While I agree re: balance, I would have to remove the darn cat!!!
Honestly, this is my favorite place. The water, the sand and the sun.
HAPPY SATURDAY KIDS. 😎
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Friday, March 29, 2019
Rick's Mom
I met Rick's mom in 1988.
I was living in Cleveland OH and Rick lived in Erie PA.
Rick and I were just friends. We talked on the phone daily and told each other our dating horror stories and made one another laugh.
He would visit me. I would visit him when I was in town to see my family.
One day he told me on the phone that he had to go visit his mom.
He dreaded it. His father had passed 6 years earlier and his father was everything to him. He had never had a good relationship with his mom.
He was thankful for his father in all ways. But since the day I met him he rarely said positives about his mom. Oh sure there were some, but for the most part, he wasn't often pleased by his mom.
His mom had been sick. She had leukemia but was now in remission and he wanted to go see how she was doing. He asked if I wanted to go with him. He really didn't want to go and he said I could be his buffer.
I said sure I'll go, what the heck. I wanted to see this tiny town he grew up in any way.
We stopped and bought a bushel of fresh strawberries from this stand on the way down for his mom along with some flowers. It was a nice summer day drive. It was 3.5/4 hrs away.
We arrived and I met the cold and scary Mom.
She was everything Rick said she was. I found her mean and scary.
She made us such a nice dinner of her homemade spaghetti and meatballs and strawberry shortcake for dessert with the strawberries we brought. She wouldn't let me help her do anything when I would ask.
If I just jumped in she would push my hand away. Who does that behavior? But then she would act like I should be helping.
When I said something to Rick he told me, 'that is just how she behaves all the time. passive aggressive'
I tried conversation and it was always met with an icy cold remark.
I am not used to this you see so I was perplexed.
She did ask me about my last name which I thought was odd.
She also asked if I knew what that meant in Italian. I did indeed.
Geez, she's not going to hold that against me now is she?
After dinner, I brought the dishes to the sink and began to wash dishes while his mom was in the bathroom. She came out and literally moved me so she could do them. Okay then. I said nothing, just moved.
I grabbed a dish towel and began to dry the dishes.
I asked about her husband Ben and that made her talk.
Boy, she missed this man and it was nice to see this side of her.
But she reverted back to mean scary Violet in no time.
Now all the stories I would hear about her made sense.
She looked like Aunt Bea from The Andy Griffith Show in Mayberry from all the photos I had seen of her. But today as I stood next to her she was half that size since leukemia. She looked well and I asked her how she was feeling. Instead of saying, fine thank you or whatever nicety one would say, she felt it necessary to tell me she is healthy, don't I look it? Geez, lady.
She didn't make anything easy.
Rick told his mom he would like to go down the street to stop by his Aunt Lucy's house and asked if she wanted to go. She made a smart remark that was a bit mean to me, about her sister and did not wish to go.
So we walked down there to say hello to his Aunt. We did not stay long and brought back to his mom some veggies from her sisters garden.
She made a remark about how small this vegetable was and if his father was alive he'd show her how to grow proper veggies.
Gee no wonder this woman had no friends she was just not nice.
Everything was negative. Glass half empty kind of person.
Rick wanted to go to the tavern in town that his friend owned that night.
He told his mom we would be going there later tonight, was that okay?
She said sure. I go to bed early now that I have that TV in my room she says. She actually smiled at Rick. (he got her said TV)
We sat at her table that she had been working on this puzzle and we did some of that. She wanted to watch TV in the living room and we did that with her as well. Conversation with me was nil. She didn't care and it showed so I stayed in the background and just smiled when appropriate. She made me feel awful.
Before we left Rick ran upstairs to get the bedding for the sofa.
I was going to get his room and he was going to sleep on the sofa.
Remember we were just friends at this point in time.
While Rick was upstairs his mom asked me if I was dating her son.
I said, "Oh no, Rick and I are just really good friends."
She just nodded and said nothing.
She obviously did not like me and I have only said 2 words to her and thanked her constantly for dinner etc. But her mind was made up.
Vi went upstairs to put on her robe and night clothes and we were heading out to the bar. She said to Rick that the key was in the same place because she will lock the door. She hugged and kissed Rick and said good night. She said nothing to me as I said good night.
We went to the bar and had a ball. The old woman in the kitchen of this place sees "little Ricky" and comes out from behind the kitchen to hug him. She was his choir teacher in school and church.
I met all the people who never left this awful small town and it was interesting, fun and a learning experience.
Everyone made fun of Rick's shoes. (they were nice shoes c'mon) and they teased him for looking like a big city dude.
They bought him shots, drinks, and tried to take his money at pool.
He was still good at pool they soon learned.
It was crazy. Thankfully we walked and did not have to drive home.
At least while here people were nice to me.
Rick was 3 sheets to the wind when we got back. And worse was when the key was not where he felt it should be on the porch. We eventually found it, but he kept saying this is not where we kept it. She did that on purpose.
Doubtful Rick, but you're drunk so we'll let that go.
We came inside and ate some leftover spaghetti and meatballs by the refrigerator door light. We giggled and then I head upstairs to bed.
He went to the sofa. It was after 2am.
Sometime during the night Rick crawled upstairs and got into the bed.
I woke up and asked, what the hell are you doing?
He said it's awful on the couch, just scooch over and let me sleep.
He was snoring instantly.
I was frozen in panic.
Do I go downstairs in my t-shirt and underwear?
Do I get downstairs and sleep in my clothes?
I tried waking him, he wasn't budging.
I should have gone downstairs. I was stupid and had been drinking. I lived to regret it even more.
In the morning I woke up and he was still asleep. I told him to get downstairs before his mom is up. I grabbed my things and went into the bathroom and got showered and dressed and went downstairs.
I was folding the bedding on the sofa when his mom walked in.
In her cold mean voice she said, "I see no one slept on the couch last night" Damn I did not beat her
I said, "Good morning. Rick was here when I went to bed but he came upstairs at some point complaining how short the sofa was for him"
She just made a sound. Oh shit.
She asked if I wanted coffee. I was not a coffee drinker at the time and I told her no. She asked again. I thought to myself, does that mean I have to have coffee. Dear Lord this woman frightened me.
She was not Glenda the Good Witch.
So I said no again and she shook her head at me in disgust.
She began to fry bacon and I knew that would wake him up.
She asked how drunk he was last night.
I said, "not bad, he was so happy to see all these people and they bought him drinks and there was singing and laughing and I think Vi he had a really nice time."
"Is he a drinker Peggy? "
My first thought was what the hell does that mean?
I told her that he and I like to drink wine and we have drinks sometimes if that is what you mean.
She just nodded her head never looking away from her bacon.
I asked what I could do to help. She said, "Nothing, you've done enough."
What the F was that supposed to mean?
Rick came downstairs at the perfect time after she said this to me.
He said Good Morning all cheerful and went to give his mom a kiss on the cheek. She pulled away. He looked over his shoulder at me. I shrugged.
She was busy as a bee in the kitchen but she was not speaking to Rick.
Rick asked her what her problem was and she said you know.
Rick said if I knew I would not have asked.
She said, "your drinking! I heard you two laughing when you came in last night or this morning I should say. And I don't appreciate your sleeping arrangements in my home. "
He apologized and said it wasn't Margaret's fault.
That couch is so uncomfortable and short I had to go to my bed.
I didn't sleep with her under your roof for heaven's sake Mom.
I have more respect for you than to do that. Besides we are just friends.
In the meantime, I had tiptoed out of the room and went into the other room. I could still hear them of course. She was talking now a mile a minute now that I wasn't there.
She continued on this drinking topic for a long time.
"Oh, your dad didn't go out and get drunk. He never even drank."
Of course, Rick said, 'What do you think he was doing at the American Legion on Saturdays when he brought home the burgers for dinner. He was generally buzzed Mom. Then when I was older Dad and I did this together on Saturdays and played pool and drank a few beers."
"Your father never did that sort of thing, Rick. Don't malign his name"
Rick said laughing I am not drunk all the time Mom, just days ending in Y.
That made her shriek, "Ricky you need help."
He was laughing and told her he was making a joke.
She really doesn't know her son at all, does she?
Rick yelled to me that breakfast was ready and by God, I did not want to go into that room, but I did.
We ate breakfast and Rick said he was going to run over to this guys house to do something that today I do not recall.
He said he'd come right back.
I said I'd be ready. I wanted to go now. I wanted to kill him for telling his mom that he only drank on days ending in Y and leaving me here to suffer after that comment.
After breakfast, he left. I helped his mother with the dishes again.
This time she talked to me or more aptly put, interrogated me.
She asked me if her son got drunk all the time.
I said all the time? Heaven's no! He was pulling your leg Vi.
Rick is a typical 30 year old though.
He likes to go out with his friends. Last night was a different situation.
He hasn't seen most of these people since he was 18 and left this area.
He was just having some fun.
But her line of questioning just kept at me about his drinking and she worries about him and that his father never drank.
Then she asked, "Do you date my son or only sleep with him?"
OMG. I said we are only friends and he came upstairs last night complaining about the sofa. Nothing happened except sleep. I am sorry I did not immediately come downstairs, I realize I should have.
She made a sound. Pft.
So now I'm apparently a slut and a drunk.
I am thinking at this point the woman has gone and lost her mine.
I've seen photos of his dad with him at weddings and at this American Legion with a drink in his hand. I don't think it was a prop.
But of course, I don't need any more grief from this woman so I nod in agreement a great deal while she continues to share that her husband never drank. I just stopped talking.
I wanted to KILL Rick for leaving me here.
She went on to talk about Rick's career. None of which she understood.
He was no longer blue collar and the white collar world made no sense to her. What is training anyway? (he was a sales trainer at the time)
Remember this is small hillbilly country. Coal mining etc.
No one has a college degree. Rick was making money and when he tried to help her she would think the money was dirty money.
How did you get this she'd ask? (rob a bank? ha ha)
He would tell her about his job.
She would say, "You don't make that kind of money."
He would tell her he does.
Now, was he rich? No, not by any means.
He made the average for a male in his profession and at his age.
I don't think Rick made anything more than 35-40K at the time.
Not a lot of money like she was making it seem.
But to his mother, a young man making the money he did was unheard of. So to her, something was amiss.
Instead of being proud of him, instead of being thankful he has risen above where he came from, instead of appreciating her new TV from him, she was suspicious about it all as only Vi could be on everything.
I went upstairs and packed after breakfast.
I was going to be ready to leave.
I could not bear another night here.
Rick came back with some fresh bread that his friend's mom had made for Vi.
That made her happy. Not that you would see a smile or anything.
We sat at the puzzle table and he and his mom chatted for a while.
I played with puzzle pieces.
Rick wanted to go to this nearby town and told his mom that she should go with us and we'd stop and see a woman who he called Grandma Scoot.
(she was not his grandmother) She said she'd go.
Oh yippee.
While she went upstairs to dress we went outside to chat.
Rick showed me the garden of his dads that I had heard about and where Rick got his love for gardening. I told him I also saw who his mother was and I now understand your stories better. I'm so sorry. He laughed and said imagine my teens when my mom was going through menopause and I was a difficult teen. It was explosive in those days because she is far nicer now than she was then.
Oh dear Lord.
We went to Grandma Scotts and she was so lovely.
The exact opposite of Rick's mom. She told stories and we laughed.
She talked to me, not at me.
She showed me pictures of "little ricky" as they all called him.
(Little Ricky at 6'2 amongst a sea of no one over 5'6".)
We left there and we took Vi to a late lunch.
It wasn't a fancy place but as we pulled in she insisted that Rick not spend this kind of money. It was a diner type for God's sake.
I didn't understand her fuss.
Rick always the tease said, "Oh I'm not paying Margaret is so don't worry about it ."
I was living in Cleveland OH and Rick lived in Erie PA.
Rick and I were just friends. We talked on the phone daily and told each other our dating horror stories and made one another laugh.
He would visit me. I would visit him when I was in town to see my family.
One day he told me on the phone that he had to go visit his mom.
He dreaded it. His father had passed 6 years earlier and his father was everything to him. He had never had a good relationship with his mom.
He was thankful for his father in all ways. But since the day I met him he rarely said positives about his mom. Oh sure there were some, but for the most part, he wasn't often pleased by his mom.
His mom had been sick. She had leukemia but was now in remission and he wanted to go see how she was doing. He asked if I wanted to go with him. He really didn't want to go and he said I could be his buffer.
I said sure I'll go, what the heck. I wanted to see this tiny town he grew up in any way.
We stopped and bought a bushel of fresh strawberries from this stand on the way down for his mom along with some flowers. It was a nice summer day drive. It was 3.5/4 hrs away.
We arrived and I met the cold and scary Mom.
She was everything Rick said she was. I found her mean and scary.
She made us such a nice dinner of her homemade spaghetti and meatballs and strawberry shortcake for dessert with the strawberries we brought. She wouldn't let me help her do anything when I would ask.
If I just jumped in she would push my hand away. Who does that behavior? But then she would act like I should be helping.
When I said something to Rick he told me, 'that is just how she behaves all the time. passive aggressive'
I tried conversation and it was always met with an icy cold remark.
I am not used to this you see so I was perplexed.
She did ask me about my last name which I thought was odd.
She also asked if I knew what that meant in Italian. I did indeed.
Geez, she's not going to hold that against me now is she?
After dinner, I brought the dishes to the sink and began to wash dishes while his mom was in the bathroom. She came out and literally moved me so she could do them. Okay then. I said nothing, just moved.
I grabbed a dish towel and began to dry the dishes.
I asked about her husband Ben and that made her talk.
Boy, she missed this man and it was nice to see this side of her.
But she reverted back to mean scary Violet in no time.
Now all the stories I would hear about her made sense.
She looked like Aunt Bea from The Andy Griffith Show in Mayberry from all the photos I had seen of her. But today as I stood next to her she was half that size since leukemia. She looked well and I asked her how she was feeling. Instead of saying, fine thank you or whatever nicety one would say, she felt it necessary to tell me she is healthy, don't I look it? Geez, lady.
She didn't make anything easy.
Rick told his mom he would like to go down the street to stop by his Aunt Lucy's house and asked if she wanted to go. She made a smart remark that was a bit mean to me, about her sister and did not wish to go.
So we walked down there to say hello to his Aunt. We did not stay long and brought back to his mom some veggies from her sisters garden.
She made a remark about how small this vegetable was and if his father was alive he'd show her how to grow proper veggies.
Gee no wonder this woman had no friends she was just not nice.
Everything was negative. Glass half empty kind of person.
Rick wanted to go to the tavern in town that his friend owned that night.
He told his mom we would be going there later tonight, was that okay?
She said sure. I go to bed early now that I have that TV in my room she says. She actually smiled at Rick. (he got her said TV)
We sat at her table that she had been working on this puzzle and we did some of that. She wanted to watch TV in the living room and we did that with her as well. Conversation with me was nil. She didn't care and it showed so I stayed in the background and just smiled when appropriate. She made me feel awful.
Before we left Rick ran upstairs to get the bedding for the sofa.
I was going to get his room and he was going to sleep on the sofa.
Remember we were just friends at this point in time.
While Rick was upstairs his mom asked me if I was dating her son.
I said, "Oh no, Rick and I are just really good friends."
She just nodded and said nothing.
She obviously did not like me and I have only said 2 words to her and thanked her constantly for dinner etc. But her mind was made up.
Vi went upstairs to put on her robe and night clothes and we were heading out to the bar. She said to Rick that the key was in the same place because she will lock the door. She hugged and kissed Rick and said good night. She said nothing to me as I said good night.
We went to the bar and had a ball. The old woman in the kitchen of this place sees "little Ricky" and comes out from behind the kitchen to hug him. She was his choir teacher in school and church.
I met all the people who never left this awful small town and it was interesting, fun and a learning experience.
Everyone made fun of Rick's shoes. (they were nice shoes c'mon) and they teased him for looking like a big city dude.
They bought him shots, drinks, and tried to take his money at pool.
He was still good at pool they soon learned.
It was crazy. Thankfully we walked and did not have to drive home.
At least while here people were nice to me.
Rick was 3 sheets to the wind when we got back. And worse was when the key was not where he felt it should be on the porch. We eventually found it, but he kept saying this is not where we kept it. She did that on purpose.
Doubtful Rick, but you're drunk so we'll let that go.
We came inside and ate some leftover spaghetti and meatballs by the refrigerator door light. We giggled and then I head upstairs to bed.
He went to the sofa. It was after 2am.
Sometime during the night Rick crawled upstairs and got into the bed.
I woke up and asked, what the hell are you doing?
He said it's awful on the couch, just scooch over and let me sleep.
He was snoring instantly.
I was frozen in panic.
Do I go downstairs in my t-shirt and underwear?
Do I get downstairs and sleep in my clothes?
I tried waking him, he wasn't budging.
I should have gone downstairs. I was stupid and had been drinking. I lived to regret it even more.
In the morning I woke up and he was still asleep. I told him to get downstairs before his mom is up. I grabbed my things and went into the bathroom and got showered and dressed and went downstairs.
I was folding the bedding on the sofa when his mom walked in.
In her cold mean voice she said, "I see no one slept on the couch last night" Damn I did not beat her
I said, "Good morning. Rick was here when I went to bed but he came upstairs at some point complaining how short the sofa was for him"
She just made a sound. Oh shit.
She asked if I wanted coffee. I was not a coffee drinker at the time and I told her no. She asked again. I thought to myself, does that mean I have to have coffee. Dear Lord this woman frightened me.
She was not Glenda the Good Witch.
So I said no again and she shook her head at me in disgust.
She began to fry bacon and I knew that would wake him up.
She asked how drunk he was last night.
I said, "not bad, he was so happy to see all these people and they bought him drinks and there was singing and laughing and I think Vi he had a really nice time."
"Is he a drinker Peggy? "
My first thought was what the hell does that mean?
I told her that he and I like to drink wine and we have drinks sometimes if that is what you mean.
She just nodded her head never looking away from her bacon.
I asked what I could do to help. She said, "Nothing, you've done enough."
What the F was that supposed to mean?
Rick came downstairs at the perfect time after she said this to me.
He said Good Morning all cheerful and went to give his mom a kiss on the cheek. She pulled away. He looked over his shoulder at me. I shrugged.
She was busy as a bee in the kitchen but she was not speaking to Rick.
Rick asked her what her problem was and she said you know.
Rick said if I knew I would not have asked.
She said, "your drinking! I heard you two laughing when you came in last night or this morning I should say. And I don't appreciate your sleeping arrangements in my home. "
He apologized and said it wasn't Margaret's fault.
That couch is so uncomfortable and short I had to go to my bed.
I didn't sleep with her under your roof for heaven's sake Mom.
I have more respect for you than to do that. Besides we are just friends.
In the meantime, I had tiptoed out of the room and went into the other room. I could still hear them of course. She was talking now a mile a minute now that I wasn't there.
She continued on this drinking topic for a long time.
"Oh, your dad didn't go out and get drunk. He never even drank."
Of course, Rick said, 'What do you think he was doing at the American Legion on Saturdays when he brought home the burgers for dinner. He was generally buzzed Mom. Then when I was older Dad and I did this together on Saturdays and played pool and drank a few beers."
"Your father never did that sort of thing, Rick. Don't malign his name"
Rick said laughing I am not drunk all the time Mom, just days ending in Y.
That made her shriek, "Ricky you need help."
He was laughing and told her he was making a joke.
She really doesn't know her son at all, does she?
Rick yelled to me that breakfast was ready and by God, I did not want to go into that room, but I did.
We ate breakfast and Rick said he was going to run over to this guys house to do something that today I do not recall.
He said he'd come right back.
I said I'd be ready. I wanted to go now. I wanted to kill him for telling his mom that he only drank on days ending in Y and leaving me here to suffer after that comment.
After breakfast, he left. I helped his mother with the dishes again.
This time she talked to me or more aptly put, interrogated me.
She asked me if her son got drunk all the time.
I said all the time? Heaven's no! He was pulling your leg Vi.
Rick is a typical 30 year old though.
He likes to go out with his friends. Last night was a different situation.
He hasn't seen most of these people since he was 18 and left this area.
He was just having some fun.
But her line of questioning just kept at me about his drinking and she worries about him and that his father never drank.
Then she asked, "Do you date my son or only sleep with him?"
OMG. I said we are only friends and he came upstairs last night complaining about the sofa. Nothing happened except sleep. I am sorry I did not immediately come downstairs, I realize I should have.
She made a sound. Pft.
So now I'm apparently a slut and a drunk.
I am thinking at this point the woman has gone and lost her mine.
I've seen photos of his dad with him at weddings and at this American Legion with a drink in his hand. I don't think it was a prop.
But of course, I don't need any more grief from this woman so I nod in agreement a great deal while she continues to share that her husband never drank. I just stopped talking.
I wanted to KILL Rick for leaving me here.
She went on to talk about Rick's career. None of which she understood.
He was no longer blue collar and the white collar world made no sense to her. What is training anyway? (he was a sales trainer at the time)
Remember this is small hillbilly country. Coal mining etc.
No one has a college degree. Rick was making money and when he tried to help her she would think the money was dirty money.
How did you get this she'd ask? (rob a bank? ha ha)
He would tell her about his job.
She would say, "You don't make that kind of money."
He would tell her he does.
Now, was he rich? No, not by any means.
He made the average for a male in his profession and at his age.
I don't think Rick made anything more than 35-40K at the time.
Not a lot of money like she was making it seem.
But to his mother, a young man making the money he did was unheard of. So to her, something was amiss.
Instead of being proud of him, instead of being thankful he has risen above where he came from, instead of appreciating her new TV from him, she was suspicious about it all as only Vi could be on everything.
I went upstairs and packed after breakfast.
I was going to be ready to leave.
I could not bear another night here.
Rick came back with some fresh bread that his friend's mom had made for Vi.
That made her happy. Not that you would see a smile or anything.
We sat at the puzzle table and he and his mom chatted for a while.
I played with puzzle pieces.
Rick wanted to go to this nearby town and told his mom that she should go with us and we'd stop and see a woman who he called Grandma Scoot.
(she was not his grandmother) She said she'd go.
Oh yippee.
While she went upstairs to dress we went outside to chat.
Rick showed me the garden of his dads that I had heard about and where Rick got his love for gardening. I told him I also saw who his mother was and I now understand your stories better. I'm so sorry. He laughed and said imagine my teens when my mom was going through menopause and I was a difficult teen. It was explosive in those days because she is far nicer now than she was then.
Oh dear Lord.
We went to Grandma Scotts and she was so lovely.
The exact opposite of Rick's mom. She told stories and we laughed.
She talked to me, not at me.
She showed me pictures of "little ricky" as they all called him.
(Little Ricky at 6'2 amongst a sea of no one over 5'6".)
We left there and we took Vi to a late lunch.
It wasn't a fancy place but as we pulled in she insisted that Rick not spend this kind of money. It was a diner type for God's sake.
I didn't understand her fuss.
Rick always the tease said, "Oh I'm not paying Margaret is so don't worry about it ."
She said quickly, "Okay"
Boy, she didn't like me. Rick paid by the way, but she didn't see that thank God! She was in the restroom. Knowing her this short time she would have thought that this drunken slut was taking advantage of her boy.
Lunch was fine and when we got back to her home it was now almost dinner.
She said she wasn't going to be hungry are we okay with leftovers for dinner.
I looked at Rick thinking we were leaving with I am certain a look of panic on my face. After she was upstairs he said how about we stay with her tonight?
I said, "Okay on one condition. I am sleeping on the sofa and you can have the bed." He laughed and said okay if I really was okay with that. I was.
The evening was spent looking at pictures of her granddaughter
(Rick's daughter) and the new pictures of Rick's first wife's 2nd wedding.
We couldn't have cared less but we smiled through it. Rick and I would make eye contact and smile.
She was in her glory and we just went with it.
I couldn't get out of this house in the morning fast enough.
I actually brought the luggage to the car while Rick was doing something for his mom in the basement. I mean to tell you I wanted to leave.
We said our goodbyes in the morning. Allow me to rephrase.
Rick and his mom said their goodbyes.
I tried to thank her for her hospitality but she wouldn't look at me.
So I just said it out loud to anyone who wanted to take it in and got in the car.
When I got home I sent flowers and a thank you card for the hospitality and her cooking and all. I knew she didn't care and I also knew this wouldn't make her like me. But I would do this for anyone in this situation and I wasn't going to lose my manners because she was a cranky ole wench.
I never saw her again alive.
She had a gallbladder operation and she died.
I was at the hospital during the operation but she never came to.
I was there for the funeral and everything else Rick had to go through.
But I never saw her again alive.
I have often wondered what she would have made about us becoming more than friends. I most often think she would assume I had lied to her about us being friends because she always saw the negative first.
Sadly I understood this woman to a point. I had some of these old cranky Italian women in my extended family too. But because they were family they were nice to me.
Vi would have never been nice to me. Rick agrees.
Thank God he was adopted and this was not his mother and he didn't get any of those mean ass genes.
Boy, she didn't like me. Rick paid by the way, but she didn't see that thank God! She was in the restroom. Knowing her this short time she would have thought that this drunken slut was taking advantage of her boy.
Lunch was fine and when we got back to her home it was now almost dinner.
She said she wasn't going to be hungry are we okay with leftovers for dinner.
I looked at Rick thinking we were leaving with I am certain a look of panic on my face. After she was upstairs he said how about we stay with her tonight?
I said, "Okay on one condition. I am sleeping on the sofa and you can have the bed." He laughed and said okay if I really was okay with that. I was.
The evening was spent looking at pictures of her granddaughter
(Rick's daughter) and the new pictures of Rick's first wife's 2nd wedding.
We couldn't have cared less but we smiled through it. Rick and I would make eye contact and smile.
She was in her glory and we just went with it.
I couldn't get out of this house in the morning fast enough.
I actually brought the luggage to the car while Rick was doing something for his mom in the basement. I mean to tell you I wanted to leave.
We said our goodbyes in the morning. Allow me to rephrase.
Rick and his mom said their goodbyes.
I tried to thank her for her hospitality but she wouldn't look at me.
So I just said it out loud to anyone who wanted to take it in and got in the car.
When I got home I sent flowers and a thank you card for the hospitality and her cooking and all. I knew she didn't care and I also knew this wouldn't make her like me. But I would do this for anyone in this situation and I wasn't going to lose my manners because she was a cranky ole wench.
I never saw her again alive.
She had a gallbladder operation and she died.
I was at the hospital during the operation but she never came to.
I was there for the funeral and everything else Rick had to go through.
But I never saw her again alive.
I have often wondered what she would have made about us becoming more than friends. I most often think she would assume I had lied to her about us being friends because she always saw the negative first.
Sadly I understood this woman to a point. I had some of these old cranky Italian women in my extended family too. But because they were family they were nice to me.
Vi would have never been nice to me. Rick agrees.
Thank God he was adopted and this was not his mother and he didn't get any of those mean ass genes.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Bank Robbers
The other evening Rick and I were chatting about being arrested.
Yes, we do indeed talk about the weirdest things.
I have never been arrested. I'm pretty boring.
Apparently, this man I live with has been arrested for bank robbery.
The story is funny to me.
Because for one, it could only happen like this in 1973 and in a teeny tiny town. And the other thing I find funny is his mom's reaction to this event.
Rick was in trade school at the time (college later).
He lived in a small coal-mining town called Patton PA.
He went to trade school in DuBois PA - 1 hour away.
He lived at home and drove to school daily.
Rick graduated in 1973 so this would be '73-'74 time frame.
One day at lunch Barney asked Rick and their friend Pat if they wanted to go to the bank with him. He had all this change in his bank that he wanted to deposit.
He said if you guys come with me I'll buy lunch.
Rick and Pat jumped on that.
Hell, even today you can get Rick to do just about anything if you dangle food in front of him. Sadly that is not an exaggeration. But I digress...
The 3 boys were on the way to the bank and this good looking gal in hip hugger bellbottoms and a midriff shirt is walking down the street.
(Yes Rick can tell me what she was wearing in 1973 but if I ask him what I am wearing right now after seeing me all day he would have to look)
Rick leans out the car window as only a horny 18-year-old in 1973 could do, and yells, "Hey, where ya going?" or something equally stupid he said. She smiles and waves to him and they keep on driving.
They get to the bank and Barney opens his trunk and he has a 3 ft tall plastic Snoopy bank.
He asks Rick to help him carry it inside because it's really heavy.
Rick and Pat gave him such a hard time about the Snoopy bank, again as only 18-year-old boys will do.
He's been saving for years so when he got it he was just a kid he tells them. They didn't care, to them it was childish and they thought they were big men of 18 so they were really busting his chops.
They get inside the bank and they have to hand this big thing to the teller to put through that old fashion change sorter.
They told the boys it would be a few minutes and to wait.
They were horsing around in the lobby.
Barney and Pat put their fingers in their jackets pockets like a gun and are laughing and carrying on.
When suddenly Pat yells, "hey Rick that girl you just saw is coming by"
Rick goes to the front doors and looks left and then right and hears this commotion which makes him turn around.
He sees his buddies are on the floor being cuffed and there is a gun pointed at him and they ask him to get on the ground.
He does what he is told.
He also about shit his drawers.
They were told they were being arrested and read their Miranda rights and then taken out to the police cruiser. When they got outside they see that the road has been blocked off already and on the 2 story bldg across the street, there were police with guns on the roof.
A 2 story building is a tall building in DuBois.
They get to the Police Sation and the three of them are taken to what Rick said was like a conference room. They were all questioned together which Rick thinks is not what they would do today.
They were told that 2 nights ago the bank was broken into through the skylight and an eye witness said it was 3 white men.
All they got was all the change in the drawers.
Rick said that when the 3 of them realized this was no joke the color drained from them all. He said his friends looked scared shitless and he was scared so he imagined he looked no better.
Each of the boys had an alibi. Rick said he was home watching TV in the city of Patton and his mom and dad were there with him. They called his mother and of course, she said the same thing. Each boy gave their alibi and people were called.
They were at the police station for 4.5 hours before they were let go.
They were not offered attorneys and they never even thought to ask for an attorney because as Rick said, "We were hillbillies from a town of fewer than 2,000 people and no one had money for a lawyer. And we poor kids sure didn't think to lawyer up first thing back in 1973. Besides, we thought we'd be fine because we were innocent"
Not like that today is it?
When Rick got home his mother began to cry and asked him, "What did you do Rick, what did you do?"
He tried to calm her but she was convinced he must have done something.
He kept repeating, "Ma I was sleeping on the sofa watching TV with you and Dad. You were in your chair and Dad was in his. We were watching TV remember? I fell asleep and then we all went to bed. I didn't do anything!"
She kept saying she remembers him there but why would they arrest you then?
His father knew he was there all night as well but for some reason, there was a doubt in Rick's moms mind.
And let me tell you that drove Rick bat shit crazy for years.
Now he finds it funny as hell that she always would lead with doubt.
When we would watch Everybody Loves Raymond there was an episode when the mom knew her son Robbie was home yet she believed first that he must have done this. That was Rick's mom.
For years it upset Rick's mom.
She would ask for no reason if he needed money.
He would be a smart ass and said, "No, but if I did Mom I could rob a bank."
To which she would shriek!
Once a smart ass always a smart ass you see.
Yes, we do indeed talk about the weirdest things.
I have never been arrested. I'm pretty boring.
Apparently, this man I live with has been arrested for bank robbery.
The story is funny to me.
Because for one, it could only happen like this in 1973 and in a teeny tiny town. And the other thing I find funny is his mom's reaction to this event.
Rick was in trade school at the time (college later).
He lived in a small coal-mining town called Patton PA.
He went to trade school in DuBois PA - 1 hour away.
He lived at home and drove to school daily.
Rick graduated in 1973 so this would be '73-'74 time frame.
One day at lunch Barney asked Rick and their friend Pat if they wanted to go to the bank with him. He had all this change in his bank that he wanted to deposit.
He said if you guys come with me I'll buy lunch.
Rick and Pat jumped on that.
Hell, even today you can get Rick to do just about anything if you dangle food in front of him. Sadly that is not an exaggeration. But I digress...
The 3 boys were on the way to the bank and this good looking gal in hip hugger bellbottoms and a midriff shirt is walking down the street.
(Yes Rick can tell me what she was wearing in 1973 but if I ask him what I am wearing right now after seeing me all day he would have to look)
Rick leans out the car window as only a horny 18-year-old in 1973 could do, and yells, "Hey, where ya going?" or something equally stupid he said. She smiles and waves to him and they keep on driving.
They get to the bank and Barney opens his trunk and he has a 3 ft tall plastic Snoopy bank.
He asks Rick to help him carry it inside because it's really heavy.
Rick and Pat gave him such a hard time about the Snoopy bank, again as only 18-year-old boys will do.
He's been saving for years so when he got it he was just a kid he tells them. They didn't care, to them it was childish and they thought they were big men of 18 so they were really busting his chops.
They get inside the bank and they have to hand this big thing to the teller to put through that old fashion change sorter.
They told the boys it would be a few minutes and to wait.
They were horsing around in the lobby.
Barney and Pat put their fingers in their jackets pockets like a gun and are laughing and carrying on.
When suddenly Pat yells, "hey Rick that girl you just saw is coming by"
Rick goes to the front doors and looks left and then right and hears this commotion which makes him turn around.
He sees his buddies are on the floor being cuffed and there is a gun pointed at him and they ask him to get on the ground.
He does what he is told.
He also about shit his drawers.
They were told they were being arrested and read their Miranda rights and then taken out to the police cruiser. When they got outside they see that the road has been blocked off already and on the 2 story bldg across the street, there were police with guns on the roof.
A 2 story building is a tall building in DuBois.
They get to the Police Sation and the three of them are taken to what Rick said was like a conference room. They were all questioned together which Rick thinks is not what they would do today.
They were told that 2 nights ago the bank was broken into through the skylight and an eye witness said it was 3 white men.
All they got was all the change in the drawers.
Rick said that when the 3 of them realized this was no joke the color drained from them all. He said his friends looked scared shitless and he was scared so he imagined he looked no better.
Each of the boys had an alibi. Rick said he was home watching TV in the city of Patton and his mom and dad were there with him. They called his mother and of course, she said the same thing. Each boy gave their alibi and people were called.
They were at the police station for 4.5 hours before they were let go.
They were not offered attorneys and they never even thought to ask for an attorney because as Rick said, "We were hillbillies from a town of fewer than 2,000 people and no one had money for a lawyer. And we poor kids sure didn't think to lawyer up first thing back in 1973. Besides, we thought we'd be fine because we were innocent"
Not like that today is it?
When Rick got home his mother began to cry and asked him, "What did you do Rick, what did you do?"
He tried to calm her but she was convinced he must have done something.
He kept repeating, "Ma I was sleeping on the sofa watching TV with you and Dad. You were in your chair and Dad was in his. We were watching TV remember? I fell asleep and then we all went to bed. I didn't do anything!"
She kept saying she remembers him there but why would they arrest you then?
His father knew he was there all night as well but for some reason, there was a doubt in Rick's moms mind.
And let me tell you that drove Rick bat shit crazy for years.
Now he finds it funny as hell that she always would lead with doubt.
When we would watch Everybody Loves Raymond there was an episode when the mom knew her son Robbie was home yet she believed first that he must have done this. That was Rick's mom.
For years it upset Rick's mom.
She would ask for no reason if he needed money.
He would be a smart ass and said, "No, but if I did Mom I could rob a bank."
To which she would shriek!
Once a smart ass always a smart ass you see.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
A few random topics
We are definitely in spring.
I am freezing one minute and very warm the next.
No, it is not hot flashes, it is spring.
It was in the 20's this morning when walking the dog.
Whoa, I wasn't prepared for that cold in my face this morning.
We had 70 degrees, 38 degrees and then in the 50's today.
Spring is a fickle bitch.
______________
I finally got a firestick and this one works, unlike the previous one sent back.
I love being able to watch ALL of Amazon. woo-hoo!
It is crazy that my Smart TV is 5 yrs old and the technology is outdated for the most recent Amazon software. 5 yrs old! These big flat screens aren't cheap so it's not like I can just go get another one every few years. I'm sure there are those that can do that, we can't afford that.
Hence the need for a fire stick.
I can now watch hbo too since I no longer am able to get HBO on dish network.
I don't believe I will ever get it back since this went to court.
"They" claim it is still a possibility. I'm not holding my breath.
ATT owns Direct TV and HBO.
Imagine Direct TV not wanting Dish to have HBO! Ah, competition.
So as companies do, we get screwed while they are having this hissy fit in court.
I miss being able to watch it live. But having the ability to finally see shows that we missed is better than nothing.
I also spoke to someone at the company that makes my TV.
I had a question and called their customer support with regards to my firestick.
I told her the newest model I was interested in while chatting and she told me to wait. I said Oh I have to for financial reasons. She said something unbelievable is coming out soon and you'll want the newest one. This model is less than a year old for Pete's sake I tell her.
She said, trust me, wait, you'll be glad you did.
I'm thinking, I HAVE to wait, this isn't an issue of wanting to wait.
I get what she is saying but honestly technology changes so quickly and the costs of these things does not change or get lower. So even if I did get the newest with the latest and greatest, it will be outdated within its first year as my 5 yr old TV was in a year.
_______________
I am also noticing that I am leaving messages on blogs but never see them. Either I have made someone angry or something else is happening.
Anyone else having this issue?
_________________
I did not get to go to jury duty. I had to call on the 18th. I forgot. I could be arrested and imprisoned it stated on the letter. I remembered during the day on that Sunday and when I called they said it was too early. I had to call in the evening. I totally forgot until morning. I called and there was nothing.
I hope it was no trial, not Peg's going to be arrested.
If I'm not here over the next week, I guess we'll all know now won't we?
Send cake with file.
I am freezing one minute and very warm the next.
No, it is not hot flashes, it is spring.
It was in the 20's this morning when walking the dog.
Whoa, I wasn't prepared for that cold in my face this morning.
We had 70 degrees, 38 degrees and then in the 50's today.
Spring is a fickle bitch.
______________
I finally got a firestick and this one works, unlike the previous one sent back.
I love being able to watch ALL of Amazon. woo-hoo!
It is crazy that my Smart TV is 5 yrs old and the technology is outdated for the most recent Amazon software. 5 yrs old! These big flat screens aren't cheap so it's not like I can just go get another one every few years. I'm sure there are those that can do that, we can't afford that.
Hence the need for a fire stick.
I can now watch hbo too since I no longer am able to get HBO on dish network.
I don't believe I will ever get it back since this went to court.
"They" claim it is still a possibility. I'm not holding my breath.
ATT owns Direct TV and HBO.
Imagine Direct TV not wanting Dish to have HBO! Ah, competition.
So as companies do, we get screwed while they are having this hissy fit in court.
I miss being able to watch it live. But having the ability to finally see shows that we missed is better than nothing.
I also spoke to someone at the company that makes my TV.
I had a question and called their customer support with regards to my firestick.
I told her the newest model I was interested in while chatting and she told me to wait. I said Oh I have to for financial reasons. She said something unbelievable is coming out soon and you'll want the newest one. This model is less than a year old for Pete's sake I tell her.
She said, trust me, wait, you'll be glad you did.
I'm thinking, I HAVE to wait, this isn't an issue of wanting to wait.
I get what she is saying but honestly technology changes so quickly and the costs of these things does not change or get lower. So even if I did get the newest with the latest and greatest, it will be outdated within its first year as my 5 yr old TV was in a year.
_______________
I am also noticing that I am leaving messages on blogs but never see them. Either I have made someone angry or something else is happening.
Anyone else having this issue?
_________________
I did not get to go to jury duty. I had to call on the 18th. I forgot. I could be arrested and imprisoned it stated on the letter. I remembered during the day on that Sunday and when I called they said it was too early. I had to call in the evening. I totally forgot until morning. I called and there was nothing.
I hope it was no trial, not Peg's going to be arrested.
If I'm not here over the next week, I guess we'll all know now won't we?
Send cake with file.
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Saturday Memes
Some of my weekly funnies.
Sadly the first one isn't so much funny as pathetically true.
Sadly the first one isn't so much funny as pathetically true.
Vintage lunchbox - HA.
Now it is my popcorn maker. 1/4 cup in this bag and pop it into the microwave and you have a good size bowl of popcorn. Cheaper than the stuff at the store and about 100% fewer chemicals. Just add butter and your favorite toppings and voila - great popcorn. Or a Vintage Lunchbox. Either way, it's all good.
I will observe this holiday.
Oops!
This is me every night after work. I need a 1950's wife to do our chores and feed Rick and myself.
I've had a great life and a lot of great experiences.
You must assume I know a short cut.
Friday, March 22, 2019
The 60s and 70s.
Over the last few weeks, Rick and I have noticed this trend in all things '60s & '70s.
We were watching the Voice.
The music the kids were singing was mostly Rick and my generation. Then the clothes they were wearing were all so late 60s, early 70's.
These kids were in their early 20's or younger.
Big bell bottoms, fringed vests, long straight hair, and makeup screaming the late 60's and 70s.
This 17 yr old came out in a pair of stripped huge bellbottoms with a fringey shirt and big ole Herman Munster shoes. You know the kind, big platforms and flat. I saw her and said to Rick, "I had that same outfit in high school!"
Did she raid her grandmothers closet and music bin?
I love that these young people are singing what I think is great music but I wonder why? Sure I can be flippant and say that their music sucks. But not all of it. I saw a meme once that said the reason people think music sounds better on vinyl is only because the music was better.
Maybe. I find this interesting. But every generation loves their music.
So this resurgence of this music is fun for me. I don't mind.
Last night Jimmy Kimmel had a band on his show and if you had just tuned in you would have thought you were watching the 60's music show Hullabaloo from just seeing the clothes and hairstyles and the lead singers makeup.
Right now there is a brand new Broadway play called, Ain't Too Proud To Beg.
It's the music and story of the Temptations. I would LOVE to see this.
Talk about 60s and early 70s music. It's like listening to my soundtrack CD from The Big Chill. (yes I have the album as well I'm that old)
I still think David Ruffin was the best lead singer of Temptations.
Sadly he died of a cocaine overdose in 1991
I love old Motown Soul and Heavy Rock 'n Roll.
I just don't fit anywhere anymore, except in the old folks home 😜
I'm not so sure this song's meaning, Ball of Confusion is any different today than in 1970 sadly.
Have a great weekend everybody.
We were watching the Voice.
The music the kids were singing was mostly Rick and my generation. Then the clothes they were wearing were all so late 60s, early 70's.
These kids were in their early 20's or younger.
Big bell bottoms, fringed vests, long straight hair, and makeup screaming the late 60's and 70s.
This 17 yr old came out in a pair of stripped huge bellbottoms with a fringey shirt and big ole Herman Munster shoes. You know the kind, big platforms and flat. I saw her and said to Rick, "I had that same outfit in high school!"
Did she raid her grandmothers closet and music bin?
I love that these young people are singing what I think is great music but I wonder why? Sure I can be flippant and say that their music sucks. But not all of it. I saw a meme once that said the reason people think music sounds better on vinyl is only because the music was better.
Maybe. I find this interesting. But every generation loves their music.
So this resurgence of this music is fun for me. I don't mind.
Last night Jimmy Kimmel had a band on his show and if you had just tuned in you would have thought you were watching the 60's music show Hullabaloo from just seeing the clothes and hairstyles and the lead singers makeup.
Right now there is a brand new Broadway play called, Ain't Too Proud To Beg.
It's the music and story of the Temptations. I would LOVE to see this.
Talk about 60s and early 70s music. It's like listening to my soundtrack CD from The Big Chill. (yes I have the album as well I'm that old)
I still think David Ruffin was the best lead singer of Temptations.
Sadly he died of a cocaine overdose in 1991
I love old Motown Soul and Heavy Rock 'n Roll.
I just don't fit anywhere anymore, except in the old folks home 😜
I'm not so sure this song's meaning, Ball of Confusion is any different today than in 1970 sadly.
Have a great weekend everybody.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Rx Rant
We get 3 medications compounded.
For those who don't know what that is, I will try to explain.
These medications are made by hand. They are not poured out of a bottle of tablets or pills and counted by the pharmacist and handed to you.
They must be compounded (homemade) with all the separate ingredients to make this Rx.
I currently go to a special compounding pharmacy we will refer to as Pharmacy A.
Pharmacy A has been horrific.
There is always something incorrect.
Sometimes it is billing, shipping, filling of the RX or picking it up.
I have had so many issues that when a survey was sent to me, I was honest and I laid it all out in a linear fashion.
The owner then wrote to me with a seemingly sincere apology.
I was also given 3 free shipping on my Rx's as an apology for what I had been through.
Recently I called a week in advance, which you must do to give them time to make it. Normally 3 days is enough but I give them a week just in case.
After a week I called because I did not get a message that it was ready.
They said it wasn't ready but it would be by the next day after 4pm.
I went there the next day and it wasn't made.
Now I have one day left of the pills. (thyroid)
They again tell me it will be ready. Guess what? It wasn't.
My doctor called and spoke to someone to get a fire under someone's ass. I got my Rx. If they were short on an ingredient and were waiting for it to arrive then tell me. They have in the past. But to just leave me hanging with no medication to take was wrong in my eyes.
Another incident was when they charged my debit card on file for drugs I didn't receive or order. I had to prove it.
I had to bring them my banks statements. I kept saying, did you fill it?
No, they would say. Okay, then why did you charge me?
I had to jump through hoops. They insisted they did not charge me.
I was right they indeed charged me for several medications and they refunded me and apologized profusely.
You know it is nice when you get an apology but when it keeps happening I find it hollow.
When my doctor calls in a new script I ask them to hold it until I need it refilled.
This is not an issue at my regular pharmacy but for some reason, this makes them confused or so it appears.
When I see my dr I will get a new script for my drugs but I still have a refill left so I don't need to rush and fill it. They can't seem to get this.
They call me to say my dr called it in and they are filling it.
I say, No please don't. I will call when I need it.
Yet I still will get an email, a text and a call. Overkill to me.
There are so many examples that I just can't list them all.
Back to the survey, they sent me. I was honest.
They promised things were changing, new computers etc.
But it all keeps happening.
Earlier this week I called about my new Rx. It is for estradiol cream.
They text me that it is completed. I call and say since I have free shipping can you just ship this to me?
No, You don't have free shipping. I suggest to Sebastian that he look again, I was given three and I have not used them.
He says louder, You don't have any!
So I pick them up on my lunch break.
When I got home I found the email giving me the free shipping and I wrote back and said this is the 3rd time I've tried to use them but I am being told I don't have them.
Do you see the issue you have in the customer service department?
I am only sharing this because you asked me to.
I got a call immediately. She said it is there in big red letters.
I laughed and said you don't need to tell me, I suggest you share that with the people up front. I have picked it up and I don't need it shipped now.
She apologized. She told me to ask for her. I am not doing that every time I call. And what about if she isn't working that day or shift? Been there done that and not again.
This morning I called a compounding pharmacy that is much further away. (Pharmacy B)
I told them I was unhappy with the current compounding pharmacy and wanted to know the cost they would charge for these. (insurance does not cover compounding, only pharmaceuticals)
Rick's Rx is 1/2 the price here. Yeah. One of mine is $4 more and the other is $9 more. But it still is cheaper on the whole with the 1/2 price for Rick. But if I were to do a 3 months supply at one time they only charge for 2 months. SOLD.
They also ship for free. It's only 10 miles away but as I have mentioned before that takes an hour one way. So shipping is a big deal. I am thrilled.
I gave Pharmacy B's pharmacist all the Rx numbers this morning and he will call Pharmacy A. I am just tired of the issues. I just once would like to call in for a refill and there not be an issue or I don't have to call 3 x to get it right.
The bad pharmacy is 3 miles away and so convenient and I think I hung in there too long for this convenience. But in the end how convenient was it really?
So now I can save money and hopefully get my Rx in a timely manner with great service.
Hey, a gal can hope can't she?
For those who don't know what that is, I will try to explain.
These medications are made by hand. They are not poured out of a bottle of tablets or pills and counted by the pharmacist and handed to you.
They must be compounded (homemade) with all the separate ingredients to make this Rx.
I currently go to a special compounding pharmacy we will refer to as Pharmacy A.
Pharmacy A has been horrific.
There is always something incorrect.
Sometimes it is billing, shipping, filling of the RX or picking it up.
I have had so many issues that when a survey was sent to me, I was honest and I laid it all out in a linear fashion.
The owner then wrote to me with a seemingly sincere apology.
I was also given 3 free shipping on my Rx's as an apology for what I had been through.
Recently I called a week in advance, which you must do to give them time to make it. Normally 3 days is enough but I give them a week just in case.
After a week I called because I did not get a message that it was ready.
They said it wasn't ready but it would be by the next day after 4pm.
I went there the next day and it wasn't made.
Now I have one day left of the pills. (thyroid)
They again tell me it will be ready. Guess what? It wasn't.
My doctor called and spoke to someone to get a fire under someone's ass. I got my Rx. If they were short on an ingredient and were waiting for it to arrive then tell me. They have in the past. But to just leave me hanging with no medication to take was wrong in my eyes.
Another incident was when they charged my debit card on file for drugs I didn't receive or order. I had to prove it.
I had to bring them my banks statements. I kept saying, did you fill it?
No, they would say. Okay, then why did you charge me?
I had to jump through hoops. They insisted they did not charge me.
I was right they indeed charged me for several medications and they refunded me and apologized profusely.
You know it is nice when you get an apology but when it keeps happening I find it hollow.
When my doctor calls in a new script I ask them to hold it until I need it refilled.
This is not an issue at my regular pharmacy but for some reason, this makes them confused or so it appears.
When I see my dr I will get a new script for my drugs but I still have a refill left so I don't need to rush and fill it. They can't seem to get this.
They call me to say my dr called it in and they are filling it.
I say, No please don't. I will call when I need it.
Yet I still will get an email, a text and a call. Overkill to me.
There are so many examples that I just can't list them all.
Back to the survey, they sent me. I was honest.
They promised things were changing, new computers etc.
But it all keeps happening.
Earlier this week I called about my new Rx. It is for estradiol cream.
They text me that it is completed. I call and say since I have free shipping can you just ship this to me?
No, You don't have free shipping. I suggest to Sebastian that he look again, I was given three and I have not used them.
He says louder, You don't have any!
So I pick them up on my lunch break.
When I got home I found the email giving me the free shipping and I wrote back and said this is the 3rd time I've tried to use them but I am being told I don't have them.
Do you see the issue you have in the customer service department?
I am only sharing this because you asked me to.
I got a call immediately. She said it is there in big red letters.
I laughed and said you don't need to tell me, I suggest you share that with the people up front. I have picked it up and I don't need it shipped now.
She apologized. She told me to ask for her. I am not doing that every time I call. And what about if she isn't working that day or shift? Been there done that and not again.
This morning I called a compounding pharmacy that is much further away. (Pharmacy B)
I told them I was unhappy with the current compounding pharmacy and wanted to know the cost they would charge for these. (insurance does not cover compounding, only pharmaceuticals)
Rick's Rx is 1/2 the price here. Yeah. One of mine is $4 more and the other is $9 more. But it still is cheaper on the whole with the 1/2 price for Rick. But if I were to do a 3 months supply at one time they only charge for 2 months. SOLD.
They also ship for free. It's only 10 miles away but as I have mentioned before that takes an hour one way. So shipping is a big deal. I am thrilled.
I gave Pharmacy B's pharmacist all the Rx numbers this morning and he will call Pharmacy A. I am just tired of the issues. I just once would like to call in for a refill and there not be an issue or I don't have to call 3 x to get it right.
The bad pharmacy is 3 miles away and so convenient and I think I hung in there too long for this convenience. But in the end how convenient was it really?
So now I can save money and hopefully get my Rx in a timely manner with great service.
Hey, a gal can hope can't she?
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Outhouse.
Rick was doing what Rick does the other night, teasing me.
He was talking about outhouses. How we got on this topic I will never know.
But here we were talking about them.
I made the mistake of telling him a story about when I was with my 1st husband, however at the time he was just my high school sweetheart.
I was 17 and we were in Vermont at his family's summer home on Lake St Catherine.
His grandfather was there telling me how this home was at one time a very rough hunting camp. Showed me the snowshoes and all the other things they used to do up there. It was not the pretty home it is now.
I looked out the window and asked his grandfather what that outbuilding was across the street or across their driveway.
He told me it was an outhouse they used before the house was what it is now with indoor plumbing. I was shocked to think they had to use an outhouse and I asked him, "does it still work?"
Well, let me tell you how much they laughed at me.
My boyfriend said, "yes, the hole is still there but you can't flush anymore"
Oh, that last line made those 2 men laugh like hyenas.
His grandpa would tease me for years after that.
I should have said can you still use it? But I didn't.
But boy oh boy over the years did I get teased about that one.
Then I made the mistake of sharing my blonde moment with Rick.
I may never live this one down.
Oh well, it is pretty funny.
He was talking about outhouses. How we got on this topic I will never know.
But here we were talking about them.
I made the mistake of telling him a story about when I was with my 1st husband, however at the time he was just my high school sweetheart.
I was 17 and we were in Vermont at his family's summer home on Lake St Catherine.
His grandfather was there telling me how this home was at one time a very rough hunting camp. Showed me the snowshoes and all the other things they used to do up there. It was not the pretty home it is now.
I looked out the window and asked his grandfather what that outbuilding was across the street or across their driveway.
He told me it was an outhouse they used before the house was what it is now with indoor plumbing. I was shocked to think they had to use an outhouse and I asked him, "does it still work?"
Well, let me tell you how much they laughed at me.
My boyfriend said, "yes, the hole is still there but you can't flush anymore"
Oh, that last line made those 2 men laugh like hyenas.
His grandpa would tease me for years after that.
I should have said can you still use it? But I didn't.
But boy oh boy over the years did I get teased about that one.
Then I made the mistake of sharing my blonde moment with Rick.
I may never live this one down.
Oh well, it is pretty funny.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
The Vet
Izzy went to the vet for her big wellness check up on Friday night.
She was due for a couple of vaccines.
The whole visit they spoke to us as if she was dying.
It was freaking me out.
He kept saying that she is 10 years old and you have to be aware of this or that.
He at one point he said, You need to prepare yourself for this last part of her life.
Her arthritis is not getting any better so we need to manage it the best we can.
On the days she limps a bit, don't walk so far.
No problem. When she is limpy she doesn't want to walk.
I am thankful when I go to the doctor she doesn't speak like that to me.
Margaret, you are old now. The warranty on your joints has expired.
We will keep you comfortable but don't push yourself because you are about to die.
I know he was setting our expectations and all of that. I get it. But it shocked me, to be honest. I didn't like it either but it is the reality.
Izzy had Lyme disease and we need to check into her numbers every now and then through blood work. They were low but they are there.
That is just the residual of the disease so no medication is needed.
That too can contribute to her joint pain and limping. Because of the blue green algae and her liver enzymes went through the roof last summer we couldn't just get a script for any anti-inflammatories for her. Her liver tests had to be done again and thankfully they came back perfect so we are now going to begin anti-inflammatories but not every day. As needed after a couple of days straight of taking them.
I know Labradors don't live long. "They say 10-14 years" I have never known one to live as long as 14. Normally it's between 10-12.
As long as she has a quality of life, of course, I hope it's longer, not shorter.
I can't fathom our home without this fur baby around.
No walking all the time? I can't imagine a stroll without her or boating without her. Sleeping in will be a strange one as well. It will be awful.
But she is still here so I am not going to think about it.
This visit was so expensive. A luxury car payment.
I thank God every Vet visit that I have insurance. I have to pay and I will be reimbursed in 2-5 days. Credit card until I get reimbursed and then pay the card. I wish my insurance was as good.
Everyone asks if I will get another dog.
No.
First and foremost I do not want a dog to live longer than me.
Second I will never have a dog as good or as smart as Izzy The Wonder Dog.
Third, having a dog limits your travel and we want to do a bit of that without worrying about how we can do this with a dog.
So no this will be my last and best dog.
In the meantime, I am just going to enjoy this fur baby now.
Until in a few weeks when she is blowing her coat to bring in her summer coat which is far lighter. I will have hair rolling across my floors like tumbleweed and I will be vacuuming 2x a day at the very least. She doesn't shed much other times at all and we are fortunate. But 2x a year boy she makes up for it.
Has your vet spoken to you like this when your dog got older?
Or did he/she just wait until the dog was at the point that it had to be discussed?
Check out her summer color vs winter color. Big difference.
I call her summer color her highlights. :-)
As a pup when we first got her I didn't know this was going to happen and I thought it was odd. Now I just think it's kind of cool that like most of us gals, she has her summer highlights too.
Only hers are free.
😉
She was due for a couple of vaccines.
The whole visit they spoke to us as if she was dying.
It was freaking me out.
He kept saying that she is 10 years old and you have to be aware of this or that.
He at one point he said, You need to prepare yourself for this last part of her life.
Her arthritis is not getting any better so we need to manage it the best we can.
On the days she limps a bit, don't walk so far.
No problem. When she is limpy she doesn't want to walk.
I am thankful when I go to the doctor she doesn't speak like that to me.
Margaret, you are old now. The warranty on your joints has expired.
We will keep you comfortable but don't push yourself because you are about to die.
I know he was setting our expectations and all of that. I get it. But it shocked me, to be honest. I didn't like it either but it is the reality.
Izzy had Lyme disease and we need to check into her numbers every now and then through blood work. They were low but they are there.
That is just the residual of the disease so no medication is needed.
That too can contribute to her joint pain and limping. Because of the blue green algae and her liver enzymes went through the roof last summer we couldn't just get a script for any anti-inflammatories for her. Her liver tests had to be done again and thankfully they came back perfect so we are now going to begin anti-inflammatories but not every day. As needed after a couple of days straight of taking them.
I know Labradors don't live long. "They say 10-14 years" I have never known one to live as long as 14. Normally it's between 10-12.
As long as she has a quality of life, of course, I hope it's longer, not shorter.
I can't fathom our home without this fur baby around.
No walking all the time? I can't imagine a stroll without her or boating without her. Sleeping in will be a strange one as well. It will be awful.
But she is still here so I am not going to think about it.
This visit was so expensive. A luxury car payment.
I thank God every Vet visit that I have insurance. I have to pay and I will be reimbursed in 2-5 days. Credit card until I get reimbursed and then pay the card. I wish my insurance was as good.
Everyone asks if I will get another dog.
No.
First and foremost I do not want a dog to live longer than me.
Second I will never have a dog as good or as smart as Izzy The Wonder Dog.
Third, having a dog limits your travel and we want to do a bit of that without worrying about how we can do this with a dog.
So no this will be my last and best dog.
In the meantime, I am just going to enjoy this fur baby now.
Until in a few weeks when she is blowing her coat to bring in her summer coat which is far lighter. I will have hair rolling across my floors like tumbleweed and I will be vacuuming 2x a day at the very least. She doesn't shed much other times at all and we are fortunate. But 2x a year boy she makes up for it.
Has your vet spoken to you like this when your dog got older?
Or did he/she just wait until the dog was at the point that it had to be discussed?
Check out her summer color vs winter color. Big difference.
I call her summer color her highlights. :-)
As a pup when we first got her I didn't know this was going to happen and I thought it was odd. Now I just think it's kind of cool that like most of us gals, she has her summer highlights too.
Only hers are free.
😉
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