Lounging at the Christmas Spa

Just setting’ a spell at Beebe Medical Hospital & Ocean Spa in lovely downtown Lewes, Delaware.

This relaxation time was provided by the Cancer Tumor Association and is likely to last 5 to 7 fabulous days. Fevers returned with a vengeance. So far, weather has been fretful and treatments are not coming up to expectations.

....And I'm forever catching myself humming Stormy Weather.

Spending time with old friends here. Am exploring new variations on an old theme, plus giving a test run to a new anti-fungal whose name escapes me now.

Heavily sedated, of course, so can use only a single hand to type.

Hoping for good news soon. If not, here’s wishing you all the joy and love of whatever holiday you celebrate. If it celebrates neither, find another one.

Every day has been amazing and hectic here.  Good things are coming.

I am so amazed.

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Christmas Angel Caturday

They always remember those little comments.
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Tuesday Out and About.

Jeffrey was the chauffeur today. Linda had to open the restaurant while the Locosguys are in Mexico, and Nicole was buried in school work requiring peace and quiet for more concentration. It’s raining again, though not the nor’easter weather of last week. We ran the usual errands;  The credit union, dry cleaners, supermarket, and lunch were on the gay agenda as they were all skipped over last week.

An added stop at Staple’s made me wince. I am not a fan of the store or of colour Ink Jet Printers, but for reasons explained here about a year ago, I had to knuckle down and purchase a set.  Neither Canon nor Apple offered new drivers to support my old Laserjet printer.  Not to worry though, with the cash back bonus money accrued the printer cost about $18.00 USD. Now, if only the consumables  were as inexpensive it would be nice.  But, they’re not

Note: The full set of replacement cartridges cost more than the full price of the printer, so stop and think about that for a moment.  It’s cheaper to simply purchase a new printer (complete with a full set of carts) then give away, or chuck the old printer and move on. Sounds silly, doesn’t it?

I prefer laser printers - no muss or fuss - the toner is heat fused onto the paper and there’s no waiting for the ink to dry.  And the printed pages never smear, as a result, crisp, clean results every time. I don’t care about colour printing.  Does anyone care about colour printing in 2014?

Anyway, the ink carts needed replacing and I finally got around to doing that which left the empty, used cartridges with no home. It is now (apparently) a mortal sin to dispose of used carts in the garbage - they need to be recycled - and the only place around for recycling is Staples. So time was wasted as I waited for an employee (scarce even on a weekend and this is Tuesday) who could handle the situation.  There is no place to simply drop-off the used carts and be on your way.  Took nearly a half hour, but it is done.

We saved that chore for last so we could head directly to a restaurant for a quiet lunch. We chose “Go Brit!” for authentic fish & chips, bangers & mash, and a pint of Guinness. The place was quiet and the food light, fresh, and heavenly. No

greasy stuff here. Our server, Andrew, also works at DL but since’s he’s off on Sundays I didn’t get a chance to see him on the weekend. Not being busy was bad for his daily tips, but it gave us an opportunity to chat and catch up.

Seems Andrew is preparing for a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia.  Why in the winter, I don’t know. Why anytime given the current political climate, I cannot imagine.  But, he’s anxious and took off for DC yesterday to pick up his visa to prove it. He’s young, single, has traveled extensively, and knows how to do it on the cheap.  He has a great experiences no matter where he goes.

OK, so I lied.  As we were heading to my place after lunch, Jeffrey convinced me to stop and purchase a couple of cotton flannel shirts, as he had a few weeks ago.  He raved about them, suggested that the cold was going to be upon us very soon and I would be glad for them. We took ourselves to Eddie Bauer where there was still a good selection. We were shocked to find such a huge selection, especially after Black Friday and the holiday weekend. But, you won’t hear me complain. 

Because of the major weight loss it was tough to decide size, so I tried one on.  My stars! It was the softest cotton and most comfortable next to the skin.  I purchased 2 size Large (100% cotton, they always shrink a little) JIC I suddenly break out in fat or something - and headed for home. 

We covered a lot of territory a few hours. I got tired and wobbly, and the swelling caused some discomfort until I lie down and propped them up. With the aid of painkillers the pain let up after a brief time, but the swelling remains for hours. Believe it or not, Benadryl helps.

Linda just called to remind me that she’ll pick me up at 5 pm to view the Rehoboth Christmas Parade this evening at 6 pm from the restaurant. I had completely forgotten that is tonight. I am thrilled, not having seen the parade in 3 years it ought to be fun. If the rain doesn’t cancel it out at the last minute.  

So, another outing and I get to see Linda and Andrew (he works tonight) and perhaps a few more customers I’ve not seen in many moons.  At any rate, I don’t have to worry about cooking supper. I’m sure Linda will make sure I am well taken care of. I remain uneasy at being spoiled like this. 

I am amazed.

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I Remember These Things

First a note to readers: If a paragraph makes no sense in any post, please be advised that Blogger did (and does) re-arrange words in an arbitrary manner.  Usually in a sentence where an image has been inserted.  I don’t know why this matters, I just know it’s true.  I didn’t realize this was happening until I was proofing a few posts online recently. From now on, after posting, I will re-read it online and attempt to correct what Blogger has messed with. Sorry for any inconvenience to your brain.

I Remember These Things.

I remember the time before Black Friday. It was a 4-day weekend usually spent visiting friends and family all the while eating more turkey than you would in the next 11 months.

I remember when there was NO sunday shopping. (In NOLA,  grocery stores were open, liquor was available 24/7 and pharmacies were open. However, back then they sold only pharmaceuticals - no toys, groceries, or any non-health related items.)

I remember when you couldn’t find products from certain manufacturers at competitive prices, no matter how hard you tried,  more than a few cents either way. I speak of price fixing by companies like Panasonic and Sony, which was finally addressed in the late 1970s. Though they were hit with huge fines the end result is that consumers lost out, as usual. 

I can remember walking into a store looking for an item and if you didn’t see what you needed, there was always more in the “back” stock room and employees knew where to find it.  It was called service back then...

I remember great customer service and care, even being on a first name basis with sales staff.  Not anymore.

If retailers wonder why the internet has taken over as King and Queen of retail, they can look at themselves, their greed, treatment of employees, and lack of care for the customer base. People eventually get tired of being treated badly or abused. Really, they do. Then they vote with their feet and wallets.

For the most part, we went elsewhere. When you get better service from a small online retailer than a big name store you’ve been shopping for years, it’s time to move on. No customer service or support to speak of? Why wait in long lines to get a problem fixed? Go elsewhere. All fixed usually with a few clicks in minutes or with a quick email.  At least that’s my experience.

A far cry from the older model of holiday shopping.

I am still amazed.

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Support Courage Campaign Institute - Shop Amazon

This only just arrived via email and since I do a lot of shopping at Amazon I think it's a great idea to help support the CCI. A worthwhile, progressive organization.

I don't give to charities much anymore. I give to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and The Ali Forney Centers and they are the only ones to get any cash. I find most others too wasteful for my taste.

Before I hear the Amazon complaints I'll just say that I shop with Amazon, not only for the prices and service, but because there are no viable brick and mortar stores within 50 miles of where I live and I will not shop at Wal*Mart.  There are other fave go-to-spots for specific items on the Interwebs, but in general Amazon covers the other bases.

Shopping local is my first priority, even if the price is a bit higher, but driving 50 or 80 miles to Malls is out of the question.  If I find it at Amazon (I'm already a Prime Member for books & movies) and two-day shipping is free, that's where I'll get what I need.

So, if you're not in the mood to hassle the long drive, or brave the crazies at the Malls, check out Amazon for just about anything and everything (I've learned this over the years) and get it within 3 to 5 days - 2-day free shipping if you're a Prime member. Make sure your purchase is eligible for the donation.

Here's the email:
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Dear Friend, At Courage, we hope that you support and shop at small businesses. But if you're planning to use Amazon.com for your holiday purchases and beyond, please use AmazonSmile -- a program that allows small, non-profit organizations LIKE COURAGE CAMPAIGN to raise money from Amazon purchases. At no cost to you, Amazon will donate a .5% of the price to Courage Campaign for every eligible purchase you make! So why not get some of your holiday shopping done WHILE supporting a good cause? CLICK HERE to support our progressive campaigns while shopping on Amazon. You can keep doing this all through 2015! Want to make it easy to use our AmazonSmile link in the future? Bookmark this link and save it as ‘Amazon.’ It's a simple and automatic way to support Courage Campaign every time you shop at Amazon. With your purchases, you'll be helping Courage continue to fight for progressive values, equality, justice, and accountability for politicians and corporations, while training and organizing activists to change their communities. And to top it off, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate an extra $5 to Courage Campaign for each customer who makes an eligible purchase using this link, so get shopping! Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays! Paul, along with Annie, Eddie, Laura, Lindsay, Michael, Scottie, and Tim (the Courage team)

Courage Campaign fights for a more progressive California and country. We are an online community powered by more than 900,000 members. The Courage Campaign Institute is the educational arm of the Courage Campaign family of organizations. Our mission is to defend and extend human rights through innovative leadership development, training, strategic research, and public education. http://www.couragecampaign.org?akid=1373.654996.Ur-96Q

Thanksgiving 2014

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The Scots, Shorter Turkey Day, & Shopping UK

Finished the ebook “How the Scots Invented the Modern World” and highly recommend it for history buffs and Anglophiles for a quick and easy, insightful read. I am sure Ur-Spo would enjoy it. And maybe even Ron at (Retired in Delaware) since he's into genealogy and family histories. In fact, anyone who enjoys the historic connections between the Britons and the Americans will learn a great deal that we didn’t read about in our history books. 

The Scottish Enlightenment, the brutal, horrific Highland Clearances, the great thinkers and doers, the proud and wide-spread Philosophy of Scottish Educational System. Absolutely fascinating. It was probably a quick read because so many real life characters were written in a way that made their historic deeds and past lives before - and during - the diaspora that much more interesting. I  hope that makes sense.

I am now on to LOTR which ought to take me well into December and away from anything and everything unpleasant. Since these are real wood-pulp books, they’ll be more of a chore to lug to and from medical appointments, but we’ll get it done.

Special Alert: Today I am in a quandary and I need help.  No matter how much I clear out the one, single closet in this apartment, there is always more to find. I came upon two more large tubs today containing items that must be identified, sorted, cleaned (if usable) thrown away (if not) and that may just be the one thing a shopper at the Thrift store is looking for. I don’t know where it is all coming from and half is unrecognizable. Now Back to Regular Blogging.

I am not looking forward to Thanksgiving. Never really liked the holiday as a kid - too much family mishugass ending in arguments and creating bad feelings

too close to the real holidays.  We weren’t a sports kind of family, so verbally beating up on relatives was the order of the day. As a kid I remember that after helping clean up the kitchen my refuge was the  bedroom where I would listen to music or read for the duration. I was never missed.

Only as a gay adult in a “stable” relationship did I begin relating to the holiday. My house became the go-to place for wayward gays and lesbians with no other place to go. From NYC and NJ, to the Delaware shore. Over the years it became a tradition.  The first year there were 5 waifs; over the years the numbers fluctuated from 5 to 11 and it was all good fun. I usually did the cooking - others brought side dishes or desserts - and everyone else cleaned up.  We'd listen to music, dance and/or watch movies on the teevee machine. Spanning the eras from Vinyl to CD; VHS to DVDs.  Very relaxing times. That life, all those people are long gone. It’s a day like any other, albeit a quieter one and I don’t miss the work and fuss one tiny bit. 

It has been over a month since I ordered the “V” shape pillow from the company in the UK.  It has now been 26 days since I received word that the package had been ‘dispatched’ but to this date, the package has not yet arrived. 

The reply to my request of “Hey! What Gives” returned a familiar excuse to us Americans - “it’s the busiest time of year for the Royal Mail as it is absolutely swamped, so please be patient and give it another 3 to 5 days.”  Well, what else can I do?  They have my money and the damned thing is somewhere between the UK and the US, probably in a small steam powered boat chugging it's way across the Atlantic.  Hhrumph!

I think I’ll partake of one of those Scottish imports that must get old to be respectfully enjoyed.  A bit of single malt Scotch Whisky.  But, that’s for much later…

I am amazed.

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Just a Thought: Traffic

Yep.  That pretty much sums it up.  Just two more days...

More later.
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Confusion, Consolidation, Consolation

After some initial confusion about my appointment schedule - that took a half hour to correct - I finally saw the doctor. His attitude was upbeat and contagious. He immediately detected my anxiety and asked if I wanted a higher dosage of the anxiety med; he thought it would help. I agreed to give it a shot.

The white cells are very low which is why I have that big purple blotch on  my face.  It’s a bruise. I must have hit myself as I tossed and turned sometime overnight. It’s not KS after all. That’s a relief.

I was to begin the 4th and final cycle of Chemo next Tuesday, but he wants to put it off another week to see how my body recovers on its own. Especially with the holiday, I’d get only 4 treatments in before the next weekend then have 3 more days to follow up. He thought the interval was too long.  So instead of starting on 2 September, I will begin again on 8 September, if necessary. I hope it isn’t. But, it is what it is.

Also, since I’ve got one more Neupogen injection tomorrow, he scheduled a unit of whole blood to carry me through the holiday weekend. The whole blood along with the Neupogen shots should give my immune system the needed  boost to play catchup, if it is ever going to do that.

He mentioned a possible evaluation of my situation at Sloan Kettering on the upper east side of NYC. Seems they’re the only independent CC doing studies related to my particular cancer.  The research nurse learned of the study, is checking into the possibilities, and will let me know. 

There’s no easy way to get to NYC from here, so it would probably turn into a 3 day affair, unless I can find someone to take me to the Amtrak station in Wilmington and bring me back home. The doctor would prefer that someone was with me just in case, but that’s not going to happen. There just isn’t anyone.

Anyway, living in the present, with the Neupogen shots and the additional blood transfusion I should be good to go for the holiday weekend. No, I won’t be stupid enough to go out into large crowds, but I will be at the post-Labor Day party on Monday afternoon at Stoney Lonen. 

I promise to try and stay away from anybody hacking or coughing. No, I will not wear a mask. Linda will make sure my immune system is protected with shots of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, or whatever else Chester has up his mixologist sleeve.

I bought some naked ground beef and plan to spice and herb it up, form it into patties, have a hamburger for supper tonight, and freeze the rest. It’s been a while since I’ve had a real beef burger. I haven’t got much of an appetite and no sense of taste, but maybe my taste-memory will kick in and make the meal enjoyable. May it be so.

And so it goes.

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Happy World Cat Day!

From "I can has cheezburger":

This Friday is World Cat Day which means...it's pretty much the most important day on Earth. And what better way to acknowledge feline greatness than to see cat-like characteristics in the world around us!

Head to the Cheezburger Blog to find out all the details on how you can show everyone who totally looks like a cat! Do you have a cat that looks like a famous celebrity! 

Make it a fun(ny) day, y'all.

More later..
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Happy Bastille Day!

Life goes on and on. Play it again, and again.

More later.
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A Free-Wheeling Freberg 4th, and 1776

I did something I’ve not done on July 4th in the 8 years I’ve been alone and on my own.  I listened to the classic comedy album “Stan Freberg Presents, The United States of America" - all original songs and great sketches with big name (at the time) character and voice actors, including Freeberg, who wrote the whole thing. The great Billy May provides the orchestrations.  It’s been a standard of mine for many years.

A radio station in NYC used to play it every year on the 4th as my friends and I would be lying on the beach at Reis Park laughing and singing along.  Great fun and wonderful memories.

From Vaudeville to a little more high-brow:

The second something was to pop in the DVD of “1976 the Musical” which has become a sort of tradition.  I saw the play on Broadway (with pretty much the same cast), fell in love with the show and music and was very disappointed when a few important songs were cut from the film when it opened at Radio City Music Hall.  I mean, me being such a liberal, and all. It pissed me off.

Fortunately, the Republicans lost power and some of those songs and scenes were eventually restored for the Director’s Restored Version of the film on DVD.  This is the one I own.

One of the most important songs cut from the film was “Cool, Cool Considerate Men” perceived as a direct swipe at the Nixon Administration, it was ordered scrapped, even destroyed.  Fortunately for us, that didn't happen...

From Wikipedia:

The song "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men" depicts Revolutionary War–era conservatives as power-hungry wheedlers focused on maintaining wealth. According to Jack L. Warner, the film's producer and a friend of U.S. President Richard Nixon, Nixon pressured him to cut the song from the 1972 film version of the show, which Warner did. Nixon apparently saw the song as an insult to the conservatives of his time, it suggesting that the conservatives were the ones who were hindering American Independence as they danced a minuet singing the song that included the stanza, 

Come ye cool, cool considerate set 

We'll dance together to the same minuet

To the right, ever to the right 

Never to the left, forever to the right 

To further complicate things as mentioned above, the song is anachronistic, because, the terms "right" and "left" in politics were not coined until the French Revolution. Warner also wanted the original negative of the song shredded, but the film's editor secretly kept it intact. It was only decades later that the song was restored to the film.

So: Much praise for secretive, farsighted film editors. 

And: Damn Republicans! Always trying to rewrite history in their image.  Hrumpf!

The film  is long, but never boring, at least to me.  Ken Howard is always delicious to watch, especially with red hair. And, when the courier sings "Mama, Look Sharp" I always cry like a baby...never fails.  Great song, powerful statement.

The 40 year old film, a period piece, holds up very well. There is plenty for the eyes and mind to absorb; historic accuracy be damned.  Yes, the Congress was held in secrecy, but the play is a fly-on-the-wall kind of interpretation of what might have happened given existing records of what was reported as happening. Call it “artistic license” and be done with it. 

Anyway, that’s my story of celebrating the 4th. and I’l sticking to it.  As the film ended I heard the explosions of the fireworks display going off over the ocean a few blocks away.  That was enough for one holiday.

My clothes had dried out nicely, supper was delicious, and I was done in for the day.

I brushed my teeth and went to bed.

And so it goes.

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Arthur, Schmarthur. Just Go Away!

Tourist’s and Tempests Don’t Mix.

Rehoboth Beach is just east of Washington DC - on the Atlantic coast. We do not need a hurricane baring down on us on the Independence Day Weekend. 

Just to add my two-cents (plain), here’s to Le Morte d’Arthur.

Update HERE at the NHC.

More later.

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Happy Pride Day

To New York City and the World.

More later.
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After the Holiday, Discomfort

Or, something like that…

While mostly good weather stayed with us for the holiday weekend, things have gone down hill ever since. Sure, it may have been somewhat uncomfortable over the weekend, but most visitors could ignore it - being distracted by all the good times and social events. 

That’s over and reality has set in. It’s rained off and on every day all week. Even a few thunderstorms around. The temps have been in the 80s and the rain offers no relief for that situation. Just adds to the misery.

It’s been HOT, but high humidity and a very high pollen count has made just a bout everyone miserable. Allergies play no favorites. Local and visitor alike - all walking around sniffling, wiping runny eyes. 

Seems there’s little relief except in the ocean where the sea water seems to soothe the sinuses, offering some relief. Hasn’t bothered me much. I’ve even taken a few rides in the rain, mostly on back roads, just to get out of the city and apartment for a while. 

I’ve got Labs this morning with the possibility of transfusion later in the day, or tomorrow.  It’s been two weeks since my last transfusion, so we’ll see what the doctor says. 

I am no longer on the Chemo. He took me off a week ago when my white cells dropped into the basement and before I’d be forced to wear the isolation mask again.  Please, please.  Anything but that!!!

I’ve found another whole list of Pern books that I didn’t know about, or even that they existed. McCaffrey did a great job with character development - even with minor characters in the first books who play a greater roles as the storyline progresses.  It’s been great fun to read the back stories of some fave characters who were background noise in the first trilogy, as they become an integral part of the longer saga. 

There’s another trilogy devoted to the Harper Hall alone, as well as a biography of the early life of the Master Harper himself.  She has, indeed, created a lovely world and I am loving it.  Sure makes the boring time fly by, that’s for sure.

A blogger buddy suggested series, more recently published. “The Magicians” series by Lev Grossman.  They are all available in ebook form, too. The third in the series has just been published so if I like the first one, I can get the others without a long wait. 

On another note, the Locosguys left for NOLA yesterday, so I should be hearing something from them any time now. They did pick the dates (the beginning of hurricane season, and the rainy season down there, anyway)so there are few festivals or other distractions to intrude on their holiday.  They aren’t into jazz. In fact, I’m not sure what kind of  music they enjoy.  Again, not my problem.  Hope they enjoy the scenery, the food, and the local hospitality.  They deserve the brief rest.

Off to have blood drawn to make sure I didn’t die over this past week.  Cheers!

And so it goes.

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Memorial Day 2014

The Reality:

The Truth

When will our young people stop fighting rich man's wars that only profit the rich?

And so it goes.

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TMI: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

From Sean @ Just a Jeep Guy…

1. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance but it also signifies the "Official" start of summer. What are your plans this weekend?

If the rains let up I hope to be out and about on the boardwalk people-watching and enjoying the ocean along with them.

2. What is your most and least favorite thing about summer?

Most favorite = seeing folks not seen since their holiday visit last summer.

Least favorite = Obnoxious, rude tourists. And we get plenty of them being a beach resort town.

3. What do you think of when I say "Bar-B-Que?"

Slow cooked meats, well seasoned and so tender it falls apart in your hands. Grilling is great and more common for things like burgers, steaks, corn on the cobb, shish-kabob.

4. What is your favorite summer food?

Summer produce like watermelon, fresh corn on the cob, ice cream and Italian ices. 

5. Are you is (in) swim suit shape yet?

Unfortunately, due to the meds I’m taking I have to stay off the beach and remain clothed.  A bummer for one living at the Ocean. But, I get my sunshine. The illness has cause such weight loss that I’m basically a rack of bones, anyway.

6. Given the choice, which do you prefer: ocean, lake or pool?

The Ocean is best.  Never a pool - too nasty. Lakes are way too cold for me - been there, done that - I shrivel up too quickly. No fun, that.

7. Which summer blockbuster movie are you most looking forward to seeing?

The only hot summer films around here at the big blowout super hero films. I am not interested in those.  Spandex makes me sneeze!

8. Summer reading: What? Recommendations?

I strted re-reading the dragons of Pern series again, and decided to continue reading the many others in the series. Anne McCaffrey loved her dragons and the world she created.  Great fun, and quick reading.

9. Vacation Plans? If you can't, what would you do if you could?

At this point I have to be transfused weekly which is hardly conducive to taking a break for any length of time. If I could, however, I would take an Alaskan Cruise, a restful visit to Amsterdam, and/or a trip to Northern Ireland to visit the new Titanic Museum. I not greedy!

10. Did you ever have to go to summer school?

No.

BONUS  

Sex on the beach?

Yes! The ocean and dunes between the Pines and Cherry Grove on Fire Island. I was 18 years old at the time. Ah, memories. (grin)

And so it goes.

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Inevitable Invasion and Random Thoughts

Bracing for the human tsunami about to hit our little beach town, especially after such a harsh winter.

If there was any doubt that this weekend is the kickoff to the summer of 2014, the traffic (even in the heavy downpours) clogging the major roadways is a quick reminder.  Some have even found our more convenient backroads and have invaded those, as well. Some are never satisfied!

The outlet centers are packed - there is even a line of cars waiting for parking spaces.  Honest to the Goddess, it’s true. Parking lots of markets and (of course) liquor stores are full, too.

They began arriving en masse yesterday as I made my way home from the Center where - after the blood work - I was told I didn’t need to be transfused this week.  Yay!  One week without a poke in the chest suits me just fine. 

As I left the center the traffic was already backed up on the major Ocean highway, as well as the arteries feeding into it from Virginia, Maryland & DC. The Ocean Highway is the more direct and major route for folks coming from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I live less then 3 miles from the center and it took me a half hour to get back into town. 

There was no way I was going to fight the hordes for parking anywhere just to pick up a few things that were on sale that I need. I saved that for this morning at 6 am while the tourists were still snuggled in their beds, or passed out from a night of festive pre-holiday partying. Take your pick. It was smooth sailing.  I am home now for the duration, unless I have the energy to take a walk to Dos Locos (if the rain disappears) for a bit of lunch and a cocktail. We shall see.

I noticed this morning that my spathiphyllum (peace lily) plant is delivering 2

new blossoms to me this week.  It’s always a joy when that happens.  The plants seem to have a mind of their own and send out flowers whenever they damned well please.  Fine with me. I love when they choose to surprise me.

Every day this week my tarot card of the day has been from the minor arcana of Coins (Pentacles) and they are all cards that have shown up before, but in no particular order. The cards, so far, have all been of a positive nature, giving me lots of think about. Especially financials and talent-wise.

I read this morning that at least 2 states are so determined to kill death row inmates that, since the lethal injection drugs are banned now, they want to bring back the electric chair (yes, old sparky!) and even Firing Squads.  This is what a civilized society of the 21st century looks like, class. (shakes head in disbelief)

The neighbors (the pizza-loving, heavy smoking, partiers) have successfully killed off some beautiful hanging baskets of flowers they purchased for their porch.  Very festive, cheerful, and colorful - begonias, bleeding hearts, geraniums, and many others.  They didn't die from second-hand smoke, but for lack of water. You know, these folks are on their porch about every hour throughout the day puffing on cigarettes, you’d think they might notice a wilting flower pot and maybe bring out a pitcher of water once it a while….but no. Not on their selfish radar. It broke my heart to see the baskets in the trash. Idiots!

My fave online eyeglass company is having a 15% off sale this weekend, so I ordered another 2 pair - one bifocals and one computer distance. I’m forever annoyed that the computer glasses are always in the wrong room when I need them, so now I will have another pair. And one can never have too many pairs of bifocals. Especially at such prices.

With my new and improved appetite I’ve chosen to celebrate the holiday weekend with some barbecue ribs, and fresh white, silver queen corn on the cob from the local farmer’s market. Yes, it’s just me, but one of my fave summer foods happens to be fresh corn on the cob.  Reminds me of my childhood - crawfish, corn on the cob, crackers and ice cold beer. Yum.

No crawfish or crackers (dammit!), but I will enjoy the ribs and an ice cold beer.  So, there.

Have a safe weekend, y’all. Forget zombies, they’re no match for the crazies on the roads.

And so it goes.

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Spring Break Comes…

And the Ocean awaits…

Quiet before the storm here.  For some nearby states Spring Break begins today and ends next weekend on Easter. For 2 others, it begins on Good Friday and wraps up the following weekend - after Easter.

I hope to feel well enough after the transfusions today that I can spend some time on the boardwalk, or maybe even on the beach at North Shores, before the parking fees go into effect. The weather is forecast to be nothing short of spectacular and I want to be out in it.

Off to receive new life and new blood.

Have a great weekend.

More later.

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Celebrate!

Just remember, the masks come off at Sundown.

And so it goes.
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