General – Page 9 – The Laughing Wolf

A Resignation

My mother was always into family, which is to say the actions of ancestors in the past who gave some cachet to those still living. She actually became a rather well respected genealogist for her work to establish legal proofs on various lines. For her, every link to royalty and nobility was yet more proof of our goodness and superiority. Me, well, I rather enjoyed the playboys, cattle thieves, and other less-than-stellar ancestors. I’ve met various members of royalty over the years, and frankly with a few exceptions I’d rather drink with whores and rogues. The latter are far better sorts in my opinion.

That said, I also have to admit I enjoyed being a direct descendant of Duncan slain by the traitor MacBeth. Of course, I am one of many who suspect the family paid off Shakespeare to make Duncan into a saint when he was far from it. It was interesting to have more than one connection to the current royal family of England. And, I have enjoyed being a member of a society The Friends of St. George’s. Another earned it, but it was interesting to be a descendant of one who had done great things.

However, current events do have an impact on the past — and especially to those who worship it. I have never truly worshiped the past, but have respected it and those who maintained the obligations of the past. The late Queen earned my respect on several fronts, not the least learning to shoot with Churchill’s tommy gun. She will be missed on many fronts, and I have my doubts about her line ever climbing to her level again. William might surprise me, but Charles is not worthy of her or her throne.

Which brings me to a choice I must now make. I’ve written about the rape gangs (bleep calling them grooming gangs) for years now, took a small bit of flack for doing so and for publishing an editorial cartoon that hit home for some. May have to publish it again despite it being deemed too much for the public.

I, Clifford Blake Powers, Jr., do hereby renounce any and all membership in all English Orders, be they of nobility or otherwise. I renounce for myself and my heirs any and all claims to titles, lands, or other carriage within the Kingdom of England and/or Great Britain. I hereby renounce my membership in The Friends of St. Georges, and Knights of the Garter. I nor my heirs are no longer subject to being a member or life descendant member of this or any other order. I reject utterly and completely being associated with child rapists, their enablers, or their defenders. May God reward you all well for that which you have done, and that which you have enabled.

My die is cast, and I reject you all. My heart is with those abused, who you would fuck over even more.

Merry Christmas!

For those of more traditional Christianity, Merry Christmas! For my friends of an older faith, may your Festival of Lights be bright and filled with joy. I thought I would share these words sent to us by our Metropolitan.

“Heaven and earth are made one today, for Christ is born. Today God is come upon the earth, and man is gone up into the Heavens. Today He Who by nature is invisible, for man’s sake is seen in the flesh. For this cause let us also give glory and cry out to Him: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, which Thy coming hath bestowed upon us; O our Savior, glory be to Thee.'”

As I noted a while back, the nice thing about having effectively two Christmas days is that one can be given over to family and other things, while the second allows a focus on the religious. Either way, both are a time to reflect on God’s love and the miracle of his life.

May your day be Blessed.

Sorry For The Silence

Long story short: I’ve been battling a URI that has bounced back, and a gut bug on top of that. My chest muscles actually hurt from the coughing, despite the cough medicine. Been dealing with low-grade (degree or two) of fever and chills, but this time it seems to really (maybe) have broken. I generally don’t get URIs, but this thing seems to be related to what I had more than a month ago that never fully went away.

As for the gut bug, I thought food poisoning at first, but presentation wasn’t right and found out that there is a bug going around that fits the bill. Joy. Both at once was a bit much. Trying to take care of myself, plan to rest a lot this week. More soon as there is a LOT going on.

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.

Site Should Be Running Better

Still hope to get at least one “real” post up today, but we will see. Meantime, as the room turns, I did manage to get the new grocery cart put together and ready to go. Really like being able to steer!

I also finally sat down and worked through some issues with site and hosting. Thanks to support at said hosting, was finally able to get in and do some critical upgrades, tweaks, and other delights. Even sprang for a paid plug-in upgrade since it was on sale for $30. All should reflect in a better experience for you and for me. Nice to have those issues dealt with.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the day goes. I have some things I need to do, but am unsure if trying to go do them is a good thing. We will see. Onward.

Posting Delayed

There are things to discuss, from Russia to thoughts on stocking OTCs in emergency kits. Unfortunately, I woke up to the room spinning and dancing in ways I haven’t seen since one unfortunate morning back in my undergraduate days.

The vertigo seems driven by my right ear, and this morning I realized my right sinuses were not clear and the right ear has pressure. Explains the unusual vertigo, which made doing morning prayers a bit of a challenge. Afraid my bows and such were very slight and careful today. Upping the vitamin C, have started taking my carefully horded decongestant, and annoyed I can’t find the emergency bottle of Afrin. Thinking lots of water and hot tea a good thing today too.

Hope to get a post or two up later. I also have to assemble my new grocery cart (thank you to those hitting the tip jar!) as the upgrade is needed. New cart lacks four-wheel drive, but the front wheels swivel which means I don’t have to pop wheelies to steer and it holds almost twice the weight of my current cart. Which means in reality I can handle a third again the weight of my current cart without damaging the cart. It also has a liner to prevent things from falling out.

Did I mention that the new cart (and old until I sell it) have a place in my bugout plan? Yep, if I have to leave by shanks mare or other transport, I plan to use the cart as well as ruck, etc. Already have an idea of how to attach it to a bike at need. The more modes you have for each step, the better. It’s not huge, but you might be amazed at how much you can get in, including large containers of water.

More soon I hope.

Back, I Hope

With luck, I’m back to more regular posting. Life has been a bit chaotic, but a number of good things are going on right now. If I didn’t say it before, it appears that after three years the government has finally agreed that getting hit by lightning is disabling.

Still waiting on paperwork and other delights. It also may solve my insurance portability issue as I have been informed I have no choice but to go onto Medicaid. It’s a bit confusing right now as to when that happens and how, but hopefully sometime before that takes effect I will get all the proper paperwork. Anyone with any inputs on Medicaid, supplements, etc. let me know. The one thing I do know for sure is that my prescriptions are covered.

Still waiting for the final round of neural testing, and to hear back from the ENT. Hope to get both done before things shift. Will see.

As all the medical testing wraps up, looking at options on finding a new place to live locally. The previous reasons for staying here (medical primarily, and Church) still hold, and the insurance transfer won’t occur until some time next year. So, am finally starting to look around at options.

Quick word to all the real estate types who are using AI to handled chats, e-mail, etc.: It sucketh mightily and you need an option to get to a human rather than deal with a poorly coded AI system. I’m trying to talk with one place here where the AI keeps “intercepting” and responding to my e-mails even when a human is trying to get back to me.

Not rushing right now, as getting medical and disability issues taken care of is the primary goal. I want to take my time and see what happens on several fronts, so that I can be sure I’m making the best choices at that time. Besides, I’m hoping the housing market starts to settle down a bit here in the new year. It would be nice.

One of the places recommended to me as a possible place to move is a ‘senior living’ apartment complex. I’m not sure whether to be amused, insulted, or interested. My inner self still thinks I’m about 20, though the body just laughs.

As I mentioned before, I am getting to check out some preparedness items and want to get some posts up soon. Waiting to see if a few other things work out so I can add them to the mix as well.

Oh, I’m also experimenting with making my own beard oil and balm. The prices charged are outrageous IMO, especially as there is no such thing as a sampler anymore. First attempt went well, though my use of liquid smoke, almond extract, and rye whiskey for a faint scent may have backfired. It does smell good, but it also can smell like bacon cooking, which makes me hungry… Will post more on this later.

It is going to be a busy week, but hoping to get several posts up. Keeping my eye on things as best I can, a lot of what is going on seems to be various players pushing as hard as they can before Trump is sworn into office. That does indeed include Russia, China, and Iran. Here’s hoping no one does anything stupid there or here (hint, swamp and various rats are also pushing as hard as they can here as well).

More soon.

Vacuum Recommendation?

As part and parcel of making any local move, I will need to get a new vacuum cleaner. Right now, looking mostly at Hoover or Shark. Several people have highly recommended the Shark, with Hoover coming in second. What are your thoughts?

About That Vertigo Testing

Since I complained about the situation here before, wanted to follow-up on the rescheduled testing. As I complained before, when I got down to the Balance/Whisper Hearing Center for the testing, the tester had to leave (sick) and no one else had bothered to show up for work on the Balance side. The people on the Whisper side had no way to assist me as they are separate though in the same office.

I was not impressed at all. What business, especially a medical business, does not have anyone (much less a manager) on call for emergencies? Sort of think not having your people show up and the one who does got sick qualifies for a call and getting someone in to cover things.

The next week, when someone was there and did call me back, the person sounded young and was VERY snippy and full of attitude. I just wanted the testing done as we need the data to figure out what is going on and what to do about it. So, this last Tuesday was the earliest they could get me in and it was made clear to me by Miss Snippy that I should be grateful they could get me in with only a week-plus delay. I resisted suggesting that a business that screwed up should do whatever it takes to fix a problem of their creation and not focus on what is convenient for them.

I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I got back down to the center. To my surprise and delight, an older lady was running the Balance side. Charming, friendly, professional. Found out that she had only been there three days, though she had twenty or so years experience in medical office operations. Seems there had been some changes and I applaud what I saw.

The testing was interesting and I am looking forward to learning what was found. No, the person doing the testing was good, professional, and did not share any results with me. The chair was interesting, and the strangest part was when they ran warm/hot water into each ear as part of the testing. I will say this: some of the things done did indeed make the room swirl, and I had lesser reactions a good bit.

For about five minutes after the testing, I probably looked like I was drunk as I walked. Fast head movements were interesting for a good while after. Nothing too bad, but it did make for an occasionally interesting afternoon.

Since I had complained before, I did want to follow up. Looks like some positive changes for the Balance side of the Balance/Whisper Hearing Center in Greenwood, IN. Testing was professional, polite, and while pleasure is not the word I would use, it was as good as such things can be. Now to hear what the ENT has to say. Onwards.

Sitrep 5 Dec 24

Sorry for the silence, but it has been interesting. Lots going on, including the body and I arguing a small bit. Some very welcome generosity has also meant I’m getting some additional preparedness ready for winter (and general use). The mail carrier may well hate me here soon…

On the Syria situation, anyone who says they know what is going on is either full of it, lying, or both. There are no real good guys there, though if it is true that the Kurds have a female sniper team taking out people who abuse women and children it may be the closest to a good thing there. Complex is an understatement.

Keep an eye on it, but one thing I’ve already noted is that the Russian’s began evacuating naval forces a day or three ago and apparently will only send forces there from Africa. Seems they don’t have troops, transport, etc. to send from Russia (or Ukraine). Speaks volumes.

On the CEO assassination in NYC, got a lot of questions. There is a lot of talk of investigations, insider trading — and testimony. The odor around this is not coming from Denmark. As for the assassin being a pro, not so sure. Spotted multiple times ahead of shooting; used a Citibike for getaway (and a kid who scrapes data for fun showed where he dropped it); and, wrote words on shell casings left behind. Pros tend to make Batman look like a publicity hound. Also, not hearing a lot on wounds and pro tends to be first round back of the head and rest to body. That he made it alive to the hospital speaks against that type of placement. Familiar with guns, yes: cleared a malf during the shooting. Familiar with biometrics and basics of ID, going with no: eyes and surrounding are most readily identifiable, this guy had lower face covered. In defeating cameras and biometrics, more is better.

Really unhappy with the Undocumented Democrats/Establishment RINOs who are trying to torpedo Pete. As I’ve noted before, The Swamp is not going to go quietly into that good night, and DoD is key to power and profit. They are going to fight him hard and dirty, just like they are doing. Hopefully, we collectively and the incoming Administration will fight even harder and nastier for him. Make notes, and make lists. Vote accordingly.

Will be tied up the rest of the weekend with the Christmas Village at the Church. It’s a fundraiser and more, and last year was a lot of fun as well as work. Well, as much as I was allowed to work given I had just had my shoulder replaced. AAR and such should mean our part of it goes a lot smoother this year. There will be vendors, food, baked treats, coffee, and more. I will be there pretty much all day tomorrow and Saturday, and Sunday too for obvious reasons.

Meantime, coldest day so far this year and yet another sign we may have a real winter this year. Which is why I’m trying to get some cold-weather prep in place. And get ready to take on such a winter as a pedestrian/user of public transport. It’s not the walking that gets to me, it’s the standing a waiting for long periods of time. Which means doing real layering for a change.

Also, trying to get some other things prepped including moving. Word is that disability is approved. Now waiting to find out more info, including how much (if any) my monthly stipend goes up. Once I know that, I can start truly looking for a place of my own. More on that as it develops.

More soon I hope. Take care, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your friends close and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is indeed a good day to give thanks, and to enjoy the bounty that fills all our lives. It is an abundance that extends well beyond tasty treats and a full larder for the winter. It is an abundance of good things, from the Giver of Good Things, who showers us with Grace and more.

In my life, there is much for which to give thanks. This last year saw me facing a number of challenges, from mobility to the possibility of more heart surgery. A lack of care in the hospital after my last shoulder replacement taught me new meanings for the word pain and set back my recovery. Note, this was not the doctor’s fault, but rather the conscious choice of one nurse and one technician who stopped all pain medicine and the ice bath cooler for several hours. Not fun. Finances were/are a challenge, transportation became an issue, and there was a need to follow-up on the neuro side of things as well.

I could list much more doom and gloom, but that’s not my way as despite what some may think (*G*), I really don’t share a whole lot of that type of thing. Frankly, it’s boring, it’s private, and it’s not what is important. The focus of life is not the challenges, it is the response to the challenges. Our challenges do not define us; rather, it is our response to them that defines us for who we truly are in life. We can be victim, or we can be a victor. The choice is ours. Bad things sucketh mightier than a 10(-16) torr vacuum. They hurt, literally and figuratively. But, they do not have to define us. Complex topic, maybe more on that later.

Instead, I look at all the ways the bad got stood on its head over this last year. It was about this time last year (bit before) that three different searches pointed me towards my new Church home. I started attending, was made welcome, and at Pascha I was baptized into said Church. Funny thing about that. I almost fell into the baptismal pool because of mobility issues. I haven’t needed my walking stick/cane since.

Not long after that, I finally got the cardiac review I wanted with the cardiologist I really wanted. He ordered some much needed testing, and we both were less than optimistic about a few things. We were both surprised. While I can still screw it up and there are still some issues, the heart muscle itself is 100 percent healed. Other things that have long been problems have started healing as well. Not going to go into all of them, but they include some things that have been an issue since early childhood. Do I still have ailments and infirmities? You bet. But the important stuff is healing or healed.

We are now into a long-overdue neuro review as well, with a neurologist recommended by my new cardiologist. Still one block of testing to go, but the MRI showed that I do have a brain (and not just an empty space with an elderly hamster and a broken exercise wheel in the center), and that there are no tumors, lesions, fractures, or other major issues. Very similar to the MRI I had a couple of months after the lightning strike, but reassuring that things are stable on a physical level for now. The block of testing yet to be done will help define/refine the long- and short-term memory issues and give a better idea about the future. While driving may be an issue, it looks good for me remaining independent and cranky for now.

There are some vertigo issues and the testing yesterday did not take place as scheduled. Working with the ENT doc on that, hearing, and other. Yesterday’s testing had to be cancelled after I had fasted and was at the office as only one person for that operation showed up (the tester) and they left. No one on the other side of the Balance Point/Whisper Hearing Center in Greenwood could access or operate the BP systems. Not impressed at the highly unprofessional operation. That said, we will get the testing done one way or another. I’m thankful we are getting data and making progress, even if annoyed at wasting most of a day. It did lead, however, to having a good time and being introduced to the movie “Christmas with the Kranks” (?) at a decompression stop and my thanks to K for making me laugh.

One thing coming out of all of the various medical tests and such is highlighting the difference between what I want, and what I need. I want to move out West. I want to be rural, to homestead as much as I can, and be that cranky independent old codger that makes people shake their head and laugh. As I’ve noted here before, it appears that I need to be around people more (and perhaps even date!) and moving out West will have to go on hold for at least a year, if not more. My insurance won’t transfer, and while there are rumors my Disability application has finally been approved after three years of effort, things are not yet finalized. Also, while there may be another change or two, my critical doctor team is not something I want to lose. I really like the new cardiologist, have a good to great GP, and am gaining respect for the neurologist. Not something I can just toss aside right now. Today, and every day, I do give thanks for them.

I’m also thankful for my continued growth in Faith and in my Church. I’ve been attending a class or two, have become a Chanter, and there is talk of a bit more as I continue to grow. Being involved with the music there, and the guitar lessons (on hold for right now), has been wonderful (amazing even) therapy for me. One of the weirder things after the lightning strike was having to learn to read music again and how to sing again. I’m slowly finding my voice and getting back into things, and the music seems to be dragging some other things with it. I am thankful for those helping me, including the Church music director and my guitar teacher, both of whom think it is good therapy and more.

Which brings me to one of the most important things for which I give thanks today: YOU! Over these last three years you have encouraged me, offered advice and suggestions, supported me with your gifts and prayers, and encouraged my writing here. Writing here has helped me keep my mind going and to work through cognitive and other challenges. Your gifts and prayers have let me get the guitar and lessons, take care of challenges, have food on the table, and so much more. Thank you.

Updating as I completely left out a paragraph. This year also saw me get into sourdough baking, courtesy of Mrs. Gruel and my new friend Snarksalot! Snarksalot has also gotten me into making mustard, ketchup, and more. The cooking side of the year has been fun, tasty, and opened doors up on several levels. Thank you to Snarksalot and all who pushed that.

Several of you donated recently and I wanted you to know what has been going on with that. Because of your help I was able to restock some much needed supplements. I also not only got some needed new clothes, I was able to take some others in for needed minor repairs. I’ve been able to take my good winter (fur) hat in for cleaning and inspection (probably should have done that years ago). With luck, I may be picking it up tomorrow or Saturday. I was also able to get a propane camping stove for emergency or other use (aren’t early sales wonderful!), and tested it by using it to make a dish I’m taking to the Thanksgiving Dinner I’ve been invited to. Got an odd feeling about this winter, so trying to be sure I’m set for anything. I also picked up food and other supplies. For all of this, I am very thankful. Amazing how far you can make things stretch if you repair and research/shop before buying.

While I may not be able to move out West for now, it appears I will be needing to move here in the next month or so. I’m really wanting to wait until the neuro is finished and I know what, if any, limitations are in place (driving or other). However, that may not be possible as my landlord has done some strange things. I’m thankful that things haven’t gotten too bad (or our of control) and that I do still have a roof over my head.

Oh, on the driving. Nothing major, but it has been noted that I am uncomfortable driving in Indianapolis. No Duh! The drivers in Baghdad were better than most here, and there (at least when I was there) you could return fire heavy if they shot at you – and that’s getting to be a real big issue here. I’m thankful I haven’t had to deal with it much of late.

There is more, of course, for which I am thankful. However, I want you to know that YOU are something for which I am very, very thankful. The great comments, good discussions in the comments, and things that spark well-read posts are a delight and much appreciated. Your suggestions and advice (including on the joint replacement) have been a huge help. Your gifts and prayers have helped keep me going.

Thank you. Back to normal posting soon I hope. Meantime, may your day be bright with joy, love and abundance. May the bounty of this world fill your life, and may the Light shine on you and yours. God Bless!