What’s top of my mind: Harper’s eye. For some time now her right eyelid becomes intermittently swollen. Poor thing. It must be itchy as she tries to scratch at it. She doesn’t look to be in pain from it. We apply warm wet washcloths to it, which seems to be appreciated. We set up appointments with The Vet, and during the wait the swelling goes away on its own – again. It keeps reappearing. Regardless of its status we need get the poor pooch in for a check up.
Where I’ve been: The Shell station air pump. The warning light came on in the car stating the front tires are low in pressure. I suspect the relatively cooler evening air is the matter. I have never been good working an air pump, so I defer this sort of thing be done by Someone or a mechanic or somebody like him. This morning on my way to work, dressed in professional attire, I was tried to maneuver the air hose about the wheels while behind me a large truck waited its turn at the pump. I wonder what the four fellows in the truck were thinking watching me bungle this endeavor. They four young Hispanic lads, dressed in yard work attire, sitting a large truck full up with rakes and mowers and such. I felt an ass, which they often saw as I bent over to attempt to inflate the tires.
Where I’m going: Total Wine. Every autumn I get me a six pack of various autumn ales. The store allows me to pick and choose individual bottles and cans so I get to try different beers from various brewers, one beer per week until All Hallows Eve. These usually have pumpkin in them or spices. As an autumnal libation, these brews beat pumpkin spice lattes by a country mile. This year I plan on trying some ciders, which in this country are called ‘hard ciders’ to distinguish them from the stuff one gets at the cider mills. I recently heard a podcast interview of a Gabe Cook, expert in the field. He raised my interest in trying proper cider, no rubbish.
What I’m watching: The History of the Medici. Someone and I started watching a twelve-part lecture series on The Medici. We are only into the second episode and there is already dirty work a-foot. In Florence, only ‘men without debt’ may run for public office, so Giovanni Medici is financing these have-nots with loans to make them eligible. This puts them figuratively and literally into Mr. Medici’s debt. That ain’t good. He sounds like Donald Trump, minus the artwork.
What I’m reading: “To be determined”. I recently finished “Moving Pictures’, the next installment in ‘The Discworld’ series, so I am ready for a new book. I have two shelves full up of books to read. When I stand before them I almost hear a hushed gasp, something like what a director must face when coming before a group of actors each hoping he will choose them over the others. I am still slogging my way through “The last of the Mohicans”, which has in common with ‘Moving Pictures” they are both fiction. ** Therefore, my next book will probably be non-fiction. I have heaps. Mine are mostly history-based. One is a biography of Peter the Pretty All Right, Czar of Russia, and another one is about Lafayette. There is third about the history of the modern grocery store and how it came to be. I think I will choose that one. The misters Romanov and Lafayette will have to wait their turns in line at the check out aisle #2 at The Piggly-Wiggly.
What I’m listening to: Autumn songs. After Labor Day I get out the playlist titled “Autumn”. They are my fall equivalent to Christmas carols. It is surprising how many tunes are about the fall. They tend to be wistful, a tad melancholy, using the metaphor of falling leaves to the passing of time or romance. There are no ‘upbeat’ autumn songs.
What I’m eating: Less carbs. I have a creeping upwards A1C, slowly reaching the point of becoming a problem. The Good Doctor is skeptical I can do something about this on my own. I have three months to support my hypothesis something can be done prior to medication. By coincidence this week’s JAMA (The Journal of the AMA) had an editorial telling us docs to stop thinking of obesity as a mere ‘calories in/calories out’ equation and more like a system in deregulation, driven not by the total amount of calories but the quality of calories viz. carbohydrates of the more dubious sort (the ones that taste good).
All of this is bad timing. October is ‘All Hallows Month’, four weeks of party-time. I was planning on making a lot of neat treats for the elite to eat. I am not certain now what to do about this.
Who needs a good slap: People at the gym talking during exercise. The other day I was on an elliptical machine located in a row of nearly empty machines. Grendel’s mother arrives. Not only does she pick the machine right next to mine, she is talking nonstop to somebody. Once upon a time I concluded thems who talk out loud like that have schizophrenia, but nowadays it is a sure sign they have some sort of communication device, as demonstrated by little white spoon in her ear. She talked nonstop. Although I had on headphones, it wasn’t enough to drown out her yakking. After awhile I gave up, stopped, and moved over a few machine’s distance. Yet she was the one who glared at ME as if I had done something rude.
I give Chatty Cathy and her ilk 2 slaps (on a 1-5 scale).
What I’m planning: An ersatz dinner for four. Once upon a time we had a set of Williams-Sonoma pasta bowls, consisting of a large center and four individual bowls. One bowl, the one with the olive design, broke to pieces years ago. We often use the three bowls (two at a time), and it bugs me every time I seem them I pull them. Someone never wanted to buy a replacement on the sensible grounds we never use all four bowls at the same time, and the replacement bowl would cost as much as the original set. The other day in a pique I went online and ordered the damn thing on impulse. I told Someone about it, when he was in a good mood, on the sensible grounds it is easier to get forgiveness than permission.** When the blessed bowl arrives and the set is again complete, I plan to put out the large bowl (which hasn’t seen daylight in years) and place it with the four bowls in a lovely arrangement on the kitchen table, just to look at them. There, I will say, how lovely; things are complete. Lord willing, maybe some day I will actually have over two others for supper and make a huge pile of pasta, served with cider. Wouldn’t that be nice.
What’s making me smile: Once again this W is the hardest to conjure. It makes me sad to say this. I was about to conclude nothing this week was making me smile when I got a text from Brother #2. He sent me a GIF cartoon. It iss stupid and distasteful and it l made me smile and laugh out loud.
**View this your own risk; this is not in good taste. It is about as bad I thing as I have posted. As they say at the BBC: pllease don’t write in.
https://9gag.com/gag/a3EV1Qm?ref=ios
*They are both fiction like Boons Farm and Chateau Petrus are both wines.
**Actually he didn’t have any reaction, good or bad, other than to ask what was the price.
46 comments
September 22, 2021 at 3:22 AM
David Godfrey
Good cider is a thing of beauty, there is a cidery just across 495 from us. We will have to find a way to make you smile,
September 22, 2021 at 6:44 AM
Urspo
I don’t recall ever having good cider viz. fermented and created like a good glass of wine. I hope soon to try some.
September 22, 2021 at 4:20 AM
Dwight W.
Mine were at the vet yesterday, adult blood work, boosters and ear and skin allergy medicine. This brother sister yellow lab duo with meds was 915.00$ But if it rights the ship worth every penny. We are using an expensive non-steroidal ,anti inflammatory -Apoquel.I can’t imagine you are as helpless as you think. Pumping air is a simple task. Poor James Fenimore Cooper . Rosemary Clooney does no wrong in my eyes. I really like bread and pastries. I think I would slap Gayle King this week, she annoys me more than anyone else who does “news” . Maybe you shouldn’t serve pasta at your dinner . Hope you can tame the A1C beast. Yes there is something soothing in having all the pieces to a dish set. I think your brothers cartoon, is a life lesson, be careful who you f**k with, things can always get worse. It’s cute and not distasteful. Please advise if I should pick one topic and elaborate or try to run the table. Happy First Day of Autum Dr. Spo, 🍁🍁🍁
September 22, 2021 at 6:45 AM
Urspo
Happy autumn to you too dearie !
September 22, 2021 at 10:40 AM
Dwight W.
Misspelling Autumn was not my intent.😊
September 22, 2021 at 4:27 AM
Todd Gunther
On the whole autumn songs are sad. I think I picked the most melancholy for my post today. It’s also cloudy and heavy rain is predicted for tomorrow here in Philly. No matter; I will persevere0.
September 22, 2021 at 6:46 AM
Urspo
Autumn is often associated with melancholy and the tunes and weather reflect such. No such gloom in spring time.
September 22, 2021 at 6:24 AM
spwilcen
Nifty Wednesday read.
September 22, 2021 at 6:47 AM
Urspo
Thank you !
Last night I connected the dots as to who you are. I am glad you are back in the saddle, as it were. I have missed you! I plan to drop by your place soon to have a look-see.
September 22, 2021 at 6:50 AM
spwilcen
Right away, no hurry, sir. Posting infrequently, easiest you just wait to see me pop up in your reader. Still sorting-out details of a relocation not yet complete. I barely have time to look in on those I’d followed in the past. Diversionary. Entertaining. Educational. Thought provoking.
September 22, 2021 at 6:36 AM
Lori Hawkins
Hugs to poor Harper. Good for you on buying the bowl. Yes it’s always easier to ask forgiveness instead of permission. Chatty Cathy should indeed be slapped. One of my pet peeves is getting the evil eye from the actual offender. I give it right back with the look of ‘really??’
September 22, 2021 at 6:47 AM
Urspo
does that work? I wish I had such as weapon.
September 22, 2021 at 7:13 AM
Lori Hawkins
Oh yes. I have facial expressions that let others know exactly what I’m thinking.
September 22, 2021 at 6:51 AM
Mary
I enjoyed the Rosemary Clooney video. I’d never heard the song or thought about autumn songs having a sad theme. Loved the dishes. Gosh, you’re a busy Renaissance man and it makes your blog so interesting. It makes me think I need to work harder at my interests and watch less baseball.
September 22, 2021 at 6:59 AM
Urspo
I love Ms. Clooney; it doesn’t feel a proper autumn until she sings this song.
I thank you for the compliment. “Renaissance man” sound better than ‘hummingbird brains”.
Which baseball do you watch? I am not a pro-sports fan but I do love my Tigers.
September 22, 2021 at 7:17 PM
Mary
Ah The Tigers, a team with character, we’re SF Giants fans. Husband was stationed at the Presidio in the late 50s. I hope dear Harper is okay. Maybe it’s allergy.
September 22, 2021 at 6:53 AM
rjjs8878
Most tires stores, like Big O, do a free air check. The attendant will fill your tires if they are low. It only takes a few minutes and a two dollar tip. Tipping is optional but it usually makes them smile.
September 22, 2021 at 7:00 AM
Urspo
Oh! to have such O service! I would pay plenty for someone else to do this for me.
September 22, 2021 at 7:07 AM
wickedhamster
Curiously, I had to change the air in my tires* yesterday, I suspect for the same reason. After many a year, I finally got to the point of being able to do so efficiently (it is impossible to do gracefully). Digital pumps that take credit cards were a wonderful invention, but sadly most of those have disappeared in these here parts for some sad reason. Having a sufficient number of quarters was the most frustrating part for me. 🚗 🚙 🚗 🚙 🚗 🚙 🚗 🚙
* a standing joke twixt David and myself
September 22, 2021 at 7:14 AM
Urspo
It may be my frame of mind today but when I read you had to change the air in your tires I wondered what this was a euphemism for.
The air pump device has a sign on it saying ‘quarters only’ but upon closer examination it has a credit card attachment, to my relief.
September 22, 2021 at 7:35 AM
Glenda
It’s raining hard here and with first day of autumn there is a sadness to it as the leaves are coming down. Rosemary was a wonderful singer. Her brother, Nick, is a favorite here in Ky. as a narrator on the Ky. Educational network. His voice !!
September 22, 2021 at 7:54 AM
Urspo
I happen to love rainy fall days
On The Tube of Yous there is a 8 hour-long video of rain falling in an autumnal setting. I put it on as background scenery.
September 22, 2021 at 7:53 AM
Robzilla
I hope Harper is going to be okay.
I think they have Discount Tire where you’re at. It might be called something else in AZ. They’re wonderful. That’s where I got my tires rotated for free yesterday. I’m sure they could do a courtesy check on the tires for you.
Air pressure machines are fickle things, even for someone like me. If you don’t have the hose attached perfectly straight it will let out air instead of putting it in!
September 22, 2021 at 7:54 AM
Urspo
So I’ve noticed !
It is a horrible feeling to think I am making it all worse.
September 22, 2021 at 7:55 AM
Debra She Who Seeks
I laughed out loud at that GIF too and sent it to my sister.
September 22, 2021 at 8:01 AM
Urspo
I confess it made me guffaw, which immediately evokes a ‘I should not be laughing at this, this is crude’ but my emotions were the first out before the sumptuary cortex put in its opinion.
September 22, 2021 at 8:28 AM
Parnassus
Your dinner for four is a Barmecide feast deluxe!
–Jim
September 22, 2021 at 9:15 AM
Urspo
Just having the four bowls with the centerpiece pleases me so.
September 22, 2021 at 8:56 AM
fearsomebeard
Woof!
September 22, 2021 at 9:15 AM
Urspo
Woof to you too dearie!
September 22, 2021 at 9:38 AM
Sam
I feel your desire of the pasta bowl. We have one broken plate from our blue fiesta ware. I can’t even find a replacement but when I do, I will buy. A similar, but not quite right version was found at the Dollar Tree if all places. I bought it for a stand in, but hate when we have to use. I’ll double slap chatty Cathy!!
September 22, 2021 at 10:34 AM
Urspo
I once made the day of a patient who walked in with eyes widened to see me using a mug that she had been trying to replace for years like your plate. The mug was or little ‘value’ to me so I gave it to her. I did more good then than any prescription.
September 22, 2021 at 10:14 AM
janiejunebug
The GIF is far from being the most tasteless thing I’ve ever seen. It would have been nice if the guys in the truck had simply helped you with the tires. Maybe Harper has an allergy and could use a little Benadryl. I understand about the dishes. It doesn’t feel right when something is missing.
Love,
Janie
September 22, 2021 at 10:36 AM
Urspo
I suspect the fellows in the truck were having a laugh at my expense.
They may have been keeping social distance too; I will give them the benefit of the doubt on this one.
September 22, 2021 at 11:14 AM
BadNoteB
I hadn’t been inside a gym since high school but when confronted with A1(c) levels prompting my doc to speak of medication and restricted diets, I bartered with the devil for a 90-day reprieve and joined a *@#$ gym on my way home from his office.
It was at the gym that I was amazed to meet my new favorite toy: the treadmill, of all things. The first month practically killed me, no doubt. I had a bubbly, overzealous trainer who wore himself out trying to teach me to balance on balls and such but, alas, I was no circus bear. At the end of each session, I got to retreat to the relative peace of the treadmill, undisturbed with my 80s disco hits blaring through the headphones and my mind clear to solve the entire world’s problems.
2-1/4 miles per visit @ 60% of age-adjusted maximum heart rate every other day, was all it took to zap the A1(c) back to normal range within 90 days. It seems not to matter what I eat, so long as I’m faithful to the gym routine. As an added bonus, within 6 months, cholesterol levels bottomed out to a level I was able to stop meds and borderline blood pressure readings fell back into normal range. Plus I firmed up a bit, flattened out around the middle, and felt better than I had in years!
I rarely tell the story because people don’t want to believe me – but it’s true. And an accomplishment I seriously doubt I could have achieved through diet alone… I’m sure this isn’t a cure-all for everyone, but I couldn’t resist sharing it with you after reading of your current battle of the blood tests. Good luck to you!
September 22, 2021 at 11:41 AM
Urspo
A testimony! Good luck with you too on your ongoing endeavors.
September 22, 2021 at 1:29 PM
Old Lurker
I hope you win your bet with the Good Doctor.
I also hope nothing is seriously wrong with Harper.
September 22, 2021 at 3:17 PM
Urspo
We shall see soon the prognosis of both matters.
September 22, 2021 at 3:06 PM
Pat
Itchy Eyes. Don’t know on the outskirts of your HOA area there is more wild vegetation, but often this time of year feather grass, (see it and the name is self explanatory) and amaranth (a three foot tall ramrod straight plant with a feeble attempt at a yellow top) which both grow naturally, often near a road, are in their full glory. Get close to them and itchy eyes are very possible. So if they are in your area you and the pup might want to avoid crawling around them.
September 22, 2021 at 3:18 PM
Urspo
She is known to put her nose into all sorts of bushes, so an allergic reaction may be the right diagnosis. spot-on thank you.
September 22, 2021 at 4:02 PM
Blobby
we have those two vegetable-shaped service dishes, though ours came in a set of four different vegetables.
September 22, 2021 at 8:42 PM
Urspo
groovy
I like these too
September 22, 2021 at 4:57 PM
Pipistrello
Mr. Cook is a dapper groomer of the moustaches! M. Poirot would approve.
If I ran the show, your slapee would be deserving of more than a 2.
September 22, 2021 at 8:42 PM
Urspo
LOL let’s see how next week’s W fares.
September 22, 2021 at 10:34 PM
Linda Practical Parsimony
Neither Tommy nor I can operate the air machine. He would have to lie down on his stomach and I can bend but would probably fall on my face. Last time, I was driving my car and got out and asked two guys to help me. They would not even let me pay the machine or pay them back.
Funny gif, even if inappropriate. Where can I get a trident like that?
I hate having a missing dish, too. I am glad you replaced it.
I tried to get A1C down on my own and failed. I wish now I had joined a gym. Do it.
You do know that Rosemary Clooney is the aunt of George Clooney?
September 23, 2021 at 7:03 AM
Urspo
No I did not know that later bit. I learned something, thank you.
I like Ms. Clooney very much.