New Year's Eve....

I'm back.  At least the vaccinations help me lessen intensity of the pneumonia.   The hospital sucked.  Most the people were fine, but the building was in poor shape & made uncomfortable.  I managed to get my way out & go home.  That's NYE.

Cya...

Post for Dec. 30...

Woke feeling worse & went in to see the doctor.  I was announced, yet again, I have pneumonia.   It wasn't the same type as last time.  I was admitted to the hospital.  

This is exhausting, painful & aggravating.

Cya...

Sickness Remains...

It's the 3rd day of this stuff.  If I'm not doing better, I'll probably need to go to the doctor tomorrow.  My roomie thinks I might have viral pneumonia.  I would've liked to have made it through the year without getting sick again.  I guess that was too much to ask.

Cya...

Still Sick....

I'm still not feeling well.  I hope I get better today.   I'm still incredibly sore.    Here's oping tomorrow is better.

Cya

Sick...

I'm not sure what's wrong with me, but I started coughing last night for about an hour.  That stopped, my body went into spasms.  I'm sore, exhausted & cold.  Hopefully this won't last long.  More tomorrow.

Cya...

Post...

No matter how great a holiday is, the day after is weird for me.   The post holiday day is like hanging around with someone after an awkward 1 night stand or looking at a half full box of bad pizza.  It isn't as bad as when I was a kid.  The holidays don't have the same build up, anticipation & expectation.  They're no longer this once a year chance at wonder.  For many, they're just normal days with twinkles.  A day of post shopping.  

We had a good outing.  I'm not sure why people were down on the movie.  We liked it.  We ate lunch with a friend.  Then we drove home & crashed.  We're tired & have spent most of our holiday spoons.  It's time to recuperate & move on.

Hello 2020, I see you.  I hope you had a good holiday.

Cya...

Merry Christmas...

The holiday is here & we have plans.  Hopefully they'll go well.  It's a quiet, sunny morning.  It really doesn't feel like Christmas.  It's supposed to be nearly 70 here today.  The temps will drop later in the week,  but for now it's warm.

I need to get around.  I have to get cleaned & eat breakfast before we go.   Today is also the last trash day of 2019.   We're in the last week of the year.  

Take care & have a great holiday.

Cya...

Spirit...

Living with HIV can be overwhelming.  You'll wonder why am I doing this.  There will be days when you're certain you made the wrong choice.  Having things lift your spirit is important.  It's why SAD can be devastating.

I look out my windows a lot at the plants & animals.  They can make me smile.   Red birds & squirrels are flitting about this morning.  Occasionally, I get to read about other things that make it feel there's still some good will left.

I read about 3 instances this week:

1. A young girl sold cookies & cocoa to raise money to pay off lunch debt at her school.
2. A church bought a parking lot & hired security so people living in their cars could have a safe place to park.
3. An LA church paid off over $5 million in medical debts affecting over 5,000 households.

They not affect me or even be near.  At least it shows there are some people left in the world helping where they can.  It shows that local care will always beat some far off charity in whatever-land.   Give local, tend to your own backyard & you might be amazed at the outcome.  

Cya...

PS - Merry Christmas

Plans Change Maybe...

Our holiday plans tend to be a bit tentative.   What showing of movie or where we'll be after is always a little uncertain until the last moment.  This year will be no different.  The theater's not posting times yet & the friend we were supposed to see after may have to work.   We'll just have to wait & see.  Nothing else we can do at this point.

We're off to go shopping.  Then we'll have to run the van in to have the tires checked.  They probably need air.

Hope your holiday is going well.  Take care.

Cya...

Yuletide...

It's Yule & Winter is here.   The shortest, darkest days of the year are upon us.  Slowly the days will last longer, but for now sunrises will come later & later.  This is when waking up gets really hard.  Grey mornings are not good for such things.

We'll spend today trying to stay warm.  We'll go shopping tomorrow & run an errand.  Tuesday is Christmas Eve & Wednesday's Christmas movie day.   Best wishes to us & you.  May your holidays be bright & cheery.

Cya...

It Has Begun...

Tonight will be bring the Solstice & tomorrow Yuletide will begin.  Winter is here.  It began with a grey, rainy morning.  Having a problem waking up this morning.  

We went out for my roomie's birthday.  She will see her family on the 24th.  On Christmas will see a movie.  Besides  eating, those are out plans.  Nothing fancy, but suits us.

That's it for now, be safe & Happy Holidays.

Cya..

HIV Talk...

Info about HIV has dwindled.  In the 90s, it was inescapable.  It was quite literally everywhere.  You could be easily be overwhelmed by it.   To the point, it desensitized people. 

Now, we don't talk about it.  We don't educate about HIV.  There aren't ads in the back of magazines.  As the idea of HIV retreated, so did the knowledge.  

Now, there's a rise in misinformation about HIV & STIs.  According to pieces like this, stigma is rising in young people.

Decreasing information, no matter how overwhelming, is never the answer.  Learn to redirect it & present it better.  But, never lessen the exposure to info that could protect a person's life or well being.   Some say it's a scare tactic, OK, maybe.  Better scared & safe than being HIV+ & full of bravado. 

Start honestly talking about HIV again.  

Cya...

Wrap Up...

Everything's wrapping up.  TV shows are finished for the fall, shows ended, seasons are winding down.  Solstice is in 2 days, Christmas in 6,  then New Years.  It still doesn't feel like the holidays.  Maybe that's something that no longer happens.   

When I was younger, there was something in the air around the holidays that's just gone.  I don't think it's coming back & that's sad for those that never got to know it.  I hope something fills that space for them, but it won't be jingle bells, ho ho ho, deck the walls, Santa Claus, mistletoe & all that stuff...  Maybe Lucy finally got her real estate.  

Have a happy holiday.

Cya...

Young Minds...

This piece pertains to the brain development of HIV+ children. It's known HIV can cause neurological damage.   Many had hoped with early medical intervention this damage could be curtailed.  This article is about issues arising in HIV+ children on meds, some since 6 months of age. 

The children were behind those without the virus in most areas of neurological development.  There's the physical, the actual nerves & handling of the body.  There is the psychological or how the children functions psychologically, emotionally & socially.  Finally, there is the cognitive areas.  This is how the child handles & processes information or learning.

These children were behind across the board.  More research is needed to determine the extent.  Then, they can alter the treatment.  This won't be an easy fix.  For some, damage has already been done & most likely won't be reversible.  The updated treatments will likely consist of monitoring, regimens & therapy.   This won't be a simple task.

Cya...

2 Weeks...

Only 14 days left in the year, 7 days before Christmas Eve & 7 more before the New Year chimes.   It's not the coldest morning we've had, but with the humidity & wind, it feels that way.   The heaters are keeping me warmish, but killing my eyes & nose.

I wish I could be a bit more in the spirit of things, but nothing feels like the holidays.  We've been watching holiday specials  & I've been posting about it.  Still there's very little holiday cheer about.  Maybe someday, all the holidays will be sales weeks.  They're not far from that now.

I do wish you all Happy Holidays & a bright season.

Cya...

More Apt To...

Occasionally, I see an article about how people living with HIV are more apt to contract A, B or C...  Yes, we are.  HIV is a virus that makes it easier for you to contract just about any illness or develop any health related issue.   

HIV affects the autoimmune system & therefore you are more susceptible to nearly everything.   Even if on a regimen, your system isn't normal.  You aren't like everyone else, you are  more vulnerable.  It will require more effort & awareness on your part to stay healthy.

This isn't a value judgement.  It's just life for those who are HIV+.   Meds help, but they aren't a cure, nor are they complete.  Get your flu shots, vaccinate against pneumonia, etc...  It's your health, no one else is going to do it for you.

Cya...

Grey Nothing...

 Everything's grey this morning.   It'll probably rain tonight & then be colder until Wednesday.  I'm not unhappy about seasonal cold.   The bugs & grass need to die. 

Even though I'm seeing more birds than this Summer, their numbers are down.   I miss bushes filled with blue birds or cardinals.  We didn't even have our mockingbird dramas this year.   The cat's, squirrels & other birds got a reprieve.  

I guess the holiday season is killing off articles.  Mostly I'm just seeing pieces asking for end of the year donations.  Other than that, the well's pretty dry.

That's it for now, take care.

Cya...

Only 2 More...

There are 2 more Saturdays left in 2019 & it looks nothing like Christmastime.  It's a bit gray & feels like a cold, wet Autumn more than holiday time.  Meteorological Winter began 2 weeks ago, but the Solstice isn't until the 21st.  So, it's still Fall. Maybe it feels more like the holidays other places, but not here.  

In less than 3 weeks, Christmas will have come & gone, my roomie will be a year older & 2019 will be a memory.  I had hoped 2019 would be a good year, it wasn't.  It could've been a lot worse, but a little more good would've been appreciated.

Best wishes as the year winds down.  Take care.

Cya...

Costs...

Costs is still a major detriment for those on an HIV regimen.    I'm not going to post a citation, because they're fairly varied on the matter.  But, inability to afford meds is a major factor in lack of regimen adherence.   The literature states numbers from 14 - 25% of people search for cost reducing strategies to handle their HIV meds.  About half of that can't afford their meds consistently or at all.  

The cost of many medications is too high, with HIV drugs at the higher end.   Many don't have insurance with drug coverage.  Many of those don't qualify for medicaid or ADAP.    I was on ADAP for a while & it was very stressful.  I had to re-qualify every 3 months & didn't know until the day before my meds were to arrive if I had qualified.

Everything aspect of healthcare is overpriced in this country.  Until this is handled, HIV is here to stay.  Too many people simply can't get to doctors, labs, access meds or even have a stable home with food.  HIV has proliferated in part because of this society's indifference to the situation.  I'm not seeing that changing anytime soon.

Cya...

Re-Update...

I've posted about this twice.  1st, about how paywalls kept me from seeing an article about misleading ads concerning HIV on Facebook.  2nd, I posted the next day, activists weren't mad about misleading HIV info, but about ads concerning Truvada.  Technically, I've posted once more about this issue, I just didn't realize it was related.

This piece is from a law firm's site promoting legal against Gilead for health issues regarding Truvada.  There are other pieces out there as well, but this is what some people are screaming about.  This suit is proposing Truvada & all TDF based medications are less safe.  TDF is an earlier form of Tenofovir.  

This relates back to a post I made about Gilead delaying the development of a safer HIV med, TAF.  A newer, less toxic version of the medication Tenofovir.  Many believe Gilead delayed it to insure it's patent for TDF was extended.

All HIV meds are toxic to some extent.  Is lawsuit legitimate?  I don't know.  The attorneys say, "Yes" & Gilead & PrEP activists scream, "No."  This will either be settled or have to go to court.  This isn't just on Facebook, there are TV ads, web promotions & probably print pieces as well. 

The problem is the allegations might be true.  Or they could be  a strike at Gilead for delaying the safer med.  Either way, this isn't going to disappear.   I"ll try to keep an eye on this.

Cya...

Last Full Moon...

It got cold last night & I woke to a chilly house.   My breath is steaming after each sip of tea.  I'm trying to be as positive as possible while 2019 winds down.   There are less than 3 weeks left, only 2 til Christmas.  My roomie's birthday is soon.  Solstice is the 21st & Yule will run until the beginning of the new year. 

We're in the last full moon cycle.  It's called the Cold Moon or the Long Night's Moon.   It's announcing the long dark.  

I'm watching birds & squirrels race about in the yard.  They're enjoying the sun & looking for food.  It's nice to see the red birds back.  Some of the Winter birds are showing up.  

Trying to find things to smile about, take care.

Cya...

Click Yuck...

I was upset yesterday, I couldn't get to an article on the Washington Post.  The title alleged Facebook was allowing posts with misinformation about HIV.   The material showed up today in other pieces.  CNET & Newsweek   & others covered it.

This wasn't about HIV, it was about PrEP.  Activists are accusing Facebook of hosting ads promoting misleading information about the drug.  They say the pills can cause serious health  issues.  Any HIV med can, including PrEP.  Most meds on the market today can cause health issues, including death.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems the activists are angry Facebook didn't down the PrEP Kool-Aid.  Facebook said the ads don't violate their policies & have 3rd party groups to verify data.  

PrEP may be a helpful med, but it isn't without risks.  Every med carries risk.  Warning people about potential side effects of the med is not being anti anything.  PrEP may help in the fight against HIV, but it isn't THE ANSWER.   PrEP has developed a near cult like following.  Be careful with any info presented about it, for or against.

Cya...

UGGH...

It's hard enough to find articles.  Quite often I can find them,  but they're just behind paywalls.  This is a problem, I don't have cash to pay for every site & I don't want to post about a piece I can't link to & have readers see w/o paying.  

I get angry about this.  HIV is a health issue.  Information over something like this should be as widespread as possible.  But let any of the leading newspapers, journals or news sites get a good piece & you're apt to hit a paywall.   I realize they have to make $.   They could at least offer health info or push decent abstracts.   I wish they'd stop using HIV pieces as hooks to get people to pay for their existence.

Rants over.  I have nothing else for today.  Every article I saw was a pay-for.   Maybe they'll pop up somewhere else.

Cya...

Full Weeks...

The 1st full week of December has passed.   There are only 2 more until Christmas & 3 in the year.  There are a few days in change remaining.  2019 is ending.

I usually feel more about holidays & year endings.  But, this year, I just don't.  I'm not in a bad place with them.  I just feel very removed from them.  I'm not sad or angry, just distant.  I still enjoy the lights & shows.  But, it's more of a reconnecting with the past than enjoying them in the present.

The way we live now, with mostly instant satisfaction has made  holidays seem irrelevant.  The big, eastern syndicate from Charlie Brown's Christmas won a long time ago.  The holidays are just a marketing tool.  Well, Coca-Cola basically made the modern Santa Claus & gave the Peanuts holiday special.  I guess it shouldn't be surprising how commercial it all is.

I do hope you have a good holiday season.  Take care.

Cya...

Slow Post Morning...

Not much going on this morning.  Even less in the way of articles.  Most are discussing the need for more testing, treatment & prevention.  Many are still railing against the info about Gilead's play with medicine developments.   

This will be brief.  I woke to a chilly, slightly foggy morning.   It's warming up & the fog's lifted.  I need to get cleaned up & fix breakfast, but that's about it for my morning.

Take care.

Cya...

Gilead Again...

This piece alleges Gilead manipulated the HIV drug market.   It produces the main ingredient in PrEP & several HIV medications.    This isn't the 1st time activist have gone after the company's practices.  

The article asserts, Gilead suspended development of a safer, more effective HIV medication.  It did so until it won an extension of its patent on TAF, a prime ingredient in it's meds.  This allowed the company to basically control prices until 2025.  Only after it won the extension, did it resume development  of the safer med.  That was 5 years laters.  

That wasn't just a 5 year delay on that med, but all others that come in response to it.  If this true, Gilead held the fight against HIV for ransom for half a decade in order to stay ridiculously profitable.   The world suffered for their share holders.  How kind of them.

Give it a read & take care.

Cya...

Nothing Day...

We have nothing to do today, good.  Monday was errands & shopping, Tuesday was an appointment in Tulsa, yesterday was more errands & a trip to Fort Smith.   Tomorrow will be at least more shopping.  We need this day of nothing.  

Articles were a bust this morning.  Charlie Brown is on tonight, an annual event for us.   The holidays seem to be mostly handled.   I still need to get food together, but that's about it.  Only 26 days remain in the year.  Time to wrap it up.

Take care.

Cya...  

Update & PrEP...

According to this piece & others, the US will provide PrEP meds to the uninsured.  The motto is, "Ready, Set, PrEP,"  how cheery.  Activisist are still unsatisfied, because this fails to consider monthly, then quarterly or longer blood test, needed to use HIV meds.    These tests check how the body is reacting to the drug & HIV status.  They can run $100's + per lab visit.    This program doesn't cover them & taking these drugs without testing is dangerous.  This is a step, but not a home-run.

My appointment went well.  I'm clear for now & my next appointment is in June.  If I'm doing well then, they'll push it out to yearly.  I had a new provider, the last one moved.  The actual time there was fine, the trip wasn't.  There were things we should've handled before.  Next time, they'll get done the day before.  The road construction was awful.  It was at least 1/3 of the 120+ mile trip.  The speed limit was reduced to 50 & it was congested.  It wasn't fun.  Even with leaving pretty early, I barely made my appointment.  

That's all for now, take care.

Cya...

Heading Out...

This is going to be a rushed morning.  I have to get around, take a shower & eat.  Then we have to hit the bank & get gas.  My neuro appointment is at 2 & it's a little over 2 hours.  I need to leave some wiggle room.  There's always roadwork. 

Other than that, everything is going well this morning   It's bright & chilly.  That's about it for now, take care.

Cya...

Busy Week...

The beginning of the month is always busy.  Besides shopping, bill paying & errands, I also have an appointment in Tulsa tomorrow.  I'm still waiting to confirm the time, but so far I haven't gotten past their phone system.  

This piece is about HIV in rural West Virginia.  It goes into the  virus' spread.  It also details the challenges of dealing with it in rural areas.  It's a professional Op-Ed, but a decent read.

That's about it for this morning.  I'm trying to sort some last minute things out for tomorrow.  Then we'll head out shopping. 

Take care.

Cya...

December & World AIDS Day...

It's World AIDS Day.   These pages from UNAIDS, CDC & Newsweek detail more on the day.   The WAD page wants everyone to "Rock the ribbon," to raise awareness.  The UNAIDS details this year's theme of stressing community involvement.  The CDC has a list of resources available.  Newsweek provides the most easily digested information.  This day stresses awareness, education & testing.

Hello December.  Let's try to wrap this year up in a pleasant manner.  I'd really appreciate that.  We're a major holiday down & 1 to go before this year is over.  I wish everyone an easy holiday season, as stress free as possible.

Cya...

Goodbye November...

November is almost gone.  There's December & then 2019's only a memory.  This wasn't an easy month or year.  Still this month deserves to be acknowledged.  It won't return, next year's November will be a very different thing.  

The rain is supposed to let up by noon.  We'll be over the average rain totals again.  Tuesday, I have a neuro appointment in Tulsa.  I'm not sure if I'll have more after or what.

There weren't many articles.  Tomorrow is World AIDS Day.  Have you been tested recently? 

Take care & goodbye November.

Cya...

Dismal Wind Down...

Thanksgiving's over & the last 2 days of the month look to be a dreary, wet mess.  After that, only 31 days remain in 2019.  I'd ask for 2020 to better, but I don't think that's going to happen.  For several years, it's been a downhill slide.  Not much has been pushing upwards.  It'd be nice if the next year wasn't a bad 12 months, but I'm not holding my breath.

Sorry, for the downer.  I hope everyone had a good holiday & got home safely.  Good luck with the rest of the year.

Cya...

Turkey Day...

This brief article details how half of European HIV+ women were diagnosed late.  That means several things, the virus has more time to establish itself & cause damage.  It also allows more opportunity for the virus to be spread.   The reasons why these women are diagnosed late are varied from social issues, poor access, to lacking of awareness on their part & the medical professionals they see.  This is a problem.   Earlier diagnosis means better health & less change of further spread.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.  Be safe & travel well.  It's raining here, but a lot of areas have wintry issues.

Cya...

WTF & Out...

There are articles out about a sperm-bank in New Zealand.  I won't support the validity of this concept with a link.  IMO, it's dangerous.  The bank will accept sperm from HIV+ men.  It's touting undetectable equals untransmittable.  They will test to insure donors are undetectable.

I wouldn't trust this.  They have no idea of the long term health effects.  Several pieces have talked about children born to HIV+ mothers on regimens.   The children didn't contract the virus, however it wasn't all clear.  These children are at a greater risk for obesity, asthma & cognitive issues.  It hasn't been possible for HIV+ women to birth HIV- babies for long, who knows what else will show.  Why would anyone think HIV+ sperm, even if undetectable, would be without risks?  

OK, that mini-rant is over.  I have to be out of here shortly.  My roomie's in Fort Smith.  We'll spend some time with a friend & then head back.   Tomorrow, I'll cook for us. 

That's all, take care & if be safe this holiday.

Cya...

They Don't Know...

I've blogged a lot about HIV awareness & education.  Still, society has moved more towards pure prevention, mostly via treatment.  Maybe those people should read this article.  According to this piece, Gen Z & later millennials have a much lower understanding of the virus than previous generations.  

28% avoid hugging, talking to or being friends with a HIV+ person

30% prefer not to interact socially with someone HIV+

41% Gen Z people said were not well informed about HIV, which differs from the 23% of the older millennials 

67% were most concerned about HIV compared to other STIs,  54% said they don’t use condoms or PrEP 

75% millennials & 60% Gen Z people overall living with HIV contracted via sex without condoms or PrEP

The rest of the article goes on about how some are trying to counter these stats.  It details the writer's frustrations.  30+ years of HIV & this is where we're at.  Yes, that's frustrating.  HIV will only be beaten by information & awareness.  No amount of medicine alone will solve this problem.

Cya... 

 

 

Holiday Week...

Thursday's Thanksgiving.  We have plans with a friend for the holiday.  Nothing big, but we usually don't do big.   Holidays are changing.  They aren't what they used to be.  It feels a little rushed, but it's lacking the anticipation.

For those of travelling, be safe.  I hope you have a great holiday.  Make memories & share tales.  

That's all I have for now, take care.

Cya...

NYC Low...

There've been many articles over NYC's record low HIV infection rates.  Their numbers haven't been this low in over a decade.    People should be happy.

I'm hesitant.  With HIV, when a milestone is met, people tend to slack off & things reverse.  Except, the swingback is often worse.  When people hear good news about HIV, they relax.  That's the opportunity the virus needs. I wonder if we'll see the same headlines 5 years down the road?

While this is good news, we've been here before.  Will it hold?  I wouldn't hold my breath.

Cya...

Grey...

I woke to drear.  There isn't much going today.  It cooled down, but that was expected.  Thanksgiving is Thursday, but I'm not really into it.   I know it's there & I've got the food, but I'm just not feeling.  I doubt we'll do anything.  We don't anymore. 

We tried for a while to make sure we got out somewhere different at a couple times a month.  We haven't done that in a long time.  That needs to change.  Besides online people, all I have is shopping or medical crap.  That's not worth it.

I'm trying to do my best this season not to get too down.  I'm not really, I'm just being realistic.  There's nothing left here for me.  Used to, I'd felt the only things I'd miss about this area were my doctor & mechanic.  I don't have those any more.  This place has never been home for me. 

I guess this holiday, I'll be trying to find things to feel thankful for.   Their numbers are dwindling.

Cya...

And Again...

According to this post, due to a sterilization error more than 1,000 patients in an Indiana hospital may have exposed to HIV, hepatitis & more.  How many times does this have to happen?

My crown was finished yesterday.  It still feels weird.  It will for a while.  It's been raining since last night.  It may throughout the day.  We've had nearly an inch.   It's supposed to cool back down again.  Oh well, it is the end of November.

Take care.

Cya..

Rush Morning...

No time this morning, I have to get over to Fort Smith.  The dentist is fitting the permanent crown today.  I'm happy this is almost handled & the temp only had to be put back on once.   I'm staring at the screen right now & not much is coming to mind.  I really don't like waking up in the dark.

Take care.

Cya...

Midweek...

Nothing much is going on today.  We'll have to handle trash later.   That'll be about it.   It'll be an early morning tomorrow.  I have a dentist appointment to get my crown finished.  

I didn't see much in the way of articles.  I saw another person arrested for infecting others.  If you fail to inform you should be prosecuted.  If you infect them, you should be jailed for a very long time.  I'm not trying to take away anyone's responsibility.   You should always use a condom.  However, if you're HIV+ & you don't inform, IMO, you are a criminal.  You are endangering your partner's well being.

That's all, take care.

Cya...

Simple Piece & Plans...

This piece is simple & not very informative.  It's about the 1st time a clinician had to inform a patient they were HIV+.  It somewhat covered prevention & how many people still haven't been tested.  It wasn't groundbreaking, but it was important because it was the start of a conversation.  

We don't talk about HIV much anymore.  We make commercials & stand on soap boxes. But actual conversations have been lacking.  Talking & education will raise awareness & help in the fight against HIV as many as medication.   Why is that so hard to understand?

So far, we have nothing to do today.  Tomorrow is trash.  Thursday morning, I'll go to my dentist to finish this crown.   Friday will be shopping.   Next week will be Thanksgiving.

That's all for now, take care.

Cya...

No Big Secret...

Over time, you have to accept some ugly truths about people.  Articles detail the major obstacles for those living with HIV.  They face homelessness, food insecurity, inability to access doctors/meds, stigma, financial strain.  The issue isn't they're HIV+, the problem is society is callous & depraved.

Those issues are faced by people around the world who don't have HIV.   The same issues people have always faced.  If this country wanted, it could've ended these issues for everyone.  But, we live in a world that hates the poor.   They further victimize the unfortunate.   The world that is like a weird coliseum.   We watch to see how long the poor can outlast their fate.  We observe, we boo & laugh when they fall.

Truth is, most people are monsters.  They may not attack you, but they'd gladly watch as get mauled.   They'd sell popcorn & charge viewing fees.  Shows like The Purge & Hunger Games are popular, because some people would really like to see it happen.  That's our world.

It's not a secret, just a horrible truth.

Cya..

Downhill Now...

2019 is winding down.  There are only 11 days til Thanksgiving, 38 for Christmas & 44 left in the year.   That's not much.

I forgot, on the 13th, I was 9 months out from my stroke.  There are still some issues.  My left arm, leg & part of my back can still have issues.  I don't know if that's from the stroke or the reaction to the statins.  It mainly happens if I do too much or the humidity's really high.

We don't have a lot this week.  There'll be some errands.  On Thursday, I'll get the permanent crown on my tooth.   Hopefully, that will be that for a while. 

That's all for now.  Take care.

Cya...

Icky Friday...

I went to the pharmacy for a prescription.  While there, I got my flu shot.  Normally, these things are just get the shot & it's over for me.  However, this time there were issues.  Within in a few hours, I felt like I had the most minor case of the flu you could contract.  It wasn't pleasant.  There were aches, chills, a slight fever, nausea & diarrhea. 

I feel better this morning, but that wasn't fun at all.  I'd also like to mention again how nice it is to get my meds at an actual physical location instead of having them shipped.  So far, I've had no major drama with this set up.  I hope it stays that way.  I don't miss CVS Speciality at all. 

Take care.

Cya...

Serious Blank..

I was drawing a blank about what to write about this morning.  There was nothing new in the way of articles.  There's nothing happening in my life at the moment that needs mentioning.   The weather isn't great, but not horrible.

Lately, it feels like I'm just floating along in a sea of nothing.  I hit occasional patches of stressful disruptions.  Once the bad things are handled, I'm back to the nothing.  I don't look forward to things any more.  I don't really go any where.  I don't even go in & eat at places any more.  I'm at home, in the car, a medical office or occasionally at a store.  That's my life.  

I have nothing to write about this morning.  Maybe something will be there tomorrow.  Take care.

Cya...

Another Cold Morning...

Not much going on this morning.   It was just above freezing when I woke.  We're supposed to have a couple more of the frigid overnights & then back into normal November weather.  These Arctic blasts can stay in the North.  We don't want them.  I'm glad this is a do-nothing day, we need it.  

Take Care.

Cya...

Poof...

There were articles this morning.  Every time I'd clicked, the link, the site said the piece couldn't be found.  I have no idea if any them were good.  It's annoying when hosts lose pieces or have broken links.  

1 topic was the overly idealist idea of eradicating HIV by 2030.  I agree with the idea.  It's not likely HIV will ever be eradicated due to the refusal of the world to be consistent.  HIV is a virus that will have to be handled everywhere simultaneously or it will pop up somewhere else, like whack-a-mole.  I don't see any universal push coming with today's politics.

I have to go to Fort Smith.  I need to get around & take out trash.  It's still frigid.  It was in the low 20s earlier.  We're supposed to get above freezing by 11.  We allegedly broke freezing yesterday, I'm not sure about though.    It'll be cold for several more days & then back to more seasonal  temps.

Take care.

Cya...

Frigid, Awfuls...

It got cold last night.  It was our 1st dip into the teens this season.  We might not get above freezing today.  It won't get any warmer until tomorrow.  I hate cold weather. 

November continues to be a month of breakage.  While dealing with the roof issues, dental crowns & van crap, my monitor decides it's time to quit.  As I'm coming to terms with that while shopping yesterday, I notice the soles of my shoes are coming off.  Another pair of shoes was added to the list.  At least I found them on a Veteran's Day sale.

We were lucky, we didn't get any wintry mix the forecast had called for.  That would've be more bad.  I did manage to get most the holiday dinner shopping handled.   

Take care.

Cya...