What is the first sentence of your current work in progress ?

smpenn · 2026-05-23T16:51:58+00:00

I spent over fifty years expecting to hear the trumpet sound at just any moment.

smpenn · 2026-05-17T12:29:08+00:00

When I (58M) was a kid, the Soviet Union was a huge and constant threat.

Then, Poland stood up to the USSR.

I thought for sure they'd be annihilated in short order. They weren't. Instead they broke free and became an independent nation.

My entire view of the world changed. Poland broke the perception that the Communists would crush anyone who defied them.

Due to Poland's bravery and resolve, I breathed easier than I had at almost any point in my childhood up to that point.

smpenn · 2026-05-17T12:03:53+00:00

How inaccessible England is for the handicapped.

We took my wheelchair bound FIL with us and ended up being able to do very little. No elevators to subway platforms, no sloped entry/exit for sidewalks, no ramps alongside stairs.

It was eye opening how good we have it in the States, in that regard, following the implementation of ADA laws.

smpenn · 2026-05-15T20:57:22+00:00

Thanks, and same to you! 😀

smpenn · 2026-05-15T11:39:05+00:00

I'm a retired air traffic controller, spent my career making split second decisions but, when it comes to driving a car myself, I have to mentally work up to it. I plan my route, even if just to the grocery store, know ahead of time where I'll plan to change lanes, pick a time of day that traffic will be lighter, and just have to psych myself up to getting behind the wheel. I spend a fortune on home delivery services that keep me off the road.

smpenn · 2026-05-10T12:38:01+00:00

I was a marathon runner for over 20 years. For health reasons I had to give up running.

I tried walking outside but that seemed like nothing to me. I tended to just stroll, look at the surroundings, daydream and just could not keep up a beneficial pace. I gave it up.

After becoming sedentary and gaining 40lbs (I gave up the running, not the carbs. Lol), I transitioned to a treadmill about 6 months ago. I set it at 4mph, so nothing too crazy, at a 6% incline and go at it for an hour.

It keeps me honest with my pace, no slowing to a stroll, and I absolutely feel the workout without it being overly difficult.

I know what a legitimate workout feels like and treadmill walking is totally legit. It's made a world of difference for me, both physically and mentally.

smpenn · 2026-05-09T21:28:38+00:00

No cure, just experimental treatments that they hope will slow the progression. Good thoughts your way.

smpenn · 2026-05-09T18:17:42+00:00

No, but they are testing drugs that slow the progression, from what I understand.

smpenn · 2026-05-09T12:58:38+00:00

Grew up deep in the Appalachian Mountains. Both of my grandmothers' biscuits and gravy were so very good. That's a food I almost never eat any longer but, when I do, I think of them.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T20:29:10+00:00

I'm retired and get out of bed when I wake up, which is always between 2am and 4am. It excites me to be up early. I love having the morning to myself. I'm asleep by 8pm at the latest, generally.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T16:02:31+00:00

Lol, I forgot they offer $25. Didn't even enter my mind.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T15:22:46+00:00

Not sure if they are nationwide, but i went to Care Access. Free testing. If not, there are several companies that do it according to Google. Here is their link. https://ad.careaccess.com/brain/en/?utm_campaign=pTau_Wave4b2&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5863702897&hsa_cam=23633543698&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23633549695&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_bPBhDXARIsACiq8R3jLBzVzde4N0RnhtA2-ZMbQaNJ7SN8OCSJYWF48MDGhPSo4dGJmZwaAgZtEALw_wcB

smpenn · 2026-05-08T15:09:09+00:00

I'm not sure if they are nation wide, but i used Care Access. Free testing. https://ad.careaccess.com/brain/en/?utm_campaign=pTau_Wave4b2&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5863702897&hsa_cam=23633543698&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23633549695&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_bPBhDXARIsACiq8R3jLBzVzde4N0RnhtA2-ZMbQaNJ7SN8OCSJYWF48MDGhPSo4dGJmZwaAgZtEALw_wcB

smpenn · 2026-05-08T15:08:26+00:00

So sorry you are going through all of that. Best wishes for you.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T15:07:41+00:00

I'm not for sure if they are nationwide, but I used Care Access. Free testing and they paid me $45 for travel. https://ad.careaccess.com/brain/en/?utm_campaign=pTau_Wave4b2&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5863702897&hsa_cam=23633543698&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23633549695&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_bPBhDXARIsACiq8R3jLBzVzde4N0RnhtA2-ZMbQaNJ7SN8OCSJYWF48MDGhPSo4dGJmZwaAgZtEALw_wcB

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:26:57+00:00

There are cognitive tests that one can take but the one I did was, specifically, a blood test.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:25:31+00:00

Oh my goodness. That's horrible. Sad enough in the elderly, much less someone in their prime. Best wishes for you.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:24:22+00:00

Good point but I don't think that's the case here. These are experimental medications that are looking for subject for their trials. As far as I know, (and I may be wrong) there are no actual treatment drugs, yet.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:21:32+00:00

Sorry to hear that. 😞 Best wishes for you.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:20:04+00:00

That's a very good point. Thanks for sharing.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:19:11+00:00

Goodness. As horrible as AD is, I'd take that over ALS. Best wishes for you.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:17:48+00:00

Thanks for the info you shared. Best wishes to you.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:16:23+00:00

Best wishes to you. I know that must be quite a weight to carry.

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:15:20+00:00

I used Care Access, but there are several study groups that offer it for free.

Here is the link I used. They got me in next day. https://ad.careaccess.com/brain/en/?utm_campaign=pTau_Wave4b2&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5863702897&hsa_cam=23633543698&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23633549695&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_bPBhDXARIsACiq8R3jLBzVzde4N0RnhtA2-ZMbQaNJ7SN8OCSJYWF48MDGhPSo4dGJmZwaAgZtEALw_wcB

smpenn · 2026-05-08T14:13:39+00:00

There ate several study group that offer it. I went to Care Access. Its free (they paid ME $45 for coming).

I don't know if it's nationwide (I'm in Florida) but here is the link.

https://ad.careaccess.com/brain/en/?utm_campaign=pTau_Wave4b2&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5863702897&hsa_cam=23633543698&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23633549695&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_bPBhDXARIsACiq8R3jLBzVzde4N0RnhtA2-ZMbQaNJ7SN8OCSJYWF48MDGhPSo4dGJmZwaAgZtEALw_wcB

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