Chicken with the Dunnes, pancakes too and hoping I count

A couple days ago I walked up to Kuhn's Market, went to the deli to buy some sliced turkey for sandwiches and watched them set out a big silver pan of something sizzling. I asked "What's that" and was told they were fried chicken fillets.  They smelled delicious, so I said I'd take 3.

When I saw the price on the bag, I almost handed them back--$7.60??   The man behind the counter saw my expression and said "They're 100% seasoned breasts, if you don't like them bring 'em back."  

That was the first time someone in the supermarket offered me a guarantee, so I thanked him and brought them home.

They were bigger than I thought, I had half of one for dinner that night on a soft roll with mayonnaise and pickle slices, it was delicious.  I do my share of cooking, but shy away from frying chicken in my little cubbyhole of a kitchen.

Here's what I had the next night for dinner, and the night after that. 

Chicken fillet with roasted little potatoes & green peppers, and a good honey mustard sauce I made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and honey

The next night, I assembled this "fried chicken salad" Pittsburgh style (french fries on top).  It was pretty tasty, but I had trouble eating it because of an LC flare-up. 

As long as I'm at it, here's some pancakes I made for breakfast this morning.  They're not exactly perfect, but they're big and crispy on the edges and perfectly delicious.

Hmm... these photos looked a lot better when I was starving and getting ready to eat!

Do you remember Griffin Dunne?  He's the son of famed crime writer Dominick Dunne, and co-starred with David Naughton in 1981's An American Werewolf in London.  I haven't seen that horror flick in decades, but it had a huge impact on my 19 year old self with its gallows humor and cutting edge special effects.

He is also known for his younger sister Dominique Dunne, who played the older daughter in the first Poltergeist film, the one who screamed "What's happening!!!"   She was strangled on the front lawn of her apartment building by her deranged ex-boyfriend on October 30, 1982.  She was only 22.

Anyway, the reason I mention him is because of a memoir he wrote about his family, "The Friday Afternoon Club".  Something compelled me to buy it (which I'm surprised I did as I swore off celebrity bios a few years ago).

In fact, I totally forgot I owned this until I was reviewing last year's Visa purchases.  The book was still sitting in my bedroom closet, in it's cardboard box with some moth traps I bought from Amazon.

I've been spending the last week or so reading it, and do you ever come across something so good that you force yourself to ration it, not gulp it down all at once?  I've been doing just that with this book, that's how great it is.  Exceptionally well written and a fascinating read of a somewhat famous family rocked by dysfunction, fame and tragedy.

Born in 1955, Griffin sort of "coasted" into the entertainment industry, mostly because of where he grew up.  His best friend was Carrie Fisher, and they lived together in the 1970s while both got small acting jobs here & there.

He says in 1977 when Carrie landed the part of Princess Leia in Star Wars, she would call him or her mother Debbie Reynolds nightly while on location and joke about the corny film and it's dumb title, and prayed no one ever saw it.  Debbie would remind her that good or bad, it still came with a paycheck.  Six months later the movie premiered and changed Carrie's life forever.  

I'm in the final third of the book now, about his sister Dominique.  Her murderer only got a 6 1/2 year sentence, and then only served 2 1/2 years before being released.  He even went back to work as a sous chef at the same LA restaurant he worked at before--until the Dunnes set up camp there and handed fliers out to patrons detailing who would be cooking their food.  The killer (John Sweeney) changed his name and moved to another state.

Speaking of cries for justice, look what I got the day before yesterday.  After seeing those recent "Trump ads" funded by the US government, I pray more than anything my vote counts for something.  

Dear DOUGLAS EDWIN MORRIS,

ALLEGHENY County received your ballot and securely stored it for processing on election day. Ballots cannot be opened before election day.

To find information on your ballot, and to check to make sure it was counted after election day, you can click here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/BallotTracking.aspx.

The older I get, the scarier these get

NOTE:  I was going to post this 2 weeks ago, but was embarrassed and changed my mind.  A couple days ago, my friend Margaret of Stargazer shared a scam text she'd gotten and couldn't tell if it was real.  So I thought I'd share mine too.

This past Friday I got on my laptop to check my email and saw the message above.

Most of these go directly to my junk folder and I never see them, but this one made it to my inbox so I took notice.

Someone from Alexandria VA signed into my MSN account using my sign-in and password?  Waitaminute... wasn't there someone from Alexandria VA on my blog's visitor map a couple hours earlier?  Could the two be connected?  I felt a rush of panic. 

I almost clicked on the blue "Review recent activity" button in the email when I remembered an email I got from Netflix a year or so before, asking me to update my credit card info.  It was phony but I fell for it, as my Visa had recently expired.  They couldn't have known, but their timing was impeccable.  I even clicked on the embedded button in their message to update my info. 

Chase Bank contacted me an hour later and said suspicious activity had been detected on my Visa.  Someone in Kansas City, MO was attempting to buy $550.00 worth of gift cards with it.  I'm glad Chase knew it wasn't me.  They canceled my card and issued me a new one.

Getting back to now, I looked a little closer at the sender above.  "New Sign detected" instead of New Sign-In detected.  And "If this wasn't you, malicious user might have access to your account."   A malicious user, you scammers! "A" malicious user!  

Wait, it’s from Microssoft?  Microsoft has only one s!  Sloppy work, scammers!

Still, I'd come awful close to clicking on their blue button.  After that phony Netflix mail last year, I should've sent this to my junk folder without giving it a second thought.  I admit it, I'm not as quick now.

Just a reminder not to click on any embedded buttons in emails.  Some companies like Lands End, Etsy & even Netflix still use them and I admit I've clicked on a couple without thinking--new rule, never again.

Reunions, new starts & hope springs eternal

Courtney & Pumpkin Boy at the Senior Center on Wednesday

This past Wednesday, the senior center had a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser and I was determined to go.  Since my outing to Cracker Barrel on Sept 24, my long covid has been flaring up daily, making it difficult to go out much.  But something in me said to not miss this.

I was happily surprised when I walked in and saw Courtney, who once managed the center until moving on to run a senior living facility around 18 months ago.  The first time I visited the center in 2023 and met Courtney at their Open House, I thought "Why is someone so young working here?"  Five minutes later, she felt like my best friend.   

She's as dear as they come and I just learned Courtney and her husband are expecting their second child. 😊💖

This wasn't the only happy surprise--Evvie was there too, I haven't seen her since December.  She's had a rough year with health issues, different operations on her eyes for cataracts and glaucoma, and problems with walking because of her sciatica.  I really wanted to get a picture of us together, but the last thing she needed was me hounding her.  I can't believe how long it's been since I've seen her.

There were others there I haven't seen and missed very much too--Candy Kim, Cussin' Connie, Little Margie, my gal-pal Mary.  I was only able to stay an hour or so because of my LC, had to come home and spend the afternoon with a couple ice packs on the right side of my head and face, but I hope to see some of them again in mid-October.  

Darn it, I just realized--I was so busy catching up with those ladies, I didn't get any foodie pics of the breakfast!  The sausage patties were good but the pancakes were a bit on the wussie side for me.  I think I'll do a flapjack blog soon, I call mine "mancakes" for a reason. 😋

On Thursday, it became official--I'm now on Medicare.  I got 2 letters in the mail the same day, both from UPMC.  The first said "Your UPMC Health Plan Insurance termed September 30--We hope to see you again!"  The second letter said "Welcome to UPMC for Life, your Medicare Advantage Plan starts today!" 

The second letter included a Mastercard flex card, good for $350 towards dental, hearing or vision services every year.  Well, my hearing is pretty good but my eyeglasses are several years old... 

Finally, I thought I'd share this--look what just came in the mail. 

Yep, my mail-in ballot for the mid-terms.  I'm going to fill this out right now and get it in the mail tonight.  Being a Dumocrat (Trump's word, not mine) I'm sure you can guess who I'm voting for.

I am not expecting the "blue tsunami" these so-called experts are crowing about, we've seen too many good candidates wipeout in the end.  But a fairer balance of power would soothe a lot of nerves, mine included.  I'll stay hopeful till the end.  🙏

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this beholder likes green skinned women

Well... what do you think?  Maybe you shouldn't answer that.  I'm referring to the new artwork above my bed.  All I know is, I love it.  For the past couple years I've been looking for something to hang there.  

I didn't know what I wanted, I just knew:

1. Nothing too colorful or busy--my bedroom is my zen zone.
2. I wanted something modern, minimalist.
3. It had to be lightweight so I wouldn't worry about it falling down on my head!

I saw this piece above, Nude Woman in Green on an e-canvas site and liked it immediately.  I've got a wooden cross and a couple other artworks on the walls, a sepia Starship Enterprise across from my bed and an "Incan-style" mini-print beside my bookcase, so I'd say my bedroom is pretty much done for wall decor.

Maybe it's time I started shopping for a new bed.  Just kidding!  I love my hippie bed.

The primitive art beside my bookcase and the sepia-toned Enterprise opposite my bed

I thought I'd share this too-- A year or so ago, I bought a map of Pittsburgh for the wall beside my television.  I loved it but it was small, only 18" x 24". 

So last week when I got a 50% off coupon from the same map site on Etsy, I looked for a similar but larger map.  I found it and the perfect 24" x 32" natural frame.  I love it.

I did try hanging a more traditional piece of art there, a row of different colored mountains in assorted colors.  But it was too busy right next to my tv.  And at night it just looked very dark.

I like the whiteness & simplicity of this minimalist map for this space.  I'll hang more colorful stuff elsewhere.

I plan to buy 2 more art pieces, the first is for the accent wall in my dining room.  

I want something oversized, a stretched canvas with an Asian influence.  I have it narrowed down to a few I really like.

The second piece I want is a small wooden, fabric or metal wall hanging to place alongside this wonderful Veloy Vigil.  

I paid a small fortune for this print in the 1990s, and another small fortune to have it professionally framed with museum glass.  I should post a better photo, it's gorgeous.  It's been in storage since I retired and moved a few years back.  It's not a big piece, but it's heavy and will need a wall anchor.  I'd like to see it hanging up above my couch, but it needs something up there with it. 

Well, I think I'll go take a look at my green woman again.  I can't seem to get enough of her.

Reverend Doug and his blessed trip to Cracker Barrel

Yesterday (Wednesday) I was blessed with a reduction in long covid symptoms, so I figured it was safe to venture out and go on that senior lunch outing to Cracker Barrel, in Cranberry Township.  

It may not have been as picturesque as last weeks Narcisi Winery, the food wasn't as fancy, but it was still a joyous trip. The day was cool but sunny, the ride was shorter and more fun, my lunch pals Paul & Dennis were there and always make things more enjoyable.

Something strange happened on my way to the senior center and then again inside the place.  About halfway there, a woman passed me on the street and said "Good morning Reverend."

Wait, did she just call me Reverend?  She was gone before I could say good morning back or bless her, so I just kept going.  

When I got to the senior center, Paul was there, engaged in a conversation with a new member, a man I met a week ago.  Paul came up to me and said "I told Bob you're our new pastor."  I think my white collar was giving people the wrong idea or something?  Anyway, here's a few boring pics of the day.

After we arrived at Cracker Barrel in Cranberry Township; pardon my blurry finger

While the women piled into the gift shop,  Paul ordered some wine, Dennis a beer and I got this new Fall item, "Granny's Apple Tea".  Very appley, very sweet.  

Here's one of Pearl, back from the gift shop.  It's strange, we live in the same apartment building, on the same floor.  Yet this is only the second time I've seen her since last December.

Here's one of the wall above Paul's head, I was trying to get a closer look at those curious baskets.  EDIT: Snowshoes!  Duh!  Thank you Kimba & Bobi!

My meal--fried chicken tenders and a "loaded" baked potato.  I've had better loaded potatoes, but loved those green onions and gobbled it down.  Those chicken tenders were juicy and seasoned just right, the best chicken I've had in a long time.  They were also bigger than you think, after two of them I was stuffed!  

I got a box to take the rest of my chicken home, and as long as I was there I bought a $5.00 TakeHome dinner for tomorrow.  Actually, we all did--everyone got meatloaf except for me, only because I had meatloaf this past weekend.

When our server brought out mine, she included a bag of hot corn muffins and told me my apple tea was on the house.  When I asked why, she said "Just because" and smiled at me.  Honestly, I don't know why.

After everyone was finished, Paul told Dennis "We've got an hour before our shuttle returns, there's a cantina across the highway, you up for some margaritas?"  Dennis handed me his food bag and off they went.

(I had to text them when Access arrived 10 minutes early--"Get back here or we're leaving without you!"  I swear to God, Dennis was so tipsy he was blurry!)

I sat outside on one of Cracker Barrel's rocking chairs and chatted with Rose and Claire for a good hour, what kind, funny ladies.  My LC symptoms started up again around 8pm, I think there was too much activity earlier, oh well.  All I know is, for the day at least, I felt blessed.

The End of the Dive-Bombers, I hope: taking the good from the bad

I think I've finally found an answer to my fruit fly problem--which was growing progressively worse these past couple weeks.

When this all began, I set out mason jars of apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap in both the kitchen and bathroom, where I got attacked the most.  A couple people recommended pouring Arm & Hammer Baking Soda down the drains, followed by white vinegar--I loved the fizzy action, but I think the bugs did too.  

The mason jars only collected 3-4 bugs a day, and it got to the point where the bugs were LITERALLY lined up on the top of my refrigerator door, dancing back and forth like it was Radio City Music Hall and they were the Rockettes!  Why, why??

If you knew me in the real world, I am a very, very clean person.  I wipe down everything with hot soapy water and Clorox wipes daily--including my appliances.

I noticed the bugs weren't getting near my food, but did kamikaze flights into whatever I was drinking.  I wound up buying a sippy cup for my coffee, tea, ginger ale--everything.

I also noticed they were attracted to light.  If I was in bed with my tablet, they bounced off the screen.  If I was in the living room on my laptop (where I need my eyeglasses) they would dive-bomb my face, over and over!  The reflection of the screen on my spectacles, I'm guessing.

That's when I remembered a bug light I bought 7-8 years ago when I first moved in here and discovered I had a gnat problem.  It was like a mini merry go round, with a strong light underneath and a sticky white base.  Thankfully I found it in the back of my apt's storage locker, the bulb still worked and included an unopened pack of those sticky bases.

I decided to put it on the bookcase that separates my kitchen and dining room from my living room.  Maybe those mini-monsters would take a detour from the kitchen before attacking me on the couch!

I decided to leave it on 24-7, and after the first night there were 48 buggos in there the next morning

And the morning after that, this pad had an additional 50 victims, nearly 100 total.  I swapped it out for a new one, and began pouring pots of boiling water down both drains and closing them off when not in use.  When I got up this morning, the sticky pad had only 5-6 dive bombers.  I'm going to keep on until there's zero.

One good thing came from this; I like having a light on that bookcase, a normally dark area in my place.  I ordered a small bookcase lamp to place on an upper shelf.  I also discovered I prefer my coffee in that thermal mug.  I normally reheat my coffee several times in the microwave to keep it hot, now I don't have to.

Meanwhile, it's doubtful I'll be going on the next senior lunch outing this Wednesday unless there's a big turnaround.  The day I went last week to the Winery, my pain number (from the long covid) was at a 2-3.  Uncomfortable, but didn't hold me back.

It remained the same the next day, and dropped down to a solid 2 on Friday.  When it's a 1-2, I start feeling hopeful.  However, by midday Saturday it had gone up to a 4, and by Sunday morning a 4-5.  I spent the morning sucking on Riccola lemon lozenges and holding ice packs to my face and side of my head.  It's 10 times more stubborn than these damn fruit fleas.

Anyway as long as I'm bugging I mean blogging, here's a photo of Sunday dinner.  I marinated a couple chicken thighs overnight, cooked 'em in my junior air fryer for 22 minutes.  I just love that contraption.  And for the record, those red mashed potatoes are the real deal.

It was a lonnnnng day at Narcisi Winery, but what else do I have to do?

Well, today was my third outing this year, and while I can't say I was having a great day long covid wise (a lot of inflammation is in my lower jaw right now) it wasn't a terrible day either.  

I still debated going, I've already been there twice before.  Plus, I knew my gals Mary & Evvie wouldn't be attending. But it's a lovely place to visit about 15 miles north of the city, and I'd be able to go for a nice walk after lunch.

I will admit it wasn't as fun this time as my last 2 visits.  I had difficulty eating the pizza I'd ordered and our Access shuttle was over 2 hours late returning to get us.  Also, a recent newbie to the center kept giving me grief and I came very close to telling her to shut up.  (More on that later.)

But I still enjoyed going and getting out for the day.  So on that note, here's some boring pics (no people) of the day.

Here's a view of the Winery when we pull into the place

You have to walk thru the gift shop to get to the restaurant

After we were all seated, and they took everybody's drink orders, they got to me last.  I asked "Do you still make those black raspberry wine slushies you sold last year?"  Our excellent waiter said they sure did so I said I'd take one.  TEN other people shouted "I want to change my order to that too!"  It is blistering cold, very fruity--and very, very potent.  My head was swimming after a few sips.

Here was my salad which was just excellent.  (It came covered in giant warmed walnuts with a cream jalapeno dressing.)  When I told the waiter my salad was exceptional, Daria (a newbie to the center who feels the need to put everything down) said "It really isn't, I eat salads like that all the time."  I said "WELL I DON'T."  She said "You really need to get out more!"   This was all in front of the waiter.

My main course, a Calbrese pizza.  I loved the hot mini tomatoes, honey sauce and spicy sausage but could only eat one slice because of my jaw. I brought the rest home to fiddle with.

After lunch, I took a walk on the grounds--here's the view right outside the restaurant

I was sorry my pal Dennis couldn't make it, he had a last minute dental appointment.  But hopefully I'll get to see him next week if my long covid behaves and he doesn't have another emergency. We're supposed to go to Cracker Barrel and I'm anxious to try one of their Campfire Suppers.

And here's a final pic of their outside bar & grill.  I think next time I'll sit out there!

It's late in the afternoon; I should be napping, not blogging

I wish I knew what was going on.  For as long as I can remember, I've been going to bed around 11:30 pm, falling asleep in minutes and aside from waking up 2-3 times during the night to pee, getting a pretty full night's sleep, 7-8 hours.

Fast asleep in my favorite green flannel shirt, 1978  

But then a couple weeks ago something changed; nothing in my nightly routine, still going to bed at the same time and falling right asleep, but waking up around 5-6am and unable to get back to sleep.  

Since then, I've been needing an hour's nap in the afternoon and still feel tired afterwards.  Oh well, maybe it's a sign I'm getting old or my long covid is up to something.

Speaking of 1978, I was going thru my old high school scrapbook and found this--my first W2 form, from 1978.

It was from the Olde Southern Pancake & Steak House, I started working there in the fall of 1978, my senior year of high school.  I made $2.25 an hour, worked 2 nights a week but always asked for Saturdays as that shift was 12 hours long--from 8pm to 8am Sunday morning.  

Started as a busboy, worked my way into the kitchen and every 6 hour shift included a half-hour, sit-down dinner break of anything from the menu.  And if you worked a 12 hour shift on Sat nights, you got breakfast in the morning too.

I know I talk too much, but wanted to share this one story.  My boss was named George, who also owned the restaurant.  He was in his fifties, bald, morbidly obese.  He always wore black trousers, a white dress shirt with short sleeves, a big white apron.  He spent all his time in the kitchen.  He almost always had a frown, but half of his employees were teenagers like myself and he never had a cross word for any of us. 

The night of my Senior Prom, we stopped there before the dance (other guys & girls who worked there did the same) to show off our tuxes and gowns and introduce our dates to everyone we worked with.  George was so pleased, he invited us to come back afterwards for a late night treat.  

So we did, pretty late--and he was there with a big coconut cake and sundae bar.  I loved, loved working there.  Even if I did only earn $625.00 for 4 months work!

Believe it or not, I have another "black woman" story.  Two days ago I was exiting Kuhn's and there were two middle aged black women in front of me.  The one on the right said "I don't hate ALL white men, just the skinny ones."  Her friend laughed then nudged her and nodded her head back towards me.  The one on the right looked back and said "Oh he's good!  He knows he's good!"

I shared this story with my friend Pen that night and she said it didn’t necessarily mean the woman thought I was a chubby.  Hello, that's exactly what it meant!

Finally, something very nice happened to me yesterday.  Last week I was taking my garbage out, and a woman stopped me and asked if I could show her where to go, she had recently moved in and didn't know where to take her trash.  She said she asked a couple others who ignored her.  I showed her the way I take, then the more popular route thru the underground garage.  She was so appreciative and looked so much like Kathy Bates, I had to tell her.  She said she'd heard that before, and her name was Kathy too!  I told her if she needed anything else, I was in 402.

Anyway, yesterday around 10:30am, someone knocked on my door.  It was Kathy with a white haired gentleman.  She said he was her husband Denny, who wanted to meet me.  Denny explained his wife moved in a week before he did, and he just wanted to thank me for helping Kathy.  

I asked if they were new to the city, they both laughed and said no, they used to live "across the bridge" (local slang for nearby McKee's Rocks) and had been looking for a smaller place.  They somehow landed one of the few 2 bedroom apts in the Tiffany.  I thought it was so nice they took the time to visit and introduce themselves.  They appear to be in their mid-70s.

I have a really good feeling about them, maybe we'll become friends. 😏

And now that I've bored you to sleep, I'll try doing the same.

Remembering the days when I was somebody-- with a badge

The other week when I was going thru a shoebox of old photos in my closet, I came across a couple of work badges that really surprised me.  I thought I'd lost these or turned them in years ago. 

I wish one of them had been for my first IT job in downtown Pittsburgh.  It said:  Omega Systems, Information Technology & Consulting Services.  

Below that it had my name, with "Data Services Specialist".  

I was so proud of that badge.  After dropping out of college and floundering for a few years in minimum wage jobs, I went back to school and landed my first professional position in 1988.

I wore a suit to work everyday, sat behind a desk and drew up flowcharts and met with users and wrote a thousand computer programs.  I loved it and woke up every morning thanking my lucky stars.  

Anyway, no Omega Systems badge in the shoebox, darn it.  But here's an early ID badge I was required to clip on my breast pocket when I visited secured areas as a consultant for Allegheny County Computer Services.

I sure miss those days!

Here's an official work badge from Allegheny County.  After 10 years as a contractor for the county, I was working at GNCorp but was miserable and knew I had to find a new job.  I contacted an IT headhunter and got an offer right away from BNY Mellon.  At the same time, my former boss from Allegheny County Computer Services heard I was looking and offered me a permanent position.

I took the county offer, I could set my own schedule and even dress business casual, a rarity at the time.  But right after I started, Mellon came back with another offer that was 5K higher in salary. 

The look on my face below says it all--the people at the county were like family, but I had to reconsider Mellon's offer.  I worked out a deal with both and went to work at Mellon after 3 months.  

As for Mellon, I enjoyed my work there but my supervisor and I did not get along.  After a couple years I got an offer from UPMC and decided to move on.  When I gave Mellon my 2 week notice, they took my green metallic work-badge and handed me a paper "Temp Employee" badge.

And finally, my work badge from UPMC Health Plan.  I worked there 16 years, retired, then a couple years later they called and asked if I wanted to come back.  I was so flattered I said ok and did, for a bit.

Once you've had a taste of freedom though, it's hard to go back to that grind.  But I confess, some days I miss my working years still.

Microblogging, Teepee Style: Microbugs and a couple other random things, just because

First of all, I want to apologize for removing my earlier post today.  I came across an old photo of myself and my cousins from the 1970s, shared it with a little backstory, and a couple hours later took it back down.  Just been doing a little too much reminiscing lately.  On that note, here's a few items that aren't exactly blog-worthy in themselves, but all together...

1. This serves me right for buying bananas

I'm wondering if anyone can offer some advice...the other day when I was in the store, the produce man was setting out bananas. 🍌  How come I haven't bought any bananas in awhile?  I love some sliced banana on my morning cereal!  So I got some.  

I remembered why I stopped buying them, when the fruit flies started hopping around my apartment--and into my coffee.  I asked AI what the deal was, it said they come in teeny eggs on your yellow fruit, so wash those nanners right away when you get home.  I did, but was too late.  And now I'm getting assaulted by one whenever I enter my kitchen.

I set out a bowl with warm water, apple cider vinegar & a couple drops of dishwashing liquid this morning (on my stove underneath the light).  It caught 10 of those things, but I don't know where they are coming from.  The kitchen drain?  I'm going to start pouring pots of boiling water down it I guess!

2.  I wish I was this crafty...

My friend Kimberly recently told me she'd signed up for a glass mosaic class, and was creating something on her own for her home.  I asked her to please send me a photo when she was done.  

She sent me this.  I was amazed and told her it looked like something you'd find in a pricey catalog.  Isn't this an awesome piece of artwork?  I'd pay good money for it too. 

3.  This Medicare book came with ham & beans... I think

When I was downstairs getting my mail the other day, one of the other residents was getting hers.  I don't know her name, she's a tall black woman who looks around 60, from the 6th floor.  (She is really tall--I'm 5'7", she's over 6 feet.)  She saw this Medicare book in my hand and asked "You on Medicare?"  I said very soon, in October I turn 65.  She nodded and didn't say anything.  

We walked back to the elevator and she said "You're no spring chicken, but you don't look 65."  I said thanks, I think.  She said "Do you like ham and beans?"  I said er... yes.  She said "That's what I'm making for dinner."  I said it sounded good.  She said "Well, I'm not asking you twice."  Did I miss something?  I said if that was an invite I had other plans, thanks anyway.  Was that an invite?

4.  And finally... someone is paying attention to my butt

A couple weeks ago when my LC symptoms lessened and I was able to join the others at the senior center for a lunch outing, I stopped in the barbershop along the way to say hi to my friend and hair cutter Roe.

I shoved my phone into my back pocket, and we chatted for 10 minutes or so before Roe said "Hey your phone is lit up."  I pulled it out and my most frequent contacts were on the screen.  How did that happen?  I shut it off and went on my way.

I got to the center, we go to lunch, and Paul the Playboy (one of the other seniors) asked if I owned a "vSee Box".  I said I'd never heard of them.  He explained it's a tv box that allows you to stream local channels, cable channels and even paid streaming services on your tv for free, with no cable or subscriptions required.  They cost around $300 and he'd be happy to set me up with one.

(It sounded pretty shady to me.  I'm sure the FCC will be shutting that down.)

When I got home, I heard from my friend Diana who said she got a call from me earlier when I was at the barbershop--my phone "butt dialed" her and she heard us chatting.  (It won't be happening again, I finally activated the security app on my phone so it won't turn on without a pin.)

Later that night, I got back on my phone to watch a couple of YouTube videos before going to sleep and what pops up on my Recommended to watch list?  4-5 videos for vSee boxes!  Coincidence?  Maybe, but I doubt it.

What is LDN? I'm about to find out

Last week, I was having some trouble falling asleep a couple nights  (my long covid flareups strike any time of day or night) so I got on my tablet to do some more reading on nicotine patch therapy.

(I bought them back in June, used them for a few days, didn't like their effect on me.  Maybe I didn't give them enough time.)   But the recent articles and videos I was seeing weren't very hopeful.  More and more users and doctors were saying they did NOT help with chronic LC issues; the nicotine was only serving as a distraction, a mild stimulant.  Now what?

That's when I began noticing more and more articles & videos about something called "Low Dose Naltrexone", or LDN for short.

What is LDN?   It's typically prescribed in much larger amounts, 50mg pills to combat opioid and alcohol addiction.  But some years back, medical professionals began noticing that much smaller doses, typically 1.5 to 4.5 millograms, were helping some people with chronic diseases like fibromylgia and MS, and others with chronic fatigue, brain fog, nerve pain, and inflammation.

But most pharmacies only carry it in 50mg form, so if you want to try micro-dosing, you need to get the pills from a compounding pharmacy.  You'll also need a doctor's prescription.

I found both a doctor and special pharmacy online (at 3am!) and had to fill out a lengthy medical profile.  A couple days later I got a call from Dr. Ira Shika that she was approving my prescription.

I just got the pills in the mail Monday afternoon.  It was $105.00 for a 3 month supply if you take 0.5 mg a day.  I'm expected to increase my dosage by 0.5 every 2 weeks until I reach 4.5 mg daily, so this could get expensive.  Also, you're not expected to see results anytime soon, not for a couple months.  But right now I'm willing to try anything to reduce these LC symptoms.

What have I got to lose besides a few bucks, right?  Wish me luck...