Changes

Today is the first day in many weeks that we are together and we don't have to go anywhere all day. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds. We slept in and the last Formula 1 race of the season from Brazil and the last one ever on the Speed Channel is on right now. The three announcers whom we have followed for years will probably not be involved next year. Many changes. Several drivers have changed teams and one retired. Goodbye to Michael Schumacher.

The sun is fighting to come through the clouds this morning. After working hard in the garden yesterday, I sat for a few hours in the back yard in my bathing suit. It was that warm. Later, we went to a light dinner at Rick and Natalie's house last evening. It was great to spend some time with Melanie. It is fun to watch from afar as she negotiates this all important Junior year in high school. Tennis, AP classes, band competitions, yearly musical where she won a part this year. Busy. So many changes in their lives just ahead.

The very important doctor appointment is this Wednesday afternoon. I will have a full run of Pulmonary Function Tests before the appointment, which will prove that I have greatly improved after the doctor said there was nothing more she could do for me. I have worked hard for this improvement with many additional hours in the gym. My supplemental oxygen needs during pulmonary rehab are just .5 liters as of last week. This is a reduction from 2 liters. Big change.

And sadly, sometimes there are no changes. I have written about our drunk neighbors in a past blog here:  http://livingwellwithabaddiagnosis.blogspot.com/2010/03/neighbor.html   We learned a couple of years ago that there their son, who they so verbally abused throughout his childhood that a neighbor called protective services, won a five year restraining order against both parents. These are not stable people. Mom has two DUIs. Dad has seven. Yes, you read that correctly, seven. Still has his license. Still drives. We just don't get it. I guess no one had been injured or killed. Must it come to that?

We were told last week that he got another DUI on October 1, 2011. This was his eighth. He is still here. He is still driving a company truck. He is still drinking. And I will bet he is still driving drunk. He thinks he is smarter than all the cops. Thank goodness he had to turn in all his guns as part of the restraining order. A drunk with a temper with a gun. Not a good equation. So, some people never change and their lives becomes more grim as they age. Clearly a tragedy is in their future.