And just like that (finger snap) it is Christmas again. (2121).
Jumping Jehosphat, this last year went by quick. Among the major events this year, the Capitol riots, the Texas winter storm, and Kim Kardashian filing for divorce from Kanye West. And let us not forget Covid is still around, despite the promises made by our current President, and the vaccine. And, if you thought your “ship was coming in,” sometime this last year, you're out of luck, it's stuck in Long Beach Harbor waiting to dock. Which brings up shortages. If there is any I haven't seen it. We've just had a little shortage of money because the prices are jacked up beyond reason. We've been able to find just about everything we need when we shop. The only other shortage seems to be in the patience department. Mine seems to be getting thin, and worn out lately. We need a store where you can get more or new patience, or at least get them repaired. Maybe it's available online and I just haven't seen it yet. They sell a lot of drugs on TV, and the people taking them seem happier afterwards. The side effects might kill you, but you'll be happy. But no drugs for increasing your patience, Relaxodril or Controlitol sound good, for those suffering Wait-itis or Intolerancia.
Speaking of health, I guess not much has changed for us this past year. Cindy has been struggling with some sort of infection. Her face is all broken out, like some kind of rash. We thought from her wearing a mask, anyway several different antibiotics later and it hasn’t gone away yet. She did begin to notice that it cleared up a little bit when I'm not here, but when I got home she started to break out again. Who knows, maybe she is allergic to me. Brian still on the mend down in his man-cave, I don’t think he will ever be completely healed and able to work again. Me, I thought I was having a heart attack while on vacation in Michigan this past August, turns out it may have just been heartburn, Jury is still out. I had a follow up EKG, and ECG, I guess my pumper part is still good. Then they followed that up with a “stress test.” I flunked that, guess I should’ve studied harder. Next up is another consultation with a different Cardiologist and procedure in the cath-lab in January.
I think most of life can be one big stress test in one way another. Growing up in the big city of Markle wasn't much of a stress, just clean your room, don't be late for supper, and don't get arrested. EZ-PZ. School, no pressure there...just don't fail...EZ-PZ.. The Army was simple, follow orders, don't try to be a hero, keep your head down, and number 1, DON'T GET SHOT. Working, another EZ-PZ, show up on time and do your job, simple as that. The stressful stuff is the rest of life, marriage and kids, but not always mind you, and paying bills (those never stop). You all know I love my wife, our kids, our dogs, etc. they give me much of the joy in my\our life\lives, and we've survived 50+ years together, and Cindy hasn't killed me yet. Life has been pretty good, a few bumps and potholes in the road. We dodge our share, and had to stop and fill in a few of the holes, but have made it far on this roller coaster highway. I guess it's all downhill from here (in more ways than one). And just to keep you up to date, I have not finished the patio yet, and unless the Dr’s say my ticker is a-okay, it may not get completely finished. We’re “expecting.” More puppies, that is, due in 2-3 weeks. We’ve got people on a waiting list for our pups, good thing too or this place will be a bigger zoo than it already is. 😊
So far, I’m still working everyday, and start my day with a trip to the coffee shop, the Tazza Cafe. That is almost an absolute must. There's about 6-8 of us older gentlemen who try to set the world right every morning, but we're just crazy ole farts. Meanwhile Cindy stays home and takes care of the children (dogs), and I don’t know what I would do if I actually retired, probably go stir crazy. Although, there are a lot of naps I’ve missed over the years, and they won’t take them themselves, I could do some catching up on those.
Grandson Justin is living with us for the time being. He got a job here in Fort Wayne at Dollar Tree, soon to be Dollar & a Quarter Tree. Justin was living in Monroeville with his Dad, about 20 mile from us, and since he hasn’t got his driver's license yet...by living here we get to drive him to work. Meanwhile he is helpful around the house to do the heavy lifting for me, and other stuff Cindy can’t get me to do. I hope he’s still here when it comes time to shovel snow. He also sits on the bench with me at Walmart, while Cindy shops, and we watch the Wal-martians. If he’s still here come spring, he can finish the work on the patio. Grandson Chase is working at a potato chip factory, just like Cindy used to. He doesn’t like it much, but it's a job. I'm sure all our grandkids will figure it out someday. Although, at 74 I'm not sure I've figured it all out yet. The rules in the game of life keep changing, and nobody tells you. I hear we're supposed to be "woke" now, what's that? The dog woke me this morning. Is that it? The garbage truck woke me up yesterday morning, maybe that's it. I was taking a shower and somebody flushed the toilet that sure as hell woke me up. Here is another newbie: Vax, double-vaxxed, unvaxxed and anti-vaxxer plus boosted. I know these are all about the vaccine, now known by the “street” name Fauci Ouchie. 😊
Merry Christmas 🎄 Happy Holidays, and maybe next year won't go bye so quickly.
Alan. Cindy, Brian and our "children"
