Counting Down the Days ....

 Thanksgiving was a nice day. I was awake off and on the whole night before, anxiously awaiting the time to get up and moving so I could get down there to see my kids, and of course, the Grands. I cared not for the thoughts of glorious foods, desserts and ice cream. I just wanted some cuddle time with the little ones, and the joy it brings me to see all the grown kids together, joking around and whatnot, as if they had never left home.

Well, I finally just gave up around 7am I think it was, and with my "noises" I was making throughout the house, the Wife didn't get to sleep in to 8am. We were on the road by 8:45am. Youngest had left way early that morning, driving himself down. His first solo trip there, as well as the longest solo trip I think he has made since learning to drive.

We arrived, and only were waiting on the Oldest Son to get there. Unfortunately, his girlfriend could not make it. Their cat has been sick and requires timed medication I guess. The gal they had asked to take care of the cat for the day, wanted to take the cat over to her house, of which they were promptly like No. So she had to stay home and care for it. Food prep started, and I sat out of the way at the table, taking turns holding the two smaller Grands, and catching up with the kids as I could.

Dinner was extravagant. The SIL smoked a turkey, as well as deep-fried one. His skills are honed in now, and both turned out wonderfully juicy all the way through.. and the taste! Mmm-mmm good. I was able to get a few things on my plate that didn't make me nauseous, and was able to get them down. Mostly a little turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, deviled eggs, and some giblet gravy that the Daughter did for me from RM's recipe. OF course, this one is different, as they used drippings from the smoked turkey in it as well, so had that smoky taste to it, which I rather liked.

All the older kids had brought/made desserts, so there were plenty. I skipped on making my Cherry Delight (which they did gripe about) as there was going to be so much. I even had to bring some of a couple desserts home as I could not eat them there. We finally headed home around 8pm, the Oldest Son following. Youngest stayed the night, and the Middle Son and family had already headed back as he had to work that night. All made it home safe, except for the Youngest. As of last night, he seems to have caught the "bug" Daughter and family had earlier in the week. Lots of vomiting and sit-down time in the reading room. Hopefully he will feel well enough to travel home today.

Saturday is here, and this last week has been wonderful as my calendar has had nothing of importance on it, and is clear now through Tuesday night (VFW House meeting). Wednesday is my Endoscopy. Thursday is another paracentesis. And FINALLY, on the 8th is the Specialist appointment. Right now I am just over two weeks without being drained, and though the pressure is definitely there, yesterday, and so far today, I actually feel somewhat normal still. Keep it going for 5 more days....

Candy Canes came in for the Santa Run on the 13th. As did my new boots for my outfit. I also pretty much completed "my" shopping for everyone (Thank you Amazon) and am only down to gift cards now. Waiting for Fry's/Kroger to do their 4x fuel points (or 2x if at all) before I get them. RM and I joked a bit the other day about Christmas shopping and how Amazon is our friend, and keeps us out of the brick and mortar stores. I dislike crowds so much....

And I think that about does it for today. I have a couple things to adjust on the Agenda for Tuesday's meeting and send that out, then I am probably going to the Post later. I know, exciting, right? Oh, and RM.... next Riders dinner is 12/12 doing lasagna, garlic bread, and salad - $10/plate, usual time. Off to check the BP and Glucose....

PeacE

Been A Bit ...

 ... busy for me this past week. Well, I should correct that to 'busier than normal' for me. I believe I last posted on Tuesday, Election Day, and debated posting since - mainly because I don't want to flaunt election results (good or bad). Just what I need are trolls lurking around here to criticize anything I say. Not that I really care of their opinion, just hate dealing with them. RM has found one that has latched on to her blog a few times this week. Someone that evidently has strong anti-Republican (or just Trump) views. I read a couple of their posts, and I just wanted to punch them for talking to my Mom like that, but of course, they are afraid and only signed the comments as Anonymous. Chickenshit.

Anyways, last night was the Hondo Rodeo down at Chase Field not that you care, but where the AZ Diamondbacks play) followed by Whiskey Myers and Hank Williams Jr concert. Wife had bought them as a birthday present for me, and overall we had a pleasant evening. Took the light  rail downtown ($8 roundtrip vs $30+ for parking and traffic) and had dinner there. I hadn't been to a rodeo since I was a kid, and it was nice to see one again. I didn't know who Whiskey Myers were, but they did play one song I recognized from the radio. I know Hank is getting old, but I just was not pleased with his concert. It was many, many little things that just ... didn't make it feel like a concert. We started for the doors at 11pm, and barely beat the crowd as Jr finished up. Had some good little laughs at some of the people riding the tram both going to and from last night. We both had a pulled pork sandwich at the ball field (nev er would have thought it) and it was good!

This morning was my 3-month follow-up with the Nurse Practitioner. My A1C is down to 6.5 (yea!) and we decided to hold off on medication changes until February when I do my next labs and A1C test. If I can get that result down just a bot more, I may be able to regulate my diabetic meds a bit better. I did speak to her about my insomnia issues, and how they have been increasing in the past few months. So it was decided to prescribe me an 'as needed' prescription. I hope to pick it up late today, as the past couple weeks have pretty much worn me down with the little sleep I have gotten.

No major plans for the rest of today. May go to the Post as I usually do on a Friday, but haven't decided. Saturday I will mellow at home, because on Sunday, I scored 3 tickets to the NASCAR  Championship race here int he Valley. The Oldest Son, my best friend J, and myself are going. I'll actually say something nice about my Brother - he was the one with the tickets, and was trying to sell them for $600 for all 3 - but let me have them for $100 ea.

Thanksgiving is coming up soon, and I have been planning like I never have for a holiday, or pretty much anything. RM and I texted about menu items (as it is going to be at her house) and I pretty much told her what I would bring, or purchase and cook there, etc. I think she got a bit of a 'kick' out of it, as I usually don't go that gung-ho. I think I will get out this next week to get the stuff that won't spoil prior to, and drop them off at her house. Speaking of, I need to update her on plans for how many.

Welp, I guess that sums up my next few days. Now, run along to your busy lives ...

PeacE

Back Into This World

 Last Saturday, the internet and phone line went 'out' at hour house. Not just temprorarily, and the Wife texted me about it ( I was out with some friends). With the ahole "system out (phones and internet) I knew it was a issue for Centurylink (our carrier) and that somewhere, lines have been cut, or knocked out of commission. Nothing I could do basically but wait. But I was able to get on my pphone and look for outages in the area and of course, it said there were none. It was Monday morning before I could call to try to get a tech out to find out what was wrong. Tuesday before a tech could be there. Sometime between 2 and 4, and they pushed that to the limit. I noticed three different techs from that company helping neighbors a few doors down from me, before my tech showed up at 4pm. I admit though, they were aboe to fix my issue within 15 minutes, and voila! Back into the world!

For four days we 'languisehed without internet services, and I never realized how much just myself rely on having that service. Sure, I work remote, but fortunately was between projects. But just to entertain myself, or watch shows/movies. Emails I could check on my phone. Even most of the social media I do, I was able to do from the phone. But I dislike using my phone for that, and the screen is small enough... I just don't like it. But I was slightly surprised how dependent I had become.

Yesterday was good day. We ( I should say the Wife) cooked the turkey and a green bean cassarole before we loaded to go to the Oldest & Middle Sons' apartment. There the three of them finished the other side dishes, and we then we sat to eat. There was a lot of food. With all the boys and myself having seconds, there was still leftovers, including half the 14# turkey. Wife split the remains of the turkey, and we left all the rest of the leftovers there. We spent much of the afternoon just talking and funning whilst playing games on the playstation or laptop. I had my tablet so I played a few games on there whilst in conversations. Missed having the Daughter and her family there, but did hear from her later that her day was good as well.

Today is Black Friday, and I have no plans of going out to the shopping areas. I
 know there is some shopping I still need to do, but I will do it online as much as I can. I am not even sure I want to look at BF deals at any sites today either...sigh. But how else shall I get the good prices? We will see. Supposed to hang out with the buddies tonight, but am not sure about that as of right now.

On todays good note: BP and Glucose are in the good ranges and I managed to read 4 books since the internet was down. I am up to 246 books completed this year (personal high) and still a month to go. But that reminds me, now that the internet is back up, I need to go write a couple reviews....

PeacE

Black Friday 2021

Let me feel like a Lib-tard, or Donkey-crat, or whatever... but isn't Black Friday racist? I don't care, because it is just another normal Friday for me.

Oh my! Yesterday was such a wonderful day. We arrived down in Tucson around 9:45am, and I got dressed up for Doodad.

I know you can't read the shirt well, but it says "Papaw's the name, Dress-up is the game". It was one of two shirts the Daughter had made for my birthday. It included the outfit of the boa, hat and a tutu the Wife made. Here's a better shot...

Doodad was surprised to see Papaw dressed up for her, so she ran off to and changed into one of her princess dress-ups. Then she pretty much ignored me most of the day because she had her uncle Youngest there to play outside with. We got settled in and I started on making my dessert. The older boys showed up and meal prepping began. By 1'ish we were sitting down to one of the biggest meals I have ever sat down to. SIL had done a wonderful job smoking a turkey, and deep-frying one as well. And the ladies, well, all the extra dishes they put out there were terrific. A couple hours after the meal, and other shenanigans, we had dessert, which is always good. Doodad "inhaled" the Cherry Delight I made - so I was surprised. Afterwards, everyone pitched in with clean-up and putting/splitting the food away. The Boys decided to start a game, and it was near time for us to leave. We left Youngest there, where the two older ones brought him home later.

Though Doodad didn't want much to do with her Papaw, it was still a good day. We had left about 8pm, and around 11pm we got a call from the Daughter. Doodad had been sleeping when we were leaving, and no one could wake her up (Uncle Youngest had done a good job wearing her out). She woke crying because we were gone and she didn't get to tell us bye, so they called. Then it was lights for me.

Today nothing new is planned. Going to the VFW later on, do some reading, and probably stay for karaoke. The Wife had to work. She is adjusting to the new job, and says she really likes it. I guess my biggest decision right now is: smoked turkey, or deep-fried turkey for my sandwich for lunch?

PeacE

Grumpy Hump Day

 The Company is trying to kill me with anxiety attacks. Monday they sent an email stating a project was FINALLY ready to start up this week. They were expecting Tuesday or Wednesday to be the start date, and those selected for the project would be notified. Within five minutes of receiving that email, I responded that I was available for the project and ready to start immediately. Tuesday I get an email stating that "with this being a holiday week, project plans have been changing minute by minute; however, there will be no projects this week". WTF? This is like the third time they have sent out notice of a new project, then the next day, say no, no new project. I'm at like week nine of not working now. Yet they left me with hope, as "there should be several projects ready to start next week". We will see.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and it will be a nice one. All my children are getting together at the Daughter's in Tucson for the meal. I was hoping Oldest Son would be able to make it, and he has confirmed he will be there. Oldest and the Wife were going over the list of items Daughter said would be needed for the dishes and whatnot, plus we were to bring any dessert we wanted. SIL is making his chocolate pumpkin pie. Oldest Son is bringing an apple pie, and he specifically requested I make my Cherry Delight. I rarely make it - maybe once a year, if that. Not that it is difficult, I just usually don't make it.

So I got "our list" from the Wife of what we needed to get/bring. I wanted to get out and do the shopping for supplies on Monday, but didn't get around to it. So yesterday I waited until the Youngest got home from school and asked if he wanted to go with. Surprisingly he said yes, and we were off. Took us three grocery stores to get everything needed for the dessert. The list of things we filled at the first store. Hard to believe that graham cracker pie crusts were in such high demand this holiday! Either way it was nice to hang out one on one with Youngest, and all supplies are ready for our trip tomorrow.

I guess after tomorrow all thoughts turn to Christmas. I know I am waiting a couple (few) more packages to arrive. I know there are a couple more gifts that need to be bought yet, but I have no idea what to get that person(s). Then there are the plans and times to be places for Christmas day. I am sure within my immediate family we will be talking about that tomorrow.

Well, I guess I have rambled enough. Been sitting here for fifteen minutes ruminating on a mish-mash of stuff in my head, and none of it worth writing about.

PeacE

Been A Decent Week

 It is only Wednesday (Hump Day!) but already this week has been nice. One of my nieces had her first child (a girl) born yesterday. I'm happy for the new parents, and wish there were not so many restrictions due to Covid, as her parents, and grandparents, could be at the hospital for the event. It will all work out fine in the end though, and I'm sure there will fighting amongst them all - in regards to who gets to hold the little one, etc.

Also, today through our daily meeting online, I found out that this project I am working has been extended at least a minimum of two more weeks. Originally it was slated to be completed this week, but I guess the client underestimated the amount of data we have to review. They have even added more people to our teams. I also found out that they have started running daily "stats" on each of us. Basically to calculate the number of documents we review in 'X' amount of time, and also if any mistakes show up through the Quality Checks. I haven't heard anything bad in regards to myself, but based on what they mention as the average curve they want people to be striving for right now, I am definitely in the higher percentage that processes through documents. These stats also base on how fast we get moved/hired onto other projects when this one ends. Possibly the type of review, or how in-depth it needs to be done, could also ne included.

So right now, I'm feeling pretty good.

Our water heater here at the house has been on the fritz for several months now. The pilot light would only stay lit for unexpected amounts of time. It would be no surprise to have a morning shower with nothing but cold water. Or even just to have hot water for the dishes, or laundry. The water heater is in a "enclosed laundry room" and is against the west wall, so through the summer it wasn't too bad. With temps in the 115+ range, it heated the water pretty well. But now it has gotten cooler, and since some money has happened our way, we had it replaced finally... and today was the day. I expected them after thee noon hour (as I was told) but got a call that they ended up here about 10:30 this morning. I imagined even with taking the time to drain it (about 20-25 minutes) they would be done and gone within 2 hours. He was here until almost 3:30 this afternoon. I finished up work today about 5:30, and went to the restroom. I turned on the hot water at the sink and let it run a couple minutes. It's not hot... or warm... I went to the kitchen.... same thing. I'm thinking he forgot to turn the flow back on, or something. I went and got a flashlight to go take a look...then had a better thought. Back to the bathroom, and I let it run longer. finally after a few minutes its started to feel warmer, then got hot. Must have just been the residual water in the lines from before, so will need to run them all a bit to tap into the hot water. Showers too. It'll be nice to have a steaming shower versus just a lukewarm one...

Daughter, Doodad and family are coming up this weekend. I was told they have plans Saturday, but Sunday we could figure out something. They have dental appointments on Monday, then will return home. Thanksgiving they are spending with the SIL's family. No plans for us as of yet. Dennys is usually open on holidays, so I won't be surprised to be there considering it is looking like maybe only 3-4 of us.

On to other things.... I'm at 165 books in my reading goal of 175 for the year (11 books ahead of schedule). With working now, I find that it takes me a day or two longer to get a normal sized book finished. I may have to adjust the goal lower for next year....

PeacE

That Time Again ...

I had a post earlier this month about how this is my 'anniversary month, of when I started blogging. Well, started blogging using Blogger.com anyways. I originally started out at LiveJournal, but quickly moved over here once I saw how much easier it was to use. Well, this morning found an email in my inbox to renew my domain name. I didn't realize it had been a year since I had last had this done, changing from Boobiesand Beer.net to Ralphd00d.com. I guess many changes have been wrought this last year.

It is Thanksgiving today, and before I go into my rant, I hope you have a good one, no matter who you are spending it with, or working, or whatever. We will be spending ours at Sis' with family. Reverend Mother has tried to get started a Thanksgiving Day Walk in the mornings of, but I have not gone before, and I shall not this year. This is one of those traditional holidays, in the sense that it seems most people have something they HAVE to do every year. Be it, making Grandma's special stuffing, or shopping after lunch, or whatever. I know my family (here in AZ) have generally seemed to congregate over at Sis', her having the best place to have family gatherings, and she always makes yams with marshmallows. I don't care for it, but she has her traditions. Mine is I eat til I can eat no more. I guess I do have a tradition.

Due to the holiday, November has also been a month of people listing daily things they are thankful for in their lives. From my standpoint, it seems kind of pointless, but some people like to do it. Stuman, on Facebook earlier this month, did a post that he was doing it all in one swoop, posting supposedly everything he was thankful for ... even if some of the things seemed like they would just make me want to barf. Yeah, his current girlfriend ... oh, I don't want to go there....

So am I thankful for anything? I mean, I could try to post every little thing, and I mean EVERY LITTLE THING, like some people I know (they don't read here, so don't feel like it is you). But I feel that is stupid. And EVERYONE always says they are happy for family, whether they are getting along or not. Jobs, food, place to live, their children - always said. Sigh. I would feel fake if I had to be sappy and do all that, even if it is a bit true. I have decided to do something different, sort of.

I am NOT thankful the loud parties my Hispanic neighbors across the street have until the late hours of the night.

I am not thankful for the loud-talking, swear-word using Rednecks next door, sitting by their firepit in the front yard, talking and whatever util the wee hours of the early morning.

I am not thankful for when the dog shits in the hallway, and I inadvertently find it, with my bare foot (which did not happen recently, just saying it).

This list could go on for quite some time, because, well, there's a lot of shit I am not thankful for.

But, going against my rebellious nature ... Thanks for coming around!

PeacE

Happy Turkey Day

My heartfelt wishes that each of you have a wonderful day, no matter with whom or how you spend it.

Turkey Day has always been one of my favorite of the holidays that we celebrate here in the USA. What can I say, I like the food part of it all, and turkey is the best! Many people spend this holiday with families, and though that in itself may or may not be the most enjoyable of times, it is seemingly always looked back upon in memory as well worth it. I was trying to think back in my memories, of perhaps a special Thanksgiving Day I may have had, but nothing in particular comes to mind. So perhaps I could be wrong.

Many people like to make long, drawn-out speeches they pretend are the 'Grace' before meals. No insult intended there RM, or PT. I have been to a few dinners where there is just not enough people or things in the world that the person is not thankful for, and I think all the rest of us were thankful they finally shut up so we could eat before everything got cold. Others just take a quick moment to say thanks for family and friends, and to watch over loved ones that could not be with them. Others end up eating their meal at a Chinese restaurant because it is the only place open to eat at. That one makes me think of 'A Christmas Story; and the holiday meal they had. It's almost time to bring that movie out again.

Reverend Mother wants to start a new family "tradition" this year. I use the word "tradition" lightly here, because I don't know if I agree with it or not. This year, she has invited all the family members to join her in walking this morning. Yeah, walking. I don't even like doing that on the treadmill at the gym, let alone at an early hour on a holiday morning when I should be sleeping in. But, here I am up and moving earlier than even the usual for me. Anyway, a few weeks back when she first had the idea, I mentioned I wasn't fond of it, but would probably end up going, just to show support for her. Yesterday, she texted out a long notice about the walk to I presume all the family members that had phones. In it, she stated there was no guilt trips if we decided not to do the walk. I think that in itself causes a guilt trip. Not that I am having one. It's not easy for Mom to put me on a guilt trip, because I am so apathetic to most things. Overall, I just am not sue if I want to go walk this morning, even if I don't go as far as everyone else.

Either way, I must move on from wasting your time. Hope you enjoy your day, whatever you are doing, whatever you are eating, and whoever you spend it with.

PeacE

Too Tired to Do Anything

Whew! Yesterday was a nice, filled day! Spent Thanksgiving over at Sis' and left all 4 kids there for the night. I think this is the first time the Wife and I have had a night alone in... well, quite awhile. Only problem was that we were both pretty tired and just came home, did some computer stuff, then went to bed early. And slept. I even stayed in bed a bit longer than normal for me this morning. Unfortunately, the Wife had to work today.

So the kids are at Sis'. The daughter drove up there yesterday, and has plans to head up north to visit a cousin just for the day today. She had asked about taking my oldest son with her (he's 12), which we okayed, but he is unsure if he wants to go or not. I suppose I will find out when she let's me know she is taking off from there in a couple hours. Either way, she is planning on being home before 7 tonight.

Shit! I just got off the phone from my daughter. Seems some dick just side-swiped her car about 5 minutes ago. I guess the driver side back door now has the scrape on it, though it is still workable. Seems the neighbor came and rang the bell, had seen the whole thing happen and was able to give them a description of the car. So the BIL is out cruising the neighborhood in hopes of coming across them, and getting insurance info. Unfortunately, we are carrying only liability on the vehicle so would have to pay out of pocket otherwise for repairs. What a shitty start to today.

Just looked at the pic daughter sent on the phone. Isn't too bad, and looks like we maybe able to pop the dent out. The paint, that's the part I can't do. Update: turns out the neighbor across the street did it backing out of his drive. Police were able to get insurance info from the guy who kept trying to pin it all on my daughter. He was trying some stuff about, how she can't park on the street for more than 24 hours - which is BS. She cancelled her trip up north and is coming home so we can call his insurance and get all that taken care of.

Today is Day 5 of not smoking. I think I can quit counting them now. I have been out around smoker's and not felt any urges. I think I shall be ok about quitting, though I have not gone into a "stress test". I feel confident though.

Black Friday! Yeah, not going anywhere if I can avoid it. Sis will contact me about the boys being picked up by the Wife, or if she is bringing them home. Are you out shopping?

PeacE

Tossed to the Roadside

I feel kinda crappy. I went out drinking yesterday, and that always seems to leave me feeling this way the next morning. Especially if I stay out later than I intend, which I did. Again. But, overall it was a good thing.

Speaking of good things, I have officially moved into Day 3 of not smoking. Yep, that's right. I went out drinking last night and didn't smoke. Of course, telling my smoker friends that I was trying to quit helped a little. Except for those offering me a cigarette for a dollar. No, they really didn't. In fact, 2 friends at different times of the evening gave me a cigarette, which I placed on the bar in front of me; and if it got bad enough (the cravings) I would pick it up and just smell it, then force myself to put it back down. Probably would have worked better if I had someone light it up, take a drag, then put it out. That way, it would smell "smoked" and not be as flavorful of an aroma. Oh well.

So, Day 3 has started and I don't have the morning craving for one as soon as I wake up. That's good. Also, I feel like I am hacking up a lung. Which is probably also good. Getting all that bad crap outta my system from being a smoker. Well, I know it all ALL the bad crap, but it is some of it from the lung direction anyways. Another day or two of this and it will stop as well... unless I am just sick, and not realizing it. But the rest of me feels ok, so I think I am not sick.

I went out yesterday and bought me a new compilation of Don Williams songs on karaoke disc. That's part of the reason I ended up at the bar last night for karaoke. RM had wore me out yesterday morning, so it was nice to just sit on a stool and drink. My legs are sore this morning, but not near as bad as I thought they would be. I need to get out today at some point and go to the grocery. Need to get the stuff my family is to bring tomorrow. I am almost actually looking forward to getting out to the store, and I hate crowds. Weird. Side effect of the not smoking? You know, hallucinating things/feelings???

In case I don't get some sort of drivel up before tomorrow, I hope all you readers out there have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and hope you are spending it with some sort of family, or good friends!

PeacE

Day One (Again...)

... grumble ...

Yesterday was the start of my 'no more smoking' campaign. 'Cold Turkey' is what best describes the plan. 'Iced' is how it ended.

I went out to the pub, and ended up spending the evening there with some acquaintances. And as you have probably figured out, yeah, I bought some smokes. Sooooo ..... today I start again. Mid-afternoon now, and no cravings have really appeared. Maybe the alcohol is subduing them. I don't know. Either way, it sucks to have to start all over. Maybe this time I will control myself better.... then again, who knows.

Thanksgiving is in one week. This is usually one of my favorite holidays because it generally is celebrated by gathering for a meal. There are always many dishes to try, and desserts to eat. The bigger your family gathering, the more food there is.... how can one NOT love it? This year it may not be my favorite holiday.... damn diet. Then again, I could always splurge and then work it off by doing something. Heh. Yeah right.

The Wife and I discussed plans for Turkey Day and she conceded the decision to me as to which side of the family we would be getting together with for dinner. I didn't feel like driving up north, so we are going to Sis' house. I called her earlier today to let her know. She and the Reverend Mother will get together and decide who is making what, and then let me know what we need to bring. Stuman and his family are going to his in-law's so they won't be there.

Just watched "Iron Man 2" on dvd. Wasn't bad ... glad I didn't waste the money to see it in the theater though.

Ok, I think I am off to play some Warcraft.

PeacE