Up Early Today ...

 ... and actually on purpose. Today we have a longer than usual District 3 meeting(s) for the VFW. Mostly longer because of elections. I am up early so I can get through my morning medical routine (done) and to arrive at the Post round 8-8:30am.

Post stuff will take up most of the morning, then the Youngest and I are meeting our Guild Leader from Warcraft. He is in town from out of state for work, and we plan to meet up for dinner near where he is staying. It's nice sometimes to be able to put a face and a name together of online friends.

This is heading into the last week of April, and that means some Mayo appointments coming up in early May. I have a Psych consult by Zoom, an in person psych visit (different person) and a blood draw all pretty much the first week. I should check my results from last week, and see if they found any trace of THC still in my system....

With that, I am outta here.

PeacE

Brain Fog Attack!!!

 This morning was the final IOP group session I have this week. I'm around the 2 week mark of the 8 week program. Normally I tend to like doing group sessions. The Group Lead has some great guides about Stress, anxiety, coping mechanisms, etc. and usually I request a copy of that lesson. That way, I can get more details from the reading, than just the memory of someone reading it aloud, and only able to get notes done about main points. Some of them have self-assessments, and I will go back after the program and go through them, twice, to compare what I remember about my drinking days, and comparing them to how I feel now. Anyways, no more group until Tuesday.

My point about Group today (see, I am easily led off topic by my own thoughts-SQUIRREL!) is that I just could not get into the study today. The 'Brain Fog' I get from the encephalopathy was stronger today, and I could not stay focused. Instead, while the discussions were going on, I paid some bills, got some snail mail ready and stamped to go. Made sure refills for about four medications were to be refilled (hopefully by Monday or Tuesday). The only errand I have to get out of the house for today is drop the mail off at the Post Office (mine is just a 1/2 mile up the road). I haven't decided about going to the Post as usual. I know I am going to be there a good portion of the day tomorrow for our District meetings/elections. This past year the President for the District Aux, is the Secretary for our Post Aux. I went over the Agenda for tomorrow, and seeing the positions to be voted on - there is a n Asst. Secretary listed as well. If she is elected President again, or Secretary, I am sure she is going to ask me to help there as well. Will find out tomorrow.

That reminds me I need to update my email signature line.

I did get the Riders meeting minutes finished yesterday and sent out. Also two applications for membership. Finally! Some new members that actually show up to meetings and events, and help volunteer on Dinner nights.

Just checked - the Mail has not been delivered yet today, so I am going to just put the outgoing in the box. Now I don't have to leave home at all. I think I will spend the afternoon playing some Warcraft.

PeacE

My To-Do List For Today ....

 ... feels quite full. I have the Group IOP session this morning. Then nothing on the calendar (appointments) so need to get the meeting minutes done and sent out for the Riders (and applications for two new members). Also, I had went to the store yesterday and picked up some supplies for pickling. They had tomatillos on sale, so I got a couple bags. One of the guys I know at the pub makes his pickles on occasion, and he always does a few quarts of spicy hot pickle-ness with tomatillo pieces, some jalapenos, garlic, and usually throws in a small ghost pepper. But I just love those quarts, so I am going to try one. I also am going to make another quart of the Zesty Italian flavored ones as I really like them. Depending how many cucumber slices I get, I may do a second Zesty quart, or a half quart, to share at the Post.

I need to get on a windshield repair. Last Saturday, as we are just getting on the highway, a pick-up truck in front of me tossed a rock that caught the drivers-side edge of the windshield, and the crack spread across half the glass. Plus it is almost directly across my view - enough to be somewhat distracting. Safelite is the best quote I have gotten so far and it is $750 for a replacement (there ain't no "fixing a crack"). I'm going to mull it over for a few days and see if can't find cheaper, but out of four other places, this is still cheapest - and I can do 4 payments versus the whole amount up front.

Between medical bills and Life things (like windshields) it feels like all I do are make payments. Sigh.

Yesterday was PT's 89th birthday. The Wife and I had stopped by last Sunday and brought him a couple presents (a 'Gibbs' Rules T-shirt, and a book on Snowden) and he chose to open them that day instead of waiting for today. My Sis flew into town yesterday as well, as she, RM, a niece and grand-niece are doing their 'Jailbreak' vacation the girls do each year. Well, RM had mentioned the possibility of doing dinner at Black Bear for them, and in the afternoon she messaged me asking if we could make it. The Wife was able to get off early, and we met RM and gang at the restaurant. There were 8 of us, had a nice dinner (I had a Taco Salad, which was good, and plentiful). PT loved being the center of attention (as usual) and I am going to stop there before I voice my opinion about things. As RM says... (erase, erase).

It was nice seeing my Sis, though she has only been gone a few short months, over one state into New Mexico. I may swing out Monday to RM's and visit with her more on Monday prior to her flying back home on Tuesday. Will have to check the calendar in a few and see what is scheduled.

I had a personal session with my Group Lead in the IOP. Usually each week it lasts about 10-15 minutes, but yesterday I yakked for an hour - and didn't realize it. Most of it was griping about PT. We had hit that topic after talking about how I am trying to throw memories and stories together for my kids of my younger days, which lead to telling about my Dad, his passing, and moving to AZ - which brought us to Tom and his conception of "raising kids". For there, it was more than venting. I realized that my viewpoints of PT are so full of anger for how I was treated growing through my teenage years. Then led into how he has been the last several years, from back when I asked him to give up his car keys (he still hasn't) and the advancement of the dementia that many older people get. All I do now is tolerate his questions that are not on topic, his desire to feel wanted and needed (he made his own choices) and in general, just put up with it to prevent a Family Squabble (though most of the family agrees with me to a large degree, in my opinion). Enough! I'm getting worked up (anger) just thinking about this....

With that I need to get off here. IOP in about an hour.

PeacE

I Tried to Take Her Out ...

 I woke in a hurry this morning, for some reason thinking I was late to my paracentesis I have scheduled at 9am. It was 6am ... and in my semi-sleep/waking state, I went to 'fling' the sheet back to rush and get dressed and to the hospital. Well, I missed grabbing the sheet, and my flung out - straight into the Wife's forehead (imagine her waking to that). Of course, that startled her awake and brought out a litany of I'm sorrys. Being it was only an hour from the going off, I decided to just get up. I don't want to miss my appointment - it has been three weeks since I was last drained.

So I have the Para at 9am, then nothing until 2pm, for a zoom meet with the IOP Group Lead for a
"personal session". Just to male sure I am following goals and how am I coping with cravings, etc. Only I don't have any, so we end up just talking about whatever (for me it is usually the Grandkids). She only takes up about 20 minutes, but I have to do these for the IOP. After that, no more appointments today.

Today is PT's 89th birthday. I will wait until a bit later this morning to text him, even though I am sure he is up right now. 

Mayo Clinic had reached out to my in my message portal on Monday. They gave me until today to get a drug test done at the lab. I guess they want it done immediately, as they stated failure to comply in the two days is a strike against me from getting on the Wait List. So of course I scheduled an appointment with Sonora Quest real fast -it was yesterday. I goofed and forgot the printed sheet with the Dr.'s orders. So when I got called back (20 minutes early mind you) the gal asked me for them. I had forgot them, so I went to find it in my Mayo portal, was having some difficulty navigating where it is located, but found it. I showed her and was told it has to be on paper. So she wanted me to email her work address with the orders. I go back through, find the doc (I thought) download to my phone, share it out via email ... and five minutes later, she has it. Only problem? It was for a different procedure - I had somehow downloaded the wrong doc. So I've wasted 10 minutes trying to find this document and save and email... I admit defeat to them, and say I will just have to re-schedule and make sure I have the orders 'in hand'. But then I sat in the Lobby for about five minutes, found the document, and re-checked in (it was still my scheduled appointment time) and got in. Emailed it to the lady (same one as before) and all was good. A lot of effort for a urine sample and one vial of blood.

Welp, I guess that's all I got to say about that, so I am out of here.

PeacE

Traveling Today

 This morning we are preparing to head down to Tucson for the day. We are celebrating the oldest granddaughter's (Doodad) birthday a day early. Since my morning routine is getting up at 7am, I let the Wife sleep in a little bit more, before I wake her to get ready. She says all she has to grab is some stuff for Doodad, but who knows with her. Sometimes we take bags of clothes, and come back with the same clothes. Wife's reason: I needed the Daughter's opinion on some items. At least it is stuff from Goodwill, and not some pricey stuff. I was smart and ordered my gifts online and shipped to their house.

Not much to write about today. The Daughter has taken in her nephew for a few days, so today all three of the grands will be together, with their Papaw. My heart is swelling at the thought, though I am sure I will be worn out tonight.

PeacE

Mission Accomplished

 My Middle Son and I went out yesterday afternoon and found him a vehicle. He is driving a 2017 Jeep Patriot, which is going to be roomy enough for them. I think it was a good deal for the money. And there is a little left over from the financial gift he received so he can put it in the bank or catch up on some bills. But better than that, we got to spend some time together and "catch-up" on each others lives. He even said as he was headed home that he enjoyed the time together today, and wants to check our schedules for a time he and I are able to get together. Damn kids making their dad tear up. 

Feeling a bit lethargic this morning. My friend, the bladder, woke me about 3am screaming something. I could understand the need to go though, so I went, and was wide awake. So I sat at the computer and watched the season finale of season 2 of "The Pitt", and then stupid facebook reels for about an hour. Went and laid back down just before 5a, and slept to the alarm, and then some. So I'm feeling tired, got the yawns, and just don't want to feel motivated to do anything.

Only thing on my schedule today is the IOP session. I might go up to the Post, not sure. I do need to take my meds this morning and grab some breakfast before the session, so ...

PeacE

The Results Are In ...

 Last night at our regular Auxiliary meeting, it was time to elect new officers for the next year (runs June-May). I knew I was going to be nominated for 3rd Year Trustee, and when that position came up for vote, no one ran against me so I was voted in unanimously. The last position that came up was Asst. Secretary. Now our current (and re-elected) Secretary is a past Department President (over the state of AZ) and has been doing this for years. She threw my name out for nomination, No one else wanted it (I know because I'm a secretary in other things). I agreed to be an Assistant, so "won" that position as well. On my exit after the meeting, S pulled me aside and said thank you for doing the Asst Secretary position. Not only will it help her workload, but I'll be learning more as well. S admitted she is "grooming me" for the Secretary position. Oh, boy. I don't know I actually want to do that, but who knows.

My regular scheduled Paracentesis is cancelled. I called it in yesterday, and also placed two more appointments on Wednesdays. I'm a little uncomfortable in the abdomen, but feel I will be able to make another week easily. No appointments with Mayo until May 1st, so this month I am concentrating on completing the IOP, and getting in my weekly AA meeting. Overall, I have been feeling better as my symptoms are responding well to medication. I started doing band exercises (with one of those colored bands that stretch) and am trying to walk more. Still fatigue somewhat easily, and by evening I am worn out.

Saturday we are doing a day trip to Tucson. My Doodad's birthday is Sunday, and we will go celebrate a day early with her. I already have her gifts sent to their house - a couple large sketch pads, and stack of smaller ones. She asked for drawing pads...Papaw got drawing pads. That, and RM keeps nagging me about picking up her Girl Scout cookies when I am there next since I forgot last time (kidding Mom).

The Middle Son and a Car Saga. Tomorrow I hope is the end of this story. We are going car shopping and I am determined to have him driving something home. Let's dive right into a story ... An Uncle had sent some money (a fairly large sum) via Western Union to me. Due to appointments and meetings, I couldn't get to the store until later in the evening, at which time the Fry's person said she is not the regular person that mans the WU, and she didn't think they could give me the full amount. In the end, the money is there, but they have an untrained person manning the counter. <insert eyeroll>. I go home slightly frustrated. I go to the WU site, create an account, and go to set up to transfer the monies to my debit card. Couldn't do it. Kept saying some error. Wednesday morning I downloaded the WU app, thinking it would help. Nope. Cannot transfer that way. So I head back to Fry's. There she said they wouldn't be able to do the full amount, but I could pull a bit off it from several stores. But now there is a hold on it again. Sender needs to call and verify something. So I text my Uncle what is going on, he called, then told me everything should be good. It took awhile, and I was headed to my VFW meeting, so I stopped at a different Fry's. There I am told they can only send or release up to $999.99 per federal guidelines. I asked if that was a store policy or a WE one. I also stated that, what, I have to go to 8 different stores to get my money that is sitting there ready? She couldn't answer. I got angry. I left. I sat in the car and called WU. Got that guy in India. Sigh. After 10 minutes of increasing frustration I found out that since Sender sent it to be picked up in person, they cannot change how I receive the monies. Also I would have to go to different locations for WU (there's quite a few) and each place will disburse what they can (allegedly). I am beyond frustrated now and took the expressway to being pissed off. I continue on to my meeting. I'm just blocks from the Post and remember there is a Walmart right close, so I went there. They weren't sure if they had enough cash on hand for the full amount, but in the end, they did. So God Bless Walmart for helping me out and not having to do a bunch of driving today. I do have to go to the bank though, as they gave it to me in cash.

Welp, that should keep you entertained today....

PeacE