The first quarantine project - a pantry cupboard with a microwave. The shelves pull out. It’s been years since we’ve had a microwave.

Boston cream pie for Father’s Day,

My Woobie got me an Apple Watch. This was one of those things I might want but would never buy for myself. It even tracks steps on a treadmill. I assume it ticks your arm moving. Not gonna lie, I like it.

My daughter came by yesterday with Easter candy! We stayed on the front porch 6 feet apart. That’s the first I’ve seen her in weeks. Stay safe, my friends.

No no no no no. Not John Prine. No no no no no.

It’s just beautiful out. I’ve been cleared to do some exercise so I walked 5 miles. Heading out to get Tested for Lyme disease. I was bit by a tick about a week before my symptoms started. I’ve been tested for it before but I asked my PCP to run as many of them as she could. I know there are a few. I have a tres chic winter scarf I will use to ward off the nasty virus as I head out into public.

I talked to my ALS neurologist this morning. Well, I tried to talk. My voice is so bad. Even my husband can’t understand me now. But there’s an app for that. Several in fact. Anyway, he’s encouraged that while my voice is getting worse there has been no progression to my arms, legs or back. Which is good because it helps me maintain my denial.

Here’s the real bitch of it. I finally got down to 136 pounds, my “fighting weight”. But I’m now eating like it’s my last meal so I’m back up 10 pounds. Uhhhhhhhhh. Sigh.

Thanks you guys. I really appreciate your kindness. @zerocarb asked why I think I might not have ALS.

First and foremost, denial is a pretty strong emotion. But there are a few other reasons. The ALS doctor said I had significant weakness on my left side. Two other neurologists did not detect any. I had an EMG right after the diagnosis. It was normal and did not support the diagnosis. My symptoms started last July with difficulty swallowing, then speech problems. While my speech has gotten worse the disease has not spread. It’s been 9 months. And, other than speak and eat, I can still do everything I did before this all started.

I’m going to get a second opinion at UMass. But no ones going to see me until the COVID-19 curve flattens. I’m learning new levels of patience here.

I’ve started and deleted this so many times. I’m just going to come out and say it. I’ve been diagnosed with ALS. You know that ice bucket challenge? Yeah, that was for the disease I may have. The doctor thinks I do. But I’m not so sure. I’m supposed to have a bunch of tests but they’re all on hold due to the lockdown. I’m trying to keep my shit together. I’m not so much afraid of dying. I mean, it’s going to happen to everyone sooner or later. It’s the way you live with this disease. It’s not pretty. I have visions of being wheeled around like Hannibal Lecter.

Anyhow, I’ve finally started telling people outside of my IRL family. So I’m telling you guys.

I really wanted cheesecake. I bought this but ewwwww. I had to scrape the thick strawberry goo right off. I ate it though. 😄. If I dare to go out to the stores again I’ll get the ingredients to make one.

I’m a master of social distancing but this is a lot even for me. I’ve been absent dealing with health issues. I don’t feel sick. But I guess I am. The prognosis isn’t great. So I may be back here posting because it’s therapeutic.

Missed you guys and I’ll try not to be a bummer. 💕

Apple turnovers! OMG so easy and delicious. I’ve finally used up all the apples we picked.

I meant to post pictures from my painting diversion. I did more than I planned. Most of the downstairs has a fresh coat. I got carried away. 😁