning, the kids are coming out here. We’re taking Wyatt to the newly remodeled nature center. It’s a great indoor option for a rainy spring day. After that? We’ll play it by ear.

Have a great Saturday.

Love you guys! ❤️