Small adventure.

    Small adventure.
     Was a fun day.  Started with a trip to the second Dr.  All good, we've decided to reduce the new poison I'm on.  Told him another story about the previous hospital visit.  The one I never finished here because I got bored and the timeline issues.

     Basically they wanted to do something called an echo cardiogram.  Gave me a form to sign.  Of course I questioned it.  The tech said it was just for the contrast they were using.  It couldn't be used on someone with a congenital heart defect.  I pointed out that I was one such person.  He looked at me and asked if I was going to sign it.  I said of course not.  At which point he called someone else in.  I refused and was wheeled out of the room.  We must be our own advocates and ask questions.

     After the appointment I was to meet my friend for lunch.  He'd texted me that he was not far at a meeting.  He told me of a diner he knew of.Well I had no idea where it was.  I knew what had to be done.

     Without hesitation I pulled out the phone.  Got directions and was on my way.  Now you may remember I just got a wire to connect my phone to my radio so I can listen to my podcasts.   

     For those that were here for the 5K entry, you understand, well I did this without trepidation.  Anyone wondering can go look for those entries. 

     The place was actually not that far from the hospital, a diner south of us.  It is a very congested place  to drive in.  Not one for a mid day drive trying to do a look around.  So I trusted Suri completely.  I know....odd.  I've really come to look at the phone as a tool.  I do text, not much.  And now that I know of the ease of getting to that town, I may explore it a bit in the Spring.

     Just a typical, overcrowded place.  Nothing remotely special.  Only appeals to the intrepid explorer within.  The car drove well and we found the diner.  Parking was tight and I found a spot to back into.  Damn it had been to long since I'd been to a diner.  Sent a text that I found it, received one that said he'd be about 15 min.  

     Place was busy enough that they wouldn't seat me until my friend arrived.  He did, we sat and talked like old friends.  It was good to see him again.  Hopefully we'll do this again.  No I didn't order coffee and fries.  That belonged to a younger version of myself.  With less care and responsibility.  

     We parted, I told Suri to find me the highway.  Lit a cigar and was en route.  I knew that I had to hit the cancer hospital for my sisters prescription.

     Got home.  She was in a full blown nicotine withdrawal fit.  I obliged.  And that's about it.  Let us see what today brings.  

-later

Tis Friday.

     Friday.  Off today again, for yet another Dr.  Yesterdays went okay.  Mostly good news.  Forgot 1 of my questions.  Had one decreased.  The new poison will be the responsibility of today's Dr.  After that I hope to be able to grab a quick lunch with an old friend.

     Sisters chemo went alright yesterday.  She's happy the rest of the schedule are for Fridays.  And surprise of surprises my brother in law will be taking her.  She's also happy cause it improves her chances of going to my cousins for Thanksgiving.

     Yes I'm slightly enthusiastic about it.  Only slightly.    

     Seems I'm having internet problems, or computer problems.  Been a morning.

     If it improves I'll be back.  But have been kicked off twice.  This weekend looks promising.

-later

Randomness

     Well.  Well I'm here.  As stated before I'm off for a few days, Dr. appointments.  Exciting as all Hell.  Drinking my juice at 4 in the morning, as if I was going to work.

      Slept decently.  Woke up once, sister must have woken up brother in law.  He had a screaming mimi attack about it.  I went back to bed.

     Got invited out on Saturday, looks like Dr. Who may be a bust for me.  We'll see.  Yes of course I could stay home, but we'll see okay.

     Dr.'s office called my house yesterday.  Then my cell phone.  I mean come on damnit, I've given them instructions not to call the house phone.  Firstly, by the time I get home, they're gone for the day.  Secondly, I don't need my business known.

     After my  mom died, my sister became fixated on my health.  Annoying at best.  To the point that when I'm done she wants me to call.  F that.  I remember one time, when I had my old cell phone, must be 8 years ago.

     Typical appointment there.  Took about 4-5 hours.  Got back to my car, I'd left my cell phone there.  Had 7 messages all from her.  Going from "hi, haven't heard from you." to "WHERE ARE YOU IS EVERYTHING OKAY" and concluding with "OIEHJROIWLADKFNLW8EFRA0WOPFNLD,KL"  or something akin to that.  I remember that phone, there was no option to fast forward to the next message.  So when I got home I made her listen to all 7.  I also instructed my Dr.'s office to never use my home phone.  Which they fail to oblige me consistently.

     Ordinarily this appointment would constitute a breakfast out.  One of my favorite places.  Expensive for breakfast, think it's $16 tip included.  The coffee is excellent and unlimited.  I've my favorite dishes, but will often go for them or another special.  It's one of these places that are only open for breakfast and lunch.

      But I'm thinking of my budget.  Thinking about Saturday.  Besides which I've enough stuff here to make a kick ass breakfast.  I'm thinking the following.

     Half of a whole wheat sunflower bagel.  With some guacamole, sliced red bell pepper.  Topped off with a fried egg with a goodly amount of black pepper on it, both sides of course.  Oh and no coffee.  I could. It sits in the coffee pot just steps away from me.  Maybe I'll make an exception tomorrow.  Oh and yes I made the guacamole.  Think I mentioned that a few nights ago.

     Well I think that about covers a fairly cohesive post.  The heat shall be put up.  Brother in law and sister are looking to be out of here by 7:15.  She's watching T.V. in their room, he's in the living room.  Oh one more item.

     Got home with my sister about 6:30 last night.  She'd already said we should just take the wheel chair out of my car and just put it into my brother in laws car.  Well that didn't go well at all

     My brother in law got all flustered and started to yell.  Causing me to yell back.  In theory he just wanted to say he thought he'd put the chair in the trunk in the morning.  So it wouldn't be cold when they got to the hospital.  I pointed out that unless he put it in the back seat as opposed to the trunk it would be cold for other anyway.  Basically I wound up bringing the chair in.  Ahh adult children abandoned to me.  Ones I never wanted.  Tis life I suppose.

-later 

A few things.

     Today must leave work early.  Taking sister to the oncologist.  Next 2 days will be Dr. appointments for me.  Unluckily enough in the middle of the day and still 20 min from work.  Not actually worth going to work and leaving.  Especially since tomorrows could last 4 hours.  Good Dr.'s always take time to speak with their patients, so it's worth the wait.

     I also think I'm going to get spoken to about some bull.  Not saying they're wrong, not saying they're right.  I just think the incidents over the summer and especially September can be explained.  A lot of stress, real bad eating, no exercise, stuff like that there.

     Oh and I have to select my new benefits package today.  Whoopee.  The benefits will still suck.  Though better than any of the alternatives I reckon.  I wonder just how close I may be to that Hawaii trip.

     Think they were arguing about brother in law calling family.  Not sure if I covered this.  If I did, she doesn't know, and he hasn't called.  I stay out of their domestic squabbles.  Even though it fills the house with sound.

     So that's where I'm at.  Oh and I may be seeing a good friend of mine after Friday's appointment.  That one is always quick.  So we'll see.

     Ah yes and this Saturday.  Saturday is the event at the lounge.  And Saturday night is the replay of some sort of 50th anniversary for Dr. Who. I'm going to try to make it.  Nope no T.V. set up in the room yet.  Hell no I'm not going to record it.  We'll see what happens.  So far though, I've managed to have no plans Saturday night.  But then, it's only Wednesday

     That's about it for the 4:30 in the morning report.  Must got put up the heat so the shower is warm and cozy.  Not like the brother in law leaves much hot water.

-later

Going to be a week.

     I like those statements.  Something concrete about something.  It's like when people at work tell me the weekend was to short.  My response is generally, "It's the same 2 days as last week."  Gets a chortle every so often.

      Today being Monday of course I went around saying "Happy Monday."  I just refuse to get all tied up because of the day that follows Sunday.  Every week it's followed by Sunday.  I don't think it's ever taken a day off, not to my recollection.  But then I could be mistaken.

     Sunday was alright.  Lounge and watched some Football.  Came home and made my first batch of chili in a good 14 years.  Oh and in those 14 years there were a lot of Mondays too.  Just saying. 

     Got a bit of salmon to cook tonight.  Oven baked, with some garlic powder and pepper.  Lots of pepper.  And I bake it with 3 slices of Lemon on top.  Makes for an awesome lunch.  It's my last piece, must go back to mega mart and buy more of the frozen stuff.  I did buy myself a can of it on Sunday.  

     When I'm done I'll get busy.  It's not even 8 in the evening yet.  Dogs barking I'll be right back.  Yup it's a full moon.  Lunatic creature.  

     Going to make some guacamole tonight too.  Love it on a bagel, or even on a whole wheat matzo.  Couple of avocado's; onion; 2 plum tomatoes; one squeezed lime.  Now you have something good.  I don't really bother with the cilantro.  I don't miss it.  Despise buying something I'm not going to use again.  Sort of like when I make hummus.  I don't use tahini sauce.  

     Dog is nuts.  She came in for just a face rub just now.  What do you expect of rescue dogs.  I remember clearly that summer we went to lots of pounds because my sister wanted a dog.  Shame, was some of the nicest times with both of them.  We don't go out a lot anymore.  With the exception of the Montauk expedition.  I still wouldn't have chosen this dog.  And to boot my sister isn't her favorite person.  I'm second, do the math if you've been here awhile.

      I'm still reeling from the fact that I had 96 views the other day.  I mean really now, is it that interesting?  Well who knows.  We'll see what happens.  I'm surely not going to change what I'm doing.  Especially since I've guacamole and salmon on the brain.  Okay it's near 8.  Time to get busy.

-later

     

A pleasant day.

     Morning.  It's about 5 in the A.M. right now.  Waiting to put on heat and take a shower.  It's Sunday yet again.  Funny how they come this time every week no?  Oh and coffee will not be here either.  To early to make it.  But I assure it will be enjoyed later.  Had a pretty good time yesterday.

     Woke up to wet and dreary skies.  I don't know why I was putting credence in a weather man.  I'm a general believer in dressing how it feels in the morning.  Which is often quite a mistake.  Anyway.  I decided to leave at about 8:30. Had to hit the bank.  

     Did my budget the other morning, so knew what I had to accomplish.  My IPhone was fully charged.  Headed Eastwardly when it hit me.  And since the mall was in that direction I went straight there.  Next to the mall is a little strip that has been there forever.  I headed for radio shack.

     I must admit that is one of my favorite stores.  It's almost like an old school 5 and dime.  You can generally find it there.  I asked the woman behind the counter for, "A wire to plug into my aux and to my smart phone so I could listen to it on my radio."

     She smiled and showed it to me.  Even with a personality.  It came in 3 or I think 5 inch length.  We laughed and chose the 3.

     I was and am happy as hell now.  I can now listen to podcasts in my car over my car stereo.  It is a sheer delight.  Especially since I devoured Tell Em Steve Dave.  It took years of hearing of them on SModcast for me to listen.

     I also added to the dang was going for a word that didn't fit, list the following.  The Nerdist.  Not something I can listen to at the gym, but not bad.  The tenderloins, one of the crew of Tell Em Steve Dave is on it.  

     Also one which I thought would be a guilty pleasure.  It is instead a little tedious.  Especially when I did some research on it.  

     I think back in the day I was a fan of Eve Arden.  I seem to remember a show called the Mothers in Law with Kate Ballard.  Anyway I found an old time radio show that started Eve called Our Miss Brooks.  I don't see myself listening to all of it.  It's cute, very 1950's.  And very tedious.  Apparently she never gets the guy.  We'll see.  I usually like most old time radio programs.

    So Eastward and onward I went.  The road dried and the clouds parted for me.  It was wonderful.  The air warmed, think it got into the 50's today.  It was just an enjoyable Saturday drive.  

     I felt I over shot my goal.  I asked Suri.  Well she couldn't quite understand me apparently.  She kept getting the name completely wrong.  So I went to the map.  Anyone who came along for the 5K entries can tell you this is a big step for me.  I hadn't reached it yet.  

     So onward.  Laughing along with the podcast, driving without much traffic.  Passed a few farms, some places to eat, other stuff.  Got onto the correct next road.  Passed a bunch of farms, lots with stuff to sell, it was getting on after all.  Must've been 10ish.  When I hit my first winery I rechecked.  Yup drove right by it.  Found it fairly easily, after I near drove past it again.

    I can see it being a local place and a place for tourists.  Wine enthusiasts, summer renters, people out for a drive.  The pies here are delicious.  I actually think the crust is so good that they must be using lard.  It's a twice a year habit so who gives a damn.

     The space inside is crowded and cramped.  And everyone is in there for pies.  Another good reason not to get there late in the day.  Can be quite claustrophobic.

     Heard 1 person placing an order for 10 pies, another picking up 5.  I just wanted 3.  2 apple and one peach and raspberry.  I think I was in time for the day old special.  What's that?

     The pie was made the previous day, so is a little cheaper.  Since 2 are frozen for Thanksgiving and the other for Christmas, it matters not.  They are a treat to look forward to.

     I also snagged some cookies.  I'd seen them to late last year and had not gotten there early enough.  By the time I saw them I had to grab my pies and fight my way through the throngs of people.  Can get very crazy later in the day.

     Anyway, that was the highlight of my Saturday.  Did some other stuff.  Got a haircut, some cloth shopping.  Stuff like that there.  Can't wait to see what Sunday has in store.

-later.

Plans and stuff like that there.

     Top of the morning.  Got some real good sleep.  The other night I was up all night from 1 on.  Was beat to death last night.  Proud of myself though.  Came home, did what I had to do, had brother in law get dinner for them.  I didn't waiver and kept mine low sodium.

     Also what did help was I wrote down all the bills I have to pay.  Sad thing is, these are necessities.  But...but...but if I do it this way, the next pay check will be pure profit.  Minus house hold stuff.  Also going to send out the next round of $10 checks to the last hospital.  Remember kids, they can't take action against you as long as you pay something.

     Figure I've a budget of $15 a day until the next paycheck.  Expenses are already allocated, gas and bakery being the fixed ones.  And I don't normally spend even $10 a day M-F.  So we'll see how that goes.  

     Feeling good, a little anticipation about the drive East.  Think I said I'll take the more rural route.  Even that isn't so rural anymore.  But I think it will be fun.  Must get those holiday pies.  Weather is supposed to be nice too.  Have to buy some winter essentials.  Hair needs to be cut badly.  Have to say I'm always more positive when I write out a course of action.

     Still have to figure out lunch and dinner for myself today.  I can go a little exorbitant on one or the other.  Wow my cursor disappeared.  Can't afford another  spelling check now.  

     Yard work needs to be done as well. Course brother in law can't do it.  He may come out to see if I need help, but won't actually do it.

    Anyways, maybe I'll have an adventure to relate tomorrow.  Until then.

-later