Cold Winters Night

What is really fascinating riding public transit Is how nearly perfect some of the the routes seem to be intertwined one with the other. So many times when riding and I'm going to have to make a connection to another bus to complete my journey, that I get to a bus stop in time as the connecting bus pulls and and I just go from one vehicle almost to the next with very little or no waiting time. This is nice in the spring and summer but as long as I know another vehicles coming I do not really care if I miss the next immediate bus. In the winter however are in inclement weather this is another situation. I want to make that connection. Yesterday you remember I have one commitment which was meeting with the Speaker of the House. Having executed that one commitment I really was focused on going home.Today is about turned cold even when the sun is shining be an out the element is chilling especially towards evening now that the hours of daylight are more and more limited until the solstice – – which is later this month– –Now, is nearly dark by 5 o'clock. It just seems to me the day get way colder After Dark. I was tired even though the meeting with the legislator and only lasted one hour I was pretty tired from my day of running around. I just wanted to get home and I did not want to wait another 15 minutes or half an hour for the next northbound bus on Redwood Road. Elsewhere in my blog I believe I have explained Route 54 and five I elected choose Route 54 now over 47. Route 54 drops you off right at my backdoor to the apartments. Route 54 also feels more direct and 47. Route 47 meanders quite a bit as The bus works its way from Murray Central to 4700 S.and Redwood Road. If there is a drawback to my use of route 54 is that the stop for my 217 connection is about half a block from the bus stop on Redwood Road. It seemed late as the sun was going down last night. I had to stop after my event at the state capitol building at central point or 2100 S. I had to go to Best Buy and have the Samsung professional fix my cell phone which had began to malfunction. One of the things I rarely do Going home is to check the bus schedule from the On my phone which lets me know when the buses will be at the bus stops. This works really well very very useful. I noticed as my bus pulled out that we had just about 13 minutes to get from State Street and 5300 S. or Murray Central West to 5300 S. and Redwood Road. Where I set locked in my wheelchair tiedowns I can see the computerized clock that the bus driver uses to make his time points. Usually there's only one or two stops made between Murray Central and 5300 and Redwood Road. But not today. It seems like every stop along the way somebody pulled the cord bringing the bus to a stop. And if somebody is not pulling the stop cord there was someone standing at the stop each taking a minute or two. As I even when I got to my stop before Redwood Road I still have Driving my chair all the way To the Redwood Road bus stop it seems to take forever. One of breaks my heart is racing for the bus stop lookup and see my bus drive past. Granted more often than not rather than wait I will drive my chair home to the apartments on the sidewalk. But it's cold now in the drive is almost painful having to endure driving over the spaces between concrete slabs. I can do it not a problem I just would rather take the bus. I had all but given up hold but yet had not seen the bus pass in front of us. The driver stopped let me off and off I went. When you towards the intersection I can look south and see oncoming traffic. The buses over the road have such a high profile it's easy to make them out as I traverse to the bus stop. I was amazed I got to the bus stop and no bus for a minute or two and then as I look south there was the big red white and blue vehicle waddling down Redwood Road. I made it. One of things I like best on a cold day is rolling onto these big old vehicles always overheated but also welcome on cold night.

Speaker Of The House Meeting

Today was a busier day than I would've liked actually. I have only one event – – actually I had two events the first of which certainly influenced the rest of my day. On Monday by home health professional, Dana informed me that I may have to wait until later in my day for my bowl and bladder program. Don't know how I dislike change. I have to be serviced and done by 11 o'clock at least to get to my 130 meeting with speaker of the House Hughes. We finally compromised when I a found out that Dana would be willing to come to the house at 6:00 AM. I can only do early I have been blessed that way. In fact I would really rather do 6 AM as opposed to 8 AM. I'm usually awake at 6 AM and sometimes, a lot of the time I am up making coffee and piddling around. I was awake at 430 and was just going to lay around until 5 AM the probably get up imagine my surprise the next thing I know I hear “time to get up” it was Dana and it was 5:45. I'm not sure if it was the change in times (I don't think it was) I think for some reason yesterday and the day before I really did not just much liquid. This is a problem and because of that I think I had some major constipation this morning. So I'm freaked out sitting on a little time bomb but thankfully I got through the day without a bowel movement.

If you remember last week or two weeks ago we had the incident at Speaker Hughes office regarding his mean-spirited approach to the Medicaid problem in Utah. So today we met with the man. Oddly, the meeting turned out to be fairly productive. There is about 10 of us there from DRAC and the meeting was led by Jerry and Barbara. There is no name calling, there were no lines in the sand just good old constituent and representative conversation. We do not belligerent and Speaker Hughes did not defensive army. I was sitting very close to Speaker Hughes and is somewhat general maybe even likable but I also felt like the pig in front of the boa constrictor. A sort of felt a bit razzle-dazzled with Speakers barely perceptible dimples, slick hair and I said. The man gave us the a part of his time which alone is impressive, never did I feel rushed, the speaker never glanced at his watch and he seemed to be quite adept at making eye contact. We came away from the meeting with Speakers support to develop a consumer-based group to explore possible funding options for the Medicaid problem. Granted, the senator did not say he would were any of the ideas or suggestions for my present. But to do proffer this opportunity and to offer DRAC command of such a group may well come up with a solution . My fear is that he will not seriously support our findingsbut at the same time he did not say he would fight us either.

From Paycheck to Paycheck

I cannot believe it's the end of the month of waiting for my checks to arrive into my checking account. I'm okay I've got enough residual to cover everything I have out and then some but not like I used to have. The work of my teeth drained breakouts quicker than I anticipated the same holds with just the repair to my bed. Little bit by little bit dollars have just wasted away. The grand illusion that I've been operating under the past year and some months is sadly clicked back into reality I need to be careful on my expenses.

It's not that I've got hogwild and madly spent or the last year or so that I've been able to purchase whatever I wanted with very little thought to the bottom line. Repairs to my teeth, power equipment and computer equipment purchased outright. The other items rent, deposits, transition to my new life has all has their impact but not as severe. Now, that I have state and federal checks going directly into my account I at least stop the hemorrhaging which was happening. If I'm careful I can begin building the base amount but rebuilding that nest egg will take time and a lot of self-discipline.I hope I am equal to the task. I can tell already that task will be difficult.

I've been training myself to purchase with trust government funds will continue the next pay cycle. I would never buy anything for fear of not having enough money later on. I missed out on a lot of things specially good deals. Even at this point in time I need to (I think I need to) purchase a new tablet to replace the one I recently lost a couple months ago. I know I can purchase it, and I can purchase a new tablet but I haven't done it yet because I'm afraid to drink any more money out of my account's. If I go for another I'm Seriously Thinking of a Used Tableton the justification that I basically use my tablet to write with. I don't really need a lot of whistles and bells as much as a good talk to text writing system. I do like the photography aspect or the camera on tablet to capture moments when I'm out and about. I find this particularly useful for my blogs. I'm sure you've noticed the lack of imagery to last couple of months during the posts.

So here I sit waiting, going into my online account every morning to see if the state has entered my pension into my holdings. I know the Fed won't add the Social Security to left of the first of the month that's okay. I have enough to get by. I'm just not do anything really until then. It's Christmas month, December which means any gifting I do will come out of my accounts – – of course. So I will not gain any savings this month. Somewhere in the back of my mind I have a sneaky suspicion that I am at the end of spending everything down one way or the other and like everybody else live from paycheck to paycheck.

Warm Before The Storm

The clouds moved in overnight, just like the weather guys said the clouds would, not that I did not believe them, I'm just always amazed when the weather guys get something right. I looked out the window and it looked like the kind of day I should just stay inside and do inside things. However, that ran out to be dumpster I was surprised how warm weather was. The little flasher the corporate my cell phone said 64 °! I just have to take advantage of the good weather so I got my dear together, check see what the next bus is going to be my busstop and headed out. I did not need to go far today just to the bank on the campus of the community college two blocks down as well as to continue my quest to audit and art class any kind of art class. It seems that make a few steps each time I renew my quest. I have yet to get to the end of my quest of birth in a Introduction to Drawing or Basic Drawing up any kind of drawing class back in sit in and learn to become a better artist.

I've spent a good part of the day Sunday going through the Salt Lake community college online class schedules looking for a class as well as an instructor I can talk into letting me take the class as an audit. That's what I'll be up last year at this time was not having permission to sit in on a class. I almost made it but I had to wait to see if others dropped out of the class to make room for me. I'm sure I'm going to have to deal with something like that this semester as well but I'm willing to give it another shot. I found the building where it seemed the classes were being taught the Technology Building or TB in the directory. It just makes sense to me that that is also where they would have the Art Department. If not and TB then some other building on campus.

By the time I finished getting counterattacks from my bank in the basement of the student union I just have to find the Technology Building. It's a big building was not hard to find, what was hard to find was any kind of information area. I looked for the art department is not to be found. I finally stopped into an unrelated class and asked a woman named Bethany (deduced from the nameplate) where. The art department was. She smiled at me and was very nice. I'm sure I reminded her of her grandparent. She searched and looked and finally looked up at me and smiled again and told me the Art Department was not on this campus but on South Salt Lake Community College campus some 30 blocks north and east of where I was at. Typical. I think Bethany who actually gave me an idea of contacting the professors or instructors I was interested in and then asking them via email for the permissions. Great idea. Bethany took 10 minutes and compiled a list of potential instructors I can contact. Then Bethany mailed these to my email account meadowlarkmark@gmail.com. In the next day or two I will look these over and try to make requests.

I imagine another pretty weird. I had my heavy study draped around my shoulders, I was a black watch And then I had a backpack on my lap. I'm certain everyone thought I was a homeless guy just hanging around the campus. But I still felt their energy, the energy of youth and felt fine on a windy November morning which I turned from warm and windy to cold and wet.

Oh Baby It's Dark Outside

Last night I realized with the shock that it is almost winter! The darkness starts coming around 4 o'clock. This time next month the hours of daylight will begin lengthening in fact there will be three or four days into the process this time next month. Historically have been almost neurotic about the meantime when we began to back towards summer solstice. Granted winter solstice is still basically a month away that I didn't realize and that's the problem.

I think what brought this to my attention last night was I started a load of wash and I thought it was very late and was concerned that the time to finish. I had come to the common area after I started my low and then came out to visit those assembled in the common area– thinking in the back of my mind was everybody to a select that was then I noticed it was just a little after 6 PM but it was totally dark outside giving the illusion that it was way late.

When I returned about a half an hour later to check my watch everyone was gone. I doubt to bed but still there and and visiting and return to their various apartments. I understand there is a ongoing card game a number of the women participate in every Saturday night I think it's bridge and it moves from apartment to apartment depending on the week. This is a closed event of a certain individuals to participate. Oh, of course it's not written or anything is just a standing function for just a group of the apartment people here.

I watched a couple movies that I had ordered in the mail. Movies that I had watched two or three times if not more but movies I like. I have been playing in the background as I worked on dinner and tidied up a bit and waited for the wash cycles end. I was surprised to find someone else in the laundry when I went down to switch out the clothes to the dryer. Hispanic guy named Orlando. He and his family moved into the facility couple weeks ago. He speaks little English but is a very nice guy. I noticed that he watches about once a week and spends all day watching. I don't know why they have such a huge wash but they do. Orlando is quiet, Orlando and his life keep to themselves. I was impressed however that they did attend our free Thanksgiving day dinner last week. Granted they sat the Spanish-speaking table which makes sense and for some reasons the table 's I sat as well. We passed a few have muted attempts to communicate then gave up and just ate in silence. Orlando smiled at me and motioned to me asking if I needed any assistance. I smiled and shook my head. I couldn't tell if his look was disappointment or relief I suppose it didn't matter after all it was dark outside and to me that's what mattered most at the moment why was it so dark so early in the night.

A Messiah Song

I know I have a copy of the Messiah, Handel's Messiah. My copy of the Messiah as one might prized possessions though I rarely let anyone know this. I have loved Messiah all my life not only the hallelujah chorus but other significant pieces of the musical. I like to believe I understand the German version but I don't though I'm pretty good at faking it. For years I've wanted to be part of a Messiah Sing in, ever since I heard of such things. In fact that's what led me to purchase my copy of the Messiah in hopes that one day I would be one of the voices – – though common,just one of the masses – – I want to be part of the jubilant crowd that makes a joyful noise this Christmas season.

I think I know where my copy of the Messiah is. The copy is wedged in between a number of paperbacks on the lower shelf of my library which of course I cannot access independently. I'm pretty sure that is where it was the last time I sawI saw the piece. The only person I feel secure enough to ask the search for the music is Stephen J. Who lives upstairs. The price of using his assistance would be fairly hard. I would have to endure possibly hours of discussions of ecclesiastical nature focusing on local population traditions and myths. Enough said regarding Stephen and my discussions. I will be blogging more about these in days to come. I wish to stay focused on my main point right now and that is where the hell is my copy of the Messiah?

Tonight at Abravenal hall, downtown Salt Lake all of the Utah Symphony be hosting the sing in. I don't know why but this came as a bit of a shock. My first heard about Messiah ins they were just a group of folks who loved handles music game together to sing and enjoy the experience. There is no cost it was just to show up to your and you usually have to have your music but easily could share with the people next to you. That would've been great that's the way I wish the event was handled now. Now the sing in is now a more or less elitist function. It is hosted by the local symphony and is most likely a fundraiser. I was hoping the event of the sometime during the day making my participation a bit easier however it looks to me as both nights event starts at 7 o'clock in the evening. It looks pretty fancy from what I can tell from YouTube accounts of past seasons. I don't have a problem dressing up a little for the sing in but having to dress up snazzy wazzy just too much for me to consider. Besides, have not yet found my copy of the music.

I have clothes in the wash been granted it's on the last cycle of the dryer but with no condition to head downtown tonight at 6 o'clock with the whole thing starting in an hour. They will be doing it again tomorrow night at 7 PM if I'm feeling better and have found my music maybe I will attend. It is truly one of the things I would like to do before I die so you can say it's a bucket list item

California Typewriter

The other night I went to the screening of the movie “California Typewriter”. Remember how I fussed about being a little spooked about whether I be able to get there on time or home because I was doing everything on public transit and is worried that I might be stranded on the buses I needed stopped running on the various routes at various times. Needless to say I made it home okay. No problems whatsoever the biggest stress was really home from 5300 and Redwood Road to my apartment two 4800 South Redwood Rd. The sidewalks are poorly lit and I had to travel slower than I usually do.

“California Typewriter” is not a spectacular documentary but engaging enough to keep me there for most of the screening. I left early to make sure I could make all my transit points home. But I've been thinking about the documentary ever since. Because that's what makes a good piece of writing or film is that the piece sticks with you and makes you think.I really like the idea that many of the people interviewed talked about writing is a slow process which working with a word processor tends to take away from. I haven't really verbalize this much in my own thinking process but I find about the whole writing with the computer idea and more specifically the last couple years as I have began to really use the talk to text or TTT. I really like the ability to speak and have those utterances pop up his words on the screen in front of me. But somewhere in the back of my mind I remember that my thoughts seem to flow better in my writing would be better before the use of the word processor. I had time to think and create with keep up with my ability to write them down physically. I wonder how much I lose, thoughts that I lose, dictating to the computer. The thoughts might not be necessarily lost it may not even be there at all because I don't have time to consider ramifications of a particular thought filament. As I dictate I just dictate and go on… I don't know if this is really making much sense but that is that feeling I experienced as I watched this documentary.

For a very short time before my teens I used my moms manual typewriter. I don't remember what make it was. The typewriter could have been a Remington or whatever. It was small and of course had its own case and little green keys. I wrote a little bit on this typewriter but seem to make a bunch of mistakes I spent all my time trying to correct other than create. After my trauma the family invested in this monstrous old electric typewriter. It was an IBM with a huge tray must better like writing newspaper articles are something I don't know but it worked. With the strength I had left in my hands and with a peg on my right hand I could type pretty well fast enough that I could just about type as fast as I can think. I still have the issue of having to go back and correct problems, typos and editing's. It was still quite frustrating. I got a lot more than that I had with the manual typewriter. When I ran into my first Selectric I thought I was in heaven, the self correcting tape was wonderful. The only problem them was that it only right at the office. I certainly do not have the funding to have a Selectric of my own. I dreamt of the personal computer and later when I would finally get one I found I still didn't do the writing I thought that I would. Writing stills a lot of work even with the ability to almost instantly correct. What good was that function for thoughts never making it to the paper because they were lost in the speed of thought.

I liked the documentary California Typewriter. I kind of wished I finished watching the film but I knew where it was going to have you back on the road. There was a bus leaving.and that better be on it

Thank you Version

Yesterday, Thanksgiving, was very quiet here at the complex noticeably so. In the morning and went down to the common area just to see what was going on. I visited with the number of folks who live here being picked up by their family members to go “home” to a family Thanksgiving. One person had a fairly good sized overnight bag and she was going to be family cabin which I guess is almost a cathedral. This lady's family gathers there every Thanksgiving for at least four days they play games, frolic out the snow when there is snow, seeing and generally have a great family time. She seems to really think that's what happens and I believe her. She could be the centerpiece for Norman Rockwell painting called “Thanksgiving with grandma 2017”.This grandma would be rolling out dough  reading the recipe off of a Samsung Galaxy tablet.

The Salvation Army was providing lunches for residents here at the apartment complex at 1:30 PM. The lunches were to be delivered to the Common Room where we would then have “traditional” Thanksgiving dinner. I rolled up to common room a couple times pretending I was checking to see what was going on in the laundry. Nothing was going on in either the common room are the laundry. I finally watched a movie part documentary I had started the night before and finally at 1 o'clock I wandered down again and was surprised to see the meals have been delivered and were being distributed to the early birds. There is a main table covered with Styrofoam boxes looking like a holiday morgue, I imagine major turkeys lying on their backs with toe tags around their claws. On a separate table was another morgue this time set with 20 to 30 small rectangular's which had to be dessert: pumpkin pie.

I was handed my dinner my dinner and I felt like the star of the 6 o'clock local news, you know the human interest spot always shown on Thanksgiving of homeless shelters, prison cafeterias and senior housing projects around town. In fact this morning with the residents asked me if I'd seen our building on the news. I doubted her version of reality because I'd seen no news video tracks around the building, but I was looking at those SUVs with the satellite dish up-link are hard to not notice. I really do appreciate the Thanksgiving lunch provided. Mashed potatoes which I think the real, the materials recovered with gravy, a couple pieces of Turkey (again real meat not pressed or processed the site and just being cooked, the turkey at the Thanksgiving dinner we had two days before was much better… Just saying) there is a piece of bread that look like it could've been a role and green beans. I know they tried hard but at best the meal I have is more than most people coming out 1:38 PM as advertised would be look at storm cold victuals. The smart ones took their meal and vanished I assume back to their apartments to nuke their grub into a holiday spirit. Unlike the previous dinner I actually have people at my table and could visit with me or I them. It did not take long to finish this dinner and I washed it down with small carton of milk which came with a meal.

What I missed most good relish tray with lots of small pickles and olives. Oh and whipped cream.

Pumpkin Pie and I

I did it I finally made my first pumpkin pie! The process was deceptively simple. Perhaps I chose to make it simple but I followed the directions off the sweetened condensed milk can. Yesterday when I was searching for nutmeg to put into some hashbrowns I came across a small can of pumpkin pie seasoning. All I had to do was plop in a couple of eggs the seasoning condensed milk and then mix it all together of course the can of pumpkin(15 ounce can) and that's it. I have watched Dianne may comprise over the years and always be intimidated by how sloppy the end process is of trying to transfer the uncooked pies from the table to the oven.I've been perplexed by this problem for a week now. The apple pie made last month was not a problem transferring it from table to oven. Something liquid is a whole new challenge. Then the other morning when I was looking inside the dishwasher for a butter knife I noted a big yellow mixing bowl was in there. Then the flash the answer came to me that I would have the high shell in the oven on the baking pan then pour the liquid pie filling into the pie shell. Problem solved.

I picked up the ingredients for the pie couple days ago. I got one of those premade pie shells that Frozen two a package a package. I put the pie shells into the refrigerator. The 15 ounce can of pumpkin I put on the table.. The week is been fairly busy and have not had time to put the pie together nor the courage. Honestly I was a bit intimidated by the whole process and also the fear of failure. But the more I thought about the operation this week that more thought about really making this is just a straightforward procedure mix the ingredients , filling the pie shell and cooking, then letting the pie cool and then removing the pipe from the oven.

But I didn't consider was letting the frozen pie shell file which I do not believe is a big deal but I can see now the wisdom of working with a frozen shell. In fact I had the pie shell in the oven as I preheated the box for the pie. I hadn't thought about the problem of cooking the pie crust before the ingredients were put in. The crust is pretty brown when I poured in the pie mixture. I was really afraid the whole kit and caboodle with burn and burn badly.

I set off the smoke alarm twice just heating the oven to 425. I feel that the pie shell I was surprised at how much I had made. I gently pushed the pipe to be back into the outage shut the door. The alarm went off again and I exited the apartment after opening the patio door. I went down to the common area and visited with a couple of the other tenants. I was relieved that my return the smoke cleared and there was the faint odor of pumpkin pie! I was even more relieved but I think in a high and saw the exposed crust had browned but not burned. I went into the mandatory 30 minutes then lanced the top of the pie scum my skewer came back covered with pie slurry. I tried again and 10 minutes in the skewer came back clean my pie was finished.

I'm going to have to ration out the pie to myself– – I noted this morning when I weighed myself after the shower I had gained a kilogram crap! I chided myself for not getting Cool Whip while the market this afternoon. I'm not going overtime Mark Anthony's in-laws for Thanksgiving dinners as I had anticipated. They are not eating 5 o'clock! I told Mark I have to decline. I felt sorry for him but I don't have to wait till dinnertime he Thanksgiving dinner or have to travel After Dark. I am becoming a crotchety old man big time.

Out After Dark

I'm going to do it! I'm scared but I'm going to do it going to go to a screening tonight down at the Salt Lake City public library. Of course am going to have to take the bus and the train to get there which is no problem. That's not what I'm concerned with what I am concerned with is getting back. Anyone who knows public transit knows that many bus lines or routes tend to evaporate as the night gets older. Even the routes that do not evaporate run slower than ways so there is the possibility waiting perhaps a long time to get the last bus out of town. I think I'm okay. I have checked the two main routes I use from the Murray Central Station which is Route 47 and Route 54. I'm hoping I can get to Murray Central by the times they leave for the last run.

Right now I'm seriously leaning towards Route 54. Route 54 with the latest of the two routes. The only problem is that the last one is like 10:41 PM meaning I'm probably going to have to wait at least an hour for that bus but, at least I know that bus will be there. If I can fortune I can get to Murray Central in time for the last Route 47 even better. Actually, it might even be more advantageous to make the time and take the 54.I can then pick 217 and that bus will drop me off right at the back door to my apartment complex. I just have to open the secret gate and I'm home! This would be advantageous if not ideal were not having to wait for really long times for these bus routes. One of the rest goes to one hour headways which means only one must an hour and you better be sure to be there when it gets there. The other advantage of route 54 is that the bus drops me off at Redwood Road and 5400 S. I then only have to travel north about four or five blocks to get to my apartment. This isn't such a big deal really even after dark. Redwood Road as well lit and the sidewalks are in good shape. There is no rain or snow forecast for tonight. And seriously, the very worst case scenario would be having to call Ute Cab. True, it would be expensive as hell but doable. After all I worth it.

I've talked for whatever about being all want to be part of the nightlife activities in the Salt Lake area. So this is going to be a test run. If I can pull this off and feel comfortable about depending on bus routes and depending on my power chair I could be doing a lot more interesting and fun things after dark along the Wasatch front. Now, having said this, I'm not sure how this would play out when the snow comes if the snow ever does come. I'm not sure what else I would do take advantage of this new level of confidence. I can do the Messiah Sing-in Then it's just a matter of what to wear.

A Better Version Of Myself

The other night I was texting with my friend LB and she was making, as tactfully as she could, an invitation for me to join her family for Thanksgiving dinner. In my most cynical vein I pretty much told her that I was not interested in that kind of holiday entertainment. There would be family (not my family) lots of little kids and such. I really don't know I had no problems with staying here at the apartment complex over the meal. After all Salvation Army will be serving meals to the folks here who don't go out. It's just tension and stress I don't need for a holiday celebration. I use my best trump card the fact that I have a power chair which makes it almost impossible for me to travel if I don't want to. The buses will probably not be running that they (I have not checked and I do know that the transit authority shuts down on all the major holidays). It's a safe bet. I can't use the card that can get into her apartment because of the power chair. She has a ground-level unit with wheelchair access. I was letting her know I was too cool to go out.

Tonight I just heated up chicken noodle soup and had my half a row of soda crackers and was just settling in to watch the CBS evening news. It's not like I am a big names freak just something to do while eating dinner. The phone rings which is way over in the kitchen and I'm just sitting down in front of the flatscreen. There's no way I can get to the phone before it stops raining so I don't even try. I set down my dinner then roll over the phone, it's Mark Anthony. I did not think there for a long conversation but it turned out to be just that. In short Mark invited me to Thanksgiving dinner with his wife's family. Reference first paragraph I really do not up to doing any major family functionary things for Thanksgiving day. However, Mark seemed pretty insistent on my attending the function. I used by trump card, big power chair no way to get. (According to Mark's father-in-law place is kind of accessible . We've done Thanksgiving there before. When Mark Anthony first presented the offer it was just the parents and Mark and his little family. Then in a weak moment I remembered how Mark Anthony has described these Thanksgiving events in the past. Mark Anthony has little in common with the majority of the family as is I guess many in-laws do in sense Dianne and I are no longer together to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner having the dinner at our house is not an option. Mark admitted to me that having me there would certainly make this Thanksgiving Mark bearable and after that what can I say. I let Mark in a little-known secret which is that I can still get around fairly well with my manual chair and I informed him I would “bite the bullet/take the bullet” for him not to do so would be selfish on my part. Logistics would still be an issue. The question now on the table is that can I negotiate transferring into or out of his vehicle. We're going to have to check that out. It looks like the best time To do a dry run will be Wednesday the night before. This is certainly cutting the operation close. I'm sure I can do this one where the other. I believe I'll be able to handle being in a manual chair for however many hours I must for the family event. After all the hell do I think I am? Why should I be able to dodge the social bullet for Thanksgiving? If I'm able to make the transfers and use the manual chair I don't have an excuse not to participate.

I know I'm marginal at best at being a grandparent and possibly even a parent. I realized again last week that I missed another granddaughters birthday. I just don't do these things will. Now, with Mark Anthony offering Thanksgiving dinner the least I can do is goAnd hopefully be a better version of myself.

Last Spam Standing

Yesterday when I went to the market forgot to get any grapes. I've always liked grapes but recentlyI have really gotten into grapes last year and a half to two years. I like to have the grapes surround To snack on or to use in desserts one of my favorite desserts is just great and cottage cheese simple yet elegant. I've gotten fairly discriminating as to what kind of great that I will purchase. I do a lot of grape nabbing when picking my grapes. Grape nabbing is what I call testing the grapes I intend to purchase. I want a grape which is almost crunchy.

As I was trolling up and down the aisles at the market looking for other items I think I might need for this Thanksgiving week I noticed the canned meats. I cannot believe spam was $2.99 and that's on sale! Spam was a staple of our home diet when I was a kid. It was the closest thing we got to hand or bacon. I'll have to check my blog histories to see if I've written about the pork ban my father had decreed on our household. If I haven't one day I will write to this fascinating piece of history. Suffice it to say we did not eat meat Unless that meat came from a beast who had split hoof, chewed its cud and nursed its young. I made a mental note to come back and get five or 10 cans of Spam. I'm running low.

I noticed this morning when I was considering breakfast that I only had one can left of my beloved Spam. This can of spam is the last can of spam given me at my retirement. But my boss organized my retirement party she had a suggested that anyone coming should bring a can of spam as she knew my fondness for that product. And surprisingly people did just that something brought two and three cans. I was sitting pretty. I've eaten meat products sparingly over the years and now I have one can and I noticed a month ago when I was checking expiration dates of my canned goods that this spam can is three years past its date. I was somewhat shocked when I noticed to three cans of Spam past their dates of best use a couple months ago. So I been trying to eat them more regularly than usual. I did not want to lose these items as I'm done with other items I recently checked.

I like to have meet with my breakfast or should I say my weekend breakfasts as possible. Many times I forgot this pleasure because I don't have the time or well to do a production like that. With spam, I like to cut the little block of meat and a little spam steaks which I will then eat the next couple of days either on sandwiches, diced and scrambled eggs are with an egg sandwich. You can do 1 million things to spam. I noticed or have noticed spam like everything else is trying to outdo itself. Now you get barbecued spam, cheese in spam, And three or four other spam choices. I've tried some of them and to me they do not carry the weight just as normal spam this is especially true with the spam lite. If I am going to eat spam I want the original And only the original will do.

Of pumpkin time dreams and other challenges of living single

I would not say that I desperately wanted a piece of pumpkin pie yesterday but I certainly would've enjoyed a bite of pie he end of yesterday's meal.I don't know what I was thinking after all the desert portion of yesterday's mail was potluck, everyone was supposed to bring something they like. There is One pumpkin pie, premade and one of those 8 inch aluminum tins, a cake, various and sundry cookies and of course offerings of Jell-O. But just one time the pie. There were a lot of others who had designs on that . I was correct in no time the little bitty pie was gone. I mean department management should realize that if the spring for the turkeys management should also throw in the pies.

I'm here now into this property that seem so much different than when I arrived. I remember the place getting ready for Thanksgiving last year but I just sort of held back. I was the new guy. Nobody knew who I was, they were nice to me but I don't think they knew quite what to do with me. I'm still kind of the new guy but I can tell I've been accepted. Last year I did not go to the pre-Thanksgiving dinner. I may have some sort of excuse. This year I went but I sit at any tables of people I knew. I must admit this behavior is kind of bizarre. I ended up sitting by myself that really the only table left. Imagine my chagrin when the table soon filled with Spanish-speaking residents. I pieced together bits and pieces of conversation. One person was from El Salvador, one from Columbia and another for Mexico of course. Luckily, Sarah the girl runs the beauty salon at the building here joined our table. We talked a little bit.

I've really done a lot of cooking this year. Turkey breasts, a couple roasts and the usual stirfry and garbroc. So this afternoon went across the street at the market I figured, I can bake a pie. I made an apple pie not long ago or at least put one together. It was just a matter of opening up a can of apple pie mix and putting the mix into a premade pie crust and covering with the remaining crust. That was it. Dianne always made the pumpkin pies for our Thanksgiving celebrations. She made the crusts as well as the pie filling. I watched her a couple times of course but I didn't really pay attention now I wish I had. I found a couple of recipes online and even on cans. It looks straightforward. In my attempts to get spices the past couple of months I believe I have everything I need to mix the pie filling. I got a couple small cans of pumpkin could should be more I need one pie. The only issue I have is I remember the slurry of pie mix in the pie tins that Dianne slid into the oven. I'm worried about slopping the slosh. But I've got an idea. What if I mix the slosh up in the great yellow bowl that came with me from the house? I will have the oven heated and I will pull the rack out far enough to place the pies on the rack then pour the slurry into the pie tins and personal hold shooting match into the oven. This is got to work. The problem I have is getting the pie in getting the pie out should not be a problem. I mean I can wait till pie cools until stone cold and I want and then pull the desert with my hands but that won't be a problem. I'm excited I can do this I just wish, now I had purchased some cool whip.

Thanksgiving Prelude

We are served the pre-Thanksgiving dinner today at the apartment complex. Three turkeys were prepared. Two turkeys were prepared by Richard, the new maintenance guide, actually Richard has been here since the summer so Richards newness has worn off. Richard has maturity compared to other maintenance guys I've seen here at the apartments over the last year. Richard actually sort of wears a maintenance uniform. Dark green (almost khaki) tops and bottoms not scrubs like service clothes. Richard is a quiet guy I actually didn't trust him first – – not that I trust him now – – but he seems more friendly to me. Richard is definitely company guy. Richard tends to do his job but Richard also likes to spend copious amounts of time flirting/schmoozing Jennifer property manager. I simply do not begrudge him that. I still remember my days on the job hanging out with certain people and hanging out with the boss and letting the boss now but I thought she wanted here. One can never underestimate the power of schmoozing.

Somewhere along the line this time Richard went the rest of the staff know he had a great skill set and preparing holiday turkeys in great quantities of grease. Yes, Richard seems to be an aficionado in the art of deep fat frying turkeys and he certainly has the equipment. So today on top of one nice Tom Turkey supplied by Utah nonprofit housing Corporation (I assume furnished byUNPHC ) two turkeys to be prepared by Richard.

Of course, I've heard all about preparing turkeys and cauldrons of deep fat. The word on the street is that the turkeys are moist and quickly cooked. I believe my younger brother has done this number of times and everyone seems to rave about the outcomes. I was astonished. Richard set up the whole operation just outside the door to the common room just outside the building. Rich had fire underneath the pot some sort of torch smoke pouring off the top of the boiling oil with Mr. Tom turkey inside. I really believe it did not take much longer than one hour to produce one bird than another. Richard soon had one turkey out on the table being prepared for carving. I must've been the turkey looked beautiful, golden brown dripping with oil at okay but you expect. They were working at peeling off the skin and to my horror throwing that skin away. I love the skin of the roast turkey. It was all I can do to stay silent.

In the building that houses so many women who are now seniors and you have prepared meals their whole lives A long table was laid out for volunteer dishes. Funeral potatoes, creamed green beans, all manners of Jell-O and of course cookies, cakes and pies. It kind of reminded me of a scene from Walton's Mountain. I was kind of surprised that no grace or the blessing on the food was offered up especially in a facility so loaded with Mormons. Not by design, I sat at a table that eventually filled up with nothing but Spanish-speaking residents. Which is okay I smiled and nodded my head a lot. Sarah, my barber and woman who runs the salon on the premises also sat at our table so I had someone to speak with. The tables were numbered one through six and management deemed it would be appropriate to pull numbers out of a hat as to who went first. Chow line. Our table went first.

It was a pretty good meal, I've had better Thanksgiving dinners, and since this really is not a Thanksgiving dinner but a prelude to next week when those talks remaining at the facility who have not been invited out to home dinners will be treated to Thanksgiving dinner from the Salvation Army. Complete Thanksgiving dinners inconvenient Styrofoam boxes… I can hardly wait.

Warm Before Storm

I am getting into my winter gear. Today was overcast and a warm wind blew from the South– – supposedly a cold front is moving in with rain and possibly snow. I'm so thankful today was really the last day I need to be out of the apartment before the storm. Tomorrow, someone will be coming over here maybe but I should not have to go out. looking forward to tomorrow.

This afternoon I had Utah nonprofit housing Corporation board meeting. I've been on this board I don't know how long it seems at least 10 years probably longer. It is through his involvement with the board that I actually ended up at this apartment thank goodness I had somewhere to go when I needed to. I have a friend will call Sharon A. Sharon has been my friend for nearly 30 years probably as long as I've been in Salt Lake County. Her office and joined my office when I first worked at the Utah Independent Living Center. One of my tasks in my new employment was Housing Coordinator. Sharon ran a housing program for Community Action Program CAP. Community Action worked with low-income folks In Salt Lake County And I worked with people with disabilities were also low income usually. Often we would work together with clients. I think Sharon may be a just a little bit older than I am not much though. I've always admired Sharon for her ability to network and work with other housing professionals. Sharon was totally dependable. I think she grew up on a ranch she has a rural rustic nature to herself. She has had “roommate” for as long as I have known her. I believe her roommate is part of her charm.

The board that I serve on is made up of different housing professionals in the Salt Lake area. The chair is a retired banker type, there's another bank and type on the board but much younger. We have a number of folks in color. A couple senior retired housing professional types account types in such. I think working group. We just lost a member couple months ago. One of our fellow board members passed away I don't know why I guess it was just her time. The board Goes on as bureaucracies do even small bureaucracies and we are that. We did our business. The Executive Director of the organization gave his report and then we went through each of the housing projects we sponsor with census and how many people are on the waiting list one project there is nearly 400 people on the waiting list. We may mention that this issue of growing waiting is only going to get worse As the boomers age. I once again felt a little guilty for being able to slide into my property as quickly as I did. A warm and spacious unit with an accessible bathroom even.

I love my place but I'm finding out as nice as this place looks it really is kind of cheaply thrown together. They took the doors off of my bathroom and bedroom today I have not both of them off their hinges and just the top hinges held the doors. I was becoming concerned regarding the bathroom door that it might just fall out of its place because the top hinge was all that was opened it up. I can see it falling on me. I brought this up this morning. They asked about one of the doors bbecause I said yes but then informed me that I would have to pay to have the doors rehung. Now I don't know I kind of like not having to battle with the door. I certainly don't have privacy but maybe privacy is overrated.

My cleaning person came todayAnd together we did a great job cleaning the joint. She really helped me stick to the bottom of two of my workstations. Maybe it's her work that makes the doors being gone acceptable. I love having a clean place the sheets on the bed and the bed is turned down. I'm looking forward to staying in tomorrow and maybe the whole darn weekend.

Capitol Action

Today was the second part of a one-two sucker punch we had hoped to land on which it Speaker of the House of Representatives Hughes, A Republican rascal-bug which seems to be working hell-bent at cutting off the legs of people with disabilities who are also low income in the state of Utah. DRAC, that direct action group that tries to bring change for people with disabilities has been trying for a couple months to get a meeting with this guy but Speaker Hughes is a very slick Willie and manages the slide out about contact. It was hoped that Speaker Hughes would've been in the hearing yesterday which DRAC disrupted and of course he was not. So today's object was to try to corner the speaker in his lair/office. So the strike group met today in the state Capitol rotunda And plan the assault on the speaker in his office.

Actually, I was up for today's meeting. I figured I would take a low-key approach and hang out in the back where ever we were going/doing. I would be supportive and disruptive if needed but I would be just background noise. Today was a perfect day for traveling, much warmer then November should be here along the Wasatch front. I'm positive the state's population will pay the price for this beautiful weather somewhere in the future due to lack of water. I may fairly good time getting up to the state capital. I even stopped along the way for a quick burger and later on fries at the legislative cafeteria. I have dealt with my group at the appointed time at the capital rotunda on the second floor of our state capital building. We were a scruffy looking group to say the least. There are about six or eight of us so it was hard for me to get lost in the background. Jerry is an interesting fellow and is our leader currently. DRAC has never had a real leader – – in my opinion. Jerry is an executive director has been director of a number of private nonprofits in this area. He actually knows how to lead was not afraid to be a leader and start screaming and yelling on his own so the rest of us can join in.Jerry is select music director. Instead of dropping the baton by waving his arms Jerry started yelling and the rest of us join in.

Barbara has been the leader in residence of this small group over the years. At least in her 80s I'm just amazed at her stamina and ability to keep showing up at these functions as well as traveling the coast for national actions. Jerry and his wisdom defers the Barbara on many decisions and decision questions. Today I could hear them in the background discussing who should lead this particular action. I thought I kept hearing my name, and was shocked when everyone agreed that I was to be the one to ask for a meeting with Speaker Hughes. I, of course, balked indicating I felt uncomfortable. Barbara I know was the one who was pushing me forward in the discussion earlier and now in the real-time. She was making me grow. She was making me feel uncomfortable and grow past my safe zone of blended into the back. She's been trying to do this for a number of months now if not years. Well today was the day. I decided I would do it regardless of how uncomfortable I felt. We're trying only to get a meeting with the speaker so that we can nail him on trying to cut back on the Medicaid expansion we are trying to bring about for the state of Utah. He of course will not be that we feel but we have to go through the process for DRAC to go the next step of direct confrontation. Today's request for a meeting was the second step in this process. Earlier in the summer we attended meetings, we sent requests for meetings which were ignored and now we're at his doorstep.

Well I fumbled through the request for a meeting with the speaker but I got through it. Jerry at a given point started yelling “We Want A Meeting” we began our chant. We were being civilly disobedient. We chatted for 3 to 4 to 5 minutes. The state police told their heads through the door and tried to look menacing. I could tell They did not want to get there hands dirty unless they have to. A slick Willie finally stepped out from the maze of offices behind the reception desk. He was obviously the buffer, the staffer who was willing to be sacrificed to save the boss. Negotiations one that point and eventually we have a meeting with the speaker next week. They were members of our group would then willing to stay in the office for as long as it took all night and longer if needed. We did not have to do that. We got our meeting and we are scheduled to meet again next week and meet with the speaker and see what happens. I am totally surprised at how much I grew in today's action. Trite and corny as it sounds I have become empowered. My little performance speaking little bit of words I did make a difference in me and made me feel strong, perhaps not invincible but stronger than when I started out.

Barbara and I rolled down the hill from the state capitol building to the train station on the valley floor. We've done this twice now and then rode the train south talking as we did. Barbara really wants me to go to Washington DC over Mother's Day next year. I almost want to slap October but just couldn't see how I could sleeping and with attendant care issues but Barbara has convinced me I can do it. She has faith in me. I'm seriously going to think about the trip, yes and expand my range of influence that that I need to but maybe I do.

Ruckus

I had to be at the state Capitol today at 1:30 PM I didn't make it. We were told that the state capital 1:30 PM to be part of a rally/demonstration against particular legislator here in Utah which is against Medicaid expansion. Again I do not understand a great deal of time on political diatribe but sufficient to say people with disabilities myself included if anything it More funding! People with disabilities do not need less funding when trying to survive. There is one particular legislator who has some power and can change this issue for the good but is chosen not to. DRAC of course wants to change his mind.

My day started late very late. I stayed up until midnighttexting with my friend Lori. We knocked around midnight. I went to bed and slept, not well, but okay waking up many times to use the catheter to drain. My bed is broken, yes I know the great destroyer strikes again, and I cannot do what I usually do as I usually have done. It was a long night by I actually got in seven hours of sleep which is not so bad. My goal this morning was to contact the people who actually constructed a bad and find out what I need to do to correct the problem. Last night my brother Carl came over and looked at the problem with the images and send them to me which I was going to use to send to the manufacturers. I figure this be something I could get done quickly and be on my way out to catch the bus as in trains I need to get the capital building by 1:38 PM – – no problem right? Well I should know better after all over 60 I know how these things work. I talked about seven or eight people and getting the part ordered. I sent images, talk to service reps, I got documents I had to sign take pictures of consent back then purchase the equipment I needed for $315 plus $20 shipping. The $20 shipping is like overnight shipping.

I found out in the course of the call that somehow I had gotten the lower something caught between the bed and the mechanism which raises the top of the bed causing The plastic housing the piston to break. This is so typical of me so repair will not fall under warranty. The place I called wasALCO products. This is a giant organization. I spoke to all kinds of people finally getting to where it needs to go but after 45 minutes to an hour I more or less got the part ordered. Now as you see if the party failed and it rectifies the problem. The reason I relate this story is that now I only had about an hour and a half to get to the state capital. As I said I was very late. But the time I finally rolled into the hearing room it was like 2:30 PM. They did not say that this was a committee meeting of the legislature. I have been much later not have any problem. These guys talked and talked and talked not really coming to any conclusion and towards the end of that discussion our leader started to protest a chat which we all joined in and filed out of the room. Kind of silly but it was felt that's what it will take. Of course the legislator we needed was not there he never is from what I understand. They were pleased that I showed up even late. Tomorrow really go after the legislator at that person's office again, it is doubtful we will store it will certainly make a ruckus just the same. Tomorrow I'm going to leave at 10 o'clock and hang out at the cafeteria just to make sure I'm early for the ruckus.

Season's End

Sarah (this is not her real name, Sarah's real name is European In my talk to text would never get the name right and would take forever to spill over and over so be happy with Sarah), like many other residents, at my apartment complex is a senior. To be honest with you I really met Sarah when I asked her how to cook tamales. She looked at me like I had three heads and said “How should I know?” I thought for sure Sarah was Hispanic boy was I way off. Sarah's European somewhat dark complected with dark hair trying to whiten but losing the battle. I had only been a complex a couple weeks when I asked Sarah the tamale question. I'm sure Sarah is in her mid to late 70s. There are of course still drives and is totally dependent and works around the building under the projects.

I got to know several later in the year when I started preparing my section of the garden area. Sarah had a portion of the box that I had and she was planting also. We didn't visit per se just acknowledged each other as he went about growing their specific items through the summer. I'm not sure what Sarah planted Or how her little garden grew. I was focused on my tomato plants, peppers, a purple Sage and a squash. Sometime during the summer Sarah started bringing me food items. A holiday plate over Fourth of July weekend with great potato salad, Banana bread, and over the weekend (this last weekend) a pitcher of chicken noodle soup– – actually Sarah brought the entire pot of chicken noodle soup down to my apartment perched on the seat of her walker. I had a pitcher left over from my hospital days, While most plastic mugs that holds about 1000 milliliters of liquid. I got about 800 and it's great soup. I'm thinking about freezing at the top when I'm sick this winter. It's the kind of stuff that would heal you instantly and sure.

Couple weeks ago maybe three weeks I pretty much ended my garden. I had loved my garden this season and enjoyed watching my plants grow and even to produce. Granted I probably harvested in tomatoes, one green pepper and the squash dine somewhere being choked out by the tomatoes once they covered everything at my end of the box. I forgot that I had a squash which is kind of sad. Needless to say I think I spent at least $20 on the plants from the little green house across the street from my apartment's. It was actually more like $30 now I think about it. I try not to think about it. In all honesty I have to admit I was glad when I finally yanked the tomatoes up and this was well before the killer frost. My little plants adjust petered out. They turned yellow and died from too much water or too much sun or too much life they were just done in the ground now wanted to sleep. I pulled the plants tucked in the dirt and said good night. There was still three huge healthy looking plants which were not mine There is also a number of marigolds that I planted just because you can't marigolds tomatoes at least to keep away bugs that's what I've been told and I believe. There has been too or three killer frosts in the past couple of weeks. Even the hardy tomatoes died The marigolds held on but even they left this weekend. All that was left was the dead husks of one's healthy plants it was time to let everything go.

This morning on the way out to take some garbage to the dumpster (I passed the planting boxes getting garbage in the dumpster) And passed Sarah was headed towards the manager's office to get the communal garden tools. She was going to pull the remaining plants from the garden boxes. I quickly returned my garbage can to the kitchen and return to the garden boxes thinking I can pull the tomatoes before Sarah got back was I surprised Sarah was completely right we're going to have to have little tools to finish this job. Whatever planted these tomatoes (there is already a legend that the person who had planted tomatoes died during the summer leaving the plants and the fruit to whoever harvested). I don't know if that's true I certainly harvested a number of small cherry tomatoes and pear tomatoes as they ripen during the summer's heat. Nobody complained that I was stealing choose one that were not mine. I know I felt violated and someone got one of my tomatoes that I watched grow green and day by day Begin to blush as the fruit ripened then have my fairly large tomato vanish just before I was going to harvest the fruit.

Sarah returned with a small handbrake and guarding hand shovel. I had the end of the stick I broke last night. The hook had loosed and I have neglected to glue the hook like I should. The wobbling hook Finally split the end of the stick which was the end of the hook. Together we dug out these tomatoes. Tomatoes are buried deep and I was shocked at how much energy we had to expand the pull them free of the ground. We talked little, we just worked and finally got the job done. Sarah had gotten a large plastic bag for the maintenance guy which was totally full when we were finished and we threw the remains in the dumpster and that is that. Sarah says she will probably not use the garden boxes next summer – – just too much work and too much apartment politics. I will probably try again next summer if I'm granted another summer. I like the process of growing my little garden. I like the garden nursery across the street even though his way expensive and I like getting my hands a little dirty and planting my expensive starts. Sarah says I should buy some seeds and start my garden Late winter or early spring and growing garden from those. I told Sarah I might But I doubt I will do that and go across the street to the overpriced nursery get some healthy looking starts And spend my summer fretting and worrying about my little family in the dirt.

My Friend Gail and Other Sunday Stuff

This is my previous CNA Gail, a great friend who continues to Watch over me.

Finally, a day without pain. I have not done anything's constructive with my day without pain Put clothes away and unpacked by new corn Popper. That was a bit of a challenge since whoever sent the Popper and double wrapped for double boxed the Popper but I got it out and that was about it. Some of the washing of water but it dried complete the directions say and I just was of to that today that today. I was a little concerned regarding how easily I would be able to use the Popper but I think those doubts are unfounded and I should be able to use the crank on the Popper just fine. I tried to do some filing . My filing is a mess right now. Actually, I'm trying to find the information on my bed. The bed is beginning to malfunction. The hand controlled button which raises the top of the bed to a sitting position works intermittently. I have to cycle the system through numerous times and select your click or crunch somewhere in the bed and then the top of the mattress raises up as it should. This cannot be good and I need to find the phone number for electric bed company so I can get some information on how to repair the problem before any more than that functions begin to deteriorate and fail. The failure of my electric bed is just not acceptable. Perhaps, I can have Richard (the apartment maintenance guy)Look at the motors. In the past out of that Jimmy look at the problem. I shouldn't have Mark Anthony or Carl come over and look at it but that didn't happen. Maybe the first part of this week I can get car over here to ascertain the issue or find The information I need to repair the problem.

I have done so well in trying to keep the apartment clean said the last time Ms. Close was here And seems overnight the places has fallen into complete entropy. The kitchen is a mess the living room area is chaotic but the bedroom isn't bad quite yet. Cynthia, who was supposed to be here last Thursday was ill and cannot make it. She should be here this coming Thursday. Hopefully she can dig me out of this mess.

I feel I have a full bowel Which is only come on in the last couple hours. I'm hoping what I'm feeling is just gas but I don't know. I sure feel urgent.I hope I can make it till tomorrow when Dana will be here. We have to wear a brief tonight.

The high point of my day I think is that my CNA from my previous life Gail came over this evening. She is very helpful and I enjoyed visiting with her. She's going to several challenges right now and I think her talking to me helps… Maybe. She brought me over fruit Which I have already ingested. I'm hoping the grapes is what has given me gas. Hopefully it's gas and nothing more.

For now this is a pretty poor blog for today. This is what happens when I don't get out to get a stimulation. I'm so thankful that have been pain-free today. Last night I had difficulty sleeping because of my back pain or whatever the pain is. I'm surprised at how well have gone by today with the sleep differential . I tried to do some part but are not all that happy with the results and are surprised at how other people are relatively happy with my results this is stuff I need to think about the need to produce more. I do like to draw.

I'm Okay

So far today has been less painful than yesterday but I may be speaking too soon it is nearly 7 o'clock and all of a sudden my pain is beginning to return but that's okay though I have had a full day of enjoyment through and around the apartment some kind of except for short strip trip to the market. There have been some hints of pain but not like yesterday. I just wanted to bring the reader up to date following yesterday's painful entry..

I did however take my advice And worked through my pain. I took my wash down to the laundry and started the machine. On Thursday I purchased three movies at the West Jordan library for a dollar each! There good movies too: Lucy, I am legend and the King's Men all pretty good movies Even though I had seen them. These are the kind Of movie I will watch over and over if given the opportunity. However I got sidetracked On one of my trips down to check my watch and join the conversation at the front of the building.

Many times in the evening other apartment folks congregate in the big overstuffed chairs and visit. Last night he was this little old ladyWho sits out in the lobby every night until 9 o'clock and then shuts the blinds on the Windows. She does not have to do this she just does in she is comfortable with a joke among some of the other residents. They feel that she is becoming demented which I doubt but still. Last Night They Jimmy joined us. In truth I was not really going to sit very long I was on my way back to the movie, which I paused. Jim was almost 80 which is hard to believe. He's large, muscular for a man his age. He works out daily. I may have written about him briefly. He always has a copy of the Wall Street Journal. And started his back pocket I'm always impressed. Jimmy is from New York Actually Brooklyn and he sounds like it. He had fascinating stories to tell. He was in New York City today the towers fell. He had friends with the fire department lost their lives when the towers crumbled. He went and helped on that tragic day at Ground Zero I was totally impressed. If you know Jimmy you know that's exactly what he would do. Jim is very quiet he helps out for wherever Jimmy can. He spends a lot of time during the week volunteering next door at the food bank, unloading trucks carrying groceries out to the cars but stays out of the way. He even asked if he can help me I have not asked for assistance yet but I might. He's been difficult to get To know. At first blush it seems standoffish and gruff. Jim is going deaf which is sad but certainly there's a lot of issues as far as his moods are concerned. I soon realized Jimmy comes down at night just to sit with as little old lady so she does not have to sit alone guarding the Windows her way of being useful.

Pain!

Just an upfront warning I'm going to boob basically about the amount of pain that I met today. So if you're not in the mood for a Friday whiner and I suggest you go to another document, blog or podcasts. My pain has been creeping up the past couple of days. I am almost 100% sure the etiology of his pain is my foot pedal. My right side foot pedal hangs lower than my left and I first noticed this about a week and a half ago. My older brother and efforts to fix my foot pedals put in a separator which is really great but I think has forced by right-sided put more pressure on the left foot hangar. Causing my whole body to list to the right. I feel somehow must be causing pressure on the nervous system in my lower right back quadrant. A couple of times this week when the pain was there I was able to reposition myself or to stop something in my back that aligning in such a way would stop the Pain. This technique is no longer working. I hope that with this intermediate solution I would be able to tolerate the discomfort Until my parts came in for my wheelchair overhaul. Obviously, not going to take place. I should've contacted somebody on Monday at the very beginning of this malady. but no I was too stupid. Now it is a holiday weekend and I know come Monday filled with little service available for a bunch of reasons but still I must try and go through the effort I just have to get through.

I am wondering if this thing is related to the fact that my scoliosis might be getting worse and twisting my spine so that the nerves in my back are being pushed into the cushion of my back rest of my chair. I don't know what I'm going to have to do maybe wear a brace of some sort?I'm getting a new cushion And perhaps that will set me up correctly. I mean, I am amazed at how delicately the human body has to be treated sometimes and at all times it seems the body can take all kinds of trauma and get by just fine. I'm obviously not in that second category.

I know this is a bit of a digression but I am worried that on Monday when I make contact with my medical professional That is if I can even speak to a professional cleaning services will still be awaiting process. Again, I just have to go through and hope the best. I think I will need to be seen by their OT or PT which I think will take the time. But I think what I am going to do is just work myself through the pain  the best I can. I washed  clothes tonight just to get the wash out of the way so I have one less thing to grouse about over a painful weekend.

Matador and the Mermaid

I own one piece of art. I called this piece of art Matador and the Mermaid. I have had this piece probably 40 years. I love this piece of art for no particular reason. It's not world-class art for sureI don't even know who painted the piece.

I just moved in an apartment at the front of protest Avenue and Boise Avenue. The apartment complex is now called Protest One. And is basically University housing. The year before I lived in student housing on-campus and Boise State University. The dorm was called Chafee Hall. It was a good year, I was coming back to school after spending about 18 months working in low income medical facilities while my grade point average somehow reinvented itself. The experience was good but I certainly did not want to repeat a year in the dorms. A couple of my friends I made that your decided I would spend the summer searching for Apartment and secure an apartment and the others would join me at the end of summer. So essentially I Had the whole apartment to myself it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Over the summer I met Yolanda And Alex who lived in the apartments directly across from mine. Became friends and often had dinner together.. Yolanda was beautiful, young and Hispanic and Alex was young and white. As far as Anderson story Yolanda was aristocratic Hispanic from Mexico for Alex had met her in the Peace Corps. They were perfect and racial couple making a go of life in Boise Idaho in 1974.

I've never really met people who have money, real money until I met these two. At least that's what I thought and how they live the lifestyle . They actually had wall art. Kind of stuff that swirled your wine in your wine glass and adjudicate the piece of art. They had a piece of art that is quite fond of. I love to look at this artwork and just imagine what I thought the characters in the abstract were up to.As things happen Alex got some sort of promotion or something and soon they were packing their apartment to move to Mexico. I was taken aback when a couple days before they were to leave Yolanda got over the piece of art that I seem to be so taken. And asked if I would take it. In brief she informed me that the piece of art has been created by an old boyfriend when she was in college, before she met Alex. It seems the arts at the sore spot in their relationships. Just one of those little things that sets things edge. I said sure – – I was actually overwhelmed to know what else to say – –Yolanda beamed bent gave me a giant hug and kiss on the cheek. She said she wanted someone to have the piece and she said she knew I liked the artwork and felt I would appreciate and take care of a piece of her heart.

For some reason, when I moved from the house the artwork ended up stashed in the corner of my bedroom. I have my new cleaning professional put it on the wall and I was amazed at the difference I felt in that room. Now, I'm beginning to wonder through art galleries and shows looking for a piece or pieces of art to put on my wall – – I have a lot of space to fill. I can't afford the big pieces however I'm going to see if I can get some big pieces just the same from struggling beginning artists. Don't know how realistic this is, heck I even am considering making some big donkey art. In large a few pieces of Burros of the Apocalypse. People still love them and so do I.

In The Canyon Down Town

Well will it be union – one Canyon – two Canyon – three Canyon national

I really did not want to go and I had more than enough excuses not to goBut I went anyway just because I said that I would. Today was busy for a Wednesday for me. I found out last evening that I have a lunch date with two of my favorite people, Lori and Jerry at the local Village Inn. I mean I have to go if they choose the Village Inn because it's in my neighborhood, well now that I think, it's just around the corner from where Lori works so I can't take all the martyrdom. But still but rather be with my friends, peeps. It was not even a lunch it was a brunch so we all ordered breakfast. We talked and talked and talked. Lori brought a blog/story which was great. We hung out for two hours. It was 12:30 PM by the time he finished and I had to get downtown by 1:30 PM needless to say I did not make it.

The day was cold today felt like winter. I had to catch a couple of buses and train to give the Claire's office, my old office. Again, I don't know I wouldn't make the effort to make this meeting if I had not A chance to visit my old folks. The meeting was to begin at 1:30 PM. I don't think I got there until about 2:15 PM. There were not wrapping up the meeting but they're getting close. I'm not sure if they even want me at this meeting. One Of the people does big Dick but the other are marginal, If not lukewarm at best. A couple weeks ago I was accused of being too quiet at these meetings not often enough input. I didn't have anything to say. I let them know that I was supportive of whatever the group came up with… But I didn't really have a bunch of ideas.

I rode the Blueline Into the city which gets me a couple blocks from the office. Not so much going in to the city but going home and got the blue line southbound at the city center station. The station is right in the center of the canyons made out by the Salt Lake City skyline, what we count as an skyscrapers. I love the people, the energy and sites of downtown and how working in this area of the city made me feel.

It's cold down rolling around downtown. I should put my jacket on. Really need to get some gloves to start wearing – – gloves make all the difference in old man hands which seems to be greatly affected by the cold. I think the people The people downtown but funny. The rich guys, the slick guys and the down and outers. I never for a second think I look like one of the down and outers. All I need is a piece of cardboard and a felt tip to write my justification of need. I would fit right in. The best part would be I would be so obvious I would be invisible.