Do not miss the next 2 entries.

     Title says it all.  I'll get to why in a moment.

      Been pretty busy.  Cooking every night.  They've been fighting pretty much every night.  So it's been tiring.  Truth is, if I had the money I'd go out tomorrow night.  But payday isn't here yet.  And what money I do have is for food shopping.  Okay that's the old business.

     I've chosen to break the next 2 items into two deserving entries.  The dream.  It occurred Wednesday morning.  I wrote it down upon waking.  Fairly interesting and fairly well detailed.  I think you will enjoy it.  And a whole lot more organized than the last dream entries.

     My much maligned co-worker.  I know I've provided you details and snippets.  This would occur on Wednesday at work.  It is such a bizarre conversation that it just may explain everything  I've ever said about her.  Stay tuned, you will not want to miss the next 2 entries.

-think Spring
-later

Just thinking and rambling.

     This is totally out of line with the timeline I want to create.  Or sought to create.  But just feels right.  Lot of thoughts passing through me just now.

     Part of one says start a new blog.  One of those fresh New Year ones.  Where I talk about stuff like health and money woes.  That part of me gets shouted down.  How boring.

     Went to the lounge today.  Was staying for a short time.  Fairly crowded.  No real good spot from which to watch the game.  My usual pal was there.  And that is where I stop.  Pal?

     I'd say more like nodding acquaintance. Just don't feel the connection or I'm just not following anymore.  Mind you the other 4 people were dominating the room with their discussion. 

     Sorry guess I leave this here and now.  Sister was feeling badly and bleeding.  The bleeding is from the cancer.  She's needing her nebulizer again.  Of course she's smoking.  She may be catching pneumonia again.  Oh sorry, the bleeding can also be from a bladder infection that comes and goes.  Aren't you glad you asked?

     Having lost the thread I could just delete this and you'd never know.  But let's see where it can go.  If anywhere at all.

     Just think that I'm being more done with my Sundays involving the lounge.  I know I need a second job.  And I suppose the imagined friendship is ending.  It's an odd thing.

     I've seen it coming for awhile.  I did belong.  Life happens, you loose routines and people just sort of forget.  That is not friendship.  I've a best friend who I can not talk to for a few months.  When we do talk it is like time has not passed at all.  That is the template, no matter how poorly fitting, I put there.

     It is definitely time for some changes in my life.  I'll drag you along as long as you'd like.  This week I'd like to come up with some short term goals.  Some personal, some public.  I want to attain them.

     I must also get back to the gym. Oh have I lost control of the exercising again. And I'd like to register for another 5K walk again.  Different winery this year.  That is a goal I can tell you about up front.

     This time I am going to raise money for it.  This time I am actually not going to put it all up myself, but ask people.  You know the sort of thing where it is $1 a mile.  But that would be something at least.  And then afterwards.  Hopefully not make a quick exit alone.  Stay a bit.  We shall see.  There a glimmer of something bright.

     Okay I think we'll get back to the time line again.  Work, fridge delivery, stuff in general.  Plus I've those other topics.  I take little notes here and there.  I've also got an entry in the draft status, need to do something with it.  Alright peace out.

-later

Moving right along.

     It's Sunday morn, about 6:13 A.M. in the dark ether that makes a long winters night.  I've just checked the other ideas for entries and decided to hold off on them.  Because this week has been a week.

     Nothing much to say about New Years Day.  We had Roast Pork.  Always have fresh pork for the new year.  I'd bought enough to freeze.  Well that was no longer an option so I cooked the whole thing, well both halves, I had it cut.  For once I cooked it at 375 instead of 400.  And it came out to be one of the best I ever made.  Shocking.

     They've been talking about this storm all week.  It was to hit Thursday midday.  Of course that changed.  Work was busy.  Had to make up for missing the stuff on Wed.  It was the first time I'd seen the lunatic, that co-worker that I've mentioned.  Oh she has a line later that is not to be believed.

     She was pleasant enough.  Made small talk, actually surprised me by remember something I'd said.  She'd caught a ride with someone and had to leave by 3.  More plotted than by coincidence I'm sure.  My other co-worker was back, good guy, in his 70's.  I'm certain I've mentioned him.

     At some point the lunatic put on the music on her computer.  Not a huge deal.  I mean the building was practically empty.  At one point I passed.  She told me she needed a tylenol.
 "There's Tylenol in the first aid kit.  Help yourself." I said not ready to be stopped in my tracks.
"Yeah I know.  The music I'm playing on the computer is giving me a toothache."
"The music is giving you a toothache", I responded.
"Yes." she said in all sincerity.  As to whether she attempted to elaborate I couldn't tell you.  I just continued into the other room.

     Okay had a little break.  Coffee is on its way.  Because of the storm forecast we were allowed an early departure.  For once I took it.  I got the hint from my manager that I did live the furthest away.

     Once home, brother in law was off, I found errands before the storm.  Picked his birthday cake up.  The bakery had asked that it be picked up a day early.  I also had find a replacement dinner.  The burgers did not hold up where I put them.  

     That white thing and the gas in super markets probably makes a difference.  If you remember I've started going to a local butcher.  Everything is fresh and such.  I do think the stuff from the supermarket would've been okay.  Thus the deli run.

     I was anxious to get it over with.  The storm was due to hit.  The dude that was at the deli the prior trip was there.  Said nothing, I said nothing to him.  I treated for dinner, that was a mistake.  I'm now out $40.

     The storm was pretty bad, we got about 6 inches.  I couldn't go to work and such.  Maybe we'll continue the story line a little tomorrow.  See how I feel.  But coffee is calling and then the bakery run.  It's a balmy 21 degrees out there.

-later
     

     

     

I shall finish the Welcome...

     Whether there is interest or not, I shall finish the drama.  Off I was to Sears.  I've a love hate relationship with them.  Used to love them, now they're just an old girlfriend.  One that brings back unpleasant and unwanted memories of emotions.

     Place was crowded.  I guessed the whole world wasn't planning their New Years Eve celebration.  Someone should tell that deli guy.  I went upstairs to the major appliances instead.  Remembering that I was looking for a top fridge, bottom freezer, with an icemaker.

     Saw mostly split door style ones.  Including split styles that had a freezer on the bottom.  All of these ranged from $1500 to upwards of $3200.  I was glad not to be looking at these.

     Found the 2 they had to matched my specs.  I'd taken a pic of the measurements from my fridge on my phone.  1 of them matched spot on.  It was a little wider than I wanted however.  But figured I could live.  It took me another 20 minutes to get a sales person.  Mind you if I was not desperate I wouldn't have waited around.  Eventually got attention, brought to model, price wasn't bad.  Out of stock and he had no idea when they would be back in.  

     I groaned, took his card and went to hit Lowes.  Found the fridges.  A lot of huge ones.  In fact the one that had my specs was about 2 inches wider and deeper and higher.  3 if you counted the handles.  Sears was about $834.  Here it was more like $950.  With plenty of the $1300 models abounding.  They were huge.  This was seriously not the store for me.  Now believe it or not this had taken me 3 hours.  The outlook was not good.   But I must endure.  Went to my least favorite of the P.C. Richards locations.

     It is dubbed that because it is difficult to get out of when there is traffic.  I entered, first I only saw ones that came with cabinetry.  It took me a good few minutes to see past the washers where the fridges were.  They had a nice selection.  I'm not sure about the prices of the double door ones, I believe they were comparable to the other 2 stores.

     Found what I needed.  There were 4.  2 were clearance items and I found 1 there.  It, however, was about an inch or so shorter in every dimension.  The salesman came along and we had a good location.  Told him my requirements and I needed one as soon as possible.  Well this one we could have on Saturday.  It was only in New Jersey.  I was a tad doubtfull, as you may know if you're on the East coast, we had a heck of a storm Thursday into Friday.  Told him I'd have to check and asked when he'd be there til.  I also told him to be sure it would be here by Saturday.  

     It's currently a bit past 7 in the A.M. Saturday morn.

     Went home. Spoke to my sister.  Even got a tape measure to show her the size difference.  We decided to go for it.  I also spoke to her about the warranty.  It would be about $200 for the 10 year which covers the compressor and ice maker.  The previous fridge stood for almost 16 years.  We'd had the ice maker go out on us 4-5 times.  Repair was around $145 a shot.  

     Upon my return the salesman, it was around 4, on the phone, waved me over.  He knew I'd be back.  We went over the details. Then he asked if I wanted a P.C. Richards card.  I said sure.  He told me that there's no interest for 9 months.  I retorted of course if I don't pay it off the interest will then be retroactive for 9 months.  That's a little detail most people don't realize. 

     Joy of joys I was approved.  I had made a joke about my dog being able to be approved.  He was a nice guy and we both knew the silliness of it.  But it was what it was.  He had to get the manager to affirm the 9 months.  Then they hit me with, for an additional purchase, say of batteries, I could get another 3 months.  since this brought my monthly payments down by $36 I said Hell yes.  And paid for them by cash.

     I'm thinking.  I may get my PlayStation there.  I mean. If there's no interest, I can pay that off in 3 or 4 months.  Just a thought. So that's where this tale ends up.  Had the storm yesterday.  Shoveled a good 5 inches of snow.  Had to make sure the people could get here today.

     There's more to tell somewhat related to this.  But that will wait for another day.  I may have enough material to have an entry a day for a week.

-later

From the depths of 2013 I spit at thee....OR

          Welcome 2014 cont'd.

     Neighbors.  That was a hope my sister was holding out for.  That they would know someone, who on the morn of New Years Eve would come and fix the fridge.

     I knew that wasn't happening so I didn't bother.  Made a few run around trips.  Coin store didn't open until 10.  I'd brought another cigar so decided to smoke it.  Long story short the coins were very disappointing in terms of sales.  Such is life.  Back to the house.

     Sister was much more calm.  Reiterated several times, "Freezer on bottom with an ice maker.  No double doors. Must have an ice maker."

     I said fine and began went to begin my search.  But then the discussion about what to do for lunch arose.  I shook my head.  I didn't take off from work to concern myself with this.  We decided on a Kosher Deli, best way to put it I guess.  They make wonderful food and she loves their corned beef sandwiches.   Even the brother in law enjoys a roast beef sandwich from there.

     Ordering from my car like I've done hundreds of times.  I mean it is literally just 7 miles away.

"I'd like to place an order."  I always say this.
"When do you need it?" the angry man asked.
"10 minutes.  I need a corned beef on rye" thinking the cashier was being a bit rude.
"Are you kidding!? bye bye." and he hung up

     Undaunted and undeterred I decided to go.  Maybe the individual was having a bad day.  I certainly didn't think the person would fill the order.  I got there and the place was chaotic.  They were preparing trays for New Years Eve parties.  So I could see how my order might be puny.  Stepping up to the counter I asked for my sandwich.

Tall dude, who seemed in charge, and I'd never before seen, glared at me.  Usual dude took care of the sandwich.
"That was you!?" the tall man said.
"Yeah, I do this all the time."  which was true.
"1 sandwhich!  Would you order a slice of pizza over the phone?!"
"Not only would I. I have."  Wished the guy who made my sandwich a Happy New Year.  turned my back and left.

     Idiot dude.  And what I said was the truth.  Okay it was usually 2 slices.  Chicken Marsala for my sister and Sicilian for  the brother in law.  I was also a good customer of the place.  And as I pointed out, it was never on a holiday when they were plating trays.  Still, what a rude person.

t.b.c.
no, I'm not joking.  but we do get to the fridge shopping next entry.

Welcome 2014 cont'd

     I was 1 week late in getting my blood tested.  Knew I'd hear about it from my Dr. if I let it go 2.  

     It was about 6 in the morning when I pulled up.  They were already opened.  Bonus.  I get my blood done so often that I have a 6 month standing order.  So it's always quick for me.  Breakfast was a necessity.

     A lot of thoughts and tensions were running through my head.  I needed food.  Now the penultimate place, that I love opened at 7.  I wasn't making that.  Plus as of late, the $18, that is with tip, breakfast just doesn't appeal.  Not a lot of options on the morn of the New Year.

     I ultimately went with a little place right near the train station.  I'd heard some amazing things.  Place was rather small.  It had the look and feel of a diner that had been downsized by 3/4's.  Seemed alright.  Ordered 2 pancakes.  The guy took care of me.  Had a voice that sounded like he gargled with borax.  There was someone else there, a friend or regular.  Not much interaction with me other than how were the pancakes.  They were okay.  I paid and left full.  

     My mind was racing now with a lot of thoughts.  How can I afford this?  They certainly can't.  What was I going to do?  Was this the final straw?  How much of an economic burden this was to me.  I'm barley left with any extra to pay bills and have fun.

     I'd grabbed a cigar with me on the way out.  I thought I might need it.  Parked near the same water I go to on Sundays in the summer time.  Lit up.  And just let the sunrise, the birds, and the tide calm me.

     It is not the most gorgeous place in the world.  But it does.  Look out onto a little bay or maybe cove.  Saw ducks and geese and seagulls.  I still don't know where the egrets winter.  And just watched the water.

     I fear the water a bit and love it at the same time.  Just concentrated and meditated.  Enjoying the smoke, had the radio off.  It began to dawn on me.  How this was just some other intangible unplanned for item.  And like the water, that ebbs and flows every 8 hours, I would endure.

     The sea, after all I'm not that far from the Atlantic Ocean.  It has it's squalls, storms, raging waves.  We've poked and prodded it.  We've sailed on it and under it.  Yet it continues as when it was first created.  And it began to make me think.

     This was just another hurdle.  And I could take it.  If necessary I would get a second job.  But this was not a crisis moment.  No reason for panic.  If the sea won't panic I wouldn't panic.  It was a very good visit.

     It was nearing 8:30 when I was done.  Realized I had to drop off insurance payments.  2 for the house and 1 for my car.  Off I went.  Feeling at ease with everything.  There was a bit more traffic than I'd anticipated.  No where near regular days though.  Think people were planning for the Evening.

     I got home.  Sister some what calmer.  Asked and demanded what were we going to do.  It was 8:45 at this point.  She said I should call the neighbors, how were we going to afford this.  And insisted that it be a fridge with an ice maker and a freezer on the bottom.  She would tell me about 7 times before I would even start looking.  I was in my element.  Crisis control.

     Told her I would call the repair service, who'd fixed the ice maker 3 times in the last 8 years.  I did and made contact.  She was right there.  I asked for today and they said they couldn't do it.  I knew as much.  Off phone she was insisting, "It has to be today.  Tell them it has to be Today!"  I knew it wasn't going to be.  So made the peremptory appointment for Thursday.  She was not pleased.

     Told her I was not calling the neighbors until I had a better grasp on situation.  She had a cry.  I tried best I could to tell her it would be alright.  It was getting tedious.  I went to get her something to drink and empty the fridge.  Oh what a loss of everything.  Don't forget I also go shopping on Sundays.  A total loss.  

     I also had an idea that I would hope might pan out.  I've some coins, hoped they'd be worth a few hundred dollars.  Worth a try.

t.b.c.
 

Welcome 2014, please be gentle.

     Morning.  Coffee and me here.  It is 2014.  Hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year.  I suppose there was more to tell from the previous week.  Got the microwave.  We are, however, going to start at about 3 A.M. New Years Eve Morning.

     I got up.  Felt good.  Money had been put into my account, much thanks to my employer.  I paid all the house bills.  As well as the rest of my personal bills.  I'd showered earlier.  Was at my computer when the brother in law wobbled by with his cup of coffee.  I decided on a cup of juice.  Was getting a blood test so had to be out the door early.  Lunch was together already.

     First thing to note was that there was a puddle in front of the fridge.  I threw a towel down and grabbed my juice out.  Didn't feel as cold as it should have.  Poured it, drank and opened the fridge again.  Nothing felt cold enough.  Or was it just me?

     Now it was not uncommon.  Very often the brother in law would leave freezer door ajar.  Or drop and leave ice cubes, for my sisters tea, on the floor and walk away.  But it was the lack of noise.  The sound of silence.  Upon reopening I listened for the compressor, the sound of air,  N-O-S-O-U-N-D.  

     I waited for the brother in law.  His shower finished he sat in the living room and put the television on.  I called him over and asked him to check the fridge for me.  Befuddlement arose as he opened the door and asked what he was looking for.

     I asked him if he thought it was on.  After a few moments, he checked the freezer and confirmed the worst.  His first words, 
"Should I wake _ up and tell her?"  I said no.

     I was now realizing how alone I was.  He had the look of a scared child.  Looking for the nearest grown up to make it right.  Unfortunately for me....that was ME.

     After a little bit.  Well he couldn't take off work because he wouldn't get paid for the holiday.  Technically my company can do the same to me.  I quickly got a tub and we saved what we could right away.  Thank goodness the weather is in the 20's, the cold right now is our best friend.

     At some point my sister had called for him.  He probably scurried off like a rat.  I was putting stuff outside, saw he was gone, and went into their room.  Yup he managed to babble it all out to a sleepy sister.  I laughed and he went to get her some raisin bread.

     She bleated what are we going to do.  Actually teared up a bit.  How are we going to afford this?  I already knew there was no we here.  There were 2 adult children.  The brother in law came in with the bread.  Just in case he hadn't stated the importance, he said again he couldn't stay home. A real rock.  In the end I'm glad he didn't.

     My sister was wailing a bit, panicky like, brother in law standing there.  I told them both what we were going to do.  He'd go to work.  I'd go and get my blood test,
Cut off there came a loud teary, "What are we going to do!?"

     I looked straight at her and said, nothing is going to get done at 5:15 in the morning.  Blood test, breakfast, let manager know, then shopping.

     I think this is a good place to stop. 

t.b.c.