He's a Milk and Cereal Kind of Guy...

https://en.wikipedia.org

My grand total tonight was $57 measly dollars. It stunned both my father and I. I thought I might have gone over a tad bit.

"You sure you have enough groceries?" my father asked me worrisomely.

"I'll be fine, dad," I replied. "I got three bags of frosted flakes and four gallons of milk."

Mom was trying to explain to my father earlier that this is my mainstay and my main meal of the day.

I also got 10 Tei Pei frozen Chinese meals and some Kikkoman soy sauce. I bought a new variety called bourbon chicken so let's hope it is tasty.

My impulse buy was two very large boxes of unfrosted strawberry Pop-Tarts.

We had a surly bunch of employees manning the helm at Kroger tonight, though. A right bunch of pissers as the Brits would say. What happened to Paige? I miss her dearly.

Hot As Hades...

https://www.hy-vee.com

I stepped out of the house 45 minutes ago and I heard a familiar, "Hey Bud!" It was George on his carport sitting outside in this oppressively stifling heat.

"Aren't you hot?" I asked George after the initial pleasantries.

I was standing by my car fixing to roll out. It was 95 degrees outside today.

"I love this kind of weather!" he quipped with a Cheshire grin.

"Where are you going?" George then nosily asked.

"I am driving over to my parent's house and get my daily sodas," I told George.

This intrigues him.

"When you come back then maybe we can have a cold beer," George replied.

I saw him pull open his cooler and he pulled out another Miller High Life cracking it open with that distinctive sound only a beer can makes.

I was also heading to Fred's Super Dollar to gather up some snacks to eat in this house. My mother was funding this venture. We are about out of anything edible in Andrew's Casa. I was craving salted cashews and expensive Cheez-Its.

"I don't drink beer," I told George for the 5th time, "But I will have a cold Coca-Cola in just a few moments."

The Charles Meister...

Mom called me and said Charlie was on the way. Much excitement ensued. The Maggins and I got on the couch in the den to hold a vigil for him.

Soon, Charlie's Caprica came slowly pulling up to the house and Maggie went bonkers. And guess what? He was bearing steaks, Maggie's steak scraps, and medications. Oh, wonderful medications! I was thoroughly delighted and overjoyed. I was feeling mentally shaky tonight after a busy holiday. It was the creme de la creme of this long and never ending day.

I am unaware of the grocery situation tonight. Since Charlie brought my medications then that must mean dad is going be really late and we are not going to try to buy groceries this evening. I'm fine with that as I just want a quiet evening indoors playing my retro-games.

You Can't Stop a Train...

Mom had called Books-A-Million the day before and they said they would be open Memorial Day.

"My books are here!" she excitedly told me in a call confirming all the details.

She then called Sonic in Auburn to make sure they were open as well. We shall leave no stones unturned.

Off to Auburn, we went at 9:30am (8:30am Auburn time) this morning to go buy books. Mom bought $190 dollars worth of books and we then ate at Sonic. I got my large chocolate shake and my Sonic bacon toaster sandwich. Mom lauded her sandwich saying how good it was. I agreed it was pretty tasty.

"That's better than a Hardee's steak biscuit!" mom exclaimed with much sacrilege.

We all know a Hardee's steak biscuit can't be beat.

Well, when I arrived back home, I curled up with the Magster on the computer room bed and we fell asleep for hours. Driving to the bookstore is hard work. LOL

Charlie said he would be by here around 5pm in a phone call. He is bringing me a grilled rib-eye steak, baked potato, and salad, and it is making me anxious. That steak is going to be so good and I hope Charlie brings scraps for Maggie as he will often do.

The Sunday Night Menagerie...

I had three choices of food to get tonight...

1. A Wendy's double w/cheese combo
2. A 3pc. box of chicken from KFC
3. A Little Ceasar's Hot and Ready large pepperoni pizza

I picked the pizza for a change this week. The pizza was hot and delicious -- full of stringy and gooey mozzarella and lots of sauce. 

Mom has about driven me crazy tonight with multitudes upon multitudes of phone calls. My father very astutely calls me my mother's analyst. There is some serious fretting going on. She wants us to drive down to Auburn to the bookstore tomorrow morning and she feels conflicted and worried about it. Charlies supposed to be bringing us homebodies some grilled rib-eyes and mom wants us to hurry and be home when he arrives with our food.

My task is to get my mother to the bookstore down in Auburn in a timely and safe manner. I also have ulterior motives in that I want a large Sonic chocolate shake and a Sonic bacon, egg, and cheese toaster sandwich.     

Sausage Biscuits Please...

http://www.eatthis.com/

Charlie just has left. As usual, he was making jokes about his hair.

"Try to do a combover in the opposite direction," I told him choking back a laugh.

I rearranged my den and hung some more pictures late yesterday evening. Charlie came inside to look at my handiwork.

"We've got to get you another rug for your den," Charlie told me. "I will be on the lookout for one."

I moved my den area rug into the computer room leaving nothing but hardwood floors in the den. It will be awesome if Charlie could find me another rug.

This morning's breakfast was simply just three sausage biscuits and a large Coke. I am currently relishing my soda and will eat my biscuits in just a little bit.

Can I Have Breakfast in Bed?

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/

"Charlie's coming in the morning," I passingly told my Maggins after my father had left for the evening.

Maggie looked longingly out the den window as my father sped off towards home into the dark of the night.

We finished the medication ritual and dad brought me a big plate of spaghetti and meat sauce, buttered and toasted barbecue bread, and a salad with ranch dressing. I was chomping at the bit to eat my meal.

Dad then got to watching an old Seinfeld rerun and it delayed matters. I've never watched the original run of Seinfeld and had to admit it was pretty funny. My favorite macabre show is The First 48 on A and E.

Have I ever told you my father is a television addict? The TV is turned on as soon as he enters the house. His favorite show at the moment is Foyle's War. He was also a big Downton Abbey junkie. See the British trend going on here?

Maggie took my Charlie comment literally and ran to the couch and den window to watch out for Charlie's arrival.

"You're in for a long wait, doll, if you think he is coming tonight," I told my dearest Mrs. Maggins.

She will soon amble back to the bed after I turn off all the lights for the evening.

Note to Self -- Unplug Phone...

https://www.tumblr.com

Maggie and I were in the bed sound asleep when the phone rang abruptly this morning.  I stumbled into the computer room to answer it as I feared something must be bad wrong or out of kilter. The phone rang once signalling it was my mother. I quickly called her back.

"Is it Saturday or Sunday?" my mother asked me through a Xanax haze.

"Mom? Do you know what time it is?" I asked with the kindest voice I could muster.

"6pm in the afternoon," she said completely unaware of what she had just done.

"It's 6am in the morning," I replied miffed. "It is still dark and growing light outside."

The twilight must have throw her off. This is not unusual at all. Mom will often call me to ask what day it is or what time it is.

Mom apologized profusely and by some miracle of the gods I managed to go back to sleep and the Magster and I slept until 10am.

Starting to Look Like a Computer Room Around Here...

Treated Myself to Lunch...

I left my therapist in good spirits this afternoon. I stopped at Red Lobster and ate a mighty fine plate of fried shrimp.

One of my favorite things about Red Lobster is the cheddar bay biscuits and a cold salad amply drizzled with blue cheese dressing. Oh, now ya talkin'.

Barbara and I worked on finding things that trigger my anxiety and how to avoid them in the first place.

"I just can't ignore my family," I told my therapist crestfallen, "And they are a major source of my anxiety."

A Boon Called Breakfast...

Yes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day around here. This morning I only cooked cheese toast, but it was delicious in all its simplicity. I have to be careful with Maggie's portion and let it cool sufficiently before giving it to her. Dad remarked last night the I was going to constipate that dog with all the cheese I feed her. I just smiled broadly with a chuckle.

Video Games have been my modus operandi for the week. I am playing three games for the original Sony Playstation at the moment -- Grandia, Lunar: The Silver Star Story, and Chrono Cross. I am sort of enthralled at the moment. It is not often I get in these gaming moods so I have to roll with the punches so to speak. They sure can pass the time during some of the endless days I seem to have to contend with lately.

Today is also the day to see my therapist. I have to be at my therapist's office at 2pm in Auburn. My father offered to tag along, but I told him I couldn't be really free to speak my mind to Barbara with him in the room. I hope Barbara can shed some light on the resurgence of my phone phobias.

Maggie Claiming Her Spot On the Couch...

INGRID MICHAELSON - "The Way I Am" - (official music video)

Hair Assistant...

Sunday, this is what I told Charlie he needs for his hair. A personal assistant for his combover.

It Warms My Heart...

http://www.fooducate.com/

"You hungry?" I asked my Maggie as I put some scrambled eggs into a paper bowl.

Maggie's tail was wagging wildly as I smiled broadly. I also put two slices of very crispy bacon (the hallmark of Black Label bacon) in the bowl as well.

We had scrambled eggs, Black Label bacon, and White Lily frozen biscuits this morning for breakfast. It was such a good feeling to have food in the house again. A good feeling indeed!

I got several canisters of Kroger brand "Crystal Light" last night and it isn't half bad, but it sure was expensive. I also got 4 gallons of milk and two big bags of Kroger brand frosted flakes. My "sweets" this week were four slices of Edwards lemon meringue pie. I will have to be judicious and make them last all week.

My impulse buy was a $2.99 can of Kroger "salt and pepper" peanuts and they were absolutely terrible. I like spicy foods, but these were even too peppery for me.

Mom called me this morning and asked me if I got enough cereal. I got two bags where I normally get three. She stopped by on her way home from the hairdresser today to give some more money for frosted flakes so I wouldn't have to debit it later in the week.

I tell ya it's like feast or famine around this house every week. Tonight, mom is bringing me chicken fajitas for supper from El Rio Grande.

Careful Where You Tread Andrew...

http://triadstrategies.typepad.com/

I called my father around lunch for him to put my Cokes out on the porch. I had gone back to bed and woke up this afternoon.

"I'll be over in about five minutes," I told my father and we got off the phone.

The bridge to mom and dad's house is still out since Christmas and I have to drive through downtown past the police station to reach my parent's house. This always reminds me to buckle up.

Dad had the back door open signifying mom and him were receiving visitors. I casually asked my father if we could take my medications sometime this afternoon as I am feeling shaky. He said that would be fine. I have to be careful when I do this or I might get my feelings hurt. We didn't set a certain time, though, and it is worrying the crap outta me. I've am a lot like my mother on these regards and we deal in absolutes, not nebulous promises. I love my father, but he can be so hard on me at times -- always thinking the worst things about my motivations. I just simply want to feel better and will after taking my medications.

Grocery Day Ruminations...

https://ideasmelimelo.wordpress.com

I've learned to be careful what I tell my mother. It gets back to my father and what he says gets back to me as well. My father made the comment to my mother that he didn't understand how I can drink 4 gallons of milk a week. I think I might just get Milo's sweet tea tonight.

It is going to be a status quo kind of grocery shopping night. No surprises. We will round out tonight's shopping with a lot of Asian themed frozen meals. I am also going to try some of those powdered drink mixes like Crystal Light. I normally drink gallons of water every week, but the water is getting old and it needs some oomph.

What I Got Done This Morning...

I woke up at 5am and couldn't go back to sleep. I decided to be industrious rather than a slug browsing the internet. I got to cleaning my kitchen and especially the fridge. I don't think the fridge was this clean when it was brand new. I get in these cleaning moods and just have to roll with the punches.

Excessive Baggage...

http://tvtropes.org/

Most fried chicken Sundays I get everyone's drinks. Tonight was no exception. Charlie had four large cokes for me. It was a windfall to be sure. I laughed at the gluttony and completely wanton excess I was about to enjoy.

"You should be a happy camper tonight," my father said loudly as he and Charlie walked across my front yard. "You've got four Cokes to drink tonight."

Yes, I was a very happy camper. Such surprises are the zest of life.

"And you know I will drink every one of them," I bantered back at my father with a smile.

In my box of KFC chicken was a wing piece (deboned for Maggie), 2 breast portions, a buttery biscuit, cole slaw, and mashed potatoes and gravy.

I know I have bitched very vocally in the past about bland KFC chicken, but I am learning you can doctor it up some and make it taste better. Tonight's chicken will be eaten with liberal dollops of spicy Louisiana-style hot sauce. It is also delicious dipped in Kikkoman soy sauce (if rather salty).

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie...

http://www.funnyfidos.com/

It so very nice being on a "normal" sleeping schedule. 11pm will roll around and I about can't keep my eyes open much longer. I won't wake up until around noon feeling so refreshed. It really is a blessing for someone like me who's had chronic sleep problems. I think a lot of it has to do with the lack of structure in my life.

Charlie arrived this morning right on schedule with a sack full of McDonald's food.  There were two bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits and a sausage biscuit. I was greedy and ate both bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits and let Maggie have the sausage biscuit. I especially adore the large regular Coca-Cola Charlie brings me every Sunday. I can get tired of drinking diet Cokes.

Mom called me last hour saying she didn't know where my father was and needed someone to put her regimen of eye drops in. I drove over and performed my parental care duties for the day. My other motive was to get my sodas and a few cigars. Mom takes everything so literally. If the bottle says two drops every six hours then she will follow these instructions with due diligence.

I drove around a bit after an Arby's lunch to check on some diphenhydramine HCL prices. They wildly vary from one store to the next.

The prices are for a 24 pack of 25mg allergy tablets...

• Kroger $3.33
• Piggly Wiggly $1.39
• Wal-Mart $1.88
• Givorn's Foods  $3.49
• Fred's  $1.85
• Family Dollar $1.69
• Dollar General $2.00

A Good Rib-Sticking Breakfast...

"You hungry girl?" I asked my very anxious companion, Maggie, with a grin as I put some scrambled cheese eggs and cheese grits in a paper bowl and placed then on the floor.

Maggie's tail was wagging wildly as she sat near the stove looking upwards.

I really can't get going unless I've had a good rib-sticking and delicious breakfast like this morning.  I also cooked buttery toast and some cheese grits. I hate to brag as I am usually a very modest fellow, but I've got cooking really good grits down to an art form.

"You ate that so fast I bet you didn't even get a chance to taste it," I told the Magster chuckling just mere moments after putting her bowl of food on the kitchen floor.

I sat at the kitchen table staring off into space as I ate my meal. I had a lot to think about today. I am definitely a space cadet this morning even though I had a very fitful bout of sleep last night.

My Carpe Diem is Kaput...

http://vgboxart.com/

I don't feel like doing anything except being a homebody today. I had it in my head that I was going to spend some time down at the tracks photographing trains, but that idea got axed as my motivator seems broken. I guess it is going to be a day of being a hermit, playing with my computers, and indulging in video games. I can sit happily in front of this computer for hours when I get in one of these kinds of moods.

Curious George...

George caught me as I was walking to my car this morning.

"Your hood is up a lot lately," he told me. "Are you having car problems?"

"I just got my engine cleaned and I like to look at it and admire my handiwork," I replied to George.

A big grin formed on George's face.

George had asked me the other day how to go about cleaning engines. I told him to get a can of degreaser at AutoZone and to spray it on, let it sit, and then wash it off.

Roy D Mercer - Bad Gas

Trouble in Paradise...

http://blogs.lawyers.com/

Mom was talking to me yesterday about how she can barely walk or bend over anymore. She called me like seven times (I'm not jesting) yesterday just wanting to talk about various issues in her life. Dad calls me my mother's analyst. As soon as I would get situated in front of my computer room computer then she would call again. She would let my phone ring once and then I would call her back.

"You have to keep in mind that you are 70 years old now," I told my mother matter-of-factly.

"Your father just callously says I need to lose weight and then I would be fine."

"Why don't you get your doctor, Dr. Bakshi, to sign you up for rehabilitation?" I said to mom.

Mom called me back very excitedly after thinking about it for a few hours and said she was going to start rehabilitation.

"It can't hurt to try," I told my mother. "I will drive you down to the hospital on days you need to go."

If dad gets a whiff that I encouraged my mother to try rehabilitation then I am in deep doo doo. He tells me to never encourage my mother in issues such as this. I am praying mom will not blurt it out to my father.

Many Thanks...

You're Learning Quite Well Young Grasshopper...

I spent most of this afternoon cleaning house. I am learning that if I do a little bit all along, I won't have one big mess to tackle down the road. I also got some much-needed laundry going. I was down to my last pair of clean socks. We won't even discuss the underwear situation.

Papa arrived at 9pm sharp to administer my many medications. He had been at work since 9am this morning. Today has seemed like an eternity to us both. I feel like I got my injection yesterday this morning seems so distant and far away.

Dad wouldn't sit down in my sofa in the den as he said he had dark pants on and it would collect Maggie's hair. Maggie just took it as a standing ovation for her I hope.

Maggie has gotten in the habit of wanting her kibble just mere moments after my father leaves. Dad never puts enough food in her bowl and I have to add some. Then, the bowl of dog food must be brought into my computer room and then it is consumed.

My father brought me some beautiful tomatoes tonight and I am fixing to go eat a mator sandwich with lots of Blue Plate mayonnaise and then I am going to hit the hay. 

New to Food-stamps? Here, Let Me Guide You Through it...

https://allquawater.com

I was just in the Piggly Wiggly picking up a few purchases. I got behind an elderly and completely stone deaf gentleman who was using his EBT (food stamp) card for the first time.

"Half of this stuff can't be paid with food stamps," the clerk apologetically told the man. "You can only buy food with food stamps."

He couldn't hear a damn thing she said. He just kept shaking his head in a yes manner.

I watched as the clerk had to void all of his nonfood items as he didn't have any other way to pay for them. I patiently waited and even offered to help until the manager could open up a new line. It would have been a socially phobic person's worst nightmare and I could feel the anxiety welling up inside of me with much sentiment for the elderly gentleman.

Mama! I Don't Want to Play Grownup Anymore...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Mom called me this morning and asked me if I wanted my Cokes.

"I need your help, though," she told me kind of clandestinely not wanting to completely reveal her disability.

"I will be over there in 5 minutes tops," I replied to her as I donned a jacket and headed for my car.

The skies were threatening rain something fierce.

I arrived at their house and mom had left the back door open. Mom couldn't bend over to get the Cokes in a bag and needed my help.

"Get you some of those cigars while you're at it," my mother told me. "Your daddy bought a whole bag of them across the river last night."

I was telling her how I told my father this morning I needed to debit another gallon of milk and he balked telling me I was drinking too much milk. Mom escaped back to her bedroom and got me $5 dollars out of her purse to go buy milk with at the Piggly Wiggly.

Mom also got busy making me two pimento cheese sandwiches for lunch. The pimento cheese was from that same deli downtown where my father had gotten that delicious chicken salad. The sandwiches were delicious as soon as they got creamy upon reaching room temperature.

Dear Kind Nurses of the World! Thank You!

There really is a super bunch of healthcare professionals down at Kamath Medical where I get my injection. Dee Dee, Pat, and my nurse Rebecca got me in and out in no time flat this morning.

"How long have we been doing this?" I asked Dee Dee who was filling out my next appointment card.

"Oh Lordy!" Dee Dee exclaimed with a hearty chuckle. "You've been getting your injection here for at least 5 years."

"At least!" she emphasized further.

I scuppered on out of the medical center and headed to Valley Pharmacy just up the road a-ways. I gave my father my next appointment card and grabbed two Cokes out of the cooler -- my reward for a job well done.  With my medical obligations now fulfilled for another two weeks, I headed towards my nice, safe, and quiet home and the Magster.

Meals On Wheels...

http://www.roadkilltshirts.com/

"Here is some roast beef hash and some cornbread Janice cooked tonight," Charlie said as we both stood at my open front door. "I've got Horsefly at the bowling alley so I have to run."

This was a complete surprise visit. Maggie was also barking so loudly that I almost couldn't hear Charlie speak over her raucous din.

"Has your daddy been by yet?" Charlie asked me as he headed to his Chevrolet across my front yard.

"I expect him any minute now Charlie," I replied to him reassuringly.

"You can then take your medications and then go to bed," Charlie told me kindly.

Soon, my father came slowly pulling up in front of my house to Maggie's elation. I refrained from eating just yet for reasons you all must know by now. It subdues and lessens the kick I receive when I am fully medicated. I will chow down when 10:45pm arrives.

Dad was exhausted from the past few days dealing with my mother's cataract surgery. I reminded him that my crazy med injection is in the morning and for him to please call me around 8am to make sure I am up and going. I've been sleeping to noon most days. I am setting my alarm clock as well.

Eyesight is a Blessing...

http://perlmancenter.com/

Mom had her cataract surgery yesterday on her left eye. I stopped by the hospital late yesterday afternoon to check on her. They were getting her ready to go home much to my father's relief. Mom seemed in a chipper mood and in good spirits. She said she felt no pain during the surgery even though she was awake for the procedure (that must've been uncomfortable). The Secretary gets excited about doctor's appointments, examinations, and surgeries so she was in her element yesterday.

I just called my father's cellphone and they were on their way back down the interstate to Auburn for a post-op follow-up visit with the doctor. I was hoping to get my sodas before they left. Close, but no cigar as that old saying goes. I ambled down to the Circle K on the corner to get a few Mountain Dew Baja Blast sodas to tide me over. Those sodas sure do have a kick with good taste to boot.

Holy Galaxies Batman!

You Know What Makes Me Happy?

I've watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens about 5 times now. I am so proud of Carrie Fisher and the role she played in the film. She has turned out to be a beautiful older woman. She's struggled with addiction and weight gain for years and years like me, and I was glad she could pull it all together and participate in this latest film.

Part Time Work...

It is tentative, but I've been putting out feelers about part time work today. I have visited several stores around the Valley inquiring about employment.  I can work with disability. I just have to keep the money I make under a certain level and there won't be any penalties. I want a menial, simple job with little responsibility like stocking shelves for a few hours every morning and then going home.

The only catch? I have to have a valid copy of my driver's license.  Dad keeps it away from me just for this very reason. Originally, it was to deter visits to the pawn shop years ago when I first quit drinking.

The manager at Family Dollar and Fred's Super Dollar said they'd both put me to work in the morning if I just had a valid copy of my license to drive. The manager at McDonald's told me to apply online.

I have a copy of my license, but it expired in 2011. I do have a copy of my social security card so we are halfway there. I also have a copy of my birth certificate that my ex-wife gave me. Maybe I can get a new license down at the office in Opelika.

Comment Replies...

glittermom said...

Do you eat it warm? What does he put in it?

Gittermom, it is best served while it is warm. It has all kinds of good stuff like celery seeds, crumbled fried bacon, mayonnaise, and vinegar. It is really tangy and delicious.

The Marvelous Mars Curiosity Rover...

When you picture these Mars rovers of late, you think they are small little agile mobile robots, but they are actually huge and larger than a car! Look how it dwarfs the scientists and engineers preparing it for launch.

Watch Out! The Germans Are Coming!

http://www.afeastfortheeyes.net/

Dad is currently in the kitchen cooking cube steak and gravy, butterbeans, and German potato salad. His German potato salad is some of the best I have ever eaten.

"I'll save you a plate for later," my father told me.

"Put me a bunch of potato salad on my plate!"

He laughed at my excitement and enthusiasm.

I just left my parents house after taking my medications early. It is just one of those days that happen from time to time when dealing with a mental illness. I needed some early TLC and my father didn't balk when I asked for some.

The Secretary started me a grocery list that she is going to give to my father when he leaves heading to my house tonight. Most of the things on that list are what I talked about in my previous post.

Just Do It!

https://thisthatandtheotherthang.wordpress.com

I had one left over fried chicken breast to last me until tonight and grocery time. I determinedly drove to the Piggly Wiggly to get some cereal and milk. I have learned to just buy it and worry about the repercussions later. It is my money after all and I was very hungry. I am tired of being a pussy about all that and my overbearing father,

Well, I got a gallon of whole milk and a large box of Kellogg's frosted flakes. I walked up front to check out and there was not a clerk in sight. I must've waited at least ten minutes until I heard a very young female voice say, "Honey? You ready to check out?"

"Yes ma'am," I replied with my Southern etiquette.

A cute looking little post high school brunette with stylish glasses rung me up and I was on my way.

"Sorry for making you wait," the girl said as I was leaving.

I just smiled and left the store. I was never good at conflict and derision. I got home and had a bowl of cereal while Maggie watched me eat it. It was one of the best bowls of frosted flakes I have ever eaten. I love that the milk gets sweet and then you can slurp it out of the bowl.

Grocery Day Ruminations...

I am craving Cheez-Its today. A big family sized box costs over $6 dollars, but I think I am going to ahead, spend the money, and get one tonight.  You know I will have to get my breakfast foods. I will also get cereal and milk which is my obsession at the moment. The Kroger brand frosted flakes taste sweeter than the Kellogg's version which is interesting to me. Kroger also has 10 cans of Chef Boyardee on sale for $10. I think I will pick up 10 cans of spaghetti and meatballs tonight to help stretch my budget a little farther.

Maggie Says, "Don't forget me!"

My father arrived at 9:10pm just after dusk. Hours after he left to go get our meals. I was almost going to call him and find out what was taking so long. I got worried he had been in a car accident or something similarly serious.

"Where is your daddy? Has he arrived yet?" mom kept calling me and asking me. "I am about to starve to death."

Mom knows very well not to call my father and hurry him along. It would make him angry.

So, the Magster got her usual chicken wing deboned and is one happy pups. I have yet to eat mine as I am waiting on my crazy meds to soak in which will be a little after 10pm.

"Mom? Dad has left here and is headed your way," I called and said to a very relieved parent.

Mom thanked me profusely for calling her and letting her know. She said she was at her "wit's end".

Oh dear lord! He Insinuated a Late Visit...

http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/

I drove over to get my diet Cokes for the day.  I had called my father and told him I was on my way. I was miffed when I couldn't get anybody to the door. I soon found out that dad was sitting on the side porch talking on his cellphone. Mom was sound asleep in the bed.

"Dad!" I hollered as I walked around the side of the house after knocking numerous times and ringing the doorbell.

I could hear my father talking.

I had left my keyring with their house key at home as well which would have really simplified matters.

Dad met me in the kitchen with my Cokes and a canister of chicken salad with a Ziploc bag full of Ritz crackers.

"That chicken salad was delicious," I told him after I arrived home and had eaten. "Did you make it? Maggie sure agrees with me!"

"I bought it at the new deli downtown," my father replied. "I will have to get you some more."

"That tasted just like your homemade chicken salad," I told him. "Well, I will see you and Charlie tonight."

"It is going to be awhile," my father warned me.

Well, that sounded foreboding and ominous. I didn't dare ask how long, though. It can't be that long, though, as Horsefly will get in a stir.

***************

http://yunbootcamps.com/

Charlie arrived this morning about 9:30am. I was laying in the bed when Maggie started whining and jumped off the bed to fly into the den. I slept in the front bedroom last night and could see Charlie's car pulled up to the curb. I hurriedly pulled on some shorts and met him at my front door just as he was beginning to knock. Charlie made another joke about his hair and then hurried along to take care of all his other deliveries. Charlie is a true blessing.

Marie's Magic Meatloaf...

This is what I had for lunch -- a slightly freezer burned Marie Calendar's meat loaf meal turned into meatloaf sandwiches. It wasn't half bad. I was so hungry that even the Magster was starting to look delicious. lol

I also just got back from getting my six pack of diet Cokes for the day. I put them in the freezer to quickly chill and the first drink was ice cold and heavenly. Mom was very kind today and put three Chef Boyardee beefaroni "microwave bowls" in with my drinks. I will cook them each for 5 minutes and then let them cool until they are edible.

I am looking forward to the morning when Charlie will be bringing Maggie and I three of these biscuits.

Expect the Worst and Hope for the Best...

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Dad didn't arrive until 11pm last night for the medication ritual. I was afraid to call him as he doesn't like my mother and I "keeping up with his business". Flying through my brain was the thought that he had way too much to drink at dinner and got pulled over for a DUI on his way to my house. I always expect the worst and hope for the best.

When that black Honda pulled up front at eleven, Maggie went absolutely crazy. She had about given up on Papa. She had watched every car pass my house for at least two hours only to whimper when it was not my father. I, too, was relieved that he was okay. I was as overjoyed to see him as much as Maggie.

To his credit, dad did bring me a double quarter pounder and cheese value meal. I ate my very delicious and meaty hamburger and crispy fries while they were still warm and promptly went to bed as it was getting way past my usual bedtime of 11pm.

I got dressed in my normal sleeping gear which is a very soft and white cotton t-shirt and plaid boxer shorts. I then turned the air conditioning down to 76°. "Sweet dreams," was the last thing I  said to Maggie as she lay at the foot of the bed as I got situated in my covers and I promptly went sound asleep about the time my head hit the pillow.

It Was Time for a Polar Pop...

As the time ticks towards my father's arrival, I found myself standing in line at the corner Circle K. Boy, was it busy tonight. Everybody in the Valley was buying gas, beer, cigarettes, and snacks this evening.

I had scraped up some change and a few dollars and was buying two 32oz polar pop drinks and three Big Mama hot pickled sausages. I hurried through this process as I was afraid I would miss dad's late evening arrival for the medication ritual.

Sometimes, I have a little trouble with moderation and promptly ate two sausages when I got home. I am an all or nothing kind of guy and it is my Achilles Heel. My mouth was on fire as a consequence. They are an acquired taste, but I love them. I was taunting the old heartburn monster that these kinds of foods can induce. Especially, the Sobe citrus drinks of which I got two without ice. One went in the fridge to be consumed when I take my medications. Those drinks are such a treat.

I had almost forgotten that my parents are eating out tonight with friends -- an older couple they've become acquainted with. It might be 10pm before my father arrives and I am not being pessimistic. I feel like I am in the army -- hurry up and wait. Miracles could happen tonight if they bring me a to-go meal.

Stiff Upper Lip as the Brits Say...

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Sometimes I get discouraged with how my life is going -- not often, but I did today. I got the third degree from my father this morning just asking for a gallon of milk as he was going to the grocery store. I am 44 years old and still having to grovel for a measly $2.77 gallon of milk.

"You just need to better plan your meals and food situation as Helen isn't coming back," my father told me brusquely.

Evoke Auschwitz Mantra...

Then I think, "You know what? You've got a pretty good life so you shouldn't complain."

I have absolutely no control over my father in what he says and does and I should take it all with a grain of salt.

It is also just a matter of perspective. There are millions upon millions of people on this good Earth who would trade places with me in a heartbeat and put up with little setbacks like this morning and the milk fiasco. I am blessed beyond measure.

I kept my composure and told my father that I am going to have to buy more groceries if Helen isn't coming back. I'm not doing anything different than I have for years now. Helen's meal today would feed me two days and then I would have Sunday morning biscuits and Sunday night fried chicken to hold me over till Monday and grocery day.

Well, I Got the Engine Looking a Little Better...

Review of Phantasy Star...

Phantasy Star
Genre: RPG
Year Released: 1988

Why You Need It: Is there any Master System game more revered than Phantasy Star? This epic role-playing game pre-dated Final Fantasy's North American arrival by two years and Dragon Warrior by one, making it the first big exposure to a hardcore Japanese RPG for audiences here. Compared to many RPGs of the era, defined by games like King's Quest and Ultima, Phantasy Star was revelation. The Master System, consistently proving itself to be technologically superior to the NES when in the hands of a capable developer, provided fertile ground for an adventure spanning three planets and dozens of hours. As you gathered up a party to avenge the death of tour brother, you engaged in hundreds of turn-based battles against large, colorful enemies. The overworld maps were lavishly detailed. The game is easy to play and understand, definitely more so than some of the esoteric RPGs that flooded in its wake on the NES.

Japanese commercial for Phantasy Star.

Phantasy Star was not a cheap game for the Master System. Toys R Us sold it for almost $80 when it debuted since the cart had more memory as well as battery back-up. It was almost a dare to gamers. If you were fortunate enough to score Phantasy Star in 1988, though, you were gifted with the doorway to an incredible escape. The game is not exactly cheap to find now, either. But if you want to have any sort of respectable Master System collection, you absolutely must start here. Otherwise, you're just painting over rust.

Article Credit: http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/18/the-7-master-system-games-you-need

Owl City - Shy Violet

Roy D Mercer - Prank call to the Police Chief

Would You Want Me Even if I am Not Myself?

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I was sitting in my parent's den this morning. Mom left the back door open signaling she was receiving visitors. The Secretary and I were both up early today and I was getting my sodas. Dad was at work I am sure busily filling prescriptions. Tuesdays and Thursdays are his days to work.

"Let's go get a Chocolate shake," my mother told me anxiously.

My father forbade my mother to ever drive on Hwy. 29 again.

"Go on downstairs to the portico and I will pick you up down there," I said, happy to oblige.

"I am really scatterbrained this morning," I told my mother as we had to wait on red light after red light in downtown West Point.

"Then we shouldn't have gone," my mother worrisomely told me apologetically. "I hate you're not feeling well."

"I don't feel that bad," I said in reiteration and clarification. "I just feel really weird to say the least. Sometimes weird can be a good thing for those of us who like to feel abnormal and out of the ordinary."

Mom offered me three Xanax, but I refused and we were soon at Sonic enjoying our chocolate shakes. The Xanax just would've just made me sleepy and out of it in a bad way. I have to be really careful what I say to my mother and do as well as it will surely get back to my father. Mom is like a leaky faucet on those regards.