Update, Random Thoughts, etc. . . ,

I have been AWOL from here and the blogosphere due to dealing with my never-ending health issues and assorted other nonsense that seem to permeate my so-called life. I feel bad about that but it is what it is and there are some things that one simply can't change.  The again, maybe if I were more organized . . . er . . . never mind.

* I saw the new doc aka Dr. Dave and Dr. Maria made another great referral.  I swear she knows all the best specialists in town, i.e. the bright, no B.S. types who know their stuff and don't shilly-shally which is great for me and her other patients. Dr. Dave said my carotid scan didn't show enough so I am  now scheduled for three more test (yikes) and a return visit in the next two weeks.  I think that I should just camp at the Foundation -- but only if they give me Internet privileges.(laughing uproariously at the thought.)  Seriously, I just hope that the tests provide some insights and solutions.

* I'm trying mightily to eat healthier but I just don't have an appetite or the energy to work at it. Cooking for one sucks and I'll be damned if I'll eat the same damned thing for days.  

* We actually had a real bona fide winter storm on Friday.  This is the weirdest winter I've ever seen in my over six decades in Ohio.

* My Sunday delight is Bill Moyers' return.  I've always enjoyed his programs and the newest incarnation is no exception.  This morning's episode, "How the Right Went Wrong", features Bruce Barlett -- the conservative economist who served under Bush -- and has fallen into disfavor (probably because he actually makes sense).   It's a wonderful piece albeit a bit long. If you go to billmoyers.com there are shorter clips.

*  Alec called and is very upset.  It seems his damned fool son is threatening to head for Ohio with the dog because he wants to help me.   I told Alec to chain Jeff to the first tee at the club and hold him at gunpoint to play.  His presence would not help and just add to the stress I'm supposed to avoid. Just the thought raises my blood pressure. If he could just send Shaughnessy, I'd like that a lot!

* I get all sorts of petitions for legislation daily from the various newsletters I follow and I'm seriously thinking of adding the links as an extra feature so they don't clutter my regular stuff.  I sign petitions 'cause I can't afford to donate much and there's a lot of good things on the table.

* I did receive a really fun link from RootsAction. It's a contest based on Mitt Romney's assertion that "Corporations are people. and y'all can enter here. To enter, just complete the sentence: I'll Believe Corporations Are People When ... My contribution? I'll Believe Corporations Are People When They Request a pregnancy leave. Fun huh?

Okay! I'm off to see how many blogs I can read before my eyes cross!!!! See y'all soon!!!!

That's about it!!! Have a great day!!!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!

Kay

Notes for Wednesday

I hope it will be a quiet week. Dr. Maria and I discussed anti-depressants and agreed that I can take a look at alternative options because my reaction to most of them is not good. I did, however, have to agree to continuing counseling and I will -- for a while. I suspect that when I had my stroke that it threw my body chemistry out of whack and marvel that no one seems to consider that possibility. Oh well -- I'll just keep on keeping on in my quest for answers.

* I keep forgetting to tell y'all that I'm doing another River of Stones project for the month of July. And y'all can see my efforts here and check out what it's all about by clicking on the link in the sidebar there.

* I'm working on finally getting my books organized and entered on my site at The Library Thing (until I get sidetracked) -- again! So far I have 425 books cataloged and prolly have at least that many more to add. If any of y'all are members there feel free to 'friend' me. I love to see what y'all like to read. I finally figured out that just entering the ISBN number saves a LOT of time and typing!

* I am probably jinxing myself by admitting that we have had some truly lovely weather of late. I hope it stays nice for Football's Greatest Weekend next month. Then again, it means that I'm throwing my annual party again. Funny how I only see those people one week out of the year. Oh well. It's one of those things that make you go "hmmmmmmmmm . . ."

* If y'all want know what John Boehner is about in 30 seconds, here's an ad from his last campaign:



If y'all saw this, would you have voted for him? I really wonder about those folks down in SW Ohio. And I predict that he's the next congressional sex scandal (1:13):
What do y'all think?



And stop by The Progress Report to see their latest antics! Sigh. We really have to start paying attention.

Happy Blogging!!!!

Kay

Thanks and Afterthoughts

I really appreciate all y'all who came by yesterday and left such nice comments!!! My front porch is reasonably neat and clean and ready for summer!!!! And today is another sunny day in Ohio. I slept like a rock.

Yesterday while contemplating all the John Denver comments, I realized that a more apropos video might have been this this one but I stand behind what I chose because I like sunshine a lot and it's been in short supply.

There have always been predictions that the world will end and cults -- for want of a better term -- and, so far, they've been wrong. One of my favorite books is The Clowns of God -- the second book of Morris L. West's Vatican Trilogy. Although some call it dated, I think it holds up pretty well in our muddled times. I also don't think there's any point in worrying about them because ain't nobody getting off this rock alive if it happens. Just my take.

Bill Maher had a really intelligent and witty panel on Friday and they provided some interesting and intelligent insights here. I think Dylan Ratigan is terrific but I'm a sucker for charming Irishmen which I think y'all know. Bill also weighed in on the IMF guy who is now in jail and the Arnold's confession but I couldn't find a clip for y'all.

Gotta run! There are places to go and sunshine to enjoy so here's another great oldie -- I like this version a lot:



Happy Blogging!!!!

Kay

A Couple Notes

Thanks for all the good words yesterday -- especially the ones from Gene who made my Monday so very nice!!!

* Today getting in the swing of things was difficult but I did manage to get some visiting in and if y'all didn't see me, I'll be around.

* My computer woes continued and I finally decided to switch my default browser to Firefox. Hopefully, MSN can stuff it where the sun don't shine. We'll see how that goes so please bear with me as I adjust to the ins and outs as well as the peccadilloes that are always inherent in any software one encounters. Helpful hints and advice are always welcome.

* Glen Beck really did it this time . . . in less than two minutes! Y'all can see and read about it here.

* The Ohio Democratic Party is holding a 'Good Jobs, Strong Communities' Rally at the Statehouse in Columbus again on Thursday!!! I wish I could go but I can't. Think maybe we're fed up here in Buckeye land?

* Have y'all seen this man? He looks like a man to be reckoned with carefully.

I just wish he'd use some of that with certain members of Congress.

* Here's the song that's been (annoyingly) nagging at me since my birthday and I'm hoping that by posting it, it will go away and leave me be 64 my way. It's really sort of a guy song but it won't go away. Sigh.



Happy Blogging!!!!!!!

Kay

Tuesday Random Thoughts

I'm really getting dedicated around here. I knocked a lot off on my 'gottado' list yesterday -- even some of the tasks that I hate and have been on my list far too long. Unfortunately, there's still a lot to do. Have y'all ever noticed that when you start on a task, at least three or four more rear their pointy little heads?
Still, I'm trying to maintain momentum and hope to have everything shipshape by the time I have my surgery. Recuperating goes better in a clean house where I can find everything in my not so humble opinion.

* So the high and mighty are talking about 'rescuing' Social Security. Excuse me? Last I heard Social Security was solvent. I think it's a grab at us elders. What cracked me up was this quote from consultant Ana Rappaport:

"The issue of elderly poverty for women, however, might need further attention. 'We need to remember that for four out of 10 older women alone, and for a very large number of the bottom third of the population economically, Social Security is virtually all they have in retirement,” Rappaport said. 'And that is not likely to change although one might be able to reduce that number.'"

All I can say is Ms. Rappaport needs to call me and I'll explain the cold hard reality of being an poor old lady to her.

* Kent McKamy, one of my favorite New Yorkers, sent this video along and I enjoyed it so much that I simply had to share it! I think y'all will, too. I have never been a fan of Kiss but this raised my opinion of them more than a couple notches.



* Alaskans have a hilarious sense of humor as demonstrated by this 47 second video from an event in Ketchikan. I hope y'all laugh as hard as I did!



* I'm glad that some of y'all enjoyed the River Stones project. I put all of them here. I liked the discipline of coming up with an idea/comment each day and have missed it since it ended. I'm thinking of continuing it and also using it as a place to write about other things as well. Y'all are welcome to stop by and see where my mind is taking me. I joined Fiona's Writing Our Way Home community and I think it could be an interesting adventure. I also hope I find time to participate.

Speaking of time, I'm off and running. It's errand and shopping day and the list is not short. Sigh.

Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!

Happy Blogging!!!!

Kay

River Stones 1/31/2011

How sad to reach the end of a project that has helped me be more aware of what I write and do some needed introspection.

Kay

note: this is the last of the River Stones posts. All of them have been collected here. I'm not certain what I'll do there yet but I learned a lot with this exercise.

River Stones 1/30/2011

Reflection can be a good thing when inspiraton joins the fray and prompts new vision.

Kay

River Stones 1/29/2011

Every day I wonder where I really belong in this world and my heart aches with a pain that never goes away.

Kay

River Stones 1/28/2011

There's nothing like ending a day with a feeling of accomplishment and a modicum of organization.

Kay

River Stones 1/27/2011

If I spent less time thinking and worrying, I would get more done.

Kay

River Stones 1/26/2011

I watched the State of the Union address last night. Obama sounded positive and presidential. So why did I feel like I was sold down the river?

Kay

River Stones 1/25/2011

Tangled yarn is easier to fix than a tangled life. Maybe that's why I'd rather stay home and needlepoint.

Kay

River Stones 1/24/2011

When lists start getting short, it's time to make more lists. It's one of those things that never ends . . .

Kay

Quiet Sunday

I'm in kind of cranky mode but not outrageously so because usually it paralyzes me in brain and body.

Snow is still with us although the sun is actually out today. The temperature is still in single digits. I skipped Mass today -- my body doesn't tolerate such temperatures well. I think God knows that and will forgive me. This weekend was a disappointment but I managed to get some things done and when I'm done here it's back to work.

I didn't go to the symphony last evening because I didn't feel well and still don't. However, in case y'all didn't notice, I did get around and visit y'all and hope to stay caught up. It takes 3-4 hours for me to get through my list.

I also got a few things done on my ever-present "Gottado Lists" and I think that I might actually cook a decent meal meal today. I have some fresh spinach tortellini and the ingredients for al fredo sauce with mushrooms -- a serious yum. I'll probably wind up eating it for the rest of the week. I will never get used to cooking for one.

I watched some old movies (Bogart!) as I worked on yet another needlepoint project but I haven't mustered the courage yet to get out my new art supplies and play with them. I suspect that will come after I get caught up with my chores a bit more. (Yes, Diane, I watched the videos you suggested and I learned a lot and you will see my efforts first! Rain: You're next)

The River Stones Project ends on the 31st but I kind of like it so I might keep it around on a sporadic basis. It's been interesting and thought-provoking.

One of my challenges for the new year is to get all my closets and shelves organized properly and find the right containers in which to store them. I found some excellent organizers for my jewelry was amazed at all I have acquired and that I need more of them. I also found some excellent organizers for my dresser drawers at the dollar store, Yeah, I'm a sucker things that help keep things neater. I can't wait for the organizer for Miss Ruby's trunk that I bought on eBay to arrive.

Someone just knocked on my door so I had best close here.

Hope y'all are having a great day!!!

Kay

River Stones 1/23/2011

Robert Burns wrote: The best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley.

That pretty much describes my weekend. Hopefully Sunday will bring something nice.

Kay

Snow Is a Four Letter Word

I'm late getting started today so this is gonna be short -- for me anyway. The snow is still coming down in my part of Ohio. It's pretty to look at but going out in it is no fun at all. I hate winter driving. The Symphony is still happening tonight but I've decided that I won't be wearing anything elegant; 'warm' will be the order of the evening's attire. Good news: the opening at the gallery will be next week.

* I had a couple nice notes thanking me for the Anthony Weiner videos. I like Anthony and I subscribe to his YouTube channel. We need more guys like him and Bernie Sanders (three minute video on health care here) in the House. Both are on my list of heroes.

* I'm happy that Gabby Giffords has been released from the hospital and is going to rehab and a pox on those who want her to resign her seat in the House. No one knows better than I that those fine folks who work with trauma patients perform miracles daily -- I'm one of them -- and I've no doubt they'll do the same with Gabby.

* Glen Beck is after Jewish people. Does that ring a historical bell? I resent that. You can see video here.

* I'm saddened but not surprised that Keith Olbermann is leaving MSNBC. I liked Keith even when I disagreed with him. He has chutzpah. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Comcast, which is merging with MSNBC, a bunch of conservatives? They say that they had nothing to do with his firing -- and I have some ocean front property in in Arizona if y'all are interested. Y'all can go to Wired for more. I hope Rachel Maddow isn't next. Here's Keith's farewell:



Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!

Kay

River Stones 1/22/2011

Snow, unexpected visitors, and assorted distractions have an annoying way of interrupting one's plans.

Kay

River Stones 1/21/2011

In a rare dispay of optimism, I have great hopes for an interesting and productive weekend. I've been hiding from life too long.

Kay

River Stones 1/20/2011

Happiness is someone who protects me and loves me for my cookies.

Kay

River Stones 1/19/2011

Surprises and knotty decisions are like dandelions in Spring -- you never when where or when they're going to pop up.

Kay