Another day, another golden oldie from my youth. This song was always a favorite, and hearing it again after all these years, I can say that it has aged well. And even through the fog of my Biden-like brain, I remember the lyrics. Well, the first verse, anyway:
You were the sunshine, baby, whenever you smiled But I call you Stormy today All of a sudden that ole rain's fallin' down And my world is cloudy and gray You've gone away Oh Stormy, oh Stormy Bring back that sunny day
What inspired this journey to the past? Well, I reckon the rain that’s been falling for twenty-four hours might have had something to do with it. ‘Tis the season, so I might as well just suck it up until I can start complaining about the heat again.
I began my Thursday adventures with coffee at Swan’s place, which is now part of my daily routine.
As I’ve mentioned, Swan has been emphatic in expressing her lack of desire to participate in my hiking lifestyle. However, she volunteered to join me once a week, provided it was only the two of us and there were no mountains to climb. So, the Thursday morning hike is now our day. I wanted to get her off the streets so she could enjoy the beauty of the local countryside, and I figured the My Bitch trail would accomplish that objective. Or as I told Swan, I’m taking my bitch to see my bitch. She laughed, which is one of the qualities I like best about her. She thinks I’m funny!
I mentioned I had an appointment with Dr. Jo at four, and Swan volunteered to join me. She’s been trained as a caregiver and has expressed her intent to take care of me. I’m down with that.
My purpose in visiting Dr. Jo was to discuss the pros and cons of continuing to use the drug prescribed for me by the doctor in Thailand I saw. He had told me it was a short-term fix for my nasal congestion pending surgery. The drug is prednisolone, and it worked like a charm. You can read all about it at the link, but it’s a pretty standard steroid treatment with some potentially severe side effects, especially with long-term usage. Since I began using it, almost all my symptoms and breathing issues resolved, but when the meds ran out, I started feeling the blockage in my nostrils returning. My question for Dr. Jo was how could prednisolone be more harmful than the symptoms it was curing? After some discussion, we devised a plan that I would take the drug in lower dosages for three weeks and then take a three-week break. If that keeps my sinuses clear, we will continue that course of action indefinitely, provided I don’t develop any adverse side effects. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Swan had a family event to attend last night, but she agreed to join me for some dinner after the doctor visit. I took her to Mango’s:
It rained throughout our meal, and when we finished, Swan caught a trike to the family home in Matain, and I looked for the nearest open bar to get out of the rain. That turned out to be Whiskey Girl. I was the only customer, and neither of my favorites (Jen and Kim) was working, so I bailed after my two beers (buy one, get one). I crossed the highway and almost fell on my ass on the slippery sidewalk in front of Johansson’s. A beer there, then I took advantage of a break in the rain and scooted over to Sloppy Joe’s. Jim was there, so I had a drinking buddy to chat with as we downed our beers and watched the rain fall. I finished my night at Snackbar, then triked back home.
Wind and rain all night and all day so far.
No Friday group hike today because of the weather, but I took a short walk into town to get some steps in.
I’ll be doing the SOB at Queen Victoria tonight, and Swan says she will meet me there when she completes her meat deliveries. I promised I’d stay sober long enough to enjoy some live music after the dance competition. Wish me luck!
Yesterday's love was like a warm summer breeze But, like the weather ya changed Now things are dreary, baby And it's windy and cold And I stand alone in the rain Callin' your name Oh Stormy, oh Stormy Bring back that sunny day
However, she volunteered to join me once a week, provided it was only the two of us and there were no mountains to climb. So, the Thursday morning hike is now our day. I wanted to get her off the streets so she could enjoy the beauty of the local countryside, and I figured the My Bitch trail would accomplish that objective.
So the My Bitch trail has no mountains? I thought it at least had some uphill parts.
She engaged these two in some conversation as they were lugging those water jugs from the creek back to their squatter village.
At least it’s both a strength and cardio workout.
After some discussion, we devised a plan that I would take the drug in lower dosages for three weeks and then take a three-week break.
I hope that works, although in the end, you’re going to need the surgery, I think. It’s just a matter of where to get it. Here in Korea? In the States?
Wind and rain all night and all day so far.
It’s jangma/monsoon season in Korea as well; this’ll go on through July and part of August. Enjoy the precip where you are.
Nice pics of the terrain and the food.
Kev, yes, the Bitch trail has some short uphill sections, but nothing really steep or particularly challenging. Starting from Alta Vista, you are pretty much already at elevation. Of course, getting back up to Alta Vista is a longer uphill, but not technically part of My Bitch.
I will probably do the surgery in the US since there are no language barriers, and using my insurance would be more convenient. My big concern is not going under general anesthesia, which apparently is the only option here and in Thailand. So, we’ll see. I’ve got tentative plans to visit the States this fall or winter.
My daughter had her nasal passages scooped out a couple of years ago. So far, so good.
Here in Korea its been wet all month. The past week has ramped up to where the country looks like a lake. Mudslides, rock slides, accidents. bodys, etc. We don’t need to go out, so just stay 14 floors up and stay dry.
The sidewalks are like ice rinks during the rain.. I took a tumble on Wednesday night. Luckily, all I got was a dirty shirt and some embarrassment.
Yeah, it was a close call, but I managed to keep my feet last night. It’s gonna be a long rainy season, I fear!
Glad the surgery went well for your daughter, Rascal. I understand it is a pretty routine procedure, but the being knocked out part bothers me. We’ll see.
Glad you are enjoying the “high life” in Korea!