Category: Uncategorized

Grab a cup -a-joe, this is a long one.

    First.. the debate. Holy sh*t.  Really?  Almost every one of them sunk right down to the low depths we’ve seen in recent years. Nothing new. It actually looked like a comedy act.   I was looking at that line-up and said over and over again.. really??… Is that ALL ya got, Republican America??….. *sigh.  As much as many people LOVE that Donald Trump is railing against the machine we’re all coming to distrust and maybe even hate –  He’s not coming up with ONE SINGLE ANSWER  for the many major problems we face.  Not one.   – I talk to people all over the world all the time, I am the great deal maker, I think I can get along with him! I would talk to him! I have great people, great teams, She’s ugly, he took money from me, I went to her wedding because she asked and for business sake I did it! I will build a great wall!  I am a builder!!….     Please. Please…. just shut up and go home.   So glad Walker had the good sense to go home.  Huckabee is too religiously emphatical . He’s a preacher, not a President.  Fiorina, well I had hopes…. but if you read into her true story, she is a bitch with a capital B and a liar.   While a little backbone and a strong woman in office is appealing, that kind of Bitch is not what we all want in office for four to eight years.  Disagree?  Ok, if after you’ve read her full history and yes, the lies being told, you still want to stand by her, you go ahead, it’s your right after all. And hey, she’s not the only one lying.. they all do it! To be fair.     Christie is hated by his own New Jerseyites, and he’s a thug, plain and simple.  Rubio – I kinda like him until he starts his warmongering crap, then I think I really don’t want his finger over the nuclear war buttons.  Carson – nice guy!  I bet he was a heck of a brain surgeon! Doesn’t have any experience whatsoever in this field,  and wants to defund planned parenthood, and that’s just stupid on so many levels –   so… yeah.  And I just don’t think America is going to elect another black President right at this point in time. We weren’t mature enough to do it the first time and not much as changed.  Jeb Bush – I don’t think he’s a bad guy, surprised he wasn’t the one back when George 2 was elected. But the whole lot of them is more of the same, I truly believe it.   What a zoo.  Actually zoos are filled with animals, who have more integrity.  Not a fair comparison.  If you disagree with me on any of this, I have no problem hearing you out in the comments below. I understand this is just my view and your points may be valid. Just be kind in your delivery.  Speaking of which….. 
     My Dad.  Well.  His insurance (Medicare) has done a fine job of covering his needs up to this point and I hope that continues.  His issue is – he’s in a very nice rehab facility now where they are treating him well and monitoring his condition but can’t really do much with him as far as rehab goes because he’s got that dang 20 percent heart function.  He’s realizing it ain’t going away and the idea of going -home- where he lives alone, just probably isn’t going to come to fruition.  Since I am the only family member willing to deal with his -issues – I am left with the difficult conversations to have with him, with the health care providers… with the  chores that come with his needs at this point, like doing his laundry and feeding his cat and doing his banking and cleaning his home and visiting him regularly and buying him this and that and those things too,  at reconciling the not-so-awesome relationship I have with him …. (literally every time I walk into his room I am chanting, be kind Karen, Be kind.)  He said to me yesterday –  Jeez, I think this is probably it!  It’s over.   And I said.. well, you’re still here, and you have all your marbles.  You look alive to me, so you have to decide what you want the time you have left to look like.  It’s your decision if you will make the best of it or let it take you down.    We’re talking about nursing homes, and I’ve had to look into what title 19 will require.  His few assets will need to be turned over to the state. That’s another ugly conversation I am not looking forward to.  I keep asking myself, are you being kind, Karen? In your delivery, in your tone of voice?  Because the sad reality is it’s not easy for me to be kind to him.  And that’s not a great feeling inside of me. Still searching for a way to let that go… been trying for years. 
     *sigh… I had more to say but that’s enough to digest in one morning, don’t ya think?  None of us really needs more rants, we need blue skies and palomino ponies.  Just that.. are ya in?… let’s go. 
      

Bullsh*t

  This is the state of our health insurance situation right now.  Because of the Affordable care act, which I admittedly had high hopes for…. because our nations health insurance programs sucked for many…..  Anyway… because of that lovely new deal we were cancelled by Blue Cross Blue Shield.. unless we wanted to pay $400. more PER MONTH. for our family’s health insurance.  Even though President Obama promised if we liked our plan, we could keep it.  That was wrong.   So we switched to Connecticare (HA!).. care, really??…. because it would be about the same as we were paying per month. Which ain’t cheap.  And we’re all pretty healthy. 
  Two things.. for the same money, we’re getting less services covered.  And… the new drug plan which they call the Freedom Drug Plan – IRONY!!!…  really.. really .. sucks.  This is happening all over the country and I bet a few of you have had a similar issue.     –   I have high blood pressure despite being active and healthy, a non smoker non drinker otherwise.  Over the past few years my doctor has prescribed several drugs that either didn’t have any affect, had terrible side effects or I was allergic to.   We finally found a drug that works perfectly with no side effects – Benicar.  Amen!  How happy I am.  Benicar has no generic form yet, patent up next year… then there’s hope for a generic.  For now, Connecticare refuses to pay for it… instead insisting I keep trying the other drugs I’ve already tried without success.. maybe take MORE of them to see if they work any better.   They have refused both my GP and Cardiologists requests.  Not sufficient evidence that I can’t keep trying other drugs. That’s their reason.  Awesome. 
My father had a heart attack last week.  He has 20 percent heart function as a result and has congestive heart failure.  He’s also experienced periods of not being able to breathe, having been intubated for 24 hours when it got real bad.  Just two days after that, he was kicked out of the hospital and sent to a rehab facility  – where he relapsed and had another attack just 48 hours later.  Back to the hospital in an ambulance he went.   The center told me he should never have been sent there because they are not equipped for cardiac rehab, no monitors, no IV ability, etc… it appears the hospital was just looking for a place for him to go that wasn’t THE HOSPITAL.. even though they were aware of his grave condition.   Awesome.  
Anything to save a buck.  Mr President… I have to wonder… is this what you had in mind? Meanwhile.. my cousin who hasn’t worked in ten years .. just because, really….. is THRILLED with the ACA because he finally has insurance again, FREE.  He laughs about it. Not funny.   
There is something very wrong with hardworking individuals paying a big price for those who just choose not to work.  I get it when people can’t help themselves or are trying and struggling  – its why I had high hopes for the ACA,  we need to help them.  But there are too many cases where this isn’t the case, it’s abuse… and we should be able to pick our best health options. 
Meanwhile.. tonight.. the debate.  This oughta be interesting. 
  

Fixing the broken….

  So… this summer.  *sigh.

  Mom broke her arm, it was ugly.  She was a trooper, and  that has healed nicely. She’s driving again and living life as it should be lived. Although I still catch her holding that arm out to the side like it’s a defective piece of merchandise that might spew filth on her being at any moment.  (Hi Mom!)  

  Max the horse is home and loving retirement life, he’s living the good life for sure, healing nicely. Amen.  (Diane this one’s for you 🙂

  Dad suffered a heart attack the other day.  His second, plus a stroke about 10 years ago.  He must have nine lives.  Right now operating on 20 percent heart function, breathing on his own again after being intubated for 24 hours, but still there is the congested (congestive?)  heart failure issue.   He’s flirting with the nurses so I know he’s still who he is.  What he will be, though, moving forward, is a question mark.  Will he be able to go home and live on his own?  How long does a congested heart stay clear of the fluid buildup. Should he be driving?  He’ll answer yes for sure, but that doesn’t make it right.   Our relationship .. that’s a tough one.  I am the only person (plus my husband) who is there for him at this stage of his life… and I keep saying to myself.. Kindness, Karen.  Find it.. show it.

   Rudy the dachshund bloated this afternoon after digging in the dog food bag and pretty much submerging himself in there until we noticed.  He’s been acting odd lately and has had a voracious appetite for food and water.  Had him tested, – nothing.  Not diabetes, blood work good, heart good, not cushings positive, just borderline.. and yet the behavior.  So tonight he was gorging himself and bloated out.  A trip to the vet, stomach pumping, some morphine-like stuff, and he’s home and resting sorta comfortable.

  *good times.    

The good, the bad and the hilarious

   We’ll start with the bad and work our way up.  A few nights ago, my daughter’s horse Max had a belly ache.  Meds didn’t help.  More meds didn’t help… and it was determined he was very sick and needed immediate transport to the Equine hospital (1.5 hours away) if he were going to survive whatever was causing the colic.  At 11:30 p.m.  Our vet had to sedate him because he was so distraught by the pain by the time his chariot arrived to take him to the hospital.  I have never seen a horse in so much pain that came on so quickly, it was a horrible, helpless feeling.

    He had surgery, where they found a large fatty tumor (melon size) wrapped around his colon.  It had shifted, and pushed his colon over. That’s why all the horrible sudden pain.  *sigh.  

   Survival is iffy with these things… and I am happy to report, three days later, Max is doing very well considering what he’s been through.  Thank GOD for equine insurance.  I won’t tell you what this cost… but most people who don’t have equine insurance put the horse down because they can’t afford it.  

Team KMax once again…

  I’ve been out in the garden today trying to wash off the stress with fresh air and sunshine… it’s a beautiful thing…and if you don’t already know it, gardens are restorative, they are healing.  If you haven’t started one of your own yet, when the season is right in your neck of the woods… for heavens sake, get out there and plant, nurture, tend.   It will do the same for you, I promise.

Saw this on Facebook.. and I just love it. Might even make a t-shirt
out of it.  I’d love to give one to each one of you, too…..

WARNING: This post may offend you.

   So, Cecil the beloved Lion is tortured and then finally killed by some asshole dentist in the Midwest who got a big thrill, apparently, out of watching a majestic and beloved Lion die a long slow painful death after he shot it with an arrow.  He liked doing it so much he paid $55,000.  for the -privilege-.

   Asshole.  He deserves all the negative backlash he’s getting because of it.   And I have zero tolerance for his “regret” now…  Hey Asshole Dentist – of course you regret it, you’re humiliated and your practice is in jeopardy.  I’ll say it one more time for good measure. Asshole.

    Some anti-abortion folks are actually outraged that there is outrage over the tragic death of Cecil.  They want to know why we’re not all showing as much outrage for the current Planned Parenthood scandal that’s rocking CNN, Fox, facebook, Anderson Cooper and wherever else this stuff can be spewed.

   I can only speak for myself, but here’s why I’m not outraged because there is more Cecil outrage.  Planned Parenthood is not selling body parts. Stop the hysterics here.    They do give  -donated –  fetal tissue to researchers who are trying to cure Parkinson’s, aids, cancers, etc. etc. etc.  For those of you who think Planned Parenthood is evil, you’re not being real in the real world.  Here’s why I say that…PP is responsible for making sure poor women have access to basic medical care including cancer screening, checkups and birth control.  That should be important to you if you’re anti-abortion.   They help them find resources when they are in crisis, such as abuse and rape.  According to material I’ve read on the subject that I consider to be reliable, Three percent of all PP activities include abortions – more than 90 percent of those are conducted in the first trimester when you and I might disagree that this stage of development is a viable life.

 ***To be clear, I don’t  agree with abortions at later stages when the forming cells inside the uterus is a viable life.  I understand you may not agree and you have every right to your beliefs and what you would ever decide should you find yourself in the  early stages of pregnancy after being raped, or finding out there is something significantly medically wrong with the developing fetal tissue or yourself,  or if you’re economically unable to care for a child.  But you don’t have the right to make that decision for me, nor does any politician or religious group.

  I mentioned economic feasibility above –  Think that’s not a problem?…. Don’t tell me all can be adopted until you honestly take a look at all the children living in below poverty level conditions in this country, all the children who go to school hungry every day, all those languishing in foster care after horrific abuse at home, all those looking to be adopted but not finding that family because they have issues of one sort or another.  Am I saying those people shouldn’t have been born?   No.  I’m saying why aren’t we more outraged and focusing our productive energy on  those lives that are here, now, aren’t getting the care or love or nurturing they need in order to live a decent life.   And don’t the homeless, the mentally ill count for something?   They’re already here, and yet they suffer.

Be outraged that we’re not doing more for those who are among us.   Unfortunately those who walk among us no longer include Cecil the Lion, may he rest in peace.

 

Lived Moments For Vicky

   Blog friend Vicky ( – visit HERE -)   is in the throws of more Stage 4 cancer treatment.  And to put it in simplest terms, it surely throws her.    She recently wrote that while recuperating from debilitating side effects, she’s living through others, enjoying pictures on FB, stories on blogs, etc.  Her advice is always to live your moments and she’s been doing that very thing herself.

  Won’t you share here in the comments section – an enjoyable moment or experience you’ve had this summer – If you’ve got a blog, dedicate a post to this and title it “Lived Moments For Vicky”. Copy and paste the link to your blog post in my comments section below this post.    A few photos you’ve taken or an uplifting experience or story you have to tell would be awesome.

  I don’t have the readership I used to here on this blog, but lets see what we can generate from those of you who still drop by –

Vicky – these pictures were taken yesterday in Newport, RI.  Not at the mansions, where so many venture – but down at the water, where people enjoy the simplest pleasures –  my favorite Newport experience.

OK, so I lied……..

  … not intentionally.  But today I came to this place and just wanted to blab on, so I guess I’m not  – letting it be –  as much as I originally thought.   Perhaps I’ll just write when it appeals to me and I won’t fault any of you for not stopping by… because who wants to visit a vacant space?  The main reason I started blogging was to document our journey for my family ( who might never bother with this blog ever, but hey, here it is regardless).   Really, it’s for me.

  SO … ME .. wants to share a few things with you today.    Let me tell you about my love of  JEEPS.  I’ve had two… a Laredo years ago when I was very young and madly in love.. .with my Jeep.  When it came time to trade it in for something more practical for our growing family, I cried.  And cried.   On the way to the dealership.. I cried.  AT the dealership… there stood the shiny new Toyota 4 runner… the TRAITOR vehicle..and I cried.  I cried as they handed me the keys and I handed them mine.   I hated that 4 runner probably because it severed me from my beloved Jeep.  I traded that in a year later. No tears shed.

  There were other BIG rigs after that – to pull a horse trailer and loads of luggage when we  went on family excursions and soccer games and baseball games and all the equipment and extra kids that come with it.

   The kids grew up some and I landed another Jeep as the hauling requirements lessened. This next Jeep was the Overland… I did love it.  The Hemi in particular.  BUT… even though I was back in a Jeep, there was something missing… Something…

   Time rolls on, the Jeep wracks up the miles, a few things start going wrong with the electrical stuff and the water pump blows.  Big recall comes in the mail.  That’s all the husband needs to say – Time to turn her in.   And… I see Jeep Wranglers in my sleep, I’m so ready to own one. My kids have their own vehicles now, no need for all that practicality.

    I stop by the dealership, get the numbers.  Now I’m getting excited.  There happens to be a YELLOW with black roof sitting right outside the office windows and my eyes keep going over to it as we’re discussing possible deals.  I am not a fan of yellow, on me, at least.  But something about it.  The Salesman says –  let me go get the keys – take it for the day, try it on.

OMG.

   I drive it around, I drive it home. Everyone is looking at it because –  BUMBLE BEE YELLOW to the 10th power.  I’m starting to like it.  Actually, I’m starting to love it.  Not because everyone’s looking at it, but because I CAN’T STOP LOOKING AT IT.

 And then there was Mike.

   “Good God you are not parking a taxi cab in front of the house every single ever loving day.   NO.   Not happening.  ANYTHING.. but THAT.    It’s a piece of fruit, it’s not a vehicle!”.

  You’re catching his vibe, right?

So I didn’t bother finishing out the day with my queen bee jeep.  I took her right back because  she went over like a  _______________________________  you fill in the blank.

   THIS…. is what I ended up with a few weeks down the road.  And can I just tell you… I am madly in love again.  Even bought her new sneakers.

     

  Now let me tell you about the Jeep Wave.   Have you heard of it?  Do you know it intimately? Even though this is my third Jeep, it’s my first WRANGLER.   Only Wranglers are worthy of the Jeep wave.   If you’re buzzing down the road in your Overland or your Liberty, don’t wave – you’re not part of the phenomenon.    And, to some, the Jeep Wave is only reserved for those who live the true Wrangler Lifestyle – meaning two door vehicles with doors and top off most of the time, mud and scratches and all that goes with off roading clearly visible on your TRUE Jeep… and there had better be some modifications.     For those die hards –  they wave only to those that apply.   A middle aged FOUR DOOR Wrangler girl like myself?  Not worthy of the wave.  I’m not joking you here – just google the Jeep wave and holy hell, you’ll see all the forums.  It’s actually comical.

  So, I rolled out of the dealership on Saturday in my beloved new 4 door Sahara Wrangler and  within five minutes I had passed three Wrangler folks who waved!  Then there was the middle aged woman in the brand new 4 door Sahara Wrangler who didn’t wave.  She’s probably been snubbed by the die-hards one too many times.  And if she hasn’t.. then I want her to get this message –  WAVE, you ninnie!.. you’re ruining the tradition, fortifying the myth that middle aged women in wranglers don’t wave because they’re snobs!    ( There’s that too).

  I’m a waving fool now… in the two days I’ve owned my adored Jeep, I’ve waved to about ten other Wrangler drivers and they were all obliging except the one.   It’s a beautiful thing… the feeling of being a part of something bigger, of sharing a love for a vehicle, and showing a kindness, even just a two second wave, to a stranger.

   Too bad there isn’t a wave just for the humanity of it, something we could all participate in. Something that represents the simple fact that we’re all in this together, regardless of our differences.

  Oh wait.. there is.

The one where she says, Let it Be.. for now.

  So. There’s plenty to share, always.  But I’m finding I don’t have the motivation to do a decent job here lately on this blog.  My comments section has dwindled and followers fewer, and I was asked if I mind that a little.  Well, when I blogged almost daily, it’s true there were many more readers and sometimes 30 or 40 comments. It was wonderful to converse with so many, and get different points of views, tips, tricks, or just shared laughs.   
    But part of that interaction depends on following others blogs as well, and leaving comments there, so they know you’re still paying attention.   While I do still drop in from time to time, especially on the blogs where I have become friends with the author, it’s not a regular practice.  I think having to do a large part of my job on the computer  makes me want to just get AWAY from the computer when I’m done with work. I’ve become friends with some of you on Facebook and I find that to be wonderful – we’re still keeping in touch with each other, even more so.
    I sat down here just now and said.. I really should do a blog post…  But… why is that?  I think I really oughta go fold the laundry and pick the beans out in the garden I know need picking and get going on dinner for the crew.    Jeez, maybe I’ll even finish the book I’m reading  – (Where’d you go, Bernadette? ) –  a good, humorous read if you’re looking for something different.  And if I’m not feeling inspired to share something here with you, why would you be inspired to read it, right? 
   So I think for a little while I am going to just ‘ Let it Be’  – This Old House 2  can sit here by itself for a spell. Know that I’m out living life, and I’ll stop in and visit you from time to time too. Wishing you all good health, contentment and peace of mind.
– Karen