Jill’s Jottings NewYork (Part A)

Slight turbulence in the aircraft as we flew through clouds in front of severe weather crossing to our West. Nearly had a heart attack as I navigated the 8inch plus gap b/w station platform & train.

After a quick unpack I went for a local wander but did not get far as the footpaths slope sideways more than I’d found before and the area is all up & down, plus rough footpath & road surfaces. However I did find a grog shop & what I thought was milk nearby, only to later discover the ‘milk’ was yoghurt - I had wondered why it cost three times the price I paid previously. Always something new to add to the tourist experience.

I liked Dr. Bruno’s emphasis on the need for many Post Polio’s to revisit their initial negative hospital experiences and to face their ‘Polio Demons’ before they could come to terms with new limitations and new ways of dealing with Post Polio Sequelae (such as replacing ‘use it or loose it’ with pacing, aids etc). Other disciplines were accessed via the nearby hospital and reports coordinated by Dr Bruno.

During the afternoon a chance for me to catch-up on the computer while Mary-ann has a local wander & writes post cards, a luxury she has not been afforded so far. Just as I felt all was flowing smoothly, I returned to the hotel 5pm after popping out, to find people gazing at a stationary elevator while staff rang for a mechanic. Fortunately no one was caught inside it. For the next few hours I watched people using the stairs for anything up to eight floors. Mary-ann came to the rescue at 6.30pm with a take away dinner and wine which we ate in the lobby, picnic style, while the mechanic completed his work. Soon after 7pm I entered my bedroom - & stayed there. We are on the 4th floor, a long way to crawl.

By now my neck/shoulder was sore from several days of wheeling so Mary-ann rubbed in Jan’s ‘Pain mix 1’, which is her own mix of essential oils Sweet Marjoram, Lemongrass & Chamomile which she had made up just for me during the Johnstown visit. As a skeptic I was pleasantly surprised when 10 mins later I felt definite relief, less pain/discomfort, so straight to bed to make the most of the herbal brew – thanks Jan!

Tomorrow sight seeing and more adventures no doubt.

Jill Pickering