Another new post!
Well for some reason I can't access the comments on the previous post. 🤔 Wtf? Anyway, carry on in the new comments for this one.
posted by Xul at 9:03 PM
Well for some reason I can't access the comments on the previous post. 🤔 Wtf? Anyway, carry on in the new comments for this one.
posted by Xul at 9:03 PM
168 Comments:
They have the same sorts of low skill people working in the kitchens there.
Surely there must be some legal standard they have to live up to? I don't expect them to be 3 star restaurants but the food has to be eatable.
I suppose, but the standard must be quite low.
Anyway, Blogger is acting up on my end. I had to make a new post then view it on desktop mode to be able to see comments. Idk what's going on but it's annoying.
Blogger is acting up on my end
Hm. No problems on my end, on my laptop. Is it only happening on the mobile version on your cellphone?
Is it only happening on the mobile version on your cellphone?
No, it was acting up when I switched to desktop mode, too. It seems back to normal today.
Anyway, yesterday I went to the park for my walkies. Today I went up to Wilton Manors to go thrifting. One thrift store had a nice cabinet, but it was a bit too small for what I want. Then I noticed that one of the glass pieces was missing on the end. It must've gotten broken at some point. Oh well. I'm sure I'll find something suitable eventually. I just want a low cabinet that I can put records, CDs, & books in.
I spent 3 hours out of the house. Traffic was awful and there are still too many snowbirds here. Every place I went to was busy. They all need to go the hell back to their states of origin.
They all need to go the hell back to their states of origin.
That would probably be bad for local businesses. Maybe Florida needs more locations for those snowbirds to spend time in? Spread them out a bit. :)
That would probably be bad for local businesses.
It might even out. The locals don't like going out when traffic is bad & everything is crowded. When the snowbirds leave, the locals come out and enjoy things.
Anyway, not much going on today. I was thinking about going to the park, but I got involved with tidying up the back yard and cutting down a jasmine bush that got too big. After all that, I didn't feel like going lol.
Anyway, not much going on today.
At least you got some work done. I'm sure there's more work to do? ;P
We celebrated my mother's birthday today at the rehab center. It was just a small celebration with a few family members in the centers' restaurant. She seemed pleased with it.
At least you got some work done. I'm sure there's more work to do? ;P
There's always more to do. Last night I was going to put up some shelving in the spare bedroom, but the bedframe that I had leaning against the wall fell and hit me on the back of my head. Luckily I got hit by the plastic wheel and not the metal or else it could have looked like a crime scene. Anyway it hurt like hell & I had to stop what I was doing to put ice on it. I got a nasty bump, but it didn't break the skin. I ended up not doing the shelf last night. I did do it tonight.
And I went to the park today for my walk & to exercise.
Oh, and the house flippers on the next street had a construction dumpster in front of the house with what looked like a portable wardrobe thrown on the top. I took a walk around there tonight to further investigate. It was indeed a portable wardrobe and I swiped it. 😎 It's a metal frame with fabric enclosing it to keep the dust off the clothes. I'll inspect it further tomorrow. I put it in the carport for now.
We celebrated my mother's birthday today at the rehab center...She seemed pleased with it.
That's good. Does she still recognize family? Good that it made her happy. Some people with dementia get annoyed at things like that (parties & gatherings & such).
or else it could have looked like a crime scene.
Could have taken a while for the police to find your body too. :/
I swiped it
Hm, is that legal?
Does she still recognize family?
Yes, she does, that day she did anyway. It was almost like a normal family birthday.
Could have taken a while for the police to find your body too. :/
Yeah, I'd hope if something like that did happen that at least one of my Instagram friends would notice that I'm not responding to DMs and perhaps call the local PD to do a wellness check. Two of them do have my actual phone number and address.
Hm, is that legal?
Yes. Anything thrown out next to the street is fair game. It's not like the dumpster was in the yard and I had to trespass to get to it.
Yes, she does, that day she did anyway. It was almost like a normal family birthday.
That's good. I'm glad she was able to enjoy herself a bit. Being in a rehab away from home kinda sucks. I know it sucked when I'd go visit QoH and I was only there for a few hours.
Being in a rehab away from home kinda sucks.
It's just very different from what she's used to. Lots of new people, "strange" food. I'm pretty sure that even without the dementia issues she's likely to feel uncomfortable to say the least.
I'll inspect it further tomorrow. I put it in the carport for now.
And does the portable wardrobe live up to your expectations? :)
I'm pretty sure that even without the dementia issues she's likely to feel uncomfortable to say the least.
Idk how they do rehabs over there, but here they normally have 2 patients per room, so there's no privacy. And each have a TV, so there's always 2 TVs going with different programs in each room. It's very noisy and there's always nurses & nursing assistants coming in and out. Like QoH would say, always someone coming to bother you lol. It's not an environment conducive to resting and rehabbing IMO. :/
And does the portable wardrobe live up to your expectations? :)
Not really, but it was free. I looked up portable wardrobes online and determined that it came from Target and costs $40 new. It's kinda flimsy & too large to fit anywhere in the house, so I disassembled it. I left a small portion with the clothes rack intact and put it in the spare bedroom. It's a little too low to hang clothes on without them dragging the floor, so I'll have to rig up something to the legs to make it a bit higher. Eventually when I get more stuff cleared out I can probably use it in its fully assembled form.
Not much going on here today. I worked out a bit and I put a pot roast in the oven for dinner. That should be ready in about 15 minutes. I have red potatoes & green beans to go with it. 😋
Idk how they do rehabs over there
Well, my mother has her own bedroom BUT one of the other patients (a man, I think) last night (and probably some night before that) entered my mothers bedroom and "pulled her out of her bed", as reported by one of the nurses, 3 times that night! I was so angry when I read that (there's a website for that that I can access). So this afternoon we again went to the rehab and I asked WTF was up (in a polite way). They mostly only had excuses, like a staff shortage, but eventually we agreed to lock my mothers' room at night. Tomorrow we have a "family conversation" scheduled with the rehab so I'm very curious what is going to happen then.
one of the other patients (a man, I think) last night (and probably some night before that) entered my mothers bedroom and "pulled her out of her bed",
Wtf? No bueno. I'd be super pissed if I found out that happened to my mother. 😡😡😡 I hope she wasn't injured. That must've been frightening for her. That's unacceptable. 😡
They mostly only had excuses, like a staff shortage, but eventually we agreed to lock my mothers' room at night.
That's always the excuse. 😡 But locking her door seems reasonable. They probably wouldn't do that here since it would be viewed as a safety issue in case there was a fire. 🙄
Do they not have the nurses' station situated where they can see down the halls? Here they usually have it right in the middle so they can keep an eye on who's moving about.
I always thought it would be best if men & women were separated in different wings or floors at those places. I know they don't put men & women in the same room, but further separation would be better. I'm sure they'll say it's not practical because of lack of rooms. 🙄
I hope she wasn't injured
She's 80 years old and has dementia and some other ailments, I'd be surprised if there wasn't something damaged. I think the experience was traumatic for her. Her blood pressure was way up today. She slept through most of the day.
But locking her door seems reasonable.
It also seems to be the only measure they're willing to take at the moment. That is, besides that they're going to look into getting more than 1 caretaker per department at night. No restrictions for the perpetrator. >:(
I always thought it would be best if men & women were separated in different wings or floors at those places.
Exactly what I was thinking.
Her blood pressure was way up today.
My blood pressure is up just hearing about it. It makes me so angry on her (and your) behalf. 😡
That is, besides that they're going to look into getting more than 1 caretaker per department at night.
That's crazy that there's only one person there at night. Here I'm pretty sure they have a night nurse plus several nursing assistants. When QoH was in Villa Maria (which is part of Catholic Health Services) it seemed to have quite a few staff even though I was told by a nurse working there who was part of a temp service that they were actually understaffed.
No restrictions for the perpetrator. >:(
That's infuriating. 😡😡😡 I don't understand the mentality that wants to coddle perpetrators. Even if the guy didn't realize what he was doing he still shouldn't be allowed to roam freely and be able to do it again. 😡
he still shouldn't be allowed to roam freely and be able to do it again
I agree entirely. Anyway my mother seems to have recovered somewhat after spending 3 days in bed.
My father is still worried something is going to happen though. I guess I am as well. I am not entirely sure what to do if something does happen.
Anyway my mother seems to have recovered somewhat after spending 3 days in bed.
Good to hear.
My father is still worried something is going to happen though.
Yeah, I can understand his concern. I probably asked before, but how long do you anticipate her being in the rehab? Here it's standard operating procedure to do 2 weeks in the rehab then send them home. If more care is needed then medical equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, & walkers can be ordered for the home. Insurance usually pays for the rental of those items with a tiny copay. Also I think insurance covers a professional caregiver to come to the home for up to 20 hours per week iirc.
how long do you anticipate her being in the rehab?
The doctor we had a conversation with about my mothers' condition mentioned a period of 5 to 6 weeks. She's been in there for about 2 weeks. She does have a better wheelchair now, I'm hoping insurance pays for that.
I don't know, I'm just taking it one day at a time. I'm getting to a point where I feel mentally and emotionally exhausted. Being an introvert, just interacting with people normally is stressful but this thing is a whole new level of "interaction". So far 6 weeks of tension. smh.
Anyway, how are things going across the pond?
mentioned a period of 5 to 6 weeks.
Wow, that's quite a long time. I hope they are doing proper rehab with her so she can get back home sooner.
I'm getting to a point where I feel mentally and emotionally exhausted.
Yes, I definitely know what that's like. With QoH, after she died it took me a full year to physically recover from the 24/7 bs involved with her home care.
just interacting with people normally is stressful but this thing is a whole new level of "interaction".
Yeah, I was basically winging it with QoH's care and letting the professionals do their thing. It's very stressful when you are dealing with completely new things and then the patient is uncooperative & combative on top of it all.
So far 6 weeks of tension. smh.
Unfortunately you likely have a few more weeks to go. I wish you luck. Just make sure you're taking care of yourself during this ordeal.
Anyway, how are things going across the pond?
Today I got out of the house for a while because I had to go pick up a hoodie that I had ordered from a store in the mall . While I was there I stopped in to the eyeglass shop to look. They didn't have anything suitable for everyday wear, but they had a pair of Oakley sunglasses that looked good on me and were also on sale. I probably won't get those because I just ordered a pair of Versace Biggie Wrap sunglasses off the internet. I asked the guy if they could put a prescription lens into them and he said to bring them in and they can take a look. That would be great if they could, otherwise I might have to start wearing contacts so I can wear fancy sunglasses lol.
I also stopped by Sam's Club and bought 2 fat rotisserie chickens for $5 each. That's one item that they haven't raised the price on these past few years. I'm sick of cooking so I figured 2 chickens would last me a while.
And then I decided that this Friday I'm going to go to an album launch party up in Fort Lauderdale. A metal band called Papillon is releasing their new album. They are going to play, plus 3 other bands. It's free so I figured I might as well go. If it's anything like the past events I've gone to it probably won't be crowded lol. The only bad thing is it's about a block from my old job and I'll have to pay for parking. We'll that and the bands go on starting at 10pm. I'm not used to being out that late, but I'll just have to deal with it.
I wish you luck.
Thanks.
I'm not used to being out that late, but I'll just have to deal with it.
Will it be dark at that time?
Will it be dark at that time?
Yes. Since the dumb time change it gets dark a bit after 7pm now (which I like) instead of an hour earlier.
My sleep schedule is all screwed up again. I've been trying to go to bed earlier, but I've been falling asleep around 2am. The past couple days I've woken up at 8am then needed a nap in the early afternoon. 😴 So who knows how I'll feel for the show on Friday.🤷🏻♀️
needed a nap in the early afternoon
Yeah, I've done that at times. It's not a good idea. What screwed up your sleep schedule?
What screwed up your sleep schedule?
I think it's my stupid hormones. I'll feel sleepy, but when I go to bed I can't fall asleep. When I finally fall asleep I end up waking up after 3 hours. Then I have to pee. After that it's sometimes hard to fall back asleep. My body seems to want a full 8 hours of sleep. On the days where I sleep 6 hours then wake up not feeling tired, I end up needing to take a 2 hour nap.
Last night I started to feel sleepy around 8pm but didn't go to bed because I didn't want to wake up too early and it was probably a false alarm and I'd end up laying there unable to sleep. I ended up going to bed at 11pm. I probably didn't fall asleep until after midnight. I think I woke up to pee at 3:30, then slept until 8am. I didn't want to get up that early so I laid there half-asleep until a little past 9am then got up. Hopefully I won't feel sleepy that early tonight. I'm trying to find the sweet spot so I'll be able to last for that concert late Friday night lol.
When I finally fall asleep I end up waking up after 3 hours. Then I have to pee.
Hm, it's possible you're just getting old. ;P
Last night I started to feel sleepy around 8pm
Sleepy or tired? Maybe you exercising too much? Or too little? What were you doing when you started feeling sleepy at 8 pm?
Hm, it's possible you're just getting old. ;P
Unfortunately, that is the problem. It's age related hormonal fluctuations. 😒
Sleepy or tired?
Sleepy. I wasn't actually tired. I haven't been doing much lately since it's been hot.
Maybe you exercising too much?
Nah. A friend of mine exercises 45 minutes with heavy weights 6 days a week. I only do 2 or 3 times per week and definitely not that long. I don't even lift heavy. I do just enough to stay a bit toned.
What were you doing when you started feeling sleepy at 8 pm?
Watching TV. 📺
Well tonight I'm going to that show at Poorhouse. I shouldn't be tired since I slept til 1pm today. I couldn't fall asleep last night for nothing. I think I finally did after 4am. Anyway, I probably won't stay for the whole thing. The 2 bands I like are playing first & second, so I might dip out after that. It all depends on if it's crowded and how the atmosphere is.
Watching TV. 📺
Ah, well that explains it. ;P
tonight I'm going to that show at Poorhouse.
Okay, have fun. :)
Okay, have fun. :)
Oh it was definitely fun. 😁 I just hate going to downtown Fort Lauderdale on weekends because the parking situation turns into an expensive shit show. If I was still working at bcpa I could have used my parking pass for the garage. I didn't realize that the city jacks up the price to over double on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday nights to $15. 😡 I thought they only did that in the A&E garage for events at bcpa. Anyway, both city garages were charging $15 flat rate and the private lot $20. I ended up finding a parking spot at the Habitat For Humanity store(free lol) then walked about 2 blocks to the gig. A lot of other people were parked there so I took my chances. Technically you could get towed for that since it's a private business, but I guess the actual business has to call for the tow truck, they just can't swipe your vehicle like in the old days. Since it was closed for the evening there was no one to complain lol.
Anyway, one of the bands, Illusious, was a no-show. The rest got started late, but they were really good. I had a fun time moshing to We All Rise who went on first. They did original music plus Thunderkiss 65 by White Zombie and Roots Bloody Roots by Sepultura which absolutely delighted me. I talked to the lead singer after the set and got a pic with him. 🤘😊 I'll email you some pics.
The second band was called Vember and they were pretty good. Kinda reminded me a bit of Rage Against the Machine. Anyway, I didn't stay for Papillon's full set. I left after their first song. I don't really care for their metalcore style, plus it was getting late & I was nervous about where I parked and whether I was going to get a ticket or towed.
I did have a great time. In spite of it being a hole in the wall dive bar kinda place, it was really chill there and the bartender lady was super nice. If I still worked at bcpa I'd probably pop in there to have a beer after work and to support the place.
I'm glad you had fun. :)
If I still worked at bcpa
Do you think you'll ever go work there again? Or anywhere? :)
Do you think you'll ever go work there again? Or anywhere? :)
I've been thinking about it. I'd like to know who from the catering department is still working there. The new manager that they hired just after covid was awful. I wouldn't want to deal with him again. It's always terrible coworkers who make jobs unbearable, especially if they are management. The work itself was relatively easy.
I also saw the the War Memorial (which isn't far from bcpa) has finally reopened as a venue after all the renovations. They had a posting for what would be a janitorial type position. They were looking to hire part-time people to clean up after shows. That would be ideal since there would be very little interaction with people (I'm tired of dealing with customers/guests) but they didn't post what the salary is. 😒 I'm just not going to leave the house for less than $20/hr.
It's always terrible coworkers who make jobs unbearable
Oh, some of the work also definitely makes the work unbearable. ;P
I'm just not going to leave the house for less than $20/hr.
I can't really gauge if that's a lot or not. What the going rate for janitor work?
I can't really gauge if that's a lot or not. What the going rate for janitor work?
I really don't know. I think the Florida minimum wage is $14/hr this year. I'm not about to start working for minimum wage. I was averaging more than $15/hr when I first started working 30 years ago.
Are you sure the janitorial type of job is what you're looking for ? It sounds a little boring to me.
Are you sure the janitorial type of job is what you're looking for ?
IDK, I just want something where I don't have to interact with too many people. Definitely don't want a retail job lol. Maybe they have some openings with my city's parks department. All those people seem to just drive around the park in city owned trucks & golf carts. I'm sure they get full benefits because they are government employees. 🙄
Anyway, the weather turned nice today. It was around 26°C a while ago so I went to the park to walk 🚶♀️ & exercise a bit, then afterwards I went to Aldi for a few things. My upper back & traps are feeling a bit sore now from doing inverted rows. 😕
It was around 26°C a while ago so I went to the park to walk
I wish it was that warm over here already... or maybe I don't... 26°C seems a bit much. Might be nice for taking a walk if there's a little wind.
So, I guess we don't usually talk about politics but are you not a little bit concerned about how things are going in the US at the moment?
are you not a little bit concerned about how things are going in the US at the moment?
No, not really. I just hope that the state of Florida does actually stop collecting property taxes on homesteaded properties. There has been some talk of it and I'd really, really, really love for that to happen as it would save me a ton of money each year.
Trump's policies are starting to actually affect the cost of oil after only 2.5 months. Gas is lower than $3/gallon again and that should start affecting the costs of a lot of things since the cost of transporting things affects the prices of goods & services.
I know people are concerned about tariffs, but that's mainly a tool that he's using as leverage to make better deals. It would be great if we could get more manufacturing jobs back in this country. When I was a kid almost everything was made here & the quality was great. Also people had well paying jobs. In my lifetime I've seen almost all the manufacturing jobs go oversees while pay has remained kinda flat and inflation going up. Unfortunately Trump only has 4 years to do his policies. If another Dem comes after him all of that will be undone.
LOL now I remember why we don't talk about politics much. ;P
LOL now I remember why we don't talk about politics much. ;P
LOL
In other news, I went to Poorhouse again last night because they had more metal bands playing. Nuby from Amenorrhea was there (also their guitarist, forgot his name) taking photos. I was going to say hello, but she disappeared before I had a chance.
Also Dave from Papillon was there & recognized me from last week. We chatted a bit. Nice dude.
I missed the first act. Usually the bands start at 10pm. I got there a few minutes past 10 and the second band Blistering Tree was setting up. I really liked them. Also Godrot was really good. The last band was Iron Buddha. They were okay but very loud. I had to use my earplugs for them lol.
It seemed like each band was progressively louder. I started out with just napkin paper in my ears. It was fine for Blistering Tree, then my ears were ringing a bit after Godrot, so I ended up switching to the earplugs so I wouldn't damage my hearing. I'm thinking about buying some professional quality plugs since I'm going to these gigs kinda regularly now.
I'm thinking about buying some professional quality plugs since I'm going to these gigs kinda regularly now.
That is probably a very good idea. I wouldn't take any chances with my ears.
That is probably a very good idea. I wouldn't take any chances with my ears.
I've been using the basic foam style that they gave out to the elderly people who volunteered as ushers at work. They work fine as far as preventing damage, but they also block out most of the sound. The more expensive ones reduce the decibel level while maintaining the sound quality. I've seen them online in the $12 - $15 dollar range so I figured I might as well buy some.
They work fine as far as preventing damage, but they also block out most of the sound.
Which is not what you want if you want to listen to music. :)
The more expensive ones reduce the decibel level while maintaining the sound quality.
I wonder if those have any other uses.
Which is not what you want if you want to listen to music. :)
Exactly.
I wonder if those have any other uses.
Probably good for lawn service people who use loud mowers & blowers all day.
In other news, the weather has turned nice again. Probably the last hurrah before hot & humid sets in fir summer. I might go to the beach ⛱️ tomorrow.
I might go to the beach ⛱️ tomorrow.
I will also go to the beach... the beach in my dreams. ;P
I do hope you have fun if you go.
I do hope you have fun if you go.
It was a perfect day for it. Zero clouds, 26°C, 55% humidity, and a nice breeze. I Parked at Anne Kolb Nature Center then shlepped my stuff over the bridge to the beach. The water was too cold for me and there was too much sargassum. I really hate the way that crap feels. Anyway, I stayed about 2.5 hours. I'll email you some pics. 🙃
I'll email you some pics.
That is certainly a beach worthy of dreaming of. Also, I can see the reflection of your phone in your sunglasses. It's a neat pic.
Also, also, I just noticed the Poorhouse pics. Looks pretty cool.
When you send pics to that email account I don't get a notification. So that's why I missed those pics.
The last pic from the set of pics from the beach is the Intracoastal waterway. I took that shot when I was walking over the bridge. All the water was very calm yesterday. There were hardly any waves in the ocean. It would have been perfect for swimming if the water was warmer (and if there wasn't any gross sargassum). Only a few Russians and snowbirds went in the water. The rest of us locals just enjoyed the sunshine from the sand. 😉
Only a few Russians and snowbirds went in the water.
If those Russians are form Siberia then they're probably used to colder temperatures than Florida could ever provide.
The rest of us locals just enjoyed the sunshine from the sand.
The beach (and the water BTW) did look nice.
If those Russians are form Siberia then they're probably used to colder temperatures than Florida could ever provide.
Definitely. German tourists also seem immune to our "cold" water.
Not much going on today. Tis the season when my black olive trees (which bear no resemblance to actual olive trees) drop all their old leaves and grow new ones. This year I've been using the leaf blower to sort of corral them in the swale until I can rake them up. I already filled up my large wheelie bin 3 times for the garbage truck to take away. I have a fourth one ready to go for Monday's pickup plus 3 more smaller bins already full. I might just bag up what I have in the smaller bins and take it to the dump so I can get the rest of it cleaned up sooner.
my black olive trees (which bear no resemblance to actual olive trees)
So, no olives? Then why even bother growing them? smh. Can't you get rid of them and plant something useful like maybe vegetables? You know, be more self-sufficient. :)
So, no olives? Then why even bother growing them? smh.
No olives. Idk why they are even called black olives.🫒 They look more like oak trees.
Can't you get rid of them and plant something useful like maybe vegetables?
At this point they are well over 50 years old and quite enormous. It would cost a fortune to have them removed. I do like the shade that they provide, so the most I'll be doing to them is pruning occasionally. And since they're on the swale it's technically not my yard even though I'm responsible for maintaining it, so I can't plant a vegetable garden. Even if I could I wouldn't because everything would get trampled or stolen by the idiots who live around here. As it is, there are people who have the audacity to come in my yard and steal mangoes 🥭 off my trees. Some people think they are entitled to anything that they want. 😡
It would cost a fortune to have them removed.
Can't you sell them? :)
Some people think they are entitled to anything that they want.
Probably NPD people. :)
Can't you sell them? :)
I couldn't give them away.
Probably NPD people. :)
Possibly. One time when I was mowing in my front yard this young woman came walking down the sidewalk yapping on her cellphone then walked into my yard right in front of me, gave me a little wave, picked up some mangoes, then walked away, never missing a beat on her cellphone. Un-fucking-believable the audacity. She never bothered to ask if she could have some, just barged right into my yard and took what she wanted while I glared at her. And if I said anything she'd likely throw a fit and make it into a racial thing. It pissed me off but wasn't worth getting into a fight. 😡
It pissed me off but wasn't worth getting into a fight.
Maybe you should put up a sign: "The mangoes are NOT free" ;P
Maybe you should put up a sign: "The mangoes are NOT free" ;P
No one would pay any attention to that.
Anyway, not much going on here. I'm having sleep troubles again. It's the damn hormonal fluctuations causing it. I did a bit of research and decided to start using my progesterone cream again. I had stopped taking it when I started taking DHEA. It seems that low progesterone causes sleep issues. 😕
No one would pay any attention to that.
Eh, you need to put a picture of a big dog on it. Maybe spray some red paint nearby...
low progesterone causes sleep issues
Seems to be the case. I'm curious, where on your body are you supposed to put the progesterone cream? And how much of it? Do you have to be careful with it?
where on your body are you supposed to put the progesterone cream?
Abdomen, chest, & inner arms.
And how much of it?
20mg. I get one that has a pump dispenser that pre-measures each dose.
Do you have to be careful with it?
I'm supposed to use it for the last 2 weeks of my monthly cycle. The one I get is derived from wild yam, so it's not a synthetic and doesn't require a prescription. It seems pretty safe to use. I didn't seem to have any adverse effects the last time I was using it. I only stopped because I started taking DHEA and I didn't know if there would be any negative effects if I was taking it all at once.
I'm supposed to use it for the last 2 weeks of my monthly cycle.
Every month? Until the end of your menopause? That could be for like 7 to 10 years? :/
Every month? Until the end of your menopause?
Until I croak! 😉🤣
It's not much trouble at all. I just put it on like lotion at night. It probably takes all of 30 seconds.
Anyway, I went out to the mall earlier today to pick up a pair of pants that I had ordered online. They were 60% off which made them $20, then I had 2 $5 coupons that I used. So I only paid $10. I was concerned if they were going to fit since they are skinny jeans and the reviews online said they were extra tight. Anyway, I tried them on when I got home and they are very tight, but they have enough elastic in the material to make them stretch enough to fit me. And they fit like low-rise pants, so there's no problem with fitting over my fat belly.
So I only paid $10
Nice. :)
so there's no problem with fitting over my fat belly.
Have you been skipping belly day? ;P
Have you been skipping belly day? ;P
Actually I have been ever since I got diagnosed with the fibroid. But now I'm thinking maybe I should start doing ab exercises again. It probably wouldn't hurt.
Actually I have been ever since I got diagnosed with the fibroid.
Did you think it would annoy the fibroid? :)
I suppose you can always ask your doctor if it's okay to do ab exercises.
Did you think it would annoy the fibroid? :)
For a while I was having abdominal pains and I didn't want to exacerbate things. Then I got out of the habit of doing ab exercises. I really need to start again.
I really need to start again.
What's the situation so far? Do you actually have a belly that sticks out or is it just a normal belly?
Do you actually have a belly that sticks out or is it just a normal belly?
At its worst it looked like I was 7 or 8 months pregnant. And it was very hard. I think it's mainly water retention, but some of it could be fat. What's annoying is I've never held fat in my belly in my entire life. I always got bigger in my ass & legs whenever I gained weight before. Now all this perimenopause hormone fluctuation is causing this crap.
What's crazy is I started using the progesterone cream again 3 days ago and I'm already down 2 pounds on the scale. That's obviously water weight. And my belly is also visibly smaller.
At its worst it looked like I was 7 or 8 months pregnant. And it was very hard.
When was that and how long did it go on for? I mean, it sounds serious enough to warrant a visit to a doctor. I hope the swelling has gone down by now.
And my belly is also visibly smaller.
Okay, I guess that's a good sign. Maybe you need more fiber in your diet?
When was that and how long did it go on for?
It started before QoH died. Back then, I figured it was the stress of dealing with her plus getting no sleep that was causing my cortisol to be high and making me put on weight there. But it didn't get smaller after she died and the source of my stress went away. I think the worst it got was back in October.
it sounds serious enough to warrant a visit to a doctor.
I'm not going to pay a doctor to tell me that it's hormonal & normal for my age. I can find all that info on the internet for free.
I hope the swelling has gone down by now.
It's probably half of what it was, but still too big for my liking. I had a relatively flat stomach most of my life. I'm not liking the Buddha look.
Maybe you need more fiber in your diet?
I think I'm okay in that area. I usually have a good 💩 every day. 😉
I'm not going to pay a doctor to tell me that it's hormonal & normal for my age.
Well, no, you go there to make sure it's not something else. :)
It's probably half of what it was, but still too big for my liking.
So, it took 2 years or so to shrink to half its' size?
So, it took 2 years or so to shrink to half its' size?
No, it took about 7 months to shrink down to half of what it was. I think there's a direct correlation to the DHEA I'm taking. I started taking that 8 months ago.
it took about 7 months to shrink down to half of what it was.
That still seems like a long time. :/
That still seems like a long time. :/
Yeah, but it took months & months to get that way. Nothing ever happens as fast as we'd like. 😩
In other news, I wanted to buy a small kayak that was on sale at Sam's Club yesterday, but when I went there I couldn't find any in the store. I asked an employee who looked it up and it said it was an online only purchase on their website. The sale flyer that they sent me didn't say that. 🤨 If I had known that I wouldn't have bothered going because 1) I wanted to see how large it was & if it could handle someone my size, and 2) it was $30 off making it $80 which would have been a good deal if it was in the store. But since it was an online purchase there is a shipping fee which pretty much wiped out the discounted price. 😩 Anyway, they have kayaks that are similar at the Walmart near my house for $106. I'll just go over there and take a look. If they can handle someone my size then I'll just buy it there. The price comes out almost the same, but at least I can look at it first to see if I like it.
I wanted to buy a small kayak
I guess you already have locations in mind where you would like to go kayaking?
I guess you already have locations in mind where you would like to go kayaking?
Yes. There is a nice place to kayak at Anne Kolb Nature Center/Westlake Park. The way the park is, there's no boat access and the water is fairly shallow, so I don't have to worry about getting capsized by waves from boats. There is a similar thing at Oleta River State Park which is a bit closer to my house, but I'd have to pay $4 to get in since it's a state park.
I have a friend who lives in Tampa (which is about a 4 hour drive from where I live). We were talking about renting a cabin at Myakka River State Park in the fall (near Sarasota). That's another state park that has kayaking areas. I hope that actually happens. It would be lots of fun. That particular park has some really cool things like a suspended bridge on one of the hiking trails.
I don't have to worry about getting capsized by waves from boats.
What about crocodiles and/or alligators?
What about crocodiles and/or alligators?
That's always in the realm of possibility since this *is* Florida, but I've never seen any alligators or other large aquatic creatures in the mangrove areas near my house that I'd go to to kayak. Now, Myakka River is a different story. I think there are alligators there.
Anyway, I had an appointment with the bank this morning to tweak an investment that I have, then afterward I went to Walmart to look at the kayak. They only had one on display up on the top shelf in the sporting goods department. It looked a little small, so I didn't buy it. Hopefully I'll be able to find one that's the right size and a good price at some point in the near future.
Myakka River is a different story. I think there are alligators there.
I'll have to remember to avoid that place. :)
I'll have to remember to avoid that place. :)
A good rule of thumb for Florida is if there's water there's probably an alligator or some other nasty bitey thing in it. 😁
Not much going on here. I did some birthday laundry and a sink full of birthday dishes earlier. I wanted something sweet but was too lazy to bake a cake so I just made some chocolate chip pancakes & some blueberry pancakes.🥞😋 And then I ate some with real maple 🍁 syrup on them. 🙂
A good rule of thumb for Florida is if there's water there's probably an alligator or some other nasty bitey thing in it.
Q.E.D.: Woman killed by alligator during couple canoe trip :O
I did some birthday laundry and a sink full of birthday dishes earlier.
Oh crap, I forgot your birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Xul. ;)
Woman killed by alligator during couple canoe trip
😲 Wow, an 11 foot long gator is huge. How the hell did they not see it then canoe over the top of it? 🤦🏻♀️ People are really dumb to be canoeing in that area. It's infested with huge alligators.
Oh crap, I forgot your birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Xul. ;)
Thank you, thank you. I can't believe I'm 49. I don't feel it at all. My brain thinks I'm much younger lol.
I can't believe I'm 49
Yeah.. I suspect most people don't feel as old as their age suggests. For most their graying hair is a sign of them aging but that's not really an indication in your case. For me it's mostly the bags under my eyes (but I can just tell myself that's because of all the stress :) ).
For most their graying hair is a sign of them aging but that's not really an indication in your case.
I've been growing my hair's natural color out for the past 3 years. It's now salt and pepper to the point that it looks like pewter or steel grey. I think it looks cool af, but it does give away my age. (A lady at the last metal show complimented the color.) If I still colored it dark brown, no one would ever guess that I'm 49. I don't have any crows feet or bags under my eyes and no wrinkles. I'm thankful that my parents didn't seem to have the wrinkle genes. We just get a bit of sag around the jowls. :/
Oh, I guess I didn't tell you that I dip dyed the ends of my hair a cherry red color (which looks more of a cranberry once it's on) about 2 weeks ago. It's similar to the way Ozzy Osborne used to do his. I used a semi-permanent color so if I didn't like it then it would come out after a few washes. I ended up liking the look and did a touch-up a week ago. 😎
For me it's mostly the bags under my eyes (but I can just tell myself that's because of all the stress :) )
Well stress will contribute to that. :/
We just get a bit of sag around the jowls.
Hm, I don't think there's much you can do about that. Maybe smiling a lot would a good exercise for it? :)
I ended up liking the look and did a touch-up a week ago.
It does sound fun.
Maybe smiling a lot would a good exercise for it? :)
My mom used to tell me about when Jack LaLanne was on TV years ago and he'd do a bunch of weird facial expressions as a form of exercise for the face muscles. She said everyone would just sit & watch instead of doing it along with him. 🤣
Anyway, since I didn't buy myself that kayak for my birthday I think I'll go out to Poorhouse tonight as a little treat. They have a punk rock vs metal battle of the bands going on, and the best part about that place is they never charge to see the bands play.
I think I'll go out to Poorhouse tonight as a little treat.
Nice. I hope you have fun. :)
Nice. I hope you have fun. :)
Yes, I had a good time. I was there 4 hours. I wore my Amenorrhea shirt and ran into Nuby & Josh from that band lol. She was like, 'Hey! Who's that wearing my shirt?!' 🤣 Then we chatted a bit. She's really nice. I told her I was celebrating my 49th birthday and she said there's no way in hell I look 49. 😁😎
I told her I was celebrating my 49th birthday and she said there's no way in hell I look 49.
That is nice of her to just tell you the truth. ;)
That is nice of her to just tell you the truth. ;)
Absolutely 😜
Not much going on today. I managed to go to bed a bit before 2am last night, but I woke up at 7am to pee then I didn't feel sleepy enough to go back to bed. I ended up walking to the grocery store for a few things around 8:15 and got back at 8:35. At 10am I was feeling sleepy again so I went back to bed and slept 4 more hours. I'm really tired of this fucked up sleep pattern. :/
Anyway, one of the bands that played on Saturday night has another gig at a little gamer tavern in Oakland Park in a couple of weeks. I think I'll go & check it out. They have free parking & free video games so that's very enticing. And it's across the street from Funky Buddha brewery so I know exactly where it is.
I'm really tired of this fucked up sleep pattern.
Maybe don't go back to bed during the day?
Maybe don't go back to bed during the day?
I did that yesterday and today, but I also managed to get a full 6 hours of sleep before I woke up, so I wasn't exhausted.
In other news I went to Aldi today and spent a lot more money than I was planning to lol. They had a few different cuts of beef at good prices so I bought 2 packages of skirt steaks, one sirloin roast, and a tenderloin. The skirt steaks were grass fed which made the deal even better. I also bought burger patties, hot dogs, pork sausage, and some ground turkey. I put all of it in the freezer, now I won't have to shop for a while (at least for meat). I also bought strawberries, blueberries, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, and genuine Brussels sprouts from Belgium lol. Oh, and cheeses & sour cream. I eat very well. 😁
I eat very well.
Very good.
Well, I had a talk with people form the local housing foundation. I need to make some kind of arrangement with them so that I won't be homeless if both my parents move out of the house they're currently renting. I am wondering what will come of this. :/
I need to make some kind of arrangement with them so that I won't be homeless if both my parents move out of the house they're currently renting.
😯
Yeah, being homeless would not be good. I didn't know your parents rented. I thought they owned the house you live in. Would your parents be moving into some sort of assisted living if they moved out? And where would you go?
I thought they owned the house you live in.
Nah, my parents have never owned a house. They just never had the money, I think.
Would your parents be moving into some sort of assisted living if they moved out?
Yes. We're currently working to get my mother moved out of the rehab place to a permanent home for senior citizens with dementia. My father will remain living at home. He does have Parkinson's and is being treated for bladder cancer. The future is uncertain.
And where would you go?
Well, hopefully I'll be able to stay living in the house my parents are currently renting. If not, then hopefully I'll be able to live somewhere in my town. Maybe in a small rented apartment.
Nah, my parents have never owned a house. They just never had the money, I think.
Wow 😲
Back when my parents bought the house that I'm living in, houses were relatively affordable on a single income. Now I don't think anything is affordable even if there's a double income. Prices are completely insane now. Even rental prices are unaffordable. If it wasn't for the fact that I inherited what I have, all I could afford would be a cardboard box.
Wow 😲
I think it's partly a cultural thing in that my grandparents also had to rent plus loaning money to buy a house was seen as a risky thing to do. I suppose that when you're poor you don't like to take risks with money.
all I could afford would be a cardboard box.
At least the rent would be low. ;P
loaning money to buy a house was seen as a risky thing to do.
Back when my parents bought, they got a 30 year mortgage at a fixed rate. The payments were quite low, much lower than rent. Until recently buying and having a mortgage was always cheaper than renting.
I suppose that when you're poor you don't like to take risks with money.
True. My parents never had a lot of money. Everything went to pay bills with very little left over for anything other than necessities. We never ate out or spent money on amusements. The only vacations we did were the 2 day trips to Disney World. Back then tickets were cheap and you could get a hotel room for like $25/night. And my mom always brought a big cooler with food so we wouldn't have to spend money to eat at a restaurant.
Well, today we got official permission to move my mother to a home for senior citizens with dementia. Now all we have to do is discuss the details of the whole thing with the people from the home we prefer. And then of course move my mother to her room there after having done some interior decorating to make it look nice and comfy. It's not ideal, I wish we could have put both my parents in such a home, keep them together more or less as they have been for over 60 years. There is a chance we an still make that happen. But we'll see.
I wish we could have put both my parents in such a home, keep them together more or less
Yeah, that would be ideal. Unfortunately I think they dole out the spaces in care homes based on who has the most need. But yeah, it would be great if your parents could be kept together.
I think they dole out the spaces in care homes based on who has the most need.
Basically, yes. Maybe when we get some decent robotic caretakers things will change. :/
Maybe when we get some decent robotic caretakers things will change. :/
I think you're right about that.
Anyhoo, not much going on here. It's Memorial Day weekend, so I suppose Monday is a holiday. It doesn't matter to me since I'm off every day. 😉
It is also hot so I'm staying indoors and enjoying my AC. I've been trying some new things in the exercise department. I added band assisted chin-ups & unassisted eccentric chin-ups to my repertoire. I can hold the top position for about 10 seconds. I surprised myself and actually pulled myself up unassisted from the midway point to the top position twice. Being able to do full unassisted pull-ups is my goal.
Being able to do full unassisted pull-ups is my goal.
I think I remember being able to to that as a child or maybe as a teenager. I don't think I could do it now.
I can get my chin up though. And it's down again. ;P
I think I remember being able to to that as a child or maybe as a teenager.
Unfortunately I don't have that natural bro strength. 😕
I don't think I could do it now.
Yeah, adult weight doesn't help lol
Anyway, nothing to report here other than it's Memorial Day. I'm taking the opportunity to change my bed's linens and wash the dirty ones. It's so hot today (34°C) that they get dry in only a few minutes when I hang them on the clothesline outside.
Well, there's nothing much going on here. We have started our efforts of furnishing my mother's new room at the old demented folks home. It still doesn't feel right to not get her back home but I suppose it's the best thing to do. We're moving her on Friday 6th of June. Let's hope things go smoothly...
It still doesn't feel right to not get her back home but I suppose it's the best thing to do.
Yeah, I know the feeling.
Let's hope things go smoothly...
🤞Fingers crossed.
I was planning to go to that metal show at that gamer tavern tonight, but I just wasn't feeling up to it. And good ol' Ma Nature showed up today, so that explains why I wasn't feeling good to begin with. Anyway, I really only wanted to see one of the bands who was playing, but they are going to be playing at Poorhouse on June 7th. I prefer going to that venue since it's a bit closer to my house and the prices for drinks are considerably cheaper.
And good ol' Ma Nature showed up today,
I guess she still insists on her monthly visit. :|
the prices for drinks are considerably cheaper.
I mean, you're taking the car to there so it's not like you can drink a lot. :)
I guess she still insists on her monthly visit. :|
Unfortunately. And she's back with a vengeance. Previously it was very light with no cramping. Now the cramps are bad enough that I had to take ibuprofen the past 2 days. :/
I mean, you're taking the car to there so it's not like you can drink a lot. :)
I limit myself to 1 beer. At least at Poorhouse they charge $4 for a full pint of PBR. At the other place, the cheapest drink was $7 and it seemed like everything they sold was in a can. Quite a ridiculous markup.
Anyway, the band that I wanted to see posted a couple of videos of the performance on Instagram. It didn't look like there were many people there, but the crowd looked annoying to me. The tavern is geared towards gamers, so not really my scene. (Too many young people barely out of diapers. lol) Poorhouse attracts actual metalheads & adults, but because it's in the Himmarshee district with all the other bars & clubs there's always randos who wander in, fascinated that there's music other than hip hop and EDM. 🙄
the cheapest drink was $7
Well that's just insane. :o
fascinated that there's music other than hip hop and EDM
They must still be quite young then?
Well that's just insane. :o
It's bad enough to pay $4 for a cheap domestic beer. $7 is a bridge too far. And I'm such a cheapskate that the last time I went out I brought my own can of PBR in my pocket. No one noticed because it's the same as what the venue sold lol. Only costs $1.75 per can when you buy them from Walmart. 😈
They must still be quite young then?
Yeah, I'm always amazed at how young some of the kids out on a weekend night look. And a lot of the girls are very scantily dressed. My parents would have never allowed me to go out to downtown Fort Lauderdale at night when I was a teen, especially like that. I remember one time I got home 15 minutes late from something and my dad went ballistic. My parents were insanely controlling, but I think a lot of parents are just way too permissive, too.
I remember one time I got home 15 minutes late from something and my dad went ballistic.
I guess you were still a teenager at the time? My sister was the one who liked to go out and stay up late (or early depending on your POV) as a teen. My parents were NOT happy with that and I was usually the one trying to get all of them to be reasonable. I sometimes think my sister was a bit selfish then but I have to admit she's the one who I consider the most successful at life of the 4 of us.
I guess you were still a teenager at the time?
Yes, I must've been in the 16-18 age range. We can get driver's licenses at 16 years old here. Two of my girl friends had licenses and cars. My mom started being more lenient with me spending time with them because it benefitted her. She had started back working in catering, so sometimes she was working when it was time to pick me up from school or was working very early in the morning and wasn't home to take me to school. She'd get my friend Brenda to bring me home & give her $5 for gas or sometimes I'd go home with Brenda and spend the night at her house then we'd go to school together in the morning. Brenda was the very responsible one in my friend group, almost like a mom personality.
I remember one time having our friend Max come pick me up at my house and we went to a mutual friend's birthday party at another person's house. We didn't know anyone there besides ourselves & our friend lol. My parents most likely wouldn't have liked that scenario. 😉
My mom started being more lenient with me spending time with them because it benefitted her.
What about your father? Did he have no objections?
In other news, my mother has been transferred to her (I assume permanent) room at the senior citizens with dementia home. Things went smoothly as far as I can tell. I suspect things will go less smoothly tonight as my mother has a tendency to wake up at night. Anyway, we'll see tomorrow.
What about your father? Did he have no objections?
He usually went along with whatever my mom thought. Looking back, I think he may have been on the autism spectrum. He tended to take things literally, so the time I came home a few minutes late he went ballistic because I wasn't home at the precise time I anticipated being home. I remember my mother saying that he was being ridiculous and it wasn't like I was hours late.
my mother has been transferred to her (I assume permanent) room at the senior citizens with dementia home.
Yay! 🙌🙌🙌
I suspect things will go less smoothly tonight as my mother has a tendency to wake up at night.
Yeah, she will probably not take it too well being in a new & strange place and not having you & your father there.
QoH was uncharacteristically docile when she was in the rehabs & hospitals. She wouldn't speak up or give anyone hell the way she did with me at home and the way she used to be when she was younger.
She wouldn't speak up or give anyone hell the way she did with me at home and the way she used to be when she was younger.
Maybe she was afraid of doctors?
Maybe she was afraid of doctors?
I'm not sure how far her mind was gone and if that had anything to do with it, but to me it just seemed like she was sulking & pouting. That's how she was when I was growing up. Whenever she was sulking she'd get very quiet & give everyone the silent treatment. Very cluster B personality disorder behavior.
So how is it going so far with your mom at the dementia home? Did she have any issues overnight?
In other news, I'm going to Poorhouse tonight. A band that I saw there a few weeks ago is going to be playing again along with 2 other bands I never heard of. And I checked on what's happening at other venues downtown and the 2 big ones are dark tonight, so hopefully it won't be too busy down on Himmarshee.
Did she have any issues overnight?
She had *some* issues. So, now and again she reaches a stage of "unrest" where she starts getting the jitters and shouting things like "I DONT KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME" and "HELP, DOCTOR" over and over again. That happened this afternoon as well and she was given risperidon to calm her down. She sometimes has this at night as well. It's fairly well known to us that she does that, as she's been doing that during her stay in the rehabilitation place and I think during her stay in the hospital as well. Strangely the shouting seems to be a compulsive thing as in between bouts she says "here I go again" indicating that she's aware that she doing it and not being happy about it.
Strangely the shouting seems to be a compulsive thing as in between bouts she says "here I go again" indicating that she's aware that she doing it and not being happy about it.
Wow, that's crazy. 😯 I can't imagine being aware that you're doing something but somehow unable to stop doing it. That's gotta be scary for her. It almost sounds like Tourette's. And yeah, standard operating procedure that they give meds to calm her. If I recall correctly, risperidone is an anti-psychotic. Seroquel is the anti-psychotic that they gave to QoH, but that stuff is also quite powerful as a sedative and she'd sleep all day when they managed to get her to take her meds. It sucks to slowly lose your faculties like that. My dad got lucky & just dropped dead. He didn't slowly lose his mind or have any prolonged illnesses.
Anyway, I did go out last night. There wasn't much traffic so I got there a bit earlier than I had planned. At least the lot at the Habitat For Humanity store was empty except for maybe 2 cars, so I got a good parking spot. I went and walked up to my old workplace just to see what was going on. The big theater was dark, but there appeared to be something going on in the little theater. Also the other 2 large venues down in the A&E district seemed to be dark and there weren't many people out that early (9:45-ish pm). When I got to Poorhouse there wasn't many people there, just the bands. The first band was setup & doing a sound check, then started playing & stopped. I guess whoever was in charge told them to wait until 11pm to play in hopes that it would be busier. (More people did come, it was quite busy downtown by then.)
Anyway, they were okay. I learned later that it was only their second gig ever. The band I went to see was great, even better than last time. After their set, Dana the singer came up and introduced himself to me and we chatted a bit. Nice guy. I told him I'd share pics on my Instagram. I also talked to the drummer. She's such a beast on the drums, but a super sweet, nice girl. The 3rd band was really strange. I have no idea how to even describe their sound. It just sounded like a weird metal jam session. I wasn't into it and left before they finished their set. By then it was already 2am. 🤦🏻♀️
Anyway, the next free show is in 10 days at a brewery in North Miami. I figured I'd go just because I have nothing better to do. I'm only familiar with one dude who's going to be playing. The other bands I've never seen before.
The 3rd band was really strange.
Do you remember the name of the band? I'm curious. :)
I figured I'd go just because I have nothing better to do.
Generally a good reason. :)
Do you remember the name of the band? I'm curious. :)
Voodoo Monk. To me it looked like some older dude & his 2 sons. Old guy on guitar, one kid on drums, & the other on bass. (When I say kids I mean maybe late teens, early 20s) At first when they were setting up their stuff I thought it was going to be good because they had 4 Marshall stack amps and the drum kit had double bass drums and a bunch of specialty ones. Not that they were bad at playing their instruments, but it wasn't like regular songs. It was like long jam sessions that didn't sound like anything in particular.
I just looked them up and they are on apple music. I guess you have to subscribe to listen to all of it, but what they let you hear on the preview sounded better than anything they did on Saturday night. 😒
they are on apple music.
A couple of songs are on youtube apparently. It's not too bad. Grungy with some 70's and 80's influences.
It's not too bad. Grungy with some 70's and 80's influences.
What they put out on the internet is a lot better than what they played live.
Anyway, I'm going to go to that free show at the brewery in North Miami next Wednesday. At least the parking is free as well and I think if I get there a half hour before performances start then it's still happy hour and I can get a discounted drink. Then there are a couple of good shows in July. The one at Poorhouse I'm definitely going to go to. Then there is another one that We All Rise is playing at in an unnamed location. If you are interested they said to DM them on Instagram. I don't remember if it's a free show or not, but I have time to decide if I want to go.
I don't remember if it's a free show or not, but I have time to decide if I want to go.
Why do I have the feeling your bucket list is getting longer and longer? ;P
Why do I have the feeling your bucket list is getting longer and longer? ;P
It is lol. These shows are a lot of fun, especially when they are at unusual locations. And I just learned that a friend of mine who lives in Tampa is not opposed to going to metal concerts. I might be able to get her to go with me if the venue is somewhere equidistance drive for the both of us.
I might be able to get her to go with me if the venue is somewhere equidistance drive for the both of us.
That does seem like more fun than going alone.
That does seem like more fun than going alone.
Yep.
Well not much going on here. Today is Father's day, but my dad has been dead for 4 years, so no obligatory celebrations from me.
Today is Father's day, but my dad has been dead for 4 years, so no obligatory celebrations from me.
Mine is still alive, mostly. We didn't celebrate it. Also, it's suddenly 30 degrees Celsius and I'm melting. Hurrah. ;P
Also, it's suddenly 30 degrees Celsius and I'm melting. Hurrah. ;P
😲 That's almost as hot as here. Yesterday I walked to the grocery store near my house to buy a few things. I waited until after 6:30pm to do it because it felt less hot then. By the time I got back home I was drenched in sweat and had to crank up the AC & sit in my underwear until I cooled down. 😫
had to crank up the AC & sit in my underwear until I cooled down.
And again I wish we had AC. Maybe I should just take a cold shower? :)
And again I wish we had AC.
Yeah, I was just thinking that dealing with that heat without AC is no bueno. I endured it for 18 years, then when I got my first job one of the first things I bought was a window AC unit for my bedroom.
Maybe I should just take a cold shower? :)
That would probably help. Or you could buy a kiddie pool for your back garden and sit in it lol.
Or you could buy a kiddie pool for your back garden and sit in it lol.
Coincidentally one of my neighbors does that, sort of. She doesn't use an actual kiddie pool, I think, but it's so small that only one person will fit in it. I can sometimes see her sitting in it from my window. :)
She doesn't use an actual kiddie pool, I think, but it's so small that only one person will fit in it.
That's probably the type of kiddie pool I'm thinking of. The small molded plastic one that people buy for babies. Only one adult could fit lol. They used to be cheap, like $5, and I remember when I was in high school my friend's sister had one that she & her boyfriend would sit in in the back yard when it was hot. 🤣
Anyway, your neighbor has the right idea.
Today was even more ridiculously hot than yesterday. It's 34.4°C. 😫🥵 I'm just staying inside as much as possible. I only went out back to water my potted plants so they won't croak then immediately came back into the house. Also I'm trying to keep the thermostat at a higher temperature because last months electricity bill was $200. 😫
Today was even more ridiculously hot than yesterday. It's 34.4°C.
That's what's predicted for the weekend here, I think. Like 35 degrees or something. I have to go outside of course. We visit my mother every afternoon so I have to drive my father to there. We have no real AC in the car either. Just blowers, that blow air onto us. It does make the heat a little less annoying.
That's what's predicted for the weekend here, I think. Like 35 degrees or something.
Yeah, that's quite miserable, especially with no AC. :/
In other news, Ma Nature came for a surprise visit on Monday night and has been making a spectacle of herself for the past 3 days. I've been cramping and bleeding like a stuck pig. It was bad enough that I didn't go to the show at the brewery on Wednesday night. I just didn't feel up to going anywhere. Oh well, such is life. Shit happens when you're least expecting it.
Anyway, how is your mother doing? Is she adjusting well to the old folks home?
Shit happens when you're least expecting it.
Doesn't Ma Nature visit on regular intervals? You must have had an inkling?
Anyway, how is your mother doing? Is she adjusting well to the old folks home?
Maybe? I can't really tell. Sometimes she seems okay, other times she has what seems like a panic attack. We still go there every afternoon and she hates it when we leave. I try to be optimistic but it's just hard to watch and think about.
Doesn't Ma Nature visit on regular intervals? You must have had an inkling?
At my age it can be erratic. But I just had it 2 weeks ago, so that's a very short cycle and quite annoying to have it again so soon. 😠
We still go there every afternoon and she hates it when we leave.
QoH was the same way. She always hated when it was time for me to go. As much as we didn't get along, it was still hard to see her deteriorating mentally and physically.
it was still hard to see her deteriorating mentally and physically.
Yeah, I'm not looking forward to my mother getting worse. So far though, she seems to be making progress. They put her in a different kind of wheelchair. This one allows her far more mobility and it's interesting to see her learn how to use it. She's now also able to get out of her wheelchair and put herself into another chair without assistance. She's still very easily afraid though. She had that her entire life AFAIK and the dementia made it worse. Now and again it seems to go into overdrive and then she does need her meds.
BTW the weekend over here was terrible temperature wise. The nights were so bad. :/
So far though, she seems to be making progress.
That's good to hear.
They put her in a different kind of wheelchair. This one allows her far more mobility and it's interesting to see her learn how to use it.
At least she's able to do that. QoH didn't want to do anything or try to help herself in any way. It was very frustrating.
Now and again it seems to go into overdrive and then she does need her meds.
Do you think she had some sort of anxiety disorder her whole life?
BTW the weekend over here was terrible temperature wise. The nights were so bad. :/
Oh, I can imagine. And you don't have AC. My friend in Berlin was complaining about it, too. My one friend in Alberta was complaining about it being 26° and not wanting to go for her daily walk and I'm like 🤨. That would feel wonderful to me.
Anyway, I'm currently sitting on the beach just south of Fort Lauderdale and Port Everglades. It's very windy & the surf is rough. They have red flags out because of rip currents, but I already went in the water twice (just up to the top of my thighs). The water is almost bathwater warm and feels really nice. Unfortunately there's lots of gross brown/dead sargassum in the water making it look brown and a couple of times the waves almost knocked me over. I've already been here 3 hours. I'll probably leave in the next half hour or so because I want to stop by the Dania Pointe Aldi on the way home.
Do you think she had some sort of anxiety disorder her whole life?
That would not surprise me at all.
That would feel wonderful to me.
Yeah, 26 degrees would be somewhat comfortable. :)
a couple of times the waves almost knocked me over
Maybe you shouldn't go in that far then? You're not immune to drowning. ;P
I've already been here 3 hours.
I hope you didn't forget to put on several layers of sunscreen lotion. :)
Maybe you shouldn't go in that far then? You're not immune to drowning. ;P
I was only in water a bit above my knees, but some of those waves were unpredictable.
I hope you didn't forget to put on several layers of sunscreen lotion. :)
That was the first thing I did when I got there. I brought both a can of spray-on SPF-30 and a bottle of SPF-50 and I reapplied a couple of times after I came out of the water. The last thing I want is a sunburn. I got burnt really badly one time when I was a teenager. I went with my friends to Miami Beach and the sunscreen that I used was inadequate. I had the mother of all burns and it was painful as hell. Definitely learned my lesson that day.
I got burnt really badly one time when I was a teenager.
So did I. This was in the eighties. Sunscreen wasn't as popular back then. I had skin peeling off my back for what seems like a long time. Kids at school thought it was real funny to pat me on the back. :(
I had skin peeling off my back for what seems like a long time.
Yeah, me too. I remember peeling the skin off my arms in large sheets. I did that in front of one of my friends and he almost puked. 🤣
Kids at school thought it was real funny to pat me on the back. :(
Yeah, kids can be such assholes. Sunburn hurts like a bastard.
Aaand it's still warm here... I have a mobile AC that I bought 5 years ago and never used because we don't really have a window to stick the tube out of. I've tried Macgyvering something but it's far from ideal. I guess leaving the front door and the back door open at the same time gives some relief... :/
It's hot as balls here. A guy who I went to high school with was giving a lecture at the library close to my house today. He has been inviting me to these things for years, but I never went. I figured what the hell, it's only like 2 minutes from my house, so I went. It was nice seeing him. He seemed super excited that I actually came. He used to work for Perry Ellis, now he does comic books & clothing design. He was giving a talk about how parents can get their kids into creative jobs.
Afterwards I went to the Burlington which is in the same shopping center. Their AC is not very good in there. I was getting very antsy while standing in line to pay because I felt like I was going to pass out. I also went to DD's. Their AC was working good but I still felt overheated from Burlington. I think it was around 33°C today. My last stop was to Publix to buy some stamps, then I hauled ass home so I could get out of my clothes & into some AC that actually works lol.
we don't really have a window to stick the tube out of. I've tried Macgyvering something but it's far from ideal.
My dad had 2 of those in his house when he died. I brought one home and tried to MacGuyver it when our AC was acting up a few years ago, but it kept shutting off because I couldn't vent it properly. I ended up giving both units to Roxy. And I think she just ended up leaving them for the guy she sold her house to. 🤨
He was giving a talk about how parents can get their kids into creative jobs.
What was his advice? Learn to use AI? ;P
I ended up giving both units to Roxy.
Giving the thing away might be a good idea. Maybe I should give it to my sister. Or one of my nephews.
What was his advice? Learn to use AI? ;P
Idk, I got there just as he was finishing his talk. Then he did a book signing. His people were kinda hustling everyone through the line, so I didn't get much of an opportunity to chat.
Giving the thing away might be a good idea.
Yeah, those things aren't very practical if you don't have the right type of windows to vent them out.
In other news, I'm trying to get a friend of mine to go "camping" at one of the state parks in either the fall or winter when it's not hot. A lot of our state parks have cabins to rent out and they are fully equipped with a kitchen and beds and cheaper than most hotels. The park I want to book at has old vintage log cabins made from palm tree logs and limestone that look really cool. They even have fireplaces. I think it'll be really fun.
I think it'll be really fun.
Would it just be you and the friend going "camping" or would it be a larger group of friends?
Would it just be you and the friend going "camping" or would it be a larger group of friends?
We are trying to get a third friend who lives in Canada to come down & go with us. She said she probably can't get time off until fall or winter which would actually be the time when the weather is best here. It's just a matter of getting the two of them coordinated with time off. I can go at any time because I don't have to deal with such demeaning things like "jobs" and "asking permission" for "time off". 😎
such demeaning things like "jobs" and "asking permission" for "time off". 😎
Just make sure you don't end up on the street. :)
Anyway, happy Independence Day!
Anyway, happy Independence Day!
Thanks! It's been raining here all week and we're having a very loud thunderstorm at the moment, which is good for keeping the idiots inside (and not shooting off fireworks) but bad for my barbecuing. I'm planning to make some ribs & corn 🌽 on the cob. I still need to bake the ribs in the oven first, then finish them on the grill outside for flavor. I like to leave the corn in the husk and cook them on the grill, but if worse comes to worse and it doesn't stop raining, I can just steam them on the stove, they just won't have that mild charcoal grilled flavor. 😒
It's been raining here all week
I wish I could say the same. We've had a few little drizzles of rain but no loud thunderstorms unfortunately.
that mild charcoal grilled flavor.
Seems to me they would taste better without that. ;P
I wish I could say the same.
Is it still hot over there? At least all the rain here has brought the temperature down a bit.
Seems to me they would taste better without that. ;P
Nah, it makes it delicious! They make it that way at the county fair. Ever since I tried it that style, that's the way I make it.
Is it still hot over there?
We've had some rain for a couple of days now so I wouldn't call it hot anymore but it's still uncomfortable. I guess you could call the air sultry or something.
Ever since I tried it that style, that's the way I make it.
Doesn't it essentially mean you're putting burned material on your food?
Doesn't it essentially mean you're putting burned material on your food?
No, since I grill it with the husk on and there's several layers of that, only the outside layer gets charred. I pull all that off and the corn is perfectly cooked inside. The moisture in the husks steam it a bit.
In other news, I was out and about for 6 & a half hours today. I went up to IKEA to buy a new comforter. They had one that matches a sheet set that I've had for probably over 30 years. It's nice to now have what looks like a matching set now.
While I was there, I got a free hot tea & sat in the cafe for a while. The food looked good, but I wasn't hungry. After I left, I went up to Sam's Club & had a slice of pizza 🍕 and a frozen yogurt. The slices they give are huge for $2. They look like almost 1/4 of a pizza. Needless to say I was quite full after all that.
Then I drove up to Old Time Pottery "just to look". They have changed their business model a bit since they first opened over 20 years ago. They used to sell dishes, pottery, and silk flowers & baskets for decorating. Now they have clothing and outdoor patio furniture and other housewares. They have pretty good prices & great sales. I ended up buying 3 pairs of gym shorts for a grand total of $10. 😎
From there I hit the Oakland Park/Wilton Manors thrift store circuit. There was lots if interesting stuff, but no real deals or anything I could use. I only ended up buying 3 DVDs at Poverello for 50 cents each.
Since I was already close, I went down to Pantherland to see if I could buy some Stanley Cup Champions merch. Unfortunately, their prices were obscene. I'll just wait a couple of months and then all that stuff will be in discount stores.
And since I had a coupon for LauderAle brewery that was due to expire today, I stopped in there on my way home & had a beer & bought a souvenir glass.
I should sleep pretty well tonight since I'm worn out from all that shopping 🛍 today. 🙂
I should sleep pretty well tonight since I'm worn out from all that shopping 🛍 today. 🙂
Hey, some people go to gym class and others go shopping 6.5 hours. Works either way. ;)
Not much going on here. It continues to be very hot & humid so I'm staying inside. I started de-cluttering my living room/dining room area yesterday. I'm still working on it today. At least I'm making noticeable progress. 👍
I started de-cluttering my living room/dining room area yesterday. I'm still working on it today.
So you're still cleaning up after QoH?
So you're still cleaning up after QoH?
Yes. She was a world class hoarder. She kept all sorts of paperwork which I have to go through and it's tedious work. I've been putting that off. I did manage to throw out a bunch of junk mail. She also brought home tons of vases & glass goldfish bowls from various parties. I cleaned a bunch of those yesterday and plan to just donate them to a charity. I also took a box of crap that had been sitting on one of my dining room chairs for months and put it in the basement.
I really need to either build or buy an outdoor shed to put stuff in. I have a generator & lawn mower sitting inside that I'm tired of looking at, plus assorted garden equipment.
I told a friend of mine that I'm not a hoarder like my parents, but I just have bad coping mechanisms. I tend to let things get cluttered, but it will reach a tipping point. Then I will throw stuff away, put stuff away, and tidy up. My parents always seemed blind to their messes.
She was a world class hoarder.
But not a very systematic one it seems. Or one of those that hoard money... ;P
She also brought home tons of vases & glass goldfish bowls from various parties.
Why? I mean, what kind of parties were those?
I really need to either build or buy an outdoor shed to put stuff in.
Yeah, you've mentioned that before a while ago. You'll have to sacrifice part of your garden if you place a shed in there. It shouldn't take a lot of time to have a shed put in there unless you want to build one yourself.
I tend to let things get cluttered, but it will reach a tipping point.
I guess most people are like that. Most people don't have to deal with other peoples' "collections" as well of course.
Or one of those that hoard money... ;P
I wish that was the case.
Why? I mean, what kind of parties were those?
Mostly weddings & bar/bat mitzvahs. That style glass container was very popular for flower arrangements or floating candles.
You'll have to sacrifice part of your garden if you place a shed in there.
I think the best place for it would be where the dog kennel is. But I need to remove the big cage. It already has a big concrete slab which would be ideal for a shed to go on top of. I never want dogs again, so I wouldn't be losing anything important to me.
unless you want to build one yourself.
That would be the most cost effective way for me since I already have a bunch of lumber in the carport. It's just a matter of actually doing it. The only thing I don't have is roofing material. Asphalt shingles would be the cheapest, but they need to be replaced after 15 years. Or I could just buy some galvanized steel panels and spend a little more up front then never have to worry about it again.
Most people don't have to deal with other peoples' "collections" as well of course.
Yeah, I was thinking about that. If I had my own place & started fresh it would probably never be messy, but I'm trying to work around other people's crap. At least QoH was a "neat" hoarder. She has tons of stuff but would clean and the paperworkwas somewhat organized. My dad had tons of crap & never cleaned anything. His house was so gross that I hated going over there. I don't think he ever cleaned his bathroom for the entire 20 years that he lived there. The tile in the shower had so much grime accumulated on it that it took me hours just to get it halfway presentable for when the appraiser came out to do an assessment. 😫
then never have to worry about it again.
Well, unless a hurricane comes and huffs and puffs and blows your shed down. :O
My dad had tons of crap & never cleaned anything.
So both your parents were hoarders?
Well, unless a hurricane comes and huffs and puffs and blows your shed down. :O
Yeah, that wouldn't be good. :/
So both your parents were hoarders?
Unfortunately, yes. They weren't like that while they were married, but after they got divorced my mom went crazy with buying crap and my dad no longer had my mom to clean up after him.
Today I spent about 4 hours de-cluttering and going through a couple boxes 📦 of paperwork. I shredded a lot of old bank statements & retirement account paperwork. I threw away 4 plastic grocery bags full of shredded material.
Yeah, that wouldn't be good.
Also, you could consider selling your house and moving to a place that won't be below sea level at some point in time. :)
I shredded a lot of old bank statements & retirement account paperwork.
Yeah, these days I do everything online but before that it was never really clear to me for how long you're supposed to keep those documents around. I still have a drawer filled to the brim with them.
you could consider selling your house and moving to a place that won't be below sea level at some point in time. :)
I live on a high spot, so I don't forsee being underwater any time in the near future. I have considered moving, but every state has it's own issues.
it was never really clear to me for how long you're supposed to keep those documents around.
Yeah, I found some more recent property tax paperwork that I was going to shred, but decided I'd just hang onto them for a while longer. I also have a box of all the paperwork from when QoH was in the hospital & rehabs and all the insurance stuff. I could probably shred all that, but you never know when you might need it.
Anyway, Saturday I'm going to Poorhouse. A band called Stone Nomads is headlining and I have been looking forward to seeing them for weeks. Two other bands that I've seen before will also be playing. A band called Sagitta was supposed to be there, but I guess they canceled at the last minute, now Dreadmire is filling in for them. The last time he was there I missed his set, so hopefully he doesn't go on before I get there like what happened last time.
A band called Stone Nomads is headlining
They sound pretty good. They like to mix styles. Neat.
Dreadmire seems to be a 2 man band with a style of their own that feels a bit bland, I guess.
Anyway, did you have a good time?
Anyway, did you have a good time?
I had a freaking blast! I can't remember the last time I had that much fun.
When I got there, Jude the bass player for Stone Nomads was sitting at the back bar so I plopped down next to him and we had a nice chat. I also chatted with John the guitarist and bought one of their tour shirts from him. Both were super nice guys. They said the gigs in Florida were the best of their tour. Last night was their final show and I think the group last night at Poorhouse really brought it for them.
Dreadmire started out kinda slow, but they did some audience participation which I partook in (playing with the distortion thingy) and they kinda built to a crescendo and finished strong.
Blistering Tree & Iron Buddha both had solid sets. There was lots of headbanging & moshing. I sat at the bar during Iron Buddha's set because I wanted to rest a bit before Stone Nomads closed it out.
And they absolutely kicked ass! That was probably the best set I've seen at Poorhouse so far. They did a cover of War Pigs by Black Sabbath that was freaking awesome. Everyone in the place was singing the lyrics. I got to do lots of spectacular headbanging with my freshly washed hair lol. At the end, Ben the drummer threw a bunch of sticks to the crowd & then just handed me one. I got lots of pics & videos of all the performances & got selfies with Stone Nomads. 🤘😎
I got to do lots of spectacular headbanging with my freshly washed hair lol.
Was your hair okay afterwards? ;P
I got lots of pics & videos of all the performances & got selfies with Stone Nomads.
Sounds like you had lots of fun. I would love to see some of those pics.
Was your hair okay afterwards? ;P
It got a bit frizzy since it got hot in there & I worked up a sweat.
Sounds like you had lots of fun.
It was awesome. 😁
I would love to see some of those pics.
Check your email.
Check your email.
Those all look pretty awesome. All the musicians look so happy that you want to take a selfie with them. :)
Also, I suspect you would look quite nice in pink/red hair and I really like the eye make-up you're wearing. Looks cool and pretty.
Did the drummer break the stick while playing? You kinda look like you're about to stake a vampire with it. ;P
All the musicians look so happy that you want to take a selfie with them. :)
They were all super nice dudes and I think the crowd support helped feed their energy. When I was talking to John he said that Florida was the highlight of their tour. I'm glad they got to close out their tour on a high note. They posted on Instagram today thanking everyone who came out to the shows.
I suspect you would look quite nice in pink/red hair and I really like the eye make-up you're wearing. Looks cool and pretty.
Thanks! 😊 I used a semi-permanent hair color just to see if I'd like it and did a dip dye of just the ends. I thought it looked cool like that, but I'm contemplating doing all my hair in that cranberry color. It fades out after several washings, but it doesn't look too bad as it fades. I was trying something different with darker eye makeup. I did an experiment earlier in the day on one eye and liked how it looked so I just did the same with the other one when I was getting ready to go out.
Did the drummer break the stick while playing?
Yes. He was playing kinda like Animal from the Muppets lol. Very high energy & animated. The 3 of them were really good musicians.
You kinda look like you're about to stake a vampire with it. ;P
You never know what you'll encounter in downtown Fort Lauderdale lol 🧛♀️🧟♀️
You never know what you'll encounter in downtown Fort Lauderdale
Eh, people there seem okay.
...I mean, judging by your pics. :)
Eh, people there seem okay.
There's always a few sketchy crackheads & homeless people wandering around, but they're usually easy enough to avoid.
...I mean, judging by your pics. :)
Yeah, this past weekend was pretty tame. And Chris the singer from Sagitta brought a bunch of his biker club buddies, so that kinda dissuaded the usual annoying randoms who tend to walk in and start bothering the regulars. Towards the end of the night I even saw a guy come in wearing an Outlaws vest. It was nice to have just a chill bunch of metalheads there and no one disrupting our vibe.
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