Sunday, November 9, 2025 – Day 453

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Good morning! Welcome to winter. Brrr 🥶

I had to crank the fan on the fireplace this morning. Hard to believe that on Friday I was outside peeling off layers because I was too hot. Now I’m shivering…the heat didn’t kick on overnight.

Which brings me to my complaint with Google. We have a Nest thermostat that can no longer connect to my phone… all because it’s “too old.” I was warned this would happen and that I’d need to buy a newer-generation Nest to continue using the app. That’s just BS. I was perfectly happy with how things worked…why cause a hassle for people just to sell new hardware?

I like being able to set the heat or A/C remotely, especially since doing it manually isn’t exactly easy for me anymore. So, I bit the bullet and bought the new Nest (a discounted $159 — thanks, Google 🙄). It arrived the other day. Now I just need to install it… sure, with my non-working digits. It’s moments like this when ALS really pisses me off. Any volunteers for thermostat duty?

Yesterday was my first full day of three “square meals” by formula. It’s a weird feeling not eating anything at all. I could have, but all that formula fills me up fast and leaves me feeling bloated. Cindy did drop one goldfish in front of me during my lunch feeding so could enjoy some food by mouth…it’s still there this morning.

Each feeding is two 8-oz cartons of formula (Abbott Labs, for any shareholders out there), plus water flushes — about 7 oz before and after. That’s roughly 90 ounces of liquid a day, not even counting the water I use for pills or to wet my throat. That’s a lot going in… and it all has to come out.

Unfortunately, my bladder—after a few calm weeks—was back to its old tricks this morning. Let’s just say “urgent” doesn’t even begin to describe it. Ugh.

We had a few people stop by the house yesterday. That’s probably going to be the norm for a while instead of restaurant meetups. With the cold weather, noisy spaces, and my wobbly legs, staying home just makes more sense. I know coming to Crystal Lake isn’t convenient for everyone, but we’ll try to stay flexible and meet halfway when we can.

This morning we’re hosting our HOA board meeting. Thankfully, we only have eight townhomes, so even if everyone shows up, it’s just twelve people. I’ve always led these meetings, but the reins are now in Cindy’s hands—like so many other things. I’m still able to pull together the numbers, but communicating them is getting harder.

Hopefully, we’ll find someone willing to take my spot on the board. Easier said than done…it seems nobody wants to volunteer for anything these days. Somebody has to do it or we hire it out. That’s a pricy alternative. That may motivate the crowd.

Have a great Sunday — and go Bears! 🐻🏈 Love you guys! ❤️

Photos