When I started this blog (gettin’ close to two years ago), my first post was largely focused on fatigue. Then I got better. For about a year, I didn’t experience the severe fatigue that I had described in that first article. Now it has returned, but it’s a little different this time, so I decided it was worth re-visiting. Fatigue is one of the many Parkinson’s Disease (PD) symptoms that most of the general public don’t know can be associated with PD, but it is common to many PD sufferers. It’s not just a feeling of being tired, and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been physically exerting yourself, or how much sleep you get. If you’ve got PD, you can be immobilized by fatigue at any time. And I do mean immobilized. Last night I got a full eight hours of sleep. This morning, I did nothing more strenuous than walking a dog (granted, he is a HUGE dog, but still…). After lunch I tried to take a nap, but that didn’t work because I wasn’t sleepy. And yet, I found myself feeling so physically fatigued that I couldn’t bring myself to go to the grocery store. Other times, I get frustrated with myself for wasting time surfing the web or playing computer games, yet I don’t feel like I’m mentally up to doing anything productive. And there are indirect effects. I tend to get especially tired after eating, which leads to feeling like I don’t even have it in me to brush my teeth. So I don’t. Sometimes for several days in a stretch. The same goes for showering. When I think about taking a shower, my legs often start to feel weak, and I conclude that I just don’t have the energy (or sense of balance) to stand in the shower. So I put it off. Sometimes for several days in a stretch. I feel like I need to just stop and say, “Awww, monkey bloomers!”
Florida 2015, part one
If you’ve been a reader of this blog for at least a year and a half, you may remember I reported in near-real-time on a Florida trip I took in February of last year. What you may not realize is that this was actually my … Continue reading Florida 2015, part one
Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (the last two days)
The original plan for Day 8 was to spend most of the day at Fort Laramie, with a quick stop at Ayres Natural Bridge on the way to the ol’ fort. But when looking at the route the night before, I spotted Register Cliff between … Continue reading Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (the last two days)
Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 7, part 2)
(cont’d from part 1) As I left Wind River Canyon, I glanced at my rental car’s external air temperature display – it was 98 degrees Fahrenheit. I continued north into the town of Thermopolis, where I found a comfortably air-conditioned bar and grill where I … Continue reading Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 7, part 2)
Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 7, part 1)
Day 7 turned out to be THE BIG DAY of this trip. I hadn’t expected it to be. I had seen it is mostly as a travel day (over 5.5 hours on the road, according to Google Maps), with some good scenery in Wind River … Continue reading Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 7, part 1)
Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Days 4 – 6)
Day 4: Having visited the Wyoming Territorial Prison Museum (outside Laramie) just two days before, I moved on to the Wyoming Frontier Prison museum in Rawlins. As I’ve said before, I don’t generally take photos inside museums, and this was no exception. But I had … Continue reading Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Days 4 – 6)
Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 3)
I had planned on going to the University of Wyoming Geological Museum on Day 3; I had not planned the parking aspect of it. As I approached the street address for the museum, all the parking was permit-only. And the signs I encountered did not … Continue reading Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 3)
Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 2)
I spent Day 2 of this State Vacation at the Wyoming Territorial Prison Museum, outside Laramie. As I’ve said before, I don’t generally take photos at museums, so I left my camera at the hotel. Afterwards, I realized I should have at least gotten a few pictures of the building’s exterior – it’s a pretty cool looking old place. When visiting this museum, you have the option of taking a guided tour, wandering around on your own, or both. I started with a guided tour. It was not yet 11 A.M., but it was already unusually hot out. The tour begins outdoors before walking to the prison building, and I was a little afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep up. Luckily, I ended up being the only one on the tour, so we went at my pace. I was a little disappointed to learn that my guide had only lived in the area for two weeks, but she had learned the prison’s history well in that short time, and kept things interesting.
After the tour, I popped out for lunch. I drove the couple of miles into downtown Laramie, where I had lunch at Born In A Barn. I ordered Big Al’s Chili Dog. This was by far the best wiener I’ve had in my mouth in a very long time. Why are you laughing? Seriously, I highly recommend Big Al’s Chili Dog at Born In A Barn. It’s worth a stop if you’re ever passing through Laramie.
After lunch, I went back to prison. There is plenty to see and read, so I spent a few more hours there. Some basics for ya: The prison was built by the federal government in 1873, before Wyoming became a state. It was in use until 1903. During its early years, this prison was seriously under-funded and thus short-staffed. Partly because of this, escapes were common. Prisoners had to wash their own laundry, and share their bath water! In 1901, the state of Wyoming built a new state penitentiary at the town of Rawlins, and phased out this here Laramie facility. The land here was given to the University of Wyoming, and served as an agricultural research facility until the 1980’s.
By about 4:00, the excessive daytime sleepiness and general physical fatigue that come with my Parkinson’s Disease (PD) were combining with the heat of the day to wear me down. I tried sitting on a bench while looking at some of the exhibits, but then I started nodding off. So, I left a little before closing time, went back to the hotel, and had a much-needed nap in the much-appreciated air conditioning. That night I got dinner from the local Taco John’s. It was just as good as I always expect from Taco John’s – which is pretty good. Much more to come – including pictures next time!
Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 1)
Good day and welcome to Day 1 of my official Wyoming State Vacation! When most people think of Wyoming, they think of Yellowstone National Park, or maybe Devils Tower. As you know, I am not most people (is anyone?). So, I am bringing you The … Continue reading Wyoming 2023 Trip Report (Day 1)
Colorado 2023 Trip Report (Days 2 thru 4.5)
As I mentioned on a previous trip, I can always count on Holiday Inn Express to provide the exact same breakfast, at every one of their locations, and it’s always unappetizing. This particular Holiday Inn Express (in Silt, Colorado) surprised me. They had all the … Continue reading Colorado 2023 Trip Report (Days 2 thru 4.5)
