A post in which it is a lazy Saturday

Very surprisingly, I was a slugabed this morning. I hardly ever sleep late, but it was almost 9am when dana called me. I was supposed to call her by 8am, but she wasn’t upset with me. She came by to get me and we were off to Anderson. I had kind of hoped to find some glass today, but it was overcast and there weren’t that many people there. It was really nice (if a bit damp, it was misting a bit periodically) to be outside this morning. The mildness was a refreshingly cool and welcome change after the weeks of baking heat we’ve endured. I didn’t buy anything in the end, which was fine.

By the time we left we were both ravenously hungry, so we stopped at the Cracker Barrel for lunch. When we were though eating, I was sleepy (again!), and dana had to go home to get ready to pamper Miss Kat a little bit.

I went home for a nap, lounged around for a while reading (there is nothing on telly) after that. I watched one of the two new Jane Austen movies I just got (I've decided if I can't be in love myself, I can live vicariously through the love lives of others) – Northanger Abbey. It was pretty good although the ending was rather abrupt.

I finally got motivated to make lunches for next week. I made bowtie pasta with sautéed broccoli and onions, topped with a white Gorgonzola sauce. It turned out good, but I ended up putting a lot more fat in to it than I wanted. Of course, that's probably why it turned out tasty. The secret ingredient is fat.

Russ and Billy are out of town this weekend, which kind of left me at loose ends. There were plenty of things I could have done tonight, but in the end I stayed in. I threw a frozen pizza in the oven and rotted my brain this evening. I didn’t even do any laundry.

A post in which I visit with Miss Kat and dana

I had been looking forward to seeing Miss Kat and dana for a couple of days. It was good to get to their house – it’s my happy place. dana had talked about making pizza, and then about us going for Japanese. In the end though, Helen made spaghetti (with meat) so I just grabbed some hummus at the house before I went over, which was fine.

dana and I made plans to go to the flea market in the morning (Miss Kat will unfortunately be working another Saturday). We had ice cream and Chex Mix, and then I went home to go to bed.

A post in which I have dinner with yet another fiery, tempestuous, red-headed vixen

I was up early and called Mom about Granny before I left the house. She talked to Donna last night (as I figured she would) and apparently Granny is doing better. Her kidneys are working again, which is a very good sign.

I went back to the urologist today for them to draw more blood. Fingers crossed. I was a bit vexed because I got there before the staff did (I mean really, if you’re going to schedule early appointments, shouldn’t you show up?), but he woman to took my blood was so nice that I really couldn’t hold it against her, even if she did use a needle the size of Howard Stern’s ego.

Tonight I had dinner out with Nicole scheduled. I had just enough time to get home and scrape the top inch or so of cat hair off the furniture before she got there. The cats don’t go outside, but Crooner is shedding by the haystackful. I mean really, I had enough fur in the living room to start my own Build-A-Kitty workshop.

Nicole looked great, and it was wonderful to see her. She caught me up on her fabulous life, which has apparently involved going to a lot of spectacular concerts. I was so glad I had done something culturally uplifting last night so I didn’t feel like a total schlub.

We ended up going to Miyako (where else, right?). She hadn’t been (bless her heart, still going to Irashiai). I don’t think she was very impressed – she made some unfortunate menu choices – but my food was divoon as usual. For some reason getting sushi now is linked to getting ice cream in my newly ice cream obsessed mind (can we see those 17 pounds going right back on? mmm-hmm I thought so), so I stood her for ice cream at Bruster’s, where she had (unbelievably) also never been!

We gossiped about friends and caught up on each other’s families after we ran out of new stuff about each other. It was a lovely visit and a very nice evening.

A post in which I see Carmen

I woke up feeling quite unreasonably cheerful this morning, and sang my way around the house (after I had my coffee) getting ready for work. I was really looking forward to going out with Nancy tonight. I really like her.

I talked to dana today, and I’m going over there Friday night. Miss Kat has been working a lot and dana says she spends a good amount of time at home alone. Aw. I know Miss Kat has a lot going on at work right now though.

I had an email from Mom this afternoon. Things aren’t going well for Granny. She’s in renal failure. She didn’t want to talk to my Aunt Donna when she called this afternoon, which is a bad sign also. Mom says she’s dehydrated, but they can’t give her fluids because she’s having congestive heart failure. Her heart is only working with 35% efficiency right now. Donna is going up there tonight. Poor Donna - she was there when Poppy died last spring. There really isn't anything I can do though.

Nancy and I went out to dinner first at Sabroso after work. I hadn’t been there in a while, but those nachos were as good as ever – better even. They have put more stuff on them. I ate way too much. I was afraid we were going to be late for the show, but it actually worked out perfectly. They had just started when we walked in.

We went to see the simulcast of Carmen at Regal 20 tonight, and it was awesome. It was a Met performance from January of this year. Carmen (played by Elīna Garanča) was sexy and wanton, a great actress as well as a great singer. The sets were stunning, and the cast was HUGE. It was a great show, and I’m really glad we went. By the end though, I was ready for bed.

A post in which it is a night in

It was a hectic morning. It was one of those mornings where you just don’t seem to be able to focus and pull stuff together, and on top of it all I was out of gas. I hate those days. Needless to say, I suppose, I was late to work. It was OK since Alan isn’t in the office this week, and I’m totally caught up at work.

I heard from Mama today. Granny doesn’t seem to be doing very well. She’s still in the hospital, and was apparently rather disoriented last night. She’s latched on to Louise (the woman who stays with her at night), and apparently wants her there even when Mom or one of my aunts is there. That is kind of surprising to me, since she didn’t seem to like Louise so much at first. She takes care of Granny and she’s always been perfectly nice to me, but I just can’t trust her. I don’t know why. There’s just something about her I can’t warm up to.

Tonight was probably my only night in this week, so I had all these inflated plans for things I was going to do that just plain didn’t happen – quell surprise.

I made yet another trip to the grocery store, since the trips I made this weekend had been rather jam-focused.

Justin called to tell me he has a full-time teaching job as of today. He was justifiably excited, since Greenville County hasn’t been hiring.

I ate pretty well tonight, a salad and some new (low-cal) chips with hummus. The laundry (a bit) didn’t get done, but I did get some straightening up done in the kitchen, since it was getting more cluttered and I knew it wasn’t going to get any better the rest of the week.

I watched part of West Point Story tonight (starring an embryonic Doris Day, among others) while I futzed around. I only watched it with one eye because I’ve never been a huge Cagney fan.

A post in which I have dinner with Dick and Eve

I tried calling Mom today at work, but she didn’t call back. But she’s been gone for a week, and I know what it’s like when you get back to your desk.

I decided to go ahead and see Dick and Eve tonight. It’s been about two months since I was over there. I thought that Dad was having surgery this week, but it’s actually next week. Eve is still recovering from two procedures. She’s not supposed to bend over or lift anything, so Dad’s been having one of the women from the store come in during the day to help her with things. While all this is going on they are also having new countertops installed in the kitchen, and having both bathrooms re-done. There is just a lot going on there right now.

We had spaghetti and visited. I went out and got some ice cream for dessert. Dad shouldn’t be eating it, but he’s doing so much stuff he isn’t supposed to do that I’ve just given up. It doesn’t do any good to lecture, it just makes him mad. He seems kind of resigned at this point. I don’t guess Eve or I should really be eating it either for that matter.

Uncle Chris called while I was there with an update on Grandma Shumate. She’s been having some problems with losing blood, and her hemoglobin has been dropping, but it went back up yesterday so they think she’s on the mend. I hope so! We can’t all be out of commission at the same time!

A post in which I "do that tomorrow"

I woke up today feeling lazy. Had I not already actually purchased the peaches, it wouldn’t have been done this morning. But as it was they were already in the fridge and had to be dealt with. I had some brekkie, and set to.

OK, when I tell you I bought peaches that doesn’t really adequately cover it. Being a man, I bought a half a bushel of peaches (for the uninitiated, this is WAY too many). Because you just have to have a bunch for preserves, right? I have this problem of things not really looking that big until I get them home. I had some vague uneasiness yesterday when I lugged the basket into the house (including the one peach that, like a wiggly shopping cart wheel, just doesn’t want to go, requiring me to move the car to fetch it from where it had dropped and rolled up underneath). But since I didn’t have to do anything with them yesterday and they fit in the fridge, I moved that concern to the back burner.

Today I had to confront actual numbers.

Sorting through and pulling out fruit to take for lunch this week actually didn’t make much of a dent. I heated some water and started scalding them so the skins would slip off. I ran out of big bowls, and had to stop to peel for a while.

Fortunately, the second batch of scalded peaches was smaller. I skinned them all, pitted them, and sliced them into three large (3-5 quart) mixing bowls. Then I read the instructions on the SureJell I had purchased. It said “three cups of pitted, peeled peaches”. And I thought WFT? as I surveyed at least 25 cups of prepared fruit. I made a quadruple portion of jam, which used about one bowl of the fruit. As that was soaked in lemon juice and sugar, I decided that was enough jam. I spooned the rest of the prepared fruit into freezer bags, going into Lucy mode as I did so and eating as I packed, and left a couple of cups of them cut up in the fridge to eat on.

The jam filled every jar I had handily, with none left over (21 jars - 15 half-pints and 6 pints), which was rather surprising to me. My life usually just doesn’t work like that. It tastes good, but absolutely nothing like my mother’s. She told me that she used the SureJell recipe, but we’ll have to talk about that, or I’ll have to watch her do it or something. What helped me is that the peaches are absolutely gorgeously delicious. It’s the height of the season, and the early plentiful rain, coupled with the later hot dry weather, has created just about perfect peaches. They are wonderful.

When I got done (much later in the day), I was whooped, and I still hadn’t made any lunches for the week. I have sandwich stuff that will last a couple of days though, and decide to sit down for a bit. Well that bit turned into a while, and by that evening I was hurting. Between the jam making and fruit freezing, two trips to the store, and doing multiple loads of laundry, I had overdone it. I’m going to have to eat sandwiches for a while and see if I can get something put together. I have a busy week ahead.

A post in which I mostly take the day off

I woke up hurting this morning, but after a couple of pills I felt better. Since I had nothing that I really had to accomplish today, other than showing up in time to go to dinner with Russ, Billy, and Billy’s sister Lisa, I decided to go down to Anderson and meander around for a bit. Perhaps not my best plan. It was just brutally hot again today. By the time I left the house at about 9:30 it was already 88F in the shade. By the time I got there, it was 90.

There were some brave (or stupid) souls out there looking for bargains, but compared to a usual Saturday it was a pretty thin crowd. It was so hot sitting out in the sun that a lot of the vendors were already packing up to leave when I got there. It is just too hot!

It was really too late for glass, but I did the outside anyway. I did find a great price on a set of Moroccan Amethyst (collectible 50's and 60's). I sent pictures of it to Justin, but he not only refused to buy it, he tried to talk ME in to buyin it. Like I need to start another collection.

Pictures of the great set of Moroccan Amethyst I found that Justin refused to buy, the ingrate. I did want that cool ash tray (top pic, far left), but I held out.

On my way out, I was drawn to the peach stand. They had tons of beautiful local peaches for sale. I decided since I didn’t have anything too taxing that had to be done tomorrow I would put up some peach preserves. I’ve been meaning to do this for years. I have a hoard of jars in my kitchen cabinets, complete with lids and rings (from where I meant to do this last year and didn’t). I bought a basket of beautiful peaches, and made my way home.

The heat just really takes it out of me lately. I mainly lay around today, which was fine. Whatever I thought about doing was followed by the thought of I’ll do that tomorrow. Russ’s mom will arrive tomorrow, so they’ll be in a tiz, and I won’t have anywhere to be. I have grown to dread the long, empty Sunday stretching before me, so I usually leave some task to be done to fill the time.

I talked to Eve today, and asked after Dad. He’s in for more surgery this week. They’re supposed to fix the aggravated nerve bundle in his lower back. I hope that goes OK. I need to go and see them this week - it's been almost two months now.

I talked to Mom too. Granny seems to be OK, but they just won’t let her out of the hospital. She’s spending a lot of time with my Aunt Kathleen and going back and forth to the hospital. She told me that she and Cole are staying the night again tonight. If I had known that, I would probably have gone on up. But no one knew.

Eventually, I got ready and went on over to the shop. Russ cut Lisa’s hair, and we hung out for a bit at the shop before leaving for dinner – Miyako. Again. I love that place, but some nasty ole Mexican would have gone down really well tonight. As it was I took a bit of a break from sushi and had some fried rice for an entree, also excellent, but of course about as Japanese as I am.

We went back to the house and hung out for a while before heading home. Another pleasant evening with Russ and Billy. I really liked Lisa too. I like both of Billy’s sisters.

A post in which the trip is off

I was late in to work today, but I had all my preparations done to leave town. Then Mom called today to tell me that Granny was not getting out of the hospital. She said I could still come up for the night, but that she and Cole would be going home tomorrow. Well I weighed the three and a half hour drive up there, sleeping in the no-AC upstairs (in the middle of a heat-wave yet), and on top of it all not getting to see Granny (well at home anyway), and decided not to go. I guess I’m a bad grandson. I think she’d probably rather that I’m up there when she’s out anyway though.

I sent out the critter call to Russ, Billy, Miss Kat, and dana that I was home this weekend. Russ and Billy invited me to come hang out with them, which I gratefully accepted. When I got there, Russ was in the throes of perfecting the house. His mother is coming for her first (and possibly only) visit, and he was determined that everything would be right. In short, Russ was in High Dudgeon.

After some of the fluffing was finished, we went out to supper a Miyako, the only restaurant at which I ever eat now. The food was as good as ever.

We went back to the house and hung out on the back porch for a while, but it was just too hot, plus Russ had to work tomorrow, so eventually we called it a night. Still, it was a very nice evening, and I'm looking forward to the luxury of a weekend at home which has no real appointed task that must be completed.

A post in which I am soooo busy

Mom called today, and Granny is in the hospital. She was dehydrated and her blood pressure spiked, but they are supposed to let her go Saturday morning. Mom says the trip is still on. I hope she’s OK, and that they let her out. She would be so upset to miss the visit.

Since the trip was still on, I had tons of stuff to do tonight. I’ve put off preparations for this trip all week for some reason.

I stopped on the way home to get cat food, since I’m almost out and I have to be able to load the cat feeder tomorrow. There are a lot of things that I really wanted to do before I left town, but I had to strip down the list.

I got home, took out the garbage (I hate it when the house is all stinky from having trash shut up in there when you get home), unloaded the car, sorted the mail, and threw some leftovers in the microwave. I washed the lunch dishes while I waited for my food to cool, and started getting clothes out while I ate (I did sit down for a minute).

I wanted to go and see Miss Kat and dana tonight because it has been almost two weeks now, and I miss them when I don’t see them. I also needed to get some books by for Miss Kat that she had been asking to borrow. Plus I had told dana I would come by tonight and I hate not to keep my word. dana called back in response to a message I had left earlier to tell me to come on. Miss Kat was going to be a little late, but that worked out great tonight.

Fortunately once I got the car loaded, things calmed down. I remembered half-way there that I had completely forgotten to go by the library to get a book on CD as I had intended, but decided I could live without that. I got in and settled about the time Miss Kat came in. She looked like she’d had a rough day. Apparently the AC in her area is broken – this in the midst of a heat wave. Bless her heart. Anyway, we settled in to visit for a bit. She was glad to get the books. I enjoyed their company, and it was good to see them.

Everything that had to be done got done tonight, and I’m in OK shape for leaving straight from work tomorrow. Anything else that didn’t get done will just have to wait.

A post in which I am out on the town

It’s good to feel like I’m digging out of the frozen feeling I’ve had in my brain for the last month or so. It’s good to feel like I am allowed to enjoy myself again. I know that sounds strange, but that’s what it’s been like the past couple of weeks.

I was a good do-bee and got all my write-offs completed and turned in today. I needed to do them this week because Alan’s on vacation all next week (yay!).

I really needed to do laundry tonight, and I really needed go see Miss Kat and dana. I do want to see them, and I told dana I would come over this week.

But Justin called today wanting to go get sushi (always a temptation), and I haven’t seen him in a good while. He also offered a trip to Costco. Dad has left my name there and I can get a card through the shop, but buying in bulk just doesn’t make much sense for me; plus Costco doesn’t have most of the stuff I used to buy through BJ’s.

We went to Miyako, of course. That seems to be the only place that I go out to eat any more. The waitresses know me by sight. My new favorite roll, the “California Dreaming” (topped with a gorgeously delicious broiled baby scallops in mayo topping) is so good that I can’t eat it without making noise. If it was a man, I’d marry him. Or at least move him in.

We went by the condo so I could see the new beautiful Murphy bed they bought. It is beautiful, by far the prettiest I have ever seen, but doesn’t have a mattress in it. I don’t get that, but that’s their life. I didn’t find it as oppressive as I did the first time I was over there. Plus I was wrong about the downstairs window – it isn’t covered over. There’s just so much stuff in there.

After the visit we went to Costco and strolled around, just talking and enjoying each other’s company basically. Justin wanted to pick up some china cabinet lights, and I was just along for the ride. Amazingly I didn’t find anything I really wanted to buy. I need some new khaki cargo pants for work, but all they had were shorts.

Justin gave me some homemade pickles and barbeque sauce, I loaned him a couple of the Marketplace books, and he toddled off home. It was a nice evening. I didn’t accomplish anything, other than eating an expensive dinner and spending time with a friend, but sometimes you need that.

A post in which I get off work early, and run errands

Well I paid for Sunday today. I was really sore all day today. The insect bites also started itching today. Sunday was so worth it though.

I got up early to go to a doctor’s appointment only to find they had re-scheduled it. I had to call them back to get a renewal on my bp meds, which ran out tonight. Since the appointment is to check my bp and see how I’m adjusting to the new meds, there wouldn’t be much point in showing up next week not on them.

One of the vendors brought in big ole nasty burritos for lunch today, and they were SO good. I scarfed mine right down, and would have had another for dinner if I’d been able think of any way at all to manage it. That’s what I need in my life alright, more big fat burritos. Sheesh.

I went to the dentist today, so I got off work early. That was nice. I saw my receptionist, and made sure to tell her how much I liked her and enjoyed seeing her. I read somewhere that dentists have the highest rate of suicide of any profession because no one wants to go see them. I told my dentist that I appreciated him as well. He’s such a nice man.

When I got out of there I ran by the bank. I’ve been needing to deposit Miss Kat’s part of the SELF money (for the hotel room), but she had given it to me in cash, so I had to actually get to the bank when it was open. It’s been a while since I had to schedule around that.

Then it was off to get the oil changed. It was just a hair over 3k since the last oil change, but it’s a new car, and I feel like I should take good care of it. Also, the tire pressure sensor has been going off since Sunday night. The tires look fine, and I’m worried about electrical problems. I’m thinking please, not on another car. When I got the car back after the oil change, they told me my tires were fine, but the sensor was still going off. They had aired up the spare, the only tire that was low. When I got in, though, I now had two sensors going off. The Grease Monkey guy called the dealership, and after he disconnected the battery and put in the computer codes they gave him to re-set it, they both went off. I’m hoping that doesn’t get to be an issue, but it’s fixed for now, which is all I need, right?

By the time I got my new prescription (in line, as always, behind some incredibly slow person) and got home I was exhausted. I had thought about going to see Miss Kat and dana tonight, but I didn’t feel good by the time I got home. I took some Ibuprofen and hit the couch. I did eventually change out a load of laundry, but that’s about all I could manage tonight.

A post in which it is a Monday

I didn’t pay for yesterday half as much as I was expecting today. I felt pretty good, actually. Alan is off next week, and that always gives me an extra happy little frisson of anticipation. That means I have to do my pre-month stuff early, but there’s time for that this month.

I bought groceries on the way home since I didn’t do that this weekend. Things are so expensive! But then I had to buy laundry detergent, and it’s such a shock when you’re used to flea market prices. I didn’t go last weekend.

dana called me tonight just because she was thinking about me. I love her so much. I need to get over to see them. I gave them a break on Friday, and then ended up not going over there Saturday, so it’s been over a week. But I have a lot to do to get ready to leave town this weekend. I’m going to see Mama and Cole at Granny’s, so I’ll be in Wilkesboro. So much to do!

I had to break my vow not to do housework on Monday evenings and go ahead and do a load of laundry tonight. I felt quite virtuous.

A post in which we're tubin' on the Green River!

I was up, ready, and out the door early today to go tubing. I had been looking forward to it all week, and even better I was riding up with Russ and Billy. Russ was in a bit of a state because Ben was running late, but he showed up and it was fine.

We got to James and Jeff’s house and visited for a while. Probably for a bit too long in fact, but we were all enjoying each other’s company so much it was hard to get organized. Erin and Amy were there from Charlotte. They’re both fabulous, and I love spending time with them. There was also a very nice straight couple there. Her name was Morgan, but I don’t remember his. Their names were very similar, and almost rhymed, but didn’t; that made it almost impossible for me to remember their names. So I just called him Hotlips, and I think it’s going to stick. Amanda was there, as were her younger sister and her boyfriend Vance. He was a hottie, but looked like a big ole stick of Trouble to me, but since he was nice to me it was none of my business.

Eventually, we got it together, took care of the dogs, and got loaded up. We all got our tubes and got out on the river. It was beautiful, as always, and it’s so much fun to go with a bunch of friends. There was a little spit of rain, but even that was pretty, and no one got French fried or anything, so it was all good. We all hooked our tubes together for a while and floated as a mass of people. We all drifted down the river, Amanda, of course, way out in front of everyone else (since she weighs nothing). Her mother was with us as well. She was a nice lady, and seemed fairly impervious to our various ribaldries. Amanda seemed a bit subdued around her mother, but then I guess she would be. She seemed to have a predilection for yours truly, for some reason. It could have been because I flashed her while we were changing out of our wet clothes, but who really knows? At any rate, I was offered a place to live.

We hung out on Amanda’s porch for a while when we got back, and then went on to Jeff and James’s house for supper. They had already prepped spinach enchiladas and stuff to feed the whole group. They go to so much trouble, but everything was so nice. We all sat out on the deck and ate 18lbs of various chips and stuff while we waited for supper to be finished, and then ate like hogs all over again.

By the time we had supper and a smoke, though, it was well after 9, and it a school night and all. So we loaded up and headed home. It was a lovely, relaxing day, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

A post in which I do a bit in the yard, and have supper out

I knew I had some work to do today. I finally did break down and do it. I had to eat breakfast and stuff before I went out in the yard. Even at 9am, it was hot. I worked out there for about two hours, and it was just all I could do. The bushes looked a lot better though. The ones in front of the house are so big now I have to use a step-ladder to trim them.

I really needed to have the grass mowed too, and decided to call Khavis next week. I just couldn’t be outside any longer. I was surprised how out of shape I am. I guess part of it is the E-B (even though it hasn’t been giving me that much trouble lately), but I just don’t seem to be able to take the heat the way I used to. I could go to the flea market at 90F last year and not think a thing about it. Not any longer.

Some guys showed up and asked if they could mow, so I said sure. They did a really good job, and this is the best my yard has looked this summer, I guess. That felt good, but I was just too wiped to do anything else. I just lay around the rest of the afternoon and tried to stay cool. I didn’t do any cooking or laundry today. I didn’t do the shopping. I was just worthless.

I didn’t want to spend another Saturday night home by myself. I try to leave Miss Kat and dana Saturday nights to have some couple time, plus dana has been working lately on Saturdays, so I called Russ and Billy. I haven’t really had any Russ and Billy time since the weekend of the fourth, and I was ready to see them.

Fortunately Russ felt fine this weekend. We went out to supper at Miyako, and although I was ravenously hungry, the food seemed even better than usual tonight. The cool waitress with the cute hair sat and talked to us for a while even though she wasn’t waiting on us. It was a nice meal.

By the time we had eaten though, it was late. And we all have to be up early to go tubing in the morning!

A post in which it is food day at work

The food day was nice. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. There was lots of good stuff, and I think I have given up my duties as Official Pound Cake Baker. We have a new woman who baked an excellent one for today.

I ate until I made myself sick, so by the time I got home I was ready to lie down. I debated going to see Miss Kat and dana, but I felt squiffy, plus I knew I had to get up and trim bushes in the morning. I needed to be in fighting trim for that (and to deal with the heat), so in the end I just decided to stay home.

A post in which I do a little bit of cooking

Tomorrow is the food day at work. We haven’t had one in a while. I used to think those were stupid – I mean like anyone I work with needs more to eat (including me). But after this weird period I’ve been going through I’m looking forward to anything out of the routine at work. I am starting to feel more like myself again, a little at a time.

I texted with Justin today for a while and caught up a little bit.

I talked to James about the tubing trip this weekend and finalized times and plans. That will be fun.

I went by the grocery store tonight on the way home to get the stuff to make a cheese ball. That’s what one of the women I worked with specifically asked me to make, and it is so much easier than baking a pound cake that I was happy to oblige.

When I got home I felt lazy, but eventually I got motivated and did it. It only took 30 minutes to put together, including clean up time – and I don’t have a dish washer. So I’m looking forward to tomorrow a little bit. It’s nice.

A post in which I have supper out

It started out as kind of an ill-omened day. I woke to the sound of Jinx trying to be sick on the carpet that I had vacuumed last night. When I put the cream in my coffee, it curdled. I watched the guy across the street leave for work, absent-mindedly kicking the do g on the way out. Plus it was kind of overcast and sullen-looking in general. But the sullen burned off, and I had a pretty average day at work, so I guess it’s a good thing I don’t really believe in omens.

I texted Rodney a couple of times during the day and worked out the details. He was at the house right on time, but I had a minute to feed the screaming cat and change before he got there.

We went out to Saffron for supper, and it was gorgeously delicious as usual, although I have to say that I didn’t find the samosas quite as good as usual. But I’ve never met a samosa I didn’t like. We chatted and caught up with each other – I haven’t seen him in quite a while. He looks amazing. He’s lost 174 pounds!! That’s like losing a person. We went to dinner in his humungous truck, which destroys my theory about the big truck/big knife/big gun guys, because I know Rodney has nothing to be ashamed of in the locker room, if you get my drift. Sitting in that huge cab felt like a living room after riding around in my little car.

After supper we just went back to the house for conversation. The sex thing turned out to be a non-issue. We each told dating horror stories and talked about ex's, which generally doens't set the mood. We ended up talking for a couple of hours before I sent him home. It was really good to see Rodney. He’s a great guy.

A post in which I prepare for a date

Work continues to be excruciatingly boring. Things are always slow in the summer, but my desk is abominably slow that the mo. I have actually considered requesting more duties, but then I kind of regained my senses.

I went straight home tonight. I knew I had to do something to the house since Rodney is meeting me here tomorrow to go to supper. I had noticed last night that the house is looking distinctly squiffy, and I can’t have him seeing the place looking so bad. I was glad for the few things I did this weekend. I had a really hard time getting motivated, but eventually I got started.

I fluffed the living room and vacuumed all the carpets. I flicked a duster at a couple of things. The bathroom, blessedly, is already clean at this point. Since I had been so good, I let the laundry go and skipped doing the front porch, which is looking distinctly neglected. But the inside of the house looks pretty good. And he’s not coming to see the porch, right?

Although it will be good to see Rodney, I am a little worried about the possible sexual connotations of a dinner date. It’s not that I don’t like him, I do, but it does add a layer of complication when you have sex with a friend. I don’t feel like I have a lot to offer as a partner at the moment, and while I feel that it wouldn’t be fair to have sex with Rodney without having the whole health talk beforehand, at the same time I really don’t want to talk about impending tests and stuff all evening. What to do? Sigh. I don’t want to be a downer, but I don’t want him to feel rejected either. It looks like I’m going to just wing it, and it is so unlike me to be going in without a game plan. I’m likely to make quite a mess of it.

A post in which I begin the new week

It was a typical Monday. Work, home, dinner, telly, and bed. I did go by the store on the way home for a few things I forgot this weekend, and some more salad. Publix had their Caesar salad kits on sale this week; and far be it from me to deny myself salad when I actually want to eat it. I also picked up some blueberries. I’ve been having them as a treat lately.

I did talk to Rodney, and old friend, online tonight for a bit, and he asked me out to supper. He’s a nice guy, and I like him. He’s smart, but for some reason he has just never seemed like a potential partner to me. I told him I would go, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a while since I have seen him, and he has lost a bunch of weight. It will be interesting to see how he looks. I’m sure he looks great – he’s always been a handsome man.

I also talked to James about the tubing trip this coming Sunday. That was a lot of fun last year, and a lot of my favorite people are going, including Russ and Billy this year. It should be a good time.

Although I had a busy week planned, it’s been winnowed down somewhat. I was supposed to have a rendezvous tonight, but he was a no-show. I was really OK with that. When I got home it was so good to be here that I really didn’t feel like leaving. I was supposed to go see a Metropolitan Opera simulcast with Nancy this week, but she got the night wrong, and it was scheduled for Wednesday night instead of Thursday as we had thought. I could have re-scheduled Rodney, but it just seemed like a lot of rigmarole to go through. There’s another one later in the month anyway.

That seems to illustrate what’s going on right now. Nothing really seems to matter that much. I seek mindless distraction, but don’t seem to be willing to go very far out of my way for them. I don’t seem to care very much about improving myself, which used to be a more important thing for me. Nothing seems to matter as much as keeping my brain turned off. I don’t really want to think about anything, particularly the next series of tests and doctor visits. They just seem to hang over my head in quiet menace.

I know the blog has been boring lately, and I apologize for that, but there really hasn’t been that much going on. Aside from wanting to stay close to home and engage in mindless distractions, I haven’t been up to much.

A post in which I do get to go out to supper

I was pretty good again today. I did more laundry. I went to the flea market later in the day and got produce. After I got home and recovered (I just don't seem to be able to take the heat the way I could even last year), I obligingly turned the veggies into lunches for next week. I made a veggie chili/rice pilaf kind of thing that turned out pretty tasty.

I packed up all the lunches and then got ready myself. MC and sa were supposed to come today, and we were all going out to dinner.

It ended up being Russ, Billy, MC, sa, Miss Kat, dana, and Ben at supper. We went to a place called Brioso, which was interesting. You get a menu as you walk in, and order at a counter before sitting down at the table of your choice. They bring the food out to you just like a regular restaurant, so I'm not sure what the deal is about ordering at the counter, but that's their thing. After a disappointing salad, the rest of the food was excellent, I have to say. The pricing is a bit aggressive for their business atmosphere IMHO (my dinner was $15 for pasta and a small salad, plus an additional $4 and change for gelato afterwards). They also added a gratuity for our party being 8 or more - I thought an 18% gratuity was a bit much again for the atmosphere (not to mention the somewhat indifferent service), but my calculated tip was much less than I would usually leave. Again, the pasta is made there, as is the gelato, and both were excellent. I'll go back for gelato if nothing else. I ate mine tonight, and then finished dana's.

After supper we went to Russ's shop for him to cut MC an sa's hair. sa hadn't had a haircut since the presentation ceremony and was a bit shaggy. It was a relaxing evening, and we watched a Pink concert during the cuts.

It was so relaxed that by the time we got out of there and got back to Russ and Billy's house it was after 9:30. Since it was a school night, and since they were going in to watch TV anyway, I just headed on home and went to bed. Still, nice to spend some time out with friends. I've been so good this weekend I needed to go out and be bad for a while.

A post in which I end up being inexplicably good

I woke up lazy this morning. I had felt like lying in bed every morning last week, and had decided to do it today. It didn't last long though. I got up and started moving around.

I had things I needed to do today, because I had plans to be out tonight. So by the same token I didn't want to be too tired to enjoy myself.

Top priority was scrubbing the bathroom, which was just gross. I did that. I also did some laundry I'd been putting off. Odd stuff like my beach towel, my blanket, stuff like that that has be washed alone.

I made a run out and went to the bank, hauled off the recycling, and went to the grocery store. All stuff that needed doing, but when I got home I was surprisingly tired. I've felt more tired lately. I don't know if that's just me wearing myself out mentally, or if there is some physical thing going on. I know I've been adjusting to the bp meds, but surely that would be about over by now? I feel old. It was brutally hot outside. I rested for a while when I got back in.

Then I got all cleaned up and finished scrubbing the shower. I wanted to be ready to go when Russ and Billy put the word out, but when they did, it was to cancel. Russ didn't feel well, and MC and sa weren't coming today after all. So I was at loose ends.

I threw a frozen pizza in the oven, turned on telly, and played on the computer. I felt lonely with absolutely no justification. There were places I could have gone if I wanted. I could have had people in if I had wanted, but I didn't, particularly. It was odd. I felt like I wanted to do something, but the thoughts of actually executing it just seemed like too much work. So I didn't do anything but feel sorry for myself, which frankly I've been doing a lot of lately, and I've about had a bellyfull of it.

In the meantime, though, there was nothing for it but to go on to bed. So I did.

A post in which I visit with Miss Kat and dana

Aside from being dull as dishwater and incredibly long, it was a very quiet day at work today.

I did have an odd call to Russ. For some reason I thought we were going to a birthday/pool party tomorrow, but apparently I had completely the wrong idea. We were having dinner out with MC and sa. It’s very unusual for me to get all mixed up like that. I don’t know where my mind is lately. It takes a lot more energy to hold on to good denial than you would think.

When it was finally time to go home, I did the Fred Flintstone down Dino’s tail and into the car. I was so ready for the weekend.

When I got home, I called dana as agreed, but got no answer. It turns out that after a 10-hour day, she was cleaning house and didn’t hear her phone over the vacuum. She’s far better than I. Miss Kat called me back after a little while and I went on over. We had Mexican and visited for a while.

I didn’t stay too late though, because dana was wiped out. With the heat and the long hours she’s been working, she had planned to go to bed early. I got home surprisingly early, and watched telly for a bit (and ate more, which I did not need to do) before turning in.

A post in which I am fairly productive

I was a pretty good boy tonight. I ate leftovers for supper, straightened up the house some, rinsed out yet more recycling, and did a load of laundry. I have to haul off the recycling. I keep saying I’m going to do it and then I don’t. It’s everywhere.

dana called tonight to ask me over for tomorrow night, just because she was thinking about me. I love me some dana.

A post in which I go back to the doctor

And nothing happens. After all that trepidation, he did an exam, talked a bit, took a urine sample, and then scheduled a follow up to draw more blood in three weeks. So it will be another month before I know anything. If the PSA level is still up, he’ll want to do a biopsy. So I have another month to exercise my Southern Power of Denial.

James called today. He and Jeff are back from vacation and wanted to get together. Of course I said yes.

It ended up that we met at Russ’s shop and we all got haircuts, then went out to Miyako for sushi. Their food is so awesome. We ended up having the cute little waitress with the retro Brit-style bob, and she sat down and talked to us when we were through eating.

Jeff and James caught us up on James’s family and their trip. We went back to Russ and Billy’s house for a short visit, but it was getting late, and it’s a school night. It was good to see everyone.

A post in which it is back to work

Today was my stasis day. It was just a usual day to get me back in the groove before the doctor’s appointment tomorrow for further tests. I just kind of went through the motions. I was productive enough.

I went by the grocery store on the way home from work, and bought a bunch of gourmet organic frozen meals on sale. Because that’s what I need in my diet – more processed food. I even did a load of laundry tonight. I guess I’m back in denial. I just feel kind of numb.

I did enjoy hearing from Kris by email tonight. She has apparently decided to find me a husband, and God bless her for trying. I really like she and kindle.

A post in which it is time to go home

I woke up this morning to the sound of camp breaking. Miss Kat and dana were up, and they were preparing to hit the road. They had told me that we were heading out early this morning, and I believed them! I got up and got moving. By the time I got my stuff rounded up and packed, and myself somewhat ready to roll, dana was in the car with the engine going. I made it though.

We stopped for coffee and then headed out. Traffic this morning wasn’t as bad as it had been on Saturday, but then we were off early. We left the coffee place at 8:19am. We re-hashed the weekend and what a good time we’d all had on the way back. Joann is already talking about doing another weekend for Labor Day – we may well be in attendance. It was very laid back, everyone got along, and there was no drama. I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with Kris and kindle and get to know them a bit. They're both really nice. It’s always good to see Petal and Marty. And of course everyone else there was in my Favorite People file already.

I got home, unpacked, and collapsed. I was once again pretty drug out. I had promised myself I would be lazy this afternoon, and I was. I napped and watched telly, caught up on email, and was just generally a slug.

Russ and Billy got in touch later, and we went out to Miyako for supper. I just love their food. When we got back to their place, it was time to go. Work tomorrow. Sigh.

A post in which it is very close to the perfect day

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A post in which the weekend begins

I was up early. I had a lot to do. Frankly, I was skeptical of dana’s avowal that they would be at my house by 8:30, but in case they were I didn’t want to keep them waiting. It turns out that my caution was justified – they were on my doorstep on the dot. I was really glad I was ready. I could have driven myself, but that would have been yet another car at Joann’s. Plus I’m just not sure of myself driving with these new bp meds having me all wonked out.

OK, for whatever reason this is the only picture I made this weekend. Why? WTF knows? But I include it. This is the view from the back seat on the way to Savannah. The observant will note that the road is lined with the state flower - the construction barrel.

At any rate, I made the time, and we set off. It makes me feel good just to be around the two of them, so I was feeling fairly perky and optimistic about the trip. We made great time, and got to the house about 12:30 or so.

By the time we got there, I was pretty drug out (car trips do that to me), and after greetings I collapsed on the sofa for a while. The house is large, but we had a houseful this weekend. I found that I was to bunk in the room with Miss Kat and dana. That was fine with me, but I wondered how they felt about it.

We spent the afternoon relaxing and visiting. We got in the pool for a while. Rob and Joann made low country boil for supper.

It was a nice relaxing day with friends.

All was fine until Miss Kat decided to turn in. I realized that I hadn't inflated my air mattress. I figured it would be better to go ahead and do it now than wait until later when she was asleep. So I had to go back there, drag it all out, and make a horrible racket - interrupting cuddle time. They were really nice about it, but I felt bad about making so much noise.

Tomorrow is the flea market!!

A post in which I have a visitor*

dana called today to invite me over and to make sure that I was going to Savannah with she and Miss Kat this weekend. I just couldn’t tell dana no. I just love them so much. Part of me would really like to stay here and hopefully get some things done around the house (the things which need doing are legion), but then the other part of me knows that it wouldn’t get done. I’d spend the weekend being lazy, and feeling guilty about it because there is so much that needs doing. At least this way I’ll be able to spend some time with my friends while I’m being lazy.

R came by to see me tonight. It was really good to see him, although I wish he was happier. He’s a sweet man, and I’d like to see him doing better, with or without me. It’s always good to see him though, and we enjoyed the time we had.

After he left I went over to Miss Kat and dana’s for a visit. I needed the time out. I’ve been spending too much time alone with my thoughts. I didn’t stay too late though – they want to be on the road by 8:30am! Yikes! And I don’t have a thing packed either.

A post in which pretty much nothing happens

I started closing the month today, which kept me fairly busy at work. I’m still all disconnected, but I’m conscious.

I talked to my friend R tonight. He really seemed to want to come see me tonight, but I guess he couldn’t get away. He’s supposed to come tomorrow night, so maybe I’ll see him then. I spent the evening fooling around on the computer and watching part of Enchanted before finally giving up and going to bed.