Bears Den

Stab, Stab, Stab. When will I just keep going?

2011-11-13T02:20:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am again. I'm going to take another stab at trying to keep my entries up. Will it work? I have no idea but for some reason I just keep coming back.

I guess I could say that I was using FaceBook to satisfy my "connection" and urge to write. I have become very disillusioned since they have changed it to the point I can't get status updates from half the people I have been connected to for years. I have a "Twit" account but, I can't decide if I even like it. You can't write very much and I don't want to follow anyone that only sends out short half sentences. So, I am not a "Twit" I guess.

My biggest enjoyment now is reading the Huffington Post by AOL. I read all kinds of stories and get to comment on what I want. It is great as other folks read and comment on what you write. I like that interaction whether the comments are good or a different view. The different view of an article can lead to some really fine debates. The comments that like to post are the ones I can say, "Yeah, you're right. I did the same thing and this happened, I have never been able to do that, or Wow!! I sure like that".

i will keep on looking around and try whatever sparks my interest. Until I find a new diversion I think I'll hang out here each day long enough to write something.

It's Sunday and Here I am, Maybe

2011-08-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

It is 10:44 AM PDT on Sunday, August 7, 2010.

Thanks to PolarBearPictures.org

Do you know where you are? I know where I am. I'm in my chair playing on this computer. Remember, today is Sunday. It is the Lord's Day. It is the day of rest. You want to tell me why some idiot in my neighborhood decided not to rest and started a chain saw at 8:00 AM ? I sent the dogs over to discuss it with him and they came back and told me he will be OK after all the puncture wounds heal. Well, he was smart enough not to start up again. I guess he decided to rest and bleed.

I just dreamt all that except for the chain saw which is still going. I sure hope whoever this is gets a tree dropped right on his head. He caused, 1- The Beagle in the back to start howling and barking, 2- My dogs to start howling and barking, and 3- the Chain Saw idiot to start yelling at someone so he could be heard over the chain saw and every dog in the neighborhood barking. I would like to have a quiet morning, afternoon, and night on Sundays. I don't think it has ever happened. You all do know that the noisiest place in the world is a hospital. I can't believe that all night while normal people sleep you as an "ill" person are waken from your sleep for a multitude of tests and pills. Then during the day when you try to get some sleep (undisturbed) you are poked, tested, impaled with needles, and made to get out of bed. The average sick person in a hospital for three days will lose (24+24+24=72) 69 hours of possible sleep and recover time and if someone comes to visit you you lose another hour a day. There is something wrong with this.

I am going to Walgreens to buy Libby some cards for our anniversary tomorrow. Yesterday I turned her loose in the local flower shop and told her to "Go at it". Right now in my TV room there are at least five different size vases chocked full of bright and beautiful cut flowers. We have a vase of red roses with some kid of white lilly, pink roses with red ends, another vase of all pink roses and green stuff, there is also one with a mixed lot including hydrangea, and finally one huge vase with everything else that exists that doesn't bite. I am overwhelmed with flowers.

So, I will overwhelm her with funny anniversary cards, the ones I like that pop out at you and say almost obscene things )but, not quite). Ha, Ha you can't get me there all you female types. There will be mixed in with all the happy and funny cards one serious, lacy, and heart filled card that is obligatory each year. This known as the actual "Wife Card" that is mandatory to be able to get through the day without long "Wifey" faces and mumbles. After 41 years in the marriage arena I know how to get along. (I Hope).

Back to physical therapy tomorrow, "Nut" Nurse at noon(with homework), get all the homework done for my writing class on Tuesday morning, and finally getting dressed up to go to N9Ne Steakhouse for dinner. I'm actually not quite sure I will make it through this joyous day.

I bid you all a fine day and much needed rest.

Not a Fun Week - OK, Let's Play Doctor.

2011-07-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

OK, I still haven't gotten to the poker chips and slot machines I promised. I will get there but not this week for sure.

I had to many things to do this week with all the appointments to keep and i think next week is worse. On Thursday my poor wife had some kind of attach while standing at the counter at the bakery. No, it wasn't a cupcake rush. out of nowhere she felt a stabbing pain below her naval that radiated around to the right of her body into the middle of her back. She says she immediately poured sweat from everywhere on her body and became very faint.

Instead of asking the Bakery people to call 911 she limped out to her truck and drove home. By the time she got in the house she was death white and sweating. The pain she said was getting worse. I called 911 at about 12: 20 PM PDT and within two minutes the Fire Guys were at our house. It sure helps when the FD House and the paramedics are less that a block away.

The Paramedics set up shop in my TV room and started to try and stabilize her. Each time they did her blood pressure it was getting higher so, they loaded her in to an ambulance and took her to Desert Springs Hospital it is probably a mile and a half away in a straight run.

The Emergency Room was working at a good clip but, not full yet so, she got right in a bed for treatment. Great Nurse and a good Doctor started taking her vitals and asking her questions. The work up led to orders for blood, x-rays, and a C-T scan of her lower abdomen. They gave her two huge bags of fluids to rehydrate her. After a while her B.P. started to drop back. She said the pain was lessening but, not gone. Libby's Doc and the ER Doc conferred a couple times. They decided that it was not a kidney stone, a rotten appendix, and probably not at sick gallbladder. This was done after looking at all the data. So, Libby is set free with only a "It could be this, this, or something else". She got instruction on what to do if it happened again and to see her doctor in the morning. Libby was discharged at about 10:30 PM PDT.

Good friend Zara (Dog Girl) picker her up and brought her home. Another fine friend Alex (Lawyer Lady) came and stayed with me during most of this whole evening.

As you are all well aware I am not allowed to do much of anything without permission. I had been with Libby since hour one. There is never a place to park anywhere within two block of curb parking and at least three huge parking lots. I, who can't walk much at all have to walk from the truck at least for two and maybe three New York City long blocks. By the time I got to the triage at the E R they wanted to put me in a bed next to Libby. I stayed with Libby about an hour and a half. Since no one was doing anything on getting Libby's tests done and the woman in the next bed was screaming and threatening everyone at the top of her lungs I decided I was doing no one any good and should go home. So, that is what i did.

By the time i made the forty mile walk back to my truck and drove home I was beat. It took me a few minutes to drag myself into the house and once seated in the recliner all joints and muscles in both legs turned to rock. I could no move. Therefore, the necessity for both Lawyer Lady and Dog Girl.

Thankfully, Libby is feeling much better even though we still don't know what happened to her.

Exasperation Monday

2011-07-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

DaNang RVN 1967 - 1969

Well, here I am finally. I have been up to my eyeballs since this day started. Went to bed last night or I guess this morning at just about 2:00 AM and was up at 5:30 AM looking for coffee. My blood sugar was low so, WALK DON’T RUN – The Ventures I just floated my way to the kitchen, turned on the coffee, and got half a cantaloupe that Libby had cut up and ate it. After melon and a blood sugar boost I sat in my recliner staring out into quiet morning peace as the coffee chugged away.

OK, Coffee hot in the mug, dogs snoring around the chair, and laptop in my lap where it should be. So, I read my mail and start looking at FaceBook.

Oh, I’m playing some music. MY MARIA – Brooks and Dunn wailing out from the stereo speakers on my laptop cushion.

I was all set to take today and rant about the Evils of being a Casio Owner here in Las Vegas. CANDLE IN THE WIND – Elton John But, now I’m side tracked.

First one at me today is at 10:00 AM it's the Foot Guy. OK, I wear shoes with a lift in one side so I can almost walk like a human because of just one to many broken leg bones. SHAMBALA – Three Dog Night Libby and I are sitting in the waiting room and Foot Guy walks through the door. He walks over and says, "Good Morning" to us and then says, “How does that new shoe with the lift feel?” I say Fine. He then says “Oh, OK well if you have any problems come on in.” SWEET HOME ALABAMA – Lynyrd Skynyrd What? No exam? No good look at my feet? I’m here for at 10:00 Am appointment and it is 9:58 AM and your showing me the door? BAH!!!

Home we went for a while because this is “NUT” Doc day at Noon. I’ve still got an hour of nothing to do. COME ON OVER – Shania Twain. I am now on my second pot of coffee today. But, this is iced so that’s OK all the caffeine is frozen onto the ice and I won’t get coffee jitters.

On we go, off to the new “NUT” Doc. 409 – Beach Boys This is our second visit. I now will have weekly homework assignments. At 63, I don’t need homework. My homework is two dogs, a wife, a house, and a couple trucks. I LOVE ROCK AND ROLL – Joan Jett

This meeting is with Libby too. That is so she can find out from “An Authority” if I’m telling the truth with the questions she will be asking. OK, Little Billy will sit in the corner and only speak when spoken to.

HOMEWARD BOUND – Simon & Garfunkel My big surprise today is a few questions to confirm the Docs suspicions that I have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. WOW!! Here comes the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve known this for 40 + years. BRING IT ON HOME TO ME – The GREAT Sam Cooke. I just haven’t said much to anyone. Remember that list I had in the last paragraph above? Well let’s add work for a living to that and you all should be able deduce that I have no time to be a lunatic I have to work. RIGHT DOWN THE LINE – Gerry Rafferty I guess that now that I am retired it is OK for me to “Lose it” as well as break all my bone one at a time. BROWN EYED GIRL Van Morrison

SPIRIT IN THE SKY – Norman Greenbaum I have my PTSD workbook and will read the stuff in this chapter and then “truthfully” answer the questions. One question I was asked today was, “what triggers your deep depressions?” My answer, usually references to Viet Nam and what I did, or saw, or heard while I was there. That’s why I don’t like crowds, most people, and want to stay home. So, what we will do is study what is wrong with you and keep bringing up my “trigger points”. That will wear me down and I will then surrender. SHE’S NOT THERE – The Zombies

Right!!

SEA OF HEARTBREAK – Don Gibson.

OK, Poker Chips and Slot Machines tomorrow.

ROCKET MAN – Elton John

Hooray for the Weekend!!

2011-07-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today the title is HOORAY FOR THE WEEKEND!! I have decided to throw out a few thoughts and see what bounces back.

GOOD REASON: Why do I care if it is the weekend or not, I am retired.
I report to no one except my Wife. So, lets start with TV. Most of the best sports on the "Telly" are on weekends. This is when I get to see many of my "famous" list <--- Being polite here. That includes such Sports folks as Shawn Johnson, Jamie Little, Both Williams Sisters, Maria Sharapova, and Christie Martin to name just a few. This is also when I can sit all day and Watch Football, Boxing, NASCAR, Women's Tennis, Fishing, Shooting, and the Olympics. That's about sums up my interest in sports. Saturdays and Sundays have a bigger following of fans and therefore more audiences for the networks to provide more sport to so they can make more money than a Tuesday evening for example.

GOOD REASON: I think I will say FOOD next.
Yes you can cook anytime you want but on weekdays there doesn't see to be a lot of time for long prepared gourmet meals. I don't know why but, that is a mystery of life. Friends are available on the weekend where dinner in or out is considered social interaction on the fun side. Home BBQ should be just as good on Thursday as it is on Saturday. (But, it isn't). A guy or gal working the early shift the next morning don't look at the dinner meal the evening before a work day as fun. Folks just don't want to laugh and play Monday evening when Tuesday morning there is a meeting promptly at 8:00 AM. Yes, the old weekend has it's benefits here.

EVIL REASON: Fun in the beautiful open air.
You know out in nature. Filling your lungs with pure unadulterated air. Yes, and then you cough you ass off because A- Your lungs can't handle anything without "particulate matter' anymore. B- The weekend is usually when the heat inversions decide to show up. No, I don't know why. This is when the heat is jammed over your head and everything is super heated to the point of a steamy South American Rain Forest. No breathing here and no outside. Nope, great family excuse to become a vegetable for the day. We have not even discussed the idiots jamming the roads or the same Idiots jamming up all the parks and recreation areas.

EVIL REASON: Getting all those home projects done.
What is the quickest way to piss of the Hell's Angels neighbor who has been out on a drunk most of last night? Yep, you got it. Start the friggin" lawn mover at 8:00 AM. That has gotten many a family man beaten severely. During the week no one except night workers care because the "normal" person is gone to work already. Moving on to "Honey Do" lists. You wake early, about 7:00 AM on Saturday morning. You decide on a project from the family list or prepare to do the fix-it that broke during the week. As you stare at the project you decide how to complete it (right or wrong) and also what you will need as far as materials and tools. It is then that you realize it is Saturday and not much is open where you can get your needs. You also realize that that the places that do have what you want on a Saturday don't open until 10:30 AM. You are now mad and nothing is getting done yet. Finally you get to the store right along with 200,000 other idiots who have decided to spend the weekend doing what you are doing. What should take you about twenty minutes to pick up and get home now takes an hour and a half. You come home sweaty, mad and missing at least one of the items you need. We, are "Handy People". OMG, that is absolutely the most politically correct thing I've ever said. "The simple job that will take about fifteen minutes" has now worked it's way into a six hour heavy project because you have put things in wrong, forgotten to buy principal items, and are about to pass out from sweating profusely and not eating. If you had done this during the week all the stores will be open, ever the one on the corner up the street that is closed on weekends. There are Crafts Persons and Technical Persons <----Oh I am so happy with myself available to come right over and repair you messes. They will only charge you twice what you would pay for a day call but, it is now 6:30 PM. But, you are saving money because anytime on the weekends is quadruple what the normal weekday rate is.

So there you have just a couple thoughts on weekend fun. What do you all think?

I will leave you with a final thought about retirement. Every retired person, no matter what age will tell you, " I don't know how I have ever had time enough to work for a living. My days are so full." Bull Shit!!! They get up late and have breakfast at noon. Then they watch TV until 3:00 PM. This is when the DVR taping starts with Doctor Phil. They dress and drive over to the local restaurant for the "Senior Meal" at a great savings if you can eat meatloaf or chicken every day forever. Then it's home and flop in the chair so you don't miss NCIS that you will sleep through anyway. Then you wake u and go to bed.

Just Thinking

2011-07-15T03:48:00.000-07:00

Well, here i am back for another try. I kept an AOL Journal form the start of AOL's work with this concept. wrote a Journal entry most every day I wasn't in the hospital. Then when AOL Journals gave up and ran away I ended up at this place. I lost interest a while ago and am now attempting to reestablish myself.

Being older than life will be the first thing to overcome. I doubt there are many folks who can even remember many of the things I thought were the normal ways of life. As an example, I wonder if there are folks left who pumped water from a well. Basically, when you wanted to get water you pumped the handle while pouring about a pint of water down into the mechanism. This was to take away the air from the system and allow the pumping action to suck water up a tube from the well. Once you started the pumping action a vacuum was created causing the water to come out the spout as long as you pumped. The best was usually a bucket full at a time. It was one royal pain in the ass to get enough buckets of water to fill a bath on Saturday, enough buckets to fill the washer to clean the clothes, and finally enough to have water to drink and cook with. If you had any thing like chickens, goats, beef or pigs. That meant more buckets of water to keep all of them hydrated. Of course, either Mom or Grandma needed water to put on her garden. Just guess who got the job to bring the buckets of water and pour them on the veggies? Yep it was me.

So, that is where my mind is right now. You see I don't sleep. I have been up 73 1/2 hours straight this these last few days. After breakfast Thursday morning I sat back down in my recliner chair and went unconscious for about 5 hours. That will keep me for a couple more days. I have now been up since about 2:15 PM PDT yesterday afternoon.

I have two doctors, a psychiatrist, and a psychologists working on me. This group of "Medical Professionals" can't figure out what is causing this. In the last few weeks I've had about every pharmaceutical know to man. Some have made me sleep to excess, some had no effect at all, and some made me itch like I had fleas. yet we are still trying to "get a handle" on this. No pun about the pump.

That is nostalgia I guess. It is just one of many of the things I will think about while I do my school work, pay bills, and write e-mails. All this instead of sleep.

Tomorrow is my first fay back at physical therapy. I took two weeks off for vacation on July 3. Now it will be "pay back" time. h, am I going to sweat and hurt. I do need to get back on my exercises. The right leg is turning farther and farther out now. My right foot toes actually point off to the right about 105 Degrees.

That's it for this first entry back. Stop by and read the put up a comment to me. I'll enjoy that.

2011-07-15T03:47:00.001-07:00

What is going on with Sane people ?

2010-09-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

My opinion of the Mosque near Ground Zero.

This building is three blocks away from the edge of actual World Trace Center property. A check of records indicates that no debris or human body parts were found on, in or anywhere around the property in the area where the buildings that will house the mosque are situated. Therefore, in my opinion there is no sacrilege to the hallowed ground of "Ground Zero" and the folks should be left alone with their religious undertaking.

The folks who are building the new World Trade Center complex have provided for a museum and a chapel. This chapel will be nondenominational. Any one from any religion will be encouraged to say a prayer for the soul who died there in accordance with their religion.

Further, I believe that this hype is the product of over zealous Media . They've blown this all way out of proportion just like they have been doing with anything that involves Ground Zero and the Moslem community. We have a very loyal and honorable Moslem community here in the U.S. We don't want to offend them anymore than we would want to offend a Catholic or Jew. In that vein, I am speaking about this "Religious" Idiot who wants to burn a copy of the Koran. Why would we wan to insult any of our countrymen no matter what their religious belief. How would you feel if those from another country burned a Bible or aTorah? We should be far above that by now in our evolution.

I lost thirty-seven Brothers and Sisters during the rescue operations. Of those thirty seven I personally knew thirty four. Many of these "Uniforms" worked for me, with me, or supervised me. I spent five weeks home even though I was retired and live in Nevada, working at the Recovery Operation at Ground Zero and at our HQ. During that time I went to Twenty Three funeral and memorial services. I came back home with a heavy heart for my friends yet, I was very proud by the response of the professionals and the American public.

I hope this helps you make your decisions and shapes you ideas of just what is going on right now.

The Thirty-Seven

2010-09-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

"The Thirty-Seven"

A Tribute to 37 Port Authority Police Officers  September 11, 2001 World Trade Center

I remember them just fine, gentle folks of modern time. Put to test the true resolve that made our country again evolve.

Thirty-Seven a number norm, battling a firestorm. Metal I-Beams, Rock debris, Smoke so thick they couldn’t see.

They helped those who ran in fear. Saving lives as death drew near. Dodging fire raining down  from the skies of New York town.

Thirty-Seven Angels, why?  Thirty-Seven heroes high. Names and faces that I see, always there reminding me.

How did life so precious die and leave us all so high and dry? These folks knew the deck was stacked. These folks didn’t turn their backs.

Thirty-Seven that I knew. Thirty-Seven all in blue. These PA Cops will always be  close to me in memory.

God Bless the Thirty-Seven

William F. Hoover

Lieutenant (Retired) Port Authority Police

Saturday in the Park. OK, That would be nice.

2010-08-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a nice Saturday so far. I thought I was scheduled for PT today and found out at about 11:00 AM that I have the whole weekend off.

Monday will be my last official day here and I am on the 8:00 AM schedule for PT and then OT. I am going to put pants on instead of this no back gown and a Hawaiian shirt. That aught to give the folks a bit of a laugh. The OT and Libby will also help me get a long hot shower and I'll shave my face and my head. That way I look clean and as healthy as possible to meet the new place and it's people at Lifecare of Paradise Valley.

I have been watching the NFL Pre Season games and will keep it up this evening and tomorrow. I'll be glad when regular season gets here and I have something to really yell about.

Libby will be headed off to dinner at Emeril's and then to the Michael Buble show that is in town right now. He is a favorite of hers.

I have three football games on at the same time this evening. I wonder what game the TV gods here will allow me to see?

More talk at another time. A good weekend to all.

It's Tuesday Again, I Think??

2010-08-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Here I am again. It has been an interesting week since I last wrote.

I am getting 3 hours of Physical and Occupational Therapy each day including weekends. Last Sunday I nicely told them to go away I was taking a day off to rest and that is what I did. I watched TV, read the Sunday papers, ate my meals, and watched the Sunday Night Football game. It was a nice day.

I went to the Surgeon on Thursday afternoon. It was quite an experience. After X-Rays We went to an exam room and the Doctor showed us the X-Rays and explained the healing process to us. He also told us why and how he did the surgery.

OK, I did not break my right femur. I actual smashed it to bits. There are shards of bone floating all around from my knee to about half way up my thigh. There is a rod in the femur that runs from my knee up to my hip. There are areas along the rod where there is no bone around the rod at all. I was starting to freak out but, the Doc says that I shouldn't be worried it will all grow back together. I'm not sure if this is what made me dizzy or the sight of the six 4: screws that were used to anchor the rod to the knee and the plate that all my old hip replacement is anchored to.

Today the P.T. Had me actually move and exercise my left leg. It is the first time I'm doing anything with this femur. I set the left foot and leg to the floor in a sitting position and then raised my leg to straight out and then down again. I did this 20 times and then rested. After that I did a total of 4 sets of 20 on the leg. It was tight and did not want to do much but, it was not painful like I expected. I'm looking for a little more of this tomorrow.

My Medicare time here is almost up. I will be leaving early next week to a Skilled Nursing Facility. It is a log care facility with PT and OT. I'm going here because I am considered Long Term. I will not be able to put any weight on the femur leg for 4 to 6 months. The only good part about this is that the place is about 4 blocks from my house so, it will be easy for Libby to come and see me.

More when I hear what is going to happen.

Hope all of you are well and happy.

Watching the World Go By

2010-08-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my morning of PT and OT. I sitting waiting for Libby to get here. She always comes at lunch time to sit with me and talk about what's going on.

OK, Big News for those who care about such things. I no longer have a catheter. By 1:00 PM today I will have under shorts, a T-Shirt, and Sweat pants on. I will now look more like a human when I go to the gym in the mornings. That is instead of looking like an Asylum patient. This is a major step forward in personal mental health for me.

It should also be noted that this morning instead of four people here to get me in and out of bed I did it alone. I have gotten myself to the point that without putting and weight on my legs or feet I can maneuver myself if bed and get in the wheel chair. That way I am ready to go when the PT's arrive. This is another big accomplishment for me in my eyes. This one is physical. I'm getting stronger and stronger each day.

I think I'm having a Cheeseburger for lunch today. I keep asking for tomato, onion, pickle, and ketchup. This has not worked yet. They send one pack of ketchup for my burger and the fries. Does anyone actually live like that?

Libby is here. I will talk again soon.

Back Again

2010-08-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that this Blog has gone blank the last couple weeks. I got hurt on 07/27. I broke my femur on the left leg, my ankle on the right, and three knuckles on my right hand. I have been in some pain.

The next week I was operated on to reset the femur. They put in a rod, plate, and a few screws. This is all right under the ball, bolt, plate, and seven screws that hold my hip together.

I am now in Health South Rehabilitation Hospital. By the way, this is my third trip here for treatment. These folks are very good at what they do. I am not allowed to put any weight on either leg so, that cramps my physical therapy a bit for the next few weeks. It appears that by the time I heal enough to do the therapy and get myself waking again I will have been here about two months.

Not only did my fall break me in a couple pieces but, it ruined the plans we had for a fortieth wedding anniversary. We were scheduled to have our vows renewed by Elvis at the Graceland Chapel here in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 8. We had a Hawaiian theme with Elvis singing seven of hits hits from his BLUE HAWAII album. Libby had been to a tailor and had a dress for her and a shirt for me made out of the same very bright Hawaiian cloth. I had decided to to wear a very large and very black "Elvis" wig and silver sunglasses. All the Guests would wear some type of Hawaiian garb. So that went "down the tubes".

That part of the day was absolutely "shot in the butt" since I could not participate. What was continued for the thirty-five guests from near and far was the dinner.

We had planned with the N9NE Steakhouse at the Palm's Resort for a big dinner in a private room with a lot of flowers, beautiful dinnerware, drinks and very tasty food. This went off without a hitch. Libby hosted and kept things running smoothly from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. From what I am told everyone had a great time.

That ends our celebration of forty years of marriage. I sure an sorry I managed to mess it up. Oh well, better luck at fifty.

Something Fishy

2010-07-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well, Friday is finally here. I am now "Off" for the next two day and no "Nut Doc" this weekend so, I am really Off.

We have been having problems with our DSL. We finally after two days had CenturyLink tell us that the finally found the problem and that it was a broken wire at their central station. Then our Telephone started shutting dow, every fifteen minutes or so. That means the alarm system goes off and we now have CenturyLink to thank for using up our annual free alarm responses plus two I have to pay for. This afternoon we received a call from the company and the Agent told us it was "A problem at our central station". OK, I think it is time to "Clean House" at the central station.

Our Chef came today instead of yesterday this week. She has again cooked us great meals for this next week. I am an old New Jersey boy. I grew up on Cod Fish Cakes and spaghetti on Friday nights. So, I asked the Chef to make this for our dinner tonight. We have four really nice looking plump Cod Fish Cakes with Capellini and a fresh made marinara sauce. What a great dinner this will be.

Libby's Sister along with our Nephew and Niece will be here Monday and Tuesday. They will all be here for about eight days. We are all going to have a lot of fun.

Straighten Out, NOW!!!

2010-07-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here watching last nights MASTER CHEFS with Gordon Ramsey, Graham Eliot, and our friend Joey Bastianich as judges. While I am doing this I am also drinking an Orange Blossom and updating this Journal.

I have not been here for a couple days because my DSL has been out. After telling us that we were switched to a “new junction” and for some reason couldn’t find our line, they sent a guy here who then said that the problem was a broken in the HQ area. Whatever, I am now back in business. What withdrawal I was going through!! I cannot believe that between my email, facebook, and this journal/blog I am addicted to my computer.

I will confess to you all that for some unknown reason I am mad at the world the last few days. All I want to do is withdraw and live here in my house with the things I love. That would be Libby and my German Shepherds Spirit and Bruno. I have been unable to find anyone who makes me happy other than them. Recently, I have had relatives beating up on other relatives, friends who are fighting with other friends, and Facebook people with nasty, vile and evil messages to other folks. I don’t want and don’t need this type of crap, I am depressed enough already.

So, this is not a good “Billy” week. I need to straighten up. My relatives and friends start showing up this weekend for the big 40^th anniversary party on 08/08. I don’t want to be in this mood when that all goes down.

2010-07-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

OK, I try not to judge folks but, I am forced to in this instance.
My Grand Niece has taken it upon herself to chastise her Grandmother for Grandma's drinking on a public forum (Facebook).
I hate this and told all of them that I do.
I am so incensed over this that I basically disowned this little twit. I also acknowledged to her father that I did this. Families fight all the time but Families DON'T AIR THEIR PROBLEMS IN PUBLIC. I can not feel any different.
I expect to lose my Nephew, his wife, and this "Twit" over this and I am very sorry. I love them all more that I can ever explain. But, you don't under any circumstances put your family up on a social network for abuse.

Saturday With Nothing To Do (Ha, Ha)

2010-07-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

We had a nice afternoon yesterday. Zara (aka "Dog Girl") came over to sit and visit for a couple hours. She talked about animal nutrition, dog training, and "Vegas" life. I intend, in the near future to devote an entry to introducing this wonderful person to all of you.

I was up early today and watched a PPV movie called COP OUT. It is a normal Bruce Willis look at life being a Cop. You know, funny and bullet ridden. It was an enjoyable two hours.

I used my brand new 900 MHZ set of headphones. The old set died last week. I have been using headphones for TV since I purchased my first set of TV EARS, then moved on to a much better SHARPER IMAGE pair, and now to a AUDIO UNLIMITED set. I use these because I can't hear TV with something to help me with volume. If I turn up the volume so that it is loud enough for me to hear it blows everyone else (including dogs) out of the room. Also, I can mute the TV so, no one else can hear it and continue to watch and listen with the headphones when everyone else is in bed.

My "Nut" Doc was here as he is every Saturday from about Noon to One-Thirty. We talk a little about my problems but, mostly we take about life here in Las Vegas including shows and restaurants. Then we move on to TV shows, new movies, and finally to computer stuff. He talks with both Libby and I during all this until we get on to the computer stuff. Then Libby makes a hasty retreat. She has been know to fall asleep during that part of the "Saturday Dr. Smith Show".

After I finish this journal entry I will take a nap, cut two melons up into a bowl, have dinner and watch TV. Tomorrow we are going to my Mom's to celebrate her 88 Th. birthday. It was actually Wednesday but, she had a friend from NJ staying with her and there was no reason for us to interject in to their couple days to enjoy each other's company. So, tomorrow is the day for us. There will cards, flowers, and a present. I will then make her favorite meal, Caesar Salad (homemade from scratch by me) and a nice juicy rib eye steak cooked on the grill.

I may not get here tomorrow but, will be back at some time on Monday which is a busy day with doctors and the chamber.

The End of the Week---Rest Time

2010-07-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

It is about 9:00 PM PDT and I am finally getting around to this blog. It has been a long day even though it has not been a stressful day.

After the chamber today Libby and I got home and ran into the house to escape the 113 degree day. We have been in here ever since. Even the dogs aren't going out. I watched "Spirit" (aka The Little Guy) stick his nose out the "Dog Door" then back up and go hide in the cool dinning room.

Zara, "The Dog Girl" came by and spent the afternoon with us. Both Libby and I love her to death. It is always a real pleasure to have her around. I will probably do a "spot light" on her like I just did Chef Mimi very soon.

So, we are watching "Haven" and just trying to stay cool. Dinner tonight was Salmon Wellington with parsley fingerling potatoes and asparagus. it was wonderful.

We are headed over to Mom's on Sunday to make her a big, homemade Caesar salad for her birthday. She loves what I make and has requested it for her birthday meal. OK, I can do that.

I will write more tomorrow.

Chef Day at the Hoover House

2010-07-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

MEET OUR CHEF MIMI,

The Chef was here by 9:00 AM PDT. She brings in all her produce, proteins, cooking supplies, and cookware. Says "hello" and begins work. By the time we leave at 9:25 AM there is already a wonderful smell wafting through the house. She likes "The Boys" and interacts with them well while we are gone. They, of course, like the attention, all the good smells, and the possibility of dropping crumbs.

Each week we send her our choices for our meals. We can have five meals that are for both of us or we can pick five meals each. She has a menu of thing that she makes for mixing and matching that we use along with requests of things we like. Each item she makes is natural and holistic. She does make suggestion on some items that she would like to change from our requests to make them more holistic. This includes using items like quinoa in place of potatoes and white rice.

We are enjoying excellent meals that are health for us. We are also both losing weight which is a fine side effect of this. Chef Mimi is make life a lot more pleasant for us.

The reason for spending the money on a Chef is our time problem at the Hyperbaric Chamber. Most of the time I am scheduled for the chamber at 3:00 PM. It takes a half our to get to the clinic, fifteen minutes to get my vitals taken and get changed, one and a half hours actually in the chamber, then another fifteen or twenty minutes to get dress and have my vitals taken again, and finally drive the half hour home. That is at least Three hours of time which gets us home at about 6:00 PM (if we are luck with drive time).

By the time we get home neither of us want to do anything but, sit. No one wants to make any form of meal. We were just ordering fast food on the way home or delivered to the house. There is nothing good in this type of lifestyle. So, to combat the exhaustion, the fast food, weight gain, and the expense we contacted a couple Personal Chefs. Of those we interviewed Chef Mimi was the best regarding education and experience. She priced competitively, very personable, and liked the dogs. So, we hired her

The Chef has been here to provide nine weeks of meals now. She cooks for us every Thursday morning. She is neat and clean at all time. She actually wears real Chef's clothing with a white jacket. I have observed her enough now to see that she is very well organized and doesn't "fool around" at all.

So, there you have it. We are eating fresh, healthy, and readily available meals. We are very happy with this arrangement. We hope that we will be able to keep this up after I stop the hyperbaric chamber and my wound has healed.

Tuesday From Hell Part 2

2010-07-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

Things turned out Much better today than I though was going to happen. Up and out early to get stuff done. The only bad part of the day was Libby's Nail appointment.

While Libby was getting her nails done the "Nail Girl" informed her that she was the last customer. Because of the financial problems we are all having her customer base had gone down to a point that she could not make the rent on her chair space in the Salon. So she had to stop working. She has two Daughters and receives no support from her X A**hole boyfriend. "Nail Girl" is going on assistance and will enroll her two girls in the State health care program for kids. She will then try to find a job somewhere that will help her pay rent at home, feed her Daughters and her. She has also had to quit taking college courses.

Libby and I are infuriated over this as she had a court ordered support decision for the A**hole to pay her for their childcare, food, and health care. The jerk has moved out of Las Vegas and out of State. She told Libby if she could get the weekly support each month she could have kept the Salon Nail spot and would have been able to make enough money to do everything she needed except her college classes. Oh well, Libby will be doing her own nails for a while I guess.

Now, on to me. I had the evaluation and I can continue in the Hyperbaric Chamber for up to thirty more visits. My wounds are healing but, slowly. I don't want to stop these treatments until the wounds are completely closed and scabbed over. I don't want to take any chances of infection.

Dinner with my friend and his Grandson was great tonight. They had a lot of adventures to tell us about. It was a nice dinner and great talk. Bill's Grandson Will took a picture of us and is sending it to me so I can put it up here when he gets home.

Tomorrow is a slow day with only "chamber" time. OK, we need a break after this day.

The Tuesday From Hell

2010-07-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

OK, today is not a good day time wise. I have already been out to Mom's. Right now I'm waiting for the folks from Opportunity Village (a local charity) to show up it pick up a love seat and Oak TV stand. Libby is having her nails done. (far be it that this could wait)

Next is Hyperbaric Chamber, then Wound Care, and then an evaluation to see if I am healing properly and don't need the chamber or if and how many more of these treatments I will need. I have already done this for 60 sessions. (2+ Months).

Finally, we will have dinner tonight with an old friend from North Plainfield, Nj and his 13 year old Grandson. They are making a trip across country by motorcycle. It will be good to see them and listen to their adventures.

So you will see that there is no time to have lunch for me today. While I am in the chamber Libby should be able to go to the hospital cafeteria and get something to tie her over until dinner. I'll get a snack between Chamber and Wound care.

I will talk again tomorrow. have a good day, Folks.

SATURDAY NIGHT OUT

2010-07-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

We actually went out last night. I haven't been out with friends for something more than dinner in about six years. That was when I broke my Hip and all the real problems started.

We went to a local club called Ichabod's Lounge to have dinner, an evening of singing by a guy Libby knows who is a Tenor with a great keyboard and piano player some drinks, and just a great night out.

I belong to a thing called GROUPON. It cost me $7.00 for a coupon to use worth $30.00. Libby had an old coupon someone had given her for $20.00 off. The Lounge took BOTH coupons added them together and deducted the entire amount from our total check. I'm very impressed by this.

Mark, the Singer put on a show of 40's, 50's and 60's songs and then he took requests from everyone. He and the keyboard / piano player took a couple of ten minute breaks but, basically played and sang all evening. By the time they did their last set everyone in the place was singing along with them.

We came home exhausted, went right to bed, and slept until 10:00 AM. We still couldn't believe what a good time we had at this place. We will be doing this again soon!!

Saturday's in the Park, No Saturdays in the House

2010-07-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

It is a few minutes after 1:00 PM. The "Nut" Doc just left. He has been here since 11:00 AM. This is a normal Saturday morning for me. We talk a lot and play with our laptop computers. He is the one who bough me this thing. Libby gets mad at us and does something else.

Today Libby had a appointment to take her Hyundai SUV for a check up and an oil change. Guess what time, 11:00 AM. We all know that they will take her SUV from her, put it up on a rack and then all go to lunch until 1:00 PM. I don't understand why she won't tell them that she wants an early morning appointment. Maybe she is just looking for an excuse to get away from me and the "Mutts". One just doesn't know.

The Doc had me download Google Chrome and a site called VUZE today. He believes that I will enjoy using them. I will try both later today.

OK, BIG question of the day. As most of you know, on August 8 we will be married for 40 years. We are having a party for our friends here to celebrate this. We actually sent invitations out to those we thought would be able to come for it. The invitations state clearly that we want NO presents. The whole idea is an excuse for us to get friends and family together so that everyone can meet each other and find out why we like all these folks.

I wish that I could have invited everyone but, I did not want to embarrass those folks who don't have the money to travel right now. I do have one friend from my childhood attending. She lives in Georgia. She and her husband are doing our party and making this a vacation for themselves. Good for them.

Now, the QUESTION, What should I get for LIbby????? I buy her jewelry all the time. I don't consider that a big deal. I thought that I might send her and her Sister on a five day vacation to the Islands. Please let me know what you think is right????

That is probably it for the rest of the weekend. Unless, of course I am up all night again soon.

My Regards to you all,

Bill

2010-07-17T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Here I am at 4:43 AM (PDT). I bet I've been up at least 2 hours now. I just don't sleep like I use to do.

Today is my first day off of the weekend. I sure like the idea that I have nothing but, fun to do. That is of course after the "Nut" Doc leaves. He comes to my home at 11:00 AM each Saturday and sits with me for about an hour and a half. Of all the Loony Bin Guys and Gals I've seen over the years this fellow is the best. He actually seems to understand my problems.

OK, for those of you who don't really know me here is the "Scoop", I am a Viet Nam Veteran, I suffered through 26 years of Police work in NYC, I lost 37 friends and a K-9 on 09/11, worked on the recovery at Ground Zero for five weeks while i attended a total of 23 funerals and memorial services, my Dad died, and my beloved K-9 Partner died. If that isn't enough I uprooted my family first from NJ to PA and then from PA to NV. I am really kind of "Nuts".

Libby and I will have dinner tonight with our friends and listen to a local singer do his thing this evening. Tomorrow we will have coffee and danish will my Mom and then head to the Palms. Libby got a card in the mail that if she uses her "Players Club" card on Sunday she will get 10X the points for each play. So, we will do that so she can get a jacket or some other advertising gimik that she likes.

OK, It is now 5:11 AM (PDT) and Libby just came out to check on me. She wants me to go to sleep for a while. Guess I will try so she doesn't stay here and nag me to death.

Talk with you all tomorrow.

Weekend Off or On - It is all good

2010-07-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Here I am home at 12:45 PM (PDT) from the hyperbaric chamber and I have the whole weekend off!! That really makes me happy.

Tomorrow we are going out to dinner and to listen to a local singer. We have a "GROUPON" that we got for $7.00 that cuts $30.00 off our bill. Can't do much better than that I guess except for free. Sunday we will go to Mom's for coffee and then head over to the Palm's for some "Sin" and lunch. Libby got a frequent player post card that gives her 10X the normal points for all she plays on Sunday.

Libby is going to get Mom groceries after we eat lunch. Mom's friend from N.J. is coming for her yearly visit over the weekend. Joan will spend four or so days waiting on Mom. I am so happy she comes to visit. She won't let mom do a thing, she does it all. Plus, Mom is real happy for her company. They have been friends since Joan and Mike moved on to Beech Avenue directly across from Mom many years ago.

Well, I'll write some more tomorrow morning or late tonight.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Is anyone really in charge here?

2010-07-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

Well Buddies,

Here I am at after 12:00 AM. I just can't sleep since I had a two hour nap after dinner.

I have been watching movies since then. I like "true to life" comedies.

What I want to know about you is why you Females people take life so seriously. Why do you folks think it is necessary to involve the rest of the female world to approve of the way you think?

OK, Libby's blog or comments to my blog refer always to all the things she and female friends like or believe.

I really don't care about what all you women folks have to say.

Each one of you is absolutely crazy.

You each need a "Keeper" but, unfortunately you are all taking care of us guys, like me and actually don't have time to be crazy.

I don't want my "Keeper to insure that I am OK.

How do I stop all of you from doing that and taking over at the same time ?

Hah, It's not going to happen because I, (late in life) now acknowledge that my Wife and all other women are in charge of life.

I quit., I will not try to assert myself. I will just "Knuckle Under". I will put my tail between my legs and listen to what I am told.

From childhood I acknowledge that you female people have been in charge. Mothers, Girl Friends, Wives, and the rest of your society are running my life and I QUIT!!! I no longer have the stamina to fight you. Yes, women are in charge and I can only hope that you give me some peace.

I dream of a world where I am the "Boss" and females are subservient to me. That's all fine and well until I start thinking about Libby who won't give me any chance to be "In Charge". So, I quit. Everything is done for "MY Benefit". Which means I am evil to shun anything.

OK, so, I love my wife and I also love a couple of "lady Friends" I know. Know what that means? Yeah, it means that I am not in charge. It means that I will eventually let you all be the Leader even if I don't just acknowledger it.

I guess that is real life in action. Libby takes care of me and I like it !!!!! and ca I have a drink ?

Lazy Day and a Good Report

2010-07-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

I did nothing this morning at all except drink coffee and play in the 'puter. We went to the chamber and then on to wound care this afternoon. The chamber is, as always restful but, I have a friend who goes in the chamber next to mine the same time I do each day. I guess we have been talking and enjoying our company for at least 60 days now. Libby and I found out today that she is sick and in the hospital again. Now, both Libby and I are worried about her.

The Wound Doc looked at my open wounds on my right calf today, as always. She and the Wound Nurse say that the outside calf wounds are getting much smaller and the tunnels re closing up nicely. That makes me feel good. I didn't even get much of a scalpel scraping today.

The Chef made us turkey meatballs, sesame noodles, and a fantastic broccoli casserole for dinner. It was sure good and Libby got to sit and relax this evening.

Tomorrow the Hyperbaric Chamber Techs asked me to come in early at 10:00 AM. Wow, is that great. We will be home by at about 12:30 PM. That gives Libby time to go pick up her clothes from the Nordstrom's Alteration Dept and then we will go pick up our dress, and shirt from the Tailor that is for our Vow renewal party. Hawaiian dress for Libby and matching shirt for me. I am to the point in my life that this silly stuff just makes me laugh. I would have fought this stuff "Tooth and Nail" years ago but, not now.

We are looking at temperatures over 110 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This, in the Hoover house means we bury our heads in the carpet of the TV room and don't move outside. We will still take breakfast to have with Mom on Sunday. I think I will have Jack In The Box again. I seem to like that evil trash better than the other stuff right now. It won't be long before I change to something else to obsess on.

Either tomorrow or Thursday when the Chef is here I will write again about this absolutely exciting life I lead. Oh, how I wish someone would want to make a move about my life. It would be the second thing entitled "A Comedy of Errors".

Ok, It's Monday Again

2010-07-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

Watching a little TV this evening. Just "Chillin' Out". I didn't have much to do today. This afternoon was Hyperbaric Chamber. That is 3 hours out of my life every day, for 5 days a week, every week until until I finish up 60 sessions. That is of course until Hospital, Medicare, and my private insurance decide to keep me here for an additional 30 more sessions. Don't get the idea that this is all bad either. The chamber looks like a big torpedo tube. The entire top half is a clear Plexiglas that allows you to look all over. There is a beautiful DVD/TV right in front of each tube and you can watch a movie or TV for your whole session. I have also been know to take a nap or two.

Tomorrow is a bad day. Tuesday's are not fun. That is wound care day each week. I go in the chamber and upon finishing I go to the next area for wound care with the Doc. I really love it when she walks around inside my right calf with a scalpel. She spends her time cutting the areas that have grown into tunnels deep in the flesh. My wound doesn't like it, my calf doesn't like, my leg doesn't like it, and I don't like it. She does so, I put up with it. Remember, I live on blood thinners. That means that while she is cutting and scraping I am bleeding a lot like the Gulf/BP broken crude pipe. More about this when I get home tomorrow.

Libby got two packages off today. One for our good friend Jason who is US Army in Afghanistan and the other to his wife. She is also US Army and is presently in Texas at medical Technician School. We pray for each of them daily.

We are getting ready for our 40th. Wedding Ceremony on August 8th. Libby has planned a celebration starting with renewing our vows at the Graceland Wedding Chapel with Elvis doing his Blue Hawaii album songs. We will all wear Hawaiian Clothes. From there it is off to the Palms resort for a big Italian meal. There appears that there will be about 30 friends and family. Libby is not fit to live with as she prepares this party. The dogs and I are living in the Court Yard and are on Bread and Water.

More Tomorrow. Maybe we will talk about some of the normal Las Vegas life that us "Yankees" will never understand.

What about Bill?

2010-07-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you just stopping by for the first time, here are a few things about me to help introduce me to you. More will come.

Favorite restaurant:

Las Vegas, Nevada: The Sicilian Café

Jersey City, NJ: Casa Dante

New York, NY: Ponte’s or The Old Homestead

Chincoteague Island, Va: Don’s

Four foods you can't live without (other than bread or water):

Polish: Stuffed Cabbages

Japanese: any Sashimi or Mackerel Sushi

Italian: any type of Seafood Stew

American; Pot Roast

Food you won't go near:

Beets

Brussels Sprouts

Rabbit

Weirdest thing you've ever eaten:

Grubs and bugs in survival school

Interests and hobbies:

German Shepherds

NFL Football

Military History

Firearms

Fishing

Movies

U.S. Stamp Collecting

Favorite Celebrity Chefs:

Lidia Bastianich

Hubert Keller

Alton Brown

Jose Andreas

Favorite TV shows:

Rescue Me

Spartacus, Blood and Sand

Royal Pains

Law and Order (SVU)

Eureka

Fringe

Fox News

Five people, alive or dead, you'd like to have dinner with:

My Father, Edgar G. Hoover

Commandant Admiral Russell R. Waesche, USCG, Ret

Naturalist John Muir

Poet Robert Service

Author Jack London

Favorite books:

Any of W.E.B. Griffin’s writings

Ernest Hemmingway

Jack London

Robert Service

Favorite movies:

The Sand Pebbles

The Thing (original)

The Longest Day

Father Goose

Avatar

Back Again, Again, and Again.

2010-07-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Well, If you read the entry below (Check the date) you will see that it has been well over a year since I wrote anything here.

Besides that injury I discuss ther I have managed to do a couple more things that required hospitalization, home care, and physical therapy. Hey, no one has ever said that I was coordinated.

Thanks to Ellie, I remembered that I actually had this blog. So, let's see what is going to happen now. I am looking forward to giving this a try again.

Cripple Update

2009-03-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hello to All,

I am getting better slowly. I can now type with two and sometimes three fingers. I'll be glad when the wrist is healed.

I have "PT" tomorrow, Primary Doc on Tuesday, and another Doc after "PT" on Wednesday. So I have some things to do this coming week. I guess it will all keep me busy.

We have strong winds and some showers here today. I think it will be headed out by tomorrow. I understand that in NJ on the first day of spring they had snow. I guess that is "par for the course" with the strange weather the east has had all winter.

I have a new printer that still isn't installed right. I've done something wrong with the installation so I guess I have to remove everything and start over. It all has to wait until I can use the hand and wrist again. This is very frustrating.

Well that's about it for now. I'll be back again soon to write a real entry. I started a Facebook page and have run into a lot of people that I knew from AOL Journals and from here. This is one very large community.

I hope you are all well and happy.

Getting Better

2009-03-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Stopped by to let you all know my wrist is a little better. The pain isn't as bad and I can now use my index finger of my right had to help the one on my left type. I still can't "make a fist" as it is painful and there is no grip.

Libby has gone off to the grocery store to get Mom's groceries for the week. The dogs and I are relaxing.

I'll be back as soon and I can type more than one wqord a minutes.

I hope you are all well and happy.

Bill

Let's give me a hand!!

2009-03-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

It has taken me more that forty minutes to type this out with the one finger of my left hand. It has not been fun but, I wanted you all to know that I am still around even if I am not writing.

It is about impossible to use the mouse and the actual typing must be done off line on WORD and then cut and pasted here.

I will be back soon, I hope. No one has a decent answer for whatever is wrong with my right wrist and hand but, it is swollen and very painful. I am wearing a brace and doing some therapy to try and get the swelling and inflammation out.

W e will see.......

Regards,
Bill

Wednesday Rant

2009-03-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

It's still Libby here!

Pardon me while I rant. I realize that we're in difficult times and that I'm upset over something that is really trivial in the scheme of things, but I'm MAD!

Bill and I recycle. When we lived in New Jersey, it was mandatory and once you're "programmed," I guess it's a habit that would be hard to break and there is no reason to break this habit even in Las Vegas where recycling is voluntary and very poorly done. (Less than 20% of the population recycles.)

About six months ago, I noticed that my recycling bins were stacked differently from Tuesday night (when I put them at the curb) to Wednesday morning when the recycling truck picks up. After several pick-ups, I realized that my aluminum cans were missing - not the plastics, not the tin, not the glass and (no surprise here) not the newspapers, just the aluminum cans. Someone was stealing my recycling. Okay, once it's at the curb, it is no longer "mine" (technically), but, it is mine and I feel violated by this act. I should also mention that the thief is not neat and they mix all the glass and plastic together (a big "no, no") to get to the aluminum. They also leave what they don't want all over the street.

To eliminate this problem, I started putting the aluminum out the morning of the pick-up. This procedure was working fine and I didn't have to be annoyed on recycling day.

Today, I put the aluminum out at 6:30 a.m. by 7:15 a.m. when we left for Bill's physical therapy, my aluminum was gone and the plastics were with the glass. Therefore, I rant!

I will find a way to combat this thief. I don't know how. I also am not sure why this bugs me so much. I know I'd rather the county benefit from my recycling than the thief who's probably selling the cans for drugs or something. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please don't think I'm nuts but this really gets me aggravated.

Changing subjects:

Bill did very well in PT today. The hand/wrist still hurts and it doesn't seem to be getting better, but this is a "time-sensitive" injury. The therapist said they're starting "arm exercises" on Friday - don't know what that means, but guess we'll find out in a couple days.

Libby

Guest Writer

2009-03-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hello, Everyone,

It's Libby here. Bill is "out of commission." Some how (and we have no idea "how?") Bill has hurt his right hand and wrist. It is very swollen and painful beyond belief. The doctor sent him for x-rays on Thursday. There is no fracture so he has a brace (similar to those for carpal tunnel syndrome) and the doctor said to wear it until it stops hurting.

He's right handed, so using the computer mouse is out of the question (as is a lot of every day things).

He did manage to go to training today and do most of his routines. Using the cane in the left hand keeps him "off balance" so that part is a bit tricky, but he did get a workout. The therapist said it could take a month for his hand to be okay. That wasn't welcomed news.

Take care to all.

Libby

New Week - More things to think about

2009-02-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hello All, I'm back after a couple days of therapy and doctors.

On Monday I finally went back to physical therapy. After being away for over two weeks it was a bit of a struggle but, I managed to get most of my exercises done. My Therapist said I should only work an hour and then stop. He believes it will take a couple weeks to get me up to strength again. I'm done for this week as the clinic is moving to a new location over the next few days. Alex (my trainer) decided he wanted his own building instead of renting. It is a beautiful newly constructed building that he is buying. On Monday I will start in a whole new location.

Yesterday I went to see the Internist. She was pleased at my twelve and a half pound weight loss. (so was I ). She is also pleased with my therapy progress.

Libby and Mom are headed to the Hair Dresser this afternoon. I hope they enjoy themselves.

Well, I guess I will work on this silly printer a little more. I have done something during the installation that has screwed things all up. I'm going to try and uninstall everything and get rid of all the old programs also. Maybe if I start completely fresh I can get it all to work. Wish me luck because the next step in the Geek Guys.

Back to normal

2009-02-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well, Here I am after about a week of silence. Since Libby got home on Tuesday I've been doing things around home or just relaxing. I wasn't feeling very good for a few days but, hope that is over.

Libby got home Tuesday evening and we ordered a pizza and just sat around and talked about her trip and the funeral. On Wednesday we spent the whole day together and just spent the day being together. The rest of the week was "Back to normal" time.

I will start back at P.T. tomorrow morning and then go and have blood work done to check my Pro Time. Which is to check the clotting time it take for my blood to clot. I need to keep my clotting time higher than normal because I am prone to blood clots in my legs. I take a pill called coumadin to keep my blood thin.

I have a new printer. It is an All-In-One HP. It copies, prints, scans, and faxes. If I could only get it set up so that it works. Libby and I have been trying to get it going since she came home to no avail. I'm getting to the point that I may call those Geek Squad guys to come and do it for me.

I see the Doc on Tuesday and the "Stomach Guy" on Friday. I hope that I get good reports from both.

Libby is going to "The Strip" this weekend to attend a fund raiser for a mental health group. Sigfried and Roy will preform their final show at this even. Libby is hoping that they have a lot of tigers at their show.

I plan to write again tomorrow but, as usual we will see what comes up.

and what did you do the last few days?

2009-02-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

OK Folks Here we go!! Libby will be home in about ten hours and I have a lot to do.

First I need to put the dishes in the washer and wash the pots and pans by hand. Then I have to clean up the house, get all the newspapers for the last week together so Libby can look at them if she wants, find the mail that came this week and stack it for her to read. Oh yeah, Brush the "Big" dog because he looks like a shredded wheat balloon.

On top of all that I need to feed the "Boys" and myself. I also want to have something ready for Libby to eat as they don't serve food on the flight anymore.

I will now get started.

Waiting for Libby

2009-02-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

I did nothing yesterday but watch the Daytona 500. Now, that is real lazy of me. I have already talked to Libby this morning and I think she is ready to come home and so am I. She should step off the plane at about 6:30 PM tomorrow. The three of us will sure be glad to see her again and I hope she doesn't have to leave her again for a long time.

It is now time for me to make breakfast for the "Boys" and myself. I think I've had enough coffee for today.

I hope you all have a good day.

I AM LAZY AND I KNOW IT !!!

2009-02-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

I have had an interesting morning. I woke up about 6:50 AM PST and managed to sit and stare at the ceiling for about 15 minutes before I finally getting out of bed. I had washed some clothes so I went and put them in the dryer. I then loaded the dish washer and made the "Boys" breakfast. Finally I was able to sit with a cup of coffee.

I am lazy and I know it!!

I called Mom. She is having a good time with the Health Care people who come every day from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. I thing the company makes her happy plus the Ladies who come try to do a little house keeping and make sure she at least has a snack while they are here. It makes me more comfortable that someone is seeing Mom daily while Libby is away.

Libby called a few minutes later. We wished each other Happy Valentines Day. I have some cards for her and I will give the to her when she gets home and we celebrate our own Valentines Day. I hope each of you gets to go out to dinner or some other good thing with your Valentine.

I think I have a fight to watch tonight and I also have part 2 of the Last Templar. I watched the fist part last night. Sunday is the Daytona 500. I will watch that most of the day.

Hope you all have a good weekend

Regards,

Bill

US Revenue Cutter Mcculloch

2009-02-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

I guess that I will catch everyone up a little. Libby is on Chincoteague Island until Tuesday. She got there in time last Tuesday to attend the wake for Bobby. The funeral was Wednesday. Everything went well with tons of food brought in by neighbors. Small towns still do this type of stuff even in 2009. They also helped at the service, brought beautiful flowers, and generally helped out where ever they could. Nice folks when the "chips are down". If you would like to read Bobby;s official obituary just click here.

The dogs and I have been getting around OK. The only problems we have been having are with the mail delivery and the newspaper delivery. It seems that recently the man who has been delivering our paper for years retired. There is no one to assign to his route so it goes up as an axillary route. This means that anyone who wants to work overtime can fill the spot. That also means no one will insure that the proper papers are delivered or get the where the subscriber wants it. I need mine in the court yard at the front of my house. That still isn't happening even though I complain each day.

Libby asked the Mailman to put the mail inside the courtyard in a box we provided. He said OK. Then when he came the next day he put a note on the mail that said the Postal Service does not provide personal service. I'm sure glad that every one is willing to help us out.

I've been cooking and feeding the dogs and have been making thinks that Libby left for me. I have had stuffed cabbage, stuffed peppers, ravioli, and other assorted goodies. I may not lose any weight but, I am feeding my stress of Libby being away and the death of my friend and Brother In Law, Bobby.

I will get back to reading each of your Journals to find out how your life is going.

Regards,
Bill

Getting stuff ready

2009-02-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

I don't have much to report today. We are spending our time getting things done that will keep me going for the week and get Libby ready to leave very early tomorrow morning. She will come home next Wednesday. The wake is tomorrow evening. Libby should get to the Island just about time for it to start. Bobby will be burried in a family area of the local cemetery on Wednesday morning after a church service. Libby will spend the rest of her time there helping Susie.

I will sit and do a real Journal entry in a day or two.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

My Sad News

2009-02-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

At approximately 2:00 AM EST today, Sunday February 8, 2009 my Brother In Law and friend Robert (Bobby) Melvin passed away.

Bob had suffered for months with Gas Gangrene of the feet and legs as well as other medical problems. At his own request he was transferred to a Salisbury, Maryland hospice on Friday. He circummed to his illness less than forty-eight hours later with his wife, Susie by his side.

I am saddened by his loss as a relative and a good friend.

Libby is getting ready to leave to go home to Chincoteage, Va. There will be a wake on Tuesday evening and his burial will be held on Wednesday morning. He will be placed in his grave near other family and relatives.

Please remember Bobby in your prayers and also include his wife Susie. I would hope that you will also remember Libby during her travels and grief.

Susie and Bobby Melvin

Getting Back to Business

2009-02-06T13:01:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone. Yes, I have been A.W.O.L. for a couple weeks. Being "In The Wind" like I was, calls for a bit of an explanation. So, I will tell you that I have not been feeling well. My routines at therapy have been very poor as I don't seem to be any where up to the level I was at. I have not been feeling very good. This all culminated in a trip to the local hospital yesterday where strange people up tubes and cameras down my throat and looked around stomping their way through my insides. The only thing they found was that I do not have an ulcer. They are now convinced that I am suffering from a "green" gall bladder. I will see the Doc next week for more tests to narrow done thing to try and decide what is actually wrong with me.

Things here at home have been filled with stupid problems like some computer problems. Thankfully we had insurance on the system and we were able to get the offending hard ware replaced. We were given full credit on what we original paid for the products. That meant we were able to get brand new more modern things such as a very good color printer by just adding a few dollars and other things replaced item for item. I hope this is over for a while.

Poor Libby's birthday was a real bust. She got a new Beanie from each of the "Boys" but, nothing but, cards from me. As you all know I don't leave the house much except for Doctors and Therapy but, I went with her to have lunch at a local restaurant. I was uncomfortable but, the food was good and the Waitress was very attentive to our needs. Libby seemed to enjoy the fact that we were out together. It's been a long time since we have done such things.

The training lady was here last week to meet Bruno. She is going to try and correct his barking when he is outside. He is becoming after all these year a real pain in the butt. He goes out through the doggie door and begins barking immediately. This is not a good thing at a 5:00 AM. She also took a look at how he goes crazy when we put him in the truck to go anywhere. She seems to be very knowledgeable.

I have read recently that social networking sites like blogs are being targeted by hackers. They are preying on the friends of people and their sympathy for problems they thing folks are having. Please, I want you all to know that I will NEVER ask nor will I tell you of serious problems that I might have, I will never solicit you for money or gifts. I don't want anything from anyone except the on-line friendship that is created by our Journals/Blogs. Never send any one or any place money or gifts for me. I don't want them. Just keep me in your prayers if I am reporting some hard times.

I will now spend the weekend trying to catch up on reading your Journals. I will be back soon.

Good Things Do Happen

2009-01-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was not a good day at physical therapy. Every bone in my body hurt. I think it is because the humidity has been so high here. I haven't eaten very well in the last couple weeks I think it is showing because I don't seem to have the endurance I should. I have an appointment with the stomach Doctor on Friday afternoon. Maybe he can figure out what my problem is.

This morning Libby, Mom, and I went to the lab to have blood work done for our annual physicals. I was sure happy with the person who drew my blood. One shot, six tubs, in and out with no poking around and no pain. I hope I can get this person the next time I need a blood draw.

The replacement order from Vermont Country Store arrive a little while ago, I think we could have easily run a tank over the two boxes without damaging the contents. They replaced the entire order even though I gave them a list of the damaged items. I really didn't expect them to replace everything. I am very please with the way they handled my problem.

I am drinking a lot of Gatorade to help replace all the minerals and stuff that I appear to be losing because I'm getting dehydrated. The Gatorade does make me feel better and I don't think I am as dry as I was.

I guess that I will close up shop here and maybe take a nap.

Together Again (some cowboy song I think)

2009-01-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have managed to keep myself and the dogs fed and watered. I guess there really isn't much else for us to do but, wait for Libby to get home. She called this morning to tell me about Bette Midler while she waited for her breakfast to be delivered. (Blueberry French Toast). She says she will pack up her clothes and be home sometime between 10:30 and 11:00. We will all be happy to have her back with us.

I don't have much else to say today. Actually, I should probably go and clean up all the dishes left from feeding us. The sink is full. I don't want Libby to come home to a mess.

Free at last, Free at Last. I'm gonna get in trouble I'm free at last.

2009-01-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

We are alone. The dogs and I have been left to our own devices. There is no female authority or direction hear to be sure we stick to the rules. This is great!! What can I do first to get in trouble? I thought maybe I would smoke a cigar and all three of us would drink beer. I haven't even put a pair of pants on today and I sat at the dining room table in a T-Shirt. That would bring many moments of ugly stares. But, not today.

Libby had gone off to Cesar's Palace for a SPA weekend. She had dinner at a nice restaurant last night and after breakfast in her room she went off to the Spa for the day. Tonight she will have a fine meal at a different restaurant and will see the Bette Midler show. The after doing a little slot play she will go to be and wake up to another room service breakfast. If she decides to return to this lunatic house where the 3 of us are, I expect her at about 11:00 AM tomorrow.

Friday in the desert (with rain)

2009-01-23T04:44:00.000-08:00

I won't be going to physical therapy today. I've been feeling lousy lately so I have an appointment to see my Doctor. I don't think this is a big deal but, I do need some direction with some recent issues.

UPDATE: I've been to the Doc and with a few torques and tweaks I will be fine.

We heard fro the Vermont Country Store last night. They say a new order is on the way and that it won't be packed like the last one. I sure hope so.

Since I am a camera idiot, I have received a couple of suggestions from you good people as to how I can get a picture of Libby's nails. Sometime today I will follow these instructions and again try to get a picture of her beautiful nails.

This morning I joined the Non Commissioned Officers Association. It is a military association of those who served our country in the Enlisted ranks. I belong to the American Legion and the Combat Veterans Association. The NCOA group is very up on politics and the goings on around Washington. They send out news bulletins about what is being legislated regarding the military and veterans. I am looking forward to their news letters and magazine.

UPDATE: Well, here is another attempt to show you Libby's pain job.

My Brain is Empty

2009-01-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

Here I sit staring at the blank screen. I feel that I must write something but, I have no idea what to write. Libby just brought me a freshly brewed cup of my favorite coffee. It tastes hot and good going down but, still doesn't give me anything to talk about.

Oh, Our order arrived from the Vermont Country Store yesterday at about Noon. When I opened the box I found the contents to be a shambles. The idiot who packed our order never put any packing materials on top of the order to fill in the space. That left a 7 inch open area from the top of the products to the top of the box wide open. Each time the box was moved or turned in transit the contents were thrown together so that cans, bottles and boxes were beaten, smashed, and crushed. I fired off an email and included a couple pictures of the mess last night but, Guess What!! I haven't heard a word from them. I guess that the Vermont Country Store is made up of country bumpkins who don't have a clue how shipping works. OK, I actually did find something to talk about.

Libby and I just finished trying to get a decent picture of her beautiful new nails. Unfortunately we don't seem to be able to get a picture close enough to show any detail without the result being very blurry. BAH!!!

I am now going to get another cup of coffee and start my Journal reading. I sure hope that some of you have put up entries that are more interesting than what I've got here.

Have a fine day folks.

Who says there is nothing to do after you retire?

2009-01-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

I started today at physical therapy. I did OK but for some reason I seemed to tire quickly. When my time was done I limped out to Libby as she waited for me at the curb. I am very sore. I will take a nap later and hope to wake up refreshed.

Libby is off to the Nail Lady. Her usual appointment is ever other Thursday at about Noon. The Nail Lady needed tomorrow off so there will be new nails today instead.

Remember a few days ago I talked about soft crabs well, I just bought some. They will be shipped from Chrisfield, MD overnight next Tuesday and will be here on Wednesday. Of course, I just didn't order a few frozen crabs but also bought a pint of fresh oysters and some fresh flounder fillets. I guess we will eat very good next week.

I sent a few emails today and will get a couple of other "computer" things out of the way. Tomorrow morning I will probably write something in the journal and then spend time reading other journals. OK, one game of Freecell or Spider and I am off to my chair.

The Alarm System people will be here later to replace the back up battery. I need to get a nap while it's quiet.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

2009-01-20T10:15:00.001-08:00

JANUARY 20, 2009
12:00 PM

The Inauguration of the 44TH President

of the United States of America

TODAY

I AM HUMBLED

TODAY

I AM AWED

TODAY

I AM INSPIRED

TODAY

I AM PROUD OF MY COUNTRY

TODAY

I AM PROUD OF MY PRESIDENT

TODAY

I AM PROUD OF ALL AMERICANS

TODAY

I PRAY FOR US ALL AND FOR OUR FUTURE

GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT AND OUR COUNTRY

The Bitter and The Sweet

2009-01-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

After not going to physical therapy on Friday I had gone four days without exercise. Today I did pretty good considering I had been off so long. The Therapist did not have me walk on the treadmill today but, I completed everything else including some increases in the number of reps and sets of my exercises. I was happy.

We watched both football games yesterday. I was unhappy that the Eagles lost but, Libby was thrilled as she picked up a $75.00 win on her bet. I thought that the Ravens looked terrible and the Steelers looked like true animals on the field. My own opinion is that the Cardinals will be shredded by the Steelers as long as the Steelers that showed up at the game yesterday show up at the Superbowl. Finally, the Ravens running back Willis McGahee is resting in a hospital after his collision with a Steeler that injured his neck. Although he has use of his arms and legs so far I worry that this could be threatening neck injury. I have said a prayer for him and hope is gets well. quick.

Now, On to the We Are One, Obama Inauguration Concert. We taped the whole thing while we watched football and then sat to watch afterwards. I must say that this concert and the orations that went along with it were awe inspiring. Every piece of music and everything said was emotional. As mush as I enjoyed all the speaker and musicians I thought that John Melloncamp's Little Pink Houses was my favorite. All of the patriotic songs were emotionally draining and managed to bring tears to my eyes a couple times.

The speaker who stirred me the most was Golfer Tiger Woods who discussed the Country's responsibility to its Armed Forces. Besides the pomp and circumstance of the Nation's Military Color Bearers and bands on scene the fact that time was taken to recognize our Forces was impressive.

Regarding my comments about the Armed Forces recognition, you must all remember, I am a Viet Nam Veteran. When I returned from my tour of duty I was not allowed to wear my uniform for fear of violence by my Countrymen. I could not tell old high school friend where I had been as they would get up and walk away from me. I felt then, as I do now that my Generation of Military folks are outcasts of our own country. I did not think our Military would ever be treated any better than dogs. Yes, I am a little bitter and a little jealous. I have over the last few years been happy to see how the younger generations of our country have taken to insuring that our Service people know our country again cares for them. Thank you all for supporting our military now even though you should have been doing it all the time. Please continue your efforts to support our Troops forever.

My Weekend Thoughts Before Football Games

2009-01-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am spending my time reading my new Facebook page and all the people who seem to have put up a page there. I am also searching for a number of items, first is the fried turkey from JIVE TURKEY where I wish I was rich enough to order a turkey. I had fried turkey once and really enjoyed it . I don't want to try and cook it myself but, would like to have the taste again.

The second thing I've been looking at this morning is SOFT CRABS. I would guess that if you are not from the US eastern Mid - Atlantic you have no idea what a soft crab is. It is a recently molted crab. If they are cooked or frozen they can be a fine dining experience. MY good Wife from Chincoteague Island, Virginia taught me the delights of such things as oysters and soft crabs.

Ok, after talking about a couple stupid things this morning I will sign off by saying that I will spend the rest of the day watching football. For those of you who are sick and tired of me ranting about football I will tell you that I also enjoy Boxing, NASCAR, and Fishing. There isn't much else that I can hold an intelligent conversation about in this day and age. I use to be able to hold a very good conversation about automotive and mechanics but that is long gone by the wayside. Oh well, I guess I will have to spend my time thinking about the past. Just watch a few days of the Barrett-Jackson Auctions and you will be able to see what I know a little about now. (even if it is from the past)

I hope that you all have a good day and will have a lot to write about this next week.

The Weekend Besets Us.

2009-01-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was not a good day for me. Every once in a while I have a bad day physically. I stayed home from physical therapy as I was not in a position to stray to far from home. I do have an occasional day where my gastrointestinal system just breaks down. So I eat light and drink water and sit in my chair. Today I am already much better. It is just the nature of aging for me. By Monday I will be back to physical therapy and hopefully will and some time to my treadmill walks.

When we got up this morning we sat with our coffee and watched the Obama Train head from Philadelphia to Washington. They are making a number of stops along the way. It is the same route that President Lincoln took of 137 miles. I consider this next few days the most historic of my life at age 61. It appears that all of the people of our country are happy to celebrate the inauguration even in these financially tough times. I get the impression that the "Common Folk" are ready to roll up their sleeves and help this new President try and realign our Country for the better. I hope it works. Mr. Obama has a very hard road ahead of him. It looks to me that the work is just to much for us to handle. But, I think if all Americans are willing to pitch in however they can we can rebuild our Nation to a much better form.
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

I can't think of much else today. Libby went to the Commissary at "The Base" yesterday to pick up a few things. Along with our stuff she got Mom three really nice steaks. Mom is a carnivore of the first order. When Libby went shopping for her the other day the grocery store didn't have anything Libby thought was "decent". So, this morning Libby is picking Mom's meds up to take to her along with the steaks. Libby will then head for Nordstrom's. Apparently there is a special sale next Tuesday. Libby went today and she and Chris (the Shopper Lady) will pick a few things out and then Chris will ring them up for her on Tuesday so she gets the discount and have them ready for Libby on Wednesday. My Wife doesn't want to go out Tuesday as it is Inauguration day and we both want to watch the action.

Our weather has been very good with above normal temperatures this whole week. I have been watching the sub-zero temps around the country and am so glad I live in a desert even if it is a cold one.

The plane crash in New York harbor this week is a true miracle. The Pilot, the Crew, The Passengers, and the Rescuers should all be proud of themselves.

Big Surprises and Donations

2009-01-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Remember me telling you all that I ordered Libby an electric wine bottle opener on Tuesday? Well guess what, it showed up by UPS yesterday. Not twenty-four hours from the time that I ordered it from Amazon.com. Yep, I didn't believe it when right after the receipt showed up in my email a second email that said it was shipped showed. Well, how would I know that Amazon has a huge distribution center here in Las Vegas. Now I have to find more things to buy that will come out of this Amazon Distribution Center. Oh, by the way, You don't have to worry about Libby finding out what her birthday present is going to be. She knew when I ordered it since she was the one who (as we watched the TV commercial) said, " Ooh, I want one of them." We have it put together and sitting in it's charger getting a full load of sparks for us to try this evening.

I did good at P.T. on Wednesday. I am still trying to walk longer on the treadmill. I'll be glad when I have mastered it.

Now, I am going to get serious for a minute and talk about donations. Yeah, Yeah, I know that no one wants to pass out money during these financially depressed times. But, I have found a real great place to put a couple bucks that will benefit kids in school. My Journal friend Nancy at Purple Reign is a school teacher for special needs kids. She wrote a proposal for some class supplies that her school district can't afford and sent it to a group called Donors Choose .These folks match up the requests with people or groups of people who will fund or partially fund the Teachers project. Every request is teaching/classroom oriented. Our Teachers spend a lot of their own money every year trying to keep their classes supplied and their students learning. Take a look at the web page that I hyper-linked about and see if this is something you would like to try and help out with.

Who's hair is it anyway?

2009-01-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Libby took Mom and they went off to get their hair done. Mom doesn't like the idea of leaving her house anymore but, concedes since she feels she must get her hair fixed once in a while and the fact that Libby is with her. I don't know why but Mom seems to just want to stay home.

The dogs and I are waiting for the "Water Guy" to show up and replace all the filters in the reverse osmosis system. It is a filtering system that cleans up our drinking water so it doesn't stink and looks clean and clear. When he arrives he will rink the doorbell and the dogs will go nuts. I will have to corral them and get them in the office while he is here. If I don't one will be licking his arms while the other tries to crawl under the sink with him. It is not a pretty sight. Plus they bark and whine the whole time he is here. No one needs that!!!

Libby's birthday is the first week of February and I ordered her present this morning. She is getting an electric wine bottle opener. She likes to have a glass of wine with dinner. I usually get the task of opening a new bottle of wine. Now, she will be able to do it herself.

There isn't much more to talk about today. I guess the weather in the northern -central part of the country and the east is lousy. We are having temps in the 65 degree range. So that makes me happy. I will say that I am looking forward to our President Elect and his family choosing a dog. I personally think that they should get a mongrel from a local Pound that is going to kill it. I am also looking forward to the Inauguration. It will mean that a new group will enter the White House. I hope that these folks have some good ideas that will help us get back on track. The election is over. It is now time for all of us to get behind our new President and try to help him move us along to a better situation. This is actually the first time I've ever wanted to help a President get through the Nation's problems. The rest of the time I always just laid back and complained. I hope things change for the better.

Another Football Week

2009-01-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

P.T. was pretty good today. I did everything that I normally do except a full number of minutes on the tread mill. For some reason my legs really tired out and I had to stop about half way through. I hope that Wednesday will be fully back to normal and I can continue to work towards my minute goal.

Libby is off to do a few things. Go to the Pharmacy. buy a baby present, and get something for dinner at the grocery store. The Dogs are asleep in the doorway to the Office. I can actually hear the "Big One" snoring. Maybe that is a hint for me to take a nap too.

Three of our choices came in for the four football games this weekend. It will be an interesting play-off weekend next week. Then comes the big one. Libby and I shut down everything on Superbowl Sunday. We make something for us to eat during halftime. This year it is sausage with peppers and onions on rolls. I will probably have a beer or two to wash the good food down. We don't answer the phone and turn the recording machine way down so it doesn't bother us. We sit back and watch the game as well as the pre and post game shows. Oh yeah, we yell at the TV a lot. It is a fun day just for the two of us.

I stopped writing on this entry for a while as Libby returned home from her morning out. One of the things we talked about over lunch is our Mega Wal Mart. It is huge and I think covers a whoile city block. It is basically where everyone goes to get anything. Libby says that she sure knows that there is a financial problem in the area as she was able to get a parking spot right up front near the doors to the store and that never happens usually. The place is usually so filled with people that you have to park a long way from the store enterance and walk forever to get inside. Today she parked up front and walked in. I guess it is a sign of the times.

A quiet weekend except for the football games

2009-01-11T04:07:00.000-08:00

I had a lousy day at P.T. on Friday. I was going along OK doing my routines when my right thigh became numb. Then the left on did also but it didn't go to my ankle from my hip like the right one. At the time I was on the tread mill so the Therapist had me get off and lay down on a stretching platform. After a few minutes the numbness got less but, didn't go away. He told me that exercises were over for the day and I packed up and Libby took me home. It has taken until last night for the numbness to finally all go away. There was never any pain, just the numbness. I have no idea what happened but, if it happens again I'll be headed off to the Orthopaedist.

I went with Libby yesterday to the Palms Casino. She had a free prize to pick up. I went in to the casino with her and spent some time at a slot machine and then a black-jack table. It was fun. I don't do this much as I have problems getting around real well. I guess that the physical therapy is doing me good as I was able to get in and out of chairs without a problem and walk in the casino and back out to the truck. We stopped on the way home at RED LOBSTER and picked up a couple fat fish sandwiches and soup for lunch. That was a nice was to spend the morning before we settled in for the football games.

OK, a couple more play-off games today. So we will just sit around and yell at the TV. Libby is making Hot Dogs for dinner. I guess that is proper for a sports event.

Random Thoughts

2009-01-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

I managed to get my pictures in yesterday's entry at about 4:30 am today. I'm happy that is now works. I also managed to visit all the Journals I follow, a few Facebook pages of friends I like to write on their chalk boards, and go to a Military site that I correspond a lot with other folks. I have been busy today.

I spoke with Mom early this morning (as I do every morning) while I was having coffee. She is keeping a close eye on the herbs to see them sprout. She is also complaining about the cold like I do. I think it may have a lot to do with the fact that we both take blood thinners. Libby on the other hand is always asking to turn the heat down.

Oh, by the way. My Wife is off having her nails done. She left here and didn't have any idea how she would have them painted. I suggested that she find some one to do little portraits of me on all her nails.

Here is a picture of my road to our Pennsylvania house on one normal day in the winter. Wish I still had this house. It was a great place and Libby and I built it.

Remembering my Dad and Other Stuff

2009-01-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here is my Pop thinking

Here is my Dad burning up the forest at our home in PA.

He liked to burn the trash.

I will start today with a personal note about my Dad. Today is the day he passed away in 2000. He and my Mom but up a valiant battle together to thwart his medical demons and in the end the battle was lost. I miss him each day. My biggest frustration is the fact that I can't call him and talk. It is beyond me how my Mom is able to cope with his loss because they were so close. I've said a number of prayers today and will continue. I miss you Pop!!!

I went to my physical therapy session this morning as usual. My milestone today was to last an additional 30 seconds on the treadmill. I seem to be getting better at each exercise period. I have moved along with all my therapy routines well and I hope I can continue.

As is our practice after training on Wednesdays we stopped for coffee and a morning snack and took everything to Mom's. We sat with her a while and enjoyed the company. For Christmas she received an AeroGarden with six different herbs to grow. She has the garden set up in the kitchen. Now all we have to do is wait for the herbs to sprout and grow. They say it should take 7 to 10 days for everything to erupt from underground. Fresh herbs are great on your food. I will be happy when we can harvest some.

One of my Christmas gifts was a book called WHY WE SUCK by Commedian and Actor Denis Leary. I have a very warped sense of humor. I guess that is why I am sitting in my chair reading this silly thing and laughing out loud and most of the time while I read. I won't recommend it as it is full of bad language and he spends his time beating up on everyone and everything. But, my friends, if you can handle the crassness it is hilarious.

I was not the marrying type but, Libby thought different.

2009-01-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for the Birthday greetings. I went back from holiday mode to regular life this morning. The first thing we did was go to physical therapy. I had to work my buns off because I haven't done any exercise since last Wednesday. I did OK though. I managed to do a couple extra routines and also walked on the tread mill longer than I ever have. I then came home with a big cup of iced coffee, drink it, and took a long nap. I doubt that I will ever be physically fit the way I should be.

I told this story once back in AOL Journals. A few of you have asked that I explain the marriage that Libby and I have a bit more. SO, OK. Libby and I were introduced as a joke. We were so different most folks thought we would never even say a word to each other. MY now Wife was in college. She had shared a room with her Grandmother for the first 18 years of her life. Grandma was the widow of a Methodist Minister. I mention that to give you and Idea of Libby's life through High School and into college. I on the other hand had been in the military for almost four years at that time. Needless to say I was very wild and had no thoughts of marriage or settling down with anything but, a cold beer. We were introducted the first week of August 1969 by her sister and my best friend to see just how for the lightening bolts would fly. They thought this whole thing was going to be very funny. Over the course of the next year Libby and I managed to spend about a total of one week in each other's company. We married the first week of August of 1970 and have been together ever since. I doubt that we will ever part except in death.

There you have the whole story. I hope that you all enjoyed it.

Welcome to the first Sunday of 2009

2009-01-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent a lot of time ranting and raving at the TV. My football picks were not the winners. I had it figured perfectly. I just don't know what happened. (Ha Ha) Got a number of calls yesterday from friends and relatives. I ended up with nine cards and a couple of new books to read. Libby made me a very delicious pineapple upside down cake. I have never been one for traditional celebration food.

I am now free for the entire year. I am as old as I will be for the next year. The rest of you will get older at some time during 2009 but, not me. That is a terrible weight off my shoulders.

Libby is finally up so, we will have coffee and some breakfast. I'm actually thinking that I will have some more of the pineapple upside down cake for my breakfast today. We will then get ourselves ready to watch two more football games this afternoon. I guess I will be happy after the Superbowl. That will give me a couple month break from football. That means that maybe I will get some things done around here and maybe I will actually see what the rest of the world is doing.

This is a picture of "The Three Sisters" Susie is on the left. She is the oldest. My Libby is in the middle. She is the "baby" and Nancy is on the right. She is the middle sister. Susie is Bobby's Wife. She is the wife of an Eastern Shore Waterman. He is who I ask for prayer for. Nancy was married to one of my best friends from the military. She is how Libby and I were introduced and almost passed out when my now Wife and I announced we were getting married after knowing each other for less than a year and only seeing each other twice for a total of six days. Now we are all old and I don't know how everything can be so different and yet so much the same.

Not Started in 2009 yet

2009-01-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

I took yesterday as a day off. I still have the weekend to get through so, on Monday I will start the new year and head back to what I do every week and that is go to physical therapy.

For this weekend Libby and I plan on watching the football games. Mom is feeling very tired so she won't be coming for dinner today. I did get a telephone call from Mom, my friend Ken and our Nephew this morning. They were very good and happy call. The Nephew is off for the weekend and will be back to work Monday like the rest of the world.

We have a whole pot of home made white bean and ham soup. I spiked it a little by adding a package of Hillshire Farms Cheddar Wurst. We will have this thick, meaty, and hot soup for lunch today with a lot of crusty bread and a jello with peach salad. This is one of my favorite meals but, I don't expect anyone else to like it. Just don't think I'm crazy because I do. When you add these smoked sausage links to a pot of soup or baked beans they give off a nice smoke flavor into what your cooking. Just to put them on the grill and then into a hot dog bun is great.

When the 22nd of this month rolls around I will celebrate one year of going to the Physical Therapist. It has been a long hard year but, I have come a long way. I can now do things I didn't think I would ever do again. My Therapist is a guy names Alex Delgado. He owns, operates, and manages COMPREHENSIVE THERAPY CENTERS . Alex and his daughter Traci take good care of me and keep me exercising like I should. He and his wife, Pat run a Physical Therapy and Counselling business a few blocks from my home. I'm sure glad that the lady who recommended him to us was nice enough to give us his name.

To end this wonderful entry I thought you all might like to see a picture of yours truly in 1970. Man, what a difference!!!!

Getting off to a good start------Maybe

2009-01-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

I am starting the year off right. Here it is the first work day of 2009. It is Friday and I am taking off. That means I am doing nothing but, a quick Dermatologist appointment. I will then spend the rest of the day either sitting at this computer or watching the TV.

Not much to this entry but, I am going to show you a few pictures I took yesterday at our very lively celebration. Be sure and notice all the exciting activity.

Mom and Bruno (The Big Dog)

Mom Relaxes

The "Large" Dog wants his Photo Shot

The Chef takes a break

Some "Small" Dogs insure they will get dinner

Libby

Spirit (The Small) Dog Tells Mom a story of woe

2009-01-01T10:33:00.001-08:00

2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Libby and I hope that each of you have a Safe, Healthy, and Happy 2009

Resolving My Resolutions

2008-12-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

I have decided that this year I will not make any New Years Resolution. In fact, I will never waste my time and energy on this again.

Every year I make New Years Resolutions like everyone else and like everyone else I don't keep them. I last months, days, hours, and minutes but, never long enough to make a difference. It is nothing but a lie to myself and everyone I tell the resolution to. So, I'm just going to stop. There is no reason to fool myself. If I want to do something I will do it. I won't talk about it to others of make notes or signs to remind me. I'll just get it done.

So, here it is. I resolve not to make any resolutions for 2009.

Eating my way through the weekend

2008-12-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

I went to physical therapy this morning and spent two hours of exercising. I actually didn't feel all that bad when I was done and I did a couple of extra routines. Maybe I am getting use to all this physical work.

Do you know what Golomki is? It is Polish stuffed cabbage. A truly fine mixture of onion, garlic, ground meat, and rice all wrapped in a cabbage leaf and boiled in a tomato sauce. These are a wonderful dinner item that in the case of the recipe I use comes from Poland. Add a few slices of good rye bread and a salad for a really great meal. Oh yeah, and a beer too!! We watched a woman cook make them today on TV. She made the rolls using uncooked rice with no onion in them and then placed the rolls in a baking dish. She covered them all with a jarred think tomato sauce and baked them in the oven. We use already cooked rice along with onion and ground beef. Wrap the meat in the cabbage leaves and put them in a big pot, stacking them up to near the top of the pot. I like to add a can of diced tomato with the juice and one small can of tomato sauce. We then add water and saute the whole thing until it is all cooked and very hot. I believe that our recipe originated in Poland while the baked one comes from a Jewish recipe. I remember as a kid the lady across the street (Doris) made big pots of these for her family and always brought us a whole pile. What a great dinner.

Mom will come for dinner on January 1. We will have cold cuts and salads. Mom is making potato salad which is one of my favorites. My birthday is very soon and I have decided to make a big pot of ham and white bean soup with some crunchy bread for my birthday dinner. Libby will pick up all that we need to do the cooking tomorrow. I plan to make the soup to have Saturday. My hope is to get it done so that it can age a couple days before we eat it.

Libby went to the Carnegie Deli at the Mirage on Saturday to play off some cash tickets that her Nephew left here. While there she stopped in the CARNEGIE DELI to bring us lunch. This is a branch of the famous Jewish Deli in Manhattan, New York City. The food is fabulous. The sandwiches are the best. She brought us pastrami, corned beef, roasted turkey, and roast beef. All our sandwiches were on rye and there was a lot of lettuce and tomato on each with some Russian dressing. We also got Cole slaw and a whole pile of half sour and sour dill pickles. Today she took Mom a few for her lunches for the next few days.

OK, now that I've done nothing but talk about food I guess I better change the subject. We watched football all day yesterday. I can't say that I am all that surprised about the outcome but, will say I sure expected a better showing from Dallas. I hope they are really embarrassed. Next week the play offs will start and I am looking forward to them and the Superbowl.

Getting to the End of the Year

2008-12-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

Here it is time to get ready now for the New Year. Even though there was a lot of s**t that went on in the world this year I think the year itself went fast probably because there was so much going on to keep us upset and busy.

We had a great Christmas holiday. Mom came over and brought a home made date nut loaf. We had Libby's ham, parsley potatoes, string bean casserole, and applesauce for dinner. Oh yeah, we had some really fine corn muffins from Libby's oven too. It was a good day. Mom gave me an all silver ring of my Dad's that he got in Manila in 1945. I am thrilled to have it. We gave Mom one of those Aerogarden Systems that will allow her to grow and use fresh herbs all year. My wonderful wife was the recipient of two dozen pairs of sox. Each has a different design, There are lobster and crab sox, donkey sox, bear sox, and a bunch of others. After spending time at the tree opening present we moved on to our luscious dinner and then to the TV to watch the THREE TENORS perform a moving Christmas special.

Yesterday I went to physical therapy. Originally I wasn't going to go. I thought I would take the day off but, I am not going to training next Friday so I thought I better go and do my workout. Actually I had the best workout day I think I've ever had. Next Friday being January 2 of the new year I will go see the Skin Doc and then take the rest of the day off as a birthday present to myself.

I will try to catch up on my Journal reading today and see what you all did for the holidays.

Christmas Wishes

2008-12-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

Our wish for each of you is that the joy of Christmas is within you.

Sent with all our friendship of this season:

Mom, Libby, Bill, Spirit, and Bruno

It's Almost here. Hooray for the holidays!!

2008-12-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Libby is off to deliver some cookies to the Vets and their staff. We have sent a large plate of cookies to them each years since we have lived here. They are hard working and gentle people. The practice, Spencer-Springs Animal Hospital has about six Vets but, we see two guys who take very good care of our dogs. Dr. Pennell is the fellow I've mentioned before who is the Dentist for Sigfried and Roy's tigers and Dr. Bower is the guys who actually brought us with him to this practice from another place. Our dogs are kept in very good shape and I think it is because of these two Vets.

After Libby drops off the cookies she is on her way to the "Nail Lady". Libby's usual nail day is Thursday but the holiday interferes with that so between Libby and the Nail Lady they came up with a change of design and color today. I think she will come home with holly branches on her nails. The snowmen were very "cool" If I was Libby I would have just kept them.

We watched the football game last night and then the tape of THE UNIT from the night before. I see that we can expect nothing but repeats for now, I guess until after the first of the year. We will put the YULE LOG on the TV Christmas day and run it all day so we have the music and the nice fireplace fire to watch.

I had a very bad day at P.T. yesterday. I couldn't get my last treadmill walk done and got very dizzy. The Therapist walked me out to the truck to make sure I got there and didn't wind up face down on the sidewalk. I got a little upset with him as he has asked me not to have Libby drop me off at the door but rather park and then walk in from the parking lot. He's got a "bug up his butt" mostly because his Assistant (his Daughter) doesn't like it that Libby drops me off then parks. I don't understand what the big deal is. He should feel like I do when I first leave home in the morning. If I could find someone to carry me in I would. I have a lot of pain and am usually sick to my stomach for a while. Oh well, he is the Therapist so I will do what he wants.

As I may have told you we are having ham for our Christmas dinner. Mom is making a mince meat pie. It is my favorite and you can't get the mince meat during the year except at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Football and Snow

2008-12-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

Here in the Nevada desert the best way for you to place your house is facing north. It provides the most shade in the front to help ward off the hot sun and wind. But, this does not work for winter snow and ice storms because your house protects the snow and ice from the suns rays and therefore the stuff doesn't melt. We have a virtual skating rink in the front of our home on the walks and driveway. Libby went to Home Depot and got sand to put on the walks. I wouldn't want anyone to fall except it looks like I am the only one in the neighborhood who cares.

We got up and out early today as I needed to go to the WALGREEN'S for a couple small presents and "family" cards. I am really impressed with myself this year. I went in to the store and walked around to buy a few things, waited in line at the register, paid for my stuff, and walked back to the truck without getting exhausted or dizzy. I am slowly progressing and it makes me happy.

We picked up coffees and breakfast sandwiches at JACK IN THE BOX to take to Mom's. We sat with her a while, put some sand on her driveway and walkway, and then came home to spend the day watching football.

The Weather people are saying we could have snow flurries on Christmas Day. I hope that it all there is I don't want one of these "30 Year" snows again for 30 years.

It's getting closer

2008-12-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a long and tiring day and it all started with P.T. where besides getting beat up we left them all with cookies and brownies for the holiday party they will have tonight. Then I went with Libby to deliver cookies to the local fire house, our Doc, her staff, and her nurse. We then made a stop at Lee's Liquors to pick up a bottle of Vodka for a few Bloody Marys, some small champagne splits for Mom to have over the holidays, and some 4oz. cans of Sapporo beer for me. I can't drink much anymore but one of those little cans of beer is perfect for me to have with a sandwich or slice of pizza. Outlast stop was a Sara's Von's to pick up the flowers we ordered for Mom and for us so, we all have some around the house for the holidays.

It is still really icy here. I think a lot of the problem is that we have a lot of shade around the house and that has prevented the snow and ice from melting much. I almost took a "header" twice now. Today we went to Home Depot and bought some sand to put on the walks and driveway to help with traction. Poor Libby got that job.

We have a football game tonight and a bunch tomorrow to keep us busy while we decorate the tree.

My friend Lori of Lori's Life Lessons is Jewish and is now celebrating Hanukkah. Here is a little excerpt from her Private journal to give you an idea of what is going on in their house now. She always puts up great pictures and this year is even better since she just became a Grandma.

"Hanukkah dinner will be Sunday. Its the time of sharing the light. The tallest candle is the servant and lites the others. We eat latke's (potato pancakes and play dreidle games) We share the story of HOW GOD gave us light and saved us. We use this time to spread the light and blessings we were given. I will share some pictures. It will run for 8 days. each day we light the candles adding one (Some take one away) and say prayers."

I do enjoy reading her Journal and seeing all the pictures of her family. I hope that Lori and her family have a very Happy Hanukkah!!!

My Brother In Law is home from his latest hospital trip. He now has one leg amputated up to his hip. He is not doing all that well but, will be able to be at home with his family for the holidays. I ask that you all say a prayer for him. He is Bob Melvin of Chincoteague Island Virginia.

The End of the Desert

2008-12-18T04:27:00.000-08:00

THE YARD AND POOL

I grew up in NY and NJ. I was actually born during a major snow storm. I do know what snow is like and what it is all about when it gets bad. Yesterday around here was actually funny to me. The entire place went "Nuts". We had a "measurable" amount of snow in the valley. Some are saying that the outer edges of the Vally actually got about ten inches of snow. Where I am it appears we got five or so.

When the snow started the world of the Las Vegas Valley came to an end. The cars stopped moving, the airport closed down, and all the TV channels went to Emergency News mode. That is how it started from about 3:00 PM yesterday and it still is now. All our schools are closed today also.

We were greatly affected by this "Monster" storm. It hurt Libby and I so bad that Libby went to a show with a friend and her husband and I went to sleep. Sleep, that is why I am up at 4:30 AM. Here is what happened that I didn't expect. The snow came down fast and heavy. It was big flakes with a lot of moisture in them. All this snow clogged up the antenna of my satellite dish and stopped it from receiving the picture feed. Libby tried brushing the dish but, that didn't last to long. All this meant that I could either do something constructive or go to bed and I chose Go To Bed.

For those of you who live in the North of North East you will find this extremely funny. For those of the South and Southwest I expect you will run around with terror in your eyes. I though, am content to sleep through all of it. They don't call me "Bear" for nothing.

THE GRAPEFRUIT TREE

2008-12-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

I ranted and raved about my physical therapy appointment on Monday. I was able to get off the floor from laying on my belly and after sitting up on a table also stood up. For me that was a big accomplishment. OK, then yesterday arrived. Oh WOW!!!! do I hurt. I am sore down the front of both legs and also the backs, my stomach muscles hurt so bad I can barely breath, and I have a large bruise on my side. Other than that I'm OK, I think. This is what I have to do and I guess it is wimpy of me to complain about the after effects but, the complaining gives me something to do.

Not much else going on here today. Libby went to Mom's to have coffee and make a bank deposit run for her. The plumber is due there this morning to fix her garbage disposal again. It still doesn't work right. I expect that the Aide who came to see Mom after she got out of the hospital this last time may have put something down it that clogged it up again.

It all starts next week. Christmas is on the 25Th and Hanukkah starts on the 21St. So I guess we will all be having family events and parties until after 1/1/2009. The year sure went fast and this month even faster. I do enjoy the holidays and relish my time with Mom, Libby, and the Dogs. I hope each of you gets to enjoy the time.

Starting this Week

2008-12-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

It is cold and rainy here today. We actually had snow flurries in places here in the valley. They expect it to be like this for a few days. I'm bundled up in a sweat shirt to try and get some of the chill out. I heard that the Forecasters don't expect the high temps to get out of the 40's for the next week. I moved here to the DESERT to get away from this type of weather. BAH!!!!

I had a good day at my physical therapy. As some of you know I have a hard time walking and have been in a wheel chair, on a walker, and now use a cane. Things have progressed over the last few years but, I have no where near the stability I would like. Many broken bones that are held together by metal and wire are the main cause.

OK, today the Therapist decided that we would again try to get me from the floor (like a position I would be in if I fell) up on to a workout table. I am always leery when he gets these ideas as I don't do very well with them. So, we got me all the way down on to the floor on my belly. I then curled my leg up and lifted with my arms to put myself in a kneeling on all fours position. From there we worked it so I actually got myself up to an upright position on my knees. From that point I was able to swing myself over and place my torso up on the table. Finally I moved myself around and sat up. That is the first time I have been able to complete this task. We are working on getting me to stand up without having to crawl around too much. I'm real happy with my accomplishment today.

The new Christmas tree is in the living room. Libby will try to get it up and the lights working this evening while we watch the football game.

Tomorrow the "Nail Girl" comes to give me my annual present. I will have my once a year manicure. I don't care what anyone says I enjoy it. Libby is putting together a plate of sandwiches and salads for us to have lunch with her. It should be a nice afternoon.

A Corgi Give Away

2008-12-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

I forgot to make sure you knew about Coda's give away.

It is a video tape that Coda and Mom want someone to win.

If you haven't been there yet stop by and see what you need to do to win.

A Corgi in Southern California.

Getting Ready for the New Week -- Maybe

2008-12-14T11:19:00.001-08:00

It is chilly here this morning but, it is expected to be rainy, windy, and cold by tomorrow morning with the possibility of snow flurries here in Las Vegas. I'm sure not looking forward to that!!

We taped up a couple packages to get out yesterday afternoon and Libby took them to the Post Office. She just left now to take the last one that didn't make it out yesterday so, we are now done with mailing for the year. Libby did all the Christmas cards early this year so they were gone before Christmas Eve.

After dropping off the package at the Post Office she will go on to the Palm's Casino to pick up her monthly gift. The card says it should be a warm-up jacket. They have given out some quality things this year but, I expect it to stop by January as the economy and tourism is way down here right now. We have a couple casinos that have cut staff way back and one that just shut down completely. There are some real bargains to be had for rooms and special dinner packages, if you have the money to spend a few days here. I am told that many of the properties aren't even near capacity for New Year's Eve. That is a real problem. This City lives of the tourist trade. The people who clean the rooms, drive the cabs, serve the meals, and appear in the shows are going without a lot of their regular money as things dry up. I sure hope we can all get through this recession.

I have the Buffalo vs Jets game on TV right now. We have that one instead of the Washington game. I see by the ticker that Washington is down 17 to nothing. I just can't get my team back to winning this year. Right now they are losing to a team that is about 1 and 12. What a shame.

Windy Saturday

2008-12-13T10:19:00.001-08:00

Here it is, Saturday morning. I really don't have much to do today. The wind is blowing at about 30 MPH and we are being told that the temps will be in the 30's by tonight. There is a great possibility of rain here and snow in the foothills. One Weathercaster is even saying that we could get a dusting of snow here in Vegas. I dislike winter.

I spent yesterday trying to get back "up to speed" with all the Journals I try to read. I was able to get a lot done and will try to finish up today. Seems that most people are going along just getting ready for the holidays.

Oh well, Off to read a few Journals. I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

The week is almost done

2008-12-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

I have a few minutes to sit so, I will try and get some form of entry put up.

Libby is now off to Mom's to drop off a meal of fresh bow tie pasta and meat sauce that we made last night. It should be well aged by today and ready to enjoy. Then Libby will head to the Nail Shop for her every two week nail work. The "Nail Girl" is coming here next week to give me my annual Christmas present which is a manicure. I do enjoy this once a year treat and surely understand why you ladies enjoy it so much. I think Libby is planning to serve Nicole lunch and send her home with a couple presents for her two Daughters who are I think about 10 and 4. Nicole has a boxer so she is well acquainted with the rules of engagement when it comes to large dogs. Our "Boys" look forward to seeing her and having her rough-house with them.

Libby takes the "Little Boy" to the Vet this afternoon. He seems so be having some kind of ear problem. It is hanging low and he shakes it a lot. He may have an infection or just an errant bug crawling around inside. It is also his time for a teeth cleaning.

We picked our few grapefruit for this year. There aren't to many and after week took a few out for us and Mom we just gave the rest to a food bank here in town. There just wasn't enough to offer them out via mail to any of you this year. Hopefully next year we will have a better crop so I can send some of you a few of these so sweet grapefruit.

Yesterday was my visit to the Internist early in the morning. It was a good visit. I updated her on the Dermatologist vi st to remove the growth on my forehead. Not that you can't see them make that is healing. We also talked about my visit to the Eye Doc and the Ocular Migraine diagnosis. I will have my semi annual "full blown" blood work in about a month and then see her again. This will be right before her change over to the new type of private practice. It is like keeping my Doc on a call retainer. There will be some other good benefits to this type of practice that should really benefit Libby and I.

This is a picture of Bobby in better days with Libby's sister Susie. I wanted you all to see who he is. We are hoping for the best but, not expecting much. The Surgeons took off his one leg right up to the pelvic joint yesterday. They have temporarily put a by-pass in his other leg to help the blood flow but the Docs are not very optimistic.

Bob and Susie have lived a very frugal life on an Island in the Atlantic Ocean off Virginia. He, as other members of his family were Watermen. They made their living with seafood like oysters, clams, crabs, and fish. It is a hard life without much benefit. Susie has also spent her life working to bring money in. They raised two children and at least two grandchildren and a great grand child. One final note, they have never been able to afford health care or insurance. To me that is one of the reasons his care by professionals has been "lacking". I appreciate all your prayers and good thoughts for them. I would only ask that you continue to keep them both in your hearts and prayers.

2008-12-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

It is 7:45 PM PST and I am just finally getting in and able to sit a few minutes here at the computer.

Last night Libby and I watched a movie on the PPV called NIM'S ISLAND with Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin. It was a very nice "family" adventure movie about a little girl on an Island and the Adventure Writer who comes to help her. If you need a family movie to fill some time. This is a good one.

I went to the Foot Doc today. He seems please with the progress of my large toe. It's hard to believe that I had a bad fungus under the nail but, the nail sure looks good now as it grows in. Tomorrow morning we will be off to a regular Internist appointment. The Doc will check the hole in my head from the growth removal and will also talk with me more about the ocular migraines. I won't get to Physical Therapy until around 1:00 PM. I hope I don't have a problem going so late in the day. I usually start training at 7:30 AM.

Mom sounded good today but a little tired. She says she is not as good as yesterday but, still feeling well.

We heard from Libby's Sister Susie this evening. Our Brother in Law, Bobby is not doing well with his legs. He will reenter the hospital in the morning to have more bad flesh removed from the leg he lost part of and also to try a by-pass of an artery in his other leg. He is not well and we are praying for him.

That's it for now. Maybe more tomorrow.

A better than usual day.

2008-12-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Today has started out as a very good day. I called Mom this morning before we went to Physical Therapy. She says she is really feeling good today. She thinks that for the first time in a while she had a restful sleep. I'm really glad to hear her say these things. She is going to have Libby's home made turkey soup for her lunch today.

My therapy session went very well today. Alex, my Therapist was not in today but, his Daughter, Tracy was there as always and insured that I got the help I needed and did everything I was scheduled to do. Tracy does not let me sneek past any of the regular routines I am so posed to do. Today I walked a full ten laps and that is quite a distance for me. I was proud of my trainingsession today.

We are starting to look forward to the holidays. I ordered a fine ham from BURGERS SMOKE HOUSE that is to arrive this week. Mom, Libby, The "Boys" and I will spend Christmas together. Libby and I will have Christmas Eve for us. I did my shopping on line again this year. I think I already have it all shipped in. I don't have a whole lot to give Libby but, I expect she will like what she is getting. Mom has some great things. I've asked for a bottle of Chinese chili oil and two books that have recently been published. We will put up our new tree maybe next week.

Here in the desert it s windy, cold, and rainy today. I sure hope this stops soon. I really am not ready for winter to decend on us.

Fighting the good fight - All the way to exhaustion.

2008-12-07T09:47:00.001-08:00

We watched the PPV fight last night and had an exciting evening. By the time the fight was called after eight rounds we were both exhausted. The fight went as I had expected and predicted. I always like it when I appear right about something and all the reporters and commentators are wrong. The only Boxing Reporter and Commentator who agreed with me was Bert Sugar. SO, I guess we get to thumb our noses at everyone else. I will say that I thought that Oscar De La Hoya looked very "off" last night. He just couldn't counter the quick hard punches of Pacquiao. He looked old. I really think it is his time to retire from active boxing and set his mind on his promotions business.

Libby and I are big fans of Manny "PACMAN" Pacquiao. We have been since he first had fights here in the U.S. I see his career going even farther. He is now a champ in at least three weight classes. I don't think it will stop there.

Libby brought Mom home yesterday evening. I've already spoken to her today and she tells me she is tired but, OK. I sure hope so. Libby is taking home made turkey soup over to her later. I expect she will spend the day reading the paper and probably watching the Eagle vs Giant game and then the Redskin vs Ravens game. Just like we will do here.

I guess we will now start working on getting ready for the holidays. Libby took down the Fall (harvest) decorations in the courtyard the other day and I expect that the reindeer and our big snowman will go up shortly. We also have a brand new Christmas tree to put up and decorate. I do love this time of year.

Migraine Headaches and Eye Doctors

2008-12-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

Libby and I sat and watched the ARMY vs NAVY game this morning. It came on here at 9:00 AM. I talked with Mom and she also had it on in her hospital room. I think there should be some sort of policy that teams involved in this century old rivalry should not be allowed to gain more than 14 points over an opponents score. No matter who wins I don't think that our Service Academies should suffer that kind of humiliation on the field of play.

Mom hasn't heard anything from any of the Docs and here it is almost 2:30 PM. Libby will go over to see her about 3:00 PM and take a nice cold coke for her. I guess from the way Mom talks it is as "Hot as Hades" there. Maybe while Libby is there the Doc will show up and release her. That way Libby can bring her home without more than one trip today.

We will watch the De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao PPV fight tonight starting at 5:30 PM. We like both fighters but, our edge goes to Manny Pacquiao. To both of us he is just a better fighter and is known as the best "pound for pound" in the business.

Now, for the story of Bill and the Eye Doctors. At 9:15 AM yesterday I was standing at the reception desk of the Eye Doctor. My appointment was for 9:40 AM and I was asked to be a few minutes early to complete paperwork. This we did and it took about 10 minutes. We then sat.

After about an hour and a half we were directed in to a room for an exam which took about half an hour. During this exam I learned that my problem is that I am having Ocular Migraines (without pain). Yep, it is a strange thing to me but, apparently I am one of the lucky ones who just has the light flashes and the kaleidoscope effect in my eyes. No pain just irritation. The Doc suggested that I lay quietly in dimmed light with a warm compress over my eyes and forehead when this happens and in about fifteen minutes it should abate. (Ha, wan'na bet?). There is nothing else to do except live with it. Oh yeah, according to him it's probably caused by stress.

By the way we sat in an exam room (after waiting in the reception area for another hour) for fifty-five minutes for the Doctor to see us. Ya know, I think I hate most Docs.

The Hooverville Express

2008-12-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

It is an interesting week here in Hooverville. Yesterday, after Physical Therapy Libby went to spend some time with Mom's cat Charlie. She then went on to the hospital to find that Mom had a bad night and was sleeping with the aid of morphine. Today when I spoke to her at 8:00 AM she sounded good and said she felt much better. I hope there is a way to find out what is wrong with her soon.

Yesterday afternoon Libby took me to the DMV for a new drivers license. All went quickly and well. I am allowed to go to a special area because I am listed as a disabled driver. That meant there wasn't any where near the number of people as were in the regular line. That is now done until 2013.

Today I go to the "Skin Guy" and have this second head removed at about 12:30 PM. I'll be glad to have it gone and the pathology report back.

Last night Libby cooked up all the left over turkey and bones so that we have some nice turkey for a big pie and then a pot of turkey vegetable soup. I'm sorry to see the big bird go.

I taped DIRTY SEXY MONEY and will watch it today. I just don't understand that people don't like this show. It is going off the air by the end of the year. That is too bad. I think it is funny and interesting. One of my favorite actors is Donald Sutherland I'll be sorry to see him go.

Oh well, that is it for today. I hope to be getting updated at all your Journals a couple at a time. I haven't forgotten any of you.

Pictures are in and Mom is resting

2008-12-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to write much today. But, I am going to put up a few pictures of our Thanksgiving weekend. I will tell you that Mom is presently resting comfortable at Desert Springs Hospital. They Docs want to revisit her cauterization and her stress test from a few months ago. They also want to investigate her hyatial hernia. There is speculation that the problem may be there instead of her heart.

This first picture is of my Nephew Eddie and Mr. Bruno

This next one is of Elaine, Eddie's wife.

Here's Mom getting ready for a big meal.

Please, Can I have some turkey?

I think I will try and get up a couple of the Elvis Chapel Wedding Vow Renewal tomorrow.

The "Bug Guy" was here and will stop at my Mom's next. Libby is going to take him over and while she is there she will feed the cat and straighten things up some. She will then head for the hospital to see Mom and find out what is going on.

While all this is going on I will probably do some on line shopping for the holidays.

Another week of Woe.

2008-12-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

Thought I would get a few words off to all of you about what's been going on. The first thing is that we have had a great week with my Nephew Eddie and his wife Elaine. On Friday we went to the Graceland Chapel and renewed their vows after 11 years of marriage. What I thought was going to be a hokey and Corny time turned out to be a really nice presentation. The Elvis sand three very good songs and officiated at the vow exchange. It was very nice.

Sunday the Nephew spend a few hours with us watching football before they took off to dinner and to see the show Mystere. I guess they had a great time as he called me while they were leaving the show to tell me how great it was.

They came here today and returned Libby's car. Libby then took them to the airport for their trip back to North Carolina. I suspect they were exhausted from this whole week.

I went to P.T. this mornings and did OK but, not as well as normal. I guess that the five days off, a holiday meal, and my cold/flu did a "number" on me as I didn't have any stamina today.

This afternoon Libby took some Chinese food over to Mom only to find out she has had great chest pain since yesterday. Libby called the Paramedics and it was decided that she needed to be in the hospital. Libby is there now. I am, of curse stressed out. I hope they can find some way to relieve her chest pain and make her feel more relaxed.

I have tried a couple times today to do some electronic shopping with no real luck. I will now wait a few days for stuff to settle down. I have already received what I really wanted to get anything else will be "fluff". I can wait.

Holiday Workout

2008-11-29T12:51:00.001-08:00

I actually didn't realize that it has been so long since I stopped by. I hoped everyone had a very filling Thanksgiving. I did and was much better from my cold (or Flu) by Thursday afternoon.

My Nephew Eddie and his Wife Elaine arrive a few minutes late off their flight Wednesday morning. They had a few problems with getting their luggage and did land late. We had rain on Wednesday and again on "Turkey Day". That type of weather can bring the desert to a halt. I've seen people deal with blizzards better than they do a few drops of rain here in this area.

It had been good to see Eddie. It had been a while since we were back East and got to see them. Yesterday, we went to the Graceland Wedding Chapel so they could renew their wedding vows. We all had a great time with Elvis officiating. We actually were able to sing along as he crooned a few favorite hits and all of us wore shiny gold sunglasses. I was able to get a pair with sideburns. Now, That really contrasted with my bald head.

It was my hope to put up a couple picture of our Thanksgiving meal and our Vow renewal event up with this entry but, I've been over an hour and can't seem to get my Kodak dock and my camera to cooperate. I hope to get this fixed soon and show you some of the lunacy that has been going on around here.

The Nephew will be here until Monday afternoon and by then I should be able to get back to regular reading, commenting, and writing here in New Journal Land.

I think there is a Redskins game on TV Sunday morning. That will keep me busy.

The Eve of Turkey Day Eve

2008-11-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday curled up in blankets in my recliner. With the help of THERAFLU, ALLEGRA, and TUSSIONEX EXT-REL I managed to feel good enough to sleep the day away. I also slept all through the night. This morning I feel better but, still need a few days that I don't have to get back on track.

Libby will have her nails done this morning. Her turkeys were nice but, she lost one of the nails (with a turkey on it) not to long after they were done a week or so ago. I have no idea what she will come home with now.

After nails Libby will go to see Sarah at Von's and pick up our flowers for Thanksgiving. She will probably have a centerpiece, flowers for the living room, and flowers for the TV room. I really enjoy all the fresh flowers in the house.

We still have some clean up to do and there are things we will start to cook this evening. Tomorrow will be "a bear" as the Nephew arrives at 10:00 AM and I am in physical therapy until 9:00 AM. We will do a lot of "Turkey Day" preparation work tomorrow so there is more time to sit and talk while watching football on Thursday.

Mom says she is feeling a lot better but, I don't know as she always seems to be out of breath. I arranged for a lady to come and help her out each day from 9 to 12. That way someone other than her can strip and remake the bed, wash her clothes, and make her a nice lunch for the next week. I hope this will help her recover a little more. She will spend Thanksgiving with us but, starting today she will have the help through Sunday.

Ill Feelings and Turkey Day

2008-11-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Mom did well yesterday afternoon with the cardiac catheterization. The Doc told her that she had some blocked areas but they will deal with them by medication rather than do surgery and open new "cans of worms". Unfortunately she was not a candidate for the collagen seal that would have stopped the arterial blood flow quickly allowing the wound area to clot so, she had to lay pressure bandaged without moving for about six hours.

Mom will probably come home sometime this afternoon as long as the Internist (Cardiologist's Sister) thinks it is OK. Libby has gone to take care of the cat and pick up a box of Theraflu for me. Yes, I've come down with a head cold. I can't breathe through my nose and have a very scratchy throat. I don't like this idea and want it all to stop. This is Thanksgiving week. My Nephew is coming, I have physical therapy to attend, and turkeys to cook. Oh well, we will do what is necessary to keep the work running smoothly.

I need a day or two to get myself back together. I will be writing and reading your Journals soon. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving week.

I'm glad this week is over!!!

2008-11-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

Things did not turn out the way we expected or wanted yesterday. First, Mom had a Cardiologist appointment at 9:00 AM that included a pacemaker check. She didn't pass it and finally told the Doc she was having chest pain from about 3:00 AM. So, he sent her to the hospital as a direct admit to the Cardiac area. No E-Room stop, no nothing, just into a bed in the cardiac wing. She is scheduled for a pile of tests today.

Libby took Mom to her appointment and escorted her to the hospital and did all the sign in stuff. During this time I was to be at the Skin Doc to have that second head removed. So, that never got done. I didn't see Libby until late in the afternoon. I have rescheduled the wart removal for December 4 at 12:30 PM.

Mom just called and she will have a cardiac catheterization tomorrow morning. She is also having some kidney problems from not drinking enough water. They are pushing her to drink a lot today. Mom is not a happy camper, she wants to go home to her cat and sit in her chair. I would expect that going home will occur on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The road work has moved across the intersection and it is now a little quieter in front of my house. The only problem is that they are parking all the diggers and trucks here by me. That means that Mr. Bruno is still grumbling, growling, and barking. I'll be glad when this is over.

UPS has been here each day this week at least once. All the Christmas presents I ordered are showing up. Hopefully it will mean that by the first part of December my holiday shopping will be done.

Mid Week. Another Good Day

2008-11-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

As usual, we were up early enough to sit around and drink coffee before getting ready for my three day a week trip to the Physical Therapist. When we got ready and went out the door Libby put the new plates on the truck. These are sure garbage compaired to what we had. The old ones were stamped and had raised letters. The new ones are flat and have decal letters and numbers. I doubt they will last anywhere near as long.

Training didn't go to bad today. I spent a lot of time on the treadmill. This is a new piece of equipment for me to use. I seem to be getting the hang of it but, I'm still a little nervous about sliding off the back like I've seen people do in the commercials.

Today being Wednesday we try and go to Mom's for coffee and some chat after P.T. We stopped at Dunkin Donuts today and picked up three Lattes, some donuts, and a small box of donut holes. Mom keeps the donut holes in the freezer and can pop a few out as she wants them.

When we got home I sat in my chair and read the newspapers. This was about all I could do before I took a quick nap. I do get a little exhausted from all the exercises.

Libby and Mom have gone out to the Hair Salon for a wash, color, and cut. They will enjoy their afternoon of chat and gossip. The older we get the finer Mom's hair gets and the grayer Libby seems to get. Since I don't have any hair left I don't have to worry about any of this. I'm glad they both enjoy each other's company and the afternoon of "Beauty Stuff".

I was surprised that the Skin Doc gave me a bunch of antibiotics to take. He is doing the same thing the Dentist does before I get worked on. For some reason because I have a bunch of metal in my body they do this to prevent infection. I'm actually glad as I wouldn't want an infection in my hip, leg, or ankle to complicate everything else.

The guys working on our street told Libby yesterday that they will be gone by Friday. That is fine with me. I think Bruno will also be happy. All he seems to want to do is get out there and discuss the noise with them.

If this is Tuesday it must really be Monday

2008-11-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Today started out quiet enough. We got up early and had coffee. I had a Doctor appointment at 9:30 AM to see the "Skin Guy". I have this wart that has come up on my forehead in about a months time. It is making me crazy as I seem to be touching it all the time. I wanted the Skin Doc to gouge it out and be done with it.

The minute he looks at the wart he gets all official like and tells me that he will have me back on Thursday to surgically remove it and send it for biopsy. I ask why he can't just freeze it off and he says that anything that could be skin cancer needs to be surgically removed and sent for tests. So, I say to him what about this other one on my side. When I show him is says to me "Ah, that's nothing. Don't worry about it" OK, what's the difference? I guess I'll find out on Thursday.

When we start home Libby realizes that there is no license plate on the back of my truck. As we look at it I decided that the plate was probably stolen. It just wouldn't fall off. We also realize that this theft must have occurred over the weekend not last night. This because Libby took the truck to the car wash yesterday. The whole area where the license plate goes was bright and shiny and clean. This would not be the case if a plate was in place over that part of the bumper when it was washed. The area of the bumper that would be under the plate would still have a dirt film over it. This area was washed and wiped down like the rest of the truck. To top all this off the person who did this took the screws to hold the plate on with him. That means we have to go to the hardware store and buy new screws too.

Libby had to go to the Police Precinct and file a report, go to the bank and get the title out of the lock box, and then go to DMV and re register the truck with new plates. She is now home and exhausted from waiting in lines and all the stress. This just wasn't a normal quiet Tuesday. It was more like the Monday from Hell.

If anyone wants the pork slow cooker recipe send me an email and I'll send you a copy.

Monday Morning Up and Out

2008-11-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was, as usual football day in our house. Libby and I sat around all day and watched the games. I was disappointed that the Redskins lost but, thought that the Giant game was pretty good. We also spent some time switching back and forth to the NASCAR race. It was the last of the season so I had to get a little time in watching it.

Libby and I have been married a long time. We rarely use recipes anymore. We just put what we think will be good in the pot or pan and "have at it" as they say. Therefore, there was no recipe for the slow-cooker pork dish the other night. Libby is putting something together as a recipe for anyone who would like to give it a try. I expect she will be done tonight or tomorrow.

Libby just left to take Mom to the newly reopened WalMart near us. They originally closed it up when they built a mega-center about two miles from us. For some unknown reason they can't get people to shop in the new store. They just don't want to go there. So, they took the old closed up store and rebuilt the whole thing. It opened last Wednesday. I sure looks good now. I hope that it stays where it is and gives us someplace close to do our shopping. Mom says she needed a couple things like a new outside broom so Libby said she would take her this morning. I suspect they both just wanted to see how it has changed since all the rebuilding.

Physical Therapy wasn't to bad today. I thought I was going to get walked to death on the tread mill but, it turned out to just be exhausting. The Therapist goes out of his way to come up with tortures that are always new and challenging for me. I don't understand why I don't look like Mr. Universe by now.

I am doing my shopping for the holidays on line again this year. I think I'm actually starting a little earlier this year. I've gotten a couple things for Libby and for Mom. Soon I will get done with them and then I will buy a couple things for me.

The work crews putting in the new electric lines have gotten close to oour house now. There is a hole dug in the street in front of my neighbor's house. I guess we will be next. The "Big Dog" has done a little grumbling this morning but, he really hasn't let loose yet. I expect that will come sooner rather than later. He will not be fit to live with then.

Sleeping The Day Away

2008-11-15T03:49:00.000-08:00

I didn't write anything yesterday. I mostly slept. After P.T. I was exhausted and in a lot of pain. So, we went to Mom's for coffee and a breakfast sandwich and I came home and took a pain pill. We usually try to go to have coffee with Mom on Wednesdays after P.T. but, this week we had some trouble with the truck and didn't get anywhere.

When we went to Mom's we took her some of our great Crock-pot pork dinner. I knew she would enjoy a meal she didn't have to cook herself. This slow cooked pork stew that Libby made was so moist and flavorful. I sure enjoyed it.

After I took the pain pill I got in to my chair and watched some TV and snoozed most of the day. That means that here I am at three something in the morning wide awake. It never fails, if I get a nap during the day or in the early evening I will be up by three or four A M.

Libby and I will ride out to the Base today to get some shopping done. We have the Nephew and his wife coming for Thanksgiving and need to stock up on food items for the celebration and just to have around.

The street work has progressed almost to us now. I figure by Tuesday they will be right in front of the house. That should make the "Big Dog" a raving lunatic. He sure doesn't like anyone to be anywhere that he can see them of hear them. I guess he thinks everything is his and he doesn't want anyone "messing" with his stuff.

If it's Thursday this must be Nail Day

2008-11-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here I am sitting at this 'puter in the office. The "Little Dog" is asleep in the hall and the "Big One" is stretched out behind my chair grumbling. He has decided that any monsters bent on sneaking up on us will know that even though he relaxing he is on guard.

Libby is gone off to the "Nail Girl" for her every two week "special". So I am left alone to my own devices with a stern warning not to get into trouble.

The problems with the truck yesterday morning turned out to be a very loose cable to the battery. I am amazed how these new vehicles don't have any of the old features that never broke. On old batteries with two posts on top you never had to worry about a tight connection but, on these new side connects that don't even have a post sticking out you must depend on a stupid screw in hole. So, it cost me money and I missed my Physical Therapy class. BAH!!!

We decided last night that we would have a crock pot meal tonight. Libby browned up some one inch pork pieces with garlic and wine last night. This morning we cut up onions, mushrooms, potatoes, and apples. We put the meat and all the cut up stuff in the crock pot, put drained saurkraut on top and about half a cup of white wine in it. We will let all that cook on high until Libby gets home from"Nails" and then turn it down to low for about six hours. It should be good.

I guess I will read a few Journals and see what the rest of you are doing today. I also want to spend some time shopping on line to get what I need for the holidays. I've been doing pretty good so far and have been able to order a fine smoked ham and a couple of presents for Mom and Libby.

Wednesday feels like Monday

2008-11-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Today is not starting out well at all. As you know it is Wednesday and I was due at P.T. by 7:30 AM. It is also the day that Libby and I take coffee and breakfast to my Mom after I finish Physical Therapy. Instead, I am sitting her because the truck is dead. We went out and got in it today and when Libby turned the ignition on there was nothing. Not one peep out of the engine. We are right now waiting for AAA to arrive and do something.

The Mechanic was here and the only thing he could find was a slightly loose connection of the cable to the battery post. The minute he tightened the cable the truck started without a problem. I don't understand the cable was not loose enough to even wiggle. What a lousy connection!!! Oh well, I guess that is just a bummer of a start today. I'll get over it.

Each Wednesday we try to go over to Mom's and take coffee and breakfast. Sometimes it is a danish with either hot or cold coffee from the Java Detour near the Therapy place, sometimes it is coffee and donuts from Dunkin Donuts, and once in a great while it is a bacon and egg on a roll from Bob's Deli. I spent most of my working life having a coffee and a bacon/egg on a roll where I lived in New Jersey. The hard rolls were excellent. The were crispy outside and well cooked inside. No matter what you put in them they gave off a great flavor of their own. Here in the west (Nevada) they don't have hard rolls only Kaiser rolls. These are a cousin to what I am use to but, definitely not the same in taste of crunch. Also here I found that if you ask for a bacon and egg on a roll you have to tell them to break the yolk or hard cook the egg. If you don't you get a regular fried egg that runs all over the place when you bite into it. There are many strange things here in Nevada this is only one of them.

Giving Thanks

2008-11-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

Today is VETERAN'S DAY

Please take the time to think about ouor Veterans. Seek one out today and say THANKS. Whether that person served in a combat zone or during peace time it makes no difference they have served our country and therefore protected you.

Wonderland in my home

2008-11-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

We were out bright and early to Physical Therapy this morning. I really didn't want to go. I would have rather pulled up the covers and slept for another few hours.

I didn't do very well at training today. Remember I didn't go on Friday so, it has been since Wednesday that I worked out. That seems to put me back a whole lot when I miss a scheduled day. I hope that this Wednesday I will be back on track.

Libby has convinced me to capitulate to the twitty little children that run my Doc's office. I really don't want to lose my Doctor. She has worked hard to get me back into half way decent shape. I did write her a letter explaining the situation. I will give it to her and discuss the incompetent people when I have my next appointment. I am probable just huffing and puffing over something that will not change but, I will only get rid of her as a last resort.

Libby made a big pot of homemade, fresh mushroom-barley soup this weekend. We had a little pot roast and some juice left so, she threw that in with all the fresh veggies and herbs. It is fantastic.

We spent the afternoon watching two backed up episodes of THE UNIT. I sure enjoy this show and was glad to get caught up on what is going on.

Mom had to call the plumber this afternoon. Her water heater sprung a leak in the garage. I guess the whole garage was filled with water. They Plumber is scheduled to arrive before five. I hope he is able to get the water heater changed this evening.

I am getting ready for the holidays by shopping on line. I have ordered a couple Christmas presents and will continue to get a few things as I think of them. This sure beats getting shoved around in the Malls.

Chilly Sunday is the Desert

2008-11-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

It was cold here during the night. I woke up shivering with two blankets. The heat is no now. I don't like it when we have to get the furnace going before December. Oh well I can only hope we have a very wet winter season. This area is in a bad draught. Lake Mead is down over 100 feet and still going down every day. I'm told we need five years of excessive rain each year to bring the water level back to where it should be. The white line is a little over 100 feet from its top to the water. That is how far down the lake is near the Dam. It gets worse in other places around the Lake.

The football games have started and I will soon be relaxing in my chair to see how the day works out. The Redskins are off this week so I don't have to get myself in an uproar over the way they are playing.

I will try to put a tribute together to our Veterans for Tuesday. I hope that you all make preparations to seek out and THANK a Veteran. They all deserve it. I would like to see folks make a special effort to find a Korean Conflict Veteran. These people are the forgotten warriors. No one has ever really acknowledged them. Then there are the Viet Nam Veterans who were spit upon and considered criminals by their own Countrymen, our WW2 Vets who are dying off by the thousands each day, and the new Vets who are the one fighting these modern wars in strange parts of the world. These wars are unpopular but, at least this time our Countrymen haven't decided to take it out on our military.

Guess it is time to go sit and yell at the TV. I hope each of you has a good weekend.

Not the Best Friday of the Month

2008-11-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday did not go well at the Test. The test itself was fine. It was quick and easy. The Technician (Dr) said I have a very strong flow and he doesn't believe that I will have any problems.

The real "test" came when I walked in the office door and signed in. I was informed that I did not have an appointment. This is the second time the staff here has done this to me recently. I don't understand, Libby makes the appointments while standing in front of the Scheduler. She immediately puts the date and time in her calender book and watches the woman put it in their computer. Then I had to put up with some little twit telling me how she was going to do me a favor and "slip me in" I don't need slipping in, I have a real appointment!! I also didn't like the body language, verbal tones, and innuendo from this child. Finally, I still have not received my money back that they owe me from a big overpayment by me when the Insurance covered the whole amount of a procedure after I paid in cash. Libby, who was a forensic accountant, took the time to rework my entire account and take a copy to the girl to help her find the problem since they don't think they owe me any money. The final straw came when we pleaded to have my Doctor call me before she left the office for the weekend. We never got a call. I am positive that the children intercept messages to the Doc and insure she never hears any complains about their work. Well, I quit. I no longer have her as my doctor. I will just wait until I have a problem and call an ambulance to take me to the hospital. This Doc is a fantastic health care provider, she is very intelligent and personable but, she and her colleagues don't have a clue as to how to run the office. So, they have lost me as a patient over her incompetent staff..

Sorry about the ranting and raving but, I had to get my anger out somewhere. I hope you all have a fine weekend. Us old people will watch a PPV fight tonight and of course, football tomorrow.