I made it to 63 years

 It 50’s right now and with the windows open and the ceiling fan on it feels good.  Upon reviewing previous entries, I noticed that the temperatures recorded were either high or low.   Today is supposed to be in the 70’s all day.  It claims it's sunny, but that's not what I see.

I have been receiving Birthday Greetings on FB from friends.  I have started to reply but I have a feeling that I may have to do all in one later.  Um nothing from Sis.  I really wasn’t expecting one.

I had a conversation with Laura this morning, and we are considering meeting tomorrow.   I suggest considering Guilford, the Shoreline Diner, or possibly other local events or activities.   A brief review was conducted of the state's activity calendar.

We are making plans to go to Bishops Orchard in Guilford for Apple picking and cider.`  We will meet at 11. 

My plans for today are not big ones.  I need to visit the laundromat and prepare for the week.   I am pretty sure I will need to go again before I head to Allentown next week.  I need to plan my recipes before grocery shopping.   I am still anxious to do or make the turkey stew.

I will let you know how it goes…

Today was not the day

 

 

 

The kittens are cute but still wild.    They were not ready to go anywhere right now.  They still must stay quarantined for at least another week. They are in a large crate/cage with everything in it.  They are well cared for.   Foster Sue says they still need a lot of work.   They can’t wander yet.  The priority list is also quite long.   If today's options are taken, more may become available later.   I will find out next week before I leave for J&J.

We were there for a good hour or so just watching the kittens.  We couldn’t really touch them or handle them.  Michael, Gills coworker was the “support staff” while his girlfriend was the main foster/rescuer.  Glen, their pitbull was a sweet lovable guy and protector of the kittens.  I was fine with him until he would get in my face. I tried to remain unphased.  I am not sure I was successful.  But the three of us had a great chat.  We talked about a lot of things.

It was nearly 3 when we left, Gillion and I headed to Old Saybrook for a late lunch.  On the way there we called our friend Laura, but she didn’t answer so we went to Penny Lane Pub.  We sat outside and shared Brussels sprouts and cheddar fries.  

After eating, we went to Guilford to pick up my car and headed home.   The conversations were wonderful and interesting.  Laura called during my lunch, so I returned her call and learned Cyn was with her.  I found out that they were also nearby at the Monkey Farm restaurant.   I shared the experience.   Cyn was kind enough to share her experience with Ferals. I hope I don’t go through that (having to give up the cat) 

I got home by quarter of five.  I went to Next door and told him what had transpired.  I'm unsure he should handle the Feral.    If Sara contacts me, I'll ask her to wait until I return.

In the hours since coming home I have been watching TV, fed Sky and spending time cuddling when he wanted it.  I had cereal and organized my meds for the week.

 

 

 

Now I am listening to Modern Talking on YouTube, and about to go to sleep. 

 

Today is the day

 

 

 

I've been up for about an hour this morning.   I haven’t done much yet in preparation for the kitten.  I did feed Sky and then took care of the litterboxes.  The sofa bed in the office was resprayed to prevent scratching, and the one in the living room may be treated similarly.

I have a feeling I should be doing something else but not sure.  I am waiting to hear from Gillion to give me the “I am ready sign” to meet her at the park and ride later today.  I'm using the soft carrier because the large one seems too big, and I don't want it to be overwhelming.

I went into the cat box that I have had in the closet since we have been here.  I found a bowl that I will use for the water.  I've found extra toys, brushes, and a disc. A hairball tube applied to a cat's nose or paw.   I am not sure if Sky likes it or not. 

Just before 9 I heard from Gillion.  She offered to drive to New London so that I could talk with kitty on the way home.  Getting in and out of the jeep is difficult for me, but I'll overcome it with persistence. We'll meet at noon at Meet and Park.   She also has another cat tree for me. 

I have set the alarms to get me on schedule. In the meantime I am going to do a few things before I leave.

I have officially started my vacation

 

 

I'm officially on vacation.   My day was good.  I had to return home because I forgot my work ID.   Although I was slightly late, I arrived at work and began processing claims, sorting health logic, and scanning.  It was all done by lunch which allowed me to get some personal stuff done until it was time to leave for my appointment with Dr. Yang.

The appointment was productive, and she consistently provided timely updates throughout the process.    We will reduce prednisone to 10 MG and eventually the other med.  Need to take some more blood work while on vacation

After that appointment I headed to PetSmart.  Got kibble for the newbie kitty.  I purchased Fancy Feast for kittens.   Nula was dry.   I also asked for some advice and the girl was helpful.  I considered purchasing bowls, but determined they were unnecessary. I didn’t get any toys because I think we have enough.

On my way home, I called Gillion to talk about the plans for tomorrow.   She was at Faith’s for the “bridal Party”.  She mentioned two types of cats: tabbies and others I can't recall.   Two are mail and one a female. But one of them is already promised to another rescuer. We will be going to New London to pick them up.  Let's meet at the Park and Ride around noon.

It was quarter of 5 when I got home so I fed sky and have been spending some time cuddling on and off cuddling.  I did bring down the other litterbox and I will fill it tomorrow.

So last night I got the dress for the wedding.  It looks great.  I got several catalogs.  I am wondering if I will get the other three next week.  Now I am thinking about shoes, and a couple of new pocketbooks, one being a clutch for the wedding.

 An hour later I received my Amazon order.  It was my 2026 Appointment book, and the bingo chips.  I assumed it was the pot scrubbers.   I wonder if they will arrive in a different order.

Sky has gone to sleep on the cat tree.   I have closed the house, and I am about to go myself.  Initially, I was not feeling well.

 

 

Wednesday Flew By

 

 

 

I spent the Morning working and then around lunchtime and as the union meeting was starting the IT called to help me with Citrix and getting Epic installed on the scanning computer.  It had to be escalated.

The meeting was dull.   Some participants spoke over others and asked questions before certain agenda items, which disrupted the flow of the meeting. We also voted in the new VP of the Board for the Med School (to replace EV) and I learned from EV by phone that EV didn’t like the woman. She reviewed the welcome message that I posted in the chat. When the vote came up I knew it was for the post she left.

   I spent the afternoon trying to find stuff to do.  Did some learning that I needed to have done eventually it was time to leave for the meetup.

The afternoon was spent discussing our destination.   There were initially three of us deciding. Steph wasn’t feeling well.  We went to the beach at M&J’s, but it was closed for the season or possibly due to rain, as there were clouds present. The website indicated that the beach closes on Labor Day.   We went to Shoreline Diner.   After an hour three others showed up.  Only two signed up; one did not.   Gill didn’t post about the change this morning.

We had a lot of fun.  The conversation covered topics such as animals, pets, and the upcoming wedding. Political matters were briefly mentioned, as was the tragic shooting incident in Minnesota.   It was horrible.

Gill and I scheduled to pick up the kitten on Saturday.   I chose to go ahead, despite AC’s advice against it and Faith’s input.   When I got home, I spoke with Sky and began researching kitten food and related supplies to have everything prepared before Saturday.   I will have the second litterbox in the spare room and when I am not home will put the kitten in there and when I am home free reign. 

On the way home I called Mama Roberta.  She had her MRI earlier this week and is just awaiting the results and for the scheduling of her surgery.  She shared with me her plans and keeping in touch with her family in Colorado.  She is quite anxious to seeing them soon including the new granddaughter.

Today has been about getting things done.  I reviewed with Tania about the current protocols and methods of the sorting and she will have to do the best she can as she too will be on vacation for part of the time I am on vacation.  I do have enough scanning to do for the day.  I will finish any online training I may need to do.

 

 

Training was limited today, but additional time may be available tomorrow.   I am leaving early from work.

This evening, the plan is to clean the house and prepare for the arrival of the new person.   Did I say that already?  I’m experiencing uncertainty.   I mentioned to Neighbor Jim (6 doors down) that I am getting a kitten.  I am wondering if I did that deliberately so that he would tell my sister.

When I got home my dress for the wedding was waiting for me.  So far that’s the only one that came so maybe the others will come Monday.  The pot scrubbers will come over the weekend.

Right now gotta find the remote I just had in my hand.

 

 

 

Today was a Good day

 

Today was the Performance review meeting.  I was getting a little nervous when I was home.  It usually goes well but sometimes especially this past year some things will reflect badly on it.  I was wrong.  It went exceedingly well.  I had the opportunity to express my concern that Gargoyle was once again overstepping boundaries.  He said he would speak to her and ask her if she came across any documents on the desk (not accusing her).  He did reassure me that no one thinks I am difficult to work with. 

I reminded him that I am on vacation next week.  I reassured him that I will work on TD about the new procedures of sorting and the scanning part.   We will do that Thursday for a little while.  I believe she is going to be out on PTO for a few days next week too. 

The rest of the day I worked on the scanning but still have some left for tomorrow plus what every PBC leaves me which shouldn’t be a lot. 

IT will be contacted tomorrow to install the EPIC program on the computer, as it is needed for scanning and information lookup.   I waited nearly an hour on the phone for them to answer.   AC recommended I call tomorrow.

I left the office feeling accomplished.   I don’t have to worry about Gargoyle or my job.  As long as I do my part and stay adaptable.

Another interesting event occurred.   Gill informed me via text message that there are some kittens available free of charge.   I am seriously considering adopting one.  I need more time to consider; a few resemble a tiger.    A few people in the group chat are also considering it.  Gill hopes Jackie will take one.

I have already told a few people so far and one person suggested that I take the kitten for a day or night and see how it and Sky get along with each other.  I am not doing that.  I will not bring it into the house only to remove it again.   Once an animal enters the house, it remains here for the rest of its life.

I had my session with Debra.  We discussed work, my dress-buying experience, and remaining wedding tasks.   We also discussed the pros and cons of getting a new kitten.  In the end the final decision will be mine to make.  We won’t be meeting until the 16^th

Oh and finally earlier today I learned that Milford was visited by Dolphins yesterday.  I'm not sure if these are the same ones seen in Fairfield or farther along the shore, but I love them.   They have also been spotted in the New London waters as well.

I knew it

 

 

I was expecting today to be like most Mondays.  Busy.  It was.    I did the daily stuff and putting pressure on myself to make sure the work my Team Lead would be giving me to work on finished.  She'll return on Thursday.   What concerned me was that Gargoyle once again moved items on my desk and took materials from a basket or tray where I kept scanning instructions and extra blank sheets for batch sheets.   

My performance evaluation meeting is scheduled on Zoom tomorrow at 10:30. I have resented the document to the Supervisor to confirm receipt.

A couple of days ago I found out two former coworkers lost their mother/mother-in-law it was about then when I learned the two co workers were related.  I looked up their addresses so I could send them a card to each of them.  I will mail them out tomorrow.

I found out today that my Gastroenterologist Dr. Ginsburg is leaving the center in November.  Apparently, he hasn’t been getting great reviews and patients were complaining.  I had no problems that I remember.  I'm not anticipating the change or meeting anyone new.   I will be adding the letter into the file when I go to work tomorrow.

I got lab request from Internal Med sent me. I just can’t remember when he told me to do it.  I will have to call them and ask.  I think it is in September 

So last night I managed to get the vacuuming done but it already needs it again.  It is quite inconvenient when blankets shed residual feathers, resulting in unwanted mess.   I also spent some time outside with Next door.  Chatted.  Then he went and got showered and rested.  He painted at one of his properties.

I almost went to Sonic to get one of their shakes but decided against it.  Even though LG said I should treat myself.  I spent money on myself during dinner with her.   Instead, I ate the Popcorn chips.

Tonight I am probably going to relax after I get those sympath

Wow

 

Last night was a lot of fun despite a few awkward moments I felt with another member.  One she was confused to why we had a celebration for one couple whom she thought was already married and she was verbal about it.  Not abusive but she could have asked quietly (which if I think about it she may have been).  She also isn’t fond of Steph.  She either spoke to me abruptly or did not respond when Lisa greeted her.

Some time after I wrote the previous thoughts Lisa called me and we spent a significant amount of time talking about last night and our previous encounters.  I Have discovered she and I are of the same mindset.  We both have the Narcistic family members (our sisters) and how we deal with them.  Interactions with others etc.  It helps me to understand where she is coming from.

We ate first.  I didn’t have the wings, but I sure did have everything else.  Lots of Jungle juice there were croissant dogs, salads, fruit, and pita with hummus and of course cookies, and a champagne toast

We then watched the movie.  It was cute but this was the other awkward time with Lisa.  She criticized and inquired.   She didn't recognize Paul Giamatti and mistakenly identified an actor as the late Val Kilmer.   It wasn’t but I let pass.  After looking at one of the last pictures of Val Kilmer I can see how she thought that.  She thought parts of it were unrealistic, and for kids.  I looked at her and said 1) Disney and Neither was Pirates”

After the movie ended, the group dispersed and the LRC game was not initiated; however, a few of the other planned games were played.  I left around 10:30 and was home a little after 11. 

I was heading to bed shortly after that.  Sky followed as well.  He was very cuddly for a few hours and continued to do so this morning.

Most of this morning was a lazy morning watching TV, surfing the net, a few things here and there.  While I was reading some blogs It came to my attention that yesterday was Mom’s Anniversary of Death.  I don’t know why It didn’t even register yesterday.  Maybe because I do have so many mixed feelings about her these days.

It's later in the day, so I'm going to clean.   I don’t really want to leave it until next weekend either.

Been relaxing until the party 8/23

 

I have been ready for the game/movie night meetup at Gillions since three.  I have been surfing the net, thinking about what else I will write about etc.  I fed Sky and he is currently sitting behind me on the couch.  I will place the order for wings in about 15 minutes.  Then I will get gas and then take off for Gillions House.  There should be about 20 people there.  I am looking forward to it.

I am sure among the topics Faith and Jerry’s Wedding.  I got the invitation in the mail yesterday.  They know I am coming but I am still going to respond tomorrow. 

Steph is coming despite feeling unwell after coffee.   She prepared cookies that did not meet her expectations.   I understand.   I may try them if they haven’t given them to Murph the dog.

We have one more August Midweek Meetup, which will be held at M&J’s Beachside restaurant, weather permitting.   It looks like they will close for the season Labor Day.  Then it will be back at the Diner in Guilford.  I have a feeling there may be other suggestions again as it tends to be a little expensive.

  I am not sure what else we have planned for the fall season as far as meetups.  Hopefully some more movie nights and game afternoons besides the ones that are held in Branford.  Those are card games, and I do not have much experience with them.   Especially the one we are playing tonight.  Right Left Center.

 

This past week

I've been receiving blood test results from both the hospital and my primary doctor.   He told me my A1C was up and so was my cholesterol.  So almost every day I have gone to pick up prescriptions and make sure I take them. My PC wants me to get blood work in a couple of months.  I need to check the patient portal for notes.  He strongly urges me to take the meds for the A1C and Cholesterol because if I don’t, I can’t have a stroke or heart attack.

Due to being on antibiotics, the infusion scheduled for Friday was cancelled.  I checked with the rheumatologist, and she confirmed and thanked me for following up.   I don’t know if they will call me back forh this month or just keep the schedule as it is.

I just reordered the one from Dr. Yang.  It’s a huge ass name too.  It should be here in a couple of days.  I will also see her next Friday before I start my vacation.  Although that wouldn’t matter or not. 

I'm working on improving the menus.   To make better choices but that I am finding difficult.  For example.  I had a bowl of cereal this morning (not the usual 2 bowls) but I had coffee a few times today and now having Cinnamon Apple Spice and for lunch three rib steaks thin.  I had planned on cooking all three since they were frozen together and have only one and use the other two for something else in the next couple of days.  I should have put them in the freezer instead of eating them.

I was considering tonight's party food.  I am going to try hard not to eat the wings that I am bringing but I saw on the message board that there will be lots of fruit and salads and some snacky stuff.  Stay hydrated.

I still need to review recipes to see if they suit my needs.   I will let you know

Bingo was a shit show

 

 

I got up around 5:30 to feed Sky and then went back to bed but had the TV on for a short while.   I have had breakfast and coffee and the morning meds but I am feeling I am going to

have some issues this morning.

It’s nearly 80 degrees outside and sunny.  I am not planning to do very much outside of the house except the bingo this afternoon. 

I'm postponing my stew plans.   I mainly need onions.  I've got stew for the week.   I'll buy onion later this week.  I have a few more things to get.

I had bingo today.  I was really looking forward to going because we were asked to make sure a patient comes to the activities.  I wanted to ensure it was completed.   When I arrived, I saw a large sign indicating that there was an outbreak virus.  I discovered the sign was already a week old.  They really should take it down once the “outbreak is over.  I was really annoyed.  The aids on the floor were not helpful when I needed to get the patient ready.  They were clueless.  I even lost my temper when I felt they were not listening to me for a code to the elevator.  They did and I felt like an a hole.

I can’t remember how many were there.  Luckily my compadre and friend Lynn were there.  I told her what happened, she understood.  We didn’t get many games done but I stayed a little longer while Lynn had to leave.  I was glad to be out of there by 4 it seemed like.  I am guessing so were a few staff members because I made sure I let them know I was annoyed for a variety of reasons. 

After arriving home, I spent a few minutes resting before preparing dinner that evening.   I made pork loin and roasted potatoes that looked like steak fries.  I managed to eat them all by the end of the night. 

As it is now Tuesday night the rest of Sunday was becoming a blur.  At one point, I developed diarrhea and tried to determine the cause.   I have ideas, though they might be incorrect.

I think I finally went to bed before midnight.

here I go again summer edition

 

I have been having a problem trying to write what has been going on with me and my world but every time I start, I get writers block. 

 

It's Saturday morning and I'm at the laundromat to avoid the noisy machine at home.   I have made some movement to find a service guy but hit the walls.  Next door Don says he has a guy and will ask. However, he Has his SC friend visiting. 

 

Things in the complex are good. The landscaping is changing, and we recently made a new protocol that all front flower beds need to be uniformed.  Same bushes or whatever they call it.  Some people are kvetching about it.  Others are not.  This will be one of many things that will probably lead to unrest coming election time this winter.

 

I don’t know if I mentioned in my long-ago missive that we have another cable provider Xfinity or whatever it’s called that came in this past spring.  I don’t know if anyone has signed up with it or not, but I do know every so often we get the ads for it or promos.

 

Bills were paid, though taxes made things a bit tight.   I was anxious about the taxes, but they were paid in time for the august deadline. 

 

I have prepared meals at home, but I have continued to choose takeout for some meals, particularly for lunch.   I am planning on doing more cooking tomorrow.

 

It's been months since I last spoke to Liz.   If I haven’t explained it was because while she was having a luncheon with her recovery people, I showed up to pick up food that she had for me.  One of her friends told me to go in.  I was wrong. I tried to explain but it didn’t fly.  Two weeks later, she sent me a message expressing how she felt.   It was also a left-handed invite to Easter celebration at my nieces.  Everything in that text was something I should have sent her earlier.  She feels I disrespect her opinions, her advice.  When she shares her opinions regarding my job, lifestyle choices, or housekeeping abilities, it feels more like a command than anything else.  I feel as though no matter what I say or do it will never be enough. 

 

I suspect she's isolating me from the family.   Yes, I realize I sound paranoid. I noticed a cousin was posting on Facebook that she was in town and I think she was staying with Liz.  I noticed the same car there for several days.   I have also been reading up or researching different forms of abuse.   According to this isolation is one of them.

 

I have had some people say I need to talk with Liz and clear the air.  Others are saying to do what I am doing (shades of world wars I & II with her in the past) and keep my sanity.

 

I will not pursue relationships with my family, including cousins, siblings, or nieces and nephews. IF they are not willing to spend time with me.  After having said that I did send an email to the cousin who was in town and just said I was sorry we didn’t get together while she was in town and the next time maybe we should meet for coffee.

 

Granted I did see the R, M, branches at the celebration of life, and Christening for Rosella.  The atmosphere with Liz was civil but that’s it.  Everyone else appears to be fine.

 

I have been keeping in touch with Big Brother, and SIL by text.  He seems to be doing okay.  I will be seeing them in September for a few days. 

 

He recently was doing a project having to do with Dad’s Birthday and his DOD.  He was way off the date (I suspect that’s his memory not working right) and was checking with us (Liz and I) Liz gave info but for some reason he couldn’t see it .  I sent him a separate text.  I didn’t want to contradict Liz.

 

A week later he sent a text and so I called him (I think he called me too) that’s when I told him what was going on.  He felt bad about that.  As I was explaining my reasons for not telling him sooner, he reminded me I can’t control how he thinks or what worries about.  My Original plan was to tell him in person when I see him in September.  Its just that these texts were coming I was concerned that he would walk into something.

 

I did talk via text with Both his daughter Em and James JR.  Awhile back there was very strong Earthquake in CA.  Em experienced it.  She was safe but it shook her up.  I just recently discovered James JR. spent the summer working with his former law firm in LA.  He wasn’t part of the recent National Guard Deployment in DC.

 

Sent a text to kris in Colorado.  Haven’t heard back from him yet either.  I will send another soon.

August 10 marked the thirteenth anniversary of Brother Bob’s passing.   As in the years Both Niece D and SIL Ethel has posted Memorials. 

Ethel is living in the Philippines.   Diane is performing in Austen’s Pride in MO.  She'll be there until the 24th.   John and Tiffany are doing well.  They became grandparents recently.  Tiffany is getting ready for school.  John is doing EMT.  They traveled and visited with family members.   Rob is working and spending time with friends.

 

Healthwise, I have been having chronic UTI.  I have a Cystoscopy next week.  I had a renal Ultrasound yesterday; there are no problems.  BP has been good.  Haven’t really Monitored it except when I go to the appointments.  The occasional swelling but other than some gastro problems.  I am trying to figure that out. 

 

I have been chatting with Mama R.  She has been dealing with Cancer.  She is currently finishing up some chemo and is supposed to have reduction surgery in early fall.  Despite the trials and tribulations of this journey she and Papa became Grandparents in early summer.

 

When I am not working or volunteering been spending time with the girls in Finding Friends Meetup.  We have our weekly meetups at Madison Beach at M&J’s Beach stand (they have everything).  We also went to the shoreline Diner.

 

We are assisting FH with her October vow renewal.  Gill has been pushing her to get things done for this.  The reception will now be held in the yard.   We even made some flowers out of book pages.

 

We are having a movie night in a couple of weeks.  It will be the Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson.  It is supposed to be outside in the yard.   We will play Left Right Center.

 

I must admit the other meetup groups have been busy, but I haven’t been doing any of their activities.  Sticking with the Finding friends’ group

 

I am still volunteering at the nursing home.  Tomorrow is the day I will go in.  Sadly, some of my bingo buddies have either died or are not coming as much. 

 

Work has been normal.  Some weeks are good, and some not so much.  Guardian Angel/Gargoyle is becoming overstepping boundaries but after talking with my team leader, I have decided to be a little more open.  She was getting into things that were not her business. 

 

Negotiations for our new contract have started and we have had a few rallies and one coming up next week.  Some of the issues are already becoming crazy.  It will be interesting to say the least.

 

Well, That’s about it for now.