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Livid

An advanced degree in engineering or computer programming should NOT be required to install a download.  I paid the money.  I clicked what I was told to click.  I copied what I was instructed to copy.  Estimated time for completion was less than ten minutes.

Twenty minutes and nothing happened.

Thirty minutes and nothing happened.

Forty five minutes and the clerk who finally answered the phone spent almost an additional hour attempting to undo everything I had done.  And the download STILL did not function!!!

Now to have the charge removed I am expected to install another downloadable form.

WHO THE FUCK ARE THESE PEOPLE!!!!!?????

All Hail The Briefest Of Seasons

Spring does not really exist in the Midwest.  There are months and months of hideous winter followed by months and months of mind numbing heat.  If we are incredibly lucky we might experience a week or so of the type of weather we have right now.

 DO NOT BLINK!!!

Windows are sporadically opened allowing splendid and rare aromas to proliferate.  Flower and candy laundry detergent.  I don't know who would really want their clothing to smell like bubble gum but I am thanking them.  It smells yummy.  Also my neighbors' dinner preparations can be enjoyed.  The bacony, vinegary  goodness of German potato salad and any char grilled meat makes the taste buds go into overdrive.  Once it gets as hot as it will any minute windows will slam shut in favor of air conditioning.  Til then things smell delish.

People here at Elder House are flashing their lighter wardrobes.  The guy who looks like he has a beer keg strapped to his tummy has recently changed from his super tight green hoodie to his super tight black plaid flannel shirt.  The Slavic speaking ladies are resplendent in Easter egg pastels.  So cute.  The kids walking home from school in the afternoon are already in shorts.  No flip flops however.  Are they not cool any more?  I miss them.

And this afternoon, yes, I heard and saw BOTH ice cream trucks.

Rain is do back tomorrow.  I warned you.

It Was A Dream

Even at the grief buffet they made me eat in a different room.

Happy Anniversary To Me!

Two years and one day here at Elder House.  Here is what I have learned so far:

1. Some people are inherently evil
2. Some people are spontaneously kind.
3. Living alone is a good thing
4. True friends are few and far between but very, very good.
5. Reading is truly a joy.
6. Electricity is the least expensive utility.
7. Facebook is over rated.
8. Caller ID is a gift.
9. Developing inexpensive hobbies is brilliant.
10. Liars are to be avoided if at all possible.
11. Television is not necessary.
12. More to follow.......

Antsy

April 10th was the last day I actually saw a patch of snow on the ground here at Elder House.  One secluded spot at the far southern end of the parking lot shielded by a board fence.  That pile was almost black when it finally melted all the way.  Remnants of many parking lot plowings..  It was so grungy that the neighborhood children were no longer tempted to climb it or use it for snow ball batter.  Personally, I'm glad it's done.

However the weather has been dicking around with all of us since then.  Two weeks of rain.  Well, at least some rain every day for fourteen days in a row.  And, yes, that seriously hinders the ability of a certain crippled old geek to venture outdoors.  Food and pharmaceuticals be damned.  Grey drizzly skies are hideous.  Nothing is green and no buds are evident.  Trees and bushes all still look dead.  The winter's crop of dog shit is rampant.

Someday sweet weather will arrive.  Til then this stuff sucks.  I hate waiting.

Two weeks ago was another doctor's appointment,  I stood my ground through my tears and demanded/pleaded/begged for an improved prescription ritual and several "permanent medical supply" items that I feel I now require.  Two weeks later and one of the prescriptions was approved and already I notice about a 10% improvement in my day.  Meanwhile I am suffering without the other needed items.

Someday they may arrive.  Til then this sucks.  I hate waiting.

My dear friend has encouraged me to develop a support system that will be aware of my situation and advocate on my behalf.  I have tried and will continue to try.  The lack of agencies to communicate with one another boggles me.  Their lack of ability to simply relay information is shameful.  Errors are usual and expected.  Emails are not accepted and phone calls are rarely returned.  Buck passing and blaming others discourage anything positive from happening. 

Someday they may learn to play well with one another.  Til then this sucks.  I hate waiting.

Best Thing On The Web Today

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When the Mocambo wouldn't book Ella Fitzgerald Marilyn Monroe called the owner and said that she would reserve a front row table every night of the gig.

He did and she did and Ella didn't have to beg to play dives after that.

Women working together always rocks.

And is that Bill Holden in the next row?

Thanks, Tyler.

Birthday Girl!

Teach me half the gladness

 that thy brain must know

Such harmonious madness

 from thy lips would flow

The world would listen then as I am listening now

                                    --PBShelley

(only poem I ever voluntarily memorized)

The Balcony Is Closed

Taught us about much more than movies.

Find peace, Mr. Ebert.

Thank you.

It Ain't Me, Babe

Kevin Ware and I have absolutely nothing in common.

He is a young, talented Black athlete.

I am an ancient, crippled White broad.

When I saw the photo of his injury I gasped.

This catastrophe is what I imagine happening to myself every time I try to walk.

Even though I know the chances of that occurring are nil, however that is how afraid that amount of pain makes me.

I am paralyzed by the pain and the possibility of more.

Perhaps Mr. Ware had some underlying cause for his injury.  In that case I hope he sues the beejeezuz out of anyone who knew and didn't take better care of him.

I saw an interview of him speaking, smiling, and up on crutches.

Obviously he is a much better man than I.

I hope he is dunced out on extremely powerful meds for as long as he wants.