Winter Weekend

Hi and welcome in!

Hope that you’re warm and doing well.

Saturday, I slept in and was lazy for the morning. I watched a movie “I’m Chevy Chase and you’re not”. It was a documentary about Chevy Chase. I enjoyed it. I thought about how good it felt to lie in bed with the cats, not having to be concerned about anything or anyone. It was just us in the moment and it felt so nice.

I got my new modem activated. I thought it was going to be a huge ordeal, but it went simply like it always should have. I disconnected the old one and connected the new one then opened an app on my phone and pressed a button that said activate new equipment and within 10 minutes it was done. I honestly was in shock that it went so well. I did a bit of surfing and testing to see how my speed was. It’s faster but I don’t quite see the 1 gig on my tests, it comes close though. If I run a test on my router or from the cable company those all check out and say I’m getting what I am paying for. I tweaked my network card on my desktop, it supports a gigabit connection but still even after a reboot, I’m close to 1 gig but not quite there. I’m at speeds high enough that I am satisfied.

I have a feeling this 1 gig service is the lowest new speed that they will offer. I accomplished what I wanted in that I got my bill lower but that’s only for 12 months then I must call back and beg again. I am sure that if I ask to go back to 400mpbs they will tell me that it’s no longer offered. What I have now is $105 per month – no way I am ever paying full price that is way too expensive. There are other options but all of those are cellular home internet. There is a new fiber company that is supposed to be coming to town, I hope they arrive within the next 12 months because I’d switch in a heartbeat. I hate cable company.

Anyway, I got a shower and headed out to run errands. First stop was to return the old modem. I walked into the cable company’s store, and you can’t just walk up to the counter anymore, you must sign in on a tablet. Like you’re visiting an AT&T store. Anyway, I did that and waited for a couple minutes. I was able to return the old modem, but the guy tried to pitch me cellular service, and he said that I could get a year free. Tempting as that is, bundling is what they want, because it’s more secure for them and you’re less likely to leave. I want to get away from the cable company in the worst way possible.

Next stop was to get lupper (lunch and supper) it was only 2p and quite early for me to eat but I drove to the Mexican place that I like. It was easy to get in, and I saw some nice eye candy. I had a decent meal, but service was horrible. I waited 15 minutes to get the check so I could pay and leave. My food came out wicked fast as always. I was stunned at the number of people I saw with no coats on. One kid in shorts (that’s the new in thing – shorts year-round).

Next stop was the tire store. Got my quote, $1,300 for 4 tires and 4-wheel alignment. Only $100 more than I expected. I still think it’s highway robbery, but I set it up for next Saturday. After I get my haircut, I will get to sit in the tire store while they do their thing. I expect that I will probably be there for a couple hours because they don’t move that fast.

Next stop was the cat food store. They finally had Duck in stock. I was tempted to buy more than I would normally get but I didn’t. I’m sure that it will backfire on me. I grabbed a larger bag of dry food because both cats really enjoy it. I’m always filling the bowl. It was a happy accident, but it worked out well. I had to park next to a guy with a monster truck who tried to double park. I really had to be careful getting out but my fat ass made it. Thankfully he was gone when I was ready to leave.

Next stop was the Post Office. Then my favorite stop of all, came back home finally. It was nice to be home and so early too. Unloaded everything and took care of feeding the cats. Changed clothes and got comfy.

I worked on laundry and taxes. I was pissed that Turbo Tax wouldn’t let me electronically file one of my state returns. They said I had an unusual tax situation and had to mail it. This year was no different than any other year, just that I made a little bit more money and got a decent amount of interest. I was also upset by the fact that the state that I had to pay was filed electronically but I couldn’t pay them until my return had been electronically accepted, which happened this morning.

It was late when I called it a night, 9:30p and I was honestly tired. Not to mention the cats were getting on my nerves. I was never so glad to get to bed but had to put away the laundry and make the bed first.

Sunday (this morning), I ventured out to breakfast and the grocery store. Mailed my taxes. came home and thought about going out later for something to eat. It sounds very good but honestly, I didn’t want to bother changing clothes and getting back out in it. Temperatures are still bitterly cold here. I got in my morning nap after the groceries were put away. That was nice and both cats were next to me. I got the house cleaned, medicine prepared for next week and watched the last of Home Improvement. That show ended rather well. It got me thinking about the past, when my spouse was alive, when we got married. It was nice but also painful because it’s another reminder that I’m alone, at least for now.

Came downstairs and wrote a check to the state that I owe taxes to. I thought about it and decided to just throw my coat on and go mail the letter. It was just a quick trip down the street and back home. I didn’t change clothes, went out in sweats and a T-shirt. The car had just warmed up when I turned the engine off. I thought about making a Wendy’s run, but frozen pizza sounds better. Plus, I can play on the computer for a bit. No schedule or agenda to follow, just chilling for the rest of the day. It’s about pizza time so I will be headed up to get ready. At least I am done with taxes – now it’s just waiting for my refunds to roll in and hope that it’s smooth sailing as it normally is. Fingers crossed.

Things are supposed to warm up here by next weekend, but it will still be cold just not sub-zero cold. Hope you had a nice weekend. Back to the fun tomorrow. This is the 2^nd to last week that we will be fully staffed. The old guy retires on Friday the 13^th. I told my boss that I hope it’s not an omen for us. I know it’s going to be hellish and stressful. I am not looking forward to it at all. Kind of wish it was me that was retiring.

Take care, stay warm, be safe. Thanks for stopping by!

Lasagna

Happy Friday!

Last night thinking about supper I didn’t really like the options I saw in the freezer.  I was thinking it sure would be nice to have some Stouffer’s Lasagna.  Then I found that I had some.  That was was I made and magically it turned out fabulously.  It tasted like the first time I tried the dish, but it wasn’t.  I really enjoyed it and wished that I had some cheese garlic bread to go with it.  Both cats came to beg as if they knew what I was having.  They got none of it. 

Managed to get the trash barrel out yesterday and man it is cold out.  I looked around and the snow looks beautiful but I didn’t stay out for very long.  I have to go back out to retrieve the barrel and it’s even colder today so I don’t look forward to it. 

I did some tire shopping on-line yesterday and based on everything I see it’s going to be roughly around $1,200 for tires.  Last time I did this it was $840.  It’s been a few years but I didn’t get nearly the miles out of the tires that they are warrantied for.  In fact I don’t think I’ve ever been that fortunate.  I didn’t buy anything, I plan to go to a local shop because the tire I wanted I didn’t see online.  I’m guessing it will be a special order, if it’s even still made.  I know the brand Hankook is still very much in business and making tires.  These were recommended to me by my friend and it’s what he runs, he’s had very good luck and honestly since I switched to them so have I, so I see no reason to change.  My vehicle came with Michelin's but the rubber is so soft it wears quickly and I went through tires like every 2 years, that of course is back when I did a lot more driving.  As for where I am at now, I’m in the yellow zone and I know I can go a bit longer but honestly I don’t like things lingering, lets get them replaced and move on.  It’s one less thing I will have to worry about. 

Scheduled a haircut for next Saturday.  For some reason longer hair has become attractive to me on guys.  I’m talking seriously long like a rock star back in the 80’s long.  My brother grew his hair out back when we were in high school and I remember the culture shock when he chopped it off and went back to short hair.  While I want longer hair I don’t have the patience to grow it out.  I go with a buzz cut something I have done for years.  Not super short for winter.  Summertime absolutely. 

I want to try a lot of things like longer hair or getting my ears pierced.  I’ve just never gone through with it.  I do have some fake earrings that attach via magnets and I found ear cuffs that I have worn.  I like the look just don’t know that I want to punch a hole in ear lobe.  With my luck it would get infected.  However, I can always change my mind.  I haven’t this far and kind of doubt as I get older that I will but one never knows. 

Yesterday workwise was a great day, it was relaxing and I was able to pretty much just sit on the couch and glance at my screen.  Watch TV and live life.  Today will kind of be like that for a bit but then later in the afternoon and even into the late evening I have work to do.  I’ve got everything prepped so it should take long I am eager to just get it out of the way so that I can start my weekend. 

Feeling pretty good, burns are healing up nice.  Still itching like crazy.  Here’s hoping that it’s a safe but productive weekend, despite the cold.  Stay warm and be well.  I will talk with you all again soon.  Thank you for stopping by!

Man Candy - Hot Guys to warm up to

Frustration

Morning … Yesterday wasn’t the best day but it also wasn’t the worst.  My aggravation started off with my boss asking me to do something that is all of our responsibilities.  He wasn’t clear on his directive and I balked back at him.  I didn’t hesitate I just mouthed off via email.  Once I got some clarity on what he wanted I begrudgingly took care of it.  Then we had our regular weekly meeting.  That spilled over to a special meeting and while that was going on we had an urgent request come in.  Like a dummy I jumped on it, despite it being the on-call persons responsibility.  It was a landmine – meaning that it required a lot of extensive work.  That took me right up to my normal lunchtime. My boss also managed to make sure that we have a meeting today and then again on Friday.  I have to talk to him every damn day this week, I hate that.  I’m ready for a break!  Hope he goes back to his normal self and gets out of this micromanage phase he seems to be in.  I’m sure it’s because of my older colleague retiring.   

While at lunch I decided to check email and saw that I had a bill from the cable company come in.  I normally just file those in the trash because I am on autopay and I don’t wait for that I pay early.  Well I happened to look at this bill and there was a balance of $5 which was a complete surprise to me.  Turns out they took away the $5 discount for autopay so my bill went up.  That sent me over the edge.  I paid the $5.  However, I called and demanded a better price they get what I consider to be an extravagant amount of money out of me.  I got a guy who’s goal was to try to upsell me and to “bundle” I had to tell him multiple times I’m not interested in a “bundle” just give me the best price for internet.  He came back with $55 and I took it.  That’s good for 12 months and my speed went from 400mpbs to 1gig.  That’s a symmetrical connection so 1gig up and down.  They are sending me a new modem which will be here in a couple days.  We hung up the phone and suddenly I had no internet.  I looked in the app and it said that my internet was “disconnected”.  Well I was working from home and actually just started a Zoom meeting.  I had to pivot over to my cell phone hot spot for service.  Then made a couple trips downstairs to reboot the modem two different times.  After 15 minutes everything came back up.  I was worried for a few minutes.  Once the new modem arrives I know that there will be another round of not fun in getting it setup.  They make it sound simple but it never quite goes that way for me, here’s hoping that this time will be different. 

As if that wasn’t enough Rudy decided to bug me multiple times for food when I had just fed him.  That was aggravating but I already know that I have to go buy cat food this weekend.  When I bought their dry food I thought I was getting the same thing but it was slightly different.  They like the new stuff so much so that I need to get another bag.  I just opened it on the 21st and they are gobbling it like it’s candy.  This morning it was Mora’s turn to complain about breakfast and I had to break open a second can to feed her.  I split it so her brother hog jaws would eat and leave her alone.  Then I put her portion down.  She looked around expecting him to come invade but he didn’t because he was busy eating his half of the new can.  She ate well and was quite happy about it.  These two are something else but they are my reason for living and they are what keeps me going.  I wish at times they weren’t around.  However, perhaps things will get better for me this year, I just have to make it through Winter. 

The guy who cleaned my driveway texted me back yesterday asking for my email address.  I gave it to him and he said he would send me a bill.  It’s not like he is in any hurry.  I really wish that he would have knocked on the door so we could have settled up.  I hate to have things linger.  I just like to breathe easy knowing what expenses are around the corner.  His bill shouldn’t break the bank.  I really am wondering what he is going to charge me.  He did such a better job than the kids I hired last year.  They had like 5 or 6 kids shoveling by hand.  This guy had himself and one other person.  One worked the snow blower and the other worked the shovel.  Then they followed up with salt.  I am way more impressed and satisfied with the job this guy did even if it took a bit longer to get him here it was worth it, at least to me. 

Thinking about the weekend.  I kind of dread having to get out because it’s back to bitter cold here starting tonight.  Need to hit up the post office and pet food store.  I’d like to get a quote for new tires but it’s not essential that I have it this weekend, I could push it to next weekend. I also have to make my usual Sunday grocery trip.  Those are the only required stops.  However, I have cabin fever and really want to get out of here.  I know I will go some place locally for a bite to eat.  I’m sure I will be cussing the whole way that is until I get warm.  The goal is to be productive, have a little fun but overall stay as warm as possible. 

The burns on my back are still healing.  Kind of drying out a bit.  I think the one where I popped the blisters might leave some scarring but that honestly doesn’t matter to me so long as it heals and I can be done with this.  I hate having to remember to put on antibiotic ointment, however if I forget my body does remind me. 

Here’s hoping today is better than yesterday was.  Maybe I will sleep through the night soon!  Stay warm and well.  Thanks for stopping by!

Down & Up

Today is the third day of something new I have been trying.  Come down to get my day started and knock out work that I have pending.  Once that’s done, do a little bit of surfing and then head back upstairs for the day.  I log in on my laptop so I don’t miss anything and unless it’s urgent I put the task off until the next day.  If it’s urgent then I just take care of it. 

This gives me a bit more time with the cats and also allows me to chillax a bit more.  I like it and the cats seem to as well.  Just as long as they don’t get hooked on it.  Kind of takes me back to the Gator Days where she would permit me to work downstairs for a couple hours and then cry her head off until I came upstairs to be with her and we sat next to each other on the couch.  Her comfortable and passed out in a nice fluffy pet bed and me uncomfortable hunched over a laptop screen with an aching back.  Ah memories!

All of my work for now is done, unless something comes rolling in and it probably will.  However, the rest of the day is nothing but a bunch of meetings which are a huge waste of time but hey I’m being paid to be bored out of my mind so I don’t know that it gets better than that. 

Saw a couple free movies on YouTube yesterday.  One of which I had seen before it had Chevy Chase and Charles Grodin in it.  The other one well can’t say as I remember.

I’ve had sleeping problems all week long.  I fall asleep fine but wake up in the middle of the night and am awake for a couple hours.  Normally I get up and watch TV.  Last night I just laid in bed and tosses and turned, eventually I passed out but woke up again.  Rudy didn’t exactly help matters when he decided to play and jump on and off the bed violently.  At one point Mora curled up with me and then a short time later Rudy came and laid down on top of me.  I just basked in the glory of feeling both of them close to me.  That was relaxing and I know that lulled me to sleep for a while. 

Another bitter cold day here and even colder weather on tap for the weekend.  While I look forward to getting out I don’t know that I will be out all that much.  I would like to go for a nice drive and once the car warms up and I get comfy it’s not bad.  However, something tells me I won’t be venturing terribly far at least that’s the plan for now.  I’ve still got to get through today and then stick out two more days.  I get to take the trash out tomorrow that won’t be fun. 

Here’s hoping for a boring and calm day with the meetings I have to attend being over with sooner rather than later.  May your day be filled with calm and sunshine.  Take care and thanks for stopping by!

Got Blown

Morning … I was hoping to get plowed but instead got blown, that is snow blown.  The guy finally showed up last night at 7:30p.  I had honestly lost all hope and had a backup ready to call.  However, my little voice once again said patience.  The odd thing is that he never rang the door bell or knocked on the door.  Just did the job and left.  I sent a text to him asking how I can pay but thus far no response.  I’m sure that a bill will show up eventually.  He did a good job and even put salt down afterwards.  Most people charge extra for salt. 

I don’t have any regrets on removing the patches/bandages on my back.  Things are healing nicely.  One side is still warm to the touch but I am keeping the antibiotic ointment applied on it.  Tonight I plan to shower and know that won’t feel the greatest.  The burn on my left shoulder itches like crazy.  I looked that up and it’s part of the healing process it can subside in months or possibly never.  I think once it’s healed the itching will stop.  You shouldn’t scratch but I’ve caught myself a couple times.  I have also applied ICE to help combat the itching, that works until my skin gets back to normal temp and then the itching comes right back. 

My boss called and woke me up from a nice nap yesterday.  I wasn’t the nicest person but told him that he didn’t bother to read the communication that was sent.  Once I did that he changed his tune and the work he had planned for me vanished.  However, that didn’t last long.  Someone wrote in about another issue and he pounced on me again.  Talk to the vendor he said, ask this and that.  Once again it came down to taking time to read.  I did that and was able to answer his question.  Then he came back with a please verify with the vendor.  I did and told him that what I told him initially was in fact true.  Then he wanted my take on it.  Also ask if it will harm the sun and see if it possibly causes cancer.  Yeah he didn’t ask those two last things but he did ask more stupid questions.  I know I responded to the email and shut him down but damn I can’t find it anywhere in my sent items.  If he comes asking I know what to say.  Most of the time he sends us on these impossible stupid tasks and if you don’t bother to follow-up he’s got so much going that it will drop off his radar.  My problem is that I am just too quick.  I don’t have time for bullshit so if you ask me to do something I do it and then tell you once it’s done.  I don’t waste time or beat around the bush.  Most of the time it works well for me.  The only time it is my downfall is when it comes to the bosses stupid requests.  Now that were going to be down a member I know there is more of that to come.  He’s got anxiety about it and that is how it’s manifesting.  He’s an overthinker and doesn’t see the trees for the forest at times. 

After a quick trip back down here in the morning I was able to transition to work upstairs and the cats loved that so much more.  We took in some sunshine together which I think helps.  I found things to watch or just to have some noise on.  Supper came early for the cats because Rudy kept begging me.  Mora got in lots of cuddle time and overall I think they were both quite pleased. 

I plan for the same today only this time when I go up in a bit I will make the move then instead of later. 

It’s nice knowing that I can get out if I need to.  Looking forward to getting out of the house come Saturday.  Other than that it’s cold here and will be for quite sometime.  Hope that you have a great day and are safe & warm.  Take care!

Bitter Cold

Morning … Yesterday afternoon I got an alert that our office would be closed today due to weather.  I thought it was a wise decision for them to close things up given the amount of snow that has fallen as well as how bitter cold it was going to get overnight.  -10 is what was forecasted.  It’s cold this morning I felt it inside as my furnace was working it’s magic to warm this place up.  Looked outside and saw another neighbor cleared their driveway.  I am really hoping that the guy I called comes to clean my driveway today.  If not I will have the struggle of finding an alternate.  Social media has a nice long list it’s just pick and choose, you have no idea what your getting.  Saw one guy saying he would clean all senior citizens driveways for free.  That was refreshing, most people want something in return. 

I had plenty of time on my hands yesterday and it was kind of nice to know that up front.  I took my time but accomplished everything on my to do list that I wanted to get done. 

Got my shower last night and wow the water did sting a bit on the burns.  However, they appear to me to be healing.  I made sure to soap them both up good and rinse off well.  Patted that skin dry and then dried off normally.  Got more non-stick pads and put on more antibiotic ointment and covered them up.  Did some research and found that these are actually 2nd degree burns since they blistered.  I might use my cupping devices again but there will be no infrared/heat I’m just not taking that risk again.  The tape has my skin itching like crazy so much that this morning I am throwing caution to the wind and I ripped off the patches.  Put on some more ointment and a shirt.  I hope that exposing them to the air will help with healing and get the itch to calm down a bit. 

I did get bored as one might expect with TV.  I watched some national news and focused a bit more on the ICE situation in Minneapolis.  Wow, I can’t believe that yet another person was murdered by the government.  That guy did nothing wrong and was trying to help a woman who was being barraged by ICE agents.  The governments take that he was a threat and looked to inflict danger is obviously all wrong.  An ICE agent can be seen in the video taking the guys gun seconds before shots rang out.  Plus the number of times he was shot.  Not one bullet should have been fired much less several.  These ICE agents they have deployed clearly don’t know how to do their jobs and lack serious training.  It’s only a matter of time before one or several of them get hurt in addition to the innocent American’s.  There is nothing wrong with Immigration Enforcement but do it with skill, planning and educated & well trained agents.  Not the average Joe Citizen that you just hand a badge and gun to.  It’s appears that these guys are all average Joe’s, that is HIGHLY DANGEROUS and NOTHING GOOD WILL COME OF IT.  I can’t wait until we get a real President but that is years down the road.  Meanwhile we have to keep dealing with the bullshit.  He (The President) clearly doesn’t know what he is doing and just wants awards, attention and to sew chaos while wrecking the White House and making it look as gaudy as possible.  Why anyone voted for him a second time is beyond my understanding.  You saw what he did in his first term, you can’t be surprised by the shit he is pulling now.  Why can’t we all just get along and live in some semblance of peace and harmony?  Minneapolis was fine before these thugs invaded it and Minneapolis is STRONG and the people WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS.  GOD HELP US, WE NEEDED IT NOW MORE THAN EVER. 

I don’t get political terribly often because I know that causes tension and it’s the last thing I want to do.  However, I just can’t sit by and not say anything and pretend all is normal when I am outraged by what I saw in videos from multiple sources.  Something is clearly seriously wrong. 

Hope you are safe and warm.  Have a great day and I will talk with you all again soon. 

Man Candy - Snow Surprise

Getting Plowed ?

The snow has fallen and it is going to continue for a few more hours and then we are done!  I am VERY GLAD that I listened to my little voice and went to the grocery store on Thursday.  It is IMPOSSIBLE to get out today.  I have a foot of snow in my driveway.  While I know that I could get out if I needed, getting back in would be the challenge, especially now that I am about in the market for tires. 

Yesterday (Saturday) I woke up early to feed Rudy, had my breakfast, and then watched TV and went back to bed.  When I woke up, we had a dusting of snow.  It took a long time before it started to really accumulate.  One of my neighbors bought an electric snow blower and he cleared his driveway in record time.

I watched TV and got some porn going on my laptop.  I surfed all day long and got quite worked up.  I also decided to give cupping another try.  That was a stupid idea.  I did not know that you could burn yourself from the infrared heat. That is what happened to me.  I got two burns.  One on each shoulder.  When I looked at it at first it looked like a pimple, so I popped one side wide open, that is when I realized it was a burn and not a pimple.  I put some ice on each side for a while and that cooled things off.  Then applied antibiotic ointment.  I put my shirt back on and just went about the day.  Before bed I found some sterile nonstick pads and some first aid tape, applied more antibiotic ointment and some Aquaphor.  Put the pads on with the tape.  Then I wondered, is this what it feels like when you get Angel Wings? Now my back does not hurt from muscle pain it hurts for a different reason. 

I had a nice release before bed since I was still quite worked up from all the content I watched earlier in the day.  Made it through the night and slept fine.  Woke up early to take care of my work testing and to feed Rudy.  Had breakfast and watched TV for a couple of hours before I headed back to bed. 

I am working on laundry now.  I’ve done some surfing this morning and got my desktop rebooted so it’s all fresh and ready for the week ahead. 

Made a call to a guy I called last year when we had a large snowfall to get my driveway plowed.  He asked if I needed to get plowed today. He’s talking about my driveway, but my mind went elsewhere because sex is always on my brain.  I said no hurry I do not plan on going anywhere.  He said to plan for tomorrow hopefully to take care of things.  I will be up and around since it’s a workday.  Last year his plow broke down, and he wound up letting me down and that is when I had to hire some kids off social media and got raped on the price.  I hope this is a better experience.  I never asked price, but I am hoping he will be cheaper than the kids that raped me last year, that is if he shows up.  I honestly do not plan to leave all week long until Saturday, but it would be nice to know that I could get in and out if I wanted to. 

Come Saturday I plan to get a quote on tires.  They are not bald but I am for sure in the market for new ones.  Braking takes a bit longer and I’d just as soon get new tires and be safe, even if I do wind up trading this vehicle later in the year.  However, I am thinking more like hanging on to this vehicle a bit longer. Kind of depends on how things go. 

I have been listening to the scanner and yesterday the trooper I rode with last year was working, he must have pulled a 12-hour day.  Lots of accidents and medical calls. Today is much of the same and there appear to be a lot more accidents.  I am not hearing a whole lot of activity locally, most of it is State traffic.  There are also lulls and I wonder if my scanner is still powered on, then activity starts up again.  This is for sure busy season for all first responders and telecommunicators (aka dispatchers). Kind of glad that I am on the listening end but kind of wish that I could be at the helping end a bit.  I’ve thought of a career change to a dispatcher.  However, my current job isn’t that bad and I can work. from home.  I could not do that if I changed jobs. 

Waiting for the laundry to finish and then I am headed up to put it away and start cleaning.  Then getting my pills set out for the week and by then it will be figuring out what to watch on TV to occupy myself.  I could easily sit in front of the computer screen all day, but I would rather watch TV.  I will be back in front of the screens tomorrow.  I’m going to get a shower tonight and I am low key a bit nervous since I do not know how bad it will feel on the burns.  I know that cleaning them and getting fresh dressings on will be a good thing.  They are very minor burns but still they hurt a bit at times.  Hopefully, they will heal up quickly. 

Hope you are safe, warm, and enjoying the weekend!  Take care and thanks for stopping by.

Man Candy - GAYVN's part 2

Man Candy - GAYVN'S, part 1

Snowmageden

Hi & Welcome!   Last night I did something I normally don’t do on a Thursday evening.  I went to the grocery store.  I kicked around the idea in the early afternoon.  Talked myself out of it.  Then as the evening wore on and I heard more of the predictions for snow totals I opted to get out while it was good. 

Turns out I was far from alone at the store.  Everyone was there.  Milk was starting to disappear.  However the bread rack looked like we were in the pandemic.  Practically empty.  I grabbed the only 1/2 loaf of Italian Bread they had.  Bread is pretty much bread to me.  I have some Ham I am working on getting rid of and fresh bread is a must when it comes to a sandwich. 

I was in and out of the store just as fast as I would be on a Sunday.  My heart was beating like it was going to fly out of my chest.  I did some fast walking to cause that.  Managed to spend an even amount of money, just like I did this past Sunday. 

Before I got out of my car to go in I noticed at a stop light that my mileage was 77770.  I thought to myself all sevens must be good luck. 

I pressed my luck on and hit up the post office.  Had a package of OTC Health Care items waiting for me and a piece of junk mail.  Then stopped at the gas station just to top off the tank.  I spent $9 exactly. 

That was the end of my luck, I was cold and just wanted to get home.  Unloaded the groceries.  Hooked up the car to the battery charger to keep it maintained as the temperatures plummet. 

I am all stocked up and ready to ride out the weekend and the next week ahead.  Not that I really want to stay put but it sounds like it’s the best thing to do based on what I’ve heard thus far. 

Latest is that were getting 2 rounds of snow.  One on Saturday and then the bigger wave on Saturday evening into Sunday.  It’s all still dry powder so if I want to try to shovel I think I might be able to tackle this on my own.  However, I will wait and see.  Probably not going out to mess with it since nothing good ever comes from me with a snow shovel.  My wrists get messed up and I wear myself out.  I think I am just too old and out of shape for that stuff. 

Watched FREE BURT on Netflix last night.  It was so good.  It’s a series about Burt Kreischer and his family.  If your looking for a laugh give it a watch. 

Woke up at 3a, back muscle knot.  I watched more Home Improvement and turned up the furnace a degree.  The cats took over my bed and were fast asleep snuggled up next to each other.  I looked at them and said they have the right idea.  Just wish I had a person to snuggle with besides the cats. 

I know there is plenty of TV waiting for me tonight and I look forward to enjoying it.  Hopefully, on-call will be quiet.  I do have to get up early on Sunday for some testing but other than that I am free.  I’m sure I will have some extra time in bed. 

Looking forward to keeping warm and watching the snow fall as I listen to the police scanner and hear other folks having a bad day.  Hopefully there won’t be anything major and everyone heeds the warnings that are out. 

Well back to my reality of work, it’s fairly quiet.  It was rather noisy yesterday afternoon with the Microsoft365 outage.  Were not on M365 yet but schedule to migrate this year and I don’t look forward to that at all.  Just because it’s something out of our control and in the cloud.  When it goes down the whole organization will stop and people will bitch.  However, it’s the wave of the future they say and it’s something we have to do because Microsoft will stop supporting Exchange on prem.  Just another way for Microsoft to make money.

That’s all I have for now.  Check back a bit later for some photos from the GAYVN’s.  I found them on-line this morning and thought you would enjoy seeing them.  Take care and above all stay warm & well.

Wicked Storm

The sky is falling or so it would seem.  There is a storm alert out it sounds like it’s going to be a snow packed weekend.  What I’ve heard thus far is that were getting all snow and nothing else.  However, forecast models change.  I have heard anything from 4 to 6 inches but again that can change.  The wicked part of this is the brutal cold that is moving in and taking temperatures for a serious nose dive. 

As long as I can get out to grab my mail and make a trip to the grocery store that’s all I really care about.  I would like to eat out as I normally do on the weekend but if it’s really that bad I know I can find something around here to eat. 

I really wanted to throw the towel in yesterday but I pushed forward after the meeting with the boss, I went up and passed out lunch for Rudy.  Then I cracked open a can of Chicken Noodle Soup for me.  Rudy of course thought it was for him and he begged me for it but I kept pointing to the food that I just put out for him.  Eventually he got the hint.  I enjoyed my soup and it helped breathe some life into me. 

I wound up moving upstairs for the remainder of the afternoon.  Sitting in the sunshine with the cats napping and my laptop in front of me was different and enjoyable. 

Had a super hot shower.  Normally I like the water warm but last night turning the dial a bit more to the left felt good, especially on my back.  First time in a while when I got out there was steam.  The doc that I saw at urgent care said to breathe all of that in it will help clear out the nose. 

When I opened the door Rudy came running in and got in the bathtub to start his drinking.  He got out and played with the shower curtain and then dove right back in and started drinking again.  He’s the one that has an obsession with my bath water.  Mora drinks from it now and then.  Not sure why I mean I’d rather have the bottled filtered water that I provide for them instead of tap.  Even I drink tap water and save the good stuff for the cats. 

Got woken up last night by some muscle knots.  I broke out the massager and sat up for a while to help relax and recover so I could go to bed.  My back seriously needs a good workover from a talented set of hands.  Nothing seems to sooth and provide relief like a good massage.  If I am truly trapped this weekend I might try a hot bath.  It would be the first bath that I have taken since I had these two and I am kind of interested to see their reaction. 

Today is kind of a relaxed day.  I’ve got a meeting with the boss later this afternoon.  It’s our usual touch point that is a complete waste of time.  With my older colleague retiring between me and my mistake making colleague I will be the one with the most seniority.  That doesn’t get me anything it’s just a realization I had the other day.  I know that stress levels are about to increase since we will be short handed.  There is a plan to replace the guy that is retiring but as I know from past experience that takes 3 to 6 months.  From the words I hear from the boss sounds like he is planning on 3 months.  Then you have the training process and learning.  Yuk!  It can be fun depending on the person your training.  I hope the new person is in an office that isn’t mine.  Not sure if we will wind up with an outsider or someone internally.  I know that there is some interest from other teams about moving to our team.  I’m interested in seeing what this does for the working relationship between me and the mistake maker.  It’s either going to bring us closer together or push us further apart. 

As I have said before I enjoy the paycheck but I seriously would love to walk out and now would be the perfect time because it would dump everything on the dick’s shoulders that has caused me so much pain and work.  That would crush him as well as my boss.  They’d both be chasing their tails and not knowing which end was up.  However, I’m staying put at least for now.  I’m kind of at the age where it would be painful to start over despite the temptation.  I do think I have a good thing going. 

If your in the path of this winter storm hope that you stay warm and safe.  Talk with you all again soon.  Be well.