Over the Weekend

Over the weekend Michael found a recipe for bacon chocolate chip cookies. This sounds really weird. I went to the link he sent me and it’s not the recipe. Now I will have to Google it. But, is that weird to put bacon in chocolate chip cookies? I did Google but I kept coming up with an error page.

My next door neighbor who is landscaping and making changes to her back yard sounds like it might be winding down. I’m hearing work being done during the week. The weekends the noise may start early but by early afternoon quiet has returned. When we kidded her about all the noise, she said she would be having a barbecue and we are all invited. Hoo, hoo!

Now the really weird thing was my neighbor across the street has painted her house and I never noticed. I was parking the truck one night and I realized that her house had become a different color. Whoa, when did this happen? Goes to show you how much I pay attention to my neighbors. I did talk with Mz. M and she and her friends had been doing the work. Boy, we gals are amazing creatures.

One chore we did begin was collecting clutter that can be sold in a garage sale. Both of us grimace at the thought of a sale but we need to get rid of the clutter and make some money. We need a few more things and I think in a couple of weeks we can open the door.

To finish off the weekend we watched the heavyweight title fight between Wladimir Klitschkovs against Tony “The Tiger” Thompson. The fight took place in Hamburg, Germany. This website shows the two fighters but if anyone is offended by a bit of cursing, don’t go there. Michael and I both like boxing and we do have our favorite fighters. It amazes us that this is another activity we both enjoy. Oh yeah, Wladimir won.

When I lived in Kansas, I was a hair dresser and I had a client who was a fighter and I would cut his hair prior to his fights. I did get front row seats and I feel this is what sparked me into watching the styles of the fighters and to watching the fights on television. That said, being at the fight is always better but being at home it is cheaper.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.”

- - George Bernard Shaw

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Currently Reading:

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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Bathroom Monitors

I don’t know if anyone has pets in their homes and this happens to them but it is funny.

Any time I go into the bathroom to use it for whatever or to clean the litter boxes, I have a monitor. Usually it is Bailey, the youngest fur child but Max, who’s two, if he needs the use of the box, he’s there keeping track of me.

Another little gem is that Bailey likes to bite. In play he’s not rough but if he’s had enough of whatever you’re doing to him then he bites a little harder to get your attention. To get me up in the morning, his favorite biting spot is my elbow. That way he sees that my eyes are open and we have an eye-to-eye moment and I’m told it’s time to get up.

The other place he nips is my bare thigh when I’m in the bathroom. I haven’t figured this one out yet. In spite of the soft nip, we had some eye-to-eye contact and bat on the head to see that the bite was not appropriate behavior. He hasn’t done it since so I guess he got the point.

Now a Max story, Michael brought me home some bananas this week. I was in the kitchen with my back to the living room. I snapped the top and began unpeeling and the next thing I knew I had a cat walking up my leg wanting his fair share of the fruit. I’ve only had one day that I was able to eat the entire banana, it was quite nice.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“There are homes you run from and homes you run to.”

- - Laura Cunningham

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Currently Reading:

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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Ash on My Windows

although the fires around us are fairly contained, there is still ash in the air. Our truck is covered with it and this is after we’ve washed the truck. Even with the marine layer in the air looks different.

On the news tonight hoteliers near us are being hurt by the fire because Highway One has been closed and just opened today. It may be too late in the season for businesses to recover.

I haven’t heard anything about the businesses in the Big Sur area. There are some very nice restaurants, little holes in the wall of the forest, art galleries and bed and breakfast establishments. Plus, one of my favorite places, Henry Miller Library and Gallery. The best show I saw there was Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. A singing troubadour, whose mentor was Woody Guthrie and toured the country singing in most towns and whistle stops. Elliott then became a mentor to Bob Dylan (though Dylan doesn’t want to admit to it). Anyway, Ramblin’ Jack will be in concert in September. Hoo hoo!

Update on the root canal

Although I have never liked dentists until I met Dr. John. He is a sweetheart and his son who is now working with him are very good dentists. Anyway, I have survived my root canal (Dr. G is very good too). For a couple of days the left side of my mouth was sore; this was primarily after sleeping with my bite guard in. As the day proceeded the soreness went away. At this point the discomfort has gone away and I’m chewing my way through my food and ice cream.

Speaking of Ice Cream

I don’t know how many states have the Sonic restaurant chains but in our area I know there is at least one or two; one to the north of us and maybe one to the south. Well, I pulled out the phone book to see about finding a number and the hopes of a restaurant near us. Would you believe? There is NO listing in the phone book for Sonic and nothing in the yellow pages. I can’t believe this business doesn’t have a listed phone number. I guess it’s all by word of mouth. Notwithstanding, I did try the Klondike Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup ice cream and it is very yummy. So much for my diet though, I did only gain 0.2 of a pound this last week.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“Until you make peace with who you are, you’ll never be content with what you have.”

- - Doris Mortman

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Currently Reading:

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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Dealing with Insurance Companies

Today was a day with facing fears.

I have a problem with authority figures – they scare the heck out of me. This is thanks from my mother.

My task today is calling the four psychiatrists to ascertain if they are taking new patients and how soon could I get in.

My undertaking was due to the fact that my psychiatrist is not an “in-network” doctor and he doesn’t want to be. He is prepared to do a “one-contract” deal with me but that’s it.

Since the first of the year, I have been verbal dueling with the insurance company to get this one contract deal. The insurance company has not wanted to work me. I think if they keep telling me no I would just go away.

Well, I haven’t gone away and I have had a partner in this predicament. My doctor’s office assistance has been making calls. Then she has me make calls and coaches me on what to say to the insurance people. I don’t know what I would do without her.

During this last go round, she was handed off to four different departments until she found someone who would work with us. After she found out what we needed (me) to do; she called me and laid out what steps I needed to take.

As stated above, I had to cal the “in-net” docs and find out about their patient status. With that information, I then needed to call the insurance company and give them the information and why I still wanted this “one-contract” deal with my doctor. Mind you I’ve been with him for well over eight years and my insurance runs out in October of this year.

Coming home from errands and knowing I was going to have to do this task, I was so anxious. However, I reminded myself I was a biker chick and I could do the phone calls.

Of the four doctors, the first one I had gone to for a second opinion. I had no problem with his opinion but I didn’t like him as a doctor.

Dr. Number Two was not taking new patients.

Dr. Number Three I could only get his voice mail – three times

Dr. Number Four was too far away from where I live. This does count if it creates a hardship for us and it does.

Dr. Number Five was going to be out of the country for the next year so that would be a no for not taking new patients.

The next assignment is calling the insurance company to talk about my case and why I want to stay with Dr. P. I was very anxious and felt like I wanted to have an attitude but I’m not sure that is in my best interest. I’m glad I took my own advice.

Larry was very nice and I feel he was surprised that I had already called the doctors and had answers about the ability of being a patient. We talked about my case and I explained all my years with my doctor who had been with me with two suicide attempts and two hospitalizations. All the medications I’ve tried taking and ultimately didn’t work. Blunt fact, my doctor knows me and I don’t want to have to repeat what I’ve already gone through.

With all the phone calls, responses and our discussion of my case, Larry said that he would make his recommendation to the company to make the “one-case” contract with my doctor. Although, it’s not a fact that I’m going to get my doctor but Larry sounded very positive. I certainly hope so.

By the time all this work was done and I called my doctor’s assistant with the results, I was exhausted and took a nice long nap.

I do hope the insurance company comes through for me because I would like my doctor paid. He’s been seeing me even though all I’m paying is my co-pay.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“It’s never too late – in fiction or in life – to revise.”

- - Nancy Thayer

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Currently Reading:

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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Did We Get Ever Get Our Ice Cream?

Well, if you remember my Saturday entry “A Late Night Run” Michael and I were watching television and got the hankering for ice cream. By now it is 12:55 a.m. and the end of this story is that the one store open does not have ice cream. What a bummer!

Ice cream did not show up in our bowls until Sunday when we went to the store for provisions for dinner. Ribs, side dishes and ice cream. I had wanted A Klondike bar but I didn’t want a whole box. It would have been so easy since they had Reece’s Peanut Butter cup flavored Klondike bars.

I held strong and walked down the aisle until I got to the Häagen Dazs shelves. Would you believe, they have four ounce containers? Just the right size for me and my favorite flavor – coffee. I was a happy girl with just the right about of ice cream.

Michael who likes ice cream got a pint of Willy Nelson’s country peach cobbler. I had had a spoonful and it was good.

This has been a good lesson for us and that is not to wait until midnight or later to make an ice cream run. Drive to the store earlier in the day so you have on hand the ice cream of your choice at the hour you want it.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“A little of what you fancy does you good.”

- - Marie Lloyd

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Currently Reading:

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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Just a Quick Note

Just in case you have been wondering where I’ve been since the “Late Night” entry, I’ve been having laptop issues and it has bothered me enough to make me put the laptop up and not bother with it.

However, that wonderful man of mine did some laptop maintenance today and for now all is well.

More will come tomorrow.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“’Hope’ is the thing with feathers – that perches in the soul . . .”

- - Emily Dickinson

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Currently Reading:

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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A Late Night Run

Last night Michael and I were watching television. Movies we had recorded and others we found flicking through the guide.

We were truly entertained until the commercials come along. Most of them we fast forward through them. But, one got by; it was Sonic Restaurant advertising their whipped frozen drinks. The drink of choice was the Banana Split drink. Oh did it look good. I wish we had a Sonic nearby us but this is the trouble when we choose to live in the unincorporated areas of the county.

However, Michael says, “Doesn’t that sound good?” He has had a mind melt about the fact we are attempting to diet and he wants ice cream. The ice cream does sound good though.

“Okay, I say,” let’s go. Checking the clock it is 12:55 a.m.

“Uh, Michael, it’s nearly 1 a.m. where are we going to find an ice cream place open at this hour?” I ask.

“I know it’s late but there is that AM/PM gas station in Morro Bay that’s open 24/7.”

So, off we go. I’m driving since I am the designated driver. I’m not crazy about night driving but the traffic is light.

Getting to Morro Bay, we get to the service station. I’m not sure I want ice cream since I’m thinking of soft serve and, of course, that Sonic drink. I decide on a Klondike bar and if not, Michael can surprise me.

While he’s checking on the ice cream, I turn the truck around so I am facing the street. This way I can just leave when Michael gets back in the truck.

Not long, I see him in my mirrors and he does not have a happy face. Uh oh.

“What’s up?

“Can’t make a choice?”

“All they have in their ice cream area is bags of ice!” he said with gritted teeth.

Egad, now where do we go?

I drove us around the loop of the city in hopes of even finding our favorite Foster’s Freeze open – no such luck and we go home empty-handed. I’m so bummed I don’t even want one of my Milky Way bars.

“Yes, I remember about the diet but I purchase or Michael does and procures me the bars that are two miniatures in one package. He then cuts each bar in half, bags them and puts them in the refrigerator. I can have just a half of a half of bar or I can take one and with a tablespoon of peanut butter, I dip my chocolate into it and suddenly I’m in heaven.

Back home we are greatly disappointed and return to our movies. It’s not long before I’m nodding off and Michael sends me off to bed.

So much for midnight ice cream!

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“The well of Providence is deep. It’s the buckets we bring to it that are small.”

- - Mary Webb

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Currently Reading:

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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I Remember the Canals . . .

One of my wishes would be to travel to Venice and travel along the canals of that beautiful city. Although, one report I saw on television stated that the city was slowly sinking into the sea. Plans were being discussed as to the process of keeping the sea out of the city. I do hope they can come up with something; just in case my wish comes true and I can go to visit. I’m not one for being in the water or under it.

Unfortunately the canals I’m writing about is . . . a root canal. It’s been about 20+ years since I had my first one. What an experience!

For one thing, it certainly helps that the dentist is cute. I believe him to be of another country because of the color of his skin and verbal accent. I could understand him quite well but there what a hint of something other than America.

The second thing is he was good and timely. He had my gum numbed up in no time and was very gentle and quick in using the needle to numb my gum.

Dr. G had his work cut out for him in that the tooth he was working on had three roots. The options were to do the root canal or have the tooth extracted. I was opting for the root canal. In no time, there was drilling and scrubbing and x-rays taken to see what the inside the tooth was looking like.

I would have had a better time because I was working on my meditation to stay calm and every time I was about to enter the zone, I would receive a touch on the shoulder with the question, “Are you doing okay?” Hmmmm, I could say a few words but I kept quiet and mumbled that I was fine.

Within an hour, Dr. G was done. In reviewing with me and showing the x-rays, two of the roots were cleaned of the infection and packed with dental material. The third root, behind one of the others was difficult to get to and had also calcified to the point none of the drills could penetrate it. Dr. G tried several times but to no avail.

He said the root was calcified and had been completely surrounded and at this point would not give me any trouble. Yea! The work is done and it’s only been an hour. I was prescribed an antibiotic and recommended ibuprofen.

As the afternoon wore on and the numbing agent wore off, holey moley! I had tried to drink some water and it went all over my face because my face was numb. I was uncomfortable but at day moves to night, my face feels better as does my tooth, though I’m not chewing on that side.

I wore my bite guard that night but by morning, my mouth was alive. I took the guard out and could not bite on my left side. I went downstairs and took all of my medications and took it easy. I’ve decided this day is going to be a recovery day. As the day went on my tooth felt better and I could put some pressure on it. I’m glad it is showing improvement this quickly.

So this is my memory of a canal.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“After fifty most of the bullshit is gone.”

- - Isabel Allende

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Currently Reading:

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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Who Needs Reece’s Cups When You Have Chocolate Candy Bars and Peanut Butter?

I’m in heaven. Michael purchased me Milky Way candy bars with two to the pack which he cuts each one in two and a tablespoon of chunky peanut butter. Ahhhhhh! Life should be so good.

The other good part of this day was my oldest fur child, Max, deciding to take a nap in my lap for all of the morning. This is a good way to spend a Sunday.

Have a great Sunday.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“Religion is for people who are afraid of hell.

Spirituality is for people who have already been there. . .”

- - Running Hawk, Lakota Nation - (Pine Ridge)

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Currently Reading:

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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Nightmares of Filing

Did anyone see the fireworks last night? Thanks to our guard cat, Max, we knew something was going on. We went to our upstairs’ deck. Kaboom! Kaboom! We couldn’t hear the ooohs and aaahs that we usually do either. Between the marine layer and the smoke from the fires north and south of us we were socked in. Well, we enjoyed the kabooming and went back in where it was much warmer.

Our neighbor when we talked with her today said that she watched the fireworks on television in Washington DC. That was probably fun too.

So, let me go to my topic of the night – Nightmares of Filing.

Back awhile ago; I became real psychotic over the clutter in my house. I began in my office and cleared by throwing out, recycling and incinerating a lot of papers I had been hauling around since I moved here from Kansas in 1986.

The problem now is that when I want to find a particular paper – I can’t find it. I’ve gone through boxes and drawers and the specific paper is missing. Grrrr. The other day I went into my office and found that the top of my desk is beginning to disappear again. Ooooh, does this problem ever go away? Guess what I will be doing tomorrow. The funny thing was that I thought today was Friday and tomorrow is Saturday. Wrong. I’m lost.

mz. em

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Quote of the Day:

“Meditation is simply about being yourself and knowing about who that is. It is about coming to realize that you are on a path whether you like it or not, namely the path that is your life.”

- - Jon Kabat-Zinn

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Currently Reading:

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams

“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

New American Standard Bible

“Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Second Edition” by Al-Anon Family Groups

“Something More Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds” by Deena Metzger

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