Dear Friends,
My day went as planned on Monday. My sister, father and I went to a family meeting at the nursing home. The meeting lasted for an hour. We decided that mom needs some time away from the nursing home. My sister volunteered to take Mom for a ride in my Dad's car on Wednesday at 10 AM. The staff will assist getting Mom into the passenger seat of the car. Marie will drive the car, and see some of the sights of Berkshire County.
There is still no way that Mom could go back home at the current time because she requires more assistance than what my sister, my father, and I could offer.
I went to bed a happy man last evening. My Red Sox won their game in Baltimore. The Yankees were idle on Monday.
Linda did eventually come home. I missed her return. I was in bed sound asleep. I didn't hear a thing. I will have to wait until she wakes up to get all the details of her Cape Cod adventure. We did talk on the telephone every day. The remaining friends did end their day with a harbor cruise out of Hyannis before heading back to the Berkshires. I am not sure if they perused the last Christmas Tree Shop (the one with the windmill) as they exit the Cape.
Linda already has us mentally booked in for a few days at the Cape later on this summer.
Politics -- The governor who "hiked" to Argentina to see his mistress is back at work as Governor in his State. It appears to be business as usual.
I did see read that men in Afghanistan want their wives to fulfill a husband's sexual appetite. I guess that these men won't except excuse of their wife being tired, or that the wife has a headache, etc. The Afghan men think that their women shouldn't be treated as equal partners in a marriage as we do in the United States. Us Americans not only get involved with the Politics of a country, but now we even try to change the deep rooted culture of a country.
Observation -- There was another accident over the weekend in Massachusetts involving a senior citizen and a pedestrian at the eastern end of the State. People in Massachusetts want our legislators to create some strict laws requiring seniors to be tested for their driving skills. I am not sure how my 85 year old dad would fare. I think that he does okay even though the back bumper of his car looked like he made contact with an unmovable object recently. I am not sure if his reflex actions are a good as they used to be, which is totally natural.
I do know that if he was found unable to retain his driving license, it would be like cutting off his legs. This would cause a new set of issues for my sister and I which we would not be looking forward to.
Well, my bachelor life for the past few days have come to an end.
I will let you know how this day turns out for us.
Social Calendar -- Linda has her monthly BONCO session at a friend's house this evening.
I have my Red Sox to keep me entertained.
I could head off to O'Laughlin's for some Irish music if the game is boring, on the other hand
I might want to stay away from places where I might stray from my new and healthy life style.
We have the potential for some severe weather today which might include hail.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
I was saddened to hear the news that the Oxiclean / Orangeglow, etc. pitchman, Billy Mays, died at age 50 yesterday. He was my hero! The Curley's own most of the products which he pitches. I don't think that he will get all the press that Michael Jackson's death is getting.
Speaking of Michael Jackson, I am trying to feel the sadness in his death, but it just is not working for me. Was he just another incredibly talented person whose fame and fortune brought upon his demise?
I think of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, John Belushi, Chris Farley, etc. Like I said, being of relative means, maybe is a good thing. Living from pension check to pension check doesn't allow for much free cash to purchase those happy pills, or drugs.
My friend, who fell off of the ladder, is doing better as long as he has his pain medication near by. His wife said that he wanted to do some yard work yesterday, but he was too groggy to do so. Like I said , his nick name was "Bull" when he was a kid growing up.
Linda and her girl friends had a cloudy day on the Cape so they didn't do much except shop, and dine out. Half of her girlfriends left the Cape because they had to report to work on Monday. The remaining girlfriends are going to shop and dine their way off of the Cape. Linda told me not to expect her to return until late tonight.
My Sunday golfing adventure at the Irish American Golf Tournament went okay. We had an A golfer, a C golfer (me), and two other people who play golf once a year. It was a long afternoon, but we did have much fun and merriment. I just about made it through the last four holes. I was one tired buckaroo by the time we finished the 18th hole. I felt okay except for a couple of twinges from the stitches in my belly button left over from my surgery.
Since I haven't swung a golf club since June 10, 2009, it appeared that I was a bit rusty.
Politics -- Some of the disgraced governor's constituents want their governor to be forgiven for his indiscretions. These are the same people who wanted to crucify Bill Clinton. If you violate the public trust, should you resign from office? I am amazed that the wives of these men who stray are forgiven so easily. I am pretty sure that us people, who have been married for so many years, have wives who wouldn't be so forgiving.
Speaking of marriage, I read about one of the owners of the Boston Red Sox getting married. The 400 hundred person reception, which I wasn't invited to, took place in the outfield of Fenway Park. The 60 year old, recently divorced man, married a 30 year old woman. Is this like marrying a person who is as old as your father? Can money buy love? Is this man a user of Viagra?
Sports -- My Red Sox lost, and the Yankees inched closer to the Red Sox in the standings with their win last night. The Sox are playing in Baltimore tonight. I can't wait!
Social Calendar -- We have a family meeting at the nursing home at 2:15 PM today, and that is it for my activities. Since I woke up so early, I will need a nap at some point today. Actually my body is a bit achy today. So many weeks of inactivity has put many of my muscles in atrophy. I better start some form of exercise. Maybe, I will start with a little walking before heading off to the nursing home.
Have a great week at work or play.
The Fourth of July is on the horizon.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I was saddened to hear the news that the Oxiclean / Orangeglow, etc. pitchman, Billy Mays, died at age 50 yesterday. He was my hero! The Curley's own most of the products which he pitches. I don't think that he will get all the press that Michael Jackson's death is getting.
Speaking of Michael Jackson, I am trying to feel the sadness in his death, but it just is not working for me. Was he just another incredibly talented person whose fame and fortune brought upon his demise?
I think of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, John Belushi, Chris Farley, etc. Like I said, being of relative means, maybe is a good thing. Living from pension check to pension check doesn't allow for much free cash to purchase those happy pills, or drugs.
My friend, who fell off of the ladder, is doing better as long as he has his pain medication near by. His wife said that he wanted to do some yard work yesterday, but he was too groggy to do so. Like I said , his nick name was "Bull" when he was a kid growing up.
Linda and her girl friends had a cloudy day on the Cape so they didn't do much except shop, and dine out. Half of her girlfriends left the Cape because they had to report to work on Monday. The remaining girlfriends are going to shop and dine their way off of the Cape. Linda told me not to expect her to return until late tonight.
My Sunday golfing adventure at the Irish American Golf Tournament went okay. We had an A golfer, a C golfer (me), and two other people who play golf once a year. It was a long afternoon, but we did have much fun and merriment. I just about made it through the last four holes. I was one tired buckaroo by the time we finished the 18th hole. I felt okay except for a couple of twinges from the stitches in my belly button left over from my surgery.
Since I haven't swung a golf club since June 10, 2009, it appeared that I was a bit rusty.
Politics -- Some of the disgraced governor's constituents want their governor to be forgiven for his indiscretions. These are the same people who wanted to crucify Bill Clinton. If you violate the public trust, should you resign from office? I am amazed that the wives of these men who stray are forgiven so easily. I am pretty sure that us people, who have been married for so many years, have wives who wouldn't be so forgiving.
Speaking of marriage, I read about one of the owners of the Boston Red Sox getting married. The 400 hundred person reception, which I wasn't invited to, took place in the outfield of Fenway Park. The 60 year old, recently divorced man, married a 30 year old woman. Is this like marrying a person who is as old as your father? Can money buy love? Is this man a user of Viagra?
Sports -- My Red Sox lost, and the Yankees inched closer to the Red Sox in the standings with their win last night. The Sox are playing in Baltimore tonight. I can't wait!
Social Calendar -- We have a family meeting at the nursing home at 2:15 PM today, and that is it for my activities. Since I woke up so early, I will need a nap at some point today. Actually my body is a bit achy today. So many weeks of inactivity has put many of my muscles in atrophy. I better start some form of exercise. Maybe, I will start with a little walking before heading off to the nursing home.
Have a great week at work or play.
The Fourth of July is on the horizon.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
My Saturday went as planned except for the usual bumps in the road.
I finished savoring a book, gave the lawn a trim, and took an afternoon nap.
When I woke up from the nap, there was a message on my answering machine that one of my golfing buddies for today's tournament had fallen off of a ladder, and landed on his deck. During the 8 to 10 feet fall, he used his arm to help break the fall. He landed on his back and shoulder. His wife was off working at her store. He did have a younger and more nimble helper who called 911. He was taken by ambulance to Berkshire Medical Center. I went off to the emergency room to visit with his wife, and see how damaged that my friend really was. I left the emergency room as my friend was going through CAT scans, and X-Rays, and headed off to a neighbor's graduation party.
When I called last evening, my friend and his wife were on their way to the pharmacy, and eventually to their home. Nothing was broken, but he did have a gash on his elbow which required 16 stitches. The doctor said that he should consider plastic surgery other wise he would have an ugly scar.
I will call this morning to see how he made it through the night. He wasn't too mobile when I saw him lying in the emergency room while waiting for those battery of tests. He couldn't roll over without out assistance. He was in severe pain when the nurses and doctors tried to move him.
He won't be swinging a golf club for a while. I don't want to give a recovery time line because when he was a kid growing up, his nickname was "Bull!"
Linda said that her and her girlfriends had another sunny day on Cape Cod. I don't think that they will see the sun today according to the Cape weather forecast. This means another day of shopping. I can't wait to see all the treasures which Linda returns home with. She is shopping her way off of the Cape on Monday.
There is a chance that a thunderstorm might pop up during the afternoon of our golf tournament. I can have fun in any weather conditions.
Sports -- My Red Sox won a close one yesterday afternoon while the Yankees won their evening game.
Politics -- Can you imagine that the politician who was "hiking" up the skirt of an Argentinian women wanted Bill Clinton's head on a platter when he strayed. "People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" as the saying goes.
Power and money might not be such a good thing to have. Us people of relative means can't afford to do what these wacko's do.
Observation -- When I went into the emergency room yesterday, I couldn't wait for the wife of my friend to get me into see my wounded warrior friend. I saw so many people coming through the emergency room doors with their mouths covered, or wearing face masks. There appeared to be "swine flu" in the air. If I don't get some kind of airborne illness, it will be a miracle.
Have to go and eat a healthy breakfast, and read the Sunday newspapers.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My Saturday went as planned except for the usual bumps in the road.
I finished savoring a book, gave the lawn a trim, and took an afternoon nap.
When I woke up from the nap, there was a message on my answering machine that one of my golfing buddies for today's tournament had fallen off of a ladder, and landed on his deck. During the 8 to 10 feet fall, he used his arm to help break the fall. He landed on his back and shoulder. His wife was off working at her store. He did have a younger and more nimble helper who called 911. He was taken by ambulance to Berkshire Medical Center. I went off to the emergency room to visit with his wife, and see how damaged that my friend really was. I left the emergency room as my friend was going through CAT scans, and X-Rays, and headed off to a neighbor's graduation party.
When I called last evening, my friend and his wife were on their way to the pharmacy, and eventually to their home. Nothing was broken, but he did have a gash on his elbow which required 16 stitches. The doctor said that he should consider plastic surgery other wise he would have an ugly scar.
I will call this morning to see how he made it through the night. He wasn't too mobile when I saw him lying in the emergency room while waiting for those battery of tests. He couldn't roll over without out assistance. He was in severe pain when the nurses and doctors tried to move him.
He won't be swinging a golf club for a while. I don't want to give a recovery time line because when he was a kid growing up, his nickname was "Bull!"
Linda said that her and her girlfriends had another sunny day on Cape Cod. I don't think that they will see the sun today according to the Cape weather forecast. This means another day of shopping. I can't wait to see all the treasures which Linda returns home with. She is shopping her way off of the Cape on Monday.
There is a chance that a thunderstorm might pop up during the afternoon of our golf tournament. I can have fun in any weather conditions.
Sports -- My Red Sox won a close one yesterday afternoon while the Yankees won their evening game.
Politics -- Can you imagine that the politician who was "hiking" up the skirt of an Argentinian women wanted Bill Clinton's head on a platter when he strayed. "People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" as the saying goes.
Power and money might not be such a good thing to have. Us people of relative means can't afford to do what these wacko's do.
Observation -- When I went into the emergency room yesterday, I couldn't wait for the wife of my friend to get me into see my wounded warrior friend. I saw so many people coming through the emergency room doors with their mouths covered, or wearing face masks. There appeared to be "swine flu" in the air. If I don't get some kind of airborne illness, it will be a miracle.
Have to go and eat a healthy breakfast, and read the Sunday newspapers.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
My Friday went as planned. I arrived at the nursing home at 9 AM to visit Mom.
The staff got her dressed, and in a wheel chair. I decided that she needed some fresh air so I pushed her around the exterior of the place for about an hour and one half. Mom was in the "shedding tears" mode which was very difficult for me to handle. By 11 AM, I said my "Goodbyes", and headed off to the family home in Lee. The postage size lawn did need a trim. Luckily I did get through just as the rains arrived.
As I was telling Mom about my surgery and recovery, and my change in eating habits, she said that I looked like that I was going to have a baby. She really knows how to hurt a guy!
My senior golfing friends managed to get in 15 holes before the rain interrupted their play. I am glad that I gave up golf to visit with my parents.
The house is quiet, which I am enjoying, but I do miss the joy of seeing the grandchild as she wakes up from a good night's sleep. It has been so quiet that I started savoring another book. I couldn't do much reading if the energizer bunny was around.
Social Calendar -- I have a high school graduation party to attend today a few doors north of our home. It starts at 4 PM.
Sunday, three friends and I will be playing in the noontime Irish American Golf Tournament at a course in a neighboring town. Not embarrassing ourselves will be a top priority.
Sports -- The Red Sox and the Yankees won their respective games on Friday evening. The Red Sox are on the Fox Channel game of the week at 4 PM today. I am pretty sure that my son in Kansas will be able to watch the game especially since the Red Sox are playing the Atlanta Braves.
Politics -- The United States wasn't lucky enough to get their person elected in Iran. Should we interfere with the political aspects of any sovereign nation? We haven't done it with Cuba for all the years Castro was in power. We haven't intervened in North Korea's elections, or the ones which take place in the African nations. I am all for helping when requested to do so.
Observation -- After seeing what my mother has gone through, and what she continues to go through, I have decided that a quick death is best thing that could happen for our end of life expectations. Life in a nursing home is not something that any one of us should be looking forward to. Where is Dr. Kevorkian when you need him?
Weather -- We have had our daily dose of rain on Friday. There continues to be a threat of an afternoon thundershower today and tomorrow.
Have a great Saturday, and Sunday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My Friday went as planned. I arrived at the nursing home at 9 AM to visit Mom.
The staff got her dressed, and in a wheel chair. I decided that she needed some fresh air so I pushed her around the exterior of the place for about an hour and one half. Mom was in the "shedding tears" mode which was very difficult for me to handle. By 11 AM, I said my "Goodbyes", and headed off to the family home in Lee. The postage size lawn did need a trim. Luckily I did get through just as the rains arrived.
As I was telling Mom about my surgery and recovery, and my change in eating habits, she said that I looked like that I was going to have a baby. She really knows how to hurt a guy!
My senior golfing friends managed to get in 15 holes before the rain interrupted their play. I am glad that I gave up golf to visit with my parents.
The house is quiet, which I am enjoying, but I do miss the joy of seeing the grandchild as she wakes up from a good night's sleep. It has been so quiet that I started savoring another book. I couldn't do much reading if the energizer bunny was around.
Social Calendar -- I have a high school graduation party to attend today a few doors north of our home. It starts at 4 PM.
Sunday, three friends and I will be playing in the noontime Irish American Golf Tournament at a course in a neighboring town. Not embarrassing ourselves will be a top priority.
Sports -- The Red Sox and the Yankees won their respective games on Friday evening. The Red Sox are on the Fox Channel game of the week at 4 PM today. I am pretty sure that my son in Kansas will be able to watch the game especially since the Red Sox are playing the Atlanta Braves.
Politics -- The United States wasn't lucky enough to get their person elected in Iran. Should we interfere with the political aspects of any sovereign nation? We haven't done it with Cuba for all the years Castro was in power. We haven't intervened in North Korea's elections, or the ones which take place in the African nations. I am all for helping when requested to do so.
Observation -- After seeing what my mother has gone through, and what she continues to go through, I have decided that a quick death is best thing that could happen for our end of life expectations. Life in a nursing home is not something that any one of us should be looking forward to. Where is Dr. Kevorkian when you need him?
Weather -- We have had our daily dose of rain on Friday. There continues to be a threat of an afternoon thundershower today and tomorrow.
Have a great Saturday, and Sunday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, June 26, 2009
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
My Thursday went as planned.
I say "my" because I am now "Home Alone!"
Linda hooked up with a couple of girl friends, and was on the beach by noon at Cape Cod. The were able to check in, unpack, and put on beachwear a little before noon.
One girlfriend wasn't able to make the trip because she contracted "Swine Flu". As of yesterday, no one had any details since half of the women didn't arrive until late on Thursday.
While she was arriving at Cape Cod, I was in my surgeon's office having my drain port removed. The wound is now bandaged, and the doctor said that I could resume normal activities as long as I wasn't experiencing any discomfort. He said that there is nothing that I could break.
I think that I will pass on Friday golf with the seniors, but I should be okay to play in Sunday's noontime Irish American Golf Tournament.
I will have to check with two friends who said that they would participate too. A week ago, I couldn't even begin to think about swinging a golf club.
My Red Sox got their butt kicked last evening. The Yankees won their game. Oh Darn!
Famous people dying, Iran in turmoil, political leaders having affairs, isn't the news quite depressing? Making our own news can help keep us sane.
Social Calendar -- I have to head off to the nursing home, and visit Mom, and see if Dad's lawn at the family home in Lee needs a trim.
I think that on Saturday, I will make a home cooked meal for him.
Observation -- I was thinking about all the people who I saw in the the hospital during my stay, and who were at the surgeon's office on Thursday. My pancreatitis, and eventual gall bladder removal was so trivial in the scheme of things. There are so many people going through life and death issues that my little experience was such a little bump in the road.
The one good thing was that it was a wake up call for me. I did lose a few pounds during the ordeal, but more important it was a wake up call for me. I am tired of being a full figured type of guy who wears XXL (sometimes larger) type of clothes.
Have a great Friday and weekend!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My Thursday went as planned.
I say "my" because I am now "Home Alone!"
Linda hooked up with a couple of girl friends, and was on the beach by noon at Cape Cod. The were able to check in, unpack, and put on beachwear a little before noon.
One girlfriend wasn't able to make the trip because she contracted "Swine Flu". As of yesterday, no one had any details since half of the women didn't arrive until late on Thursday.
While she was arriving at Cape Cod, I was in my surgeon's office having my drain port removed. The wound is now bandaged, and the doctor said that I could resume normal activities as long as I wasn't experiencing any discomfort. He said that there is nothing that I could break.
I think that I will pass on Friday golf with the seniors, but I should be okay to play in Sunday's noontime Irish American Golf Tournament.
I will have to check with two friends who said that they would participate too. A week ago, I couldn't even begin to think about swinging a golf club.
My Red Sox got their butt kicked last evening. The Yankees won their game. Oh Darn!
Famous people dying, Iran in turmoil, political leaders having affairs, isn't the news quite depressing? Making our own news can help keep us sane.
Social Calendar -- I have to head off to the nursing home, and visit Mom, and see if Dad's lawn at the family home in Lee needs a trim.
I think that on Saturday, I will make a home cooked meal for him.
Observation -- I was thinking about all the people who I saw in the the hospital during my stay, and who were at the surgeon's office on Thursday. My pancreatitis, and eventual gall bladder removal was so trivial in the scheme of things. There are so many people going through life and death issues that my little experience was such a little bump in the road.
The one good thing was that it was a wake up call for me. I did lose a few pounds during the ordeal, but more important it was a wake up call for me. I am tired of being a full figured type of guy who wears XXL (sometimes larger) type of clothes.
Have a great Friday and weekend!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Wednesday went as planned except for the usual bumps in the road. The day started with a forced wake up of Isabelle since we needed to exit Pittsfield at 7:30 AM for the 2,5 hour + drive east on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Traffic slowed as we went through the last exit on the Mass Pike because of bridge work. You know the three lanes into two lanes, and cars backed up for miles.
We arrived at the Delta Terminal around 10:45 AM for their 12:15 PM flight back to Kansas City, Kansas. After the drop off, which included shedding many tears, we headed to East Boston to drop off some shower gifts at Kevin and Kyla's apartment. Kevin was so busy getting ready for the 11 AM opening of the restaurant that we only have time for a couple of hugs before we got in our car and headed back to the Berkshires. We arrived home about 1:30 PM, and I was so exhausted that I took a nap. My nap lasted until 5 PM when Linda called while she was doing errands.
Linda did leave a message for Danielle on her cell phone at an hour that we thought that they should have arrived back in Kansas. Well, the flight didn't go as planned. There was a 45 minutes delay out of Logan so that they missed their connection in Atlanta. Delta put Danielle, and Isabelle on standby, and got them out of Atlanta about an 1.5 hours after their original scheduled departure time. To be in charge of a toddler, with no husband to help you, was quite a challenge for Danielle. When the finally did get on the airplane, they were in the very back of the aircraft, and there wasn't even a window next to their seat. Luckily a toddler in the seat in front of them kept popping up and down to keep Isabelle entertained.
Mike picked them up at the airport, and they finally made their way back to their home.
I can't believe how quiet the house is. Within a few short hours, the energizer bunny was gone, and Linda just had me to bond with instead of Danielle.
My Linda was like a possessed woman the minute that we arrived home. She had to gathering all the stuff needed to take on her weekend adventure to Cape Cod. I told her to pack light since it is a Thursday through Monday adventure. Yeah Right! Good thing that she will be riding with only one person. She has packed enough, clothes, snack food, beverages, etc. which would take her through a two week visit.
My drain port removal got postponed again. Hopefully it will be taken out at 11:30 AM this morning. I am getting good at putting on my own bandage. Whenever I get up in the morning, I start leaking. A friend told me that this would happen.
I am continuing with my low fat diet. It will take a while before I shed those unneeded pounds. I am trying to avoid alcohol consumption too for a while. This will be quite a challenge. Maybe I will just do red and white wine. Beer puts on the old calories.
My cell phone is almost back to normal. I can make and receive telephone calls. I am working on trying to stop the humming when I go to shut off the cell phone. I think that I might need to give the cell phone a little hair dryer treatment once again. From what I learned , you have to give the cell phone a good week to dry out after putting it through the clothes washing cycle.
Sports -- My Red Sox won once again. The Yankees won their game too.
Politics -- Still not into Politics right now.
Observation -- How does one pack light when going on a trip? When on a trip, one friend uses old shirts and underwear, and throws them out as needed. This backfired one day when a housekeeper of the hotel which he was a guest at, caught up with him as my friend was checking out. The housekeeper gave him a bag filled of clothes which my friend had intended to throw out. The housekeeper thought that my friend forgot to pack the dirty clothes. My friend was quite embarrassed!
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Wednesday went as planned except for the usual bumps in the road. The day started with a forced wake up of Isabelle since we needed to exit Pittsfield at 7:30 AM for the 2,5 hour + drive east on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Traffic slowed as we went through the last exit on the Mass Pike because of bridge work. You know the three lanes into two lanes, and cars backed up for miles.
We arrived at the Delta Terminal around 10:45 AM for their 12:15 PM flight back to Kansas City, Kansas. After the drop off, which included shedding many tears, we headed to East Boston to drop off some shower gifts at Kevin and Kyla's apartment. Kevin was so busy getting ready for the 11 AM opening of the restaurant that we only have time for a couple of hugs before we got in our car and headed back to the Berkshires. We arrived home about 1:30 PM, and I was so exhausted that I took a nap. My nap lasted until 5 PM when Linda called while she was doing errands.
Linda did leave a message for Danielle on her cell phone at an hour that we thought that they should have arrived back in Kansas. Well, the flight didn't go as planned. There was a 45 minutes delay out of Logan so that they missed their connection in Atlanta. Delta put Danielle, and Isabelle on standby, and got them out of Atlanta about an 1.5 hours after their original scheduled departure time. To be in charge of a toddler, with no husband to help you, was quite a challenge for Danielle. When the finally did get on the airplane, they were in the very back of the aircraft, and there wasn't even a window next to their seat. Luckily a toddler in the seat in front of them kept popping up and down to keep Isabelle entertained.
Mike picked them up at the airport, and they finally made their way back to their home.
I can't believe how quiet the house is. Within a few short hours, the energizer bunny was gone, and Linda just had me to bond with instead of Danielle.
My Linda was like a possessed woman the minute that we arrived home. She had to gathering all the stuff needed to take on her weekend adventure to Cape Cod. I told her to pack light since it is a Thursday through Monday adventure. Yeah Right! Good thing that she will be riding with only one person. She has packed enough, clothes, snack food, beverages, etc. which would take her through a two week visit.
My drain port removal got postponed again. Hopefully it will be taken out at 11:30 AM this morning. I am getting good at putting on my own bandage. Whenever I get up in the morning, I start leaking. A friend told me that this would happen.
I am continuing with my low fat diet. It will take a while before I shed those unneeded pounds. I am trying to avoid alcohol consumption too for a while. This will be quite a challenge. Maybe I will just do red and white wine. Beer puts on the old calories.
My cell phone is almost back to normal. I can make and receive telephone calls. I am working on trying to stop the humming when I go to shut off the cell phone. I think that I might need to give the cell phone a little hair dryer treatment once again. From what I learned , you have to give the cell phone a good week to dry out after putting it through the clothes washing cycle.
Sports -- My Red Sox won once again. The Yankees won their game too.
Politics -- Still not into Politics right now.
Observation -- How does one pack light when going on a trip? When on a trip, one friend uses old shirts and underwear, and throws them out as needed. This backfired one day when a housekeeper of the hotel which he was a guest at, caught up with him as my friend was checking out. The housekeeper gave him a bag filled of clothes which my friend had intended to throw out. The housekeeper thought that my friend forgot to pack the dirty clothes. My friend was quite embarrassed!
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
We had a pleasant day on Tuesday with the usual bumps along the road.
My drainage port didn't get removed on Tuesday because my surgeon was busy with an unplanned surgery.
I can't get it taken out today because we will be exiting the house, and heading to Logan airport at 7:30 AM to drop off Danielle and Isabelle.
We will make a quick stop at Kevin and Kyla's place before heading home.
Linda has to get home and pack for her adventure at Cape Cod. She is going to be picked up at 6 AM on Thursday morning.
Our impromptu cookout went well last evening. We ended up with 10 adults, and two babies. I grilled some vegetables to go along with some grilled boneless chicken breasts. A couple of salads, and some fruit for dessert was all that was needed for a great meal.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox won, and the Yankees lost.
Cell Phone -- I decided to hold off with the cell phone replacement for another day. My cell phone has a hint of returning to normal as it continues to dry out. Why rush it, I get a refurbished cell phone anyways.
Politics -- I was too busy on Tuesday to pay attention to world politics.
Observation -- My bed making comments did illicit some good responses. A good number of bed makers did respond. A single male did say that he pretty much never makes his bed.
Observation for Wednesday -- School is finally out in Pittsfield. The school year ended for the students at noontime on Tuesday. The summer vacation reminds me of the never ending discussion of year round school. Several years ago, San Diego, California had year round school. When the surf was up, very few students showed up for school. They decided to end the experiment.
It would be very convenient for parents to have year round school. The parents would have a built in baby sitting service.
Dealing with activities for your children all summer long is quite a challenge for working parents, but it is part of the child rearing process.
How did us Baby Boomers survive those shorter school years, and less hours in the classroom? Sometimes "Less is more."
Have a great Wednesday!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
P.S. My friend and neighbor did cut my lawn for a second time on Tuesday. I owe him big time especially since he even weed whacked around the flower beds, etc. too. I was so tired that I went down for an afternoon nap before he finished the task. My friend went home exhausted since he took care of his lawn before doing mine.
We had a pleasant day on Tuesday with the usual bumps along the road.
My drainage port didn't get removed on Tuesday because my surgeon was busy with an unplanned surgery.
I can't get it taken out today because we will be exiting the house, and heading to Logan airport at 7:30 AM to drop off Danielle and Isabelle.
We will make a quick stop at Kevin and Kyla's place before heading home.
Linda has to get home and pack for her adventure at Cape Cod. She is going to be picked up at 6 AM on Thursday morning.
Our impromptu cookout went well last evening. We ended up with 10 adults, and two babies. I grilled some vegetables to go along with some grilled boneless chicken breasts. A couple of salads, and some fruit for dessert was all that was needed for a great meal.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening since my Red Sox won, and the Yankees lost.
Cell Phone -- I decided to hold off with the cell phone replacement for another day. My cell phone has a hint of returning to normal as it continues to dry out. Why rush it, I get a refurbished cell phone anyways.
Politics -- I was too busy on Tuesday to pay attention to world politics.
Observation -- My bed making comments did illicit some good responses. A good number of bed makers did respond. A single male did say that he pretty much never makes his bed.
Observation for Wednesday -- School is finally out in Pittsfield. The school year ended for the students at noontime on Tuesday. The summer vacation reminds me of the never ending discussion of year round school. Several years ago, San Diego, California had year round school. When the surf was up, very few students showed up for school. They decided to end the experiment.
It would be very convenient for parents to have year round school. The parents would have a built in baby sitting service.
Dealing with activities for your children all summer long is quite a challenge for working parents, but it is part of the child rearing process.
How did us Baby Boomers survive those shorter school years, and less hours in the classroom? Sometimes "Less is more."
Have a great Wednesday!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
P.S. My friend and neighbor did cut my lawn for a second time on Tuesday. I owe him big time especially since he even weed whacked around the flower beds, etc. too. I was so tired that I went down for an afternoon nap before he finished the task. My friend went home exhausted since he took care of his lawn before doing mine.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Despite the cloudy weather, our Monday went as planned for the most part. Isabelle, Danielle, Linda and I went off to see my mother in the nursing home in Lee. As we were exiting the place, we ran into my father. After a few hugs, kisses, and pictures we headed back to Pittsfield for lunch.
After Lunch, I decided to take a nap at the same time Isabelle went for her's. Isabelle woke up fist, and they headed off to the boundless playground for a couple of hours. They left me home still asleep.
It was supper time when they arrived home. Isabelle was so hungry from her playing that she ate two hot dogs, vegetables, and some jello. I grilled some burgers for the adults. Besides Linda and Danielle, our friend who stopped over on Sunday night decided she wanted to see Isabelle once again.
What is really sad is that I couldn't eat what I was grilling. I wanted to gobble up a couple of hamburgers with all the fixings, as well as a handful of chips. I had my bowl of soup and saltines along with some fruit. Oh Joy!
We will be having guests for supper once again. Another former colleague, my sister, her husband, and her son Christopher will be joining us. Christopher loves my handcrafted "Franny burgers".
Today is the last full day of enjoying Danielle, and Isabelle. It is difficult to believe that they have been here 6 days already.
Tuesday is also the day that Linda and I are going off to the cell phone store to order a replacement for my "lost" cell phone. I tried the cell phone covered in rice approach for several days. I used the hair dryer yesterday, and the cell phone still doesn't work.
I have a 3:15 PM appointment today at my surgeon's office to remove the port. Linda will be so happy because she will be changing the bandage for the last time this morning.
Politics -- The President has a Rose Garden Press conference today at 12:30 PM. He will be responding to questions. For sure he will be asked about the Iran elections, and North Korea.
Sports -- My Red Sox are back in action this evening. They are playing the Washington Nationals. Sometimes the best teams have trouble beating the worst teams in baseball. Let us hope that this doesn't happen to the Red Sox. They are maintaining a four game lead in their division right now.
Observation -- In the USA the other day, there was an article about the percentage of people who make their beds. 2 % never do! I am married to a bed maker. When it is time for sleep, she wants to get into a made bed. She wants it to be like you were in a hotel room where the housekeeping personnel cleans your room, and makes the bed.
I was wondering what some of my readers do about making beds in your own home. For me, I wouldn't care if it was made every other day, but this doesn't happen any more. Is making your bed a top priority in your life?
Well, have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Despite the cloudy weather, our Monday went as planned for the most part. Isabelle, Danielle, Linda and I went off to see my mother in the nursing home in Lee. As we were exiting the place, we ran into my father. After a few hugs, kisses, and pictures we headed back to Pittsfield for lunch.
After Lunch, I decided to take a nap at the same time Isabelle went for her's. Isabelle woke up fist, and they headed off to the boundless playground for a couple of hours. They left me home still asleep.
It was supper time when they arrived home. Isabelle was so hungry from her playing that she ate two hot dogs, vegetables, and some jello. I grilled some burgers for the adults. Besides Linda and Danielle, our friend who stopped over on Sunday night decided she wanted to see Isabelle once again.
What is really sad is that I couldn't eat what I was grilling. I wanted to gobble up a couple of hamburgers with all the fixings, as well as a handful of chips. I had my bowl of soup and saltines along with some fruit. Oh Joy!
We will be having guests for supper once again. Another former colleague, my sister, her husband, and her son Christopher will be joining us. Christopher loves my handcrafted "Franny burgers".
Today is the last full day of enjoying Danielle, and Isabelle. It is difficult to believe that they have been here 6 days already.
Tuesday is also the day that Linda and I are going off to the cell phone store to order a replacement for my "lost" cell phone. I tried the cell phone covered in rice approach for several days. I used the hair dryer yesterday, and the cell phone still doesn't work.
I have a 3:15 PM appointment today at my surgeon's office to remove the port. Linda will be so happy because she will be changing the bandage for the last time this morning.
Politics -- The President has a Rose Garden Press conference today at 12:30 PM. He will be responding to questions. For sure he will be asked about the Iran elections, and North Korea.
Sports -- My Red Sox are back in action this evening. They are playing the Washington Nationals. Sometimes the best teams have trouble beating the worst teams in baseball. Let us hope that this doesn't happen to the Red Sox. They are maintaining a four game lead in their division right now.
Observation -- In the USA the other day, there was an article about the percentage of people who make their beds. 2 % never do! I am married to a bed maker. When it is time for sleep, she wants to get into a made bed. She wants it to be like you were in a hotel room where the housekeeping personnel cleans your room, and makes the bed.
I was wondering what some of my readers do about making beds in your own home. For me, I wouldn't care if it was made every other day, but this doesn't happen any more. Is making your bed a top priority in your life?
Well, have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Father's Day went okay in the Berkshires. My father wasn't feeling well, so he didn't make the cookout.
We actually didn't have a cookout at all.
Kyla had some lunch, packed up her car, and headed back to East Boston at little after noon.
In between the rain drops, I took Isabelle for a walk around the block. Both Isabelle and I took long naps. We woke up just as the Red Sox won their game with a walk off home run by Nick Green. (The Yankees lost their game.)
When I cam down stairs, we had a guest, whom I used to teach with, visiting us for a couple of hours. She wasn't able to attend the baby shower because she had a large role in "The Relay for Life" Cancer event which was held this past weekend. She really wanted to see Isabelle. The last time that she saw Isabelle was when she attended Kevin and Kyla's wedding a year ago. she will be making a return visit after work today.
Speaking of our guest, when I told her that I wasn't doing well after the gall bladder surgery, she asked me what I have been eating. She gasped when I told her that I consumed hot dogs, and hamburgs, and chicken with the skin on. Since she went through the same surgery this past November, she told me that I really made a mistake eating what I did. She said that I should be eating high protein, and no fat foods. She said that drinking coffee is a "No No", but tea is okay. She said that I should drink plenty of liquids (water), and eat small and many meals. I didn't tell her that I had some Red Wine. Is this a healthy liquid to consume?
For supper, I did what she suggested, and I had no bouts of nausea!
Weather -- The weather prognosticators are claiming that we are going to have summer like weather starting around Wednesday, and lasting right through the weekend. The forecast is great for Linda's girls' weekend at Cape Cod.
The stain that I put on the deck is working very well. It is getting a workout since we have had daily rains. The stain is working so well that I could make a commercial for the Home Depot product.
I am not sure if the VNA is coming into change the bandage, and drain the bag today. Linda has mastered the bandaging part as well as deactivating, and activating the drainage bag.
Politics-- Do you think that the CIA had anything to do with the turmoil in Iran? I think that the person who lost the election was the one whom the United States wanted in office.
Sports -- I have the final round of the United States Open to keep me entertained today. Coverage starts at 9:30 AM.
Social Calendar -- Entertaining Isabelle is a top priority. For several days, we wanted to take her to what they call a "boundless playground". The daily rains have made this impossible.
Observation -- Grandchildren are great, but they require a lot of energy from the parents / caregivers. A 62 year old person chasing the "energizer bunny" is not very easy. I don't know how those women, who chose to have babies when they are 50 years old or older, can do it. Child bearing and child rearing is for the younger generation.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Father's Day went okay in the Berkshires. My father wasn't feeling well, so he didn't make the cookout.
We actually didn't have a cookout at all.
Kyla had some lunch, packed up her car, and headed back to East Boston at little after noon.
In between the rain drops, I took Isabelle for a walk around the block. Both Isabelle and I took long naps. We woke up just as the Red Sox won their game with a walk off home run by Nick Green. (The Yankees lost their game.)
When I cam down stairs, we had a guest, whom I used to teach with, visiting us for a couple of hours. She wasn't able to attend the baby shower because she had a large role in "The Relay for Life" Cancer event which was held this past weekend. She really wanted to see Isabelle. The last time that she saw Isabelle was when she attended Kevin and Kyla's wedding a year ago. she will be making a return visit after work today.
Speaking of our guest, when I told her that I wasn't doing well after the gall bladder surgery, she asked me what I have been eating. She gasped when I told her that I consumed hot dogs, and hamburgs, and chicken with the skin on. Since she went through the same surgery this past November, she told me that I really made a mistake eating what I did. She said that I should be eating high protein, and no fat foods. She said that drinking coffee is a "No No", but tea is okay. She said that I should drink plenty of liquids (water), and eat small and many meals. I didn't tell her that I had some Red Wine. Is this a healthy liquid to consume?
For supper, I did what she suggested, and I had no bouts of nausea!
Weather -- The weather prognosticators are claiming that we are going to have summer like weather starting around Wednesday, and lasting right through the weekend. The forecast is great for Linda's girls' weekend at Cape Cod.
The stain that I put on the deck is working very well. It is getting a workout since we have had daily rains. The stain is working so well that I could make a commercial for the Home Depot product.
I am not sure if the VNA is coming into change the bandage, and drain the bag today. Linda has mastered the bandaging part as well as deactivating, and activating the drainage bag.
Politics-- Do you think that the CIA had anything to do with the turmoil in Iran? I think that the person who lost the election was the one whom the United States wanted in office.
Sports -- I have the final round of the United States Open to keep me entertained today. Coverage starts at 9:30 AM.
Social Calendar -- Entertaining Isabelle is a top priority. For several days, we wanted to take her to what they call a "boundless playground". The daily rains have made this impossible.
Observation -- Grandchildren are great, but they require a lot of energy from the parents / caregivers. A 62 year old person chasing the "energizer bunny" is not very easy. I don't know how those women, who chose to have babies when they are 50 years old or older, can do it. Child bearing and child rearing is for the younger generation.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Hello on Father's Day
Dear Friends,
I want to wish all you father's and father's to be out there a "Happy Father's Day!"
Some of us are so fortunate to have our father's still with us. My 85 year old dad will be joining us for some hot dogs and hamburgs cooked on the grill today. I am cooking on the grill rain or shine.
I wish that Mom was well enough to attend the Father's Day festivities (and yesterday's shower). My dad is still talking about getting her back into the family home in Lee. If she is successful in getting Medicaid, then it will happen for sure.
Speaking of the grill, yesterday a couple of friends came over to watch some PGA golf while our wives were attending the Baby Shower for Kyla. When they arrived, I asked how many and what kind of meats that they would like me to grill. One of the guests said: "Fran, why don't you sit down, and I will do the cooking for you?" This is exactly what life is all about! My friend knew that I should be doing more relaxing and healing from my surgery. He cooked those burgers, and dogs to perfection. He can cook for me any time.
I took one bite of the hot dog, reached for a drink, and knocked a full glass of diet coke on our light brown rug. Another friend helped clean up the mess which I created.
The Baby shower went very well. Kyla's Nissan Murano is full of shower gifts from top to bottom. Unless she does some rearranging, there isn't any room for her two dogs. Kevin decided to stay in East Boston, and not close his restaurant on Saturday. It was a good move because he was very busy when Kyla called him after the shower.
Our second activity of the day went very well. There was much fun and merriment at our friend's home. John was going to finish off the main meal on the grill, but heavy rains quickly put a damper on that concept. Luckily my friend prepared foods that could be finished off in the oven. Home made chocolate chip cookies, and some left over cake from the shower was all we needed to finish off the meal.
I did take a little flack from Linda as she observed what I put on my plate on the buffet served style meal. She was very happy that I missed seeing the sausage tucked in between the chicken thighs, and drum sticks. I wanted to go back, and get what I missed, but she wouldn't let me get out of my chair at the dinning room table.
There seems to be a lack of trust issue with respect to me being left alone when there is food available. She is extremely nervous that when she goes to Cape Cod with her girlfriends this coming Thursday, that I will be a bad boy. She doesn't want me to end up in the hospital especially since she won't be home for several days. I think that she liked it better when I was eating ice-chips while I was in the hospital.
Sports -- I did watch a couple of the last few innings of the Red Sox game last night. The starting pitcher lasted all 9 innings for their shutout win. The Yankees lost their game. The Red Sox continue to lead their division. The Sox game starts at 1:35 PM today, weather permitting.
Speaking of weather, our flowers need a little break from the seemingly endless rains. For us to see the sun for a 24 hour period will be truly amazing.
My health -- I continue to be nauseous after every meal. The food always feels great going down, but then I get into a period of not feeling well. I feel good right now since I took my once a day Prilosec (actually a knock off).
Observation -- I was told that there were several babies at the shower yesterday. I asked how our granddaughter conducted herself during the event. She ran from table to table, and was loved by everyone. I did hear that she tackled my sister's grandchild, Matthew. She was attempting to give him a hug, and it ended up like a collision between two football players.
Well, I have to skim the local newspaper before the house wakes up, and the lady from the VNA shows up to change the bandage, and empty the drainage bag.
Have a great Sunday. The Curley Lad
I want to wish all you father's and father's to be out there a "Happy Father's Day!"
Some of us are so fortunate to have our father's still with us. My 85 year old dad will be joining us for some hot dogs and hamburgs cooked on the grill today. I am cooking on the grill rain or shine.
I wish that Mom was well enough to attend the Father's Day festivities (and yesterday's shower). My dad is still talking about getting her back into the family home in Lee. If she is successful in getting Medicaid, then it will happen for sure.
Speaking of the grill, yesterday a couple of friends came over to watch some PGA golf while our wives were attending the Baby Shower for Kyla. When they arrived, I asked how many and what kind of meats that they would like me to grill. One of the guests said: "Fran, why don't you sit down, and I will do the cooking for you?" This is exactly what life is all about! My friend knew that I should be doing more relaxing and healing from my surgery. He cooked those burgers, and dogs to perfection. He can cook for me any time.
I took one bite of the hot dog, reached for a drink, and knocked a full glass of diet coke on our light brown rug. Another friend helped clean up the mess which I created.
The Baby shower went very well. Kyla's Nissan Murano is full of shower gifts from top to bottom. Unless she does some rearranging, there isn't any room for her two dogs. Kevin decided to stay in East Boston, and not close his restaurant on Saturday. It was a good move because he was very busy when Kyla called him after the shower.
Our second activity of the day went very well. There was much fun and merriment at our friend's home. John was going to finish off the main meal on the grill, but heavy rains quickly put a damper on that concept. Luckily my friend prepared foods that could be finished off in the oven. Home made chocolate chip cookies, and some left over cake from the shower was all we needed to finish off the meal.
I did take a little flack from Linda as she observed what I put on my plate on the buffet served style meal. She was very happy that I missed seeing the sausage tucked in between the chicken thighs, and drum sticks. I wanted to go back, and get what I missed, but she wouldn't let me get out of my chair at the dinning room table.
There seems to be a lack of trust issue with respect to me being left alone when there is food available. She is extremely nervous that when she goes to Cape Cod with her girlfriends this coming Thursday, that I will be a bad boy. She doesn't want me to end up in the hospital especially since she won't be home for several days. I think that she liked it better when I was eating ice-chips while I was in the hospital.
Sports -- I did watch a couple of the last few innings of the Red Sox game last night. The starting pitcher lasted all 9 innings for their shutout win. The Yankees lost their game. The Red Sox continue to lead their division. The Sox game starts at 1:35 PM today, weather permitting.
Speaking of weather, our flowers need a little break from the seemingly endless rains. For us to see the sun for a 24 hour period will be truly amazing.
My health -- I continue to be nauseous after every meal. The food always feels great going down, but then I get into a period of not feeling well. I feel good right now since I took my once a day Prilosec (actually a knock off).
Observation -- I was told that there were several babies at the shower yesterday. I asked how our granddaughter conducted herself during the event. She ran from table to table, and was loved by everyone. I did hear that she tackled my sister's grandchild, Matthew. She was attempting to give him a hug, and it ended up like a collision between two football players.
Well, I have to skim the local newspaper before the house wakes up, and the lady from the VNA shows up to change the bandage, and empty the drainage bag.
Have a great Sunday. The Curley Lad
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
I should be sleeping right now, but around 3 AM I felt nauseous, and I was also ready for a pain pill. Of course, they are downstairs in the kitchen. Once I got up and headed downstairs, I was wide awake. Oh Darn!
Friday went as planned! I tried to relax which was nearly impossible. When you have 3 adult females, an 18 month old "energizer bunny", and two dogs, there is always something to do or help out with.
I did experience more nausea throughout out the day especially after I ate something. I was careful in what I consumed.
For supper I did eat first. The baked fish dinner was okay. I sat down and watched the start of the Red Sox game while the women were oohing and awing over there steamed lobsters.
I was feeling nauseous again, but it was due to the play of the Red Sox caused by the poor pitching of Dice K. The fans booed Dice K. as he left the top of the fifth inning, and headed for the dugout. There will be some changes in the Red Sox starting rotation.
The VNA nurse did come to house and took care of what she had to do. She arrived just as everybody in the house was ready to have some lunch. Visualize all the above mentioned people and creatures, plus me and the VNA nurse at the kitchen table at the same time. I assumed the visit would take 10 to 15 minutes maximum. Not! The nurse had to enter vital information in to her computer which took close to an hour. Also visualize a nurse, in the 80 year old range, who limped up the driveway, and who had trouble managing the steps leading to the front door of our house. Her mind was very sharp even though working 41 years at Berkshire Medical Center had taken its toll on her body.
She will be back at 8 AM this morning, but without her computer.
Today is the Baby Shower for Kyla. Linda is planning on leaving the house for a cake pick up at 11 AM, and then on to Zucchini's Restaurant for the 12 PM Shower. I will be dog sitting, and a couple of male friends are planning on bonding with me while their wives attend the shower. The original plan was for me to hang out near the restaurant while our grandchild got passed from person to person so that I could take Isabelle outside (if she got cranky), and give her a ride in her stroller. I think that the Shower guests can keep Isabelle entertained for the duration of the shower.
No, the Curley day doesn't end when the shower does. We are off to a house party / cookout this evening. Even if my body isn't working at 100 %, I will never say "No" to an invitation.
I actually feel pretty good right now. Two Tums did the trick, and I didn't need to pop a Vicodin.
The birds in the backyard have started chirping already. They know when they see lights on in the Curley house, that it might be time to get up. Yeah Right!
I received a telephone call yesterday from a friend which also made me nauseous. My friend was director of the CYC Center. He was let go on the same day that I was operated on. He goes off to the CYC on this past Monday morning as usual. When he arrived, he was asked to turn in his keys, pack up his stuff, and exit the building. I felt so bad as he is telling me the story because if you knew how hard this guy worked, and the countless and thankless hours that he has devoted his life for the youth of Pittsfield, you would question how his dismissal could even happen. This guy was a teacher in one of the Catholic Schools, and taught our son Michael 5th grade science before he eventually became director of the CYC. Some members of the board didn't like the direction in which the CYC was headed.
My friend is so organized in everything that he does, you would want him working for your company. He has already received a couple of job offers, once people found out that he was dismissed. His dismissal hasn't hit the local newspapers, but it should appear any day now.
I followed him a President of UNICO. He helped me make it through my year as President.
As we ended the telephone conversation, my friend seemed upbeat. It is a bump in the road of life, and I know that my friend will overcome it.
Politics -- I must admit that I haven't been paying too much attention to what is going on in Washington. My healing, and my family are two most important things in my life.
Well, I am going to empty the dishwasher as quietly as possible.
Have a great weekend!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I should be sleeping right now, but around 3 AM I felt nauseous, and I was also ready for a pain pill. Of course, they are downstairs in the kitchen. Once I got up and headed downstairs, I was wide awake. Oh Darn!
Friday went as planned! I tried to relax which was nearly impossible. When you have 3 adult females, an 18 month old "energizer bunny", and two dogs, there is always something to do or help out with.
I did experience more nausea throughout out the day especially after I ate something. I was careful in what I consumed.
For supper I did eat first. The baked fish dinner was okay. I sat down and watched the start of the Red Sox game while the women were oohing and awing over there steamed lobsters.
I was feeling nauseous again, but it was due to the play of the Red Sox caused by the poor pitching of Dice K. The fans booed Dice K. as he left the top of the fifth inning, and headed for the dugout. There will be some changes in the Red Sox starting rotation.
The VNA nurse did come to house and took care of what she had to do. She arrived just as everybody in the house was ready to have some lunch. Visualize all the above mentioned people and creatures, plus me and the VNA nurse at the kitchen table at the same time. I assumed the visit would take 10 to 15 minutes maximum. Not! The nurse had to enter vital information in to her computer which took close to an hour. Also visualize a nurse, in the 80 year old range, who limped up the driveway, and who had trouble managing the steps leading to the front door of our house. Her mind was very sharp even though working 41 years at Berkshire Medical Center had taken its toll on her body.
She will be back at 8 AM this morning, but without her computer.
Today is the Baby Shower for Kyla. Linda is planning on leaving the house for a cake pick up at 11 AM, and then on to Zucchini's Restaurant for the 12 PM Shower. I will be dog sitting, and a couple of male friends are planning on bonding with me while their wives attend the shower. The original plan was for me to hang out near the restaurant while our grandchild got passed from person to person so that I could take Isabelle outside (if she got cranky), and give her a ride in her stroller. I think that the Shower guests can keep Isabelle entertained for the duration of the shower.
No, the Curley day doesn't end when the shower does. We are off to a house party / cookout this evening. Even if my body isn't working at 100 %, I will never say "No" to an invitation.
I actually feel pretty good right now. Two Tums did the trick, and I didn't need to pop a Vicodin.
The birds in the backyard have started chirping already. They know when they see lights on in the Curley house, that it might be time to get up. Yeah Right!
I received a telephone call yesterday from a friend which also made me nauseous. My friend was director of the CYC Center. He was let go on the same day that I was operated on. He goes off to the CYC on this past Monday morning as usual. When he arrived, he was asked to turn in his keys, pack up his stuff, and exit the building. I felt so bad as he is telling me the story because if you knew how hard this guy worked, and the countless and thankless hours that he has devoted his life for the youth of Pittsfield, you would question how his dismissal could even happen. This guy was a teacher in one of the Catholic Schools, and taught our son Michael 5th grade science before he eventually became director of the CYC. Some members of the board didn't like the direction in which the CYC was headed.
My friend is so organized in everything that he does, you would want him working for your company. He has already received a couple of job offers, once people found out that he was dismissed. His dismissal hasn't hit the local newspapers, but it should appear any day now.
I followed him a President of UNICO. He helped me make it through my year as President.
As we ended the telephone conversation, my friend seemed upbeat. It is a bump in the road of life, and I know that my friend will overcome it.
Politics -- I must admit that I haven't been paying too much attention to what is going on in Washington. My healing, and my family are two most important things in my life.
Well, I am going to empty the dishwasher as quietly as possible.
Have a great weekend!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, June 19, 2009
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
The rest of the day on Thursday went well with only a few bumps in the road. The first bump in the road was that I forgot to take my cell phone out of my cargo pants. Yes, I washed another cell phone. I went into the laundry room, and I heard this buzzing as I was emptying the washing machine. The cell phone was just crying for help.
I did what you are supposed to do for a couple of days which is to take the battery out of the machine, and cover the cell phone with rice. If this doesn't work, it will be a trip back to the cell phone store. Good thing that I do have insurance on my cell phone only. Linda was correct when she had me sign up for the insurance. She knows my past history.
Of course, I am going to tell the cell phone place that I lost my cell phone, and not washed it again.
Our grand daughter Isabelle is playing with one of my old cell phone that I have "lost" in the past.
I finally did get to take a shower after my stay in the hospital. I had a little problem with this which I didn't discover until after I got dressed. I let the water hit every part of my body in the shower, including the bandage around the sewn in port on my right side. I didn't realize that the bandage material would act like a sponge. Water drain down my pants leg for about three hours.
I started eating healthy yesterday. Linda made a baked fish dinner which was wonderful. Normally , I would help with the cleanup, but I didn't. Linda did it all. Even though I went to bed after supper to watch the Red Sox game, Linda stayed up to greet our other daughter-in-law from East Boston. Kyla arrived around 9:30 PM. I heard one of her two dogs bark, but I was too tired to get up.
Yes, our grandchild Isabelle is a cutie. She is in the toddler stage which means she likes to run around a lot, and touch everything, especially items with buttons. She even tried to yank the port hose from my body, but Danielle saw her going for it, and grabbed her first. Linda did do a very good job of child proofing the house, but it is difficult to chase down the "energizer bunny" all day long. I know Linda went to bed exhausted.
I did take Isabelle out in the rain at one point yesterday afternoon. She loved it. She cried when we tried to get her to come back into the house. She will love playing with the two dogs as they run around in the backyard today.
The Visiting nurse person is coming in to change my bandage, and empty the drainage bag today, and for the next two weeks (hopefully less). I could have used some Vicodin last night, but I never got the prescription filled. When my sister picked me up after discharge, she offered to go right to the pharmacy, but I refused the offer. Dumb!
I do have to get a little stronger before I get back to becoming a contributing member of the family. I am going to empty the dishwasher right now, and see how that goes.
Isabelle is going to watch Grandma cut Grandpa's hair today. Linda was going to cut the hair the day that I was admitted to the hospital. With 8 more days of growth, my hair is in the out of control stage.
Linda is cooking lobsters this evening for everyone except me. She thinks that I should stick with the mild baked fish. She thinks that I should stay away from the Lobster in drawn butter. Actually, she doesn't want me to embarrass my two daughter-in-laws because of the way I eat a lobster. She doesn't want me to frighten the grandchild. Oh Darn!
The weeds in my flower beds are loving all the rain. When the pain subsides from me bending over, that will be my first chore to take care of.
Some one asked did I missed any things on my social calendar during my hospital stay. I would need another e-mail just for that. Yes, I missed some event every single day including a meeting that i promised to attend on the day of my being admitted to the hospital. Luckily the Third Thursday event in downtown Pittsfield last night got canceled due to the rain.
Well, I have to do my morning routine.
Have a great Friday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The rest of the day on Thursday went well with only a few bumps in the road. The first bump in the road was that I forgot to take my cell phone out of my cargo pants. Yes, I washed another cell phone. I went into the laundry room, and I heard this buzzing as I was emptying the washing machine. The cell phone was just crying for help.
I did what you are supposed to do for a couple of days which is to take the battery out of the machine, and cover the cell phone with rice. If this doesn't work, it will be a trip back to the cell phone store. Good thing that I do have insurance on my cell phone only. Linda was correct when she had me sign up for the insurance. She knows my past history.
Of course, I am going to tell the cell phone place that I lost my cell phone, and not washed it again.
Our grand daughter Isabelle is playing with one of my old cell phone that I have "lost" in the past.
I finally did get to take a shower after my stay in the hospital. I had a little problem with this which I didn't discover until after I got dressed. I let the water hit every part of my body in the shower, including the bandage around the sewn in port on my right side. I didn't realize that the bandage material would act like a sponge. Water drain down my pants leg for about three hours.
I started eating healthy yesterday. Linda made a baked fish dinner which was wonderful. Normally , I would help with the cleanup, but I didn't. Linda did it all. Even though I went to bed after supper to watch the Red Sox game, Linda stayed up to greet our other daughter-in-law from East Boston. Kyla arrived around 9:30 PM. I heard one of her two dogs bark, but I was too tired to get up.
Yes, our grandchild Isabelle is a cutie. She is in the toddler stage which means she likes to run around a lot, and touch everything, especially items with buttons. She even tried to yank the port hose from my body, but Danielle saw her going for it, and grabbed her first. Linda did do a very good job of child proofing the house, but it is difficult to chase down the "energizer bunny" all day long. I know Linda went to bed exhausted.
I did take Isabelle out in the rain at one point yesterday afternoon. She loved it. She cried when we tried to get her to come back into the house. She will love playing with the two dogs as they run around in the backyard today.
The Visiting nurse person is coming in to change my bandage, and empty the drainage bag today, and for the next two weeks (hopefully less). I could have used some Vicodin last night, but I never got the prescription filled. When my sister picked me up after discharge, she offered to go right to the pharmacy, but I refused the offer. Dumb!
I do have to get a little stronger before I get back to becoming a contributing member of the family. I am going to empty the dishwasher right now, and see how that goes.
Isabelle is going to watch Grandma cut Grandpa's hair today. Linda was going to cut the hair the day that I was admitted to the hospital. With 8 more days of growth, my hair is in the out of control stage.
Linda is cooking lobsters this evening for everyone except me. She thinks that I should stick with the mild baked fish. She thinks that I should stay away from the Lobster in drawn butter. Actually, she doesn't want me to embarrass my two daughter-in-laws because of the way I eat a lobster. She doesn't want me to frighten the grandchild. Oh Darn!
The weeds in my flower beds are loving all the rain. When the pain subsides from me bending over, that will be my first chore to take care of.
Some one asked did I missed any things on my social calendar during my hospital stay. I would need another e-mail just for that. Yes, I missed some event every single day including a meeting that i promised to attend on the day of my being admitted to the hospital. Luckily the Third Thursday event in downtown Pittsfield last night got canceled due to the rain.
Well, I have to do my morning routine.
Have a great Friday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Thursday
Dear Friends,
It has been 7.5 days since I touched the laptop. I had a physical problem that required hospitalization. Last Thursday, I got up as usual in the wee hours of the morning. I sent a short e-mail because I was experiencing pain in stomach area, and some tingling down one of my arms. I went on WebMd, and looked up symptoms of a heart attack. I decided to take a shower, get dressed, and drive myself to Berkshire Medical Center. I did leave Linda a brief note before I left the house at 7:10 AM.
When I arrived at the emergency room of the hospital, and I told them that I was possibly experiencing a heat attack, the nurses whipped me into the cardiac unit, and hooked me up to do an EKG machine. They ruled out a heart attack, and tried to find out what was causing the pain. After an ultrasound,a chest X-ray, blood sample, they determined that I had pancreatitis. In between all the tests, Linda came downstairs to have her normal coffee. She read my note, and almost had a heart attack herself. She met me in the emergency room in between the X-ray and the ultrasound. I did text her that it was a gall bladder problem and not a heart attack.
They decided to admit me, and I have been in the hospital since noon time today.
For the first three days, I was not allowed anything but ice chips to shrink the high numbers caused by the pancreatitis. During the ultrasound, they determined that I had gall stones. This Monday at 3 PM, my gall bladder was laproscopically removed. Recovery has not been quick and easy. I was hoping to be involved with the pick up of Danielle, and Isabelle at Logan Airport on Wednesday, but I was physically unable to do so. My sister volunteered to make it all girl's trip, and drove her vehicle to Boston. Linda and Marie had lunch at Kevin's restaurant, and waited for the pick up at 4:30 PM. It is so nice his restaurant is 1.1 miles from the airport. They returned to Dough after the pick up. Kyla came home from work early, and the girl's bonded once again. They headed home after the mad rush out of Boston was over.
Did I meet any interesting people in the hospital? Yes, I did! My first roommate was a drug addict with a bandage around his throat from ear to ear. Now you might be thinking , how did I did I know that he was a drug addict? He kept on asking for pain medication, which is not abnormal, but the nurses refused to give him any. I on the other hand was getting dose after dose of morphine, and he wasn't getting anything. My roommate then decided to make himself vomit hoping that he could get pain medication. Finally he called in the charge nurse, and started swearing at her because he wasn't getting any pain medication. The nurse would only give him Tylenol for two abscessed teeth. He said that he was going to unhook his tubes, and get his pain medicine on the streets.
The nurses wheeled me out of the room, and put me in another room all by myself. The drug addict eventually did pull out the tubes, and left the hospital. This person is a known quantity in the detox unit according to the nurse.
Speaking of nurses, two of the nurses who took care of me, after the operation, were former students of mine. One graduated the same year I retired in 2004, and the other one graduated the year before I retired. Are these two young nurses going to tell everyone that they saw their former math teacher naked?
Well, I am home now, but am I healed? No! I have a drainage port sewn into my side. A two foot long hose is attached from the port to a bag which luckily fits into a pocket of my cargo pants which I normally wear. According to my discharge orders, I have to keep this drain in until June 30, 2009 when the surgeon will remove the port in his office. I signed up for a golf tournament next weekend, and I can't even begin to swing a golf club. I have trouble sitting down and getting up from a chair. It even hurts when I try to cough, or when I sneeze. You should have seen me trying take a shower with the drainage bag in my hand. There are no pockets when you are naked.
I also need to have visiting nurses come in to change the bandages where the port is located, and to drain the port on a daily basis.
I am going to take this not so good experience, and turn it into a positive. I am going to start a regimen of eating healthy food, and staying away from high fat foods. I am going to reduce my alcoholic beverage consumption to almost nothing (this might be a problem).
A friend on this e-mail list warned me of the high fat / red meat thing, but it took an incident like this to wake me up. This friend had a heart attack when he was in his mid 50's. I guess that I should have listened to him. I must be a slow learner.
I also need to work in some sort of exercise routine. Hopefully, in a year from now might even be able to fit into a smaller size than I currently require.
I did watch every Red Sox from beginning to end while in the hospital.
Politics -- The President's fly killing ability was duly noted. The President's ratings are down a bit today. Change didn't happen as quick as people hoped that it would. "Give the guy a chance" is still my position. The other guy left quite a mess that will take a while to fix.
Have to go. I might have to take a nap.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
It has been 7.5 days since I touched the laptop. I had a physical problem that required hospitalization. Last Thursday, I got up as usual in the wee hours of the morning. I sent a short e-mail because I was experiencing pain in stomach area, and some tingling down one of my arms. I went on WebMd, and looked up symptoms of a heart attack. I decided to take a shower, get dressed, and drive myself to Berkshire Medical Center. I did leave Linda a brief note before I left the house at 7:10 AM.
When I arrived at the emergency room of the hospital, and I told them that I was possibly experiencing a heat attack, the nurses whipped me into the cardiac unit, and hooked me up to do an EKG machine. They ruled out a heart attack, and tried to find out what was causing the pain. After an ultrasound,a chest X-ray, blood sample, they determined that I had pancreatitis. In between all the tests, Linda came downstairs to have her normal coffee. She read my note, and almost had a heart attack herself. She met me in the emergency room in between the X-ray and the ultrasound. I did text her that it was a gall bladder problem and not a heart attack.
They decided to admit me, and I have been in the hospital since noon time today.
For the first three days, I was not allowed anything but ice chips to shrink the high numbers caused by the pancreatitis. During the ultrasound, they determined that I had gall stones. This Monday at 3 PM, my gall bladder was laproscopically removed. Recovery has not been quick and easy. I was hoping to be involved with the pick up of Danielle, and Isabelle at Logan Airport on Wednesday, but I was physically unable to do so. My sister volunteered to make it all girl's trip, and drove her vehicle to Boston. Linda and Marie had lunch at Kevin's restaurant, and waited for the pick up at 4:30 PM. It is so nice his restaurant is 1.1 miles from the airport. They returned to Dough after the pick up. Kyla came home from work early, and the girl's bonded once again. They headed home after the mad rush out of Boston was over.
Did I meet any interesting people in the hospital? Yes, I did! My first roommate was a drug addict with a bandage around his throat from ear to ear. Now you might be thinking , how did I did I know that he was a drug addict? He kept on asking for pain medication, which is not abnormal, but the nurses refused to give him any. I on the other hand was getting dose after dose of morphine, and he wasn't getting anything. My roommate then decided to make himself vomit hoping that he could get pain medication. Finally he called in the charge nurse, and started swearing at her because he wasn't getting any pain medication. The nurse would only give him Tylenol for two abscessed teeth. He said that he was going to unhook his tubes, and get his pain medicine on the streets.
The nurses wheeled me out of the room, and put me in another room all by myself. The drug addict eventually did pull out the tubes, and left the hospital. This person is a known quantity in the detox unit according to the nurse.
Speaking of nurses, two of the nurses who took care of me, after the operation, were former students of mine. One graduated the same year I retired in 2004, and the other one graduated the year before I retired. Are these two young nurses going to tell everyone that they saw their former math teacher naked?
Well, I am home now, but am I healed? No! I have a drainage port sewn into my side. A two foot long hose is attached from the port to a bag which luckily fits into a pocket of my cargo pants which I normally wear. According to my discharge orders, I have to keep this drain in until June 30, 2009 when the surgeon will remove the port in his office. I signed up for a golf tournament next weekend, and I can't even begin to swing a golf club. I have trouble sitting down and getting up from a chair. It even hurts when I try to cough, or when I sneeze. You should have seen me trying take a shower with the drainage bag in my hand. There are no pockets when you are naked.
I also need to have visiting nurses come in to change the bandages where the port is located, and to drain the port on a daily basis.
I am going to take this not so good experience, and turn it into a positive. I am going to start a regimen of eating healthy food, and staying away from high fat foods. I am going to reduce my alcoholic beverage consumption to almost nothing (this might be a problem).
A friend on this e-mail list warned me of the high fat / red meat thing, but it took an incident like this to wake me up. This friend had a heart attack when he was in his mid 50's. I guess that I should have listened to him. I must be a slow learner.
I also need to work in some sort of exercise routine. Hopefully, in a year from now might even be able to fit into a smaller size than I currently require.
I did watch every Red Sox from beginning to end while in the hospital.
Politics -- The President's fly killing ability was duly noted. The President's ratings are down a bit today. Change didn't happen as quick as people hoped that it would. "Give the guy a chance" is still my position. The other guy left quite a mess that will take a while to fix.
Have to go. I might have to take a nap.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
Wednesday was a long day for the Curley Lad. I left the house for the Jimmy Fund Golf Tournament at 6:30 AM. I arrived home at 9:15 PM.
Linda didn't have the relaxing day that I thought she would. The telephone calls began at 8 AM, and the first one was for me.
Even when I am not home, it is like the ghosts of Franny are still around.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening because the Red Sox beat the Yankees for a second night in a row.
Social Calendar -- Linda has nothing on hers, but she does have a bunch of tasks which she would like to do. I have to do a whole bunch of errands to take care of throughout the day before heading off to a 7 PM meeting.
Politics -- I have to catch up on what I missed yesterday.
Have to go and read the local newspaper.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday was a long day for the Curley Lad. I left the house for the Jimmy Fund Golf Tournament at 6:30 AM. I arrived home at 9:15 PM.
Linda didn't have the relaxing day that I thought she would. The telephone calls began at 8 AM, and the first one was for me.
Even when I am not home, it is like the ghosts of Franny are still around.
I did go to bed a happy man last evening because the Red Sox beat the Yankees for a second night in a row.
Social Calendar -- Linda has nothing on hers, but she does have a bunch of tasks which she would like to do. I have to do a whole bunch of errands to take care of throughout the day before heading off to a 7 PM meeting.
Politics -- I have to catch up on what I missed yesterday.
Have to go and read the local newspaper.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Tuesday went exactly as planned. The rain did hold off at lunch time so that I could grill hot dogs, and hamburgs for the five Mah Jongg ladies (six normally play on Tuesday's).
It was too cold to eat on the deck or to play Mah Jongg in the screened in room on the deck.
While the ladies played Mah Jongg, I took a nap, but it was a bit long.
Social Calendar -- I am exiting the house at 7 AM, and heading for the Berkshire Hills Country Club. The Jimmy Fund Golf Tournament serves breakfast before we tee off at 8 AM. Another flight of golfers tee off at 11 AM. There will be a dinner this evening when all the golfers are done playing.
Linda is so excited that I will not be around to bug her. She doesn't have to leave the house until this evening. She was asked to be substitute for a third group of Mah Jongg players whom she normally doesn't play with.
Sports -- I went to bed a happy man because my Red Sox beat their arch rivals, the New York Yankees. They are now tied for first place in their division. They do battle again this evening. I can't wait!
Politics -- The President is working on Health Care Issues. If a Universal Health Care package doesn't come to fruition, then at least create a plan to help take care of our seniors who often see their nest egg eaten up by hospital and nursing home costs.
Well, I have to select my golfing wardrobe, and make sure my golfing gear is set.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Tuesday went exactly as planned. The rain did hold off at lunch time so that I could grill hot dogs, and hamburgs for the five Mah Jongg ladies (six normally play on Tuesday's).
It was too cold to eat on the deck or to play Mah Jongg in the screened in room on the deck.
While the ladies played Mah Jongg, I took a nap, but it was a bit long.
Social Calendar -- I am exiting the house at 7 AM, and heading for the Berkshire Hills Country Club. The Jimmy Fund Golf Tournament serves breakfast before we tee off at 8 AM. Another flight of golfers tee off at 11 AM. There will be a dinner this evening when all the golfers are done playing.
Linda is so excited that I will not be around to bug her. She doesn't have to leave the house until this evening. She was asked to be substitute for a third group of Mah Jongg players whom she normally doesn't play with.
Sports -- I went to bed a happy man because my Red Sox beat their arch rivals, the New York Yankees. They are now tied for first place in their division. They do battle again this evening. I can't wait!
Politics -- The President is working on Health Care Issues. If a Universal Health Care package doesn't come to fruition, then at least create a plan to help take care of our seniors who often see their nest egg eaten up by hospital and nursing home costs.
Well, I have to select my golfing wardrobe, and make sure my golfing gear is set.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
It was a quiet day in the Curley household. I did chores around the house while Linda tried to relax before her afternoon golf.
My last UNICO board meeting went well. In 45 minutes, we took care of business.
Today is another full day for both of us. My first task this morning will be to take a friend to and from a colonoscopy appointment. While waiting for the completion of the colonoscopy, I have to make a stop at City Hall to make some food changes with respect to what UNICO is cooking at the August 2, 2009 Ethnic Fair.
Linda has a mid morning hair appointment, and then she will be setting up our house for her usual Tuesday Mah Jongg session. I will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgs for the ladies rain or shine. Rain and cool weather is predicted for today. Linda really wanted to have the session in the screened in room on the deck. The weather forecast will not let this happen.
This evening, we are heading off to an Irish Sister City Meeting at 6 PM.
There is another meeting at 7 PM (Italian Heritage), but we will probably be too exhausted to attend.
The Red Sox and Yankees are supposed to do battle this evening in Boston, but the rain forecast most likely will not let this happen.
Politics -- The Supreme court nominee is on crutches. She broke an ankle after stumbling in an airport. Sympathy vote!
The Republican are trying to come up with a platform and a candidate so that they can make a concerted effort to unseat the President in four years. They are struggling to find any agreement of how to do so. Sarah Palin, and Colin Powell don't seem to be the best choices to represent the Republican Party so far.
Observation -- I had to go off to Home Depot yesterday. When I tried to make a left hand turn to go into the shopping complex, a senior citizen was exiting at the same time. She was in a lane that I was trying to enter. Visualize two lanes going into the complex, and two lanes to exit the complex, separated by an island. Is this type of driving on the horizon for me as I get older?
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
It was a quiet day in the Curley household. I did chores around the house while Linda tried to relax before her afternoon golf.
My last UNICO board meeting went well. In 45 minutes, we took care of business.
Today is another full day for both of us. My first task this morning will be to take a friend to and from a colonoscopy appointment. While waiting for the completion of the colonoscopy, I have to make a stop at City Hall to make some food changes with respect to what UNICO is cooking at the August 2, 2009 Ethnic Fair.
Linda has a mid morning hair appointment, and then she will be setting up our house for her usual Tuesday Mah Jongg session. I will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgs for the ladies rain or shine. Rain and cool weather is predicted for today. Linda really wanted to have the session in the screened in room on the deck. The weather forecast will not let this happen.
This evening, we are heading off to an Irish Sister City Meeting at 6 PM.
There is another meeting at 7 PM (Italian Heritage), but we will probably be too exhausted to attend.
The Red Sox and Yankees are supposed to do battle this evening in Boston, but the rain forecast most likely will not let this happen.
Politics -- The Supreme court nominee is on crutches. She broke an ankle after stumbling in an airport. Sympathy vote!
The Republican are trying to come up with a platform and a candidate so that they can make a concerted effort to unseat the President in four years. They are struggling to find any agreement of how to do so. Sarah Palin, and Colin Powell don't seem to be the best choices to represent the Republican Party so far.
Observation -- I had to go off to Home Depot yesterday. When I tried to make a left hand turn to go into the shopping complex, a senior citizen was exiting at the same time. She was in a lane that I was trying to enter. Visualize two lanes going into the complex, and two lanes to exit the complex, separated by an island. Is this type of driving on the horizon for me as I get older?
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, June 8, 2009
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Sunday went as planned except for the fact that the Yankees won, and the Red Sox lost their respective games.
I left the house at 9:30 AM to visit Mom at the nursing home. After the nursing staff put her in a wheel chair, I took Mom outside the facilities for a little sunshine and fresh air. We did so for over an hour. I left a little before lunch, but Dad said that he would be at the nursing home to help Mom with her lunch.
Mom seemed okay emotionally. Her bed sore is still causing some uncomfortableness, but over all I thought she was doing well. She still is lucid, and she is mentally sharp.
After arriving home around 12:30 PM, I took a quick nap, and watched the Red Sox game while Linda when off to do a few errands. We had an impromptu cookout with the next door neighbors which started at 5 PM. After several hours of fun and merriment our guests stayed until a little after 8 PM.
Social Calendar -- Linda has golf today at 3:30 PM.
I have some errands to take care of before running my last UNICO board meeting at 5:30 PM. The installation of officers is this Friday at Cranwell Resort and Spa. After an hour long cocktail hour, which starts at 6 PM, I will start the meeting, the new officers will get installed, and I will turn over the gavel to the new President. The new President will say a few words, and adjourn the meeting.
Sports -- How about Tiger Woods come from behind victory on the links on Sunday? The one shot victory was truly amazing!
Baseball returns to Fenway on Tuesday when the Yankees come to town to battle the Red Sox.
Politics -- Nothing of interest.
Observation -- Did you ever think about what you would do or think about as the airplane that you were in was going to crash into the ocean? Those last few moments of life for those people in the latest airline crash must have been excruciating especially if the airplane broke up during the thunderstorm which they flew into.
On a happier note, "Life is good", and continues to be so for the Curley's.
Enjoy ever moment in which you can hear the birds, and smell the flowers.
If you have aches and pains as we all get older, remember that there are people who are worse off than you.
Don't sweat the little stuff!
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Sunday went as planned except for the fact that the Yankees won, and the Red Sox lost their respective games.
I left the house at 9:30 AM to visit Mom at the nursing home. After the nursing staff put her in a wheel chair, I took Mom outside the facilities for a little sunshine and fresh air. We did so for over an hour. I left a little before lunch, but Dad said that he would be at the nursing home to help Mom with her lunch.
Mom seemed okay emotionally. Her bed sore is still causing some uncomfortableness, but over all I thought she was doing well. She still is lucid, and she is mentally sharp.
After arriving home around 12:30 PM, I took a quick nap, and watched the Red Sox game while Linda when off to do a few errands. We had an impromptu cookout with the next door neighbors which started at 5 PM. After several hours of fun and merriment our guests stayed until a little after 8 PM.
Social Calendar -- Linda has golf today at 3:30 PM.
I have some errands to take care of before running my last UNICO board meeting at 5:30 PM. The installation of officers is this Friday at Cranwell Resort and Spa. After an hour long cocktail hour, which starts at 6 PM, I will start the meeting, the new officers will get installed, and I will turn over the gavel to the new President. The new President will say a few words, and adjourn the meeting.
Sports -- How about Tiger Woods come from behind victory on the links on Sunday? The one shot victory was truly amazing!
Baseball returns to Fenway on Tuesday when the Yankees come to town to battle the Red Sox.
Politics -- Nothing of interest.
Observation -- Did you ever think about what you would do or think about as the airplane that you were in was going to crash into the ocean? Those last few moments of life for those people in the latest airline crash must have been excruciating especially if the airplane broke up during the thunderstorm which they flew into.
On a happier note, "Life is good", and continues to be so for the Curley's.
Enjoy ever moment in which you can hear the birds, and smell the flowers.
If you have aches and pains as we all get older, remember that there are people who are worse off than you.
Don't sweat the little stuff!
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Saturday went as planned. The Church wedding and reception, which we attended, was wonderful. We left the house around 1:15 PM, and never returned home until after 9:30 PM.
It is good to go to a wedding ceremony because sometimes I have to be reminded of the some of the vows which I took those many years ago. I guess I have to work on a couple of those tenets of marriage which have evolved or changed in a less than positive direction. As an example, the priest said that "Love is Patient!" well I haven't been too patient lately. Where and when did I start to lose it?
On a different note, I missed the Red Sox game. There were no televisions at the reception. On the way home, I did catch the last inning of the two hitter that Jon Lester pitched for the Red Sox. While the Sox were winning, the Yankees lost their game.
Social Calendar -- Today is one of those days such that we are just going to relax. I might even take my newspapers and coffee, and enjoy the screened in room on the deck.
The weather is going to be nice to eventually fire up the grill for a little cookout. It is going to be one of those "Grillin and chillin" days.
Having no commits is a wonderful thing especially since we have something going every day for the rest of the month of June.
Have a great Sunday!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Saturday went as planned. The Church wedding and reception, which we attended, was wonderful. We left the house around 1:15 PM, and never returned home until after 9:30 PM.
It is good to go to a wedding ceremony because sometimes I have to be reminded of the some of the vows which I took those many years ago. I guess I have to work on a couple of those tenets of marriage which have evolved or changed in a less than positive direction. As an example, the priest said that "Love is Patient!" well I haven't been too patient lately. Where and when did I start to lose it?
On a different note, I missed the Red Sox game. There were no televisions at the reception. On the way home, I did catch the last inning of the two hitter that Jon Lester pitched for the Red Sox. While the Sox were winning, the Yankees lost their game.
Social Calendar -- Today is one of those days such that we are just going to relax. I might even take my newspapers and coffee, and enjoy the screened in room on the deck.
The weather is going to be nice to eventually fire up the grill for a little cookout. It is going to be one of those "Grillin and chillin" days.
Having no commits is a wonderful thing especially since we have something going every day for the rest of the month of June.
Have a great Sunday!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Golf went okay on Friday, but I only helped the team on two out of 18 holes. I chose not to stay for the 19th hole festivities because I had a whole bunch of errands which took me to City Hall, and the Pittsfield Fire Department, etc.
After giving the lawn a trim, I had to go and secure permits (food and propane) for the UNICO booth for the August 2, 2009 Ethnic Fair. A friend, who is a city councilor and restaurant owner, will secure the alcohol permit.
Linda sat by the telephone for another radio auction, but the selections weren't as great as the last Radio auction. The Auction continues today at 9 AM until all the items are sold. She will be doing her best to secure items while working around a 2 PM wedding which we will be attending. It is going to be a great day for this June wedding with sunshine, and no rain in the forecast, and temperatures in the mid seventies.
I was thinking about weddings. We have a couple sets of friends who have unmarried daughters. One family has three daughters, and the other has two. I can see us attending 5 weddings in the near future, and this doesn't include family related weddings. I hope that these families are already setting aside some funds for these weddings!
My Red Sox lost last evening at home while the Yankee game got rained out. I tried to make believe that I was at the game but having hot dogs, and peanuts while watching the game. It was good that Linda wasn't home. I had peanut shells all over my clothes, furniture, and the family room floor. I had to use the vacuum cleaner since the mess that I made was so bad.
I was in bed before Linda came home. I will get the full report about her "dinner and play" evening with a friend. She will say that she had a wonderful time. She will also tell me how many people she saw at dinner and at the play. They would have been asking: "Where is your husband?" I actually saved money by staying home and watching the Red Sox. Am I that boring?
Politics -- I took some flack from some friends and relatives about my praise of President Obama's ability to speak in public. Their basic response was "Talk is cheap, and that actions speaks louder than words." Well, the previous President preferred action over words, and started a war based on false information, and where did his actions get us?
Mom -- I can't give you an update because I haven't visited her in a couple of days. A Sunday morning visit looks like the earliest that I can do so.
Hope that all of you have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Golf went okay on Friday, but I only helped the team on two out of 18 holes. I chose not to stay for the 19th hole festivities because I had a whole bunch of errands which took me to City Hall, and the Pittsfield Fire Department, etc.
After giving the lawn a trim, I had to go and secure permits (food and propane) for the UNICO booth for the August 2, 2009 Ethnic Fair. A friend, who is a city councilor and restaurant owner, will secure the alcohol permit.
Linda sat by the telephone for another radio auction, but the selections weren't as great as the last Radio auction. The Auction continues today at 9 AM until all the items are sold. She will be doing her best to secure items while working around a 2 PM wedding which we will be attending. It is going to be a great day for this June wedding with sunshine, and no rain in the forecast, and temperatures in the mid seventies.
I was thinking about weddings. We have a couple sets of friends who have unmarried daughters. One family has three daughters, and the other has two. I can see us attending 5 weddings in the near future, and this doesn't include family related weddings. I hope that these families are already setting aside some funds for these weddings!
My Red Sox lost last evening at home while the Yankee game got rained out. I tried to make believe that I was at the game but having hot dogs, and peanuts while watching the game. It was good that Linda wasn't home. I had peanut shells all over my clothes, furniture, and the family room floor. I had to use the vacuum cleaner since the mess that I made was so bad.
I was in bed before Linda came home. I will get the full report about her "dinner and play" evening with a friend. She will say that she had a wonderful time. She will also tell me how many people she saw at dinner and at the play. They would have been asking: "Where is your husband?" I actually saved money by staying home and watching the Red Sox. Am I that boring?
Politics -- I took some flack from some friends and relatives about my praise of President Obama's ability to speak in public. Their basic response was "Talk is cheap, and that actions speaks louder than words." Well, the previous President preferred action over words, and started a war based on false information, and where did his actions get us?
Mom -- I can't give you an update because I haven't visited her in a couple of days. A Sunday morning visit looks like the earliest that I can do so.
Hope that all of you have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, June 5, 2009
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
Another week is about to come to a close. Time seems to continue to be flying by.
Our day went as planned. I did straighten up the garage, but I did need a nap after lunch.
Linda did have her day of peace, and quiet. She did make a delicious salad for lunch.
Her evening gathering went well as I sat home and ate leftovers, and almost finished savoring another book.
We are teeing off at 7:30 AM because there is another Friday noontime golf tournament. I love playing at the early hour.
Politics -- The President did a good job speaking to the Muslim people of the world. Not everyone loved his speeches like I did.
Don't you just love the ease at which he appears to have when he is speaking to the world as well as to us Americans?
Sports -- The Red Sox and Yankees continue to win their games, and are still tied for the first place slot in their division.
Social Calendar -- Linda is going out with a girlfriend to do dinner and a play this evening. They are going to see "The Producers" at a local theater. I am so happy for her and her girlfriend.
I am content to watch my Red Sox do battle in Fenway against the Texas Rangers. Us men don't need all the bells and whistles to keep us happy. Culture is overrated!
We have a wedding to attend on Saturday. The weather is going to be great. The June bride and groom, and the family members on both sides will be very happy.
Have to read the local newspaper, and head off to the golf course.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Another week is about to come to a close. Time seems to continue to be flying by.
Our day went as planned. I did straighten up the garage, but I did need a nap after lunch.
Linda did have her day of peace, and quiet. She did make a delicious salad for lunch.
Her evening gathering went well as I sat home and ate leftovers, and almost finished savoring another book.
We are teeing off at 7:30 AM because there is another Friday noontime golf tournament. I love playing at the early hour.
Politics -- The President did a good job speaking to the Muslim people of the world. Not everyone loved his speeches like I did.
Don't you just love the ease at which he appears to have when he is speaking to the world as well as to us Americans?
Sports -- The Red Sox and Yankees continue to win their games, and are still tied for the first place slot in their division.
Social Calendar -- Linda is going out with a girlfriend to do dinner and a play this evening. They are going to see "The Producers" at a local theater. I am so happy for her and her girlfriend.
I am content to watch my Red Sox do battle in Fenway against the Texas Rangers. Us men don't need all the bells and whistles to keep us happy. Culture is overrated!
We have a wedding to attend on Saturday. The weather is going to be great. The June bride and groom, and the family members on both sides will be very happy.
Have to read the local newspaper, and head off to the golf course.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Wednesday went as planned except for the fact that I got the Queen involved in my outdoor projects.
While I was taking an afternoon nap, she continued on with the project which I started. She spent the evening trying to heal her aching body.
She has given me strict orders to leave her alone today. Yeah Right!
I hope that I can straighten out the shelves in the garage without her assistance.
The Wake prayer service went okay last evening. Father Curley did his best to comfort the grieving family through the words of our one page prayer service.
Sports -- The Red Sox and Yankees have identical records, and they both share first place in their division. It took a Red Sox win, and a Yankee loss to make it happen. The Red Sox play at 1 PM today before they head home to play a weekend series with Texas before the Yankees come to Fenway.
Social Calendar -- Linda is booked into a 6 PM function. The ladies are finalizing their plans for their yearly trip to Cape Cod.
I could attend a 6 PM on Italian Heritage at Pittsfield Community Television. A committee is trying to start an Italian American Hour program which will be televised. They need all kinds of volunteers to make it happen. I have no desire to work cameras, etc. especially since I can't even take pictures with an Instamatic camera.
Politics -- Rush Limbaugh is leaning towards the President's selection for the Supreme Court.
The President's speech to the Muslim world will be a big topic of discussion.
Observation -- When ever you think that you have quite a few physical problems, their is always someone who has more severe problems. As an example, as my friend and I were driving to the wake last evening, he was complaining about the arthritis in his hands. While we were waiting and gathering for the prayer service, a fellow UNICAN started to describe the physical problems that he has gone through during the past year. He used to work for one of those high powered law firms in Berkshire County. He would never get home before 7:30 PM each night. The stress of the job was starting to kill him. He was experiencing all kinds of physical problems. He was going back and forth to hospitals in Boston as the doctors were trying to figure out what was making him sick. He quit the law firm, took a loss in pay, and is now using his lawyer skills in a less stressful place of employment. His physical problems have all but disappeared. His is enjoying his family more, and "Life is Good".
Have to read the local newspaper, and get to the garage cleaning.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Wednesday went as planned except for the fact that I got the Queen involved in my outdoor projects.
While I was taking an afternoon nap, she continued on with the project which I started. She spent the evening trying to heal her aching body.
She has given me strict orders to leave her alone today. Yeah Right!
I hope that I can straighten out the shelves in the garage without her assistance.
The Wake prayer service went okay last evening. Father Curley did his best to comfort the grieving family through the words of our one page prayer service.
Sports -- The Red Sox and Yankees have identical records, and they both share first place in their division. It took a Red Sox win, and a Yankee loss to make it happen. The Red Sox play at 1 PM today before they head home to play a weekend series with Texas before the Yankees come to Fenway.
Social Calendar -- Linda is booked into a 6 PM function. The ladies are finalizing their plans for their yearly trip to Cape Cod.
I could attend a 6 PM on Italian Heritage at Pittsfield Community Television. A committee is trying to start an Italian American Hour program which will be televised. They need all kinds of volunteers to make it happen. I have no desire to work cameras, etc. especially since I can't even take pictures with an Instamatic camera.
Politics -- Rush Limbaugh is leaning towards the President's selection for the Supreme Court.
The President's speech to the Muslim world will be a big topic of discussion.
Observation -- When ever you think that you have quite a few physical problems, their is always someone who has more severe problems. As an example, as my friend and I were driving to the wake last evening, he was complaining about the arthritis in his hands. While we were waiting and gathering for the prayer service, a fellow UNICAN started to describe the physical problems that he has gone through during the past year. He used to work for one of those high powered law firms in Berkshire County. He would never get home before 7:30 PM each night. The stress of the job was starting to kill him. He was experiencing all kinds of physical problems. He was going back and forth to hospitals in Boston as the doctors were trying to figure out what was making him sick. He quit the law firm, took a loss in pay, and is now using his lawyer skills in a less stressful place of employment. His physical problems have all but disappeared. His is enjoying his family more, and "Life is Good".
Have to read the local newspaper, and get to the garage cleaning.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Tuesday went as planned.
I left the house to visit Mom at the nursing home before 9 AM. My visit with Mom was a short one because she had a full schedule of therapy. getting a permanent, having bandages changed, etc.
When I went to the family home in Lee, I missed Dad also, but I still gave the grass a trim.
Our hope for getting Mom home has been put on hold. Dad talked to all kinds of personnel at the nursing home, and they said that there is no way that she will be able to come home at the present time. As a matter of fact, she has an 2 PM appointment at the wound clinic in Pittsfield on Thursday, and she might end up being booked in for a few rounds of hyper baric treatments.
A new illness has been classified. Now we have "Cell Phone Elbow" which has been diagnosed, and named for people who use their cell phones too much.
Speaking of cell phones, I thought that my sister was trying to avoid me for a couple of days as she helped her son and his family move into larger living quarters. She wasn't responding to my cell phone calls because she dropped her cell phone in the toilet. It is so bad that she might be purchasing a new cell phone soon. Yes, we did tell her what you are supposed to do when a cell phone gets water damage to try and save the telephone. It hasn't worded so far.
This not the first time that I heard about a cell phone being dropped in the toilet. We have a friend whose daughter dropped her cell phone in the toilet too, but she did so on the eighth floor of a college dormitory. This student flushed the toilet before she knew what happened. Several days later there was a problem with the first floor plumbing. The plumbers found a cell phone was causing the backup. They took the "Sim" card out of the phone which helped to determine whose the owner of cell phone was. The student got called into a meeting by the administration. The school was all set to have the college student pay the multi-hundred dollar plumbing bill, but the student and her mother convinced the officials that it was an accident.
Luckily my cell phone accidents have occurred during the clothes washing process. Cargo pants do have their advantages, but I pretty much use every pocket in them. My problem is that I don't always remember to empty all of the pockets.
Sports -- My Red Sox and their arch rivals won their respective games last evening. The Yankees still have a hold on first place in their division.
Social Calendar -- I think that I am the only one who is socially engaged either today or this this evening. I will be leading a 6 PM UNICO prayer service for the father of a member who passed away the other day. One of my former students owns this funeral home.
We do have a bunch of stuff in the home to deal with before I head off to the wake service.
We did use a crock pot for Tuesday's supper. I prepared a batch of country style ribs in the crock pot. Some rice and broccoli salad was a nice complement for the meal.
Politics -- The President's dog gnawing on a microphone was the only item worth noting.
Weather -- For us in the Berkshires, we have some afternoon rain predicted to fall.
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Tuesday went as planned.
I left the house to visit Mom at the nursing home before 9 AM. My visit with Mom was a short one because she had a full schedule of therapy. getting a permanent, having bandages changed, etc.
When I went to the family home in Lee, I missed Dad also, but I still gave the grass a trim.
Our hope for getting Mom home has been put on hold. Dad talked to all kinds of personnel at the nursing home, and they said that there is no way that she will be able to come home at the present time. As a matter of fact, she has an 2 PM appointment at the wound clinic in Pittsfield on Thursday, and she might end up being booked in for a few rounds of hyper baric treatments.
A new illness has been classified. Now we have "Cell Phone Elbow" which has been diagnosed, and named for people who use their cell phones too much.
Speaking of cell phones, I thought that my sister was trying to avoid me for a couple of days as she helped her son and his family move into larger living quarters. She wasn't responding to my cell phone calls because she dropped her cell phone in the toilet. It is so bad that she might be purchasing a new cell phone soon. Yes, we did tell her what you are supposed to do when a cell phone gets water damage to try and save the telephone. It hasn't worded so far.
This not the first time that I heard about a cell phone being dropped in the toilet. We have a friend whose daughter dropped her cell phone in the toilet too, but she did so on the eighth floor of a college dormitory. This student flushed the toilet before she knew what happened. Several days later there was a problem with the first floor plumbing. The plumbers found a cell phone was causing the backup. They took the "Sim" card out of the phone which helped to determine whose the owner of cell phone was. The student got called into a meeting by the administration. The school was all set to have the college student pay the multi-hundred dollar plumbing bill, but the student and her mother convinced the officials that it was an accident.
Luckily my cell phone accidents have occurred during the clothes washing process. Cargo pants do have their advantages, but I pretty much use every pocket in them. My problem is that I don't always remember to empty all of the pockets.
Sports -- My Red Sox and their arch rivals won their respective games last evening. The Yankees still have a hold on first place in their division.
Social Calendar -- I think that I am the only one who is socially engaged either today or this this evening. I will be leading a 6 PM UNICO prayer service for the father of a member who passed away the other day. One of my former students owns this funeral home.
We do have a bunch of stuff in the home to deal with before I head off to the wake service.
We did use a crock pot for Tuesday's supper. I prepared a batch of country style ribs in the crock pot. Some rice and broccoli salad was a nice complement for the meal.
Politics -- The President's dog gnawing on a microphone was the only item worth noting.
Weather -- For us in the Berkshires, we have some afternoon rain predicted to fall.
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Hope that all of you had a good start to the week on Monday.
Our day went as planned for the most part. I spent several hours with Mom at the nursing home as well as some time with Dad.
Mom was having an emotional melt down which I have never seen before. She was shedding many tears, and it was difficult for her to ease her mental pain. With all that she has gone through among the operations, the stays at nursing homes, and time spent in hospitals, it appears to be getting to her emotionally. I think that it is time for her to go back to her own home. Even if Home Health Care workers, the Lee Visiting Nurse Association people have to be hired, then so be it. This is a change in my attitude because what I witnessed on Monday. In talking with one of the people in charge at the nursing home, she said that Mom had a similar melt down last Thursday. Like I said before, she hasn't been home since Christmas Day of 2008.
Before heading back to Pittsfield, I decided to stop in to see Dad, and discuss what I thought we should do. When I came into their home, he was on the floor in the bedroom, and needed some help to get off of the floor. He was looking for an item in a bottom drawer of his bedroom dresser, and lost his balance.
I did find a little laughter in my multi-hour visit with my parents. I saw this set of floor mats in the garage at my parent's home. They were underneath a bucket that I thought was a trash bucket. The mats had stains on them, and I surmised that they were going out with my father's trash. I cleaned them up, and replaced the worn out mats in my car.
My father said that the bucket was not a trash bucket, and that the mats were a perfectly good second set of mats for his car. He was going to store these mats for the summer, and use them in the winter time. After we laughed about what I did, he said that I could keep the mats. The color of the mats don't go with my car, but they are better that the ratty old ones that came with my car.
On a happier note, Linda had fun with her golf with her lady friends.
My Red Sox had a day off, but the division leaders, the New York Yankees, won their game.
Politics -- Former Vic-President Dick Cheney admitted that there was no connection between Saddam Hussein and 9 / 11 destruction of the Twin Towers in New York. Tell that to the men and women in our military who lost their lives, or who were put in "harms way."
I don't want to hear the political slant that we got rid of a bad guy. Should we continue with the "getting rid of bad guys", and get into a conflict with North Korea too?
Social Calendar -- Linda has her Tuesday Mah Jongg session from 11:30 AM until 4:30 PM. I think that the evening is free so that we can dine together at home.
I might head off to Lee to visit the parents again. Mom is getting a perm today, and i hope that it will pick up her spirits. She did enjoy the ride around the facility after lunch that I gave her on Monday. Sunshine and fresh air is a wonderful elixir.
I am going to decide whether it is a grill day or a crock pot day after I see the weather report.
Enjoy every moment that most of your body parts are still working. The body parts will wear out sooner than you think.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hope that all of you had a good start to the week on Monday.
Our day went as planned for the most part. I spent several hours with Mom at the nursing home as well as some time with Dad.
Mom was having an emotional melt down which I have never seen before. She was shedding many tears, and it was difficult for her to ease her mental pain. With all that she has gone through among the operations, the stays at nursing homes, and time spent in hospitals, it appears to be getting to her emotionally. I think that it is time for her to go back to her own home. Even if Home Health Care workers, the Lee Visiting Nurse Association people have to be hired, then so be it. This is a change in my attitude because what I witnessed on Monday. In talking with one of the people in charge at the nursing home, she said that Mom had a similar melt down last Thursday. Like I said before, she hasn't been home since Christmas Day of 2008.
Before heading back to Pittsfield, I decided to stop in to see Dad, and discuss what I thought we should do. When I came into their home, he was on the floor in the bedroom, and needed some help to get off of the floor. He was looking for an item in a bottom drawer of his bedroom dresser, and lost his balance.
I did find a little laughter in my multi-hour visit with my parents. I saw this set of floor mats in the garage at my parent's home. They were underneath a bucket that I thought was a trash bucket. The mats had stains on them, and I surmised that they were going out with my father's trash. I cleaned them up, and replaced the worn out mats in my car.
My father said that the bucket was not a trash bucket, and that the mats were a perfectly good second set of mats for his car. He was going to store these mats for the summer, and use them in the winter time. After we laughed about what I did, he said that I could keep the mats. The color of the mats don't go with my car, but they are better that the ratty old ones that came with my car.
On a happier note, Linda had fun with her golf with her lady friends.
My Red Sox had a day off, but the division leaders, the New York Yankees, won their game.
Politics -- Former Vic-President Dick Cheney admitted that there was no connection between Saddam Hussein and 9 / 11 destruction of the Twin Towers in New York. Tell that to the men and women in our military who lost their lives, or who were put in "harms way."
I don't want to hear the political slant that we got rid of a bad guy. Should we continue with the "getting rid of bad guys", and get into a conflict with North Korea too?
Social Calendar -- Linda has her Tuesday Mah Jongg session from 11:30 AM until 4:30 PM. I think that the evening is free so that we can dine together at home.
I might head off to Lee to visit the parents again. Mom is getting a perm today, and i hope that it will pick up her spirits. She did enjoy the ride around the facility after lunch that I gave her on Monday. Sunshine and fresh air is a wonderful elixir.
I am going to decide whether it is a grill day or a crock pot day after I see the weather report.
Enjoy every moment that most of your body parts are still working. The body parts will wear out sooner than you think.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, June 1, 2009
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Sunday went as planned.
Our guests arrived around 11 AM which was just in time for Brunch. I prepared the famous Curley bacon, egg, and Swiss cheese
McMuffins with home fries. Everyone was a member of the "clean plate club."
I spent the afternoon in the screened in room on the deck reading a book, and trying to watch the Red Sox. The wind picked up, and thunder rumbled through Pittsfield, but with hardly any rain. It got so cool on the deck that I had to go inside to finish watching the game.
The Sox did win their game, but the Yankees lost theirs. The Yanks lead the division by 1/2 game over the Red Sox.
Social Calendar -- Linda has golf at 3:30 PM with her girlfriends.
I will spending a good portion of the day with Mom in the nursing home, and with Dad in Lee.
Weather -- We missed a killing frost by a couple of degrees last evening. There is another advisory for this evening.
Politics -- Who paid for the President's trip to New York to take in a cultural event on Broadway? I hope it wasn't the American Taxpayer!
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Sunday went as planned.
Our guests arrived around 11 AM which was just in time for Brunch. I prepared the famous Curley bacon, egg, and Swiss cheese
McMuffins with home fries. Everyone was a member of the "clean plate club."
I spent the afternoon in the screened in room on the deck reading a book, and trying to watch the Red Sox. The wind picked up, and thunder rumbled through Pittsfield, but with hardly any rain. It got so cool on the deck that I had to go inside to finish watching the game.
The Sox did win their game, but the Yankees lost theirs. The Yanks lead the division by 1/2 game over the Red Sox.
Social Calendar -- Linda has golf at 3:30 PM with her girlfriends.
I will spending a good portion of the day with Mom in the nursing home, and with Dad in Lee.
Weather -- We missed a killing frost by a couple of degrees last evening. There is another advisory for this evening.
Politics -- Who paid for the President's trip to New York to take in a cultural event on Broadway? I hope it wasn't the American Taxpayer!
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Sunday went as planned.
Our guests arrived around 11 AM which was just in time for Brunch. I prepared the famous Curley bacon, egg, and Swiss cheese
McMuffins with home fries. Everyone was a member of the "clean plate club."
I spent the afternoon in the screened in room on the deck reading a book, and trying to watch the Red Sox. The wind picked up, and thunder rumbled through Pittsfield, but with hardly any rain. It got so cool on the deck that I had to go inside to finish watching the game.
The Sox did win their game, but the Yankees lost theirs. The Yanks lead the division by 1/2 game over the Red Sox.
Social Calendar -- Linda has golf at 3:30 PM with her girlfriends.
I will spending a good portion of the day with Mom in the nursing home, and with Dad in Lee.
Weather -- We missed a killing frost by a couple of degrees last evening. There is another advisory for this evening.
Politics -- Who paid for the President's trip to New York to take in a cultural event on Broadway? I hope it wasn't the American Taxpayer!
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Sunday went as planned.
Our guests arrived around 11 AM which was just in time for Brunch. I prepared the famous Curley bacon, egg, and Swiss cheese
McMuffins with home fries. Everyone was a member of the "clean plate club."
I spent the afternoon in the screened in room on the deck reading a book, and trying to watch the Red Sox. The wind picked up, and thunder rumbled through Pittsfield, but with hardly any rain. It got so cool on the deck that I had to go inside to finish watching the game.
The Sox did win their game, but the Yankees lost theirs. The Yanks lead the division by 1/2 game over the Red Sox.
Social Calendar -- Linda has golf at 3:30 PM with her girlfriends.
I will spending a good portion of the day with Mom in the nursing home, and with Dad in Lee.
Weather -- We missed a killing frost by a couple of degrees last evening. There is another advisory for this evening.
Politics -- Who paid for the President's trip to New York to take in a cultural event on Broadway? I hope it wasn't the American Taxpayer!
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
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