End of year thoughts

2020 was supposed to be the year that my life turned around. I really honestly felt that I would find love and that something really good would happen to me. Little did I, let alone any of us know that a pandemic would hit this year.

The worst thing that happened in my life this year was the loss of 2 of my cats. A friend that I never met in person died in the summer not due to COVID. I found out on Christmas Eve that I also lost a co-worker who passed away suddenly, this was not related to COVID. We weren’t close but we talked and she actually provided me some help. Death happens around us all the time but this year it seems to be one of the many things we hear about sadly all too often.

The best things that happened to me this year was being able to work from home and the rise in popularity of my blog. I know that I don’t often post about the greatest of things and that I am not a super star in the blogosphere, but everyone needs someone and I’m glad that our paths have crossed. This is mostly due to me visiting other blogs and leaving comments, the comments spark curiosity and interest and then people make a determination if they like you and want to link to you or if they would rather just move on. I have been fortunate enough to get a few sites to link to me and I am grateful for that. I return the love and I try to keep an eye out for those sites that continue to link to me so that I can continue the love.

I delayed plans to get a new vehicle in light of the pandemic, considering that I am not commuting like I normally do. This caused me to catch a break in that the vehicle that I wanted was a new model and had a recall due to a safety issue. I have plans to upgrade in 2021 but it will likely be later in the year. I hope that it’s financially feasible for me to do so. I know that vehicles are a horrible investment due to rapid depreciation and with the amount of normal driving I do it doesn’t make sense to lease.

With the restrictions in place and working from home, I am reminded more often than I care that I am all alone. I look forward to hopefully being able to make new friends and date when life returns to normal. Not to mention being able to hopefully drop some of this weight and hopefully fit back into my clothes more comfortably, that is if they still fit. I wear jeans and sweatpants but that’s not normal attire for the office.

While none of the dreams/desires I had for 2020 came true and it truly wasn’t my year, I have hope that 2021 will be better, not only for me but for everyone.

Don’t be afraid to leave a comment, I don’t bite and if you’d rather not have your comment posted say so and I will respect your privacy. While the world at large has made great strides with same sex relationships I realize that not everyone is accepting and that some people just feel uncomfortable or may not be out.

Stay safe and enjoy what is left of 2020. Happy New Year! Thanks again for your readership, it means a lot to me.

Merry Christmas

I hope that you have a very Merry Christmas. This is a holiday made to be with family but also for little kids. I remember how anxious I was as a child for Christmas and wondering what Santa would bring me. Once I found out who Santa really was that took all of the fun out of the holiday. Then as I grew older the gifts would eventually dwindle. My family would just exchange money. I called it the universal gift, everyone liked it. Eventually the gift giving would grind to a halt. Then it was fun to exchange gifts with my late spouse. We really enjoyed this time of year and being with each other. We missed our departed family members and would reflect on fond memories that we had. Now holidays are a surefire day that I am pretty much guaranteed to be depressed, simply because I am alone. Adding to the already long list two additional furry friends that passed this year. I miss the hustle and bustle of a busy house and seeing several small faces staring up at me. Now I am down to one and boy she has become quite the handful. She wants me by her side 24/7, I am barely allowed to take a bathroom break and when I disappear to the basement that really upsets her. I can only imagine that when I leave, she is equally as upset.

My friends invited me to dinner tomorrow but the invitation didn’t come until this afternoon. I hate the delay like they just expect because I am single that they can throw the invite out last minute because I won’t have plans. That never happened when there were two of us, we had an invite at least a week if not two ahead of time. I have no idea what is on the menu but I am hoping for a Honey Baked Ham. My guess is it will be the usual shitty standing rib roast or prime rib – both of which I hate. I understand that it’s expensive and that as a guest I can’t be picky but I am. They always set out appetizers which consist of pickles, olives, some type of dip, raw vegetables [carrots & celery] and triscuits. You don’t get offered anything to drink until you sit at the table for the main course. I am one of those people that can’t eat without having some type of liquid on standby. No drink, no eat for me. They have seen this enough times that you’d think they would get the hint but alas they don’t. I hope I don’t have to hear about their dead dogs, their neighbor’s dead dogs and his military service. Each time we get together I hear the same stories over and over again, its mind numbing. However, despite all of the things I don’t like it does beat being totally alone. I had originally planned to stay home and shut them out but they would think something is wrong and the next thing you know the police would be breaking down my back door because they would think I had finally taken my own life. Rather than risk that I opted to be available and respond to the text message I got. I hate communicating by text I would much rather have a phone call.

They are in for some treats from me. White Chocolate Snickers, Pecan Clusters [chocolate & caramel], Krispy Kreme Cinnamon Buns and some Muffins. I got all of these things with them in mind that I would be able to share during the holidays. The Krispy Kreme Cinnamon Buns taste just like the original glazed donut until you get to the center and then you get the cinnamon plus the glaze. Warm that up in the microwave and it’s like eating a sweet cloud. Wait about an hour and the sugar high wears off and it’s time for a nap.

I’ve spent Christmas Eve watching Glee and The Middle. Hanging out with Insty who has been fine until I decided to come to the basement and now, she is throwing a fit wanting me to come back upstairs. Speaking of which she does enjoy and use the stairs I got her. I might get another one for the bed room so she doesn’t have to jump in the chair and can climb her way in. Last night I got more video of her sleeping & snoring, as well as some photos of her sleeping. I can’t help but appreciate her resting and also thinking of the day that we part ways. She gave me quite a scare earlier in the week when she would hide from me and sleep. I worry about her constantly because she’s the last part of the family that I have left. I want to make her happy and comfortable. I’d say I do a really great job at that.

I can’t help but post a photo of Tommy Anders (former Helix & Spank This) porn star getting spanked by Santa Claus. I don’t know what ever happened to him, he had a great career and fans galore but one day poof just dropped out of the porn game. He was well endowed and that along with his boyish good looks are what all of the guys were attracted to. The problem is that porn stars are here today and gone tomorrow. Some of that life looks appealing but there’s no way I would ever make it but one can dream. I know life is not all glitz and glamor regardless of what you do.

Time to wrap this up and get back to the lady upstairs who is impatiently waiting on me. I had to come down to run a report for work. It’s a daily task and it’s frankly a pain in the ass. We got a nice surprise speaking of work. Looks like were on track to close out the year with a bang and as a result were all getting a small bonus of which they will take out taxes. The extra money is something that isn’t normally given this time of year but let’s face it this year has been anything but normal.

Once again Merry Christmas, I hope that you have a great day. Thanks for your visit and do come back again soon.

What A Week

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you no doubt heard of the SolarWinds security breach that affects the US Government as well as Private Sector businesses. This event in and of its self has made for a busy week for me. Lots of meetings, phone calls, reading & research as well as a couple webinars. The organization I work for runs the affected product but there is no evidence that we were affected by this. Still, we elected to destroy the SolarWinds servers that we were running and rebuild from scratch. As well there are internet traffic rules and much, much more protection in place to monitor those servers. It will be quite some time before we know the full effects of this event. While the focus is largely on SolarWinds, don’t be fooled by this and be sure to analyze your entire network infrastructure and be on high alert until this is all sorted out. The discovery timing of this event as well as the announcement are ill timed since it’s right before a holiday. However, I’ve long noticed a trend that hackers, malicious actors, etc. all like to have events like this one crop up just before a holiday. Lots of people are off and some businesses might be extra vulnerable. Timing is everything for a successful security incident, sort of like location is everything when you’re in real estate.

Outside of that were gearing up for people retiring at year end and the promotions that follow at the start of the new year. The last week of the year is always a super busy time for me. Right now I still have somewhat of a cushion but I am taking full advantage of that and doing as much prep work as I can ahead of time. Smart planning means that I won’t wind up tied to my computer on the last day of this year and the first day of next year.

This coming week is short for us, 3 days and were going to try to cram in 5 days into those 3. Lots of people are out on vacation. One of my colleagues and I were talking and he suddenly realized he hadn’t taken enough time off so he has some impromptu vacation scheduled for the last week of the year. There are going to be bumps and hiccups, let’s just hope that I don’t lose my sanity. I am very much looking forward to a 4-day weekend.

My usual plans are to go to my friends’ home and celebrate the holiday with a meal. They are always last minute to invite me, which always makes me question if they really want me to come. I have yet to get an invite but sure hope that one comes through because I have a lot of sweets here that I ordered with the intention of being able to give them away. If my invite doesn’t come then I’m going to be packing on more weight because I won’t let it go to waste.

I did get to enjoy my frozen pizza last week from the pizza stone. It was a little over done but not burnt. Taste was great and it was crispier than any other pizza I have eaten that came out of my oven. I see that I made a worth while investment. It’s a bit tricky to get the pizza in and out of the oven but thankfully I didn’t get burned.

Ms. Gator has really enjoyed the week with her steps and being able to sun her self as well as the freedom to come and go without having to beg me to pick her up. She does still jump but were keeping it to a minimum. She somehow has this sense of when I don’t have to work because she has had me up in the middle of the night both the night before and last night. I had to kick her out this morning in order to get a few hours to myself so that I was in decent enough shape to hit up the grocery store.

I went for a drive yesterday to help charge up the battery in the vehicle. My first stop was the post office where I got all bills and what looked like a holiday card from my vet. Turns out it was a sympathy card from my vet and she enclosed a letter entitled A Letter from the Rainbow Bridge. I found it on-line and have pasted a copy below. I knew that when I read it, I would fall to pieces and that is exactly what happened. It’s not bad enough the 15^th of every month I remember that is the day I lost my Marvin and I feel guilt about permitting him to go on that last week when I knew that his body was shutting down. The only comfort that I have is that he ate really well for 2 whole days before things fell apart.

On a different note, I opted to try body wash instead of a bar of soap and used a loofah for the first time. What a unique and invigorating experience. I tried lip gloss for the first time, just clear to make my lips a bit shiny. I like the look but you have to reapply after a few hours and that’s not something I enjoy. That was a nice experiment but once the tube runs dry its game over. I also cut my hair and the back doesn’t look half bad. I could use the pro touch there but it’s just impossible for me to cut on my own, if only my head was on a swivel.

HBO Max has an app for the Roku, that was a game changer for me. I am re-watching the tv show The Middle. It’s a great way to pass time. I didn’t see anything else that was of interest at the moment. I know that Wonder Woman will be released there and I’m not a big WW fan but I’ll probably watch it.

We had our first snowfall of the year but it was only a dusting. Gator tried to take out the ceramic Christmas Tree but I stopped her and moved the tree from her reach. You think she’s an old lady and wouldn’t do anything “bad” but she isn’t fooling me, she is still very much a cat and hasn’t slowed down that much in her old age.

 

Here we are days before Christmas. I’m starting to get horny again and feel a bit like my old self which is kind of a Christmas miracle. I love the thought of Santa spanking all of the bad boys and I kind of wish I was Santa as that task sounds like fun, plus I’d get a good workout.

I know that I am days away from some depression creeping in because it’s another holiday without my late spouse and this year I’ve lost two cats but I’m still here to talk about it. I hope nothing else major that is bad or negative happens before we can close out 2020 which has been a large Dumpster Fire burning out of control. I hope that by Summer of 2021 we are back to a more normalized state and that it will be safe to dine out as well as be around other people, so that I can jump back into dating and also find some social groups to join and maybe, just maybe turn my life upside down in a positive way. I don’t anticipate that I will get any presents for Christmas, other than what I have ordered myself on Amazon, however only time will tell.

If our paths don’t cross before Christmas, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and those that are dear to you a Merry Christmas! I know that might not be politically correct because your supposed to say Happy Holiday but it is what it is and I celebrate Christmas. Thank you for your readership and comments. Come back again soon and we can do it all over again. Take care & have a great holiday week ahead!

 

 

 

A Letter from the Rainbow Bridge

To My family,

Now that I’ve been across The Rainbow Bridge for a while, they said I should write a letter home. Sorry it took so long, but I’m so busy ‘across the bridge’ that I haven’t thought of home much. They said it’s okay and that you would understand. I hope you do. (I think you will.)  Remember that night when I wasn’t feeling very well and we were all crying? I don’t remember much, but I do remember seeing and hearing all of you and feeling your touches and hugs…I remember hearing “we love you” and that one last command of “Go through”. I didn’t know what you meant, so I turned around and walked through the fog that was in front of me. I saw the biggest bridge I’ve ever seen! And so many friends on the other side of it! They were all playing with toys and balls! You were right to tell me to go there!

My feet kept moving forward, but my heart kept pulling me back. Your touches became lighter and lighter and I wanted to come back and nudge your hands for more love, but I was overcome by this feeling of curiosity for the happy place over the bridge! My feet started moving on their own, like a gentle breeze was moving them forward for me! I can’t explain it, but I had no doubt that it was the right thing to do!

So, I walked across that big, huge bridge by myself! I looked for you, because you’re always by my side, walking with me, but this was different. I didn’t have a collar around my neck or a leash connecting me to you ~ I was ‘free’! Even though you weren’t there with me, I never felt alone! I actually felt like I had a huge cape of love wrapped around my body and the more I walked, the easier it was to breathe! So, I kept walking! And I would feel more warmth in the big hug, so I kept on walking! I eventually made it over the big bridge – I did it by myself.
When I got here, all of my new friends greeted me and helped me walk off the bridge ~ it was so cool! They gave me a pair of wings and said that I was now a Guardian Angel!

What I’ve learned has been amazing and nothing like I’ve seen before! We’re all the same up here ~ we all have wings and we all have Forever People to watch over ~ that’s YOU! You’re my Forever Person! We had such a great life together and I do miss you a LOT, but please know that I am so happy in my new home across The Bridge!

I’ll send you another Earth Angel so you won’t be alone. Give them your whole heart, like you gave it to me. I’ll check in every so often to make sure they treasure your love ~ I always did! When you miss me, think of a rainbow and know I’m on the other side of it, waiting to walk with you again. I’ll always be in your heart. I love you! Time for me to go play!!

Closer to Christmas

I hope that you’re having a great weekend. Nothing much going on here, just the usual Corona Shuffle. I ventured out yesterday and took my vehicle for a spin going to some areas where I haven’t been in a while to help charge the battery up. I had a decent time and saw my eye doctor’s new office. Grabbed the mail and picked up some food for the hungry girl. Then back home to unload and warm up.

Gator got sick over night and made a mess in my room. I was up at 6a with her trying to get her to calm down. She had drunk a good amount of water and was just upset. I fed her some food, which she ate a little bit. Then she came back to my room with me. She huddled up to the water bowl to drink even more water. Then came over to me, I picked her up and we sat in my recliner until I was ready to go back to bed. No phone, no tv just the two of us. I was petting her and she had her motor running. In case your new here, Gator refers to Instigator who is my cat. When I got up from the chair, she started her chattering again meowing. I had to get some sleep. She wouldn’t permit that so I had to evict her from the room. Then I got some sleep.

Wow strange dreams. I was with my late spouse and we were leaving a restaurant when this guy called us fags and started to attack us. We managed to get away from him but he followed us and it was just one fight after another. Then suddenly I was shopping with my grandmother (who has been dead for years) I was the only one who could see her, we were at Target of all places. I could follow her by watching a red dot on the floor. She would disappear on me to go her own way and I would go my own way. Then we would meet back up, I got tired of following the dot and she beamed her self into real life. One of the times I went my own way, I came across these two guys who were shopping together. One was heavier than the other. They got separated, the thinner and younger guy somehow lost his shoe and I found it. I gave it to him and asked if he was gay and if they were a couple, he said yes then I said okay I won’t hit on you. We both felt awkward. It was like an episode of Bewitched & The Twilight Zone mixed together. Then just like that snap back to real life and I woke up.

I had some Blueberry Waffles and Milk for breakfast. I got my medicine and sat with Gator on the couch, she had eaten her breakfast and finished way before me. She didn’t want me to leave which is why I sat with her for a bit. Finally, I had to get up and get moving or I was headed back to bed for sure. I made it to the grocery store. I didn’t have much in my cart when I went to check out but damn some how I managed to get close to $100. I discovered that I was over charged for an item in that it was rung up twice but that wasn’t until after I was home. Damn grocery store clerks are shifty. I saw people using their phones and scanning items before they put them in their cart and wondered if it was like a Sam’s thing but didn’t bother to ask anyone. I would feel more comfortable to scan my own items but I like someone else’s help in bagging them. In case your wondering, no cute bagger boy today. I did get a bunch of junk that I know I shouldn’t have but hey life right now is boring as hell and I might as well eat something I enjoy. There’s always next year to lose the weight, like that’s really going to happen, maybe some of it when life returns to normal but that won’t be until the summer probably at the earliest.

I have been watching some YouTube videos reviewing the next vehicle I want. It’s the same thing I have now just smaller, more features and of course a higher price tag since it’s brand new. I like what I see on TV but until I actually get behind the wheel and go for a test drive, I am not 100% sold. The test drive is where they always get you and I learned at a young age never, ever under any circumstances purchase a vehicle without going for a test drive first. I always have and that helps me to arrive at a decision. Price matters as well. I watched a video about the new 21 Cadillac Escalade that damn thing is a battleship on wheels. Tons of screen in the vehicle and lots of amenities plus it’s huge. That’s not for me at all. I also don’t want a vehicle that runs on premium gasoline.

Going to use my Pizza Stone for the first time with frozen pizza. I did some web searching so I don’t make a mistake. Learned that you need to thaw the frozen pizza ahead of time so I’ll be pulling it out of the freezer in a bit. I hope this goes well and doesn’t result in a disaster – only time will tell.

On call hasn’t been terrible but it’s busy from time to time. Tomorrow is the only time I will be thankful for a Monday. Jeez I looked at the calendar and it’s the last full week before Christmas. I normally have our on-call calendar for the next year done by now, but because we don’t know our official holiday observances, I can’t pull the trigger. Hopefully, that will happen next week.

In case you’re wondering about the handsome fellow at the top of the page, he’s a gay porn star known as Blake Mitchell but in real life his name is Lane Rogers. He is very well endowed and that is what sold me on liking him. He had a successful career with Helix Studios but has left them. He does work on his own via Only Fans and has also filmed with Cocky Boys and Himeros. He even got his boyfriend into porn. If he crawled into my bed, I wouldn’t kick him out for anything, not even eating crackers in bed. My favorite scene he did was one of his last when he was with Helix and his scene partner was Cole Clair.  Holy cow that is one scene I watch on repeat, it’s just that good!  Hope that this extra touch made your visit here more enjoyable. Come back again and we will do it all over again soon. Be well and take care of yourselves! Best wishes for a great week ahead!

Da Bump & Grind

Happy Hump Day!

I am back to the old bump and grind. Things are moving right along, but slowly. It seems like last week was the busy time for us. Right now, things are just trickling and that’s okay by me. I like the lull’s and I enjoy them to the fullest while they are around. I know that a rush will be coming and I will be wishing for a lull. The next big thing that I am aware of is people leaving at the end of the year, that is a busy time for me. The first of the year brings promotions and title changes, that too is a busy season.

On a more personal note, I am hooked on a new Showtime series called Your Honor. It’s going to be a wild ride and I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds. If you are unfamiliar with the show, give it a Google and that will catch you up. I am also beyond thrilled that Shameless is back on for its final season. I only watch it because of the character Ian who is played by Cameron Monaghan. Ian is gay and a red head, like all of the Gallagher’s he’s had a rough life but he has over come a lot. I’ve been hooked on this show for all 11 seasons and while I am sad to see it end, I understand that nothing but a diamond is forever.

Gator has a new routine for us, where I sit on the couch with my laptop and work, while she sleeps and basks in the sun. She will wake up and ask for food & a small amount of attention, use the litter box and then it’s back to the couch for more nap time. It’s adorable and I am thrilled that she is having a good time. I don’t do so much work as I do monitor and wait for something to pop. In between those times I am watching TV as well as playing with my phone seeing what is on social media. As well as attending boring Zoom calls.

I had ordered some steps to make it easier for Gator to climb on the couch or into bed. They were supposed to be here yesterday. I woke up to find an email from Amazon that they cancelled the order. I had to scour for a replacement and ordered it. Thankfully it has shipped and should be here tomorrow. I hope that she likes them and will use them, perhaps that will give me some rest from having to pick her up so much, or so I hope.

I am continuing to watch Glee and am just starting on Season 5 Episode 1. This is such a great show and it brings music front & center for me. I like some of the dancing and a good portion of the guys on the show were hot at the time it was filmed. The show addresses some key issues of being gay, trans, eating disorders, dropping out, and affairs. Those are just a few things that I remember off the top of my head. However, one issue that was addresses late in Season 4 was a School Shooting. Turns out it wasn’t an actual school shooting but an accident where a mentally challenged student brought a gun to school and a teacher was working to get control of the gun. The student fired the gun on accident once and then dropped it and it went off a second time. No one was hurt. However, before all of this comes to light in the moment the show does a good job of making you think this is the real thing. You see true fear on the faces of the kids. They make videos like passengers did on 9/11 where they say goodbye to their family and/or disclose some inter-personal feelings or secrets. It drew me in and truly captured the epidemic trend that sadly had occurred too frequently in real life. That is the one positive thing about COVID there haven’t been any school shootings.

Even when your in High School you are still very much a kid and should have some innocence left, sure you are wising up to how the world works, you hit puberty and discover a sexual awakening but you should still not have anything tragic or majorly negative that drastically affects your life. Sadly, just because these are my thoughts doesn’t make it reality. Bad things happen at all ages of a person’s life and most of the time we are powerless to prevent any of it. My point here is kids need time to be kids and enjoy life before they grow up and have to face the cold-hearted world of reality.

Okay enough soap boxing. I am going back to my Glee watching and trying to enjoy the couple hours I have left before it’s time to call it a night. I’ll get up tomorrow and repeat most of what I did today, plus I have to remember to take out the trash before the sun goes down. I am ready for vacation as in taking a trip but that’s not happening right now. Glad I have my furry friend to boss me around and keep me company.

I hope that your staying warm, doing your holiday shopping on-line, eating some good food and keeping as much of your sanity as possible. I will talk with you peeps again soon. Be well.

Fun is almost over

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I hope that you’re doing well. Winter & Christmas are both weeks away, kind of hard to fathom this year since being confined to home for work. However, this also means that we are closer to 2021 and hopefully the start of a much better year for everyone.

I was just prompted to look at my latest cable bill for Internet and learned that the price is going up $5 next month. That’s $75 a month for just internet, kind of crazy. I mean the speed hasn’t increased but I know the cost to maintain the infrastructure has probably gone up and with the advent of everyone working at home and streaming, as well as people cutting the cord bandwidth usage has probably increased far and above what anyone could have predicted. Thankfully we don’t have any data caps but I sense that eventually will be coming and that will turn into a nightmare. We have two options here you can get your internet from the Cable Company and a decent speed or you can go with AT&T and get less speed and be under a data cap plus have to pay $10 to rent the modem each month. I mean it probably evens out and considering the cable company is faster and has no data caps at the moment it’s the logical choice. I don’t plan on leaving them but I’m not telling that to them. Thankfully I am still under a promotional special rate which will expire early next year and then I will have to sing for a new rate or just pay the current rate. I see no harm in trying to negotiate a new rate as the worst thing they can say is no and there is no cost other than time for trying. I’m not terribly pleased but there isn’t much I can do about it.

My boss called me on Friday to tell me that he got some extra money allocated to him and he was giving me a bonus for my next check. I got the max that he could give or so he said. It’s a nice gesture. I also found out that it will be just him and I tomorrow when I go back. The other two members of our team have the day off. I’m also on-call and with trying to get caught up plus the work of the day, it should make for a jammed packed totally immersive day. Ms. Gator is going to hate it because we won’t have our time together (unless she comes to the basement). Hopefully, she will just sun her self on the couch as she usually does and pass out. That will make my life a little bit easier.

Outside of grocery shopping today’s other dreaded task was putting out my medicine for the next 3 weeks. I found out that the main drug I take for my Diabetes I have 3 days supply left. Turns out my doc gave me that sample for a new drug, he also told the pharmacy about it and they stopped the drug I normally take, which explains why I am out of medicine. That is one drug that I have never, ever run out of. I tried to refill it and had to speak with a human. Here’s the crazy ass part. They have a valid prescription with 2 refills on it but since the doctor stopped it they need a new prescription from him before they will fill it. That’s some bullshit if I ever heard it but it’s not a total surprise to me. They sent a request to the doctor and I did the same thing so hopefully tomorrow someone is on the stick and will get this fixed. If that occurs, I should hopefully have my medicine by the end of the week. I can always tell them I am out and get a temporary supply from my local pharmacy but I don’t think I will drop dead if I miss a few days. My sugar maybe a little bit out of control, for now I am risking it. If I see that I can’t make it I will certainly speak up.

Believe it or not, I managed to get to the store and picked up the missing items from last week. I wanted but forgot to get Egg Nog and I managed to somehow skip lunch meat and bread. It’s going to be an interesting week but I assure you that I will not go hungry. I even managed to get the same cute bagger boy that I like. Perhaps next week I won’t forget anything!

This past week was the closest thing I have had to a full week of vacation in many years. I still had to run my report but it took me about ½ hour each day whereas if I am on the phone with my co-worker we joke and chew the fat so it turns into a much longer task. Not how I wanted to spend my vacation. Turns out I am going to lose 3.5 hours of time but it’s not the end of the world. I am carrying over 2 weeks of vacation and I will be getting 3 more on Jan 1 so it’s all good.

I found out yesterday that my dryer hasn’t been properly vented to the outside for most of the summer, probably since I replaced the exterior cover of the vent in the Spring. Well, I fixed that last night and had to get up on a ladder to do it. I wasn’t crazy about the idea but at least this time I didn’t fall off.

I’ve done most all of the weekly cleaning during the week. I wanted to dig out this fiber optic Christmas light display that we have but I am not fully sure where it is. I had an idea and went looking but no luck. Thankfully we never put away the small ceramic Christmas Tree I bought when I managed to break the original one my late spouse had. It sits on top of a bookcase year-round and I plug it in during the holidays. Having had multiple cats a Christmas tree isn’t something we typically put up. We had tried it years ago but there were all sorts of calamity and one of our cats wound up climbing the tree and would sleep in it. It was too much of a hassle. Besides that, I don’t have that gay gene for decorating. My late spouse on the other hand had the gene and could work wonders.

I do think of him and all of our departed cats, especially at the holidays. As you might imagine it does get lonely here. I miss all of them but it really hits home during a holiday. I think that will always be the case regardless of how many years they have been gone. I don’t know if I will focus on it as much once I get a boyfriend and I kind of look forward to that. It would also be nice to just get away from everything for a little while.

My vacation is winding down and I will certainly enjoy it to the last second ticks by. It will be rough getting used to getting up early for a couple days but I suspect I will spring back and it will be old hat quickly. Speaking of which I need to run that stupid report and then get back to my girl who is waiting for me. While I didn’t accomplish all that I wanted I did get a fair amount done and for that and the time away I am grateful. I just wish I could have more.

Stay warm, be well and safe. I will talk with you peeps again soon. Thanks for stopping by!

My Christmas Wish

Day 2–progress

I managed to shave my face, cut my hair, eat breakfast, watch more TV and made it to the grocery store.  I forgot a couple things but it’s nothing that is urgent.  I wrote them down so I don’t forget them, let’s just hope I remember when I go back on Sunday.

I had the cutest bag boy.  He looked to be somewhere between 17 and 20, average height, curly hair and very much a skinny twink.  I hate the whole mask thing because you can’t see anyone’s faces.  I like to look at a guys ass, that’s how I make my judgement calls but I also like to see their faces.  This guy I think either has a twin that works at Target or he has two jobs.  I would be down to have some serious fun with him, provided he is of legal age. 

Amazon brought me my pizza kit.  I did some quick research on Pizza Stones and found out that you don’t want to use soap and water to clean them.  Baking soda and water as a paste is best.  It’s not terribly hard to ruin them from what I read.  I also got my DustBuster which they refer to as a FurBuster since it’s the pet version.  I’ve got it charging.  I also purchased some blue fountain pen cartridges for my Waterman fountain pen.  I have a box of 24 white chocolate Snicker’s bars.  There is no way I will eat 24 candy bars.  I’ll be giving some of them away at Christmas time. 

I managed to complete a task that I had been putting off for a while.  Transferring the hard drive from my old PC to my new PC.  It was simple as pie but I needed to make sure I had all of the data I needed.  I wiped the drive once it was installed and have 1.81 TB of free space.  I can’t ever have enough space, but that is a personal thing.  Video files (aka porn) takes up room, especially when you collect it and archive it.  I do compress the files when I am done with viewing to help save on space. 

Here’s a strange thing.  I ordered paper towels on Amazon because they are out of stock at my local Sam’s club.  I had to pay a shipping charge and got a promise date that was close to Christmas.  I get an email this morning from FEDEX that I have a package arriving tomorrow and when I looked it’s coming from Sam’s Club and it’s my paper towels, oddly enough they are still out of stock at Sam’s.  Very strange but hey tomorrow I will have paper towels, which is good for me and Gator because we both make messes. 

I chatted with my co-worker this afternoon and found that he is swamped but that’s nothing new since he is on-call this week and I of course am out.  I just wanted to make sure that he was doing okay and kind of missed hearing his voice.  After all we chat each morning for this stupid report we both have to do.  Speaking of which I need to login and get the data for him, he actually puts the final compilation together and gets it published.  This keeps me from having to wake up early but Gator woke me up early this morning and then at our normal time to get up.  Never mind that I was up late because I could be.  I told her not to wake me early but I get the normal time wake up, I don’t understand the middle of the night wake up calls.  She was hungry though and I have no problem with feeding her & she is well aware of that. 

I snuck downstairs to work on the computer after supper when she was passed out and she came to and started crying.  I had to go up and show her that food was out, she ate and I have been able to come back down but I feel guilty leaving her all alone upstairs.  I’m running this report and headed up to be with her and try to wind down. 

Hope you had a great Tuesday.  Stay safe and be well.  I’ll talk with you peeps again soon. 

Glee on my tv

Happy Monday (if there is such a thing).  Ms. Gator wasn’t feeling well and woke me up in the middle of the night for food.  I fed her and grabbed a soda and turned on some more Glee.  After about an hour I was wide awake and decided that I would come down and run my report for work (yep I still have to run them even though I am on vacation this week).  I took care of that and then back upstairs to be with my girl and finally back to bed.  She pushed the limit and woke me up again at 7a because she thought it was time for work.  I let her think I was going to get her food and closed her out of the room and then back to bed I went.  She was pissed when I finally opened the door a couple hours later, but I think (& hope) she understood.  Daddy needs his sleep w/o it he is useless. 

I was supposed to go to the grocery store this morning but instead just took the day off and huddle up here at home.  Spent time with Ms. Gator who appears to be feeling better now.  I’ll for sure go tomorrow because there isn’t much here to eat and I am just about out of soda.  Even though I have been looking I didn’t make any Cyber Monday purchases.  I did have to purchase a watch battery but don’t count that as a Cyber Monday purchase since it wasn’t on sale. 

I completed my Ancestry account last night and was amazed at all of the information you can find on their site.  Of course they want you to join so they tease you and when you find something your interested in and go to view the document you get blocked with a pay wall page.  I’m thinking of giving them some money for a subscription.  I got a saw a small thumbnail of my grandfather’s draft card, which was appealing to me.  There are 2 methods to my madness here.  1 is to find out more about my DNA and health issues.  2 is to find 1/2 brothers & sisters which I know I have, I can’t say for certain this will be successful when the results are published but in the years to come who knows what might be possible.  I am cautiously optimistic.  I just hope this doesn’t turn into a waste of money and that there is some real insight here.  It will be 6 to 8 weeks before the results are back. 

I am running another report for work for today, then I will be shaving & cutting my hair.  Another shower and hopefully I will fall into a blissful sleep.  I did have a nap and know that I won’t be in bed by my usual time but that will provide me with more opportunity to continue watching Glee.  That show just takes me away from present day and issues that I have, the music is mostly great and there are plenty of hunks that were in the cast so it’s not a boring show to me. 

Here’s hoping that tomorrow is a more productive day for me and that I get some good food.  It’s really cold outside, we had snow flurries this morning so the news said but I didn’t see any.  There isn’t snow in the forecast for now but that changes so often I wouldn’t be surprised to see the white stuff flying before too long. 

Be well, stay safe and we will talk again soon.  Take care!

Christmas is here, sort of

I received my pay that was withheld from when we had a mandatory pay reduction over the summer and then on top of that we get our regular paychecks. What to do with all of that money? I did manage to save some of it. I paid off Marv’s funeral and Insty’s vet visit. I’m waiting for my auto insurance to generate a bill and I will pay that off. Then I went shopping on Amazon. Insty got some steps so that it will be easier to get into bed or onto the couch, depending upon where I place them. I figured this would be a good investment since she has her arthritis and provided, she uses them, it will help her.

I got a pizza set (stone, shovel & cutter) that was on sale, some muffins, white chocolate Snickers, a pet Dust Buster, a life size Charlie Puth cut out that comes with a free mini cut out of him, some paper towels (there is a shipping charge now on Amazon and they are on a serious back order). It’s not much but it’s amusing to me. Funny how you start tossing things into the cart and when you go to check out you get a dose of reality. At least I didn’t buy another pen, but we all know that I will be giving in to do that eventually.

My new Roku Ultra showed up today and setup was super simple. The hardest part was entering my Netflix password because it’s so long. The other sites sent an email to me, click on a link it opens a webpage and you login and then enter in a unique identifier that is on your screen. Having a wired connection appears to be working much better. I’m watching a podcast that I usually enjoy on a Sunday afternoon, it’s technology oriented. I also received a few other items the other large one being my Ancestry purchase. I am eager to get that in the mail to get the results.

Outside of the time I spent in front of the computer this morning the rest of the day has been spent by watching more Glee and sleeping. I finally got a shower this afternoon and hit up the pet food store. I also made it by the post office and had to drop off a package at a UPS drop box. Amazon goofed up in sending me my sweatpants. I ordered XX Large. The package said it was XX Large but the product inside was XXX Large. Needless to say, they didn’t fit (thank God) and rather than try to grow into them I opted to send them back. I ordered replacements and changed brands; they actually got more money out of me.

I am being super lazy and really lack in the motivation area but I must say a shower did help things. Insty of course protested, I don’t know why it upsets her so much. While I was out, I noticed that the fast-food places didn’t have many cars in line. I wanted to stop but talked myself out of it. Sure, I have turkey and ham here but I am so sick of it. I need to go to the grocery store tomorrow. Very hungry for Steak N Shake. I got their app for my phone and started to place an order. However, you have to pay for it in advance via the app and then you can go pick it up. Money is not the issue, it’s the thought of keying in a debit/credit card into a 3^rd party app. It just doesn’t sit well with me, while it’s probably secure I’d rather not take my chances, especially since I don’t typically charge food and use my debit card.

I’m going to scrounge around and figure out what I can eat for supper and of course the queen bee here will probably get more food. It’s very strange to shop for just one cat since for 16 years I have been buying for multiple cats. I walk out spending around $20 per week which is not bad, considering back in the day when I had 7 mouths to feed a weeks’ worth of food was $50. I don’t honestly know how I managed to afford it but no one here has ever gone hungry be it cat or human.

My hair is so long and out of control. I need to break out the clippers and start shaving but I just don’t want to do it. I will give in eventually because long hair will get to me. Well off to find some supper. Let us hope that I can stay motivated so that I make some progress in cleaning up this place and I don’t sleep and sit on my ass all week-long accomplishing nothing. It does feel good to veg out.

Take care and have a great week ahead. I will talk with you all again soon.

Holiday events

I did make it to my friends house in the afternoon and we had plenty of food for the 3 of us, their neighbors and they sent me home with food.  The package of food that I ordered for us changed with respect to desert we didn’t get anything Pumpkin which was a disappointment.  We did get some Chocolate Cake Balls which were delicious.  So good that I am thinking of driving to get some myself. 

I stayed well past the time I wanted to and wound up driving home in the dark.  I didn’t see a police officer at all when I came down via the interstate.  When I went home via the city I found a flurry of cops.  They needed them on the interstate because some hillbilly almost side swiped me trying to rev up his Dodge Charger. 

The problem for me was coming home to poor Insty left all alone for a few hours.  She though for sure I wasn’t coming back ever.  I was scolded and she got to eat some food.  We spent time together and that sorted things out.  She wasn’t too pleased with the fact that I was up late and the lights were on, she made me go to bed eventually. 

I watched the new documentary on Netflix about Shawn Mendes.  He’s also put up a full concert which I haven’t seen yet but plan to watch.  He makes some good music but I am mostly interested in his body, as lots of other gay men are.  It was interesting to see behind the scenes and with him on the road.  There is more pressure there than I could possibly fathom and knowing that so many people are counting on you wow that would weigh on me.  I saw him break down as he had to cancel a concert because his voice and health was spent.  Charlie Puth had to do the same thing a few times when he was on tour.  These younger musicians push themselves so hard and they indeed burn the candle at both ends, which ultimately compromises their health and ability to preform.  It’s no different than if you or I did the same thing.  Too much pressure/stress isn’t good for anyone. 

Here we are on Black Friday.  I passed up a hell of a good deal last night on an External Hard Drive that was around $150 for 12tb.  There hasn’t been anything close to that good of a deal today that I have seen.  Perhaps on Cyber Monday. 

I purchased an Ancestry Health Kit going to take the DNA plunge and see what I can learn about myself and my relatives.  I also bought a new ROKU that has an ethernet port so that will replace the newer ROKU that is in the living room, which will be moving to my bedroom.  I’ve been looking at TV’s and while I don’t need one I’d like something new for my bedroom.  I also got some socks and weather stripping.  The only real bargains I got were on the DNA test and the ROKU.  I should have everything next week. 

I had to take time to run some reports for work and figured I would update everyone.  I am watching GLEE on Netflix because I can’t find anything else that is of interest to me.  Regardless of the series they all suck me in and waste time.  I started this morning and before I knew it was 5p.  I will also confess I’ve been quite lazy and no real energy to get started but I will need to put some pep in my step if I am to accomplish anything.  A week seems like a long period of time and it is if you have nothing going but if your trying to accomplish something it will be gone in a flash.  I honestly don’t want to go back to work but I know it will be good for me as is taking a break.  I will likely take time within the 1st quarter as year end always wears me out.  Ah well enough about work, I am on vacation for now. 

I hope that you had a great Thanksgiving and got some great food.  I am headed back up to be with the furry queen bee and dive back into to GLEE.  Take care, stay safe and be well.  Talk with you all again soon. 

Give thanks today & every day

Believe it or not it’s Thanksgiving 2020!  It’s been a most uncommon year and we have all been through so much.  Regardless of your present circumstances, we all have something to be thankful for.  I hope that each of you has a very enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday and that you get some good food. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Boring–Party of 1

It’s been a long boring day and I am happy to say that I slept a good part of it away.  Knocked out my morning report and then went back to bed.  Gator joined me but she knew I should be working but she loves cuddle time.  Finally it was lunch time and she DEMANDED food and that is what got me up. 

I had about an hour worth of meetings to attend this afternoon, then we watched TV until I decided to go back.  I figured might as well accomplish something. 

I am still sore from my fall and my feet are quite bruised up.  Wearing shoes actually hurts but not nearly as bad as the day after the fall.  I don’t believe anything is broken and I expect that the soreness will subside.

Another boring evening awaits and then it will be back to work tomorrow.  I’ve got plenty of meetings tomorrow so there won’t be any napping or sleeping in. 

Happy Monday, hope it was a great day for you!

Sunday Accomplishments

I made it to the grocery store at a decent hour. My four-legged alarm clock had me up at 5a to feed her. Then she knew when I should be up and headed to the store so she started in at 8a and I finally gave in and got out of bed at 8:30a. By 9a I was at the grocery store.

My impulse purchase of the day was pretzels covered in white chocolate, they had it placed right as you walk in the door. Crafty marketing people. There were no long lines and it didn’t seem like any one was keeping track of how many people were in the store at one time. I did pick up 2 holiday meals for 1. There is some turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes and cranberry’s [yuk!]. I love left overs and wanted to make sure that I have plenty.

I got called by a co-worker a few times asking for help and worked with him roughly for about 45 minutes to an hour on a few different problems. These were divided up into 3 different calls. In between this I managed to vacuum and get the backdoor and front windows covered with the plastic kits I purchased. I’ve been putting the covering task off for a while and it’s worked to my advantage with some warmer weather. I bought 3M in case your wondering. I just throw it up and don’t bother to try to smooth out wrinkles with the hair dryer. When it’s daylight out you can’t tell the difference. It’s night time when the wrinkles show. That’s why I stick with 3M. Last year was my first year of doing this and I purchased 2 different brands. 3M has the best product by far and it looks the best, even with my haphazard manner of installation.

There was a short nap this morning after returning from the store. Outside of that I have been watching TV or browsing social media. I placed an order for a couple pairs of sweat pants and a fruit cake (of all things). It’s supposed to be a ‘best seller’ and really good. I’ll be the judge of that. I did look to make sure there was no booze in it. I had an aunt that used to make them each year and they wreaked of booze, which everyone but me liked. Gator and I took in some TV and then it was supper time, so I passed out her supper. I had Stouffer’s Mac & Cheese. I bought a pizza but figured I would save it for another day.

I am waiting patiently for Amazon to deliver my keyboard caps from Razer. I ordered them in White and think they will look really good once I swap them out. I really wanted to get this job done today but from the pace of things it looks like this will be a job for tomorrow or another day. I’m not a gamer but Razer makes some good stuff and I like the RGB lighting effects. Speaking of games, I saw the new Oculus that is available. You don’t need a PC for it and it’s around $200 to $300. Looks like a lot of fun and it’s got that immersive experience. While I’d like to take it for a spin, I am hesitant because while it would be all the rage now, in a month or more I might not be so enamored by it and I would lose interest. I bought a Nintendo WI because I had to have it and got a couple games for it. Today that unit lives in a closet. I played with it for a couple months and then lost interest. It wasn’t a cheap purchase and I got a limited edition of the console that was sold on Amazon. So much for that.

I need to run my report for work. Then I can squeeze in more TV time and grab a shower. Then it will be time for bed and back to Monday. My calendar actually is pretty open so there is at least one task that I am planning on knocking out. Cramming 5 days into 3 is quite the challenge and most people will be out this week and also next week. With taking my sick day last week, after my upcoming vacation I will still have 5.5 hours to burn before the end of the year, chances are that I will lose the time. It’s not the worst thing in the world, if I didn’t have this silly report to run in the morning then I would actually only be losing a ½ hour. My boss was pushing to get the report discontinued for now since there are no plans of re-entry, that was the reason why I had to start running it in the first place.

I hope that you enjoyed the weekend.  Have a great week ahead, be safe and we will talk again soon.

The 3rd Fall

 

For the third time this year I managed to fall. We [or should I say I now] have a large ladder mounted in the garage. On top of that ladder is a large flag pole that once was mounted in our yard. I placed the cat waste in the garage and noticed as I was walking out the door that the flag pole was over my head. It’s never been there or if it has, I never noticed it. I was in sweatpants and socks. I started wrestling with this pole to get it to move and took my focus off of the ground and that’s when I managed to lose my balance and fall out of my house on to the concrete floor of the garage. My feet got the worst of it. Kind of felt like they were caught underneath the door. I was mad, confused and hurt at the same time. My first thought was getting back upright which was a slightly moderate task. Once I did that, I looked my body over and my feet were killing me. I don’t believe anything is broken but my feet are quite bruised up and my back hurts. This all occurred on Tuesday evening, so I took Wednesday off. When I woke up, I just wasn’t feeling work and it’s not like I don’t have time to burn.

As you might have guessed already, I didn’t put the flag pole there and in fact I didn’t even want a flag. This was the handy work of my late spouse. I am mad that he left me with so much crap to sort through, it’s overwhelming and I’ve put it off for years now. I know he’s not coming back but I felt stuck to move forward and start sorting through things. Moving or not, it’s something that I really need to address and that’s kind of what I would like to work on during my upcoming vacation. I had planned to do that a month ago but with Marv’s passing that just messed up my plans.

What rang home to me was the reminder of how alone I actually am. Gator was loading up on water and in the kitchen. She was curious as to what I was up to but she couldn’t save me if I needed that. I wasn’t near a phone. I just imagine if I would have hit my head and passed out. No one checks on me (not that I need it) but I know that each business day my employer would be the likely one to reach out if I failed to connect from home and start my work day. This pandemic couldn’t have hit at a worse time [not that there would ever be a good time]. It shut down my efforts to date and try to meet someone. I know that eventually life will return to a state of normal and it will be safe to resume my efforts to find a companion. I know I shouldn’t have these thoughts but I will be older, likely fatter and that will make it more difficult. I’ve moved pass this but really could do without the falls or the reminders that I am all alone.

Life in my neck of the woods has changed since I last posted. COVID cases are surging out of control here and across the US. There are stronger restrictions in place and people are asked [not required by law or an order] to stay home unless it’s essential. Thanksgiving gathering should be limited to those people you live with and you shouldn’t have any outsider in your home regardless if they are related or not. Gatherings should be no more than 10 people. People clearly aren’t taking this seriously and doing the right things like social distancing, wearing a mask and washing their hands. Just watch the news and the death tole and rate of infection continue to climb each and every day. I look forward to the day when this is under control.

I went out for the mail and cat food this afternoon. I had to stand in a very long line to cash out and I had this grumpy guy behind me who was barking at every little thing. I turned to him and asked him if he wanted to move in front of me and he declined saying that his wife was still shopping so it didn’t matter. Then his wife kept fluttering by what do you think the dog will think of this toy? What do you think that cat will think of this, should we get it? That was a mess and I was never so happy to get away from someone.

Lines I think will be apart of the new normal. I can only imagine that people are panicking and that store shelves will be bare or close to it. I plan to do my normal grocery shopping tomorrow; I hope that I am not in for a shock.

On the work front we got some good news as it relates to money. Things are going really well and they plan to release the funds that were deducted over the summer when there was a mandatory pay reduction in effect. We should have our money back hopefully by the end of December. I will tuck it away as you never know when a rainy day will come.

I finished up the Netflix Series ‘Sick Note’ it was okay but one of those series that suck you in and you have to know how it all ends. I wasn’t terribly interested in it but am glad to have finished it. I am watching an old TV Show that was on ABC called ‘Private Practice’. It’s about doctors in what else but private practice. It was okay at first but right now there is a lot of death and it’s a bit hard to continue to watch. It hits way too close to home and brings back unpleasant memories. A colleague suggested that I watch the show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I’ve watched a couple of episodes and think it’s interesting but I don’t know that it’s for me. I haven’t chuckled but I do see the humor, then again, I am a tough customer when it comes to laughter but once you get me started it’s tough to bring it to an end.

Looking forward to a short 3-day work week and then vacation begins. That’s right I don’t have to go back until the first full week in December.

Finally, on a deeply personal note, I have enjoyed some porn recently. I wasn’t horny per se but once I started watching the scenes did the trick for me. I am concerned that my libido has suffered but it’s probably situational and once life returns to normal (which will probably be a long time) those feelings will come back or so I hope. I do plan on mentioning this to my doctor as it’s bothersome. There are 2 pleasures I have, one of them is eating and the other is sex even if it’s solo, I want and need the release.

Well like a prom dress I am off to tend to the needs of Gator and take in some more TV. I am doing my best procrastination work in putting things off that I could do today for tomorrow. Let’s just hope tomorrow I am in the mood to deal with them.

Take care and be well. We will talk again soon.

Unique Experience

I had an experience on Friday [yeah I know it was the 13th as well] that I feel is unique. For weeks now I’ve known that a credit card of mine has been compromised. I didn’t think anything of it because the card is locked. I unlock it when I am going to make a purchase and then I use a virtual number. I never give the physical card number out. The card never leaves my home.

Friday was the kicker when someone tried to purchase $400 in groceries. That is when I reported the card as compromised. I was issued a replacement card and if I so elected, I could obtain the new card number rather than waiting for the mail to deliver it. I elected to wait as I am in no hurry to use the card. Within 2 minutes I got an alert that someone was trying to use the new card.

Now I had to call to talk to a human as I had been able to take the previous aforementioned action electronically. I learned that someone actually tried to use the new card 13 times. How is this possible? The only thing that I can think of is there is a limited number of credit card numbers and the issuing bank elected to reuse a card #. They told me that there would be an investigation but really how far will they push this? It would be nice if they could catch the person(s) responsible but I think that doesn’t happen too often.

There is my unique experience. None of the transactions went through and even if they had I wouldn’t be liable for them. I am much more concerned about my debit card being hacked because you play hell getting your money back, at least that was the case for my late spouse when someone went on a shopping spree with his debit card buying cell phones and iPads. What a mess.

Friday night I opted to try 2 of the new sleeping pills that I got earlier in the month. Fuck me up it did, I was down for the count. In fact, I didn’t much feel like doing anything so I spend the day at home and slept a good portion of it away. Gator seemed pretty happy about that up until the evening came then there was just no pleasing her, meow this and meow that.

Thanksgiving has changed, the restaurant is unable to honor our reservation due to an order that has closed all indoor dining. They sold me a turkey day package, which my friends are going to pay for and pickup. I’m just waiting on a response for when to come over and chow down.

I got all of the usual shopping done today for me and my little girl. I’m baking a frozen pizza tonight Sausage & Pepperoni. It’s cold out and warming up the oven sounds like a nice thing to do.

I am working on laundry and washed my pillows today. I learned the hard way you don’t want to wash just one pillow at a time. That causes the washer to be unbalanced and your washer will walk, not to mention the vibration and noise. I shoved all 3 pillows in and that quieted things down. Now I am trying to get them to dry and then it will be the sheets turn. I will probably throw in one of the dirty pet beds the girls used to use in after that. I’ve been watching and there aren’t any great deals like there were in years past on pet beds. Plus, this is one I am putting in my office and I don’t have any guarantee that Gator will actually use it. If she is anything like the first cat I had, every time you spent money on a toy, he wouldn’t use it. Bring him home a straw from a restaurant and he would play with it for hours. The late Ms. Momma was the same way, she had this thing for cotton swabs. She loved to flip them and catch them. This place was littered with them for the first few years but like anything else that lost its luster.

I can’t believe tomorrow will be Monday and it’s back to work. I’ve been having so much fun relaxing. I need to get through this week, then 3 days next week and I will be having me some vacation. That will be short lived like all good times are and then it will be back to work for the rest of the year.

Lots of people are upset that restaurants are closed for indoor dining and that were on the verge of mandatory stay at home orders again. No matter who makes that call they are the unpopular person by default and that is where people focus their anger. I’m doing my part by staying home and only going out when necessary and then wearing a mask. I’ve made it this long and while the weight is piling on and I am getting restless and bored I am at least safe. We all need to hang in there a while longer and then this too shall pass. I am eager for our newly elected President to take office as that is when something will actually be done about COVID on a Federal Level and that will help set the stage to bring this to a close. Until then our current President isn’t going to do much and if he would have won the election his actions or should I say in actions would probably be the same.

I hope that you had a great weekend, that your safe & warm. Be well and we will talk again soon.

Nada

I haven’t been feeling like my usual self. All of a sudden, my drive or desire for sex is absent. This has happened before but after a couple days nature works things out. This time that doesn’t seem to be the case. I don’t know if this is medication related or if it’s a hormone thing. It could of course be weight related. I’ve done some research on ED (Erectile Disfunction) and there are many causes. Right now, I can’t say that I am in the ED boat as I’m not trying to get it up and failing, there is just no desire.  

I look at porn and know that I like a guy or a scene appeals to my taste but there is no real sexual desire. Playing doctor with my body is something that I think we all do in this day and age. Playing doctor doesn’t mean what it used to either. In any event, I am thinking that I might suffer from low testosterone. It’s on the list to discuss with my doctor. In fact, it was on my list for the last visit but I was absent minded. You know they say when you get older your mind is the first thing to go, I forget what goes second. That is a line I learned from my grandmother and she always did have a great sense of humor.

Frankly I am really bored, when my tasks are all caught up at work I spend time in front of the TV or in bed with Gator. The boss was out today and I spent the bulk of the day upstairs. I got in a nice nap, had an extra long lunch hour. Finally, I went back to work because I got tired of flipping channels and playing with my phone. Porn would factor in there it’s a great way to pass time but since there is no interest that didn’t happen.

I got on the scale yesterday and saw how much my weight has ballooned up. That pie I am eating is going straight to my gut. I knew I had a problem when I went to put on my sweatpants and they were a little tight. I am bothered by my weight but there are a handful of things I am good at and eating sure is one of them.

The pandemic is getting worse, infection rates and deaths are on the rise. There are already pleas asking people to celebrate Thanksgiving virtually instead of getting together physically. People need people and considering that I am trapped here all alone I benefit greatly from being around others. A Zoom meeting or phone call doesn’t have the same affect on me as an in-person visit.

Sleeping during the day means that I will be up at night and even if I am sound asleep, there is a very good chance Gator will be hungry and wake me. That’s happened once already this week. She loves her food as well and I don’t mind feeding her it’s what the vet said to do.

I don’t know what it’s like to go insane but something tells me that I might not be far from it before this mess is all over with. I was hopeful that there would be a vaccine available in December but based on the latest update it sounds like it won’t be until early to mid-next year. What a monumental task to develop and distribute a life saving vaccine, those people have to be under some serious pressure. If they don’t get it right then were all going to die. I’ve got faith that they will come through but the thought of having to stay home for the bulk if not the next year isn’t terribly comforting to me. There are aspects I like but over all I need to be around people. I need physical activity, even if it’s only to walk around the office and/or to and from my car.

I don’t like to be filled with such negativity or depressing news and this is my outlet. I really hope that my sexual desire returns, regardless if it’s with medical help or not. I just want to be horny again and to be able to do something about it.

Despite what I think I know that short of being hit by a bus or catching the virus that I have a lot of life ahead of me. Thinking of spending it alone is horrifying and add to that no sex, not even self-pleasure and I am ready to have Scotty beam me up.

I hope that your having a better week than I am. I don’t want to babble on too much so I’ll talk with you peeps again soon. Stay safe, warm and be well.

Stressful Week

What a week it’s been. The US Presidential Election was quite the emotional rollercoaster. I figured that I would get several pop-up notifications on my phone once a winner was declared. Nope not one. I found out the results by looking at Twitter. Then I had to double check on the internet and finally turned on the TV. Wow I am thankful that it’s over. I am pleased with the results.

We are still very much in the middle of a Pandemic. The numbers for COVID infections & death is rapidly increasing and this is the race we should be more hyper focused on because it’s consequences I feel are more dire and bound to affect or infect more people. We have to get this under control. We have to have a vaccine and better treatment. We have to all continue to follow what the scientist have told us. I realize wearing a mask/face covering is uncomfortable and aggravating but it helps. My personal opinion is that we need to go back on full lockdown, I know that will affect everyone and cause financial distress but I think it’s our best chance of getting things under better control. I hope that sooner rather than later we will urgently and aggressively focus on mitigation efforts for COVID.

In my area the numbers are up and hospital bed space is starting to be of great concern. Restaurants & Bar’s in my area are locked down again but if you travel a short way to a different state, they are wide open. However, that too may change soon because the spike in cases. That means that Thanksgiving could very well be in jeopardy. I mean eating out at a restaurant, the holiday will still happen and I know that my friends will throw something together if we don’t just convert our order to carry out.

I made it to the dentist this week and finally got my teeth cleaned. I received the usual good results. The exam was less thorough than my previous dentist. She screened more aggressively for oral cancer. I’ve got a follow up appointment for 6 months and hopefully the world at large will be a better place!

I patched a gap in the door jam of the garage. The wood desperately needs to be sanded and painted. I think I will manage to get through this winter or so it’s my hope. Then early next spring it will be sanding and paint. I looked at neighbors houses and most of their trim is painted white. The mold killing paint I have an excess of happens to be white as well. To save money and time, that is what I will be using.

Speaking of the garage I managed to find a large round crack in the floor. It looks like someone dropped something there on purpose to cause the damage. It’s on the exterior of the garage door. I used some concrete caulk to fill it in. Just the bending and stretching from that has me super sore. I did the work on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday mid-day is when I felt like I had been kicked by a horse or something. It’s around my groin area and in my upper legs. Another sign that I am truly allergic to exercise.

Thursday was my brother’s birthday. Our relationship has been estranged for well over a year when he went back to his bimbo girlfriend and she convinced him to marry her since he couldn’t manage to live without her. I never thought I could live without my late spouse, but death made the decision for me and I had no choice but to push forward. In fact, you can live without someone but it’s not necessarily easy. I figured I would be the bigger person as I usually am and extended the olive branch by sending him a text message. I simply said happy birthday, hope you are doing well. That was about mid-day yesterday. I have no response and don’t believe I am going to get one. It’s a tad bit disappointing but she has him so brainwashed it’s not a complete surprise. I just had one of those gut feelings that I couldn’t ignore that I needed to reach out to him. This is one of those situations that is best left alone and that is what I am doing. I originally thought about calling him but figured that a text message would be better. I have to handle this situation with kid gloves because every time I deal with family I get fucked over, walking away is the best possible thing for me to do. I wish that we had a normal brother relationship and we were there for each other, but I knew from a young age that wasn’t going to happen. My brother is to ‘me’ oriented and only thinks of himself and how situations can work in his favor. We are in fact polar opposites. I can’t say that I won’t try at a future date to make contact with him but I don’t feel I will ever be successful or that if I am successful that our relationship will ever recover. While I may not agree with the choice, he made in who he married, as long he is happy that is the best I can hope for. I do think that he will wake up someday and realize he’s been hoodwinked, but then again maybe not.

Ms. Gator has become more comfortable with her surroundings and has managed to make her way into my office multiple times this week. She will sit with me for short periods of time. She gets vocal if she wants food and stays that way until I give in. We are sleeping together more and enjoying each other’s company. We have played a bit as well. I was surprised that she let me take a shower in peace earlier this week, that doesn’t happen very often. I think she realizes that she is alone and going to be spoiled even more rotten than she already was. She won’t come to the couch via the path that is most direct. Instead she now always uses a path that her brother used. She also wants to lay on his couch so she can be next to me. She’s held me hostage a few times and I make sure that at each chance I get I tell her that I love her. Not to be depressing but I do realize whatever time we have is limited, hopefully it will be a couple years.

I started late yesterday afternoon watching an Amazon Original series called Red Oaks. It was very entertaining. I had some sleeplessness last night and opted to take in a few more episodes. This morning I finished the series. There are 3 seasons and the story ends pretty complete. It’s got humor, drama and is just enjoyable. There is also some nudity, a little something for everyone.

On call has been quiet but not totally silent. No real plans for the weekend other than the usual running. I hope that your doing well and staying safe. I’ll talk with you peeps again soon!

Weekend Ramble

I hope that you had a great weekend. This is my recap of how my weekend went. Friday night I consumed the frozen Crab Rangoon that I bought. I had to make them in the oven and honestly, they were not that good. I watched some TV with Gator. I rented Robin’s Wish which was all about Robin Williams and his death. No sooner than I started to watch this, Gator got seriously sick. One minute she was in the litter box and the next minute she was barfing. She moved to my room so I followed her and resumed the movie in there. After a few more minutes she had another episode. These are the 2 symptoms that the vet warned me about and they are critical, so I was really scared. However, after she threw up the second time she asked for food. I thought that it was rather odd and doubted if she would keep it down. The storm had passed and she did a great job. I wanted to run to the vet but the practical side of me kicked in and said watch her, see what happens and then react. I know that I know her better than anyone else but I am also scared that she is going to check out on me and I need her as much as she needs me. Neither one of us are spring chickens but I still have many years to go before I reach her age. As old as she is, you’d never know to look at her. She gets around pretty well and is eating like she is feeding a family.

I am glad that I didn’t overreact and I watched the rest of the movie. I had plans to try to induce a deep sleep with medications, but I aborted them because if Gator needed me, I would need to be able to be lucid and sober (so to speak). If I was in some coma of sleep, I would be no good to her. Turns out she didn’t need me at all, when I said the storm was over, I meant it.

Saturday, I lounged as I usually do but this was more relaxing and restlessness. I finally got going about 1p because Gator told me it was time. It was 2p by the time I left the house. I hit up the post office, found that I had a letter addressed to me from a local person, who sent a similar letter to my late spouse a few weeks back. It’s all about finding God and trying to take money from me. I sent it back unopened. I ordered some imitation Creed Green Irish Tweed cologne. I’d buy name brand but it’s $400 for a bottle and for something I have never smelled before not to mention the outlandish price I thought imitation was the better way to go. I’m only out $20 and it smells like Lemon Pledge it’s not something that I enjoy at all. After the post office, it was on to get more food for Gator. Then over to Sam’s to find Water Softener Salt. I walked the length of the entire club and then started over. I finally found someone to ask for help and of course I got the dumbest person there. He said I don’t know what Water Softener Salt is but it’s probably by the bottled water. I said nope I’ve already been there. He just threw up his hands and said well I don’t know what to tell you and I can’t help you. He was honest which is admirable but you don’t just leave a customer to fend for themselves. However, good customer service is very rare these days. I finally found it and wrestled 2 44-pound bags in my cart. I always struggle with lifting these because they are so heavy. Through the checkout line and to my car please.

The big finale was I treated myself to McDonald’s. I haven’t had it in a very long time and was craving a taste. Once again, I encountered bad customer service. The person running the register never heard of a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese. She found the button for it but decided to add extra cheese to the burger, which cost me 55 cents extra. It was good and I don’t know that you can ever have too much cheese. It was just the thought of paying a bit extra that rubbed me wrong, but I didn’t complain. I wanted my food and then I wanted to get home so I could eat.

Since I slept all day long, I wasn’t tired in the least. My neck was bothering me so I took a muscle relaxer in the hope that would knock me out. Sunday started. I maybe got a couple hours sleep but was up mostly all night off and on. Gator of course wasn’t happy about this. I thought with the time change I would squeeze in an extra hour of sleep and it would all wash out. Wrong. She and her crying help keep me up. She wanted breakfast at 5a and I remember at some point I gave in to her then tried to come back to bed. My back was bothering me from the little wrestling I did yesterday with the water softener salt bags. They are loaded into the machine and I’ll be good for another year.

I’ve been to the grocery store and didn’t spend a lot. I’ve got enough food to make it for the week. The Dentist will be my next big trip out. It’s 2 in the afternoon and I am bored. I don’t really want to do much of anything. I have my report to do for work and then I do believe it will be back upstairs for me. Just relax and play on my phone. I have to set a couple clocks and decide on what I want for supper. I also have to put out my medicine which is always a chore and then consume way too much TV. Eventually it will be time for bed and hopefully I can enjoy a restful night’s slumber. Monday will be calling soon enough and that is not a call I really want to answer.

A couple more days of political ads and then election day will happen, it’s like Halloween Part 2. I hope that things go well. Needless to say, it’s probably going to be a very interesting week. Hang on and stay safe. I don’t know about you but I am ready to get the show on the road. Then bring on Fall TV so we can focus on something else outside of politics and the pandemic. We all could use a distraction if only for 30 minutes.

Were all in this together but I can easily understand how some people feel all alone. Take care, stay warm and be well. We shall talk again soon.

Jazz Hands

I’ve pretty well survived the week, taking it one day at a time. Some days were more stressful than others. There have been busy times and some lulls but they don’t last long. Gator has finally made her way into my office multiple times this week. She starts out crowing up stairs and when I ignore her long enough, she comes downstairs and starts, I just bellow out to her and she eventually comes waltzing in. Then I get a mouthful and we go back and forth. She will either convince me to come back upstairs and get her a snack or she will waddle away in disgust and continue to make noise.

I think she might be holding out some hope that her brother will immerge but I think that hope is dwindling as the days go on. She is sleeping with me, under my feet and pretty much glued to me unless she is passed out and I managed to escape. I refer to her as Gator Glue because she sticks to you stronger than gorilla glue. It’s a mighty strong hold. I love her but she does get under my skin with all of the yowling. I leave her in the kitchen eating and go wash my hands or use the restroom and she loses her mind and thinks that she is all alone in the house. It’s sad and irritating at the same time. I am glad that we are in a force to work from home situation or she would likely be much more depressed or so I think.

She still does the wake up calls in the middle of the night but has learned that is a quick way to get booted from my room and once the door closes it doesn’t open until I am ready to get up. I know how much her and her family hated to see a closed door, it was one of the worst things in the world.

My sleeping is back to as normal as it gets for now. I plan to enjoy tomorrow being able to sleep and do what I want since it will be Saturday. That will probably suit her better since we will be together. I need to get her food and pick up the mail, but I am in no great big hurry. I’ve already proven that can all be done in one day. Plus, I need to venture back to Sam’s water softener salt is in.

I’ve discovered that Barney Miller (old tv show) is on YouTube and I’ve watched a few episodes. Takes me back to my childhood. Plus you really see how differently things were done. I also love the theme song it’s all jazz based and while that isn’t my first love of music it is enjoyable to me. Most every video regardless of what it was that I viewed on You Tube has started with a political ad. They are also running extra hot and heavy on local TV. I am so eager for election day so the ads will end. Don’t get me wrong I am very interested in the results but I can’t stand the political ads, they get to me each year and since I am trapped at home this year it just seems worse.

My area is back on lockdown since the positivity rate has surged as it is in most parts of the US now. People are losing their minds because their kids can’t play fall sports. There’s much more to life than sports but I understand the argument and frustration. It will be great when one day life will return to normal because there is a vaccine for this but until then we all have to dig out our patience and try not to lose our minds. I know it’s much easier said than done.

Halloween is tomorrow and it’s really hard to believe this month is over with. Seems like this year has just drug on forever and that is only because we have been trapped at home. There are some doubts if we will get to celebrate Thanksgiving in a restaurant or have to grab carry out and be relegated to home. As long as I am with my friends and my gator all will be well.

Next week I get to be on-call again and Monday I have my teeth cleaned. It’s been a year and a few months which never happens under normal circumstances. Here’s hoping that next week is quiet and uneventful for me.

I hope that you have had a great week, are safe and with those that you love. Stay safe and be well! I’ll talk with you peeps again soon.

In case you were wondering, here’s a video of the Barney Miller theme song.

Last Hurrah

I’ve wanted to go out to breakfast while I have been on vacation but it never materialized.  This morning I made it happen and it’s a darn good thing too.  Looks like were headed back on lockdown in my neck of the woods because the positivity rate is spiking.  I stopped in at my local Cracker Barrel and much to my surprise the place was packed just as if there was no pandemic.  Of course there were safety precautions in place and not nearly as many tables as there would be if there wasn’t a pandemic.  It’s the first time I have been in the dining room since before the pandemic hit and it kind of felt good. 

Not sure if there is a war with Diet Dr. Pepper but it appears to be disappearing.  Cracker Barrel replaced it with Coke Zero.  Totally not the same thing but it’s better than Diet Pepsi.  I hope that Diet Dr. Pepper stays on the market even though it may not be widely as available in restaurants. 

I got in the normal cat food and grocery shopping and by the time I got home I was tired.  I’m way out of shape and physical activity isn’t my friend or so it appears to me. 

Gator was eagerly waiting for me to come home.  We spent time together in my chair.  Then I looked at her and she looked at me and I said the words nap time.  She jumped from my lap into my bed.  I was like right on!  We passed out for a very short cat nap before she became vocal and demanded lunch.  I tried to delay her and go back to sleep but she was persistent as per usual.  That worked to my advantage and I think she knew that. 

We both took in lunch.  I got some vacuuming done and finally threw away what used to be Marv’s treats.  That was really tough but it was time.  It’s not like they were going to get consumed by Gator.  I didn’t vacuum by my chair on purpose because that is where Marv used to lay.  Gator goes over there and sniffs the carpet now and then.  I want to preserve his scent for her, I know in time it will fade and eventually I will run the vacuum there , just not today. 

As I am writing this I realized you don’t know the lab results I got back.  The vet phoned yesterday afternoon and told me that Gator has the early stages of Kidney Failure.  Her levels are very mildly outside of the normal range and I was told it’s nothing to obsess over but you know that is exactly what I am going to do.  I think it’s stress but the vet says that this wouldn’t be caused by stress.  Funny thing is that stress affects everyone differently.  It does make me wonder if she is in any pain.  I was told the important thing is to keep her on wet food, make sure she always has access to water and stay away from dry food if possible.  She should get re-checked again in 6 months.  I will probably take her back then but it will depend a lot on how she is doing.  She is after all an old lady but she still acts like a kitten in many ways.  The good news is that her thyroid is perfect and so is everything else in her blood work.  I wish those kidney values were normal as well.  Who knows maybe next time they will be better.  Still I am beside myself and very concerned about her. 

I am working on laundry and need to run my report for work, then it will be time to move back to the upper level and spend the rest of the day with Gator before Monday morning comes calling in all it’s glory at which time I will reluctantly return to work.  I hate like hell to go back but I have to it’s not like there is a choice to be made.  I am going to figure out how much extra time I still have left and try to burn it if possible before the year is out, better than losing it. 

Happy Sunday and I hope that your doing well.  Talk with you folks again soon.  Stay warm and be well. 

Ramblings of the week

Thursday

My first day of real progress. I got the running I wanted to do done. I hit up Rural King on the advice of my friend who says that is where they get their cats food at. Holy cow I thought I might get mugged. It’s like a Walmart but only worse. Hillbilly City is what they should call it. It was also in a rough part of town. I was able to get a decent amount of food on the cheap, so no need to hit up the cat food store on Saturday.

The post office was supposed to be holding my masks that I ordered but they hadn’t yet put a note in my box so I’ll check back tomorrow. I’ve also got a candle warmer & candle coming that Amazon said would be delivered today but the post office says won’t be in until Saturday. I’ll have to get up early in case it is delivered because I’ll probably have to stand in line to get it. Otherwise, it will be a Monday thing.

Made it to Target for Cat Litter, some of the casserole that I like. I came back home to wait for my big delivery of the day, which was my new Mont Blanc Rollerball Pen. I watched a map and it said they were 2 stops away. I got distracted and then came back and it said it was delivered. It was delivered but just not to my address. I called Amazon and they said they would have to wait 24 hours to see if it surfaced and to get details of where the driver delivered it to. You have to be kidding me. You take photos with GPS of most every delivery when I order inexpensive items. A $300 pen and there was no photo taken. I tracked it down as it could only be 1 of 2 other places. My subdivision has a common name to it and all of the streets start the same. There are also 2 other houses that share my street number. I went to the first one and it looked like a trap. No cars in the garage, garage door up. No packages delivered. It was like they were inviting a burglar over. I got out of there and went to the other address. People started looking at me funny but I walked right up to the door and grabbed my package. There were two other large boxes that were there but I didn’t disturb them. After the fact I looked and noticed a video door bell. Great I figured now someone will say you had a porch pirate and I’ll be going to jail because Amazon couldn’t do their fucking job correctly. That video door bell also means I can’t fuck Amazon over and say I never got it. I mean in theory they didn’t deliver it to my address so I should not be in possession of it but because I helped myself I have it. To add insult to injury Mont Blanc started a new refill line for the pen I bought and it takes a capless refill which is shorter than a standard rollerball refill. They always ship pens (regardless of the manufacturer) with black ink. I despise that and much prefer Blue. I had to order refills and Amazon says they will be here tomorrow, but only if the driver does his job correctly. I’ll bet you they take a picture of this delivery regardless of which address it’s at, only because it doesn’t contain an expensive item. I really wished that they would have used UPS, even required a signature. Years ago, I ordered 2 MB pens (1 a pen and 1 rollerball) they were sent via FedEx and I had the shipment held at FedEx so I could pick them up because I knew I wouldn’t be home. It was a little bit of a hassle but worth it for the peace of mind. UGH Amazon!

I did spend a fair amount of time with Gator and she is still bossing me around and a bit clingy. She took a bath in the water bowl again and then walked up to me and I got to pet a wet cat. YUK. She permitted me to be downstairs for several hours before she started her yowling. I’ve come and gone a few times during the day. She is always in the same place when I get back and sleeping. We even took a nap together this afternoon in my chair. I think she is adjusting to the change that started 1 week ago today. I think she is still seeking out her brother or hoping he will spring up but that won’t happen. Lots of people tell me I need to get her a companion. Unless the vet says she is showing obvious signs of being lonely and needs a companion that won’t be happening. I don’t want to introduce her to another cat and take a risk of rejection or incompatibility unless it’s necessary. I talk to her and with her both about what happened with her brother and the big step tomorrow is going to bring. She gets to see the vet. I know she will be less than thrilled but I need the peace of mind. I know she is waiting for me right now at the top of the steps so I am going to place a period here for now.

Friday – Saturday

That’s some long period because it’s now Saturday. Friday’s visit to the vet went well. From all outward appearances my girl is healthy. She has some mild tartar on her teeth and some arthritis in her rear legs. We did blood work to make sure there is nothing else inside going on that would have otherwise been missed. It was an expensive visit but thus far I have some additional peace of mind. I am eagerly awaiting her blood work results and hope for the same good news. She is still very clingy and bossy. Those are personality traits that I don’t think will leave and have gotten stronger with the loss of her mother and brother. Just as long as she can get around the house, jump, eat and be comfortable is all I care about. I want as much time with her as possible.

No sooner than we got home from the vet they called and told me that Marvin’s cremains were back. I knew that would happen and was kind of hoping they would have brought them out to me with her so I didn’t have to make a trip back but that wasn’t the case. I took a nap and gave it an hour then went back.

After I left the vets office for the second time, I did my additional errands. Hitting up Sam’s club only to find out that they rearranged the damn club. I had problems finding everything but the bakery. I wasn’t able to locate Water Softener Salt and according to the web they are out of salt. I will make that adventure trip again when I see it’s back in stock. I’m not running out any time soon but like to maintain stock. I also saw they had paper towels but the web said they were out of them. I did manage to locate soda and stumbled across furnace filters. Then on to the hardware store where I picked up 2 bags of rock and some light bulbs. Then it was back home.

I sat for a bit with Gator and then decided I should figure out supper. I wasn’t going to navigate for pizza that is a Saturday/Sunday thing. Instead I thought Steak N Shake sounded good. I got there walked in the door and found out that it’s takes out only. That didn’t sit well with me but I went to a local pasta restaurant. I was greeted by a sign that told me reservations were required. Another couple was waiting at the door and they knew but forgot to make reservations. The place took pity on us both and told us to come in and they would seat us. I got a decent meal … minestrone soup, garlic cheese bread and cannelloni washed it all down with 2 diet cokes. I spent more than I had intended but it was a very good meal on a very cold day.

Back home and while I needed to get to the office and get some things done, I opted instead to just spend the night with gator. She slept in her bed and wasn’t aware I was even in the room with her for the most part. Turn out the lights to go to bed and she is wide awake and thinks it’s time for food. Silly girl has her days and nights mixed up. Just wait until next weekend when time change occurs that will mess with all of us.

The mail brought a letter to my late spouse from a local person, I thought I knew what it was because he got something similar a couple years ago but since I didn’t know I opened it and yeah it was the same thing. A letter from a local person and a pamphlet inviting him to find Jesus but it required money. Next time I won’t be curious and will just send it back. He’s been gone for 6 years if he isn’t with Jesus then there is no hope, he will make it now. I got my candle warmer and candle, my masks (which were made in China) and a card from a co-worker. Amazon brought me my blue ink for my pen and a gift from the folks at work. It was a small cat cast in what looks like concrete with angel wings on the back. It’s beautiful and I was really touched. I will write my thank you note on Monday when I go back. Which I honestly don’t want to go back, I could use another week. Especially since I hear that this past week was super messy and there will be tons of crap for me to catch up and clean up, I am not eager at all to return and start to dig in. However, that is the price you pay for leaving for a week.

As for Saturday, I got up fed Gator at 6 or 7 then went back to bed. I got up by 8 looked to see what was going on in the world. Looks like someone has once again compromised my credit card but the jokes on them because the card was locked and the transaction was declined. I know for a fact no one has the physical card number because I only use virtual credit card numbers, those too are locked. Right now, I am not going to report anything because I haven’t been charged for anything I didn’t approve/order. Otherwise, nothing else major going on. I had some pastry and a large glass of milk, then watched some TV and back to bed. That weighted blanket I bought is really great, not sure if I will break out the electric blanket at all this year but time will tell. I woke up at 11a and decided that I should get moving. Catch up on logging my purchases in the checkbook, setup my candle warmer and of course make a blog post. I will be headed out in a while to grab the mail and hit up the pizza place. Then it will be another average evening with Gator.

Plans for the usual grocery store run tomorrow and cleaning of the house. Then to enjoy the last day of vacation as I plan to return begrudgingly to work bright and early on Monday morning. At least I am not physically leaving Gator so that helps a lot and I am grateful for the time I had with Marvin while being required to work from home. It’s helped me and also hurt me. This week was the most active I have been in getting out of the house in months. It feels oddly good but I am in no hurry to return to normal.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Below is a photo of my new pen and the cat angel I got.  I placed the Cat Angel on top of Marvin’s urn. 

I hope that all is well in your world and that your safe, healthy & happy. Thanks for stopping by we will talk again soon.