tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84455821547338534052024-03-13T17:16:40.974-04:00Lucy Volume IIlucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.comBlogger783125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-24411309623633832792020-05-21T19:41:00.000-04:002020-05-21T19:41:52.846-04:00RomanceIt seems that I have become a tad maudlin of late. Maybe it's being alone 90% of the time or maybe it's my getting older. Maybe it's being in the house trying to stay healthy. It's like I'm hypersensitive with my emotions reaching out to bite me when I least expect it. Here are three things that have brought smiles to me followed by tears. I can't quite explain. The tears don't quite seem like "happy" tears. I seem to be affected by "Romance." How unusual! Most people perceive me as being cold, but I've been feeling like the Grinch when he discovers his heart. <div><br /></div><div>There's an old British comedy show, "As Time Goes By," which stars Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. They fell in love when they were very young, but lost touch when he went off to war. They both married other people, but met again many years later discovering that they still loved each other. The show is so (dare I say it?) sweet. It's being re-broadcast on one of my PBS stations and I adore it. I wonder if anyone has romance in their lives like these two older people. Watching makes me feel a little envious. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is even a comic strip that makes me wondrous and hopeful for we humans. On "9 Chickweed Lane," there are a lot sexual situations, but all of the characters truly are madly in love. Some mornings it just makes my day to think there may be people who are truly and earnestly in love like these cartoon characters. Romance--there's not enough in this world. </div><div><br /></div><div>This afternoon I was sitting on the deck when I heard voices. It was a very young dad with his two children taking a walk The dad looked so young--early 20's? The little boy looked about 3 and the little girl seemed to be about 2. They were so cute. The little boy wanted Dad to race with him, but Dad explained that he couldn't race because he had to stay with the little girl while she stopped to pick dandelions and inspect every tiny thing she saw in the street. "Oh, c'mon, Dad! Let's race!" The young dad scooped up the little girl and ran down the street in a foot race that he lost to his son but it made both children laugh. It made me tear up again. It was Sweet!</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what to make of these mini emotional episodes. It seems a little foreign to me. I'm glad no</div><div>one is around to see it happen. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-30174563964810207042020-04-07T13:33:00.001-04:002020-04-07T13:33:30.699-04:00A Little HumorI sent the following text to my sons this morning: OMG! I can't get away from it. I was playing a game this morning and found the word corona.<div>
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My older son replied: I know. Every time I open the frig I find corona.</div>
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This struck me as the funniest thing I've heard in over a year.</div>
lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-7319025192748604582019-11-04T13:17:00.000-05:002019-11-04T20:15:05.716-05:00Thank you, James TaylorSince Mr. Fixit was diagnosed with cancer at the end of 2013, I have done little except concentrate on his comfort and well-being. Until the last few months of his life, he was mobile and had very little discomfort. Most the discomfort came not from his cancer but from the treatment. Even the treatment didn't slow his down much. He had very few side effects. He was upset that he had to have so much help with things around the house. It galled him to think that our sons and grandchildren had to help with the repairs and yard work. He was the one who was always there for anyone who needed a room painted or had a car that needed repair. <br />
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During those years, I spent most of my time with him watching his beloved westerns, going to Wal-Mart, and taking the long way home. I cooked his meals, washed his clothes, and anything else he needed or wanted. My housework suffered greatly. (I've always hated housework so I wasn't overly concerned. Some might say that I enjoyed having an excuse for putting the dusting and vacuuming off for "just one more day.")<br />
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The weather has finally cooled a bit. For the first time in a year, even in winter, the ceiling fan in my room was off. As I lay in bed reading, I noticed it had a decidedly furry look. It was covered in dust. No, not just dust, but DUST! I was totally mortified. What if anyone saw it? This morning the first item on the agenda was cleaning the fans. An old song ran through my mind, "Winter, spring, summer or fall All you have to do is call . . . You've got a fan. And now they are clean, and the silly "you've got a fan" thought made me smile.lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-70629552415607383512019-06-14T13:20:00.001-04:002019-06-14T13:20:50.876-04:00Br-r-r-rHere in Upstate South Carolina, summer usually arrives the middle of April. The only good thing about that is April is the one month when the electric bill is at its lowest. The first of April we may need the heat, but by the end of the month, the AC runs every day. There is usually a week of spring with no AC, neither heating nor cooling.<br />
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Here we are, June 14, and I had to wear a hoodie during my walk this morning. When I left the house at 7 am, I was wearing a very light shirt jacket over a short sleeve knit top. After the first circuit around the neighborhood I came in for the hoodie. My hands were so cold that I almost grabbed some mittens. I noticed the outdoor temperature was 56 degrees. After walking my 2.5 miles, I came back home; the temperature was up to 58 degrees. I have lived here for more than 35 years. I don't think I've ever experienced 50 degree weather in June.<br />
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For those who deny climate change, you may want to rethink your position. Weird weather stuff just keeps happening. <br />
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Note: I saw on the news that we experienced an earthquake last week. I didn't feel anything. We aren't that far from the epicenter in Georgia. It would have been interesting to experience a little tremor. I hope I'm not tempting fate with that remark.<br />
lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-43293422976467528422019-05-17T21:03:00.000-04:002019-05-17T21:03:27.626-04:00KindnessThe state of the world has caused me to become cynical. People are so mean to each other. There is so little sympathy and empathy for those who have very little. It doesn't seem to matter who is hurt. I watch television and read the newspapers and see our nation's leaders seem to have fallen into an abyss of immorality. Corruption, the thirst for power, and hatred are now the norm for a lot of them and some of our population are right behind them urging them on. <br />
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Two things have happened lately that have surprised me and restored my faith in people. One thing came as a complete surprise. I can't tell you how much I appreciated the gesture. The second thing was a very small thing, but it touched my heart. <br />
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Before the service for Mr. Fixit, I asked the funeral director if we could take a few minutes to settle the financial details. I already had the check written with only the amount to be filled in. He said, "No, that's not necessary." I replied that I thought it would be easier for me to get that detail out of the way. He said, "You don't understand. There is no money due." I was astounded. I couldn't believe it. I asked how that happened. He explained that a group of retired military men saw that Mr. Fixit was a member of the 101st Airborne in his obituary. They paid the entire cost of the funeral. I asked what group it was so that I could make a donation. He said the men were anonymous and that he didn't think they were from any one organization. He said that occasionally they pay the expenses of ex-service men. Ours sons and I were so grateful. <br />
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I have begun walking every day again. Every morning I leave the house and walk around our circle. I walk the outer perimeter of the street to add a a little distance to each lap. There is a wooded area along a short section with trees and bushes overhanging the street. One tree hangs a little lower than the others so I have to duck a little to get by. Yesterday morning as I reached that tree I noticed that I didn't have to duck. Someone had cut the low-hanging branch and left it on the street. No other branches had been cut. There are not that many people out at 7 am. The only person I see that early is another woman walking her dogs. I don't think she's ever noticed that I duck under the branch. I don't know who trimmed the little branch. It could have been someone else who walks and ducks under it, too, and decided to trim for him/herself. I like to think they did it for me. It was a very nice thing to do. It just made my day.<br />
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These two kindnesses have proved to me that there is good in this world.<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-3137253388646840362019-05-10T12:37:00.000-04:002019-05-10T12:49:43.837-04:00LossDeath has some surprising consequences for me. I am no stranger to death. I am the last of my immediate family. My dad died when he was 42; I was 18. We were very close. I still feel the loss. My mom died when she was 57; I was 33, married with two children,and lived 1000 miles away from her. We loved each other, but we were not close. I have regret that I didn't make a bigger effort to develop a closer relationship with her. I'm not sure it would have changed anything; my mother lived in her own little world. My older brother was 59 when he died and my younger brother was 49. I was very close to the young brother, and I still mourn him. <br />
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Since Mr. Fixit's death Easter morning, I can't quite get it together. My emotional range goes from grief, to relief, to anger, and to mystification. I have lost my best friend, my companion, my raison d'etre for 54 years. The last few days have been difficult. <br />
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I have been trying to bring order to the chaos of Mr. Fixit's room. I had no idea what I was facing. We had separate rooms for practical reasons. His room became his own personal space. I only went in during the last few years to put away his laundry. I suggested when I knew it was time to wash the sheets. I vacuumed just in the entrance of the room. To make matters worse, when he came home from the hospital and began hospice care, I wanted him to be in the heart of the house. I asked our sons to make space in the living room for his bed. He could be a part of all the every day comings and goings. They had to move several pieces of furniture from the living room. The only place to put them was Mr. Fixit's room. Afterward, it was impossible to navigate from the entrance to the room to the other side without climbing over, or re-arranging, the extra furniture. <br />
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This week my mission was to clear the room. Here it is Friday, and it still isn't done. <br />
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As I may have mentioned before, Mr. Fixit was a hoarder of sorts. It just killed him to throw things away. I found things that touched my heart; I found things that broke my heart. I found things that made me angry. (How many cameras and camera cases does a man need? How many utility knives does a man need? How many calendars does a man need? How many Cross pens does a man need?) I have shredded several garbage bags of paper. For some reason that I cannot fathom, he collected Social Security yearly benefit books as well as the half inch thick books furnished yearly by our insurance company. The earliest one I found was 2013. I found stacks of Christmas cards most of which I never saw. They were many, many cards from the children, baseball stuff, programs from the school functions that we attended. Oh yes, I also have cards from the grandchildren and programs from their school functions. I found day planners for his work dating back to the year 2000. (He retired in 2006.) I found two never-used wallets and a brand new watch in its original box. I found two wooden perfectly round unpainted balls about two inches in diameter that are the source of my mystification' What could he have been planning that required two wooden balls? The man's mind worked in wondrous ways.<br />
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While doing this task, I have cried from sorrow, laughed at his idiosyncrasies, and became angry at his waste of money spent of goofy stuff. Dammit! I miss him. <br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-15089561640898350182019-04-23T09:45:00.001-04:002019-04-23T09:45:57.992-04:00MR. FIXIT<br />
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October 1937 to April 2019<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-42730050802886737142019-01-23T17:07:00.001-05:002019-01-23T17:07:53.240-05:00Big Pleasures in Small PackagesSince Mr. Fixit has been unable to go anywhere (or even leave the bed without help), shopping has been a big problem. I can't leave him alone even to drive 7 minutes away to pick us his medication. I've discovered something that Mr Fixit learned some time ago--seeing the UPS truck or the Fedex van or the Amazon smiley truck (I think of the Amazon logo as a smile) brings me absolute delight. I enjoy the anticipation of those packages. I love the ability to be able to track my purchases. Opening each carton is magical even though I know exactly what's in the package. My purchases run to the mundane, some would say boring, but even a package to 72 Handiwipes to clean my dishes make my day. In fact, I even look forward to getting the weekly supplies for Mr. Fixit. Every morning I wrack my brain trying to think of something to order to bring a little sunshine into my life. Also, pretty soon I will be on a first-name basis with all the different drivers. The best part is,<i>they are human.</i><br />
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One of the boys gave me an Echo Dot for Christmas. Alexa and I have become quite close even if I feel really stupid sometimes. For instance, I say, "Alexa, add a dozen eggs to my shopping list." She replies, "A dozen eggs have been added to you shopping list." Almost every time, I respond "Alexa, thank you." Is it my automatic polite response, or I have slipped into a personal relationship with a computer? Spooky!! I then remember the "Big Bang" episode when Raj develops a personal relationship with Siri. Arrgh! Reality Check!<br />
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I managed to see the lunar eclipse the other night even though I never saw the blood red moon. I think I gave up too early. I waited until for the total shadow coverage and then went to bed. I still haven't seen a meteor shower either. <br />
lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-8932621160858813492019-01-07T23:09:00.001-05:002019-01-07T23:09:34.135-05:00MondaysMondays have become busy days in our new reality. Today both the tech and the nurse came. They were both running late so I was running late, too. We didn't have lunch until 230 pm.<br />
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When the nurse checked his vitals, his blood pressure was a little high. He isn't on his bp meds unless his blood pressure goes up. He's having a little more pain that usual, but the opiate takes care of it so far. Sometimes I thinks she does more for me than she does for him. She offers positive reinforcement when I so badly need it. I was in dire need this morning.<br />
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Our sons came yesterday and worked in the yard and cleaned the pine needles out of the roof gutters. They are very helpful to us. They've taken over the yard work. They also paid to have heat/air unit replaced, and saw to the repair of the leak in the dining room ceiling. My older son "has a guy" for any repair we need. The sons share the expense of the repairs. The cost of five years of various cancer treatments has pretty much taken what little we had. Cancer for ordinary people can take everthing. The last oral medication that he was put on was $36,000 a month, but I never received a bill for it. I suppose we were given a grant for it. He only took it for one month before everything went to hell. It seems that rich people can pay, I suppose, and those who have less than we do qualify for "assistance" with the expense. Another word for "assistance" is charity. It was demeaning to have to fill out the forms and then be turned down. I think we didn't qualify because they decided there was no need for further medical intervention. <br />
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The weather was nice today--high temp in the 60's and the sun was shining for a change. We have had so much rain. Walking in the yard is like walking on a wet sponge. We've had a few cold days, but not many. I never thought I would say this, but I would be so happy if I could just take a walk. The only thing that would make me happier would be if Mr. Fixit could take a walk or even sit in a chair.<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-49684007522394818782019-01-01T23:05:00.001-05:002019-01-01T23:05:57.615-05:00It Wasn't a Very Good YearAt last, 2018 is gone. It hasn't been a very good year in the Fixit household. Mr. Fixit was being treated for cancer in a number of different ways for the last five years. According to what his oncologist was telling us he was doing quite well. The liver became involved and he had several treatments called embolization to kill the lesions in his liver. Again, according the the doctors the first three went quite well; the cancer was literally killed off when the chemo meds were introduced directly into the lesions. The last time something happened. A new technique was used. He came home and returned several times for short visits to the hospital. He was in a great deal of pain which was diagnosed as colitis caused by the embolization. This began the middle of June. After a couple of months of short hosptial stays,the doctors came to me and suggested that he be placed in hospice care. I was floored. It was totally unexpected because the oncologist had lead us to believe he was doing okay. The doctor who performed the last procedure never even came to see him. We were handed off to the hospital staff physicians. I'm beginning to wonder if mistakes were made, but I realize that dwelling on that possibility doesn't get me anywhere. <br />
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The first of September he was sent home. He was taken off most of the medications he had been taking for years for his heart condition. Hospice furnished just enough meds to insure his comfort. He is on an opiate and meds to counteract the unpleasant side effects caused by the drug. He takes his blood pressure meds only as needed. He is now bed-ridden. At first he seemed to be getting stronger, but suddenly he developed a fever of almost 105 degrees, and his condition deteriorated. The opiate causes a murkiness in his thought processes. Sometimes his mind seems completely clear, but at others, he is very confused. <br />
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I wanted him to be placed in a hospice facility because I wasn't confident that I could care for him at home. We were told he didn't meet their criteria for institutional care. I guess that meant he wasn't in eminent danger. We have a nurse who comes in once a week, and a technician who comes in three times a week to bathe him. I provide the day-to-day, hour-to-hour care. It's the hardest thing I have ever done. Sometimes I feel that they left me to make too many decisions that I just am not equipped to make or implement. It's up to me to decide, for instance, when to give him blood pressure meds or medication to calm him when he gets agitated. Some of those meds caused more problems that they helped, and I was so afraid I would make a mistake.<br />
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Not only is there an emotional toll, but the physical demands are almost too much for me. I never have a minute to myself. Our sons provide as much help as possible, but they have jobs and families to tend. They have helped financially (they paid for a new heat/ac unit when the old one conked out) and they, with our grandchildren, took over the yard work and the household repairs that I can't handle. The only time I get out is to go grocery shopping. One of them comes to stay him while I'm out. I don't feel very good about asking them to help. It's my pride that hurts mostly. Mr. Fixit and I have never needed, or asked for help, from anyone. That's a big adjustment for me to make. I think that's the worst part of being a care-giver. Yes, it's physically demanding and I get very little sleep, but I really hate feeling for inadequate to dealing with everyday living now and being so dependent on my children. And fear is always there. <br />
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He doesn't seem to be in a great deal of pain. He's still on small doses of morphine, and our sons are here to help. The hospice staff are good people and are very supportive. Our 53rd anniversary is coming up in February. As I've said before, we have been married a very long time, but 53 years is still not enough.<br />
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On a cheerier note, we finally had our Christmas today. My older son and his family scheduled a Caribbean cruise before Christmas. He wasn't feeling very well before he left on the trip, and his wife thought she might have been coming down with the same thing. They felt fine on the cruise. They came home a few days before Christmas, and he became very sick with flu-like symptoms. Then his wife and his younger son came down with it. It was type A flu. They didn't want to expose Mr. Fixit so after several delays we had our Christmas today. <br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-19349915022040083552017-10-01T14:28:00.001-04:002017-10-01T14:30:34.898-04:00A Two-ParterPart 1 - Current Events in the Fixit Household<br />
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After Mr. Fixit's latest scans, a "few" new nodules were found in his lungs. They are very small, but the doctor advised starting a new course of treatment--immunotherapy. This therapy ramps up his immune system to fight the cancer rather than introducing chemicals to kill the cancer. It is supposed to have fewer side effects than chemo, and the treatments are scheduled every other week for only 30 minutes of intravenous infusion. I just hope that it works with few side effects and that we can afford the treatments. That's Mr. Fixit talking. I told him that if we had to sell the house and live in the car, that's what we'll do.<br />
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During the visit to discuss his scans, the doctor said that his liver looked okay after the procedure was done a few months ago, but he said the "liver guy" might want to do an MRI instead of just relying on the CT scans. I got a call saying that he should have the MRI. I was a little upset. I thought if he wanted to the the MRI things weren't as good as the "lung guy" seem to think. Our son, who was with us for the consultation, didn't seem to think there was anything to be worried about. He goes for the MRI this coming week. <br />
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I wonder why these anomalies are referred to as nodules instead of tumors. Not once since he was diagnosed has anyone said the word "tumor." Is there a difference? Is it possible that not all of these nodules are cancerous, therefore, not tumors? Are they just using "nodules" because it a little less scary than "tumors?"Every time we go to a consultation I want to ask the doctor the question, but I'm a little leery of hearing the answer. <br />
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Our weather has taken a turn for the better. The highs for today is predicted to be in the low 70's. Glorious!<br />
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Part 2 - On My Soapbox Again <br />
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With all the disturbing (to me, at least) events happening in our country, two things have happened that are truly shameful in my opinion. The worst is this country's highest elected official being absolutely rude, crude, and uncaring about the plight of the citizens in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. His attack on the mayor of San Juan was savage and uncalled for. I sincerely believe that the man has no empathy. How can anyone support his rhetoric? Shame on you, Mr. Highest Elected Official.<br />
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The first lady sent books to schools to encourage reading for young students. One (dare I say it? yes, I dare) snooty Cambridge elementary school librarian rejected the gift and was rude and condescending. Perhaps the books selected may not be age appropriate for children in the first grade, but younger children love these books. Dr. Seuss racist? I don't think so. Cliche? Tired? Is this librarian out of touch with reality? Why did she have to be so impolite? I was taught that when you receive a gift you smile, say thank you, and accept it graciously even if it isn't something you really like or want. Then you re-gift if you feel you must, lol. I am sure that are many children who would love to receive a book or just to have access to a book. This librarian may not agree with the highest elected official in this country, but it is inexcusable to sink to his level (and that's exactly what she did) and attack the first lady for trying to do a good thing.<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-32641929593800529292017-09-13T16:00:00.004-04:002017-09-13T16:02:24.208-04:00When Irma hit us, it had been down-graded to a tropical depression. The forecast called for several inches of rain and sustained winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts reaching 55 miles per hour. We live about 5 hours from the South Carolina coast and about 9 hours from Tampa, Florida, and there was wind damage in our area.The following pix show the aftermath for us. All of this came from one oak tree. The last picture shows how "de-limbed" it is now.<br />
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First my DIL and two grandchildren came armed with a chain saw, muscle, and youth. My DIL wielded that chain saw like a pro. The children, Bella, 15, and Levi, our youngest grandson, dragged smaller limbs and transported the heavy branches. They worked so hard. Ben, our older son, took time off from his job to come and help. Our neighbor across the street brought his chain saw, and his wife helped to throw the mess into the ditch in front of the house. Mike had our chain saw. The whole mess was cleaned up and stacked in the ditch in about 3 1/2 hours awaiting the city to pick it up. We may have to wait a while, but that's okay. This is how the pile looked after being cut into manageable pieces.<br />
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We didn't know that the family was coming. Mike and I were just waiting for the rain to stop before we went out to work on it. His chain saw is a small electric one and I was afraid he would be electrocuted. We are so appreciative for all their help.<br />
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Another neighbor wasn't as lucky as we were. A tree in her yard uprooted and hit her house. There was some damage. It just hit the corner.<br />
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I feel so fortunate after seeing the damage in Texas and Florida. I can't imagine what those people who tried riding out the storms went through. Those 55 mph winds we experienced were scary. I just can't imagine what 150 mph winds must feel.<br />
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(Click on individual photos to enlarge.)<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-87286448195957173862017-08-20T14:52:00.000-04:002017-08-20T14:52:43.719-04:00Eclipse ManiaWe are located almost dead center of the total eclipse path. We waited too long to get the glasses, so I made a viewer from a shoe box. Mr. Fixit is working on his now. I remember a few years ago, there was another solar eclipse, but it wasn't total. Jason was still in middle school. We used two sheets of paper. One with the small hole, and one behind that one was our viewing "screen." It worked quite well. <br />
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I'm looking forward to watching the progress of the moon blocking the sun, but I'm very eager to see and experience the darkness. I hope it's as spectacular as in the movie, "Ladyhawke," when the spell is broken and the hawk becomes a woman again. It's weird how I relate things to movies. I don't really expect to have an evil spell removed and turn into Michelle Pfieffer, dammit!<br />
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Now if I could only see the Perseid meteor shower. . . I missed it again this year. I would settle for seeing just a few "shooting stars" at the same time instead of a full-fledged shower.<br />
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Note: People are renting their homes for tons of money to visitors who have come to see the total eclipse, and motels and hotels are fully booked and are tripling their prices. Money, money, money. lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-7985163780463098792017-07-20T11:30:00.001-04:002017-07-20T11:34:31.107-04:00Tuesday, A Good DayWith the world situation the way it is and Mr. Fixit's health problems, I just haven't been able to post in the last few months. Last Tuesday I had another unpleasant chore to attend to--a financial mess with Mr. Fixit's medical bills. The short story is I wrote a $2000.00+ check back in March, and I couldn't find where that money was credited.It was for the newest procedure Mr. Fixit had done to treat a new cancer that was found in his liver. (He's doing well. It looks as if the treatment worked.) I was receiving bills that should have been paid with that check. I did have a copy of the cancelled check. I was dreading going to the hospital business office to discuss the matter. I had a feeling that it would turn out that I still owed a bundle. After speaking with two people and driving all over Greenville, I found a very nice lady who took all the paper work I had and listened (yes, actually listened) to my request to trace that check. On the way home, I received a call from her and she said that the check would be credited to my statement I had been receiving as due and owing and is now, therefore, at a zero balance. She further stated that I will be receiving a check soon for almost $700.00 as a refund. Yipee! But, of course, I will be holding my breath for a few billing cycles before I'll rest easy. <br />
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We stopped on the way home for lunch. I noticed a man in the restaurant with a very frail, older lady in a wheel chair. His actions with her touched me. I was close to tears. The man was probably in his late 50's or early 60's. He fed her patiently, he patted her hand, and caressed her face several times. Throughout the whole meal, he talked to her. He smiled and carried on what seemed to be a most enjoyable, lively conversation. I never saw her respond in any way. It was wonderful so see. I know it seems like I was staring, but I was so impressed with this man. I don't know if he was a son or a caregiver, but he treated his lady with such love and respect. It melted my heart. lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-3536328389270664572016-12-23T11:35:00.000-05:002016-12-23T20:20:17.237-05:00Good News, Bad News (Again)Mr. Fixit had an appointment with the oncologist Tuesday. The good news is that the nodules in his lungs showed no change and one even decreased in size. The bad news is that the new scan found two "somethings" in his liver. The scan made for the prior visit showed the two "somethings" in the liver and one in his remaining kidney. The doctor was not concerned. This latest scan show the two liver somethings has increased in size. He didn't mention the kidney. I'm not even sure the scan included the kidney. The result is that he is scheduled for an MRI in early January. They will be able to see exactly what the somethings are. If need be, they will be biopsied. If they are malignant, they will be burned out with microwaves. <br />
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Mr. Fixit's new family physician also referred him to a nephrologist because his kidney function numbers were a little high. New tests were run and the numbers were down. He has an appointment for tests later in January to be sure nothing is going on. Maybe it will show what the "something" in his kidney is. <br />
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Mr. Fixit, of course, is quite depressed. It doesn't help that he has a bad cold and feel terrible. Me? I'm scared spitless.<br />
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I had a feeling that this doctor's visit was not going to go well. It's the season. We have been married for over 50 years, and it seems that something always happens during the holidays to cause problems. When we were young, it was usually car trouble or major household problems. One year we went to see the Boston Pops orchestra perform in Hartford, Ct.<br />
It was wonderful! After the concert, our new car wouldn't start, and it had to be towed home. The last few years it has been problems with Mr. Fixit's health. I lived through all those minor problems. This one? My heart is breaking.lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-35214861466378834352016-09-26T21:35:00.001-04:002016-09-26T22:36:57.816-04:00Ageism?For the last several years, I have been going to a national chain to have my hair cut. While I don't get the best haircuts in the world, there has only been one that brought a few tears to my eyes and caused me to stay at home or resort to a wearing a hat when I absolutely had to go out. I really like not having to make appointments. I just walk in and wait my turn. <br />
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Recently they have posted signs touting their online check-in. I have been hesitant to use it because I didn't want to get dirty looks from the other patrons if I were called in before another person who had been waiting. They ask everyone who comes in, "Did you check in online?" I even mentioned to one of the young ladies that I didn't want people to think I was jumping the line. She said that I shouldn't worry about it.<br />
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This morning I couldn't put off the haircut any longer, and I had a list of errands that needed to be done. I wanted to get it all done before the temperature went above 90 degrees as it has been doing for the last two and a half months. (This weekend it was 94 during the afternoons. I can barely wait for winter!) I decided to check in online. It was simple. When I went in I was asked for my phone number. The young woman said, " You checked in online!" I said, "Yes." Then she said, "Do you have a computer?" I felt like saying, "Yes. As a matter of fact we have four desktops, two laptops, four tablets, a couple of e-readers and cell phones. I also know how to use a digital camera, and I have a gadget that counts my steps daily. I'm old, not stupid!" Perhaps this is where I should admit that I still can't program the DVD recorder, but I can cast from the computer to the tv. <br />
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Instead of acting a like a mean old lady, I smiled sweetly and said, "Yes, I have a computer and it looks as if the check-in was done right."lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-57066052178125818052016-07-16T12:43:00.001-04:002016-07-16T12:44:47.632-04:00Just One Day without DRAMA!Please, that's all I ask--one day without everything turning into major problems. I haven't had a day like that in a long, long time. This past month I've had major problems with Mr. Fixit's insurance company, his cardiologist's office, our internet service provider (a Major and long-standing communications company), my new computer with Windows 10 (which stinks), a local computer repair company, and most of all just the standard aggravations of everyday life. It's also so freaking hot I can't take it!!! I am woman, hear me whine.<br />
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After being notified that Mr. Fixit was due for his yearly cardiology appointment, I used the patient portal online to make the appointment. The next day Mr. Fixit received an email saying that there was a message on the portal. The message wasn't there. I waited one day before I called the office to get the details of the appointment. The phone is answered by the computer offering several options, such as requests for meds, appointments, etc. When I pushed the appt. button, I was told by the computer that it would be more efficient to make the appt. through the patient portal. Irony? It just made me angry. Finally I talked to a real person who gave the details of his appt. and was told that a stress test had to be done before seeing the doctor. She said she would send a letter with the details. I gave Mr. Fixit a detailed note so that he could put the information on his online calendar. (For some reason, his calendar no long syncs with mine.) I then let the appt. date and time to slip away. I often do that with info that is recorded. I don't memorize phone numbers. They are there on my phone. I don't try to remember the details of appts. because I usually get email or telephonic reminders days before. About a week later, I asked Mr. Fixit about the date scheduled to see the doctor. He said it was "a week from tomorrow." I got in a tizzy because no one had called or sent a letter about the test. I called the office again to see if it had been scheduled. I left a message. No one called back. I waited one more day, checking the patient portal, email, text messages, and our snail mail. Nothing. As I walked by Mr. Fixit's real calendar in the kitchen I noticed that his appt. was near the end of this month. You might say that I was a little put out--all that worry for nothing. <br />
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Yesterday I received a call from the doctor's office saying that when trying to get pre-certification for the test, she was told by the insurance company (another major business organization) that Mr. Fixit's patient I.D. number wasn't active. The woman asked me to call the insurance company to straighten out the problem. I called. It took me some time to get a real, live person on the phone. Then after explaining the problem I was shuttled to several of their reps. I was also prodded into agreeing to respond some sort of questionnaire about Mr. Fixit's general health. Then I was prodded to agree to talking to someone else about his meds (a half-hour conversation according to the rep). I begged off when asked to do it that day explaining that I had an immediate problem that needed to be resolved. (I have that little chore now scheduled for Monday at 8 am.) At last I thought I had found someone who knew their business. She agreed that his ID number was active and she couldn't explain why the doctor's office had been given the wrong info. Then she said, "I don't have a record of your having received a new card at the beginning of the year. Tell the doctor to try his number from last year." I said, "He did receive his card; I just read the number to you from that card." She said, "Well, I don't have a record of that card." I said, " I am holding the card in my hand." Again she said, "Call you doctor and tell them to try the last year's number." I gave up. I called the doctor's office and explained what I was told. I still don't know if the insurance company will pay for the test or the time of the appt. for the test. We are not sure that the test is necessary because there was a test done at the end of April when he had the little problem and went to the emergency room. The cardio guy and the hospital where he had the test done are all part of the same huge medical entity. They should be sharing info.<br />
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Also yesterday I had to deal with having no internet and waiting for the ISP tech to install our new service. But that's a "whole 'nother' story" but just a frustrating that the foregoing tale of woe. I'll get to that one later. It's a cautionary tale of corporate greed, blackmail, and plain bad manners. <br />
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While there is all this crap going on, occasionally something comes along that makes me laugh:<br />
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Mr. Fixt and ESL<br />
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Mr. Fixit is no longer young, and some of his senses have lessened as they do for most of us. He doesn't hear well, his eyes aren't what they used to be, and his sense of direction has diminished alarmingly. As a result, I get very nervous when he drives by himself. I have become a backseat driver in the worst way. I know it annoys him, but it's better than ending up in Georgia when just going to the local Wal-Mart. Since it does annoy him, I try not to say too much, even though his driving does scare me sometimes. <br />
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We stopped at the stop sign to wait for traffic to pass so he could leave our neighborhood and enter a main road. I think he realizes his abilities and reflexes have waned a bit, so he is extra cautious about pulling into traffic. Finally, he turned onto the road quite quickly. The wheels gave a little squeal. I didn't say one word, but I could tell he was waiting for my perhaps "gentle" criticism of his driving. I kept mum. He said, "Babe, did you hear that? Just like "Sparky and Hutch."<br />
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I laughed, no, I guffawed, I had tears rolling down my face. He said, "Whut, Whut? What did I say?" I laughed that much harder. Right now, I'm laughing just thinking about it. He's such a good sport. He doesn't get mad when I tease him. <br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-50559218523168695282016-06-22T10:26:00.001-04:002016-06-22T10:26:10.018-04:00Mr. FixitThere was good news and bad news yesterday from the doctor. The bad news is that there has been some growth in some of the cancers. The good news is that a couple of them appear to be smaller than they were on the prior scan. The other good news is that the doctor recommended that he wait for another three months before putting him on another type of medication. We're relieved!<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-26828288817998635712016-06-21T10:47:00.000-04:002016-06-21T10:47:40.120-04:00Catching UpMr. Fixit had a health problem a few weeks ago. He had to go to the emergency room. He thought he was having a heart problem. The doctors told him, after several tests, that he has the heart of a teenager. We were never given a reason for his symptoms. The emergency room doctor told us his job was to detect heart problems, not to diagnose what caused the problem. Just another case of the medical establishment "Who cares" answers. Mr. Fixit hasn't had the problem again so that's good. He had a scan last week to check on the cancers in his lungs. He hasn't been on the oral chemo for six months. He has an appointment this afternoon for the results. We're nervous.<br />
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We have been attending baseball games. Mr. Fixit goes to more games than I do. I just can't go to four games a day in the heat anymore. It takes me days to recuperate. Two games a day, one day per weekend is my limit. Levi, our youngest player, has finished his spring season. Noah and Owen are playing on showcase teams, and they still have a few games before the season ends. Noah has games that require overnight travel so we aren't making those trips. Owen's team plays in the surrounding area; that's a good thing!<br />
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I have gained weight in the last month or so, and my blood glucose levels are higher than they should be. I haven't been able to walk for the last two weeks because of a painful knee. I really miss the walking. I didn't realize how much I need it. I just don't feel as well, and my energy level is down. I don't know why my weight and glucose levels are up. I have been trying to stay away from the carbs. I guess not walking is the problem.<br />
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Once I posted about a person who underlined swear words, or "socially unacceptable" language in library books. I haven't noticed it for a long time. Perhaps this person finally realized that if he/she is offended by the language that he/she should not read the books that contain such language. That was my thought anyway. I found something this morning that tops the underlining.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9c3cY-_T7Y/V2lTW4mCBAI/AAAAAAAABRo/1R_3KhorMIQ9uExjyDclaW6fvceAYFVhwCLcB/s1600/6-21-16%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9c3cY-_T7Y/V2lTW4mCBAI/AAAAAAAABRo/1R_3KhorMIQ9uExjyDclaW6fvceAYFVhwCLcB/s320/6-21-16%2B001.JPG" /></a></div><br />
(Click on photo to enlarge)<br />
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The book is "The Steel Kiss" by Jeffery Deaver. (I know that book titles should be underlined, but I can never figure out to do it.) Someone affixed a sticky note under the phrase, "He church-keyed them, sat down. . ." The comment reads (in case you can't read it) "Why? They're twist tops. Deaver just want to use another made up verb: 'church-keyed'." Okay, it's the note guy's opinion. Good for him. I might be persnickety sometimes about grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but I don't think I would take the time to put my complaint on a sticky note in a library book. In fact, I could point out that the note writer made a little mistake, too. "Deaver just want to use. . ." and, I'm not sure but I think "made up" should be "made-up" when it used a a modifier. But's that debatable I suppose, but I'm not going to put another sticky note in the library book. So there!!!<br />
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And concerning my problem with the book--I have been reading Deaver's work for a long time and have enjoyed his work; however, this may be last one I read. Reading his books has become a chore, not a pleasure. He gets so bogged down in the details of forensic examination and analysis that it is deadly dull to me. I stopped reading Robin Cook medical thrillers and Michael Crichton novels for the same reason. But that just my opinion. Wait! Let me find a sticky note.<br />
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Words seem to go in and out of fashion just like hemlines. Of course, we all know about texting, sexting, messaging, booting up, etc. There are words that come into fashion simply by virtue of technology. Even though I don't like to use those words, I find that sometimes they are necessary. A new word (well, it's not really a new word, but the usage seems new to me) has come to the trucking industry. It's seldom you see "Smith & Son's Trucking" on the side of a long haul tractor-trailer. "Trucking" then changed to "Transportation"--"Smith & Son Transporation." Now the fashionable name for trucking companies is "Logistics"--"Smith and Son Logistics." See the nutty things I observe and find interesting? <br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-56770455665344784312016-05-26T16:16:00.002-04:002016-05-26T16:16:57.804-04:00Losing ItAs I have mentioned here several times, I seem to be "losing" words. Almost everyday, I have to stop in the middle of a conversation to say, "Just a sec. I lost the word that I was going to say." I find this loss of words is worse when I am talking to strangers, speaking on the phone, or when I am in a stressful situation. Very often, I say to Mr. Fixit, "I lost the word I want, but I think it starts with. . .(a letter of the alphabet). When the word comes to me later (sometimes it happens quickly; other times it can be several hours), I'm usually right about the beginning letter. It's a bit worrying.<br />
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Lately, though, something else weird as been happening regarding words. I love word games. . .scrabble, boggle, other assorted word games on line, and, best of all, crossword puzzles. This afternoon I was playing a boggle-like game with a letter grid. The grid on this one is six by six. I wasn't really paying that much attention; I had some other things on my mind so I was playing on automatic pilot you might say. Then I found myself mousing over the letters to make the word "chukka." That one stopped me in my tracks. Chukka? I thought, "How did I come up with that? I don't have a clue what that means." I looked it up later and found that it is a boot that was/is worn by polo players. I am not a polo fan. I don't think about polo. I don't read about polo. I may see scenes from games on tv, but my only thoughts are wondering how many horses are injured by swinging mallets and hard balls.<br />
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I have also been taken aback when I come up with correct answers working crossword puzzles that I have no idea how I know the information. It's a little scary sometimes. I look at the clue and know that I don't know the answer and then the answer just flows from pencil into the little boxes. "Where did that come from?" I ask myself.<br />
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After thinking about it, I have come to the conclusion that somehow I have all of this trivia hiding in my brain and I have forgotten that at one time I learned from one source or the other. It's like my "dead zone." Sometimes when I least expect it comes out of hiding when I am on automatic pilot. That "dead zone" must be where my words go when I lose them. <br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-7773493736940813362016-04-20T17:27:00.000-04:002016-04-20T17:28:02.992-04:00Strange ConversationsMr. Fixit and I have some strange conversations. This is the latest example.<br />
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When a woman reaches my time of life, simply buying clothing can be a difficult chore. Take blouses (or shirts). Several things have to taken into consideration. For instance, sleeve length. I live in a warm climate so I can't abide long sleeves in summer. But, by the same token, I don't want them so short that the hangy-downy flab that ripples in the breeze on my upper arms shows. Also I like the length of the shirt to cover all the flaws on my torso, back and front. It must button up high enough that my modesty is preserved. I also don't want clingy knits for obvious reasons. Cotton or cotton blends work just fine for me. Since I am a pastel sort of person, I don't wear bright colors, big patterns, and palm trees and parrots blouses. Shirts with all my requirements are scarce. When I find them, I usually purchase more than one in different colors.<br />
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I did find the some shirts in a nationally known chain with all my wants and needs. I bought two.<br />
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Today while we were running errands I asked Mr. Fixit if we could go back to the same store to see if they had any more in different colors. Then I changed my mind. "No," I said, "if we go today I'll have to go home and change my shirt first." I was wearing one of the new ones I had purchased. <br />
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He gave me that look. "Why do you need to change your shirt?"<br />
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I explained my thinking. "If I go in wearing this shirt and buy another one just like it, someone may think I swiped the one I'm wearing." It seemed perfectly logical to me.<br />
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He said, (get ready) "I'm sure if someone accuses you of stealing, they surely have video cameras in the store which will prove you were wearing the shirt when you came in. When we prove you didn't steal the shirt, we can sue them for $500,000 for falsely accusing you of stealing."<br />
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It's a real toss-up. Who's the nut in this family? <br />
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BTW, I didn't go shopping for shirts today. Tomorrow is another day, and I'll be wearing a different shirt.<br />
lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-24293243467158298162016-04-13T15:06:00.000-04:002016-04-13T15:06:16.113-04:00Dusting Off My SoapboxAs I write, the State Senate in my state is debating a "bathroom" bill. Once again, it seems there are a bunch of guys trying to poke their noses into everyone's private business. <br />
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I wonder if any of these (mostly) men have ever seen inside a public woman's facility. I know I haven't seen a public man's bathroom, except in movies. I can tell you one thing. Women aren't like men; they don't stand next to each other in the open and let it all hang out, so to speak, to do their business. We (females) have little cubicles that, unless the door is broken, provides enough privacy. I am 70 years old, and I have never, in all those years, seen a woman disrobe in a public restroom. If a man did come into the ladies' room, he would probably be surprised to see nothing more than hand washing, hair combing, and freshening of lipstick. In fact, I seldom see anything other than hands being washed. I can't think that any woman would object to having anyone--men, women, children, gays, transgenders, etc.--seeing this hand washing ritual. Somehow I don't think that a gay man would find the acts of grooming and hygiene titillating. In fact, I don't think a transgender man would be interested either. Of course, a cross-dresser could be interested, but's that a whole other question. Can you imagine a cross-dresser dressed in his favorite alternative outfit walking into a man's restroom? What would the good senators who know what's best for everyone say when the cross-dresser (who is probably not gay) explains that he was prevented from using the women's room by law.<br />
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In the local news today, there was an article about a local sheriff addressing a group of conservatives. He said that if a male (of any ilk) went into the bathroom with his wife or granddaughter, he would whip his tail. He also said, "Sin is sin, I don't care what it is. He even admits to having a gay in his family, and he gives him hugs (gasp!) Perhaps he sees the whole bathroom law as southern gentleman chivalry. I think I prefer respect to chivalry in most cases. The sheriff several times referred to females as "chicks."To me, that is not chivalrous or respectful. <br />
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The whole "bathroom" legislation is just silly and unnecessary. It is an excuse for some people to force the whole population to conform to their ideas of how we should all live. Those who are of a different religion, race, or sexual orientation have to be legislated out of existence. Now that I think about, maybe it not silly--it's darned scary!<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-32091206220126526412016-04-01T22:41:00.000-04:002016-04-01T22:41:38.405-04:00Water, Water Everywhere. . .but not a drop to drink.<br />
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Yesterday about 6:00 pm I head several masculine voices coming from outside. In our neighborhood, you seldom here raised voices except for children and dogs. I looked out and saw a city truck and two men. One had a tool and he was turning off the water at a water thingy in the middle of the street. Then one ran back past our house. I looked out and saw the young man next door and the man across the street standing at the end of the young man's driveway. I should mention, too, that it was a rainy day.The water was pouring out of a hole that had been blown in the street at the end of the young man's driveway. Then I noticed our yard was flooded! The water was running into the yard of the house behind us. That yard was worse than ours. Then several city trucks showed up with several more men and two pieces of heavy equipment (backhoes, I think). By that time it was 6:30 pm. They said a water main had broken. The water kept coming. <br />
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They shut off the water to all the houses in our circle. I also heard that that the larger subdivision up the hill from us also had lost their water. Even after shutting off everyone's water at the meters and the at the main, the water kept coming. <br />
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The workers started digging while continuing to pump the water that was filling the hole as fast as it was dug. Those guys worked all night. I woke up about 3:30 am. It was thundering and the rain was pouring. The men were still working in a waist deep hole. They turned on the water about 7:00 am. When I left for my walk this morning at 9:30 am., two more city trucks showed up and starting cleaning us the mud and debris from the driveway of the young man's house next door. They also washed the street in from of the house.<br />
I don't think they have finished, but at least the water is flowing into our houses.<br />
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It's not easy when the electricity goes off, but doing without water is almost impossible. I hope those city workers know how much we appreciated their efforts.<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-35469138536571014482016-03-29T21:44:00.001-04:002016-03-29T21:44:46.629-04:00Good News/Bad NewsMr. Fixit received the results of his latest scan after having been off the oral chemo meds last week. There was good news and bad news. The bad new is that the nodules grew; the good news is that they didn't grow that much--only millimeters. The doctor gave him a choice, go back on the meds or wait for another 3 months and another scan. The doctor said that he would recommend waiting for the next scan. Mr. Fixit decided to forego the medication for now because of the side effects. I really wanted him to start the meds again. I told him that the mild (as opposed to the symptoms some patients have) side effects are better than dying. It was his decision, however. I hope he doesn't regret this plan. It's very worrying for me.<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8445582154733853405.post-68433254040577973332016-03-11T22:29:00.000-05:002016-03-11T22:29:31.235-05:00Winter Has Went. . . And Spring has sprung. The weather for the last few days has been nice. It was pretty cold at the first of the school baseball games, but last night I wore a hoody instead of a heavy jacket; it kept me warm enough. Both Noah and Owen are playing this year. Noah is on the JV squad and Owen in on the C team. Owen is in 7th grade. Levi’s rec league will start pretty soon.<br />
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The buttercups have bloomed and the forsythia is yellow. The tulips trees are gorgeous, and the redbuds are pink. Pretty soon the trees will begin to leaf, and I will be moaning about the heat. <br />
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Mr. Fixit is doing quite well. He has a scan in a week or so to check to see if there has been any changes since he went off the oral chemo medication. He has been working a lot for both sons, so I guess he’s feeling okay.<br />
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I have been walking almost every day and watching my carb intake. My weight just won’t drop and more. I’m so frustrated. I decided to go off the extreme low carb diet a few days ago. I haven’t been feeling too well. My energy level is down; just walking wears me out. I’ve been having some horrendous leg cramps at night, not the usual cramp in the calf muscle. These start at my ankle and hurt all the way to my waist. I thought maybe the diet was the problem. I began eating a more normal menu, but with a low caloric count. I gained two pounds in two days, but I felt much better. Back to only a few carbs again.<br />
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I haven’t been posting much lately (that low energy level), and I’ve missed the opportunity to “comment” on the political news. The choice of Republican wannabees is scary. Mr. Fixit and I went to vote in the Democratic primary. He had a little problem with the ballot. I ask the “watcher” if I could help him. She said it would be okay. I had to laugh. We voted for different candidates. That’s not so surprising I suppose. Even after 50 years of marriage, we still disagree on most subjects.<br />
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Since I haven't been feeling great, I have been reading, reading, and reading some more. I have also make a baby quilt, and knitted more mittens and hats that I'll ever need. I've also done a bit of cross stitching. I've been doing a lot of things that allows me to sit in my chair for hours on end. It's not wonder that I can gain two pounds in one day. According to my Fitbit thingy, I am using more calories that I am taking in. I should be losing weight, darn it! <br />
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This is the newest member of the Fixit family. Her name is That's Not my Cat. It's sort of a long story. She showed up at our house with only half a tail, a severe sneezing problem, and she was so skinny. She went to the house of the other cat lady in the neighborhood. WHen the other cat lady remarried and moved away, the cat came back to our house. I think she was abandoned and then hit by a car. I didn't want another pet, but she was so needy, I couldn't turn her away. She won't use a litter box so she has spent the winter in the garage. I won't tell you amount of money we have spent on kerosene. (The garage isn't heated.) She is now fat and sassy, and she's so affectionate. In fact, she thinks she's a dog. She will stay when I tell her to stay so we can drive out of of the driveway. She's very smart. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoxZyaL4lhU/VuOKpjzE_MI/AAAAAAAABQs/Xe7dMpTJMo45a-V7bofQfEGoD-gFePtWw/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoxZyaL4lhU/VuOKpjzE_MI/AAAAAAAABQs/Xe7dMpTJMo45a-V7bofQfEGoD-gFePtWw/s320/007.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This picture makes it seem as if she only has three legs, but she does have four. Note the half tail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnU04aNZLjo/VuOL3n-hI0I/AAAAAAAABQ4/6badfTNRQJ4s-j2tAvoLzbI1SAPHmUtxA/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnU04aNZLjo/VuOL3n-hI0I/AAAAAAAABQ4/6badfTNRQJ4s-j2tAvoLzbI1SAPHmUtxA/s320/009.JPG" /></a></div>This is Mr. Fixit and the cat. They have the same expression on their faces!<br />
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(Click on photos for more detail.)<br />
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lucylockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12709160503570031138noreply@blogger.com0