Hello one and Hello all,

Well I guess updates are in order. It has been a couple of months.

1. Finally making progress with my doctor! Back in December/January my CD4's droped from 895 down to 491 and then to 325. My Doctor got a little worried. He ran the entire gambit of tests and tried to persuade me to go on an HIV regimine. I told him flat out….NO.

He did a really good job trying to reason with me, however, my approach was one of let's wait and see. Blips do happen. I am glad I waited.

couple of weeks went by and the next series of results came in. My numbers shot right back up to 861. It was at that point that I told him I want to wait for as long as I am able to even start on a regimine.

No reason to start pumping my body full of toxins if I don't have to. Granted I know they do prolong life, and OI's will come less while on the Medications. However, I look at HIV meds as a ballistic missile. Don't use them until you have to.

Well. Today I had another appointment with my HIV doctor. My CD4's are at 770/uL and my HIVRNA is at 2,840/ML.

Those numbers are as good as anything. Towards the end of the appointment I did ask if he wouldn't mind seeing me once every 3 to 4 months. He said YES! Finally. Not sure what changed his mind, however, getting a VA doctor to agree to see you once every 3 or 4 months is almost a miracle in itself. I still hold to the fact that time is an ally. I am after all only Three years into this journey.Not long in comparison to many, But given my circumstances I would say that I am doing well. It could be worse. But I like better as it is happier.

I consider this progress. Of course the other areas of my life are still static. I am of course progressing on the knitting. I just learned how to knit the Cathedral stitch! It is beautiful. looks like the front of a Cathedral when you hold it up to the light.

When I first saw that pattern several months ago I didn't think I would ever be able to do it. Now I am happy.

On a note of similar interest I have found that my penchant for encrusting precious gems into my work is garnering some small attention. A case worker for the County likes my work so much that she wants me to do a throw encrusted with saphires, Swarovski pearls, peridot, and embroidered with japanese gold thread, backed in imperial black velevet. OMG!

After telling her that it was going to cost over $400.00 dollars in materials alone she still wanted the piece done. So, I officially have my first customer. I just hope that this will garner more customers. Now that would be cool.

In any case I am going to do a separate piece with the Cathedral stitch and it is going to be wonderful. It will be my entry into this year's Veterans art Exhibit.

Next note: Family life is still as it is. None. I think that I am slowly getting over that fact. Filling my life with odd happy moments seems to work just fine. My cats Darwin and Lulu offer me plenty enough love. But human companionship would be nice even if it can be a disapointment.

Patience is the key I guess. Patience more coffee and lots of more yarn and fun times with my Cats. 🙂

I love you all my dear friends and wish only happy moments for you.