The above picture is Coldwater Lake, located near Mount St. Helen's. The lake is appropriately named, as the water is extremely cold.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Looks like it has been a while since my last blog entry. So, figured I’d try and type one. However, it may take me several days to get it done. First, to answer some potential questions, my back is doing well since the surgery and physical therapy. I’ve not yet tried to start my lawn mower though, and must admit I’m a little hesitant to try. That was the one thing the surgeon did not want me to try doing. At least not until the surgery was done and physical therapy too. It’s the pulling and twisting motion, at the same time, that may be the problem. Sadly, my lawn is in desperate need of mowing. It’s simply going to be something I have to try doing.
TBI… My daily headaches continue, and thankfully the medication I have does help a little. The medication basically helps to stop the pain from worsening. It doesn’t go away. My doctor is being more and more hesitant to prescribe the medication for me too. This concerns me quite a lot, but I do understand the position he is in. Part of the problem is all the media coverage regarding opioids. I guess the medication I take falls under the opioid umbrella. Unfortunately, it’s the only mediation that helps with the pain. During my annual visit to my doctor, he made a comment saying most people try getting off the medication. My thought, although I didn’t voice it, was conditions most people have aren’t permanent. Mine is. I’ve been taking this medication now for over 20 years. The doctor, as well as myself, keep very close tabs on how much I’m taking, and the doctor will only give me a certain number to last me 28 days. I find I have to go through sort of a balancing act, so I can avoid falling into what is called rebound headaches, which are worse than those I experience. And, even worse than that is ‘brain freeze’ from drinking any kind of frozen drink to quickly. When that happens I literally can’t move. The pain is that bad and debilitating. I have tried the other forms of opioids and they didn’t help me at all. The cognitive and neurological issues/problems continue and the same as they always have. So, no change there.
I continue to go to the shooting range, from time to time. Sadly, I can’t take my daughter, as she is working full-time now and typically doesn’t want to go on the weekends. The last trip I made I took a new handgun of a different caliber than my others, as well as one that I’ve had for about a year now. Fired off about 150 rounds between the two pistols. By the time I decided to stop, my target wasn’t very impressive. Felt I was shooting all over the place. Most of the shots actually were in a scoring area. There was something I wanted to run by the range officer, since they are trained and qualified instructors and more experienced around here than I am, and that’s basically how difficult it is to get a conceal carry license/permit for the State of Oregon. I have the application for it all filled out, but for the dates, but haven’t submitted it to the Sheriff’s Office. The reason I’d like to have it is because I have to drive through Oregon any time I travel to Boise, Idaho, and it would be nice to take a firearm or two with me. The State of Oregon reciprocity doesn’t recognize conceal-carry permits from the State of Washington, sadly. If I can get the Oregon permit/license, and have both OR and WA, then between the two the reciprocity will cover most of the country.
Fishing… The season hasn’t opened up to the mountain streams and some rivers yet. Just too early in the year yet. And, I just can’t get motivated to go out and sit in the cold at a lake or reservoir. Especially if the wind is blowing. Plus,my luck last year just wasn’t worth the time I spent trying. So, for the time being, my fishing escapades are on hold.
