Flash Back

On one of our walks recently we came across a young man trying to start his lawn mower. Judging by the look of the lawn it was the first time this season. As he repeatedly pulled the starter rope and adjusted the choke I was reminded of an outboard motor we had. As it is with most two stroke engines ours was difficult to start. Usually after they are warm they start easier. If I wanted to go some place without Dave I had to be able to start the motor. More importantly if he went some place with someone else I needed to be able to start it. I could put the dinghy in the water and lower the engine using the hoist but still could not start it. So that became my next goal. The comedy began. First Dave started it so it was not completely cold. Now it was my turn. I had previously attempted doing it like most do. That was sitting and pulling quickly on the rope. That had never worked even with a warm engine. So had to try something else. First I tried pulling with both hands. As I tumbled backward over the seat ending up on my back the comedy began. There I was on my back on the dinghy floor with my feet up in the air over the seat. Rather like an upside-down turtle. Did you know when you are laughing it is hard to sit up? Good thing Dave was sitting down or he might have fallen in when laughing. Finally got the engine to cough when I straddled the seat and pulled with my whole body. Now I was making progress. After a few more tries I did it! Okay now for the trial run. I took Dave to a friends boat where the guys were supposed to listen on the radio in about an hour in case we needed help. Their outboard was bigger and even harder to start so the guys wanted to take it to go diving. Off we went to our Spanish class. Landing on the beach was no problem since it was usually a two person process and we both were experienced. After class we both were determined to be able to launch the dinghy. Since we always launched stern first when in the harbor I was able to turn the motor and pull the rope while standing on the beach. Success! Much easier when I could use my legs too. We called on the radio just to see if the guys were listening. They were. They now knew they could go diving when we had our next class.

SUN

My sister Pat was here for a long weekend. The California sun came with her much to everybody's pleasure. We could not stay inside and she loves to walk so we traveled the neighborhoods. We also were able to watch some grandsons soccer games. The weather was so perfect that I am thinking about having her come up and bring the sun with her for the ALS walk in September. Last year was record rainfall.

Technology is good this time

Visited today with a neighbor that I met because he has ALS. Actually like many people he knew Quincy and had often talked with Dave. Orville attended a support group shortly after diagnosis. Everyone along the route to the kids house know me by sight but I might not know them. When I went into support group Orville said I know you. You are Quincys mom. I am your neighbor. Our common disease gave us an instant bond. Unfortunately he has had a more rapid progression. Caregiver Cindy and I stopped by to see him today. Had to laugh when I thought about it because our two machines were talking to each other. He can still use his hands so he talks faster than I do. It is such a perfect example of the wonders of technology. After visiting I then came home to work on a story using eyegaze. So far I have only used it for times when I am writing stories or blogs at home. I continue to use my foot when out and about. I have discovered a problem using it outside. Weekend before last was sunny and I spent as much time as possible outside. It was difficult to give up sun for writing. Actually I did not give up sun. I did manage to read some with the computer in the shade and part of me in shade. Most importantly I have lived here long enough to know that when it is sunny you get out and enjoy. Now just need someone to invent an eyegaze system that can work outside.