To slow down was advice I was given recently by the Injury Clinic Dr - to stop multi-tasking. Returned from Ireland to return to the job after the weekend and just like before I went on the trip just too much to do. Maybe mom told you, before coming here to work I was on a roll running in every direction getting this and that done and quite pleased with myself (like there was no tomorrow) when I tumbled over a full laundry basket. I was on my way out with plastic bags to drop off at the supermarket for recycling after work, turn off the washer before I left as I felt I overloaded and carrying too much which blinded the basket at the bottom of the stairs. I was carrying also a hot travelling mug w/tea which spilled all over and more on my left hand. When I tumbled my face banged on a hard surface. I instantly looked like someone beat the hell out of me. Whatever about my face, I couldn't understand why my hand was so sore never thinking I burned it. I went off to Kaiser to the Injury Clinic and got the same doctor I saw last year when I broke my ankle in June and fell out of the raft in Tahoe (remember when mom came with us). Doctor wanted to know who beat and burned me. Don't know if she ever believed the truth. I just so happened to have a retirement appt. that same afternoon and I went to it. I got a ticket from a cop on my way to West Portal for not stopping at a stop sign. Not a good day! Guess I told you all that because we do tend to stress ourselves out and it's not a good thing. I too have high blood pressure/cholesteral and take medicines for both. I exercise and eat right - must be in the genes. Mom is a worry but we have to take care of ourselves also. Went to Holy Cross with her on Saturday and it's just not easy with her. The hearing aids she has should have been returned long ago and just to move her from A to Z is difficult. Mom was a very healthy lady until she was 80. You should never feel, John, that you need to spend as much time w/her as you do if it stresses you. Perhaps quality time rather than quantity. You have been so good but an hour's visit is okay too - don't feel you need to spend the Saturday night and Sundays also. You work all week and the weekend is all you have. I know my weekends are so precious. Do you take medicine for the blood pressure and cholesteral? I was going to go to Camp Mather w/Sheila and Angela for four days in August. Senior citizen four days - believe it or not I qualify having just turned 55. Kind of sad. Working for the school district, it's the week school resumes. I've been waiting for my bosses okay and she just told me I cannot have the days off. Guess I need to retire when I can. (email from mary to john, july 25, 2007)