Monday, August 4, 2025 – Day 356

Monday, August 4, 2025

Good morning, it’s Monday.

So, I’ve got this feeding tube now to help supplement my nutrition. Still, I enjoy eating real food when I can—and I hope to keep doing so for months to come, until swallowing becomes dangerous or simply no longer possible. But lately, something has changed with my chewing. Over the past week, every time I chew on the right side of my mouth, I end up biting my bottom lip. Sometimes it draws blood. And yes—it hurts. Now I know what you’re thinking: “So… stop chewing on that side.”
 Fair point. But then I hear my dentist in my head, reminding me to chew equally on both sides—because that’s what they always say. And besides, I paid good money last year for a couple of new molars over there. I’d like to put them to work and get my money’s worth out of them…preferably without drawing blood.

Yesterday, we went to Kishwaukee Brewing Company with Barb and Mark for a car show… and some beer. Actually, it was more about the beer—turns out the car show just happened to be there. Joe and Donna were there too. Joe had his T-Bird on display and was hoping for a few prizes. Sorry Joe—I should remember the year of your car, but it escapes me.

Of course, I was on the lookout for Mike and his red ’67 Mustang convertible. That’s more my speed—but sadly, no convertible Mustangs in sight. ☹️ I did see few other Mustangs that were photo worthy. Sorry Joe…your car is worthy…I just missed taking a snapshot of it. Maybe next week.

Thankfully, we still had the small power wheelchair in the Buick from our Wisconsin trip, so I was able to cruise around the grassy field and check out the cars. That chair’s no off-roader and occasionally it does get stuck, but it beats the alternative. If I had tried to walk it, we’d probably be talking about fall #13 today—so I’ll count it as a win. I’m still feeling the bruises from fall #12 the other day…no need to add more black blue just yet.

Overall, it was a beautiful day to be outside and feel somewhat human again after the post-vacation fog from Saturday. My only real complaint? The band. They were actually good—70s rock, fitting for a car show—but I can’t talk over loud music anymore. Honestly, I struggle to be heard in a church-level whisper setting. Add a live band and forget it—there’s just no way for me to join in the conversation. Chalk up another challenge to this shitty disease.

Peggy, our care coordinator, suggested I try a voice amplifier to help project my voice in noisy settings. It’s a smart idea, and I’m still mulling it over—I just need to get used to the thought of wearing a portable speaker in public. I’d basically be a walking PA system. Maybe I’ll start taking song requests? And who knows—if Cindy’s high school friend Art happens to hear me, maybe he’ll recruit me as a backup singer for his band, The Cleaning Ladies. Art, I’ll be waiting ear my phone. 🤣

Have a great start to your week. Thank you everybody for all that you do to make us laugh!

Love you guys!❤️