Great Day in the Morning!

Why is it so hard to get test results from your doctor.  You'd think I wanted his credit card number of something.  I have been trying since Friday and I keep getting the run around, the doctor has to review them before we can give them to you.  What a croc.   I did manage to get out of the nurse that all the results were normal.  That's good news but I would like to see the results.

Day 6 on Re-Boot.  It is going great not hungry and BP is very good.  Shooting for 10 days on the re-boot and will then incorporate cooked and raw veggie and fruit with the juicing.

I am very interested to see if this keeps the BP in line.  After years on a diuretic or blood pressure, I am amazed to see, I have no swollen ankles at all.  I have given up all Aleve, and Ibuprofen, which I'm sure has been destroying my kidneys.  I have not had any pain on rising.

I didn't think I could live without 2 Aleve each morning.

Still Juicing and Loving it!!!

Dr. Visit

A brief note:  Day 4 on Re-Boot doing wonderful, lots of energy and not hungry, Yah.  Just returned from my GP Dr., Blood Pressure 112/76 I still do not have my blood test but this is a good start.  More later....Juice on!!!!!!!

It's Been A While

Life has been busy for the last couple of weeks.

Having a bit of summer fun, took a day trip to the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi Casinos. We made a day of it, a whole day.  Departed noon from home and didn't get back home until 10:00PM.  What a day, such fun and won a little bit of money ($60).  This paid for the day of fun and fuel, too, not bad for Friday 13th, eh?

 

Back on July 7, we added a new member to our family, Vito.

He is a rescue from the Italian Greyhound Reuse of Louisiana.  Vito is a 4 year old male.  His owner couldn’t keep him any longer.  She was losing her house and had to go live with her son in Nevada, her heartbreak is my blessing.

 

Himself  Mr. Vito

What a wonderful little guy, Vito.  He is so calm and quite.  This is such a contrast to Valentino, my current IG who is going on 2 years old.   There was a period of adjustment poor little guy didn’t know what was going on.  For the past month, Vito had been moved from his original owner to one of the IGRL people.  He was taken to a vet to be updated on his shots and to be neutered (poor thing).  After a week or so, he was moved to another IGRL person in New Orleans, after 2 weeks Vito is home with me. 

It has only been two weeks and every day Vito is getting more and more at easy.  Little Vito is 14 inches about 3 inches shorter than Valentino.  Italian Greyhounds are usually about 13 to 15 inches, although small can be as small as 10 inches (Pocket Iggy’s) or like Valentino, 17inches.  He is called a Biggie Iggy.



Valentino

 

The Boys at Play

Valentino is an active dog, he bounces all over the place and he loves to run.   When I would have company, he wanted to play all the time.   He would not jump on them but he always wanted attention.  Now, since Vito is here he has calmed down a lot.  They wait until the person gets seated and they smell them and then go lie down and mind there business.  My house is now peaceful, again.  The dogs have access to the backyard through a doggie door so there still is lots of running, when weather permits.

Vito has been a great new addition to our pack.  He is crate trained and Valentino has been using his crate, something he would never do before, there is hope.

I have a few photos but between the rain and the hot weather it has been difficult.  Hope you enjoy.  This is mostly, what they do during the day.

 

In the computer room with me under the table.

To Boot (the meds) or Re-Boot.

(Disclaimer: this is by no means something I suggest you do.  This is just what I am doing.  I am seeing a Naturopath doctor as well as my GP, and I did go to a Cardiologist (the one with the meds) for blood work and a ultrasound (of valves) to make sure all is right physiology.)

Ok, so a couple of weeks Ok I noticed I was not feeling so great and start having palpations almost every day.  What was up with that?  Now, I have experienced palpitations before but maybe 2-3 times a year but this had me concerned.  I decided to check out my blood pressure 7/12/12:-- BP 178/73- Pulse 73--fasting Blood Sugar 112 .

I am not a diabetic and I don’t want to be one.  Now, a couple of years ago, I had back surgery and after that the cardio doctor told me I did not need the BP pills I had been taking for the past 25 years.  My BP is considered a low high.  He gave me a mild diuretic to keep my pressure close to normal.   I watched my salt intake and took this .25 mg fluid pill a day.   So now what was going on?

Remember, when we listen to everything the doctors told us without question?  Boy, are those days over, my doctor hates to see me coming.  I started researching why the rise in the systolic pressure?  I was not happy with what I found.  Being the professional dieter, that I am, I had to cease and desist the Martini’s for a few months while I concentrated on my food program.  Well, about a month ago, I had lost about 17 pounds and it was time to celebrate.  (I know it’s wrong, but I’m trying to be honest here so give me a break, K?)

Bring on the nightly Martini’s and maybe a second one for good measure.  The research states alcohol can increase your systolic pressure and when that goes up it can cause palpitations.  Who needs medical school when you got the internet?  Well, I’m not crazy, so I go to the doctor and he wants to give me these Bata Blockers, not I tell him.  We shall find and alternative.  I am having test run as mention, still waiting for the results.  I will find out Monday about the blood test.  I have had these tests before and they always come out normal.  Hopefully this will be the same result.

As of 7/12/12 NO SUGAR- NO ALCOHOL-NO WHITE FLOUR.

On July 19th and July 20^th I decided to take one of my old BP pills, it is mild as BP pills go, and not a Bata Blocker or an Ace Inhibitor. 

Started Re-Boot 7/20/12-- 9:00  BP116/63—Pulse 66 took BP med at 10am

This morning 7/21/12   10:00AM-- BP 132/61—Pulse 96 decide no meds to see if I get true BP readings.. I am monitoring BP 3 times a day and checking my Blood Sugar each morning just to make sure.

Made-up a Cajun Sunrise Juice for lunch and it was great.

 

CAJUN SUNRISE JUICE

 

4 Carrots, 1 Bell Pepper, 1 Banana Pepper, 1 beet, 4 green onions, 4 stalks of celery, 1 apple, 1 orange.

 

CUJAN SUNRISE AND GOOD DOG, VALENTINO

Had lunch at 1:15PM at 3:50PM took BP 90/61- pulse 95.  This is the reason I am not taking the meds right now so I can see what is working Meds or Re-Boot.  My money is on the re-Boot.

Hope I don’t bore you with all this diet and health stuff!

Happy Independence Day from Abita Springs, La.

 A little something for the folks who didn't get to see fireworks tonight. 

This small town put on a great fireworks show that lasted about 35 minutes.  Listen to the sounds of the children surrounding us.  Some of them loved it and some screamed in terror.  Remember when you were little and watched your first fireworks display, small town fun and the end to a perfect day.  We got some rain today but it cleared up for tonight's show.  

Hope everyone enjoyed their Day of Independence and remember how good life can be with the simply things. 

Happy Trails be safe!

Video is best if full screen.

ROAD TRIP PART DEUX

After leaving Big Thicket, I headed North toward Lufkin, Texas.

I arrived at the Cherokee Trace Park in Jacksonville Texas a little after 1:00 P.M.  The sun was out in full force so I started wondering just how many animals would be out for viewing.    As I entered the gates to this 300 acre preserve, I was met by a small gathering of deer.  Although, the park gives you a couple of laminated sheets with the names of the park animals, I couldn’t tell if they were White tail Deer or something else.   It didn’t matter to me what they were, I just have fun watching and feeding them.

CHEROKEE TRACE 

This place is so big.  It has small hills and big open savannahs.

 You drive at your our pace, keeping under 10 MPH.   The admission is a day pass so you can come at different times during the day.  You are issued a large bag of pellets to feed the animals.  You can buy addition bags for $3.00. There are rules you must follow; do not get out your car for any reason (good idea) and throw feed on the ground do not try to hand feed.  There all have big teeth.  The girl at the counter told me make sure you windows are up if they start getting close because they will stick their heads in the car and take anything they can find.   People have lost glasses, purses, your bag of feed, maps, clothes, everything.

It surprises me how many animals were out.

Most of them rested under the trees and when you would approach they would get up and come for the feed.  Although, some of the larger and maybe the older ones would just sit and look at you and not get up, too hot to move, I guess.   Not were aggressive but some used the, I’ll block the car and you go get her to throw out some food, method.   Here is the link for the Cherokee Trace Park, http://www.cherokeetrace.org/DEFAULT.htm.  The drive through the park was so relaxing just what I needed.  This was the major change of scenery I’ve needed.   I took many photos hope you enjoy them. 

Can you tell what kind of bird is in this tree?

 

 It’s a Roadrunner.  Right in front of my car I spotted this bird running to beat the band.  I stopped the car and readied my camera.  He flew into the tree right in front of me.  He was a kind enough for me to wait until I repositioned my car so I could get these shots.  After about 6-7 minutes he flew off across the open field and landed behind a fence.  He then started to run across that field.  Boy, they are fast.

Since, my computer was kaput.  

I bought a map of Texas and Louisiana so I could figure out a way not to go through Baton Rouge on the way home.   My luck was running good this day because when I left the park I was in spitting distance of Hwy 84, El Camino, and the East/West Corridor.  Deciding this would take me into Louisiana and eventually, Natchez, Mississippi, where I could cross the Mississippi River.  Goodbye Baton Rouge!  I could intersect with I-55 and that would lead to I-12 and home.

There was still had plenty of daylight, so I started to head East.

Crossing over the Sabine Rive at the Texas - Louisiana state line was the town of Logansport.   Don’t know how I miss this town since I have been all over Louisiana, it was a treat and full of history.  Just over the bridge to the left was this beautiful riverfront park.  In March they hold a Sand Bass Tournament.  The prize for the first place team in March 2011 was $10,000.00. Not a bad day of fishing, if you ask me.  Logansport is a place I would like to spend some time.  I think I will go back when the weather cools down.

Photos of Logansport, Louisiana enjoy.

 

Couldn't have planned a better mini vacation.  

Have a great and safe 4th  of July.

ROAD TRIP!!!!!! (Part 1)

The problem with reading travel blogs is that it makes you want to travel.  

Last Friday, morning, I decided I needed a mini trip in the worst way.  Gas prices were dropping and it was a perfect time to hit the road.   The kennel had room for my buddy, Valentino (his first time in a kennel).   The plan was developing just fine, so I packed a few things, put the ice chest in the car, grabbed the dog and was on my way.  Valentino was delivered to the kennel without any drama on either end (me or him).  I was officially, starting my mini vacation.  

Now, I used the word “plan” loosely, because the only plan I had was to get out of this house for a few days.   The following is what I happened on as I drove the roads in search of fun, excitement and a much needed attitude adjustment.

Deciding west was the best way, since it would get me quickest to unseen before territory.  Traffic looks good as I entered I-12.  Just a quick comment here, if you don’t have to go through Baton Rouge don’t. Baton Rouge is a nightmare bumper to bumper traffic, 2 hours to cross the Mississippi River.  I would have turned around and went back home but traffic was bad in all directions.  At this point, I make a mental note to avoid coming back this way even if I have to go to the MS Coast and come home from the east.

My first stop was Beaumont, TX.  

The La Quinta Inn was clean and cool and I was ready for a great meal and some good A/C.   I plug in my laptop so I could search for what to do next.  The laptop is not working something about a missing ini file, great, this is just great, now what to do.   Just then my youngest daughter calls, (she was a little surprised to find out I was in Beaumont).   I ask her to do a search on animal drive-thru parks in East Texas.  She finds two.  Both are around Lufkin, TX area just off Tx Hwy 69.  What luck, I am right at the Hwy 69 exit.   Now, I have a definite plan.

Next morning, breakfast at the hotel and I’m off heading north on Hwy 69, this is going to be fun.  See the fun stuff I found.  What a great time I had on my mini vacation.  Sometime no plan is the best plan.

Big Thicket National Preserve

Not long into my drive up Hwy 69, I come across Big Thicket what a treat.  Big Thicket has a great information center with loads of information about the wildlife and plants in the area.

Part 2  tomorrow (still editing photos)

A Pause that Refreshes

A Short Prelude of Peace and Quiet.. or at least I thought!

This evening about 6 PM, I decided to take my little fellow OUT, the magic word.  He has been patient with me as I tended to things away from the house.  Mind you he has a ¼ acre in which to roam but it is not the same as taking a RIDE, another magic word.

We left for a drive along the lake and stopped at an outlook that extends out into the lake.  They have tables and benches and trees for shade.  There are also wharfs you can fish and crab off.  A  great place to unwind and watch the sun go down.

 As we walked, he did what dogs do, he read the scents that were left behind form other dogs.  People and cars can and went.  There was a couple who left on a motorcycle.  Valentino has never seen or been close to a motorcycle.  If was funny to watch his expressions as he tried to figure out just what to do about it.  Like watching a 2 or 3 year old learn about his world.

 What in the hey was that?

 OMG It moves fast!

Did you see that?

As we left, there was a car stopped on the wrong side of the roadway looking at something in the one of the inlet waterways.  I slowed down to see.  There, a big old alligator, just swimming around back and forth.  You cannot see in the picture but there was men standing on the bank by those cement pilings throwing a cast net just in front of the gator.  I guess the alligator thought it would get some food if he waited around. 

 The man Cast netting was just above on the cement pilings!

 He was about 6 foot long.

Now this is the reason I don't swin in this lake!

It was a bit of nature right here at my doorstep not quite out there Rving but fun never the less.

 Cypress tress and Cypress knees in the forground.

 One of the inlet canals

 Sailboats out in the Lake.

Interview went well this morning.  The job is interesting and something I would love to do.  This is a new position and they need someone to do some organizational stuff.  Right up my alley.  They will make a decision in about 2 weeks when the finish interviewing.  We’ll see!