Iowa, Lois and Daniel

I think I am finally working through the transition of all that has happened. Spending time with Daniel for the first time in years is a great help. There is a casino close by and he likes poker and I pretty much break even at the black jack tables.
Lois is very supportive knowing what I've been dealing with..
Iowa social services are so responsive compared to California. In California you might be lucky enough to leave a voice mail or get a message to call back another time. In Iowa you get a real person first try or they call you back the same day. I already have a weekly nurse come visit to check my vital signs to see how I am doing, had an MRI and ultra sound at the Iowa University hospital (not good news), and a care taker two times a week to help with daily tasks and a wheel chair. It's pretty level ground here so the wheel chair is cool. I also get bus service which I couldn't get in Salinas so I can go into town to shop or go to the library, hang out and play chess with the locals. I lose a lot.
Social Security made a major mistake in figuring out my monthly check and I got a big check so I bought a new gas BBQ. BBQ chicken is my specialty and it's so nice not to have to do charcoal.
I've been able to help Lois and Daniel with some expenses and cover some of my old debts. Now it's time to watch very carefully with what is left.
The hospital here in Iowa said my spine was too compromised and they wouldn't do the surgery. I wish the doctor in Santa Cruz was as honest about it. I show up ready for the procedure at the hospital and get a call that morning that he's not comfortable doing the procedure. Did I want him to still try? NFW! So for now I'm working out pain management and different drugs. I have again a new doctor and moving on from here. So I'm accepting the wheel chair thing and going to make the best of it. I researched and got a rather nice easy, light and comfortable chair. Lois sits in the chair and I push her for exersize which I need. And she pushes me for the same reason. It is so green here now.

When I first moved to California (1981) everyone smiled and how ya' doing. That's gone. Those smiles and good mornings are alive and well here. It's so nice. Lot's of parks and trails. We'll see how I feel in Decemberrrrrrrrr.
Love and prayers to all.