Loaded Taco

Hungry?  You might be after you start reading this.  Made it to the grocery store and found Doritos Late Night Flavor Loaded Taco.  I looked for the Cheeseburger chips but they didn’t have those.  I tried them for lunch and wow I actually taste lettuce and beef with a little taco spice.  They are so good!  I don’t think this bag will make it the whole week but I could be wrong.  I am not a chips guy but every now and then I can eat them.  I am starting to like these new unique flavors and will likely keep an eye out for them.  I am interested to try the next new flavor. 

Speaking of Tacos I am going out for Mexican food in a few hours for my lupper.  Some where between 3 and 4.  I will probably go to the usual place and get my old standby because it’s good.  However, I’ve thought of going to another place that I haven’t been in a while. 

Breakfast was good as usual and I enjoyed it.  I also got in my relaxing time and a nap.  Both cats snuggled up and made a sandwich out of me.  It only lasted for a few minutes and then Mora had to get to some place more comfy but I sure enjoyed it.  Closest thing to a human hug that I can get. 

It’s been an overcast rainy kind of day here.  When I woke up from my nap the rain was coming down in sheets.  I saw my neighbor across the street open his garage planning to cut grass.  Well, he didn’t get to do that today.  He’s got an electric mower and it’s super quiet.  It does a really good job. 

I started cleaning the house and the sun came out and the rain left us.  The cats can sun bathe but instead they are down here with me in the cool basement.  It’s still a bit humid upstairs.  The house is around 77 but the temperature outside is in the 60’s.  This place holds heat pretty well.  I turned on the dehumidifier in my room.  It’s just a small thing but it helps out.  I know the days are getting closer to turning on the AC for the house but I am holding off as long as possible.  We’ve got normal spring temps predicted for the week.  Our last summer like day was Friday. 

Not looking forward to getting back into the grind, especially considering that Tuesday will mark the first of the month and that means more reports to prepare.  Plus being on-call and just being immersed in work.  I’m half way planning on going to my great aunt’s memorial service, which means I will be asking others to cover for me for a few hours.  I figure that I can hit up the funeral home then grab a bite for dinner before I head back home.  It’s on Thursday and you know that break will probably do me good even if only a couple hours.  We shall see how things go but I hope that I am able to get away.  Friday is my massage and I hope that is a more normal experience.  At least I have a couple things to look forward to.  Plus my “new computer” experience with Windows 11.  I still hate WIN 11 but it’s not like I can stay away from it forever it’s going to be the standard at work and they are moving hot and heavy to get it in place for everyone before the end of the year.  Plus I’ll be getting a new laptop at work as well but thus far no one has reached out about that, I’m not making any waves, just keeping my head down that’s the best way to operate. 

There will be some good TV tonight.  The White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones and Last Week Tonight.  I love Sunday TV but I know that The White Lotus is about done.  I’ve got a few other shows on the DVR that I need to catch up on as well.  However, I tend to stick with my Roku box and stream most things that I watch. 

Fingers crossed for all of us to have a great week ahead.  Take care!

Another 1st

I was so looking forward to my massage last night.  Muscles all tense and just the thought of a hot rock touching my skin as well as a pair of hands sounded so good.  Work bothered me up until I had only a couple minutes to spare.  Thankfully this place is right around the corner and I made it with a minute to spare.  Both of the doors were locked and no way to get a massage if I can get inside.  I called and then the therapist was at the door unlocking it.  She was finishing up with a client and I got to chatting with that person about their vehicle. 

The therapist was coughing a lot but I didn’t think much of it.  It continued into my massage and it got worse to the point where she became nauseated and barfed.  Needless to say this was the first time a massage ended early because the therapist got sick.  She said that she hadn’t eaten and thought that it what was causing it.  I think she was getting sick – at least she had post nasal drip and that is what made her barf.  She said she felt better afterwards but still she wanted to get home. 

She only charged me for an hour which we barely got in.  I get 30 minutes for free next time and we booked another session for next Friday.  It’s only an hour but I think I will probably need it if next week is anything like this week has been. 

I just got comfy on the table and was starting to relax when she got sick.  Since my back didn’t get what I was expecting I am super sore this morning.  She was digging but hadn’t quite worked out the knots just yet. 

At least I ate supper before I went.  Had a Grilled Cheese as I watched the latest episode of The Pitt.  Damn that’s an easy way to burn an hour.  I love that show but some of it is just too damn real. 

This morning when I woke up I was intent on heading out for breakfast but after a shower I felt like my sugar was crashing.  I instead opted to eat a couple pop-tarts and drink a soda.  That was breakfast.  I wasted time watching TV until I had to leave for my haircut appointment.  Got a free neck shave. 

After that I came back home, got out of my clothes and watched TV.  I watched Yanni Live at the Acropolis.  That took me back down memory lane.  My late spouse introduced me to Yanni.  We went to a couple concerts and I’ve got every CD that he put out, plus a couple video tapes.  His music is enjoyable still to this day.  I enjoy the upbeat songs the most.  Loved seeing the drum solo that Charlie Adams put on.  Wow he can play the drums!  He did that same solo at one of the concerts we went to and seeing as well as hearing it live is way more enjoyable.  Gosh, I sure do miss those good times. 

Eventually, I crawled into bed with Rudy and Mora joined us.  She wanted to cuddle and it didn’t matter that her brother was in the way she just plowed through and plopped so she could be next to daddy.  Rudy was all relaxed so it didn’t phase him at all.  I was tired when I got into bed but woke up a bit just laying there listening to the music play.  When the concert was over I tried to go to sleep but only closed my eyes and tossed a bit.  Wound up getting up and passing out lunch for the kids. 

That’s when I too got hungry but nothing here really appealed to me.  I polished off some chips and had another soda.  Then sat in front of my laptop trying to work on my WIN 11 machine at work.  I eventually locked it up and now need someone to reboot it for me, that probably won’t happen until Monday.  I’ve still got a phantom monitor and it’s causing me some issues.  Once I figure that out I am ready to give that machine a spin to see if I can make it working on it for a couple days.  I’d rather test it out than be forced to move to it and find that something I need wasn’t there.  I think I’ve got everything but nothing like a real world test to prove that out. 

Went out for a Large Fish Sandwich to a sports bar.  I had to wait for a table but not long.  I saw a lady leaving saying she was cold.  I felt fine, that is until I got my table.  They had the AC on full blast and it was chilly so I too was cold.  Didn’t have to wait terribly long for the sandwich to arrive.  it was fresh out of the fryer and damn hot but it tasted so good.  Had fries with it and they weren’t bad.  I could have used some celery salt to improve them.  It was an inexpensive supper and I was stuffed. 

I left and getting on to the freeway I saw a truck that had slid off the ramp and into some trees.  The truck was facing me and there was someone inside that didn’t have the best look on their face.  I was in the flow of traffic and couldn’t stop.  I did the next best thing and flew down the freeway, used a U turn that is reserved for the cops and went back to check on the driver.  I normally don’t stop but something called me to this.  I called 9-1-1 just before I pulled up and they told me that the police had already been out.  About that time the driver was at my passenger door and he told me the same thing.  Well, at least everyone was okay.  The guy was waiting on a tow truck to pull him out.  I went on my way and headed home. 

Then I went to process change at work that I had dreaded.  I did all of the work and then realized it was effective on April 1.  I had to undo all of the work I just did and put everything back because Monday is the 31st.  Then come Monday night I have to re-do my changes.  Damn!  While I was in I saw a couple other issues I could lend a hand on and grabbed them up and took care of them.  Logged off and went up to pass out treats for the cats while I took my laundry up. 

I feel like I am loosing my mind from all of the stress this week.  My hope is that tomorrow will be a more normal day.  At least I will start with breakfast out so I have something in my stomach before I go taking on the day.  Gonna do some surfing here and then head up to make the bed and enjoy an evening with the cats trying to take a break from technology.  I feel like my eyes as well as my brain could both use the rest. 

Hope all is well in your world!

Ah Friday again

I am so glad that it’s finally Friday.  I will get a couple days of rest and relaxation away from work and am very much looking forward to it.  Had a meeting with the boss yesterday and he thanked me for being such a workhorse this week.  At least he acknowledged that he sees what I am doing and at least told me that he appreciates it.  Even if it was just empty words, it was good to hear.  I always go above and beyond, it’s something I am known for.  It’s always noticed regardless of where I have worked.  I feel like it’s helped me a lot in my present position.  Sometimes it’s just the little things that turn out to make a huge difference.  Shame I don’t see huge payment reward for that but I look at it as just doing my job.  It also makes me feel good at times. 

This week has been such a whirlwind that I was shocked when I went to the fridge last night and discovered there was no Spaghetti to heat up.  That’s when it hit me that it was just so good I couldn’t stop eating it.  The freezer isn’t nearly as well stocked as I thought it was but I did find a Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo dinner that I had.  It started out good but I soon grew tired of it and wound up throwing the last few bites out.  I had a piece of double layer yellow cake iced with chocolate frosting for desert.  As I was eating it I kept thinking about packing weight on from WFH and being so sedentary.  I don’t want to blow back up like a blimp.  Not that I am exactly thin but I am lighter than I was during the pandemic. 

It probably doesn’t help the fact that tonight’s dinner will likely be a piece of German Chocolate Cake.  I will most likely wait to eat it until after my massage.  If I don’t have that then it will be a Grilled Cheese.  I know I don’t eat healthy but it’s like I told the doctor a long time ago.  There are two things in this world that I absolutely love.  The first is men and the second is food.  If I can’t have one then I am damn hell sure having the other.  Regardless of what I do I am still dying and damn I’d like to go out on a full stomach.  Sure would be nice to get some dick too but at least food is readily within my reach.  He smiled when I told him that.  My doc is a chubby short guy so it’s not like he can complain too much at me for my weight. 

Last night was over with way too quickly.  I took one extra sleeping pill and damn I was out.  Didn’t hear any banging of the cans this morning when the trash people came.  I woke up on my own but Rudy was right there and sensed that I was about to fall back asleep.  He stuck his cold wet nose against mine and damn that woke me up in a hurry.  I sure do love my Rudy wake up calls, they are the best and I hope they never ever end. 

It’s been a busy morning.  There is no time for lunch and I have 3 meetings today which is highly abnormal for a Friday.  There is a slight lull now and I think I am taking advantage of it and will run up to take a bathroom break and perhaps have a little relaxing time with the cats, that is if my phone doesn’t start blowing up. 

I do hate this extra on-call duty and will be glad when the mistake maker gets back.  Until then I suppose I will survive or die trying. Here’s hoping that today speeds by so that I can get on that massage table sooner rather than later!

Have an awesome weekend and take care!

Can’t make this up

Yesterday afternoon someone at work reported they were having problems on a shopping site; it just wasn’t working. I couldn’t believe that someone would have the gall to report they were shopping on company time, using company resources and complaining because it wasn’t working. That’s something I just couldn’t make up if I tried to. I investigated it and sure enough they were right the site didn’t work. I told them to use a personal device to reach the site to remedy the issue. I had thoughts of making a big deal out of it and shining a spotlight on this person but opted not to. If management finds out about it great but I’m not running to tell them. I see all kinds of stuff but that one really takes the cake.

I placed an order yesterday for a plant to be delivered to my great aunt’s memorial service, regardless weather I go or not I felt it was the right thing to do. I did it from my home computer not my work computer. I was astonished by how quickly the bill added up. The delivery charges particularly are highly inflated and I am clearly in the wrong business. I get a high delivery charge if I am asking you to rush something last minute or even a day prior to the service. However, the service isn’t until next week. I don’t order flowers or plants often but damn every time I do, I am just flabbergasted with the price. They show the price of what you’re ordering but when you go to checkout there is sales tax and then they tack on the delivery fee if you’re not picking it up. Honestly, it would cost me less to pick it up and deliver it to the funeral home on my own but I’ve already paid for the convenience factor and I don’t think many people deliver their own flowers/plants to funeral homes but I could be wrong. I see they delivered my order this morning despite me telling them it didn’t need to be there until mid-next week. Guess that’s why the delivery charge was so high – I mean at least they were prompt.

Also yesterday, I had a Buffalo Chicken wrap for lunch, all of the hot sauce sunk to the bottom and the last bite was quite good but hot. I only ate half which means that I still have one left. Not sure that I will buy this wrap again but it was nice to break up the everyday boring what’s for lunch.

The cameras were going crazy during my meeting yesterday. I had a cat outside running around. It looks just like Rudy but its paw tips were only white in back. It was enough to make me do a double take but I knew there was no way either of my two could possibly get out, short of me hearing a lot of noise before it happened considering I am home. I thought I saw someone post a photo of a cat that looked just like what was roaming around but I went to the app and can’t find it for anything. I think it will be setting off my cameras for a while unless something happens to it or someone manages to catch it. I only saw it on camera and not up close. I have looked and looked but no sign of it. I don’t dare bring a strange cat inside that would upset both cats, not to mention the exposure risk to disease as well as damage/destruction and cat fights. I do not need that at all. However, if there was a way for me to get it trapped and checked to see if it’s chipped, I would at least like to do that. If not to get it back to its owner to get it off of the street. I’m guessing someone somewhere is missing the poor thing but then again people do tend to dump animals in my neighborhood. That’s how we got Momma and shortly thereafter her kids, then years later Taz and Blu. Right now, for me 2 is enough and sometimes more than I can handle. Yes, I would like more but I have the common sense to know that isn’t a prudent thing to do and I don’t want to upset what is now a happy family. The balance is perfect.

I had one meeting I was really dreading but the person canceled on me and we moved it to next week. At least the pressure is off for now. If they would just read the invite, they would see there is really no reason to meet but I will be too happy to point that out. My boss thinks everything needs a meeting, drama and discussion. Nope some decisions are made quickly and on the fly. Not everything requires that much effort and energy.

Spaghetti and meat sauce was for supper, I had some of it and saved the rest for tonight. A dish that I picked up from the store so it was just heat & eat, which is what I like. Not much a fan of frozen food but I still eat it. Had a Raspberry Danish for desert and washed it down with a glass of milk.

Worked needed me to work late last night so I did that as well, not fun but I got the job done and then moved on with the evening. I hate last minute surprises like that. They knew all damn day long but waited until I was eating my supper to bother to tell me.

This week feels like I was on-call as I have pulled all of the weight which is what the on-call person does. Next week I am really on-call and after that I can relax for a week before it all comes back full cycle again. Normally I would get a 2-week break but since the mistake maker is out and the boss is on-call that’s why it’s only 1 week. This will go on for a couple months and I can feel the burn out coming, despite trying to fight it off it will still happen. I haven’t put in for any time but am thinking about just taking a full week once the mistake maker is back so that I can be free from work and relax for a bit. Mulling that one over but it’s probably going to happen.

At the moment my schedule is wide open and there isn’t much going on. I am savoring this as I know it’s a short-lived reprieve. We have rain & storms rolling in today and for the weekend. Glad I haven’t washed my vehicle yet. Looking forward to my massage tomorrow night.

Hope all is well your neck of the woods.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

Man Candy - Thirsty?

Pizza is gone

Morning … that’s a different title for a post.  I had to think of something to put there and that’s the first thing that came to mind.  It’s true too, I ate the last of the pizza last night it was okay not as good as when it was originally served.  Now that’s out of the fridge it’s on to something else to eat for dinner tonight. 

I’ve got this habit that I picked up from my grandfather.  Each morning I look at the local obituaries to see who has passed away.  That’s the only way I will ever know.  I was shocked to learn this morning that a great aunt passed away.  I find it odd that there is only a visitation and no funeral per say.  It’s next week when I am on-call.  I could go but will more likely just send flowers.  It’s not cheaper but sure is easier.  I am not fond of the habit as I think it ages me but I’ve done it for years and started when I was much younger. 

Yesterday I got drowsy sitting in front of these two monitors and opted to head upstairs and lay down.  I watched a little TV but closed my eyes and then my phone went off.  I just knew that was going to happen, so much so that I predicted it to the cats.  Yeah it was something I needed to deal with but I was just too lazy and said it will be there waiting for me when I get up.  Then more stuff came rolling in.  I let the phone chirp for a few minutes before it calmed down.  Then I started to drift off and the lawn guy showed up.  My lawn got it’s first cut of the season.  I went back to work for a bit to take care of the few emails that had accumulated. 

My boss is on-call this week but I’ve found that I am the one doing all of the heavy lifting.  Even stuff that comes in after-hours he doesn’t jump on like the rest of us would, he just leaves it and I clean it up come morning.  He did take one easy assignment that came in yesterday while I was at lunch, just because it was easy.  The only way I know to rebel against this is to let shit back up and I did at one point yesterday.  It just means that I will have a large pile to clean up in the end.  It’s not fair that the rest of us pull our weight but the boss hides behind the excuse “ I have meetings and other assignments “  yeah well too bad your the on-call person.  Funny thing is that on-call means something different to him than the rest of us and outside of him we all operate the same.  He’s noticed that I am doing the heavy lifting and thanked me in one of our dumb meetings yesterday, whoopie.  Like that does anything for me. 

What made my day is that a supervisor from another team that I help out frequently so they are able to do their jobs reached out to me directly and sent me what I call a feel good email.  It said how appreciative they were for all that I do and how quick I am to help them and that I never, ever complain regardless of what they throw at me they know the job is going to get done and quickly.  People have been talking about the superior service that I give for 10 years and I don’t plan on giving them a reason to stop.  Compliments like that trickle to the top of the management chain, perhaps not as fast as bad news but it gets there.  That’s the kind of reputation that you want to build.  Problem is that it becomes tougher and tougher to out do yourself.  My boss wasn’t copied it was a note meant just for me.  I usually forward those on but opted not to this time.  I just hang on to them, they come in handy when your having a bad day you can look back on them and it helps to cheer you up.  That’s a tip from a colleague that I used to work with. 

On the cat front.  I went to throw away the pizza box and Mora thought she could just go out in the garage.  She tried but I stopped her.  I had to make a couple more trips to the garage to toss some bulky stuff out and she went back to keeping her distance.  Last thing I need is a cat the turns into a door dasher.  I am so out of shape there is no way I could catch either of them if they bolted.  Here is hoping that never ever happens. 

Had a bladder wake up call last night and made the mistake of rubbing my eye because it itched.  That only made things worse but some how I managed to fall back to sleep once I returned to bed.  Rudy kept me company and snuggled up against my back.  I would move and he would readjust himself just to let me know he was still there.  These cats sure are something.  I wasn’t in the best head space as the evening wore on and I think they probably picked up on that. 

On the agenda for today is one dumb weekly meeting with the boss.  Then whatever happens to bubble up my way during the day.  Thus far it’s chill but that can change at any time with little to no warning so I have to stay ready.  Speaking of ready I am ready for a nap already, not a good sign since it’s only 9a here.  It’s probably the sugar wearing off from the one pop-tart that I had with breakfast. 

It’s a nice Spring day here with pollen in the air, allergies acting up and the temperatures being cool.  The house has a slight chill in it but it’s enjoyable to me.  The cats will sun bathe to soak up the heat and the house will warm up as time moves on.  High today I think is 65 which isn’t bad.  Bring on the hot guys, shirtless guys so that my mouth will water as much as my nose and eyes are from the allergies. 

Hope it’s a great day in your neck of the woods. 

Yapping & Windows 11

Hi and welcome in.  Things were fairly calm at work yesterday which is not uncommon for a Monday.  People are still hung over from the weekend and trying to get moving.  Most Monday’s are washes with some occasional busy times.  Bossman was tied up for a good portion of the day but he still managed to find time to call and pester me for a bit.  I moved upstairs close to 3p to escape the basement and be with the cats. 

Mora has become more attention seeking.  Now it doesn’t matter if I have my laptop out and am working she will come over and curl up with me hugging my chest on the left side.  It’s not exactly easy to work with a giant cat demanding your attention but I can say I have done it a few times.  No matter how much I give Mora always wants more, hence her name mora.  She needs more of this and more of that.  I love her and never had a cat quite like her. 

Since I was upstairs and on my laptop I saw fit to continue to try to tweak Windows 11.  I got it looking pretty nice with the help of a program called Windhawk.  It’s a mod that you install and then install modules for tweaks.  You have to be extra careful because some tweaks could have malicious code in them.  My big hang up with Win 11 is the taskbar.  You can get the clock to spread over three lines where it shows time – day of the week and the date.  Although it’s possible to get all three to display.  As I mentioned in a previous post there is no Quick Launch Bar and the taskbar icons don’t stack like they do in Win 10.  I like to see every little thing running so there are plenty of icons in my taskbar.  I don’t like pinning icons to the taskbar that is not a substitute for the Quick Launch Bar it just clutters things up in my opinion.  Funny thing is that my laptop came with Win 11 on it and I downgraded to Win 10.  I remember playing with my laptop in a hotel room (got it when I went on a trip after Gator passed) and figuring out all of the things that Win 11 couldn’t do and eventually made the conclusion that it sucked and I wanted Win 10. 

I am going to keep 11 on my laptop at least that is what I am telling myself.  I don’t use it a whole lot other than for work or to remote into my desktop, so it’s not like a daily machine.  My desktop is my daily machine and I am going to keep Win 10 around on that.  Probably will wind up paying MS so that I keep getting security updates but I am not rushing to do that just in case I change my mind.  I imagine 11 would look awesome on this and probably make things run a little smoother. 

I am still waiting for my work machine to get fixed.  I am in no hurry to move into 11 for work but the push is coming.  The movement is that we want everyone on 11 before the end of the year.  Never mind that we have an Enterprise license and can keep getting security updates for some time it’s just easier (so they say) to upgrade everyone.  I am always resistant to upgrades but hey I fell in love with 10 so I imagine I eventually will fall in love or at least tolerate 11. 

On a different note took in a lot of TV yesterday.  The White Lotus,    9-1-1, Innocent or Guilty on A&E, The First 48, DOC and The Neighborhood.  Yeah I was a little busy and it was enjoyable.  Shame more nights can’t be filled with good tv that I am interested in. 

Had a couple hot dogs with ketchup for lunch, Rudy really wanted me to give him some.  Left over pizza was for supper.  Boston Cream Pie for desert.  Wasn’t the best eating but it wasn’t bad either. 

Got a three meetings on tap for today, I don’t look forward to any of them but each one will bring me closer to lunch and then eventually closer to the end of the day.  Here’s hoping for a good day for all. 

Take care!

Still moving & grooving

Greetings & Salutations!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope that your doing well! 

Friday was a busy day and kind of a blur for me.  I did get more involved in trying to move into my Windows 11 machine at work.  I managed to delete a video driver that someone told me would help to fix a problem but it wound up creating a problem.  Now I am waiting for someone to fix that issue before I continue. 

Friday night I upgraded my laptop to Windows 11 which took a couple hours by the time all of the updates were installed.  Then I went down a rabbit hole of trying to get the menu to look like Windows 10, which I was successful at finding a no cost solution.  It’s not fully supported for my version of WIN 11 but it gets the job done.  Next and most difficult was trying to get the Quick Launch Toolbar back.  Of course I know that the Quick Launch Toolbar isn’t available in WIN 11 but there are workarounds for most every little inconvenience.  However, after much eye strain and back pain as well as time passing by quickly, I opted to just throw in the towel and go to bed. 

Saturday went out for breakfast, stopped back at my friends shop to drop off a gift and that lead to chatting and before I knew it I lost more time and wound up staying until they closed.  Grabbed the mail because it was nice out and some good tunes were playing on Spotify.  Then headed home to relax and unwind with the cats.  They were beyond happy to see me.  They got lunch and then we watched TV and took a nap.  Later in the afternoon I thought that Pizza sounded good and headed to the place where they have cute waiters.  I got my eye candy fix just not as much of it as I wanted.  The pizza was okay.  I could tell that it spent time under a warming lamp because it wasn’t scalding hot where the top layer of skin in my mouth was singed upon biting into it.  That was a nice surprise but it could have been a bit warmer.  Headed home to work on laundry, updating finances and surfing the web.  Of course I had to pay attention to Mora because she was in and out of my lap.  Rudy had his chance too, but he just plops and then begins to drift off while I am holding him in my arms.  It’s to the point where he looks so cute I don’t want to move to disturb him.  However, I did and he gave me some dirty looks.  I spent way too much time in front of the computer to the point where the laundry was done but I just opted to leave it in the dryer and get it on Sunday. 

Sunday, Rudy gave me my wake up call that I enjoy so much.  I fed him and his sister.  Then headed out for breakfast at my usual place in the rain.  On to the grocery store after that.  I didn’t buy a whole lot that was good for me, mostly sweets but I finally remembered to get some hot dogs.  The fridge is full of plenty of stuff to eat.  I also picked up a box of Ding Dongs.  That was inspired by a youtuber that I watch.  Wow quality has gone down hill with that product since I was a kid.  They were bigger and the coating was baked on instead of this chocolate drizzle they have now.  Taste is okay.  Kind of wish I never got them.  Filled up the tank while I was out and then home to unload.  Got in my rest and nap time afterwards with the cats.  It started hailing and that woke us all up.  It looked like someone sprinkled pretzel salt everywhere.  It melted in a matter of minutes.  Hail wasn’t in the forecast but it did bring an end to the rainstorm we had.  I went through the usual cleaning the house, putting my meds out and then back in front of the computer for a while.  Headed up with the laundry in hand.  Then powered on my laptop and went back down the rabbit hole with it.  The cats came up and slept on the couch next to me as I was working away.  Eventually it got late and I went out for BBQ.  It was really good and hit the spot.  If my fridge wasn’t so full I would have ordered the same thing to go so I could enjoy the same meal again.  I always get Turkey, it’s sliced and you add sauce and then enjoy.  It’s smoked and melts in your mouth.  That was pretty much the day.  I watched some TV, got a shave & shower then headed to bed. 

Watched a YouTube video that told me that Rudy is telling me that I am his favorite human and he longs for my companionship.  That’s why he sleeps with me and does his wake up calls.  Who knows if they are right but I tend to think they are on to something.  I am no stranger to cats and can read them pretty well.  I know enough to know that both of these cats are truly glad to be here and beyond happy with me.  I think the world of both of them too. 

Here we are another Monday and back to work.  The boss is on-call this week since the mistake maker is out.  That means were all on-call.  I’ve been a little busy but wanted to get this post in to bring you all up to speed.  Not that there was anything earth shattering  in here.  It’s just been busy.  I think that this week will continue with volume and the lulls we do get we will have to savor because they will be short lived.  Meanwhile I am going to try to savor some and break away from the computer for a little bit. 

Here’s hoping it’s a great week for all of us.  Take care!

What’s up Doc?

My doctor finally responded to my inquiry last night about the drug to treat this high LPA level.  He did concur with me that my odds of approval are slim in trying to get my insurance to cover the drug.  If a cardiac event were to occur the odds are low but not zero that it would kill me.  There is some family heredity that factors into the result.  Given all of that I am just going to keep on the current meds that I have and we will hope for the best.  I am sure that I will bring it up at my next visit but for now it’s just business as usual. 

I did think about the family part and thought my brother should probably know.  This way it would relieve me of any guilt for having not told him if something were to happen to him.  I wrote a short letter to him and am heading out later today to mail it.  Given our last interaction was when Gator died and it wasn’t all that pleasant I figure it’s just best to convey the results and suggest that he speak with his doctor to consider having the test ran.  This way he knows and I’ve done my duty.  If my brother is still the same as he used to be, he’s not seeing a doctor regularly and only goes to one when he gets sick or something is seriously wrong.  Maybe that wife of his has changed that but I seriously doubt it.  

I stuffed myself last night with Spaghetti & Meatballs.  I was full but kept eating just to polish off the dish, very bad thing to do.  I was miserable up until I fell asleep several hours later.  Talked with a friend on the phone and then worked on the letter.  That was pretty much my evening. 

Didn’t sleep the best and not exactly sure what position my foot was in but damn it hurts today, feels like I sprained something.  I felt fine before bed and haven’t had any events that would cause this.  Just noticed it when I woke up in the middle of the night.  Ah the joy of getting old and sleeping in odd positions.  Ye old body isn’t nearly as forgiving as it once was. 

Work today has been a nightmare.  It started shortly after I sat down this morning to begin work.  Things finally settled down around 11a when I was permitted to take a bathroom break.  Rudy bugged me for food and I took care of him.  I am about to head up to see about lunch and relax a bit, lord knows I could use it. 

Looking forward to the weekend.  No real plans but I know that I will manage to entertain myself and enjoy my time away from work.  Sleeping in sure does sound nice, especially after the day I have had today. 

Hope that all is well in your world.  Take care!

Man Candy - Afternoon Delight

Windows 11

Wow, it’s been a hectic and busy day!  Just got some down time and figured I’d take a few minutes to post a bit. 

Had Pasta Salad and cold pizza for supper last night.  Same thing I had for lunch.  Just wanted to knock out the pizza.  I do have a little pasta salad left and plan to polish it off soon.  It was also very quick and easy which I am all about when it comes to a meal. 

Work has picked up a bit since my mistake making co-worker is out.  Found out yesterday that he’s actually out until June 1.  He wouldn’t tell me that directly when we spoke, instead he deflected and dogged answering the question.  However, the boss told us yesterday.  I am thinking about taking a week of vacation when he comes back just to spite him for not being upfront with me. 

I played a little bit this morning (when I had some free time that passed by quickly) with a new Windows 11 machine at work.  It’s all locked down and I have to be super careful with what I do to it and install on it.  However, I need to personalize it to my liking because sooner rather than later it will become one of my primary machines.  I don’t know about you but I am just not a fan of Win 11.  I am more anxious for Win 12 – that should be better if history proves to be true.  I miss the Quick Launch Toolbar for starters.  I don’t like MS365 and the big push to the cloud.  Outside of being a little bit of a nightmare to police from a security standpoint I am not crazy about my data residing there versus on my local machine.  Yeah, I know there is encryption and password protecting you can do.  However, my hands are kind of tied at work I can’t dictate what OS I want to use, I have to use what is provided like it or not. 

However, at home I am in full control.  I’ve already gotten an email from Microsoft telling me that Win 10 is going EOL (End Of Life) later this year and that I should upgrade to Win 11.  I am considering upgrading my laptop as I think it will operate faster and honestly I don’t use that machine all that much, other than to connect to a work machine or do some surfing.  Based on that experience in trying to get my laptop to feel more like a WIN 10 machine than a WIN 11 machine will dictate if I upgrade my main machine.  I am considering paying Microsoft for an additional year of support in hopes that Win 12 will be out and before the year is up I can upgrade to that in the hopes it will be better.  Win 11 does appear to be slicker and solid for the most part it just doesn’t provide the conveniences that I have become accustom to.  Are you using Win 11?  What are your thoughts/experiences? 

It was quite hot in here last night but the humidity wasn’t nearly as bad as it has been in the past.  I think that is largely due to the fact that once the sunset it really cooled off outside.  I suffered through it since it was only 1 day.  It’s much more normal today and we are plagued with high winds and rain.  Shame the wind doesn’t quite get rid of all of the leaves and sticks in my yard. 

Off to get some eye candy for y’all and then I will be headed up to be with the cats and hopefully the work day is done!  Take care and thanks for stopping by. 

Sextortion

I commented on a blog a short time ago giving some advice regarding Sextortion.  I am posting an edited version of my comment here in the hopes the advice will be of help and/or can maybe prevent someone from falling into this trap. 

1. It’s best not to pay any ransom and to involve law enforcement. There is no real assurance or guarantee the threat actor won’t publish your information, presuming they have it. 

2. Block the person’s screen name in the app your using and if you have exchange phone numbers, block their phone number so you aren’t continued to be bothered. If your using an app to communicate, report the person on the app.  If they did this to you, chances are good they did it to someone else as well. 

3. If you want to cruise/date I would suggest getting a second phone number just for that purpose and not to ever give out your real phone number and perhaps withholding his last name. Similarly I’d get a second email account for cruising/dating purposes.  There are still a lot of good and honest people in the world, the problem is it's really challenging to find them.

One rule of thumb I have is not to take nudes ever. Because once it's out there it lives forever and you never know when that might come back to bite you. I realize the thrill of sending nudes but if your going to send them at least wait to get to know the person and be certain that you can trust them.  You might not care about it but if you think about it that nude can be weaponized and used against you, that’s why no matter what I just don’t take them.  It’s your body and totally up to you, just keep in mind that it can come back to haunt you.  

It's really sad when some folks fall into this "trap" especially teenagers.  Some teenagers have not seen a way out and sadly have wound up taking their own life.  Parents are people and some like others are more understanding.  Only you know your situation best.  I think that if it comes down to your personal safety versus coming out/being exposed.  Better that you tell your loved ones that your gay than take your own life.  It’s not worth that and so many parents wished that their child / family member would have just told them.  That said, I realize that some folks don't accept gay people but at the end of the day you have to live your life for you!  After all it's your life and you deserve to be happy and your authentic self.  It’s all about being comfortable in the skin your in.  Once you are, it’s the best feeling in the world! 

Best tip ever … if your gut is telling you something isn’t right, listen to that and do not ignore it!!  Better safe than sorry.  Also, always operate with caution in mind.  I realize hormones get carried away and you want to drop your guard or forget about common sense.  I’ve been there and know first hand it’s not as easy as it sounds.  

A huge tip off that something is wrong is often Threat actors (aka that person you’ve been communicating with) will start on an app but then put on pressure to move off the app for "convenience sake" or provide some other excuse. This is so the app has no knowledge of what they are doing and when/if you choose to report them they have either moved on to a different screen name or there is very little data that shows any kind of violation of the TOS (Terms Of Service) of the app. Always stay on the app for safety sake. 

An additional step you can take is to use a service to get your personal information off the web.  Data brokers post your personal information to the web and it's next to impossible to combat this alone. It's like a game of whack-a-mole as soon as you get your information deleted from one site, it pops up on another. There are several services that will scour the web for you and do this on your behalf. You of course have to pay them for this service. Personally, I use several companies as I find that one just isn't enough unless you go for top tier service plans but the cost that I have seen is typically thousands of dollars.  Yearly or monthly affordable options are offered by most companies and some suggestions on services are... Delete Me, Incogni, Aura, Optery and Easy Opt Out.

A recent development, Google will also help for free by removing some search results, check out this link for more info…https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076?hl=en
Understand that while the search result won’t appear in Google it can appear in other search engines and/or it’s still available on the web just not readily linked for easy access. 

Disclaimer … This is just personal advice that I have come across over the years.  None of the companies mentioned are sponsors.  I am not an expert in this field but have had one bad experience that I could see was going south quicker than anything.  Another tip off is if you get long emails that drone on and on.  It’s probably a scam and the person will eventually wind up asking you for money.  Believe it or not there are kits the threat actors buy that have those emails scripted out, so they just copy and paste. 

What a day

Yesterday I continued to get an error from the battery charger.  I ran a cranking and load test from another tool that I have and the load test failed.  That made me think that whatever issue has been going on was coming to a head.  I threw caution to the wind and phoned my friend he said come on out.  I told work I had car issues and would be gone for a bit.  Changed clothes and then I drove out and made sure to run the blower on high, lights on and radio on.  I figured if it’s going to die then it should happen on the way out or at the very least it should cause some alarms to start to go off.  Nothing happened. 

Sure enough I got there and my friend ran every test he could think of even scanning codes and nothing.  The charging system and load tested out okay.  The battery did loose 10 cold cranking amps according to his test results.  It’s only been about two weeks since I had my oil changed and they checked it then I had extra cold cranking amps.  The advise I got was drive it until it dies.  Personally, I think the battery is on it’s way out but we shall see. 

At least I got a free lunch out of the deal and spent some time with my friend, all while getting paid.  Plus it didn’t cost me anything but my time and the gas money for the drive.  Not too shabby.  Most shops would have at least charged for the diagnostics. 

My phone was going nuts while I was away and I knew that work was just pouring in.  A few hours and I was back home and in clean up mode.  There were only like 26 emails and most of which were junk.  I started to deal with what I had to and then my bosses boss called with some questions.  Damn the one person I never ever want to hear from.  I took care of him and then another storm started brewing and before you know it I was neck deep in work. 

The afternoon passed by quickly.  I hadn’t done any personal surfing and still wanted to do some of that.  By the time I got back upstairs it was around 4:30p.  The cats were upset but glad to see me.  It didn’t help that I went to the garage to tinker for a bit.  I thought I would add the charger back on to maintain the charge but it was moving slow, progressing but still moving slow.  My volt meter showed the battery was overcharged and at that point I just said screw it, if the battery gets low then I will deal with it. 

Got to eat some supper and pass out dinner for the cats.  Someone got pretty sick while I was gone in the morning and I had quite the messes to clean up.  Once I got past those land mines it was just a matter of passing out attention to each of the cats to get them to calm down and forgive me for being so inattentive for the bulk of the day. 

Settled in and watched some TV catching up from Sunday’s great shows and then moved to YouTube for a bit.  Saw the wireless access point in the kitchen was off so I had to tinker with the home network to get things back in working order, just a simple reboot and some patience.  Then it was back to watching the F1 series on Netflix.  Both cats were sleeping and I pulled out the laptop to continue on with personal surfing and clean up of my desktop. 

I think I had too much screen time before I went to bed because I was wide awake and it just felt like I couldn’t shut my brain off.  I did manage to fall asleep but that never really registered with me.  I woke up at 3a and had to use the bathroom and then needed to watch TV before I was able to get back to sleep around 4a.  Once again it never really registered with my brain that I was sleeping.  I woke up at 6a and just bided my time until 7a rolled around and I had to get up. 

I watch the local news when I get up but I was surprised to see a baseball game being broadcast, so I had to switch to national news to keep me company while I scarfed down my breakfast.  Then I heard the local weather we have an expected high today of 78.  It’s going to be a scorcher in the house again.  I am going to try to suffer through it since it’s only supposed to be for one day.  Maybe I will get lucky and see some hot shirtless dudes walking by the house.  I don’t expect it but still can hold out hope. 

As for tomorrow right now I am planning on just staying home.  I was really looking forward to going in but I think that once I am in I will be trapped there until rush hour and I hate driving in that.  I might change my mind but it’s kind of doubtful.  Plus with my co-worker gone I never know when something is going to pop and need me.  This way I am right here and can jump on anything that needs quick attention. 

Here’s hoping that it doesn’t get terribly hot in the house today and that I am able to get some quality sleep tonight.  Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Take care!

Back to the Yuck

It did warm up a little bit in the afternoon here but it was still coat weather and I stuck by my plans to stay home and have a frozen pizza. 

I thought it was rather odd that the directions said not to pre-heat the oven.  I don’t ever recall seeing that on a pizza package before.  This was a rising crust pizza, not that it rose all that much.  At any rate I did pre-heat the oven.  I use a pizza stone and wanted to get it hot before placing the pizza on it.  If you do frozen pizza or even take & bake pizzas often then a pizza stone is a total game changer. 

Pizza came out hot and I didn’t quite like the taste at first but it grew on me.  I enjoyed it as I watched the new Mark Miller You Tube video.  I have plenty left over for lunch or possibly even supper tonight.  Later in the evening I had Milk & Oreos. 

Continued watching the Formula 1 Drive to Survive series on Netflix.  It’s neat but strange to watch it backwards.  I looked at the 2025 Formula 1 schedule and damn they start in March and go thru December that’s a hell of a long series.  Neat travel destinations they are all over the world but no where remotely close to me.  If I could sit in the shade I would love to watch one race live. 

Cats were kind of lazy yesterday I suppose it was the cold.  They just lounged, sun bathed and slept.  Even when I went to take my shower and was done, I had no one waiting to come in and drink water from the tub and I sat in my room watching TV for the longest time before Mora came in. 

I woke up early to use the bathroom and I felt the cold was so happy to get back under the covers.  Rudy came to join me and camped out on top of me.  I had to roll over and he snuggled up next to me but he went into bath mode and wouldn’t sit still so it was a little difficult to get back to sleep.  About the time he settled down it was time to get up.  He was so happy about that he jumped back up on top of me and started another batch of biscuits.  I managed to talk him off of me so I could get up and get moving. 

Rudy was more than a little hungry this morning he practically ate the entire small can.  He sent a couple false signals to his sister that it was okay for her to come eat and then he would swoop in and just go back at it.  I tell him every morning if not once several times to save some for his sister.  He did and eventually she came in and had her breakfast. 

I just typed that nothing was popping at work and then bang something popped.  It was quick and easy to deal with, which is what I like.  I hate complicated messes or tasks that linger on and on.  Speaking of which this is the week that the mistake maker should be starting his leave meaning that I am on my own for certain tasks and that’s okay so long as there is a backup.  At least I know that if I do something it’s done right the first time and there is no mopping up to do, that’s the upside. 

I put the car back on the battery charger yesterday and it errored out, first time that has happened.  I am going to give it another go either today or tomorrow and see what happens.  If something like that is going to happen I’d rather be stranded at home than anywhere else. 

Here’s hoping it is a great week for all of us.  Take care and be well. 

Snowy Sunday

I we have had multiple seasons this weekend.  Going from Summer to Spring back to Winter.  Weather is fickle but I know eventually things will even out and then we will be back in the boiler for the summer. 

Rudy woke me up around normal time this morning but I convinced him to lay down on top of me and give me 15 more minutes.  I just needed to pass some time before I got out of bed, only because I was making a Target run. 

Woke up 15 minutes later and passed out breakfast for the cats.  Then I got going.  Headed out for my Strawberry Waffle and scrambled eggs.  It wasn’t bad, but Huddle House still hands down has the best Strawberry Waffle just my opinion. 

Made my Target run and it was 30 degrees out, I saw snow a couple times this morning but it’s all gone now.  Just a dusting like powered sugar.  Heard a fire engine as I was coming out of Target and thought that was rather odd and early for an Emergency vehicle. 

My next stop was the grocery store and there was a serious car crash just in front of where I normally turn to get into the grocery store.  Two fire engines, Two ambulances, Multiple Police Cars and two vehicles.  One of which had kids because I saw the kids seats in the middle of the street as I passed by.  Not the way I think anyone wants to start their morning and I felt bad for both of the people involved. 

I got to the grocery store via another entrance and then made my rounds.  By the time I got back to the Bakery area I heard a helicopter, that’s not a good sound and I knew that it was likely a medical chopper that was flying someone out.  The police still had every thing all blocked off when I left.  I had to go into the on coming traffic lanes for a short bit to get by them.

Made it to the gas station and filled up.  Then headed home.  While I was at the grocery store thinking about the colder weather and realizing that I honestly didn’t want to get back out in it I opted to pick up a frozen pizza.  That’s going to be dinner.  I hope I got something half way decent.  It’s a rising crust sausage and pepperoni.  Not a Tombstone because the grocery store doesn’t carry that brand, have to visit a different grocery store for that. 

Also impossible to find the Late Night Craving Sizzling Cheeseburger Doritos anywhere.  Not at the grocery store and not at Target.  I looked over the bag that I am about to finish, this week and no where does it say limited time but sounds like it might have been.  I am not much of a chips guy but damn these were really good and I’d like to pick up another bag for a reasonable price. 

Gave the car time to cool down and check the battery.  The overall battery health has improved and it was at 95% charged.  Since the weather has turned cold and I have no plans to go back out today I hooked it back up to the battery charger/maintainer.  Buying a new unit was the best decision I could have ever made.  It’s super smart and fool proof plus there are no buttons to press, you set it once and it remembers.  Just hook up the cables and plug it into power and it does the rest automatically.  Guess that’s why it’s called a Genius. 

I’ve got another load of laundry going, it’s the last load that I just didn’t have time for last night.  Rudy is sleeping in my lap as I type this and he looks so damn cute, as usual. 

I have made my rounds on the internet and came across a very interesting article that the FDA is cracking down on poppers producers [ https://www.fastcompany.com/91298370/fda-poppers-crackdow-double-scorpio-stops-operations ].  Apparently RFK Jr. thinks that poppers caused aids, which we all know is not the case.  Many states have also requires that you upload a Government issued ID before you can view porn on-line to make sure that youngsters aren’t viewing the material.  If you know anything about computers at all you can get around that requirement with a VPN.  However, it wouldn’t surprise me if eventually it becomes law in all of the US.  I think that this is just the start of things to come. 

Poppers probably aren’t the best thing to be inhaling but they have a purpose and apparently lots of guys love them.  I’ve tried them in the past and actually have some here still.  They don’t do anything for me really other than make me turn bright red and cause a rush of blood and heat to my head/neck and chest.  Not exactly a pleasant feeling.  My understanding is that is normal reaction.  They are supposed to make muscles relax and cause a euphoric sensation.  That’s just not the case for me.  I mention the article incase you use poppers and are in the US, might want to stock up but I am guessing they will be tough to find given the fact that the FDA is cracking down on them. 

The world would be a much better place if we could all just get along.  I suppose that would make it more like Paradise and less like real life but damn it sure does sound quite enjoyable to me.  I can only hope that our current leadership in the US doesn’t fuck things up so bad they can’t be undone when we get a normal person in the white house, I also feel sorry for the folks that will be stuck cleaning up the mess but sadly we have 4 years of this shit and it’s only just begun that is the part that really sucks. 

Well time to publish this post, check on the laundry and head up to enjoy some TV and relax.  Monday will be here soon enough and I already know my boss will say when we first meet up next “it’s so good to hear your voice, I’ve missed you”.  What a load of horse shit.  I want to say I wish I wasn’t hearing your voice I was doing just fine until you started to speak.  Can’t you go back on vacation, we all got along fine without you and I kind of would like more of that.  Yeah not exactly the right thing to say but I sure can think it.  The only good thing about the boss coming back is that it is less likely that I will have to deal with his boss but not a 100% guarantee. 

Hope the weather is great in your neck of the woods and your having an awesome day.  Talk with you all again soon!

The BEST Day

Last night as I was prepping for bed the storms were rolling into the area.  It was windy all day long and it was quite obvious that a storm was brewing.  The weather radio went off and that scared the cats.  It also scared me.  My cell phone went off with an alert and that always scares me.  Instead of watching some new porn I watched the weather and flipped between the local stations as I normally do when there is a weather event like this.  We had a tornado headed in our direction but it passed, just high winds, hail and lots of rain.  The weather sirens were set off.  I felt my sleeping meds starting to kick in and try as I might there was no fighting it.  We were out of danger and I just crawled into bed and gave up.  Turned on the white noise machine and the cats stayed with me. 

I woke up around 3:15a just because and had to use the bathroom.  I looked outside and everything looked normal to me, which I am thankful for.  Used the bathroom and went back to bed.  Then I woke up again around 5a.  I watched some TV and by the time I got back to sleep Rudy was waking me up because it was time for breakfast (7a)

Hauled myself out of bed and passed out breakfast for the cats.  Then I sat up for a bit and watched TV.  It was around 8:30a when I got drowsy and opted to go back to bed.  I woke up again at 10:30a and then got my breakfast. 

Had a Bob Evans Blueberry Pancake, Sausage, Egg and Cheese sandwich.  I poured on some Blueberry syrup and that was delicious.  It was a bit larger sandwich than I had expected.  However, it didn’t fill me up so I ate one left over Cinnamon Roll Pop Tart that was good but I was still hungry.  Finished a left over 1/2 slice of White Chocolate Raspberry cake and then I called it.  I wasn’t stuffed to the gills but I was satisfied. 

Time for morning meds and then back to the chair to take in more TV until the sugar from breakfast wore off and I went back to sleep with the cats.  Had to wake up Rudy and move him so I could climb back into bed.  He wasn’t happy but he moved and got settled again. 

I love days when I can do nothing.  Despite being on-call there has been no bothering thus far from work and I hope that continues for the remainder of the weekend.  Just being lazy and free is great for me and quite relaxing.  I really needed a day like this after the hellish week I have had. 

Got up and moving around 3:30p had a shower and had to pass out early supper for the cats because Rudy was hungry.  I left and headed for my favorite Mexican restaurant.  I tried to think of other places to go but nothing sounded quite as appealing.  Service was horrible kind of like the last time I was there but this time was a bit worse.  I got there around 4:15p just when the crowds were starting to pour in and they just weren’t staffed properly. 

Ate my meal and saw a really good looking guy.  He looked to be with a girlfriend or wife.  He headed for the bathroom and that was one of the times that I wished I had the courage to follow him and hit on him, but I didn’t.  I just let the fantasy play out in my head, that is for sure safer but not quite as hot.  Paid my bill and headed off to grab the mail before coming home. 

I am working on laundry which I should have been doing earlier today but hey it’s okay I’ve got time.  The cats aren’t happy with me but that will be short lived. 

I did brush both of them last night and trim claws.  Mora got mad and snapped but didn’t bite me.  Rudy tried to bite me.  I try to move quickly because I know both of them have a low tolerance for me messing with their nails.  Rudy I think picked up the behavior of snapping and biting from his sister as she has done it a few times.  There are times when Rudy just lets me go and doesn’t do anything.  When I am done most of the time they both just want to get away from me and I am okay with that.  Mora for the first time just hung around me and soaked in all of the attention she could. 

The only issue with sleeping all day is that I know I will probably have trouble sleeping tonight.  For that reason I limited myself to one soda with my meal.  I am drinking cold water now, love that stuff and can’t get enough of it.  Especially after hitting this particular Mexican place because of the high salt content I ingest.  They tried to give me a soda to go but I declined.  The way soda prices are in restaurants today I normally do not decline a soda to go.  Kind of wish I would have asked for an ice water to go, that would have been really good on the way home. 

Need to get up early tomorrow to get my usual errands out of the way.  Then I can come home and lounge for a bit and savor that as well as going back to bed for a bit if I want.  Then it will be time to get up and get moving with cleaning and probably more laundry. 

I already have breakfast planned out.  I am getting a Strawberry Waffle with 3 scrambled eggs.  Been looking forward to this all week long ever since last weekend when I saw the guy behind me eating the same thing.  The waffle looks so good and it reminds me of Huddle House which is a Waffle House knock off.  We used to have them in the area but the one we had closed up years ago.  They had the best Strawberry Waffles and we used to go there all the time – it was good food and cheap.  Probably not the best nutrition but it was some good eating!

Not looking forward to “being on my own” next week with my colleague out on his leave.  However, I am hopeful that it won’t be horrible.  I am planning on trying to actually make it in the office one day but that will depend largely on my attitude. 

Hope your weekend is good thus far and that it continues as we roll into Sunday.  Thanks for stopping by, talk with you all again soon!

The hard way

Not exactly sure why I didn’t go looking and watch the video first.  Damn all of the answers were right there.  The reset button is a two button combo.  You press on/off and then hold in a tiny button with a paper clip. 

After watching the video I found out that what I messed up was the on event in programming.  I changed it from Dusk to Noon.  Never again will I try to touch the timer without having a flashlight handy. 

I did the reset process just for fun and for some reason it held on to the date but lost the current time setting along with dusk and dawn time settings. 

I believe I have it programmed back to turn on at Dusk.  Now I just have to sit back and watch to see if it all works like its supposed to and I believe it will, fingers crossed. 

I hope the next time I go to do something and I am unsure that I will go looking for a video first.  This would have made both the timer project as well as me trying to drain my cyst much easier and saved some grief.  Not to mention kept my blood pressure steady. 

Ah well on with Friday. 

Beep Beep Now you SOB

That photo described exactly how I felt last night.  The timer didn’t turn on at noon, which is good.  However, it is supposed to turn on at Dusk.  I fiddled with it some more before I just opted to yank the fucker from the wall.  I figured a hard reset would be the best. I removed the backup battery and then ripped it out of the wall.  I held it in my hand and the fucker was still alive and refused to die.  I searched on line for a reset button location but couldn’t find one.  Just found some cute verbiage that said push and hold the reset button to return to factory settings.  Shame there wasn’t a diagram or photo.  I’m not in MENSA but damn I’m not stupid.  Guess they forgot to put the reset button on the unit I got. 

Thought about buying a new one, found the exact same thing on Amazon but it wouldn’t be here until Sunday, I don’t have patience to wait that long. 

The house once again was 80 degrees because it got that hot outside.  I had windows open and an exhaust fan going.  I manufactured a breeze but it did little good.  I was fine until I started working on the timer.  I was under hot lights and had a high beam flashlight out. 

Finally after much to do I gave up and decided it was just best to put it back in the wall.  I had moved some of the other switches in the panel and then had a hell of a time getting things to line up.  I was pissed and not thinking clearly.  The best decision I made was to walk away after I got the damn thing mounted correctly back in the wall. 

I was making myself sick.  My back hurt and my stomach was starting to cramp and I felt like I was going to barf.  I stopped and just breathed but I didn’t rest long enough.  I’m convinced that if I kept going I probably would have had the cardiac event I am so concerned about. 

Rudy wasn’t happy with me because I just went to bed and didn’t have play time for him.  I did watch some porn and how I managed to make that work is beyond me but the release helped me a lot.  Didn’t stop the back pain though. 

Had a dream last night where I was visited by my late spouse and a former boss who has passed away.  I miss both of them.  The boss who passed away is the person who hired me to work where I am at now.  She had terminal cancer and I remember when she called to say goodbye to me.  It was in the middle of the morning on an average work day.  Talk about not knowing what to say, I was so out of sorts.  That’s only happened a couple times in my life. 

I did have some sleep interruption around 3a.  Rudy was right there to tell me everything was okay and he cuddled up with me.  I tried to fight it and go back to sleep but that didn’t work.  I wound up watching some TV.  He told me when it was time to go back to sleep again.  Mora made her self known as well and jumped into bed with us. 

Woke up and a little groggy but I pushed forward and got us breakfast.  I didn’t realize that I got out one of the Flaked cans that drives Rudy crazy.  He likes to gobble up the whole thing.  Sometimes he barfs after wards.  I opened a second can of something different for Mora and served her in the living room.  Rudy followed me because it’s about food.  They ate together and then she came in the kitchen and barfed a little bit.  Not the ideal start to the morning but nevertheless a start. 

I got breakfast and meds, dressed and then went out to fetch the trash can.  It’s going to be super windy today and we have storms coming this afternoon/evening that could bring us a Tornado.  Temps are going back in the 80’s but I know after the cool front arrives that is bringing the storms things will cool off.  It’s probably still going to be a hot evening in the house but I hope it’s not too bad. 

To error on the side of caution I took the battery charger off the car.  Last thing I need is for a lighting strike to hit the house and fry the car, that would be major expensive – regardless of who is paying the bill. 

Then for some dumb reason I went back to working on the plate for the switches.  I finally got them just right and the plate fits, it was forced a little bit but nevertheless it’s back on the wall.  I’m going to watch a YouTube video about programming the timer to see if that will help me sort out getting the stupid thing to turn on at dusk.  It still turns off at dawn.  I’m baffled but not defeated. 

I hate these little battles and I managed to be my own worst enemy here but logic applied no power you’d think that the damn timer would cease to function just like anything else that runs on AC.  I had the timer in my hands for easily 10 minutes, pressing buttons thinking that I could make it die but no luck.  Shame they don’t make more things “indestructible” like this. 

Thank God we made it to Friday.  It’s been one hell of a week and damn I need a Saturday to waste away in bed, really bad!  Hope that you have a great weekend and an awesome Friday.  Take care!

Don’t touch that button

Welcome in or welcome back … I’m glad that your here!

With time change it means adjusting the clocks and timers in the house.  I don’t know a single person that actually looks forward to that task because it just sucks.  My front house lights are on a timer and it’s a nifty thing that we installed years ago and it’s still working much to my surprise.  It’s got a tiny screen with tiny buttons and it’s murder to program, especially now that my eye sight is no longer 20/20 like it was at the time of install.  Plus now I’ve got a cat that goes crazy over flashlights of all things.  You turn on a flashlight and Rudy thinks it’s a laser pointer he will chase it from now until the time you turn it off or the battery goes dead. 

Not wanting to rile Rudy up I elected to try to program the damn timer without a flashlight and not being able to really see what was on the screen.  Turns out I was in the program portion and just managed to tell the timer to turn the front lights on at noon each day.  I didn’t know that for a couple days.  I had to break out the flash light to get it programmed like I normally do and just took time to play with Rudy afterwards for a short time. 

Fast forward to Monday when I heard a pop that means the timer is on.  I thought it was odd but got sidetracked by lunch.  I started to see people walking on the street and they had strange looks on their faces.  That’s because it’s 3 in the afternoon and the front lights are on.  They are not normally on that early.  I turned them off, broke out the flashlight again and tried to fix it.  Had to play with Rudy.  Thought I had it fixed.  Same thing happened again on Tuesday & Wednesday.  Rudy sure did have fun with the flashlight but I was growing more angry at the damn timer. 

Last night I had a nifty idea to just remove power to it and that would wipe the programming.  I took out the backup battery and turned power off, but the damn timer stayed alive.  I didn’t know how long that would last so I turned power back on.  Then I thought perhaps disconnecting it from the wiring would work.  The wire is buried snug and the more I thought about it I didn’t want to have something on my hands that I couldn’t put back together or had to fight with to get it back together.  Bad enough I took off the backing plate (or whatever it’s called).  I am not mechanically inclined and usually stuff I touch like this winds up in disaster. 

In a last ditch effort I turned power off to the whole house but of course the timer still kept going.  It’s not a Timex but I’m starting to think no matter what you do the thing will keep on going.  I turned power back on and just said screw this I will get to it tomorrow. 

It’s a mini computer and usually there are button combos you can push to force power off or force a device to reset.  That’s when I remember we put a sticker on the door jam of the front door.  I broke out a magnifying glass and it gave me some hope on how to clear the programming.  I’ve tried those steps and well we shall see if it works come noon today.  I brought a flashlight up from the basement and hoped that Rudy was sleeping still in bed but damn if both cats didn’t wake up and meet me on the steps. 

I did play flashlight with Rudy but he was still kind of dazed from just waking up.  He had his tongue sticking out at me and he looked out of it.  He followed the light for a couple minutes but then gave up.  That’s never happened.  I managed to slip back downstairs.  I don’t hear commotion so I think he’s probably resting or so I hope. 

Sometimes I hate technology and this timer is one of those times.  We put a newer model timer in once the deck was built and it auto adjusts for time change, you never have to touch it ever, unless you need to manually turn the lights on or off.  Otherwise it turns on at dusk and off at dawn.  Kind of wish that we had upgraded the front light timer despite there really being no need other than the convenience of set it and forget it.  Argh!  Fingers crossed that I’ve fixed this.  One thing is for sure I won’t rest until I either break the timer or it’s fixed. 

Yesterday was another 80 degree day here both inside and out.  I opened the windows and turned on the ceiling fans in hopes that I could cool the place off, even after the sun went down it cooled off and the breeze felt wonderful.  However, the humidity stuck around and it was another hot night.  I slept with my ceiling fan running. 

Checked on the car battery yesterday it was at 100% on Sunday.  Yesterday it was at 77%.  I hooked it up to the charger/maintainer just to error on the side of caution.  I’ve got no reason to leave here until Saturday when eventually it will be time to fetch the mail and a bite to eat.  I still plan on loafing most of the day. 

Still watching the Formula 1 series on Netflix.  Turns out I finished the latest season and now I am working my way backwards through the series until I get to the start of it.  Very interesting and quite the adrenaline rush.  It’s a great way to escape from everyday life.  Nice fast cars, drama and some good looking guys – what’s not to like. 

I am having a hard time realizing that today is Thursday.  It’s more like Blursday to me since each day blends into the next it’s kind of tough to tell them apart.  That’s just part of WFH.  Just as long as I don’t miss setting out the trash and wake up early on the weekend thinking that I have to go to work I think I am in decent shape. 

Still waiting to hear back from the doc on the questions I asked about the new medicine that he suggested.  I hate waiting on anything or anyone.  A day or two isn’t bad but beyond that it’s just madness.  I know I’m not his only patient.  I expect that he will send me a reply either later this week or over the weekend. 

Hope your doing well.  One more day to go after today and then were back at the weekend again.  I wish there was a Spring Break from work where it just shutdown like colleges do, same thing for the holidays.  Some people are fortunate to work at companies that do this but I’m not one of those people.  I’d love a vacation or break but now is not the time for that since we will be a man down next week. 

Talk with you all again soon, be well!

Man Candy - Spring Forward