We are close to a record here for snow in February according to the weather guy! I believe it -- I don't even want to think about how much cash I paid Isaac this winter for shoveling my sidewalks. He kept telling me I didn't have to pay him but I appreciate his help so much, I'd feel guilty if I didn't. More than one morning when I left for work, my car was brushed off and I don't think elves did it!!!! Gotta love that young man!
* I think I've lost too much weight lately. Isaac's mom keeps bringing me supper. I haven't been on a diet; I'm just not hungry. And no, I'm not throwing my too-baggy jeans out. I'll need them when I grow back into them.
* Tonight is I'm going to the Symphony -- a 19-year old Chinese pianist will be our guest artist. I'm truly looking forward to it. I'll be sad when the season is over -- I've really enjoyed it. I hope I can manage it again next season.
* Thanks again to all y'all who have come by to comment or have linked to "How I Got to Be Me" There will be more next week!
* Groaners are needed for The Friday Groaner. Don't I sound like a broken record? There's a way to make me stop and I think you all know how to do that.
* Check out this interesting political quiz. According to it, I'm a Mike Gravel or Ron Paul kind of gal.
* Speaking of politics, y'all know (and some decry) that I refuse to pledge allegiance to neither Republicans nor the Democrats. I vote my conscience and not by party affiliation which I happen to think is the best way. I contend that there are nuts on both sides of the aisle. Today I had a mental hotfoot. I had received an email from a friend that had link to GOP.com and decided I wanted to learn more. In order to explore the site I had to subscribe to their newletter. No problem, right? Just another way to keep up on the campaign, right? Type in your email and go, right? Wrong! They require your personal data and that annoys me. My take is that it violates my right to privacy. I wrote an email to them and told them so. And then it nagged at me that perhaps I wasn't being the fair gal that I am so I went over to Democrats.org to see what they required to get a newsletter. All they asked was my email and zip code. Simple. I wasn't asking for state secrets, I just wanted newsletters so I can make a fair, informed decision and cut through all the you-know-what. Both sites are going to be biased as is the media -- I expect that. I have a lot of reading to do before the Ohio primary on Tuesday and I guess I'll have to get my info on the Republicans elsewhere. Oh well.
As I said, in the coming week, there will be another segment of How I Got to Be Me long about Wednesday, a pretty great Groaner of the Week and probably some thoughts on the primary and whatever else crosses my alleged mind or comes in of interest over the transom.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query How I Got to Be Me. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query How I Got to Be Me. Sort by date Show all posts
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Something New
After much thought, I launched a new project. It's been suggested by several people that I should put together links to all the "How I Got to Be Me" segments so those who may have missed the earlier posts could get up-to-date. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea.
However, links can get unwieldy -- especially when you have a lot of them. I realized that when I put all of the segments on a flash drive to take with me to Motown. Can you believe there are ten already? Neither can I. And more are coming soon! This project is like Topsy -- it just growed -- and I fear it's taking over my life.
Yesterday I launched a blog called How I Got to Be Me that will eventually house all the segments of my blog posts of the same name. I have, for now made it a private blog and comments will only be permitted to those who meet my approval. Joining it is easy -- just email me at the address in the sidebar and I will send an invitation.
Sound exclusionary? Perhaps, but it's my guts and my life on display and I want to avoid the spammers and ubiquitous anonymous trash. I also suggest any interested parties bookmark it as it is not be listed publicly. Eventually, I may change the settings and make it public but, for now, I'm sticking to my guns.
Your input as my friends and loyal readers is invaluable to me so feel free to let me know what y'all think!
However, links can get unwieldy -- especially when you have a lot of them. I realized that when I put all of the segments on a flash drive to take with me to Motown. Can you believe there are ten already? Neither can I. And more are coming soon! This project is like Topsy -- it just growed -- and I fear it's taking over my life.
Yesterday I launched a blog called How I Got to Be Me that will eventually house all the segments of my blog posts of the same name. I have, for now made it a private blog and comments will only be permitted to those who meet my approval. Joining it is easy -- just email me at the address in the sidebar and I will send an invitation.
Sound exclusionary? Perhaps, but it's my guts and my life on display and I want to avoid the spammers and ubiquitous anonymous trash. I also suggest any interested parties bookmark it as it is not be listed publicly. Eventually, I may change the settings and make it public but, for now, I'm sticking to my guns.
Your input as my friends and loyal readers is invaluable to me so feel free to let me know what y'all think!
AND a new "How I Got to Be Me" will be posted here over the weekend!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Angry and Upset and Sick and at a Loss
Get ready! I am in full-tilt boogie screaming yenta mode with The Cranky Old Broad along for the ride!
As y'all know, I have been being treated for an upper respiratory infection for the last two weeks. The first week the doctor at Immediate Care gave me some antibiotics and told me to go to bed for two days. I followed orders and went back to work even though I'd seen no improvement. A few days later (a week ago) when the first round of antibiotics ran out and I was still coughing up my lungs and generally feeling lousy, I called the clinic I go to because I have crappy medical coverage and explained what was going on and they told me to go to the after hours clinic and see the doctor there. So I did. That doctor put me on stronger antibiotics, prednisone and an inhaler and sent me back to work, etc. despite that I felt really awful.
Today I still felt like death and the meds obviously hadn't done their job and mid-afternoon at work I suddenly felt dizzy and like steel bands were wrapped around my head and neck and my vision is a bit blurry. I called the clinic nurse and got a recording and left a message for her to call me back. She never did. I started feeling worse and was in tears and I decided that I should go home so I told the boss that I was going to take off a bit early. He said okay so I came home.
I called a friend in hope that I'd feel better and made myself eat supper. Nothing helped -- the steel bands were still there as well as the vague dizziness so I called the clinic number again. humanoid answered and I explained my problem. She told me that a nurse would call me in a half hour. The nurse actually called and again, I explained what I'd been experiencing and she told me to come to the hospital. I hesitated to do so because I really didn't think I should drive and but decided to go ahead. (Before y'all tell me to call someone, experience has taught me that no matter how people tell you to call if you need help, they don't mean it unless you're bleeding to death.)
I got to the hospital okay and told my story -- AGAIN! -- and they took my blood pressure and I got to answer all the same damn silly questions yet again. When I finally got to see the doctor he told me that I had been being treated for the wrong things with the wrong stuff and that my problem was either viral or allergy-related (I don't have allergies) and that I had no need to be there but he was going to order me Zyrtec and cough medicine. AND he told me that it was an emergency room and I shouldn't be there. (So why did the nurse tell me to go there?) I got angry and got dressed went to the front desk and asked to see someone in authority. They asked if I'd seen a doctor. I said yes and that I wanted to see someone in authority. No one available I was told. Right. I came home. And yeah, they'll send me a bill.
I still feel like hell. If anything, I feel worse. I guess that I'm not allowed to get decent treatment. I wonder how McCain and Obama would fix this. Then again, I think I know and I'll be no better off than I am now.
In my next life I'm gonna be rich instead of good-lookin' (eyes rolling -- uh huh)! Sigh. Suggestions/solutions are welcome.
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
As y'all know, I have been being treated for an upper respiratory infection for the last two weeks. The first week the doctor at Immediate Care gave me some antibiotics and told me to go to bed for two days. I followed orders and went back to work even though I'd seen no improvement. A few days later (a week ago) when the first round of antibiotics ran out and I was still coughing up my lungs and generally feeling lousy, I called the clinic I go to because I have crappy medical coverage and explained what was going on and they told me to go to the after hours clinic and see the doctor there. So I did. That doctor put me on stronger antibiotics, prednisone and an inhaler and sent me back to work, etc. despite that I felt really awful.
Today I still felt like death and the meds obviously hadn't done their job and mid-afternoon at work I suddenly felt dizzy and like steel bands were wrapped around my head and neck and my vision is a bit blurry. I called the clinic nurse and got a recording and left a message for her to call me back. She never did. I started feeling worse and was in tears and I decided that I should go home so I told the boss that I was going to take off a bit early. He said okay so I came home.
I called a friend in hope that I'd feel better and made myself eat supper. Nothing helped -- the steel bands were still there as well as the vague dizziness so I called the clinic number again. humanoid answered and I explained my problem. She told me that a nurse would call me in a half hour. The nurse actually called and again, I explained what I'd been experiencing and she told me to come to the hospital. I hesitated to do so because I really didn't think I should drive and but decided to go ahead. (Before y'all tell me to call someone, experience has taught me that no matter how people tell you to call if you need help, they don't mean it unless you're bleeding to death.)
I got to the hospital okay and told my story -- AGAIN! -- and they took my blood pressure and I got to answer all the same damn silly questions yet again. When I finally got to see the doctor he told me that I had been being treated for the wrong things with the wrong stuff and that my problem was either viral or allergy-related (I don't have allergies) and that I had no need to be there but he was going to order me Zyrtec and cough medicine. AND he told me that it was an emergency room and I shouldn't be there. (So why did the nurse tell me to go there?) I got angry and got dressed went to the front desk and asked to see someone in authority. They asked if I'd seen a doctor. I said yes and that I wanted to see someone in authority. No one available I was told. Right. I came home. And yeah, they'll send me a bill.
I still feel like hell. If anything, I feel worse. I guess that I'm not allowed to get decent treatment. I wonder how McCain and Obama would fix this. Then again, I think I know and I'll be no better off than I am now.
In my next life I'm gonna be rich instead of good-lookin' (eyes rolling -- uh huh)! Sigh. Suggestions/solutions are welcome.
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snowy Saturday Thoughts and Updates
Wow!!!!! It's Saturday and we're in the midst of our first real snow -- I actually had to get out my snow brush and I put on what I call my stomper boots. I'm not certain how much we're due to get but I brushed over an inch off Miss Ruby this morning because I had to go to the bank to deposit a check which seemed rather surreal.
I realized how rare my visits are to that institution -- I have my SS check on automatic deposit and do most of my banking online but I recall the days when my appearance there at least once a week was almost mandatory and all the tellers knew me by name. I sort of miss that. The computer is making the comfort of human contact a thing of the past and de-personalizing us. Sad. I have whole weeks where I have no real contact other human beings other than my computer. I'm not certain that's a good thing -- convenience isn't always what it's cracked up to be.
* I got my Part D fixed for the coming year and am keeping my current provider. I'm going to pay the $7.66 (which works out to sixty-three cents a month) that Ohio wouldn't pay. Letters have gone out to my state senator and state representatives asking how much the lobbyists paid them because there doesn't seem to be any benefit for us elders. I also mentioned that my vote will be damned hard to get next election and won't hesitate to pass on what I've learned.
* Saw Dr. Maria this week and I have a new scrip -- she said my potassium was a little high and not to worry about it too much but my daily banana has got to go. Sigh.
* Dr. Krishna's (hare hare) PA called and there was no mention of potassium so I guess the diet is off but he ordered another scrip that Medicare doesn't pay for and that's twelve bucks I can't afford every 2 months. He sent me for a thyroid scan last evening so I'm sure they'll call next week with results. Pray.
* I actually felt human a couple days this week and got some things done. I think I have put my finger on part of my health problems.
* Tuesday I see my favorite doctor -- Dr. Jamie, my ophthamologist, for my annual exam and follow-up on my eye infection that I'm pretty sure has healed. He is handsome and fun so it's always a joy. He always pats me on the head because I've done so well since my cataract surgery and always asks about my blog. He thought it a riot that I wrote about it on my blog. His office is a happy place.
* My stepmom sent me a small check for Christmas. I am grateful -- she isn't rich so I, in some ways, wish she hadn't. It also means I can't say I got nothing for Christmas. I have had an itch all week to head up north but the white stuff this morning sorta was a gentle reminder that I really don't want to take that risk. And my undone dental work is also a factor. Sigh.
* Boston Tea Party anniversary responses: From my Congressman: 'We have received your email. Thank you for contacting our office. Due to the increased interest in how Congress is working for Ohioans, please know it may take some time to respond to your particular inquiry'; from Senator Voinovich: nada, zero, zip -- he's retiring and hardly did anything useful anyway-- I liked him when he was governor here; from Senator Brown: "We have received your email. Thank you for contacting our office. Due to the increased interest in how Congress is working for Ohioans, please know it may take some time to respond to your particular inquiry." No one even read it. I have never voted for this idiot and never will. At least Boccieri was polite. I was heartened when I saw 'increased interest in how Congress is working for Ohioans'. It tells me that I'm not alone in my frustration -- we're all mad as hell and want answers! I hope y'all had better results than I did. The phone calls went slightly better but not great.
* Word to the Wise: Y'all may be having teen visitors during the holidays, be careful about letting them use your computer. I don't care how good they are, they go to junky sites the collect all sorts of crapola. Brice was over the other day and he screwed up my computer to a fare-thee-well! I had to do a system restore and assorted other nonsense that I hate to do. And I'm still not sure I have everything right yet.
I hope y'all are ready for the holidays! My decorations are up but my heart really isn't in it. I got my Straight No Chaser CD and it's a delight -- it almost cured my malaise! If you missed my post on them, check it out!!!!!
Here's a video that I found that is a definite mood brightener. It's a blast from my misspent youth and it actually got me out of my chair and dancin' around the house! Enjoy!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
I realized how rare my visits are to that institution -- I have my SS check on automatic deposit and do most of my banking online but I recall the days when my appearance there at least once a week was almost mandatory and all the tellers knew me by name. I sort of miss that. The computer is making the comfort of human contact a thing of the past and de-personalizing us. Sad. I have whole weeks where I have no real contact other human beings other than my computer. I'm not certain that's a good thing -- convenience isn't always what it's cracked up to be.
* I got my Part D fixed for the coming year and am keeping my current provider. I'm going to pay the $7.66 (which works out to sixty-three cents a month) that Ohio wouldn't pay. Letters have gone out to my state senator and state representatives asking how much the lobbyists paid them because there doesn't seem to be any benefit for us elders. I also mentioned that my vote will be damned hard to get next election and won't hesitate to pass on what I've learned.
* Saw Dr. Maria this week and I have a new scrip -- she said my potassium was a little high and not to worry about it too much but my daily banana has got to go. Sigh.
* Dr. Krishna's (hare hare) PA called and there was no mention of potassium so I guess the diet is off but he ordered another scrip that Medicare doesn't pay for and that's twelve bucks I can't afford every 2 months. He sent me for a thyroid scan last evening so I'm sure they'll call next week with results. Pray.
* I actually felt human a couple days this week and got some things done. I think I have put my finger on part of my health problems.
* Tuesday I see my favorite doctor -- Dr. Jamie, my ophthamologist, for my annual exam and follow-up on my eye infection that I'm pretty sure has healed. He is handsome and fun so it's always a joy. He always pats me on the head because I've done so well since my cataract surgery and always asks about my blog. He thought it a riot that I wrote about it on my blog. His office is a happy place.
* My stepmom sent me a small check for Christmas. I am grateful -- she isn't rich so I, in some ways, wish she hadn't. It also means I can't say I got nothing for Christmas. I have had an itch all week to head up north but the white stuff this morning sorta was a gentle reminder that I really don't want to take that risk. And my undone dental work is also a factor. Sigh.
* Boston Tea Party anniversary responses: From my Congressman: 'We have received your email. Thank you for contacting our office. Due to the increased interest in how Congress is working for Ohioans, please know it may take some time to respond to your particular inquiry'; from Senator Voinovich: nada, zero, zip -- he's retiring and hardly did anything useful anyway-- I liked him when he was governor here; from Senator Brown: "We have received your email. Thank you for contacting our office. Due to the increased interest in how Congress is working for Ohioans, please know it may take some time to respond to your particular inquiry." No one even read it. I have never voted for this idiot and never will. At least Boccieri was polite. I was heartened when I saw 'increased interest in how Congress is working for Ohioans'. It tells me that I'm not alone in my frustration -- we're all mad as hell and want answers! I hope y'all had better results than I did. The phone calls went slightly better but not great.
* Word to the Wise: Y'all may be having teen visitors during the holidays, be careful about letting them use your computer. I don't care how good they are, they go to junky sites the collect all sorts of crapola. Brice was over the other day and he screwed up my computer to a fare-thee-well! I had to do a system restore and assorted other nonsense that I hate to do. And I'm still not sure I have everything right yet.
I hope y'all are ready for the holidays! My decorations are up but my heart really isn't in it. I got my Straight No Chaser CD and it's a delight -- it almost cured my malaise! If you missed my post on them, check it out!!!!!
Here's a video that I found that is a definite mood brightener. It's a blast from my misspent youth and it actually got me out of my chair and dancin' around the house! Enjoy!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Yes, I'd Like Some Cheese with My Whine!!!!!
It's 4 a.m. and insomnia reigns so what's a beleaguered old girl to do? Blog her little heart out -- right?
In addition to all the other upheaval in my life, a variety of fresh hell has reared its ugly heads -- just what the Cranky Old Broad needed! As a result I am wide awake despite having to be at work at 9 a.m. I have been diligently trying to sort organize the mess in my den and find all the things that are MIA in hopes that I can get what I'm laughingly calling home these days in decent order while dithering over recent events.
The events are as follows chronologically and in ascending order of annoyance as well:
1) Sunday afternoon an old suitor called (not The Man). I wouldn't have answered if he'd called my cell because I have caller ID on it and I've made a practice of not deleting such numbers. Fortunately, he lives out of state and I never saw him too often anyway. I sort of let that so-called relationship die because a) he bores me; b) 'separated' doesn't get it with me. Separated is like a little bit pregnant in my not so humble opinion. Of course, since I'm not interested he adores me. Why is that?
2. Early Monday evening I got a collect local call from a friend who's been going through a bad patch who needed help as I was getting ready to go to City Council meeting with my grass roots group and I had agreed that I would speak. I explained this to the friend and apologized and she went off on me. I did agree to call another of her friends for her to help and did so. I also, since she was obviously stone broke, took the little cash in in my wallet -- I'm a debit card kind of girl and rarely have more than a few dollars on hand -- and dropped it off for her on my way to the meeting. I went on to the meeting and it went well and my comments were very well received and afterward the Mayor and President of Council both came to me and thanked me for speaking. Several of us decided to go get a sandwich and a beer afterwards at my (and half of the rest of the city's) favorite pub which is only about ten blocks from my home. A good time was had and I ran into a few old friends who asked me to join them when we were leaving. I agreed and stayed another hour or so so we could get caught up with each other. When I got home, my phone rang again and the same friend was calling. She was at the emergency room at a hospital because she was running a fever -- the friend I called for her had taken her there but left (but was going to come get her when she was through) and she didn't want to be alone as she'd been there for hours and they still hadn't treated her. I explained that since I had had two short beers (my limit) I really didn't think I should be driving -- especially with the nasty police in the area where she was. I'm pretty careful about such things. She went ballistic again about no one caring and hung up on me. I have tried so hard to help this person as she's been a help to me. I've provided food, money, and transportation not to mention as much moral and practical support as I can but there's a limit to what I can and will do. I'm not risking my driver's license for anyone. I waited nine years to own a car again and you can bet I won't be messing with that. Was I wrong for not putting her first because of my prior commitment? Was I wrong not to take a risk and drive out there? There have been plenty of times when I've needed help and it wasn't available but I soldiered on -- it was all I could do. Right now I feel pretty cranky about the whole thing. If she had called yesterday and apologized I'd feel better.
3) Tuesday it was an awful, rainy day but I had pressing errands and went and did them. Little did I know that when I took off that I forgot to lock my door which is weird because I'm pretty careful about that. I came home and dumped my purchases and collected the day's mail and went through it quickly. After putting my stuff away, I went to check my email and noticed a CD in a case on my desk labeled "Eric Clapton" sitting in front of my monitor. I recognized the handwriting and called my ex-husband. Yes, he had been here. Yes I am, angry but I elected not to argue with him for reasons that are another blog that will be part of the "How I Got to Be Me" series I'm planning after things settle. What bothers me is that he thinks he has the right to just walk into my home when I'm not here. That he tried the door when no one answered, really puts me crazy. Frankly, I don't like it when he comes over -- much less without calling first which he's been doing lately. This is the man who gets tight-jawed if I mention that I went out with someone despite that he's been living with a woman since six weeks after our divorce seven years ago. Sheesh!!!!!
Oh hell! It's after five and I'm still wide awake. I'd better get back to my chores because there's no way I'm gonna sleep! Hopefully, I'll get through the day at work with the grace of God and a boatload of caffeine. I don't want sympathy -- I'm just venting! Thanks for letting the Cranky Old Broad kvetch! Hope y'all are having a better week than I am! And if you aren't having a good week, you have my utmost sympathy!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
In addition to all the other upheaval in my life, a variety of fresh hell has reared its ugly heads -- just what the Cranky Old Broad needed! As a result I am wide awake despite having to be at work at 9 a.m. I have been diligently trying to sort organize the mess in my den and find all the things that are MIA in hopes that I can get what I'm laughingly calling home these days in decent order while dithering over recent events.
The events are as follows chronologically and in ascending order of annoyance as well:
1) Sunday afternoon an old suitor called (not The Man). I wouldn't have answered if he'd called my cell because I have caller ID on it and I've made a practice of not deleting such numbers. Fortunately, he lives out of state and I never saw him too often anyway. I sort of let that so-called relationship die because a) he bores me; b) 'separated' doesn't get it with me. Separated is like a little bit pregnant in my not so humble opinion. Of course, since I'm not interested he adores me. Why is that?
2. Early Monday evening I got a collect local call from a friend who's been going through a bad patch who needed help as I was getting ready to go to City Council meeting with my grass roots group and I had agreed that I would speak. I explained this to the friend and apologized and she went off on me. I did agree to call another of her friends for her to help and did so. I also, since she was obviously stone broke, took the little cash in in my wallet -- I'm a debit card kind of girl and rarely have more than a few dollars on hand -- and dropped it off for her on my way to the meeting. I went on to the meeting and it went well and my comments were very well received and afterward the Mayor and President of Council both came to me and thanked me for speaking. Several of us decided to go get a sandwich and a beer afterwards at my (and half of the rest of the city's) favorite pub which is only about ten blocks from my home. A good time was had and I ran into a few old friends who asked me to join them when we were leaving. I agreed and stayed another hour or so so we could get caught up with each other. When I got home, my phone rang again and the same friend was calling. She was at the emergency room at a hospital because she was running a fever -- the friend I called for her had taken her there but left (but was going to come get her when she was through) and she didn't want to be alone as she'd been there for hours and they still hadn't treated her. I explained that since I had had two short beers (my limit) I really didn't think I should be driving -- especially with the nasty police in the area where she was. I'm pretty careful about such things. She went ballistic again about no one caring and hung up on me. I have tried so hard to help this person as she's been a help to me. I've provided food, money, and transportation not to mention as much moral and practical support as I can but there's a limit to what I can and will do. I'm not risking my driver's license for anyone. I waited nine years to own a car again and you can bet I won't be messing with that. Was I wrong for not putting her first because of my prior commitment? Was I wrong not to take a risk and drive out there? There have been plenty of times when I've needed help and it wasn't available but I soldiered on -- it was all I could do. Right now I feel pretty cranky about the whole thing. If she had called yesterday and apologized I'd feel better.
3) Tuesday it was an awful, rainy day but I had pressing errands and went and did them. Little did I know that when I took off that I forgot to lock my door which is weird because I'm pretty careful about that. I came home and dumped my purchases and collected the day's mail and went through it quickly. After putting my stuff away, I went to check my email and noticed a CD in a case on my desk labeled "Eric Clapton" sitting in front of my monitor. I recognized the handwriting and called my ex-husband. Yes, he had been here. Yes I am, angry but I elected not to argue with him for reasons that are another blog that will be part of the "How I Got to Be Me" series I'm planning after things settle. What bothers me is that he thinks he has the right to just walk into my home when I'm not here. That he tried the door when no one answered, really puts me crazy. Frankly, I don't like it when he comes over -- much less without calling first which he's been doing lately. This is the man who gets tight-jawed if I mention that I went out with someone despite that he's been living with a woman since six weeks after our divorce seven years ago. Sheesh!!!!!
Oh hell! It's after five and I'm still wide awake. I'd better get back to my chores because there's no way I'm gonna sleep! Hopefully, I'll get through the day at work with the grace of God and a boatload of caffeine. I don't want sympathy -- I'm just venting! Thanks for letting the Cranky Old Broad kvetch! Hope y'all are having a better week than I am! And if you aren't having a good week, you have my utmost sympathy!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Maybe I Like Cops After All
The past few days have been an adventure and no fun at all! The reign of terror by my neighbors got louder and louder and because of the response I received on Friday, I didn't bother to call the police. Both Saturday and Sunday night were a nightmare punctuated with incredible volume, filthy language and very little sleep for me and I was a mess from it all.
Monday morning I finally got hold of my landlord and told him what had happened and he said he would take care of it and talk to the police. Yeah, yeah, yeah and I've got beach front property in Arizona! I tried to reach the sergeant who the nice lieutenant told me to call but he wasn't available so I headed to my doctor's appointment a total wreck.
The doctor was appalled and in addition to changing and adding to my medications, wanted me to check into the hospital for a few days to get my blood pressure down. I said no. I don't have insurance, can't afford time off, and I hate hospitals so I refused. They asked me if I would to talk to Dr. D. on Tuesday morning. I said okay because I've known him about 30 years, professionally and socially, and he is a wise counselor with whom I share mutual respect and an off the wall sense of humor tempered with common sense.
Monday night I saw two cruisers parked out front but no one talked to me and the police appeared to be upstairs. I was, of course, curious as to what was going on. I tried to get to sleep early but was awakened by the noise upstairs at 2:30 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep because I thought World War III was breaking out.
My appointment with Dr. D. was early so I made my way to the clinic. The first thing he said to me was. "Don't tell me you're fine because you don't look fine." I brought him up to speed with everything contributing to my present state. He wanted to know about the nasty, rude officer because he does work with the police department and told me that the Chief has zero tolerance for the sort of thing that officer did. He opened my file and said he didn't like what they wanted me to take for meds -- too expensive and not what I need. He also said that I just needed to get some decent rest and didn't need to be in the hospital. I said there was no way in hell they were getting me there unless I collapsed anyway. He laughed and so did I. We shook hands and he told me to call if I wanted to talk as always.
I headed to the grocery store picked up a few things I needed and had just trundled them up to my front porch and was taking them in my apartment when two cruisers pulled up from opposite directions -- one patrol car; the other a K-9 unit . I went back outside to see what was going on. The patrol officer pointed and asked me, "Do you know that man?" I walked across my porch to see where he was pointing and looked and saw a man lying in the grass between my place and my next door neighbor's house said, "No!" My upstairs neighbors came out and started talking to the police. I figured out that the guy was the loud-mouthed moron who had kept me awake the past two nights and stayed firmly planted on the porch. When the cop asked for our landlord's name, the dumb slob said, "Dan." and finally noticed that I was on the porch and asked offensively, "What are YOU doing here?" I calmly and coldly said, "I live here." and told the officer I would supply him with Dan's last name and numbers. If her look could kill, I'd be dead.
The police told them to go inside and came and talked to me a few minutes and they took the man away in handcuffs in the cruiser. I went inside and called my landlord to let him know what was happening and that he'd be hearing from the police. He thanked me and made a slightly snide comment about my neighbor not calling him -- after all it was her acquaintance. He said he was going to call and would talk to me later.
I finally got in touch with the sergeant who the lieutenant referred me to and talked to him and he was really nice and very helpful. He told me very sternly that I should never ever be afraid to call the police and if they were nasty, I should call him. He was very helpful and asked to talk to my landlord so I gave him Dan's numbers. He said he wanted to help me get some peace here. We also talked a bit about the force and I let him know of my community involvement and commitment and it turned out that he isn't a youngun' -- he was a rookie back in the day when I used to hang out with the young cops so we had some mutual friends. As I've said here before -- for a medium-sized city, it's a very small town.
I just talked with my landlord and he said no one called him but he called them and they wouldn't give him too much information. Duh? It's his property. Dan is a very nice man but he obviously doesn't know how to get information. I gave him the sergeant's number and that he should tell him to tell the him that he needed information so he can move forward and take whatever action he needs to get things right here.
Now I'm going to see if I can get some sleep. I have to work tomorrow and be perky and fluent when I answer the phone: "Buenos dias, El Centro!" I hope and pray that this stuff gets settled soon and that maybe I can get my life back to it's usual dull roar. I'm too old for this. Sigh.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
P.S. I like publishing groaners better! lol
Monday morning I finally got hold of my landlord and told him what had happened and he said he would take care of it and talk to the police. Yeah, yeah, yeah and I've got beach front property in Arizona! I tried to reach the sergeant who the nice lieutenant told me to call but he wasn't available so I headed to my doctor's appointment a total wreck.
The doctor was appalled and in addition to changing and adding to my medications, wanted me to check into the hospital for a few days to get my blood pressure down. I said no. I don't have insurance, can't afford time off, and I hate hospitals so I refused. They asked me if I would to talk to Dr. D. on Tuesday morning. I said okay because I've known him about 30 years, professionally and socially, and he is a wise counselor with whom I share mutual respect and an off the wall sense of humor tempered with common sense.
Monday night I saw two cruisers parked out front but no one talked to me and the police appeared to be upstairs. I was, of course, curious as to what was going on. I tried to get to sleep early but was awakened by the noise upstairs at 2:30 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep because I thought World War III was breaking out.
My appointment with Dr. D. was early so I made my way to the clinic. The first thing he said to me was. "Don't tell me you're fine because you don't look fine." I brought him up to speed with everything contributing to my present state. He wanted to know about the nasty, rude officer because he does work with the police department and told me that the Chief has zero tolerance for the sort of thing that officer did. He opened my file and said he didn't like what they wanted me to take for meds -- too expensive and not what I need. He also said that I just needed to get some decent rest and didn't need to be in the hospital. I said there was no way in hell they were getting me there unless I collapsed anyway. He laughed and so did I. We shook hands and he told me to call if I wanted to talk as always.
I headed to the grocery store picked up a few things I needed and had just trundled them up to my front porch and was taking them in my apartment when two cruisers pulled up from opposite directions -- one patrol car; the other a K-9 unit . I went back outside to see what was going on. The patrol officer pointed and asked me, "Do you know that man?" I walked across my porch to see where he was pointing and looked and saw a man lying in the grass between my place and my next door neighbor's house said, "No!" My upstairs neighbors came out and started talking to the police. I figured out that the guy was the loud-mouthed moron who had kept me awake the past two nights and stayed firmly planted on the porch. When the cop asked for our landlord's name, the dumb slob said, "Dan." and finally noticed that I was on the porch and asked offensively, "What are YOU doing here?" I calmly and coldly said, "I live here." and told the officer I would supply him with Dan's last name and numbers. If her look could kill, I'd be dead.
The police told them to go inside and came and talked to me a few minutes and they took the man away in handcuffs in the cruiser. I went inside and called my landlord to let him know what was happening and that he'd be hearing from the police. He thanked me and made a slightly snide comment about my neighbor not calling him -- after all it was her acquaintance. He said he was going to call and would talk to me later.
I finally got in touch with the sergeant who the lieutenant referred me to and talked to him and he was really nice and very helpful. He told me very sternly that I should never ever be afraid to call the police and if they were nasty, I should call him. He was very helpful and asked to talk to my landlord so I gave him Dan's numbers. He said he wanted to help me get some peace here. We also talked a bit about the force and I let him know of my community involvement and commitment and it turned out that he isn't a youngun' -- he was a rookie back in the day when I used to hang out with the young cops so we had some mutual friends. As I've said here before -- for a medium-sized city, it's a very small town.
I just talked with my landlord and he said no one called him but he called them and they wouldn't give him too much information. Duh? It's his property. Dan is a very nice man but he obviously doesn't know how to get information. I gave him the sergeant's number and that he should tell him to tell the him that he needed information so he can move forward and take whatever action he needs to get things right here.
Now I'm going to see if I can get some sleep. I have to work tomorrow and be perky and fluent when I answer the phone: "Buenos dias, El Centro!" I hope and pray that this stuff gets settled soon and that maybe I can get my life back to it's usual dull roar. I'm too old for this. Sigh.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
P.S. I like publishing groaners better! lol
Monday, January 07, 2008
Happy Blogoversary to Me!!!!!!!!!!!
It's my Blogoversary!!!! Two years ago (where did they go?) today, I made my first post here and I wrote, "I'm not certain where I going with this . . . I truly look forward to to this new adventure in cyberspace and connecting with you, gentle bloggers!" Little did I know that 2 years and nearly 6,000 (wow!) visitors later I'd still be here blogging my little heart out and loving it. Little did I know that I'd make so many new friends across the globe! Little did I know that the blogosphere would love groaners and weird words as much as I do.
As I said above, I had no sense of direction when I started this -- just AQ's encouragement and the knowledge that I love to write and do so better some days than others. Ronni making me an Elderblogger helped a lot in the early days because comments weren't a daily thing (sometimes I thought I was talking to myself) and it got me through the days where I almost burned my Thinking Cap. People like Joy, Millie, Mary Ann and Golden Lucy got me through those rookie days and they have my utmost thanks and love for their support.
My deepest thanks to all of you who have passed this way and left kind comments here and in email and supported me as I muddle through the world. I appreciate you more than you'll ever know and than I can fully express!
There have been a lot of changes in me (which is not going to be discussed here yet) and my blog in the last year. I gave it a new look that I'm still pretty happy with and I've watched traffic here grow. A high point was getting linked to CNN when I wrote about the Jessie Davis murders here that made headlines last summer. That isn't over yet and I'll be writing about it again when it kicks back into high gear with the trial coming soon.
As usual, this landmark event has set me a-thinkin' and has me asking my perennial question that should probably be inscribed on my tombstone: What's next?
As far as this place goes, my plan is to continue the Groaner of the Week until I run out of groaners (not bloody likely for a long time) and The Friday Groaner until y'all stop sending them to me (and I truly hope y'all don't). I hope to do Kay's Wonderful World of Weird Words at least once a month as well as more on my favorite writers. I haven't done any Rambles through the Blogosphere where I introduce you to new friends for a while and I hope to get back to that, too. I also am working on a series called "How I Got to Be Me" which will cover some pivotal events that made me who I am today. Of course, I'm going to keep ranting on politics (especially S.1959 and Election 2008), cheering on the Buckeyes, tossing out Random Thoughts, and updating y'all on happenings in Kay's World with the Cranky Old Broad stepping in now and again.
Thank you all again for your kindness, friendship and support! I value you greatly!!!!!!
Happy Blogoversary to me and, as always, Happy Blogging to you!!!!!!
Hugsssssssssssssss
Kay
As I said above, I had no sense of direction when I started this -- just AQ's encouragement and the knowledge that I love to write and do so better some days than others. Ronni making me an Elderblogger helped a lot in the early days because comments weren't a daily thing (sometimes I thought I was talking to myself) and it got me through the days where I almost burned my Thinking Cap. People like Joy, Millie, Mary Ann and Golden Lucy got me through those rookie days and they have my utmost thanks and love for their support.
My deepest thanks to all of you who have passed this way and left kind comments here and in email and supported me as I muddle through the world. I appreciate you more than you'll ever know and than I can fully express!
There have been a lot of changes in me (which is not going to be discussed here yet) and my blog in the last year. I gave it a new look that I'm still pretty happy with and I've watched traffic here grow. A high point was getting linked to CNN when I wrote about the Jessie Davis murders here that made headlines last summer. That isn't over yet and I'll be writing about it again when it kicks back into high gear with the trial coming soon.
As usual, this landmark event has set me a-thinkin' and has me asking my perennial question that should probably be inscribed on my tombstone: What's next?
As far as this place goes, my plan is to continue the Groaner of the Week until I run out of groaners (not bloody likely for a long time) and The Friday Groaner until y'all stop sending them to me (and I truly hope y'all don't). I hope to do Kay's Wonderful World of Weird Words at least once a month as well as more on my favorite writers. I haven't done any Rambles through the Blogosphere where I introduce you to new friends for a while and I hope to get back to that, too. I also am working on a series called "How I Got to Be Me" which will cover some pivotal events that made me who I am today. Of course, I'm going to keep ranting on politics (especially S.1959 and Election 2008), cheering on the Buckeyes, tossing out Random Thoughts, and updating y'all on happenings in Kay's World with the Cranky Old Broad stepping in now and again.
Thank you all again for your kindness, friendship and support! I value you greatly!!!!!!
Happy Blogoversary to me and, as always, Happy Blogging to you!!!!!!
Hugsssssssssssssss
Kay
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Sunny Saturday Random Thoughts
I'm in a Rogers and Hammerstein mindset this morning! It's a glorious day in Ohio and I'm wandering around my place singing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from their musical, "Oklahoma" and it's a good thing y'all can't hear me 'cause the Kay can't carry a tune in a bucket! I remember, as a child, when my friends and I always knew the lyrics to the latest hot Broadway musicals -- how 'bout y'all?
* My mission for today is to clean up my big front porch and get it ready for summer. A trip to the garden center for potting soil will be in order, too, for the pots of geraniums and petunias that will grace the wide ledges that surround it.
* My closet is on overload so I'm going into ruthless mode and will be heading to the Goodwill drop off with all the clothes I haven't worn in ages.
* Is the Reverend Jeremiah Wright running for president? I can't turn on the news without hearing about him. It reminds me of all the ignorant bigots (Is that repetitive?) who swore that if JFK was elected, the Pope was going to run the country.
* Today is the NFL player draft and local folks are paying close attention as three local young men will probably be drafted. There's a big "watch the draft party" at the Pro Football Hall of Fame down the hill from me and it looks like fun but I'm passing on the $45 ticket price.
* I recently attended our City Council meeting and spoke about the closed school in my neighborhood. It's becoming a site for vandalism and worse crimes and I proposed that this historic building be used as a community center with activities for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. Daycare, latchkey programs, sports, and elder activities would really help the families who live here and make our nice neighborhood nicer and put the threat of gangs at bay. The mayor assured me that he would be addressing that issue and his development director said he would be in touch with me. I haven't heard a word. So much for his commitment to neighborhoods. The gangbangers are gonna win if they don't do something.
* Speaking of our neighborhood, our association held our semi-annual neighborhood cleanup with the help of the city's service department. I and my fellow association members scoured the 'hood picking up trash and noting problems for the city workers. My buddy Rose and I again took on the worst block in our neighborhood and got it looking semi-decent. Others refuse to go there. The nice part about this cleanup is that a lot of residents paid attention to the flyers we distributed about the cleanup and took the time to get their little corner of the 'hood all gussied up so what we're doing is encouraging others and lessening the burden on those of us who volunteer. Rose and I got a chuckle when people asked us if we were doing our community service. We also met some neighbors and invited them to our meetings. The city workers trimmed trees, picked up bags of trash, etc., and came through with the street sweepers so our neighborhood looks great.
* I'll be writing a few more "How I Got to Be Me" posts. Your kind responses are simply terrific and you all are so dear to me! A lot of people in my life have been less than understanding and less supportive of what I've had to do and I began this with great trepidation. Trust me when I tell you that I wasn't always courageous about it -- I fought depression and anger a lot. I did learn that laughter is therapeutic and that pity parties should not be long affairs. Giving up is the equivalent of being dead and I'm not ready for that. No way, Jose!!!!
I'm off to do chores!!!! I hate Spring cleaning but I plan to stay focused on it so I'll have more time in the Blogosphere with y'all.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
* My mission for today is to clean up my big front porch and get it ready for summer. A trip to the garden center for potting soil will be in order, too, for the pots of geraniums and petunias that will grace the wide ledges that surround it.
* My closet is on overload so I'm going into ruthless mode and will be heading to the Goodwill drop off with all the clothes I haven't worn in ages.
* Is the Reverend Jeremiah Wright running for president? I can't turn on the news without hearing about him. It reminds me of all the ignorant bigots (Is that repetitive?) who swore that if JFK was elected, the Pope was going to run the country.
* Today is the NFL player draft and local folks are paying close attention as three local young men will probably be drafted. There's a big "watch the draft party" at the Pro Football Hall of Fame down the hill from me and it looks like fun but I'm passing on the $45 ticket price.
* I recently attended our City Council meeting and spoke about the closed school in my neighborhood. It's becoming a site for vandalism and worse crimes and I proposed that this historic building be used as a community center with activities for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. Daycare, latchkey programs, sports, and elder activities would really help the families who live here and make our nice neighborhood nicer and put the threat of gangs at bay. The mayor assured me that he would be addressing that issue and his development director said he would be in touch with me. I haven't heard a word. So much for his commitment to neighborhoods. The gangbangers are gonna win if they don't do something.
* Speaking of our neighborhood, our association held our semi-annual neighborhood cleanup with the help of the city's service department. I and my fellow association members scoured the 'hood picking up trash and noting problems for the city workers. My buddy Rose and I again took on the worst block in our neighborhood and got it looking semi-decent. Others refuse to go there. The nice part about this cleanup is that a lot of residents paid attention to the flyers we distributed about the cleanup and took the time to get their little corner of the 'hood all gussied up so what we're doing is encouraging others and lessening the burden on those of us who volunteer. Rose and I got a chuckle when people asked us if we were doing our community service. We also met some neighbors and invited them to our meetings. The city workers trimmed trees, picked up bags of trash, etc., and came through with the street sweepers so our neighborhood looks great.
* I'll be writing a few more "How I Got to Be Me" posts. Your kind responses are simply terrific and you all are so dear to me! A lot of people in my life have been less than understanding and less supportive of what I've had to do and I began this with great trepidation. Trust me when I tell you that I wasn't always courageous about it -- I fought depression and anger a lot. I did learn that laughter is therapeutic and that pity parties should not be long affairs. Giving up is the equivalent of being dead and I'm not ready for that. No way, Jose!!!!
I'm off to do chores!!!! I hate Spring cleaning but I plan to stay focused on it so I'll have more time in the Blogosphere with y'all.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Comfort food and Other Stuff
It's sunny but cold today and I still haven't dragged myself out for my newspaper. I missed Mass this morning because I'm still feeling lousy. It warmed up a bit so most of the snow melted which means it'll save me a ten spot or so. Allegedly, more snow will be here to replace it by Wednesday.
* Yesterday morning I got up and hobbled around here like the old lady that I'm becoming. I felt dizzy and achy and generally awful. What didn't ache, hurt and what didn't hurt, ached. After a few hours of attempting to get things done and failing miserably, I forced myself to shower and get dressed and made myself go out to The Evil Empire. I usually avoid that wicked place but there are a couple things I can't get other places that I buy there. While I was at it, I bought some groceries, too, so there would actually be food around that I might actually eat. While I was wandering the aisles, I had a sudden huge craving for Comfort Food. (You know -- the stuff that mom used to make when you were sick or the classics from your childhood in the good old days when families actually sat down together for supper every day at 5 o'clock.) Comfort Food isn't the same if you have to make it yourself. The last thing anyone wants to do when they don't feel well is cook. The light bulb in my brain lit up as I realized that my favorite source of comfort food was nearby. There was nothing to be done at that moment but escape the Evil Empire and head over to Pete's. Pete's is a really nice, reasonable restaurant on my side of town with a wonderful menu of Comfort Food and serves breakfast all day which is something I like a lot. I sometimes like breakfast for supper. It's probably no great surprise to y'all that Pete's has a rather large clientele of elders. Pete and his friendly, very competent, staff make everyone feel welcome -- even if you come in alone. (Has anyone but me noticed that going out to eat alone can make one feel like a leper?) The Muzak is 50s and 60s music and can spawn discussions between tables about the recording artist and Pete has been known to go back to his office and check the 'Net to settle friendly disagreements. In short, it's a fun place to eat. I ordered the hot meatloaf sandwich on excellent bread and swimming in really excellent gravy with a side salad and a cup of coffee that never was empty until I asked for my check. It was just what I needed. When I left, I actually felt somewhat human again. I need to get to Pete's more often and, even better, it's on my side of town.
* Hillary's people were by to see me today. I told them that I wasn't sure that Hilly-gal -- or anyone else -- was my cuppa. The woman kept telling me that we need a woman in the Executive Office. I was nice and said nada. The guy asked me what I thought of Bill Clinton as a Supreme court justice. I told him that I tried very hard not to think of such a thing. It did tell me what Bill's prize for keeping his pants zipped during the campaign (as far as we know) could be if Hillary is elected. I brought up HR:1955/S.1959 and the lady wrote the numbers down and I mentioned that since all of the candidates voted for the Patriot Act except Mike Huckabee who wasn't in a position to do so but probably would have, and the man the media ignores most: Ron Paul, I have a problem with ALL of them.
* Now that I've bashed the Democrats, I am going to give equal time to the Neocons. I'm an Equal Opportunity kind of girl. Has anyone besides me noticed that the Neocons are, for the most part, just plain nasty? I get emails with their opinion pieces attached and these so-called Christians are positively vicious in their cause. If that's being a Christian, it's time for me to re-think my faith. Ghandi once said: "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." It rings very true for me when I hear or read some of the venom spewed by the conservative media. That these people have passed some of the most heinous pieces of legislation since the Alien and Sedition Acts furthers that belief and scares the hell outta me. I'm seriously considering becoming an expatriate.
* Coming soon: Tomorrow morning the judge will impose sentencing on Bobby Cutts Jr. in the murder of Jessie Davis and their unborn daughter, Chloe. The defense thinks the verdicts were inconsistent. We'll see what Judge Brown thinks. I will have the verdict for you here Tuesday or late Monday. On Wednesday, "How I Got to Be Me" will continue.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
* Yesterday morning I got up and hobbled around here like the old lady that I'm becoming. I felt dizzy and achy and generally awful. What didn't ache, hurt and what didn't hurt, ached. After a few hours of attempting to get things done and failing miserably, I forced myself to shower and get dressed and made myself go out to The Evil Empire. I usually avoid that wicked place but there are a couple things I can't get other places that I buy there. While I was at it, I bought some groceries, too, so there would actually be food around that I might actually eat. While I was wandering the aisles, I had a sudden huge craving for Comfort Food. (You know -- the stuff that mom used to make when you were sick or the classics from your childhood in the good old days when families actually sat down together for supper every day at 5 o'clock.) Comfort Food isn't the same if you have to make it yourself. The last thing anyone wants to do when they don't feel well is cook. The light bulb in my brain lit up as I realized that my favorite source of comfort food was nearby. There was nothing to be done at that moment but escape the Evil Empire and head over to Pete's. Pete's is a really nice, reasonable restaurant on my side of town with a wonderful menu of Comfort Food and serves breakfast all day which is something I like a lot. I sometimes like breakfast for supper. It's probably no great surprise to y'all that Pete's has a rather large clientele of elders. Pete and his friendly, very competent, staff make everyone feel welcome -- even if you come in alone. (Has anyone but me noticed that going out to eat alone can make one feel like a leper?) The Muzak is 50s and 60s music and can spawn discussions between tables about the recording artist and Pete has been known to go back to his office and check the 'Net to settle friendly disagreements. In short, it's a fun place to eat. I ordered the hot meatloaf sandwich on excellent bread and swimming in really excellent gravy with a side salad and a cup of coffee that never was empty until I asked for my check. It was just what I needed. When I left, I actually felt somewhat human again. I need to get to Pete's more often and, even better, it's on my side of town.
* Hillary's people were by to see me today. I told them that I wasn't sure that Hilly-gal -- or anyone else -- was my cuppa. The woman kept telling me that we need a woman in the Executive Office. I was nice and said nada. The guy asked me what I thought of Bill Clinton as a Supreme court justice. I told him that I tried very hard not to think of such a thing. It did tell me what Bill's prize for keeping his pants zipped during the campaign (as far as we know) could be if Hillary is elected. I brought up HR:1955/S.1959 and the lady wrote the numbers down and I mentioned that since all of the candidates voted for the Patriot Act except Mike Huckabee who wasn't in a position to do so but probably would have, and the man the media ignores most: Ron Paul, I have a problem with ALL of them.
* Now that I've bashed the Democrats, I am going to give equal time to the Neocons. I'm an Equal Opportunity kind of girl. Has anyone besides me noticed that the Neocons are, for the most part, just plain nasty? I get emails with their opinion pieces attached and these so-called Christians are positively vicious in their cause. If that's being a Christian, it's time for me to re-think my faith. Ghandi once said: "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." It rings very true for me when I hear or read some of the venom spewed by the conservative media. That these people have passed some of the most heinous pieces of legislation since the Alien and Sedition Acts furthers that belief and scares the hell outta me. I'm seriously considering becoming an expatriate.
* Coming soon: Tomorrow morning the judge will impose sentencing on Bobby Cutts Jr. in the murder of Jessie Davis and their unborn daughter, Chloe. The defense thinks the verdicts were inconsistent. We'll see what Judge Brown thinks. I will have the verdict for you here Tuesday or late Monday. On Wednesday, "How I Got to Be Me" will continue.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Random Thoughts after a Crazy Week
It was a long week and now I get to catch up on a multitude of things that languished while I was having entirely too much fun.
* The pool party was a ball. We laughed a lot. And it was agreed that we're going to keep the tradition going as long as we can. I mentioned that I was thinking of moving and was sternly told that I had to live near the parade route so we have a base for the parade. We shall see. I am going to be checking some things out before I make that decision. The suggestion was made that we do First Friday every month since we don't get together often enough. It's a worthy thought but we shall see.
* From my Recurring Themes Department: Is anyone besides me tired of Election 2008? And yeah, I still want to vote 'NO' for president.
* To anyone who missed the earlier announcements, How I Got to Be Me has moved. All the segments are together and future installments will be posted there. There will be a few more. I haven't decided what I'll do with it when I'm done.
* I'll be doing some housekeeping here. Has anyone tried out Blogger's new blogroll feature? Whaddaya think?
* I apologize for my cranky note on Saturday. Blame it on a long tiring day/week. The recent breakup was obviously harder for me than I thought. Sigh. I'm tired of fat, crabby, hypercritical old men who want me to be perfect and think everything I do is wrong and I think I'll pass on future relationships.
* I'm trying to get around and visit y'all despite my burgeoning "gotta do" list. I do appreciate y'all stopping by and feel awful when I don't return your kindness.
* I'm glad I have a doctor's appointment soon. I keep waking up in the middle of the night with my legs aching terribly. I, being the glutton for punishment that I am, get up and hobble around. I think I'd best get this checked.
* I got a call from my son as I was writing this. He is seriously excited -- he was just hired by the University of Nevada at Reno as their head swimming coach!!!!! He's leaving to go out there this weekend and starts work next week and will start house-hunting. Jen is going to take care of selling their house and getting things ready to move. I know those two -- they are charmed -- and all will go well and Drake, their oldest will start school on time in September. Jen already checked and the pharmacy chain needs her out there so she will be okay workwise. I have to start saving up for a trip out there -- I have a wonderful friend out there who wants me to visit. Pray that I get to see the boys before they leave.
* The pool party was a ball. We laughed a lot. And it was agreed that we're going to keep the tradition going as long as we can. I mentioned that I was thinking of moving and was sternly told that I had to live near the parade route so we have a base for the parade. We shall see. I am going to be checking some things out before I make that decision. The suggestion was made that we do First Friday every month since we don't get together often enough. It's a worthy thought but we shall see.
* From my Recurring Themes Department: Is anyone besides me tired of Election 2008? And yeah, I still want to vote 'NO' for president.
* To anyone who missed the earlier announcements, How I Got to Be Me has moved. All the segments are together and future installments will be posted there. There will be a few more. I haven't decided what I'll do with it when I'm done.
* I'll be doing some housekeeping here. Has anyone tried out Blogger's new blogroll feature? Whaddaya think?
* I apologize for my cranky note on Saturday. Blame it on a long tiring day/week. The recent breakup was obviously harder for me than I thought. Sigh. I'm tired of fat, crabby, hypercritical old men who want me to be perfect and think everything I do is wrong and I think I'll pass on future relationships.
* I'm trying to get around and visit y'all despite my burgeoning "gotta do" list. I do appreciate y'all stopping by and feel awful when I don't return your kindness.
* I'm glad I have a doctor's appointment soon. I keep waking up in the middle of the night with my legs aching terribly. I, being the glutton for punishment that I am, get up and hobble around. I think I'd best get this checked.
* I got a call from my son as I was writing this. He is seriously excited -- he was just hired by the University of Nevada at Reno as their head swimming coach!!!!! He's leaving to go out there this weekend and starts work next week and will start house-hunting. Jen is going to take care of selling their house and getting things ready to move. I know those two -- they are charmed -- and all will go well and Drake, their oldest will start school on time in September. Jen already checked and the pharmacy chain needs her out there so she will be okay workwise. I have to start saving up for a trip out there -- I have a wonderful friend out there who wants me to visit. Pray that I get to see the boys before they leave.
* Some idiot just turned at my corner and drove his car into a tree and ran away. It scared the you-know-what outta me. I think my thoughts about moving need to be a bit more serious.
Hope y'all have a great week!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, November 22, 2008
An Announcement, A Victory and Random Thoughts
I probably won't be doing much here for the next week or so. Yeah, the groaners will be here as usual but not much else. Yesterday I had to remove myself from my own party because I got hit with a huge panic attack that invited, what Hemingway called, "the Black Dog" to come out of the shadows where he lurks on the fringe of my so-called life. I'm not sure what triggered it: the weather, the endless cold or some such that I'm fighting, the upcoming holiday season or just my life in general. After the gals helped me clean up yesterday, I put myself to bed and stayed there and cried and slept. I didn't go to the victory party.
My phones have been ringing all morning and I haven't answered either. I think I need to do some serious thinking about Life, the Universe and Everything and where and if I fit into any of it. I am, however, going to be writing a couple segments on my other blog: How I Got to Be Me. If y'all choose to read them, you'll see why in addition to the fact that I've been ignoring it far too long.
My phones have been ringing all morning and I haven't answered either. I think I need to do some serious thinking about Life, the Universe and Everything and where and if I fit into any of it. I am, however, going to be writing a couple segments on my other blog: How I Got to Be Me. If y'all choose to read them, you'll see why in addition to the fact that I've been ignoring it far too long.
It was a grey and frigid day in Ohio but the football gods were obviously in Columbus as the Ohio State Buckeyes kicked the you -know-what out of the University of Michigan's Wolverines 42-7. I was particularly proud that the young man in the picture above, Brian Hartline, contributed two touchdowns to the win. He is an an alumni of the suburban high school my children attended. (Actually, I attended it, too, but explaining that is 'way too complicated and irrelevant to this post.) We were whooping and hollering big time all afternoon. And no, beer was not the beverage du jour except to celebrate the win. Coffee was! The food was great and was pretty much what I expected -- isn't it funny how everyone has "signature" dishes they make for various parties? At any rate, we were well-fed and happy and our guys won -- definitely a good day!!! Thanks to all of y'all for your support!
* My blog layout is a mess. I did some updating and now my sidebar is stuck at the bottom of the page. I'm trying all sorts of things to get it back where it belongs. Blogger help, as usual, is helpless as is their support group. Advice and assistance is needed desperately. "Techie" is not a word that applies to me so any and all input/advice would be welcome.
* The turkey slaughter video (I refuse to dignify it by linking it -- if you haven't seen it and are curious, go to YouTube and search for it.) with Sarah Palin was, at best, tacky. How she could be so oblivious to what was going on around her again demonstrated that her thirst for power and attention overrides any sense of propriety or decency she may. This should be a red flag to anyone with a working brain cell left. I think she's like a gory bad accident -- you can't help but look when you drive it. Look for a press conference of her making excuses for herself. And my question is: Why in the hell are we still being bombarded with her? You lost, Sarah!!! The 15 minutes of fame that Andy Warhol promised over!!!! Get over it! And to the press: give it up --she lost the election for McCain!! The majority of your viewers don't like her and are sick of your enchantment with her.
* My blog layout is a mess. I did some updating and now my sidebar is stuck at the bottom of the page. I'm trying all sorts of things to get it back where it belongs. Blogger help, as usual, is helpless as is their support group. Advice and assistance is needed desperately. "Techie" is not a word that applies to me so any and all input/advice would be welcome.
* The turkey slaughter video (I refuse to dignify it by linking it -- if you haven't seen it and are curious, go to YouTube and search for it.) with Sarah Palin was, at best, tacky. How she could be so oblivious to what was going on around her again demonstrated that her thirst for power and attention overrides any sense of propriety or decency she may. This should be a red flag to anyone with a working brain cell left. I think she's like a gory bad accident -- you can't help but look when you drive it. Look for a press conference of her making excuses for herself. And my question is: Why in the hell are we still being bombarded with her? You lost, Sarah!!! The 15 minutes of fame that Andy Warhol promised over!!!! Get over it! And to the press: give it up --she lost the election for McCain!! The majority of your viewers don't like her and are sick of your enchantment with her.
* I think we skipped autumn in Ohio or just got the condensed version because it's snowed and the temperatures are the sort we usually don't see until January. This doesn't bode well for me. I'm definitely a creature of the sun. It's gonna be a longgggggggg winter I'm afraid. So much for global warming, Al!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Update: She's Baaaaaaaaaaaacccccckkk!!!!
I am back home, I always love getting out of town for a few days and I always love coming home. I suppose that makes sense if you want it to and I do.
I had an excellent trip to Toledo. I skipped the Ohio Turnpike this time because I simply couldn't cope with driving eighty miles per hour surrounded by trucks too close for comfort. It's draining and I was driving during daylight instead of in the wee hours as I did when I used to head to Motown for weekends. This was better although it took a bit longer.
It was raining fairly heavily when I began my journey and that continued as I made my way to Greenwich, Ohio (don't blink) where my parents and grandparents lived when I was born.
I drove about town and it seems the house where our apartment was is gone. I didn't take many pictures as a result of the rain. As I left town, the rain finally stopped and I headed north to Route 20 to keep a promise I made to an old friend and make sure I got to Toledo at a time when the traffic was manageable. (The huge, very high new bridge over the Maumee River scares the bejaysus outta me! Can you say acrophobia?)
Route 20 is a nice drive through the northwestern farming communities. I call it the flatlands because it so flat. It was once The Great Swamp of Toledo and home to the Shawnee, Delaware (Lenape) and Ottawa Indians and where General "Mad Anthony" Wayne met the great Chief Blue Jacket at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Maumee and claimed the Ohio Country for the United States. The road is dotted with farms and pretty small towns. When I got to Bellevue, I stopped and had supper with a sorority sister who lives in one of the fabulous Victorian homes on Main Street. These homes are really gorgeous and some of the owners have taken to using the "painted lady" color schemes popular in San Francisco instead of the white or greys I remembered from my childhood when we drove south to visit my grandparents. Again, I didn't take pictures because we yakked too much getting caught up and I needed to get back on the road. I promised Ellie I would come back and stay for a couple days later this summer.
As I drove in on Route 280 and glimpsed the skyline of Toledo, tears welled in my eyes and I got a lump in my throat. I haven't lived there since I was twelve but it will always be home. I got off the expressway at the exit for Ottawa River Road and in a few minutes I was wandering around my old neighborhood recalling the days when life was simpler and I rode my bicycle all over our hood. It's changed a lot. A lot of the landmarks as are many favorite places are gone -- like the Sugar Bowl and Kunkel's where we bought penny candy after school. And I drove by the house where I grew up. No one was home so I didn't get to see what had changed inside. Funny thing though -- the exterior still is painted the same way fifty years later. The big thing I noticed is how small everything seemed. It felt like everything had shrunk: the streets, the houses. the shops -- only the bay and the rivers seemed to feel the same. I guess God's creations have more stability than man's. And yeah, I took pictures a lot but I haven't uploaded them yet. They'll be in future posts after I've gone through them.
It was getting late so I went and found my hotel and crashed for the night after I called Barbara, my step-mother, to let her know I had arrived in town safely and she said that she and Anne (my step-sister) were looking forward to our spending the next day together.
After breakfast provided by my hotel, I checked out and headed to Barb's apartment in a nice senior citizens complex. (I think the apartments are too damned small --I'd die of claustrophobia -- and took issue with that what was supposed to be a computer lab was sitting empty.) My step-sister, Anne, age 63, is a hoot. She lives in Alamogordo, New Mexico and we hit it off just fine and exchanged addresses, etc., so we can keep in touch. I have a standing invitation to visit there. Barb's friend Dolly is simply that -- a doll -- and she was my hostess for the night as there wasn't room for Anne and I both to sleep at Barb's place. We spent the day talking and getting acquainted mostly and wandering around Toledo so Anne could see her memories. One of the reasons, I went a day early was so I could do my exploring on my own with as much time as I wanted as well as adding the stop in Bellevue.
Thursday night, we celebrated Barbara's eightieth birthday at the Amvets post with all her nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and their spouses in attendance. Barb is the last of her generation in her family and it was nice to see such a good turnout. Again, I took pictures and told Barb that my birthday gift to her was going to be photos of the party and that I was going to have one of the cousins take a photo of her, Anne and I and have it enlarged and framed. I promised to send prints to Anne, too. One of the cousin's wives took a lot of pictures, too and she's emailing them to me and I'm emailing mine to her. Cool, huh? It was really a fun party and I have a boatload of new cousins with standing invites to visit.
Friday Dolly took us out for brunch and I headed south after we talked some more. The best part of my visit was when Barb gave me a 12" by 12" cardboard box. It was filled to the brim with pictures that belonged to my dad. It had pictures from my grandma of his childhood and even some of Grandpa and Grandma's childhood! It also had my parents' wedding pictures, his high school picture and mine, and more. I have to make a trip up north to Cleveland to see one of my uncles who might be able to tell me who some of the people in them are. And that. my friends, reminds me that I have to go through my own box of photos and write what/where/who on the back of them in case anyone is interested somewhere down the road. If y'all haven't done so, I recommend y'all do the same. I am going to have all these photos copied to CDs and will share many of them with y'all.
When I got home, I was supposed to meet Marcia downtown for First Friday and see the
Budweiser Clydesdales. I was soooooooooo tired that I simply couldn't so I unloaded the car and crashed. It was a good trip but it truly drained me so I'm going to rest and recuperate.
I hope y'all have been having fun and feeling fine and I am sooooo glad you enjoyed Nancy's excellent grooooaaannn on Friday!!!!!!!!!!! I thought it a truly great one.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
I had an excellent trip to Toledo. I skipped the Ohio Turnpike this time because I simply couldn't cope with driving eighty miles per hour surrounded by trucks too close for comfort. It's draining and I was driving during daylight instead of in the wee hours as I did when I used to head to Motown for weekends. This was better although it took a bit longer.
It was raining fairly heavily when I began my journey and that continued as I made my way to Greenwich, Ohio (don't blink) where my parents and grandparents lived when I was born.
I drove about town and it seems the house where our apartment was is gone. I didn't take many pictures as a result of the rain. As I left town, the rain finally stopped and I headed north to Route 20 to keep a promise I made to an old friend and make sure I got to Toledo at a time when the traffic was manageable. (The huge, very high new bridge over the Maumee River scares the bejaysus outta me! Can you say acrophobia?)
Route 20 is a nice drive through the northwestern farming communities. I call it the flatlands because it so flat. It was once The Great Swamp of Toledo and home to the Shawnee, Delaware (Lenape) and Ottawa Indians and where General "Mad Anthony" Wayne met the great Chief Blue Jacket at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Maumee and claimed the Ohio Country for the United States. The road is dotted with farms and pretty small towns. When I got to Bellevue, I stopped and had supper with a sorority sister who lives in one of the fabulous Victorian homes on Main Street. These homes are really gorgeous and some of the owners have taken to using the "painted lady" color schemes popular in San Francisco instead of the white or greys I remembered from my childhood when we drove south to visit my grandparents. Again, I didn't take pictures because we yakked too much getting caught up and I needed to get back on the road. I promised Ellie I would come back and stay for a couple days later this summer.
As I drove in on Route 280 and glimpsed the skyline of Toledo, tears welled in my eyes and I got a lump in my throat. I haven't lived there since I was twelve but it will always be home. I got off the expressway at the exit for Ottawa River Road and in a few minutes I was wandering around my old neighborhood recalling the days when life was simpler and I rode my bicycle all over our hood. It's changed a lot. A lot of the landmarks as are many favorite places are gone -- like the Sugar Bowl and Kunkel's where we bought penny candy after school. And I drove by the house where I grew up. No one was home so I didn't get to see what had changed inside. Funny thing though -- the exterior still is painted the same way fifty years later. The big thing I noticed is how small everything seemed. It felt like everything had shrunk: the streets, the houses. the shops -- only the bay and the rivers seemed to feel the same. I guess God's creations have more stability than man's. And yeah, I took pictures a lot but I haven't uploaded them yet. They'll be in future posts after I've gone through them.
It was getting late so I went and found my hotel and crashed for the night after I called Barbara, my step-mother, to let her know I had arrived in town safely and she said that she and Anne (my step-sister) were looking forward to our spending the next day together.
After breakfast provided by my hotel, I checked out and headed to Barb's apartment in a nice senior citizens complex. (I think the apartments are too damned small --I'd die of claustrophobia -- and took issue with that what was supposed to be a computer lab was sitting empty.) My step-sister, Anne, age 63, is a hoot. She lives in Alamogordo, New Mexico and we hit it off just fine and exchanged addresses, etc., so we can keep in touch. I have a standing invitation to visit there. Barb's friend Dolly is simply that -- a doll -- and she was my hostess for the night as there wasn't room for Anne and I both to sleep at Barb's place. We spent the day talking and getting acquainted mostly and wandering around Toledo so Anne could see her memories. One of the reasons, I went a day early was so I could do my exploring on my own with as much time as I wanted as well as adding the stop in Bellevue.
Thursday night, we celebrated Barbara's eightieth birthday at the Amvets post with all her nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and their spouses in attendance. Barb is the last of her generation in her family and it was nice to see such a good turnout. Again, I took pictures and told Barb that my birthday gift to her was going to be photos of the party and that I was going to have one of the cousins take a photo of her, Anne and I and have it enlarged and framed. I promised to send prints to Anne, too. One of the cousin's wives took a lot of pictures, too and she's emailing them to me and I'm emailing mine to her. Cool, huh? It was really a fun party and I have a boatload of new cousins with standing invites to visit.
Friday Dolly took us out for brunch and I headed south after we talked some more. The best part of my visit was when Barb gave me a 12" by 12" cardboard box. It was filled to the brim with pictures that belonged to my dad. It had pictures from my grandma of his childhood and even some of Grandpa and Grandma's childhood! It also had my parents' wedding pictures, his high school picture and mine, and more. I have to make a trip up north to Cleveland to see one of my uncles who might be able to tell me who some of the people in them are. And that. my friends, reminds me that I have to go through my own box of photos and write what/where/who on the back of them in case anyone is interested somewhere down the road. If y'all haven't done so, I recommend y'all do the same. I am going to have all these photos copied to CDs and will share many of them with y'all.
When I got home, I was supposed to meet Marcia downtown for First Friday and see the
Budweiser Clydesdales. I was soooooooooo tired that I simply couldn't so I unloaded the car and crashed. It was a good trip but it truly drained me so I'm going to rest and recuperate.
I hope y'all have been having fun and feeling fine and I am sooooo glad you enjoyed Nancy's excellent grooooaaannn on Friday!!!!!!!!!!! I thought it a truly great one.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Sunday Random Thoughts
It's Sunday and I was a baaaaaad girl! I missed Mass. That I was really tired is my only excuse. Fortunately, I have come to believe in a loving and forgiving God who won't send me to hell for doing so like the nuns told us in school. 'Sides, I can guaran-damn-tee y'all that if He wants to send me to Hell, He can find lots of bigger and better reasons to do so. Therefore, I not only believe in a loving and forgiving God, I rely on Him to save me from myself and understand my failings.
* It's a pretty day in Ohio and I'm going to go work outside for a bit. It's still been too chilly at night for planting flowers but I think my shovel and I can do a bit of digging in preparation.
* A trip to visit my favorite Uncle Joe and Aunt Ingrid up in Cleveland's suburbs is on the horizon. What a gathering that will be! I'm sure he'll gather as much of the clan as possible because he loves to entertain. He suffered a stroke a few months ago and, fortunately, they caught it in time and he's doing just fine. In fact, he and Aunt Ingrid just got back from a trip to North Carolina to see their eldest grandson. Yikes! I can't believe the cousins' kids are getting
so damned old!
* I thought it rather funny that Northwestern University has withdrawn its offer of an honorary degree to the the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. You can read about it here. Wright, of course, has it wrong on why they did so according to university officials. And the circus we call Election 2008 continues . . . Is anybody else as tired of it as I am? Sigh.
* I got my tax refund and my rebate and am saving part to buy something special in June and get a chair in my living room recovered. The latter has a special place in my heart and while some think I should just replace it, I simply can't as it's a symbol of how far I've come. I'll explain more as "How I Got to Be Me Continues".
* Mostly-ignored Republican candidate, Ron Paul, is still running in spite of being shunned by the media. His supporters shut down Nevada's GOP convention over rules and now his new book, Revolution: A Manifesto, is #1 on Amazon. I checked the site and it's on back order. All this tells me is that the media is in bed with the front runners, is biased as hell, and have appointed themselves king makers. I, frankly, like it that Paul's followers are fighting back!
* The Kay is planning to go away for a few days soon and to hell with the price of gas! I need a break from life. * It's a pretty day in Ohio and I'm going to go work outside for a bit. It's still been too chilly at night for planting flowers but I think my shovel and I can do a bit of digging in preparation.
* A trip to visit my favorite Uncle Joe and Aunt Ingrid up in Cleveland's suburbs is on the horizon. What a gathering that will be! I'm sure he'll gather as much of the clan as possible because he loves to entertain. He suffered a stroke a few months ago and, fortunately, they caught it in time and he's doing just fine. In fact, he and Aunt Ingrid just got back from a trip to North Carolina to see their eldest grandson. Yikes! I can't believe the cousins' kids are getting
so damned old!
* I thought it rather funny that Northwestern University has withdrawn its offer of an honorary degree to the the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. You can read about it here. Wright, of course, has it wrong on why they did so according to university officials. And the circus we call Election 2008 continues . . . Is anybody else as tired of it as I am? Sigh.
* I got my tax refund and my rebate and am saving part to buy something special in June and get a chair in my living room recovered. The latter has a special place in my heart and while some think I should just replace it, I simply can't as it's a symbol of how far I've come. I'll explain more as "How I Got to Be Me Continues".
* Mostly-ignored Republican candidate, Ron Paul, is still running in spite of being shunned by the media. His supporters shut down Nevada's GOP convention over rules and now his new book, Revolution: A Manifesto, is #1 on Amazon. I checked the site and it's on back order. All this tells me is that the media is in bed with the front runners, is biased as hell, and have appointed themselves king makers. I, frankly, like it that Paul's followers are fighting back!
* Are you a Libertarian? It's something to think about because former Georgia congressman, Bob Barr, has set up a website and is considering a run for the presidency as a Libertarian. There is some interesting commentary on this here. The World's Smallest Political Quiz can tell you which way your leanings go. You might be surprised. (A tip of my Think Cap to Maria at Silver Fox Whispers for the link to the quiz,)
* In case y'all wondered, I still am thinking about voting a resounding "NO" for president.
* On a brighter note, our local symphony closed it's season last night with a fabulous
performance that featured some wonderful guests and the symphony chorus. I particularly enjoyed a rare whimsy by Bach called "The Coffee Cantata" which was an amusing break amid heavier pieces. The Kay was there and on her feet with the rest of the audience when the programme ended. The schedule is out for next year and I've tentatively renewed my subscription barring thoughts in other directions. (And, oh yeah, my dress got rave reviews, too! LOL)
* I love The Onion. It's always a good grin. What a delight to discover that they've gone video, too, so I'm including this video to give y'all a chuckle in closing!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Random Saturday Ruminations Between Naps
Yeah, I've been sleeping a lot -- usually in two or three hour increments. Sigh. Richard cancelled our excursion to my disappointment (sorta). He had to go over to his dad's. Dad is eighty-something and still in mourning so I do understand. I really don't feel like I should drive feeling this groggy and was hoping to get to the grocery as well as getting my printer cartridges refilled. The curtains, etc. can wait. Rich said he would call later so perhaps I'll get to the grocery later.
* So much for Claritin. (I've TOLD these idiots that I don't have allergies!) I feel worse than I did last night. I just have to wait until I see the doc on Monday and pray. If I don't get some results or answers then, there will be hell to pay. And if the doc treats me like an idiot, I won't guarantee anything. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired -- a dangerous combination.
* Good news!!!! Jack Cafferty will be back on CNN next week. I've missed him and I'll be interested to hear his no-holds-barred thoughts on Election 2008. Again, my condolences to him and his daughters. If you haven't read his book, It's Getting Ugly Out There, I recommend that you do so. He is as honest about himself as he is about "the frauds, bunglers, and liars" running our country.
* One of my favorite stores here in town is the deep discount pharmacy where I get my scrips at really good prices. That's a very good reason to love it but there's a better one. It's something called Aisle One--which is really about three aisles--chock full of all manor of things from electronics to furniture. Buyouts and closeouts from all sorts of stores with huge savings of 50-90%!!! When I was furnishing my apartment on a miniscule budget after I separated from my husband, it was a frequent stop for me. I bought everything from corkscrews to lamps and much, much more. It's still a stop for me as I am an inveterate bargain hunter as I think y'all have guessed. Once one masters the art of frugality, it's a hard habit to break.
I hope I can stay awake to see what new fun they have with Sarah on SNL!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
* So much for Claritin. (I've TOLD these idiots that I don't have allergies!) I feel worse than I did last night. I just have to wait until I see the doc on Monday and pray. If I don't get some results or answers then, there will be hell to pay. And if the doc treats me like an idiot, I won't guarantee anything. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired -- a dangerous combination.
* Good news!!!! Jack Cafferty will be back on CNN next week. I've missed him and I'll be interested to hear his no-holds-barred thoughts on Election 2008. Again, my condolences to him and his daughters. If you haven't read his book, It's Getting Ugly Out There, I recommend that you do so. He is as honest about himself as he is about "the frauds, bunglers, and liars" running our country.
* One of my favorite stores here in town is the deep discount pharmacy where I get my scrips at really good prices. That's a very good reason to love it but there's a better one. It's something called Aisle One--which is really about three aisles--chock full of all manor of things from electronics to furniture. Buyouts and closeouts from all sorts of stores with huge savings of 50-90%!!! When I was furnishing my apartment on a miniscule budget after I separated from my husband, it was a frequent stop for me. I bought everything from corkscrews to lamps and much, much more. It's still a stop for me as I am an inveterate bargain hunter as I think y'all have guessed. Once one masters the art of frugality, it's a hard habit to break.
A long while back, Ronni Bennett of Time Goes By shared a discovery with us gals at her site. Revlon had introduced a line of makeup for women of a certain age called Vital Radiance and she liked it a lot. I went and visited the website and ordered the samples and pronounced it good stuff after trying it. I don't wear makeup much and hate the greasy heavy stuff they try to foist on older women. I also hate the junk they foist on younger women. But I digress . . . Vital Radiance was discontinued which disappointed me greatly. The other night while I was waiting for my scrip to be ready, I wandered over to Aisle One, browsed a bit stopping at a rack of makeup and, Lo and Behold! there was a whole bunch of makeup, concealer and blush bearing the Vital Radiance logo. I checked to see if my colors were there and, hallelujah, they were! -- ranging in price from $1.59-1.99!!!!!! I grabbed everything in my colors and had them ring it up with my scrip. Wow! I actually have makeup that I like again and will look nice for a long time. Maybe if I check their other stores . . .
* Over at Straight Talk on McCain, the author takes on one of his detractors in a wonderfully lucid and logical (and, as always, well-documented) piece defending his stance against McCain. (Note: I don't blame him for not giving his name. Some of the more rabid McCain supporters scare me.)
* I know some of you are wondering about How I Got to Be Me. Never fear! I will write more! With the priorities of the present, I simply haven't had time to work on it.
* Yes, I still want to vote NO! for president or write in a candidate -- I've done the latter before or wrote in a candidate. Unfortunately, I don't think I have that luxury and again vote against rather than for someone. It's too close in Ohio to risk McCain getting our electoral votes. Sigh.
I hope I can stay awake to see what new fun they have with Sarah on SNL!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Wow!!!!!!
I can't believe the response on that dang meme!!!!
Y'all are too kind!!!! I haven't done anything anyone else wouldn't do -- then again maybe I did -- so I guess I should say that what I did was right for me instead. It wasn't always easy and it wasn't always fun but I learned a lot -- like how to laugh through my tears. I have to give credit to a lot of good people who helped me in my darkest hours. Blogging has helped me and so have all of you with your kindness and support that allowed me to write and publish this )and I almost didn't). I only wrote about it because I couldn't think of anything else as good answers to this meme. As I told Bev -- like Judy's blog -- imagine what I'm leaving out.
I tend to be an open and upfront person which has always driven my mother crazy. I can't lie with a straight face so I gave that up a long time ago. At one point there was some nasty gossip going around about me here and I was angry because no one who was talking had talked to me. If they had asked -- nicely, of course, I would have told them what they needed to know and if they didn't need to know anything, I would have told them that, too.
When I got divorced in 2000, I ran into an old acquaintance who said, "I saw your divorce in the paper." I replied, laughing, "I didn't. I was there in the court room with a front row seat!" lol
I think they wanted the gory details and I was tired of them.
On my blogoversary, I mentioned that I am planning a series called How I Got to Be Me. And then you can really decide if I have character or am plain damn crazy. Some of my oldest friends here wonder how I've made it through. I tell them it's because I haven't any sense or a gun so I just keep on truckin' as we said back in the day. And as one of my favorite poets writes:
Thank you all again -- you are the best!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Y'all are too kind!!!! I haven't done anything anyone else wouldn't do -- then again maybe I did -- so I guess I should say that what I did was right for me instead. It wasn't always easy and it wasn't always fun but I learned a lot -- like how to laugh through my tears. I have to give credit to a lot of good people who helped me in my darkest hours. Blogging has helped me and so have all of you with your kindness and support that allowed me to write and publish this )and I almost didn't). I only wrote about it because I couldn't think of anything else as good answers to this meme. As I told Bev -- like Judy's blog -- imagine what I'm leaving out.
I tend to be an open and upfront person which has always driven my mother crazy. I can't lie with a straight face so I gave that up a long time ago. At one point there was some nasty gossip going around about me here and I was angry because no one who was talking had talked to me. If they had asked -- nicely, of course, I would have told them what they needed to know and if they didn't need to know anything, I would have told them that, too.
When I got divorced in 2000, I ran into an old acquaintance who said, "I saw your divorce in the paper." I replied, laughing, "I didn't. I was there in the court room with a front row seat!" lol
I think they wanted the gory details and I was tired of them.
On my blogoversary, I mentioned that I am planning a series called How I Got to Be Me. And then you can really decide if I have character or am plain damn crazy. Some of my oldest friends here wonder how I've made it through. I tell them it's because I haven't any sense or a gun so I just keep on truckin' as we said back in the day. And as one of my favorite poets writes:
"Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live."
-- Dorothy Parker
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live."
-- Dorothy Parker
Thank you all again -- you are the best!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Random Thank God It's Saturday Thoughts
It's been quite a week for the Obamas and it was quite a week for me (I think the Obamas had more fun than I did) but I weathered it -- both literally and figuratively!!!!! I'm just glad I'm off until Wednesday and will, hopefully, get some rest.
* Speaking of Obama, I thoroughly enjoyed the Inauguration and think he's off to a pretty good start. I think the operative phrase is "hit the ground running", don't you? No, he's not going to be perfect but he looks to be working hard and being open in his activities. Good stuff!!!!!
* Yesterday we were above freezing in the balmy upper 30s. Today it's back to Ice Station Zebra -- with temperature in negative numbers tonight. Have I mentioned that I'm tired of winter?
* Here's my I Ching reading from yesterday: Kuai: Decision,Now you can finally take that decision which puts an end to your hostile and unfavorable situation. Remember that it'll be enough for you to make the first step, the rest will come alone. Take this opportunity and correct once and for all everything which is not right around you. (I like it -- the trick is figuring out which hostile situation I need to fix first and how I go about it.)
* Miss Ruby is finished with the car doctor -- for now -- and she seems happy. I thought the rattle sounded similar to the one she had last month that cost me four hundred fifty bucks. It was *only* two hundred fifty bucks but Nick says she looks pretty good and should be okay for a while. (From his lips to God's ear!)
* I'm finally remembering to publicly say thank you to my good friend Joy of Six for honoring me with the Van Gogh's Ear Award. It means a great deal to me because Van Gogh is one of my favorite painters -- his "Irises" hangs above my computer. I am sharing this honor and passing it on to Steph at Incurable Insomniac, Marty of TravelinOma's Library, Amy at An Authentic Life, The Limerick Savant, Jan at Life in Westcliffe, Mary at Mary Contrary's Blog, Alice at My Wintersong, Ell at Pomegranate Tiger, Suzz at Suzzwords, Parapluie at Umbrella Painting Journal, Dave at Five String Guitar, Fran at Sacred Ordinary and M.E. at XtremeEnglish.
* I got in to see the managing doc at the clinic where I go because I was unhappy with my doctor. These people aren't used to being questioned about treatment. It wasn't fun and I still don't have a proper answer but I agreed to go to Occupational Therapy an you can bet I'll be raising hell if they're as stupid as the doctors have been in understanding my concerns with this. We're talking about my only good arm here and I'm sure as hell not going to do anything that might make anything worse. I think these doctors at the clinic are used to no one questioning them. Guess what? I don't care. It's my body and I'm gonna raise hell when I think they're wrong.
* The program through which I'm employed is raising hell because I haven't gotten a job in the real world and some of the thongs said to me can only be described as abusive. The main thing they tell me is that I'm well qualified and should get hired. Right. I'm almost 62 and only type with one hand in a county that's losing jobs daily. They plan to move me to another job at the end of next month (doing data entry -- yikes! Ugh!) because I've been with Jeff too long. Neither of us is happy. Trust me when I tell you that I'm not going down without a fight. I will be making an appointment with my Congressman or one of his minions on Monday. I found out from a couple of the other women in the program that they're getting a load of you-know-what, too. This is elder abuse plain and simple and I'm going down fighting. I might even drop Obama a note.
* Yesterday morning was my appointment with the endocrinologist and I really like him a lot. I don't get to see him often but when I do, it's all good. He is extremely thorough and actually listens and takes time with his patients. What a concept!!!!! I think my Internist needs to take lessons from him. I've a whole bunch of tests scheduled for the beginning of the week and I hope my thyroid problem finally gets settled. He also decided that I need a bone density test which I've thought I needed for a while because I fit the profile for osteoporosis but no one would listen. I'm going to be a busy girl.
* From my Cool Stuff department: I discovered at the grocery that an Ohio dairy has come up with a new flavor of ice cream. It's called Buckeye Blitz after you-know-who if you read here a lot. It's chocolate ice cream with a peanut butter swirl and mini-buckeye candies. Serious yum!
* Tonight is a night at the symphony. What a lovely way to end a wretched week! I like the idea of getting dolled up (as much as the old gal can) and hearing glorious music and dining with friends afterward. I plan to get there early for what they call the prelude where Maestro discusses the programme -- it's really an education in music appreciation that he offers with wit and style. Definitely good stuff!!!!
Hope y'all are enjoying a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
* Speaking of Obama, I thoroughly enjoyed the Inauguration and think he's off to a pretty good start. I think the operative phrase is "hit the ground running", don't you? No, he's not going to be perfect but he looks to be working hard and being open in his activities. Good stuff!!!!!
* Yesterday we were above freezing in the balmy upper 30s. Today it's back to Ice Station Zebra -- with temperature in negative numbers tonight. Have I mentioned that I'm tired of winter?
* Here's my I Ching reading from yesterday: Kuai: Decision,Now you can finally take that decision which puts an end to your hostile and unfavorable situation. Remember that it'll be enough for you to make the first step, the rest will come alone. Take this opportunity and correct once and for all everything which is not right around you. (I like it -- the trick is figuring out which hostile situation I need to fix first and how I go about it.)
* Miss Ruby is finished with the car doctor -- for now -- and she seems happy. I thought the rattle sounded similar to the one she had last month that cost me four hundred fifty bucks. It was *only* two hundred fifty bucks but Nick says she looks pretty good and should be okay for a while. (From his lips to God's ear!)
* I'm finally remembering to publicly say thank you to my good friend Joy of Six for honoring me with the Van Gogh's Ear Award. It means a great deal to me because Van Gogh is one of my favorite painters -- his "Irises" hangs above my computer. I am sharing this honor and passing it on to Steph at Incurable Insomniac, Marty of TravelinOma's Library, Amy at An Authentic Life, The Limerick Savant, Jan at Life in Westcliffe, Mary at Mary Contrary's Blog, Alice at My Wintersong, Ell at Pomegranate Tiger, Suzz at Suzzwords, Parapluie at Umbrella Painting Journal, Dave at Five String Guitar, Fran at Sacred Ordinary and M.E. at XtremeEnglish.
* I got in to see the managing doc at the clinic where I go because I was unhappy with my doctor. These people aren't used to being questioned about treatment. It wasn't fun and I still don't have a proper answer but I agreed to go to Occupational Therapy an you can bet I'll be raising hell if they're as stupid as the doctors have been in understanding my concerns with this. We're talking about my only good arm here and I'm sure as hell not going to do anything that might make anything worse. I think these doctors at the clinic are used to no one questioning them. Guess what? I don't care. It's my body and I'm gonna raise hell when I think they're wrong.
* The program through which I'm employed is raising hell because I haven't gotten a job in the real world and some of the thongs said to me can only be described as abusive. The main thing they tell me is that I'm well qualified and should get hired. Right. I'm almost 62 and only type with one hand in a county that's losing jobs daily. They plan to move me to another job at the end of next month (doing data entry -- yikes! Ugh!) because I've been with Jeff too long. Neither of us is happy. Trust me when I tell you that I'm not going down without a fight. I will be making an appointment with my Congressman or one of his minions on Monday. I found out from a couple of the other women in the program that they're getting a load of you-know-what, too. This is elder abuse plain and simple and I'm going down fighting. I might even drop Obama a note.
* Yesterday morning was my appointment with the endocrinologist and I really like him a lot. I don't get to see him often but when I do, it's all good. He is extremely thorough and actually listens and takes time with his patients. What a concept!!!!! I think my Internist needs to take lessons from him. I've a whole bunch of tests scheduled for the beginning of the week and I hope my thyroid problem finally gets settled. He also decided that I need a bone density test which I've thought I needed for a while because I fit the profile for osteoporosis but no one would listen. I'm going to be a busy girl.
* From my Cool Stuff department: I discovered at the grocery that an Ohio dairy has come up with a new flavor of ice cream. It's called Buckeye Blitz after you-know-who if you read here a lot. It's chocolate ice cream with a peanut butter swirl and mini-buckeye candies. Serious yum!
* Tonight is a night at the symphony. What a lovely way to end a wretched week! I like the idea of getting dolled up (as much as the old gal can) and hearing glorious music and dining with friends afterward. I plan to get there early for what they call the prelude where Maestro discusses the programme -- it's really an education in music appreciation that he offers with wit and style. Definitely good stuff!!!!
Hope y'all are enjoying a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wee Hours if Wednesday Random Thoughts
It's Wednesday and I hope y'all got your federal and state taxes taken care of -- I was a good girl and did mine Sunday and mailed them Monday. It's been a busy week so far and doesn't look to let up at all. I've worn a lot of different hats from Josephine the plumber to public speaker. (I'll spare you the gory details on the former.) Stop by and check out my toolbox. LOL
* I had blood work done again -- yeah, the lil' A- vampire was hungry again -- and after fasting twelve hours, they made me wait almost an hour before they came and got me to take my blood. I was cranky about it, too. When I was finally done, I was ravenous and took myself to Pete's for a huge omelet and home fries. The former was loaded with bacon, sausage, and ham and covered with sausage gravy. Yum -- and I don't even feel guilty about putting my cholesterol through the roof.
* I still don't think I'll vote for him but I got a good laugh out of his gibes at Hillary on Monday. I didn't think he had a sense of humor and was glad to see him have a bit of fun at her expense. And yes, I'm still considering voting "NO" for president.
* Big surprise -- not: Bobby Cutts Jr.'s attorneys have filed for an appeal of his conviction in the murders of Jessie Marie Davis and their unborn daughter, Chloe. The grounds? Change of venue, inconsistent verdicts and assorted other nonsense. I hope they give him an unequivocal denial.
* My nice UPS man was here today and delivered a package. I opened it and inside there was a gift with this admonition attached: DO NOT OPEN BEFORE APRIL 17 AFTER 6 PM. Sadistic, no? LOL! I'm going to be good and follow the instructions. I might even tell y'all what's inside!!!
* I'd forgotten I had a Facebook account until Claudia over at Fried Okra Productions sent me an invite to be her friend there. I took some time to fix my place up a little to what purpose I don't know 'cause I'll be damned if I can figure out what its purpose is. If anyone really understands it or, if any of you want me to scribble on your wall, let me know.
* Check out this video on a recent atrocity in our county. As a mother and a grandmother, I am outraged and hope y'all are, too. I once demanded of a school official: "Where does my responsibility stop and yours start?" and couldn't get a straight answer. This video demonstrates why. I'm getting so disgusted with this place, I'm seriously considering going looking for a home. Unfortunately, I think this sort of thing is happening everywhere. What's your state's law on a school system's liability? If you don't know, I think it bears a little checking.
* How I Got to Be Me will return next week. I apologize but I am buried with Spring cleaning and assorted other obligations and celebrations.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
* I had blood work done again -- yeah, the lil' A- vampire was hungry again -- and after fasting twelve hours, they made me wait almost an hour before they came and got me to take my blood. I was cranky about it, too. When I was finally done, I was ravenous and took myself to Pete's for a huge omelet and home fries. The former was loaded with bacon, sausage, and ham and covered with sausage gravy. Yum -- and I don't even feel guilty about putting my cholesterol through the roof.
* I still don't think I'll vote for him but I got a good laugh out of his gibes at Hillary on Monday. I didn't think he had a sense of humor and was glad to see him have a bit of fun at her expense. And yes, I'm still considering voting "NO" for president.
* Big surprise -- not: Bobby Cutts Jr.'s attorneys have filed for an appeal of his conviction in the murders of Jessie Marie Davis and their unborn daughter, Chloe. The grounds? Change of venue, inconsistent verdicts and assorted other nonsense. I hope they give him an unequivocal denial.
* My nice UPS man was here today and delivered a package. I opened it and inside there was a gift with this admonition attached: DO NOT OPEN BEFORE APRIL 17 AFTER 6 PM. Sadistic, no? LOL! I'm going to be good and follow the instructions. I might even tell y'all what's inside!!!
* I'd forgotten I had a Facebook account until Claudia over at Fried Okra Productions sent me an invite to be her friend there. I took some time to fix my place up a little to what purpose I don't know 'cause I'll be damned if I can figure out what its purpose is. If anyone really understands it or, if any of you want me to scribble on your wall, let me know.
* Check out this video on a recent atrocity in our county. As a mother and a grandmother, I am outraged and hope y'all are, too. I once demanded of a school official: "Where does my responsibility stop and yours start?" and couldn't get a straight answer. This video demonstrates why. I'm getting so disgusted with this place, I'm seriously considering going looking for a home. Unfortunately, I think this sort of thing is happening everywhere. What's your state's law on a school system's liability? If you don't know, I think it bears a little checking.
* How I Got to Be Me will return next week. I apologize but I am buried with Spring cleaning and assorted other obligations and celebrations.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Random Super Bowl Sunday Thoughts
It's Super Bowl Sunday (yawwwwwwwnnnn) because my alleged mind has been on overflow this week and my brain hurts from assaults on all fronts so I'm still cranky and venting is a damned good panacea if not a cure.
* I've come to hate the Super Bowl and all its hoopla. I decry the huge money spent on advertising and the constant interruptions of the game. It's not about football anymore; it's about hype and money. I can't help but think about the fall of Rome when I see it you know -- circuses while the city burns and all that. Some people have told me that I'm just mad because I don't have a dog in this fight. Not true. Yeah, my Browns (the comedy division of the NFL) are out of it, but, even so. I doubt I would have watched the game because pro sports aren't much fun for me anymore. I follow my teams but I really prefer college sports -- they at least give the illusion of not being about money.
* Thanks to all y'all who keep coming back for my ramblings. I truly appreciate your support and friendship. I'm just sorry that I have been remiss in visiting y'all as often as I'd like. Life is too lifelike in many ways and my plate is rather full. I hope to get up-to-date soon. Sometimes I hate responsiblity, obligations and all the baggage of life. Add the always present struggle with what Hemingway called the Black Dog (that eventually killed him) and it amazes me that I bother to get up in the morning. Don't worry -- I am mostly okay but all the crap makes me nuts sometimes and writing the How I Got to Be Me series is exacting a toll. I will be posting the first installment soon.
* The symphony was magnificent last night. The guest artists -- a tenor and a baritone -- were terrific in their solos and duets and the orchestra, as always, was great! Our conductor, Gerhardt Zimmerman, is well thought of both nationally and internationally and we are blessed to have him. My friend Fred, as I said yesterday, is a pillar of support to the symphony. A retired executive of a major corporation here, he volunteers his time to the educational programs the Symphony sponsors in local schools to introduce children to the arts. I really like that because when I was a kid in Toledo, they used to haul us to the wonderful Toledo Museum of Art once a month and we'd have programs on great music as well as great art. It's how I acquired my love of such things -- my hard-working blue collar parents weren't into the arts. Fred also sings with the Symphony's chorus and offered to get me tickets for another series of concerts by the Symphony at a 50% discount! Cool, huh? I'm definitely up for that!
* Something else I learned recently is that we are warehousing illegal immigrants who've been arrested in prison for three to ten years at a cost to taxpayers of forty thousand bucks a year apiece! The prisons are built and run by Haliburton. What does that tell you? If it doesn't tell you that Dick Cheyney et al are getting richer, you haven't been paying attention. Why not just send them back from whence they came? A plane ticket would be infinitely cheaper -- don't you think? Omigod, I forgot myself!!! That would make SENSE and SENSE is something we've lost in this country!
* I was doing some legal research for my boss and discovered that there is a problem on the east coast with illegal with illegal Irish immigrants. I asked him, "Why isn't anyone excited about this? Because they speak English an have a cute accent?" I seem to recall people being outraged about influx of the VietNamese boat people a decade or so ago. In 1900, one-third of the population of the state of Wisconsin were born in Germany. I am the descendent of two of those people. I have no idea if they were legal or not. I just thank them for coming here and producing my mother, the fifth of their eight children.
* I've been visiting YouTube a lot of late to keep up on what's going on of late in the presidential race. There's some pretty amazing and telling stuff out there and worth a look. The video below from Jack Cafferty (who I'd love to buy a beer!) really cuts to the chase on our plight as citizens of this country in this election year. It angered and frightened me but I think it's right on the money. What do you think?
* I like to end on a positive note so I highly recommend y'all pop over and see my composer friend Steph at Incurable Insomniac and take a look at an incredible video from her documentary, Mozartballs. The singer is Lynette at Life in Shades of F Major and I think y'all will truly enjoy her magnificent voice. Both Steph and Lynnette are Mozart scholars who know their stuff and I'm looking forward to purchasing this DVD!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
* I've come to hate the Super Bowl and all its hoopla. I decry the huge money spent on advertising and the constant interruptions of the game. It's not about football anymore; it's about hype and money. I can't help but think about the fall of Rome when I see it you know -- circuses while the city burns and all that. Some people have told me that I'm just mad because I don't have a dog in this fight. Not true. Yeah, my Browns (the comedy division of the NFL) are out of it, but, even so. I doubt I would have watched the game because pro sports aren't much fun for me anymore. I follow my teams but I really prefer college sports -- they at least give the illusion of not being about money.
* Thanks to all y'all who keep coming back for my ramblings. I truly appreciate your support and friendship. I'm just sorry that I have been remiss in visiting y'all as often as I'd like. Life is too lifelike in many ways and my plate is rather full. I hope to get up-to-date soon. Sometimes I hate responsiblity, obligations and all the baggage of life. Add the always present struggle with what Hemingway called the Black Dog (that eventually killed him) and it amazes me that I bother to get up in the morning. Don't worry -- I am mostly okay but all the crap makes me nuts sometimes and writing the How I Got to Be Me series is exacting a toll. I will be posting the first installment soon.
* The symphony was magnificent last night. The guest artists -- a tenor and a baritone -- were terrific in their solos and duets and the orchestra, as always, was great! Our conductor, Gerhardt Zimmerman, is well thought of both nationally and internationally and we are blessed to have him. My friend Fred, as I said yesterday, is a pillar of support to the symphony. A retired executive of a major corporation here, he volunteers his time to the educational programs the Symphony sponsors in local schools to introduce children to the arts. I really like that because when I was a kid in Toledo, they used to haul us to the wonderful Toledo Museum of Art once a month and we'd have programs on great music as well as great art. It's how I acquired my love of such things -- my hard-working blue collar parents weren't into the arts. Fred also sings with the Symphony's chorus and offered to get me tickets for another series of concerts by the Symphony at a 50% discount! Cool, huh? I'm definitely up for that!
* Something else I learned recently is that we are warehousing illegal immigrants who've been arrested in prison for three to ten years at a cost to taxpayers of forty thousand bucks a year apiece! The prisons are built and run by Haliburton. What does that tell you? If it doesn't tell you that Dick Cheyney et al are getting richer, you haven't been paying attention. Why not just send them back from whence they came? A plane ticket would be infinitely cheaper -- don't you think? Omigod, I forgot myself!!! That would make SENSE and SENSE is something we've lost in this country!
* I was doing some legal research for my boss and discovered that there is a problem on the east coast with illegal with illegal Irish immigrants. I asked him, "Why isn't anyone excited about this? Because they speak English an have a cute accent?" I seem to recall people being outraged about influx of the VietNamese boat people a decade or so ago. In 1900, one-third of the population of the state of Wisconsin were born in Germany. I am the descendent of two of those people. I have no idea if they were legal or not. I just thank them for coming here and producing my mother, the fifth of their eight children.
* I've been visiting YouTube a lot of late to keep up on what's going on of late in the presidential race. There's some pretty amazing and telling stuff out there and worth a look. The video below from Jack Cafferty (who I'd love to buy a beer!) really cuts to the chase on our plight as citizens of this country in this election year. It angered and frightened me but I think it's right on the money. What do you think?
* I like to end on a positive note so I highly recommend y'all pop over and see my composer friend Steph at Incurable Insomniac and take a look at an incredible video from her documentary, Mozartballs. The singer is Lynette at Life in Shades of F Major and I think y'all will truly enjoy her magnificent voice. Both Steph and Lynnette are Mozart scholars who know their stuff and I'm looking forward to purchasing this DVD!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Accumulated Thoughts on a Rainy Saturday
I know! I know! I've been missing from the Land of Blog of late. I'm not going to make excuses and just say that life takes some weird turns and distracts a body.
* Is anyone else already tired of the 2008 Presidential race? Nobody asked me but I think they're starting far, far too early. I'm already tired of Hillary and Obama and John Edwards although I did get a chuckle from John McCain's announcing his candidacy on Letterman -- he was, if nothing else, funny. Mit seems to be testing the waters and of course the polygamy card is over-shadowing anything else he might offer. At the rate this campaign is going by November 2008 we're all going to be so bored and disgusted we'll stay home! Rhetoric goes cold and I go deaf if I hear it too long and too often. And Hillary, lose the pants suits -- when they become a Letterman joke, you know it isn't attractive.
* In case y'all didn't know, I collect funny signs and they are scattered around my place. The other day I found two I particularly liked. The one now hanging -- appropriately as you can see in the photo above (another of the Man's masterpieces) -- above my desk reads: "My desk may be cluttered but my mind is EMPTY." It is, unfortunately, all too true of late and explains my absence here. Mea Culpa! The other states: "I can resist anything except temptation." It's hanging in my kitchen challenging me to pass on treats like my bakery's wonderful chocolate chunk cookies or my beloved Ben and Jerry's Dublin Mudslide ice cream. Okay so I have a couple weaknesses!!!! lol
* I thought I was getting too damned old for lessons in life but. as usual, I was wrong. I had an experience recently that taught me an interesting, albeit disappointing, lesson. Organizations that are openly and militantly anti-discrmination for their minority are not necessarily above committing discrimination against others. No, I didn't file a complaint -- it labels one a troublemaker and, hence, employers discriminate against you for that. Ironic, huh?
* From my "What's wrong with this picture?" Department: This may have made the news in your area because it so outrageous. A teenaged boy in Cleveland raped his ex-girlfriend at knife point. The magistrate who ruled on the case, instead of placing him in detention, put a house arrest bracelet on him and sent him home. A few days later he shot the young lady in question in the face with a shotgun so she couldn't testify against him. Her family is outraged and has gone public with their story. Their press conference was heart-wrenching. It makes me sick. The blame can be spread pretty broadly in my not so humble opinion. Someone said to me, "You don't know what went on at court." No, I don't, but I did see the magistrate tap-dancing to defend herself on the news and I read and heard the story where she said she didn't consider him a threat and stood by her ruling. When I see and hear the words "rape" and "knife point" in the same sentence, I'm thinking jail -- ADULT jail . I really would like to know why the police didn't charge Juan Ruiz as an adult for such a violent crime. Where were his parents that he was able to leave his home to go and shoot this young lady? And how in the hell did he get hold of a shotgun? Johanna was not killed but will spend many months recovering and undergoing plastic surgery. I know that the Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment but somehow I don't think there's a punishment that will fit this crime adequately. I hope and pray that he is tried as an adult. Perhaps the inmates wherever he's sent will take care of that but it won't take away the pain and scars of Johanna and her family. The general feeling in Northeast Ohio mirrors mine: that the magistrate failed Johanna and her family and should be held liable and resign. Please hold Johanna and her family in your prayers.
* Children and crime were also an issue here in our city as our Mayor held a forum -- she does that a lot. This time it included community leaders and addressed keeping our young people from crime. All sorts of ideas were bandied about but there was one that seemed to be ignored: parental responsibility. What happened to parents demanding that their kids have rules and curfews? What happened to the schools being able to discipline unruly children? Don't know about y'all, but it was worth my life not to be on my block when the street lights came on in the evening. I furiously pedaled my secondhand Schwinn around the corner of 102nd Street breathing a sigh of relief more than once and got what we used to call a "lickin'" a couple times when I didn't make it on time. With my kids, I was of the school that miscreants sat in a corner for however long I thought appropriate or were "grounded" for a major sin. Frankly, today if you go to parents about something their child did, more than likely, they will turn it around so that you caused their little darling to commit the infraction or make an excuse about their being a single mother or other such nonsense. We elders grew up learning to accept responsibility for, and the consequences of, our actions. What happened to that? I might sound like what we used to call an old fogey but, damn it, it worked. Government isn't the answer to the crime problem among our children, it all starts at home and I emailed the Mayor to tell her so.
* I've been spending more time with doctors of late than I really like and I'll spare you the gory details of most of it. However, one part it all struck me as rather funny. I had to report to the hospital's nuclear medicine department at 9 o'clock one morning. They gave me a sort of gray capsule and told me to report back at one so they could take pictures. I asked if I should get my hair done. These people have no sense of humor so I didn't get the laugh I deserved. I dutifully reported back at the appointed time and they took a a whole bunch of what I suppose were x-rays. When they were done they told me to come back the next morning at 9 to finish the tests and the tech handed me a card and told me I needed to carry it with me for the next few days. The card read in bold letters: "Security Personnel and Law Enforcement Notification." It went on to say that "Kay Dennison has undergone a nuclear medicine procedure. The residual radiation may be detectable externally." It also included what sort of nuclear material they used and how much along with the dates and the hospital's phone number. Soooooooooo for the next few days when asked, "How are you?" I replied, "Radioactive!" I also had this nearly uncontrollable urge to go out to the airport and see how many bells and whistles I could set a-jangling but I didn't. Somehow I doubt their security wouldn't have found it as amusing as I did which is what kept my whimsy in check. AND I've heard that they aren't too nice to dotty old ladies being silly.
* Our beloved Millie Garfield is teaching Yiddish on the 'Net now -- live on video!!!! Stop by Millie's Yiddish Class and join the fun! You can even subscribe so you'll be notified of each new lesson. Oy ve! Such things she and her son, Steve, cook up!!!!
Hope y'all are well, happy and having fun with the adventure we call life! I'm hoping I can manage a ramble to each of your sites, my dear, dear gentle bloggers and get caught up on all y'all! I've missed you!
Happy Blogging!
Kay
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