Random Thoughts & Checking Off Lists

The innards have finally settled down pretty much after the bout with the side effects from the Augmentin. The stomach is still a bit queasy at times and I’m not eating much solid foods, but well, “every day in every way”  as the saying goes…

Organizing the new desk I’ve decided that I need to go back to a laser printer for the crisp, clean copies I am used to. I don’t trust inks to be permanent - they still run when wet - anything I need to print must be either filed here or sent to the hospital for filing.  Laser toner once heated binds to the paper permanently.

I’ll use some of the tax refund for the purchase. $100.00 will cover this small footprint job at right (includes extra toner cartridge) which will fit snuggly on the "Z" shelf next to the desk. Since the Epson is my MAC scanner, a good and fast printer is all I need. Toner cartridges have dropped in price, too.  I wonder if the price drop has to do with the increased popularity of the inkjet printers. Dunno, and don’t care. I’ll take the lower price and better quality. Maybe fools will catch on later.

I’ve discovered that I am up to my gonads in wires and chargers associated with all the ‘wireless’ devices accumulated over the years. Though the chargers belonging to the old cell phones went with those phones to their new home via the State Police program for battered women, I still have more than enough to contend with. There are also old mice and keyboards from the PC days that I keep trying to give away but no one seems to want.

Years ago, Ron - the dear gossip - at Retired in Delaware, insisted that I purchase a web camera so we could video chat via Skype.  So I bought one.

Why?  I don’t know.  We lived about a half mile from one another, so I gathered it was just a fun toy he wanted to play with.  Then the old PC died and the old web camera wasn’t compatible with the new one.  Ron’s Skyping calls had dwindled by then, but I bought a newer web camera just to have it handy.  A wasted investment.

A year later Ron made the jump to the MAC and that was the end of Skype. So, there are 2 Logitech webcams floating around this place, too. Now that I have the MAC iPad, iPhone, and iPod, they are gathering dust and sometimes under foot at the most inconvenient times. Yes, now I have FaceTime, which is more sophisticated than Skype ever was, not that it matters.  

Now that I think of it, I wonder if the newest web camera could be used with the MINI…my monitor isn’t an Apple, therefore has no builtin camera.  I’m wondering if I could plug the camera into a USB port, check for new drivers and see what happens.  Seems a waste to throw the thing away. 

There are 3 stand microphones from the old (?) days of early voice recognition, which again, are of no use any longer. I could go on and on, but it's making me depressed so I'll stop for now.  Anyway, you get the idea.

The old PC is waiting for Eddie to return from Romania to remove my personal files and photos from the HD before chucking it, or repairing it for someone else. Yes, it's been sitting by the front door for over a month (where else can I put it?) and I can't wait for his return next week before Easter.  

When I have the strength and energy the old Laser Printer needs to go to the tech & electronics recycle center, which is not nearby anymore.

Anyway…I’ve gotta get rid of all this stuff!!?!!

I’ve organized all the relevant cords, cables, wires, and chargers with the devices I use today; they sit neatly wrapped and labelled in two covered, plastic containers on a shelf where all such things live. Nice and clean.  Though these items too, seem to multiply for some unknown reason.  Sigh!

Got a call from the Oncologist’s office acknowledging that I discontinued the Augmentin over the weekend and letting me know the doctor will be looking into a replacement.  They also told me that they called a prescription for an antidepressant, which I can pick up either this afternoon or tomorrow.  

I guess that may be in response to my complaints of short-temper while on the Prednisone, which may be carried over to the Danazol - but I haven’t detected increased agitation since I made the change.  Don’t know what the new drug is, so I can’t look it up, but I’ll find out soon enough.

I may have mentioned this before, but you know a year ago I was only on ONE prescription medication - for the high blood pressure.  Now I am washing down 9; some are taken more than once daily. This new antidepressant will bring that total to an even 10.  

Say, do I get some kind of award for that?  New washer and dryer? Trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?  Hoboken, NJ?  Hey, I ain’t fussy.

The sister’s birthday is tomorrow so I caught her this morning by phone before she had the chance to leave the apartment.  She was happy for the call, but remains quite scared about the open heart surgery coming up next week.  Can’t say I blame her, but she’s strong, asked lots of questions, and her medical team has been available for anything she needs going into this last week prior to the operation. They’ve covered every inch of what will be her physical domain during recovery and there’s no more they can do, except be there for moral support.  Me too.

I really need to put some solid food into my system today, but nothing sounds interesting or the least bit appetizing.  I’ve down the last yogurt and I am tired of canned fruits.  Maybe something will jump out at me when I do the shopping tomorrow.  Trouble is, I can feel myself getting weaker every day.  

That said, I don’t think I’ll be driving to the drug store for the new prescription today.  Just not up to it, is all.  

And so it goes.

*

That Tedious Apple Update

All of you long time MAC users out there would know this far better than I. As described in the earlier post, a message box appeared in the upper right of my screen last evening informing me that a massive update of Maverick OS X needed to be downloaded and installed.  No option to wait til some other time, or simply a “not now” was unacceptable.  

The download began. Period! The files were huge. It took over 11 hours just to download all file to the hard drive.  Although I didn’t need to, I had full use of the computer during those long hours as the system ticked off the gigs being streamed into my computer. 

However, when that finally ended and the installation process began, I lost all control of the computer as it was elsewhere occupied with the task at hand.  That, I assume, of rebuilding the entire OS from scratch. At least that's my take on the situation. There was no place or time for my puny endeavors at the keyboard. Blank screen and unresponsive keyboard were the order of the rest of the morning

This detailed install took another 2 hours keeping me abreast of what was going on without relinquishing control of the device or keyboard.  

Beyond the additional 2 hours of dead time, the system then began to sort out files and perform a number of reboot sequences, the likes of which I have not seen since my old Microsoft Windows days, and which I thought were over when I switched to the MAC.  Clearly, something happened and Apple needed to address the issue without user interference.  Which it certainly did, like it or not.

Just a quick few minutes with the update following the final reboot, and I notice that many things (including personal preferences) have been altered, lost, or put heaven-knows-where.  

The update boasts a whole new Safari experience, which I haven’t ventured into, since my last experience with the browser ended in bitter shutdown - by me! I’ve used Chrome with great results since then and not sure I want to risk a return engagement with Safari at this time. 

Well, on the up side, this massive update was free. Had it been MS Windows we’d likely have had to cough up big bucks to get everything fixed, up and running again.  Well, whatever.  I just want to find out where in Hell my personal files are now.  Jeez!!!

Hey!  This just appeared in the upper right of the screen.  I guess I ought to check it out, huh?

But not now.  Right now I am off to check out office chairs to go with the new desk. Not much online, so I’ll see what Staples has on sale, if anything. Then on the way home, I’ll swing by Dos Locos and see what they need me to help with  this week.

And so it goes.

*

Printers & Cables & Liars, Oh My!

Spent the better part of Thursday installing - tweaking (not twerking, though that may have been of some help) the new printer to get it to work.  No easy job, that. 

Wording in the Epson advertising  clearly stated there was no need for a USB cable, that the printer was ready to use almost out of the box.  Almost.  Remember that.  Almost.  

In any case, the printer doesn't include a USB cable and nowhere did the ad suggest purchasing one, especially if printer will be used on a network, and by various other devices. So, I didn't bother to order one. (The cost would have been a whole extra $3.00, btw)

After removing the blue tape from the printer parts that could be damaged in shipping, I noticed that some tape held absolutely nothing whatsoever. Ah, bless those Chinese!   Extra tape?  No worries, just stick it anywhere. I know where I'd like to stick it. 

Followed directions for setup, installed the inks, programmed the date, time, etc. and then inserted the installation CD containing the drivers and another step-by-step for final set up.  As the CD was doing its thing, I went back to the quick setup sheets to continue the setup manually, and guess what?  Oh, come on, you can guess…

Setup step #7 header: Wireless Connection.

Text reads as follows:

You must install the software on every computer from which you want to print. For the first installation, we recommend using a USB cable (not included) to simplify wireless setup.

Say, what???  You need a wire to simplify a wireless setup??? You know, you can't make this shit up!

OK, so I have a USB cable for my laser printer (which is looking far more reliable every minute now) so I had to abort the install, regroup, and start over again. 

Another aggravation was that every time I tried to input my network information, (which is case sensitive) the damned printer kept switching from lower to upper case for no reason.  (I kept wondering how many times a device could be thrown to the floor, or across the room and still work.) Anyway, the fourth try was the charm.  Everything finally installed, network found, passwords approved and updated.

Next up was the calibration, nozzle cleaning, head alignment and colour saturation. All this must be done by hand using the LCD screen and keys on the printer face - nothing easy there, to be sure.  In older models - when I used ink jets in the past - this was controlled through the software on the computer.  (One reason I decided to go with Epson.) Of course, this new method is "simplified" only for the printer manufacturer, not the end user. 

Anyway…That took another 40 sheets of paper all by itself.  To add salt to the wound, the raw stock feed isn't a flatbed after all.  It's gravity feed, which I hate.  (These tend to jam and can cause major headaches if you change stock weight, size, or are in a rush.) There is not one picture on any website, Epson or otherwise, that shows this ugly little truth.  Why yes, I am pissed.  Why do you ask?

Four hours later the deed is done and I need a cold compress and a very dry martini to get settled down. 

At this stage I have no idea if the damned printer will work wirelessly, or not. For now, I am leaving the USB cable connected and will transfer it to whatever printer I need for any given job.  The idea was to make this black monster the primary printer/scanner/copier, but I don't think that's going to happen.  

Apple and the Mac have been completely useless throughout this entire process.  If it wasn't for Mac not supporting laser printers/scanners, none of this would have transpired.  Still, few regrets.

Note:  Just read that "Image Capture" program is required to get the most out of the scanner component of the printer on a Mac.  Isn't that just swell, though…I am really thrilled now. 

I am stuck with the very situation that I wanted to avoid - having a separate scanner connected to the computer along side a printer - but that's what I've got. 

Well, that was yesterday.  

Today I am going to make a valiant effort to remove the snow and ice blanket covering the car so that I can get out on the weekend for a little necessary grocery shopping.  

It's still in the teens here with winds at about 20 mph, so  I don't know how long I'll last - being short of breath and all - but it has to be done, at least before the next storm barrels through.

And so it goes.

*

Happy New Year? Yeah, uh-huh…

Blood work yesterday indicated a need for transfusion.  They couldn't squeeze me in that afternoon (NYE, perhaps?) so I was scheduled for 1/2/14 at 7:30 am.  By all means, Happy New Year!

Anyway, after the blood work and the oncologist it was time to be cheered up. Or so I thought.   Back in town auto and foot traffic was maddening. I wanted to spend some time at Dos Locos with staff and friends, but couldn't find a place to park. And although I live a mere 3 blocks away, it's not a walk I can make easily these days. I was lucky to find a vacant parking spot close to home, not far from my usual space.  Still, it was a walk I didn't look forward to, or need. Not by a long shot.

I called to let them know why I would be a no-show and they told me it had been "a zoo" since opening and the wait for table for lunch was around 45 minutes.  Glad I didn't try to visit.  Still, I really missed not being there.  So there it is:  Assuming the old saying is true, I'll be spending more time with hospital and cancer center staff in 2014.  Not a thrilling thought, that.

The sister now knows she isn't a match for me. I had to tell her.  She was getting suspicious, it wasn't fair, and I'd put it off long enough.  She was disappointed and upset at first until I told her that quite frequently siblings aren't a good match, so it wasn't anyone's fault.  We shared our quiet Christmas day stories and dinner menus, and by the time we ended the call she was in good spirits and I even had her laughing a bit. Always a good way to end a call. 

I made a light supper, enjoyed a glass of wine and was under the covers before 8 pm, ticking off the final minutes of a most  worn-out, thread-bare year. Couldn't wait for it to be over.  Asleep almost immediately.

I was awakened at midnight by the sound of the fireworks on the beach followed by people singing in the streets. I smiled and went back to sleep - I made it! - waiting for the dawn of the new year.

I was awakened - again, an hour later by loud, angry voices coming from below.  It was the redneck neighbors (the ones with the "Duck Dynasty" WELCOME mat on their porch, yeah, that bunch).  Drunk, angry, crying, banging car doors, apartment doors, and anything else they could find to bang up without breaking. 

His deep, hillbilly growl was replaced by little girl-like sobs as he begged her to forgive him (for whatever?) and let him in.  She continued screaming behind the closed (and locked) apartment door.  I promised myself that if he broke down the door, I would call the police.  

But, no need.  Like every good redneck mama, she got her way, played her role, brought him under control, got him to his knees and allowed him in - sobbing wildly all the time.

All this drama got me nervous and worked up (no stranger to domestic violence and loud arguments), it took a while to calm myself down again.  Slid back under the covers and slipped away once again into a dream state that, no matter the content, would be a better experience than I had just been privy to wide awake. 

I woke up to a quiet building and street.  Made a coffee, sourdough toast and found a few text messages and one missed FaceTime opportunity on the phone. It was way too early to reply, so I made a note to do so later in the day.

Following breakfast, I cranked up the Mac preparing to update files of medical statements, results of phone calls when I realized  the printer was dead. It powers on, but there's no cycling sounds and no heat for the toner.  The engine seems to have bought the farm.  

It was unplugged and the innards were cleaned and brushed. (This is done every few months anyway.) I connected the laptop (running Windows - which means all functions should work) again nothing.  I sipped another coffee.

The printer drivers were reinstalled on the MAC (which only allows for printing - scan & copy functions aren't supported) but to no effect.  When the printer is turned off, then on again, there is an audible 'click' but the motor is silent. It's been a great printer and a good buy back in 2008, so I checked out Canon's website for repair information.  

First shocker: the nearest authorized repair shop is 45 miles away in Dover, DE. Second shocker: input of the model number coughed up a minimum estimate of $75.00! It cost $129.00 six years ago.  No complaints.  It's a laser printer and very economical to operate.  The one drawback, as noted above,  MAC doesn't support scan and copy functions and Canon offers no support or explanation.  I don't know why.

So the hunt is on today for a new 'Mac compatible' all-in-one printer.  At this point it appears I may have to give up laser  if I want all functions of an all-in-one, or settle for a plain laser printer and use the flatbed scanner for copies and scanning.  More wires and the extra space required bother me, though. 

It's always something!

Anyway, I'll try again today (early) to stop by Dos Locos for New Year wishes and a cup of cheer. By the sounds of revelry last night, I may be lucky to get a parking spot today because the night crawlers are likely to be late in bed, or nursing nasty hangovers.  Or, both.

Scheduled for transfusion tomorrow morning at 7:30 am means I'll probably be out of there by 3 pm.  That ought to keep me moving for another week or two.

Cheers!  And, Happy New Year.

And so it goes.

*

A=Apple, B=Blood, C=Christmas

No, I don't want a Bloody Apple for Christmas! Maybe a Bloody Mary…let's do brunch.

Having spent most of the daylight hours in the transfusion room yesterday, there was no time to take care of the errands on my ever-growing list.  To-do's that must be done before Christmas, the New Year, and the hospital.  In no particular order.

Two units of blood and a new painkiller prescription later, and it was all I could do to drive home safely. Didn't stop to fill the prescription - not even to just drop it off - that's how tired I was. Of course, the Benadryl injection didn't help much in that department. 

Although the sun is shining and the weather is warm for this time in December, I haven't the energy to cope with going outdoors today.  There is a good reason for this. Since 2 strange antibodies were found in blood previously received, I've become a difficult match. So, I now receive O+ which causes a bit of a shock to my system. 

I should be fine by tomorrow, so I'll get an early start, dropping off the new scrip first, picking it up on the way back when I need to get a few grocery things, anyway. I've decided to roast a small leg of lamb for my Christmas Dinner and it's on sale beginning tomorrow.  One simply doesn't see a butterfly leg of lamb often, and certainly not at this price. 

I want to get everything, or most everything, done before energy is totally depleted and I become a useless slug. Thankfully, none of the errands require braving the outlet malls, or any malls, for that matter. 

People keep asking how I like the new phone.  Well, I like it fine.  It works, reception is good, and it does what it's supposed to do. How anyone can watch video on the thing is beyond me. There are more doodads and whoozles than I will probably ever know how to use, or have use for, but they seem to thrill many people who can't live without them. To me, they're just so much clutter.

The iPhone is somewhat heavier than the LG Android was, but other than that, it's a good product and reliable.  That's the key, for me at least. The case is also dangerously smooth and slides easily off any surface. Not good. First thing I did was purchase a hard rubber snap-on case, which creates a nice friction on any surface. I had one for the LG, as well and liked it very much. Lord knows, they're cheap enough to keep the phone clean and safe. 

The big surprise for me with Apple is the lack of documentation for their products.  I suppose for longtime Apple users this isn't an issue, but for Windows users making the transition can be alarming. If you were a Windows user, you know what I mean. 

The only issue I have with Apple is the constant stream of  necessary "updates" to fix this or that app problem. Even with my own wi-fi it can take a long time. Annoying, to be sure. I do like the fact that updates to the OS are free, unlike Microsoft where they squeeze every penny out of you and usually for an untested, flawed new version of Windows. 

How well I remember that damned VISTA that came loaded on my old (and last) PC. I finally upgraded to Windows 7 - for $100.00 - but it was worth it.

Seems every other day the iPhone and iPod want certain apps updated. I don't have many add-on apps  - Google Earth, Trip Advisor, and Solitaire on both and Google Maps on the iPod.  I've removed a couple that were work-related, like Open Table, and Yelp.  Those 2 were most frequently in need of updating. Frustrating and time-consuming.  Now they're history and I'll be bothered no more.

I see that Sean (Just a Jeep Guy) has posted this week's TMI questions and, guess what - They are phone-related.  Think I'll copy and respond to them. 

The cancer center just called to check up on me and to inform me that I have Labs to be done on Monday at 8 am. This means, if I need blood I will spend Christmas Eve at the blood center.  Merry Christmas!!!

And so it goes.

*

Monday - Schmunday. Feh!

Is it Tuesday already - how time flies when you're wasting it! 

The dreaded first weekday came and went with little to show for it around here. There were a few items on the to-do list including bathroom cleaning, sorting and filing the latest medical paperwork,  a load (or 2) of laundry, a bit of large batch cooking to replenish the dwindling supplies in the freezer.

Dragged out the bucket & sponges,  labeled a few file folders, consolidated the laundry bags and supplies, sorted out the ingredients intended for each recipe, placing each group on the countertops, then promptly went to bed for an hour.  The folders remained empty, cleaning supplies were put away, the laundry supplies remain near the front door as low energy dogged me most of the day.

Aside from making a batch of Jello (don't laugh) there were no stirring insights from the culinary muses so I stared at the shiny steel day.   As I was about to abort the whole idea a thought crossed my tiny drug-rattled brain: if I put it all away the cooking will never get done. Now, how's that for genius thinking? That settled it.  Left them alone,worked around the obstacles as I prepared  supper, and vowed to get creative today.

Monday being a holiday and all, attempts to reach the SSA and Medicare offices were futile; though open with a skeleton staff, the phones were always busy.

Columbus Day isn't celebrated here. There were a few parades upstate in the bigger cities, but his tainted reputation in light of new historical data means he's pretty much shot his wad of popularity and credibility these days.

Drove to the restaurant to check in with the locos guys, but they had a staff meeting at the other restaurant and I didn't want to be out in public for 2 hours waiting for them. As it was, everyone wanted to hug me - and how could I refuse - I love hugs and relished the contact with people who cared about me.

As I drove home I thought how wonderful it would be to get this illness behind me and go back to work at the job I adore, with the people I love. Something to think about and work towards as I step into the medical unknown - again.

Spent a few hours learning more about how the MAC and the Safari Browser work. The daily challenge and fun at the same time. Haven't figured out how to transfer the address book from Chrome, yet.  Maybe today.

Opening Saturday's mail was the most excitement to be had all day, for in it was a massive envelope from the Hematologist with the proverbial questionnaires, statements of patients rights, and maps & directions to their offices - some 60 - 65 miles north of here.

It should be easy to find with my sidekick, Debbie, who's coming along.  Her company will be a blessing, making the boring drive go a lot faster. She wants to leave at 10 am, to enjoy a relaxing drive arriving in plenty of time to share a quiet lunch somewhere of her choosing.  The appointment is set for 2:30 pm - it's a 2 hour drive - so (if all goes as planned) we'll have the luxury of 2 hours to spare for whatever we want to do.

The giant Christiana Mall is a short distance from the hospital campus, where the medical offices are located, so Deb may want to show me around the joint.  I have never been there. Actually I haven't been to a shopping mall in about 10 years, and to tell the truth it hasn't been missed.

So far today, the pans and Dutch oven are on display; cutting boards are out. All ingredients are here, no need for a quick jaunt to the store; only a few vegetables to be chopped or sliced, so I may as well get to it.

And so it goes.
*

Let it Rain. I've Got My Mac to Keep me Warm

Behold!  I am writing my first post on the new Mac MINI and I AM LOVING IT.  Set up would have been a beaucoup easy had I not second-guessed myself looking to make it more difficult. That's the Windows user in me talking. Nothing was ever easy with Windows.  

Aside from the Laptop, I am no longer a "Gates" Keeper.  

The Mac MINI is, well, mini - about 7 inches, - the DVD player - 5 inches - sits on top. Both are extremely quiet. 

The existing wireless keyboard and mouse work OK, but Mac shortcuts aren't available since there is no Command key. Those issues can be worked around for the time being.

Safari (the browser) is fine, so far. May switch back to Chrome at a later date.  The machine came with a limited word processor "TextEdit" installed, but I may look into purchasing "Pages" down the road as I learn my way around the new Operating System.  

I've discovered the Scan option on my all-in-one Laser printer/copier/scanner doesn't work with Mac. After an extensive search, it appears that this isn't an isolated problem. For some reason, there are no drivers available for the Scan program on a Mac. 

Checking various printer specs turns up compatibility with various versions of Windows, but for Mac "print" is the only option available.  Downloading and installing my existing printer driver was a snap, the Mac took care of it without a problem, but doesn't recognize the Scan option.

A specific search for all-in-one printers "for Mac" brought disappointing results. As far as I can tell, the only AIO printers compatible with Mac are Inkjet printers. Don't know why, really.  Laser printers are a bit more costly, but the consumables are cheaper in the long run and there is no danger of inks clogging or drying up.   Colour is unimportant; replacement cartridges are more costly than the printers themselves (honest) and have lower page output count. Laser cartridges are slightly more expensive but last much longer.  Inks tend to run when wet. Laser doesn't, because the toner is heat-bound to the paper.

Example: a highly rated Canon AIO inkjet printer is priced at $64.00 while the replacement ink set (B/W & Colour) is priced at around $50.00. Another major annoyance, there is only one colour cartridge which contains the yellow, magenta, and cyan inks, meaning that if you use one colour more than the others, you must replace the entire cartridge.  (Think of the St. James Bible, you know they say Jesus spoke in Red!) That's a huge waste of ink - and money. 

Going to stick with my laser printer; dust off and re-connect the flatbed scanner (purchased to copy the old slides) which will take up more space - not to mention more wires to contend with.  Bother!

With Amanda McBroom, Eva Cassidy, and Holly Near as background, I'll wyle away the hours on this rainy day discovering secrets of the Mini. 

So…if any of you Mac users have comments and/or suggestions, they would be appreciated.

And so it goes.
*

3 Steps Forward - 0 Steps Back

That is something practically unheard-of  around here, where it's usually 1 step forward - 2 steps back.  So, I'll take this good fortune, thank you very much.

Went to breakfast at our other restaurant in Lewes, DE. It was the first time I've seen my friends and co-workers in a month, and my first dine out since August. I requested a table far from any groups or families, they put me back in the corner, which made it easier for us to chat and catch up on what's been going on since my illness hit. It was great fun to talk with others - rather than to myself - and enjoy a really delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, home fries, biscuits, and a good cup of coffee.  Heavenly.

My appetite is good but I continue to lose weight.  Down another pound to 167' 2 days ago at the Dr.'s office. Frustrating!

Mailed a form to the SSA asking that they discontinue withholding Federal Tax from my monthly check.  I don't know when any action will be taken.  There is a big blue banner on the main page with disclaimers due to the Shutdown.  I don't know why, the SSA is a separate entity with it's own pool of funds - and there is a surplus of a few billion in the account. Scare tactics by the Repugs, more than likely. Anyway, we shall see.

Stopped by Dos Locos for a few minutes to see Linda (the GM) and other staff. There were gentle hugs all round, but no one wanted to stay too close for fear of passing on something that might cause infection. The human contact was something I've sorely missed.  (It made me think of the isolation PWAs had to endure back in the 80s when it was rare for anyone to touch, never mind hug, a person with AIDS - for very different reasons, of course. Now I know how that must have felt, and it isn't good.) While there I offered to give Linda my keys to the restaurant, but she refused.  I guess she's hoping I'll come back soon.  I am, too.  I miss my job terribly, honestly, I do.

Received a heads-up email this morning that the new Mac MINI, is out for delivery. "Signature Required" when it arrives. They will not leave an Apple package on the porch. Fine with me, it's raining buckets here and I wouldn't want the boxes to get wet.  The storm has been sitting off the coast, not going anywhere and continually hitting us with wind-driven heavy rains.

Later: The boxes have arrived and I can't wait to tear into them. They are very small, really. Mac users have told me how easy they are to set up, all one has to do is follow on-screen instructions and I'll be in business in no time. We'll see.  And yes, it gives me something to look forward to, as well as wake up some inactive brain cells rather than the passive ones that make up my daily routine. 

The hematologist's office finally called, there is an appointment set up for next Wednesday. Someone is lined up to drive with me (it's 60 miles north of here) in case I have a adverse reaction to tests or any drugs they give me.  At least those are two things less to worry about. Another biopsy in in my future, but not sure if they will do that during the first visit, or schedule it for another day. With my luck it will be the latter.  

Note: Today marks the 6th day without chills, headache, or a fever. May this good luck continue until I see the hematologist next week.

Now where is that box cutter?

And so it goes.
*

Busy Bees, Honey Gums, and Apples

No fever detected since Thursday afternoon.  Don't have great reserves of energy I used to, but I found that after sweating out a breaking fever, ingesting beverages with electrolyte replacement properties gives a little boost and am able to get chores done. I learned this following the bouts on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Before sunrise; before anyone began to stir around here, this little worker bee was downstairs doing 4 loads of laundry, so as to have fresh bed linens and clean undies JIC another fever hits. At this point it appears that the new meds are having a positive effect.  I ain't takin' no chances, anymore.  Could happen at any time and I could end up back in the slammer hospital. Of course, being relieved of fevers, chills and headaches gives me hope to make a few plans for the future in the meantime. 

Went to the Post Office to get my passport renewed. Removed the mask only long enough for the pictures to be taken. They turned out OK, this mug doesn't  look as bad as I thought.  Passport expired last month and I decided to go for a replacement on the off-chance I'll be around a while and in case the opportunity presents itself for a special holiday trip.  I mean, I can no longer work at the restaurant, at least for the foreseeable future, so if anyone asks, I've got the time and the inclination, baby. 

Anyhoo, it being Fall Sidewalk Sale weekend I stopped at a candy table to purchase Dutch honey-gums; great for the throat and good to have handy when the mouth is dry. I was tempted to stop at a few other tables, but thought better of it. No need to push my luck; it's been bad enough lately. As usual, everyone stared and kept their distance as I moved about. People are strange. It was early and not yet crowded, so I believe I am relatively safe. 

As I teased earlier, I am making tentative plans for a trip to Ireland to visit the Titanic Museum in Belfast, and maybe even that cruise to Alaska (there is a special deal in the works for a 10 day cruise beginning on May 1, 2014)  being offered by Holland America, on one of their smaller ships (which I'd prefer) carrying about 1500 passengers. I am not interested in one of those floating cities with 5000+ of my dearest and closest friends.  Besides, there are always fewer children on HAL ships. Anyway… I have saved the info and will see how life turns out over these next few months before making a decision or taking the plunge.

And speaking of taking the plunge (how's that for a segue?) I've just ordered the Apple, MAC MINI (which is on sale at 35% off) and, since it doesn't come with one, an USB Super DVD Drive (not on sale) which compliments the MINI in stylish appearance and quiet operation. The fact that I also receive an additional 5% cash back by using the Discover Card is an added bonus. The package should arrive in about 4 days.  (click the image at right to embiggen & view dimensions.)

As mentioned in an earlier post, For the immediate future I can use the existing wireless keyboard & mouse, as well as my fairly new LED monitor, which already has connection capability for the MAC.  If all goes well, I can always order a regulation MAC Keyboard and Mouse, but this will suit my needs just fine for now.  I'm looking forward to a full keyboard and screen again - and giving the laptop a well-deserved rest. As well as my poor hands that feel as though they've been attached by the thumbs for months.

And so it goes

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