Good morning, Chris (artscaping), Ed (@njed), SusanEllen66 (@SusanEllen66),

I thought this might be a fun topic, although, from what I've read, it's hardly "fun." It seems worsening handwriting has a genuine link to PN. I expect that's why my neurologist keeps asking me about it.

I don't know of any "exercises" that help. Although it may be just wishful thinking, I have noticed that the deliberate focus (double-hard focus) helps with my handwriting. I journal-write every morning: 400 or 500 words by hand, on plain paper, using either a Waterman fountain pen (how's that for 19th century?) or a Vision Elite rollerball pen. I try to let my sleepy brain direct my hand. As my sleepy brain begins to wake up (2nd or 3rd cup of deep roast), my handwriting will be speeding up; the speedier it gets, the sloppier it gets. I must consciously stop myself and say (silently; my partner will still be asleep): "Slow down, Ray! Watch what you're doing. Write one word at a time, or even one letter at a time. If you write a word that even you can't read, Ray, 'X' it out and write it again." If I'm strict with myself, my handwriting improves. The improvement won't last, and it will never look like the penmanship charts I remember seeing tacked up above the chalkboard in elementary school (LOL!) – but at 78, I'll settle for even short-lived, microscopic improvements!

Ah, typewriters! Would you believe to my immediate left, on an old drop-leaf desk, I have an ancient, gazillion-pound, upright Remington Rand, the machine I had in my room when I was a boy in the Bronx and that I've carted with me everywhere. I no longer use it (ribbons are hard to find, and repairs? forget about it!); nevertheless, it's a friendly companion!

Merry Wednesday!
Ray (@ray666)