Had an excellent outing last night to the Hollywood Bowl, to hear John Williams conduct the Los Angeles Symphony in music from the movies.

It was wonderful. The place was packed, but we brought a picnic lunch and had a terrific time. I even felt like I could hear it all, a definite plus.

We're going back in a couple of weeks to hear Pink Martini, one of our favorite bands, and the fireworks extravaganza. If I'm going to lose up to 60% of my hearing, then I want to get as many auditory experiences in as I possibly can. Which reminds me, I'll have to make a trip to the beach soon so I can hear the waves.

Getting back to the shuttle bus was a nightmare. So many heads bobbing up and down - I got disoriented and felt frail. But with a son on each side, our arms wrapped around each other, they brought me through safely.

We got home just after midnight. I had to be at work this morning at six. What I learned was, right now I need to be at the top of my game at all times, which means lots of sleep, healthy eating, exercise. I swear the cruise ship I was on today was pitching during a terrible storm, it was that difficult for me to keep my balance. My co-workers were quite concerned for me. I went home after two hours (which felt like ten) and slept another three.

Doing much better now; am heading out to the gym and a treadmill, where I can hang on while I run if I need to.

And I sent an SOS to friends for their help in supporting my husband during the next few months of uncertainty. He was so worried when I came home early that his stomach was in knots all morning. Hopefully, most of our friends will come through with random phone calls and silly, and concerned, emails. He needs it much more than I do at this time.

I don't know why men are so solitary. It's so sad, don't you think?