10/16/2019
On a scale of 1 to 10, my yesterday was way, way higher than a 10. On my first day on the "job" of being alone, was a complete disaster.
It started with a call from "Social Security". That should have been a red flag to me, but I guess, actually I know, that I was trying to be helpful to the person who made the call. This was a mistake. I know that SSA does not make calls, and here's where my "spidy (sp) sense" should have kicked in. I was an absolute fool, and gave out my SSN - big mistake, and one that I regret deeply.
Then the person said that my SSN had been used in Texas to buy drugs. And, I was going to be fined $98,000 or go to prison. Those words alone should have stopped me cold. I did ask the person what number she was calling from, but couldn't get an answer from her. She suggested that I hire a lawyer (why) to defend myself. After bombarding her with questions, she just hung up. Okay, I suppose the world will not end, but it feels like it to me. This scam has affected 145,5 Million people in a year. So, maybe I should feel better, since I'm not alone in being stupid. I did report this event to the Attorney General's office as well as another office, whose name I can't remember.
Okay, so that was my morning. I ordered an atomic phone - never needs batteries - is charged by the movement of your arm. Cool. I ordered the watch and it came to me with a leather strap, and I had ordered the watch with a strap band.
The company sent me a pre-paid label to return the watch. I put the label on the package and put it on my porch for pick-up. While trying to navigate the UPS site, I was just going around in circles. When I finally just called UPS, they said the label was not pre-paid and it would cost me $11.00 for pick-up.
Right about now, I'm beginning to lose my patience, and if I wasn't a lady, I might have used the "f" word. That's how frustrating this transaction had become.
I called the company where I bought the watch and explained that UPS told me my label was not pre-paid and it would cost me extra money for them to pick up the package. I told the company, that I was on the edge of a cliff over this transaction. All I want is the right watch. The company called UPS while I was on the phone. The company and UPS worked out the details, so I could have the package picked-up. Success. Only problem was that by this time, I was way beyond my patience level, and started crying on the phone. The UPS lady told me that I needed to settle down. All that did, was put me in a rage. This process took almost all of yesterday afternoon to get everything worked out.
Scott and Wendy came to the house to pick up Scott's little electric car. When Scott came into the house, I completely fell apart. He assured me that everything was going to be alright. I took a Xanax (I should have taken two), and began to calm down. When it was time for Scott and Wendy to leave, Scott gave me a real hug, and I basically jut cried during the hug. He told me that everything was going to be okay.
He saw the leaves in the street, and was kind enough to pick the leaves up for me. I was moved to tears, not only from frustration, but more importantly, that Scott knew I needed help. And, came through for me. There's not enough words to describe how much his help and support meant to me. It appears, that in time of need, my boys will come through for me.
I watched the ballgame last night, and the Nationals won the game. I think this means they are going to the World Series, but I'm probably wrong. I know the Nationals have played the Cardinals I think four times( (feel free to pick out a different number), and the game was definitely worth watching.
Ada comes today, so once she's gone, the kitchen and bathrooms, in particular, will be very clean.
Later
P
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
A Long Day
10/15/2019
Yesterday, Jeff, Bella and myself went to Hopkins for our six month "well" visit. While out appointments were supposed to be just 30 minutes each, our actual visit went on much longer. We were the last patients, so our doctor was able to spend more time with us. And, since we really like this doctor, we were more than happy to spend time with her.
After our visit, when it was time to go home, I walked through the hospital and walked through WalMart! These are big things for me.
Throughout our multi-hour visit, Bella was a perfect example of what a service dog should do. The trouble is, she's very pretty and just about everybody wants to pet her. One woman wanted to know why she couldn't pet her, until I explained that when is wearing her vest, she's "on the job". We don't want a lot of people pet her, it could take away her focus.
The big news is: I was actually able to walk to the doctor's office. And, I walked again while we shopped at WalMart. Doesn't sound like such a big deal perhaps to you, but if you live locally, then you would know what an accomplishment this was for me. I am stronger now than I was before having a personal trainer. I am able now to be able to just stand up when I've been sitting in a chair. Another big deal for me.
Jeff is off on his yearly migration, leaving me 5 days to be a "bachelorette". Nap when I want, eat when and what I want. I might even have cereal for lunch and/or dinner, and nobody will care.
First thing today, is the kitchen. Then, put my warmer weather clothes away, and pull out my "winter" clothes. I love this time of year. Sweaters feel good, as well as long pants. I always have my pants altered. At the moment, all my pants are altered. I like my pants just above my ankle. It's not a look everybody is going for, but I don't need pants too long that would/could put me at risk of falling! Here's a good example of the long pants I'm writing about.
P
Yesterday, Jeff, Bella and myself went to Hopkins for our six month "well" visit. While out appointments were supposed to be just 30 minutes each, our actual visit went on much longer. We were the last patients, so our doctor was able to spend more time with us. And, since we really like this doctor, we were more than happy to spend time with her.
After our visit, when it was time to go home, I walked through the hospital and walked through WalMart! These are big things for me.
Throughout our multi-hour visit, Bella was a perfect example of what a service dog should do. The trouble is, she's very pretty and just about everybody wants to pet her. One woman wanted to know why she couldn't pet her, until I explained that when is wearing her vest, she's "on the job". We don't want a lot of people pet her, it could take away her focus.
The big news is: I was actually able to walk to the doctor's office. And, I walked again while we shopped at WalMart. Doesn't sound like such a big deal perhaps to you, but if you live locally, then you would know what an accomplishment this was for me. I am stronger now than I was before having a personal trainer. I am able now to be able to just stand up when I've been sitting in a chair. Another big deal for me.
Jeff is off on his yearly migration, leaving me 5 days to be a "bachelorette". Nap when I want, eat when and what I want. I might even have cereal for lunch and/or dinner, and nobody will care.
First thing today, is the kitchen. Then, put my warmer weather clothes away, and pull out my "winter" clothes. I love this time of year. Sweaters feel good, as well as long pants. I always have my pants altered. At the moment, all my pants are altered. I like my pants just above my ankle. It's not a look everybody is going for, but I don't need pants too long that would/could put me at risk of falling! Here's a good example of the long pants I'm writing about.
P
Monday, October 14, 2019
Traveling
10/14/2019
Today, after Jeff and I spend the afternoon at Hopkins, we're heading to the "Mart" to do some shopping. Jeff will be gone all week, so I need to have some of my favorite foods. Frostie Flakes being one of those foods that I must have.
This evening, Jeff will pack up his clothes. Tomorrow, his CPAP machine and his Dopp bag, which holds his toothbrush, paste, as well as anything else.
What’s a Dopp kit you ask? The all-knowing Internet, describes it as most if not in all instances, synonymous with a toiletry bag for men. Most of the original models have managed to survive two world wars.
The first train case was first used in 1948, and all women who traveled, had train cases, such as these: The brown one resembles one that my Mother used, and the whitish one was what my Grandmother carried.
The picture above definitely reminds me of the train case Mom had, it held her cosmetics and jewelry. In the 50's and perhaps even for a short time in the 60's, no woman went traveling without a case such as this. Today, this would be just one more thing to lug around while traveling. Although, while doing my research, it appears that the cases are still being used, in a new and improved look.
On Ebay, you can buy a vintage Louis Vuitton case for $13,000.00. If I paid that much for a case, then I want to be sure that I do a lot of traveling!
The hard-sided suitcases that we have in the basement, are now considered vintage, and is now longer used, by most people.
P
Today, after Jeff and I spend the afternoon at Hopkins, we're heading to the "Mart" to do some shopping. Jeff will be gone all week, so I need to have some of my favorite foods. Frostie Flakes being one of those foods that I must have.
This evening, Jeff will pack up his clothes. Tomorrow, his CPAP machine and his Dopp bag, which holds his toothbrush, paste, as well as anything else.
What’s a Dopp kit you ask? The all-knowing Internet, describes it as most if not in all instances, synonymous with a toiletry bag for men. Most of the original models have managed to survive two world wars.
The first train case was first used in 1948, and all women who traveled, had train cases, such as these: The brown one resembles one that my Mother used, and the whitish one was what my Grandmother carried.
The picture above definitely reminds me of the train case Mom had, it held her cosmetics and jewelry. In the 50's and perhaps even for a short time in the 60's, no woman went traveling without a case such as this. Today, this would be just one more thing to lug around while traveling. Although, while doing my research, it appears that the cases are still being used, in a new and improved look.
On Ebay, you can buy a vintage Louis Vuitton case for $13,000.00. If I paid that much for a case, then I want to be sure that I do a lot of traveling!
The hard-sided suitcases that we have in the basement, are now considered vintage, and is now longer used, by most people.
P
Saturday, October 12, 2019
The Elvis Shelf
10/12/2019
As a teenager, there were two artists that I loved, the Beatles and Elvis (last name was never important).
I remember watching Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, which some of you may have watched also. At that time, all the gyrating on the stage that he did, was something nobody had seen before. They called him Elvis the Pelvis, which is just about all that you need to know about him. As he got older and heavier, he could still gyrate, but it just wasn't the same.
I always wanted to see Elvis in person, but that never happened. I really wanted to see young Elvis, not old Elvis, whose time on top was beginning to fade.
Compared to the musical performances of today, which are sometimes over the top. Okay, I'm old fashioned, and I don't mind. And, it just isn't the performers, dressed in clothes that looked like they were at the back of a closet, it's the music.
The music of the 50's and 60's was, in my humble opinion, some of the best ever, before and definitely after. The songs of my teen years, is now considered "elevator music". I wonder if the same can be said 20 years from now, with today's music. Seems doubtful to me. But, this is just an old woman's point of view. And, what do I know?
After finding books about Elvis on Amazon, there are a number of books written that are for the most part, out of my budget. Some books are going for hundreds of dollars. I love you Elvis, just not that much!
Going to Graceland was a real treat for me. It's almost like you could feel his presence. I know that sounds kooky, but it's what I felt. There are, of course, rooms that you don't get to go into, and definitely not upstairs. Still, it was an experience I'm glad I had. Given the chance, I'd revisit Graceland. Here's two pictures of Elvis. I know that I wouldn't have wanted to see him as older, heavier Elvis. But, you have to admit, at least I think you do, that he was once a very handsome man.
P
As a teenager, there were two artists that I loved, the Beatles and Elvis (last name was never important).
I remember watching Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, which some of you may have watched also. At that time, all the gyrating on the stage that he did, was something nobody had seen before. They called him Elvis the Pelvis, which is just about all that you need to know about him. As he got older and heavier, he could still gyrate, but it just wasn't the same.
I always wanted to see Elvis in person, but that never happened. I really wanted to see young Elvis, not old Elvis, whose time on top was beginning to fade.
Compared to the musical performances of today, which are sometimes over the top. Okay, I'm old fashioned, and I don't mind. And, it just isn't the performers, dressed in clothes that looked like they were at the back of a closet, it's the music.
The music of the 50's and 60's was, in my humble opinion, some of the best ever, before and definitely after. The songs of my teen years, is now considered "elevator music". I wonder if the same can be said 20 years from now, with today's music. Seems doubtful to me. But, this is just an old woman's point of view. And, what do I know?
After finding books about Elvis on Amazon, there are a number of books written that are for the most part, out of my budget. Some books are going for hundreds of dollars. I love you Elvis, just not that much!
Going to Graceland was a real treat for me. It's almost like you could feel his presence. I know that sounds kooky, but it's what I felt. There are, of course, rooms that you don't get to go into, and definitely not upstairs. Still, it was an experience I'm glad I had. Given the chance, I'd revisit Graceland. Here's two pictures of Elvis. I know that I wouldn't have wanted to see him as older, heavier Elvis. But, you have to admit, at least I think you do, that he was once a very handsome man.
P
Friday, October 11, 2019
Fall Chores
10/11/2019
Summer is officially over. Go to any store and you'll see a huge discount on all things summer. Right now, the stores are stocking their shelves with coats, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, etc.
With fall weather, comes the chore we all hate: raking and picking up leaves. Now, our big and tall 32 old oak tree in the front yard, is for all practical purposes dead. The old girl may be dead but she still manages to toss down a few leaves and acorns. Mind you, if you step on an acorn bare-footed, you will get immediate pain! Fall weather: shoes required.
We have made an arrangement with a tree company, to take down the old tree down. We're not really in a hurry. When the tree is cut down, I suspect there might be tears, at least on my part. Not to mention, when the tree is gone, our front yard will be empty. We have a picture of Scott standing in the hole before we planted the tree. The hole was waist high.
Jeff had blown most of the leaves in the front yard, and out to the street. Jeff was gone most of yesterday, and my OCD just couldn't allow the leaves to stay in the street.
So, with my broom (yes I know that a rake would make more sense), a county approved receptacle and my rollator, I headed outside. I swept the leaves into a pile, and picked them up with my hands. The purpose of the rollator was to have a place to sit when I was all tuckered out - which, unfortunately was every few minutes. Once my job was done, I literally just sat on my rollator taking in the sunshine.
The weather was wonderful. Just the right temperature for working in the yard. I really don't like picking up leaves. My thought is to use the blower thing and shoot up and into the tree. In theory, and I know it wouldn't work, this would cause all the leaves to fall down at once. Between now and the first frost, picking up leaves becomes a daily or weekly chore. This depends on how active you want to be, and how frustrating it is to have just cleaned the yard, and then have to start all over!
While I was "perched" on my throne, a neighbor came by to chat. Our street, in particular, we don't have much of a relationship with each other. You go outside to get the mail, and then promptly close your garage door. The neighbors I/we know are all very nice, and would help you if you needed something. Such as, a neighbor changed the battery in the smoke detector last year, while Jeff was gone.
While I could sweep some leaves into the street, I'm not going to bother today. Those leaves, as well as others, will keep falling down. I might as well wait!
P
Summer is officially over. Go to any store and you'll see a huge discount on all things summer. Right now, the stores are stocking their shelves with coats, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, etc.
With fall weather, comes the chore we all hate: raking and picking up leaves. Now, our big and tall 32 old oak tree in the front yard, is for all practical purposes dead. The old girl may be dead but she still manages to toss down a few leaves and acorns. Mind you, if you step on an acorn bare-footed, you will get immediate pain! Fall weather: shoes required.
We have made an arrangement with a tree company, to take down the old tree down. We're not really in a hurry. When the tree is cut down, I suspect there might be tears, at least on my part. Not to mention, when the tree is gone, our front yard will be empty. We have a picture of Scott standing in the hole before we planted the tree. The hole was waist high.
Jeff had blown most of the leaves in the front yard, and out to the street. Jeff was gone most of yesterday, and my OCD just couldn't allow the leaves to stay in the street.
So, with my broom (yes I know that a rake would make more sense), a county approved receptacle and my rollator, I headed outside. I swept the leaves into a pile, and picked them up with my hands. The purpose of the rollator was to have a place to sit when I was all tuckered out - which, unfortunately was every few minutes. Once my job was done, I literally just sat on my rollator taking in the sunshine.
The weather was wonderful. Just the right temperature for working in the yard. I really don't like picking up leaves. My thought is to use the blower thing and shoot up and into the tree. In theory, and I know it wouldn't work, this would cause all the leaves to fall down at once. Between now and the first frost, picking up leaves becomes a daily or weekly chore. This depends on how active you want to be, and how frustrating it is to have just cleaned the yard, and then have to start all over!
While I was "perched" on my throne, a neighbor came by to chat. Our street, in particular, we don't have much of a relationship with each other. You go outside to get the mail, and then promptly close your garage door. The neighbors I/we know are all very nice, and would help you if you needed something. Such as, a neighbor changed the battery in the smoke detector last year, while Jeff was gone.
While I could sweep some leaves into the street, I'm not going to bother today. Those leaves, as well as others, will keep falling down. I might as well wait!
P
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Sports
10/10/2019
I watched (really I did) last night's ballgame. And, to make it even more exciting, our home team, the Nationals won!
I understand a ballgame, much better than a football game. In baseball, the objective is simple: hit the ball, hopefully run the bases and then land on home plate. No yellow flags thrown, and certain things, like grabbing a face mask are violations. When a team gets a violation, and all of them do, some kind of line gets moved to somewhere. See, this is pretty much my understanding of football. And, since it's a contact sport, I wince every time that a player is smashed to the ground.
Just checking (oh how much I love Google), the average football player's salary is $2.1 million. Not too shabby. The lowest salary is $495,000. I could live with that, if I had to!
Kirk Cousins earns $27,500,000, he is the kicker for the Baltimore Ravens. Considering how many times (estimate) that a kicker gets to kick, Kirk Cousins is doing alright for himself.
I think I remember, and that can be a stretch for me, but there is another baseball game tomorrow. I looked it up, and the Ravens play the Cardinals.
Who wouldn't want a home team (NFL or MLB) to play games and actually win!
There is a game tonight. Ravens versus Astros. Let's keep our fingers crossed, that we will win. Another Ravens game is scheduled for tomorrow night. Checking the Ravens stats, they have gone to the Superbowl in 2001 and 2013!
Probably time for popcorn tonight.
P
I watched (really I did) last night's ballgame. And, to make it even more exciting, our home team, the Nationals won!
I understand a ballgame, much better than a football game. In baseball, the objective is simple: hit the ball, hopefully run the bases and then land on home plate. No yellow flags thrown, and certain things, like grabbing a face mask are violations. When a team gets a violation, and all of them do, some kind of line gets moved to somewhere. See, this is pretty much my understanding of football. And, since it's a contact sport, I wince every time that a player is smashed to the ground.
Just checking (oh how much I love Google), the average football player's salary is $2.1 million. Not too shabby. The lowest salary is $495,000. I could live with that, if I had to!
Kirk Cousins earns $27,500,000, he is the kicker for the Baltimore Ravens. Considering how many times (estimate) that a kicker gets to kick, Kirk Cousins is doing alright for himself.
I think I remember, and that can be a stretch for me, but there is another baseball game tomorrow. I looked it up, and the Ravens play the Cardinals.
Who wouldn't want a home team (NFL or MLB) to play games and actually win!
There is a game tonight. Ravens versus Astros. Let's keep our fingers crossed, that we will win. Another Ravens game is scheduled for tomorrow night. Checking the Ravens stats, they have gone to the Superbowl in 2001 and 2013!
Probably time for popcorn tonight.
P
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
All The News That's Fit to Read
10/9/2019
In my adult life, I have never paid much attention to the news. For me, it was always boring, but not anymore. I actually read the paper, and watch the news every night. And, at the end of the news, I sadly shake my head. We must be living in the Land of Oz. I can't explain the daily happenings around the world.
Some of this nonsense may also have been happening, when I was in high school. But, as a teenager, I actually couldn't care less. I was having fun during my high school years. Schools back then didn't need "guards" to protect the students. The only mass shooting that I knew anything about, was the killing of 8 nurses in Chicago in 1967. Only one of the nurses survived and the killer was found guilty after only 49 minutes of deliberation. He died from a heart attack in prison, after serving only 20 years of his sentence.
During the Vietnam war, approximately 57,939 solders died, or were missing. Statically, the last two soldiers died in 1975. I am fairly certain that there were other soldiers that went missing, and I'm right. 1,592 soldiers are still missing today.
I corresponded with one of my high school friend, who was serving in Vietnam. I kept my letters upbeat, and always put a little perfume on each letter. Sadly, he was killed, but I like to think that he enjoyed the letters I sent to him.
P
In my adult life, I have never paid much attention to the news. For me, it was always boring, but not anymore. I actually read the paper, and watch the news every night. And, at the end of the news, I sadly shake my head. We must be living in the Land of Oz. I can't explain the daily happenings around the world.
Some of this nonsense may also have been happening, when I was in high school. But, as a teenager, I actually couldn't care less. I was having fun during my high school years. Schools back then didn't need "guards" to protect the students. The only mass shooting that I knew anything about, was the killing of 8 nurses in Chicago in 1967. Only one of the nurses survived and the killer was found guilty after only 49 minutes of deliberation. He died from a heart attack in prison, after serving only 20 years of his sentence.
During the Vietnam war, approximately 57,939 solders died, or were missing. Statically, the last two soldiers died in 1975. I am fairly certain that there were other soldiers that went missing, and I'm right. 1,592 soldiers are still missing today.
I corresponded with one of my high school friend, who was serving in Vietnam. I kept my letters upbeat, and always put a little perfume on each letter. Sadly, he was killed, but I like to think that he enjoyed the letters I sent to him.
P
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