Sunday, Mar 26
For Mar 25 CPAP. Reported figures. AHI=1.62. Events: 1 CSR, 9 H, 18 RERA. Time on 5 hrs 33 min. Oximetry: SpO2 low 65 (spurious, when stopping CPAP), actual low was 89, 3 events <88% with overall avg., 92.3%. Pulse avg. 53.6, low 50.
John and I decided to travel to Costco, and stopped on the way to pick up from Lynn Davenport a gift of two nylon-washing bags with zippers to protect things with hooks or fringe, while being washed in the clothes washer. She is the one who gave me a photo of the Elk sign for last week’s blog, but now I received another I’ll put in here, after the Yakima story.
Our Yakima trip took 5 hrs total. I was already tired from late hours and interrupted sleep. It was an interesting weather day, with our experiencing fog, rain, and sunshine.
We first went to Home Depot and spent a $50 gift card from a friend. We had tried before and not found the items we had in mind. The items today we found included a new end for a damaged extension cord, a Husky Extension (100′) extension cord, and a container of growth hormone to treat cuttings from plants to encourage roots on a stem. We went a little over our $50, but put that card out of its misery.
Here’s the story behind the need for the first two items: John had his Ford truck plugged in to charge the battery out in the pole barn, and when he removed it, he did not roll and hang it. It was a big orange one (maybe looked like string cheese) that attracted a mouse, that chewed on and through it, very close to the plug-into end. So, while John can cut the short end and replace the connector, to repair it, he still wanted a new full and longer cord. The one that was chewed was a 50′; when he fixes it, he’ll still have about 40′ of cord. However, he bought a 100′ one to use for long distance outside activities.
The growth hormone is mostly to try and start new Shiro (round, yellow) Plum trees. The bottle has enough powder to do 100, so maybe other trees will get the treatment too. The Christmas (whatever) cactus needs some offspring, also.
We decided not to get gasoline at Costco, because it is 12¢ / gal cheaper in Ellensburg at Sunrise than at Costco. Also, until the end of March, we can use our Discover card, and get 5% off all gasoline purchases, but Costco only gives 4% off and won’t accept Discover. This week ended that 3-month savings.
This photo came from Cindi Crawford Ackerlund, who works for the WSDOT and took it for me, after my request last week for one of the Elk warning signs along I-90 from Vantage to Ryegrass Summit. Go back and read last week’s blog to read the beginning and get the “rest of the story.” I put my request on the Facebook site, Community Connect Kittitas County. Amazing how requests can be fulfilled.
Monday, Mar 27
For Mar 26 CPAP. Reported figures. AHI=0.95. Events: 6 H, 1 PP, 16 RERA. Time on 6 hrs 20 min with (max = 10 L/min). Oximetry: SpO2 low 90, 0 events <88% with overall avg., 93.2%. Pulse avg. 54.5, low 50.
No rain today, so it will be a pruning day and John left a little late because of the ice on his windshield !!
I am starting my day with more photos from Cindi Crawford Ackerlund. Yesterday, she sent me the ELK NEXT 10 MILES photo, seen above, yesterday, and today, she took these photos on her way to work. She also sent me many others from Ryegrass Summit, but these two were my favorites from her trip to work this morning. 
These lovely photos of clouds, morning sunrise, and fog show the wind turbines and the cell tower at the top of Ryegrass Summit on I-90. This is the top of the hill where the road starts down to the Columbia River, 10 miles away and 2,000 feet lower. That cell tower is the one we “lean toward” from our house, occasionally, to get reception on my cell phone. John’s rarely gets reception on our property. Upsets me when he is outside, and might want to call me, or vice versa.
I have many projects to work on today; the largest is trying to get my new computer (4 months old) to work. It got dementia, or something overnight. I thought I had the SleepyHead software installed and running, but yesterday, I was unable to access the program that I had used on Saturday. Windows 10 on that machine is not working the same as the installation of it on my old laptop (where I am writing this now). On the Dell, I cannot access a list of programs on the system as John and I can do on our other two computers. I cannot restart or shut down that computer, only put it to sleep. I cannot display the date / time. If I don’t have a shortcut to the program on the desktop, I cannot use it. This is driving me nuts. John tried to help last night to no avail, because of lack of time and need to retire for early morning wake up. I will work more today, and he will try again when he gets back from pruning.
The issue (and one that my friend Sam in Idaho tried to help me solve, was that my Windows 10 software on my Dell was not properly configured, and I could not access a number of things). The most recent activity was Saturday with SleepyHead (free software). I downloaded an upgrade from the web. I put my data in from my CPAP machine’s SD card, and was pleased that it worked. However, I turned off the machine and went to bed. When I returned Sunday, I had no access to the software, and I could not reach the Program Control Settings option.
I talked for the first 30 min to a Costco Concierge Services guy, and when he wasn’t able to help, he put me through to Monica on the Dell support team in New Delhi, India. Now I have her direct email and that of her supervisor. I spoke and worked with her for well over an hour.
She listened to my problems, and finally, through Dell Support, connecting to my machine directly, so we both could see the problems I was describing. It took us 3 times, and my battery ran out on my telephone landline, but she returned the call, and I had gotten the other charged up phone normally near John. That reconnect came at 5:30 my time, and we talked (and worked another hour.
I do not know how or what all she actually changed, but I know the settings needed changed to allow me to press the Windows Key on the task bar (or on the key pad, 2 left of the space bar) to access things, which I have not been able to do for several months. She thinks that on a Windows update, my computer was corrupted. Shortly after John installed Win-10, last year, his system refused to come back on. Just black screens. He had to take it to town.
I am now able to shut down, restart, and do other things. I now have sound on my SongWriter software. I have access to Application software installed on my computer. The over 2-hour process ended up being quite amazing. I need time to transfer and download more programs, and check out all the access things she fixed, and hope there are no more needing adjustment, but I have a direct email to her and the Dell Support team to get assistance, if needed.
I worked on the Anniversary Dance program email with directions and menu, building location, and documentation for the potluck / jam practice on Friday.
Tuesday, Mar 28
For Mar 27 CPAP. Reported figures. AHI=0.71. Events: 1 CSR, 5 H, 18 RERA. Time on 7 hrs 3 min with (max = 9 L/min). Oximetry: SpO2 low 90, 0 events <88% with overall avg., 93.4%. Pulse avg. 55.6, low 49.
John left at 7:30 a.m. to prune at White Heron.
Charlie gets his gravel delivered. Fortunately, John will not have to go assist. The deliverer is bringing a tractor to help spread the gravel on the low spots of his driveway, where the creek flooded.
Dave Hazlett comes to trim Myst. I left a check for John to assist at 2:30, and I will not be home until after he leaves.
I called two places about Magnesium 500mg strength, number tablets, and price. Rite-Aid won my business at 2 cents/pill cheaper (with their buy two bottles for the price of one).
I went by the bread room on my way to Petscen$e, where they had my order ready and gave me $5 off, and on to the senior center, where I visited with the AmeriCorps person, Megan, I’m helping plan the Cajun music presentation for this Friday’s special event. Stayed for Jazzercise, and then visited Bi-Mart, Rite-Aid, Hospice Friends, and I also delivered some items from Costco to two different people.
Wednesday, Mar 29
For Mar 28 CPAP. Reported figures. AHI=0.32. Events: 1 CSR, 2 H, 17 RERA. Time on 6 hrs 9 min with (max = 10 L/min). Oximetry: SpO2 low 88, 0 events <88% with overall avg., 92.5%. Pulse avg. 57.0, low 52.
I spent a lot of time on the Haband order of a jacket for John, using a $15 gift certificate and finding out about 2 other discount codes bringing down the cost of the $24.99 jacket to $9.78. I now need to set up making an auto payment or a payment on the Haband account, as it now has a balance. Contact Comenity Bank by phone to pay no charge, and on line to set up autopay.
I punched holes in the music for Gerald/Charlie’s book and mine for tomorrow & put the lyrics in a binder for Gloria to follow. She was going to hear us play. Needed also to charge up my battery so the activities director could videotape our practice session.
Thursday, Mar 30
For Mar 29 CPAP. Reported figures. AHI=2.71. Events: 3 CSR, 18 H, 15 RERA. Time on 6 hrs 39 min with (max = 17 L/min). Oximetry: SpO2 low 84, 2 events <88% with overall avg., 92.6%. Pulse avg. 54.2, low 50.
It was sunny and John left for White Heron.
Playing at Pacifica (old Dry Creek), on our 5th Thursday day off, as a practice for April 1 night. A subgroup of the Kittitas Valley Fiddlers and Friends has played music for the dinner part of the party, for many years, for the Blue Agates Square & Round Dance club dinner (before and during), before their caller leads the dancing.
This video is a little ragged, because we had interruptions from residents going in and out the back door behind us, and one blind lady sitting next to the activities director pulling on her arm and talking to her while she was holding the camera. It was great, however, that we had the chance to practice for an hour and 10 minutes, with an appreciative and forgiving audience.
Video: practice – for Blue Agates Square and Round Dance 43rd Anniversary Dance Dinner
Tonight, Amy and I met with Bret (CWU music prof.) at his house to practice Cajun music for tomorrow’s lunch. Laina will join us tomorrow when she gets out of class at Central. We should start the music a little after noon.
Friday, Mar 31
For Mar 30 CPAP. Reported figures. AHI=0.18. Events: 3 CSR. 1 H, 14 RERA. Time on 5 hrs 35 min with (max = 13 L/min). Oximetry: SpO2 low 88, 0 events <88% with overall avg., 92.7%. Pulse avg. 55.8, low 47.
I took a few photos at the start, and set up my camera for the video below.
John went with me, Haley came with Amy, and we met Bret there to have lunch ahead of the music with the crowd. The menu was sweet cornbread with a bowl of Jambalaya, with shrimp only, or also with chicken and sausage. 
Amy & Haley arriving in their Cajun attire, Bret setting up, and bringing a shaker for Haley to use, eating sweet cornbread, & butter with our Jambalaya, and Haley’s chair.
Here’s the group, after Laina arrived at noon.
Midway with music and Haley joining with the shaker, right was our last song, a sing-along with the audience on Jambalaya. Amy played the flute, penny whistle, and washboard (with thimbles).
Within the music, you’ll see that a couple of people got up and danced.
If you want to experience the 39 minutes of entertainment, you can watch the video below.
Cajun Music 3-31-17 AAC Special Event, Louisiana Bayou
Louisiana Bayou
We came home and started dealing with potluck items for the evening, and I set up my music to take along. We took separate cars.
John had cooked a pork loin roast and I carried along some rolls.
We had 19 people arriving there for dinner, starting before 6:00 p.m. and ending after 9:00 p.m. after playing all our music.
Collage of some of the food brought: left top pork roast, beans, scalloped potatoes, fruit salad, rolls, Coleslaw, veggies & dip, Jello salad, decorated cupcakes that looked like real flowers.
Saturday, April 1
For Mar 31 CPAP. Reported figures. AHI=1.55. Events: 2 CSR, 11 H, 16 RERA. Time on 7 hrs 5 min with (max = 13 L/min). Oximetry: SpO2 low 88, 0 events <88% with overall avg., 92.1%. Pulse avg. 55.1, low 50.
I set up my “new” lighter aluminum tripod and connected my camera on the top, wrapped it in protective covering, and put in a carrying case for a folding chair. I got the tripod and the carrier from the Buy Nothing site at no cost. I’m taking it tonight to record the Kittitas Valley Fiddlers and Friends during our performance tonight (dinner music for the 43rd Anniversary Dance of the Blue Agate Square and Round Dance club’s annual event). We have played for them for many years, starting at the Swauk-Teanaway Grange. Tonight we are in the Armory on the edge of the Rodeo & Fairgrounds in Ellensburg.
I rearranged the music changes from last night’s practice session, worked on dishes, did data removal from my medical vital signs recording machines for my overnight sleep, and John managed to spend a little time on outside things. Onions need planting, so he is working on that recently snow covered soil.
We left for town a little before 1:00 to put gasoline in John’s car. The price has gone up dramatically at the cheapest station in town. We paid $2.549 at Circle K, but the normal cheapest station, Sunrise, was $2.759! I suppose I will drive my car back tonight to fill it up, before the price goes up again. We did that.
Our destination was a 90th birthday celebration for Carla Kaatz. We have known her since I arrived in Ellensburg, 29 years ago. I was a colleague with her husband, Marty, in the Geography Department at Central. Others from the department were there (George & Mary Ann Macinko, Ken & Jo Hammond, and Karl & Nancy Lillquist). 
John, Carla Kaatz, and Nancy
View on the way home – to show snow on Mission Ridge north of us on April 1.
Mission Ridge – with a high point about 6,600 feet.
Tonight we leave before 5:00 to get gasoline in my car, and to get to the Armory by 5:20 for setup. After we play, we are treated to our dinner, while the dancers start their dancing.
Evie is the standing fiddler.
Blue Agate Dance, 4/1/17 Music Before & During Dinner
Playing and eating
David Kay, solo, Last Verse, Sonny Don’t Go Away or Sonny’s Dream
A Mother’s Song
Sonny, don’t go away, I am here all alone
And your daddy’s a sailor who never comes home
And the nights are so long and the silence goes on
And I’m feelin’ so tired, I’m not all that strong
Sonny carries a load, though he’s barely a man
There ain’t much to do, yet he does what he can
He watches the sea from a room by the stairs
The waves keep on rollin’, they’ve done that for years
It’s a hundred miles to town, Sonny’s never been there
Yet he goes to the highway and stands there and stares
And the mail comes at four and the mailman is old
But he still keeps his dreams full of silver and gold
Sonny’s dreams can’t be real, they’re just stories he’s read
They’re just stars in his eyes, they’re just dreams in his head
Still he longs in his mind for the wild world outside
And I know I can’t hold him though I’ve tried
And I’ve tried, and I’ve tried
Sonny, don’t go away.
Evie & Peter Schuetz Dancing at Blue Agates Dance, 4-1-17
A fiddler tries square dancing
Sunday, April 2
For April 1 CPAP. Reported figures. AHI=0.31. Events: 1 H, 1 OA, 17 RERA. Time on 6 hrs 30 min with (max = 7 L/min). Oximetry: SpO2 low 83 (occurred off CPAP), 10 events <88% with overall avg., 92.2%. Pulse avg. 56.7, low 52.
I worked inside all day and John cleaned dog poop out of the fenced yard – among other chores.
Hope your week was fine.
Nancy and John
Still on the Naneum Fan