July Beginnings...

 

July's in full swing.  Most of the bills are paid & the water bill would've been if the city hall hadn't closed on Friday.  I get they wanted a 3 day weekend, but they should've posted about on the website or facebook.

The 4th is over & it rained last night.  It blew most the smoke away.  That was a change.  The smelly, haze from the fireworks normally lingers for hours.  There'll still be some people setting things off for a bit, but the lion's share of it should be over.

Later in the week is supposed to get hot.  I suppose we should count ourselves fortunate that it took this long to get here.  July has arrived.

Take care.

Cya...

The 4th - Sights, Sounds & Smells...

 

The 4th is here.   That means a lot of noise, lights & odorous smoke.  Some fireworks are pretty & fun to watch.  But weeks of preamble sort of cheapen the main event.  It's like a concert with a barely OK main band preceded by dozens of unknown openers.

We don't have anything planned.  I can look out & see some of the show if I want.  Eventually the smoke will be an issue.  I hope those celebrating have a good holiday.

That's all for now, take care.  Happy 4th.

Cya...

Getting Things Started...

 

We'll handle bank stuff, some bills, groceries & errands today.  With the holiday & the way the month fell, we'll need to do more today than normal.  Monday's mail is already late arriving.  With the Saturday holiday it may be really delayed.

As far as I know this stuff will be all we have to handle today.  That's be OK, it's getting hot.   We don't have any plans for the holidays, we haven't in years.  

That's it for now, take care.

Cya...

Pause Before...

 

It's a bit of a pause before the bills phase of the month starts.  We'll need to do more tomorrow, due to the 4th being this weekend.  Banks & things are supposed to be open Friday & Monday, but with this area, you never know for sure.  

This used to be a favorite holiday for me.  There was fireworks & often float trips, but for years I've drifted further & further from those days.  I feel little connection to any of the holidays these days.   Maybe, I'm just not on the list anymore. 

I hope it brings some joy to those revelling.  For me it's just another day with extra noise & smoke.  Maybe that's how it gets for a lot of people.  You're either on the bus drinking the Kool Aid or you aren't. 

Take care.

Cya...

July & Anal Cancer...

 

July is here, may it be a good month.  We need it.  It's at least sunny, so that's a start.  It's supposed to get hot.  

I found a good article today.   It concerns HIV, HPV & anal cancer.    While this cancer is still more prevalent in women, its numbers are high in men, especially those with HPV.  Men with HPV who engage sex with men are at a higher risk.  The chances grow if the person is HIV+.

The risk of anal cancer in HIV-positive men who have sex with men is now higher than the risk for cervical cancer was in women before the advent of Pap tests

Almost everyone who has ever had sex has been exposed to HPV, a large family of viruses that cause six types of cancer: anal cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, penis cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. 

Most people have been exposed to HPV & HIV can greatly increase the chances of it developing into cancer.  There is a vaccine.  It can be given to children & up to the mid 40s.  I had already aged out by the time I heard about the vaccine or I would've got it.

HIV is hard enough.  HPV alone can be deadly.  Combine them & it could be a disaster.   If you can, get vaccinated.  They have anal pap tests like cervical paps.  It's up to you to educate yourself.  Most likely your care provider won't even think about this matter.  

Give this piece a read.  Hello July, be good.  Take care.

Cya...

Goodbye June 2026...

 

This month has been alright.  I needed some things to happen that rarely, if ever did.  Again, we're going to go from dark, humid & cooler to blazing Summer heat.  Yet  somehow, it's still overcast & muggy.  

July is almost here & I don't have much hope for the rest of this summer being better.  If it manages to be good, awesome, but I'm not banking on it.  I'm tired  of looking forward & only seeing warning signs & hazards.  

June, was OK, but not much more.  Maybe it was better for other people.  Take care.

Cya...

Lasts of June Things To Do...

 

June's nearly done.  We have some errands & shopping this morning.  It's the last grocery run of the month.  It's getting hot, the AC will be on soon.  

There wasn't much for articles this morning.  I did manage to get a hold of my specialist.  They hadn't set my telemed appointment.  The appointment used to be made before I left the current meeting.  They haven't had a consistent staff in some time.  Any way, appointment & lab dates are set.

That's all for this morning.  Take care.

Cya...