Blog Archives

Gracias a Todos

7/30/2019

Over the last 7 1/2 years, Chris and I have been the recipients of many incredible gifts. When I begin thinking about all the gifts we have received since my stroke, everything from cash to much needed merchandise, y'all gave me hope and filled my soul with gratitude. Not to mention everybody's time, consideration, and prayers sent my way. I'm sure I have thanked most on an individual basis. But if you'll bear with me, I'll take a page from Jimmy Fallon, to thank most of you publicly:
Victor Martinez, Sr., Cristy Valdés, John Fuerst, Sandy Valdés, James Vasquez, Kim Overton, Jason Duncan, Carlos Martinez, Mary Olivar, Yolanda Martinez, Shara Martinez, Adrienne Overton, Charles Davis, Volma Overton III, Terry Parr, John Russell, Allison Massey, Nora Malarkey, Ed Milller, Chris's Book Club, Robert Vargas, Rebecca Rauber, Roger Rios, Patricia Hillman, Joan Klasson, David Short, Patric Carter, Kit Lynch, Charlie, Amy Donaldson, Don & Erika McChesney, Vicki Baldwin, John & Janet Mash, Peggy Nelson, and Layne Hendrick.
Jonathan Stilley, Patricia Barrueta, Amelia Rojas, Jose Gomez, Christy Pugh, Frank Pugh,
Thank you all! I'll be adding more names as I remember. This is a very cathartic exercise.

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Bird Man

7/4/2019

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That's not me . . . yet.

Dear Reader,
Have I mentioned my Park? My home park, I call it, because I'm hesitant to give the name for fear that people will flock to it and ruin the serenity. Hundreds of cyclists already know about it. But, it's not like I have thousands of readers or anything like that. So, if you promise to keep my secret . . . Govalle Park.

Stock photo from Flicker of brown-tail hawk.

Otherwise known as Hawks' Roost. The name I gave it because of all the hawks you can hear screeching during the day. There is a nest of hawklings in a nearby tree, that Chris and I discovered. Must be in the adolescent stage by now, judging by how much as they shriek.

Northern Cardinal, courtesy due Steve and Dave Maslowsk

Today, I got a good look at a pair of cardinals perched on a wire, singing away. A male and female. Between my binoculars and my camera you would think I could recognize the birds by species now. Cardinals are an easy call.

Stock photo from Flicker of egret.

I have identified an egret its mate along Walnut Creek. Swallows, I'm assuming, are building mud nests and flitting about on the 183 overpass. Sparrows and Dove are everywhere, and grackles and mocking birds, of course. Then there is the occasional woodpecker siting.

I have turned into a regular geek. Back in January, I wrote about a bunch of disabled folks who go out together and bird watch once a month. The group is called Birdability. I had mentioned at the time that I felt the need to join up with a group. This might be the time.
Running into my nephew, Jose, on the path last Monday, I realized that the word is out, my park belongs to everybody. Not much can be done about that, but learn to share this magnificent find.

Thanks for reading, Vic

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A Dog and His Man

7/1/2019

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For my step-son Volma III's 41st birthday I got him a card at HEB that caught my attention immediately. Didn't have to look any further, it was so ironic and hilarious. Check it out for yourself. I get a good laugh every time I think about it.

Canine and human are utilizing the same item in two different ways. The near-sighted dog has a hard time comprehending why this particular grievance has yet to be remedied.
They obviously have had this conversation before, but the dog feigns ignorance and disregards the fact that this has been explained to him countless times before.
The card begs the question, how many grievances are listed and what could they be? Comment with what you think some might be.

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HandySports?

It's because most stroke survivors are hemiplegiac, affecting either the left or the right side of their body. In my case, and with most other stroke survivors, one of the hands is spastic. Meaning it can't move naturally, calmly, or fluidly in unison with other parts of the body.
And, I would like to believe that everything revolves around sport.That element lends itself to drama.
In one way or another, every act we perform as stroke survivors is a sporting challenge: balance, coordination, strength, and stamina.
Our opponent is either physical or mental in nature, often both. We play against formidable foes such as paralysis, aphasia, apraxia, dementia, et al.
Every act we do, as stroke survivors, is a response to overcoming our disability,

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