Steps fom the beach - surrounded by fur

Information on voting

2012-01-25T17:39:00.001-05:00

To every one who has made the Boston area their home. Please register to vote! If you wish to vote in the upcoming Republican primary the last date you can register is February 15th If you plan on voting during the Presidential election the last day you can register is October 17th This registration date is country wide, so please register to vote. For the many people who live in the area but are still registered to vote in their home state. Election Assistance Commission will have all the information you need. I know many people find voting a waste of time, or are discouraged because of the way our voting process (especially the Electoral College) I agree it stinks but it is what we have so lets work with it. Take that occupy spirit and occupy the ballot box come November 6th.

The closest thing to an Arisa con report I can do.

2012-01-16T11:37:00.001-05:00

I ended up not spending a lot of time at Arisia this year. I had bought my brother a membership for +Christmas and the plan was to commute from Revere to the hotel. They have a 12 dollar self park lot and a shuttle bus that drops off at one of the BCC entrances. From there it is pretty easy to walk the length of the BCC and take the sky walk over to the Weston.

I meet up with a friend, got a quick hug from Nightwing, then got on the shuttle to head over to Badgers memorial. We were a bit late, there was only one empty chair, and I took that. I had brought my big bag figuring I would need all the stuff I usually left in a room. I did not need all that stuff and the bag really weighed me down.

I got back to the convention and was in line to get my badge on Friday night when a friend called to let me know she was having an emergency. She had dropped her husband off at the con, where he is selling books and games in the dealers room. I went looking for him, and my brother to let him know I was vanishing for a bit. I could not find him, and asked a couple of people to look for him, and call him. We meet up when the three of us returned and Joe and I had dinner.

When we got back to Revere Joe decided to head home and come back in the next morning. I had put together an overnight back, which I thought I had put some dolls in the bag to bring to a doll panel. But when I got there, I realized the dolls had stayed behind and I had been hauling around a large almost empty bag!! Bummer....

Went to a bunch of panels, including one about building cities in gaming. I said I was not a gamer, but since I was an engineer I was there for the building porn. I was not alone in that. We had a great conversation about how cities grow from small towns. Another topic of discussion was why cities are located where they are. Someone came out with the Boston roads are cow paths line, and I jumped right in to tell him he was wrong. Man I hate that old chestnut.

Took my mid day meds, without food like an idiot, something I would be paying for later. Meet up with Joe just after 5 and went back to the Birch Bar in the hotel lobby. We got seated right away and had the same server we had on Friday. Dad taught us to always tip 20 percent since as he said you are not tipping on this meal, you are tipping on the next meal there. So the Birch Bar may have been quite full, but we got great service. It is the same policy I use during Readercon when Nightwing and I have our dinner delivered by the in hotel pub. Use it, it works!!

I was not feeling all that great when I sat down, I just figured that finally getting some food and resting for a bit would help. It might have helped, but by 8 I was starting to over heat. Dashed to the bathroom and my delicious dinner came back up. My heart started pounding and I got light headed. So I called my brother and asked if he was okay with us leaving. I felt well enough to drive home, and he decided again to return to Hopkinton.

I made the mistake of instead of heading to bed, I watched the Patriots game. Wow did they spank the Bronco's, even worse than they did in the regular season. I had flipped open tweeter and had fun tweeting during the game. So ya, not only did I not take my medications with food like I am SUPPOSE to, but I stayed up way to late.

Joe called me on Sunday morning and asked how I was feeling. I felt awful like I had been run over by a truck driven by my own stupid behavior. Took my morning medications - with food - and then added some pain meds and muscle relaxers. Woke up around 2 feeling a lot better, but not really well enough to drive into Boston. I had already decided I was not going to attend the convention today, so I did not have to worry about when I got up, or when I went to sleep last night.

Watched some of the Golden Globes, the football game went over so my attempt to DVR The Simpsons and Family Guy ended up recording the end of the football game and the wrong cartoon. Oh well, that is what Hulu was invented for.

My Mom is a well read Hoot

2012-01-04T21:52:00.001-05:00

Most people, and I know I am one, do not see their parents as a whole person. As form me, I know my Mom loves to read, she is constantly picking up new books. She loves Harlequin soft romance, and her favorite writer is Debbie Macomber and author I can honestly say I have never heard of. She likes other authors as well, but Debbie is her favorite.

So much so, that her web site is one of the five web sites she looks at on a regular - i.e. when I bring my laptop - basis.

I was cool with that, Dad did a lot of reading and like me preferred non fiction to fiction. I loved sharing my discoveries with him. We both loved reading about the history of the area we both call home. Mom, she was more of a light fiction reader, when not reading knitting patterns that is.

So she is going to visit my brother in California, my sister is going with her, and she was looking for a book to bring on the plane. While we were at B.J.'s she got two new books, a new Debbie and a couple of others from the same imprint.

******
The Bruins might have just got the 5th goal of the night, but it is under review. I would normally grab the phone and be talking to my Dad about the call. Except, I can't call my Dad, he is not on the other end of the line. I could try to cross over the curtain my self; just touch an ear to the curtain; but then I could not pay attention to the game.
************

Any way back to Mom. I found two big books that I immediately wanted to grab, The Complete Sherlock Holmes and The Complete Edgar Allen Poe. Both were 6.99 and I wanted to grab both of them! My Mom picked up the Poe book and started flipping through the book. She then said some thing I never expected to hear from my Mom,

"I use to read Poe all the time. He was a great read on a dreary day." I was floored just floored. I never thought of my Mom as a person who read the heavy stuff. She flipped through the book, I'm not sure which one she started to read. I decided to get the Holmes book myself, I have all the stories in E-book form, but this edition includes the original illustrations from Sidney Paget. I put the Poe back down, but I think I will be down loading it to her new Kindle when she gets back. She does not like fantasy or science fiction. But she read Poe, I guess I will have to ask her if she read Lovecraft?

I did not bring my lap top today, but it was okay because I started inhaling the Holmes stories. When my brother called to say he was stuck at work for another few hours Mom made dinner for just her and me, and made enough so he would have leftovers when he got home. Byron wanted to get some table scraps, but she told him he was barking at the wrong twin. She laughed as she told him that.

Mom finds Byron very entertaining, he loves to cuddle up to her then look at his dog treats, then back at her. He twice managed to unhook his leash while he was in the car. We can't figure out how, I think the clip might be loose.

Well any way, back to the Bruins game, less than two minutes to go, I am pretty sure they got this one.

I still believe in Santa

2011-12-24T14:21:00.001-05:00

I will never stop believing in Santa!

He is in every gesture we make to help a stranger, Santa is there.
Every smile we share with a stranger, Santa is there.
Every time we remind our selves we love our family, even when they drive us crazy.

When standing in line we help cover the grocery bill of the person in front of us, Santa is there.
When we stop to help a parent lug a stroller up an escalator, or on to a bus even thought we are in a rush.
Santa is there, he makes his list, he checks it twice.

He is a spirit older than Christianity, who's holiday was taken over but not replaced.

He is our better self, so no matter what my age, I will always believe in Santa.

I miss my Dad, normally today we would be on the phone complaining to each other about how bad the Patriots are playing, and making jokes about loading up the sleigh. Merry Ho Ho Ho Ho Dad

My mom is a hoot.

2011-12-21T22:29:00.001-05:00

I slept through my alarm again! Mom called me at 10:30 and woke me up. Quickly jumped into the shower and grabbed Byron to head out to Hopkinton. We only had a couple of stops to make, BJ's for power shopping, Walmart for a new container to store Dad's stuff. Then a quick walk through Stop and Shop to get a few things. When we were in BJ's I got some of Byron's favorite food treats, freeze dried pork strips. As we walked around BJ's people kept commenting on Byron, and she enjoyed telling people all about him, his age his breed, his talent. The store clerks at BJ's are getting use to his weekly visits, and a few of them know him by name. Well almost name, they remember it starts with a B, so he gets every thing from Brian, to Bill. Except for the ones who think his name is Myron. When we got back to the car and started putting in our groceries I opened one bag of treats to distract him. That was in retrospect a bad idea. Byron knew the bag was there, and tried to get to it as Mom and I were emptying out the car. He tried again when we were taking groceries out of the car, but I hid the two bags under the seats so he could not get them.

Mom made a boiled dinner, carrots, potato, and kielbasa. The kitchen does not have a good heating unit and gets cold so the three of us went into the living room to sit and wait for dinner to finish. Byron curled up on the rug at my feet. He got bored with that and decided to jump on the hassock. Mom was totally against that and we both scolded him. He instead rolled over on his side and gave Mom the sweetest puppy smile he could muster. No dice so he got off the hassock extra slowly, leaving one rear paw on the seat as long as possible. Then he plopped down on the rug again, with a mighty sigh looking around for one of us to give in and let him sit on the hassock.

Went into the kitchen, where he curled up under the table. Sniffing a bit when he thought he might get a treat. After dinner I headed back into the city, intent on stopped at CVS to pick up my medications. I am trying to get a nice stockpile before the end of the year since I am in the third stage of Plan D and my medications are just four to ten dollars.

We were going through the 128 tolls Byron must have realized one of the treat bags had slid out from under the seat. He jumped in the back seat and went to town. I had no way of getting him back in the front seat or even getting the bag away from him until I reached CVS. When we got there I took both bags of treats out of the car and brought them into the store with me. I left him in the car since putting on his vest is a bit of a reward for him. When I got back to the car he was sitting in the front passenger seat looking ever so sad.

I made a great meal

2011-12-20T17:15:00.000-05:00

Try to follow me on this...

Yesterday I was feeling like crap and I asked koshmom to come and walk Byron for me. I had taken a small bit of pork out of the freezer intending to eat it last night. But I decided white rice and diced tomato was a better idea.

While koshmom was gone walking Byron I decided to make a pot of Thi Tea. I had had 3 cups of coffee, and she had brought me a fourth cup. I figured we could sit for a little bit, but she had errands to do and had to go. How amazing a person is she to divert from her own errands to take care of me!

Anyway, after she left I had a cup of tea myself, leaving me with about a cups worth of liquid. I did not want to just toss it out, but I was totally done on drinking it. Then I had a strange thought I decided to toss the still slightly warm tea in the zip lock bag with the defrosting pork! Kind of strange I know, but hey I had to give it a try. The tea did not add anything to the taste of the steak, but it did give it a nice brownish hue. I should have maybe tried it without adding any spices, just to see how it would taste. After a few flips I decided to add a few spices, some ground garlic, salt, pepper, parsley and oregano. My four go to spices.

I should have taken a picture of dinner before I ate it, but I forgot. Sorry! The taste was different, and I think I might play around with tea again. I think maybe I might sprinkle the tea on to a bit of meat. I tried that with coffee, both using it as a marinade, and as a spice. I found it added a little bit of a color to the meat, but not any difference in taste. Has any one else tried something funky with or an unusual ingredients? .

Kept my hammer in it's spot all day, and was able to put up some tiny wreaths in the bathroom. I need to get some more hanging wire to put up a few more things.

Identical hoots

2011-12-16T22:25:00.001-05:00

I went out to Hopkinton to pick up my Mom. She wanted to spend the weekend with her identical twin sister. I made a point to bring Byron with me because he is ever so popular with my aunt and grandmother. I got a chance to meet with the hospice nurse who comes in three times a week to bath my grandmother. She is only a few months from 100 years, and as many of you know I have a very poor relationship with her. But the both love Byron so we have that in common. I should have sent that letter into the etiquette column years ago. It would not have made us close, but it might have helped.

My aunt made a roast beef for lunch first she cut up a bit of roast beef for Nana, then started cutting up another piece for Byron. He got his own plate! And when he finished what she had cut up, she started feeding him under the table!

When Byron and I got in the car he jumped into the back seat and looked back toward the house. I think he expected Mom to get in the car with us. At the end of the street Byron looked out the back window and started barking. I told him he would see her again soon.

Thoughts on the life of Mallory

2011-12-06T18:55:00.001-05:00

Not many people know Mallory, he was a keeshound who played an important role in getting Byron and I together. Back in 2002, as my medical issues tossed me to the ground, Mallory was a keeshound owned by Nightwing Whitehead. She likes to have two dogs and when she heard about a keeshound being held by New York City Animal Control. He was a tiny thing, a bit wild and crazy but she thought this little boy would make a fine companion for Mallory.

Well it did not work out that way, but more about that later...

I was still working then, had an hour long commute, to a job that was overwhelming me. I got into the habit of stopping to see Nightwing before finishing the commute home. She was and is a very dear friend, a person I look forward to seeing. On January 25th she called to let me know that she had a new keeshound in resendence. She decided to name him Byron, after the poet, and I guess in his furry period - ya if you don't get that joke it means your normal.

It was cold I was wearing my favorite coat and carrying a back pack full of work. It was one of those jobs that eats you alive. When I got to the house I saw a skinny little puppy, a bit wild, totally without manners and afraid of his own shadow. Mallory made sure he was the alpha dog quickly enough, not allowing Byron to sit near me or Nightwing. Byron went from sitting near us to hiding in the dining room.

When I got up to leave I discovered my coat missing! Byron had taken it pulled it over to my stack of work and had fallen asleep guarding it. I guess he wanted to make sure Mallory did not take that too. I played with him a little before leaving the house that night, and continued to visit and play with him on a regular basis after that.

One day in April I got a phone call telling me I should come down and say goodbye to Byron. Mallory was not happy to have him there and the dogs were getting into fights. I was no longer working but had started the long process of becoming permanently disable. So I had a wonderful idea, instead of going down to say good bye to Byron I decided to make him a part of my life.

Yes without Mallory being territorial, Byron would have stayed in Windsor Ct, and I would not have him in my life. So thank you Mallory, you gave me Byron...

Sleep well Mallory, thank you for giving me an amazing gift.

Today I did something about my first Christmas

2011-12-05T18:43:00.001-05:00

Some thing I never thought I would be able to do.

I threw out an ordainment. It was not an ordainment that I ever put on a tree, but it was one that stayed wrapped up in it's own special box. It said "Tim & Jan 1st Christmas 1982" I don't know why I brought it with me to Boston in 2003, I don't know why each and every year it came out of the ordainment box and then went back in. Well today, it went out, well almost out. The trash bag is not quite full, but once it is the ordainment will be history.

I could not bring myself to crush it, but as other trash goes in the bag it just might be crushed. That first Christmas in 1982 was stressful, We had little more than each other and a bunch of books. I had been uprooted from my home and life and tried to become less a Bostonian and UnMasshole myself and become a resident of Connecticut. Tried to get his family to love me the way I loved their son. It was the first Christmas we went to Hopkinton on the 26th of December. My X's birthday is the 26th, he always grumbled about never getting a real birthday party, or a real birthday gift.

Well my parents, decided to change that, our dessert was a birthday cake, He got a present under the tree and another one in birthday wrapping paper. It was a great way to start a marriage,

I wonder what I would say to that me, of 1982, what would she want to believe?

My mom is a very sweet hoot

2011-12-05T18:15:00.001-05:00

Out in Hopkinton again. Mom had some errands to be done. We were talking about what people wanted for Christmas, and Mom said "I want one of those OVE Gloves" I told her I knew just where to find them, and plucked two off the shelf at B.J." We picked up the necessary groceries, her milk, sandwich meat some cheese, Me crunchy peanut butter and english muffins.

From there it was over to Wal-Mart for some holiday stuff. When we got there we saw the Salvation Army bell ringer. My Mom emptied out her change purse, saying I might not have much, but I will gladly share it with people who have less.

Short attention span theater

2011-11-28T19:59:00.001-05:00

I had a hard time waking up this morning, I got up at 9 and took my morning medications with some crackers. Went back to sleep (gosh I miss my nuvigal) and woke up at 11:30. I had a couple of errands to run CVS and the pet store. I went to the bank first had to move some money over to another account. With that errand done I went to CVS and picked up my meds. Happily I am finally out of the donut hole and I am getting some assistance with my prescription drugs again. From there I went to the pet store and picked up some dog food.

I was right besides the storage unit and thought about going in and getting out my holiday stuff. As I was going home I realized that I had vacuum bags and the vacuum attachments in the unit, So I ended up turning around and heading back into Lynn. When I got to the storage unit, I pulled out my tiny tree, and went on a search for my decorations. I fount the box with the ordainment and lights, and brought them down to the car. I was almost all the way home before realizing that I had never looked for the box with vacuum stuff!

Writers block

2011-11-21T23:26:00.001-05:00

I have had the worst case of writers block. I have a few short paragraphs of stuff that happened last week, but I can't write it well enough to post on the blog. I'm not sure I even want to blog any more

Open enrollment hates me

2011-11-14T12:03:00.001-05:00

So I'm disabled and it's time to enroll in next years Medicare plan. There is a new plan in Mass, it is charging a 0 premium. However, they are very limited in the doctors I can see and the pharmacy I can use. I can't use CVS or go to my regular doctors group.

My current provider has a phone system that makes me want to scream. I get bounced around every where. They don't have a nice website like the new plan and their phone lines are swamped. Now I could switch, save a bunch of money, but loose all my relationships. I tried calling my medical group, Cambridge Health Alliance and asking for help. They just give me a 1-800 number to call. The person answering at that number gave me yet another 1-800 number to call. Then I went online and tried the Medicare Insurance Plans web site, which is suppose to review all the plans available.

They gave me a list of plans to check, and I started looking around. Trying to find out if my doctor's practice was on their list. I have given up for the day, I'll start looking around again tomorrow. I am just to stressed out after this morning to keep dialing my way to a frustrating day.

The things I collect

2011-11-09T17:29:00.001-05:00

Any thing not nailed down.

- An amazing collection of friends, but in real life and some I only know via Live Journal but who I have built a real human connection.

- Barbie dolls - Ya that's a given.

The Barbie doll that looks most like me

- Books, I have the entire Dewey system on the wall behind my head.

- Bradley dolls - Kind of cute play dolls from the 50's Designed not to be play things, Instead to be the fancy doll of a teen or adult female.

- Horses Be they Breyer's or My Little Ponies or Barbie I love having them. They remind me of the horse my Uncle Bob kept a my Grandmothers house. Her name was Debbie Do and she was so much fun to hang out with.

- While it was not planned this way, I do have a lot of shoes, and clothing, and formal wear.

My bad, I forgot one collection

My mom is a hoot - a kind and gentle hoot, but a hoot none the less

2011-11-05T00:45:00.002-04:00

So my Mom called yesterday evening and asked me if I could take her grocery shopping today. I still had not done my laundry so I put it back into the car and headed out to Hopkinton. I had to leave Byron behind because it is hard to get three baskets of laundry AND Byron into the car.

Once I get there Mom put in the first load of laundry and then Mom warmed up some pastrami so the three of us could have lunch. Joe had a day off today and had a ton of stuff to get done. He also had to wait for the glass company to arrive and replace his front windshield. Poor kid has worked six day straight. The first place we went was BJ's. Mom had a pretty good size shopping list, me not so much. I grabbed two bags of Brussel Sprouts because they are just about my favorite vegetable. From there we went to Walmart so Mom could find some plastic totes. Coming out of the mall I missed the turn to get back on to 495. I had to drive to the Home Depot before I could turn around. From the Walmart parking lot to 495 North a car has to drive through two lanes of traffic and directly into a sharp left turn.

I had a few things I wanted to get that I could not get at either store. So my Mom said she did not need anything there but if I needed to go we could go. It was like redoing "Who's on First" but with food. We got back to the house and unloaded every thing. Joe's car windshield had been replaced by the time we got back and he had enjoyed a mid day nap. Once every thing got put away Mom had started making dinner. Doing laundry at her house is extra complicated. Her machines have crazy computer activated bells and whistles. The the machines begin to take over I hope the washing machine has a soft spot for Mom.

After dinner she turned on her favorite show, Extreme Makeover Home Edition. This two hour episode was about a soldier suffering from PSTD.He had been living in a treatment center for over a year because his house was to stressful. He lived a few homes away from a major rail line, and two miles from a gravel pit. So the train would rumble by, or the ground would shake from the explosions, and he would just crumble. With the help of the amazing Glenn Close (who worked hard to stay out of camera range so she would not become the story)

The family had sold the origional house and was trying to find some place to live where all 4 of them could live together. The house was amazing, and showing how so many neighbors got together to help caused some dust to float into my eye. The had to keep the crowd quiet, since screaming and yelling cause him to have attacks. He also gets nervous in large crowds, so the crew had the neighbors stand quietly and members of his own National Guard troop stood behind hime as the bus rolled away.

I missed the next few minutes because there was more dust in my eye. Mom and I got to talking about how the father had a service dog to help him get better. She was saddened that war had damaged him so badly that he might never be able to be a part of his sons lives. That lead to a discussion about invisible illness, like him and mine.

I had to stay to the end of the show just to see all the wonderful things that had been done. It was amazing from flat plot of land to one story open house plan

Well it's time for me to go to bed. Hope everyone had a nice day.

Had fun last night

2011-10-30T13:43:00.000-04:00

The night started out on the wrong foot, I could not decide what of my many costumes I wanted to wear. My long stuff was to long, my short stuff to short. I settled on black pants and a black top with a long green silk shirt to go as Robyn Hood! Then I went looking for my great coat, a sweet wrap made of polar-teck fleece. I went through both closets and could not find it any where... when I got home, I discovered the coat hanging off the hook on the bathroom door. Which meant that when I was brushing my hair I could have seen it in the mirror. Weird right?

Headed out just after 8 and went to S & J's Halloween Party. They live very close to me and it took me a bit longer to find a parking space than it did to drive over. As I walked to the house I knew that she would ask me where I parked. I had a great idea walking over, I would tell her I parked on the street, because Somerville Police get upset when cars get parked on the sidewalk. Except when I got upstairs, in response to the "where did you park question" I responded "just past the hospital on Highland" Darn it, I hate it when I work up a funny line and then forget to use it. So I asked her a little bit later to ask me where I parked again, So I got to use the joke, and she laughed, but it would have been so much more funny if I had said it the first time.

I was listening to a couple of people at the party talking about the new movie that suggests someone else wrote all of William Shakespeare plays. As I listened I got more and more lost in the conversation. I looked over at my host smiled and asked if he also felt the need to go curl up in a corner and do some trigonometry. Got to see some other good friends, and lots of people I had not yet meet. People were looking at me thinking they knew me, but did not know from where. I figure I should have created a cut out of Byron to attach to my hip. You know, so people will recognize me. I might be nice, but my dog is COOL!!!

Had a chance to talk baseball with CT and just be my normal goofy self. Got home a bit after 1am, I was tired, but not quite tired enough to sleep. I had a great time and I am so glad I went. I wish I had stopped having fun for just a minute and gone to grab my camera. Well I saw a few other people walking around with cameras so hopefully some body got pictures.

2011-10-26T17:19:00.000-04:00

It has been a quiet day today. Brought Byron to the Vets office so he could get the stitches out of his ear. His ear looks flat, because it has been bandaged for the last two weeks. He has been, much to my surprise, been leaving the ear alone. I was worried that he would be scratching. I am going to have to work a bit harder to keep his ears clean. I am good at getting stuff out of his ears, but not deep into his inner ear. He is no longer taking his antibiotics, so with any luck the massive deadly farts will go away soon. I was going to stop at the storage unit on my way home and pick up my art canvases. I brought every thing but the canvases home on Monday. I have all the other paper, just not the canvases. Silly me, I guess I will run over there tomorrow. I have been putting stuff off all week. I have to put in the new anchor bolts for the clothing rack, Go through another bunch of cloths and see what I can toss. And, do some drawing, reading, writing, and blogging. Instead I have spent the day watching TV and vegging out.

TinHilda finds a new home

2011-10-24T12:50:00.002-04:00

Went down to Plymouth at noon to pick up my Mom, I made it there in time for lunch so the 4 of us sat down to eat. Byron has been given his own personal bowl and he goes right to it when we get in the house. I brought him in to see my Mom's mom, I gets up along the side of the bed and she just pats his head. It was funny, when she heard a new voice (mine) was was told that I had arrived, she asked "Did she bring her dog?" I had brought my Halloween stuff with me, because Mom was going to go through it and see if she wanted to hang any of it. She like TinHilda and I put that up on her porch. When we got back from grocery shopping.Mom went on a major restocking trip, lots of meat, bread, and staples. Me, I grabbed a pack of mini cereal boxes, and toilet paper. I can't do a lot of shopping at BJ's, while the prices are low I would have to carry a cooler to bring it home. So for me, I just like to wander the aisles looking at what the have for sale. I need to replace my garlic press, I went looking for it last night and could not find it.I went to the hairdressers and got my roots dyed. I felt kind of selfish wasting money on me, when I owe so much money to the Vet for Byron. But I needed the positive feeling of getting my hair done. My hairdresser is nice, she keeps forgetting how thick my mane is.

This is not a Barbie "DOLL"

2011-10-21T16:51:00.000-04:00

Just watching the evening news and they had a story on the new collectors Barbie doll. The reported did a person on the street interview showing people a picture of the doll and asking if they would allow their children to play with it. The answer for the most part was no, which makes sense, since this doll is not a children's toy. Tokidoki Barbie She is a limited edition, already sold out Gold Label doll. There were only 7400 dolls made! That is it, for the entire world, only seven thousand four hundred people have this doll. Trust me, non of them will be playing with this doll. I doubt more than 100 of these dolls will even be taken out of the box. At least they do mention the doll is a limited edition, at the end of the piece.

Pictures from the surgery

2011-10-13T14:13:00.000-04:00

So lets start with a picture of a sleeping Purrball taken while Byron was at the Vets. She enjoyed having the couch almost all to her self

This is Byron when he got back to the house yesterday, He so does not enjoy wearing the collar. His good ear was pinned in the collar so I loosened it enough so it was free.

It took him a while to figure out that he could not just walk around the house.

Right now he is laying on the floor, he sleeps a little then wakes up, rearranges himself and goes to sleep again. I had to lift him up on the couch yesterday and put him on the bed with me last night. He has not eaten much, and in my personal experience the day after a major surgery is a rest day, more than a food day.

Byron has had quite the week

2011-10-13T14:02:00.000-04:00

Monday

Byron's ear has been bugging him, for a couple of days, I have been keeping an eye on it, cleaning it when he lets me touch it. Today when I woke up I realized the infection had gotten so bad that he could no longer hold up his ear. I left a teary eyed message for the vet this morning, Telling the answering service about his ear, and my inability to pay for any treatment. I waited for about an hour for the vet to call back and when she did not, I called T. After talking with him for a bit I concluded that there was no way I could care for this myself. I started to call the local free clinic Merwin when my vets office called me back. The office manager let me know that if I needed to she would hold a check for a few days and not cash it until I had my disability check cashed.

Tuesday

Poor little guy is not in a lot of pain, as long as he does not scratch his ear. The vet game me some medications for him, a calming topical spray to help him stop chewing on his hot spots. His surgery is scheduled for Friday. Talked to the doctor and the office manager, they are going to work out a payment plan for me. They gave me an estimate for how much the surgery would cost, best case 600 and change, worst case as much as 900 or even a thousand.

The allowed me to post date a check till my social security disability comes in next week! Then on Friday while Byron is under the knife I will sit down with the office manager and try to plan out a payment plan.

So since I am already in depressed, I figure I would watch a little bit of Animal Cops Houston. Much the same way I watch Hoarders to remind me I am a collector. I am watching Animal Cops to remind me that I don't neglect Byron. Just watched an episode where they rescued a horse that had fallen into a muddy brook. It felt good to watch a horse get saved.

While I was at the vets, the Bruins lost. So every thing is just turning out swell.

Wednesday

On Monday Bryon had a sore ear, it was not hanging right, and I noticed it was swollen at the base. I managed to get in to see his Vet. She took a look and did some blood work. She said that while it looked to be an Aural Hematoma and we should schedule surgery to remove it. There was no major issue so he could wait a few days and have the surgery on Friday.

Then yesterday happened. Byron had trouble walking, his ear had doubled in size. He spent most of the day hiding under the bed and growling at any one who came near. That is so not Byron behavior, so I called the doctor back. She suggested I bring him in this morning and they would take a second look at the ear. Both Monday and today she apologized for making me wait, I smiled and said "You are squeezing me in on a busy office day" I am just so grateful you have been able to squeeze me in. So Byron is there and I am here. This apartment feels so empty.

I sat in the parking lot for a few minutes looking through my purse for change. I had almost no gas and I was hoping that with the help of my Stop and Shop discount I could get a couple of dollars of gas. I had 4 dollars in quarters and ten dimes and a five dollar bill, so I figured I could get at least ten dollars in gas. I brought the change into the Shell station and counted it out for the clerk, he asked me if I had any other coins because they were short on coins. I pulled out my coin purse and dumped out all my pennies. I had almost two dollars in pennies, then the clerk took the Stop and Shop discount and I got one dollar and twenty cents, which I turned back in more gas. After all our high finance I went out and put the nozzle in my car. I figured that after all that money passing hands I was going to get 11 dollars and 60 cents in gas. Then I got 12 dollars in gas. The clerk had added the money in to make 12 dollars. Which is super sweet!!! So now instead of driving on fumes, I have almost a half tank of gas.

My totally different thougths about Steve Jobs death

2011-10-06T15:18:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's just me, and some residual pain from my father's death earlier this year. But, I wonder why Steve Jobs spent so much time at work? He only left his job in August, a job that I am sure caused him to spend more than 40 hours a week at work. He spent the last year of his life working for a company that had made him wealthy beyond words, wealthy enough to have realize that family, not bank accounts are the greatest wealth.

I wonder if Steve Jobs had dedicated as much of his life to fighting cancer as he did to running Apple if he would still be alive today? Apple will survive with out him, it might not be the power house it was, but it will survive. Apple does not "need" Steve Jobs to thrive.

There are however, four people who have not yet been mentioned, who do need Steve Jobs to thrive, his children. Three are not yet 20, and the illegitimate daughter he refused to acknowledge for so very long is not much older. He choose in what became the last year of his life, to spend his remaining energy on Apple. Not on those 4 children, not fighting cancer, but on his company. His doing real well, money making powerhouse company.

Why did he make that choice, I wonder? I have been fighting cancer for a while myself, beat it back into a corner, into a cage that it hopefully will not ever get out of. I learned through that the importance of family, I reconnected with every one I could. Steve Jobs, for all his money, for all his vaunted smarts, his life project should have been his children, not on the Iphone 4

Just blah today

2011-10-02T14:43:00.002-04:00

I had hoped to have saved enough money so when the October tax bill came due I would be able to pay it. I ended up not having enough and my bank account is frozen until next week. I thought the final bill would be 856.00 like the last three bills were. But the IRS decided I owed a bit more than that and took 300 dollars more. I had expected bill would leave me tight, but with something. Nope it left me in the negative. The good thing is when the IRS puts a hold on my account the bank will not charge me over draft fees. I have about 50 dollars on the Paypal card, so at least when I head to Hopkinton I can afford to get gas still. I was able to plan ahead, and get the food I need. So I am good with the basics for the next two weeks. I have all but one of my needed medications, and the one I did not get, while nice to have is not as necessary as as some of my other meds. The missing med is the super expensive "Hey I have energy" medication which I can kind of create on my own with lots of coffee and 5 hour energy drinks and the occasional hand full of ungrounded beans.

I got plenty of milk and even some powdered milk. Bills are paid, except the fee for my storage unit. I will be able to pay that by next week, so while I will be locked out of storage and have to pay a late fee. My storage will be safe until I am able to pay the bill.

I'm sitting watching "Mysteries of the Museum" the show just did a report on Alan Shepard's golf club that he brought to the moon. The club, really just a modified wedge attached to a tool used to pick up dirt samples. It took Alan 4 tries to hit the golf ball, and when he did the guys in Mission Control started cheering.

Wow this is two astronaut comments in two weeks. Well no one ever suggested I have both feet on the ground, much less can keep my heads out of the clouds.

Fluff

2011-09-26T19:37:00.002-04:00

Decided to take the T to Union Square instead of trying to drive. I thought I had written down the bus route I would have to take. But I could not find my list. So when we went to a bus stop that had a transfer to the Sullivan Square I transferred to that bus. Once we got to Sullivan Square it was easy to find a bus to Union Square. Byron was well behaved on each bus we got on, sliding under the chair and resting his nose on my leg. He was so well behaved on the trip over, just chilling out like he rode the bus every day.

Byron is for the record a super chill dog.

We got to Union Square just as the Fluff festival was about to start. Found the volunteer table and took a seat. Got to spend time helping to herd volunteers and be goofy. There was a big jar on the table full of marshmallows and there was a contest to guess the number of marshmallows in the jar. First prize was a neat one of a kind festival poster and a gift certificate to a Union Square place of business. Which was plainly boring, it had to be goofed with. It begged to be goofed with.

First I started telling people the prize was getting to eat the marshmallows, then that the prize was getting to play with Byron. I got progressively sillier including telling people that the winner got to watch ME eat the marshmallows. I reminded people as they grabbed their program books that guessing the number of the marshmallows in the jar was the ONLY thing keeping ME from opening the jar and eating every single marshmallow puff in there. People asked if there was any place where they could just put spoon to jar and eat marshmallow. I was kind of surprised that Durkee-Mowers Marshmallow Fluff company did not attend the festival. Maybe next year, I hope next year HOPE HOPE HOPE! I mean Fluff is made in Lynn Massachusetts, just up the street from me.

I spent a good amount of time sitting at the volunteer table, having fun being silly. I worked with Tugboat 23 Consulting and I had such a great time that I am thinking of letting her know if she needs a crazy person to do a sitting job, I'm available. Especially since she was kind enough to give me one of the special volunteer shirts. Instead of the regular shirts I got to wear a big f on my chest.

Susan Olsen was there showing her fluff art and being an all around great person. People kept coming up to our booth and asking where "Cindy Brady" was, I smiled and said, I'm not sure, but Susan Olsen the actress and artist who played Cindy Brady is under the red tent. I wanted to say hello to her and get a picture of her with Byron but it was to busy for most of the day. At the end of the festival I ran over to talk to her and take a picture with Byron. I think this is her web site I am fluff but I'm not sure, it has her art work on the site, but nothing about her.

She was not the only amazing person at the festival. Which tells you just how amazing the festival was Rick Linnehan an astronaut who took Marshmallow Fluff with him on the Endeavor. That so totally rocks, and yes Byron and I got a picture with him too!!

They had a contest to be the "Pharoh" of fluff, I was goofing on the idea of putting Byron in as a candidate, but I could not think of a goof riff on why he should be the new Pharoh. Of course on the bus ride home I came up with an entire great speech. I wrote it down so look out next year.

We took the bus back to Sullivan Square and from there I decided it would be easier and quicker for Byron and I to jump on the Orange line. It was a much easier to transfer from subway to subway instead of standing on a street waiting for a bus to show up. When we got on the Orange line Byron only needed a tiny bit of encouragement to jump up on a seat. There was a family from Japan visiting Boston and they each wanted a picture with Byron! We got to the blue line station and helped 3 woman figure out which train to take. They were heading into the city and did not quite understand the in bound / out bound MBTA directions.

Tomorrow I get older

2011-08-15T21:11:00.002-04:00

Missed the expiration date yet again. Tomorrow I will turn um 52. I don't feel like I am 52, at least not today, tomorrow I might feel like I am 82, you never know with lupus.

Book review - Always Something doing - Scollay Square

2011-08-10T18:44:00.000-04:00

Always Something Doing, Boston's infamous Scollay Square

By David Kruh with forward by Thomas H. O'Connor

I feel a little sad, Boston lover that I am, to have never seen Scollay Square. For all I know about this legendary place is a length of is a length of tile at the very end of the Government Center Blue line platform. Fitting perhaps for as I have discovered blue is a perfect description for Scollay Square.

The book starts on a sad note, with the death of a grand old lady, the Old Howard theater. Then in the gentlest way, he introduces us to the building in her prime. Before she was Old, and before she was the Howard, all the way back to Cotton Hill. Of greatest help is the map on page three, where the outlines of the old neighborhood are superimposed over the new. New roads are in gray, a most fitting choice if you ask me.

The book introduces us to the family who gave the square it's name. John Scollay was a patriot, no not that kind, a member of the Son's of Liberty. But, since this book is about the area and not the man, our visit is all to brief. The book is full of delightful pictures of the growing square. Taking pictures of buildings was apparently as popular in the during the squares heyday as taking pictures of children today. Then these buildings are in a way their children, and our mighty ancestors. We also get a chance to hear from the people who made Scollay square famous. For the author has done his research. Remembrances from the performers who stepped out on the many stages that surrounded the Square. The slightly upscale Crawford, to the all night Star Theater, later renamed Rialto in the hope to loose the monicker “Scratch House” It did not work, the name stuck, and the picture shows how lovely the theater was in it's own way. I had not heard of Sally Keith or her amazing twirling tassels, until I read this book. Now I have to start searching for more information on this Boston legend.

We honor the sailors who spread stories of the Square throughout the world. My favorite in the chapter about Joe & Nemo's tells how an American infantry man was able to cross into the Allied camp by proving he was from Boston, via his knowledge of Scollay Square and especially Joe & Nemo's. What a shame the restaurant is not longer in operation, for now I have a craving for a hot dog I never ate.

The book becomes a little less funny as the Square starts to fail, and urban “renewal” takes hold. You can hear the sorrow as building after building falls to the wrecking ball. Pictures once again take the reader around what is left of the Square and how the new buildings grow from the ashes of the old. I found great humor in the story of George Gloss and his Brattle Book Shop. Each time urban renewal come to the building his store was in he would offer a book give away. What ever you could carry after five minutes in the shop you could keep for free.

The epilogue takes a look at what has been done to bring some of the flavor of Scollay Square back to Government Center. He lists the many different ideas that have been floated to change the brick porch into some thing more welcoming. While the area is used on a frequent basis for festivals, green markets, and celebrations of champions the space still goes quiet once the work day ends. I always wondered why Government Center always felt like it had a hidden energy a party just seconds from starting. Now I know what I was feeling, it was the ghosts of Scollay Square, just waiting for a chance to start the party once again. The next time I walk through Scollay Square I will remember the past I never knew and hope for the future I would love to see.

Thinking about making a change

2011-08-09T14:03:00.000-04:00

I am thinking about changing the focus of this blog. Instead of just talking about my life, and mirroring what I write about in my live journal blog, I want to do something different.

I am thinking of becoming a book blogger, not just any kind of books, but book about the greatest place in the world -in my not to humble opinion of course. If you need a hint to answer that question, I guess you don't know me all that well.

So watch this space.

Happy birthday Lucy

2011-08-06T11:16:00.000-04:00

Your still loved around the world.

Google has changed it's doodle to celebrate her 100th birthday Lucy doodle

I have most of the I Love Lucy dolls that Mattel made, and some of the clips in the doodle are also dolls in my collection.

Job Switching even has small black beads in her hat and dress to mimic the candy Lucy hid

Then there is the famous grape stomping scene Lucy's Italian Movie

This is another favorite of mine. Lucy gets a Paris Gown In this episode the guys are trying to put one over on the ladies and convince them that a horse blanket and feed bag are the height of Paris fashion. The joke is on them, when a designer sees Lucy and makes the dress high fashion.

I love all the dolls, The famous Lucy does a commercial That's Vita..Meata..Vegamin

Hooray math

2011-08-05T16:52:00.002-04:00

Felt way more human today than I have been all week. Did a quick check on the bank account made sure it was balanced. Yes I do enjoy balancing my check book on occasion. I realized that there are two outstanding checks that if they clear tonight will leave me with 4 dollars. Well depending of course on what comes into the bank account tomorrow.

I needed some groceries, milk, dog treats, soda just the basics and I figured I could spend about 50 dollars on groceries. I did pretty good at first, figuring out what I could afford. That all changed when I discovered Stop and Shop paper towels were ten rolls for ten dollars! I had to pull a couple of things out of my cart to swing that. I played around a bit more, skipping crackers for now to get a gallon of milk. Tonight will be jello and pudding making night.

When I got to the register I figured out I had enough money to treat my self to some munchies. I got some next day muffins and bread for two dollars each. I added every thing up in my head and came up with 53 dollars, which I could spend because I had brought back some soda bottles and cans. When I got to the register I gave into temptation and got the new issue of People magazine. My total 53.45!

Yes I love math!!!!!!!

A bit about my day

2011-08-02T17:28:00.000-04:00

Had a doctors appointment with my Rheumatology doctor. I have to call my primary care doctor about some of the test results I got. My blood pressure was super high 152/100 when first tested and then 128/94 at the end of the visit. She was also concerned about my balance and falling issues.

After I left the hospital I called a friend to get the address to her husband's book store. She tried to give me directions from Massachusetts Ave, but I told her to just give me the address. Once I plugged the address in my GPS I was off and running. I had asked the store to order me a book that I was unable to find in any book store. Well okay I only go to one book store, and they are sweet enough to order books for me. Thanks guys!

Decided that since I could not find my three hole punch I would swing over to Staples and get a new one. Punches are cheap, this one cost me 8 dollar. I like using the punch so I can keep my medical records and bills in a binder. It helps during tax time when I can just refer to the binders. While I was there I bought a package of pre punched printer paper. I also keep my library list in a three ring binder. Yes I have that many books, but they are not enough I want more!!

State is having another tax free weekend this month. I have been thinking about maybe waiting until then to replace my camera. The screen had a crack in it, but when I fell during the block party the camera hit the tar and it cracked the case. I had to take the card out of the camera to read it! What a bummer I really liked the camera.

Just watched the touching surprise visit to the House of Rep Gabrielle Giffords. Brought tears to my eyes. I hope she runs for reelection next year.

Social Security is neither Social, or for that matter secure. Mean and cranky they got down!!

2011-07-27T18:20:00.000-04:00

It started with my getting a letter on Friday.

I just got a letter from SSD telling me they were doing a review of my disability case. The phone number to call for assistance with the form is "not a working number" The person you are suppose to speak to - By Aug 1 - will be on vacation until Aug 8. __After calling the national number for SSA I got the new phone number for the Chelsea office, which is how I found out that the person I need to speak to (by Aug 1st mind you) is on vacation until Aug 8th. After 15 minutes on hold I spoke to a Mr. Osorio who told me to bring the completed form into him. As for helping me fill it out, that he could not do. Now me, I still have most of my brain matter. After all, I tracked him down. I am worried about the people who are not as stubborn as me, who will just give up when the phone number does not work or they mail it to a person who will not be there by the required day! I guess denying people disability is one way to solve the budget deficit

Today I went into the Chelsea Social Security office to drop off my paperwork. I walked into the office and a security guard immediately waved me out of the office. He made me go into the lobby and tell him why I had a service dog. Not if Byron was a real service dog, but the exact reason I deserved a service dog! I offered to show him Byron's papers, he license and even his rabies vaccination certificate. No, all the guys wanted to know was my medical reason for having the dog. What was "WRONG" with me. I told him he was a total stranger asking me personal medical information, and he was not allowed to do that. He did not care, he was not going to let me into the office until I told him.

I gritted my teeth and said "I have the occasional seizure and he warns me before it happens." I hate hate hate when some one thinks they have the right to ask me personal information. Honestly I think I am going to start asking my questioner some personal questions.

I finally got in and took a number, found a seat and sat down. I had brought one of my neighbors with me (he needed to visit the office as well) We felt so out of place, I think we were one of 5 people in the office speaking English, six if you count Byron. There were a couple of screaming kids, I think they come with the uncomfortable chairs. Two little girls were running around the office and when they saw Byron they were enchanted. One girl came over and let him sniff her so she could pet him. The other girl was afraid and since we did not have a language in common I could not tell her or her parents that Byron was a nice friendly dog. The other girl was giggling and saying Byron's fur tickled her. The other girl stood just a bit away from Byron. He stood up and since his tongue was at the same level of her ear he gave her a quick lick. Suddenly every one in the waiting room had a common language, laughter.

When I got up to the window the woman at the counter was surprised that I had a dog with me. I let her know that he was a service dog and as such would be very well behaved. That was the high light of our conversation.

She let me know that I had left two of the questions blank. The question about hospital visits and education. I told her that since I had not been in the hospital, or a classroom in the last 12 months I had left the pages blank. She told me I needed to write N/A on both pages. Then she closed the window and walked away. Someone else sat down at the window and when it opened I gave her the pages. She told me I needed to take another number (I had already been there for 90 minutes) I got a bit loud and said she either needed to get the other person back, or get a supervisor over there. My douche bag security guard pall started staring at me. Finally she decided to open my file and accept the paper work. What a bitch, it must be a miserable job working at Social Security but don't take it out on me.

This was my horoscope today. I love it!!
- This can be a most memorable day for you because you can get away with being as weird as you want. Your need to do something totally outrageous may reach a point of no return today, provoking you to take sudden action. But rather than being sensitive to other people's needs, maverick Uranus connects with the Sun in your sign, encouraging you to do as you wish. Nevertheless, there is still an unspoken boundary. Don't go too far over the edge now or you'll have to spend time later cleaning up the mess you make.

A special note if you are on the North Shore and disabled.

2011-07-22T13:34:00.004-04:00

I got a letter this morning from Disability telling me my case was up for review. According to the form, I have until Aug 1st to speak to and meet with a Ms. Kasiecki or my benefits could be ended.

Well I was a bit confused with the information they wanted, and seeing that it is only five business days to Aug 1st, I called. And that is where the cluster F started.

First off, the phone number of the Chelsea office has changed. It is no longer 617-884-3216 which I thought was strange, since that was the phone number on the letterhead. The phone message suggested I try a different number 855-210-2120. Which I did, don't bother calling it, that is the fax number.

So I went on line and got the master 1-800 number 1-800-772-1213. I was on hold for ten minutes before Marie came on and told me the offices new number.

855-210-0121 for the record. The address is still 80 Everett Ave, Chelsea MA 02150

It gets better ---

I called the new phone number and the robo switchboard asked me who I was calling for. I tried saying the name and typing in her extension, but the robo switchboard could not figure out what I wanted. So it put me on hold for 15 long minutes until someone was available to speak to me.

I asked to speak to the alleged Ms. Kasiecki, and was told that she was on vacation for two weeks and would not be back until Aug 8th. Can you see a problem here? Back on hold I went so the person who answered the phone could find out who to transfer the call to. She handed me off, well slowly after another 6 minute hold to a Mr. Osorio, who said he was the supervisor of the a for mentioned Kasiecki. He confirmed she would not be returning to the office until Aug 8th. So I asked him (very calmly through my gritting teeth) what I should do with the form? Could he answer my question? Did he know that the phone number on the form was incorrect?

Guess what gang!!!! He did!!!! Yes he said if I had called the number on the form it would have told me the NEW number for his office. I told him the number the robo switchboard gives for the new number to call is 855-210-2120 which is a fax machine. It took me three tries to get through his head that YES the number on the answering machine was WRONG! So then I asked him why if the person suppose to be doing these reviews is on vacation, and the phone number to call is wrong, why did they even bother to send the letter. His answer, "The letter are printed automatically by this office" - THIS OFFICE - as in the one I was speaking to!! You think they would have at least proof read the letter before it had gone out??? YA THINK!!!!!

So now that I have finished venting, I want to let as many people as possible know if you get a Notice of Continuing Disability Review, the phone number and contact person are both wrong!!

--- Just a little bit more.

One of the local investigative reporters contacted me about the letter. She wanted me to fax her the letter, I tried to but my scanner just gave me a big black spot. So I went down to Staples and faxed it to her. Hey for 1.55 I can do my bit to help others like me.

Readercon day 2

2011-07-16T23:37:00.005-04:00

I brought the little laptop with me to Readercon this morning, I powered her up, and got the blue screen of death!!! Never had the time to figure out what went wrong. I will deal with that problem next week.

Spent most of the convention working the Green Room. I love being in the Green Room, it does not involve a lot of moving around, and Byron can usually just curl up in a corner or under the table and sleep. Kind of surprised I took very few pictures of people with Byron today, I guess we were just that busy. He loves seeing the kids come in to pet him. Since he is laying down while I am there I consider him to be not working. In Byron's case he is always working! Even at a 2am when I am asleep he is working to keep me alive!

Went to two panels today, spent just over 8 hours working in the Green Room. I started serving people their hot drinks, because it was the easiest way to find out when we needed more coffee or cups.

Had a couple of hotel staff tell me that the hotel did not allow pets. I was for the most part able to smile and say he was a service dog. Mostly, but by this evening I was getting real tired of it. I was sitting with some friends on the 6th floor and one of the hotel staffers walked down the hallway a good three times before telling me the hotel did not allow pets. I smiled and held my tongue, but said he is a service dog. I think I might have to mention something to the Con Com. After last year they put the service dog notice right in to the hotel contract! But some how the word has not filtered down to the minions. So every time the shift changed I had to have the very same conversation.

I think perhaps I should leave a picture of him with the hotel front desk and ask them to put it by the time clock. That way when they walk down the hall and see Byron they will know he is a SERVICE DOG and not to bother us.

Grabbed a few new books, not fiction, but short humorous essays. A new paper back edited by Bill Fawcett How to loose the Civil War, and a series by John Grant "Discarded Science" "Corrupted Science" and "Bogus Science" I'll read those right after I finish Civil War, which will be in about 30 minutes.

One long day a surprisingly good day

2011-07-14T23:07:00.001-04:00

I did not expect today to be very happy, it was after all, yet another funeral. This time it was a wonderful man who forgot more about dogs than I will ever know. I got to meet Louis Colby through his interest in breeding dogs, but that was not the only thing he did. He also breed some beautiful white pigeons, chickens, and even horses. He was an amazing man and I wish I had meet him sooner and known him better.

I got up early and called Tom just before I left, he was still not ready when I got there. The service was wonderful, lots of good memories of Lou. From the church we went to the cemetery, it was a private cemetery, back in the woods. Since Lou not only breed dogs, but raised horses and white pigeons the family found a way to honor all his interests.

The casket was taken from the hearse and placed on a horse drawn wagon. Walking with the family behind the wagon was one of his dogs, I real sweet heart of a boy who sat quietly during the service. At the end of the service two white pigeons were released from a small box and flew back to the house.

We went back to the house to have a nice meal and share some memories. I got a chance to talk to some people I only knew by email. The day just flew by, as people shared memories, told funny stories and made new connections.

I was suppose to head to Readercon today, but instead I decided to stay where I was. Tom's mom thought since I had mentioned as we were leaving that I had someplace I had to go by 4 that Tom would be back. Well we did not call her to tell her our change of plans and apparently she go worried.

Any way, I plan on heading up to the con tomorrow, I will be commuting instead of staying at the hotel. I was thinking of staying and had even reserved a room. I decided to cancel the reservation. It took 3 separate phone calls, being switched to the reservation desk and placed on hold. On the third call, from my cell phone as I was waiting for the funeral procession to start, I told the clerk exactly what I was doing. Instead of sitting on hold, I was transferred directly to a person. He asked me for my reservation confirmation code, which I did not have; being not at home in front of my computer. Then he wanted to give me the confirmation number for my cancellation. I said "In my car with nothing to write on, just email it to me.

While I was at the reception I got a few email contacts, being able to say "Hey do you want an invite to Google+" is the best pick up line ever. Well except to Tom who insisted several guys were flirting with me. Ghods, I think any time I talk to a guy and he is around he thinks I am being hit on. I told him on the way home how annoying I found that. He just kept insisting I did not realize I was being hit on. I kept telling him I know when I am being hit on. It happens to me ALL THE FRIGGING TIME! I can't go to the frigging grocery store without being hit on! I told him that if he did not cut it out I was going to HIT on him!

Honestly, I was thinking of bring him with me one day to Readercon Readercon. But considering how he reacts to normal people I don't think it is safe to bring him around fen.

Computer problems and storage issues

2011-07-13T13:11:00.002-04:00

It started when T called asking me about pictures I had taken quite a while ago. It was a picture of him and the gentleman who died over the weekend. We are attending the funeral tomorrow and I just figured I would pull it off the external hard drive. Well sadly one the hard drive was plugged in the computer could not see it. So I grabbed the other hard drive. It can't see that one either. It's not the usb ports, they see the camera and the GPS just fine. Both external hard drives have the power light on, they are on all the time, just not hooked up into the computer.

So no pictures for T, or me for that matter because there is a lot of stuff sitting on those two boxes. Then I figured I would just go to comcast and pull up all the photos I have stored there. Except the file folders are empty, just empty. The file names are there, the links are there, but when I down load the file there is nothing there. Even Myspace which I have not been on in a dogs age (maybe two) all the photos are gone there to. Oh and myspace has a link to facebook. You can use your facebook log in to get a myspace account. Doesn't matter Google+ is going to take over the world. - to which I still have invites if anyone wants to get in.

So my old pictures are missing, meeting President Clinton gone. Pictures from every vacation I have taken (all 4 of them) gone. I already lost all the pictures taken from when I was married. Now I have lost even more. All the stuff I down load from my big computer after the motor died (don't ask it was nuts)

All of it, gone. I don't have the cash to bring the hard drives to a repair shop, and I don't know how to recover the comcast stuff. Yes I back every thing up on CDs once a week, so as long as I can read a disk I have what I have NOW. But the old stuff, it's gone.

Byron saved my life last night

2011-07-13T08:03:00.002-04:00

I was sound asleep and it was around 2am. Byron started jumping on the bed, barking at me and pulling at my shirt. As I woke up I realized I was about to throw up! Not something you want to do while asleep. I have no clue how he knew, it is something we never trained for, he just KNEW! I rushed into the bathroom and well you know.

All the time, from the moment I jumped out of bed until I returned to bed. Byron stuck by me! He could not do any thing more than he already did, but wow he had already done so much.

Today is going to be a clean the apartment day, bring boxes back to storage doing dishes and laundry. I need a quiet day after yesterday.

Messing with Home Depot

2011-07-12T23:36:00.000-04:00

Spent a good part of the day in town helping Tom and his mom. She wanted to get a new bath room cabinet and we went over to Home Depot. She found a cabinet she liked but the only one on the floor was on the top shelf. We found an employee who said they needed to find a fork lift truck.

There was a scissor lift right in the aisle only a few feet from the cabinet. I had the worse urge to jump in the lift, but I knew I would not be able to get it down. After the first 5 minutes I started to bug the employee about getting the cabinet down. After 10 minutes I had reached my limit on Home Depot stupidly.

I went up to the service desk and told the manager that I had been waiting in aisle 9 for some one to bring a forklift to get my cabinet down. I let him know that we were in the starting phase of an entire bathroom redo, and he had exactly 4 minutes to keep me from going to Lowes.

Within two minutes at best they found a guy who was licensed to drive a fork lift, but no forklift. I suggested we just use the scissor truck since it was RIGHT THERE!

I should have twisted the manager just a little bit more, I think if I had really made a stink he might have tried to knock the price down, but we just wanted to get the heck out of Home Depot by then.

Byron is getting antsy today

2011-07-09T09:21:00.001-04:00

Woke up just before 7am. Looked at the clock and tried to convince myself that I could go back to sleep for another hour. The wake up alarm goes off at 8:11am and the you had better take your medications alarm clock goes off at 9:31

Yes I do have a thing about alarms going off at 1...

Decided after a few minutes of tossing and turning that I should just get up. Took my medications and drank a slim fast. It is a quick and easy morning protein meets liquid and I can take my medications with it.

I was making dinner last night and really wanted to put ground pink sea salt on it. But I could not find my bottle of said sea salt. In frustration I emptied out the entire cabinet looking for my spices. It occurred to me that since I had all the spices out, I should do an inventory. This morning i started putting the spices back, only with what I hope will be better organization. My large spice bottles are on the top shelf, my sweets and teas are on the second shelf along with my extracts. The bottom shelf holds all the cooking spices. Does any one have one of those spice shelf organizers? I am kind of wondering if they are worth it to get?

Byron started acting like he wanted to go out. I grabbed his leash and opened the door. He ran down the hall way full of joy, and rolled on the carpet. He ran to the elevator door as soon as it opened. When we got out on the first floor he walked over to one of our neighbors for a head pat. I tried to get him to go out the door, but he stopped walking. It turned into a bit of a tug of war before I gave up and we came back upstairs. I think he noticed that the back porch was still wet. Or all he wanted was to do was gallop up and down the hallway for a minute.

Either way, he is now crashed out at my feet. I have the fan going to just keep the air from going stagnant. I need coffee so I will be back later.

Getting a bit pissed off at On Point

2011-07-08T11:33:00.000-04:00

Werewolves and Zombies

I just called into On Point wanting to make a comment that genre fiction has been around for a long time and these to mainstream writers who decided to stick a toe in the genre waters are not creating a new form of writing. First the call screener said he would "pass my comment on" and hung up. So I called back in, and this time he said "I said I would pass it on, but I don't think we will have time to get to your comment"

Pretty much the screener was saying - they were not taking calls like mine. So I guess if you already know genre fiction exists you are not welcome on On Point.

How I celebrate July 4th

2011-07-04T16:17:00.002-04:00

This is how I celebrate the 4th day of July in the city of Boston Massachusetts (okay Revere) but we share a border.

I celebrate by listening to the reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State House, then I go stand along the Charles River and wait for the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra to play a song written by some Russian guy to celebrate his country winning some battle against some french guy in battle we did not take part in in 1812. We were kinda busy re-fighting the British that year.

Any way this guy in Boston Arthur Fiedler thought the people of Boston might think it was cool to hear a song that had parts for both bells and cannon. Because as every one knows, fireworks need company ya I can't take credit for that line

Except that today it is really hot out and I don't feel all that great. So I will be doing all those things and more happen on television, while I sit on my couch trying to crawl into the air conditioner. Increasing green house gasses, the hole in the ozone and global warming.

Did I miss anything????

sarcasm off

Some time this week I will head into town and go visit U.S.S. Constitution The worlds oldest commissioned, active duty, warship.

Watching history channel

2011-07-03T12:51:00.002-04:00

Kind of out of it today. Byron is sitting at my feet, feeling better than he has in a while. I was thinking of going to listen to the Esplanade rehearsal concert. It was suppose to be at 1pm but has been moved to 5pm. So I'm still trying to decide. Suppose to rain from about 2pm to 5pm so depending on the weather I might stay home.

Byron is going under my legs and jumping on and off the couch.

I'm watching the History Channel they have an interesting show on right now about ship boneyards. A boneyard is a place where ships are scuttled when they are no longer useful. The story started by talking about Pearl Harbor. Of the 16 ships that were sunk during that attack, 11 of the ships were re-floated and used to fight in the war. Now they are talking about the Bone yards of San Francisco.

Tonight at 8 there is a show about pre revolutionary Boston, Boston Bloody Boston including the Boston Massacre. I am very interested in history, and super interested in Boston history it's a easy guess what I will be watching tonight.

Oh crap idiots are lighting off fire works again. Byron has gone under the bed. I had hopped that the television and a/c unit would have mad them hard to hear, and while the smaller fire crackers are easy to over look, the m80's even startle me. I have given up calling the police, they could care less about assholes lighting off fire works. Sigh I miss my old neighborhood.

I have a great new addiction

2011-06-24T13:25:00.000-04:00

It involves books, well when does it not involve books. Open Library is slowly buiding a database of every book ever published. Each book will get a single page with all the information you would find in a library catalog.

Not just the book name, but publisher format and pages. The data base also has a subject search, and this is where the joy and addiction starts. If you plug in a subject like 'dragons' not only will you get a list of every book on the database with the word or subject 'dragon' but you will also get a graph showing how many books have been published by year. You can click on one of the dots and find the names of the books published.

I'm not a good enough writer to tell you how amazing this web site is. Please just check it out.

Trying to let the four of you who read this catch up on my life.

2011-06-20T13:46:00.000-04:00

Wow I have not posted a thing since the 16th! Wow I have been busy so catching every one up on my life is going to take a while.

Wednesday I took my laundry out to Hopkinton. My brother asked me if I needed "a hand", I said "that would be nice" and he and Mom started applauding. I should have know better, I love my family and walked right into that one. I was going to take her shopping, but my car would not start. I called the service station up the street and they came and jumped it.

I did post about the car repair already but wow, just when I thought I was getting ahead.

Saturday the 18th was busy, I got up before my wake the heck up woman alarm clock went off. Which is even before my take you dam medications already stupid alarm clock. I was excited about heading into the city and watching the Bruins parade. The last station on the Blue line Bowdoin Station which is usually only open from 6 am to 5pm Monday through Friday was open. The station was right on the parade route and had lots of space to watch.

We had a great spot right by the railings. But it was to much for Byron to deal with and gradually he pushed me out of the crowd. I brought Byron with me, which was a really bad idea. The heat was not that bad, but the jerks were out in force. I was giving him some water and someone stumbled over me and the bottle. He was such a jerk he stomped on the bottle and kicked the plastic bowl I was using. So there we were 45 minutes before the parade and no water for Byron. Sadly the very few restaurants in the area were all closed so I could not find more water. I decided to stay since the parade was going to start in less than a half hour. Byron was not happy with the noise, or the numerous idiots around us. When we went back to the station he ended up retching up some foam from his stomach then emptying his bowels. So ya I realized that I should NOT have brought him to the parade. A couple of people helped me clean it up and the MBTA workers let me go into the station and put it in the trash. They opened the big gate where people in wheelchairs or with large strollers go through. I got Byron cleaned up, and went to the guy at the gate asking to be let out. He asked me if I was going to another station and I said no, I needed to go through the turnstiles and pay my fair. He told me I did not have to, and I told him I did. He held on to Byron beyond the door and I went through the gate and took him back. Then one of the guys went into their bathroom and got me a cup of water for Byron to sip. And they made sure we got on the front train and that I had the Handicap chair.

I posted my pictures on facebook and at Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Parade

When we got back to Revere, Byron wanted to wait a minute. So I ended up chatting with the guys at Revere Beach station. who refilled the cup I had been using to give Byron water. Note to self, Byron is no longer young enough to shrug off heat and humidity. I don't like that, but it is not going to change any time soon.

I left him home and went out to celebrate my mom's birthday. I got her a funny card, some flowers and took her out to dinner at Minado I had left my camera attached to my computer so no pictures of her getting a special cake and holding a paper parasol. Mom tried to blow out the candle, after her third try I just filled my lungs and let loose. It blew out right away and she laughed. She asked if she could keep it and they said no. But as we walked out of the restaurant all of the staff and a few of the guests wished her a happy birthday.

Sunday was a family gathering at my Uncle's house in Framingham. I arrived at about 2:30ish. Left every thing but my phone camera and keys in the car. I flipped the seats down so if anyone looked in the car they would see nothing but seats. That and I alarmed the car. So I knew it was safe. I took lots of pictures, which are listed as family only on facebook. I wore my Boondock Saints T-shirt that says "Daddy's working" There was not as big a turn out as many people were expecting. Supplies were heavy on the beer and wine; light on the soda and water.

With very few exceptions we are all well above the legal drinking age. However I would have liked more options. Food was good, and family was well family... My uncles wife is a bit odd, she asked my Mom if she had a boyfriend yet?! We will just leave that conversation to the winds. Then she talked about all the trips she and George are taking. I said I can no longer afford to travel nor am I healthy enough. She told me my illness is all in my head and is because I am not having enough sex. Thank you Dr Ruth! Mom looked at me and said "it's to hot here on the porch, lets go join the group on the lawn". Smart woman my Mom, because I was just about ready to tip our hostess over the railing. As Mom said later, she was pretty drunk, and apparently thinks she is ever so funny. Ya NOT.

I got home about 7ish, gave Mom a call to let her know I got home safely. Went to bed pretty shortly after that I was completely out of spoons by that point. Woke up this morning feeling okay, not great, I knew I had pushed myself to hard all weekend. I had to beg off gardening with koshmom because my muscles were twitching and hurt. Then Mom called and asked me if I could come out and take her on a few errands. Sadly I was not capable of getting out of bed and had to beg off. Just called her, a neighbor was able to take her on her errands. I felt bad no being able to get out but I was just to flattened to do it.

So now every one is caught up on my life. How was your weekend???

My Mom is a hoot

2011-06-15T18:07:00.002-04:00

Went out to Hopkinton today to do laundry and visit with my Mom. It's fun to hang out with her, she makes me laugh and I love her. She needed to get some groceries so I was going to drive her to BJ's. But my car would not start. No problem driving up, no problem turning off the car, but it just would not start. I called the service station up the street and asked if they do auto jumps. The guy said he normally did not do that, but when I told him where I was he said he would be right down.

He had one of those battery packs where he just had to hook it up to the car and I just started it right up. Since I had just started my second load in the dryer we both figured it would be better for me to leave once that load was done.

Mom starting saying she was sorry that I could not stay longer and finish my laundry. I told her not to apologize because she was not responsible for my car problems. I told her I was sorry that I could not take her grocery shopping because of my car problems. She told me not to worry about that. Well we went back and forth for a while; when I started giggling and telling her that if she kept apologizing I would have to assume that she had in some way disabled my car; and was indeed responsible for the car not starting.

I'll be going back out on Saturday to celebrate her birthday. Going to take her out to lunch at a seafood buffet in Natick.

Time to google car repairs and see if I can figure out why the car did not want to start.

Go Bruins lets bring the cup home where it belongs.

A four block walk - to Revere Beach

2011-06-09T17:12:00.001-04:00

Is what separates me from Revere Beach, sigh it use to be two, but that is history now. Today is a very hot and humid 90 degrees, with thunderstorms in the forecast. I think soon too as the sky is getting quite dark. Now over on Universal Hub - Revere braces for trouble it is time for the annual Revere bashing. Today high school students are skipping school and heading toward the beaches. Now in past years those students spent less time on the beach and more time causing problems in the neighborhoods.

Each year I defend Revere, trying to get people to understand we don't have a problem with large groups of people coming to use the beach. The problem is with large groups of people who come off the T and decide to cause problems.

-- Hey massive thunder storms just beyond 128. From the time I came back from my journey 4:40pm to now, 5:00 pm the sky has turned from blue to grey and the wind has picked up I guess the entire discussion is about over.

I took a bunch of pictures, wandered about for a while. Happily Shirley Avenue is closed. There are 3 transit police at the station, and on state trooper standing at the intersection. As people come off the train, he kind of points them in the direction of the beach. Still a few stores have decided to close early.

While I was walking around I saw police talking with two people who were ticketed for not allowing pedestrians cross the street. My personal pet peeve, and one they can not enforce enough for me. One fellow was in the midst of being spoken to for parking his car half on the sidewalk and in between two parking spaces, then blasting his radio. There were police in the pavilions, where most of the people were. They did not have a mobile processing facility, nor a large bus or truck for mass arrests. A few guys with their pants pulled down were having a shoving contest, near a small child. An officer waved them out on to the sand.

It's just 5:20, the sky has gone black and I hear lots and lots of sirens, I have a feeling they are escorting people off the beach as I just saw my first bolt of lightning.

Errands, tired books.

2011-06-09T11:29:00.002-04:00

What a busy day. Swung over to the doctors office this morning. She has been having me check in once every 6 weeks since my Dad died. Agreed to drop the amount of Prozac I have been on, dropping back to 40mg each day. I can't get her to agree to take me off of a second antidepressant, I take it at night and it is suppose to help me sleep.

Then I went over to housing and grabbed my paper work back. I needed to bring copies of them to the IRS office and since I had sent him the originals I needed them back. I am going to copy them here and send them back next week. He has not even done the calculations for annual income yet. It's just a simple algorithm, I already did half his work for him! Really, the memo I attached to the forms has every thing he needs. But, he insists on doing all that himself. I guess he has the right to review the paper work himself, but I am concerned that when he does run the numbers he might want to increase my rent, and decided to pro rate it to cover the months since he has had the paper work. I have to send in my rental renewal information in April, and my rent is suppose to be modified in May. Well it's June and they have not changed any thing yet. He use to have an assistant who did most of this work for him, but she has been let go. She was great, she gave people a copy of the short form she made to help her with the calculations. I just have to remind myself that I am not a normal tenant of this facility.

Having Nightwing here this week has been so very fun. One of the speakers at the conference she is attending is Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, who wrote the wonderful "Well behaved Woman Seldom Make History" Her newest book out in paperback is "A Midwife's Tale" and Nightwing got me a signed copy!!!!! That so rocks,

Started the process of moving my bank account away from Citizen's Bank and over to the smaller East Boston Savings Bank. It was quite a pain in the ass, but well worth it for the reduction of fees and better personal service. I am so jealous of the woman who helped me out. She has an autoimmune disease, and a husband who has stuck with her. She has a real winner there, if only more woman could be that lucky.

Just going to sit for a bit. Byron was a very good boy today, staying just out of the office at housing and curling up and falling asleep at the bank. It has been to hot to put his vest on him so I think today I am going to write Service Dog in big letters on his leash. Not that any one asks for proof, which I have, but just in case. I always carry his license, and service dog vest with me where ever we go. He was so adorable as we were leaving the bank, there was a little girl who wanted to pet him, so he sat down and turned his head away. Once he did that she felt comfortable petting him.

Cleaning

2011-06-08T13:31:00.002-04:00

Ya, I'm exhausted.

Nightwing arrived last night she is in Boston for a week long conference. I am letting her stay here, so she can afford to do the conference for less. I spent yesterday fooling around, went to Marshalls to get a few skorts. I love the shorts / skirt compo, I find it to be very comfortable to move in and even swim in.

Byron was having a bad day yesterday, his stomach was reacting to all the people treats he got on Sunday and the heat from yesterday. He ended up with explosive diarrhea! I kept trying to get him into the tub, but I just could not lift him over the tub. With Nightwing's help she got him into the tub where I grabbed the Mane and Tail and gave his butt a needed bath! Since my bathtub has horrid drainage, really not just my tub, the entire building once Byron got his bath I needed to clean the tub. Instead we went out to eat!

While we were gone Byron got up on the bed and did his stress activity, scratching like he is trying to dig. Which does not do much to the living room carpet, but rips the hell out of my nice sheets!!!! I stripped the bed this morning and went to look for the third and fourth pair of cotton sheets I own. I could only find the top sheets to both, so I said F it, and made the bed with two top sheets. Within moments of doing that I saw the fitted sheet sitting under a pile of old t-shirts. I should go do laundry, but man it's to hot to walk away from the air conditioning unit.

Bathroom is almost clean, the tub and toilet are done, I just need to clean the cat box and wipe down the sink. Still have dishes to do also. Right now I'm drinking so soda and nibbling on grapes. Just to kind of rest and re spoon myself. I almost need a nap.

Some this is up with the radio, I can't get WBUR in very clearly, I have a second signal kind of piggy backing in. So I have gone new generation and flipped to the web site and I'm streaming. As long as I don't ask to much of the computer I will not loose the stream.

Busy and tired.

2011-06-06T17:28:00.002-04:00

Last night I went to bed early, because I was very very tired. Could not keep my eyes open started dozing on the couch. So I figured it was time to go to bed. Took my medications, took a shower and slid under the blankets. Tossed and turned, looked at the ceiling. Tried counting nothing worked. I decided at 1am to read a little bit. It did not help, indeed I think it woke me up a bit more. Finally gave up and got up at 6am. Went up to the storage area and brought down a few more boxes of books. I have been slowly pulling books out of my collection that I am going to donate. I have to sit down and go through each book and pull it out of library thing.

I also brought over four boxes of boxed dolls. Dolls that have never been removed from their box that I normally displayed. Say older more valuable dolls that increased in value as time when by. Or dolls that are just so beautiful and complex that I could not display the dolls out of box. Only pulled out a few, trying to decided if I should maybe sell a few of the dolls or just put them back into storage.

I have been thinking of getting a smaller storage unit, it will be cheaper and with so much of my stuff actually being in the apartment now it might work. Still thinking what I want to do. Just not sure.

Had a nice dinner I defrosted some chicken wings and put them in a bit of balsamic vinaigrette and spices. I let that sit in the fridge over night, and put them into a covered pan and cooked them on low heat for 15 minutes. They were delicious! I just tossed spices together to see what comes out. One of these days I should start taking notes so I can replicate things I really like. Who am I kidding, I never cook the same way or the same thing twice.

WBUR Spring Festival

2011-06-05T18:05:00.002-04:00

Byron and I went to the WBUR Spring Festival I was looking forward to a fun day and the event did not disappoint. The station gave out free t-shirts; well since you had to pay to get in, I guess they were part of the price of admission. Several local companies who purchase sponsorships on WBUR were there handing out samples of their food. There were two different companies selling baked goods, one sold bread the other pastry. They looked great, but I had to stay away from both places. The pastry group only brought one kind of pastry, the one covered with almonds and made with marzipan. The bread people had one bread with almonds, but had used the very same knife to cut each loaf. Happily the sherbert and ice cream were nut free! The flat bread pizza was delicious, and I got a chicken & cheese piece for Byron to snack on.

It was hot in the sun, and after a while Byron and I sat by in the Community Rowing building. It was out of the sun and felt much cooler. We listened to Livingston Taylor sing and he made several small friends. They had a guy making balloon animals for kids, which I kept Byron away from. He does not like balloons at all. When we were sitting, a few people who had balloons let the balloons touch the ground where the cement was in the sun and warm. Byron just about jumped out of his skin. It took a while to calm him down. When the event ended he was more than ready to head home.

I posted all the pictures I took on Byron's face book page Byron at Spring Festival We got to meet several of the radio hosts. The Car Talk guys were there, and the pictures I got of the two of them with Byron are precious!

Batting clean up

2011-06-03T22:24:00.002-04:00

I don't know why I did not do this sooner! When I went to my storage unit to get my summer clothing I also started opening some more boxes. I know I did a bit of that with koshmom, but I did not bring a lot of stuff back. When I found my favorite shirt, one that I thought was lost, it kick started my brain. I was missing my stuff, my books, my dolls, my stuff. So starting last week, I started bringing home my stuff. Now of course this apartment does not have even a quarter of the space my home had, but with a few careful nips here and there, it can. So I posted a few things on Craigslist, got one taker on the monster Kirby vacuum cleaner. I love the thing, but I takes up as much room as a chair. Room I don't have!!

I also took a look at what was around me, I realized I have empty boxes sitting on top of the kitchen cabinets. They can be tossed out, and a few of my Dept 56 houses can safely sit up there. Many of the dolls I have are pink box dolls that I can easily sell on Craigslist also. I am sure I can find buyers, I will not make back the price of the doll, but some one will enjoy them. I have been going through my clothing and weeding out stuff I don't fit into and stuff I don't wear any more. I mean really I'm 50, time to stop wearing mini skirts. I actually emptied out two drawers when I finished putting stuff away.

I hung a few more pictures, including one of my dad, and put up the shadow boxes of collectable Barbie and Ken clothing I have. I even put up a few things in the vast white space that is the bathroom.

Called my neighbor this morning and asked him to help me put together the three story wooden house I am using to display a lot of my dolls. With the top on it becomes a four shelf unit and I can put a lot more dolls on it. I also took down the empty boxes I put on top of the Ikea clothing rack and shelving unit and after measuring one of my Barbie houses from the storage unit realized I could set up a two story doll house.

I decided that I am going to get rid of dvd's I will not watch again, or books I don't have an interest in reading again. I brought a small box of DVD's down to the building library, which I am sure will be snapped up quickly. I also started a box for books I am going to put in that library also. I know I can't keep every thing, but with any luck and a bit of care, I can end up with a nice balance. I even found my clarinet!

I sat down to watch the game, when suddenly I had the urge to jump in the shower. Not sure why, I mean I usually shower before bed, not normally at 8 pm. But it was just so strong, it had the same urgency as a need to pee. Well during the second inning when the Sox were screwing up so badly I got up and took a nice long shower. I washed and conditioned my hair (which has not been washed in about a week and did kind of need it. I scrubbed and scrubbed until I started feeling clean. Purrball likes to watch me shower, I don't know why, but she tries to grab the water that hits the shower. When I step out of the shower she tries to steal my wet towel. She is just an odd duck my cat.

Bit by bit step by step. It will happen.

I have a calm

2011-06-02T15:01:00.001-04:00

It struck me just a little while ago, normally my annual battle with the IRS, where I have to sit down and justify each and every deduction I make. Where they block access to my bank account, and then take their time getting around to me. Yet I'm calm. I don't need gas for the car, my monthly bills are already covered, or due late in the month. I went up to my storage unit today and brought back some more clothing and boxes of Barbie Dolls. Most of what is still in storage up there is Barbie stuff. Really the entire village many many bits of furniture. Opening boxes and seeing things I though were lost to me is so exciting! I have food in the fridge enough soda for a week. As much milk as I will ever drink. Both Byron and Purrball have plenty of food.

Normally I would be in a corner freaking out, normally I would be a big ball of panic. But I'm not, I'm calm. When I stopped at Stop & Shop I saw my former next door neighbor David. I gave him a big hug and we chatted for a bit. He said he missed me, and that a group of kids were living in my house. He asked me to please come back and visit as he missed me. Which made me feel good, it was so nice to know I am missed. We even joked about him renting me an apartment. I only have the dog and cat now, but I think moving in next door to my old house would be to painful. Seeing him did remind me that I have real friends back on Arcadia street, and I should go back and visit them.

Well I have some boxes to get out of the car. Think I will spend the evening sorting out books to drop in the building library. Going to put all the DVD's and tapes I don't plan on watching again there to. Yesterday I put up some more pictures on the walls and I think I am feeling happy. I have a calm.

Noises on

2011-05-30T21:46:00.002-04:00

Since about 5 pm there have been an assorted number of bangs coming from the beach. Byron does not like the noise and he has been hiding on and off all day. Sometimes under the bed, sometimes under the table. I'm not comfortable with him hiding under the table because the table is a three leg folding table. If he knocks into the folding leg, he will bring the table down on top of him.

Dinner tonight is just peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. It's to hot to cook and I did the dishes this morning so I don't want to fill the sink with dishes again so soon. So far 2,603 people are cool with the Red Sox moving their Saturday June 4th game to 1pm since the Bruins are playing at 7pm Red Sox on facebook I voted yes, just so I don't have to run back and forth between two televisions.

Extreme Couponing and fever

2011-05-29T18:40:00.000-04:00

I feel so darn light headed. Every time I stand up its' like gravity got stronger. Spent a good part of the day laying down in front of the air conditioner. Still does not help at all. I have been drinking water all day, no snacking but eating some good food. I have eaten carrots, cucumbers and I am about to eat corn for dinner.

Watched the afternoon Red Sox game, next game starts this evening and I think it's on ESPN, not super sure. So sleepy still, I slept well last night, went to be early, got up right at 9. Flipped on TLC to watch Extreme Couponing, this is not something that would work in Massachusetts since our stores don't double coupons. Found a couple of fun web sites while watching the show Krazy coupon lady and Living rich with coupons

From Twitter 05-15-2011

2011-05-16T04:09:00.001-04:00

Listening to Boston University Marsh Chapel on WBUR http://j.mp/j6apgA
Wow Family Guy is really phoning it in this week. The entire Dancing in the Street video as a cut away gag It just keeps getting worse

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Listening to Boston University March Chapel on WBUR

2011-05-15T12:02:00.000-04:00

It's both odd and normal. I use to never listen, being as I don't really believe there is one entity up there judging us. I do believe there are gods, several of them, it is the judgmental part where I think I fall down. I usually shut off WBUR when the church service starts and flip on the tv to mindlessly channel surf.

The service after my Dad died, was different. He was being waked that Sunday evening, and I was sitting listening to the radio and staring out into space. Looking not at my living room wall, but both before it and past it. Looking at nothing seeing nothing. The service came on and instead of shutting off the radio I let it play. I don't remember what the homely was what the songs were, or even who spoke, but as the service ended at noon, I felt better. Not quite to hollow, not quite so lost. I still had lost my Dad, my buddy my friend the guy who got me addicted to the Red Sox and cheered with me when they finally won a championship or two.

Since then my Sunday practice has been to flip on WBUR for the Marsh Chapel at Boston University and listen to the mass. I doubt I will ever set foot in the chapel, but just hearing the voices raised up to the god of my childhood is comforting. Today's service was on the subject "I believe".

Still the real world sneaks in. One of the students was reading something she had written about her beliefs. She prefaced each paragraph with "I believe" and I heard Larry the Cable Guy each and every time she said it. She was crying at the Chapel, I was giggling in Revere. Not about her reading, I know it was deep and meaningful to her. But I could not help it, I kept hearing Larry the Cable Guy. It's kind of like how I can't listen to Bruce Springfield any more after hearing Robin Williams do Elmer Fudd doing Bruce Springfield. "I'm on Fwera

From Twitter 05-14-2011

2011-05-15T04:07:00.001-04:00

Fox Sports has a real man crush on the NY Yankees I think the game itself is way more important than a single player pulling a Manny
Dear #Fox Sports the big news from this game is the Red Sox are kicking the Yankees ass Not that a player decided he didn't want to play
A girly kind of day http://j.mp/jTRmfW
I just had a great idea Next time Westboro Baptist Church tries to protest some where we should have trained skunks spray them? Good right
Ed Helms for the win!! Going to enjoy this Saturday Night Live

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My girly kind of day

2011-05-14T22:56:00.000-04:00

I was talking to a friend about doing brunch when Tom called. He asked me if I was girly? To which I said HAVE WE MEET?? His niece was over and had her first semi formal dance coming up. She was at his house and the plan was to take her out shopping. Which as many of you know, I am awesome at. So I excused myself from the brunch plans and headed out to play with my own personal life size Barbie doll. I got over there just before noon and we headed out to Framingham Mall. I thought we were going to Chestnut Hill Mall, or I would have taken my fast lane out of the car. First we stopped at Kohls, which I see as a mid range store.

Then it was suggested we head to Macy's, but I had to suggest Lord & Taylor. Their selection is much better and I trust the bra fitters at L&T way more than I do at Macy's. We walked in and I lead every one to the back wall where the formal wear was. They had a nice mix of spring short semi formal on clearance and were bring in the summer maxi and formal dresses. Tom pulled out one dress that he thought was nice, and I asked him if we were shopping for me or his NIECE. He quickly put the dress back and picked out on with long sleeves and a high neckline. I had to laugh, because he did the same thing a couple of other times. I just looked at him and said niece. One dress was so pretty I said I would pick it up when I lost 60 extra pounds and he could take me out. -- No shipping please --

He decided to sit out the rest of the shopping trip. Once we found a dress she liked and I took her up to the lingerie department to find the bra to go with the dress. Both Figment and his Mom decided to sit this part out. Once we had the right bra we headed back down stairs. Every one was hungry and I suggested The Cheesecake Factory, which was right across the parking lot. Sadly the wait was 20 minutes and Mrs. Woods really did not want to eat there. She wanted to eat at Olive Garden, a place I so do not like. I thought Olive Garden was on Highway 30, she thought it was on Highway 9. Tom asked someone and they pointed it out, it was on Highway 9. Mrs. Woods was happy and said "Jan was wrong I was right." to which I said "Meh ain't no skin off my nose."

We went in the restaurant and I was looking at the menu, unable to see anything I wanted to eat. Then I realized it was not that I dislike the food on the menu, it was that I was being a bit of a brat about not getting to eat at the place I wanted to eat. So I picked something off the menu and ate it when it came. Never get garlic tortellini at Olive Garden it did not taste at all like garlic. So I am going to take the left over and simmer it in garlic for tomorrow.

Swung in to Toys R Us to see if I could find some new clothing for the new body sculpts for the Chelsea doll. While I was walking through Toys R Us I saw the harumika toy line. How did I NOT know about this toy line before this? Still can't find any clothing for the new sister sculpt. Hey Mattel lets get a move on!!!

Talked to my Mom for a bit when I got home. She is going to her sister's house tomorrow and staying for 5 days. She and I had a good laugh over my tale of the day. She even picked right up on how I was not finding anything on the menu because I did not want to eat there. Had a good laugh about her brother. She was mentioned he has some friends that she and her sister really don't like. I told her he was a bad judge of character he thinks I like him. She started laughing and mentioned that when ever she talks to him he always asks if each of her kids talk to her on a regular basis. I wonder if he thinks someone is going to call him.

From Twitter 05-13-2011

2011-05-14T04:06:00.001-04:00

Did any body get the number of the tank that ran over me last night?
Writer's Block: Let's try this again http://j.mp/kxMqsF
Writer's Block: Let's try this again http://j.mp/lTZEYN
I was rescued http://j.mp/lFd1yt
Just discovered that William Campbell has died. http://bit.ly/kW6uol I thought Trelane was going to live forever.
Sigh just found out that Outsourced has been canceled. Which is a shame because it was getting good ratings NBC is just chicken

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From Twitter 05-10-2011

2011-05-11T04:09:00.001-04:00

Happy to take a rest day http://j.mp/kDnxM2

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Rest day

2011-05-10T18:39:00.002-04:00

After yesterday I knew today was going to be a quiet day. Spent most of it curled up in a ball with a heating pad on my back. Feeling mostly better right now, just a bit of a lack of caffeine headache. I am low on coffee and completely out of my beloved Dr. Pepper.

Tomorrow will be a day for grocery shopping today was a day for doing not much. I was supposed to get Byron groomed tomorrow, but I think I will put that off for a bit. I should have called them earlier, but did not. The close at 6 so I'm kind of screwed. I'll call her tomorrow instead.

I spent most of the drinking water, could not find my stash of 4C finally turned on the big kitchen light and searched through the pantry. I am such a big baby pouting because I had to drink water.

Talked to my Mom a bit, I was resting when she called, she just wanted to know how yesterday went. I told her and then went back to sleep for a bit.

From Twitter 05-09-2011

2011-05-10T04:08:00.001-04:00

We had jury duty today http://j.mp/moqIau

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We had jury duty today

2011-05-09T15:20:00.000-04:00

Yes I say we, since both of us went. Got up early for anyone, at 6:30am. Put together a briefcase of me and Byron supplies treats for him snacks and medications for me. With the net book and cord the bag was quite heavy. I put Bryon's vest on as we went into the train station. He got a bit startled at the gate, I don't think he liked the swoosh of air. He went down the steps pausing at every other step so I did not get unbalanced. When we got onto the train I went to the front seats and sat at the end. I would have loved to use the single handicap seat, but some guy in a suit was sitting there and would not move. Jerk...

When we got out I started to walk in what I thought was the correct direction, but I quickly got disoriented. I pulled out the summons letter and a woman stopped and asked me if I was trying to find the Suffolk Court house. I was, and she worked there so she led me not just to the building, but to the elevator! So sweet, opening doors for us and every thing. I wish I had gotten her name.

I went in and handed the court officer my juror information. I answered the questions honestly, telling them reasons I felt I would not be able to serve on a jury. You know, the medical issues, the education and all. I was already starting to hurt, I had skipped taking my flexaril and tramadol so by 10 am I was a jittery twitching mess. The judge came in to swear us in, and Byron stood up with every one else. It made me and the people sitting near me giggle. Then he just curled up and went into half sleep mode.

We got called to be interviewed for a trial. I was asked what I needed the service dog for (the judge wanted to know) When it was my turn to be interviewed I was honest, telling the judge, lawyers and the defendant about my medial issues. Byron of course came up with me, and when he heard the judge talking he got up on his hind legs so he could see her. Gosh I wish I had someone snap a picture. I let her know that I would normally have taken medications that would have reduced the twitching and pain level, but that I felt it was unfair to the defendant for me to be on medication that would effect my memory and attention span. I did say I was willing to shift my medical schedule a little bit, that is skipping muscle relaxers and pain meds during the trial. She then asked about Byron and what he would do if I was having a problem. I told her he would first alert me by placing a paw on my arm or leg, then if I did not respond he would bark three times. Other than that I said he would just curl up under my chair and fall asleep.

I went back to stand with the court officer while the lawyers and judge discussed my ability to serve. Then the judge called me back and said that while they all admired my willingness to arrange my medications around the needs of the trial she was just not certain it would be in my best interest. After that they decided that I would be excused from jury duty.

I thought I would have to go back to the jury pool, but the judge told me I could go home. So out of the Court house we went. I did not need to hear that twice. It was just before noon when we got out and I could not decide if I wanted to go back on the T and head home, or grab a bit to eat where I was. I decided to go to the Salty Dog and have a sandwich and some ice tea. I wanted to sit on the patio, and the hostess said she would open the chain so Byron could walk around. I nicely pointed out his service vest, and we were escorted to our seats. The waitress was super nice too. I wanted an ice tea, but I was having trouble holding things at that point, I asked her if they had something plastic for me to hold for fear I would drop the glass. She searched around and in the end brought me one of their take out soup containers with a hold punched in it for a straw. I was so pleased it felt safer to me. The turkey club was delicious, Byron got a big bowl of water and a bit of kibble.

We left intent on heading back to the train station, first I tried to get a picture of him with the statue of Mayor White. There was no one around so I did the best I could holding the camera up at an angle. Then I saw these two woman

After that, we went to back up the steps to Government Center and headed for the blue line platform. He was a bit startled when the train pulled in, but managed to get on the train quickly enough. He gets a bit spooked by the gap between the train and boarding platform. The single handicap seat was open and I went right to it. During the ride someone tried to get Byron to come closer so they could pet him. He just turned his back and continued to support me. He does not like how the train makes him slide around a bit, so he presses up against me.

Once we got out of the station I took his service dog vest off. He was so happy, he rolled in the grass just for the fun of rolling. Now I think I just might go take a nap, Byron already is.

From Twitter 05-08-2011

2011-05-09T04:04:00.001-04:00

Happy mother's day to all http://j.mp/ljV7Yj
Spent the day with the family http://j.mp/jagya4

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From Twitter 05-07-2011

2011-05-08T04:04:00.001-04:00

Just turned up the radio so that Byron can't hear the thunder. Once the storm passes I will go out and do some errands
Rain rain go away I want to watch the Red Sox play New Scooby Doo is not bad but I don't remember the other mystery solving groups
Just got back from doing my errands The Sox were kind enough to wait for me to return before re-starting the game Now if they could just win
Just got back from watching Thor!! AMAZING movie really enjoyed it. Might go to see it again it was that good!

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From Twitter 05-06-2011

2011-05-07T04:04:00.001-04:00

First shorts wearing day of the year I hope this means that spring is finally here!
Total nerd Watching #Howit'smade because #Talk of the Nation Science Friday was not nerdy enough to hold my attention Yes I do math for fun
Is it just me or does Obama have an even bigger smile than this time last week? Na it's not just me is it?

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From Twitter 05-05-2011

2011-05-06T04:05:00.001-04:00

Watching the Red Sox loose yet again Starting to hurt after helping my friends move some more stuff He bought me a 6 of Sam Adams how sweet

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Byron is a better person than I am

2011-05-04T11:32:00.002-04:00

One of our neighbors is moving from the third floor to the seventh floor. I thought he was getting help, but he was not. Byron must have heard him trying to move his couch on his own, because he went to our front door and barked to go out. I grabbed my keys and his leash and let him out the door. He likes to run down the hall.

Anyway, he ran as far as our neighbors door. And not further. I offered to help him move the furniture to his new apartment. Byron got comfy on the bench and waited for us to bring a few large pieces up. His wife got in the elevator to bring up a few smaller things, and he got in the elevator with her. When we came out of the new apartment he was there waiting for us. So cute <3

They wanted to rest for a bit, so I put Byron's leash on and walked over to the elevator. He had other ideas, he wanted to go back home jump back on the bed and go to sleep. He did not need to go out, he needed ME to go help our neighbors!

So I guess my dog is a better person than I am.

From Twitter 05-03-2011

2011-05-04T04:04:00.001-04:00

Purrball is tormenting Byron today She is finding stuff to drop on his head She does not want to play with me she wants him to play with her
I have the DVR set to record Looney Tunes tonight New Daffy and Bugs who does not want to see that
Hey Red Sox it's the bottom of the 9th all you need is 3 outs to win this game, stop handing out gimmies and win this game already

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More thoughts on the death of a monster

2011-05-03T15:25:00.000-04:00

I will admit to being very happy when I heard he was dead. I was not dancing in the streets, I'm a bit old for that. I know that dancing in the streets celebrating the death of a horrible person is not patriotic. But to suggest that you are better than the people who poured into the streets is wrong. They are young enthusiastic and he is a mass murder who took the lives of many innocent people. I only knew 3 of the boundless numbers of people who died at his orders. Knowing he will never again order the death of faceless people is something worth celebrating.

Yes others will try to take his place. Groups already in many countries will continue to kill innocents just for the sake of paving their own paths to heaven. With any luck, no one will ever raise to his level, and no other country will allow some one like him to live like a king in their country.

Other arms will still ache to hold the family members they will never see. Their heart long to talk to friends who will never return. Not just here in America, but thorough the world I refuse to feel any angst for finding pleasure in his death. He found joy in the deaths of others, murdered for his version of Islam. The world found joy in his death. Case closed

From Twitter 05-02-2011

2011-05-03T04:04:00.001-04:00

The sun is just a bit brighter today. The dead are finally at peace. Thank to the brave people who brought osama to justice

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Way behind on that posty thing

2011-05-02T04:04:00.002-04:00

I was starting to write a blog last night when I heard what happened! I know wishing for someone to die is bad, but he really deserved to die. I was thinking last night that it would have been nice to see him die, but as the more adult and civilized side of me realized that

Any way, so yesterday I went to pick up Figment and we went over to see a friends new baby. Only 2 weeks old still on liquids. I got to hold her and feed her while her mom got a chance to eat with both hands. While we were there one of our mutual friends who is a barber stopped by. Figment had been thinking about getting a hair cut, well one thing lead to another and suddenly he was sitting on a stool getting his head shaved. It looked WEIRD super weird. He would not let me take a picture! We left when it was just about 4 and I was worried that we would not get to see a friend and her glass. Luckily for me I had not read the web page about open studios and thought the show ended at 4, but nope I was wrong, it ended at 6. Boy did I say a lot of sorry because I was kind of pissed about spending the extra time it took to get his head shaved.

We got there and as always Shariann your talent amazes me. I love that you work in not one, but two mediums where you are never sure what the finished product will look like. You are amazing and I am so jealous that you are going to be attending Launch Pad Astronomy Workshop and I'm not. If you need a ride to the airport just let me know.

And thanks again for sharing your knowledge about glass with us. Since I had promised there would be no photographs of baldy I don't have a picture to post of the four of us. I offered to help pack up the glass ware and bring the shelves and tables in. I forget to ask first if that was okay with the taller half, but he was sweet and agreed to help even though I had not asked him first.

I already know just what glass plate I want, and now I just have to save up my pennies until I can afford it. Happily I know where the artist lives.

Swung over to the house to check on Byron then went back to his place. Sat and watched some tv and then as the news was on realized I had not blogged about my day. The news stopped and said to stay tuned to a news bulletin from the President. A moment later twitter and the news feeds blew up! I almost called Tom, but figured his mom would be asleep and would get upset if she was woken up.

He called me and we just went back and forth for about an hour as new details came forward. I forgot to post I was just so excited.

This morning was my rheumatology appointment. Got some blood taken out and some meds pumped back in. I felt pretty good so after leaving the hospital I went to pick up Byron's 2011 dog tags and got the car inspected. I went to the same place I go to get gas and change my oil. The owner was so funny, he complemented me on having all my stuff organized having the correct amount of money and being there on the first inspection day of May. I laughed at that, telling him that when he saw the car he would not think I was so punctual. Seeing as I should have done the inspection by oh FRIDAY!!

From Twitter 04-29-2011

2011-04-30T04:05:00.001-04:00

Was sitting and reading when suddenly a cloud covered the sun and it got colder. Sun came back, but I still feel cold
Watching the Red Sox game Glad they are ahead wonder why DiceK got pulled He did not look injured but Teck saw something he did not like

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From Twitter 04-28-2011

2011-04-29T04:04:00.001-04:00

Just for the record, Big Ben is not the clock tower, it's the bell inside Clueless fake journalists covering #RoyalWedding
Writer's Block: Get up http://j.mp/kQh0aS
Going to skip the #RedSox game tonight to watch the last day of Michael Scott on the Office I just hope I don't start to cry
My thanks to NBC for realizing the storm damage was a more important story to cover than the stupid royal Wedding.
Already starting to cry thinking about Michael Scott leaving the Office. Rereading A Game of Thrones. such a great book so happy at that
Glad they are re-running The Garage Sale on The Office I want to see the most romantic proposal in the world Michael Scott I <3 you
Who would have thought 7 years ago that Michael Scott would become the king of romantics! The Office you will never be the same again
When The Office first started I hated Michael Scott. Now I wish I could work for him. Or maybe marry him I'm good with either one
Yup the Office made me cry
Mean while on 30Rock Jack can't play the flute Can't even pretend to play the flute
So what do you think Twitter, should I go to bed or stay up and watch the royal wedding at 4 the frick am?? Votes comments sleep?

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From Twitter 04-27-2011

2011-04-28T04:04:00.001-04:00

Took Byron for a walk it feels much warmer than 57 out there. I hope Spring has finally sprung
I'm catching up on my reading
I have not done one useful thing in days http://j.mp/klQN1a
YYYOOOUUKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well the Red Sox lost tonight, but the Bruins won, so some thing good happened

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From Twitter 04-26-2011

2011-04-27T04:05:00.001-04:00

Been up for 3 hours but I feel like I should take a nap Must be the pain meds shutting down my brain
Awake what did I miss?
Just took Byron for a walk so he could pee and poo My allergies are so bad that I had trouble breathing & had to use my inhaler to breathe
Hey #Comcast I'm watching the Sox game on NESN+ and something keeps happening to the sound Every thing ok out there?

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From Twitter 04-25-2011

2011-04-26T04:05:00.001-04:00

I am having trouble falling asleep tonight.I am drinking some cold water and reading a book one of those 2 should shut me down soon i hope
Writer's Block: Good morning, star shine http://j.mp/i7J8IM

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From Twitter 04-24-2011

2011-04-25T04:04:00.001-04:00

Took Byron for his morning walk Lots of other dogs out He wanted to play with But they were behind fences and he was on a leash

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From Twitter 04-23-2011

2011-04-24T04:05:00.001-04:00

I am taking a quick break http://j.mp/ihIG7f
Listening to a totally interesting edition of Studio 360. Flipped to the web site to get more information but they have last weeks show up
Ya while cleaning my bedroom I found my hammer. Now I can hang my other pictures and doll dresses Right after I eat dinner & watch some TV
Seeds not on a package http://j.mp/icmVtu
I am heading to bed I hope the Red Sox don't loose Yes their up by 5 but you never know with the Sox. I'll check on Bruins & Celtics in AM

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Triscuit not growing in Massachusetts

2011-04-23T22:37:00.000-04:00

Nabisco brand Triscuit crackers is doing a big promotion this spring. Their Plant a seed grow a movement each packets of Triscuit crackers has a small seed packet attached. The program working with non profit Urban Farming to encourage gardening. Sounds like a good idea except I have yet to find a box with the seeds still attached.

Yesterday at Stop and Shop I looked at every box on the shelves and the seed packet was missing from every one. I asked the store manager if he knew why the seed packets were missing, well he knew nothing about the promotion, and had to look at the boxes with me.

I wrote an email to Kraft foods about the promotion just wondering why the seed packets were removed from out boxes. So I'm just wondering, could every one look at the Triscuit boxes in their local grocery stores and see if the seed packets are still attached?

From Twitter 04-22-2011

2011-04-23T04:04:00.001-04:00

Good morning and happy earth day everyone.
Got my hair done today http://j.mp/hNVKXE
Today is Terry Francona's 52nd birthday Lets home the #RedSox can win a game as his birthday present

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From Twitter 04-21-2011

2011-04-22T04:04:00.001-04:00

I over slept and missed my doctors appiontment
Oops I over slept http://j.mp/dNZGBj
What's up with electricity today I just watched my third light bulb of the day blow out on me. Only had 2 spare lightbulbs
Watching the new Paul Reiser Show Not liking this at all!
Hey #TheOffice your a comedy show why are you making me CRY right now??

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Over slept and other thoughts

2011-04-21T14:56:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe I missed an appointment for 11am by over sleeping, but I did just that. Woke up at 12:15. I was having a great dream, I dreamed that I was home and both my Grandmother and Father were still alive. To good a dream to leave behind for real life. I remember shutting off the alarm clock, which in my dream was my cell phone ringing.

It was a great dream! I am still enjoying the warmth from that dream three hours later. It does mean that I have to call the doctor's office and set up a new appointment. I really should spend some time cleaning the apartment. Bring a box back to storage, I pulled out the stuff I wanted to display and repacked the box.

Had a thought today, remember the old rhyme March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Or April showers bring the flowers the bloom in May. Well I thought today that March was pretty snowy, and April is still blowing like a lion. Does that mean that we will have May showers and not see flowers until June?

Oh today is the first anniversary of the BP oil spill.

From Twitter 04-20-2011

2011-04-21T04:04:00.001-04:00

Just heard that #Elisabeth Sladen has died. http://bit.ly/hUeWNA
Hey #yourMomisSoRevere My mom is so Revere that she eats lobster once a week during the summer & I learned to swim in the ocean!
The #REDSOX are killing me two innings in a row they load the bases I just know that is going to bite them in the ass very soon
Why does Comedy Central keep running that stupid Chappelle Show Come on guys that show ended in 2006 Get some new shows already!

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From Twitter 04-19-2011

2011-04-20T04:04:00.001-04:00

Crawled out of bed Way to much pain today Sending more pain meds down to beat the pain into submission
Took a nap so I can stay up and watch tonight's #RedSox game. Lets hope they keep playing well.

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My Mom made the front page

2011-04-19T15:42:00.002-04:00

of crap at my parents house!

From Twitter 04-18-2011

2011-04-19T04:05:00.001-04:00

Got the Sox game on in the bedroom got the bedroom and the Boston Marathon on in the living room This is the coolest day in sports
Hey WBZ it's #MarathonMonday quit going to interviews and commercials Stick to the runners! That is what this day is all about
The woman's race is over on #MarathonMonday men are at Kenmore Square getting close to the end.
Computer desk not large enough to spread out the things I need to do my taxes Back on the couch the game on as background noise
Finished filing my taxes Medical Expenses 8,000 last year! Still owe money in taxes. Worst day ever wanna just crawl under the bed
Really liked tonight's #Chuck Thought I started a bit lame but it got better at the end
I'm in to much pain to fall asleep Not fair body let me sleep this laying here in pain is worse than regular insomnia sending in more drugs

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From Twitter 04-17-2011

2011-04-18T04:05:00.001-04:00

Catching up on the TV Land awards

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From Twitter 04-16-2011

2011-04-17T04:04:00.001-04:00

Going to jump in the shower and pick out what to wear today Gonna be a long day One I don't want to start or for that matter finish
Waiting for friends to arrive at Airport So pleased the Red Sox won another game Things are going to get better I hope
Inside from the wind http://j.mp/gBsDtW
Does any one else find it strange that Home Goods buys add time on #Hoarding Buried Alive? Kind of enabling behavior TLC don't ya think?
Home again home again http://j.mp/gRt8d7

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If it's Friday I must be attending a funeral

2011-04-16T04:05:00.002-04:00

Okay 2011 you are just fired! I'm done. Last Friday was a fluke in that no one I knew died. Not so lucky today as on Wednesday night another person in the building passed away. She was very friendly, and had a little dog that loved Byron very much.

Going back to the cliff house in a bit, take care of the mail, check on the cat. Let Kosh hang out in his own house. He ate way way to fast this morning and ended up throwing up his food. So I will feed him again we I get there, and let him wander around outside. He has been enjoying our little walks and gets a bit jealous when Byron gets more attention than he does. But he does not have the experience in sucking up to humans that Byron has. Have to swing by the bank, I got a check from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Unclaimed property division. Not much, just a little over 100 dollars, but hey money is money.

Had a Mom-a-cation

2011-04-15T04:05:00.002-04:00

Got up early, about 7 which is early for me. Called Mom, because she needed to go to the Hall of Deeds today. It is in Cambridge, and I'm the one who knows the city well. I took Kosh back to the cliff house for the day. I figured he could crash out with his cat and it would be easier to take my mom here with only one dog in residence.

It took us much less time at the Register of Deeds. When Dad had gone in November he said it took him several hours. We were in and out in under 45 minutes. After that we went over to see T and his mom. He had gone out on an errand, so we just visited for a few minutes. After that I took mom over to see my apartment. We went out to lunch after that, I took her to Mount Vernon and we got the fried whole belly clams and twin lobsters. Our entire meal was only 36 dollars!

After that Mom said she needed to go to B.J. to pick up a few things. She had also collected some coupons for the things I get on a regular basis. The blueberry fruit juice I like so much, the blueberries I like even more. And the cleaning wipes I like, and a giant box of freeze pops . She got a bunch of bananas, and a book. I got juice and wipes and 200 freezer pops! Happy Dance.

Then I stopped to get gas. It cost me 42 dollars to fill up my tank!!!

From Twitter 04-13-2011

2011-04-14T04:04:00.001-04:00

Rain rain go away and take that thunder with you pups did not even want to stay outside longer than it took to pee I agree with them
This is not a fun kinda day http://j.mp/gRkGHt
Listening to NPR interview with Tina Fey, waiting for Obama speech to start
Took both dogs on a walk to the beach Not on the sand, but all the way to the beach & back is one mile Now for dinner and no #RedSox game
Byron has issues Purrball is being nice to Kosh & that got Byron mad & he chased her into the bedroom! Silly dogs Byron is jealous

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From Twitter 04-12-2011

2011-04-13T04:05:00.001-04:00

Curled up drinking coffee Took the dogs out for a walk on the beach Going to head back out in a bit Got stuff to do, fun to have

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From Twitter 04-11-2011

2011-04-12T04:04:00.001-04:00

Purrball Byron and Kosh are all sound asleep. I am listening to NPR and relaxing
Took the dogs for a walk down to the beach again They are both tired and ready for naps Which works out for me
Eating corn on the cob is always fun but sad too as I am reminded of the loss of Fidget. He would so be squealing for his share of the corn

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From Twitter 04-10-2011

2011-04-11T04:05:00.001-04:00

Dropped off K&T at the Airport. Back at my home to feed Byron and Purrball. Drink some coffee and then head out to do my errands.
Taking a break from dog watching. Mostly to just sit and drink some coffee.Letting the dogs out again
Oh the view from here http://j.mp/gn3N0R
Almost ready to fall asleep Sitting on the floor watching tv Byron wants the chair all to himself.

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From Twitter 04-09-2011

2011-04-10T04:05:00.001-04:00

As Bob is my witless things are back to norman* http://j.mp/gkWcnp
Happy Birthday #FenwayPark 99 years young today!

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From Twitter 04-08-2011

2011-04-09T04:04:00.001-04:00

This insomnia has got to end Tossed and turned most of the night counted 500+ sheep Just woke up Got just under 5 hours of sleep need more

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From Twitter 04-07-2011

2011-04-08T04:04:00.001-04:00

Insomnia sucks balls Don't think I slept for more than two hours with out waking up last night to hot then to cold then back again
Writer's Block: Teenage dream http://j.mp/hbIJGn
Following the news about the Revere Public Library http://j.mp/hUBZDR
Cat has quite the scam going Byron does some thing treat worthy and she gets a treat too!

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Saddened by the thefts at Revere Public Library 04-06-2011

2011-04-07T04:05:00.002-04:00

I have been following the stories about former Revere Public Library director Rice and the charges that he used library funds to purchase personal items. I use to complain that the library here in Revere did a bad job of getting new books and other items. Now I know why. We many never know the full extent of what the library lost, or what the library could have had. I just hope the library can come back stronger and better serve the people of Revere.

Rice says he was set up by Mayor

Rice says he is a shopaholic

Revere library former director said to have embezzled at least $200,000

From Twitter 04-05-2011

2011-04-06T04:04:00.001-04:00

Crap I am burning with fever yet again Cut it out body I want to feel better
hi lj http://j.mp/e0EDfj
Come on Red Sox lets get started. Maybe we should let Tek catch for a day or two. Until Salty figures out how to catch our pitchers.

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From Twitter 04-04-2011

2011-04-05T04:05:00.001-04:00

Back from grocery store Just picked up a few things but the bill was over 100! Less food for more money Good thing I didn't need meds too
Was listening to NPR but the signal was all static on the radio and kept dropping out on line. Switched on the tv watching NECN instead
rainy day http://j.mp/eq0vEM
The Sux have the first travel day of the season Flipping the TV looking for something funny to watch Might just toss in a DVD instead

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