starting over

    TUESDAY 5/31/22 12:13PM-when we went to Home Depot yesterday, I, for the very first time, used a scooter, if that's what they're called. It wasn't so bad. I guess it's official, if it wasn't already-I'm OLD.       This morning I went to the podiatrist--apparently I saw him a long long time ago. He fixed my feet as much as he could and gave me a prescription for some foot goop. I had it filled right away.    I have no plans for this evening, and I'm fine with that. Had a somewhat late breakfast so I'll have a rather late Lunch. 10:35PM-I may have a fair amount of work coming tomorrow; including making the attempt to actually get Diabetic shoes. I'm really nervous about that, especially if I have to pay for them all by myself. WEDNESDAY 6/1/22 11:27AM-I got the SSA money! That has improved my day significantly-so far. And I went thru the UHC mail. Most of it was Monthly statements--where the money went and how much was it. But I'm not picking ...

        SUNDAY 5/29/22 3:24PM--we didn't go to Annapolis...Dianne doesn't feel good. That seems vague, because it is. So we didn't do anything. I'm going to pick up a grocery order from Giant in awhile. I guess the only thing missing from it will be some kinda chocolate candy. But it saves me from having to go to Safeway or Giant, and chocolate candy isn't good for me anyhow.          I've still got LOTSA laundry to do, but probably not today. As for tomorrow, I haven't the faintest idea what, if anything I'm doing. I need to get in touch with SueEl, to find out if we're gonna go to Hank's.       7:35PM--I'm going to pick up the groceries in about thirty minutes, and convert my coins into cash. It might be almost $50 bucks. 7:55PM-officially the earliest my groceries would be ready is 8 o’clock. I’m hoping they’ll be ready around eight rather than 9 o’clock. 9:54PM and they were… 10:40PM--I guess I keep forgetting tomorrow is ...

      FRIDAY 5/27/22 8:54AM-my confidence in Butterscotch II a bit low, but I'm optimistic. it was working fine--until I threw it down on the floor. As much as I HATE falling down or not being able to get up from a kneeling position, I  SUPER hate it when it happens in public. Although there were only a dozen witnesses, if that many. 4:24PM--now it's 20 hours after it and I've decided it may have been the  worst onstage appearance I can currently remember. Dunno if I'll ever go back. I don't think I'm that brave. I wonder what, if anything, is gonna happen on Monday, musically speaking.          SATURDAY 5/28/1:35PM--it took about two hours, but I have two versions of TOO TIRED in my iTunes Library. The original and a slowed down version.I hope the other songs I have to learn for the BWP are gonna be easy enough to play using just my ears. 2:31PM-now we’re at the “big doggie” place. It moved about three doors down but it’s still pretty ...

        WEDNESDAY 5/25/22 10:51AM-as far as *I* know, there's nothing special going on. Bob says J&E will be back the second week of June. He also said Brian from the OTWC is bugging him to come and play there. I hope that's true, but I don't know that it is.  6:34PM--a drummer I know is part of the back-up band at the "open jam" that hopefully I'm going to tomorrow. The location is on East Gude Drive, apparently near what I call the Big Doggie Place. It's a second hand store. The Little Doggie Place (also a thrift shop) is off of Shady Grove Road near a Burger King.       I WAS planning on putting new strings on Butterscotch, but I don't have any new sets. I thought I d49id. At any rate, I may have had a problem with Butterscotch II, but for now, the problem has disappeared. And the strings still feel relatively new IMO. So that's that. 7:20PM--I'll cross my fingers, and take BII with me tomorrow. I KNOW it's called a "jam",...

        TUESDAY 5/24/22 10:35AM--It's a rather gray day, but it could be raining buckets, and it's not, so there's that. Dianne is trying to catch up on whatever backlog of work she may have; I don't expect her to punch the clock until Six o'clock, if then.       I think I'll be having hot dogs for Dinner; I haven't had 'em in quite awhile. As for what else is happening, I have no idea. I should be doing laundry, but I need to go to CVS to buy my own laundry detergent. Money is super tight; I don't wanna buy a big jug of it, just enough to do a couple of loads. Dianne has become fairly possessive about some things--Cheez-Itz, and laundry detergent so far. In the near future, there may be more. 4:15PM--started doing Laundry about a half hour ago, more or less...I've got my own laundry detergent, so I'm gonna keep at it for awhile. 5:15PM--still working on laundry, doing the second load...there could be at least one more load, possibly two.   ...

        MONDAY 5/23/22 8:47AM-It took me awhile, but I (alone) checked my blood sugar. it was 116. I was ok once I found the instruction booklet. I made a really good looking omelet. Today is the last day it's safe to use the eggs.         Dianne is at her doctor's appointment, I think. I'm working on the dishes,  after which...well, I dunno what I'll be doing. IF I can find the energy, I'll go to Hank's--IF I get the chance to warm up, more than a little that is. 5:10PM--the strings on Butterscotch absolutely need to be changed...well, maybe next week I'll bring it to Hank's. I'm still planning on going, but I'm not taking anything but some guitar picks. SueEl still isn't going tonight as far as I know. There might be a Fender amp and Tele already there--I can use that stuff if I get the chance to play. 7:26PM-the amp is here, the Tele is not-as far as I can see. 7:42PM-I guess I’ll be a spectator…such is Life. Nobody’s fault but mine,...

           SUNDAY 5/22/22 11:30AM--So now Bob is looking for a Bass player for his new Band...he asked me who *I* thought would be better--Jim or Neil...I said IMO Jim--although I've never heard him play Bass...besides, I don't think Neil would wanna give up guitar playing to switch to Bass. I guess it's possible Jim wouldn't wanna play Bass either, in which case *I* might have to switch...I do have a Bass, but I don't have a Bass amp--yet. Bob seemed to indicate that he had money if I (or we--the band) needed it for some reason. To some degree, it matters what style of Bass playing the band leader wants to hear--solid (like Stu Cook, who is practically inaudible most of the time) or a bit melodic (McCartney) or very melodic (Phil Lesh). I can't wait until we get started, whenever that's gonna be. 7:48PM--starting to wind down...didn't get a mid-day nap, which explains why I feel tired. There's a thunderstorm in the neighborhood, but not IMO a majo...

       FRIDAY 5/20/22 9:AM- yet again I was late delivering Muzzy to her play date. I guess it’s gonna be yet another crummy day. 11:13AM--hoping to stop at Safeway on the way to pick up Muzzy...I need bread and I WANT real cheese- *I* think I deserve it. As for Dinner, who knows? 12:08PM--and so I got both, when I picked Muzzy up. And mostly because of my interrupted morning sleep, I need a nap. 12:41PM--If Ray Weaver is gonna dump on me, why should I go play with him? However much I may need the money...If he's gonna make jokes about the lack of gun control in this country, he and I just might be finished. Since we got back together, I haven't really liked the man he has apparently become. Of course, I don't like the Man I'VE become either. 7:46PM--the best thing to happen today is that I found out I DON'T have to take Alvijan to  their upcoming doctor's appointments. And that's more than alright by me. I'd do the Snoopy Dance if I could. 8:30PM-it i...

            THURSDAY 5/19/22 9:40PM--I'm 67 years old today. That seemed so old when I was younger; I couldn't imagine what it was like when I was a teenager. Now I know. With the exception of his Heart, Dad was in fairly good shape (as far as I knew) when he passed away at sixty-two. I, on the other hand am not. So far, one of my "friends" remembered, but that's because my b-day is the same as at least one well-known celebrity--Pete Townshend of the Who. She and I are both Who fans.              Dianne wants to take me out for my birthday--anywhere I wanna go. I don't yet wanna go anywhere. I've got all day to come up with a place to have Dinner. She's super busy today, so we'll go tomorrow-I think. 11:40AM-having an early Lunch...after dropping SueEl off at the Shady Grove Metro, I hope to come home and...you know what. 6:52PM--it didn't happen that way AT ALL. I pulled into my parking spot in front of the house when Su...

              WEDNESDAY 5/18/22 10:52AM-- I think Dianne and I are leaving in about an hour to transport Alvin to his Doctor's appointment. That will certainly alter my meal schedule, but that's OK, I've had breakfast twice--2 omelet samiches and just now a bowl of cereal. 11:41AM--my Lunch is prepared...when I'm gonna eat it is anybody's guess--it may end up being tonight's Dinner. *I* have no idea.         I am gonna try, for the umpteenth time, to get away from Fakebook I mean really, how hard would it be for ANY of my so-called "friends" to check up on me? The people who DO are, for the most part, some people I barely know. Although I kinda feel like I don't know anybody that well. 12:30PM-And now the Alvin Project is underway. Janet is going with us. We might be home by 4 o’clock; that really kind of sucks in my opinion. I guess I’ll be having that mini pizza for dinner; not my first choice but it’s my only choice. 1:22PM-And...

            TUESDAY 5/17/22 11:16AM-- someone is coming here to give me some sort of check-up. I don't think they represent UHC, but I might be wrong about that. Whoever it is, they're supposed to be here between Noon and 4PM. The sooner they get here, the sooner they'll be gone.  11:45AM--I'm nervous about the upcoming exam. As if I didn't already have enough to worry about, right? I've got bills I think need to be paid; I wanna be alone when I do it, and unless Dianne goes upstairs to work, I won't be. 1:41PM--whoever's coming to examine me should be here shortly...how long will the exam take? I have no idea, but I hope to be trying for a nap before three o'clock. 2:56PM--the exam is over, the young woman just left...I guess I'm in worse shape than I thought. I MIGHT have a mini pizza for dinner. 3:35PM--or not...the last thing I wanna do is ask Dianne to help me cook anything ...so tonight I'll have the Fettucine Alfredo, THAT I know how ...

        MONDAY  5/16/22 8:05AM--More than usual I can't wait until Jorge and the girls are finished cleaning Dianne's house.        I've got paperwork I have to deal with, but I gotta wait until Dianne is in her office working and the cleaners are gone. I'll likely return some stuff to the Library when they get here. I read the book but didn't watch the DVD-I tried, but it didn't/won't/can't happen.. Suddenly I miss the Toshiba. 11:13PM--SueEl wants to go to Hank's acoustically--that might be innaresting. But if we don't go at all, I'm OK with that too.           It turns out that the cleaners aren't coming until about One o'clock or so. I'll be going to Banfield (PetSmart), picking up meds for Dianne and going to Safeway to get bread and maybe soda--if they have it. I have no idea if/when I'll be able to catch a few winks. But I think I'll want/need to.     2:12PM-SueEl doesn’t really wanna go to Hank’s ton...

          SATURDAY 5/14/22 12:43PM-it’s been rather chaotic around here today so far. I DID get about TEN hours sleep. I guess Lunch will be around 2 o’clock. And dinner? Who knows? I think we’re having spaghetti and tukey meatballs. 1:55PM--I think there WILL be an attempt at a nap sometime after Lunch, sometime between 3:00 and 3:30 PM 8:20PM--I got enuff of a nap to actually have a dream, which now of course I don't remember. I really miss ME TV, but there is nothing I can do about it. And yeah, things were quieter around here when the roomie was outta town. 9:07PM--I don't think it makes any sense to go to bed before Midnight; maybe I will, but I don't think I should. SUNDAY 5/15/22 10:30AM--I (briefly) lost my keys, meaning the car and the house. I had a theory regarding where they went. Turns out I was right--they slid under a certain piece of furniture. I'm still quite pleased that my idea yielded positive results. Hopefully the rest of the day will be ...

             THURSDAY 5/12/22 1:15PM-I was trying to contact my friend Jeff  to ask him about me bringing my bass; but I can’t get in touch with him. So I’ll just take it anyway, just in case.             I don’t see me bringing any of my other stuff because I have a strong feeling that the jam will take place inside and I don’t like that at all. I’d rather sit inside and watch than try to play through all that noise. But IF it happens outside, I wanna be ready. 4:56PM--It's trying to rain here. SueEl just called, she's taking the night off--she doesn't feel so good. 5:19PM--I got fairly psyched up to go to Hershey's, so I'm gonna go; possibly with just the Bass, or even empty-handed .As for what's in store for me this evening, *I* have no idea. 7PM-So here I am at Hershey’s, alone. I’m OK with that for now anyway. Clara said hello and I said hello back, that may end up being the extent of my social activity tonight....

  WEDNESDAY 5/11/22 10:07AM--well, as far as I'M concerned I'm done with Physical Therapy. I have no idea what,  if anything, the PT Organization will have to say/do about that.        The downstairs bathroom toilet is blocked up. In both cases, I would say Dianne is to blame. But that doesn't matter now.(sigh) 10:15AM--My "to do" list just got a little shorter. I see no reason to get it all done today; but I'm allowed to change my Mind. 11:10AM--I took care of the task that made me the most nervous (dealing with the kidney Doctor bill) so it's outta my hands at this point. 11:20AM--other than the first floor bathroom being clogged it's been a good day, so far. I think I'm gonna get the new strings for Butterscotch at Pritchard; put 'em on maybe this evening, or tomorrow morning. I don't have anything else to do tonight that I know of. 11:37AM--Thinking about tonight's Dinner...probably gonna have one of my frozen things, dunno which o...

        MONDAY 5/9/22 9:06AM-- the closer I get to Dianne's departure, the more nervous I'm getting. I don't like that. Yesterday, I suddenly realized that I didn't know where the car insurance card for the Sonata is. That really makes me nervous, not sure why...in general, I'll feel a whole lot better when she comes back home.       SueEl called yesterday, but I didn't feel like talking. I still don't. And I certainly don't feel like playing Music. I would call that serious. I actually thought buying a new guitar would cheer me up, but it didn't. There's $500 I shoulda saved. 11:57AM--I guess I'm a glutton for punishment--me and Butterscotch are likely going to Hank's tonight. SueEl needs a ride, of course. I want to give myself whatever benefit of doubt there may be; B II just isn't 100% ready yet IMO. And I might take my amp just in case I need it. 4:57PM--Butterscotch was in tune about an hour ago; now? who knows? 7:18PM-Well, Bu...

          SUNDAY 5/8/22 8:36AM-I think Dianne needs to do Laundry today. I on the other hand, don’t HAVE to do any.|          11:09AM--We’ve gotta go somewhere and get more unblocking stuff for the toilet. Actually, Dianne's gone to Lowe's by herself to look for some. I suspect it's gonna be a long, boring day. 1:36PM--I'm just gonna chill until Two o'clock and then go upstairs, taking most, if not all of DIANNE'S laundry with me. My own laundry can wait. 5:32PM--I would like to have a mini-pizza for Dinner, but crisp, not soggy. I wanna use Dianne's new toaster oven, but she's asleep on the sofa. 6:44PM-it’s been a lousy evening so far…I used Dianne’s new toaster oven and f**ked it up a bit trying to make a mini pizza. I don’t intend to ever use it again. I’ll go back to using the microwave, even though I’m kinda tired of soggy pizza. But THAT I know how to use. 7:45PM--like almost always, I've gotten sleepy after Dinner. I'm gonna sta...

                   SATURDAY  5/7/22 9:51AM--I was about to have some cheese flavored snack when the roomie reminded me that "I paid for those." That was a first. I put 'em back in the pantry, and had some fake cheese--*I* paid for that.          I think we're going to the Unique Boutique when she comes back from getting her haircut. I dunno what else, if anything, we're doing. *I* don't feel like doing much of anything.          1:12PM-Ran into the barmaid from Hank’s while I was in Petsmart… she works in the grooming department there; Hank’s is just a part-time gig. Dianne says she’ll be about a half an hour or so; in the meantime I’m waiting for her out in her car. Although there is a Burger King right behind me. 1:23PM-and I’m going to take advantage of that… I got a cheeseburger  and a Diet Coke to wash it down with that’s it. 1:31PM-The Whopper Junior with cheese was delici...

        THURSDAY 5/5/22 6:08PM--Another band has formed in my neighborhood. Again I'll be watching from the sidelines, if I watch at all. That's VERY depressing. Suddenly, it doesn't make sense to go to any open mics. Why keep my technique up to snuff? Am I prepping for something? *I* don't think so.    7PM--Starting to think it was a mistake to buy Butterscotch II. It's been nothing but annoying. 8:25PM--I took care of the trash and recycling. Now gonna try TRY to cool down, so I can go to sleep. 8:36PM--still trying to get used to the "new" Zen Coloring set-up...BTW, I still have iTunes. FRIDAY 5/6/22 8:43AM-- Just bought a new belt from Amazon...it could arrive tomorrow. But if I want new earbuds, I'm gonna have to go to you know where... 11:13AM--I think this is the first time I've been almost scared about Dianne being gone for a couple days. In addition, I have been SUPER antsy/jittery; I dunno what has brought that on, but I don't like it...

       THURSDAY  5/5/22 2:35AM--I have resorted to trying warm milk to help me fall asleep> I dunno the definition of "warm" in this case so I'm winging it. I would think 35 seconds in a microwave would do the trick, but who knows?        And I reluctantly paid the "didn't show up" fee to the nephrologist--$100, which I put on my BB Visa card. If I'm even a little less worried, I might get some more sleep tonight, right? 10:18AM--I cleaned out some of the paper stuff outta the three boxes that were in front of the television. I think there's one more, but I need a break. 12:30PM--later I'm going to go somewhere and  get razor blades and pretzels, among other things. 3:43PM--I think "somewhere" is gonna be Safeway. It's close, relatively quick...I should be back before 5PM.       I did actually accomplish something; I reduced the load of  paperwork that I had in one of three boxes in the living room. The trash bag i...

        TUESDAY 5/3/22 6:15PM Just heard from Best Buy-the laptop should be ready sometime tomorrow. I dunno when, but I’ll be ready when the call comes. WEDNESDAY 5/4/22 9:43AM-I’ve had my laptops in the shop before, but for some reason, this time it’s different. I can’t wait to hear from the Geek Squad.   I don’t really have anything else to do today as far as I know. Well, there is some stuff but it will have to wait until tomorrow.  11:16AM-Except for Dianne’s stuff; I should probably go do that this morning, like now. But of course, that’s when I’ll hear from the  Geek squad. NOON-like always, the waiting is the hardest part. 4:45PM-The Lenovo was supposed to be done sometime today; the store closes in about three hours. If I had a phone number I’d call them. In fact I’m gonna look that up right now – the phone does almost everything the laptop does. 5:46PM--I got the Lenovo back, with lots more memory, I think. I'm gonna try not to get any small...

             MONDAY  5/2/22 7:25AM-I feel like I've got way  WAY  too much to do today, but I've gotten one thing done--Butterscotch II is in the trunk; Butterscotch is in the basement. The Plan is to be at Litz when they open. It shouldn't take but a couple of minutes for somebody (Tony?) to do what he did twice before. I could be out the door and on the way home by 9:30 or so.       I have to make a phone call or two or three (maybe) today. I dunno for sure, but I think SueEl and I are going to Hank's tonight. I doubt if we can get there when *I* want to (6:30) but I 've gotta try. 11:04AM--Well I got something accomplished at Litz. So again we'll try Butterscotch II out at Hank's, SueEl or no. And again, I'll try to be optimistic. I think I'll have Lunch soon, try to catch a wink or two and then head for Best Buy.The appointment is at 2:20. 2:43PM-and so the waiting begins. 4:38PM-It’s dinnertime… I’m just about to leav...

        SUNDAY 5/1/22 8:50AM-I thought Dianne was leaving for New York tomorrow, but I was wrong--it's next Tuesday. I still really wanna get Butterscotch II up and running, but when? I think I'll try Litz again. And as far as I can tell, iTunes is still working. I don't think there's anything going on until after Lunch. I think we're going to Alvijan's to surprise them with a visit by their youngest son and only daughter. I suppose we'll be home by Dinnertime. Have no idea what I'm having at that time.      Zen Coloring is harder than it used to be. Most, if not all the colors I used to use seem to be gone. But of course, there's still LOTSA colors to choose from. 10:18AM--went to the Bank, got my weekly allowance. I hope it will last a week if not a bit longer.  10:36AM-- gonna have Lunch here then go to Riderwood. 10:50AM--getting used to the "new" colors...thinking about having Lunch at 11:30, just like when I was a kid.       ...