Grading Complete!

 Welp, only one person physically replied to taking the test, but I am sure the hordes all read it and made the same decision. It wasn't that hard. I skipped posting yesterday. I woke feeling sort of blah, and decided that a nap was in order, so back to bed it was! Last night I didn't sleep well, and I feel like am lagging a bit this morning, but I will get through the day - with maybe an afternoon nap.

I've been wearing a pair of compression socks I had lurking in a drawer, for the past three days ( I know, they need to be washed). The fluid in my legs has decreased a bit (maybe almost half?) though it feels like there is fluid still built up in my thighs, and I have pitting up and down the whole leg. Side effect of the TIPS, I'm told. My abdomen is still distended as well. After draining the 12.5L this week, it didn't go down like before. The Wife says it feels like there is fluid between the skin and all that, but I don't know. I'll hopefully have someone look at it Tuesday.

The Youngest came home the other day and said his check engine light had come on. I thought about giving him a dead-pan look and saying "So?" but I didn't. We are headed to Autozone here in a bit to see what they find on the OED device (codes) and hoping it only a maintenance type issue, or need new air filter. Youngest said he thought he felt a small decrease in power, but otherwise didn't notice anything. Maybe the O2 sensor needs a good 'blow out' on the freeway.

Other than that, I gotta go. Busy morning for me today.

PeacE

Starting To Get Frustrated ...

 ... at Safelite Auto Glass. True, they had the cheapest price I could find for the replacement. True, they got it completed earlier than the estimated time. True, they messed up my Pre-Collision System (PCS) somehow. I received four emails from them: 1) car is being worked on; 2) windshield has been re-calibrated successfully; 3) Notice that the PCS system may malfunction due to their reset when  replacing the windshield, and to turn all features back on to fix the warning; 4) my receipt. Well yesterday before going out shopping I sat in the car for a good half hour, manually turning back on things like lane assist, etc. Then I went and set it so the PCS was "ON". No change. I shut it off and restarted a couple times, with no change. What is the big deal about the PCS? Well, for starters, it wipes my digital display in the dash, and though I can send it away, it's only for a few seconds and it returns and sits there telling me to see dealer.

So this morning I spent some time looking up some DIY to try to fix the issue. I did get a couple ideas that I will try tomorrow when I have the time to get my hands dirty. One deals with removing the battery cables and let sit for three hours, or hold the two disconnected cable ends metal to metal for about 15 secs. It drain the "juice from the system and when hooked back up, resets the system. I can easily deal putting the stations on preset, and my favorite phone numbers. The second option is to check the fuses. No idea how many for the PCS system (or components) so pretty much have to test most of them. If that doesn't work, then it a call to Safelite. In one video I watched, the place forgot to actually connect one of the connectors back up, up in the compartment by your windshield mirror. I may check that too.

Did my IOP this morning. We have been working through "Anger" this week, and I learned a few things about how to be self-aware of it better, and solutions. Lately, I haven't been angry that often (irritated, yes, angry, no) so haven't had a chance to try any coping mechanisms, or thought processing. It was good to learn of the triggers for Anger, and a better definition of Anger and the Causes of.

Tonight is the Riders Dinner at the Post. I went out yesterday afternoon to Sam's Club and was disappointed with my location. I mainly needed some produce (shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos) and their produce section was very small. No tomatoes at all, so I ended up with cans of diced tomatoes. Got the big jar of jalapenos for any that want to add. Chips, big bag o0f cheese for queso, and a couple other things. Spent too much (just over $60) so I will be asking reimbursement this time around. Then I had to go to Fry's for the rest, plus some stuff for home. I think I got it all, and went to the Post. I dropped off most of the stuff, including the cheese I wanted to bring home to make the queso before I go... So now I need to go earlier and start that up.

Sigh. And to top it off, my diuretics are kicking in full swing today - more than usual. Like every 30-45 mins doing a trip to the bathroom. I know, prolly TMI...

PeacE

Sunday Morning Happenings

 I'm beat, and it is only 7:30am.

Yesterday, I went down to the Post, as my usual, and the Wife had plans for a work team dinner with co-workers around 4:30p-5p. Around 4, I get the call from her, her car won't start. From the description of accessories working, and the starter just making the 'clicking' noise, I am guessing the battery. It is 3 1/2 years old, and is the original one from when we bought it from the dealership - at least in my recollection. Youngest used his jump-start kit and it started right up so she could go to dinner. After dinner, she said it started right up with no issues.

This morning found me rising before 6am to take the Oldest Son to the airport. He is flying to Atlanta for "training" with his company and will be gone until Wednesday evening. His first time flying solo, and since he was like 4 years old. I got him down there a couple hours early to allow time to get through security (he was through before I made it home) and to find his gate, etc. The company is providing shuttles/drivers from airport, hotel, and the training classes so he won't have to worry about driving in a strange city, or dealing with a rental car. I've plans to pick him up on his return.

Now that I am back home, I see Autozone is now open, so I should take up the Wife's car and have them check the battery. If bad will just replace it there. If it is good, then have them test the alternator. I am hoping it is just the battery. I don't want to have to take it to a shop, pay the exorbitant costs for a new one, plus labor. Also, I would have to be available to get the Wife from/to work until her car is done. Sigh. It is what it is. I can only check one thing at a time, and hope for the best, and expect the worst. I'm such a pessimist.

That being said, I should get off here and get that done.

PeacE

Whew!

 What a day today has been, and it is barely half way over. It started with the Middle Son calling about 7:30am. My first thought, as a parent knows, is 'something bad happened or went wrong'. So of course I answered it, ready to jump out of bed and do whatever I could to help whatever problem. No worries. Not really a problem. Seems his battery had died at work, and he had purchased a new one, put it in, but the battery indicator light on the dash had not gone off, and it had been a day. He was asking if that is normal, or should he be worried. I mentioned it was more than likely an issue in the battery/wiring/charging system, and best bet would be the alternator is/has failed. Suggested he get to a garage service to have them check it before ending up "dead" somewhere, when he has to be somewhere.

We finished the short chat, and he agreed he would see about getting it in to a place near him today (he is off work tonight, so has the time today). I went ahead and got out of bed since the Wife was getting ready to leave for work anyways. No sooner had I sat down at the computer, getting ready to take my meds, Middle Son calls again. His car is dead - won't start. He had called not five minutes before, and now it is dead. He had driven a roommate to an early doctor's appointment, and was stuck there now. So I threw on yesterday's clothes and grabbed the 'jump kit', then headed out to meet him - way up on the northside - out past the VA cemetery (for those that know the Valley). We got it started, then the decision was made to get it to the garage now. It is several miles back to the one he had picked, which is near his place. We made it maybe 2 miles up the road, then his dash went dead, and power faded. Ended up calling for a tow (1 1/2 hour wait) then headed to the garage. Explained the issues, then we went to my house. Decided it was 11:30, and I was starving, so we went to lunch. Waiting for the call still from the garage, we hit the vitamin shop (I got some milk thistle), then the car wash (it sprinkled and dirtied my windows of my car), then Walgreens (I had 'scripts to pick up).

The call came in, and it is the alternator. Labor and replacement quoted about $650. Sigh. But the work could be done in less than 2 hours. So we okayed it all, then headed back to my house to sit for a bit before the call comes in that it is ready. Poor kid has been so stressed about this happening, and not counting the other stressors he has going on. Of course, I said I would pay for everything (tow, repairs) as I know his finances are tight. We have offered many times over to help with things regarding the car, which he has refused, but it is working out now. In fact, he just said he is going to lay down to rest his body (he hasn't been to bed yet, and just got off work this morning early). I love that I had the chance to really help him out, and teach him how to handle situations like this when they occur. I am happy I had the time free to assist, with no work currently, though I would have called off today to help him. 

I know that as parents we have to step back and let children learn things on their own, especially as the reach adulthood. I agree they need to learn the results of their actions (or lack of), their financial decisions, etc. But sometimes, you do have to help teach them. Maybe in someone else's eyes, I helped too much paying for the repairs, etc, but I don't care. I know that if there is a next time, he'll know how to handle it, even if he does have to ask for a loan from Mom and Dad (read loan as financial gift, in my opinion). 

I think once we get back to his car, he'll be more relieved, and less stressed. And he got to spend some time with Dad, just hanging out and catching up. Regardless of the reason, it was a good day.

PeacE

Back To The Torture Chamber

 Monday morning has come again, and I had a busy morning planned out. Last week I had received a notice from the AZDOT that the car we had bought off the Oldest Son, now apparently has an abandoned title issue, and they cannot allow me to re-register the tags. However, last year, this was supposedly taken care of when we changed the title from his name to mine. It all stems from when the car was stolen, recovered, and the police never notified him. His insurance found it at a tow yard, and yadda yadda yadda, the car was fixed/repaired, and should have been done. So after the morning doctor visit I had scheduled I was going to go to the DMV. But it is Presidents Day, and they are closed.

So I went to the doctor visit. It has only been two weeks since the last visit, but she had me do more labs (regarding heart markers allegedly). Well, the BP was still higher than what this new NP thinks it should be, so she added another pill to take. Then she started talking about all these liver tests she wants me to do - NOPE! Not doing it. I know my liver enzymes are high, I know I have a 'fatty liver'. Not doing an ultrasound. Not doing the chest x-ray or the cardiology visit, or even more follow-ups with gastro docs. But we did get the test strips and lancets situation corrected.

So that has been how this morning has gone. No appointments today now, though tomorrow will be off to the DMV. Such exciting times....

PeacE

Mondays Get Better ...

 I last shared about how bad my Monday seemed. It felt like it was one bad thing after another, and they just just kept piling up like a someone in Atlanta driving in snow on the freeway. If you don't get that joke, keep reading - there will be worse.

Yesterday was a "short" day of work for me. After about 4 hours of work, the workload ended, and they gave the usual "check back in an hour' reply. Then it was two hours. Then it was no further work today, but check in the morning. So that means I only worked about 4 hours yesterday. Sigh.

I went out last night and helped a good friend celebrate his birthday. So this morning, I didn't do the 6am log-in to work. I slept until near 8am, then approached the office. Good thing I did so, as the first message was to wait until 8am (my time) to check for any work to do, and there was! Looks like enough for today, and a few hours tomorrow, but  some is better than none.

With all the free time I had yesterday, I did a run to the car parts store to pick up some coolant, oil and a funnel. all for the Youngest's car. Once I picked him up from band camp, we popped the hood on the car, and got to work. Added 4 quarts of oil. No obvious leak from the bottom. Started the car, then added a small portion of coolant to the overflow tank - which we couldn't tell yesterday, but now could, that it had fluid in it already.... so very little added. After running a couple minutes, I had Youngest watch the temp gauge, then turned on the AC. It was blowing cold! At this point, I'm trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Was the oil being out the cause of the AC turning itself off, then 30 minutes later causing the car to start overheating? I have no clue... All I know is we ran it for about 15-20 minutes in the drive, and it never went pass middle on the temp gauge, and the AC blew cool the whole time. I said we would find out for sure this weekend when we have a chance to get it out driving again.

My best thought is I might have saved $1500 in repair costs if this is working good now... (fingers crossed).

Nothing much else to share today. I guess I should do some work.

PeacE

Time Flies ...

 Hard to believe it is Thursday already. But, it is. Must have been the holiday to make this week seem to pass by faster. 

Tuesday the Wife had to work, but I had it off. I ended up taking the Youngest out for some drive training. There is a park near us, and I had him driving around the parking lot practicing the left/right turns. About 15 mins into the practice, the a/c in the car started blowing hot. Great. My guess was the system needs to be charged, but still have to take it in to check for a leak. We put the windows down and persevered. About 40 minutes into this, I had him drive to the house using the side streets (literally, like 4 blocks up the road). We switched seats, and I was planning on going through the car wash (it was dirty from sitting there for weeks) and go to a larger empty lot I know of for more practice. A block from the house, the temperature gauge starting shooting up, and the car started 'ding-ing' at me. Did a quick turn around the block and parked it before the needle buried itself in HOT. So now I need to figure out why/how it did that. Was it low on coolant? Something else? Either way, it will end up in the shop sometime soon.

Other than that, nothing new this week. Still working as of today, though this part of the workload looks like it may finish today. I already let them know I would be out of town Monday-Tuesday, which they were fine with. Maybe the project will be done (my portion) when I get back... or better yet, later today.

RM is coming by at some point today to drop off some salsa and potato salad. She must have had some potatoes to get rid of, and she knows I like potato salad unlike my siblings. The salsa is just an extra - unless she had some tomatoes she had to get rid of as well. I dunno. Will have to work through these and the leftovers in the fridge the next couple days so it don't waste while we are out of town.

Speaking of that, still no plans per se. Saturday in Tucson, and no one has offered any other ideas for the days after. Sigh.

PeacE

Happy For the Weekend ...

 I'm happy that the weekend has finally arrived. True, that means that I do not have to get up for work, yet I am still up this morning at 5am. I guess the sleeping habits are working well.

No major plans this weekend. I need to take up the battery from one of our cars to the auto store to have them see if it is chargeable, then get it charged. If not, buy a new one. This is on the car that will be the Youngest's. A few nights ago, the Wife had stepped out front around 9pm and one headlight was on the car. The key fob wouldn't unlock the car, and it was dead when she tried to turn it over, yet had enough battery to light one headlight. Lights were turned off, but yet it was on. I had to unhook the battery to get it to go off. I read online there is a light sensor that warranty covers, but have to get it running in order to get it anywhere to be looked at. Weird situation though...

So after that I pretty much have no major plans today. Might do some little things around the house. Sunday afternoon the Oldest Son and I are supposed to hook up for a couple hours. He has not committed yet, to a time or otherwise, but we will see what happens. Sunday is Fathers Day, so it would be nice.

Speaking of ... RM, just a reminder PT can have his card now...

Okay, enough of this sitting here collecting dust in my head.

PeacE

Waitin' On Mister Sandman (Again)

 Yeah. It is another late night/early morning post. The sleeping aid pill has been taken, and now it is just sitting around waiting for it to start kicking in.

We attended the Youngest's concert tonight. It is the last one of the year for him. Previous to the concert, they did have a band banquet dinner, and awards presentation. Son had said he wasn't getting any awards he knew of, so I chose not to attend. The Wife and I both made the concert, meeting up with RM, who was able to make it. Afterwards, RM headed home (ya know those old people have to go to bed early lol) so the three of us went to Dennys for a late dinner. Of course the Youngest was hungry (again) as he is a teenager. I think the only event he has left this year, is the graduation ceremony that the band will be playing at - though not all percussionists will be needed - and he needs to find out if he is one going or not. He will finish school prior to Memorial Day.

My doctor appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Looking back over the records I kept of my BP and glucose, I have a feeling that she will increase one of the pills I take for diabetes. Will probably schedule me to get some bloodwork drawn as well, to check my cholesterol. I think it is fine, but obviously I have no way of knowing myself. I think the BP meds are fine. Got the forms for the placard ready for her as well.

Tomorrow I expect the license plates bolts I ordered to arrive. Talking about it over dinner tonight, I may just bypass using them until the new plate gets here. I'll just tape up the temporary in the back window. Even though the said it was water-proof, I just don't like the idea of it flapping on the back of the car, or the possibility of someone coming by and ripping it off. Plates will be 3-5 weeks out yet, but at least I will have the hardware to attach once it is here.

Jotted down on my notebook that I need to call about setting up an eye exam. Dunno if I mentioned about my notebooks in another post, if not, and idea for a post later on (making a note for future post). Seems anymore, if I don't write it down, I won't remember to get it done. Like I was trying to be smart this last month, and marking all the events going on with Youngest, or appointments, but when I went to bring it up in Google calendar, nothing was there. I found out tonight, I actually put it in Outlook calendar. I need to figure out which one I am going to use ... or should I just note both when ...that's more work. I'll figure something out - or not.

Welp, I think I am going to go watch some stupid videos or something until I get sleepy.

PeacE

No Car Parts At The Car Store

 I slept in a little on Saturday. Meaning, even though it was like 1am or so when I went to bed, I was up again around 7:30, as I just couldn't sleep. I dilly-dallied around the house, waiting for a later time in the morning for stores to open, and headed out. I did pick up my remaining prescriptions, then decided to head to Autozone, to see if they had license plate bolts - for the car so I could put on the temporary plates (a water-proof piece of "paper"). I wandered the store, checking every place I would think the bolts would be - twice around the license plate frames they carried. I could not find any. I checked amongst the regular fasteners, bolts, and screws, but could not find anything that was labeled as such, nor that looked the proper type/size. Finally, I went to the counter once I saw a lull in customers, and asked. The counterperson looked at the same areas as I , and said it appears they don't have any, and suggested I try Wallymart. Shocked, I tell you - no car parts at the car store! I know I had seen packages labeled as license plate screws recently, and in my head decided it must have been at Fry's (Kroger) in their miniscule car accessories section. The Autozone I was at was across from Fry's, but traffic was getting heavy enough, I wasn't going to bother trying to get left turns across traffic, at a light, and just headed home. I jumped onto Amazon, put in the car make/model/year and got found the screws, ordered them, and expect them on Wednesday - cheaper than the screws I wasn't sure of at the auto store. One less thing to have to go try to find store by store....

I woke before the alarm this morning as well. Not sure why. Sent out the regular weekly email to the Company - hopefully a project comes soon. Nothing really planned for the week. Youngest has his last concert tomorrow night. Doctor appointment on Wednesday. I did print off and filled out my handicap placard form, and will take it to see if the doctor will sign off on it. I honestly do not need it ALL the time, but just having it available for use if needed is good. Besides, here in Arizona, there is no charge to get one. I'm not getting the plates, as those do have a cost (minimal) and I already like my specialty plates I have now.

Welp, did my glucose and BP checks, took the pills, and wrote here. Guess I should move on with the day ....

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

The Best Laid Plans ....

 The eye surgery on the Wife went just fine, I am guessing. Though they were running an hour and a half later than what we were told. Which meant we had to drive home in rush hour traffic. Of course, I took the side-streets to avoid the slow freeways. Well, that and the Wife was feeling nauseous, and I wanted to be able to turn onto a side street if she needed to empty the empty stomach. No way was I letting her puke in my new car! I stopped and picked up an early dinner on the way home as well.

This afternoon is her follow-up appointment - about the same distance as the surgery, just in the opposite direction.I'm sure they will tell her she can have the eye uncovered, and will be able to start driving as early as tomorrow. The Wife has taken time off work until Monday. The appointment is late enough this afternoon, that I called PT and explained. I was not driving out past his house, then back home, and back there for dinner. He said he would think about it and call me back. No call back yet. I did reach out to my brother, who told me he couldn't go as it is his daughter's final choir concert. So it looks like no dinner with PT tonight.

Good note: I got my stuff back! It was a pretty short trip from the surgery center to the precinct to pick up my keys, etc from the accident. I only had to wait maybe 10 minutes after giving them the form I had to fill out to let them know what I was there for. Then I had a thought. When I bought the newer car, I only got one key. I am writing the manager today saying I was told I would get the second one when the customer brought it in, and so they owe me a new one (explain more later). I could maybe use the old key and just have them recode it for the newer car. No, unfortunately, the Rav4 actually has a key for the ignition, and the old key doesn't fit. So onto that letter to the manager of the dealership. I was talking to my attorney friend last night, and explained about the key(s). He said I should just have the manager make a new key for my car, since I was told I was getting a second key. If they don't, then he knows a guy 'high-up' in the chain of the company that runs many of the dealerships in the valley. He could give him a call and have him ...etc etc. We will see...

Welp, off to see if I can get the Wife to go out for lunch.

PeacE

Monday Morning Musings

 Of course, the phone makes the noise of notification at 5am this morning. It is a distinctive one I set up so I know when I have an email, versus just a text, or other kind of notification. I was hoping for one early today, but when I opened one eye to check it, the email was not the one I was hoping to receive. It was "junk" mail. The one I was hoping for was from the Company, saying they had a new project I had been assigned to, and here are the details when we are starting.

I laid there a moment, thinking I should roll over and nap until the alarm goes off, but the bladder was pretty insistent I get up. So I did, and once that problem was taken care of, went ahead and decided to stay up for the day since I was on my feet. I deleted the junk email, and wrote one up and sent it off to the Company, reminding them I am now available for my next project. Hope to hear something later today.

I am in the process of downloading a game this morning. There is this 'platform' (?) called Steam, that you can purchase games through, and the Daughter had recommended a couple that looked interesting. I picked the $4.99 one and is working on being transferred to my computer as we speak. It is large enough in size it should take about an hour - I have slow d/l speeds. Daughter mentioned she plays it with a Playstation controller, on her PC. I knew one could do that, but have you seen those controllers? There are buttons all over, and two joysticks to have to use... I just never had the dexterity? hand control? patience? to learn to coordinate all of them just to play a game. But I have a feeling later on this morning I will be asking her recommendations for the type of controller to get, and if not too expensive, order one. After all, I am sure there will be other games I may use it for, or worst case, I give it to one of the Sons and they will find use for it.

After completing the last book I read, I reached my goal of reading 150 books this year. I had lowered the goal from 175 (last year) since I was hoping to be working more hours this year (didn't happen). I thought about raising the goal, but decided not to. I still will try to get as many books in as I can, but I reached a goal setting from almost 10 months ago, and though I may make new ones, I'll leave that marker set. Next year is next year. In fact, I need to go over and write up a review for yet another I have finished.

I didn't include it in the last post, but the new car has finally lit up it's first warning light. Low tire pressure. It happened when we were leaving the restaurant on Saturday in Tucson, and stayed on the trip back to the Daughter's house. I checked the tires (looked at) to see if any looked low, and concluded that though a couple looked possibly low, it was hard to tell in the dark with a flashlight, and the way I was parked. We visited about another hour or so, and I checked again before we got on the road to home with no difference. About a third of the way home, the light went off, and I thought it may have happened since it was about 70 degrees there (they were getting a little rain) and that was the coolest I had driven the car in (I bought it in April, when temps were in the 90's already). Now yesterday was a rainy day here in town, and I don't recall what the temps were, and I did not get in the car to check if the light came back on or not. I will check it today. If so, will hit Discount Tire and have them do an air check (since I ain't working today anyways).

Well, enough gabbing this morning. I need to get stuff done - or at least pretend that is what I am doing.

PeacE

Getting In That Last Shot

This past year is considered by many to be a bad year. For most, I am sure that 2020 bringing us the Covid-19 quarantines, and shut-downs of businesses, was the worst of it. I am sure there are others that had it worse, those that lost loved ones from illness - Covid related or not - because it seems that anytime anyone was sick, or died, it was Covid related. The Wife was tested positive for it back in April, and only spent about a week and a half at home feeling flu-like symptoms. Yes, I'm thankful. Though, in my head I still believe she just had a version of the flu, versus it truly being Covid. But the "required" preventions of self-isolation for 14 days were taken.

So talking about how it has been such a crappy year, 2020 decided to get one on me before closing out. Due to the all the "extra" eating between holiday meals, and some of the goodies I got for Christmas, yesterday I had a "sour stomach". you know the one. When you burp, they are stinky burps, giving you a heads up that you are going to have a sick tummy, and probably a case of the backyard trots. Uh-huh. I did. Bad enough that I skipped dinner out with the Daughter and family. This morning as the alarm went off and I got up for the day, I did a little self-check. Yeah, tummy feels better. Good! Went to the bathroom to empty the bladder accumulation of the night, passed some air.....and a little more. Yeah, I crapped my pants. Though I feel better, there is evidently some remaining issues to resolve...so maybe some Immodium AD this morning. I would say Pepto, but that always makes me throw up.

Now, got a clean change on, and waiting at the computer for some work. I did receive an email from the employer around midday yesterday. Basically, it said the project I was on is now finished (really?) and they have several new projects starting this week and next. Be sure to let Recruiting now your availability status. So I sent off an email to them, letting them know I am ready and waiting. Then sat there pretty much all day, waiting for nothing. This morning I still sit here and wait. If nothing comes in by noon, I'm calling the Son early and we will go look at cars.

Which is what I am spending my morning doing. I found a location of a used car sales place, and am going through the car inventory to see if we should even stop at the location nearest us. At least see what they have. Hopefully it will narrow the hunt down. If I can get out early enough, we should be able to get it all taken care of today as well. Getting to the bank for the cashiers check will be the timely thing, as they have been closing early since last spring.

The BIL and Sis are taking a look at the old house this morning, since I gave them a chance to do the last counter for the sale. I don't think they can match what the first offer was, and in ways I hope they don't. Then again, they may feel because I am family they "have to" and then will have eat any profit they could make. I don't care. I'm going with who gives me the most. We aren't hiding any of the facts about as-is and fixer-upper needs that the house shows. What's that saying... caveat emptor, I think?

Well, nothing to ramble on about this morning so I shall get back to looking at cars.

PeacE

Finishing Out the Year

 The last week of 2020 is here, and like the most of this past year, it is going to be a complicated one.

I got out of bed at my regular working time, and logged into the computer. The last project had finished up on Thursday, and no word of a new project has come in my emails. I double-checked our work Teams, the work email, my personal email.... nothing. So I presume I will be sitting here this morning, just waiting for some kind of information about work to come along. It is somewhat frustrating with these smaller projects, the time delays in getting people 'switched' from project to project, and the time hours lost when having to wait on the new information to com. Out of four days work last week, I only logged 22 hours. Fortunately, our finances currently are okay, and it doesn't hurt us, but still - it is irritating for me, and what of those that require those hours for their means?

Saturday night, I received a video from the oldest Son, of him sitting in his car, turning the steering wheel, and hearing some kind of clunking noise. Last week he had a tire go flat, to find out that the indie edge of the tire had worn to the wires. Obvious as alignment issue. Which frustrated us, as he had that alignment done about 2 1/2 years ago. It should not have been that bad. The other side is worn, but not as badly. The talk was we would help him get a new tire, so he isn't driving on that little donut spare. But now this new issue.... I got up Sunday morning and drove over, to see if I could help narrow down what the issue was - I was thinking CV Boot. I couldn't figure it out. The noise was loudest in side the car, almost like something catching on the steering column housing.... but couldn't define what. To me, it had nothing to do with the cv joint. No issues driving, he said, except when turning very sharply, it sometimes sounded like the tire was rubbing the wheel-well.

This car has been somewhat of a sore spot for the past few years. When this Son graduated, we were trying to find an affordable car for him, and my Brother had this one available. They asked more than I really wanted to pay, but it was family, and was the bluebook price (because his wife is a bitch and wouldn't even lower for family). Either way, had several small scratches, and small dents, but it worked. Within the first couple days we noticed the transmission didn't like to shift into the final gear when driving. That has lasted the several years (about 4+) he has had it. Then there were the three hit and runs on it (not his fault - and never caught) that left other small injuries to the body of the car. He has had it in the shop a couple times (alignment for one, forget the other). In the past couple weeks, he has had a window motor/mechanism fail, and has not been able to get it fixed yet. Like the Son, I am frustrated, and feel his anger and want to rid himself of it, and find another. But who can afford that?

Christmas Day I had told him that the Wife and I would help him financially with finding another car. Now with the new issues, he and I are planning on going to look at some cars tomorrow afternoon to see if we can find something. RM if you are praying, throw a good word in for us. I am hoping to find something under $10K that will last him a good 7-10 years. Friends of mine say I shouldn't help him financially, that he needs to learn to solve his own problems as he is an adult. To a degree I feel that way as well, but having had to go through many of life's problems that way, and having help a few of those times, if I have the means, to help at least a little, I will.

New Years Eve and Day are this week. My friend J wants to have a get-together at his place on the Eve. I don't know. The past several years I haven't gone out on those nights, sober or otherwise, to avoid the amateur drinkers out on the road. He only live s a couple miles from me, but still I am leery. Of course I would invite the Wife (who would DD for me) and there are hopefully going to be other couples there as well. I suppose I will check with him to see how many other s have committed to being there.

And that brings us to the issue of resolutions. Which we will address another day.

PeacE

Anger Issues

 I had to remove my post from the other day. As I went back to review it this morning, I realized I wrote it when I was quite angry. I've noticed I have done this a number of times over the years, removing a post written in anger. It isn't so much that it embarrasses me, I just seem to realize afterwards that all it really does is makes me feel better getting it off my chest. 

Either way the rest of the weekend went fine. I actually was not feeling well. I don't know if it was something I ate, or a "stomach bug", but was just feeling blah, and had some of the most atrocious gas. Even the Wife, who has still not recovered her sense of smell from COVID, says it was worse than normal...and more frequent. So far this morning, I am still sort of waking up, but feel marginally better.

I actually got about seven hours of sleep last night. Maybe feeling a bit under the weather has helped. I know I slept in yesterday, and then even had a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. By 9pm I was ready for bed. I read until 10, then slept pretty much straight through until about 5 this morning. Best sleep I have had without the aid of alcohol.

The Daughter and Doodad are expected up today. I guess they are coming up for a couple days to help the Wife finish getting out whatever crap she still wants from the old house. I was hoping to be done with it all last week, but that has not happened, obviously. Maybe this week. No updates on jobs for me. I have started looking into other jobs since nothing has come up recently at the one employer.

Halloween is coming up soon. My kids are old enough that trick or treating is out. In past years, because we would not be home, we never passed out candy. I have no idea what the Wife may want to do this year. Sit out front with a bowlful and pass them out id any come by? Supposedly there are restrictions about being out and about for the "traditions".

Thanksgiving is after that, and I really am lost as to what we will do. Last year we went to the Daughter's and had a good day. Perhaps this year we will do the same. Not sure how it will be since two of the boys have odd working schedules, and may not be able to attend, even if it were in town versus out of town. Part of them all growing up I suppose.

Still need to get out and do some vehicle shopping for the Wife. I haven't pushed it as the weather is still warm, even if it below 100 most days now. Between that and the crap at the old house.... Once we get that sold, I also will be looking for a vehicle, though I already have in mind a couple ideas for me.

PeacE

Whine Day

 I just feel like whining about stuff today. My back is bothering me. I twisted the wrong doing something Saturday night, as when I awoke Sunday, it was giving the needle-stab nudges that something in the lower part wasn't feeling good. I imagine I twisted at the wrong angle, probably when getting out of the car when I got home, and it just took some time to set in. Doing acetaminophen for "pain control" and trying to stay off my feet, but sitting or laying down for long periods is not good for it either. Trying to do some of the exercises when I had to PT a few years back for this issue, and it seems to help a little. Most of it is stretching exercises in different ways for the lumbar area.

I am hoping to hear something from the company this week that there is a new project to start up. If not, I think I may go back to looking for a regular job. Being stuck at home right now with no job is depressing. With the Wife not working it drives me even a little more nuts - not that she is constantly bugging me or anything, because she isn't. I just need to get back to a job - preferably one not far away, and not as physical as the last one I was at.

I am expecting a call from the eyeglass store though. Went about a week and a half ago to do a new vision screening, and picked out some frames. Yes, my vision did worsen a bit, as did the vision in my bifocals. I lucked out and found a set of frames that match my current ones well, and just ordered two sets of those. I always get two, so I have a back-up pair. It has proven useful many times over the past years due to scratches on one set, etc.

The temperature finally dropped under 100, ending the run for a record streak of days over 100 consecutively. I know the record was 143 days, and we were getting purty darn close to that number. I think we ended up around 138-139. 

Still need to get the Wife out to test drive some vehicles. She seems pretty stuck on a Traverse, but has looked at pics of some others. I would like to take an afternoon and test drive 4-5 different ones so she can "feel" how they handle. She has agreed to do that, we just haven't set a date/time. Maybe this week. Would like to get her vehicle bought by next weekend. That way I'll have at least the minivan she is driving now, for me to use until I find me a new car as well. The last two months has sucked not having a car of my own. Catching rides and Uber have been how I have been getting around when I do get the chance to leave the house.

Youngest Son is on school break this week, then they return to school with a hybrid program when they return. He will go to school on Tuesdays and Fridays, be online Mondays and Thursdays, and all students are online on Wednesdays. Hopefully after the winter break (at the latest) they will return to a 5-day at school week.

Christmas is approaching, as I know RM has mentioned several times in her blog, and shopping just ain't getting done. I have no idea what to get anyone - sons, daughter, granddaughter, mother, stepfather, wife - and that's all I need to buy for. Plus the Wife's bday in early December. It is never many things for the kids anymore. Most of the things they want, or have asked for, or that we feel they could use in their lives, are generally more expensive. When it comes to my parents, there is just nothing they really need or want (according to RM). I know gift cards are pretty much what I am thinking for the most part for everyone. Yeah. Not a lot of thought in the gift-giving, but they can use it for what they want. I know I have some Amazon sites marked for some items I am considering for the kids. Who knows?

PeacE