21 Years ago today

A lot has changed in 21 years.  Momma had her kittens on this hot June day 21 years ago today in the very basement I am in typing this.  It was a glorious day and I experienced a peace like nothing I have experienced since that day.  That day all was calm and right in the world, or so it felt that way. 

I sure do still miss Momma and all of her kids as well as our two strays we took in.  They were my world, my family and I’m very proud to say that.  I changed the course of everyone’s life that day – mine, my late spouses as well as Momma and her kittens. 

Happy heavenly birthday, I hope your all together having fun. 

On a different note, welcome in and thanks for dropping by.  It’s super hot and humid here.  The sun is out and so are the guys.  I saw a bunch of shirtless guys this morning, running.  I very easily could have had a wreck as I was looking at them. 

Made it to my friends shop, chatted a bit.  Scheduled a service appointment for my vehicle in a couple weeks.  I know that I am a bit early on my oil change but for the price they charge me, it’s smart to change the oil often.  Having the tires rotated and balanced as well.  I should be able to parlay that into a free lunch with my friend.  Again, something to look forward to. 

The heat was getting to me so I scooted out of there.  I had plans to stop for the mail and cat food but instead opted to come home and see the cats.  I needed to use the bathroom and wanted to grab a cold soda.  That turned into me getting nearly naked and watching TV.  I managed to fall asleep and felt better once I woke up.  Passed out lunch for the cats and then came back and watched more TV to pass time. 

Early afternoon I got dressed and headed out.  I went back to the country, the place I was the other day.  Damn I struck gold when it came to timing.  I got charged the lunch buffet price but I was there long enough they were changing over to dinner.  I ate very, very good.  The best meal I have had in a long time.  Sloppy Joes, Catfish, Fried Chicken, BBQ Pork, Mashed Potatoes and corn.  I was stuffed but figured since I had gone that far I made a trip back for some Peach Cobbler.  It was so so, could have been better but the main meal it was on the money.  This place is around 60 miles from home and it feels like I will never ever get there but eventually I arrive.  Chatted with the waitress a bit and found out that Sunday is actually the pick day they have more comfort food that day.  However, every day it’s a good spread.  I did look at a menu and they have a few items that look appealing but I can’t not order the buffet. 

When I walked in there was a couple sitting in the spot I normally get.  I kind of felt like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory and wanted to say your in my spot.  The guy was super hot but he was all tatted up and that is kind of a turn off for me, still I got a good look at him and took it all in for what it was worth. 

Tomorrow is gonna hurt when I go to fill the gas tank.  The fuel gauge said that I could go 90 miles before I needed gas.  It’s been lower before but not that often.  I’m super anal about my fuel level and it was a little uncomfortable to make the trip but I knew for sure I wasn’t going to run out of gas.  Plus there is a fail safe when your down to I think it is 25 or 50 miles left a low fuel light and alarm comes on.  I’ve only seen that once in the 8 years I have owned this vehicle. 

Still never made it for cat food or the post office, those are tomorrow tasks.  I needed to use the restroom so I just came straight home.  I could go back out but damn it’s so hot out I really don’t want to.  Feels nice here in the basement where it’s 70 degrees.  It’s 91 degrees outside.  Besides that it upsets the cats when I leave.  If they had their way I would never ever leave their sides. 

I’m off to peruse the internet and watch more TV.  Perhaps I can trim some cat claws they sure are sharp.  Take care and stay cool.

Man Candy - Bring on the studs

Never thought I’d see this

Morning and welcome in.  Not sure if you have heard the news but the FDA has approved a breakthrough drug that reduces risk of contracting HIV by 96%.  It’s called Lenacapavir and it’s administered by injection every 6 months (or twice per year).  The cost is astounding at $14,109 per injection or $2,352 per month.  That’s a lot of money and I know when the patent on the drug eventually expires the cost will drop.  If your interested in reading more about this check out the article at https://www.advocate.com/health/fda-approves-hiv-drug-lenacapavir

I grew up during the AIDS crisis and it was a scary time.  There was a lot of unknowns and of course that bred plenty of rumors.  I remember kids talking about it in the Physical Education Locker Rooms and how it was associated with fags.  I didn’t know what it was but I for sure knew I was gay although I wasn’t out at that time.  I had experienced sex and wondered if maybe I had it or could get it.  Years later my grandmother was terminally ill and as a result of that I stopped eating, so there was a rapid weight loss and I looked horrible compared to my normal self.  My mom at the time panicked and told our family doctor that I was gay and she thought I had AIDS.  I remember going to the hospital for the blood draw, I was a little embarrassed but mostly scared of what the results would yield.  This is back when you had to wait something like 5 to 7 days for the results.  Man I was on edge for the longest time until the results came back as negative and then I was relieved.  I wasn’t promiscuous and only had sex with 2 people at that point.  1 of which was a virgin like I was and the other was my late spouse who at the time was my boyfriend.  He told me I would be okay and that the results would come back as negative.  He was a very smart man!

I know that we have PREP and lots of people are on it.  However, I never thought I would see more of a sure fire prevention.  Now if they could just develop a cure for HIV and Cancer that would be truly amazing.

On a different note, I lounged around the house for a bit.  Talked myself out of and then into a trip for lupper.  I wound up going to a restaurant that offers a buffet.  I originally thought they closed at 2p and I arrived around 1:30p.  I was surprised at the crowd of people and how no one was seeming to rush but me.  I asked my waitress and then found out that the kitchen is open every day until 9p.  I pushed it to get there before 2p and I could have relaxed.  As it was I wound up missing a turn and that cost me 10 minutes.  I was on one lane gravel roads, hit a few deep potholes which I hated.  Then when I got back to civilization I wound up behind a pickup truck that was hauling tree limbs and sticks.  A small branch broke loose from their load and I ran over it.  I wound up dragging it for miles, eventually it broke loose.  No damage from as best as I can tell and no fluids are leaking so I am quite thankful for that. 

Much to my surprise I got an email from the Chief of Police thanking me for my note and the gift card that I dropped off.  He donated the gift card to a fund that the department has at Christmas time for providing for kids who’s parents can’t afford to get them presents.  Now my gift will make the difference in some kids Christmas.  That makes me feel good.  I’m thinking of making a larger contribution to that fund once we are a little closer to Christmas.  Helping kids enjoy their childhood and innocence is something that is pretty important to me, since my childhood was a bit rocky. 

Speaking of the police turns out they are hiring a telecommunicator otherwise known as a dispatcher.  That’s a job I always wanted as well however talk about high stress and dealing with life and death, well it’s all there.  They make a decent amount of money but it would be a sizeable pay cut for me.  Not to mention that it’s 12 hour shifts and you have to be flexible to work days, nights, weekends and holidays.  I would also have to physically go in each day and there would be no work from home.  I have been thinking of applying despite knowing the risks.  Honestly if it wasn’t for fear of potential failure I’d go for it.  However, I am a little old to be taking such a large risk and gambling with my future.  If I went for it and failed I’d have to search for another job and based on my age alone that would not be easy.  I’m better off staying put.  I still get to help people in my job it’s just not life and death, which I am thankful for.

Happy Summer today is the first day of the season.  We are under a heat advisory and that will go on for days.  Here’s hoping I see some shirtless men walking by the house or even when I am out and about. 

I’ve used the heating pad, taken 1/2 of a muscle relaxer and my muscles are better but I still have some tension and am feeling it as well as the tightness and soreness that accompanies this.  Laying in bed and resting only makes things worse and not better.  That is unless you can afford to spend days doped up on muscle relaxers.  After a couple days you won’t feel anything or care much about anything either.  Unfortunately, I don’t have that kind of time to devote to this.  I just hope I can cope and manage until next Friday when I go for my massage. 

Well back to work, got to finish my catchup work and then unless something rolls in I am free for several hours.  Plenty of late afternoon and evening tasks to take care of.  It’s going to be a long Friday for me.

Hope you have an awesome weekend and that all is well in your world.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  Cheers!

 

Muscle Spasms & Knots

Hi and welcome in!  I hope that this finds you doing well.  I have had a couple days of Muscle Spasms and knots in my back.  Monday I thought that I could fight it off without medicine, just some rest and I would be good as new on Tuesday.  However, that was not the case.  Tuesday I took a Muscle Relaxer and that knocked me out for the morning.  I was up in the afternoon and just lounged around.  I took both days off from work, which I really didn’t want to do.  Really wish that I had a massage booked but I have to wait another week for that, so here’s hoping that things settle down a bit. 

I am back at it today, my back is still sore and hurts.  I am considering taking another pill or at least 1/2 of a pill tonight.  Of course I had the usual mess to dig out of at work and that has pretty much occupied the day. 

Were off tomorrow for Juneteenth and then back on Friday.  I was thinking about visiting the buffet tomorrow just to get out of town for a while and have a nice change of pace.  However, rain is in the forecast so I might just stay put and save that trip for another day. 

The cats have loved being around me and I heard some crying this morning once I was settled in the basement.  Not sure if they were missing me or playing, it was difficult to tell. 

I got a text at lunch time inviting me to a BBQ at my Thanksgiving Friends house.  I had been expecting that and don’t you know it this time they included a time, so I will be there for sure.  I just hope that the food is enjoyable.  At least it’s something to look forward to. 

Searched and scrolled on Amazon to fill up my shopping list.  A lot of things make it on to that list but I never buy them and some others I add them and days later I buy them, sometimes hours later.  Kind of depends on what it is and how badly I need/want it. 

I did visit that pizza place I talked about on Sunday.  I got the fish it was good but the fish and a salad wasn’t nearly enough to leave me feeling full.  I got some desert to go and an order of cheese garlic bread.  I’ve had cheese garlic bread each night this week with my Spaghetti and Meatballs.  Tonight I am heating up the last piece of the bread so I will likely polish off the Spaghetti and Meatballs.  It’s been good but also kind of time to move on to eating something else. 

Last week I came across something disturbing to me, The Milking Coach passed away.  The only notification was on X/Twitter and there are no details just that he passed.  Damn he had the best job in the world at least from my POV.  Such a shame, were either the same age or very close another reason why it’s disturbing to me.  I am guessing not a lot of people have heard of him which is why it didn’t make the gay porn news sites. 

Well I am freezing down here and it’s time to go up and feed the cats and finish off that Italian meal I spoke of.  Just wanted you all to know I am still alive and kicking. 

Take care and I will talk with you all again soon!

 

Happy Father’s Day

Hi, hope that your having a great day!  Last night I watched Straw on Netflix.  It’s a new movie from Tyler Perry.  I watched the preview and Netflix said they thought I’d like it.  I flipped around but wound up coming back to it.  Netflix was spot on and I enjoyed it.  If you like dramas then you will enjoy this movie.  It’s about a woman who is down on her luck and things just continue to spiral downward for her.  It’s a bit of an intense ride and there is violence in this movie.  Best thing I have seen on Netflix in a while.  I am toying with the idea of cancelling my subscription just because there doesn’t seem to be enough content there for the money I am paying.  I’m a long time subscriber.  I used them back when they used to mail DVD’s and eventually went to on-line, it was quite the adjustment to make but eventually I broke away from DVD’s and now here we are streaming, the wave of the future. 

Woke up and once again briefly forgot that it was Sunday but once that clicked I was pretty happy.  The last thing I want to do is go back to work but Monday is around the corner like it or not. 

Made it out to breakfast, Target, the Grocery Store and filled up the gas tank.  Home to unload, get naked, watch TV cuddle with the cats and eventually take a brief nap.  It’s hot and sticky outside, the sun is shining brightly and I’m pleased about that.  However, rain comes back tomorrow. 

I picked up something new Italian Waffle Cookies, Dark Chocolate flavor.  It’s kind of like eating a rice cake but it has some flavor to it.  The store has been advertising Cannoli Chips & Dip but despite looking all over the store I have yet to find it.  Saw a hot stud that worked there and wanted to ask him for his number but I just followed him around since we were headed in the same direction.  Watched his butt in the distance, it was a nice show even if he had clothes on. 

Got my medicine set out for the week ahead.  Peeked at my calendar to see what is planned for the week, mostly a normal week until we get to Friday it’s a little busier than a normal Friday. 

This is the first year in a long time where no one wished me Happy Father’s Day.  Normally I hear it at least once.  Despite it not applying it’s kind of appealing to hear.  I usually tell people I’m a cat daddy.  They either get it or ask me to explain. 

Plans for the rest of the day include hauling the laundry upstairs and putting it away, relaxing a bit more, possibly writing some then heading out for supper.  I plan to stop at the horrible pizza place I went to a couple months ago.  There is one more dish on their menu that I want to try, it’s baked fish.  They have two kinds if memory serves so I will have to make a choice there.  Their pasta dishes are really good and quite filling, I am expecting the same thing tonight with the fish, at least it sounds delicious.  It’s also unique.  I got a family size portion of Spaghetti & Meatballs from the grocery store, thinking of getting take out cheese garlic bread so that I will have it to enjoy with the pasta. 

I feel a little strange about this but mentioning it just to get it out of my system.  I am going back to the police station to drop off a couple thank you notes and gift cards to show appreciation for the ride along I had yesterday.  Part of me thinks that the gift cards are too much and the other part of me thinks it is a nice gesture.  I really wanted to get something from a business that was within city limits but that didn’t happen.  Still I think they will be well appreciated.  I know I don’t have to go this extra mile but it’s just a part of who I am and how I was raised.  The Thank You note is a minimum.  While I don’t expect anything in return if the offer to have me come back again I’ll for sure do it in hopes of seeing more action and the adrenaline rush. 

Well here’s hoping my allergies stay under control because the pollen is sure flying.  Have a great rest of the day and thanks for stopping by to peek into my world for a brief moment.  Take care!

Saturday … the day I have been waiting for

I hope all is well in your world!  I heard a saying while I was on vacation a few weeks back, if you want something go to the top person.  I’ve always wanted to ride along with a police officer.  I wanted to be in law enforcement but I’m not into physical fitness and that is probably shocking to some folks considering that I am gay.  It’s never been my cup of tea.  I like a fit guy though. 

I waffled on my decision but decided to give it a shot, the worst I could hear was no and heck I was already there by not asking, so I had nothing to lose.  I wrote the chief of police and we exchanged a few emails to iron out logistics.  I had a choice of Saturday’s the last one I was on-call and didn’t want to take any chances or this one.  Obviously I picked this one. 

I got a full station tour which was interesting.  I saw glimpses of their different computer systems and technology that is available.  Finally I got to put on a bullet resistant vest and got in a car.  I was limited to two hours and the time was chosen by the police department.  After all I had all day long and better for them to pick the time than me. 

The first thing I noticed rather quickly is there isn’t a whole lot of room in a police car even if your sitting up front in the passenger seat.  The computer takes up most of the room, but I made it work.  I just didn’t have a place to put my left arm. 

We drove around a little bit then parked chatting all the while.  The officer started running random plates.  It didn’t take long before we got a hit on an expired plate and he went after them.  It was a Dodge Charger and he didn’t light them up just tried to get through traffic to pull them over but they were too fast and wound up getting a break.  Circled back to the same spot and back to fishing as I like to refer to it, because it’s very much like fishing.  A whole lot of sitting and waiting.  He ran several other plates, he miss keyed a plate but I heard wanted person then he noticed his mistake.  He ran another plate and we got a hit on another expired plate.  We took off after them but he realized who it was and opted not to stop them.  Back to the fishing hole. 

We weren’t there very long before we almost got hit, a guy drove a little off the road and I thought for sure the cop car was going to get hit.  However that didn’t happen.  He ran the plate but it was clear.  Then he ran another plate and we got a hit.  He promised me that we would get someone and indeed we did.  He almost got side swiped as he went after them from someone not paying attention.  Then even with lights on and the occasional blast from the siren cars were very slow to get out of the way.  People simply don’t pay attention, they are in their own world and they drift off.  Finally we caught up the car and he called it in and got out.  Turns out he pulled over a politicians husband.  The guy only got a warning for the expired plate. 

Back to the fishing hole for a little bit more but nothing came of it.  We drove around a bit more.  Stopped for gas, drove around after wards for a bit and then my two hours of fun was done just like that. 

I was hoping for a bit more excitement, no guns or bullets flying though.  I had to sign a liability waiver that said I understood I could get injured and if I did I agreed not to sue.  I never felt unsafe but I will tell you that it was quite sobering to put on a bullet resistant vest.  They are heavy and awkward but yet they do save lives. 

I got a final tour of a couple of additional areas we didn’t cover, we chatted a bit more and then I was walked out.  Funny thing as I was leaving I thought I saw the guy that got the warning coming to the station.  I’m so sure that I’d bet money on it. 

It was rather interesting to see what I have been hearing for years on my scanner.  I have an offer to go again if I want but I don’t want to wear out my welcome.  Perhaps if I would go back on a weekday there would be more action but it’s kind of hit and miss, just like with my job.  The calls come in waves, sometimes your bored for a long time and other times you can barely have time to use the bathroom and grab something to eat. 

I was a little depressed that those two hours flew by so fast with nothing really happening but perhaps that was for the best.  I think that being a police officer has a lot of ups but also has some downs.  The biggest one being that when you leave for work in the morning, you don’t know if you will get to come home at the end of your shift.  It’s got to be horrible to be a spouse of a police officer. 

So there is the big secret that I kept under wraps. Now I can check a box off on my bucket list!  

 

As for the rest of today I got the mail which contained a letter permitting me to renew my drivers license on line.  I had been anxiously waiting for that to come.  I paid my money and my new license should be here in a few weeks.  I wound up watching drinking a soda and watching TV.  I dosed off for a bit in my recliner despite having both cats in my lap.  They were as happy as could be though. 

Rudy started doing his food dance around 3p and I had to put up with it for about 45 minutes before I just gave up and opted to feed him.  My belly has red marks all over it from his claws.  It’s an allergic reaction and I know that if he realized how it would affect me he wouldn’t have done it but I never want him to stop making biscuits. 

Once I got up to feed them I got dressed and decided to head out for some Popeye’s Fried Chicken.  Don’t you know it just my luck only the drive thru was open, the inside of the restaurant was closed for repairs.  The place is only like 3 years old so that was kind of surprising to me.  I got back in the car and drove to the Mexican place and had my usual.  Service was horrible and I was very close to walking out. 

Back home and working on laundry and surfing the web, reading email the usual Saturday night stuff.  Mora is down here with me keeping me company.  She likes to stay close to me but if I let her down here during the week there is no way in the world I would ever be able to do my job. 

Last night I watched Tires on Netflix.  I saw Season 1 when it came out and thought Season 2 would be a bit more interesting than it was.  I managed to finish the series this morning since Rudy woke me up for food early. 

I think were done with rain until Monday rolls around.  I am ready to find Noah and ask him to start building an ark.  I like so many other people in my area are tired of the rain.  Bring on the sunshine, not necessarily the humidity that comes with Summer.

One more day of rest then it’s back to the normal grind.  Yuck!  At least next week is only a 4 day work week.  Were closed on Thursday for Juneteenth, which is a Federal Holiday in the US.  I’m telling you that Wednesday or Friday will be a mess because we will some how cram that day of work we are off into one of those days if not split evenly between them.

Thanks for stopping by, hope your weekend is going well.  Take care!

Shocked

Happy Friday, we made it y’all!  Last night I decided to tune into HBO and watch The Mortician.  It’s a documentary series about some very disturbing things that one family in the mortuary business did, thus far with their son doing most of the disturbing acts.  It starts off bad and it’s one of those landslides where things just keep getting worse and worse and just when you think it can’t possibly be any worse something else bad happens.  There are only 2 episodes out but a new one airs each Sunday.  I’m hooked and will continue to watch. 

One of the things I’ve always wondered about with regards to cremation is how do I know that what I am given as cremains truly belonged to the person or pet that I entrusted to be cremated.  I’ve been reassured many times but hell unless you watch from start to finish you’ll never know and you just have to trust and believe.  I did get an offer to watch a deceased pet go through the process but I declined.  I mean your already upset enough over the loss, there is no way I could watch that process even though it’s just an empty shell of a body.  It’s still my pet and it would seriously adversely affect me to watch something like that.  Talk about having faith.  While I believe that most places are above board you never quite known when your going to deal with someone that is trying to cut corners or turn more of a profit for themselves.  Greed tends to be the motivating factor in every case of deception that I have seen thus far.  The criminal in the series said something to the effect of there is always left over ash and you never truly get back 100% of the cremains.  I don’t know anything about that business but I would think that if you did the job right and cleaned things out properly after each job that there would be no room for error. 

Death is always something I struggled with from childhood onward.  It was really tough to see someone young pass and I had a super hard time with that.  Now old or young it matters not, I still struggle with it.  I know that it’s something were all going to go through eventually. 

I was really taken a back by this show and how thing just kept getting worse and worse.  Seriously illegal and immoral things including murder of a competitor.  I still can’t imagine things getting much worse but I have braced myself because I think there is a lot more to come. 

On a more normal note, things are well here.  Finished off the potato casserole last night, had some more chocolate cake.  Wrote a bit more of my fantasy story which got me quite worked up (horny).  Watched some TV and had an okay nights sleep.  Some bad/odd dreams.  I got the trash out before the rain hit.  I managed to bring the barrel/container back in this morning before we get more rain. 

All in all things are moving along pretty good thus far.  I’m still very excited for tomorrow and am hoping that things go off without a hitch.  I know I haven’t shared details but I will, it’s just checking something off of a bucket list that I have wanted to do for a very long time.  I’ve told no one about it because I don’t want to jinx anything.  In the grand scheme of things, I think you will probably find it underwhelming. 

Claws are sharp on both cats again so I should probably trim nails.  I know that I need to brush them but I hate that task because fur is everywhere and my nose itches like crazy afterwards.  They both enjoy it up to a point and then they are done.  Mora is the super furry girl and I get the bulk off her.  Rudy has a tiny bit but then again he’s a tiny guy. 

Here’s hoping it’s a great weekend for all of us.  Enjoy and be well. 

Thursday

Good morning … Were getting closer to the weekend.  Sadly also the end of the nice sunny weather in my neck of the woods.  Rain should be moving in later this afternoon and then we get to get soaked again.  Days upon days of nothing but rain.  Kind of unusual for this time of year, normally we are dryer if not parched. 

I got a craving last night for the Cheese Bacon Potato casserole with my extra special touch of Doritos Late Night Taco chips crumbled on top with Chula Ranch.  I had some Sour Cream on the side.  I never plowed through eating half of that dish so damn fast.  It was delicious.  Had some chocolate cake for desert. 

Finished up Overcompensating last night, never thought it would end quite like that.  I hope that there is a Season 2. 

I shouldn’t have bragged so much about a good nights sleep because that kind of came to an end last night.  I was up at 5a and just couldn’t get back to sleep.  Rudy joined me and laid on top of me.  He was able to nap a little bit.  Mora was at my feet so I was kind of limited on space.  That knot in my left shoulder is still there and it’s building up again.  I need to have it worked out and it’s gonna hurt like a mother when that happens.  However, I want it gone. 

Given the impending rain and my back pain I kind of wish that I didn’t have plans on Saturday morning so that I could take a muscle relaxer and get some relief, that might tide me until my next massage.  However, my plan for Saturday are pretty important to me so pain or not I am seeing them thru.

Drifted off into fantasy land last night and started writing another story.  I am totally amazed at how quickly that passes time.  It was a nice escape as the cats were napping. 

Rudy woke up just as I was getting up to get ready for this morning.  He was feeling frisky and wanted to play.  However, I needed to get a shower in the worst way and just focused on me.  When I was done he came in and got his drink from the left over water in the bathtub and permitted me to finish my evening wind down routine before he started asking to play.  He really enjoyed playtime but he got tired of it kind of faster than I had wanted him to.  Mora is always up for playtime so over to her and she went crazy for a bit.  Then I went back to Rudy and he wasn’t having it so playtime was done. 

I watched more TV and got drowsy in my chair.  Of course as soon as I went to climb in bed I got a burst of energy and was wide awake.  I just hate when that happens.  Rudy kept me company and eventually I was able to wind down and fell asleep. 

Here we are in the morning of yet another work day.  Thing got crazy busy like out of control.  I was second guessing myself and double checking just to make sure I had things in order.  I was finally able to get things back to a calm level and knocked out morning tasks.  There is more to do but I am procrastinating.  The boss wound up taking over on-call this week because the guy that was on-call had time off scheduled.  Well I am not stepping up to the plate like I did last time.  I am just letting things flop and linger.  If you ask me to take care of something that is different but I am not jumping in and going hog wild crazy.  Let someone else do that I am tired of carrying the load. 

Were still waiting to hear about pay raises but that should happen this month or at the very latest early next month.  All of my time off has been approved.  I still have a little over 2 weeks to use by the end of the year to get me down to having 2 weeks to carry over, so the system says.  The last couple years have been unique in that I struggle to use all of my time off.  I try to save for a rainy day because life happens but still I wind up usually towards the end of the year fighting to squeeze in time.  I do like taking time at the end of the year over the holiday.  Any paid time away is good time away.  Although I do have to pay the penalty of playing catchup and fixing things that went wrong while I was away.  Perhaps that is why I struggle so much with using my time.  I know that if I had a companion I probably would be fighting a different battle and would exhaust my time off with no problem.  My problem here isn’t horrible and it’s kind of a good problem to have, beats being out of time and needing to take time. 

Well off to relax I think.  All is calm and I know as soon as I get upstairs things will likely unravel but it’s a risk I am willing to take.  Beats sitting here just staring at two monitors searching for something to do.  Got to get the trash out this afternoon, hopefully I can beat the rain but if not it’s not like I will melt or anything. 

Bye for now. 

Man Candy - Get that Vitamin D

Overcompensating

Morning … I found an interesting series on Amazon last night and it occupied my evening.  I am not done yet with the series but very close.  It’s called Overcompensating.  From Wikipedia they describe the series as …

Overcompensating is an American comedy drama television series created by Benito Skinner for Amazon Prime Video. Skinner stars as Benny, a former high-school jock and closeted college student navigating freshman year. The show is loosely based on Skinner's own college experience. The show premiered on May 15, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video.

It sure beat watching old re-runs of Alice on YouTube.  Which there are more episodes being put up there but it’s getting difficult to find fresh content that I haven’t seen before. 

At the moment all is well at work but we still have one meeting a bit later this afternoon with the boss to tell him what we have been working on.  It will surely turn into a gab fest but I try to keep my remarks concise and usually say the same thing each week, it’s enough to pacify him.  This is yet another worthless meeting that is nothing more than a time waster but every now and then I gain some knowledge so here’s hoping today’s meeting is one of those times. 

Got in some play time with the cats and then it was back to the TV until I was ready to drift off to sleep.  Once again got a decent nights sleep, I hope this continues and perhaps gets even better. 

Not a whole lot going on this morning at the moment, which is not unusual for the middle of the week.  Glad I am not on-call because things have been hot and heavy all week long.  I’ve stepped in to help on a couple issues but for the most part I just keep my head down and do my own thing, which works out very well for me for the most part. 

Time to go pick out some Man Candy and then perhaps head upstairs to chill with the cats until I am needed or the meeting rolls around, which ever comes first. 

I hope it’s a great day for you and that all is well. Take care!

Boss is being a dick

Howdy, I had an okay evening.  Spaghetti & Meatball for supper.  There were two Meatballs but I only ate one, saved half of the dish for tonight’s supper.  Had a half slice of Chocolate Cake and drank a Diet soda.  That was my evening meal.  Got the cats fed as well. 

Managed to see one hot guy for a brief moment when I looked out my front window.  With it being such nice sunny weather I am surprised that I haven’t seen more dudes or people in general out.  Some folks wait until the sun is starting to set to go for their walks but what I mostly see are couples and there are no hot guys.  Earlier in the Spring I had seen several hot guys and figured that as we move into Summer that trend would continue.  It’s not overly humid out just yet but that part is coming as we inch toward Summer (starts on Friday). 

Slept really good again as well, so I think it was the fact I was getting hot at night and my body woke me up as an alert.  There are several things in this world that I can’t ever seem to get enough of and one of them is sleep.  I enjoy it the most because it takes me out of the day to day world and transports me into some alternate reality, sometimes the ride is crazy, scary or fun.  I never know what I am in store for but it’s something I actually enjoy. 

I had play time with the cats and Mora loves to play over the top of the stairs to the basement.  She is obsessed with the area by the garage door.  That was another area where Ruthie (one of Momma’s two girls) would sit, because it was easy to escape.  Mora waits for me there every night when I head into the bathroom to start brushing my teeth, she watches and waits.  I got out the cat teaser and played with Rudy first but he tires out so Mora is up.  She wanted me to dangle the teaser in the air hovering it over the stairs.  She grabbed on to it with her teeth and started walking.  I let go and so did she and it fell down the stairs.  She ran downstairs and just looked at it.  I joined her and then Rudy came down too.  We all headed back upstairs and no one wanted to continue to play.  I never exactly know what I am in store for with her.  She is either on mild or wild there doesn’t seem to be an in between and it’s quite easy to get her worked up.  Rudy takes a little bit of extra work to try to excite him but he has to be up for it.  I am so glad that I have them most of the time. 

This morning started a little bit early for me but I was looking forward to breakfast.  We got up 10 minutes early and everyone but my body was pleased about that.  Food was enjoyable.  Mora was obsessed with my Banana.  I let her smell it and she looked at me as I peeled it, like it was a snack for her.  I let her smell it again after I peeled it and I think if I would have held it there any longer she would have taken a bite of it.  It’s quite easy to see how curiosity killed the cat. 

As I was getting dressed I heard the sound of a trimmer and then a mower fired up.  Sure enough the lawn mowing guys were here at 7am.  I guess with all of the rain we have been getting they wanted to get an early start so they could stay on track.  The cats were curious but I told them that it was just the mowers not to worry.  That did about much good as you think it would.  They don’t like noises, especially right outside their house. 

The day was off to a decent start until it was time for one of our weekly meetings.  I joined the call a little bit early.  I injected some humor since he was talking with a teammate of mine and well I guess it didn’t go over well.  After they were done he was a dick to me and gave me a stupid task to do.  He already had the answer but asked me to make sure that he was right, which he was.  It’s like the sky is blue, please confirm for me that the sky is blue.  I know it is but I want you to double check.  I thought he was done but as I was enjoying lunch he sent me another task that I despise but I did it.  It was a task that he was asked to do but sometimes it’s easier to delegate than to do it yourself.  I find just the opposite but that’s only if I want the job done right the first time.  I hope he’s out of his dickish mood and that we don’t continue to clash as the week moves along. 

Nothing much else to write at the moment.  I hope all is well in your world.  Thank you for stopping by.

Sunday & Monday Combo

Sunday was a normal day, getting up early going to breakfast, grocery store, etc.  Came home found that Mora had gotten sick a couple times and worst of all she wasn’t done yet.  Finally that all settled down and I cleaned up after her.  Both cats got a morning cuddle session and we all took a nap together.  I put my medicine out, we had lunch.  I cleaned the house. 

It was my annual license plate washing, each year before I put the new sticker on I remove my rear license plate and get the old sticker off.  Then wash it with soap and water and dry it off.  Then let it sit for a bit to continue air drying.  While it was finishing drying I went and cleaned the inside of the vehicle, which is nothing more than spraying the appropriate protectant on the various surfaces.  Inside of my vehicle smelled great after that and I was sweating a bit.  Returned inside to apply the new sticker.  I use a razor blade to draw an X through the sticker to combat sticker theft, which is a real thing.  Then I put the plate back on and closed up the vehicle, returned inside to cool off and relax. 

Decided that I wanted to go back to the place where I saw the cute guy a few weeks back on my vacation.  I knew he wouldn’t be working but I really wanted some food from there.  I looked over the menu on line and it was a toss up between Nachos or Sunday Fried Chicken.  I asked for the Fried Chicken but since they wouldn’t let me get the specific piece of chicken (I like legs) I wanted I chose the Nachos.  That was a poor choice because they were extra salty and the service wasn’t the greatest.  I saw a cute guy dining with his family and got a look at him when they left. 

Had a brief time in the basement to play with the computer and grab my finished laundry from Friday, I finally took it up and put it away.  Then spent the rest of the time upstairs with the cats, watching TV and entertaining them. 

Oh yeah most important of all I put that comforter away on Saturday and I have slept really good ever since.  Rudy has woken me up a few times early looking for food but outside of that it’s been comfy and nice. 

Monday well it’s that time again back to the job.  I peeked ahead on the calendar and saw that my boss has some time off so I took a couple of the same days he is out off, it will give me an extended Independence Day weekend plus it will get me out of running a meeting that he always wants me to run when he’s out.  Trust me when I say I can use the time away even if it’s only 2 days.  The boss will still be out when I come back, which is nice.  Plus I’ve got something else to look forward to in the future.  Thinking about waiting until September for vacation just seems like a long way off.  Who knows I might take some time in August too. 

I’ve been working away this morning.  Took a break after doing a solid 3 hours worth of work.  Of course I didn’t want to come back and laid down for a bit and as per usual my phone after about 30 minutes brought me back but only for a short time.  Then I broke for lunch and felt guilty for some strange reason so I came back early to knock out one last task. 

My calendar is clear.  I’ve tried to customize Outlook but wound up screwing things up more than I wanted to.  I had to start with a default out of the box view again and then get things back to the way I wanted them.  I don’t like the fact the search bar is at the top of the screen and I want it below like it was in previous versions of Outlook.  I found a solution on-line and followed the directions a couple of times but it didn’t work so I finally just walked away before I did more damage.  This of course is all on my work machine.  Computers are great sometimes and other times not so much. 

It’s a very sunny day outside and tomorrow should be the same before we go back to all rain.  I’ve got plans that I am looking forward to on Saturday.  The rain might actual help but like everyone else on the planet the weather is the one thing we can’t control, so we shall see how things shake out. 

There you have it a combination post of two days.  Not really that exciting.  I am hoping for a peaceful week and am thankful that I am no longer on-call.  I think back to last Monday and the hell I went through playing catchup, so glad that is over.  I hope all is well in your world and that it’s a nice day for you.  Take care and be well. 

So so Saturday

Hi and welcome in.  Rudy woke me at 5a he was hungry but I made him wait, he kept begging but I just wasn’t in the mood to get up especially after the week I have had.  However, I gave in at 6a.  I tried to go back to bed but it was pointless.  I got up and watched some TV and then by 7a I was ready to climb back in bed.  I set an Alexa alarm but it never had a chance to sound because I wound up cancelling it despite dosing off a little bit.  I never really fell fully asleep but my phone started chirping and it was the work tone so I had to get up to investigate since I am on-call. 

As I expected it wasn’t good news an alarm for one of our firewalls.  I tried to login and it looked like my internet was down but it was just a minor hiccup and I got connected.  Not the way I wanted to start off the morning.  I got involved in that and it appeared that everything was up and I peeked at the clock.  I had to get moving.  Since everything seemed fine at work that’s what I did. 

I barely had time to down a breakfast sandwich and a soda at a local fast food place.  Then it was off to get my head shaved.  It’s not shaved as in bald but it’s pretty close.  I went with my ultra summer cut a 1 on the sides and back and a 2 on top.  I see my shiny scalp.  I know it’s gonna itch like mad (which has started already).  I am eager to jump in the shower and scrub away.  That will feel good but the itch will return as the hair continues to grow back.  I did this so that I can continue to just get up and go and not have bed head, plus it’s more comfortable in the hotter weather. 

After my haircut I went to the office.  I had a couple things to take care of and did that and bolted back home.  I was getting sleepy.  I stopped to pick up the mother load of mail.  I say that because I had more mail than I normally have in a while.  It was all for me. 

Once I got home I opened the mail and passed out lunch for the cats.  I got out of my clothes and jumped into bed with the hope that I could nap.  It sounded great.  Once again the phone started chirping and it was work.  More alerts which I just deleted.  Multiple people get them and if there was something seriously wrong I would have gotten a phone call but it’s not like I could do anything about it because our firewalls are in different states that I am not close to, so that means a phone call to a colleague so they could go hands on.  Anyway I tried to sleep but it was pointless once again. 

I got up and had some chips and a soda.  Watched TV in the living room and browsed social media.  After a while of that I wound up jumping back in bed and watching TV.  I tried again to sleep but my body just wasn’t having it.  I wound up going out for cat food and had BBQ for supper.  I really didn’t want BBQ but was in a mood that I couldn’t make up my mind.  Hopefully, tomorrow’s dinner will be something I can really enjoy. 

My massage last night was okay.  She really worked my left shoulder that had a giant knot in it.  My back has been popping and cracking all day long.  It still hurts and I am sore from the massage.  I’ve got 3 weeks to heal before I go back and we do it all over again.  I know the knots will come back because I spend the bulk of my time in front of a computer screen.  Wish I had a man to rub my back.  I can give a pretty good massage myself but I think it’s better to receive than give.  It’s a great way to fall asleep if you can totally relax.  Me and my late spouse used to take turns rubbing each others backs and who ever was getting the massage would eventually fall asleep.  Waking up you feel very refreshed. 

I’ve surfed the net, paid bills and the cats are after me to go upstairs.  I need to make the bed and then I am getting that shower and hopefully I will sleep really well tonight. 

Take care and I will talk with you all again soon!