A post in which I get some thank yous done

So many people have been so nice to me in the last year that I've kind of paced myself on doing thank yous, but they have started to weigh on me a bit.  Today I had lunch scheduled out with Donna and Gail.  They are two women I work with who really took me to their hearts during treatment last year. 

Gail started a whole thing about how sexy my bald head was after I lost my hair.  She knew how upset I was about it, and launched a whole campaign to make me feel better.  She even offered to shave her own head (I wouldn't hear of it).  She and Donna both worried and fussed over me, and made sure I ate.  They were the ones I told about the passing out once it started happening during the day, just in case it happened in the office.  Donna made me a whole meal and sent it home with me on my birthday.  They both just went out of their way to be kind and look after me.

As I had anticipated, Gail balked at my paying for lunch.  After a little struggle, though, she gave way under the weight of consensus among the group.  Some people just make it so hard for you to do something nice for them!  My tentative plan had been to get them in my car and whisk them away to Stax Grill, which is a pretty nice place; but Gail is a pretty picky eater and she wanted Mexican today.  That was fine with me.  Donna's more open about what she eats.  On the enthusiastic recommendation of another co-worker, we went to Papas & Beer.  I had never been, but the food we had was excellent.  There was a salsa bar with all kinds of salsas.  The atmosphere was a bit crowded and kind of junky for me.  We really enjoyed lunch though, and ate basically until we couldn't move.  That made for a long sleepy afternoon for yours truly, all stuffed with nachos.  Still though, it was nice to get that done, and show my appreciation for their kindness.  I have a couple of vases for them, and I'll bring in flowers at some random date in the not-too-distant-future, and then my thank yous to them will be done.  Not so many left now. 

Eventually work was over though, and I left to complete my appointed rounds.  I went by Ross's Dress for Less and returned the lamp shade I had picked up last week that didn't work.  Then I ran into Ingle's to pick up eggs, and home for supper.

We have a food day planned for tomorrow, so I put the eggs on to boil before I started doing other stuff.  After I ate, I tried to peel them.  I had planned to make deviled eggs, which are one of my favorite things.  I have three distinctly different recipes, all of which are delicious.  The eggs, however, were not cooperating.  Stale eggs (a week or so old) peel much more easily than fresh eggs.  They keep the eggs so fresh at the grocery store now that if you want stale eggs you have to plan ahead, and I had not.  When I finished up (finally) I was looking at a bowl of mangled, shaggy boiled eggs.  There was no way I could devil these - I have a rep to protect.  I briefly thought about going back to the store and starting over (it was 9pm at this point), and then though screw it, egg salad it is. 

I made the egg salad, stowed it in the fridge, cleaned the kitchen, made a brief run to the store for fancy sandwich bread, and turned in. 

A day in which I am somewhat disappointed in people

So I was reading today about the sermon given by Pastor Curtis Knapp of the New Hope Baptist Church of Seneca, KS today.  He called from the pulpit for the government to execute gay people, because it had been sanctioned by the Bible.  This was on the heels of Rev. Charles L. Worley of the Providence Road Baptist Church in NC calling for us to be put in concentration camps and kept there until we died.  He later told the press he was "just joking".  I just don't understand how a man who puts himself forth as a religious leader could speak of such things.  Oppose them?  Well I guess so if that is how you feel led, but for a church to call for executions or to embrace the 'final solution' of the Nazi party?  I just don't understand it.  It upsets me, and it makes me sad.  The thought that someone who has never met me wants to see me dead is I suppose understandably depressing.  Sometimes the world just makes me tired.  Folks is hard.

All this kind of led me to contemplate how I feel about my dignity as a gay man.  I've been talking to people about this recently.  In the old days, there wasn't much call for it, because folks were just worried about surviving and keeping a roof over their head.  Of late though, it's a barometer of acceptance that there is more contemplation of equality.  I enjoy Will & Grace, and certainly don't discount what that show did for the gay community - it was important.  But at the same time, re-runs already appear dated to me.  I have a feeling that future generations will cringe when they see the shows.  In a way W&G was our Amos 'n' Andy.  And like Amos 'n' Andy (who were portrayed by white people), the characters weren't played by gay people.  That doesn't invalidate what they did, it's just telling that the only way to make gay people palatable to the masses was to have them played by straight people.  There was also the valid criticism that the primary relationship in W&G was between a man and a woman.  Will was by and large asexual (you could argue that Jack made up for that). 

On the whole, I'd rather be seen as a potential lap dog than as the spawn of Satan.  But the tendency to for society as a whole to dismiss gay men as potential side-kicks for the leading lady, hairdressers, or waiters (to in no way denigrate those professions) chafes a bit.  Again, better than being seen as sexual predators and/or paedophiles (which is how some still view us, discouragingly), but I'd rather not have to be minimized to be acceptable.  I don't spend a ton of time contemplating my dignity as a human being.  But it's been rattling around on the back porch of my mind lately. 

In other disappointing news, I bit the bullet and sent my whole T to Bob yesterday via email.  Crickets.  I guess it is disconcerting to find out that much up front about someone that you are still in the opening stages of talking to, but for him not to reply at all just seems cold.  He is not the first guy to run screaming for the hills, and I don't guess he'll be the last, but it is discouraging.  It is just so hard to keep reaching out to people and getting my feelings slapped.  Sometimes I think I should just stop and resign myself to being single.  I'm not quite there yet, but today I feel closer.

But enough whining.

Work was work.  I did get some last-minute requests in for write-offs, but was able to get them processed with no problem.  They're in CA now for approval, so it's out of my hands.

After work I remembered that I hadn't put the lamp shade I needed to return in the boot, but I didn't feel like going home just yet.  I ran through another Ross Dress for Less to see if they had any more of the Rhonda mugs, but no dice.  I did pick up some socks, but virtuously refrained from any further purchases.  I also went in Marshall Home Store for a rummage 'round, ostensibly to check for Rhonda mugs, but really just because I felt like going.  I felt like I needed the lift.  I also ducked into Petsmart to look for a new comb for Crooner.  I bought one, but it wasn't the kind I wanted and ultimately proved unsatisfactory. 

By the time I got out of there I was hungry and my feets hurt, so I headed for home.  I fed the cats and ate dibs and dabs out of the fridge for supper.  I put in a load of laundry and vegged in front of the boob tube, taking in some Family Guy re-runs and Taboo, which was pretty interesting tonight - infantalism, cosplay and Japanese 'maid cafes' that were staffed by guys (always reassuring to see people kinkier than I am).  (Speaking of which, I need to do a bit of reading on zentai - there was a guy at Frolicon doing that this spring and I didn't even know what it was.  I inadvertently found out what it was called tonight in the promos for future episodes of Taboo.) 

When the washer cut off, I put the wash in the dryer and went to bed. 

The nice thing was, just as I was turning in, I got a text from Logan.  I am invited to celebrate Russ's birthday this weekend with a flea market run Saturday morning (to make up for the one we missed last week) and a trip to see Snow White and the Huntsman, which I have been really looking forward to seeing.  I am as excited as if it was my birthday!  (And actually it's a little bit better, because I don't even have to get older.)  It was a really nice way to end the day.  I fell asleep in pleasant expectation of the weekend.

A post in which the week picks up right where it left off

It was a normal Tuesday, and the trains were running on time today.  I got my work done and my junk caught up.

 The good news today is that Russ is back on his feet and in the shop.  I exchanged a couple of texts today with Logan, and told him about my shoes. 

I'm talking to a nice guy name Bob right now.  I'm debating dumping out the bags, but after the deal with Trent last weekend, I'm leery.  Bob is much closer to my age though, so he's an adult.  Still.  He's talking about moving down here.  He has family here, and is coming down next month to interview for jobs.  He wants to meet me, and I'd like to meet him too.  But I have to be honest first.  Sigh.  Complications.

I got to Dad and Eve's tonight for dinner, and Dad was too sore to go, so Eve and I went to Portofino's without him.  He wouldn't hear of us bringing back dinner for everyone.  We had a nice meal and then I went back to the house to visit with him.  We brought in his dinner and I chatted with him while he ate.  Things were pretty calm for the most part.  Lisa has been in touch to tell me he was brewing up another batch of crazy, but it didn't come up tonight.

I left and ran by Publix, yet again, for a few things.  I seem to be able to pass anything but a grocery store this week.  Then I went home, did my routine, and turned in. 

A post in which things are OK*

I was up early this morning to finish cooking beans in case I got called to the hospital.  I started getting text messages first thing this morning about Russ.  I waited a decent interval before getting in touch with the boys, and was reassured.  Logan told me that it didn't look like a stroke, and they were just triple-checking to be sure.  He had the MRI early and they were waiting on results. 

Rhonda was back, and I asked if she wanted to have breakfast.  I had been pretty much relieved of friend duty, and on the one hand I felt vaguely guilty, but on the other hand I wasn't going to sit at the house the whole day waiting to be needed, especially since it didn't seem that I would be.  Ditto the hospital.   

I loaded the car up with some stuff that needed doing (to be sure I got something done today), and went to pick up Rhonda. 

Our first stop was Cracker Barrel.  Mom would have been proud.  I don't usually eat there, but Rhonda had a shirt from there she needed to return.  Despite the fact that there were 1.5million people in the parking lot, there wasn't a wait, so we killed two birds with one stone. 

After that we went to Frame Warehouse, where I at last dropped off my temple rubbing to have it re-framed.  The rubbing itself is really nice, and actually quite distinctive, but I hate the frame and matting it was in when I bought it.  After all these years, I'm finally going to have it re-done.  I love the Frame Warehouse.  Their work is always so beautiful.  They may not be the cheapest place, but I can count on them, they have a great selection, and I used to work with the woman that owns the place years ago.  I trust them, and they have done all my framing work for years.  After picking out a prodigiously expensive frame and paying my deposit, I left it in their capable hands. 

But I wasn't ready to go home yet.  Worse, I felt like spending money (God knows why - I don't have any).  But we went to Ross Dress for Less anyway.  I love that store, and I always find something cool there.  Today was no exception.  We weren't even in the door good before I found a glorious pair of Adias suede hi-tops.  Salmon color.  In my size.  For $22. (Did I mention that I freakin' LOVE Ross Dress for Less?)  I can scarcely wait to wear them in front of Logan.  I also bought a lamp shade that won't work on the lamp for which I intended it.  We found some more of the great mugs I bought for Rhonda!  I could scarcely believe it.  I had been in there to look for them specifically a couple of weeks ago, and nothing.  So we got those.  I also found some underwear (which I have really got to stop buying). 

Then to round off the trip we went over to the Dollar Tree, where fortunately that annoying guy from last time was nowhere to be seen.  I picked up some of those gourmet crackers that are just like the ones at the grocery store, only a third of the price.  I picked up a couple of other odds and ends, including some plates to take brownies to the Cancer Center on.  I figured for a dollar, I'd rather have those than some plastic thing.  No need to take vintage cake plates every time, right? 

I dropped Rhonda at her place and checked in with the boys.  Russ was supposed to be discharged today.  They suspect that he had an ear infection related to a stomach virus he's had.  The MRI, as expected, showed no signs of a stroke.

I dropped off the recycling and ran by the grocery store.  I got home with the feeling of having accomplished much, despite all that remains to be done.

I had a little lie-down and a late lunch.  When I woke up I had a text from a guy I'd been talking to online who was coming to town on business, so I cleaned up and went to see him for a bit.  He was really nice. 

Afterwards I ran by Outback for a couple of their delicious blue cheese pecan chop salads.  They are a side item, but telish and meat-free.  It was an indulgence, but I wanted them, and thought ten more dollars today really wasn't that big of a deal.

By the time I ran by the store yet again, got home, ate supper, changed the sheets, and folded the laundry, it was time to turn in.  Which I did. 

A post in which I am kind of worried

I was up early as usual, ate some breakfast, and waited for the boys to get in touch.  They did, and told me they were coming.  Then cancelled because Russ was not feeling well enough to go.  I was disappointed, but not terrifically concerned.  I told them to let me know about dinner later, and went ahead to the Jockey Lot on my own. 

It was hotter than yesterday, although the weather was gorgeous, but again I got really too late a start to look for glass.  I found a Tupperware Velveeta keeper and picked that up.  They don't make these any more, and my loathing for Velveeta is legend, but they make great keepers for sleeves of saltines after you open them.  They are about the only thing that keeps the crackers from going stale.  The same seller had an Adam bowl priced pretty reasonably, but the center design was off-kilter.  Since it was a piece I had anyway, I left it.  Since I just got taken on a piece last week, I am leery. 

Tupperware Velveeta keeper

I did the rest of the outside, but it was getting hotter, and folks were packing up to go home.  I found an American Sweetheart cereal bowl at a pretty good price, most likely still there because it was paired with a bread plate that was chipped.  I thought about wandering around inside for a bit just for amusement, but my feet were wearing out and I had cooking to do.  I grabbed a watermelon for fruit next week and decided to head on to the house. 

American Sweetheart 5 7/8" cereal bowl in pink by MacBeth-Evans Glass, circa 1930-1936

When I got back to the house I was tired, so I had a rest, and then got up and fixed lunch. After that it was time to clean up the kitchen and get started cooking vegetables. I snapped all the beans, then realized there were too many to do in one batch.  I've gotten this recipe right, and I'm not going to screw them up trying to overload the pot.  I put some away to cook tomorrow.  Snapping is the work anyway.  I also cut my squash an put it under the broiler.  That's on of my favorite summer recipes, stolen from a co-worked I worked with years ago.  Because I had so many, I did half with the usual olive oil, salt, and pepper; then did the other half with some teriyaki sauce I had in the fridge that needed to be used up.  Surprisingly, the plain ones turned out better.  Sometimes simple is best, and when you have fresh little squash like these, it's a shame to cover up the sweetness with a heavy sauce. 

Sadly, Trent had a melt-down today.  He is the younger guy I have been talking to online.  He was *way* too young for me anyway, and I know his past has damaged him.  So I was already pretty leery about the situation.  The surprising part was how quickly we went from potential dates to overt hostility.  He sent me a text today, and by the third text he sent, the gloves were off and he was just saying the nastiest thing he could think of.  It didn't upset me - our interaction was pretty peripheral, after all - but it was sad.  I hope that he is able to move past what has been done to him. 

I got in touch with the boys about supper, and they told me they were taking Russ to the Emergency Room!  Apparently his dizziness had gotten worse, and they decided to take him on in.  I went ahead and got cleaned up in case I was needed.  I futzed around the house afterwards, and vegged in front of the television.  I wanted to go over, but Billy said they didn't need me.  They refused my offer to bring in supper.  I was walking the line here between wanting to be supportive, but not wanting to push myself into the situation.  Frankly, having been through it myself, I also knew what the emergency room would be like on a holiday weekend. 

I stayed in touch, and when they told me that he was being kept over-night for observation, and that an MRI was scheduled for the morning, I let the Kindred know what was going on.  They hadn't told me to do this, but I remembered Rhonda and I having a talk about this when I was in the ER, and since there was a possibility that Russ has had a stroke I thought the family needed to know.  It was a troubling evening.

A post in which I get the weekend started

Actually, quite well as it turned out.  I went by and picked up Cole to take him to the flea market this morning.  I wanted to go to Anderson Jockey Lot after reading their Facebook posts about what a great weekend it was going to be, but there was some kind to traffic-geddon going on on 85 South, resulting in their shutting down the entire highway.  No idea what happened - we never got close enough to see.  As soon as an exit came up, I jumped off and we headed in the opposite direction, to Greer.  Barnyard is a great flea market, but it wasn't where I wanted to be today, and we were so delayed by traffic and the wait for Cole's toilette (he had breakfast with Dad and Eve, plus the investigation of buying tires, etc, before I got there, delaying his ritual - he is a teen-ager) that it was really too late for glass by the time we got there.  No worries, it was nice just to spend some time with Cole.  The flea market has kind of become our 'thing'.  It's nice that he wants to spend some time with me.  We bought some beautiful baby squash, and some nice green beans.  I've kind of turned into a green bean-aholic this year thanks to that new recipe, and there are so many things you can do with baby squash.

After the market I dropped Cole at the house and headed back to mine.  Khavis was coming to mow the grass, which was seriously in need of some attention.  I ate some lunch while he mowed, and found out that the boys actually didn't go out of town, due to Russ not feeling well.  While I was sorry that he didn't feel good, I was glad they didn't leave town for the weekend.  I made plans to have supper with them, and took a little nap.

When I got up it was time to get ready to go.  I did all my cat chores and my toilette and then headed their way.  We ended up going to Irashiai for dinner at my suggestion.  The last time we went there it was pretty so-so; plus were a little bit bitter because they had just gobbled up merged with our favorite sushi place, Miyako.  Tonight, it seems that they have had time to get their shit together.  The menu has been integrated.  Our food was excellent, and the service was good (particularly surprising for Irashiai, where the service has been consistently sub-par for some time now).  They had some new rolls on the menu that were delicious - Logan and I had the ASO Volcano, which was excellent.  I was really happy to see my favorite, the California Dreaming roll, not only on the menu, but very well done.  Now there wasn't a huge crowd tonight, which may have given them the breathing room to do better than usual, but we all agreed that if the food was going to be the way it was tonight we are adding the place back to our rotation.  We used to eat sushi regularly, and I have missed it.  We had a great meal tonight.  The only shadow on the evening was that Russ wasn't feeling well enough to eat much.

We went back to the house to watch The Cat Returns.  Logan is a fellow anime enthusiast (actually he is more hard-core than I am), and hadn't seen it.  I had bought my copy weeks ago at Barnyard, but hadn't opened it until we could watch it together.  I had forgotten what a charming movie it is, and we enjoyed it.  We also had ice cream cookie sandwiches - yummy!  We made plans to go to the flea market tomorrow.  Yay!

I left full of good food, friendship, and anticipating a good day tomorrow. 

A post in which it is the eterniday

Well since yesterday felt like Friday all day, today felt like I was working on a Saturday.  The day started off with the quarterly meeting, which was surprisingly well attended.  That just made the day longer though, because we had to be here a half hour early.  They do give us breakfast, and I had a biscuit with craisins on it in a sugar glaze that was delicious.  Usually the fare is pretty meat-centric.

It was the last day before a holiday, so management was gone (Alan was gone), but the whole sales staff was here.  It was pretty dead though, and pretty much everyone was not-working.  Most of the customers were already gone for the long weekend.  I finished up what I needed to do by about 10:30am, and then had plenty of time to exercise my willpower trying not to go out to lunch.  I was out of lunches, so I brought an Amy's frozen ravioli bowl today.  That is good, but it isn't the lunch buffet at Saffron, which was what I really wanted.  But I forbore, despite a blood sugar crash, which I hate.  It makes you feel wonky for the rest of the day.  I did break down and get M&M's out of the vending machine which I never do (it's like you're at Disneyland - they know they have a captive audience - one pack of M&M's was 90 freakin' cents).  I just had to have some chocolate. 

I think I got my period today.  I was bloated with water weight gain, irritable for no good reason (it was a quiet, if eternal, day), felt crappy, and really wanted nothing but sweets.  Compounding my unhappiness was that the boys would be out of town this weekend, as would Rhonda.  Cole was coming to town tonight to see Dad and Eve (and I imagine score some new tires for his car - the ones on there are bald).  Eve invited me for dinner, and as much as I would have loved to see him, I just didn't have the patience for them tonight.

Besides, Miss Kat sent a text and invited me to go over there, and I really needed to see them tonight.  It was just that kind of day.  I called her after work and we made plans for me to pick up supper at Hibachi Express on my way over.  She wouldn't let me pay.  I'm gonna have to be disrespectfully annoying to get them to let me do something nice for them.  But it was good to see them, and dinner was nice, and the visit was lovely.  I got them caught up on Columbia last weekend, seeing my mom, etc.  Dana soothed away my week for me and pressed the 're-set' button.  It was a very nice way to start the long weekend. 

A post in which I get some things done, inadvertently

I was up at 5am with insomnia this morning anyway, so I decided to at least have pro-active insomnia and get some stuff done.  There are like 1.5 million little niggling aggravating things that need doing around the house which I have putting off for weeks.  Things are about at critical mass.  Since David is coming tomorrow, I needed to get the basket o' mystery cleaned out.  I also needed to put away my shoes.  He has a thing about it, and they do really not need to be all over my bedroom floor.

I have a basket on the end of my bar where pretty much everything in the Western world waits for me to feel like dealing with it: incoming mail, shopping lists, surveys, etc.  I had tried to make myself do it a couple of weeks ago and hadn't been able to apply myself.  I hate going through it.  But I did this morning, finding (again) a check from the hospital.  It was only for $25 but was a little over 6 months old.  Even though most commercial checks are only viable for 6 months, I decided to deposit it anyway because I wasn't going to throw it away.

I also got all the get well/Valentine's/etc cards out of the living room.  They've been all over the place for months, but it's time to do the ole greet 'n toss.  For now, it was enough to gather them into a central location. 

On the way into the office I stopped at CVS, was helped immediately (hosanna!) due to the ungodliness of the hour, picked up my prescriptions, did a review, and made alterations to the auto-fill list.  I went by the bank and deposited the old check.  I still made it to work early too. 

I did my work, and had some time - things were slow today.  I chatted some more with a coupla guys.  Trent (the young 'un) seems to have some serious self esteem issues.  And no car.  And no job.  Sigh.  He lives in Charlotte.  Chris, who I've been talking to for several weeks, is still in school (he graduates in December), lives 5.5 hours away, and last night via Skype revealed a serious jealous side and a troubling propensity for violence.  Maybe that's why I'm still single - everyone just seems like so much WORK.  Another guy named Bob sounds more promising.  He's interviewing for jobs in the area, although he currently doesn't live here.  We have a lot of interests and opinions in common, and he sounds nice.  So maybe that will work out.  But he likes to hike (yerg - I guess I could do it if I had to), and is in a lot better shape than I am.  I dunno how he's gonna feel about the Great White Goddess when we actually meet.

After work I headed home for hot dogs.  There were other things that had to be done though.  Crooner, in another act of their continued assault on my sanity, decided that the garden window over the kitchen sink was his new resting place of choice last weekend.  So he pushed all the glass around, made a place to lay, and proceeded to spread the whole window with cat schmutz and filth.  That had to be addressed.  So I took all the glass out of the window, washed it (somehow he had gotten Croonerfilth down in glasses and stuff), cleaned the window, and put it all back in.  Hopefully I've gotten the message across that this is NOT  a good place for him to lay.  I haven't caught him up there lately.

I also had to clean Jinx's hairballs up.  I thought that had stopped, but the shedding season is upon us.

After that, I deemed the house ready for the cleaner to come.  I could hear Dad in my head speaking disparagingly about cleaning up for the cleaners to come, but I would have been embarrassed for David to see the state of the place the way it has been this week. 

I purposely did not turn on the computer tonight.  I had to turn in early because that stupid quarterly meeting is tomorrow, of all days.  Not only a Friday, but the last day before a three-day weekend.  This is the day they choose to drag us out of bed early (we have to be there a half hour earlier than usual) and subject us to an hour of numbers and status that mean absolutely nothing to most of the people there.  Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to know what's going on with the company, but don't get me up early to tell me about it. 

I did make it to bed on time, and drifted off with Sweet Genius in the background. 

A post in which I Skype for the very first time

I was a good boy today, got to work on time, and did what needed doing.

I emailed the boys today about possible plans for the upcoming long weekend; but crickets from all three.  One of the benefits of there being three of them is that usually at least one will answer. 

On the way home, I was thinking about what I would have for supper, and then remembered that I had bought hot dogs Monday!  Yay!  I love hot dogs.  I also had a can of veggie chili in the cabinet that needed to be used.  So I drug out everything and had yummy hot dogs.  I also had a bag of the new Dorito's Spicy Sweet Chili chips that I had purchased on the endorsement of my beloved nephew Cole, who claimed they were the best. chips. ever.  I was kind of meh about them though.  I think I would have rather had the original Dorito's.

I made some tea and put a load of laundry in.  I tried putting Drano down the kitchen sink again, to absolutely no effect.  The slow drain is making me nuts. 

I fell into the internet vortex and wound up talking to another guy I've been chatting with, Chris, on Skype.  We ended up talking for a while before I called it quits and hit the sheets.  I am REALLY ready for the long weekend!

A post in which I do the Tuesday night thing

I spent a good bit of time today chatting with a new guy I met on Bear last night named Trent.  He's very cute, but he's also very young.  On the one hand, it makes me feel kinda creepy.  On the other, he's apparently had a very rough life, and it makes me want to be good to him. 

Since it's Tuesday night, it was dinner with Dad and Eve.  Dad is feeling better, and is out and about now.  They went to church Sunday and out to lunch afterwards.  I wanted Mexican, so we went to Don Pablo's, which was just fine with me.  I had some more of those gorgeous Cantina Nachos (900 calories - like I really need that right?).  My voice was going out tonight and Dad couldn't hear anything I said.

After supper as we headed back to the house Dad went into an endless story about replacing the stair-rail off the back porch.  Apparently Eve hadn't been happy with the one the builder left, and determined that it had to be replaced.  This involved two weeks of complaining, followed by a rogue trip to Home Depot to buy supplies for said project (which Dad hadn't sanctioned), followed by she and Judy being unable to complete the project, at which point Dad had to get involved and finish it.  This story was told with much frustration, bitterness, and sarcasm.  He would not be detered.  Eve was sitting right there in the car, and this story went on for most of the ride back from the restaurant.  I can understand why he was frustrated.  She can be quite an earful when she gets a bee in her bonnet - and they have been cooped up together in the house for weeks.  But geez.  Uncomfortable.  Every now and then, it's a bit like I've walked in to the screen in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and I don't know how to get out. 

Fortunately we were able to change the subject when we got to the house, and had a pretty good visit.  Towards the end though, I found out some more details about a family situation.  My cousin Mark has problems with drugs, which I knew.  I didn't know how bad things had gotten though.  I feel really bad for my uncle.  Things are pretty bad up there. 

On that sobering note, I took my leave and went home.

When I got to the house, I did the light bulb fandango with the new bulbs I bought tonight.  It's funny how things that didn't bother me during treatment have started bugging me now.   The bulbs in a couple of my ceiling fans and the bathroom light over the sink don't match.  So I started moving them around trying to fix that.  I also put a different bulb in the new lamp in the living room.  It's better, but I am still not convinced.

A post in which it is the new week

I got a full night's sleep last night, but still felt drug out this morning.  I did do a lot this past weekend, but it seems like I am tired a lot more than I should be.  I'm three and a half months out of treatment now, and feeling better than I was, but I feel like it's more difficult than it should be to keep up with my life.

Work was mostly quiet, thank goodness.  I didn't feel like doing much, but I did what needed doing.

On the way home I stopped at the store because I really wanted Caesar salad, but couldn't really justify the expense of going to a restaurant for one by myself.  I didn't think I could afford to take Rhonda either just at the moment, and I was right.  When I got to the register I found out I was broke (yikes!) so I'm debating now on whether or not I'm going to be able to keep David.  He came in to do for me during treatment, and it's really nice not having to worry about cleaning, but he is a luxury I'm not sure I can afford.

Shopping done, I headed home and ate an enormous Caesar salad along with some warmed up curried cauliflower souffle for supper, followed up with too many Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for dessert (the Easter Bunny having left them for me at Mom's house).  Geez, I wonder why I'm gaining weight? 

I steamed and then pan-seared some brussels sprouts I had picked up for lunches this week.  I fell into the internet vortex for a while (I've gotten a lot of positive response to my new pictures), but turned in on time.  I was tired.

A post in which I have to go home

Mom and I debated going out for breakfast this morning, but in the end didn't.  I know she likes to do that, but we had been out for breakfast yesterday morning, and I just felt like hanging around the house this morning.  We made breakfast in my new pan, which performed just beautifully.  I'm most happy with it.

On the agenda today was a trip to Fred's.  I had never been in one, but it's a favorite of Mom's.  Mom loves stores fulla crap.  Now I like junk stores, but generally don't spend a lot of time in Dollar Tree and the like.  Mom LOVES them.  We were looking for a little lamp for my living room.  My old one (which I picked up inadvertently at an estate sale years ago in a box lot, and which I have never been crazy about) died a couple of months ago.  I hadn't replaced it because I was waiting to go shopping with Mom, but having a non-functioning lamp in my chronically under-lit living room was starting to wear.  We had looked at Target last night, but there wasn't anything there that just slapped me on the ass and called me daddy. 

Mom told me that Fred's had a good inventory of little lamps, and my trust in her expertise was not mis-placed.  There were shelves of little lamps in various shapes and sizes, along with an impressive selection of lamp shades.  After some futzing around, I found one that would work.  It was really reasonably priced too. 

That accomplished, we headed up the highway to meet Lisa for lunch.  She was on her way back from the beach, and was stopping in Columbia to pick up Ava, who had spent the weekend with her father, he-who-must-not-be-named.  We met Lisa at Carolina Wings in Cayce.  Lisa showed up in high spirits and full of stories about her weekend away.  I'm SO glad she had a good time.  She mostly works and takes care of the kids, so I was really glad that she took some time for herself.  She's been so worried about leaving Ava with you-know-who for his weekends that I was pleasantly surprised that she decided to take the opportunity.  I had some truly excellent buffalo shrimp (one of my favorite things), and our waiter was super nice.  Ava's dad dropping her off was a minor flaw in a nice visit, quickly made up for by getting to see my darling baby princess niece Ava.  She loves her some Uncie Steve, and I adore her right back, so it works out well.  She happily climbed all over me for a while, but then I had to hit the road. 

The ride back was uneventful, and I made good time.  I got in, unloaded about twice what I had taken down (it seemed like anyway), was cussed out by the cats, and started getting ready for the week. 

I put my new lamp in the living room, then discovered I was completely out of light bulbs.  My ex used to stockpile them (he had a bit of a thing about light bulbs), and when he left he bought all fresh light bulbs to take with him (I don't know either).  I've been using the ones he left ever since.  I just haven't bought any in years, and now I never think to.  In the process of changing out the lamps, I found that the bulb in my old lamp was burned out, which is probably all that was wrong with it.  All these months.  I felt like an idiot.  But since the plug was broken, it needed to be replaced anyway.  Or fixed.  Or something.  The new lamp looks fine, but I can't decide if I'm happy with it.  It's very tasteful and all, but it's a new lamp made to look old, and that kind of harshes me.  Most everything in my house that looks old looks that was because it is old.  A new bulb may help (the one I stole from another lamp is too dim).  If it doesn't though, I am free to shop for one I like better now. 

It was a great weekend, and so good to see Mama.  But I'm ready to be home for a bit!

A post in which we go flea marketing

And really, is there any better way to spend the day??  I freakin love the flea market, and there are two good ones in Columbia. 

After a somewhat slow start (Cole is not a morning person, and we were in no really huge hurry) we headed out.  First on the agenda was breakfast.  Since things had been so slow at dinner last night (and because we were headed in the opposite direction) today we headed for the Lizard's Thicket, a little meat and three chain.  There are several in Columbia, and the food is reasonable, affordable, and accessible.  It's country southern food.  Mom and I eat breakfast there a good bit when I'm down there.  They have the added benefit of having salmon patties on the menu for breakfast, which makes a nice change for me.  They're pretty decent, too. 

So after a capital breakfast, it was off to the Barnyard.  The Barnyard flea markets are nice.  They are all paved and stuff.  The one in Columbia is a good place to find glass.  I was also looking for vases to complete my Thank You's at work.  I scored both almost immediately.  I found a set of Queen Mary candlesticks for $2.  They were crystal, but I already have one set.  One of those, coincidentally, I also found in Columbia.  These were in great shape, and I snapped them up. 

Queen Mary candlesticks in crystal by Anchor Hocking, circa 1936-1949

We did the rest of the place, but we had gotten started really too late for glass. We found lots of things to look at though, and were treated to a small concert from a redneck girl strumming discordantly on a toy guitar and mumbling some phrase over and over again in an unintelligible falsetto.  I was amused, but Cole, my musical nephew, who can reportedly actually play guitar (we base this on myth and legend, since he refuses to play in front of anyone) was pretty horrificated.

The big find of the day was a picture for Mom's living room.  She has been living in her patio home for five years now, and there has never been an picture on the huge blank wall behind her sofa, which has made me a little bit nuts.  But I found a picture this morning of sunset on a marsh that she liked.  It was nicely framed and was a good price also.  She bought it.  I was thrilled.  It wasn't what I would have picked out for my house, but it was tasteful, she liked it, and it suited the room. 

From there it was on to the much junkier and more poorly laid-out, but to me equally compelling US #1 Metro flea market. By this point it was getting too late in day for flea marketing though, and we were there mainly for amusement.  I did spot one Carnival Glass platter, but it was snatched up seconds after I spotted it.  That was fine with me.  I don't buy Carnival Glass because it's too fussy. 

After all that activity, Mom and I were tuckered, and Cole had to get to work, so we headed back to the homestead.  I made some lunch, Mom had a nibble, and we saw Cole off to work.  Then we both took naps.  We were both tired, and it was a weekend we were going to enjoy.  It's kind of convenient and frustrating both that I now deteriorate at the same rate as my 65-year-old mother.

With a nap and a shower though, I felt like a new man.  Pity there wasn't one to be found.  We went to my favorite antique store in Columbia for a rummage 'round before dinner.  I am looking for a small lamp for my living room.  I found a charming little ginger jar lamp, but couldn't make up my mind about it.  Those are out, but not out enough to be cool.  In the end, I didn't get it.  I did get another vase though, and a Christmas present for Justin.  Since I had scored at the flea market this morning, I wasn't horribly disappointed. 

We closed down the antique store (and were able to confirm that contrary to unsubstantiated hot n' juicy gossip, they were not closing immediately as we had heard) and then headed for dinner.  We went to Harbor Inn Seafood in Lexington.  My food was good, and Mom was tickled with hers.  I have to say I tried one of her crab legs, and it was the best one I have ever eaten.  (I don't have a lot of patience with them because they're so much work, so I don't usually eat them.)  The waitress was very nice too, and most attentive.  It's not a fancy place, but sometimes you don't need fancy, right?  Plus Mom didn't want to make me buy her a hugely expensive meal. I was taking her out for Mother's Day since I didn't see her last weekend.

We left there and headed for Target to do some Christmas shopping.  Mom and I always go off shopping together for Christmas, but had to forgo this past year because of treatment.  Mom wanted some patio chairs, and I wanted a jacket they had on clearance.  Unfortunately, they didn't have my size in the jacket, and they were sold out of the chairs Mom wanted because they had been on sale.  I did find some pillow covers (I'd been meaning to pick some up since I got new pillows, but kept forgetting) that were on clearance, and a new big frying pan with healthy non-stick coating.  Mom got me that for Christmas.  I knew I needed to give up my old Teflon pan, but I loved it so much I didn't want to give it up, so this was a very happy find for yours truly.  I got Mom some curtain rods for her living room.  They weren't terribly expensive, but she wouldn't take anything else.  I'll have to find something to send her or something. 

By the time we did all that, it was after 9pm, and we were both tired again.  Our tummies were full, and we were ready to head home.  We visited for a while, and then turned in.  It had been a lovely day.  I really enjoy spending time with my mama.

A post in which I go to Columbia

Today went pretty smoothly.  I got up early (not really by choice, but hey, I could use the time) and got my last-minute packing done.

At work I got my write-offs back and got the big ones turned in for approval.  When 5:30 came I had some issues getting home (traffic has been bad this week), but soon enough I got there, loaded the car, and headed out.  I didn't want to stop on the way as I usually do (the only places beyond Fountain Inn and before Columbia are gas stations, and one lone Subway - plus I didn't want to take the extra time) so I heated up some pizza pop tarts (which are indescribably delicious, but not terribly filling) and had those, along with some nuts I picked up at CVS.

I got to Columbia by 8pm, which is pretty fantastic time, and joined Mom and Cole at the Cracker Barrel, one of Mom's favorite places to eat.  Although the waiter wasn't the most gifted guy, he got my food out and there was no meat in it.  At the 'Crackie' (as Mom calls it), that's an accomplishment.  I had to go to the server's station to get Mom some tea, but we were otherwise unscathed.

After supper we headed back to Mom's house, where we continued catching up and making plans for tomorrow.  Mom's been working on her place since retirement.  I had a Roman shade up in the guest room, and a new comforter set.  She put a TV in there last year, and although it isn't listed on the remote I found a sleep timer buried in the menu options and was able to set it.  That was a bonus for me.  I sprawled out diagonally on the bed and went to sleep.  It had been a long day, but it promised to be a great weekend.

A post in which I get ready to go - again

I talked to Mom today about the weekend.  I had pretty much decided to go down on Friday and checked in with her about that.  The only plans she had (I checked 'cause she stays on the go!) were a visit from Cole, and she told me I was welcome to come for that, so it was a double treat!  I told her I would come on down.

Tonight was the night I set aside to finish up that huge load of laundry and pack for the weekend.  I went straight home from work.

When I got there though, my pictures had come - FINALLY!  I've been very impatient.  I had them made two weeks ago at the bear run, and they were supposed to have them back to me that Sunday before we left, but didn't.  Since then I'd been in touch with them by text, and every day they were supposed to send them - tomorrow. 

I was trying to be good and do my chores first, but the load of laundry wasn't dry.  I turned it back on, put the disc in, and fell into the internet vortex.  I had to label all the pics, set up an album, and then upload the pics to Facebook and to Bear411 (which I keep hoping will be the source for my next husband despite all evidence to the contrary).  My profile was due for an update.  Then I ate part of my supper, and at last got up to fold the laundry.

By then it was 8:45.  My goal had been to be in bed by 9pm - obviously that wasn't going to happen.  So I folded the clothes and laid some out to be packed.  I packed a bag.  I couldn't get happy with what I wanted to wear.  Nothing seemed to go together.  I pulled my new t-shirt I got last weekend out and it seemed to have shrunk up to nothing.  I guess I'll find out when I put it on.

Eventually I had packed about four times more than I needed, but it still didn't seem like I had anything to wear.  I just stopped.  I ate the rest of my supper.

I had been on Bear411 chatting, and had an ardent admirer in Ohio who was going to be in the area next week.  He's pretty cute, but a bit off-puttingly persistent.  We talked on the phone for a few minutes, and then I turned in.  Tomorrow will be a long day.

A post in which I am laying groundwork

for a trip to my Mom's this weekend.

I started the day with yet another doctor's appointment, where they wanted my blood yet again.  My veins are pretty much on strike after chemo, and it's hard to get blood out of me now.  Today they had to take it out of my hands, and it took two tries.  So I showed up at work with big cotton balls (kind of) band-aided to both hands.  There is a wave of inferior band-aids sweeping the medical community here for some reason, and they peel off like you were made to Teflon.

I did get my paperwork in and got my write-offs completed, but my boss was too busy to get them back to me, so they'll have to go to California next week anyway.  The CFO left today.  Oh well.  Nothing unusual there.  I was trying to be Johnny-on-the-spot, but they had bigger fish to fry this week.  I hope it isn't another acquisition.

Tonight I got to go home!  I have plenty of food in the fridge (indeed, too much since I will be at Mom's this weekend), and had no major errands to run.  I did go by the library and pick up a book I had ordered that came in.  I also picked up a new book on CD for the trip, but that took moments.  Well it should have taken moments.  There was one librarian on duty at the desk, and the woman in front of me had 87 things to check out, overdue fees, and a bunch of questions she wanted to ask the librarian.  And the CD book I had wouldn't work on you-scan.  So I waited.  And waited.  Eventually another librarian took pity on us and checked everyone else out.  When I left, that one woman was still standing there.  It just seems to be my luck.  Either that or the world is going to the CVS 'eternal wait' organizational model.

I had done several loads of wash on Monday, but I did have one of clothes to put in tonight.  I'm planning to pack tomorrow.  I'm not feeling quite so tired this week, so I may go on to Columbia Friday night to get a head-start on my weekend with Mom.  I found out today that Rod won't be there.  That's great, because although I like him just fine, it's hard to do marathon shopping (one of the reasons for the trip) with him because of his motility issues, and he does tend to bogart the TV to the Military Channel.  Like all the time.

I ate my enormous Mexican meal that Eve packed for me last night, along with a small bowl of guacamole I made from one of the beautiful avocados I bought last weekend.  It was great, but I ate too much.  I really should have split it into two meals, but I rationalized that I was leaving town for the weekend and needed to clean out the fridge.  Therefore, pig out.  Geez I wonder why I'm gaining weight...

Dad, convalescing in style on the new screen porch

A post in which I visit the 'rents

I hit the ground running today at work and got all caught up.  The CFO is in town this week, and I'm trying to get all my big write-offs done so that he can sign them before he leaves.  Unfortunately I was having to request some of the paperwork I needed and it didn't come back today.

The doctor's office called today.  My blood work was back from my check-up last week, and Debbie (my nurse) reported that my cholesterol was 'extremely elevated'.  The doctor immediately put me back on Lipitor and called in a new prescription.  I'm worried about the elevated cancer risk from statins, but I guess it won't matter if I drop dead from a heart attack or stroke first.  Sigh.  I hope they'll send me the numbers.  I'm curious to see how high they actually are.  At least my blood sugar is still good.  No type II diabetes.  Yet. 

I couldn't work late today.  In light of the recent call from Dad I figured it was pretty important that I keep our weekly dinner date this week.  Plus if Dad had me to vent to it might save Lisa from dealing with some of the crazy.

Since Dad still isn't in any shape to go out, Eve cooked dinner.  We had enchiladas, frijoles refritos (baked with cheese yet), spanish rice, and salad with all the trimmings.  Eve announced that for extra flavor, she had added a layer of cream cheese to the enchiladas.  I cast a covert glance around the room at all of us in our rotundity and thought, really - REALLY?  But they were delicious.  We all ate until we pretty much couldn't move. 

Unfortunately, Dad was the least motile of any of us.  He was supposed to do physical therapy exercises, but I noticed the he conspicuously made no mention of doing them.  On the one hand I felt that I should say something; but on the other hand he is a grown man, and I'm trying to pick my battles.  He's home with Eve 24/7 right now, and I know she's after him to do his exercises.  I decided he has enough follow-up on that.

Of course after supper, she had to leave for an 'errand'.  Pretty much as soon as she left the house, Dad up-ended a big ole cart o' fresh Lisa-crazy on me.  He's spinning entire trellises of worry out of things that really have the barest tippy-root in reality at this point.  My efforts to explain some of this away were just met with that condescending Dad-smile.  It's that 'oh-you-poor-naive-so-and-so' expression which seems to say that I just don't understand these things as well as he does.  I told him that I hated to see him put himself through all of that, but he seems determined to do so.  I also told him I was glad Lisa was getting away.  She's been so paranoid about leaving Ava with her father for the weekend that it's encouraging to me that she feels comfortable enough to go away and take some time for herself.  He did tentatively agree with that, anyway.  Of course if anything happens while she's gone I'll never hear the end of the gloating; but I really don't expect there to be a problem. 

By this time Eve was back.  We talked for a bit, but it was time to go home, and I was tired.  I took my bonus plate of Mexican food and went on home.  I'll have a lovely supper again for tomorrow night...

A post in which I am a culinary genius*

I felt yucky this morning.  I had a text from a buddy though, and he ended up coming over on his way to work.  That cheered me up a bit.

I had a bunch of stuff I needed to do still from the weekend, not the least of which was to cook all the lovely veggies I bought last weekend.  I haven't made a cauliflower souffle in a while, so I wasn't sure how it would come out.  I laid out my eggs and left for my doctor's appointment.

Things at the Cancer Center went well today.  I was expecting to get my walking papers today and finally have this all over, but they aren't done with me quite yet.  There was a small spot in my neck that the radiologist wasn't happy with in my PET scan.  The doctor isn't worried about it, and told me not to be, but he's scheduling another PET scan in a couple of months.  I was a little bummed about that, but employed my Southern Power of Denial and placed it firmly under the bed of my mind.  I went back to see my chemo nurse, and one of the women who was in treatment at the same time was there. We had gotten in the habit of talking to each other when we were there.  I almost didn't recognize her because she had shed her wig.  Her hair is growing back as well.  She came to my last treatment and brought me a bottle of champagne - it was the sweetest thing, and I had no idea how to get in touch with her.  I was very glad to visit with her for a bit and be able to thank her for her kindness.  She's almost done, and she and her husband are planning a surprise trip to Disney World for their children.  I'm so glad for her.

After that I made a quick detour through the supermarket, went home, and started cooking.  My souffle came out beautifully.  I also tried a new potato recipe.  I found a recipe for smother-fried potatoes years ago, and have had fun doing variations on it ever since.  Today I made buffalo potatoes, cooked in beer, hot wing sauce, heart-healthy margarine, onions, and garlic.  They came out really great.  I'm thinking next time maybe I'll sautee some celery to mix in, and maybe sprinkle with blue cheese when they finish cooking...

I snapped and cooked my beans.  That Ponzu sauce really makes them delicious. 

Dad called me tonight.  Apparently his convalescence has kind of put him in a hot house o' crazy.  He's all worried about Lisa going to the beach this weekend.  I tried to talk him down some, but he seems fairly committed to this pack of manufactured worries.  A son can only do so much.

By the time I had done all that, eaten dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, and pulled yet another load of laundry out, it was way time for bed.  I turned on the Golden Girls marathon and turned in.

A post in which I go off with Russ*

The weather turned a bit yucky overnight.  I was up fairly early, and was feeling lonely this morning.  Sundays do that to me sometimes.  I chatted online for a bit and then went back to sleep. 

When I woke back up I saw that it was overcast, but didn't realize it was actually raining until Russ called me.  He wanted to go to the Andersen Jockey Lot anyway, and I was game.  Rainy days are usually better to go to the Barnyard flea market in Duncan, but Russ wanted something specific from Anderson.  He showed up at the house with coffee and we headed off.

Unfortunately the weather continued to deteriorate.  We knew it was bad though, so we just decided to weather it out.  The vendor Russ wanted to see was under the shed portion anyway.  Unfortunately he wasn't there today.  Of course outside was closed down.  But we still had a pretty good flea market day. There was plenty to look at inside, and we got some t-shirts.  I got one I had looked at online for less than half price, and Russ got a shirt for Billy and Logan.  I also got a searcy for Dana.  Sadly, there was no glass to be had today (blood price or not), but I mainly wanted to go to spend some time with Russ anyway, and I got that. 

After the flea market we picked up the boys and all went to lunch at Red Robin.  I LOVE Red Robin.  I can get any hamburger there (they will make any burger with a veggie patty), and that's unusual for me.  I didn't want fries today, so I got fried zucchini and mushrooms instead, shared some, and then had a side salad with my burger.  The food was great, and our waiter was a wonderful sassy gay guy that we really liked.

After eating until we couldn't move we headed over to Best Buy.  Billy always needs something from there, and Logan loves to go too.  We were there way longer than I thought we would be - but then we always are.

When we got back to the house Russ and I spent a little quality time on the porch, after which Logan left to go see his family.  He dropped me at my house on the way.  As I had suspected, I was in the mood to do nothing.  So that's what I did.  I chatted online, and ended up having a buddy come by.  He was a guy I had met before.  I had tried in vain to get him back, so it was good to see him today, and it was perfect snuggle weather.  It was a nice evening.  But I got jack nothing done.

A post in which I am a jungle gym

I went to bed at a fairly reasonable hour last night, and it's a good thing.  I really had no idea how demanding today was going to be.

I woke up ready for some flea-marketing, so after the briefest of delays in the internet vortex I headed out.  It was overcast, and I decided it would be a good idea to get my veggies this morning.  It turned out to be a good call.  I got  a nice head of cauliflower, some pretty beans, a bag of thin-skinned white potatoes, four beautiful and perfectly ripe avocados, and some onions.  I also found a Depression Glass goblet (for only $2 - yay me) and five saucers for my Bubble Glass, despite the lateness of the hour (I didn't get there until after 10am).  I figured I was too late for glass, but apparently Gracine's blood price had the market primed and ready for me. 

Colonial Block 5 3/4" water goblet in green by Hazel-Atlas, circa 1930-1935

I headed home and unloaded. I was lazy for a bit. But I had talked to Lisa this morning. She was going to be here between 1-2pm with my gorgeous darling baby niece Ava to celebrate Mother's Day, and to visit with Dad post-op. So I had to be ready for that. I got up and started getting ready. There were about 1,000 things that needed to be done around the house this weekend, and it wasn't looking good for getting any of them done.

I dutifully completed my toilette and loaded the recycling to drop that off (I figured Lisa would be late). I was waiting in line at the CVS when I got a call from Eve. Lisa was apparently running VERY late, and now had a projected ETA of 3pm. My location couldn't have been better to hear about the delay. CVS is always good to kill 30 minutes or so. Today was no exception. The woman in line in front of me had no idea what her doctor has prescribed, why he has prescribed it, what she was supposed to pick up, or whether or not she needed it. I eventually walked away from the counter and did a little shopping. I picked up a couple of things and approached the counter again, only to find that now there were three other people in line.

The man at the front now needed his ENTIRE. Freakin'. Medicare. Program. Explained. Right now. To complicate matters still further, they were training a new cashier (who was running the ONLY register open inside) who had to ask someone else how to breathe in and out. Literally, the smallest request was cause for yet another endless consultation. Oy. Eventually I just put down the stuff I had picked up, stifled my homicidal thoughts, and headed for the parking lot. I noticed there was no line at the drive-through window on my way out, so I went through there and finally actually got my freakin' refill that was ready for me. "Weren't you just at the counter?" The drive-through woman asked me. "Yes," I replied. "Ya'll really need to have a non-dumb ass line." She turned away so that I wouldn't see her laughing.

After that it was off to drop the recycling, which after the pharmacy was a picnic.  Then I went by Whole Foods to pick up some sodas (it is on the same side of town as Dad and Eve's, and I'd been meaning to get in there last week).  I also got Eve a small bouquet of Mother's Day flowers.  It takes so little to make her happy.

I got to the house about 2:30, and Lisa was there on the dot of 3:15.  I was ravenous for lunch.  Since Dad couldn't really go anywhere, Eve had decided to make lunch at the house.  I should have offered to bring in food or something, it being Mother's Day tomorrow, but I just really didn't want to push it.  I was so busy already, and Eve had assured me that making spaghetti was easier than going to get take-out anyway.  Plus, Lisa had initially announced that she would be there either today or tomorrow, which makes it virtully impossible to plan anything.  I was easy to convince.  I did get a bit impatient with Eve clucking about how difficult it was to make spaghetti sauce with no meat (really?  REALLY?), which was doubly ungracious of me.  I had a humongous lunch, and she packed up the rest of the sauce for me to take home - of course they weren't going to eat left-overs with no meat in them.  What. Ever.  It worked out great for me.

We had a good visit while Lisa talked to Dad and Eve, and I mostly played with Ava.  She climbed all over me and we wrestled in the floor, I tickled her, etc.  During the course of the afternoon I was a giraffe, a tickle monster, a teddy bear, and several other animals.  I didn't like being a teddy bear because they are apparently not allowed to talk.  She was frequently a kitten.  We just had a large time in general.

But by 6:30 or so, I was ready to head out.  I sent RBL a text and agreed to meet them downtown for supper at Overlook Grill.  They were downtown for Artisphere already (and had VIP passes yet - go figure).  They wanted to go to that restaurant because their friend Val is working there now.  Val owned a Brazilian restaurant that was Logan's favorite place to eat in Greenville (it has since closed), but which I had been underwhelmed with on my one and only visit.  But Val came out to see them and was very gracious to me as well.  She had a 'trust Val' option on her menu at the other place (it was kind of like a mystery special) which she has brought with her.  I ordered from the menu (a salad - I was still full from the enormous lunch I had eaten), but Logan had the 'trust Val', and wouldn't you know it, out came a gorgeous plate of nachos!  Now I love nachos better than a fat boy loves cake, and I ended up eating as much of Logan's dinner as he did, not to mention a good portion of my own.  But it was delicious, I must admit. 

After supper we wandered uptown through the closing artist's booths to get some ice cream.  I didn't really want it but was along for the stroll.  I was hoping that we'd go back to their place and hang out for a while, but they had a 'date night' (i.e. gratuitous amounts of sex) planned.  We made plans to go to the flea market in the morning, and I went on home.  I was too full to be good company anyway.

A post in which I visit Miss Kat and Dana

Man was I ever ready for the weekend this morning!  I just kept telling myself one more day, one more day, I think I can, I think I can.  Eventually it was over.

I sent a text to Miss Kat and Dana, and Miss Kat messaged me back to say come on over AND we would get pizza!  Yay!  It was a double treat. 

They usually don't want me there before 7:30 (which I can completely understand - you want time to get in the door and get your shawl undone, at least) but I also know they eat early, so as soon as I got home I changed and headed on.  But first, a detour through the grocery store.  We had planned to order pizza, but you just never show up empty-handed as a guest, and it's a bad habit I've gotten into of late with them.  I got a cheesecake assortment and some cookies for dessert, and a couple of bags of Munchos to tide us over until the pizza got there. 

I hadn't thought about Munchos in years until last weekend.  Russ got some at the grocery store and I once again found them to be unbelievably delicious.  They aren't really like potato chips really.  They're more like fried potato foam.  They're hard to describe.  But they are horrible for you, not found in nature, and at certain times they are the perfect food.  Miss Kat ate only a couple.  Dana ate none.  Guess who mostly finished polishing off one of the bags? 

On the way over, Gracine (my car) claimed her blood price.  We hit a chipmunk.  I have never killed so many animals as I have with this car.  She's like Christine in a way.  There seems to be a troubling correlation between killing something and a spike in my glass luck.  Disturbing.

We visited and caught up.  It was great to see them, and a lovely way to end the week.

A post in which I am crawling towards the weekend

Fortunately I didn't have to be up at the butt-crack of dawn this morning.  Unfortunately it was another morning on which I had a doctor's appointment for which I had to fast.  The medical community seems to be conspiring to deprive me of my breakfast, which makes me testy.

I did get up in time to change the sheets, clean the cat food dispenser I use for trips, and put the shower curtain in to soak before I left for the doctor.

Today I saw the GP.  It was my usual six-month check-in for blood pressure, etc, although I had moved it to eight months because I just couldn't be bothered to go to bear the thoughts of yet another doctor's appointment at the end of treatment.  I had to man up today.  I knew I needed to go.  There were no huge surprises, other than that my doctor was in a notably good mood.  We talked about post-treatment complications, and they checked my blood pressure, which is still great on my old dosage of bp meds.  Sadly, but not surprisingly, I have gained another five pounds, which puts me five pounds above my pre-chemo weight.  Sigh.  The battle of the bulge continues.  It is discouraging.  As I left the hospital the Tuesday, I caught sight of myself in the reflection of the elevator door and realized how much I am starting to be built like Daddy.  Very discouraging.  I guess it's back on the diet.  Just not today.

To emphasize that point, after the appointment I stopped at the (oxymoronicallly named) new Stax's Original and had a capital breakfast.  They had a veggie eggs benedict on the menu that was quite good (although restaurants never get the hollandaise lemon-y enough for me) and came with potatoes so tasty that I didn't even put ketchup on them.  The Greeks just seem to have a way with taters - I love the ones from the Olympian too. 

As if in expiation I was a very good boy at work today.  I did all my follow-ups, did half my account reconciliations, and completed the write-offs on all my small accounts that I knew about the closings on so far.  When Alan got them back to me late in the day, I stayed afterward to scan and log them and turn them in for processing. 

I wasn't too late at work.  I had spoken to Eve today, who told me that Dad was doing well, and that after she told the RN about the glove incident last night they completely re-did Dad's dressing.  She also blessedly relayed that they did not need me to bring in dinner tonight.  Thus relieved of duty, I called Rhonda and went to pick her up.  When she sent the email this week, I figured we were OK, but we hadn't spoken since last week, which wasn't a great experience for either of us.  I gave her little beach searcys, and was most relieved to see her back to her usual sweet self tonight.  We even talked about the disagreement, and were both much more able to keep our cool and not fly off the handle tonight.  We enjoyed a pleasant meal at a local Chinese troughet for which she conveniently had a coupon.

After supper I dropped her by her place, spoke briefly to Tony, and headed home - I thought.  It occurred to me that it was Thrusday night, and that I hadn't sent my Mother's Day cards yet.  Damn and double damn.  If they were going to get there on time, I would have to not only do them tonight, but take them to the downtown post office.  Drat, drat, drat.  I called Mama.  I knew if I plead tired she would let me off the hook about having her card there on time (I'm going to see her next weekend), but she didn't answer her phone. 

Then I started thinking about how sorry it was that I didn't even want to go to the post office for the woman who carried me for nine months AND came up twice to go to chemo with me DESPITE how hard that was on her.  Southern Baptists are raised to self-inflict guilt, and despite my abandonment of most of the tenets, that one is pretty steadfast.  I went to the store.  I had to buy cleaning stuff anyway. 

I got home, threw the shower curtain in the washer, addressed my cards, and headed to the post office.  I drug myself back to the house, completed the night chores, and fell into bed too tired to even think about logging in to chat online.

A post in which I am once again on duty

I has a very full day on schedule today, but it ended up not being as bad as I thought it would be. 

I heard from Rhonda, so I guess she isn't still mad at me.  Her email sounded back to normal.  I was most relieved.

There was left-over pizza in the conference room today, so I had free pizza for lunch.

I had my employee review today and it went well.  Alan doesn't really do "glowing", but it was pretty damn close, and I got a raise.

That's about as good as a workday gets.

I got the call today from Eve, dispatching me to Don Pablo's to pick up supper.  So I ordered up some more of those gorgeous Cantina Nachos (reflecting that since they are checking my cholesterol tomorrow that probably wasn't the smartest thing to do - but then I was at the beach for four days, ate free pizza for lunch, etc; so the nachos would really be just like the cherry on top of the Sundae, right?).  I am still tired from the weekend, but since I went home last night and fell in to the internet vortex for two hours I really have only myself to blame.

When 5:30 came I jumped in the car and headed out.  I got to the restaurant with relative ease, getting there at 6pm on the dot.  Our order was ready, and the 'to go' guy had navigated all of the "special orders" "leave offs" and various customizations perfectly.  I was amazed, and back in the car in moments.  I used a back way to get to the hospital quickly, and we settled in to eat.

Dad seemed to be feeling much better today, and certainly sounded a lot more like himself. 

After supper, a LPN came in to change his dressing.  We were talking and I was watching her do it.  She ran out of  Tegaderm though, and had to leave the room to get another sheet of it.  She came back and was finishing up when I noticed that she hadn't re-gloved to finish dressing the wound.  That worries me.  She was also wearing two rings - rings are notorious harborers of bacteria.  Since Dad has already had post-surgical infections with other procedures, they should be being extra careful.  I mentioned it to Eve before I left.  She promptly set her mouth in a determined line.  "Thank you." she said.  I pity the LPN.  Kind of.

I left and went on home.  I'm not so much tired at this point as that I feel weary.  Not sure why.  I guess it's being on the go so much, and post-trip let-down.  For some reason, I feel lonelier now than I did before.  I don't know why that would be now.  Maybe because I saw Sean and Eddie together.  Maybe it was because I enjoyed staying with RBL so much this past weekend.  Whatever the reason, it has manifested itself in the near-pathological drive to chat online, which I did again tonight.  I wasn't on as long as last night though.  I reprimanded myself, signed off, and went to bed.

A post in which it is a very long day

I had my follow-up PET scan today, so I decided just to go in to work afterwards.  I could have slept in a bit, but I didn't sleep well, and was up at about the usual time.  I futzed around the house for a bit before heading over for the test.

The test seemed to take an infernally long time today, but then I was hungry and impatient for it to be over, so that may have just been perception.  When I finally got out (after being there for about three freakin' hours) I headed over to Liberty Tap Room for lunch, which has turned into kind of a tradition after tests now.  I was pretty pissed to find that they had removed their gorgeous blue cheese cole slaw from the bill of fare - that was one of the main reasons I went over there.  But I had she-crab soup and a delicious Caesar salad, along with one of the best pieces of salmon I had eaten in years, so it was a capital lunch anyway. 

I went on in to the office, did my calls, and checked in two more new placements (8 so far this month).  I exchanged texts with Eve about Dad, who had his first hip replacement today.  They had him up and around, and the surgeon said the procedure went very well, so that was good anyway.

When I got off work I ran by Zaxby's to pick up dinner for us and wrestle it up to the room.  Dad was sleeping, and I thought it was best to let him do so.   Judy came by to see him and visited for a bit while Eve and I ate supper.  Then Eve went home to change (she had been there since 9am) while I sat with Dad, who slumbered on.

A nurse came through to check on him, but decided to let him sleep also.  As she was leaving, another friend of his, Steve, came in.  I took him out in the hall and gave him a run-down on Dad, after which he went on.  About the time Jim came by from the shop, the nurses entered in earnest. 

They woke Dad up, took his vitals, and did other assessments, while Jim visited and Eve came back.  I stayed for a while after the nurses and Jim left, and gave them some quick highlights of my trip; but I knew that Dad wouldn't sleep while I was there, plus I was wiped.

I went home and collapsed onto the sofa, making the poor decision to log on to the computer.  About two hours later I finally logged off and went to bed.  It's the blessing and the curse of the internet.  I enjoy chatting with the guys, but between the conversation and my dis-inclination to move in the evenings, it is a major time waster.  I suppose there are worse faults.

A post in which I return to work

I was pleasantly surprised today to find that all seemed to be in order (as far as month end went) when I returned.  I had a ton of calls and things to catch up on, but I got it all done.  Since my frozen lunches weren't thawed yet I just ran through Subway and grabbed a quick 6" veggie for lunch.  I had a gift card one of the women I worked with had given me when I finished treatment.  By the end of the day, I was way ready to go home. 

I didn't fool with laundry or anything else tonight.  I stopped by the store for a few odds and ends on the way home, then went home and ate some dibs and dabs for supper (I seem to feel compelled to finish the beach food, for some reason), and just watched some telly before turning in.

A post in which we head for home

When I woke up this morning I was actually pretty glad I went on to bed last night.  It's been a great trip, but we have a long ride home today.  But first, there were things to do.  I packed most of my clothes, and then got a text from Eddie and Sean, telling me that they were up.  I went up to their room with amorous intent, but we ended up going through the pics.  They hadn't gotten them edited yet, but they got some really nice shots, and we discussed cropping, backgrounds, etc. before I bid them a fond farewell.

I got downstairs in the midst of the boys breaking camp fairly aggressively.  We got the car packed and were out to get some lunch in fairly record time.  I wanted some calabash today.  I had not eaten a single piece of seafood on this trip, and wanted some before we headed home.  We ended up joining some folks Russ and Billy knew at a place called Dirty Don's Oyster Bar.  Although the staff was very friendly, the food was only so-so, and I really wouldn't recommend it.  But I was starving, nothing was burnt, and it filled the hole.  After I had an oyster po boy, I ordered some clam strips and ended up eating two lunches.  I figured it all balanced out since I hadn't had any breakfast, right? 

After lunch, we headed home.  But Russ wasn't feeling good.  The combination of all the drinking and the rich food wasn't sitting well, plus he slept had slepot poorly last night.  I knew he was feeling bad when he asked if I would drive.  In all the years I have known him, that has never happened. 

So I drove back.  It wasn't too bad.  It's not as if I haven't done it before.  We had a book on CD, and stopped for Arby's jamocha milkshakes in Columbia (my official road trip treat).  We got home around 7pm or so, divided up the stuff, and I headed home.  Rhonda had already cleared out (which vaguely worried me) but she left a note saying that we would talk soon.  I was too tired to worry very much.

I got to my place and spent the evening unpacking and getting ready for the week to begin.  The boys have the day off tomorrow, but I don't.  I hung my wind chimes, put away the left over snacks, put my new clothes in to wash, and had a small supper.  It all starts over in the morning.  It was great to get away though, and I had a lovely time with treasured friends.  It's hard to ask for more than that.

A post in which we go to Medieval Times

Billy kindly woke me up this morning to remind me that I had wanted to go to the flea market today.  I was a wee bit bleary this morning, but the allure of the flea market was just too compelling.  I got up and threw some clothes on, grabbed my backpack and Russ's keys, and headed out.  Sadly, I was going by myself today.  Russ and Logan were still in the bed, and I knew that Russ would be in no condition to go anywhere when he got up anyway.

I love both of the flea markets at the beach, but the one north of town has the best glass prospects.  There is a woman at Surfside who sells Depression Glass, but she thinks a lot of her stuff and her prices are generally pretty ridiculous.  I got to the north flea market and settled in for a good rummage.  There wasn't a lot of glass to be seen today (or at least not a lot of the kind I was looking for) but there is always plenty to look at.  I bought some new earrings.  They weren't as nice as the ones I have bought there before, but they were nice enough, and for some reason I just buy most of my earrings at this flea market now.  I found a pair of cool olive Carhartt pants for $3, so those were mine; and some grommets from the dollar store section, along with a cheap ash tray for the balcony (it's a non-smoking room, of course, and Russ has been putting cigarettes out against the wall, which I hate).  I found the Arias Chimes guy.  He's been there for years, and I bought a beautiful set of chimes from him today.  I had a couple on the front porch that needed replacing. 

I did eventually find a treasure today.  I keep swearing off buying creamers, but this one was slung up in a bunch of inferior stuff, was purple ("amethyst" is the official color name), and was cheap (I think I paid $2).  I just couldn't resist. 

Newport, or "Hairpin" creamer in amethyst by Hazel-Atlas, circa 1936 - 1940

By the time I did all that shopping, I was pretty wiped.  I got in touch with the boys and found that Billy was making breakfast so I headed that way.  When I got to the room, Billy and Logan had finished eating, but there was no more breakfast made.  Russ was just up.  While I was settling back in, Billy made some more eggs and toast and disappeared.  I ate my breakfast (I was ravenous) and then noticed that all the boys had disappeared.  Billy had gotten upset about the night before, and Russ and Logan were helping him to feel a little better about it.  I dealt with the maid, who of course chose that moment to try to come in. 

They boys were lying down for a while, and I went into the internet vortex, unsuccessfully.  There was a guy I had been talking to on Bear411 who wanted to meet, and we did, but I pretty much ran away.  I went to the vendor area to have a look 'round.  We had bought some really nice t-shirts last year, and we had all planned to get some this year, but that vendor didn't return.  There were some guys there selling shirts, but they weren't nearly as nice, and most of the shirts on offer were black (for some reason the standard in specialty t-shirts, but I don't wear black).  I found out the time, and immediately went upstairs for a nap.  We had to leave for dinner at about 4:45pm.

Dinner tonight was at Medieval Times, and was set up by the run.  I was vaguely underwhelmed at the prospect.  It's a live dinner show with horses and jousting and stuff, but kind of looked like a tourist trap to me from the advertising.  Logan had been before though, and he was pretty much stoked about going again.  Plus it was paid for in my run package, so it wasn't like I had to cough up the $51(!!) ticket price to go.  I had looked into going with Mom one year, so I knew there was a vegetarian meal on offer (the shtick is that you eat with your hands "just like in Medieval Times!", and the standard bill of fare is decidedly meat-centric).  So I was game.

When we got there we were ushered (conveniently through a photo op with various 'royalty', which Logan fortunately knew how to skirt) and into an impressively large chamber.  Did you ever go into a place that you immediately knew was designed specifically to suck every last dollar out of your back pocket?  You would have deja vu here.  I'm just sayin'.  The waiting area to be seated was a huge bar/gift shop.  They had commemorative cups on sale with your drink, pewter figures, hats, etc.  I got a regular drink (a comparative steal at $7) and we went in to be seated.  After somewhat of a kerfuffle we were able to secure four seats together, and our serving wench came out.

Although my food came out separately, I have to say that the vegetarian meal was pretty impressive (particularly after a relatively watery tomato soup and a notably dry garlic bread to start).  A large portobello mushroom stuffed with a wild rice mix pilaf with craisins, grilled vegetable skewer (with surprisingly flavorful vegetables), plus hummus and pita chips.  (As an added bonus, it came with silverware, which I was also pretty happy about.)  It was a plate full of food, and was tasty.  Russ said that my food looked a lot better than his tasted.  He was pretty much underwhelmed.  But of course the reason you go isn't for the food.

The show wasn't as dildonic as I had expected, although there was a LOT of dialogue in high-flown sounding vintage-speak, and the king sounded suspiciously as if he had been schooled out of a pretty heavy Jersey accent.  (He sounded a lot like I imagine the child of  John Walsh and Howard Cosell would.)  They had the market pretty much cornered on vaguely androgynous long-haired boys of varying attractiveness, and had I been a roughly 12-year-old girl, I'm sure my pre-pubescent panites would have moistened.  The horses were absolutely beautiful, I have to say.  They did some pretty dressage and some tricks that I recognized as moves made famous by the Lipizzan Stallions (notably an airs above the ground move called the capriole which I had never seen done live before).   I would have enjoyed more horse stuff and less dialogue, but I would most likely have been in the minority there.  There was a joust woven into the story, and the riders did exhibit some pretty impressive-looking tricks to my untrained eye.  There was also a display of falconry that was beautiful.  Although I would personally have balked at the ticket price, it was a full evening of entertainment, and if you had kids they would have really enjoyed it.  The boy sitting in front of us was rapt.

After supper it was back to the hotel, where we decided to head right back out to ride the Sky Wheel since it was the last night in town.  We had been meaning to do it and just hadn't gotten around to it.  The Sky Wheel reportedly cost $12M and is 187 feet tall.  It's pretty impressive.  You are closed into your own little compartment to ride, which is air-conditioned.  I'm sure that's a very nice touch in the summertime.  It costs $13 each to ride, but I guess for the experience, yada yada.  We were on vacation.  Plus Billy paid, so I had no reason at all to kvetch.  Unfortunately, storm clouds had been gathering.  About the time we got in and got to the top, a storm broke.  The wind was whistling around us, the car was rocking, and there were little drops of water blowing in around the crack in the door.  Russ and Logan were pretty much freaking out.  It was disconcerting, to say the least.  We were stuck at the top of the wheel (again, 187' up) because they closed it about as soon as we got on and were getting everyone off the ride.  It wasn't pleasant, but it was surprising that Billy and I, who are afraid of heights, were more collected than Russ and Logan. 

The view from the base of the sky wheel.

The view from the sky wheel, billed as "Best Scenic Experience in South Carolina".  It was pretty.

We dashed through the rain to the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove.  I love the Gay Dolphin.  I've been shopping there since I was a child.  In one way, I love the way that it never changes.  You have never seen such a pile o' gratuitous tourist junk in your life!  The spectacle of it never fails to delight me.  In another way, I worry about it continuing as property values go up and up (it's in a prime location) and the merchandise seems to be (or may actually be) all the same.  I found a searcy for Rhonda and a little set of wind chimes for me before the guys got antsy.  Russ has been trying to cut back on the shopping, and Billy was worried about his willpower in the face of so much crap. 

We left there and ducked into the arcade, partly because Logan wanted to play the games, and partly because by this time it was monsoon raining outside.  By the time Logan wore himself out on a dancing game and both he and Russ purchased $5 milkshakes, the rain had let up and we made our way back to the Sky Wheel, where we were able to complete our ride.  Then we made our way back to the car.  We were upset to find that although we had been told the lot stayed open until midnight, the parking attendant had locked up and left when it started raining, leaving all the cars there locked in.  With the help of some fellow strandees though, we were able to drive under the enclosing chain and make it out.

By the time we got back to the hotel, I was wiped.  There were more parties tonight, but it had been a very long day, and my feets were killin' me.  We went out by the pool just as they were wrapping things up down there, and I ran into Gobibear and chatted with him for a mo.  I was able to snag a drink just before they closed the bar, and then headed for the room.

The boys gamely headed back out, but I just decided I'd had enough fun for one day.  I sent Gobibear a text to tell him where I was but didn't hear back.  I had heard from Sean and Eddie several times during the day.  Although we had a great time last night, I was too pooped to go out looking for them tonight, and not sure what I would be able to do with them if I found them.  Eventually I took my sleeping pills and turned in.  I had a text from Sean and Eddie, and I just told them goodnight.  It was about 1am.