It's Been A Long Time ....

 I have been married for over half of my life. I can honestly say, it feels like it, too. That's not a bad thing. I have been lucky enough, to find that truly special someone that completes me, and that magic has now brought us to thirty-two years of marriage - nearly thirty-four of being together. That being said, I have no special plans for the day, or the evening. Not being sure when she will finish with work today, I dare not make dinner plans. Our hot-air balloon ride on Saturday morning is my contribution to the event. I may go out and get a card, and a chocolate bar for her just for today.

I shared recently about getting a senior discount, and how I was honest with the person, that I truly wasn't a senior, as my age was still below the criteria. It is not the first time it has happened. I have also received Veteran discounts, also without my asking. Most times, I don't even notice the discount was given until I look at the receipt afterwards. It is frustrating being judged, without being asked, even though I am sure that the discounts do not "hurt" the financials of these companies. Something similar happened yesterday.

I went out to get the mail. There were a couple pieces, and as I stood outside having a cigarette, I looked them over. One was obvious junk mail, being a flyer/postcard for some local business that we aren't interested in. The other was an envelope from one of the (many) funeral homes in the Valley. My first thought, was, I'm barely into my 50's, why are they marketing me already? I felt singled out. But it was simply addressed to "The (LASTNAME) Family". I opened it, expecting to see brochures for the services they provide, and was somewhat surprised to not see any. There was a latter, asking that we complete a survey, and mail it back in a pre-paid envelope provided. In exchange, they will send a "Final Wishes Organizer". Hmmmmm. I glanced through the questions, and decided, why not? I'll be doing that here shortly. They do ask for name/address/telephone/email, and I think it safe to just do name & address. Maybe the email - to one of my spam email receiving accounts. If they send the booklet, it might have info we have not thought of.

Wow. Weird how my mind works. I started the post about how wonderful it is to celebrate 32 years of marriage to talking about death. Coincidence?

PeacE

Bad News - Good News

 After writing the post on Monday, about how unwell Daisy had been, etc, she passed away that afternoon. The Wife was upset, as I had expected, but not as bad as it could have been. After all, we knew with her health that Daisy wasn't much longer for this mortal plane. Youngest dealt with it well, and helped me with Daisy's remains.

The house feels somewhat emptier without the dog here. I find myself looking at Daisy's preferred places to recline throughout the house, and seeing them empty. Yes, with three cats still  here, it does make a difference. I guess we won't have to worry about buying dog food now...

The Oldest Son came by today. We had texted yesterday about his car FINALLY being ready from the repair shop, that he confirmed this morning. So I went with him and drove it back to our house. This will become the Youngest's car, if he ever takes his permit test. We are compensating the Oldest a certain amount off what he owes us (from his newer car purchase). It was nice to catch up a little bit with him this morning - The Oldest that is. Plans are for him to come back over Monday (his day off) and we will go take care of the registration/title changes, so I will get to see him again soon.

It is only Wednesday, and already this week has been filled with good and bad news. Thursday is the 32nd anniversary for the Wife and I. We are celebrating on Saturday by taking a morning hot-air balloon ride. It is something the Wife has always wanted to do. I'm feeling some anxiety about the ride. Between a fear of falling, and bouts of vertigo, I am not sure how enjoyable it will be for me. I think I should be able to be okay as long as I am not leaning over the rail.... be too easy for the Wife to push me over anyways.

PeacE

Death Is Among Us

 For the last several weeks, the health of our dog, Daisy, has deteriorated so much that she looks terrible. She is a Chihuahua-Dachsund mix, so imagine a stretched out long-wise chihuahua. Daisy is approximately fifteen years old, and is truly at the 'old age' of her a lifespan. For the last week, we have not been able to get her to eat much of anything, and have tried variations of soft dog foods with not much success. Thus, her weight has severely dropped, and one can see her bones protruding from her skin now. This morning, I rose from bed to find her almost directly under my feet, still as could be. As I watched for a moment, trying to process if she was dead, I noticed she still yet took breath, though I fear it may not last through the day.

I say through the day, but who truly knows. Last Monday I was talking to the Youngest, about how I was not sure how much longer Daisy would last, and he had mentioned he expected maybe three more days. Note that was last week. He seems pretty well prepared for her passing away. I don't know if I could say the same for the Wife - she tends to be so full of empathy most times. Personally, I didn't care for the dog. I never wanted her, and she was brought home against my advice. I have already stated we should not get another dog after Daisy passes. Cats at least can 'take care of themselves' where dogs can't, and I would like the ability to do overnight trips without having to worry about the dog's care.

Sigh.

We have not bothered with having a veterinarian look at her. Both of us are fairly sure it is just simply old age for her. Our previous dog of seventeen years, was the same breed, and her end was very similar. Besides, who needs to rack up those kind of costs, am I right? Body disposal is now my worry. I would rather just put it in a garbage bag for collection (not allowed) because I don't want to pay the money to have to transport it somewhere and pay for the animal disposal. But will probably end up in the backyard, digging a hole (as we did for the cat, Nimbus, that passed some time ago). Not supposed to do that within the city either, but oh well.

Makes me think back to watching my Dad the year prior to him passing away. No, he didn't 'waste away' like some, but one could see parts of him going. I always considered him a very intelligent person, and as his speech became harder to interpret due to the cancer making him say wrong words/phrases.... just one of the ways. There were the physical ones - becoming paralyzed on the right arm/leg, excessive weight gain due to meds, so many other things.

Sigh.

I'm getting maudlin, and I haven't even been drinking. Onto other things for now....

PeacE

All I know ...

 ... is that it is nearly 2am, and here I am sitting at the computer, unable to fall asleep. I went to bed around 11:30 after watching a movie ('The Pale Blue Eye' on Netflix - was pretty good). I worked a couple crosswords on my tablet, then tucked in to get some sleep. Somehow, sleep never made the agenda evidently.  I'm going to watch an episode or two of something that seems boring, drink some coconut/lime water (picked up at the store at discount price, and it sounded interesting) then probably head back to the bed around 3-4 to try the sleep game again.

Tomorrow I will be sending yet another email to the Company, letting them be aware (AGAIN) that I am available for work. They acknowledged the one I sent two weeks ago, but since have not contacted me in anyway. I don't know if there just isn't any work, or what. I think this time I will send a copy to a person I know that I usually correspond with when a project is starting. Maybe that will help results.

Did not do too much this weekend. The Wife and I went for bbq Saturday at a place over in the 'Slope area called Little Miss BBQ. It has some of the best I have ever had in town. A bit pricey, but always worth it. We followed that up with a trip to the 99 Cent store, as the Wife said we needed a few things. Got my coconut water there, and found a bag of Japanese peanuts which turned out to be pretty tasty. I priced them on Amazon, and I got the bag I did for 1/3 the cost they go for regularly. I'm going back tomorrow (later today) to see if they have anymore left. And maybe another jug of this coconut water - it's pretty good too. Sunday we just stayed around the house.

Still working on my books I am reading for reviews. The first one, I have been working on for a few days now. It is much longer than most others I have read, and it starts a new trilogy to one I read many years ago. Still have a good third of it to go before finishing, so maybe a bit busy the next couple of days.

PeacE

It's Too Early ...

 Thanks to my bladder, I am awake this morning just after 5am. It's not a medical issue - having to pee this early in the morning. I blame it on how much I drank yesterday. I did go through quite a bit of water... Either way, after the trip to the bathroom, I find myself not able to fall back asleep. I'm sure a nap will find itself on my schedule probably later this morning.

Nothing much to write about today. We had a day of rain earlier this week, and I am not sure if it is the weather changes, or all the walking I did on Tuesday (the day of rain), but I was achy yesterday. I still feel it somewhat this morning as well. The joints just like to protest when having to be used. 

Got four more books I need to get read, and reviews written, so I guess I should go do that.

PeacE

Wasted Effort

 I did get out yesterday. It was near noon when I motivated myself to get going to do the errands that needed done. Grocery store was first, where, yes, I did get more stuff than I really needed ( I was hungry) but also texted the Wife to get anything she could think of. Then it was off to Savers. They did not have any casual pants in my size that I wanted. Ended up choosing a pair of black jeans. As I was checking out, the lady assisting at the self-checkout (no actual cashiers here) came over and said something about a discount day. I know they have color-coded tags, and certain days a color gets 'XX' discount. As she finished putting in my 30% discount, she says "the senior discount is always nice."

Now I don't mind saving a couple bucks, but, really? So I say to her, that I am not a senior though. She looks at me, and glances at my beard, then back to my eyes, and softly says that she is sorry she made that assumption. I just smiled and said I'm only 51, but a discount is a discount. 

People always judging these days....

So, I was out last night to meet up with a buddy, when I got an email from the Court. Turns out my group was not needed today (YAY!) so no trip downtown today. Also, no need to buy the jeans (discount or not). Though I suppose I will keep them, in case.

PeacE

Civic Duty, My Ass...

 Last month I received in the mail a little postcard "requiring my immediate response". Of course, it was that nasty Jury Summons that I was hoping to never see again. It's a "civic duty" to be called to serve on a jury. Bah! It sucks! Over the past 30 years, I have received this summons 9 times. I have served once, on a 2-day trial, been sent home from the courts 6 times, did not have to appear 1 time, and, yes I am publicly admitting that I broke the rules and could suffer penalties, but I refused to respond or acknowledge or even go for one of the summons. That last one was about 3 years ago, in the middle of moving between houses, so I figured I could claim it was sent to the wrong address. You would think, in the Valley of over a million people (combined living area/cities) that there would be more people to randomly select from, instead of me having to do it almost like every 3 years. The selection system sucks!

Either way, tomorrow is my "special day". Of course, I will call this evening after 5pm, to see if my group number is still needed to attend or not. Here's hoping I won't have to go. In the meantime, now they are FORCING me to go out and spend money. Huh, you ask? Well, I don't own any pants (aside from a pair of trousers for my wedding/funeral suit). The court 'frowns' upon shorts (even in Arizona) so I have to go out today and find a pair. Savers and Goodwill are first on the list to see if they have any in my size, preferred color(s), and in decent shape. 

Sigh. I really hate clothes shopping, even if it is for me.

On the plus side, I have put shopping off until closer to the noon hour so I have an excuse to get something to eat from somewhere. I'm thinking Popeye's, but have not decided. A sub sandwich sounds good, too. And while I am out, I should stop at the local grocery and see what kind of cheaper soda I can get (aka Big K brand). My usual Mtn Dew/Pepsi products are getting pricey, even at the dollar store. Maybe look at some snacks, too. Oh man, I better eat before I go to the store....

Anyways, welcome to my whiny day (thanks AZ courts).

PeacE

Another Boring Weekend

 I did no shopping on Saturday. Which means I need to get out today or tomorrow. I need to get over to Savers/Goodwill to find a pair of long pants. I have a possible Jury Summons for Wednesday, and need to be prepared. They frown on anyone wearing shorts, though that is about all I have anymore.

I did go up to the VFW on Saturday. But while there I got a text from the brother saying he wasn't going to show up. There went my jerky. I decided to not stay and called hi on the way home, told him to go ahead and eat it, since I wasn't going to meet up with him anytime soon. He filled me on stuff going on with his family. OMG. Drama Central. What a bunch of messed up kids he has raised.

Yesterday was simple. I was to meet up with a buddy to watch one of the NCAA games around noon - he never showed up. So I spent the afternoon alone, with no book (tablet was not charged the night before). Made for a boring day.

Rain expected Tuesday. I really don't want to go shopping for pants. I need to do my meds and find something for breakfast.

PeacE

Saturday is for Shopping ... Maybe

 I'm up a bit earlier than I like to be, for a Saturday. I know I woke several times through the night, thanks to the Crack Kitty (aka Rusty) who can 'Meow" with the loudest of jungle cats. That damn cat would just not shut up last night. So here I am before 7am, the morning medicals done and pills washed down with some of the left-over sweet tea from Church's Chicken that the Wife had picked up last night. I'm out of soda, sadly, so may have to base today's agenda around acquiring some more.

Looks like I will be making a trip to the VFW today as well. I was just there last Saturday, and I try to keep my visits about every 2-3 weeks, as I do not want them to think my spectacular appearances are something they should expect on a any sort of regular schedule. However, My brother, Stuman, is planning on bringing up some jerky for me. He had mentioned something about jerky on FC around a week ago or so, and I said I always want some. I am guessing he either has some leftover, or he picked some special up for me. We are meeting up tonight. I haven't seen him in awhile, so will be nice to catch up a bit - maybe.

Yesterday was St Patrick's Day, just another drinking holiday, though I restrained myself from falling into the masses of amateurs that were filling barstools, and the roadways. That day and NYE are two of my favorites to just stay home, unless I have a guaranteed safe ride home. It is also the birthday of my younger sister (and her husband). This year she turned 40, which makes me feel my age a bit, since I am around 11-12 years older than she (she is a half-sister). I know, I know, my age is lower than some of you out there ... but still.

So maybe some shopping this morning, as I said I need to get some soda. Well, not really NEED to get, but definitely would like to have some at home. There isn't much else to really shop for today, except maybe some snack foods. May check prices on apples, or some other produce I like. Better than chips or candy. I dunno. May wait until the Wife wakes, and see what she thinks.

Edit: I did do some shopping - online. I found some replacement feet for my keyboard on Amazon. Should be fixed Wednesday.

PeacE

Some Bitching and Moaning

 It has been a whole seven days since I last posted. Typing that, I feel like I am catholic and starting confession. Which is sort of a joke in itself...but to continue.

Nothing much of import has been happening. One of the support "legs" on my keyboard broke. This is a fairly new one I had gotten in just the past few months. I am using a a couple water-flavor packet boxes to give the keyboard the 'tilt' so I am able to type better. I don't see myself spending another $30 anytime soon to replace it. I can be frugal like that.

Last August I believe, I was in the ER due to a severe pain I woke to one morning, that was on the right side of my abdomen. The pain was bad enough, I could hardly draw breath without a stab of pain. After less than an hour, I decided that this was bad enough to go to the ER. After eight hors there, with no food or drink, it was concluded that they had no clue as to what the cause of the pain was. I was given a small dose of morphine early on, to help ease the pain, so I could breath (and bring my O2 level back up). After eight hours, with no diagnosis, I did feel slightly less pain, enough I could go home, so I did. Over the next few days, the pain subsided gradually, and went away.

It showed itself again yesterday, though not as bad as last August. The pain wasn't as bad, or my tolerance was better - not sure which. But it was still bad enough I felt nauseous most of the day, when I wasn't sleeping. By late last night, much of the pain had subsided, yet from sleeping most of the day, I was up til nearly 2:30 this morning. Still no clue what brought this on.

It is Thursday. March Madness starts for the NCAA basketball season. I'm meeting up with a friend to watch a few of the opening games. My beloved Purdue isn't scheduled to play today, but their first game is against FDU tomorrow. They look to have a really good team this year, and I would like to see them go all the way.

Haven't heard anything from the Company about any new projects. This is not a new thing, as it sometimes takes them a few weeks to place me into a new project at times. I suppose I will be sending off another email to remind them of my availability come Monday.

RM goes in for some cataract surgery on one of her eyes this morning. My thoughts are with her. She professes no fears of the surgery, as she has known and trusts her eye doc, but the way she writes about it, I wonder a little. I know I would be worried. Having someone mess with your eyes, even when you need the surgery, is somewhat daunting. You should see me every time I get told I need a root canal... not a pleasant sight to see a big guy like me scared to death.

Anyways, I got a few things to do before heading out to watch some Bball...

PeacE

You be Creative ....

I sat here for several minutes this morning, trying to clear the cobwebs in my head, and deciding what I feel like sharing this morning - if anything. So far all I have accomplished is getting my sugar and BP checks done (both were fine). I haven't even got to popping the handful of pills yet, though between sentences typed, I am getting out each day's dose. Now I am debating if I should take the allergy pill or not. Yesterday was not too bad with the runny eyes, etc, but I also was hardly outside. Might as well take one to be safe. So, you be creative, and pick a post title.

Today, I tell myself, I am going to get things done. I need to take some pictures of the damage to my office chair, to send off for the claim on it. I'm going to include some of the wear and tear as well, to help encourage them. Which reminds me I still need a picture of the Wife's Drivers License, as I am trying to get her birth certificate ordered. Arizona has delayed several times the requirement for air travel, a special "star" on your DL, that can only be obtained by providing proof of residency. Funny, but how did we get a driver's license without the birth cert before? Duh! Either way, she only has a basic photocopy of hers, so we are ordering a fresh certified one. We decided to do this, as we never know when we may need to travel via airline, and never sure when they will require it. I think it is just another way to charge us money.

I also need to get another book review written up. I guess this book is being released in the next few days, and they would like the review up before then. Shouldn't be too hard - I enjoyed the story. The Company has not contacted me about a project yet, so I am still in limbo there. I did get an email back, basically saying they received my notification of availability. That's plus in my book.

Okay, pills have been popped. That's your only warning if things start getting weird around here.

Thursday means it is 'Thirsty Thursday' and is the day the one friend of mine is "allowed out" for a couple hours. I am sure we will be meeting up this evening at one of our watering holes. Kind of funny, that this friend lives literally less than a mile from me, yet I never see him except Thursdays. Between his work schedule, and his weird wife.... Yes, I said weird wife. I won't go into detail, but she is very controlling.

Other than that, looks like my day is going to be wasted either napping (debating going back to bed already) or playing World of Warcraft. Decisions are so hard....

PeacE

Happy Birthday Dad

 Today is (was) my Dad's birthday. He would have turned 75 years old, had he still been alive. Half that life now has been in the ground basically, since his passing in 1985. RM is only a year younger than he, though, as I write this, I'm like, 75 is OLD, yet I know Mom isn't that old.... it's a weird thing. Maybe because she is alive and kicking and Dad isn't? I don't know ... just weird.

Speaking of weird... The other day I made a booking for the Wife and I. Our anniversary is later this month (30th) and thought not a "major mile point" (only 32 years) decided we could try to do something to celebrate. The past couple of years, we just ended up going to Tucson and spending time with the Daughter and Doodad. Other times we just get a hotel room close to home, just to 'get out of the house'. This year I booked a balloon flight. Yeah. A hot-air balloon flight. It is a morning one, so we are supposed to meet at the offices of around 5:30 am. From there, I am guessing they drive us out to the lift-off area, and drive us back after we land. I am guessing it will be about a 3-4 hour ride. And I am scared.

I don't have a fear of heights, as many think. I have a fear of falling. If I feel secure at any height, I am fine. I enjoy looking out over the scenery. It's just when I don't feel secured, that any height bothers me. For example, I REALLY don't like climbing ladders, even to get on the one-story roof, for any reason. Thankfully I have sons for that. When flying, I do like the window seat, and don't mind watching the ground thousands of feet below pass by. this balloon ride though, in a basket, just makes my heart beat faster, and that feeling of anxiety comes creeping in. And I am paying money for this...sigh. The Wife is happy about it though. She always wanted to do one of these rides. I just hope she doesn't push me out of the basket.

Guess I should get the day started. I think I am going to run out (drive that is) to a local fast food joint and get some breakfast this morning. I am desiring a cola drink, and mean to have one!

PeacE

Noting the Passage of Time

 Monday morning. It sure is. I rolled (almost literally) out of bed around 8am this morning. I did my medical readings. I went through my emails, and sent one to the Company, that I am ready and able to return to active status as of today. Not sure if I really feel that way, but sometimes you just have to 'do what you have to do', and I feel this is one of them. I am sure once I finish writing here, I will be on a tour of my blog reads.

Saturday was busy. Spent a good part of the day taking care of lawn work. I mowed, then worked on the sidewalk and driveway, removing grass from the cracks and such. A big guy like me, down on my knees ... needed to be done, but I am paying for it. Even with knee pads, Sunday I woke hurting in the back, knees, hips, and shoulders. Today, I already have taken a couple acetaminophen, though the aches are not quite as bad. I was not able to finish all the drive, but at least things look nicer out front. Sunday also had a couple of the Sons help get a bunch of bulk trash stuff set out by the curb. Pick up is slated to start this week (but may take two weeks to complete) and we now have a nice stack of wood from the backyard that really needed out of here. Sometimes I am surprised at the amount of stuff the in-laws had 'hoarded' here. I'm not getting on to that subject... just makes me mad.

I don't recall if I mentioned it, but my office chair broke last week. a bolt in connection the arm and chair seat had snapped, and now prevents any sort of comfortable position when trying to lean back, or use that arm (right side). I mentioned to the Wife Saturday I was needing to get out to look for a new chair, and she brought up that they had a lifetime warranty on this one. I spent a few minutes going through the files this morning and found the warranty. I will be reading through it this morning and see what I need to do to get a replacement. Hope it won't take long. It was through a local Staples chain outlet that it was bought. Might require a trip up there (a whole mile away) to pick out another style as this one my be obsolete even after just two years - or out of stock with no intention of renewing.

Went to a late birthday supper for the Youngest on Sunday evening. Oldest Son made it, but Middle Son didn't. Middle was angry at me (for reasons I won't discuss on here) and was avoiding being near me at all costs. Something he will have to work through, sigh. It was nothing fancy, just a local Country Boys dinner. That restaurant has been there for many, many years, but over the past 15 years, it has slowly started dying I think. First the quality of food, started getting worse, then the staff, then the look of the place. We had not been there for a good year or more, and it had slipped from being nearly 24-hour business to closing early on days. They used to provide coupons for return visits, and would allow a large family to use more than one 2-for-1 coupons in one setting. A reason we liked them as a family of 6. They no longer use coupons - at all. Only 1 waitress and 1 cook. I had an all-you-can-eat fish meal. The fish wasn't bad, but the tartar sauce was runny and terrible. Same with the cole slaw. Everyone did eat all they had on the plate, but I didn't ask anyone else how it tasted. Might not be going there anytim e again soon.

Welp, I guess I should go figure out this chair warranty thing, and find something to eat. Be nice if I can just go pick up a new chair and not have to wait extra time. Will find out I guess.

PeacE

I'm Really Not Crying ...

 You can always tell when it is winter in Arizona. Here in the Valley, it means things are growing green, flowers are blooming, and everyone with allergies are walking around wiping their eyes and blowing their noses, scaring everyone around them because 'Thank you Covid'. The past couple of days have been pretty bad for me, this morning being the worst yet. The eyes won't stop watering, which leads to the nose dripping, which leads to me just feeling miserable. It is going to be this way for the next few weeks, since we got some good rain yesterday, everything will be blooming and pollenating, filling the air with allergens. Yee. Haw.

So this morning was doing my regular routine and decided to watch a movie. "A Man Called Otto" with Tom Hanks, sounded like a good diversion. I remember seeing the trailer, and it looked like a comedy/drama kind of movie. It was actually somewhat depressing, though had its funny parts, too.

My office chair broke yesterday. One of the bolts that hold the arm to the seat, actually snapped. So now using the arms to leverage myself up is not an option, unless I want to fall on my face. Also no leaning back, as the whole right side pivots on the remaining bolt in place, and just twists. The chair was a Christmas present from the Wife and kids about two years or so ago. It has some wear and tear, but will be going to bulk trash in the near future. I'll have to start shopping around for a good replacement. Something that isn't the faux leather. That gets pretty sweaty in the summer months.

Welp, I need to get on to other things.

PeacE