General – Page 17 – The Laughing Wolf

Lite Week?

Not that there isn’t a lot going on, but things worked out where I volunteered to step in and help out at Church by essentially cooking lunch next Sunday. Given the time of year, there are some dietary restrictions to consider.

So, right now looking at doing a no-meat (other than the anchovies, which are allowed right now) puttanesca sauce and a basic vegetarian/vegan red sauce along with two types of pasta as main course. To add to that, I am going to try to make two loaves of homemade sourdough bread; a cheese board; giardiniera (both hot and mild); some sweets; and, some salad.

Yesterday, I did a bit of looking around and did pick up some of the sweets (good price) and some fresh ingredients for making my Italian Seasoning blend. That got done, and smells wonderful. Been needing to make some more of that. Also, you can do something like this on a surprisingly small budget if you do as much as possible at home and shop smart.

On a less fun note, I’m having to deal with the post awful (our dear loved USPS) deciding to no longer deliver my mail. This actually first happened to the housemate, who started having his mail returned to sender despite there being no forward or other order submitted. Multiple trips to the local post office by him and the landlord, where no one knew nothing and could figure nothing out.

So, a couple of weeks ago it started happening to me. Letters from Social Security, etc. got returned to sender, and it was capped off this weekend by a package of OTC (that actually makes a measurable difference in my blood work) getting forwarded/returned. Visited the local post office, and they acted as though the landlord and housemate had not already been down there five or more times for something similar.

I, nicely (no, really, I tried to be very nice and polite) pointed out that this was impacting both issues with SSA and lawyers, and that the package constituted a medical impact. The manager claimed to not have a clue about what was going on or any prior problems at our address.

So, began yesterday informing people I shop with online that if they use USPS in any way for delivery that I could no longer be a customer. Pinged the Rep and Senator on social media as well. Plan formal requests to their offices as well. I really didn’t need this right now, especially as I had to scramble Saturday to find and get a replacement for the OTC that could be delivered ASAP. I’m sure the lawyers are going to be just thrilled with not being able to mail me things.

So, it may be a lite week. Hoping to get to some things, as there is a LOT going on. Meantime, be alert and be prepared. Keep your family and friends 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. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

More Soon

Sorry, got distracted trying to catch up on cleaning and organizing/re-arranging. The latter has been difficult with the surgeries, to be polite. My sudden trying to catch up on all of it has nothing to do with the fact that the priest is coming by this afternoon to bless my room/the house.

Did lead to a funny moment yesterday. I had to run some quick errands, and decided to hit the bookstore down near the Church to pick up some items. One of the things I decided to grab was a censer, along with some incense to go in it. The scented candle I like to use is expensive (by my standards) so for about the cost of one of them, got the supplies.

I only used a piece of broken charcoal from the roll, and one small cube (1/8″ square?) of incense, thank goodness. It smelled good, but room was full of smoke, the rest of the basement got some too as I carried the censer to the garage and out, and I’m just glad the smoke alarm did not go off. Especially since the housemate would never let me hear the end of it, given how often I twit him about his cooking setting off the one upstairs. I think both the landlord and I have referred to it as ‘Madhi’s bread timer.’ My room was still a little foggy almost an hour later.

More soon.

Random Thoughts On A Wednesday

There are some longer works I hope to get done and posted this week, will see how it goes. Meantime, just some random bits that have caught my attention that you may find interesting or amusing.

I noticed earlier that some people are finally noticing that Soros has bought heavily into American radio. Yes, it is quite concerning. I’m wondering if it might also be tied into the push to do away with AM being included on the radios in new cars. Yes, that is a thing, it’s a serious discussion, and it would be a disaster for AM stations. Which is where you find most conservative talk radio. Which is likely the real reason behind the effort to do away with AM in car radios. Me, once I get some new wheels, I not only want a radio that can get AM, but short wave as well even though our local talk/news station is FM. Be subversive in all things, and in all ways great and small.

Going back to the Tucker/Putin interview, I think I touched on the fact that Vladimir’s take on history was about as realistic as the “Improbable History” segments on “Rocky and Bullwinkle.” Where is Prof. Peabody when you need him??? BTW, at conventions, be sure to ask Sarah A. Hoyt to say “moose and squirrel.” Anywho, here’s a decent take on Prof. Vladimir’s Fractured Fairy Tales, er history. As noted, it’s just a start, but it’s a good start.

It’s going to be interesting to watch what happens in New York over the next few years. Already intent on driving out major contributors to it’s tax base in the name of woke politics (Remington Arms being but one example), you have the triumph of Soviet jurisprudence that is the work of Judge Engoron. New York abandoned the rule of law a while back, and these days loves to viciously prosecute those who dare defend themselves and others while rewarding those who harm others, so no surprise that the AG, Judge, and others put on the show trial of the century (so far at least) after announcing the verdict ahead of time. Now, they and the other politicians are shocked that after announcing that such would only be done to the evil (cough) Trump that big money (and small) is voting with their feet. L’Ombre de l’Olivier (allow me to add it to my recommended regular reads) has a good post on this, and I think the tide is going to rise a lot faster than New York realizes.

The same applies for Delaware, which decided to join the war against Elon. The number of companies switching their incorporation to other states may fast be approaching a flood. It’s much quieter than the head-shot body of New York real estate dropping to the floor with a splat, but it’s there and is somewhat amusing to watch. The bet isn’t if, but when Delaware and New York start screaming for a Federal bailout because of their actions.

While I’m thinking about it, a couple of quick thoughts about Elon, his companies, and the war on him. Make no mistake, it is a war and it is being waged by the Biden Regency. Rather, they are being allowed to head up that war on the U.S. side. Understand, X is only free speech in comparison to the competition. It still bans a lot of speech under the banner of being nice and encouraging nice-speak. I frankly don’t care if the boot on the throat is the black jackboot of fascism or the white boot of the pretend angel of niceness — it’s still a fucking boot on the throat. However, by allowing any speech not endorsed by our would-be masters (looking not just at DC but also towards Europe and that smug little bitch TM) earned Elon the ire if not outright hatred of said wanna-be masters.

Which is deliciously ironic given that Tesla is for all intents and purposes the EV producer in the U.S./world, and that without Space X we have almost zero access to orbit. Blue Origins talks a lot, but still hasn’t made orbit — which might make me take some of the talk seriously. Everyone else is still playing catch up. I agree with Elon: we need to become a spacefaring race, and fast. Earth is the cradle of humanity, and we need to leave the cradle ASAP as crib death is still a thing. Elon is the best option for that happening at this time. For all that I agree with Glenn Reynolds on this, I worry about the future and what happens if Elon is taken out of the equation.

I was working on a short bit of fiction, but Iran just may have ended it. Their recent missile test used a standard CONEX to launch a missile. My story also did the same. Well, it was an exploration of a first-strike scenario using six to ten container ships to launch a rather devastating first strike against the U.S. Almost all of our sensors are focused out of CONUS, but not so much on close-in. Just think about one large container ship and the dozens of CONEX just on the top layer. Forget ballistic, go with hypersonic cruise missiles, say from a container ship headed into the Port of Baltimore. If very lucky, you would have up to five minutes warning in DC. Most likely less than that. With the six to ten ships, it could be possible to take out about ninety percent of the first and second strike targets. Don’t worry, I still maintain that Vladimir will not nuke DC as he wants to hurt us, not help us.

Speaking of space, I’ve been considerably amused at the frantic activity in DC around the “leak” of the so-called major security concern/threat. Boy howdy did that blow up in some very embarrassed faces. I still need to do a post on the subject and the Outer Space Treaty, it’s one of those longer pieces that I hope to get done later this week.

Meantime, I am working to re-arrange and clean my room. This has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that the priest is coming to bless the house and the room I rent. I will say that organizing and major cleaning have not been on the table since the first shoulder replacement last June, and it shows. My OCD has been having conniption fits for a while now, and of course one bit of (re) organizing always leads into other things… BTW, the priest is young and never been around the military, so I think my telling him that he was not allowed to try to bounce a quarter on the bed went right over his head… I use fitted sheets anyway.

UPDATE: Just remembered what it was I was going to post. Sarah posted this about some good people in need. Sadly, Synova’s husband has passed, but help is still needed. I also just read that Steve Miller, Sharon Lee’s husband and co-author has passed. Prayers are urgently needed for all.

Back, Sorta

Didn’t mean to be gone this long, but the body and I have been arguing a bit the last two-plus weeks. Been glad just to make it to Church. Sunday saw me get a bit of a boost courtesy of a young man who has now hit 17 pounds, who joined me in going up to venerate the cross and receive some blessed bread. Bit of juggling, but we both were blessed by the priest (who seemed highly amused), though afterwards I did get my mustache tugged for the first time ever.

To be honest, I saw him reach up and was making a mental bet if he was going to go for the glasses or the moustache. A couple of fairly gentle tugs and he got distracted by all that was going on. The new shoulders handled things well, so all was good.

One of the things I enjoy about the Church I’ve been attending is the children and the reaction to small children. The older teenage girls often all but kidnap the babies at the start of service, and the older ladies more or less demand their turn as well. When a newborn came for the first time a few weeks ago, the line-up by the women was almost scary, and none of the men dared get between them and the newborn. Not even the dad. 🙂 Everyone more or less rides herd on the toddlers and somewhat older, though the grandmothers seem to take pride of place in such.

May finally be on track to get with the cardiologist I want to see. If that happens and all goes well, strongly considering switching over. Not happy that it was more than two weeks before my primary care physician’s office got back to me. Getting rumors that there may be some issues there, and noticed that his reviews have taken a bit of a nosedive of late. Looking into other possibilities just to be safe. With the new cardiologist, hoping to get a second opinion on everything, and to deal with the “mystery” diagnosis from the last hospital stay. Still can’t get anyone to tell me where that came from…

More soon. Did manage a small experiment in regards preparedness, and have made a note that I need to discuss the three types of “emergency”: inconvenience, emergency, disaster. For all that I’ve got what can happen down to four basic things, not sure I’ve discussed that the proper level of preparedness hinges on what level of emergency you face.

With luck, will get up the experiment later today or tomorrow. Your patience is appreciated.

No Worries

Sorry I haven’t been posting more, as there is a LOT to keep an eye on. From Texas to the Orient, things are stirring. That said, I’ve been having to deal with some things, health and other, that have been impacting my ability to post. Or at least in regards the time to post. Nothing earthshattering or urgent crisis (I hope) on my part, but a definite PITA.

If I’m offline for a bit, please be patient. For good content, allow me to recommend: Stephen Green at PJ and Instapundit; David Strom, Beege, and company at HotAir; Leslie Eastman and the fine folk at Legal Insurrection; and, my intel list at X. Those folks are doing a good job and come up with some good info and analysis.

Not planning to be offline too much, but what you plan for never happens so planning as if I were. 🙂 Hope to get a Sunday post up, but no guarantees as I’ve been cooking while I could (landlord and housemate both gone during the days) and hope to start a little preparedness project that I would like to share soon. Also trying to make my own sourdough starter with the help of some kind people. If it does culture and work out, will share.

Seriously, be prepared. There are multiple possible Sandstones and Firelights out there, and I’m not even having to try hard to see ways they and more could go sideways. FWIIW, the ability to purify (not filter) water should be high on the list, as food and more follow it. Food is negotiable to some extent, water is not. Just a thought.

Again, not planning to be offline too much, but trying to cover a base just to be safe. Be prepared, keep your things where you can find them in the dark, and keep your friends close. Let’s rock.

Transportation Update

For now, I still have the car able to limp to PT and back. It can take about a gallon of coolant a trip sometimes, but it gets me there and back. For pretty much everything else, I take the bus and even have a bus-friendly grocery cart now. Only problem is that using the bus literally takes about four times the amount of time, which impacts writing time.

A reader made a very kind and generous offer in regards getting a car from them. Unfortunately, getting the car from where they live to here proved to be a non-trivial challenge. By the time everything was added up, it just wasn’t doable though my sincere and profuse thanks go out to them for the offer. I really do wish it could have worked out.

For a while this weekend, it looked like we might have a solution. My landlord let me know that someone his niece knew was selling her “old” car since she had just bought a new one. He pulled up the ad on FB (since I don’t have an account) and we started checking it out. Sadly, it was indeed the hack and sell scam. Not sure how many if any fell for the ‘send a deposit to hold and I won’t talk to anyone else’ line, but the landlord quickly smelled a rat and let his niece know to contact her friend to advise the account had been hacked.

So, back to trying to raise $8k and going for a rebuild (unless a real deal shows up). Any and all help appreciated.

Quick Thoughts

Sorry to be lite with posting, but things are still more interesting than I care for. Personally and in terms of world events. Let’s start with the latter.

If you have missed seeing the video of the person illegally entering the country who told a reporter they were too stupid to know who they were, but to wait as soon all would know who he is, I’m not surprised. See here, here, and here for more and watch the full video and analysis. Corporate media is ignoring as hard as they can, so what little coverage of this and all the military-age muslim/middle-eastern men from places like Syria, Jordan, Afghanistan, etc. are getting is coming from new/alternative media. Which makes it a target for corporate media members and other influences to poo-poo you crazed conspiracy theorist you… Sigh. No matter how low an opinion you have of corporate media, it is not low enough. Also, can’t believe how many are claiming that the government has him under surveillance and won’t let anything happen — just like they’ve done with all those mass killing known wolves. Right. Keep your eyes open and be prepared, for this guy does plan to make himself known and unlike our government I suspect he’s competent. Which is sad as we will be the ones paying the bill.

Also in the news this morning is a report of a Russian Il-76 going down in Russian-controlled territory. The Russians are claiming it had POWs from Ukraine on board, while Ukraine says it had S-300 missiles. Some sources are saying Ukraine shot it down, but there is good reason to believe the Russians took it out by mistake (wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened). Keep an eye out as the tap dancing on this one is probably going to be impressive. Have to wonder if Ukraine hasn’t found an exploit given that there are still some persistent rumors that they tricked Russian air defense into shooting down their own AWACs plane… If I were Vladimir or other top leaders, I’d think twice before flying anywhere near the front right now. Oh, be sure to keep an eye on how Ukraine long-range attacks are forcing Russia to deploy/re-deploy AAD assets deeper and deeper into Russia.

Speaking of Russia, the politics continue. One of the more interesting things I’m noting is that people are no longer quite so cautious about attacking Kadyrov. A number of interesting people have begun not just talking in private, but in public (or encouraging others to do so) questioning how much if anything Kadyrov was doing to help win the war. This wasn’t helped by having a couple of his top people appear to consider shooting a Russian soldier who not only dared stop them at a checkpoint, but pointed out their paperwork was not in order. Kadyrov has not been tactful in his responses, which isn’t helping. Nor is it limited to those attacks. Recently a member of the Duma made some comments about muslims and islamic extremists, and predicted there could be clashes coming between Orthodox Christians and muslims. Kadyrov called for the member to be ousted and has blustered — and initial reports are it’s not going over well. We will see. For now, Vladimir is safe in power though April may be a different story.

Also, I’ve spoken highly of Kamil Galeev on here before, and I think his work on Russia, Russian history, politics, etc. is outstanding. His work on who in the West is providing advanced machine tools and more is very good and should be required reading for politicians and others involved with sanctions. That said, I’ve been made aware of some comments made by him in regards the Middle East and Israel and while disappointed (to be polite) it is a reminder than knowledge in one area often does not translate into other areas. If he goes into open antisemitism, I will be dropping him as a resource and can’t recommend his work outside of his specialty on Russia. Caveat Emptor.

The war by the White House on commercial space (and Elon in particular) continues. However, there is some good pushback and a reminder we need to push our congrescritters and others to prevent over-regulation and halt efforts by the White House to curtail commercial space. Hat tip to Instapundit for that one. Remember, as long as we are in the cradle of humanity, crib death is a possibility. We need to be out and exploring, for that is the only way to start to guarantee a real future for humanity.

I will add that if I could go up in space, I would. I would love being a part of the SpaceX human spaceflight program, though I fear at this point all I might contribute is ‘He survived launch.’ Wish protein crystallography out of UAB were still flying, as I think I remember how to operate their flight gear. I would seriously consider the moon or Mars, even if I knew it would be one way.

As for some of the personal stuff, my effort to get the heart diagnosis proven or disproved have hit a roadblock. I was under the impression that tomorrow’s scheduled meeting with the cardiologist was to answer the question. However, the doc got sick, and the person working to reschedule with another doc informed me that no it wasn’t, invasive tests were/are needed, and a bit more. Seems my visit was only scheduled for 20 minutes anyway, just long enough to make it a full-cost visit for insurance filing.

I am less than happy, to the point I’m considering looking for a new cardiologist, especially since this is not the first time I’ve been disappointed/less-than-impressed with her. I’m also having to do a bit of thinking since the mystery diagnosis (reminder, it showed up in another hospital’s online system but no one can tell me who made it, on what basis, etc.) is confirmed, there is no current treatment. Too bad, so sad.

Between that and some other stuff, been a little preoccupied. On a good news front, physical therapy is progressing as we can start doing more strength and related, which lets me actually do things with the extremely good range of motion. It also makes the sessions run a little long (at this point I’m mostly self-directed as I know what I’m to be doing and so start then get checked on every now and then. We tend to add in new stuff towards the end, and then next time I know to do it. It does make PT days a bit intense and tiring, however. So, that’s cut into the writing a bit.

May get more into some of the health stuff later, but for now just going to focus on getting done what I can while I can. I’m actually doing some things at the Church I’ve been attending, and enjoying them. We are not rushing my joining, though I very much appreciated the priest giving me a book to read for Christmas. Going to Church is dangerous to my wallet, as they have a bookstore there… 🙂 My Christmas treat to myself was a book on The Inklings that I’m hoping to start soon.

Hoping to get more writing done in the days ahead, though PT and health will have to come first. More soon.

Shoulder Update

With the car iffy, and the car door still not working, decided to walk to the doctor’s appointment this morning. It’s not far, and usually just about a fifteen minute walk (20 if traffic is interesting). With single digit temps and below-zero wind chills, I dressed in layers and even put on the neck gator, face saver, and broke out Fluffy into full cold combat mode. Had to open up a bit to get the phone and yes I forgot to hit the glasses with anti-fog…

Got there early as had allowed a good bit of extra time just in case, and the doc was able to see me early. Short version: he’s very happy with how things are going, and said he was good with no restrictions and starting to move into building strength in both arms. Still a ways to go on stretching out muscles and tendons in both arms, but now we can truly start to work it.

Heard back from the insurance company on the change in my PCP/GP. They are blaming it on a system update that somehow mysteriously caused the change. Purportedly they have changed it back. Still have the doctor’s office checking things just to be safe, as aside from some COVID-related issues, I really like this doc. One of his goals is to get me into good enough shape that I can stop taking some of the medicines I’m currently prescribed. He’s into whole-body health, prevention, and other things I think are good things. Would like to keep him for a while longer.

Tomorrow, will take the bus and go get more anti-freeze and see if I can get the car thawed out and the door to close. Really don’t want to drive it holding the door shut manually, though I have had to do that before. Am also going to check into taking the bus to PT, just to be safe. I really don’t want to miss another day.

Meantime, Iran is feeling frisky, the Biden Regency/Obama II The Dementia Boogaloo is a laughingstock to our enemies (and even to many allies), and the enemies of civilization are parading openly in Europe, Canada, and here. Hope to get to some of that later today, but will see how it goes. Be warm; be safe; and keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Be prepared.

It’s A Day

Have a post or two I hope to get done, but it’s off to being an interesting day.

First up, not sure I took my medicines or not. I think I may have, and as such do not want to take them twice. If I didn’t, not the end of the world but not what I would like. I miss having a short-term memory.

Second, I had to cancel PT for the day. Went out to the car early to get coolant in for the ride, and discovered the doors are frozen shut. Or, at least the driver’s side doors are and because of issues I can’t unlock any of the non-driver doors unless I can get inside. Driver’s door was resistant even to prying, so hoping the sun might warm it up enough to get it open in a bit. Last time this happened I pried the door open, and couldn’t get it shut again. Driving holding the door shut with one hand is not on my list today, so…

Besides, given the rate of coolant loss, the heater may not work long enough to heat things up inside so the door will close again. Big issue there is that if the coolant level drops far enough, the system starts sending out frigid air, such that frost and ice form on the inside of the windshield. As you are driving. Part of the reason I did not get to Church yesterday was the likely lack of heating. Didn’t even think to try the car doors then. The other had to do with not wanting to wait 20-60 minutes for a bus then walk 20 minutes or so from where I have to get off in sub-zero temps. Given all, didn’t think it a good idea (yes, I am crazy but I try to avoid stupid).

Still looking at options on a new vehicle. A reader has made a very generous offer, and besides price the largest problem is getting it here to be worked on. Am trying to get an estimate to have it brought here, but that is taking a lot longer than I anticipated. More soon.

Meantime, hoping the day smooths out. May your Monday be a good one.

UPDATE 1: Got the car door open, and of course it won’t close and lock again. Tried to heat up interior, no joy. So, hoping for a bit more sun and some luck to get it closed again. Also, found out my insurance provider changed my GP/PCP without asking or telling, but that it may be because my GP/PCP (who I really like overall) may no longer be accepting that insurance. Trying to get answers today isn’t very likely, but have hit the e-mails to see what I can find out.

New Transportation Drive

I’ve been crunching some numbers, getting inputs, and otherwise trying to do as much due diligence as I can. Thanks to the defective offspring of unwed parents that is the Indiana GOP, those high-tax big-government loving statists, there are a bit more fees and such than just the sale tax. So, I’ve tried to plot for all those wonders, include money to have my mechanic check out whatever I end up buying (and more than one vehicle if necessary), and have some to get new emergency gear and other items at need.

So, I’m altering the fund raiser to include an additional $8,000.00 as that should get a solid vehicle, cover taxes, tags, fees, and all the other fun and joys of operating said vehicle. Since my jump pack, which includes an air pump, apparently didn’t survive all the recent electrical issues, I’m looking at a new jump pack, stand-alone air compressor, and related gear. I’m going to do what I can to reach that amount, and maybe even a bit more.

That said, if I can get something that will get me to PT, the gym, church, and groceries for less, guess what I’m going to do. My only requirements are that it be reliable and last for at least five years; have a working heater; and, have working wiper/washers. Anything beyond that is gravy. Would love it to have a heated steering wheel, working AC, decent radio, and sit high rather than low. Again, will take what I can get for now.

The rebuild dealer from whom I plan to buy has several vehicles to choose from right now, and several more in process. The latter should be ready by the time I raise the money.

Onwards.