Winter Doldrums

Well, it has been a while since my last post. The winter doldrums have set in. Even though it has been a warmer winter than usual, our outdoor activities have slowed somewhat.

We have however, made an occasional visit to a mall, or Wal Mart, Lowes or some other retail facility. We had the last unfinished basement room in our house completed (including the addition of a bathroom). During the construction time we made so many visits to Lowes that I told one of the clerks that they should give me one of their vests to wear with the Lowes insignia on it because I was such a regular. They seemed to like seeing the Segway.

Due to my increased interest in going to the basement, we had a chair lift installed on the basement steps. This helps a great deal. Besides, the grandkids love riding the chair up and down the stairs. Several times they have run the battery down (it's rechargable). Now my up or down treks are effortless, whereas before much energy was expended in trying to walk up or down the 13 steps. Due to my instability it would have probably just been a matter of time before I fell anyway. That would've hurt.

The warmer than usual weather has allowed me to get outside a couple of times and either walk the dog or the grandson.

While the season has curtailed some of our travels, time has allowed for some planning. The very near future has us going to Louisville for a weekend conference targeting those with MS and their partners. I am very fortunate to have an excellent partner, but do worry about the toll this might be taking on her. I know that my marriage is very strong, but also am cognizant of the high rate of divorce/separation of those with MS, due to in part to the added demands placed on a mate/caregiver.