I got nothin'

. . . time in the turgid backwaters of life.

Prolotherapy #2

I had my second prolotherapy treatment this past week. With this series of injections I can now begin to look for signs of improvement in my back problems. A full assessment is still three or more months away. For those who have asked for information, here is a well researched article from the New York Times (2007). The physician quoted in the piece is my doctor. 

This is not a new or alternative therapy at all. But 'tis not well known or widely practiced because, unfortunately, there's no money in it for Big Pharma, so the long-term clinical studies are not being done. If you have lower back, shoulder, neck or knee pain you might want to do some research on prolotherapy. My reports will continue here with any and all results. Just as with my series of articles on medical marijuana for back pain, if it works I'll tell you, if it doesn't that too. Negative data is still data.

While I am experiencing some side effects, they are not unanticipated and if I get relief I'll take the increased libido and hair growth on my feet. I'll just be a big, horny hobbit.

Some Days

Today is bright and sunny around San Francisco. A light marine haze lays over the coastal strip but it is unseasonably warm. I know this type of day gives many people a mood lift. Rain does that for me, but sun seems to be the go-to mother nature stimulant for most.

I took a long, walk this morning, sticking to the sunny sides of the streets. I'm usually a shade guy myself. But today, I hoped to wash away a bit of shadow that lingers in my soul.

This morning a friend of over 50 years has gone away. She was ill, so very ill. Others will say that passing was a blessing. It may have been, only she can know that now. For me, it's another lost friend.

When you say you have known someone for 50 or 60 years, it leads inevitably to the place where you no longer have them around, even if they were only an email or facebook post away. Slowly they aren't there anymore.

We knew each other in high school, afterwards our paths didn't cross for twenty years. When they did, it was hit and miss for awhile and suddenly a short, intense time for both of us. Then it was back to holiday letters and infrequent contact. Somehow another 25 years passed.

So, today is sunny. Remember on your next bright, clear day that for some the light is a little dimmer, doesn't penetrate as deeply. We all pulse with the fullness then the emptiness of life. Share your light while you may.

Some days are not like all the others.

Centennial

Lately,

. . . I've been doing a goodly bit of contemplating on mortality and our place in the universe. The process seems to be having some interesting side effects on my temporal existence. I do believe I may need more houseplants and lip balm.


"Not all those who wander are lost."  J.R.R. Tolkien







p.s. a single click on my computer makes the picture full screen, the detail is wonderful