Category: General

This morning has seen it. The outrage. The betrayal. The infidelity! At least according to one party.

The housemate and landlord have two cats. Really, both belong to the housemate but allegedly one is supposed to be the landlord’s cat. It should be noted that I am allergic to cats though I get along with them; and, in fairness to the landlord I should note that the cats were not his idea or desire.

Flash is a ginger, not real bright, and a determined rule breaker. He is the housemate’s cat. Cappy (my name for him, short for Capt. Neurotic) is a black and white cat who is sweet and frankly stupid, and allegedly belongs to the landlord. Cappy is also my furry little stalker, as he has declared me his designated emergency human and a permanent state of emergency.

They do not have access to my room, but do have access to the common area between my room and my restroom. This morning, coming back from the restroom, I encountered Flash who may not be feeling great. He just looked so sad as he sat upon the stair that I reached out and began rubbing his head to his delight.

I don’t know if Cappy has the basement wired, somehow heard Flash’s purr, or what. All of a sudden I heard whump whump whump of Cappy (who is a bit overweight) charging into the kitchen and to the head of the stairs. If there had been a door to be slammed open dramatically, it would have slammed as Cappy looked down at us and screamed “Cheat!” He then charged down the stairs and knocked Flash out of the way and put his head under my hand.

I do wish that I could have gotten a picture of Cappy’s face at the top of the stair. It was priceless with the mix of betrayal, outrage, and more. He got some love, and poor Flash was given a glare. Just thought I would share that.

By The Way, the Free Ice Cream shortage may continue. Looks as though my surgery may be moved up, and I need to get some things done before it. So, posting may be sporadic for the next bit.

Posting is likely to be very lite today and tomorrow, thus the “Free Ice Cream” shortage warning. Now there’s a phrase from back in the early days of blogging…

Thanks to all the inputs, I’ve got a list of a dozen (for now) questions for the surgeon tomorrow. Been updating various forms and such, and otherwise preparing for the visit. Thank you all for your information, suggestions, and questions to ask. Now we see what the future holds.

This morning finds me still sorting and sifting through a number of thoughts and emotions. I’m trying to get a handle on life, figure out where I need to be and go, and get things on as even a keel as I can in this unsettled world. I’ve been praying, and even have some Friars praying for me, that I be guided to what I should be doing, where I should be doing it, and the means to make both happen are provided.

On top of this, and a great deal of economic uncertainty, I spent part of yesterday at the visitation for a former supervisor/manager. He was not a great manager, but far from the worst at that concern. We weren’t friends or particularly close, but got along. He seemed to be a nice man who also tried to be a good man. We both ended up leaving that concern, and I met him a few years back when he was at a very different job. Glad we did, even though neither of us had a lot of time.

Covid and the hysteria brought more changes to his life, and he took to delivering pizzas. Couple of weeks ago he caught a delivery that proved to be to an abandoned house, where he was shot dead. He wasn’t robbed. The pizza and car were taken, but both left not all that far away. Senseless does not begin to describe it. This comes on top of a person/creature from Indy who drove down to Greenwood on the southside, pulled into the parking lot for a popular restaurant/bar, and waited for someone to come out alone so they could kill them just for the thrill. Just to do it.

Indianapolis is no longer the city I knew. I really don’t even like to go downtown during the day, and will not go at night anymore. Monument Circle is owned by the homeless/mentally ill, and the rampant violence has spread to pretty much every neighborhood in the city, and beyond. It’s spreading out into the surrounding communities. Right now, we are on track to set records yet again with homicides and other crimes, and have more murders per capita than Chicago.

I really want to move to the Southwest; but, given that something comes up every time I try, it appears that such a move or the timing of such a move are not what God has planned. I’m looking at options, though I need to remain in Indiana while disability and some other things are in process. That said, wish I could find another month-to-month situation (at the same rent!!!) in a location removed from Indy and the ring counties. Winning the lottery would be nice too, wouldn’t it?

So, a bit pensive as I contemplate mortality, morality, and the collapse of society. I fear for the cities this summer, and really hope that I’m away from here by then as I think it could be another summer of love fire. Hoping to take a walk in a bit, then maybe go do something fun to shake the mood. We will see.

Make the most of your Saturday and seize the joy and beauty within. May your Sunday be blessed as well.

Okay, quick update and a bit on what I hope to get done this week. I doubt there will be a “real” post today, as I really need to go run some errands, including those I didn’t get to do on Friday because the car died yet again.

Yes, it died on the interstate on the way down to the mechanic. Yes, another fun and large towing bill. Mechanic and I both think something else is going on as the new alternator died. It was not only under warranty, but he didn’t charge for labor since it had been on less than a week. The latest alternator isn’t really doing as it should, which makes me almost scared to drive the car. Joy.

Used car prices are still insane. Looks like another six months or so before they even start to drop. Only way to get anything close to reasonable is to buy from family or friends. I can’t do that right now, so have to keep putting money into what I have.

I’m also still waiting on my taxes, and hoping things won’t be too bad. For a number of reasons, I have to have someone experienced do them and it has been well worth the cost as they have saved me many times their fee. Just wish I knew where I stood this year.

Not sure why, but the joints have declared war on me the last few days. Weather is actually good, but wondering about the barometric pressure since my right wrist decided to go out last night when turning over in bed. Joy.

I took the good Friars of St. Anthony’s Basilica up on an offer, and submitted a prayer that I be shown what I am supposed to be doing, where I am supposed to be doing it, and that I be granted the means to do both. They are praying for me and my intentions this week, and I invite all to do so as well. Have the feeling I need to be moving soon. Will see.

My plans for “real” posts this week include looking at some of the players in Russia who are jockeying for the top spot, plus a post on some of the ICBMs and such, in response to a request in the comments. Hope to do more, and really do need to get back to work on Preparedness Pays.

More soon provided both I and the car make it through the day.

NOTE: Not sure about the car, but for a number of reasons don’t think this is a good day for me to be out, or make major decisions.

NOTE II: Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving to the SW, 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.

Not sure if there will be a “real” post today or not. We’ve already had 40-60 mph wind gusts, lightning (some close), and more this morning. Thankfully, I’m not among the thousands in the area without power. They say the worst will be coming this afternoon.

Was not a good night, and while I don’t hurt as bad as I did last Friday, bad enough. Hope this means today’s weather won’t be as bad as last week.

Be careful out there today, and if like me you are in the area where things are or could be interesting, be prepared and be safe. Have your weather alerts set up for multiple devices, have a plan, and take action at need.

UPDATE I: Zero ten hundred and the sun came out like nothing had happened. It’s as if Mother Nature was saying “Come on out, trust me!” Not a chance. We know you and it’s spring time in Indiana. About 1030, a tornado watch was issued for the area, effective immediately though next wave set to hit at noon. It’s spring, do NOT trust Mother Nature.

UPDATE II: Noon front has passed, more and worse to come. That said, right now the temps have fallen and it’s actually not bad out, at least temperature wise. Decided to go ahead and cook the hamburgers I was going to do later, just to be safe. Used the stove instead of the grill for several reasons, but have things cooling and getting ready to clean up. Meantime, set as I can be for later.

I’ve got to run errands, and on top of that storms are coming in which means I’m already starting to feel bad. So, instead of a longer post a short one with some quick thoughts and notes for future posts.

I really do need to talk about the theory being put forward by the former CIA person on a military assassination of Vladimir. Insert Firefly gif of Capt. Mal here for now. I also need to talk about the importance of prison culture in current politics.

Watching a number of other things, but Sarah is generally covering them better than I am right now. One thing I will point out is that the actions of none of the major world leaders is that of secure and stable leaders. That is true of U.S. leadership on matters domestic and international. When none of the major players is operating from such, it means interesting times.

Which means prepare. Food, water, otherwise. Keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

More soon.

Yesterday did not go smoothly or to plan. Nothing could get the car started, so had to do another tow. Parts of the hours of trying to get it started got the mechanic to pondering, so he checked over the entire system before starting any work.

Starter was toast, so new starter. Battery cables and the new battery were good, and once a new starter was on, the car started right up. Yay. Alternator was not putting out the voltage it was supposed to, which may have been part of why the old battery needed to be replaced and the starter turned into toast. So, new alternator.

A very expensive week, but worth it as I need a working vehicle, and I really need this one to make it another year, maybe two. Unless I win the lottery, then all bets are off.

As always: Be alert. Be prepared. Keep the essentials where you can find them in the dark at need.

Had planned to do more today despite it being a medical day, but I fell in with evil companions who plied me with Iris “water” good food, and some good conversations. I’m even now home with a bottle of good Irish “water.”

May your day be blessed, and may it have been as good a break for you as it was for me.