At the office

Last night was uneventful, caught up on some TV and had a lot of time on my hands.  Mora hogged my attention for most of the night and I got a scratch on my arm when she decided to jump and claw me in the process. 

It was 79 degrees last night inside the house, I slept with fans on and left them on today when I headed out because it will be about that hot when I get home. 

Opted to try a new ice cream bar flavor from Haggen Das called Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Pretzel.  The coating on the bar easily flaked off which is fine but it landed on my shirt and the floor.  Mora really wanted it too.  Over all I’d give the bar a rating of 9 out of 10 just because of the mess it created.  The Churro bar is still my favorite, like eating cinnamon ice cream. 

Caught up on some drama at work.  My desk had plenty of stuff on it.  I didn’t pay close enough attention when I placed my calendar order and wound up with an item that I have no use for.  I’ve passed it back to find a new home for it. 

Learned late in the morning that my dumb co-worker called in but only by chance of sending him an email and getting his bounce back message.  I think he’s either got a bunch of stuff going on in his life or he is fixing to leave.  I wish he would get his act together but I have been wishing that for a long time.  I figure that if I have to mop up after him that I am better off doing the work myself, so I have kept a large portion of it so that I know it gets done right the first time. 

Had a nice drive in, cool morning.  Hope that the drive home is just as easy even if it won’t be as cool out.  Looking forward to seeing Mora and Rudy.  Rudy did his job and had me up by 5:30a even though I didn’t need to get up until 6a.  I just sat still and let him lay on me.  It’s kind of comforting as long as he manages to stay lean, if he gets as big as his sister I am in trouble. 

Hope that you are having a great day.  Thanks for dropping by. 

Sunday… The day that lasted forever

My insomnia kicked up again overnight from Saturday into Sunday.  That made me just want to stay in bed on Sunday, which I largely did for the most part.  I got up to feed the cats because Rudy wouldn’t leave me alone.  He had me up at what he thought was the normal time.  That didn’t help things.  I watched some TV and then went back to sleep. 

I got in plenty of cuddle time with Mora and Rudy both.  It was really enjoyable.  I kept thinking about the damn grocery store and getting moving.  I got up to eat breakfast and then returned to my chair to watch more TV.  I didn’t get to the store until around noon.  The place was packed but I expected that.  I’m thankful that I remembered to buy a sandwich for Tuesday otherwise I would have taken in a bunch of Smucker’s Uncrustables PB&J, those damn things are really good.  I never had them before but a guy I watch on YouTube mentioned them two weeks ago and I’ve been buying them ever since.  Grape is good but I also like the Strawberry.  Both offer 2 layers of Peanut Butter.  I just have to remember to get them out to defrost by placing them on the top of the counter.  In about an hour and a half they are ready.  If I am lucky and rush it I can get it slightly cold which is my preference.  I had two of them last week with a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup, took me back to days of being a kid and being home sick or a cold winters day. 

When I got back from the store I grabbed the bedding and we all headed downstairs to do laundry.  I was catching up on porn, paying bills and entering money I spent as well as checking personal email.  Rudy and Mora just lapped up being down here.  They eventually settled down into a couple old office chairs I have.  They would each get bored and go exploring.  Mora eventually went back upstairs and that was timed just right because I led Rudy to the door and Mora met us there.  That’s when I returned to upstairs.  Tackled trash and cleaning.  Then putting out my medicine.  A little bit of rest and then got dressed and headed out to get Mexican Food. 

I probably should have picked some place else for food but I thought of the salsa and chips, with the hint of salt and that just lured me in.  I walked in and they were short on help, as per usual but this time there were 2 people ahead of me.  They had been standing there a while and asked two people for help.  That just about caused me to leave but I stuck around.  Someone came up and said party of 3.  The lady said just the 2 of us, unless he’s paying.  I waffled about it while I ate and I wound up buying their dinner.  The waitress spoiled the surprise so I didn’t get to do my usual line of unveiling what I did.  Damn that was some expensive meal.  Thankfully, they didn’t have any alcohol just food but I dropped $60.  It’s not going to break me.  I got a rise out of them and they thanked me profusely.  Even told me that I should have joined them.  That would have been nice but it would have also been a little awkward.  They each had to be 60 or older and I don’t know how well we would have all gotten along.  I’m glad that I made their evening and was able to sort of surprise them.  My drink went dry and I wasn’t checked on regularly.  The ladies got much better service than I did but they also had a different person waiting on them.  Not sure if I will be going back to that place at least not on a weekend, even if the salsa and chips are the draw. 

Came home, thought about hitting up a car wash but there were plenty of crazy people out.  It was just a bit after dusk and lights while driving were clearly needed.  I couldn’t believe the number of cars that I saw with people driving pitch black.  For that reason I just wanted to get home and off the road.  I had a close call when I made the trip from home.  A truck didn’t want to let me merge on to the freeway but I forced myself and that caused them to change lanes, if they didn’t we would have for sure hit and I am sure it would have been all my fault.  Just glad there was no accident that would have ruined more than the trip. 

I am sort of looking forward to heading in to the office tomorrow.  Considering I haven’t been there since last month.  Just got the word about our holiday bonus that will be on our next check, as per usual.  It’s only a couple hundred dollars that they take taxes out of and write it as a separate check so that it’s taxed at a higher rate.  I hate that but just glad they are giving it to us instead of some cheesy physical gift. 

Still no word from my Thanksgiving friends and I haven’t made any reservations or lifted one finger towards Thanksgiving.  The last time we were together their pastor was scheduled to have some testing and surgery done.  His wife wanted us to meet up for the next holiday at their house, which is a bit more of a drive for me but I’d make it if I was truly interested in going.  I look forward to Sausage Stuffing from the place we go to each year but right now I am not sure that I will be getting that this year much less going out on Thanksgiving.  As long as I have my Rudy and Mora to snuggle up with I might be a little depressed but I believe they will be enough.  Still miss my Gator girl, more now that each day is growing closer to the one year mark next month. 

My day ended with getting ready for Monday, shaving and showering.  Then took a Benadryl and 1 sleeping pill, that was enough to knock me out all night long, despite having slept in.  I felt pretty good this morning despite having woken up a couple times.  It felt like morning would never come.  I also managed to get all but 1 clock updated and it still felt like things were off so I constantly asked my smart speaker what time it was.  I think after today I will be like that old boy band N Sync.  Yeah it was bad but hey I just had to use it. 

Hope your Monday moves along well.  My disk is still analyzing and were up to 74% done and 213 Damaged sectors.  I hope that this thing finishes today but I don’t think it will be done until tomorrow.  Then I get to find out if it will try to repair what’s damaged for free or if I have to pay.  Just as long as I don’t have to sit through another few days of waiting.  I am anxious to reboot and get back to a normal state.  Already looking at a new drive.  It’s going to be summer like here for the next few days and then by the end of the week we will be back in Fall.  Today and tomorrow will be hot enough for me to turn the AC on, but I will probably sweat through it like I have the few days we had last month. 

Ciao for now. 

Busy On Call Saturday

I didn’t have a solid night of sleep, but I expected that because I napped a couple times during the day on Friday.  I woke up in plenty of time to have breakfast at home, watch a little TV and shower.  Then off to the haircut store.  I wanted to get all of my running done but I lacked the motivation.  I grabbed the mail.  I got several bills and a check for $7 and some change from a class action settlement.  Guess the mail wasn’t all bad news.  I knew what to expect though thanks to Informed Delivery. 

I came back home and it’s a good thing I did.  First, I got an email about someone taking a last minute trip and they needed to have their phone adjusted.  Second, I got a call from an upset engineer who traveled to an office and couldn’t get in.  That’s because my dumb ass colleague swapped his card for a key fob and didn’t update all of the card systems.  I got that fixed pretty quickly.  I was almost back in dreamland when he called.  Then a long pause and I got to take a nap.  Had lunch and then waited a bit to head out.  Before I went I got an email from a different engineer in a different location that needed some additional access, which I gave them.  Wow, that’s the busiest on-call Saturday I have had in a very long time.  The day isn’t over yet but were into evening so hopefully that is all of the excitement. 

I made it out to get cat food and a Penguin treat dispenser.  The cats absolutely love the thing.  Play with it and get treats, what’s not to love.  Then on to Sam’s Club.  I got their Fall Muffin Collection – Pumpkin, Apple Pie and Cranberry Orange.  Last pack so I am glad that I made it to get them.  Couple cases of soda and some printer ink.  Out the door.  On my way to the line to scan out I saw the cutest boy showing off his ass and he couldn’t stand still.  He had to be a Freshman in High School.  Damn though it was a nice show.  I should have taken a photo. 

What to eat for supper.  Well Boys were on my mind so I went to the pizza place where they have lots of cute waiters.  Got to see a couple new faces and one old familial one, who brought me my pizza.  Good food and some hot buns, not a bad way to enjoy a meal. 

I felt so much better getting out of the house.  My allergies seemed to subside, which tells me that I am allergic to whatever this odor is.  It’s got my sinuses pouring and I am sneezing my head off.  I wish that I could get rid of all of the horrible odors forever but the only way to do that would be to rip out of the insulation and have new stuff put in.  Plus having some form of a new floor or carpet and the sub floor replaced partially in the kitchen.  That is presuming there isn’t mold present in the walls.  I think this is all old mice/rodent smells that come on with the change in temperatures.  It’s starting to subside but still present enough to drive me nuts and I hate it more than I hate life it’s self. 

Thinking of getting back on a dating app.  I really want a companion or at the very least a new friend.  It’s about company and not sex but if I can get both why not.  I am looking for the company part first that is what is paramount.  I’ve still got porn for the sex part.  Just really tired of being all alone. 

Disk Genius is still running were up to 118 damaged sectors.  I know I will loose data if it can repair them but it’s still running and were only 45% done.  I think it’s got easily a day or two more to run.  I don’t think this is a reliable drive and it’s probably time for a replacement.  They are cheap enough but damn I want to pay off the car, was going to get a fancy pen that is expensive and some other want items from Amazon.  Money seems to be the name of the game.  I’m expecting our holiday bonus on my next check but no one has said anything about them yet.  It’s usually not a whole lot but it’s money that will help to facilitate all that I want.  I was thinking about getting a cat wheel, it’s essentially a self powered treadmill for the cats but damn those things are a couple hundred dollars and then there is the size of them.  I’ve got a couple places where it could go but after seeing the cost I am not so gung ho.  I do sense that the cats get bored and could use some puzzle toys and other things to help occupy them when they aren’t sleeping. 

Well, back to the TV watching and lounging.  Tomorrow for me will seem like an endless day because of the extra hour.  I am adjusting the clocks in my bedroom tonight and then I will work on everything else tomorrow.  Unless I feel differently I would like to go out for breakfast, do the grocery shopping and then come home and tackle washing the bed stuff and messing with the clocks.  I wish I could find a decent movie to watch that would make me laugh and capture my attention.  I just bounce around until I settle for something. 

Hope you had a good Saturday. 

Disk Genius

Morning, happy Friday, hope that it’s a good day for you!  Yesterday afternoon I wasn’t having much luck with the manufacturers disk tool for my USB external hard drive.  I got an idea to try to use a competitors software but the competition is smart and only sees it’s drive and not every drive on my system.  Frustrating to say the least I just want a quick and easy fix for some bad sectors.  That’s when I started scouring the web and found a program called Disk Genius.  I’ve got the free version installed.  They have two paid versions and I think I will probably need to give them some money but right now I’m waiting for the analysis to complete.  It started yesterday afternoon and it’s still running and only 17% complete.  That’s the disadvantage to having a large drive.  So far it’s found 60 damaged sectors.  I’m quite surprised as the drive is I think close to one year old.  I got it last year around this time or closer to Christmas.  I am hopeful that I will be able to click a button and it will fix my woes but at the rate it’s moving it will probably be sometime much later this weekend if not early next week before I will know for sure.  I’m ready to just abandon this and fork out the money for a home NAS with a raid array.  I mean that is the direction I am heading with everything that I keep.  Sad part is that most of what I keep is just for the sake of it and I watch it once and I am done.  There are a few clips that are favorites that really do the trick and I watch those over and over.  Anyway I wait and watch as the computer ticks by. 

What the issue was that I have on-line backup software running and it backs up any files that have changed.  It’s trying to backup data in the bad sectors and ultimately after a while it tries and tries but times out.  The system is trying to fix things but that doesn’t actually happen and after hours of this eventually Windows crashes and restarts.  Then the problem starts all over again.  Right now the backup software isn’t running and my system has been stable for some 18 hours.  I don’t normally reboot unless there is an update or I sense that the system needs it.  I can go weeks before a reboot.  I’ve used every desktop computer I’ve owned like this for years, it makes it so much easier to get stuff done, regardless of the task.  Not to mention since I stream my porn my system has to be up and running if I want to watch anything. 

Yesterday I got all of the laundry except for the bed done, that’s a weekend job.  I ran a load of vinegar through the dishwasher to help clean it out.  Then I did dishes this morning.  Rudy & Mora had me up shortly after 6a.  That’s a full hour before I needed to be up.  Might as well use the time to my advantage.  I watched a You Tube video last night of what goes on inside your dishwasher, a guy put some cameras in a new dishwasher and everything was fine until it got to the heating up cycle, that wreak havoc on his cameras.  Never knew how hot it actually got inside a dishwasher but it’s well over 100 degrees.  I checked mine last night being careful to not let the cats see the laser beam or they would want to play.  I also found that my cold soda is 42 degrees.  I like it a little colder than that but that is decent. 

Needless to say I plowed through my morning tasks in record time.  I started well before 7:30a.  It’s a dead day thus far except for a meeting in about an hour.  That isn’t expected to go long but my boss loves to have these BS meetings just to hear his own voice and to be able to use the work “team” several times.  It’s like that’s how he gets his rocks off.  I can’t tell you how much I despise that word.  He’s used that word for years because it’s part of our work culture and highly promoted.  There have been many times he’s used it and it was me that did the work or found the fix but the “team” gets the credit.  Such horse shit. 

I’ve taken a break, just about to fall asleep with Rudy sitting in my lap and damn if the mower guy didn’t show up.  That woke all of us up.  I tried to go back to sleep but then the phone started so I opted to get up and come back downstairs.  Took a look at work things but nothing is brewing and I am perfectly fine with that.  I’m waiting for the afternoon before I venture outside to grab the trash barrel. 

Still on thus far for my morning haircut tomorrow but if the barber gets sick I won’t get a call until early morning anyway.  As cold as it is outside I want to re-think getting out so early but I will be fine.  I might not eat breakfast out but I’m kind of on the fence now.  Outside of that I’d like to get to Sam’s this weekend.  Need cat food again so there is another trip and of course the usual grocery shopping. 

Got swept away last night by looking at new cars, found a couple units that I really like and would like to see up close and personal but I was looking out of curiosity more than anything.  No 2024 models at the dealer yet but I imagine they will be showing up soon.  They still have 2020 models that are new they are pushing.  I’d buy one of those because the price is discounted but the damn things have been sitting for 3 if not 4 years.  That can’t be good at all from a tire/battery perspective.  I want new and have wanted new for a long time but thus far I am staying put.  Getting ready to make my final payment on what I already have and then I will own it.  I just hope that it doesn’t fall apart since I won’t have payments.  I want to tuck that extra money away and try to build even more of a nest egg. 

Here’s hoping that the end of the day comes sooner rather than later and it’s all quiet from now through the weekend.  Stay warm, be well and I will talk with you again soon. 

Laundry

Morning … nice day for me to work on some of my laundry, while “working” at the same time.  That’s a plus of working from home but I don’t often multi-task.  I feel an obligation to focus my energy on either home or work but not both.  Occasionally, like today I throw caution to the wind.  It’s going to be a crazy ass morning, my dumb co-worker called in sick but plans to return tomorrow.  Who comes back for just 1 day?  It will surprise me if he is back.  I’m guessing he got high last night and is hungover but that’s probably not fair since he could really be sick.  I know that my sinuses and allergies have been extra strong over the past week.  I’ve got that “unknown odor” back in the house.  This one smells a little like gasoline.  I am hopeful that it will leave soon.  Doesn’t seem to bother the cats, just me. 

I was quite bored last night.  Not that I needed it but I missed having my laptop within arms reach.  The disk check it was preforming on my USB drive got hung up and I had to start the whole thing over this morning.  Good thing Rudy & Mora got me up at 6a.  Rudy tried and when Mora heard me giving him a hard time she leaped up on the bed, pressing on my legs and then seeing the signal to come closer she landed on my chest.  Yeah that did it, all bets were off and I had to get out of bed.  It’s like having a 30 pound rock.  She packs a punch. 

I gave anyone looking a show walking through the house naked and turning on the lights.  It’s nothing that I would want to see but if I was maybe 20 years younger and 50 pounds lighter then Hubba Hubba!  Anyway, passed out some duck for the cats and then worked on my breakfast.  Treated myself to a glass of Chocolate Milk made with Hershey’s Dark Syrup.  It doesn’t taste a whole lot different than regular Hershey’s Syrup but I wanted to try it.  There is a noticeable difference when it’s placed on ice cream. 

Breakfast was good but over with way too quickly.  I still had oodles of time.  What to do?  Might as well play with the cats.  It’s claw trimming time, I got bit and clawed but they had fun.  I threw on my clothes and got my morning meds.  Sat around for a little bit but then decided to venture down early.  I looked at my phone and nothing was popping at work but I wanted to get started, that’s when I saw the out ill notice and knew that was probably the reason why I woke up early. 

I’ve plowed through my morning tasks.  Surfed for some porn and caught up on personal email.  Now it’s sit and wait for my next appointment or some task to come my way.  It’s honestly been pretty quiet all week long which is very abnormal for me being on-call but I’m not complaining at all.  I am enjoying the break and am eager for next week when I won’t be on-call any longer. 

It’s trash round up day again and I am so not fond of that.  It will suck to walk out in the colder weather but it’s supposed to warm up a bit this afternoon.  I will still need a jacket.  I was telling Mora that it’s wardrobe switch time and I hate it.  I am not a fan of long sleeves.  It will feel strange at first but I will get used to it.  Not a fan of cold or hot.  At least with cold you can put more on to get warm.  You can take everything off and still be hot and I don’t mean good looking. 

Time change is on Saturday night and that means that Sunday will linger on for what will seem like forever.  I am eager to see how well the cats adjust.  I enjoy the extra hour of sleep but still wish that we could settle on a standard for the country so we could stop this back and forth stuff.  I don’t know if there ever will be a true standard in my lifetime but then again I never thought I’d live through a pandemic. 

I hope that it’s a great day for you and that we can move right along into Friday.  I’ve got a haircut scheduled for Saturday, hopefully the barber isn’t sick.  I have plans to go out for breakfast but that will largely depend on what time I wake up and how I feel.  The haircut is early morning in the hopes that I will not loaf all day long but I know me better than anyone and can tell you that loafing is an activity that I enjoy and could do for a few days. 

Ciao for now. 

Man Candy - 7 guys

 

It’s November

Not sure about you but I am glad it’s November.  Were closer to Thanksgiving!  That a holiday I can get behind – eating something I love to do already.  I’ve not heard from my Turkey Friends (aka Thanksgiving Friends) and I haven’t made any reservations.  For the past couple years when it comes to this time of year I am ready to tell them to fly away.  If they invite me I will probably go over just because but it’s tempting to stay home.  I get tired of hearing the same old stories and seeing their clergy and the dog they bring along.  I liked it much more when it was just us and there was only a neighbor or two that stopped by.  Now they are trying to impress their pastor, his wife and their kids and it’s just gotten out of control.  This started as our tradition but has quickly become something else and I am just not happy about it.  I can’t really say much since it’s a free meal and typically it comes from a favorite restaurant, so it’s not like anything is going to be bad.  This year I am hell bent on just staying silent unless I am called upon, something I haven’t done in years past.  If it all comes together, great and if not well then aw shucks. 

I look forward to the grocery store putting out single holiday meals, that is usually good enough for me but their dressing isn’t anything that I truly enjoy. 

Another cold night and the neighborhood was mostly dark again but everyone was at the parade so no worries about kids roaming around.  The cats and I just sat around and watched TV, hoping that the phone didn’t chirp and it was mostly quiet.  There were a couple of emails but nothing that needed immediate attention, which I was thankful for. 

I’m still having some issues with my external drive that houses my porn archive.  I downloaded a utility to repair it but that caused my desktop to hang.  I wound up installing it on my laptop and it’s running there with no issues.  Very strange but there is more security on my desktop since it’s my primary machine. 

Had some Chicken Noodle Soup and two Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches for supper last night.  Not bad but it left me wanting more.  I resisted but I kept hearing a Churro Ice Cream bar calling my name.  I plan to have that tonight and it will probably be just as good as it would have been last night.  I see the scale starting to tip in the wrong direction and that’s not what I want.  I don’t feel lighter at all but 16 pounds is a good start for doing nothing other than not taking a drug that promoted weight gain.  My fear is that my sugar will be out of control and my doc will have me start to start back up on that drug but in a small amount.  It did a great job at controlling my sugar but since being off it, I have only had 1 time where I felt my sugar drop and the need to eat food.  I see the doc the week after Thanksgiving so who knows what the scale will say then. 

I saw a joke the other day that said the human body is 80% water, if that’s true then I am not fat, I am flooded.  I’m telling that one to the doctor just to see his reaction. 

It’s lunch time so off I go to eat some PB&J and be with the furry kids.  Here’s hoping that the rest of the week will be largely uneventful for me, not looking for any drama or problems.  Stay warm and be well. 

Happy Halloween

Last night I saw a gaggle of Trick or Treaters, the bulk of them had light up costumes or flashlights.  All were accompanied by an adult or two.  They walked the neighborhood over the course of about 2 hours.  At dusk I saw a young deer just casually walking the neighborhood.  That’s not something I typically see.  Deer in this neighborhood are usually out in 2’s or 3’s if not larger groups.  This looked like a youngster who got lost or went off on their own exploration.  People zip in and out of here and almost no one pays attention to the speed limit and lots of people pretend they don’t see stop signs.  It’s not exactly the best place in the world for a stray anything to be. 

I had the store lasagna for supper, I didn’t want to but it was the quickest thing.  Watched a 20/20 from a year ago that was on my DVR.  The cats had a late supper and Mora made sure they got their treats and of course cat nip before bed. 

Work decided to start sending stuff to me at 4:30p and I had a small flurry of busy time.  I kept my laptop on but nothing else came in.  It matters not when I just hate on-call in general.  I’d like a tech job where I could just go in work a normal day and be done with no ties after hours.  Every two weeks that is the case but that third week being attached 24/7 for 7 days does get old, especially after years of doing it.  I’ve not had a tech job where there wasn’t on-call but I have seen several people have them with no on-call, they do minor things and don’t have a major support role which is why they can get away with it. 

Speaking of work looks like I need to take a day and two hours to be compliant with our carry over policy for time off.  I am thinking of scheduling the anniversary week in December when Gator passed.  It’s cold as balls out, there might be snow and I wouldn’t have a damn thing to do but sit around.  I could go out to eat.  If I wanted to I could take a close trip like I did last year for one night, but I really don’t want to be away from Mora & Rudy.  I know they would be fine for a day but it would confuse the hell out of them. 

Speaking of cats, I watched several You Tube videos about cats.  I didn’t know it but cats sweat.  Primarily through their paws.  I learned a few additional things but that to me was by far the most interesting. 

Got a couple meetings today but thus far it’s shaping up to be a slow day.  I guess everyone is still sleeping but as the day wears on no doubt I will get a couple things thrown my way or so I expect. 

Stay warm, be safe and have a Happy Halloween. 

Sunday continued

After my blog post, we went upstairs.  Mora was sitting in my old office chair and Rudy was on the ground.  I pushed her to the door and Rudy followed.  I got him to go upstairs easy.  I told Mora to jump and she did.  Then I closed the door and pushed the old chair back to my office.  Then I joined them and we went upstairs. 

I saw the neighbors boy come out in sweats, I was wearing a shirt and in my underwear.  He just stared at me like WTF but he walked over to get a ball out of my hot neighbors yard.  He caught me by surprise but it didn’t bother me.  

Got my medicine put out as well as the trash and did my vacuuming.  We sat on the couch and watched a movie on YouTube called Starred Up.  It was a foreign prison movie.  I didn’t exactly get it but hell it helped pass some time.  Watching that I got cold and kept thinking about Wendy’s and Chili. 

I threw on some pants and had to go fetch some Chili, a burger and I talked myself into a Pumpkin Spice Frosty.  It was all very good, even if I didn’t get many crackers and I didn’t get hot sauce for the chili.  I wanted a Bacon Burger but talked myself out of that.  Finished up the movie. 

Then I went on to pay and watch a movie on Prime.  Called something like Suddenly Summer.  I saw a couple of old youtubers were in the movie.  It was very interesting and it took up the evening.  The movie helped to remind me that I was alone and how that felt.  I could have done without that.  However, I liked the whole falling in love process.  Yeah it was a gay movie and it kept my attention. 

Passed out treats and grabbed a blanket to keep warm.  Mora cuddled up with me and turned on her motor.  It was nice to sit and hold her.  Rudy was in the pet bed on the couch. 

Apparently cold isn’t something these cats do.  They both rediscovered Gator’s pet bed in my room.  Mora hogs that thing like no tomorrow.  I guess it’s comfy and helps to keep her warm.  Rudy likes to be in bed with me or sit in my lap on the chair. 

It was a struggle to find something to watch last night before bed.  I know I took a larger dose of sleeping medicine since I had napped in the morning.  I wanted to be sure that I was out cold.  I remember I found something that was talky, probably some stand up.  That did the trick I felt drowsy as the medicine kicked in, then I climbed in bed and it wasn’t long before I turned the TV off and passed out.  Rudy was with me. 

I woke up at 3a to use the restroom.  I got this strange craving before falling asleep for cold water.  I drank a bunch so I knew I would be up during the night.  Yeah I had some kind of a strange dream, fell asleep and it was like it continued.  Now that I am wide awake I have no idea what I dreamed about. 

It was sure cold this morning, I moved up the thermostat last night by 1 degree and that helped take the slight chill off the house.  When it gets colder I will move it up 1 more degree and that’s where it will sit for the winter.  I am at 75 now and 76 should be comfy all winter long, unless it gets down to the single digits which we would go up by 1 more to 77. 

Welcome to Monday where it’s boring and I am on-call.  I am trying to stay down here as long as I can because I know if I go upstairs not only will I wind up napping but then my phone will start chirping. 

Speaking of my phone I saw an alert from the camera app a neighbor sent a message around 10 something last night asking if anyone heard screaming.  I thought to myself why the fuck are you posting a message on an app, pick up the damn phone and call the police.  They are the ones that need to know.  Matters not if anyone else heard it.  I swear people just don’t have any common sense these days.  I feel like I am surrounded by idiots full time and the sad part is that is probably a very true statement.  If I hear screaming I’m calling the cops, unless I know it’s little kids outside playing. 

Thinking about milk and cookies for a morning snack.  That’s really calling my name.  I got some butter pumpkin cookies, store made and damn they are delicious but I have only had one. 

I hope today stays quiet it will make for a long day but it will help to keep the spirit of the weekend alive.  Last night to trick or treat in my neck of the woods.  Everyone will be at the parade on Tuesday.  It was cold and raining last night so I saw a couple cars but for the most part it was a ghost town.  I looked out as as I was brushing my teeth and my neighborhood is normally well lit it was pitch black outside except for a couple houses.  I think that same thing will happen tonight.  No rain in the forecast that I know of but it is going to be cold out. 

Think that Phil the groundhog will finally be in hibernation until next year.  The cats still look out in the yard and expect him to be there but I haven’t seen him for a few days.  Hopefully, he’s all warm and sleeping well. 

Stay warm and well.

 

Weekend so far …

Howdy and welcome back.  This is a true very rare moment, the cats and I are both in the basement.  They are both curled up in my old office chair behind me, sound asleep.  That is until I make some noise.  Every time I try to take a photo of Rudy sleeping regardless if he is alone or if he is with his sister, he magically wakes up.  I’ve taken a couple shots without him knowing but they just don’t echo the sheer beauty of the moment.  They both look so peaceful when they are sleeping. 

Yesterday I laid around for the morning and relaxed.  The afternoon I got a shower and got dressed.  It was just a dull overcast cold day outside.  We were supposed to have rain all day long but nothing here.  So I made my way to the bank, the ATM could read the amount on the check I was trying to deposit and after two tries I just gave up.  Then on to the post office where I had no mail and didn’t need to stop.  While I was there I used my phone to make that deposit I couldn’t make at the ATM.  I don’t typically deposit into this particular account via a mobile app but opted to give it a try.  Most every financial institution wants you to endorse your check with their select verbiage and it’s different at every place I do banking business.  I’m not a fan of that.  I miss the good old days where you could just use FOR DEPOSIT ONLY and print or sign your name. 

I digress, back on point.  I made my way to the buffet.  I ran into all of the rain we were supposed to get the entire trip (there and back).  I hate driving in the rain and what’s worse is darkness and rain.  It was starting to turn dark when I was headed back.  The food at the buffet was okay.  I didn’t stuff myself like I would have in days past.  I made two trips where the first trip I loaded up with Corn, Mashed Potatoes, Small sample of Meatloaf, Fried Cat Fish nuggets and Fried Chicken.  Then on my second trip just Mashed Potatoes and Meatloaf, which was really good.  Third trip was desert Bread Pudding.  I had a small family siting in front of me and they had a teenage son.  Damn when he stood up I got excited.  Small butt and cute face.  So I got some eye candy on my trip.  I think I was there for maybe 30 minutes tops.  Heard some lady say that she brought her 89 year old mother and they were headed back home, she lives further out than I do.  Just goes to show you if you have good food people will come to eat it. 

Outside of rain my trip also had a couple construction zones that I had to travel through.  Nothing too major but obeying the speed limit sign helped me, I’m familiar with the roadway but I don’t travel it as often as I used to and they had a couple of unique lane shifts that if I was going top speed I would have had an issue with. 

Back home to the strange land where it was a Trick or Treat night.  Tonight is the same damn thing and so is Monday.  There wasn’t one kid out last night and the cold and rain is why.  It’s raining off and on today so not sure if any one will be out tonight.  Tuesday is the Halloween Parade.  This is the only odd thing about living here.  Back at my old childhood home they do it right where you go out one night and do your Trick or Treating.  I never ever heard of a Halloween Parade but plug it into your favorite search engine and you will get a decent amount of results.  I still think it’s strange.

I stuck the kids fountain in the dishwasher and we watched an old episode of 20/20 about the Sheriff’s Deputy and Prisoner escape in I think Alabama back in 2022 where the female Sheriff’s deputy killed herself.  I thought they both died but nope it was only her.  Lots of interesting insight into the story that I didn’t know.  Then I got their fountain back in place with a new filter and fresh water.  Started watching an Andrew Goes Places twitch stream he did the prior day.  It was just opening Pokémon Cards which was boring to me.  He never even took off his shirt but damn he had a nice black wife beater on that showed his arms.  He’s really in good shape.  After that it was lights out. 

This morning I woke up early thanks to my biological clock and Rudy.  I fed the kids and threw on some clothes.  Made my way to Cracker Barrel where I got the rude waitress.  She knew my drink order.  If I didn’t know better I’d for sure bank on it that this lady hates me.  Not sure why I’m always nice.  We only had a problem one time where the kitchen didn’t cook my eggs right and they forgot my sausage but that was damn near 3 years ago.  I saw the hot guy waiter that has my number but won’t call me.  We never made eye contact or I am sure I would have gotten a hello.  He still looks fine but I’m still hurt by the fact he has never called.  I will always wonder why, I know he said he was busy but damn he said he was getting free time and he planned to call.  Well hello.  I’m sure if I asked again he’d have an excuse.  It just doesn’t make any sense to me to give your phone number to someone and say you will call but never follow through.  I only went to CB because I was hungry for Blueberry Pancakes and it was a change of pace from the usual place I go. 

On to the grocery store where I still continue to buy less and less food each week.  I am so tired of frozen meals, it’s been 10 years and damn I need to either hire a chef, meet a guy who can cook or just go out to eat more often.  Now which one of those 3 do you think will happen? 

Stopped to fill up my tank at the gas station and then home to put the groceries away.  Relaxed with the cats in my room.  Took a nap and then decided to come down and work on the computer.  I’ve got an issue where it reboots.  The restore point I wanted to use timed out so that wasn’t an option.  I am trying a couple other things to see if I can’t resolve this.  I feel pretty good about it right now but I felt the same way a couple days ago.  I only notice it when at night I want to watch porn and I can’t because the damn thing rebooted.  I stream my porn through my local home network it’s much more enjoyable to watch that way, I am more comfortable.  So, hopefully all works well tonight.  It won’t be until tomorrow either during the day or at night before I know if I have solved my problem. 

I’ve been working from home for almost a month straight and damn I am ready to go back to the office.  Turns out tomorrow I am on-call so this week is out.  I look so forward to next week in being able to go in.  I might do it more than once in the week but probably not.  I know that the mileage is a good workout for the car and it helps the tires to not get flat spots from sitting.  Kind of why I went to the buffet yesterday.  Gas mileage is coming in strong at 27mpg which isn’t bad for an SUV.  I am still eager to get into something new but I am in a holding pattern for now. 

Well the kids are no longer asleep behind me they both left me.  I need to get upstairs and break out the vacuum cleaner.  Not sure if I want to go out for supper tonight or if I want to stay home.  It’s a cold wet day probably not a bad idea to eat some soup.  Damn I forgot crackers again.  Well there you have it. 

Looking forward to tomorrow only to see the Amazon delivery person drop off my Cinnamon Cream of Wheat.  That’s good stuff!  Take care and I will talk with you again soon.  Be well. 

Birthday of not happy

Hello and welcome, thanks for stopping by!

Today is my late spouses birthday.  If he were alive he would be old today.  In some ways I am thankful that there are issues that I didn’t have to deal with but at the same time I feel like I was cheated out of time with him.  He’s only been gone for 10 years and a lot can and did happen in those 10 years.  Regardless, I know that he would be proud of the progress I have made.  He would be saddened and heart broken (as am I) to know that all of our original cats have passed.  I’m glad that he didn’t have to see any of them go but at the same time I wish he was with me when they did because it would have been a little bit more comforting.  I remember that last major birthday that we celebrated together.  I made a video wishing him a happy birthday, back with my first web cam and I also recorded his reaction to the edible arrangement that I got for him, it was over the top and he unwrapped it and the two of us sat at the kitchen table for 30 minutes to an hour just eating fruit.  Damn it was good but it was expensive. I’m glad that I did it and spent the money.  The memories truly are priceless!

It’s a bitter sweet day for me.  However, I am glad that I am the survivor because there is no way in the world that I believe he would have been able to continue with life without me.  Lord knows what would have happened to the cats, I know he loved them but I just picture him physically and mentally shutting down.  It’s something I will never know how it would have turned out.  However, I wish that we (including the cats) could have all gone together so that there would be no sorrow or suffering by any of us.  I am certain the cats missed him and to this very day I still miss him. 

It does get easier with time to deal with but it’s still difficult.  A couple weeks ago I had a sleep paralysis dream, that he died and I was all alone.  When I finally was able to break free and wake up, it was like waking up just days after he passed.  It was all suddenly fresh again and I really was alone.  Talk about your sobering reminders.  That really sucked.  It’s still kind of fresh today. 

My belief is that were all here to serve a purpose or a mission, when that is fulfilled then we die.  His purpose or mission is clear to me.  However, mine is not and I still wonder why in the world I am still here.  I’m not exactly bubbling with joy, no far from it.  I am miserable but just try to make the best of it.  Putting on a brave face and just sticking one foot in front of the other.  Going to bed more often than not hoping that I don’t wake up.  I don’t have high hopes for finding another companion much less having sex.  I think however long I am here it’s just going to continue to suck until one day I am no more.

Not exactly an upbeat post but it’s how I feel.  I don’t know if there is enough drugs or therapy in the world to turn things around for me.  Meeting the right person could and would turn things around, short of that unless I happen to stumble into winning the lottery I’m fucked and not in a good way.  Just feeling a bit more alone today than normal. 

Thinking of taking a trip to the buffet or at the very least a decent long drive just to get out of the area but not until tomorrow.  The most difficult part of that will be actually getting out of the house and moving forward with the idea.  I know it will help me even if it’s supposed to rain all day. 

I do hope that the outlook from your neck of the woods on life is 100% better than mine.  Depression and loneliness isn’t something I’d wish on anyone.  Have a great weekend.  Thanks for reading my no so uplifting words today.  Your visit is very much appreciated.  

Guy Candy

Catching up

Morning … Not sure how it happened but looks like I got pink eye.  I thought it was allergies at first but the itching was pretty intense and based on the way my eye looked I changed my diagnosis to pink eye.  I’ve got some antibiotic drops that I have been putting in for a couple days and things are getting better.  First thing in the morning is the worst of it.  Then as the day wears on and I get tired it starts up again.  Resisting the urge to scratch is difficult but I’ve done a half way decent job. 

I haven’t really been in the mood to blog.  Saturday I was at my friends shop from early morning until noon and had a good time.  Saw photos of Florida and got tips on a place to visit if I ever wanted to get away. 

Sunday, on my morning trip out I saw a dead cat in the middle of the road.  I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t have stopped for it, it was in the city right by a traffic light.  It made me sad I almost went to clean it up myself but instead I called the local police department to take care of it.  Better someone with flashing lights does the job rather than me risking my life.  Besides that the psychological effects up working up close and personal.  Even though it wasn’t my cat it still would have been much worse.  I’m still looking for the missing cat in our neighborhood but I don’t think that poor thing will ever show up.  We have coyotes.  Between that and the few sick people in the area I don’t think that poor cat had a chance.  I’d love nothing more to see an update that she was back home but people are quick to tell you their pet ran away not so eager to tell you they recovered them.  Later in the day I went out for pizza at the place where they have several hunky guys as waiters.  My eyes and my taste buds were not disappointed.  I was all horned up by the time I left. 

Monday was just a regular work day with not a whole lot going on.  I sat on my ass for the bulk of the day.  The afternoon picked up a little bit but not a whole lot.  I did knock out the on-call schedule for next year.  Just haven’t shown it to anyone.  We all get to work different holidays (which is something the boss likes) and I am hopeful that no one will have any objections.  Objections cause me to re-arrange and that is where trouble comes in to play.  We have 9 holidays next year, they are being extra generous to us and this is the most holidays I have ever seen in 10 years of being there. 

Tuesday was a day that I took off to treat a friend to a meal on his birthday.  Went to a new place that I have never been to.  Of course they charged me a surcharge because I paid with a credit card.  That’s BS and the cost of doing business but whatever.  I had a Gyro which was pretty good.  My friend had Chili Mac and damn I wished I would have gotten that.  Got my car looked at.  My problem is in the wheels there are a couple of flat spots.  I took a curb last year and looks like that caught up to me.  The tires had to be re-balanced they were not horrible but every little bit helps so I am told.  I don’t really notice any improvement but I’ve been assured the thing won’t fall apart, so at least that is good news.  I got a hug from a lady that I did something nice for a while back.  Every time she sees me I get a hug.  Hugs are so powerful and not something I get enough of.  I happened to stumble on a Gay Fleshbot Live chat session last night with Noah White and some other porn star.  It was nice to be able to catch the show live.  Nothing but conversation but it was something different to wind the evening down. 

Mora has tried to step up her cuddle game with me but she has to be in the mood or sense that I need it.  I am glad that I have to furry kids to keep me company as long as they behave.  This morning they double teamed me to get me out of bed.  It worked like a charm.  Rudy started early though at 3a and thankfully his sister didn’t join in until it was much closer to getting out bed time.   

Back to work today and close to 100 emails.  Most of which were BS.  My boss has had fun with meetings.  He sets them up and then moves them several times.  That’s aggravating but it’s part of what he does to juggle.  We have a couple meetings today and I don’t really look forward to them.  More BS to deal with.  I saw a couple potential chances coming down the pike that will cause more work for me and I am not excited about them. 

Hope all is well in your world.  I think it’s like 8 Friday’s until Christmas.  Yeah, this year is almost done.