Friday, July 11, 2025 – Day 332

Friday, July 11, 2025

Good morning… it’s Friday!

Wow! I can’t believe I slept in until 5:30 a.m.! I know that sounds weird, but that’s late for me—and it throws my whole morning off. Even stranger is the mini panic attack it triggers, like I’m going to be late for work or miss an appointment. I’ve taken this blog seriously enough that I want it published by 7:00 a.m. CST so it’s timely each day. I feel like I should be somewhat predictable for those of you who’ve made it part of your morning routine. So I had to skip my backgammon game and jump right into the blog.

I haven’t been sleeping well the past couple of nights. I’ve been wearing the respirator to bed, and I’m sure having that snake of a feeding tube attached to my stomach doesn’t help either. I’ve been tempted to ditch the respirator—I don’t think I need it right now. But if I stop using it, I’m back to square one when I eventually do need it, and this thing took nearly two months to get. The hardest part is getting back in to see the doctor.

And then there are the Medicare rules. If I don’t use the respirator for at least five hours each night, they can repossess it. Use it or lose it. Honestly, I don’t fault them—why should they pay for a machine I’m not using?

The other night I ran out of CBD, so I took melatonin instead… and wow, it must’ve worked. I ended up sleeping nearly ten hours. Turns out it works really well—especially when you take double the recommended dose. I took one the night before and it only worked somewhat. So doubling up felt like a natural move… and hey, it worked.

We’ve got a fairly busy day ahead. We’re trying to smoke more bacon—for our trip up north at the end of the month and to give away. Some of my Waukegan friends are coming out to Crystal Lake this afternoon, and Carrie didn’t get any bacon last time she was here. She had it in hand when she left our house… and it disappeared somewhere between here and her home. No idea where it went! It should have revealed itself after a few days of 90° heat.

I kept busy yesterday with the new book I’m reading, The Stand by Stephen King, is totally engaging. I’m still early in—maybe 10%—but the story reminds me of the beginning of COVID-19… except way deadlier. This thing kills 98.5% of people who get it. I’m expecting full-on human extinction. So yeah, I’m hooked. I’ll be in it to the end.

I vacillated between the book and the jigsaw puzzle during the day. I love doing the puzzles but picking up those small pieces without fully functional opposing thumbs is almost a deal killer. Then my neck starts to really ache. I’m not sure why that’s happening, but my instincts tell me it’s due to my neck muscles weakening. Well…that sucks.

The puzzle will be finished this morning and it’s still enjoyable to do them. They are solid puzzle pieces and the scenes are always beautiful with their colors and diverse range of themes. If you like puzzles… these are fun to do.

One last thing. My sister Lis asked me what my formula feedings taste like. Now, keep in mind the tube goes straight to my stomach, so taste buds aren’t involved. I haven’t attempted to drink the stuff—it looks like a protein shake, and I’ve never been a fan of those. Honestly, the only shake I’ve ever loved is chocolate. Still, I wasn’t sure how to answer her question… until I burped. That’s when I realized I can taste it, sort of. I told her it was chocolatey—but not in a good way. Probably because it’s been blended with stomach juices. 😬

Well… that sent Lis, Cindy, and Steve into hysterics. Especially Steve. I wasn’t even trying to be funny! I think it might be the hardest I’ve ever seen him laugh. Just one of those moments—you had to be there.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and finds a few moments of unexpected laughter.

Have a great Friday. Love you guys! ❤️

The college friends sent a photo last night of their vacation…they must be nearing the end. Love the smiles!!