December 2023 Newsletter Edition
It is the last day of 2023. It is amazing another year has passed. I somehow hope this means a time of new beginnings are waiting for me in 2024.
My power wheelchair has undergone the necessary maintenance. A set of new wheels makes a big difference to driving it. My power wheelchair is more responsive without the bald tires I was using.
The issue that has been plaguing my right eye is now resolved and is really simple in hindsight. When I purchased my home in 2004 I bought some plastic blinds for the windows. When I was dusting the plastic crumbled in my hand. The UV light from the sun had degraded the plastic. I had intended to temporarily cover the window using a black garbage bag. But with my physical disability being so troublesome I never took the step to replace this. What is known as volatile organic compounds (in common language "off gassing") has been irritating my right eye for the past 4 months. My eye is beginning to heal.
I own a knitting machine. I haven't been able to use it as I expected to when I purchased it. The issues with my hips have made this particular activity really hard to do. I got my knitting machine out to make a scarf for a gaming friend who has been very kind to me. My right knee buckled on November 26th. Then my left artificial hip started making a grinding noise on December 22nd. Josiah has been very kind to me. This is one of the ways I am able to show my appreciation to him. He has been a very good friend to me.
I was to the emergency department of my local hospital on December 24th. My tablet accidentally slipped and the screen shattered. I now have a new tablet, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I purchased the tablet I am replacing in 2018. I find it amazing how far technology has come in 5 years for about the same price. This new tablet should last me for a few years. If I had to buy a new tablet the timing was the best possible. I was able to get an amazing Boxing Day sale price. When I first got the tablet I wasn't sure how much use I'd get out of it. Now it is a part of my day to day life. I noticed the lack of a tablet in the 5 days it took for the new one to be delivered.
I took the next step towards the future hamster village. The first cage I purchased was on sale. I purchased two more. This will result in a 6 story hamster cage. I have purchased 2 story guinea pig cages, ⅛" rods and a spot welder. In spring 2024 I hope to do the spot welding so the bar spacing is suitable for a hamster. I am really looking forward to this. My pet hamsters have always brought me so much happiness and joy. I enjoy cuddling with them and providing for their needs. I am trying my best to forge a life that has enjoyment in the midst of my orthopaedic treatment. This hasn't been easy. I am trying my best.
The Christmas themed movie night was mixed for me. Part way through my damn left artificial hip injured me really bad. I had moved the wrong way. At that point I was too physically weak to continue watching the movie and needed to lay down. It was special for the time I was able to be together with others.
My home drinking water system needed the annual maintenance performed. I was able to do most of this myself. However I did ask for help from one of my friends when I couldn't position my body to match what was needed. It is now set for another year. The water tastes is much improved instead of drinking what comes out of the tap directly.