Ear-worms, Errands, & Early Winter

This is what I woke up humming this morning. I must say I could play this score all day and not tire of it.  The brilliant Michael Ball & Il Divo - what’s not to love?  Yes, in case you didn’t already know, I am an incurable romantic.  So shoot me!

Jeffrey picked me up early and we set out in the (suddenly) frigid cold weather.  What happened?  Yesterday it was in the 50s and today we’re shivering in the 28’ F range with 20 mph winds!  And…I cannot wear long trousers because of the leg rash. All my summer shorts are in the laundry Jeffrey was taking home to wash for me and the only sweats I have are way too big for me nowadays. Three of me could fit in them. Not a great look, if you get my drift.

So guess who wore a kilt again today? The more I wear them, the more I love them. I wore the Scottish Wool one - and yes, with underwear - along with a tee-shirt under a long sleeve sport shirt and covered all with a hoodie. When he picked me up, Jeffrey thought I was nuts since he was bundled like an Eskimo or a frozen Elf.  Take your pick.

With lists in hand, we were off!

I had sets of house keys made for Jeffrey and Nicole, so they can get in if I’m not up to opening the door, for any reason. I also shopped for a small electric space heater for the bathroom. There is no vent in there for the central heat and the thermostat died in the old heater that's 10 years old. Bought that, too.

With winter making its early debut, Jeffrey wanted to look for flannel sport shirts.  We stopped at Eddie Bauer, Bass, and Dickies.  Finally found one he liked, a handsome plaid and well made; I probably should have followed his lead, but thought I’ll hold off a bit and see how the money goes. 

Hit the pharmacy for a refilled script that has done wonders for an annoying dry cough I’ve had since the hospital. The cough is almost gone completely. Grocery shopping was next then we headed for a few hot coffees and breakfast.

Happily, the wool kilt kept my torso and lower body warm. Because of the strong winds the only thing to get cold (now stop with the evil minds!) was my nose. The old Twig & Berries were fine, thank you. The hoodie kept my head and ears toasty and the feet weren't bothered at all.

Walked in the door around noon to a strange “chirp” sound that Jeffrey recognized immediately.  I was clueless until we walked into the bedroom.  The chirp was emanating from the smoke alarm, (which I thought was electrical since I had never changed a battery in the years I’ve been here) so Jeffrey asked for a 9V battery and hunted down the battery location inside the device.  Thank the Goddess he was here because I  could not have climbed a ladder to search for the hidden pocket. 

It took him a few minutes of huffing and cursing, following wires, setting off the test alert a few times, to zero in on the exact location. Let’s just say the battery compartment is well hidden. The battery power is only used if the electrical power goes off and it functions silently. How would I have known of the battery’s existence?  I wouldn’t. But FIVE years? That's some long-lasting battery.

He grabbed the laundry bag, the last of the house plants, and the new set of keys.  Then he gave me a hug and headed for home.

After putting everything away, I got into bed and took a short nap. Woke up a while ago with leg and back pain, had a quick sandwich for supper and took a pain med. I am tired, so I think I’ll snuggle into bed and read a few hours until I fall asleep.

Another day of adventure and misadventures; and tomorrow begins with Labs at the Center. Not sure I can stand being out of the house two days in a row.

I am amazed.

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From the Edge of My Bed...

The past several days have been a painful haze. I don’t even remember publishing yesterday’s post. 

I’ve been flirting with fevers of up to 105 (highest is 104.6 so far)  but for some reason last night, my body threatened to drown me as the fever finally lost it’s battle for supremacy - where I was at 103.5 at one instant then 99.1 a few minutes later. 

Taking deep, full, breaths was suddenly very painful and I didn’t know where I was or what was happening to me.  Turns out I am still in the same room, same hospital, a 3-day fever finally broke, and there was increased activity all around me.

Turns out I have a darling case of Pneumonia and there is a lump of something in my right lung - lower lobe.  Haven’t eaten in 3 days - only ensure, sherbet, and ice cream - so I’m pretty weak.  

The battle of the fevers is caused by the tumor fevers and the pneumonia fevers - and I am stuck in the middle.  No fair!

Temperature remains 99.F and I am scheduled for a Barium Milkshake this morning in an effort to find out where that lump has come from.  This means, of course, that my first hours feeling well enough to eat food is denied me until after the test. So, what’s a few more hours?

Linda is in Ireland today. Before leaving yesterday, she stopped by bringing me fresh clean underwear and a few snacks I hope to enjoy later today. She talked about emptying my apartment, since I won’t ever live there again, told me of possible living spaces she has feelers out for and even though I was still in a fever fog, before leaving for the airport I know she sat next to me on the bed, held my hand, looked me straight in the eye and said, “I Love You Wayne!”

We’ve never used such language in the past, but she said it, meant it, even kissed me on the cheek before heading out the door. Touched, stunned, surprised, disbelieving, and so many more feeling welled up inside of me. I curled up and cried like a newborn babe.  I felt empty and full at the same time Hard to describe in this drug induced state. I’ve never heard those words spoken in quite that way in my life.

Anyway, it’s 4 am, on Thursday morning EDT and I am actually sitting on the side of my bed feeling strong enough to write at least a little of what’s been a nightmare here. 

Doors are closing rapidly, but others are opening very slowly, if at all. I hope for more positive change by the weekend.  Time will tell.

I’l try to get to email and check out comments as I feel well enough.  I never thought just the act of checking email would be so consuming and overwhelming.  But it is, Blanche,  It is!

I’ll trying being more consistent in writing, but make no promises. I’m tired already and 4 hours still remain before the test and the possibility of food after that.

And so it goes.

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Just a Thought: Real

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Movie Memories and Music

OK, this is going to be one of those “Brain Fog” posts, so do try to keep up, or at least hang on as long as you feel it’s worth it.

Death has taken away some very special people recently, including Sir Richard Attenborough. Now you may have thought I'd be thinking more of Joan Rivers, but no, my friends. It’s Sir Richard for me this time round.

A brilliant character actor, dramatic actor, great clown, and one of the finest directors the film world has ever seen.  I was reading an Obit penned by his naturalist brother, Sir David, who is a genius in his own right, and putting the 2 together made me think of (hang on here) the original Dr. Dolittle film which starred Rex Harrison as Doctor D., Samantha Eggar, Anthony Newley, and Sir

Richard who played a jovial chap with an extraordinary animal in his company.  The famous “Push-me-Pull-you” as seen above (you had to be there).

Anyway, Attenborough provided a brief and sparkling presence and as I remember, larger than life, even for such a far fetched concept.  You believed.

Apropos of nothing.  Leslie Bricusse (Anthony Newley’s writing partner of many years) wrote a very touching song for the film that suddenly gave me an ear-worm. It's a love song.  Here is a cover of that song by Linda Eder: 

Beautiful, no?  No ifs, ands, or buts, about it. Well, now here’s the song from the soundtrack of the film sung by the Doctor, Rex Harrison.  Guess who he’s singing to and for whom the song was originally written?  You’ll hear it at the very end of the song; the last phrase.

Beautiful, just beautiful. Dear Sophie. 

Isn’t it strange how our chemo-saturated, addled brains toss thoughts about like small boats in a swift moving stream? Just another trip through the Pointless Forest, sans Oblio & Arrow. How my choo-choo-train of thought brought me to this place is beyond me, but I’ve enjoyed the trip.  I hope you did, too.

And so it goes.

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Rainbow Ending for Toronto Pride Day

Mother Nature sure knows how to end a party! Rainbow over Toronto on Pride evening after a day of rains & drizzle.

Seen from the Gay Village.

Can't believe almost the whole thing is captured in this one shot.

Wonder what crazy Unca Pat Robertson will have to say about this on his TeeVee Show?

More later.
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LOVE !

Yes, Indeed.

More later.
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Congrats!

As the heads of wing nuts are exploding all over the country. Just step over the mess and keep going on with your lives.  It's all good.

And so it goes.
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Philippe Cousteau: Man of my Dreams

Years before the start of my doomed 30-year relationship  I was secretly in love with only one man. I loved his intelligence, scientific and oceanographic knowledge, his documentary film-making skills, his commitment to his father's mission, and his determination to see it through.  I was an avid fan of his famous father and followed his work as possible back before social media and YouTube. 

And speaking of YouTube, I remembered seeing the myth-shattering film "The Silent World"  in NYC and recently discovered it on YouTube.  Watching it again, I felt the same awe, anxiety, and wonder that I felt all those years ago. 

Many of the Cousteau specials were produced by National Geographic and I still have some on VHS (Remember VHS?) 

Unfortunately, Philippe's life ended abruptly when his flying boat, the Catalina, flipped over off the coast of Spain. A terrible loss to all humanity.

In the Catalina.

So there you have it. I loved to dive and loved the Cousteau mission, and I could have spent my entire life working with and snuggling with this man and his beard. 

Now, please stop asking for info about the loves of my life.  He was IT!

And so it goes.

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Happy Hour: Wine, Good Eats & Stories

Of course, since I was to meet someone after work, my shift ran longer than usual. It figures. However, the Happy Hour meeting with the old acquaintance went pretty well, though I am still processing all the rambling data received.

She's had a rough 5 years, herself and she seemed relieved to share with someone who had experienced similar situations and deceptions. She lost even more than I did; the house wasn't co-owned, but in the other person's name only. At least I didn't go through that kind of nightmare.

We talked and shared the events of past years over 2 bottles of wine, a half pound of jumbo steamed and seasoned shrimp, a hot crab/cheese/artichoke dip, and a plate of Oysters Rockefeller.  We got pleasantly tipsy and very full in the process. We shared personal info and phone numbers, and of course, she knows where I work.  However, there was no mention of doing this sort of get-together in the future.  Maybe she just needed a friendly ear, or a shoulder to lean on. 

It was a misty and foggy evening so we took only a brief walk on the boardwalk to visit the ocean before heading in different directions; she to her B & B and I headed home to a warm bed. 

An interesting evening, to put it mildly, and it was mighty nice to catch up after so long.

And so it goes.
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Forbidden Love Caturday

Think of the children!

More later.
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A Rufus Caturday

This brought tears to my eyes.  There is nothing like a cat lover - - and cats know it. From the YouTube Description:

A present for my cat 'Rufus'. He began to resent me due to painful ear drops to fix an infection. I would return from work and he would run from me! Now the ears are better I wanted to do something to show my gratitude for his putting up with my torture. Rufus loves boxes as all cats do so this is what I made for him.

I miss having animals in my life and am so happy when I read other blogs sharing their pet stories. Wish I could enjoy the experience, too.

More later.
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Tweet from Delaware's Progressive Senator

I donated a little bit to his campaign and so happy I did. I am proud of my President, and equally proud of my Senator in Washington.  It's been too long since I have been able to write or verbalize that sentence.

And so it goes.
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Homecoming

I meant to post this last week, but clouds got in my eyes.

What can I say? I cried, too. And so it goes. *

Homecoming!

 Don’t Tell, Show of the Day: After a photo of US Marine Brandon Morgan being welcomed home by his partner Dalan went viral in a big way on Facebook, Morgan issued the following response to the thousands of comments it generated:

To everyone who has responded in a positive way. My partner and I want to say thank you. Dalan, the giant in the photo, can’t believe how many shares and likes we have gotten on this. We didn’t do this to get famous,or something like that we did this cause after 3 deployments and four years knowing each other, we finally told each other how we felt. As for the haters, let em hate…to quote Kat Williams, everyone needs haters, so let them hate. We are the happiest we have ever been and as for the whole PDA and kissing slash hugging in uniform…it was a homecoming, if the Sergeants Major, Captains, Majors, and Colonels around us didn’t care…then why do you care what these random people have to say?

From HERE.

More later.
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CNN Segment on BiNational Couple Hits Home

Now, as you know I have no TV service, so I depend on the Interwebs for news. Well, raise my rent!  Blogger buddy Mark, of "Our Simple Lives" and his husband, Fred were interviewed live today on CNN. I spotted the clip on several sites and finally located this one.

The guys have a family that includes 4 adorable children and a true HAM of a dog.To be honest I didn't know of their plight until recently. They were pretty private people until now. Their story is heartbreaking.   Watch the clip then take a trip to Mark's blog, say "Hi" and learn how you can help change the incredibly harmful and stupid DOMA.

Go over and send the guys some love, and get to know a real American family HERE.

And so it goes.
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Scent of Autumn & The Earth Moved, WTF!

There was a decided nip in the air this morning as I left for a scheduled dental appointment and a few errands.  The temperature was 62' F and the air had that scent of Autumn  that shocked, considering it's mid-August.

I already woke to the shock that Nick Ashford had passed away. He and wife Valerie Simpson, co-wrote some of the soundtrack of my life, mostly about love.  It is nice to note that he and Valerie lived the truth of those songs in their long life together.

For anyone who doesn't know Ashford and Simpson's Motown stuff, they also wrote "I'm Every Woman" for Chaka Khan which became a gay Disco anthem of sorts in the 80s. I played "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" in his honor.

Mostly, it's a quiet day.  Blue sky, cool & fresh air are inviting me to the ocean.  Hurricane Irene will likely head our way by the weekend, so I'd better take advantage of the beach now.

The cleaning chores will have to wait until my return, if I choose to address them.

***As I typed that last bit, the entire building began to sway and did so for about 20 seconds. At first I thought it was just me - positional vertigo, or something - but the window blinds moved, as did the iced tea in the glass on the desk, and there was an audible rumble.  Very strange, indeed.  Did the earth really move here?  So close to the ocean?  I remember feeling the earth tremble in NYC in the early 70s, thanks to a shift of the Hudson Fault, which was confirmed the next day.

If no one else experienced this event, I will commit myself to the local looney-bin next chance I get. 

More later.
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Just a Thought: Beautiful People

Together we all say, Amen.

And so it goes.
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Last Night

Always find new surprises in this film.

More later.

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Legal On Both Sides Now.

We've all seen the Empire State Building decked out in Rainbow Colors for NY Pride, but this is something else again.  Niagara Falls! Breathtaking, just breathtaking. Sincere congratulations to all.

Then there's this:

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) — Gay-rights activists Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd were legally married the very first moment they could be during a midnight ceremony at Niagara Falls that ushered in same-sex marriage in the state and marked a pivotal moment in the national drive for recognition.

With a rainbow-lit Niagara Falls as a backdrop early Sunday, Lambert, 54, and Rudd, 53, were among the first gay couples to tie the knot with the blessing of the state, which last month became the sixth and largest to sanction gay marriage. Couples in Albany, Hudson and Long Island also exchanged vows just after midnight Saturday, kicking off what was expected to be a Sunday packed with weddings.

Of course, the fake Christians at NOM are predicting blood in the streets; such Christians, they are.

More later.
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Just a Thought: A Learning Experience, Yes, That Too.

Click to embiggen all images.  And Happy Pride weekend to all.

More later.

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