Chill

She's getting closer

Went to visit my HIV Dr. today for a routine checkup

He’s an infectious disease specialist. About my age, mid 50s. Haven’t seen him for a year and a half, my COVID concerns and two cancelled (by him) appointments.

Tests from March were great, viral load undetectable, T cells about 720. He told me once he wished he had more “boring patients like you”. News like that is always good to hear.

I told him about my retirement, stated that having my husband being able to provide both of us health insurance played a big part in my decision. He looked at me and stated health insurance is one of the biggest reasons he has not retired. He sat down and told me that he currently has over 10 patients on ventilators, none of them vaccinated. Folks argue with him “I don’t have COVID”, his response is that he knows COVID when he sees it. He has given up on trying to convince these people to make sure their family and friends are vaccinated. THEY WILL NOT LISTEN.

It made me realize what a horrible year and a half he must have had. Infectious disease specialists have certainly been stretched to the limit during this pandemic. I understand the cancelled appointments. To be compelled to treat folks for a now easily avoidable (GET THE VAX) disease must be maddening. Idiots may end the career of a gifted doctor.

Nature versus Nurture

I’m sure there are many good studies of this, with peer review. Like any good Netzien, I’ll just ignore all that and spew my opinions. Although I am interested in learning more.

I really want to believe that all folks are created equal. It’s at the core of my beliefs. I’ve always been a supporter of the Democratic Party, my first Presidential vote was for Dukakis. His ad with him in the tank was pretty lame I will concede. Whatever, he sure as hell was preferable to Bush I.

Does God/Flying Spaghetti Monster/fate dole out aptitude for intellectual aptitude and physical prowess at birth, or does everyone have an equal ability at birth and it is simply a matter of upbringing?

I scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT, but despite years (admittedly on and off), am always thrilled if I can top 99 after ten rounds of bowling. I have always thrown a ball “like a girl”. I did graduate with a BSEE and took advantage of that in my career.

Tales of panic - University

The idea that 40% of my grade depended on the final exam always freaked me out. Two hours of performance swung grades radically. I missed my brother’s first wedding in Jamaica because it fell on exam week.

Need lodging, dining, things to do ideas for Memphis and New Orleans

Hubby and I are taking a Mississippi River cruise in late September. Starts in Memphis, ends in New Orleans. Going to re-read Huckleberry Finn on route. Cruise lasts 8 days, we have two weeks or so before he needs to get back to work.

So I see us spending 1-2 days in Memphis, and 2-3 days in New Orleans. We enjoy music, dining, a degree of partying. Also very interested in history.

Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Any sheepshead player here?

It’s a great card game. Involves quite a bit of strategy, and keeping track of who played what cards. It’s a game of skill, my grandfather was wickedly good, me not so much.

My brother and I were taught at an early age. Folks would get together to socialize and play. I remember my grandparents taking us over to the Kunde’s home. There would be a card table set up at each corner of the table where we played, each loaded with chips, snacks, chocolate, and other goodies.

At work a group of players would often get together and play over the lunch hour.

The last game I played was sometime in November 2019. My dad was in a memory care center. We were amazed and grateful he could still play. Someone had to shuffle and deal the cards for him, but other than that he was good to go.

Father's Day

This is the second Father’s Day since my dad has passed. I still miss him greatly. Some miscellaneous memories:

I stayed at my grandparents house went I went to the University, came home to visit on weekends. Had a great paying part time job, mentioned to the folks I was thinking about taking a year off and working part time. Without skipping a beat, and no malice, he asked me where I was planning to live. Put a quick end to that line of thought. Looking back I really appreciate his wisdom.

Speaking of that job, I was working second shift. Idiot me got into a race on the way home. They used the jaws of life to get me out of the vehicle. My folks arrived at the hospital at around 2:00 am. Fortunately I only suffered a broken collarbone from the seat belt, and was released around 3:00 am. He never castigated me for my stupidity. He got up at 5:30 that same morning to go to work, I don’t recall him ever missing work regardless of the situation. I never did apologize for putting him through this, sorry dad.

He and I always took a one week vacation around Labor Day. Started out backpacking, visited Pukaskwa national park (https://www.northernontario.travel/algoma-country/pukaskwa-national-park-is-a-must-visit-for-hiking-and-paddling-adventures), Isle Royal, and Pictured Rocks. We discussed going to Tierra del Fuego after I graduated, but by then we lost interest in backpacking. Beer is way to heavy to carry.

So our interests turned to fishing. We took our yearly vacations to northern Canada. The lakes are large, people few and far between. Could go for hours without seeing another boat. Experiencing bald eagles, loons, bears, moose, and the scenery was tremendous. And the thrill of latching on to a 50”+ Northern Pike on 10 lb test line was amazing. We always released the Northerns, but would save a few Walleyes for dinner 3 or 4 nights. Fantastic memories, thanks dad.





I thought I would share a wedding photo of my folks, they look very happy. 56 years all told.

Father's Day

This is the second Father’s Day since my dad has passed. I still miss him greatly. Some miscellaneous memories:

I stayed at my grandparents house went I went to the University, came home to visit on weekends. Had a great paying part time job, mentioned to the folks I was thinking about taking a year off and working part time. Without skipping a beat, and no malice, he asked me where I was planning to live. Put a quick end to that line of thought. Looking back I really appreciate his wisdom.

Speaking of that job, I was working second shift. Idiot me got into a race on the way home. They used the jaws of life to get me out of the vehicle. My folks arrived at the hospital at around 2:00 am. Fortunately I only suffered a broken collarbone from the seat belt, and was released around 3:00 am. He never castigated me for my stupidity. He got up at 5:30 that same morning to go to work, I don’t recall him ever missing work regardless of the situation. I never did apologize for putting him through this, sorry dad.

He and I always took a one week vacation around Labor Day. Started out backpacking, visited Pukaskwa national park (https://www.northernontario.travel/algoma-country/pukaskwa-national-park-is-a-must-visit-for-hiking-and-paddling-adventures), Isle Royal, and Pictured Rocks. We discussed going to Tierra del Fuego after I graduated, but by then we lost interest in backpacking. Beer is way to heavy to carry.

So our interests turned to fishing. We took our yearly vacations to northern Canada. The lakes are large, people few and far between. Could go for hours without seeing another boat. Experiencing bald eagles, loons, bears, moose, and the scenery was tremendous. And the thrill of latching on to a 50”+ Northern Pike on 10 lb test line was amazing. We always released the Northerns, but would save a few Walleyes for dinner 3 or 4 nights. Fantastic memories, thanks dad.





I thought I would share a wedding photo of my folks, they look very happy. 56 years all told.

My old man was a prankster

He and mom would go to Jamaica once a year. One year the resort could not accommodate their reservations, but they offered an ocean facing suite on the ground floor as reimbursement. The only catch was the adjoining beach was clothing optional.

What are you going to do? They took the suite.

Dad occasionally hung around the “dividing line” between the beach and the remaining parts of the resort where clothing was required; the bar was conveniently located. He had a tee shirt on that read “Shore Patrol” on front, and “Milwaukee Summerfest 1998” on back. Two ladies came past sans tops. The old man politely but firmly pointed out the sign stating clothing required beyond this point. They quietly complied. He then got up, walked away, and made sure they saw the back of his shirt.

Later in the evening they were at one of the resort’s many restaurants. The ladies happened to be seated at a nearby table, with their partners. He could tell that they were pointing dad out, and his “horrible behavior”. Their partners laughed and gave dad a thumbs up.

If this comes odd as misogynistic, I apologize. Dad’s intent, and my own are intended to be humorous.

PS: Dad did admit to walking out of the suite sans clothing. Walked to the beach and dug in his toes before returning. When in Rome...