July 15, 2008

I went back to the doctor today since my neck pain seems to be getting worse than better. He seems to think it's just swelling, but wants me to start physical therapy (PT). He then wants to see me in six weeks to see my progress. However, if I see certain signs, then I need to contact him right away.

Okay, back on my podium...it's bad enough that someone has turned my life upside down because of carelessness, right? But noooo, the girl who hit me, let's call her R, insurance company called today.

First she asked how I was. After I told her I had just been to the doctor's office and what was happening, she started with an accusatory tone. "Well, I guess you had a pre-existing condition, because you should be healed by now." How the heck does she know when I should be healed? Is she a closet-practicing doctor?

"I'll need all your past records, why did you get acupuncture in the past, etc.," WHAT? "My client's car didn't have any damage, so why are you still hurting?" Uh well, don't you remember, my freakin' car was totaled! How did that happen? Geez.

Her tone was totally uncalled for and I am tempted to hire an attorney just so I don't have to deal with her anymore.

I'll step down...

July 14, 2008

The weekend was nice. We took my new car shopping on Saturday and Sunday we cleaned out the garage (well, most of it). There is still much to be done, but it's looking better.

After the garage we need to tackle the attic, but that's a fall job. It's about 130 degrees up there right now.

I got this really cool notice in my email today from True West magazine's executive editor, Bob Boze Bell:

"We are planning some groovy surprises for this fall.

My good friend Sherry Monahan is going to start doing a column on food and entertainment in the Old West. Sherry's book "Taste of Tombstone" is an excellent source for what the cowboys and gamblers of Arizona actually ate in the cafes and restaurants of frontier Arizona.

As readers of True West magazine already know, Tombstone was quite cosmopolitan. For grins, here are some examples of menu items from 1882 at the Maison Doree:

.. Chicken Liver Crochettes, ala Parisienne
.. Veal Cutlettes, plain and breaded
.. Antelope, a la Governor
.. Oyster Patties
.. Salmon Croquettes in Cream Sauce (also Colorado River Salmon in Lobster Sauce)
.. Spring Lamb
.. English Plum Pudding, Hard Brandy Sauce
.. Cream Pie

And no, there is no mention of cowboy beans at any of the numerous restaurants in the fancy silver mining town. "

I knew I was getting a column but it was so cool to see this!

This photo is of me and Bob at the Western Writers of America booksigning last month in Scottsdale.

July 11, 2008

It's Friday, although it was a short week for me. :)

I went to the gym today! I took a Zumba class, which is a cardio workout done to Latin music. It was totally awesome, and I can't wait for next Friday.

I had an acupuncture appointment today to help with my neck and shoulders. They are thinking I might have a pinched nerve. Ouch.

This weekend will be time to clean out the garage - there is too much junk. Goodwill here we come...

July 10, 2008

I got my new (used) car last night. It's so "luxurious" according my niece.

We had wicked storms last night, so the car got wet on the way home.

I have been struggling with some intense neck pain today. It feels like something is pinching and it hurts like crazy. My doc said some days would be worse than others until I am completely healed.

It's amazing how one event can cause a cascade of others...

July 9, 2008

I know it's been a while since my last post, but things got a little crazy with accident issues, the holiday, and vacation.

I am still working with the insurance companies to get my old car and medical bills paid off. I am getting a new (used) car tonight, finally. I will have my own wheels again. It's another Jag...

Nothing new on the writing front just yet - I am still plugging along on various projects.

Our niece, Jamie, came into town last week for her annual vacation. We saw fireworks for the holiday and then headed to Cherokee, NC to camp for a few days.

The camping was fun, but it rained off and on the entire time, which is not ideal for one sleeping on the ground in a tent. The dampness did not help the pain in my neck and shoulders from the accident.

I cooked steak, BBQ chicken, and big fat juicy burgers for dinners. Hot coffee, eggs, French toast (pictured) and sausage for breakfasts.

We learned a great deal about the Cherokee Indians during our visit. We also went tubing down a river, where it rained on us.

By Tuesday morning, we had had enough, and were ready for comfy beds and "hotel" sheets. We got home and had movie night - two nights in a row. We saw Cool Runnings, Stripes, Waking Ned Devine, and Trading Places. We also watched the finale of Hell's Kitchen. I picked the winner about four weeks ago.

Tomorrow I will attempt the gym for the first time since my accident. I hope I can handle it. It's really bugging me to not be working out.