Returning to Feeling Better and Training

In May of 2016, I was lifting weights for 45 minutes at the gym 5 days a week.  I walked 2 to 3 miles four days every week.  I taught 3 yoga classes and 3 taijiquan classes each week.  I worked 24 hours a week for the Corning School District.  I was feeling strong, energetic, and positive.  Medical tests were positive.  I was 70 years of age.  

After July of 2017, my health declined.  My 1st degree AV heart block (which I had since 1990) became a 2nd degree AV heart block and Bradycardia (excessively slow heartbeat) caused great concern and distress.  I had a pacemaker inserted in 6/17. 

We sold our home in Red Bluff, CA, and purchased a home in 6/17 in Vancouver WA.  This was challenging and stressful. 

During this period I fell twice and injured both knees and my right hip.  My damaged right rotator cuff tendon continued to limit my motions. 

My Type II diabetes, under reasonable control since 1990, began to worsen.  My new physician, Dr. Anna, switched my medicines in 7/17 and my recent blood sugar AIC was 7.2.  I must improve. 

I was depressed and drugged.  Disheartening!  Little energy!  Lighteaded! 

I smoked cannabis during this period to ease the pain and dull my senses.  This was a mistake.  I stopped smoking! 

I did not write much or research/study much for 14 months. 

I health started to improve in September, 2017.  I am now hoping to resume a more comprehensive physical training program in October, 2017. 

Karen and I are now eating more vegetarian based meals.  We are both greatly reducing our intake of  meats, dairy products, and eggs. 

I am now walking every day for 30 to 40 minutes. 

I garden some everyday at our new home.  

I go to the gym at LA Fitness four days a week. 

Hopefully, this autumn season will bring improved stamina and vitality to my life. 

I know that I have told my recent story before in this blog.  I apologize for the repetition. 

I hope my future writing and posts help me recover.  Productive work of this kind is uplifting for me.  Maybe, in addition, it might help others in some way.

Best wishes, 

Mike

Films about Vegetarianism

Karen and I have recently watched a number of "documentary" films on Netflix dealing with the impact of excessive meat eating on individuals, communities, and our environment.  Also, we have read a number of books on the subject.  In addition, my cardiologist recommends a change in my own eating habits. 

East Region Library Managers, Los Angeles County Public Library System, 1996

A hard working group of branch library managers and regional staff.  Great colleagues, and some fine friends.  We accomplished a lot with our 20 libraries in East Region.  Fond memories!  

I was the Regional Administrator for East Region, in the San Gabriel Valley, 20 libraries, from 1980-1998.  My office was at the West Covina Regional Library.  

At the time the above photograph was taken we were all at the Rowland Heights library attending the monthly Branch Managers meeting.  Back then, Mike McClintock and Billie Frierson were  assistant administrators.  Judy Valcho, Linda Siggins and Kay Simonetti were regional coordinators; and Elizabeth Koller was the office manager.  

From my memory in 2018. The top back row standing, left to right, Chuck Kaufman (Hacienda Heights), reference librarian Diamond Bar, John McClellan (Claremont), Tony Ramirez (El Monte), library assistant at Rowland Heights, Peter Rosenwald (Duarte), Elizabeth Koller (Region), Pat Libbry (Norwood), Robert Marquez (South El Monte), Sherna Cowan (Rowland), Mary Noonan (San Dimas), Dottie Nichols (Charter Oak).  Sitting, left to right, Stuart Rosenberg (La Verne), Billie Frierson (Region), Linda Siggins (Region), Mike Garofalo (Region), Sandra Novoa (Sunkist), Wilbert Hunt (Baldwin Park), Mike McClintock (Region).  Missing: Joan Livingston (West Covina), Bryan Trygstad (library), Librarian (Walnut), Judy Valcho (Region).  

As of 2018, Chuck Kaufman, Mary Miller, Claudia Moiseve, Cathy, Susanna Morneau, and John McClellan have all passed away.  

Los Angeles County Public Library System, 1998, Administrative Council

The top management group of the second largest public library system in the United States.  A very creative group of dedicated professionals, and a fine team.  I retired in 1998, and have not met with these good people again.  

Camping at Horseshoe Lake

Last weekend we camped for three nights at Horseshoe Lake. It is on the western side of Mt. Adams (12,200 feet). The glaciers on Mt. Adams were the largest I have ever seen, other than in documentaries.

The views of Mt. Adams were spectacular. Next summer, I hope to camp at Takhlakh Lake.  We visited four different small lakes in the area.  This was the last week for camping in this area which will be closed from around September 22 to July 1st of next year due to the heavy snowfall.  

Mick fished. Since nobody was in this campground, Mick and April could let their two dogs roam around more.

Everyone enjoyed themselves.

The campground was under strict fire prevention rules. We could not have a campfire - which was missed in the morning at evening.

Karen and I still had problems with poor sleeping pads. We will solve this problem before our next trip.

The 47 mile drive down dirt/gravel Forest Service road 21 to Horseshoe Lake was a bit difficult for us. We are not used to the challenges of driving on this kind of road. Our old 2003 Ford Explorer did just fine.

I purchased a Washington fishing licence on 9/20. Mick and I plan to go to Battleground Lake next Monday.

Labor Day 2017

A number of my neighbors are working in their yards today.  I've heard hammering, sawing, and loading sounds.
I went shopping at my local ACE and Orchards Feed hardware store on Rosewood and 94th Ave.
Karen painted all the wood ready for the final section of our new green trellis for the vertical garden of wisteria, honeysuckle, clematis, and one evergreen vine.
In the last four days, Karen and I have planted in the ground 4 English laurel, 5 Pieris Andromeda low shrubs, 1 medium and 1 small Japanese maple trees, 2 Bay laurel, and 5 small ground covers.

Today, I, laborer, carpenter, gardener, landscaper ...

Finished installing the final right angle section of the green trellis.

Installed 16 feet of the brown/cedar plastic lath lattice pattern 1" cross hatch 4'x8' panel.  This will divide our sitting area from our nursery area.

Planted a wisteria, a Blue Moon Kentucky Wisteria.  Tied to lattice.