Monday, September 16, 2019

Mothre Nature Can't Make Up Her Mind!

9/16/2019

I never know what I should wear on any given day. Yesterday, while out and about, we drove with the top down for most of the day. In the afternoon, it (in my opinion) was too hot, and we put the top back up.

Going to be in the 90's today, so obviously "shorty" pants are a necessity. Then, temperatures will drop down for a few days, and then ramp up again. I have shorts, of course, but practically nobody wants to see me in them! Old, white legs just aren't that attractive. Oh, I could use a fake lotion on my legs, which would make them darker, but at this point in life, don't really care.

I walked through the WalMart shop yesterday. To be sure, I was hurting by the end of the shopping, But, I did it. My trainer is going to be so proud of me! Jeff and I kept our purchases to a minimum. Probably, because we don't really "eat" dinners anymore. I'm actually happy with a bowl of cereal. and/or a piece of toast. Not healthy for sure, but I like both of these foods. 

The stores are now packed full of full and Halloween things. Bathing suits, etc., are now being sold at a reduced price. As far as the retailers are concerned, summer is officially over. 

Tonight, I'm having an MRI of my back to see what's what. Obviously, I don't want them to find something big and horrible, but it would be helpful, if they saw something that has caused my right leg and foot to be numb for years. I would like to have a cure for this condition, and who wouldn't?

I keep assuring Jeff that the fall shows are on their way this month, at least most of them. The summer television offerings can be grim. This lack of shows forces Jeff and I to have to talk (horrors). 

This Saturday, we're going to Andrew's house for a get-together with all of the family. We can celebrate Andrew and Stacey's anniversary, as well as our 45th anniversary. And, no we haven't killed each other yet!

We're going to have the usual casual food: dogs, burgers, etc. Jeff and I will bring all of these. No cooking required on our part. I have left the sides to Stacey and Wendy. It should be a good day. Can't wait to see Benjamin. Now, that he's in school, there are no middle of the week outings, which we all enjoyed. And, I constantly have to remind myself that Benjamin is not a little boy any longer. I love the boy that he's become, but I won't lie, I miss the little boy,

The news is depressing, and the horrific weather that has hit the Bahamas as well as parts of the United States, is unsettling. What can you do for these people? They need everything. 

This reminds me of Katrina, while I was working in the legal department. Whole families were displaced and homes destroyed. Marriott people, who were in need of help, filled out a form, indicating whether they needed help with finding shelter (most of them did), and an estimation of the loss they had suffered. After the form came back to the legal department, it was up to our lawyers to decide what kind of aid, and how much aid, a person could receive. It was a depressing task, to say the least.

Jeff needs 30 minutes of my time, going through a massive amount of paper. I have made two piles: trash (i.e., no name or address), and the paper that has to be either shredded or burned in Andrew's fire pit. It would be easier, to take ALL of BDI's paper (towing business), to one of those places where you just give them the boxes and/or bags, just pay and walk away.

Our lawn man is here, so the huffing and barking from Bella has begun. While she's not really a big dog, she can and does make a lot of noise!

P

 




Saturday, September 14, 2019

What Do Pit Bulls and Senior Dogs Have in common?

9/14/2019

Here's something for you to think about. When you look at dogs available, let's say from a county animal shelter, there are two kinds of dogs that likely will never be adopted. And, those two dogs are (a) pit bulls and (b) senior dogs. This is just a fact. 

I, and I'm likely wrong, have a prejudice against pit bulls. They are, for me at least, frightening. I suspect, and maybe even know, that if you take a pit bull as a puppy, train and love them, they will turn out to be a good pet. Even so, it's not a dog that I will ever have in my house. Mostly, because of their history about biting dogs and people.

The other dog that nobody wants is a senior dog. Why? Well, in a word, they are seniors. Nobody wants to rescue a senior dog, because likely they won't or don't have a large life span. Big dogs, in particular, don't live as long as little dogs do.

The downside for these two types of dogs is, since nobody will adopt them, they are enthused, because nobody wants them. This is truly sad.

And, if you want to adopt a dog from a rescue organization, you have to jump through so many hoops to get an animal. 

I always wonder, do these people want to have the dogs adopted or not? It depends on the organization, but we have had to, in the past: take a picture of our backyard, the fence, have neighbors and/or friends vouch for us as good guys. And, a talk with our veterinarian to see if our other dogs are up to date on their shots.

By the time you get through all of this, people have a tendency, which I understand, to buy a dog. Craigslist has many dogs, of all sizes that you can have for a "small" re-homing fee! And, if you pay the re-homing fee, the dog is yours. No questions asked.

Obviously, we have the girls. But, I'm wondering if we could adopt and save a senior dog. Even knowing that the dog might not be with you all that long, should not be a factor in getting a senior dog.

The last time we adopted from an organization, I couldn't help wondering - do you want the dog to have a home - or not.

At the moment (don't tell Jeff) I'm looking around for a senior dog. These senior dogs, all have just one problem - they're getting old. And, frankly, we humans are aging too.

P

 

Friday, September 13, 2019

I'm Back

9/13/2019

Since I'm writing this, then obviously I am alive. Pain some, but for the most part bearable. So, where I once had three teeth, I am now down to almost very few teeth in that area.

The cost of taking out teeth, is very expensive. Almost the price of a car (kidding), but seriously,
there was definitely a comma for charges. I suspect that Jeff has, with yesterday's cost,  it will be my birthday present, my anniversary present (which we actually don't do) and Christmas as well. Oh well, it is what it is.

Yesterday, was a zero day. In the recliner, watching my "crappy" (somebody says that's what they are) and eating my pudding.

This morning, I ate two waffles for breakfast, and they were yummy.  I'm not sure what I'm going to eat for lunch and dinner, but I suppose I'll think of something.

Heading to my chair for some kind of lunch.

P

 

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Today. Tomorrow....

9/12/2019

Good morning everybody. Yes, I'm really up this early because I am going to have three teeth extracted this morning. And, I'm really looking forward to this visit. I've opted to be sedated. Who wouldn't. 

The real problem starts when I get home. For obvious reasons, I'll "probably" have some pain after the procedure. But, generally I try the white knuckle approach to pain. And, if that doesn't work, then I will, out of necessity, take a pain pill.

I can only soft foods for a few days. I made myself some jell-o and pudding yesterday. I can have scrambled eggs and, my favorite food ice cream!!!

If you don't hear from me for a day or two, not to worry, I'll be back. Hmmm, that sounds a lot like something Schwarzenegger might say in one of his movies!

I'll talk to you soon.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

9/11

9/11/2019

When I was in junior high and President Kennedy was killed, I remember being in English class. We were all sent home, where my parents watched endless amounts of television. At the time, I was young, and really wasn't into news. 

While I was at work on 9/11, I had my head down and was concentrating on my work. I soon heard the voices and almost screaming in the conference room. 

I went into the room, and saw the plane that hit the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. Marriott headquarters gave the employees two choices: stay in the building, where the doors would be locked; or go home. It was an easy decision for me. Who would want to be locked in a building when so much was happening outside?

I decided to go home. But, just when I was going to drive on the interstate, which was packed, I made another decision, take the back roads home. I'm glad I did for the most part. But, as I was driving, there was this eerie feeling in the air. 

I had talked to the boys and told them that if either Jeff or I couldn't make it home, they should pack up the car, with essentials. As well as the dogs, and head west. My brother lives in Illinois, and I thought that was a safe place for them. I assured them that if things worsened, then Jeff and I would be right behind them.

Luckily, after those three hits, there wasn't a fourth. When I did get home, I called my brother and told him that if if there was another attack and it wasn't safe here, the boys and the dogs would head to his house. My brother and sister-in-law have a pristine home, and absolutely no dog hair. But, I told him I had no other choice.

The television was in a news cycle, and I understood that. But, seeing people jumping out of windows, haunted me then, and it still does today.

Worl War II veterans can rmember the attack on Pearl Harbor. Even though that was years ago, I know they all remember. 

There are times in our life when certain incidents leave a permant mark on your memory. I don't think any of us will ever forget the slaugter of innocent people on that day. I know that I won't.

P


Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Privacy

9/10/2019

There was a time, when nobody except family and close friends, knew your business. And, I was okay with that.

Then social media became a "thing", and some people post on Facebook their travel pictures (I enjoy those), pictures of Benjamin (love those too). 

While I check on things on Facebook daily, I almost never post anything about myself. I will, occasionally, comment on a post, generally from Scott, Stacey and Wendy. And, that pretty much sums up my involvement with Facebook. 

Today, we're dealing with robo and scam calls. I have been offered, more time than I can count, knee braces (there is nothing wrong with my knees), shoulder and back braces as well. And, I love the calls that begin with "there is nothing wrong with your bank account, but, we're offering lower interest rates, etc. IRS calls and we all know that they don't call - they write. 

Last night, I received a disturbing email, telling me how much this person knew about me. He had pictures of me, and had "captured" the sites I have visited. And, for a "small" price - I think it was in the neighborhood of $700.00, he would destroy all this evidence. Whenever I receive a questionable email, I don't open them, I send them to Jeff. Jeff told me to delete the email, which I did. But, to be frank with you, the email unsettled me quite a bit. I felt almost like I should pull the plug on all the sites where I have some limited information about myself. I also know that I never open up a document from a questionable source. Knowing this was all spam to generate money, somehow didn't give me much peace of mind. I still felt violated. And, pretty sure you would too. I guess Toto, we're not in Oz anymore.

Best advice: beware of people who are calling, from a number you don't recognize, and simply hang up.



 

Digging Out Warmer Clothes

9/9/2019

The oak tree in the front yard, has dropped a minimal amount of leaves in the yard. In past years, it would take several of those brown recyclable bags to capture the leaves. But, since the oak tree is dying, it's going to be relatively easy to keep the front yard clean.

For me, I think it's time to sort out my warmer clothes.  I am a fair weather girl. I'm either too hot, and then I'm too cold. Practically, never happy.

I will sort out my cooler weather clothes and will toss out any things that are now to big. What a horrible situation! Jeff has promised me that if I bag up my larger clothes in bags, he will then take those bags into the basement. I don't want to have to take any clothes from those bags, but nothing is certain or guaranteed in life. 

I have since last year really working on losing pounds and I think I've been really successful. Depending on the day, I've lost 30 plus pounds. And, I'm so proud of me. It started out with eating high protein snacks, etc. Oh, and protein water too. By the way, some of the flavors of protein water are very, very good. And, they are filling.

I haven't had to really use those special foods in a long time. I do, however, when we go out say to, let's say Hopkins, I bring along a bar or two just in case, I do get hungry. Luckily for me, most of my clothes are either too big, or are just on the edge of being too big. What a problem to have.

The days are getting shorter, which means I have a greater chance of being "down in the dumps". Whenever I am at my desk, I always have the "Happy Light" on, which does help, a bit.

I don't really like winter weather, particularly snow and ice. Unlike all the years I was working, I no longer have to wonder if the office was going to be closed or a delayed opening. Nope, I normally don't even set my alarm clock! Believe me, when it's time to get up, the girls become restless - they want their food - and they want it now! Luckily for me, Jeff gets up early so that after his breakfast, he can return to his office, and work through any problems. And, there is always a problem!

Television watching isn't too good right now. I keep reminding Jeff that the new season of shows we like, as well as new shows, begins later this month. Because I'm a television "nut", I have written down the names of the new shows and their premiere date. I'll also check on our returning shows that we both like - Bull, Chicago anything, The Good Doctor, etc. It's not always easy to be in charge of the remote! While I like "junk" shows, Jeff does not. So, to be fair, I watch my shows when Jeff is not around. And, this solution makes us both happy. We're definitely doing the Mars/Venus thing, which works for both of us.

P
 Image result for picture of television watching











 

Closing Up Shop

7/3/3021 Dear Friends and Family, I've decided to, for the present time, turning my blog off. Over the years, I've had faithful foll...