31st...

It's the last day of the month.  Sort of sad.  I like October & this takes us deeper into the dreaded holiday season.  It's like being in a boat heading towards a waterfall with no motor or paddles, ahead Thanksgiving Rapids & Holiday Falls.  You know it's coming & you can't avoid it, it's inevitable. 

Today is Halloween.  I like what Halloween reminds me of from my childhood.  I love the Great Pumpkin. It's brisk here.  Those poor kids in the northeast US with their Snotober.  I wonder if they can even trick or treat at all in that mess.  Tomorrow's news we'll talk about little Bobby lost somewhere in the snow during his rounds of trick or treating.  A real holiday tragedy.  From here out anytime there's snow on Halloween you'll hear little Bobby pleading for help from with the snow drifts.

So October, it's been nice seeing you again.  You were a good month.  There was pleasant weather & not too much rain.  Only my glasses got broken & not a water heater, oxygen sensor or some other ungodly priced thing.   I even got my glasses fixed today.  Luckily, Lenscrafters didn't charge me for the repair.  I picked up my replacement pair of glasses as well & they'll do fine. 

It's been nice, until next year October.

Cya

They've Come Undone...

The earpiece on my glasses finally came apart from the glasses.  Luckily, I have another set & some in the mail.  I called Lenscrafters & will see about taking this pair in tomorrow to get the screw replaced.  Hopefully this won't be much of an ordeal.  

I figured while I was  waiting I could look at Big Lots for some holiday stuff.  My roomie is stuck on the fact we'll be bear the Chinese restaurant we like.    I fall goes well, I'll have my glasses fixed, get some holiday shopping done & get some Chinese food. 

Cya

Cold...

OK, this is the first serious taste of the season ahead.  I woke up this morning & it was in the mid 30's F or about 3 degrees for you people who use Celsius.  Either way it was a bit brisk when I got out of bed.

I am not happy that Fall is slipping into Winter so quickly.  Hell, the northeast US is heading into a serious snow storm.  WTF?   A nor'easter this early in the year.  That does not bode well for this Winter.

Oh well, we can still hope, this is a fluke storm & won't be the way of the upcoming months.

Cya

300+

A few days ago, I past the 300 post mark.  Wow.  I know some of them have been brief & others may not have seemed as pertinent, but they were still posts.  For 300+ straight days  I have managed to post something to this blog.  I am very pleased with myself for that.

There are a lot of things that I go back to like the weather, $, cats, being thankful, television, my roomie, etc...   However, these things are part of my life & all parts of my life affect my health & well-being.  It isn't possible for to me to consider my health without addressing the weather.  My roomie, cats & $ affect my day to day life.  Television & the internet are some of my only sources of escape.  So yes, all these things, while not + related, do affect me & my health.

Still, 300+ posts, woohoo for me.

Cya

Wet & Chilly...

It's been raining most of last night & well into today.  It has really caused the mercury to drop.  Between the lower temperatures, the wetness & the wind, it's pretty chilly.  I prefer Spring time storms over Fall drizzle.  I am not a fan of gray, dreary & overcast.    Too bad, that's what I have to deal with today.  Tomorrow looks to be about the same.  

I would complain, but we need the rain.  A lot of people in the South need the rain.  It seems like the only people who aren't in need of rain have been flooded earlier in the year.   You can argue all you want about climate change, but the weather sure has been fickle this year.  It's been committed, but fickle.

Cya

Up & Down...

We're in that time of year when the temperature is fickle & wants to roller coaster up & down the thermometer.  The mostly-outdoor cat temporarily became the mostly indoor-cat, but in the last few days has returned to her old ways.  The temperature isn't that high, just in the 80's F, but the humidity isn't pleasant at all.

Fall is a time of juxtaposition.  There are cool nights & warm days.  The length of day & night is swapping places.  The dark creeps in darker than the day is bright.  Green leaves hold on as others fade into ambers & reds.  Fall separates the hottest from the coldest.  

This is a season for wrapping things up.  Time to pull in the harvest.  Time to prepare everything for Winter.  Time to take stock of the years gains & losses.  To be thankful for what you have.  

Fall is the practical season.  You start to embrace those things that comfort you & get you through the season ahead.  This is the season of slowing down, cooking things that warm the house.  It's a time to start really making the house a home again.  Gone are the pretty, frilly things of Spring.  The parties & lightness of Summer are packed away.  Now, it's Autumn.  

Prepare, Stock-up, Prepare, Bundle, Prepare, Harvest, Prepare.... Those are the words for Fall.  This is not the season of the grasshopper.  This is the time to realize that the amber leaves & violet twilights of the season will soon fade into a grey, minimalist landscape.  One that is cold, barren & sleeping.

Fall is a good time.  I hope you are enjoying the season.  Because to steal a quote from the book series, my roomie is reading, "Winter is Coming."

Cya

Memories...

I try my best not to think about the past, it doesn't usually work.  The past really isn't a good place to be.  Even it was a good time for you, it's gone & no longer exists.  It's just a hollow place.

Every once in a while, people will talk about their good memories of things from their past, their childhood.  Sometimes, I stupidly let myself get drawn into this mess & wind up resenting it.  First off, there weren't a lot of good times in my childhood.  Second, if there were good times they were usually surrounded by even worse than normal times.

If there was a good moment with my parents, it was just an attempt on their part to justify their being absent or horrible later.  If there was a good time with my grandparents it was either because I was living with them because my parents left me there again or I would have to pay for the good time with my grandparents later when I got home & my mother was in some hell mood aimed at my grandmother.

I hated holidays.  They were a disaster in the making for me.  Sure, there were Christmas presents, but... there was also the fact my grandparents & parents were in the same place.  Never a good a thing.  

The best thing that ever happened in my life was without a doubt, was getting away from those people.  I'm not saying that my life got instantly better, it didn't.  But, my family was out of the picture & that alone was a huge source of relief.  When family can't behave like family, then it's time for them to go.

Cya

Another Monday...

Another Monday, another day of shopping & errands.  So far today has been a pretty good, non-eventful day.  We managed to get the shopping down & mail handled with no major issues.  When Wally World figures into the equation, no major issues is a miracle.  

Called my dentist today to set an appointment to replace one of my "temporary crowns".  Someone should have told me years ago, these metal things were temporary.  I've only had them since I was eight.  I'm not sure which one the dentist will replace, I'll let him pick.  Hopefully, this goes smoothly.

That's about it for today.  Hope you're doing well.

Cya

A Dim Morning...

It's fairly overcast today.  It rained last night & gave us quite a bit of very needed rain.  Even so, I do hate the drear.  I prefer a more well lit day.  The grey is so non-committal. 

We have a chance for more rain, but I think it's mostly done for now.  The cats aren't happy with this weather.  The indoor cats have no sunlight streaming through the windows for them to bask.  The outdoor cats are looking for a dry place to rest.

The next few days are supposed to be mild & fairly sunny.  I am looking forward to that.  Hope the weather is well wherever you may be.

Cya

Today...

1. I woke up
2. I got myself around
3. I petted cats
4. I made breakfast
5. I cleaned up after &  fed the cats
6. I watched Cook's Country
7. I started laundry
8. I talked to my roomie
9. I've surfed the web
10. I did dishes

There are ten things I did today before noon.  I wasn't a lot, but it was a fair enough way to a Saturday morning.

Cya

Friday The 21st....

Friday the 21st, bwahahaha.    Hmmmm...   Just doesn't have the impact of Friday the 13th, does it?  Oh well, it hasn't been that thrilling of a day so far anyway.  It's been a nice enough day, but not a thrilling one.  I suppose, I am actually happy it isn't a thrilling day, that could prove to be taxing.

Today was a shopping day & that is done.  The mail has been picked up & the groceries put away.  That leaves a few household things to do & meals to prepare.  Food today was a no-brainer.  I had things set aside to get dealt with today, left-overs & things nearing their expiration date.  I like days like that, when I don't have to think about what to fix for dinner,  the decisions already been made.

It's starting to warm up a little & have things to catch up on, so I'll end for now.

Cya

Seasonal Cleaning...

We received a letter for my roomie's gran today.  It was a reminder to service the gas heaters.  The first thing I thought, "Was great, there's another expense."  I was sure they probably needed cleaning. So, I went to Youtube & look at any video I could find about cleaning ventless gas heaters.  It seemed easy enough. 

1. Make sure everything is turned off
2. Find the screws holding the facing on the heater
3. Remove the screws & the facing/grill
4. Using a small brush & a cool hair dryer remove the dust
5. Wipe the open areas
6. Remount the face & refasten the screws
7. Test the heater

Viola.  Easy enough.  Hah!  No screw in any wall heater ever wants to come out or go back in without major drama.  With the constant temperature change these heaters go through, the thin metal casing does a subtle warping.  Hardly noticeable when attached.  Stands out like a elephant when you try to refit the facing.

It's done, cussing & all.   It needed to be done.  I think there was at least one cat's worth of fur & numerous bunnies worth of dust in the heater.  That fails to mention all the other debris that had somehow gotten through the vents.  I am amazed the thing didn't burst into flames.

Well, it's done.  Here's hoping I don't gas us all to death,

Cya

Wednesday, Again...

Today is a somewhat active day.  I had a telemedicine appointment & it went very well.  I am trying to catch up on TV for the week, that I am already behind on watching.  The trash is now outside waiting for the trash-men.  I'll shower & fix food.

The cats are not all that happy with the weather.  It's getting nippy & is fairly windy out.  They have yet to grow in their full winter coat.  They are having to declare truces& sleep by each other for warmth.  I finally shut the windows & I am already tired of the noise this wind is making.

So, I am caught up on my doctor's appointments, got a flu shot & I am catching up on everything else.

Cya

Chilly Day...

It's a little chilly today.  We most likely won't make it into the 70's F & the wind's being quite gusty today.  I am hoping we won't stay cold for long this round.  I still want some more fall weather.  I want some time to rally enjoy having the doors & windows open so the fresh air can come inside without freezing us.

I am really beginning to dislike Summer & Winter.  They both last too long & are far too extreme for my sake.  We were HOT from May through half of September.   Winter was outrageously cold for us.  I am hoping for a bit milder seasons in the coming months.

For now, it's time to close the windows & toss on a throw blanket.

Cya

Glass Conundrum...

Yesterday, a screw-head on the temple piece of my glasses broke.  It was one holding the earpiece.  I called the people who sold me the glasses, Sears Optical, to see if they did repairs.  I was told yes & no.  They do minor repairs but do not have their own lab on premises, so I would be better off going to Lenses Crafters or Pearle Vision.

The glasses are still holding together for now & apparently getting this tiny broken screw out can cause some drama.  The lady at Sears told me, that if it were her, she would just wait it out.  Either the screw would hold or it would work it's way out on it's own.  If it did work it's way, then I could simply replace the screw.

Just in case, I visited Zenni Optical online & placed an order for a very basic, no frills pair of glasses.  They won't have any Transitions or polycarb lenses, but they should get me by until I can replace my good pair.  I can't complain, with $5 shipping, the total cost was just under $18.  Hopefully, it won't take two months for them to get here.

Plan of action made & executed.  Now, I just wait.

Cya

Another Warm Day...

Today is supposed to be warm & windy.  I just wish it was Monday.  The head of one of the screws that holds one of the ear pieces on my glasses broke today.  It figures it had to be during the weekend.  So far the glasses are holding together.  Hopefully they can fix them fairly easily.

The wind is blowing up a lot of debris.  That isn't making fun on the eyes or the sinuses.   Hopefully, this nice weather will last a while longer.

Cya

Hinged Plans...

We have plans for today.  They have altered & evolved & changed.  My roomie has a party to go to in Fort Smith.  The plans have altered as to who would or would not drive or go.  These decisions have had many factors.

• How late will it be
• What's the weather like
• How are we both feeling
• How early will it start
• What movies are playing

But most importantly, can we find the semi-outdoor cat & bring her in before we leave.    I would much prefer her to be inside if we are going to be gone for that long.   So, yes, who goes & who does not is dependent upon the fickle nature of one lone cat.  

What a life.

Cya

Weird Net & Eye Issues...

Half the stuff I have been trying to look at on the net has been having issues lately.  It's becoming annoying.  Add to that, some irritants are seriously bothering my eyes.  I've taken some allergy eye-drops, but they're still itchy.  Irritants of either the eye or the net is not what I had hoped to fill my day with.  I will continue to try & get through on my web pages, but my eyes are telling me to call it quits on this blogging thing today.

Cya

Busy With TV...

The rest of the week, I can hardly get anything to show on TV, but let Wednesday & Thursday roll around & it's all out feast.  I would love it if some of these TV producers would figure that not every show can be the best in the same time slot on the same night.

So, today I begin to catch up with all the shows I watch.  Besides the one's I actually watched last night, there are another six left & that's just from Wednesday.  Then Thursday hits & drops another load on us.  Friday does a couple, but nothing like the previous two days.

Gotta go & play catch up.

Cya

Seasonal Stickage, Follow Up...

I mentioned briefly yesterday that I got my lab results back in & they  were better than I had expected them to be.  Last time, some of my numbers took a hit & now they had not only recovered but gained some ground.

A couple of things about labs with HIV.  First, one low lab result doesn't really mean all that much.  Second, anything can affect your numbers.  If you get a low result, wait until the next lab draw before you start panicking. If you get a less than desirable result consider what's changed in your life.  Consider any of the following:

• Currently ill
• Allergies
• Stress
• Exposure to chemicals
• Failure to take meds properly
• Dietary changes
• Any non-HIV meds or supplements

Any of these things & countless others can affect your lab results.  So, don't freak out on one low score.

Cya

Back On The Wire...

Not much getting typed here today.  I am changing my internet connection. I love the convenience of the wireless, but I've had enough of the dropped connection & varying speeds  So, I am going back to the wire.  It may mean I'm tied down, but at home, who cares?

I got my last lab results in today.  Surprisingly, after last time's low numbers, this may have been some of the best results I've ever gotten.  I was definitely the best CD4 count.

Oh well, back to the wiring process.

Cya

Raining...

It's been raining here today, only about a quarter of an inch in my area, but it helped.  We have been seriously dry here for a long time.  Today's moisture won't alleviate all of that, but it did help.

For the first time in a while I didn't wake up feeling totally dehydrated & itchy from dry skin.  Hopefully we can get a little more out of this storm system before it moves on eastward.

I hope you call are having good weather wherever  you are.

Cya

Sunday...

Another week, another Sunday.  I hope today is quiet & uneventful.  It's a nice day so far.

• There's a nice breeze
• The neighborhood dogs aren't barking too badly
• The cats are being reasonably mellow for them
• No signs of inclement weather on the horizon
• Most of the bills are paid for the month
• Only minor household chores are on the list today
• There's decent TV on tonight

I could keep going, but the point is, that sometimes it's the little things that make or break a day.

Cya

Another Saturday...

It's Saturday &  I remembered to catch Cook's Country.  Other than a snag with my internet connection, today has been pretty good.  Last time I typed that, the power went out for thirty minutes.  

I feel pretty good today.  No major issues to complain about.  The weather has settled & that makes my life a lot easier.  My sleep is better.  I am more willing to do actual cooking & not just reheating.  My allergies have taken a hiatus for a while.  Life is good today.

Nothing much planned, other than catching up on some videos & housework.  Hope you all have a great day.

Cya

Warm Day...

Today's a bit warmer than it has been.  It might actually hit 90 F.  I'd like to stretch Fall out for as long as possible.  Had a bit of a rude start this morning.  The neighborhood has become over run with dogs.  Not necessarily wild dogs, but still unattended.  

I hate people who get animals they can't or won't take care of properly.  Dogs need space & in town, they need restraint, like a fenced-in yard.  Lately these mongrels have been roaming & causing a fuss.  They like the trash & have caused several people to have to slam on their brakes to avoid running the dogs down.  

This morning I heard a scuffle on my porch & there were two bull-mixes with a mix-breed puppy.  They were rutting about the porch looking for who knows what.  I went out, broom in hand, & scared them off the porch.  I don't like calling animal control, but these dogs has overstayed their welcome.  Since the dogs have arrived it's been an all-night bark-fest.  The trash is scattered & the neighborhood cats are pissed.  These dogs don't mouse, so the cats win out on that matter.

If you are going to have an animal, it is your responsibility.  No arguments, no debates.  Take care of it.

Cya

Nice Day...

Not much to say today. Everything is going fairly smoothly.  My roomie is a bit under the weather, but nothing too serious.  Today has been fairly decent so far.  No big issues to deal with, good or bad.   No appointments that had to be kept.

SCREEEEEECHHHHH

So much for the nice day.  The electricity did it again.  It was gone for half an hour.  I am ending this now, just in case more blips follow.

Cya

PS:  I hate OG&E

Reading...

I've been reading some comics lately.  Mainly because a comic is about as lengthy as I can handle these days.  I used to be an avid reader.  I had several novels going at one time & countless articles or textbooks to be read.  Nowadays, I just can't focus on reading at all.  After a bit, my mind wonders & my eyes feel strained.  I hate that.  Reading used to be one of my biggest escapes, now I find it a taxing endeavor.

It started when I was first getting ill.  I could barely stay awake, let alone read.  My mind refused to focus on anything.  I didn't want to eat or do anything.  I laid there mostly sleeping & usually cold.  I could barely get through a sit-com, let alone a novel.

A lot of things have gotten closer to the norm of what they used to be before I was +, but not this one.  This illness has killed my metabolism, my hair & my ability to stay on track.  I was always prone to tangents, but this is ridiculous.  

I have stacks of books that I got while I was still reading.  Most of them are well over ten years old now.  I look at them & feel a bit wasteful.  Maybe one day, I'll be able to read them.  

Cya

Here We Go Again...

The beginning of the month is here in earnest.  The bill paying process is underway & the rent will be paid tomorrow.   The first of the month is stressful & relaxing.   The process can be tiresome if something doesn't go as planned, but once the bills are paid for the month, there is a sense or whew & thank heaven's that's done for the month.

A lot of new shows or new episodes of old ones are airing now. However, I am having a seriously hard time of getting back into the rhythm of it all.  My patience with older shows is lacking & a lot of the new shows just aren't picking up the pace fast enough for me.  Fall TV has not been as much of a delight as I had hoped that it would be.

This is me griping so more over TV.  Oh well.  I hope everyone is doing well.

Cya

9...

Today is the nine month anniversary of this blog.  Congrats to me.  Three more months & somehow I will have made it a whole year.  Better not jinx it, I'm not there yet.

When do you get to call yourself a blogger?  Is it when you decide to blog?  You've been blogging for so long?  It could be after you've done so many posts?  Who knows?

I am blogging & plan to for at least three more months.  Past that, we'll see if this is something I plan to continue as is, alter or if it's time to consider something new.  For now, I'll post this entry.

Cya

October...

I didn't really acknowledge the beginning of the month in yesterday's post.  So, I will today.   I like October.  It's a good month for me.  School is in session & the kid noise is down.  The weather is cooler, but not quite cold.  The leaves will start changing 

Other things that come in October are:

1. National Fire Prevention Week - Very needed this year
2. Leif Erickson Day
3. Freethought Day
4. Halloween
5. National Arts & Humanities Month
6. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
7. The Rise of the Scorpio

There are many other things that happen in October, those are just a few.  I'm sure we all have things we associate with each month.  I guess my favorite for this month besides Halloween & candy is simple.

So welcome October

Cya

A Show For Me...

For me Saturday mornings used to mean, cartoon overload.  Not anymore, not because I no longer watch toons, but because the ones on Saturday morning mostly suck.  Nowadays this morning is for America's Test Kitchen or Cook's Country, whichever one is showing at the time.  They are both are hosted by Chris Kimball on PBS.

I'm not always a big fan of what they're cooking, but I've a learned a lot from the processes & techniques they've utilized.  I like cooking shows that give me methods, techniques & formulas more than ones that just give me recipes.  Alton Brown's, Good Eats,  used to be like this & it was really enjoyable.  Later on Alton got weirdly gaunt & attitudinal.  

That's my take on learning.  People shouldn't focus on teaching trivia & factoids.  They should focus on the hows & whys of learning.  They should give people the tools to go out & continue their learning on their own.  Teachers should instruct their students on how to be self-taught, self-evaluating & capable of continuing on past the typical classroom environment.

I taught Sociology.  It was always more important to me that my students could construct good essays, perform research & present strong arguments about the topics being discussed in class.  I was less worried about whether or not they could memorize the definition of a sociological concept or theory, than if they could apply the information they were learning.  If you need to define something, that's what a dictionary is for, not to mention a library or the internet.  Too bad, that wasn't how the university saw it.

I was more interested in teaching them methods they could take with them into whatever discipline they pursued.   My superiors were interested in how many definitions they could spew out like a cheap slot machine.   Any monkey can learn to memorize something.  I wanted my students to be more evolved than your average simian.  So please, give me more books, web-sites or TV shows that go pass the base information in such a way that I can continue to grow with it.

Cya