First, thanks to all who have left comments and messages. Sorry I haven't been keeping up with things.  I've been working on a big project. All the data gathering, fact finding, editing, etc. has given me my fill of the computer, but you know I love you guys. I'm almost ready to unveil it, thank goodness.

I had acupuncture awhile ago, performed by a world-famous martial artist who is also a doctor of Chinese Medicine, Steve Stewart. He did have a presence about him just as many famous people do, but he was very nice. At that time I could not concentrate on his martial arts accomplishments; I just wanted to get better. Like most people's experience, the pain was minimal. I actually wish it had sent me through the roof, because on some people it does, and I've heard that that is an indication that things were out of whack and thus can be fixed. I am doing better. I can't assign credit completely to the acupuncture, although I would like to. It's just so hard to establish cause and effect. Sometimes I have problems when I don't expect to, and other times I expect to have problems but don't. I venture to say that the tenderness-to-the-touch cleared up much faster than I thought. Simple gardening the prior weekend had left me in pain. I was also running the book fair and had Market Day that week too. I did way more than I should have. The pain started, but didn't really develop. Of course I could say the same thing after the previous Market Day, so who knows? I was also advised to work up to drinking about 4L per day of water, with lime juice added to alter the pH so it gets into cells easier. There were a few other dietary guidelines. I am now down to 1 diet Pepsi a day from my past consumption of about 3.

So, right now my activity level is enough to keep the pain threatening to return, but not enough to send it over the edge. I am using my hand held massager and have started Theraband exercises. I have re-started ab work, which feels great. I am lifting only 5lb weights--down from about 15 :(  so my legs can get used to it. Things could be worse.