Wednesday, April 29

Mid-Week Crisis

I need to cut my hair. It's been over a month since I last did it, and I can tell it needs it again. Most people probably have to go out, schedule an appointment with a stylist/barber... but not me. I have the home kit, and a #2 trim piece attached to the buzzing, hand-he;d hair chopper works just fine. My only concern is do I have time in my 'oh so busy' schedule to get it done... followed bya shower to get all that hair off of me.

Wow, and just like that, I have nothing else.

PeacE

Tuesday, April 28

Video Games Rule My Life

Lately I have been Playing World of Warcraft quite a bit. Mostly because I'm 'in-between' jobs, and there isn't much else interesting to do. There are always things that I could do, just don't. Either way, I play a lot.

That being said, today I hit one of the nice achievements in game... EXALTED reputation status with the Mecha-gnomes, which unlocks the last of the allied races.

Yeah, I know. That doesn't compute with you. But for me, it means it is the sixth race I have "grinded" reputation points for, in order to be able to create a new character of that race. Sixth. And that is not counting some of the other reputations I have had to grind along-side these, just to get things in-game. I'm pretty stoked, and that is all that matters right now.

So, you wondered what I did all day....

PeacE

Monday, April 27

Life Goes On

A friend of a friend passed away this weekend. I knew Gene, as we had "hung out" a few times over the years. Usually it was while out with this friend that we would meet up with others. Gene was just a handful of years older than I. He was a bit goofy... kinda reminds me a lot of a friend of mine named Don that passed away about 5-6 years ago. Goofy, but would be the first to give you "the shirt off their back" if you needed help with something, or some money, or whatever.

Gene was in pretty good shape. His job kept him active as he worked for a local alcohol distributor, and was the head of the department for servicing the stadiums and arenas in the Valley. So it was a big surprise to here about his death yesterday. Especially considering it was in a house fire. Allegedly, he was found just six feet from the front door. Details aren't out if he passed from smoke inhalation, or what, so I can only speculate why he didn't make it out the door.

My friend Jeff is a bit more upset, because he knew Gene better. I'm just being a a friend to him, as I didn't know Gene that well.... just ...can't imagine such a nice guy dying in a fire.

This afternoon the youngest Son goes in to have his arm re-casted. Then another four weeks or so before having that removed, and the pins. The Wife and I jokingly say to each other that this is the year to get all our medical issues taken care of, since the high deductible is being paid through this arm incident. For me that would be my knee and hip replacements we both think I need (or will need int he next few years).

Guess that's all I got for now...

PeacE

Friday, April 24

I'm FREE!!!!!

I get to leave the house today! The Wife needs me to run to the bank, so I get to drive, and get out of the house, and be like "It's essential" and all that.

Yeah, I do have to go to the bank. And it's alright getting out of the house. Think I may run by the dollar store and pick up some snacks and sodas for me and the boys as well. Heck, I might even go and pick up lunch if I wait long enough this morning to do the running around.

Wow. That's my highlight for a Friday. Going on errands. I really need to get to work.

PeacE

Thursday, April 23

Thirsty Thursday

Another Thursday has arrived, and with the bars still closed, I won't be able to quench my thirst today. To be honest, I haven't done that in several weeks now. The better part of that? I don't mind. I was probably drinking too much anyways. Downside, is I have probably gained 5-10 pounds since I am eating meals more regularly. Sigh.

Exciting News! Yeah, fooled you. I have none. Nothing has changed. No job offers in yet. Still on "Stay at Home" orders (though I cheat and leave whenever I feel I need to do so).

Took PT's birthday present over to him last night. When I posted yesterday I had forgotten it was his actual birthday. I saw notes about it afterwards. Luckily we had been prepared with his gift, knowing the date was coming soon. He seemed to like the gift. Also was able to chit-chat with RM for a few. We didn't stay long.

I got nothing else today. Go on and do whatever.

PeacE

Wednesday, April 22

My Head Hurts

I spent the past couple of hours trying to figure out my retirement funds, etc. 'Nough said.

Seriously. Since leaving the last job, I need to move that 401K from the account it is in, and according to my financial advisor, put it into an IRA. Okay. I also have ownership (ESOP) in the company.... which is through a different financial company.... how do I move that into the new IRA and all that crap I am so confused now and my head hurts.

I'm going to call him later today and see if we can get together tomorrow and he can help straighten me out on what I need to do/who I need to call/How I tell them what I want and need.
I'm already dreading it. But it is my money dammit!

Other than that, nothing exciting going on. I may have to go lay down and nap because my brain is just feeling fried at this point.

PeacE

Tuesday, April 21

Almost Forgot

Even with being better at putting something in here on a more regular basis, I almost forgot to add anything today. It took to this afternoon and seeing the RM had posted, that I figured I should stay in practice of writing here. not that I have much to share.

My niece came by today to pick up a large bag of maternity clothes. The Wife had come across several outfits of hers back when ours were enroute. She made some kind of decision as to what the niece may like and left them here for her to pick up. The Niece called this morning and came by. It was nice to see her and her Beau, and be able to tell them both grats on the coming baby. Not to take away from that, but it was REALLY nice that The Wife actually got rid of something we have no need for anymore. I say that like it is a bad thing... and in ways it is. I do know that with all the Great Plague Scare going on, that the Wife has gone through quite a few things and we have several bags/boxes of stuff to take to Goodwill/Savers when they re-open. Maybe even enough for two trips. It's still just a "drop in the bucket" compared to whole picture.

The front lawn is coming along. Been working on turning the soil, spreading Bermuda (summer grass), and covering with top soil. It is being done in sections, but the early areas are starting to sprout. Hopefully by mid-summer it will all be grown in and looking decent. Then will have to fogure out what to do about the back yard. That is a mess. Half is a garden that the FIL had that went fallow when he became ill. After that, no one took care of it so the grass grew rampantly, died, grew, etc over the years (at least 4-5 years). I have tried using the weed-eater but go through so much line as it is jungle thick. Can't use the mower, because I am not sure what may be underneath what I can't see (rocks, sticks, who knows what). Going to think some more on that one.

The youngest Son has his follow-up from surgery on Monday. They will be casting his arm again for another 4-6 weeks. At least removing the cast and the pins will be done in office. They are the pins that have part sitting outside the skin, so can be pulled out when done. It'll be nice for him to have the use of two arms again, and be more helpful around the house. He uses it as an excuse most of the time now.

My buddy texted earlier today, and it looks like we are going to get together at his place and have a couple beers this evening. That's almost the only time I get out of the house right now, unless the Wife needs me to run something for her, or a store run.

PeacE

Monday, April 20

Sneaking Out

This weekend, my Grand daughter, Doodad, celebrated her 3rd birthday. As a responsible adult, and loving Papaw, I snuck the family out of town and down to Tucson to spend the day with the birthday girl. Yesterday was a good day with family, even though it was a group of more than 5 of us. The oldest Son even came down as well, so I had my family all together. It was good to "catch up" on all the things going on in my kids lives, and the celebration for Doodad was fun. I even got in a picture voluntarily with my two older Sons just to show off their beards....


The boys are 21 on the left, 17 on the right. That's my old, fat self in the middle. The 21 said he just trimmed his down for work, since he just got promoted into management, and the 17 said he has only been letting his grow since Spring Break (about a month ago). I've had mine growing for over a year.

Needless to say, the return trip home was uneventful, and any trap the Containment Police tried to set up did not work. Everything pretty much returns to normal today.

The only important thing i need to do today is set up the youngest's follow-up appointment so he can get the arm casted. I was surprised the hospital, nor the provider, called on Friday to check up on him.

PeacE

Friday, April 17

Pulling A Late One

It's just after midnight here in desert country, and I am still pretty wide awake. Was up at a decent time to get the Youngest to the hospital for his procedure. Spent most of the morning and into early afternoon there. Good news is they were able to re-break his radius, and use two 'external' pins. He will be getting a cast again in about a week or so, for the next 4-6 weeks. At that time, they say everything should be good, remove the cast and pull out the pins. I hope so. It has been a tad expensive, even with insurance. Best part is he is feeling good considering he is only 14, and has not even taken any of the pain med prescription the Dr. called in. We did pick it up (cheapest thing of this whole arm break - $1.60 for 3 days worth), but he settled for regular tylenol. So the pain isn't that bad. Proud of him today.

The Oldest Son texted me late tonight. Which was kind of weird. I really haven't heard from him much since he moved out last November. I mean, family dinner out with us a couple times, but he doesn't stop by or just call and chat with either The Wife or myself. I figure mostly because he works nights, and sleeps during the day. When he wants to call/visit, we are in bed, etc. He got a promotion a week or so ago, and his hours change to days starting this next week. Not the M-F he has been working nights, and not a set hour shift, but it is days... and more money, and more responsibility. I told him to call or stop by this weekend... so maybe he will.

The Middle Son has been hanging out with me quite a bit. We have been sitting in the office/study playing Warcraft off and on through the day. It is nice to hang and kinda chat a bit while we are doing things in-game. He has been helping a lot around the house of late, and I really appreciate that. Helps me get yard work down, when my knees and back have started to hurt. We are planning to go over to the old house this weekend and do the yard over there this weekend. I am not looking forward to that workout.

The Daughter and family are doing okay. I've chatted with her and Doodad a couple times recently. The SIL has been working from home, so they have all been together through this. No issues on needed items. Doodad obviously doesn't notice anything different... other than her Daddy being home more maybe. She turns three on the 19th. I wish we could be there... and I have even thought of maybe going down for the day. I think I may talk to the Wife and see what she thinks. Won't be able to go out to celebrate, but it would be nice to be there. Though, I bought her birthday gift from Papaw just the other day, and with delays in shipping (even Amazon Prime) it won't be here until next week supposedly.

I don't know if RM's talking about 'cleaning/clearing house' has gotten in my head, but I have been a bit surprised at myself lately. The past few days I have been cleaning up my home office desk by going through stacks of notes/paperwork to see what they were, why I held on to them, do I still keep or not.... I never realized how many notes I make about things from Facebook, or other websites/blogs/radio shows, etc of stuff I want to follow up on. Most of the notes seem to be authors/titles of books I want to look into, or movie titles I want to follow up on to see if they are going to be interesting, or to add to the queue on Netflix. Some notes have ideas for writing. I think I tossed most of those as dumb things,,,, just because I did. There is a stack of crossword mailings that my MIL has bought me a subscription for, for Christmas over the last few years, including the one before last (her last one). There is about 5 puzzles in each month mailing, and I don't take the time to do them much, even though I do love crossword puzzles. In one drawer I have probably 30 plus of these mailings. I get one out every now and then to work the puzzles when I am watching some netflix.

I now have a stack of five, yes five, notebooks, pads of paper, all of different size and type, that have specific "note-taking purposes". Completely asinine, truly. but it is how I keep things sorted. One little spiral notebook for log-ins and passwords at various websites - not only so if I forget, but in case something were to happen to me. One regular college composition pad for listing Authors that I liked their book series, or stand-alones, so I can keep a list handy when watching out for new/recent releases, and to keep up with additional books in a series, etc. A steno-pad I use for notes on my Warcraft game... where and what to do for a certain in-game piece or mount or pet I want to "farm" and work towards getting. Which of my characters have more reputation with what faction... things I need to read more in-depth about to figure out how much material/effort to complete. Stuff that only another gamer would understand. Mixed in with all them wildly scratched chicken-markings are notes I jotted when a call comes in while I am in-game dungeon or raid and just can't stop to write a proper note. Flipping through it right now I see more notes for book stuff, too.

There is still a small stack loose paper containing hieroglyphics to decipher. I'll probably go through them tomorrow morning... rather later this morning. They will get transposed into whatever notebook it belongs, and those that don't belong, will hit the recycle. I think I have decent handwriting. In this I refer to the use of cursive writing ... the new 'Old Peoples' code from the younger crowd. Generally I print more than write, and my printing is pretty decent I think. The Wife always makes me sign cards, or address anything we actually send snail mail, just because she likes my writing better.  I came across an offer online today for a nibbed ink pen. they are about $25 each, with a special for order 3, get at the price of 2... and I almost did it. there's something about writing with nibbed pens that always impressed me, and whenever I used one in the past, it just slows me down ... like writing with one is an art-form, and it feels/looks that way to me once it is finished.

Well, this is much longer than I thought it would be. I was just looking for a short, late-night post to cover for tomorrow (today). I don't know if I am just loopy in my head tonight, or just letting thoughts go 'free flow'. As any of you that read here can probably tell, I usually don't go back and proof-read my posts (for spelling/grammatical errors, etc) just because I just write here how I feel, and how the thought comes to me. But tonight, and free-floating as I have been, I better do a quick read-through to make sure I didn't share something I shouldn't.

PeacE

EDIT: No changes were made after a read-through. Dang, I'm proud of myself!

Thursday, April 16

Surgery Day

The Youngest goes under the knife today for the pins in his arm. Doesn't sound very dramatic, but my lack of sleep last night proves that even I am worried about it on some level. What if something goes wrong? What if it gets infected and they mess it all up? What if one of us comes down with something worse just being in the hospital? What if? What IF?? WHAT IF???

Yeah. Went to bed like 9:30ish to get plenty of sleep... I kow if was after 1:30 before I fell asleep, and had a couple wake-ups during the night. Finally got up about 6:40... though the alarm was set for 7:30. Parental, instinctual fears? I don't know. But it may be nap time when we get back home this afternoon.

Gotta get some stuff done before we leave.

PeacE

Wednesday, April 15

Trying to Get Motivated

I'm feeling sluggish today. I think it may be because I got more than 8 hours sleep last night. In my defense, I was tired. I did mow the lawn yesterday, which caused my back to start bothering me again. So today it is sore.

I get to leave the house today! I got a call from the high school the other day. I guess the Youngest's enrollment package paperwork had not been received. Found out that no, we never sent it in. So I get to run that to the school today. Then he should be set for the fall. Afterwards I am going to run by a QT (QuikTrip gas mart) and get some smokes, refill my 52 ounce cup with soda, and grab a couple jalapeno with cheese sausage dogs. Yeah... sounds good.

Then it is back home. Tomorrow I may not post as I am going to the hospital with the youngest for his surgery. I've been told that once I am in the waiting area for the procedure, I can't leave for any reason or they won't let me back in. Sounds kinda stupid to me, but I guess it is them trying to limit how much exposure one has being in the hospital... whether bringing it in, or just being around it. Pre-Registration called yesterday and gave us our estimated patient cost for the hospital only part of the procedure. I really need to get back to working. Need less to say our high deductible is going to be met early this year... so in a bad way, I hope all our major accidents/procedures happen this year. Sounds bad, but truly....

Okay, I am outta here to get stuff done... and I'm hungry.

PeacE

Tuesday, April 14

Quarantine: Day 'I Don't Know'

I've lost track of what day it is during this Stay-At-Home event. I know I would like to go out to a restaurant and eat. To go to the pub and have a beer. But those aren't happening any time soon.

Looks like I am going to try to get the yard mowed today. The other house is just goin got have to wait til another day. I think I only have 1 yard in me today.

That's all I got, because I should get the mowing done now.

PeacE

Monday, April 13

Post Easter Happenings

Monday is here once again, and I am siting here attempting to rub the sleep out of my eyes. thinking about what-all needs to get done this week. The list keeps getting longer, and I keep looking to how much of it I can put off, or delegate to someone else. Not a lot of it is leaving the list though....

Last week, The Youngest Son had his cast removed from his arm. Turns out the radius didn't set just right. There is a 19.5 degree bend at the break vertically. So, this Thursday he is going into outpatient to have pins put in, hopefully. I say hopefully, as the break is close to wrist area where the bone flares out a bit, but the ortho thinks he can do pins versus a plate. He will be getting a cast at a 7-10 day follow-up that will be on another four weeks. 

Saturday, RM cooked up a turkey, which was way more food than she and PT would need, so The Wife went over at her call and picked up some foods. Thanks RM! We had no idea what we were in the mood for dinner that night, and the meal fit perfectly. I broke into the potato salad she sent for me this morning already. Just a small bowl for breakfast. As usual, it is good! I know RM was sad with the social distancing and stay at home going on. I guess she mentioned about them spending the holiday at home alone, and the Sis invited them over for dinner on Sunday. I am guessing they went. Glad I wasn't invited.

Sunday we just mellowed around the house. I started thinking about the dreaded list I am "working" on this morning (actually using this time to delay it all).

That brings us back to now. Things to do this week: 1) Thursday appointment for the Son and his pins; 2) need to get the front lawn mowed here, and at the other house; 3) get in touch with the company handling my 401K and ESOP monies and get the stuff transferred into a new account; 4) watch the Netflix disc that came in the mail two weeks ago so I can get the next one; 5)I'm sure there is more to ad, just not completely awake and putting effort into it.

That all being said, I think I am off to Amazon to see if I can find a Papaw gift for my Doodad. Her birthday is coming up within the week.

PeacE

Friday, April 10

Goings On 'Round Here

There is so much going on in Life around the dood household that I am just so busy! Ha! That's not true, and I sure don't want to jinx myself!

I don't have much to write about today. I thought about listing just some news updates for Arizona that came up yesterday, but I don't know. It is just depressing in some ways.

Wow, that was twenty minutes ago. Damn Youtube vieos.

So since I have nothing today, you can move on to doing whatever you think needs doing now.

PeacE

Wednesday, April 8

Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away, Now!

I have never been able to stand the music from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but this song title of theirs was just a good post title for today.

Taking it, giving it, donating it, gifting it, throwing it (away) .... I am sure there is going to be quite a bit of that going on over the course of the next few weeks.

 Reverend Mother brought it up on her blog (again, over there on the right-side ------>). Basically, she mentioned about going through the years of accumulation of items that many of have to some degree. It doesn't really matter the reason, though some are better than others: boredom, death of the person, down-sizing/moving. To share a bit personally, and I am not bitching, but RM has been saying she is going to work on it ... for years. Yes RM, I can see you shaking your head in agreement.

The need to "clean it out" has never been more seen than on a "forced" home-stay for many people. Yes, that includes my hoarder with the mostest, The Wife. Let me give you some of my crappy scenario. To start, we are still moving from one house to a new house ... for the past year basically. It has been a struggle, for me more than most (I feel). One of the biggest, time consuming issues has been "going through stuff". We had inherited the MIL's house after her death last year. Nice. It is mortgage-free, larger than our current home, The Wife's childhood home... so we decided to move there. It's only about a half mile from where we lived, bear in mind.

Have you ever tried to quickly move into a home, that still has everything that previous owner has amassed over the previous 40 + years still in it? Yeah, there is no room for your stuff, until you get their stuff out of the way. Forty plus years of it... and hoarding. It was bad... and still is a bit. The Wife would not let me help go through things to get rid of, as I wouldn't know if they had personal value to her or her brothers. I think a box marked "misc lids with no bowls" and it truly is that when opened, is a pretty good sign to get rid off. but let me back off that part of the topic.. it gets me infuriated.

Going through things. Sunday night The Wife mentioned to me that our 'bulk trash' pick up was coming up soon and we could start setting it out street-side in two weeks. She continued on that there was quite a bit this time around (meaning she got into some of the storage her Mom had, and got through the junk). She also mentioned she couldn't get much farther into the storage stuff, because she had at least 10 large garbage bags of clothes that needed to go to Goodwill. But she can't take them because they are closed, so she has to store them until stores are allowed to open again (talk about a catch-22). The good news is, even the The Wife has been able to get through things to throw away, or donate. Last night she even mentioned she had found a bit of her maternity clothes (they are so going to be out of fashion) that she is going through for a family member that is pregnant. So she is giving away stuff, too!

So, The Wife has gone through quite a bit since this all started. RM is talking about it, and trying to figure out where to start. I don't have anything to go through (I do this all the time). I'm just happy if we clear out enough space so we can get the rest of the hoarder mess from the old place here, and sell the old place.

PeacE

When It Is Too Good To Be True ...

Yesterday I mentioned about The Wife, and her sore ears from wearing a mask(s) all day. I had found on Amazon, a type of holder/adjuster. It's just a plastic strip with three different "hook" type holders on either side, that the mask 'ear loops' hold on to, rather than being placed behind each ear. Good deal! About $9 for a pack of 5, and adding in the "rush delivery" it came out to about $20, but would be here next week. No, wasn't a Prime delivery....bummer. Then late, late last night  (about midnight) I was still up and got an email from the Seller that there was an adjustment to the order. Delivery would not be made until the last week of April, and instead of like $8.99 for the rush delivery, it would be $27. I was like, "No, no, no." I emailed the Seller back to cancel my order, and not charge me. Then repeated the same message through the Amazon website as I cancelled the order. So I hope the charge doesn't go through. It may only be $20, but it is the principle. Weird part was, earlier in the evening, I was trying to pull up the order to show The Wife what I had ordered, and I couldn't pull up the product.

Talk about Karma. I took a quick look at other similar products on Amazon, and found a 5-pack from another Seller.... for the same price, and the shipping was $2 less than what I was "going" to pay per the order, on the one I cancelled. Waiting to see if they come back charging more and delaying the delivery. All other similar products were showing delivery dates of late May and into June. you can tell people are buying these like crazy with all the mask wearing going on.

A little later this morning, the youngest and I go for his cast follow-up/removal. I asked him last night if he was ready for it to be removed, and he tried to argue with me. 'The Dr. said it would 6 weeks and it has only been 4.'
'But it's your wrist, and you have skinny ones. It probably heals faster because it isn't bearing weight, like an ankle.'
'But I don't want it off yet.'
'Because then you have no excuse to do things around the house like now?'
Yeah. That shut him up. I really do hope they remove it today and pronounce him good to go.

Another early day today. I was sleeping just fine, until some fat-ass cat decided to fall off the window sill above the bed, and onto my head. Yes, Rusty (aka Crack Kitty, Dumb Cat, Fat-ass, etc.) couldn't manage to stay up there. I think he was trying to lay down so he could watch out the window, and the ledge just isn't wide enough for that load. Either way, once he woke me up, there was no going back to sleep. It was like waking up for the old job.... yeah. That early. So, today will be another long one. Maybe I can sneak a nap in this afternoon.

With this quarantine (home isolation, social distancing) going on, having Social Media available has been somewhat nice. At first the memes that I was seeing about the whole situation was funny. Until two weeks later and still seeing the exact same one, 20+ times a day, from every person you thought you liked. I started out hitting that "thumb" icon, because, hey, it was funny. then it went to "Like" just to be nice. Then the "mad emoji"....which drizzled off to just scrolling by it as fast as I can, because I know where the scrolling stops, another person has it posted. ARGH!

Anyway, it truly has been somewhat nice with social media. I have been able to "hear" from family across the States and how they are doing during this situation.Seriously, it has been nice that myself, not the rest of my immediate family, just myself, has not had anyone I know personally has been diagnosed with Covid-19. Also no one seems to be suffering from any similar signs. They all seem to be in good health. For that I am thankful to whatever Power may be (don't start RM).

With that good thought, I'll let you move on to the rest of your day. Sorry RM, I didn't get to the area of topic that I mentioned I might. Maybe I'll just save that for tomorrow....

PeacE

Tuesday, April 7

It's the Little Things

A good rest came for me last night. I was able to sleep through the hours with only one brief wake-up around mid-early morning.

I'm not much of a cereal for breakfast type person. I mean, when I was younger, I was totally down for it, but now, I don't know. Just not into it as much. Prefer a nice cooked breakfast, at a buffet, where I don't have to do clean up (don't we all). Anyways, while out at the store yesterday, came across a couple cereals I had to get to try. Now I have always been a fan of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. you know, the one with Tony the Tiger on the box. I found a chocolate flavored, and a honey nut flavored of name-brand Frosted Flakes. I tried the chocolate this morning, and it is pretty good. It leaves the milk chocolatey, too!

Speaking of shopping, I found almost everything on my list, in only two stops. Rice, flour, pasta, Ramen, hot dogs, soda, bonus:cereal, some snack goodies. The only thing not located: paper towels. The 99cent store was out of paper goods completely. The large chain grocery was, too, pretty much. I didn't see TP, paper towels, or napkins (except sanitary ones). They had signs taped up everywhere around that area that when in stock they were limiting people to 1 pkg. per customer. A little too late for that I would think. Debated picking up some Canadian Club, but didn't. Now I wish I had.

Let the Middle Son do the driving while out shopping. Also used "his" car. It is the one we got from the MIL's passing, and has been sitting idle now for about three weeks since RM "sold" us her old van that The Wife now uses. He only has his permit (until summer probably) but I have been telling him to get out and at least start it and let it run for 5-10 minutes so the battery doesn't go bad. Either way we got it out for a drive yesterday.

Had a pork roast with potatoes and carrots last night. The Wife tried some new kind of hickory seasoning she had found, and it turned out very well! Not sure if I want that or the leftover goulash from a couple nights ago... or the baked chicken and stuffing from the night before. Decisions, decisions.

Today's craving, since I seem to have one most days.... macaroni salad. Joe over at Just An Average Joe (see that list to the right----->) mentioned it a day or so ago, and it has just stayed on my mind. I didn't see any at the grocery yesterday. I know I ain't gonna try to make it.

One of the things I am going to try to find today is a way for The Wife to hold her mask on at work, without using her ears. She mentions this morning that the ones the manager got (sounded like someone made for their use) the elastic for the ears is very tight and causes severe discomfort. She saw an idea using a hair piece and putting the elastics to that. I don't know how to explain it. but I said I would for other ideas she could try if this one don't work. It's all about how I give back, ya know.

Tomorrow the Youngest and I get to venture out to the orthopedic doctor. He has the follow-up on his cast for the broken wrist. I have a feeling they will be removing it (yay!) and he won't even have to worry about breaking it again in PE since school is closed. He also won't have any excuses (though he will try) as to why some of the chores aren't done.

Well, it's almost 8am, and I think I am off to "while away" the day now.

PeacE

Monday, April 6

Becoming Good Friends ... and What The Heck Is Going On Now?

It is just after 2:00am here at the d00d residence. Why the heck am I still up? I dunno. I think it is my acquaintence that has bee visiting me at night usually around 3am or so, trying to become better friends with me by showing up earlier (which I do appreciate). But the not being able to sleep is probably worse than being woke up. At least when I woke up at odd hours, I could piddle around for an hour or so, and go back to sleep. Went to bed about 12'ish and tossed/turned until 1:30 before I figured it wasn't going to happen laying in bed.

I got up and wen to the study (because it is right next to the bedroom) and figured maybe some reading through some blogs and websites would help 'tire' me out. First one I come across is the Reverend Mother's blog (hint: Reverend Mother's Musings - see the list on the right side of this page). She surprised me a bit as she had a post from earlier on Sunday. I know Life can get busy for people, and the way things are right now, I am sure many have their minds on completely different matters.... but she had posted twice in less than a week.

'This should be interesting,' I thought to myself.

For me, it was. Interesting. A little intriguing (not multi-country spy travels kind). Needless to say, it sent me on a trip. A recovery trip (no, not for alcoholics) that I don't think is going to be able to be completed. I had a couple side-stops along the way (because that always makes trips more interesting) that were nice. New 'rest areas' that may be coming to my bookmarks bar in my browser soon.... or maybe better yet ... that list of blogs I read on the right side there ------>

Tomorrow, or rather later today, I am risking Life as I know it. While the Wife and I were talking prior to bed, kind of talking about things that need to get done, etc... you know... the "you've been married for years and you know it" kind of stuff. Either way I ended up making a list of food stuff that we could use if I am able to find them. If I can find them? Yeah. From what the Wife mentioned, with all this stupid hoarding crap going on, and now the delays in delivery to stores, etc, there are a few items she has not been able to get the past couple weeks.

Here is a good one. Please leave me a comment (can be anonymous if you want) of which of these items the stores in your area (or country - whatever) is also lacking:

Flour
Pasta (any pre-made type, including Ramen noodles)
Paper towels
Rice
Milk (this one we can get, but a week or so, couldn't find any for a few days)

Those were the big ones she told me to check on since I told her I needed to go to the store (I'm on the last dregs of my under arm deodorant). I added that maybe I could check the local 99cent store as well, because I have no idea what the boys will have for lunches this week. We usually get hot dogs there for a buck a pack. That, and 3-liter sodas, snack foods, and other grocery (which The Wife said we were okay on - you know canned stuff, etc - but not the snacks 'cause the boys and me know we are out). I think I will let the Middle Son drive me up to the stores... he would like the opportunity to use that driving permit some more. Probably be getting his license early this summer... there goes my insurance rates....

Alright. Feeling a little goofy and tired, but not enough to try laying back down yet. I will move on to something else to get sleepy.

PeacE

Friday, April 3

Shall We Say Conspiracy Theory?

As Americans, we all know that the Democrats hate the Republicans, and vice-a-versa. When one party is in office, it seems all the other party does is try to make them look bad and/or oust them from the Office. For us, it's a normal way of American Life. But here is something I'm pretty sure the Democrats didn't do....

One of the larger issues going on right now is the US dealings with China. The US has set high embargoes/tax rates... China has refused to buy our exports, round and round we go. Definitely an on-going thing. Who wants this to stop? China. What's the best way to stop it? Get Trump out of office.

How do we get Trump out of office? The Dems have tried impeaching, which was a no-go. Here is just a scenario... a theory, if you will....

We are all experiencing the effects of Covid-19 whether it is by government declarations and restrictions, or worse, self or those close to us, falling ill. It truly is not a laughing matter. Let's start with some basics...

1. The time from development of symptoms to death has been between 6 and 41 days, with the most common being 14 days. - taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_pandemic

That's from the start of symptoms to the death of the person. So everyone is obviously going to react in different ways, based on age, health, other issues, etc. So could be as long as 31 days (or more) or less than 6 ... and this is if the symptoms are noticed. There is the timeline for the virus of being noticed, to death.

2. Health authorities in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, China, reported a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause on 31 December 2019,[295] and an investigation was launched in early January 2020.[296] The cases mostly had links to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and so the virus is thought to have a zoonotic origin.[297] The virus that caused the outbreak is known as SARS-CoV-2, a newly discovered virus closely related to bat coronaviruses,[298] pangolin coronaviruses,[299] and SARS-CoV.[300]
The earliest known person with symptoms was later discovered to have fallen ill on 1 December 2019, and that person did not have visible connections with the later wet market cluster.[301][302] Of the early cluster of cases reported in December 2019, two-thirds were found to have a link with the market.[303][304][305] On 13 March 2020, an unverified report from the South China Morning Post suggested that a case traced back to 17 November 2019, in a 55-year-old from Hubei province, may have been the first.[306][307] - taken from  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_pandemic

So now the out break started around December 1st ... then an UNVERIFIED report that the first case may have been Nov 17th. Now we now the 6-41 day time frame... so if they were contagious, just how far did it get spread?
We are at Nov. 17th now, as they supposed first case. I know news reports in my town say it has been averaging up to 14 days for symptoms... so what was 14 days before the 17th of Nov?

3. The 2019 Military World Games, officially known as the 7th CISM Military World Games and commonly known as Wuhan 2019, was held from October 18–27, 2019 in WuhanHubeiChina.[2][3] 
The 7th Military World Games was the first international military multi-sport event to be held in China and also it was the largest military sports event ever to be held in China, with nearly 10,000 athletes from over 100 countries competing in 27 sports.[4][5] 

Wow.... Military Games in Wuhan, China... about two weeks before the unverified first case on Nov. 17th ... which led to 31 reported cases from early to late December.
China doesn't like Trump in office. China wants Trump out of office so they can re-negotiate the trade deal and get the upper hand again.

What if.... China releases a man-made SARS-type virus unknowingly among members of the Military games?
What if ... those "infected" went home and spread it, unknowingly, to others?
What if ... China did it to their own athletes, to throw off suspicion?
Will this "World Virus Epidemic" make Trump look bad in how he handles it in the US enough to cause him a loss of office in the next election later this year?
I know. Too much time on my hands of late. But weirdly enough, it all fits in a weird way... like most conspiracy theories. This is something my buddy and I were talking about over the last week. Sometimes, the facts are just there, whether they are seen and believed or not. Make up your own mind.

PeacE

Thursday, April 2

Forced Stay-At-Home Day: What is Today?

It has been almost three weeks since the Gov. asked for the stay-at-home, and honestly, some of these day just seem to run together. I know it is Thursday, April 2, 2020, but it 'feels' more like a Tuesday in late March.

Nothing exciting happened yesterday. So special April Fools pranks were played at our house. Saw some social media posts that people tried, but didn't catch me on. Except one. Saw it lat teh night before actually. It was branded as a local news station with a pic of the Gov and a headline of "Gov. Ducey Places Ban On All Alcoholic Drinks Starting April 3rd" .... Yeah, I clicked it to read the article, and it comes with something like "You got pranked". But it truly scared me for a moment. I responded to the friend that posted it, that it was good, and he got me. Saw the same several times from others throughout the day yesterday.

Got the boys situated to start the online stuff the schools are doing. Though getting the youngest awake even at 9:30AM is a job in itself. It's almost 10 and I have been to his room twice, and his brother hollered at him once as well. I don't know how they can sleep so much... I never got to when I was their age. Guess we need to change some stuff around here.

Going to do some yard work today. At least it gets me outside the house.

PeacE