04 March 2025

Back @ it

I made it back to work but did have a bit of a sleepless night.  Dug out of my 200 plus emails and was able to take a small breath.  Then something happened at work and I’ve been stuck on a conference call that doesn’t seem to want to end.  Were on hour 4 and it’s still going.  I’ve not been to the bathroom or had lunch.  I am sure that cats will be mad at me because they too didn’t get lunch.  So glad I am not on-call because I can see this mushrooming into something bigger.  I hope that the call ends by the close of business but I’m not holding my breath. 

I also was able to alert HR about the crazy lady I encountered, I wasn’t exactly quite sure how to phrase my email but I powered through it.  Doesn’t sound like the lady has reached out to them and she hasn’t made an attempt to contact me.  I’m thinking that perhaps she has moved on but better safe than sorry. 

We have snow in the forecast for tomorrow but it’s only flurries mixed in with rain.  I think I will still be going in tomorrow.  I hope that I am able to enjoy the evening.  Right now it’s just a bunch of people talking and I am just listening.  I could probably walk away but I don’t dare because as soon as I did I know I’d be called on for something. 

I just had to take a little break and now I am getting back to it.  Hope your doing well and staying warm.  Talk with you all again soon.

03 March 2025

One More Day

I had a great time with my friends at dinner last night.  The food was nothing special but I enjoyed the human contact and being able to catch up.  Sounds like were getting together for Easter.  I thought it would be nice to take Easter Monday off but turns out I am on call that week.  I look forward to seeing them again!

Last night I took a double dose of sleeping meds as I usually do on a Sunday.  I knew that I would feel what I am told is the “hang over” effect.  I’ve never been drunk or hung over in my life.  However, I know that this medicine makes me feel super sleepy and sluggish the next day.  However, I push through it and usually wind up taking a nap during the day if time permits. 

However, this morning I felt exhausted.  I have been going and going non-stop for days traveling here and there, I took little to no time for myself and what free time I had I was feeding my porn addiction.  I just called it a day today and took an extra day off.  I scanned my inbox this morning and things didn’t look terribly bad and there wasn’t anything from the crazy lady I encountered on Friday.  I do feel bad about taking a day after I had been off but there was just no way I could do much of anything. 

I watched a lot of TV and slept more.  Rudy loved that because he laid on top of me and that helped to lull me to sleep.  Mora was by my side.  I’m telling you this is the perfect family for me and I am so glad that I have them. 

It wasn’t until late in the afternoon that I had some energy and felt more “normal”.  Not sure if I am getting sick or if this was just the medicine kicking me a little harder than I expected.  I do hope that I sleep tonight but I am sure that I will be awake part of the night.  I plan to take my normal dose of sleeping pills and hope for the best. 

I learned of two deaths today.  The first was a great uncle that died around Christmas.  He was 81 and lived quite the full life.  I am sad to learn that he passed and that I didn’t have a chance to attend the funeral (not that I could because I was sick around that time) or to send flowers.  We lost touch with that side of the family because they were rich and they looked down on the rest of the family.  Still I was sad to hear of his passing. 

The other death I just learned about a short time ago in browsing the net is Porn Star Tim Krueger of TIM TALES died in an accident at home on Saturday.  He was only 44 and there were no drugs or foul play involved.  Damn 44 so young.  You just never know when your time will be up. 

On that note I am about to head up, I just had to get online to see what was lurking in my inbox at home and catch up on a couple things.  I’ve not yet peeked at my work email from today but I think I am going to be a little extra busy tomorrow.  I do hope that I feel as good as I feel now come tomorrow morning.  I also have plans to go in on Wednesday and really want to make that happen.  So if it all works out I’ve got a 4 day work week ahead.  Here’s hoping that it’s a great week ahead not only for me but for you too. 

Thanks again for dropping by.  Talk with you all again soon, until then be well. 

02 March 2025

The Weekend

Made it to the breakfast buffet.  It was truly a bust and I was disappointed, especially after driving a little over an hour to get there and looking so forward to it all week long.  The eggs were ice cold, the sausage links they had tasted odd but I ate them.  They had decent French Toast Sticks but no other flavor of syrup than maple so I ate them plain.  Hash Browns in a wedge kind of like you’d get from McDonald’s but way bigger.  Blueberry Muffins dusted with powered sugar.  There were a couple of egg casseroles I tried one of them and it was greasy, I saw sausage and thought it would be pretty good.  Turns out it was a locally made sausage cured in beer and it tasted God awful.  I wondered what I put in my mouth so I asked the waitress and she told me that everyone raves over it.  I told her that it was disgusting and she was surprised at my reaction.  Dropped $19.01 that included a tip and then headed home. 

Well not straight home, I went to my friends shop in hopes that they would know the crazy lady from the gas station but no luck.  Tried Cheeseburger Flavored Doritos and they were really good. 

While I was at the breakfast buffet my Thanksgiving friends reached out via text and I’ve arranged to meet them tonight for supper.  I came home from my friends shop and had the best intentions of taking a nap but called to setup dinner for tonight and wound up in a two hour phone conversation where we talked about everything from current happenings to my late spouse and his health.  It was a walk down memory lane and damn I really miss him!

I ventured out to Ruby Tuesday’s which is where I originally wanted to go on Friday.  They had a Garlic Lover’s Burger it sounded good but turns out it was Charbroiled and it tasted gross but I ate it.  At least I got some decent Tater Tots, haven’t had those in forever.  It was time to pay my bill and I heard the bar tender explaining a bill to a customer at the bar.  She went over and over saying the same thing.  Then she roped in my waitress and after a few times of hearing the same story I totally understood his bill way better than he did. He ordered a couple drinks and shots and wasn’t prepared for the cost, he thought he was being over charged.  He also got food.  The manager was involved and that’s when I asked the bar tender how much his bill was she said $80 and then corrected herself to say $60.  I told her I was going to offer to pay it just to shut him up but damn that was a little steep plus it involved liquor and I’m just not a fan of paying for someone’s habit.  I walked out and thought wow I probably dodged a bullet.  I love to help people and that is what seems to attract the crazy factor, at least in the last couple days. 

This morning I went out for breakfast as per usual.  I walked in and noticed it was oddly quiet and then I heard we have no power it will be two hours before it’s back on.  Damn I was really looking forward to breakfast.  I walked out and thought everything happens for a reason.  For the first time in over a year I went back to Cracker Barrel.  I not only saw the waiter I had a crush on and asked out, he was my waiter.  He remembered me and my drink order.  The menu has seriously changed but I knew what I wanted and ordered it.  He told me that he’s been traveling to California and he just bought a house.  Then he told me where he lived, general area and asked me again to refresh his memory where I lived.  He touched my shoulder and said it’s really good to see you again.  Fuck he looked as hot as ever.  I really want him not only sexually but as a friend.  However, I’ve done my recon work and not only is he in his early 20’s but he’s got a criminal record that’s pretty long and he has this habit of driving without a license and getting caught constantly.  He’s got a case pending now.  If it wasn’t for his criminal record I would continue to pursue him until he either told me to get lost or gave in and went out on a date with me.  I am sure that there is probably more to his criminal story that what I see on-line but it is truly a disappointment.  I was really counting on him going out with me some three years ago when I initially approached him but he told me he had school but he would for sure call me.  He plaid games and strung me along.  Yeah he broke my heart but that’s also why I haven’t been there in over a year.  I can’t shove my feelings aside for wanting him I just know that having it actually come to fruition is not only dangerous it’s probably just not happening.  I’m sure he’s still got my number and I have his, unless he’s changed it.  If he wants to make a move I’m willing to at least go on a date with him.  I’ve let him know many, many times that I am very interested, I think to the point where my desperation showed.  I just don’t get why he would tell me that he was interested and exchange numbers with me but not follow through, kind of wish that he would have just said no, that would have hurt but I’d be over it by now.  I’ve been thinking about him ever since I left Cracker Barrel and I know he’s going to be in my thoughts for a while.  Everything happens for a reason and I think I have dogged a pretty big bullet here but yet I keep putting myself in the line of fire over and over.  Guys and there good looks – I’m just a sucker and desperate at that.  Not desperate enough to just do a hookup though.  That’s why I’ve got such a porn addiction.  It’s been a little over a decade since I got laid and to say I’ve got the itch to fuck is quite the understatement.  It’s only getting worse the longer this goes on.  If I didn’t engage in self pleasure I would be in serious dire straights. 

Looking forward to seeing my friends and catching up as well as getting some advice from them.  I think I am going to talk with HR and let them know about the crazy lady not only for my own protection but for the sake of the business.  My telling them can only help both of us and if they opt to interview and hire her well then that’s on them.  I do want to preserve and protection my reputation.  I think that is the right thing to do and I will certainly think twice before I ever hand my business card to a complete stranger ever again. 

Thanks for stopping by and reading my yapping.  I hope your doing well and life is treating you well.  It’s back to work for me tomorrow and I don’t look forward to it at all but it’s a necessary evil to continue to keep on keeping on.  Cheers!

28 February 2025

Time Off = Time to spend $$$

Hi and I hope your doing well!  I’ve really enjoyed my two days off, however as you can surmise by the title I have spent some money while I have been off. 

Thursday I went to the doctor and of course just my luck he was running behind.  I had an 11:30a appointment and I didn’t leave until 2p that includes seeing the doc as well as having my blood drawn.  I also had to get stuck twice because the first batch of blood they took spoiled after it was spun in the centrifuge.  Better that they caught it than calling me and telling me I had to come back because that would have angered me.  I do have a ganglion cyst in my wrist.  My doc wants to refer me to a hand surgeon rather than taking any action.  He told me that since it’s shrunk and seems like it’s going away if he were me he’d just leave it alone for now.  However, if it becomes bothersome or flairs back up then it’s best to have it out.  This reminds me of the long fight I had with a dentist years ago about getting my wisdom teeth out, eventually I had to give in because they kept getting infected but I fought it hard and wish in the end that I would have had all 4 pulled at once.  My fear here is not only the bill but that once the surgeon cuts that there could be damage done that can’t be undone.  Plus I am not crazy about seeing another doctor.  We also chatted about my neck rash and he told me that he could try one more thing but if that didn’t work then my best route would be to see a dermatologist.  Again as my luck would have it he didn’t call anything in so I am debating about asking him now or waiting another 3 months and bringing it up again. 

I had BBQ for supper and it was really good.  Then I came home and started work on some laundry.  I took care of updating my finances and paying bills.  Then it was off to surf for porn.  I wound up joining a couple more porn stars OF’s and damn I lucked out on some good content.  Rudy had to pry me away from the computer by nagging me because it was getting late and I needed to get up early on Friday.  I gave in, had play time with the cats and went to bed.  I don’t remember a whole lot because I was really tired.  I didn’t get much sleep and had no nap.  I watched a little TV and I passed out. 

Woke up early this morning went to breakfast at a fast food place.  It sure was good and I ordered so much that I brought home some left overs.  Then I left for my 9a appointment for car service.  Just an oil change and a cabin air filter.  They had to order the cabin air filter but then break time came so there was an hour added to my sitting time.  Then they took the long way on replacing the cabin air filter and that racked up a labor bill for me.  Long story short I spent the morning there and wasn’t back home until noon.  I wasn’t pleased with the bill just because it cost way more than I anticipated.  However, it’s not like I don’t have it, just didn’t want to spend it. 

I stopped off at Sam’s Club and wow there went some more money.  Just got home stuff like Kleenex, Toilet Paper, Water, Salt for the water softener and muffins.  Don’t you know I snagged part of the Salt bags on the shopping cart while lifting it into the trunk and a little salt escaped into my trunk.  When I unloaded I put that bag down upside down so salt didn’t get in the house.  Then vacuumed out the trunk, presto problem solved. 

It was a really nice day we were in the 70’s  I opened up the windows and the cats went crazy.  I ate some yogurt so I could take my antibiotic and then watched some TV.  I really wanted to work in a nap but then remembered I needed to get laundry done.  So I started working on that and wound up having an hour to lay down.  I did lay down but never went to sleep. 

Decided since it was such a nice day that I would venture out to a place that I have been before but it’s costly.  Damn I dropped $70 for dinner and that was just on me, I didn’t pick up any other tabs.  I got Chilean Sea Bass, a soda, a slice of Carrot Cake.  I didn’t get a real good look at the specials but when I did I saw they had Grouper and I would have rather had that.  The dinner was $45 that included a salad and it came with mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables.  The Carrot Cake was homemade.  The entire meal was all so good. I told myself to stop eating the cake because I was stuffed but then I got a refill on my soda and just attacked it and demolished it.  Then I suffered the whole way home but it was a good kind of suffering.  I wish I could eat that good every night!

I came home and opted to stop to fill up the tank because I plan a long drive for breakfast to attack that breakfast buffet, been looking forward to it all week long.  Anyway the lady in front of me kept having problems with her card.  I got out to see if I could help her and we struck up a conversation that would never end.  She went on and on and 20 minutes had gone by.  We were chatting about jobs and she has been unemployed for a while.  I wound up giving her my business card and telling her to consider applying where I work.  Then she got into all these jobs she has held in the past but she quit every damn one of them.  That’s when I wish I never gave her my card.  I think she is a bit loony and this is going to mushroom into a problem.  She kept trying to give me her resume.  I told her to go on line and apply for a job, she can put my name down but that is the extent of it.  I have nothing to do with making a hiring decision.  Then she went on to tell me she was going to email me her resume.  I told her again all I could do was pass it on to HR and they would tell me to tell her to apply on the website.  Finally I managed to tell her that I needed to get moving and then she drove away.  She almost backed into me as she was leaving her vehicle went into reverse and thankfully I was a considerable distance from her.  I just got a bad vibe after the fact that I can’t shake.  I hope she doesn’t turn out to be crazy and become a problem for me.  I didn’t promise her anything, she offered to give me a reward if they hire her and I told her I didn’t want anything.  This was on her merit and would be between her and HR if she applied for a position and landed it.  There is an incentive for me if she is hired and stays for 90 days then I get some money but honestly I wasn’t thinking of that.  I like to help people but damn you have to be so careful these days.  I’ve never given a complete stranger a business card.  I’m very glad that I work in a secure building and she can’t just come waltzing in because she strikes me as that type of person.  Please dear God tell me I didn’t just make a HUGE MISTAKE and invite a LOONY WOMAN to apply for a job where I work.  Not much I can do about it now it’s over all I can do is react if she become a problem.  Shame there isn’t a do over button in life because I’d do things differently if I could go back in time.  Everything happens for a reason just not sure why this happened other than I was trying to be a nice guy.  

In addition to the expenses I’ve mentioned I also did some shopping on Amazon.  Got some cardboard replacements for a toy that Mora threw up on.  Along with pen refills, eye drops and some other junk that I really didn’t need.  The cats just loved to see me opening boxes but they were sad when I threw them in the trash.  This place was cardboard city and I wasn’t about to let that continue to build.  I had been hanging on to boxes from when I ordered my iPad and since that worked out and I am keeping it time to get rid of the boxes.  Thankfully I did it on trash day. 

I am excited about the breakfast buffet but not excited about getting up early.  However, Rudy will wake me regardless so I will be up anyway.  It’s going to be back into the deep freeze tomorrow and that doesn’t exactly make me want to jump to traveling.  I would love to sleep in just one day.  Sunday it will be even colder and I need to make a Target run because the cats will be out of treats.  I thought about doing that today but just never got around to it.  I am tired of running and just want to lounge at home for a bit before I get back to it again.  Who knows maybe I will make the Target run tomorrow but I kind of doubt it.  I’ve plotted dinner for tomorrow night and that will require a little bit of travel as well.  I figure might as well live it up a little while I can.  Life will be back to normal come Monday. 

I am not looking forward to going back Monday not only because of having to dig out but because the boss schedule another meeting for a small project that I know will turn into a cluster.  However, right now I am just thinking about the weekend.  It’s nice not to be tethered to a phone and to hear my work email sound going off.  Wishing that I had scheduled more time off but hey I’d have to go back sometime.  Good news is that I did put in for 2 more days in 3 months so I can go back to the doc.  Speaking of time off I did think about the fact that if I did have surgery to remove the cyst that I would probably get some time off from that but it probably wouldn’t be more than a day or two at most.  It’s not major surgery but there would be stiches and that’s super inconvenient.  I hope this thing goes away and doesn’t flair back up for another thirty something years if ever again. 

Back to laundry and surfing for porn until I get tired or the cats beg me to come back upstairs.  Talk with you all again soon.  Take care and be well. 

25 February 2025

What a Monday

Hi there and welcome in.  So much for a calm Monday.  Went to the meeting with the boss and he yammered on.  I really hate when he shares his screen and then dictates his response to an email as he is typing it.  I think it’s rude and I really don’t need to hear & see what he is typing, unless it’s about me.  He bumbled around a piece of software trying to figure something out and then told me to remind him about it next month.  Yeah okay I’m not doing that, keep track of your own to do items I’m not your daddy.  No one reminds me to do anything I am self sufficient. 

Things picked up from there and I was able to break for lunch and have that left over pizza.  Which oddly tasted a little better cold.  I came back to work early because things were starting to stack up.  Then a co-worker on another team tried to tell me how to do my job just because he was promoted to stupidvisor he thinks he can boss me around.  I nipped that and made sure to copy in his boss, his bosses boss and my manager so that should give them all something to talk about.  That set me off for the afternoon.  As if that wasn’t bad enough once I caught my breath and headed upstairs there was a slight and I do mean slight lull. 

I had time to grab my Amazon package from the porch and use the bathroom.  Then fight with the packaging to free my purchase.  That’s when the emails started coming in hot and heavy.  There was a last minute request for something that was needed for tomorrow.  I passed that on to my mistake making colleague.  He bit for it saying that he could take care of it in a few hours thinking that I’d say never mind I will do it myself and instead I told him that was okay and thanks for taking it.  Wow talk about something backfiring.  He didn’t finish it until this morning but there was no way I was jumping and taking it.  People don’t plan well in our environment they like to spring things on others.  I had it yesterday between being told how to do my job and the last minute request I was just over it and said fuck this I am not jumping. 

There were other things coming in and I took care of as much as I could jumping around like a chicken with his head cut off.  Eventually I got tired and said it’s too damn late in the afternoon to keep this up.  I am done for the day and that was all she wrote. 

I went out to test my battery and then hook up the new charger.  It’s really nice and it seems to do a good job.  I’ve checked on it a couple times and it’s still maintaining the charge like it said it would.  While it’s warmer outside we still have some cold nights.  I do think that this battery is on it’s last legs and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.  My next investment will be for a jump box so that I don’t wind up stranded or having to wait on the auto club to send someone out.  The cats went crazy when I was doing the unboxing they though it was something for them but I told them both it’s for me. 

Finally supper time rolled around.  Rudy didn’t like my first choice for his supper so he nibbled and then begged for something else.  I gave in and he went to town.  He’s only done that a few times and I don’t mind accommodating him once and a while.  It’s learned behavior and I don’t want him to think he can get away with it all the time.  My supper was something that I think most will find strange.  Store bought Mostaccioli and I ate it with Saltine Crackers.  I did that once when I was sick and it was a damn good combo to me so I go back to it.  It wasn’t nearly as good as the first time but it was still enjoyable. 

Watched The White Lotus and had some Chocolate Ice Cream.  Also took in Last Week Tonight.  Then watched some YouTube.  By then it was time to get a shower.  Both cats were passed out and oblivious to the fact that I was getting ready for morning and then taking a shower.  When I was done I peeked out and was surprised to find Mora staring at me but Rudy was still asleep.  Mora joined me after I was situated in my room watching TV and Rudy came in a short time later.  He settled down and then sprang up and ran off.  He got the urge to play and went to do that.  Then came back and fell asleep in my lap and by then I had to disturb him because I was ready to climb in bed.

Best news of all is that my cyst or whatever it is has shrunk.  I have to think that this is attributable to the antibiotic.  If I knew for sure that would have fixed me up I would have stabbed this thing a long time ago.  If this continues the doc might not have anything to look at but the photos I’ve taken of it.  It was bothering me last night but I noticed that the swelling was decreasing which I thought was odd.  I’m still watching it and taking the antibiotic. 

Here’s hoping that today is not only calmer but that I don’t have any unpleasant interactions.  It’s bad enough there are two meetings with the boss today and I know he will be yapping a lot.  Glad that is’ my Thursday but wishing that it was my Friday.  I’ve got the power to make it my Friday but not doing that.  I took time to get caught up from yesterday afternoon before I put this together and it’s kind of calm now.  I am going to enjoy the lull for as long as it lasts.

Have a great day!

24 February 2025

All aboard

Morning … Feeling a bit better this morning.  I perked up after sitting and watching TV for a while in my bedroom.  Watched a talk technology podcast and soon supper time rolled around.  I fed the cats and put a frozen pizza in the oven.  The house smelled good as it was cooking.  That is about as much joy that I got from this.  It was a horrible tasting pizza and it was NOT a Tombstone but I wished that it was.  There are 3 slices left over and I dread to eat them but probably will at lunch time. 

I watched a traveling youtuber who went by rail from Florida to Washington.  It was rather interesting he was on several trains and a fairy.  The train took him up through Canada and then down to Washington.  It was a 39 thousand dollar trip that kind of felt to me like it would never end.  Trains were a passion of my late spouse and we went on a few train rides but nothing that lasted overnight.  The accommodations for sleeping for private cars doesn’t look bad and the sky (I think that’s what they are called) cars where you are elevated seem like there are some breathtaking views.  I’m not a fan of the shower spaces or bathrooms, even in private cars.  It doesn’t seem like they are clean enough but perhaps that is just me.  I am watching a couple that is traveling in Canada and they have run into a few snags along the way, like a frozen toilet in their private car so they have to use a public bathroom and public shower.  Ick. 

In any event it looks like there is some fun to be had onboard a train and I think I would enjoy going for a day trip or perhaps something that lasted overnight but nothing beyond that.  I think I would loose my mind if I was in a small space much more than that, especially if I was all alone.  I’ve never slept in a bed on a train but have been lulled to sleep by the motion of the train. 

Several jobs ago a train is how I commuted to work.  I’d drive to a station and board then walk several blocks to the office and reverse that going home.  My employer paid the fair for the train so it didn’t cost me anything and since I didn’t have to sit in a bunch of traffic it actually saved me money in the long run as well as miles on my then vehicle.  Crime was and still is an issue.  I never quite felt totally safe but got to know the frequently riders, some were co-workers.  Also saw several hot guys.  There were some interesting and unpleasant smells in the summer time when the AC could barely keep up.  Winter time there was a lot of freezing going on especially with frequent stops and the doors opening and closing.  There were some breakdowns as well but I never had to disembark prematurely. 

I also looked up cysts last night on YouTube and wished that I had done that before I decided to try to drain this thing on my own.  In all likelihood this is a cyst but it’s possible that it could be an aneurism from a varicose vein.  My doc originally told me that it was a VV but when I was a kid I was told that it was a cyst.  It’s resolved on it’s own before when it flared when I was a teenager.  There were a couple of times that it flared up.  It varies in size and oh the things I tried as a kid to get rid of it, I am surprised I didn’t do any serious damage.  I used the Yellow Pages to try to smack it and I stuck it in a vice and tried to get it to pop.  I wound up causing myself way more pain and the family doc at the time didn’t want to do anything with it.  In any event I learned the proper way to aspirate.  I didn’t use a large enough gauge needle and you really need two hands to do the job along with numbing medication.  Some docs aspirate and then follow up with a steroid injection.  I also saw the surgical procedure for removing a cyst.  It all looks so simple.  Mine is in the middle of my wrist on the palm side and there are a bunch of blood vessels around it so I think that would complicate removal but I also learned that removal is looked at as an elective surgery. 

I am taking the antibiotic and getting past the itching.  It’s painful at times but looks to be shrinking.  While I am eager for it to go away I’d really like for it to stick around just long enough for my doc to look at it.  The steroid injection looks painful but I am game for it.  Regardless if it’s a cyst or an aneurism I want it to be gone and not come back. 

In work news the meeting we had on Friday with the boss got pushed due to an emergency.  It’s happening in a bit.  Then today is wide open.  I’ve got two meetings with him tomorrow and another meeting on Wednesday.  Then 4 lovely days where I don’t have to hear his voice and/or think about work at all.  At least this time when I come back I won’t be on-call but I am sure that I will be buried with a backlog of work to do. 

Both cats are doing well.  We got in some play time last night.  Both slept with me for a while.  I had a bit of a rough night but woke up feeling okay.  Weather is suppose to warm up in the 50’s today and I think tomorrow and beyond were in the 60’s, so Spring is in the air and that only means that I will be sneezing soon.  It’s still going to be cold at night but if this trend sticks around things should be blooming soon. 

Hope that you had a great weekend and that today isn’t too bad a of a Monday.  I’m headed up for a brief brake and then it will be meeting time.  The only good thing for me about today is that I am no longer on call and damn I so cherish the two weeks that I am free of that. 

Take care!

23 February 2025

Sunday

Morning came around fast but Rudy woke me and not my alarm clock.  I’d rather have it that way because I get to wake up to his smiling face and he is so happy making his biscuits.  Although it’s time for a claw trim again and he won’t like that. 

I took care of the testing that I needed to do I wasn’t as thorough as I usually am just got in and out as quickly as I could, everything appeared to be working.  Made it back upstairs to get my meds and get dressed. 

Headed out to breakfast and it was damn cold again.  I tested my battery last night and it was 92% charged and the health came back it’s at 72 or 73%.  That made me happy.  That trip to the country did the trick and I’ve been thinking about that breakfast buffet ever since, unless something else comes up I do plan on making the trip again on Saturday. 

Got more good news at breakfast I can now order as many eggs as I want.  There is a surcharge but I’d rather pay and get what I want instead of being limited.  Had my usual biscuit and gravy with 4 scrambled eggs on top.  It filled me right up.  I thought about ordering crepes but I am glad I didn’t. 

Made it to the grocery store and gas station.  Then came home and unloaded and put the groceries away.  Finally the best part of the weekend that I long for Sunday morning chill and nap time.  I managed to nod off in my recliner and Mora was there with me.  Just as I got to the sleep point damn if a work email didn’t come in.  That woke me and thankfully I didn’t have to get up.  I was able to get back to sleep and just before I said I wanted to get up another work email came rolling in, Rudy used that as an opportunity to come say hi and tell me that it was time for his lunch. 

I got up and moving.  Had my lunch which consisted of two heated cinnamon roll pop tars and a glass of milk.  It was sure good.  I picked up two more boxes of those pop tarts I know they are full of sugar but they have the cinnamon roll ones at perfection.  The cats of course got their lunch first.  Then it was time to do the medication dance and set pills out for the week.  I sorted my antibiotic in and I am on it until Saturday morning. 

My cyst itches and is bothering me a bit with some pain.  I’d love to pop it again or smash it – just really want it to be a thing of the past and the sooner I get rid of it the better.  I felt fine this morning but ever since I woke up from my nap I feel run down and really don’t want to do a damn thing.  Not sure if it’s the infection or a side effect from the antibiotics.  I know that my poor stomach has seen better days.  I pushed myself to clean up the house, take care of the cats water fountain and then I changed the batteries on one of my cameras.  It’s 53 outside and it feels really nice. 

I had planned on going out for BBQ but unless I feel better and/or change my mind I plan to stay home and have some frozen pizza that I picked up from the grocery store.  I should have made a Target run but I just didn’t feel like messing with that either this morning, too damn cold. 

Even though I have a short week ahead I really am not excited about getting back into the groove.  I do have a bunch of things to keep me busy tomorrow in the morning for a bit.  Here’s hoping that I feel better. 

Hope it’s warmer where you are at and that your enjoying the weekend.  Take care!

22 February 2025

Poked 3 times

Welcome … I hope the weekend is going well for you.  It’s not bad here but I’ve had a couple of issues crop up. 

Amazon never did show up with my battery charger.  I called this afternoon and they are sending a replacement shipment that is supposed to arrive on Monday.  The original unit is still in transit but there was a shipping issue.  I might wind up with two of them.  Although they told me I could send one back if I get two. 

My cyst was driving me nuts and I opted to try draining it on my own, this was a bad mistake.  I used a sterile syringe & needle.  I started by washing my hands and wrist with warm soapy water.  Then dried off.  Swabbed the cyst twice with two different alcohol pads and then busted open the syringe.  I poked it directly in the middle but the needle wasn’t fully in and when I went to draw back on the syringe the needle came out.  I got nothing but a flash of blood.  I poked it again from the side and was able to draw back on the syringe.  I got a little more blood but nothing else.  Finally my last poke I opted to stab it from the top.  I pushed and it hurt but I pushed some more.  I felt it in me and wanted to make sure that I was inside the cyst as much as possible.  I kind of wish I went deeper.  However when I pulled back on the syringe I got nothing but a little bit more blood.  To say that I wasn’t happy was quite the understatement.  All I did was make things worse.  The area is sore now and bruised a bit.  It did increase for a short time in size but has since shrunk.  This morning it’s all red and warm which means it’s infected.  I did a virtual doctors visit and found that it might be a fibrous cyst, not all of them are filled with fluid.  However, it is possible that my doctor may choose to try to inject a steroid into it to see if that will shrink it.  Most likely I am going to wind up getting referred to another doctor for the drainage or surgical removal.  Honestly I am fine with leaving it in just make it go back to being not a huge pain and so swollen.  At any rate I got some antibiotics and they are hitting me hard it’s almost like I am taking the medicine for an infected tooth.  1 pill 3 times a day for 7 days.  I will be at the doctors office on Thursday so he can touch it and hopefully I can talk him in to trying something first before throwing up his hands and sending me off to see a colleague.  I’m looking for relief sooner rather than later.  At least I had the foresight to recognize the infection and caught it in the early stages before it spread and put me in grave danger.  I know that shit moves fast and the sooner you act the better you are.  I am mad that I gave in to trying to fix this on my own but I was tired of suffering and going to the ER probably wouldn’t have yielded any thing different other than maybe some diagnostic testing. 

I did get up super early and got my shower and on the road.  I went to a place that is an hour and half away.  I got curious on the way down and discovered an energy facility.  They had the most amazing smoke stacks.  I’ve seen them before in the distance but never up close.  The smoke was billowing out but the bulk of it was stagnant.  I was enjoying the view and wish that I would have taken some photos and video.  I was in the country and there wasn’t anyone around.  Found out that the restaurant had a breakfast buffet on the weekends, that sounds temping.  However my eyes were set on a Philly Cheesesteak Omelet.  I had to wait forever for it to show up and it was red damn hot.  Tasted delicious but the steak could have been sliced a little thinner.  It was easily 5 or 6 eggs.  I got toast with it and had a soda.  It was $15 and I left a nice tip.  The waitress was really friendly and gave me a large soda to go.  The trip home was a bit of a challenge because my GPS headed me to a road that was closed.  I remembered where I came into town and took that way back home.  I was a little out of the way.  I was on some country roads that seemed like they would never end.  I decided to put my foot on the pedal and was up to 120.  I liked the speed but hate what I did to my gas tank.  That was a huge fuel suck but I did it twice because you know once just isn’t enough.  I wanted to get home to get online with a doctor about my wrist plus I had to use the bathroom.  This was a very enjoyable trip and I might make it again next weekend and try the buffet. 

The vehicle feels pretty good and is running well I think it enjoyed the trip more than I did.  I am interested to see where the battery is now.  I’ve been back out since coming home.  Stopped for cat food, medicine, mail and grabbed something to eat.  I’m giving the network time to go to sleep and for things to cool down a bit.  Then I will go back out with my meter and see what the health check says.  I still think that I am headed towards a new battery the only question is when.  If there is plenty of life left in it no shop will replace it under warranty but I know they would sell me a new one for cost and I am sure that’s up from when I originally purchased what’s in there now.  My late spouse had an SUV and the damn thing ate batteries, winter seemed to kill it quicker than anything.  Even after he passed I think I put at least one battery in it before I wound up getting rid of it. 

In other news I watched the latest episode of The Pit.  Lost it over a little girl passing away.  This show is so damn real it feels like I am in an actual ER.  Then I finished up the Netflix series Zero Day.  It got really good and I just had to watch to the end.  There was a couple plot twists that I never expected but the mystery was solved in the end.  I was all keyed up after watching it but managed to somehow slow things down and watched some Night Court and then I was out like a light until early morning when my bladder woke me up.  The next time I woke up was at 6:30a when Rudy was making biscuits on me.  He wanted his food, I just couldn’t believe morning came around so quickly.  It was a little after midnight when I turned the lights out.  I wanted more sleep but was also excited to get moving.  I didn’t get back home until 10:30a

Almost worked in a nap but I was tired and moved from the chair to the bed, that was enough to wake me up and I couldn’t fall asleep.  Watched some YouTube videos and then just got up and started moving. 

I’ve taken care of my work task.  I need to get up at 6:30a to do testing because of monthly patching.  I want to keep on schedule so that I make it to breakfast, the grocery store and gas station at my usual times so that I have the morning to rest.  I’ve been blessed with the fact that it’s been quiet all day but I have had some spam roll into to my work email account that annoyed me and made me think that I was getting work.  I could go all weekend without hearing the email alert for my work email account.  Here’s hoping that the quiet continues for work. 

Talk with you all again soon.  Stay warm and be well.

21 February 2025

Come on Amazon

Morning and Happy Friday!

I was all excited to get my new battery charger from the front porch but checked my phone first and found that the delivery is running late.  It should be here later this morning.  It was originally promised from 4a to 8a.  I hate when Amazon doesn’t meet their delivery window.  I don’t know what went wrong as I got a shipping confirmation last night.  Here’s hoping they keep their new “promised” arrival time.  I am eager to hook it up and make sure that my battery is properly charged before I head out tomorrow. 

Lugging the trash can out yesterday there is maybe two inches of snow on the driveway.  I see why no one has bothered to clear their driveways, it’s very manageable to trudge through. 

Saw a video yesterday where the content creator made Snow Cream.  It’s clean snow mixed with Condensed Sweetened Milk and then you eat and enjoy.  It’s supposed to be really good.  I’ve never heard of it before.  Have you?  You should use a metal bowl and act quickly so the snow doesn’t melt. 

Had 1/2 of the Country Fried Steak & Mashed Potatoes for supper last night.  Of course as soon as I put it in the microwave something work related popped off and I had to contend with the reminder beep from the microwave.  Plus the cats were a little rowdy.  However it wasn’t something that kept me terribly long and soon I was eating. 

That store bought burrito did a number on my stomach and it wasn’t a good number either.  Not sure what went awry there as my stomach is used to that type of food.  This is the second bad experience I’ve had with store made items.  The first one was a Chicken Pot Pie that I got a couple years back.  It tasted really good but I got really sick from it so I won’t take another chance on one today.  I have gotten the burrito many times and never had issues.  Since this was just a minor inconvenience I will likely give the burrito another chance but not right away. 

Had a mainly calm and quiet day yesterday.  I jumped in and took on a few things just to help out and knock them out of the way.  Friday’s are usually calm but you can’t bank on that.  I am hoping that today is one of those calm days and that it moves by quickly.  I am eager to get to the weekend and take a break from work. 

Watched DOC last night that show is getting pretty good.  Scott Wolf was my draw to watch it.  I had such a crush on him when he was on Party of Five and we were both a lot younger.  Even though he’s straight I still think he’s hot and a very good actor.  Also started watching a new Netflix show called Zero Day.  That got a little too real for me and I had to pause in the middle of the second episode.  It’s a thriller and stars Robert DiNero, who is a stellar actor.  While the show is only make believe it’s not too far fetched especially with the leadership the US has in place at the moment.  I will finish it but it’s the kind of show that makes me think a just a little bit too much about how this could go from TV to reality.  I sprinkled in some YouTube music videos and shorts. 

Rudy was there to beg as I was brushing my teeth for play time.  I saw Mora looking at me as well.  I did give them their play time before bed and Rudy wore out rather quickly.  Mora likes to grab the toy and keep it in her mouth then she takes me for a short walk so she can get in a better position to attack the toy.  She keeps me on my toes.  Last night she waited for just the right moment when her brother was distracted to go finish up the treats.  They are quite the pair.  They make me envious that my relationship with my brother isn’t a better one.  

Got in another episode and a half of Night Court before bed.  I am slowly approaching the end of that show and it’s gonna suck when I reach the end.  I am sure I will find something new to latch on to but I really like that show and totally understand why my late grandfather enjoyed it so much. 

Were on our way out of the deep freeze but slowly.  It supposed to be 30 for the high today.  Were in the 40’s tomorrow and 50’s by Sunday so they say.  I am glad that at least it is suppose to warm up since I have some time off next week. 

Here’s hoping that today is a great day for all of us and that we can all enjoy the weekend.  Take care and be well!

20 February 2025

No Temperature

Woke up this morning to find out there was no temperature outside.  It was zero.  Yikes, it’s damn cold here.  We should be out of the deep freeze by Saturday or so they say.  Meanwhile my poor car battery is suffering.  The charger that I had claimed it would trickle charge but I found out with some testing last night that is not the case.  I placed an order for a better battery charger from Amazon and it should be here bright and early tomorrow morning.  I look forward to getting it hooked up so that it can take better care of my battery.  It’s supposed to be able to repair damage but I’m not holding my breath on that.  According to my test tool the life of my battery has declined since I started this charging cycle over the weekend we went from 70% life to 65% life.  I don’t know if that’s totally accurate or if the cold factors into it.  It wouldn’t surprise me that the cold has a lot to do with it. 

I am eager to get on the road on Saturday but that won’t happen without some testing first.  I want to make sure that everything electrical is working so I don’t wind up on the side of the road or worse yet stopped dead in traffic.  I don’t believe there are issues just that the damn cold weather wreaked havoc on the battery.  It will be in the shop next Friday and I will have them do a double check for me.  It’s time for an oil change.  Actually I am early but oil is cheap and engines are expensive, no reason not to change it early.  It’s worked well for me thus far and I see no reason to change. 

I’ve seen some ads and New Car Fever is still in my blood but I continue to resist in the hopes that I can build up my savings.  I am also not yet convinced the auto makers aren’t producing quality products just yet.  I don’t want to buy something only to have some silly recall issued.  I know that happens from time to time but I want to avoid it if at all possible. 

Supper last night was a Chicken Pot Pie.  It was frozen and when I put it in the microwave I saw that it was actually expired as of last month.  Still it tasted fine and was quite good.  Tonight is Chicken Fried Steak from the grocery store.  I will half it and that will cover me for tonight and tomorrow.  Then I can eat out or do whatever come the weekend. 

I got a task to take care of on Saturday for work.  It’s quick but requires me to be at home in the late afternoon.  It makes sense to me to do a breakfast run and then get an early lupper (lunch & supper combined). 

After Mora got her treats last night both cats passed out.  To wake them all I had to do was tell them I was headed to bed.  That seems to stir them up and they both were waiting for me to play with them.  I took care of them and wore them out or so I thought.  Rudy had some excess play left in him and he took care of that on his own. 

Meanwhile I was back in my room having some much needed fun of my own.  I’ve been so tired this week and last night I vowed that I would enjoy some alone time.  That was fun and so much so I wanted to do it again.  Once just isn’t always enough for me. 

Went to bed a little too early because I woke up a couple times during the night.  Both cats were in bed with me.  Mora by my feet and Rudy was by my side or on top of me depending on which time it was that I woke up.  I think they were both cold more than anything but I didn’t turn the heat down at all last night and it felt quite comfy in here. 

Watched DOC and St. Denis last night sprinkle in some music and YouTube videos.

On the work front on of the meetings the vendor never showed up so that was good for me.  My boss flooded them with emails as he waited on the line for 15 minutes.  I’ve got a 5 minute rule and no matter who it is if your not there in 5 minutes then I am gone.  I’ve got a meeting that the boss will be at tomorrow morning and as per usual I don’t look forward to it.  However, unless something changes today is meeting free so I can savor and enjoy that.  It’s been a little busy but nothing I can’t handle. 

No one here has bothered to shovel their driveways.  I just see tire tracks which tells me it’s not that bad outside.  I will find out first hand this afternoon when I set the trash barrel out.  I know just going in the garage in a t-shirt and sweats is uncomfortable I know it’s got to be worse if I raise the door.  The sun is outside so it looks deceptively warmer out but trust me when I say it is not.  Haven’t picked up any movement on the cameras but I do see some paw prints on the back deck. 

Happy Friday eve here hoping that today goes by fast and tomorrow even faster.  I am eager to get to the weekend even if I have to do some work over the weekend.  I’m looking forward to the drive and just relaxing if that is possible. 

Take care and stay warm.  Thanks for dropping by!

19 February 2025

Man Candy - Studs

Another round of snow

We had another round of snow overnight and all you see outside is white.  Looks like 6 inches to me but that is guessing and from my window.  Until I get out in it I won’t be able to tell for certain. 

If the office was going to close I would have expected it today but I got word yesterday afternoon they were brining in Pizza and opening with a late start.  The pizza was an incentive to come in so you didn’t have to pack lunch.  That’s thoughtful but wouldn’t be enough of an incentive to lure me in.  The roads are a complete mess and the usual warning went out on TV this morning, if you don’t have to go out stay home.

I started on-time from home and it’s nice and toasty warm here.  I am beyond happy that this occurred on a week when I was on-call.  It’s pretty damn cold out now and that is slowly supposed to get better.  By Saturday were back in the 40’s and next week they are saying we will be in the 50’s.  Sounds nice but I’m not holding my breath because after all it’s the weather were talking about. 

I got a burst of work yesterday that lasted about an hour that was the hardest and longest that I worked all day.  No complaints here.  I think that the weather has slowed things down a bit. 

I was all set today to fire off a zinger to my mistake making colleague but looks like the universe is telling me that it’s not a good idea.  Our meeting today got cancelled so I guess I will just let it go and perhaps someone else will find and point out his mistake.  I also just found out that he called in so even if the meeting was on he wouldn’t have been there.  Seems like since his 2nd child has been born he’s out at least one day every couple weeks. 

Since we made it to the middle of the week and it’s generally cold and snowy most places I think that work won’t be terribly busy this week at all and hey I am okay if it turns out that way.  While it might make for a longer week I much prefer calm to super busy. 

Finished off the burrito and Carrot Cake last night.  Also tried a new flavor of Hagen Das called Vanilla, Carmel and Pecan.  It’s a little salty but my it’s so good.  Expensive but good!  Rudy begged the whole time I was eating.  He started on my left then moved to my right and when that failed he came up the middle between my legs.  He’s so damn cute but I still told him no all three times.  I’d say that both cats have really bonded with me but Rudy’s bond really became quite clear over the last couple months.  I was up in the middle of the night and he was laying next to me in bed, he waited for my return.  I woke up this morning and he was on top of me waiting for me to wake up.  I am just so lucky to have two great cats that show so much affection and appreciation to me and each other. 

I am still pondering about a long drive on Saturday I am eager to get out but haven’t totally decided on a final destination just yet and likely won’t until it’s actually time to drive. 

Meanwhile I will watch the world go by from inside my toasty home with my furry friends.  Posted some man candy and if your into guys (which I suspect you probably are) that you enjoy it when it appears a bit later on today.  Time to check out some TV while I wait for work to roll in.  Only two meetings today and both are after lunch and with vendors, hopefully it will be quick & painless.  Still not thrilled about having to hear my bosses voice. 

Hope you have a great day and stay warm!