Category: General

Back: Thank You

I want to thank everyone who donated, hit the Wish List, and prayed. The laptop is fixed and I am back in operation. While I can post from the phone, I literally can’t see what I’m typing and while I can get a momentary glimpse if I work hard, it literally is under a second. Much easier and less messy coming in from the laptop.

My goal is to catch back up on things, and respond to previous comments now that I can do so. May take a while, but that is the plan.

No medical tests next week that I know of, but that could change. We are still working to get a day of testing scheduled, and with how things are going I more than halfway expect that I will get one of those fun ‘oh it’s on for tomorrow morning’ calls one afternoon. ENT coming up soon, both for testing that complements the neuro consult and because I’ve been having some vertigo. That got scheduled for election day, so I voted early to be safe. All I can say is that I know how I voted, but I will say I have no confidence in the system (here or anywhere). All the more reason everyone needs to get out and vote.

If anyone can hit the tip jar, please do so. Among other things I would like to pay $100 for the guitar lessons as instead of four lessons I get five when I pay ahead. Not sure yet on truly learning a new skill, as that means getting notes and chords memorized and to the point I don’t have to think about them, but I am having fun. IMO, memorizing the notes and names of the chords is not going well, but I’ve also been told I’m doing okay and not to sweat it by my instructor. It may seriously take a year (or more) to get all the info into long-term memory, but meantime I’m having fun with it and slowly getting better with my playing. Got a ways to go to truly being good, but that just takes practice (and lots of it!).

Also, just got some water purification gear from the Wish List, so Thank You to whoever sent it! It is much appreciated.

There is more to share, but want to wait until next week on some of it. May what is left of your weekend be Blessed!

More soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

The Wolfie List

As I proceed in deeper faith, and possibly toward lay ministry, I’m going to have to start my own version of the Skippy List. If you don’t know what that is, look it up but be sure to have nothing in your mouth as you do so. Monitor/keyboard warning.

Item 1: I may no longer say’Lord, please use a clue-by-four on them.’ Or even the nicer ‘Lord, please grace them with a clue-by-four. I must say ‘Lord, please illumine them’ even if it lacks the emotional satisfaction of the first two. Sigh.

laptop in shop

system not liking my doing this from phone, but the laptop is in the shop and the new screen ordered. $320 out of the budget, so any hits to the tip jar very much appreciated!!! Upper right since I can’t get the normal cut and paste to work right now. More soon, one way or another.

Down For A Few Days?

My laptop apparently took a bump or spill that managed to damage/break the screen. I got it working (sorta, apologies for typos/issues) long enough to get this up. Can’t get it fixed until Wed as I don’t get my stipend until then. Anyone cares to hit the tip jar, much appreciated as estimate is $300 to repair.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

SITREP 3 Oct 24

Yesterday saw the first part of the day given over to a phone hearing with an administrative law judge on my disability claim. Honestly, not sure how it went. Trying to get more info in from current exams and such, and we have two weeks to get more things in. The earliest I expect to hear anything is a month from now. The evening got spent with a special vespers followed by a class on the early Church fathers and the early days of the Church. Fun, interesting, and enjoying the history as well as the theological aspects.

This morning I had to be up at 0330 to get ready and catch a bus down to my regular doctor’s lab for a fasting blood draw and other delights. I actually arrived right as the lab opened, so it timed out well. Not the way I planned to spend two hours this morning (I would have preferred to sleep), but good to test the system. Stopped at the store and got a small roast for an arm and a leg that I will put in the slow cooker tomorrow. Then walked up to my favorite breakfast place in Indy for a plate of breakfast enchiladas with an over easy egg on top. Given that the route only runs every hour, was glad to only wait just under 30 minutes to catch a bus back.

Oddly tired, but a few other things to get done today if I can. Not counting on doing a lot. More soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Day 2 Of An Interesting Week

Met with the ortho who did my shoulders this morning. He and I both are happy with how things are going, though there is work still to do. I need to build back up muscles as I can, and keep working range of motion — even though I probably have gotten back about as much as I will get. If you push, you can keep tweaking that and getting it just a bit better.

The only problem with the reverse replacement is that you can’t really do much behind your back. The way they are designed and operate limits that a great deal. The only regret I have is that I waited until the point a regular replacement really wasn’t a good option. I miss that full range of motion. Glad for what I have, though, and no need to go back unless I develop problems.

I then used the bus to get back to the neurologist’s office for cognitive testing. There are two bus routes that go up to that hospital/medical complex, and one is a much better option time-wise. Still have to allow 2.5-3 hours for transit to be safe, but have the data and will make use of it.

When did they make cognitive testing pass/fail??? Seriously, it seemed to go well though I wasn’t as fast as the program would have liked (was computer based). Got all the right answers, eventually. No idea how it scored or went from their point of view, but got through it. Next confirmed appointment is later this month for an EEG, and they are working with insurance to approve and schedule a new MRI and a full battery of neuro-psych testing.

We are going get good data, and hope we get some answers from it. Having answers would help with planning life, from moving to other issues. I really would like to move in many ways; but, it may not be in the cards. Data and hopefully answers will help.

If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, please feel free! I thought hosting renewal was next month, but I was off on that. I got it paid even though it was an ouch. Lots of other fun joys going on too.

If you are looking at buying anything that comes from overseas or depends on parts/components from overseas, you have waited too late. The strike is going to screw this country over massively, especially given the hurricane damage and other delights. Really think striking at this time is a major blunder, but also think the timing is very deliberate. Remember it. More on that later I hope.

Really do need to do a post on emergency coms, but will say that if you can get Starlink, do it now. Also, as much as I hate to, am looking at upgrading my phone (if needed) so that I can take advantage of sat coverage for emergencies. Coms are essential, and having backups is essential. Everyone going drone crazy is missing the point that data (and coms) are the key to such operations. No data, no drones. No coms, you are truly on your own in a world of hurt. One of many lessons coming out of Appalachia.

Also remember that waiting on the government to help you in a disaster is a good and quick way to die. As for what I said yesterday about initiative and self-deploying, look to the bureaucrap in Tennessee (The Volunteer State!) demanding people stand down from helping as it would delay the official government response. I am serious, they are going to go after those who stood up and did in ways big and small. Just wait and watch.

More soon. Up early again tomorrow as I have a hearing on my disability early AM. Not sure yet what will follow, but will note that it is very unlikely I will hear a decision anytime soon. Thursday I have to get down to my GP’s lab for bloodwork for my appointment next week. Another couple of hours of bus then a nice long walk for that. Going to try to get a ride to the actual visit.

More soon. Remember, be prepared; keep your friends close; and keep your things where you can find them in the dark. Onwards!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Sitrep 30 Sept. 24

Sorry to be offline, but things are a touch hectic. Was under the weather last week (and a bit longer) but also still trying to get things done. This week and next are going to be busy.

Finally got the new neurology consult I wanted and it is off to a better start than I had anticipated. Met with the neurologist this morning, good first visit. She has ordered the testing I had hoped for, and it starts tomorrow. So, I get to go visit the ortho for what I hope is the final time in regards the shoulders, then go back up to the neurologist’s office for some cognitive testing. Hoping it’s not pass/fail (grin). I also get to get a new MRI, EEG, and a day’s worth of neuropsych testing here soon. Waiting now on insurance to approve and scheduling for two tests, which means I get to keep the whole month of October open for now.

Wednesday is booked for disability. I’m not optimistic about it, but at this point I have no faith in the system at all. I really do think they hope you die before it is granted and drag it out as long as possible to make that happen.

Thursday I have to get down to the primary doctor’s lab for fasting blood work, which is going to be a long bus ride (est. 2+ hours) down. Joy.

Friday is open but at this point I would be surprised if it stayed that way. Next Monday I get to go visit the GP for my six month, waiting to see what other shoes drop. Waiting to see what else happens next week.

Reminder: if you are in Indy and need a neurologist, I can tell you who NOT to get. Hoping I may have one to recommend here soon. Will see.

Paid the hosting for another year, any hits to the tip jar very much appreciated.

There was more I was going to say, but my mind just went blank. So, maybe another post later. More soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Thank You!

I want to thank two people who recently hit the Amazon Wish List! One kind person sent me some supplements, and while I did get the name I can’t find a way to send an e-mail thank you. Another kind person sent me a waterBOB and the solar showers, but no name was included. Thank you very much! I highly recommend the waterBOBs as a great way to store potable water in bath tubs.

Thank you so very much for your kindness! Know that you and your gifts are very much appreciated. Thank you!

Yet Another Quick Update

Things may be a bit sporadic this week and next. Still having sinus issues, but slowly getting that under control. On top of that, however, are medical, legal, and other appointments. Not to mention regular things, like my weekly guitar lessons, for which I thank you all very much!

Had an eye exam this morning and the eyes are physically healthy and the good news is that my far vision is about the same. Near vision, well, not so much. So, new glasses are ordered. Went with the free frames, but still having to shell out $250 for upgraded lenses. Didn’t go for the top lenses, but a middle/high-middle option that was best for progressive trifocals. Any help on those is very much appreciated, and thanks to two very kind people who have already jumped in.

Also, my thanks to a wonderful person who sent me something from my wish list! No contact info in the paperwork, but I do want to say thank you very much! If I can find an e-mail, you will be getting a proper thank you soon.

I also want to thank all those who have donated over the last month. Your kind gifts have made a big difference, and I very much appreciate you and your help!

Have to talk to a lawyer about a claim this afternoon, and later this week will be talking to a lawyer about assistance on how to deal with the person who bought my car not transferring the title. There’s something else on the calendar too, can’t remember what it is. On a more fun note, there are some extra services and even a class on the early days of the Church. Looking forward to that.

Next week includes the consult with the new neurologist, a follow-up with the ortho on the shoulders, a claim hearing, and maybe something else. Because of the consult, we are moving my guitar lesson to after I meet the ortho if weather and such permit. Doing Tuesday as my barber is going to be out for several weeks because of some eye surgery, please say a prayer for him if you can.

There is more to come, promise. Just going to be an interesting couple of weeks.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

9/11

I still remember that morning all too well. The first report, easy to think it an accident like the B-25 (?) that hit the Empire State Building back in the day. Rapidly it became clear it was deliberate, and I got to call my boss and tell him the United States of America was under attack. Even ended up in NYC a bit later and spent some time at the site and at various emergency command posts.

I fear we have forgotten that day, and the lessons of it. As a result, I fear that we may soon experience far worse.

Remember the day, pay heed the lessons, and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.