New Year's Eve Day....

We're going out today.  We have no intention of being out with the partiers & merry-makers.   Still we want to go out & get something festive to eat & possibly to drink.  Our Eve's fest dinner will probably consist of Mexican & bottle of red wine a friend gave us for Christmas.   

I wish all of you a very festive holiday & may your new year be wondrous.  

Cya...

No Good...

I'm not sure if it's the change in the weather, juniper trees dumping pollen, something I ate, stress from dealing with my pharmacy, but whatever it is, its left me feeling like crap this morning.   I'm exhausted, somewhat nauseous & dehydrated.   With any luck, this is a day thing & it'll be gone.  

Tomorrow is the last day of 2014.  I'm glad I don't have any plans.  I probably couldn't make them with the way I feel right now.   But, best wishes for all your New Year's Eve plans.

Cya...

Irritated...

The drama continues between  my doctor, my pharmacy & myself.  Somewhere along the line another medication refill order has gone sideways.  Of course, everyone is blaming everyone else.  A lot of good that does me.  I'm still not sure what's going on with it.  I'm distracted wondering when this is going to get resolved.  Hopefully, this will be handled today.

Cya...

Chilly Ending...

We've stayed a bit warmer than normal here the last week.  Last night was the 1st time in days, we left a stove on & the water dripping.  Now, it looks like we're ending the year with a bit of a chill.  We're expecting some nights in the 20's F.  We've already hit those in November, but December has stayed fairly warm.   A little too warm, my yard looks like it needs mowing.  That is not going to happen.  

We're really just into Winter, so what the season will be like is still up in the air.  Hopefully, it'll be cold enough to kill off the bugs & grass.  But not so cold to be a major issue with ice & the like.

Stay safe & warm, or cool depending on where you're at.

Cya...

Last Saturday...

This is the last Saturday of December  2014.  We're on the way out of this year.  Only 4 days left & then it's no more 2014.  I wish I could be a little more regretful of that, but I'm not.  I'm ready for this ride to end.  There's no promise 2015 will be any better, but it might be. 

I hope whatever you have left to do in this year gets done in a fashion you can live with.  I hope your holidays have gone well.  May your ending be pleasant as we head into the new year.

Cya...

Lupin...

This article discusses how the India based Lupin company just received approval from the USFDA to produce a generic form of the drug Epivir.   This news impacts me, I take the generic form known as Lamivudine.  I'm not sure what this will mean for me, if anything.

On another note, I waited all day Christmas Eve for my meds to arrive.  They didn't.  I couldn't call the pharmacy until today.  They failed to tell me they needed refills.  Something I could've handled when they called when they made the order.  My doctor is out until Monday.  I might have my order in a week or so.  Luckily I wasn't low on anything.   CVS Caremark is back to sucking.

Well, it's December 26th & I'm exhausted.  I've had all the holidays I can stand.   I've had my fill of December & 2014.   For now, I'm staying inside & doing as little as possible.   Have a good ending to the year.

Cya...

Holiday...

We're heading out for our household celebration.   We plan on seeing a  movie & then grabbing a bite to eat at wherever happens to be open.   I hope everyone has a good holiday.

Cya...

Eve...

Today is my roomie's birthday & Christmas Eve.  Yes, I gave her top billing.  I'm not going to say much today, except for I hope everyone has a good holiday whatever it may be.   Be safe & happy.

Cya...

Next To Last...

This is the nest to last week of 2014.  It is the next to last Tuesday of December.   We're on the way out with only 8 days left in this year.   

To that I say yippie!  Get out of here 2014, you're weren't fun.  I know things could've been worse, but damn they could've been so much better.  All too often 2014 was a crapstorm for us.  

There's no promise 2015 will be any better, but my fingers are crossed.  Tomorrow is my roomie's birthday & oh yeah the eve of that holiday.  Then it's Christmas.   After that, it's just a long countdown to the flames of 2014 are snuffed out forever.  I should be sad or nostalgic about that, but I'm not.

Cya..

Good Day...

Finally, we need a good day.  The plumbers got here to look  at our heater.  The pilot wouldn't stay lit.  We got a hold of him this morning & he was able to come by soon after.  I'm amazed he wasn't already booked.

He got there & we were resigned to the idea of replacing the stove.  All he had to do was take it a part & give a really good cleaning.  Apparently some of the "smart" parts had gotten clogged with dust or fuzz.  Anyway he fixed it.  It was a pretty cheap fix too, which was good with the way we've been spending these last couple of weeks.

Its a good day for us.  I hope it is for you as well.   Happy Holidays.

Cya....

Happy Solstice...

No griping today.  Not much of anything, except to wish everyone a very Festive Solstice.  May your days get brighter.

Cya...

Pile It On...

Just to add more to the list, it seems 1 of our heaters is going out on us.  It doesn't want to stay lit.  Just another crap thing to happen in December.  They should rename this month to Crapfestiva.   I'm reasonably certain, I've never had a good December from start to finish.  

Hopefully, its just a part & not the whole system.  I also hope, the part is easily found.  I really don't know why I hope for anything anymore, its all too rare my hopes pan out for anything. 

I'm tired & stressed.  I'm sick of December.  I've had my fill of 2014.  I seriously doubt 2015 will be any better.  I need something to change for the better.  I'm just not sure how to make that happen anymore.

I hope everyone's holidays are going well.  The holiday aspect of this month is actually going well.  Its just everything else that sucks.

Cya...

Every Day...

Nearly Every day I read something that proves to me the stigma against people with HIV rages.  I've accepted most people are simply self-interested, bigots who are willing to do their worst to the people who can least handle it.

I read about people fearing for their jobs, their safety, their ability to even find food or shelter.  That's in the USA,   That's in my area.  I read about charities abroad being forced to leave their communities & take the  + people they're helping with them, because of fearful, nasty people. I've read about Britain's longest HIV survivor & activist finally having to leave his home because of all the hate.  That was England, not some backwoods country.  I just read about a young boy in China, whose village is forming a petition to have him put into isolation for the sake of the villagers.  Even the grandparents of this 8 year old boy signed the petition against him.  

Don't try to tell me there are enough good people out there trying to help people to balance this out.  Because there aren't.  I wish nothing but the worse on those who would target the sick, the poor & the weak,  A pox on them & theirs.  May they be put into a situation they can't handle, that they fear & let there be nothing but animosity awaiting them.   Let them face the wrath of stupid, fearful  & hateful people.  

I know I'm being so Christmasy, right.  This may be the season for giving, but I'm not in  a charitable mood.  I've dealt with too much this year & constantly reading this crap about cowards going after + people just pisses me off.  Its been  30+ years, get the hell over it or drop dead already. 

Imagine being a small boy who contracted HIV from his mother whose village has turned on him.  A boy who's never had anyone to play with.  A boy who's own grandparents signed a petition to have him removed.   Just imagine his life, his fears, his needs, his confusion.  The fear of those adult villagers is just ludicrous in comparison.   I wish the boy the best, but let his village burn. 

Cya...

Gotta Get...

I already had plans for today & then they got complicated.  My dentist office called yesterday & told me they had an opening.  I could get this tooth repair underway now instead of waiting until the 30th.  This would bunch things up, but I figured if I didn't take it, the temporary fix wouldn't hold & I'd be screwed,

So, I have to go bath.  Then fix breakfast.  Then drive to the mailbox & from there to Fort Smith,   Then we'll hit the dentist, do some shopping, pay a bill, get something to eat... I think that's it, but the movie is between 2 - 3  hours, so there's quite a big chunk.  I'd like to be out of there before it's too late & the traffic gets heavy.  So, no more time, I've got to go.

Cya...

Trepidation...

My roomie is trepidatious today.  She's worried about a possible bad outcome of her day's trip.   She's on her way to see her specialist.  When going to a doctor such as this, there's always a sense  something could go wrong, unforeseen consequences or relapse.  More treatment could be required.  

I hope she doesn't feel silly being weary of this appointment.  I'm cagey every time I have to go see my specialist.  I don't have any reason to believe anything is going to go wrong, but its always a possibility.  I don't really catch my breath until the appointment is behind me.  

Being weary of things with potentially poor outcomes is natural.  Maybe there isn't anything you can do about it.  Maybe you shouldn't worry about things beyond your control, but most likely you will.  I'm not saying to wallow in it.  I'm saying, if you have a reason to feel this way, then feel it, accept it & try to find a way to deal with it.  

The last thing you need when you're worried, is for someone to tell you not to worry.  If it was that easy, you'd already be over it.  It's part of how we get by in life.

I'm not sure how her appointment will turn out.  I hope it goes well.  If not we'll handle it the best we can.  I say we, when really its mostly her.  This isn't my illness.  It's strange how so many people try co-op other's health & their crisis as their own.  This isn't mine.  I'm impacted by it, but I'm not living it.  

Here's hoping for a good trip & good news.

Cya...

Smoking & HIV...

This article details how smoking can amplify & even double some risk in HIV patients.  Some of the possibilities are cancer & death.  Most of you have probably heard something like this in other articles.

This is a good article. I think you should probably quit smoking for your own well being, especially your wallet's well being.  But, the point here is something else.  

Smoking is just 1 factor that can impact the health of + people.  There are others such as weight issues, previously existing  health matters or lifestyle choices.  Excess drinking, hard partying, sleep deprivation can all impact your health & especially if you're chronically ill or on certain medications. 

With HIV, you have to evaluate every aspect of your life.  Is this or that helping or harming my treatment regimen/health?  Is this symptom part of HIV, the meds, something else or all the above? 

You have to get to know your state of well being.  What will & will not impact you & in what manner if it  does.  HIV isn't alone in this situation.  People with diabetes & those who suffer from many other chronic illnesses have to worry about this as well.  

Again, this article is important on it's own, but its just a reminder that when you have HIV, everything counts.  Anything can affect your health.  Your health is your responsibility.  Its up to you to protect yourself.

Cya...

Bring On The Busy...

This is the beginning of the busiest time of the year.  At least for my roomie & me.  We have a lot to do this week.  Well, mostly she does.  

There's some shopping, errand running, visits, early holiday gatherings & a doctor's appointment.   That's a lot for us during any given month, let alone a week.

I hope the weather holds & everyone stays in good spirits.  We don't need any foulness this week.  I hope everyone's holidays are shaping up nicely.

Cya...

Forum Over Biggest Challenge...

I'm not going to talk on this 1 much.  Today, I'm posting a like POZ's forum.  The topic was, "What is the biggest personal challenge for you facing your HIV status?"  The forum is here.  I've talked a lot about my challenges.  Maybe it'd help to let you see others post on theirs.  

Cya...

It's Saturday Again...

It's Saturday & the previous week wasn't great.  The upcoming week looks to be pretty busy with plans & appointments for both of us.   This hasn't been a great holiday season so far.   For once, it has little to with my less than thrilled attitude towards the season.   This month has been trying at best.

Luckily, we're a third of the way through December.  I really hope we can leave a lot of this crap in 2014.  I always hope for this, but it seldom works out my way.  Sort of crazy I guess.  Still, it'd be nice if the crap fest could back off for a while.

Another 18 days & this year will be out of here. Have a good holiday season everyone.

Cya...

Another Drizzly Day...

It's drizzling outside today.  It was supposed to rain, but it won't pour or shine.  No, it just drizzles.  I don't like non committal precipitation like this.  Do it or don't.

I'm doing a little better today.  We went shopping.  Neither of us have been in that great of of a mood since Tuesday.  We'll get past this, but still this week has seriously brought out the suck.

I know things could be worse.  However, December, you've failed in the not sucking department.  So, let's just get through this month & be done with it.   I'm ready for December to be in my rear-view mirror.

There's 12 days until my roomie's birthday, another day for Christmas & 19 left in the year. Which means less than a week until we see the Hobbit conclusion. It's going to be busy, busy, busy with all that & a dentist appointment in the mix.

Cya...

Don't Want To Talk Right Now...

I hate this time of year, it always, repeat always, finds a way to screw me.  From the 1st sign of chilly nights until we're warming up again in May is a dangerous time for me.  I start having stress dreams about $$$ & resources.   You know what?  Something always happens to justify that stress. Can't we just skip the damn holiday season?  Seriously, it sucks!  From cars to medical to computers, something always goes wrong.  

The car repairs were more than I'd thought they'd be.  Now, not only am I not done with the dentist like I thought, I need another crown.  Just F'ing yippie!  There goes another $400 - 500.  Resources that had been set aside to fix the van's issues with the AC.  We lucked out this Summer, it wasn't that hot.  But, what about next Summer, will it be as cool?

After all this, sometime before April, I'll need $ for insurance & AAA (No, AAA is not a luxury item).   Then the damn social workers will be climbing up in our business, for their annual embarrass the crap out of you, annual review.

So, yes, I hate this time of year.  Sorry, I'm ranting, but I that's all I can handle right now.   The dentistry issues most likely have a lot to do with being + & being on HIV meds.  Both of those can be detrimental to your teeth.  Try to see a dentist as often as possible.

Cya...

Early Post...

I'm doing this post early, because I'll be busy tomorrow.  Tuesday started out well, but it didn't last.  My roomie got a flat tire.  No big deal, then we changed the tire & the spare is flat as well.   The mechanic came  took the car.  It needs  2 new tires & an oil change, there's some $$$.

I got some unhappy news about a internet site I frequent.  I don't know if it's situation is permanent or not.  I hope it isn't. 

Later, just after eating chicken & dumplings for dinner, I somehow break a tooth.   I don't know if a filling fell out or if it's yet another tooth affected by HIV.  I've had this happen once before,  The tooth simply softened & broke.  I was just at the damned dentist office.  I called him & he told me to call in the morning to set up an immediate appointment.   I don't know when that will be.

Tomorrow isn't looking fun.  Tomorrow is disrupting my schedule.  Tomorrow is looking expensive.  So far, I'm not liking tomorrow.  Hope you're having a better day.  

Cya...

Foggy Tuesday ...

It's finally starting to let up, but this morning has been a foggy mess.  There are times when fog is a neat weather phenomenon.   I don't appreciate the atmospheric blur during the Winter though.  Fog is nothing but a soppy cloud to heavy to to soar.  

During the cold season that just means that moisture is down here with us.   That wetness covers everything & seeps into you, chilling you down to the bone.  I can appreciate a nice morning fog while still in September or October, but they've overstayed their welcome if they're still here in December or beyond.  

This kind of weather just aggravates my health situation.  It adds to aches & pains,  It irritates my sinuses,  It needs to go.

The sun is finally starting to shine.  Hopefully it'll burn this fog away quickly.  I'd like a bright day for the 1st time in over a week,  

Here's hoping for nice, sunny weather where ever you may be.  

Cya...

A 15 Year Anniversary...

I'm not sure of the exact day in December, but somewhere about this time in 1999, I did something for the last time.   At that point, I smoked my last cigarette.  It's been 15 years since I've smoked.  

This came from an article at the CDC site.   I'm at the last point they mention.  You can see more about this topic in the article.  

15 years & not a cigarette.Yeah for me.  Too bad it took being at death's door sick right before I was diagnosed with HIV to quit.   But, at least I did.

Cya...

1st Sunday, 3 Left...

Today is the end of the 1st week of the last month of 2014.  There are only 3 more Sundays this year.  It's always weird for me to think of things that way.  That 2014 will soon no longer be the present,  It will no longer be a thing at all, just a memory.

Other than feeling under the  weather, this has been a good week.  Nothing has been too much of a hassle. So, it's  a keeper.

The mice  have returned.  They've been setting off the traps.  Yucky business.

I've been posting past Christmas specials to my Facebook page.  I did a lot of music last year.  I decided to change  it a bit & go with these shows from my childhood.  Most of them were better than what they show today.

I hope everyone's 1st week of December went well.

Cya...

Yesterday & Today...

Yesterday was a bit rushed for me.  I had errands to do & a trip over to Fort Smith to pick up my roomie.  All the while, it drizzled, only occasionally getting to a moderate rain.  It was dismal & foggy, but at the same time muggy.  There was nothing pleasant about it. 

But it's done.  My roomie got time with her friend & the new baby.  We finished up holiday shopping.  Plans for said holidays were solidified.    We accomplished what needed to be done.

Too bad, my neck was killing me the whole day.  Its only somewhat better today.  This weather & everything still have me feeling like crap.   I seriously need a good day.

I hate high humidity.  In the Summer, it puts you in a sticky boil.  In the Winter, it makes the cold cut to the bone.  

I know there are articles that need discussing.  But right now, I don't have the focus to deal with them.  Sorry, but I'm just too spent to give much of a damn about anything right now.

Cya...

Going Out Later...

I have errands to run later & I have to pick up my roomie.  I haven't felt well the last few days.  I'm  not sure if its the weather, my sinuses, my meds, HIV or a combo of any or all the above.  My digestion has been hellish & giving OMG get to the bathroom stomach issues.    

I think a lot of has to do with all the dismal weather we've been having.  This crap drains me quick.  It's  dreary again today & raining.   I'm no fan of grey skies.  

All of this is tiring.  The problem with it really is, the longer it goes the more tiring just be tired becomes.  That sounds weird, I know.  It gets really hard to get motivated to much of anything.

This wet, drear chill weather sucks.  Hopefully, we'll get some sun soon.  I need a pick me up & no house lamp is going to do it.   Maybe tomorrow or the next day.

Cya...

Another Busy Morning...

It's the 4th day of the month.  We've got the trash to the curb.  The bills are mostly paid & the errands ran.    The beginning of the month is always hectic for us.    There's groceries, bills, bank deposits, etc...  We'll be on the go tomorrow as well.  Luckily next week will slow down.  The week after will be busy again with  quite a few appointments & errands.  The following will the holiday week.  

December is going to fly.  Here's hoping for no turbulence.  

Cya...

Health Coverage Info...

This may not be new, but it might help some.  This website, Greaterthan.org can help people start to understand the Affordable Care Act as it pertains to + people.   I'm not going to blog much on this.  It's better just to go see the interactive site.  It can answer a lot of questions about insurance options & how they vary from state to state.

Cya...

Busy Morning...

I have to head out later for my dentist appointment.  With any luck this will be the last major work I need done for quite a while.   This stuff gets pricey even with dental insurance.

I still need to get cleaned up & fix breakfast.  My roomie has an appointment this morning.  After she gets back will head out for Fort Smith.

Yes, my dentist is in another town.  Yes, there are dentists in my town.  Some might even deal with my insurance better.  But, the dentist I have, has no problems dealing with a + patient.  I can't say I'd find the same here in town.  Not to mention, that'd be more people close to me who know my business. 

Gotta go.

Cya...

December 1st - World AIDS Day...

Today is World AIDS Day.  Since 1987, December 1st  has been designated as a day to promote HIV awareness.  You can find out more about it at http://www.worldaidsday.org/ .   There a lot of things on line promoting this event.

I've talked about this concept before, the point at which you start treatment as a + person.    This article goes on about the subject in more detail.  The gist of the matter is the sooner an infected person starts treatment, the better they can expect their recovery to go.  I was very late in treatment & I'm not at all near what a person treated earlier could've been healthwise.

Finally, this is December 1st.  Hello December.  November was fairly pleasant to us, please try to be the same.  This is the holiday season, we don't need anything else adding drama.  Thanks.  2014, you're on the downhill slide of your reign,  I hope your time ends pleasantly.  

Cya...

So Long November...

Its last day of November 2014.  It was a pretty good month for us.  Nothing too horrid or overwhelming came our way.  I'll take that as a win.

We went to the Friendsgiving last night.  My dishes went over well.  Pretty hard to mess up cranberry salsa & corn though.  

1 last month in the year.  3 weeks until Christmas & my roomie's birthday.  A little over 2 weeks until the conclusion of The Hobbit.   

This Tuesday, the dentist will finish my crown.  My roomie has 2 doctor's appointments.  Then there are holiday plans.  

We're wrapping up the year.  Not sure I'm ready for the next 1, but that's sort of irrelevant, isn't it?  Goodbye November.  Thanks for not bringing us any major drama.  Until next year.

Cya...

Windy Day...

We've been invited to a Friendsgiving tonight.  There's supposed to be a bonfire afterwards.  We won't be staying for that.  I'm pretty sure that'd be pushing me past my limits at the moment & I don't need to get sick.  I'm not even sure with this wind the bonfire will even to get to happen.

We've made some side dishes to take.  Hopefully, they go over well.  Nothing to do now, except a few last minute things.  Take out some dishes to warm & the like.

Have a god weekend everyone.

Cya...

Black Friday...

It's here, the most notorious shopping day of the year.   Still, we ventured out to go grocery shopping.  We figured most the mad buyers  would be gone by the time we got there.  The store was busy, but not overwhelmingly so.  

1 holiday down & 2 left to go, not counting my roomie's birthday.  I got some good day after deals on food to freeze,  That was my Black Friday shopping.  

It looks like we're still on for the get together tomorrow night at a friend's house.  It's been a while for me to have gone out anywhere like this.  Here's hoping my health holds.  I've not been feeling that great lately.

I hope everyone had a good holiday.

Cya...

Thanksgiving 2014...

It's here.  I'm sorta blah about the whole matter.  Not bah humbug, but definitely not overly concerned with the matter.   The food's made & I'll enjoy eating, but otherwise I'm just wah wah on the matter.

My roomie has left for her family event.  We're supposed to go somewhere Saturday.  That could be nice.  

I may not be in my old seasonal hum buggery, but at least that had some commitment.  This feeling is just scattered & removed.  Maybe its the weather or the light levels?

Any way, ignore my yuckiness right now.  Have a great holiday & travel safe.

Cya...

Over It...

For the past several weeks, I've been receiving request to sign petitions against companies staying open on Thanksgiving (US).   I won't sign them.  I've offended people by telling them I wouldn't sign their petition.

I like Thanksgiving & I get people want to spend it with their families & friends.  But, still people have to work.  When I get these petitions they always pertain to retail stores staying open on the holiday.   They hardly ever, if ever, address other people who will be working on the holiday.   What about the people who work at gas stations, airports, service workers, cab drivers, emergency workers, etc...?  Are they supposed to take the day off as well?  I would hope not.

Before I was on disability I worked a lot of holidays.  I often choose to work them.  I had my reasons.  I could trade someone who wanted off & for another day I wanted.  I usually got paid a little more on the holidays.  Most importantly, I usually didn't have anyone to spend the holiday with.  So, by being at work, not only was I getting paid, I wasn't at home alone on a holiday with nothing to do.

There are a lot of people like I was then.  They need the $.  They don't want to be home alone.  They don't even celebrate the holiday in question.

Thanksgiving is about an ideal.  It doesn't have to be on any specific day.  If you work it, then celebrate it the day before or after.  Even if you do work it, will you be working all day?  

This about people who want to be catered to on their very specific terms over a holiday that has only been regularly celebrated for less than a century.  Why not be thankful for the fact these people actually have jobs to go work?  Why not be thankful these people can afford to celebrate the holiday due to the work they have?

That's my 2 cents on the matter.  I won't sign any petitions  against working on the holidays.  It's better to be working on a holiday & getting paid, than to be home alone bored out of your mind.

Cya...

Endings...

I know this is the season for thanks, but I'm sort of in a funk right now.   I don't mind Thanksgiving, it's about food.  Still, there are things going on that have left me a little odd.

I have been following a series on Netflix.  It's a British show & I'm only in season 8, but I know it ends at 11.  How very Spinal Tap of them.  It just got me to thinking.  What am I going to watch after that?  Will there be anything close enough to it or at least similar?  

I've got at least 24 more episodes & I'm already wondering what's going to happen once I finish this series that I've grown to like so much.  I feel the same way about the upcoming conclusion to the Hobbit trilogy.  

There seems to be so many endings in my life recently.  Things I've let go of.  Things that have ended or gone away.   That's just life.  But, I don't seem to be bringing in any thing new in to replace those exiting my life.  

Sure, this is just a TV show & a movie.  But, it's also something I share with my roomie.   Life keeps peeling back the layers & I'm not sure how much more it has to offer.  I almost don't want to watch the final episodes of my show or  see the last movie.  It's sort  of like telling myself, it never ended, the show just went on forever.  

Friendships, TV shows, animals all come with endings.  I don't like it, but they do.   When I was young & living with my mother, we moved about constantly.  I never got to finish anything or get too attached to stuff.   Sometimes, I wonder if that was the better way.

I'm tired of seeing things leave my life.  I'm not seeing many avenues of bring new things into it.  Most often, the only new things coming aren't things I ever wanted. Maybe I'm just getting older or too tired for any of this.  I don't know.  But, I do know I will love & hate the last moment of the Hobbit.  It will be the last time my roomie & I can set before the screen watching hobbits, elves, dwarves & others ride off into the credits.  

I guess I'm just tired of the mono no aware of life.

Cya...

Medication Frustration ...

My pharmacy & doctor have clashed over my meds again.  I called my pharmacy to check on my order for Wednesday.   Good thing I did, there was an error.  

I have called them & waited on hold 3 times.  I had to go to my doctor's office.  I think I finally have this fixed.  I should not have to be screwing with this as much as I do.

I wish my pharmacy would let me do everything online.  It'd been so much more convenient than waiting on hold forever listening to stupid music & the same tips they've been pushing for years.

I'm not in the best of moods over this.  Shopping at Walmart this morning was more pleasant than trying yet again to fix another pharmacy error.  It'd be nice if a local drug store stocked my meds.

Cya...

Warm Sunday...

It's nearly 70 F here today.  Its supposed to be gone by tomorrow, but its nice while its here.  Not much going on here today.  

Tomorrow we'll go shopping for whatever I don't already have bought for Thanksgiving dinner.   Then I'll take down whatever needs to thaw.  Most of our cooking will be done on Wednesday.  My roomie has family plans & those will happen on Thursday.  Past that not much else is planned.

Here's hoping for a good Thanksgiving time to you all.

Cya...

Raining Away...

The rain started last night.  It woke me a couple of times, but nothing too bad.  It's been going on ever since.  The rain keeps revving up & slowing down.   This is going to be an all day soak.  

We've had a bit of thunder & lightning.  So far, not much.  Not that it'd take much to knock out my power or internet.    

The atmosphere is wet & the sky is depressingly grey.  I'm getting sick of grey already.   I hate the dismal nature of this time of year.  Even Winter can be bright, blindingly so.

It seems the rain is here for the weekend, then we're supposed to cool back down again.  We need the rain.  We haven't had much this month & December is getting closer.

Still, I'm not a fan of this mess.  It doesn't nothing for my mood & little for How I feel physically.  So, rain, get it over with & then let the sun shine for a while.

Cya...

Friday Again...

It's Friday &  we went shopping earlier.  I don't know why, but I'm staying chilled,  It was considerably warmer yesterday & I was cold all day.  Its nice this morning, but I'm still chilly.  I am so not fond of being cold.  

This weather has left me slightly achy & congested.   Walmart did nothing for my morning mood.  It was busy & the people were milling around like lost ants.    We're home now & we don't have to go back out, so at least there's that.

I'm tired this morning & this dreary weather isn't helping.   Normally, I can watch little birds hunting for bugs in the leaves, but even they're huddled up some where out of sight.  My little chirpy diversion is MIA.   

Hope you have a good weekend.

Cya...

Staying Warm...

It warmed up  a bit yesterday & so far it's been fairly nice today.  Jacket weather, but still nice.  I'm not up to much today.  I'm a little worn out from yesterday.   But, for now, I'm inside & not planning anything for the rest of the day.

Yesterday, was my appointment with telemedicine.   It went predictably & well.  There are always the same questions & the same basics covered.    I really don't like going to these appointments.  They want me to talk about how I'm feeling. 

I want to tell them I'm feeling like a person of my age who was diagnosed late in the game as + & who has been HIV & on meds for nearly 15 years.  Sometimes I'm OK, a lot of times I'm not, rarely am I good or above.  That's just the way things go & I really don't want to talk about it repeatedly.  

They always act like they want to change my meds when I talk about anything.  I was told yesterday I'm the only patient they still have taking Didanosine.    There are only so many HIV drugs available & I don't want to run through any I don't have.  As long as my meds are working, leave them alone, thank you very much.

My top health issues at this time with HIV are:

• Gastrointestinal issues - diarrhea, gas, nausea, discomfort bloating
• Exhaustion - sometimes for days, others just out of the blue
• Lack of focus or attention to things like reading or TV
• Aches & joint pain
• Alopecia & other sebum issues

There are other issues, but I'm not sure if some of my other concerns are HIV related or just getting older or both.  That is another problem, aging & HIV.   That just sounds lovely, doesn't it?  The gastro issues are nearly constant.  The exhaustion is fairly prevalent.  I used to be an avid reader, I haven't been able to focus & finish a novel in years.  The aches & pains make everything more tiresome & challenging.  Being bald would be 1 thing.   Having alopecia that leaves you with splotchy hair loss on your scalp, face & eye brows is another.  There's no way I could hide being ill from anyone for any length of time.

Those are the thing I deal with daily.  The things I'm tired of talking about with my doctors.  Those are just some of the more common things HIV brings into your life.  Look tempting?  Didn't think so.

Cya...

In A Rush...

OK, it's going to be a busy day for me.  I have stuff I need to get done & a trip over to Fort Smith.  My telemedicine appointment just happened.  It went well.  My labs were good for me.  That's all I can ask.  

I still have my Wednesday stuff to do & other errands.  Plus take out trash.   I'd like to start getting caught up on some Netflix, so my queue can start shrinking.  Right now, it looks like I"m hoarding.  

It's warmer today & not wet.  That's a definite plus.  Until tomorrow.

Cya...

Cold Morning Tuesday....

So far, last night was our coldest, down into the teens.  We're supposed to warm up back to more seasonal temperatures now.   For that, I'm thankful.  I don't have a lot to write about today.  I'm cold.  Taking a shower when you're cold sucks.   My feet hate the cold.  In general, cold weather sucks.

I have my specialist appointment tomorrow.  I'm not sure if it'll be on the telemedicine bus or back in the local hospital or what.  We'll see.  I just hope it won't be too much of a hassle to find.  

Tomorrow's going to be busy.  I have my normal Wednesday stuff, my appointment, the trash & going to pick up my roomie from Fort Smith.  Hopefully, it'll be decently warm.

Cya...

Someone Else Against Truvada...

This rather lengthy article is about Michael Weinstein.   He is the head of the Los Angeles based AIDS Healthcare Foundation.   The article is seriously worth the read.  He pronounces his views on the drug, Truvada & the use of it as a PrEP medication as a line of defense against HIV.

The article presents his opposition from government agencies, the porn industry, the pharmaceutical industry & even other HIV activists.   He states the info about PrEP could not only be misleading, but it could wind up leading to a health disaster.  The article goes on about how he feels this will lead to a lessening application of other safe sex practices.

I've wrote about my concerns over this medication before.  I think Truvada is going to be a bad call in the long run.  Do yourself a favor & read the article.  If you're considering using the med as a PrEP, then make sure you're as educated as possible.

Cya...

Heater Head...

My head is already feeling the effects of the heater.  Winter will never be my favorite season.  I don't care if you do get presents in December.  I care that heaters kill my nose & eyes.  I care that cold weather gives me chilblains.   I care that coming in out of the cold usually leaves me coughing.  

My eyes are dried out & my nose is threatening to bleed.   My skin is beginning to whiten out in dryness.  I have to be careful or I'll get winter, scaly skin.  

The only really good thing about this time of the year is that I can use the oven & not heat up the house.  That's nice.   Still not enough to make we like cold weather though.  

Tomorrow will mark 3 weeks since I've seen Clementine, the outdoor cat who was so sick I had to call animal control.  I don't know whether they picked him up or what.  I wish people would take care of their outdoor animals better.   The new little, black cat still won't let any one near it at all.  We've been at this since August.  I don't think we're going to have a break through with this 1.

Wherever you are, stay warm.

Cya....

Another Saturday...

There isn't much going on here, besides being chilly.  It's not as cold as it'll get, but it set in so quick.  I'm not used to it yet.  The cats have dove under covers & only come out for trips to the box or to eat.  I don't blame them.

It's less than 2 weeks until Thanksgiving (US).  That doesn't leave much time in the year at all.  I remember when I would've been happy about that.  It would've meant the semester was wrapping up & I'd have winter break before things started up again.  I think the schedule is the thing I miss most about being in college.  It kept everything fairly predictable & paced. 

In my situation, days are days & things lack the significance they once held.  It makes it hard to get excited about much.  The  things I look forward to now are mostly artificial or arbitrary.   Nothing of  any real substance.  

I'm looking forward to this December.  The final chapter of the Hobbit will arrive. My roomie & I can go see it.  Then again, it's the final chapter, then what?  It's hard to keep coming up with traditions these days.  

Hell, I'm depressing on these matters now.  I'm not sure I can handle them as an old person.  I wanted to focus this year on building up my life & the things in it.  But, it seems all I've done is tried not to lose anything else.

I hope all your holiday plans are taking shape.  I wish for you a great holiday season, whatever it is you may embrace,  Whatever they are, may they bring you joy.

Cya...

Annoying Morning...

I had to go shopping & run some errands this morning.  None of this should've been any big deal.  Still somehow, it was.   

I needed to go by my doctor's office to get a copy of my blood work for my specialist appointment next week.    Again, shouldn't have been a problem.  Except for the fact, they only had part of the results.  I had to go back to the hospital lab & ask what happened.  Somehow the order got broken into 3 parts.  Normally, it's only broken into in hospital testing & the tests that are sent out.  Luckily, they at least had he results,  I didn't have time for a redraw.

On top of that, my doctor's office may have lost the numbers to my pharmacy again.  I came home & gave them the number's I had.  Hopefully, this will fix that issue.   This isn't adding to my confidence in my medical care providers.

I had to go shopping at 2 groceries today.  Walmart was busy, but not that bad.  I hit the other 1, because when I stopped by it's store in Fort Smith they were out of what I needed.  That's a change.  It's usually that I have to go over to Fort Smith to get something my local store doesn't have.

I'm home, fed & tired of this morning.  I'm going to post this & then look at some TV.  After that nothing.  It was too damned early & cold to be dealing with such idiocy.

Cya...

Shopping...

Have some things we need to get today.  It'll probably be easier in Fort Smith.  I say probably, because our shopping ventures over there don't always go so well.  We'll see how this goes.  We need to hit a few places.  Hopefully, we can at least make some, if not all of them work.

It's cold out there & not in a fun way.  It's just grey, dismal & cold.  Not pleasant at all.  Stay warm.

Cya...

Heater...

We didn't get as cool as the forecast last night, but it was cold.  It was the 1st night we had the heater in the kitchen on & the faucets dripping.  We don't need any pipes bursting from being frozen.  

We still have enough ground temperature, for freezing to be unlikely.  That won't last long.  The cold is here to stay.   I'm just happy we still have some 50's in the 10-day forecast.

The trash is back on the curb.  Ir was brisk taking the trash out to the street.   A bit hard to breath out there when you're not used to the cold yet.

Happy Humpday

Cya...

Yuck...

I normally don't blog about products, but I'm making an exception.   Let's set things up with 2 statements.   I often find myself too tired or distracted for full on cooking, so I look for short cuts or pre-cooked items.   2nd, my meds are all prone to cause gastrointestinal distress; gas, bloating, discomfort, sour stomach, diarrhea, etc...  I don't need anything complicating my day or irritating my digestion.  

I bought & made a new-to-us soup mix.  It was Bear Creek Tortilla Soup.   This was a monumental mistake.  I followed the instructions, yet it didn't cook all the way.  The veggies in the 1st round were still crunchy.  (BTW, who puts carrots in tortilla soup anyway?)  I thought it'd be fine for lunch the next day.  The soup set in the fridge overnight & then got reheated.  Any veggie should've be done in by then.  Still, the vegetation was dubious.

Most soups & the like get better setting over night.  This soup did not.   In fact, it got worse.  After the 2nd pass at it, we finished off the soup.  Then we decided it wasn't worth getting again.   

A few hours late, both my roomie & I started having serious stomach issues.  There was a lot of bloating & discomfort.  Then the horrendous gas began.  The flatulence was so bad the cats ran off & hid.  It was a nasty experience all around.

• The soup didn't cook according to instructions
• The soup didn't taste good
• It tasted worse the next day
• It gave our stomachs serious hell

This soup is off my buy list.  I won't even buy anything else from this company.  Sorry, Bear Creek, but this time its 1 strike & you're out.

Cya...

Plummet...

Its a very nice day today.  We're setting at 75 F.  That, said, tomorrow isn't supposed to be as pleasant.   The high is forecast for nearly 30 degrees cooler.   Not nice & totally uncalled for.

The forecast has the next 10 day highs under 50 & our night time temps mostly under freezing   I could live without this weather so early in the season.   I was hoping to hold out until Thanksgiving before cranking on the heat.  We're not going to make it that long.

My bed has a few more covers on it now.  Its been invaded & occupied by cats ever since.  I'm reluctantly allowed to sleep in it.  But only because I put off some body heat.

Not much is going on here today,  We went shopping & Walmart was busy.  Other than that we plan on enjoying the warm weather we have today.  

Cya...

Soreness...

It's been a few says since my dentist appointment, but some soreness still lingers.   There's a slight scrape on my gum right beneath the tooth.  That seriously smarts when the toothbrush gets near it.  My jaw is sore to the touch & there's been some swelling in my cheek.   Break out the Ora-gel & Sensodyne.  Or at least their generic knock-offs.

The worse part of it is that I've had a minor ear ache for the past 2 days.  It was fairly bad last night.  I  took some medicine for it right before bed.  I slept fairly well, but's it still slightly sore this morning.  It'll pass as my mouth recovers.

It's a fairly pleasant day outside.  Probably 1 of the last of the year.  It's supposed to start getting unseasonably cold here by Tuesday.  So much for nice, mild Fall.  That's all for now.

Cya...

Rushed Morning...

We've got a lot planned for this morning.  This will be brief.  I'm taking my roomie over to her friend's baby for the 1st time.    We want to be there just before noonish.   That still leaves taking a shower, fixing breakfast, driving over there & whatever else needs to be done.   

I've been in winterization mode.  I've got most the windows dealt with, except those in the doors.  The AC's are covered & the fans have been cleaned/stowed.   I may need to do some more weather stripping around the doors, I'm not sure yet.  We're supposed to be cold pretty much from here out.

Cya...

1st Friday...

It's the 1st Friday of November.  That being, we went shopping.  It went fairly smoothly this morning.

We're going to Fort Smith tomorrow.  We've got some errands to run.  My roomie needs to see her friend's new, baby girl.   

We had a serious cool down last night.  It was in the 30's F.  Fall is wrapping up too early.  This sucks, since it's actually Autumn until mid December.

It'll be Thanksgiving (US) in 20 days.  There are only 47 days until Christmas.   That leaves just 54 days in 2014.  This year was a blur.

We're officially into the holiday season.   A week's already gone in November & December's the last month of the year.   It's time to get things settled for the holidays & the year.

Cya...

A New Approach...

Scientists are researching a new method of conveying immunity to HIV without a vaccination.  According to this article, there's a method to edit the human genome to do so.  This editing effects the CCR5 gene.  This is what HIV uses to infect the body.  

If the gene is locked or made inaccessible to HIV, then a person is functionally immune.  This method called, CRISPR, could be the answer to HIV.  The research is underway & sounds promising.  I wonder what the cost factor will be like.

It's an interesting read.

Cya...

Sour...

I'm not in a very good mood this morning.  I'm still waiting for the damned plumber to come fix the toilet he didn't fix the 1st time.   Its just another thing about living in this old house.  You constantly have to keep an eye on everything.  It's tiring & stressful.

The 1st half of my crown replacement went well.  The drive over & back wasn't pleasant due to the rain.  I have to go back on December 2, to finish the process.

Today's trash day.  I'll get that out in a bit.  Too bad I can't put a useless plumber in it.  What really pisses me off about this, is I thought we'd found a dependable, local plumber.  Guess I was wrong.

I really don't have anything else nice or pleasant to say, so until tomorrow.

Cya....

Very Short...

I've got a lot to do this morning.   The plumbers should be here sometime to deal with the toilet issue, again.   My roomie has an appointment.  After she she gets back, I'll have to head out for my dentist appointment.   It's a bit rushed this morning.  On top of all that,  it's storming.  Just my luck.  Have a good day.

Cya...

Busy...

It's the 1st Monday & we have a lot to do this morning.  We have to go by the bank, then we're off to pay bills.  Afterwards there'll be shopping & a stop at the mail box.

We have to call the plumber back.  The toilet fix didn't hold.  Hopefully, he will see this is as his issue & not an altogether new 1.

I'll to handle some things this afternoon, that'd normally hold until  tomorrow.  But, I have a dentist appointment. So things will be pushed up a bit.

Cya...

1st Sunday Of November...

The 1st weekend of the month is almost over.  Tomorrow will be busy for us with shopping & getting bills paid.   We raided the half price candy yesterday at Walmart.   Unfortunately, some non-candy things didn't make into the cart.  I had to go back & get them.

I was irritated about this.  I really didn't want to have to go back to Walmart.   But I did.

On the way back I heard 3 songs I hadn't heard before, from 3 different genres.  They aren't all new, 1 of them's over 10 years old.  If I hadn't gone back to the store, I may not have ever heard them.  It's the little things.

Cya...

Hello November...

With Halloween done, October is in the rear view mirror.  We're officially into the holiday season, yippie.  Hopefully, the stores won't pound us with holiday music too early.  

We had a pretty decent Halloween.   The repairmen  showed up early & were able to fix the washer fairly cheap.   We got to see John Wick.  It was a decent action action flick.  

After that we stopped by & got some Chinese to take home.  You know you're in a crappy area, when mall, food court Chinese, is about the best you can consistently get  your hands.  Then we made it home with our food.  October ended  with TV & lo mein.

November started with a quick run to Walmart to raid the remaining Halloween candy.  It'd been marked down 50%.   That's another holiday tradition for us, getting the candy once the holiday has passed.

Hello November.  Let's do this right & not suck.   I have at least 1 dentist appointment, probably 2.  It'll just depend on how things lay out for my crown replacement.   There's also a specialist appointment.  We can't forget about holiday shopping & Thanksgiving.   Looks like a busy month.

Cya...

Heading Out...

We're going to see a movie if all goes well today.  We have to go do some shopping & then wait to see if we hear back from the repairman we had to call about the washing machine.  It's been giving us problems. 

If he gets here & does his thing in time, we'll head for the theater.   If not, we'll just go get some Chinese food.  What a Halloween tradition.   

Actually, we had our major point of Halloween last night.  We watched the Great Pumpkin.  It's not my fav Charlie Brown, but it's probably  my 2nd.   Peanuts, is always an odd thing for me.  I always liked the idea of it more than I actually liked the strip.   Its a great comic & has some wonderful parts.  Still, I never connected to it as a work, as much as I did an idea.   Or maybe that's an ideal.  

Whatever it may be, it's still part of our tradition.  Lucy & Linus Van Pelt will always be my favorite characters of the strip.   Maybe next year Linus will find the right pumpkin patch.

Have a great Halloween everyone.

Cya...

Early Morning...

I'm getting out of here a little early this morning.  I need to go have my blood drawn for lab work.  I have a specialist appointment in mid November.  It'll take at least a week for my labs to come back.  The extra time covers me in case I have to a redraw.

I'm getting my 4 basic labs:

1.  CBC

2.  CMP

3.  CD4

4.  HIV-VL Ultrasensitive  Quantitative 

It's cooling down again.  Everything looks pretty damp out there.   Hopefully, it won't be too chilly yet.  My blood doesn't like cool mornings, makes the veins hide.  

More tomorrow.

Cya....

Another Trash Day...

Once again, trash has been drug to the curb.  It was easier this week.  I think I'm getting over whatever knocked 2 weeks ago.   I still feel off, but that's due to the ragweed.  

We're still figuring out plans for what we'll do on Halloween.  Probably a movie, but which 1?  On Saturday, I'll go raid the leftover candy at Walmart.

2 days & October is over.  Just 2 more months in 2014.  This year has flown by, the situational stress, made it seem to blur.   Now on to the holiday season.  I'll try not to bah humbug.  Seriously, I'll try.

Cya...

Ragweed...

 According to Pollen.com, we're having a low allergy day.  Tell that to my eyes, nose & throat.    The problem is simple, the only allergen listed for my area today, is 1 I'm especially reactive to, ragweed.  

I've wrote about this nasty piece of work before.  I hate it.  I can't see my screen clearly right now, because all the grit in my eyes from this stuff.  

I was hoping last night's rain would wash it away.  If anything, it stirred things up a lot.  My head is not in a good place because of this.  

That's all for now.  Looking at the monitor is not fun right now.  Until tomorrow.  

Death to ragweed.

Cya....

Revving Up...

We're supposed to get a storm sometime today.    It feels like it.  It was windy all night & it's gotten more so this morning.   The weather should cool down a bit after this.  The 80's were nice, but the high humidity wasn't.  Maybe the rain will wash away some of the stickiness.

I'm not sure what has become of Clementine, the outdoor cat that got sick.   I haven't seen in a couple of days, but that's not uncommon.  He disappears for weeks some times.   He's never stayed put long enough for me to even try medicating him.  I can't bring him inside with my older cats.   Hopefully, if his end comes, it'll be quick.  He's a good cat, just not interested in being an indoor cat.

We have a new kitten outside,  He's been here since about August.  He's feral.   The momma cat was around a bit.  She'd only let me get near enough to pet her if I had food.  This little black bolt won't even do that.  I don't know it's male or female.  It'll watch me put food out from around the corner.  It's gotten to where it'll meow if it's hungry.  That's a step.  Usually, I only have to work a cat for a few days, at most a week, before I get them to come to me.  This guy is having none of it.

We went shopping.  The store was busy.  I'm glad we're back in now,  My head isn't feeling all that well.   I'm looking forward to the rain.  Hopefully, I'll breath better afterwards.

Cya...

Last Sunday...

This is the last Sunday of October.   This month has flown by.  I think it's because this has been the 1st month in a long time we weren't spending the entire time focused on some potentially, life threatening issue.  There's been no huge crisis, no runs to doctors in Tulsa, no major break downs.  

Even so, once we let our guard down, all the built up tensions of the year finally started creeping out.  There was a lot of pent up anxiety this year.   Now, we're in a place when it can start emerging.

I'm glad this the last Sunday of this month.  After the 1st weekend of November, the time change happens & I get my hour back.   More importantly, I get some light in my room in the morning.  I really am not a fan of this time of the year.  Albeit, I hate it getting dark at 4:30, I also detest waking up at almost 8:00 AM & it being dark outside.

I'll need to have blood drawn soon.  Halloween is this Friday.  Maybe we'll find a decent movie to see.  My roomie's normal plans are off due to another friend who's very pregnant.  There's always next Halloween for that.

Have a great rest of October.

Cya...

Willingly...

There have numerous news articles about people purposely exposing others to HIV.  Maybe the exact purpose wasn't to infect them.  The fact is, these people who knew they were + willingly engaged in unprotected sex.  That alone is intolerable & should be punishable.  However, in many cases the other party could've insisted upon using a condom.  

Yesterday, there were reports of a Texan who raped a girl & young child,  He was + & transmitted the virus to his victims.  They were targets of an assault,  They had no choice & now there already shattered lives are furthered injured by this virus.   This man does not deserve jail time, he deserves a rope.

I understand why people want to take laws that criminalize HIV or discriminate against + people off the books.  At the same time, these people should be prosecuted further than other rapists.   They transmitted an illness they knew they had.  HIV may not be a death sentence these days, but it's far from the living the life anyone had before they were diagnosed as +.

If you willingly & knowingly transmit HIV, HEP C or any other similar illness you should be put down.   Any person who would do that is nothing more than a rabid animal.  They are not only endangering the health of this other person, but the community at large. What if the victim for whatever reason doesn't go to the authorities.  They might not know they are + & could continue to spread the virus.

Knowingly transmitting HIV to another is heinous & should forfeit that person's right to life.

Cya...

Another Friday...

I woke up to a wall of fog outside my window this morning.   It was chilly & damp.  Still we had shopping to handle.   We made it through another ordeal with Walmart.  

The sick outdoor kitty, is still with us.  Apparently, Animal Control didn't see our call as being of any significance.  I don't care for this little town much.   So for now, the cat lingers & coughs.

It's finally cleared & started to warm up a bit.  We're supposed to get to 80 F.  That will be nice.  It'd be nicer if this humidity would go away for a while. 

Next Friday is Halloween.   We're working our way of October.  This month has flown by.  Have a good weekend everyone.

Cya...

Sad Kitty...

1 of the outdoor cats, Clementine, is nearing the end.  He's had a respiratory issue since this Summer.  We've tried to do what we can, which isn't much I'm afraid.  I'm not sure if it's viral, cancer or he got hit by something.  His gait's been off since then as well.

Other cat's I would've taken to the vet & dealt with whatever meds were to be given.  But this boy doesn't stay put.  He wonders off for days or weeks at a time.  Today was the 1st day we've seen him in just over a week.   He looks horrible & sounds worse.

I don't want to handle him too much.  I have to make sure I wash well enough not to spread anything to the indoor cats.  We had to make a decision.

We didn't like it, but we decided to call animal control.  He's obviously in pain & my vet won't just let me bring him in without an appointment,   By that time he'll be gone again.  This cat is not in a good way & likely in a fair amount of pain.  I hate calling them, but maybe they can put the poor guy down.  I seriously hate this.  

Cya...

Trash Day, A Week Later...

For the past couple of weeks I've been in a slump.  I've had very little energy & was feeling poorly.  I wasn't doing bad in any particular way, I was just exhausted & weak.  Taking trash out last week, or doing much of anything, was a serious exertion for me.

I took the trash out today & didn't really notice it. Mind you, I collected it earlier in the day.  Still I walked the yard looking for fire ants.  I'm not great, but I'm far better than last Wednesday.  

I made an appointment with my dentist for the 1st week of November,  If all holds, this will be my last major dental work for a while.  I started this over 5 years ago.  I went in for an exam & then freaked out at the estimate for all the work.  I eventually got dental insurance & have been picking away at it ever since.  I've had to put several $1,000 into my dental health over the last few years, but I'm almost done.

I'll get blood drawn towards the end of the month.   I have an appointment with my HIV specialist mid November.  It should go smoothly.

That's all for now.

Cya,,,