Povey Prattle

So, the CPAP nasal system  (pillow)  was not helpful.  The wee "buds" did not match my nostrils -  indeed they sometimes fell out or separated from the hose which linked them to the CPAP machine. Thus on Tuesday the respiratory expert from Lincare (a private business which has a Governmental contract) brought me a mask which covers my nose and my mouth.   I have used it for three nights.  It is very comfortable.  It allows me to breath through my nose and my mouth.   Is it "dealing with" my sleep apnea?  I will not know this until I figure out how to download the readings from the CPAP machine.   BUT   a) I can sleep very comfortably for eight or so hours whilst wearing the mask, and yet   b) I am as tired the next day as I was before "going  CPAP"   SO   I will persist for a few more days (maybe a week) to ascertain whether using a ...

Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India (1947-1964) following that country's independence from the British Empire. He and the last British Viceroy of India  (Louis Mountbatten) respected each other greatly and their amicable relationship led to a peaceful transition from Imperial rule to Independence. (That transition was marred by the "civil war and massacres" which led to the partition of  the sub-continent into Pakistian and India, with divided Kashmir as a never concluded flashpoint. ALSO - in due course East Pakistan) fought to become the country known as Bangladesh) . (Incidentally that old Imperialist Winston Churchill was bitterly opposed to Mountbatten's appointment as Viceroy by Clement Atlee (British Premier 1945-1951) , and he blamed Mountbatten for the loss of the Jewel in the Crown  (India) from the Empire.) Nehru and Louis Mountbatten's wife Edwina developed a tender and semi-romantic friendship,  Most historians claim that it was ev...

FOX NEWS IS PERMEATING OUR LIVES  -  COULD BE DANGEROUS.     He walked slowly across the Executive Course of the Bobby Jones Golf course here in SRQ last Monday.   No shame.   No fear.   I saw him again this morning just before sunrise, as I walked through a wooded area.  His spooky eyes glowed yellow as I sought him out with my flashlight.  Penne  "chomped at the bit"  ( if such a thing is possible for a dog).   I held back with caution.  He disappeared into the semi darkness.   He  (or maybe she) is a lone and very skinny fox, copper coloured just like Penne.   I think that he/she is more wary of humans than we of her/him, but I do not want Penne to begin a chase.   This lone fox has been in our neighborhood from time to time in recent years.  I once saw him canter by my Lanai in broad daylight  -  it was a beautiful sight.   But I am cau...

It took me a moment to figure out the "411".  I have never before seen it in this context. American friends will know what it means.  But first, following yesterday's post titled "I should get out more often" I report that I have received and accepted an invitation for dinner on April 2nd. Boy, all at once I am so very popular. (But I know that "they" are after my money).  "So what's the 411 on the CPAP?" I have used the machine for three nights, with mixed results. On the positive side the machine is all but silent, and I can sleep pretty well whilst using it. BUT there are wee problems.  One is that the soft plastic nostril piece sometimes gets detached from the air hose, meaning that I have to get up and turn on the lights to re-attach it. Another is that the nostril piece can sometimes block my nasal breathing, so that I cannot breathe in and out via my snozzle, and have to breathe through my mouth - ...

Many older people  (such as I) who are widowed, divorced, or single have to fight the impulse to stay at home, and to be isolated from human companionship.   For instance I often think and say "I am quite happy to be at home alone with my dog and cats".   That is true.  But too often it becomes the truth.     This is dangerous. Isolation can lead to insulation from the cares and joys of a bigger world.   In other words, although my home life with my pets (and with a good book) is very pleasant and comfortable, I cannot and must not settle for solitariness, seductive as it is.   Since it is seductive I often have to force myself to get out of the house and to enjoy other people.   This was the case last Friday, and also today (Sunday 30th March 2014).    I had invitations for both evenings, but I spent many waking hours on Friday and today to conjure up some excuse or other, and to send last minute ...