Feeling much better today, I'm happy to say. I got a full night's sleep, probably because I took Ny-Quil, which knocks me for a loop, and have no dizziness or inbalance this morning. I do have a slight ache in the back of my neck; guess it's part of the whole illness.
Yesterday morning, I drove over to beautiful Port Republic to a house sale--bought a few mugs--then laid low, only going to the library to get some CDs. Watched "The Forgotten," a horror story whose only virtue is that it stars Julianne Moore--fairly interesting at first, but the rest--well, easily forgotten. Also took out "Sideways," the Oscar-winning movie a few years old that Ellen's been urging me to see. I understand it's set in the Napa Valley where El and I have been several times. May not get a chance to see it today, but will soon.
Made a quick dinner last night--what I call "a pick-up meal"--of tomato soup and grilled cheese for Pat, and just had leftover spaghetti myself. Tonight is the H's Super Bowl party, so I won't have to think about what's for dinner.

Had a lousy night, continually waking up with hard coughing. However, I got up this morning feeling much better than yesterday. The dizziness is almost all gone (I'm careful not to move my head too quickly). It has dawned on me that I don't cough nearly as much during the day as at night when I lie down--hmm, wonder why.
The cleaners came yesterday and Pat and I skulked around to keep out of their way. Other than that, just puttered, tried to rest, and generally laid low. I called Susan to say I wouldn't meet her this morning for exercise, but I hope I can tomorrow.
Tomorrow is also the Super Bowl party at the H.'s, but that's at 5:30; hope Pat and I are both able to go. Around here, it's customary for everybody to bring something to parties. Barb suggested either an appetizer or dessert, so I'm going to make cookies and here's why: For my birthday, I got a lovely basket from Barb D. next door, with peppermint tea, some bon-bons and a Mason jar with the dry makings of "Million Dollar Cookies" (I add the butter, egg, and vanilla). Will make them up for the party and, as the D.'s will be there, I'll be able to credit Barb with how good they are (I'm assuming here).
Incidentally, although for Sunrise Bay this is a short street, no fewer than four women named Barbara live in the 12 homes on our (even-numbered) side. (Being a math whiz, I figured out that's one-third.) Barbara D. lives next door to us on one side, Barbara M. on the other, Barbara H. two doors down toward Center Street, and Barbara K. three doors "up." We're very close with Barbaras D. and H., and friendly, but less close, with the other two. I assume the name thing has to do with the fact that this is an over-55 community and "Barbara" was the trendy name during the time period of say, the '40s and '50s--there are lots of other "Barbaras" here, too.

Had a nice chat with sister Betty yesterday morning, then went to Manahawkin and bought lots of stuff too mundane to mention. Had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner--aside from all those exciting events, it was a pretty slow day. Cleaners are due in a few hours--ugh!
Alison e-mailed to ask if we wanted her to come down this weekend. I wrote back that it would be great if she could come tomorrow and help a little more with the garage clearing, moving boxes and so on. Also, Pat likes to see his daughter; maybe we could go out to lunch again. I hate to monopolize her time, but Mike is helping his brother move tomorrow and she said they don't need her to help.
I'm going to see if I can get to the doctor's today. This morning, I was dizzy and unsteady on my feet when I got up. I just looked this up and saw it can be caused by an ear infection, which I think I may have. (When I blew my nose, I could "feel it" in my ear.) Will call the doctor when they get in at 9:00.
Later: Luckily, the doctor had a cancellation at 9:30, so I was able to get in right away. She said I don't have an ear infection, but that I have fluid in (behind?) my ear and that's causing the dizziness and unbalance. We also discussed again my continual colds. She said some people have "slow" immune systems and can't fight off colds as well as others; also said the stress in my life probably contributes (as Alison says, "stress? what stress?"--she's kidding, gang). She wrote me out three prescriptions, for an antibiotic, a nasal spray, and a decongestant. I dropped them off at Rite-Aid, asked them to let me know who much they'd cost, then will decide if I want all of them. I'll take the antibiotic, but if I can get the others OTC, I will, or I'll skip them if they're just for symptomatic use.
While we're on the subject: I'm always amazed by the number of prescriptions doctors tend to write. For heaven's sake, I don't know why I need a nasal spray and, as for a decongestant, Pat takes on OTC (Rite-Aid brand), which would be fine for me if I wanted to take it and I don't. If I need medicine, okay, but things that will get better anyway, I just ignore or treat with this or that--from lemon juice to OTC crap (always store brand, if possible), to sleep therapy if I can swing it.

As of yesterday, I picked up an interesting and satisfying new project: I accepted the invitation of friends Leslie and Dennis R. to walk 5 miles on April 29 in Atlantic City for the March of Dimes and to try to get sponsors. Their adorable little grandson, Leo, now 3, was born prematurely and has some developmental delays and the M. of D. does a lot of work and research on that problem.
In the electronic age, this is a sophistocated procedure--they set you up with a web site and those you e-mail can apply their donations through the Internet. Participants are asked to set a "goal" and, not being used to this kind of thing, I said mine was $100. I got the ball rolling by kicking in some dough myself, then sent an appeal to 29 people. (I excluded the Sweetwater Drive neighbors I thought the R.'s would contact themselves.) To my amazement and gratification, I'm already up to $170 and I think more will be coming in. Yay for the March of Dimes, hip, hip, hurray for little Leo, and thank you, thank you, thank you to my so-generous family and friends!
Other than that, an okay day. Rented "Road to Perdition" and watched it in the afternoon, trying to rest to treat the perpetual cold. It was a dog, unfortunately, notwithstanding Tom Hanks with a mustache. Went to Acme to restock my meat locker (the freezer) with pork chops, chicken, and store-made meatballs (I like them better than mine). Had stuffed pork chops for dinner and made baked apples to go with them--a nice winter meal.

Picked up Marge and took her to lunch at Sea Oaks yesterday, the second of the two lunches I gave her for her birthday. This was a marathon session, as we were there for almost 3 hours. We managed to spend $42 of the $50 gift certificate Jack B. gave Pat last year (sandwiches, iced tea and a beer, dessert, and coffee), left the rest for a tip, and the whole afternoon was very enjoyable. Talked and talked and talked, of course--my favorite activity. Now I'm able to act as a kind of off-stage confidant for Marge re the Drama Club. I'm no longer active, but I know all the background, personalities, problems, and worries and can discuss them with her. I feel slightly guilty, as I know how frustrating it can be to have to actually deal with everything and I have the luxury of just talking about them. But, hey, it feels good.
I want to start serving up more elaborate meals than I've been having lately--maybe I'll make pork chops or roast chicken today. I need to get in some meat, as the freezer stock is dwindling (finally) and will try to get to Shop-Rite.
Note to Betty: Not sure why your comment didn't show before, but your most recent one did. See the Friday, Jan. 28 entry.

Got Pat to the doctor at Fort Dix without incident--actually, it was nice, as the streets were clear and the snow made things pretty. This was just a routine check and Dr. S. was cordial, as he's been the last few visits. Said he's going to the ice carnival in Canada next week.
Later, I went over to Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor. Pat was given a $75 gift certificate for there for his birthday last February and I wanted to check out the walk from the car, etc. While there, I asked if the expiration date of February 8 could be extended* and was pleased that the manager graciously allowed an end date of June 30. If Pat wants to, we'll take Alison and Mike there for his birthday.
Had a casual, not very healthy dinner last night: Sloppy Joes. It's been years since I've made them--the kids liked them when they were small--but Pat and I both enjoyed them. I'll have the leftovers for lunch.
*When I talked to sister Betty yesterday, she mentioned expiration dates for Pat's gift certificates. I was sure I had checked and there weren't any. Wrong...they all have them, so we'll have to use them within a few weeks, but we've got it covered.

Very enjoyable day yesterday: Alison came down and helped me move a few things in the garage (yes, I'm still working on that--tune in next decade and I may be finished). Then she, Pat, and I went to Calloway's for lunch. When we got home, Alison put on her running togs and ran down Mathistown Road for 10 miles. (Now "10 miles" trips easily off the tongue--or slides easily past the eyes--but if you actually measure it when you're in the car, it ain't no trip to the backyard.) Anyway, it was good to have her here, as ever.
Pat managed at Calloway's all right, but I'm a little concerned about when he takes his buddies there. It wasn't the stairs so much as the walk from the door to the table that was hard for him. I'm afraid his friends won't realize that and he might have a problem. Maybe I'll get in touch with one of them and see if they can keep an eye out.
Got up this morning to see a lovely winter wonderland--*&%$*!!!--(that's supposed to signify cursing and knashing of teeth), Yes, it snowed and I don't like it. Not only do I have to put my boots on and wade out to get the paper, but Pat has a doctor's appointment at Fort Dix. Well, maybe the streets will be cleared by 10:00 when we'd have to leave; otherwise, I'll just call and cancel.
Looking forward to lunch with Marge tomorrow.