Not taking care of one’s “back” -- you know, the muscles and bones and stuff back there -- can cause problems including pain, and feelings of stupidity. The latter is true because those of us with back problems always know when we’re straining or overdoing, but we think we can handle it.

My current situation, I think, began when I drove from LAX to San Diego County in a cheap rental car. No cruise control, so my right leg was extended for the whole trip. Plus, I don’t think I was sitting properly. Cheap seat too.

I must relate our adventure in returning the rented vehicle. Being a guy, I first took it to the wrong location in Carlsbad because I misread the directions. Jan was following me in our daughter’s car. At one point, heading toward the proper return point, I pulled out of slow traffic, thinking Jan could follow. But I didn’t account for her being blocked by other vehicles. In fact, she couldn’t even see where I went. So there we were, separated in Carlsbad on Palomar Airport Road and environs including El Camino Real with those interminable traffic signals.

We finally were reunited at the airport. It took awhile because we both had gone off looking for each other after we became separated. There’s more to this story, but I’m going to let it ride for now.

Anyway, before our daughter and her family returned from their trip the next day, Jan asked me to vacuum the upstairs portion of their home, where she had been cat-sitting and house-sitting. So I did, and then got the bright idea that I’d also vacuum the stairs. It was a bad idea. Mostly because the machine must weigh 50 pounds, and it was difficult to wield by hand. And back.

Then after we came back to Illinois Valley, I hauled like 10 boxes of books from the garage to the new location of our home library. I know how to pick up and carry heavy items, but, um … well, I think I overdid it. (See “feelings of stupidity” above.) Thus, I have been dealing with a sore back, which was not helped by a total of nearly three hours aboard two separate aircraft to get back home. You know, all that sitting.

Had an “interesting” experience in Portland while waiting for the flight to Medford. As I moved to sit in the waiting area, stepping over my bag and turning simultaneously, my sciatica kicked in. I was stuck in a half-sitting/half-standing (half-ass?) position. Fortunately, the condition diminished enough after a minute or two so that I could sit without too much pain. My crouching posture must have presented quite a sight.

Now I’m wearing a pillow between my knees every night when I prepare to sleep. Doc Nordal recommended that to help alleviate the sciatic condition. Plus, a good massage helps a lot. How am I doing? I’ll get back to you.