May the Fireworks Be With You!

Happy New Years!

I Wake Up and the First Thing I Do Is Blog...

http://ispythingsdc.com/

Quite a refreshing and impressive looking nap you had there! It is 4:30 AM and you are going strong!

"When do you take your Christmas tree down?" was the question I posed for Charlie last night.

 Charlie said it was bad luck to leave it up after New Year's Day.

"At least, turn off the lights on New Year's Day," Charlie told me.

"But the lights look so pretty!" I exclaimed as I don't believe in all the pretentious nonsense about bad luck (claptrap). I am a prime example of shit just happens from time to time.

When I was a kid my mother would start taking down the Christmas tree on Christmas night and put away the ornaments. This quite stressed me greatly -- to the point my mother and I would argue vehemently about it. My father would have to come in and breakup the fight.

"New Year's Day Janice is cooking a pork loin, potato salad, black eyed peas, cornbread, and turnip greens," Charlie then told me. "I will bring you a plate."

An Imposter is Among Us!

http://www.fashionsort.com/

"That can't be dad," I told myself at the sound of very loud knocking on the front door, "It is way too early. Something must be wrong!"

It was almost 7 PM. Dad usually arrives around 10 pm these days. It was also too late for the Jehovah's witnesses as well. They go back to their spaceship around 6 PM.

I hadn't been awake for just a few moments and it took me a few moments to gather my wits about me. Maggie knew something good was up and immediately started to bark jubilantly and insistently at the front door. I opened the door and it was our humble Charlie who proceeded to make a grand entrance of himself -- boisterous would be a better adjective to describe our Charlie tonight..

"Hey Andrew! I am taking your fathers place this evening," Charlie told me.

Charlie was bearing gifts of a McDonald's double quarter pounder with cheese and a jumbo Coca-Cola. Charlie then immediately started to clean house after the medication ritual.

"I apologize Charlie. I know I am a terrible housekeeper," I told Charlie meekly.

"Yes you are, dammit!" Charlie said as he laughed.

It took Charlie to clean in 10 minutes whereas it would have taken me an hour.

"Horsefly is in the car and we are going bowling," Charlie told me. "Do you want to come with us?"

"I am going to stay home, but tell Horsefly to bowl his best game yet," I replied.

You Sent Me Flying...

http://starwars.wikia.com/

Thankfully, our little fit of rain and stormy weather had passed as I walked to my car to head to the pharmacy this morning. An hour before that, I was sitting in my recliner as nature put on a grand show of torrential rain, vivid lightning, and rumbling, house shaking thunder. Maggie slept through it all curled up in her favorite spot on the couch.

The wind was blowing so fiercely this morning that it blew off my Auburn cap and sent it flying across the pharmacy parking lot.  It came to rest against the wall of the ACE hardware store next door. I ran and grabbed it up before another gust began. I then announced to the pharmacy staff that I was having a bad hair day.

"You're right on time," my father said with a kind tone to his voice and a smile. "Go get your shot and then you will have the rest of the day to do what you want."

I want to catch up some on my sleep and the Magster is going to be my partner in crime. She loves climbing in the bed with me midday.

Gluteus Maximus...

My brain needed a tuneup so I headed to Kamath Medical.

"I thought Rogue One was a great movie," Rebecca, my nurse, told me as we sat in an examining room. "It had more of a Stars Wars feel than episode VII."

I also wanted to hear about her two precious daughter's Christmas. Rebecca said they had an awesome Christmas. They are both into Star Wars and Legos.

A Simple Line Of Storms...

The wind started to howling and blowing here a moment ago ahead of a cold-front.. It was 2:45 AM and I had just gotten back from Walmart. I had driven down there to get more bananas. Dad has me totally hooked on that fruit after putting some in my cart one evening months ago.

After looking at the radar, I wanted to call the security truck at Walmart and give him a heads up. We are fixing to get a pretty good line of storms to blow through and then it will turn markedly colder by tomorrow.

I also realized this morning is my injection of my Risperdal Consta. Thus explains my odd behavior. I do believe the holidays have got us all out of whack as far as our routines are concerned.

Blog Comments...

One of the Google Chrome extensions in my browser was disallowing me from reading and writing my comments. I've got it fixed and we are back in business. I apologize profusely to all who commented and will endeavor to check on past comments tonight. I thought it was a blogger problem.

Vertigo Central...

Raven's Eye

I drove over to mom and dad's tonight. It was about 8 PM. I had a bad case of vertigo and the doldrums this evening.

"What are you doing over here?" dad exclaimed worrisomely when he answered the back door. "I was just about to bring your medications."

I mumbled something about having lost track of my nights and days. I also insisted that I was very thirsty. My father was very concerned.

"Here's you a cold Coke and I will be over in a moment to give your meds," he told me. "Do you think you can drive?"

"I can drive fine," I replied to my father.

I was all mixed up about what day it was and what time it was -- nothing out of the ordinary for my mother, though. There are double standards for the both of us.

I got in my car and took the short way home by the police station. Thankfully, the streets were bereft of traffic.

Dad soon showed up at my house and he was extremely and very kind to me. I was more back to my old self by then. I had gotten woken up and a caffeine infused Diet Coke within me. I had even made some effort into cleaning up my kitchen and taking the trash out, etc.

12.5 Megapixels of Digital Camera Prowess...

Well, my camera arrived home safe and sound this evening. I am going to earnestly try to take more of my own photos for the blog.

Sugar Bowl Bound...

https://www.allstatesugarbowl.org

My father was over here late last night for the medication ritual, going strong and giving me my medications. I had almost given up on him when it got close to 10 PM. He was also trying to quite successfully organize a trip to see Auburn play in the Sugar Bowl.

"We've got to have you," he told my brother rather loudly over his iPhone. "You lived in New Orleans for years and years and can get us around."

My traveling with them would be too complicated because of my mental illness, alcoholism. and the plethora of medications I have to take.

"You can find me at the piano bar in the lobby of the hotel," I told my father with a sneer as a joke.

Dad laughed and told me that I looked like a piano bar.

The sad thing is he is more likely to get liquored up these days than I.

"I will make sure Charlie takes good care of you while we are gone," my father told me.

Refried Beans, Salsa, and Queso...

http://www.kitchme.com/

Mom and Mrs. Sandra were running very late tonight. Maggie and I were elated when they pulled up in front of my house. I kissed my mother on her cheek saying thank you and away they went after giving me a big honking bag of Mexican food.

I'm not big on refried beans at all, but I have found a way to eat them to my pleasure. I mix a cup of Pace salsa in with the beans, rice, and cheese. I then mix it all together for a tangy, rich amalgamation with a spicy bite and a kick to it. I often have to warm them for another minute or two in the microwave as well.

"Oh, I am forgetting your Cokes," my mother said coming to my rescue just before Mrs. Sandra hit the gas and drove off,

They were sitting upon the backseat of my mother's car. These will be a nice treat tonight after my father and I have taken my medications and fed and watered the Magster.

Now, I Can View the World in Pictures...

My Canon digital camera has been out of service for a few weeks with a broken mini USB port thwarting downloading any photos to my computer. I sent it to Canon weeks ago to get it repaired. I thought it would never get here due to the holidays and shipping matters. Package tracking says it should arrive tomorrow -- the package is in Lagrange to be delivered. Hopefully, I will have photos of my taking on the blog for the most part.

Delicate Computer Surgery Commenced...

http://www.pcworld.com/

My main Christmas present, the Radeon RX480 computer video card, has been installed and I had no hurdles to jump or any complications -- quite simply the most straightforward and easiest computer project I have undertaken in years.

I took my old Nvidia Geforce GTX 260 video card out but I removed the old Nvidia drivers first. I replaced it with the Radeon RX480 card. The computer booted to life right away with much elation from me and then I screwed the cover back on and installed the Radeon drivers.

Just Point Me in the Right Direction Johnny Otis...

https://www.hy-vee.com

"I'm just warning you," I determinedly told my father as we walked across Kroger's parking lot, "But I will probably go over $100 tonight."

Dad looked at me warily with his evil domineering eye, but didn't say a word.

"I also need Maggie's food as well which is an expensive $15 dollars," I told my father to soften the blow.

Maggie got Purina One venison and rice tonight.

"We need our Maggie's paper bowls as well," my father then replied.

Maggie gets a fresh and clean paper bowl with her food every night. I also use them for my nightly bowl of cereal before bed.

"I know you don't like me saying this, but you need more substantial and nutritious food," my father replied. "Let me help you and we will try several decent frozen meals."

My father helped me get some delicious looking but expensive meals tonite. I also got a big bag of Kroger shredded cheddar to kick them up a notch.

"Go get Maggie's food and our paper bowls and then we will be done."

The grand total was $107 dollars and my father didn't even flinch. I did very keenly notice that my father paid for tonight's shopping trip with his own debit card and not my disability debit card.

What Rock Did You Climb Out From Under?

"Are you kidding me?" I asked myself as I stood on my front steps gathering my wits about me. "It is about to get dark!"

And lord knows, I certainly don't need to be driving after dark today with my eyesight the way it is. I rolled the dice, gathered myself, and headed for my parent's house at breakneck speeds as it was almost after dusk. I was on a mission and I needed my sodas something fierce. A cigarillo would be very nice as well. You could still see the last light of day (twilight) to the west as I was walking to my car.

I was expecting it to be cold outside, but it was very warm -- over 70° degrees! I took off my jacket and away we went. Honda's heaven's to Betsy!

Samantha was on the back porch to greet me. There was not a light on in the house. Samantha was like, "Let me in! I am Hungry!" I sat on the cement bench outside my parent's house to give Samantha more attention. I was secretly hoping my parents would show up any moment now. I would let Samantha in, but my mother changed the alarm codes last week as she often does and I didn't know how to deactivate it.

Merry Christmas to All My Dear Blog Friends and My Dear Blog Denizens...

http://pcwallart.com/

I was just invited to the grand soiree tonight -- the hyperkinetic Christmas party at my parent's house. They throw this party every year.  I declined but acted very, very appreciative. My own special introverted version of Christmas is to be quiet, no stress whatsoever, no socialization, and plenty of time in front of my computer listening to really good music and perusing Wikipedia and my usual internet haunts.

"I'll fix you a big plate and bring some food when I come back to give you your medications tonight," my father told me.

I can say a lot of things about my father, but his most grandest feature is that he is a wonderful cook in the old South tradition. I didn't ask him what he was cooking and will leave that to be a surprise.

Some routines go on rain, shine, or snow regarding my medications. I'm not expecting too much, though. My father will probably be here around about midnight when he finally arrives. Maybe he will bring my Christmas Newegg order. Then I bill be up all night installing that video card and getting my computers situated. Sounds fun? Yes, it does!

My Special Friend...

https://www.youtube.com

I'm Lovin' It! I told Charlie last week that we were going to have to try McDonald's breakfast platter. It looks delicious. Charlie said it costs too much money and they are cumbersome.

My father told me something whilst taking my medications tonight all passively and Blasé-like. Charlie will be bringing breakfast in the morning instead of Christmas day. Bless that special man.

"He said he was bringing three bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits a day early," my father told me. "You know that Christmas is Sunday?"

"I may be clueless but I am not that clueless," I replied to his question.

Even the Decent Guys Have Indecent Nights and Days...

http://dailynewsdig.com/

This looked promising as I pulled into Walmart's parking lot at 2 AM this early morning -- plenty of places to park and the security guy looked like he was about to fall asleep in his truck. He had a severely bad case of the nods which made me smile. Walmart was thankfully deserted as I walked in. I looked at the only open register and the cashier was waiting for customers to ring up as she stood there and filed her fingernails.

"Ok, you have a green light to go," I said to myself to do some shopping.

I was mainly here to buy a cheap $19.99 pair of Sony headphones. I mistakenly tore up my old ones standing up quickly last night while that were still plugged in yanking them out of their phug and ruining them.

Ok, so I was ready to check out. I was already experiencing a great deal of anxiety as I was walking to the other side of the store to the registers. Could I get out of here that quickly and easily? That question would be met with a big no, zilch, nada.

Logjam...

My heart sunk very low in my chest as I encountered a long and growing line at register seven when I returned to the only open register. In the fifteen minutes I took to get my headphones, the store had grown crazy.

I couldn't bear the long line as I drew increasingly flustered and anguished. I walked into women's clothing, set my basket on the floor with the merchandise inside and left. Maybe, I will try again tomorrow night.

Newegg Saves the Day...

My mother just called me and sounded like she had been asleep for days -- almost like marbles in her mouth as she spoke. Bless my dear mother. She doesn't mean any harm. She says Christmas depresses her.

Mom then told me two packages from Newegg have been delivered down under the portico by the door.

"It says 'may contain awesome' on the box," mom told me.

Yes, that would be my Radeon RX 480 video card and the corresponding display port cables needed to connect it to my 2 Asus monitors.

"I can't pick them up with my back the way it is," my mother told me forlornly.

"Can I come and get them now?" I asked my mother rather anxiously with an air of desperation to my voice.

"Those are your Christmas presents and your daddy would kill me," she replied.

I couldn't help but laugh. Mom is more astute than she seems to be. I was beginning to think that they would never get here. Dad must've gotten the 7-day free super egg saver shipping.

"I am coming to get my Cokes and my cigarillos," I told my mother. "I will move the presents inside the foyer."

The Chuck Wagon is Just Mere Moments Away...

https://www.pinterest.com

"Where are you?" I asked Charlie over the phone.

"I am driving through Lafayette right now," Charlie replied. "Don't eat supper as I am bringing you a Jack's hamburger combo meal."

Charlie brought me Jack's one other time and it was quite tasty. I loved the crisp crinkle cut fries.

Here comes the small talk for which for which I am terrible and for which I hate...

"How was work today?" I then asked Charlie.

"Same old shit," Charlie replied. "At least it was quiet in the office today."

"Are you okay?" Charlie then asked me. "You sound nervous."

"I just got up!" I told Charlie. "It is going on six in the afternoon and I am just stirring. Maggie said no more to this sleeping business."

Charlie laughed and then I nervously chuckled.

"Well," Charlie said. "Give me thirty minutes to get to your house and we will take your medications and you will get a good meal. I got you the biggest soda they sell."

"Where is dad?" I asked Charlie.

"He had some Christmas party at your brother's house to attend," Charlie then replied. "See you in a few minutes."

Say Good Bye to Mr. Coyote...

http://www.bioexpedition.com/

As the wily coyotes proliferate in the dense nearby woods around the city, more and more prey needs to be found. They are encroaching on the city limits and people's cats and small dogs have begun disappearing. Animal control says they are working on the problem.

Mom and dad's new cat, Samantha, came up missing all last night and all day. Dad's a hardass, but he has a very soft spot for his pets. He especially loves his cats giving them all royal titles of different sorts. I know it is silly, but it is fun as well. We still haven't finalized Samantha's royal title. Dad said it would come to him when the time was right.

"I think the coyotes have gotten her," my father dourly said over the phone today. "Craig (the new pharmacy owner) said he shot one coyote last night in his backyard, but didn't get the other one of the pair."

Mom called my father late in the day.

"Sam's back and a little worse for wear," my mother told my father. "She's cold and hungry."

Dad said he actually jumped for joy in the pharmacy.

"Thank god!" dad told my mother. "And don't let her back out until I get home!"

Ah, Bless!

There's Christmas on the Wind...

http://www.homedit.com/

It was so very cold last night which means it is just frigid in the South  -- so cold I clamored to get all my groceries inside to shut the door to the inside behind me. Wait! Wasn't that a Inuit? An Eskimo?

One after another, I brought the bags inside and put them on my kitchen countertops -- four gallons of milk can get very heavy at almost 8 pounds for 1 gallon.

"Merry Christmas!" a female voice said in the darkness as I unloaded more groceries from my car last night.

It caught me off guard. A dog then barked very loudly and very closely which sent my Maggie into a barking tirade in the den.

I can't see well on a good day so I stepped out from under the light on my porch to see her better. My pupils dilated due to the dark and the person came into view.

"Merry Christmas to you, too!" I then fired back to the now known person.

It turned out to by my next door neighbor, Patty, giving her dog a potty break. We don't see each other much as a line of trees has grown up between our houses in just a matter of a few short years. It was good to see her, though.

Self Checkout Baby!

http://vectortoons.com/

We've got it going on tonight, Papa and I!

"Do you think we can buy all your groceries in one of the self-checkout lanes?" my father asked. "It is so much faster."

The only other option were the cashier manned registers and they were seriously backed up in customers.

"Let's give it shot," I replied to my father as I began to hand him my items to be scanned and weighed.

The attendant stood nearby ready to render aid as well if we needed it. He was the spitting image of Dave Chappelle if you remember that African American comedian who dropped off the face of the earth when he had just started a meteoric rise to fame.

Moments Later...

I was the doubting Thomas on these regards. I thought we would never be able self-check out such a large cart full of food.  Johnny Otis and I handled it with an aplomb, though, and my father gave me a high five when we were finished.

My father had more shopping to do so I headed out to my car to load it up and then drive home. There was a icy bitingly cold and briskly wind tonight and I was glad to get everything out of the car and put away in my Kitchen.

Woo Hoo! I Got an Accolade!

"I was getting my hair done today," mom said over the phone this afternoon. "Rhonda (mom's hairstylist) said your outside lights are beautiful."

Rhonda lives just down the street from me. I blushed a little bit when mom said that. Rhonda's not one to give credit when credit is not due. She is a very stoic and stern lady.

"Tell her I said a very appreciative thank you when you go back Wednesday," I replied to my mother.

"She also said she could see your Christmas tree out from the road."

I had secretly hoped in a vain moment that you could see that tree from the road.

I'm Very Cheap But I Drive a Very Fast Car...

I parked at Fred's this afternoon when a brand new Porsche pulled up beside me and parked as well. I love the deep, throaty exhaust note of those cars. I followed the very frumpy looking fellow into the store.

"Sir?" I quickly informed the man before he opened the door. "Your headlights are still on."

"They will automatically turn off in a few moments," the man replied almost haughtily.

"Do you sell earrings?" the fellow loudly asked the cashier on duty when he stepped inside.

"No," the Farah Faucet look alike said. "But there is a nice jewelry store downtown."

Charlie and Crew's Custodial and Renovation Services...

http://weheartit.com/

I had Charlie renovate my kitchen tonight (Just kidding), but it sounded like a construction crew seemed to be very busy working to get it all cleaned it up. Dad looked at me and rolled his eyes exasperatedly.

"He just can't sit down for 5 damn minutes and visit," my father told me. "He always has to be doing something."

My father and Charlie bicker like siblings.

My father was administrating my nightly medications during all of this.

"I heard that!" Charlie hollered from my kitchen as he cleaned my microwave and its stand.

"A little tip about microwaves," my father told me during this opportunity as he sat next to me. "I always put a piece of paper towel over what's cooking. It catches any splatter and keeps your microwave stay much, much cleaner over time."

Earlier, I had gathered all my trash and thrown it out knowing Mien Charlie was coming for our Sunday night feeding ritual. Well, Charlie found enough trash to fill to two full more garbage bags despite my best efforts of cleaning up.

Cluck or Swim?
Thankfully, no fried chicken tonight. Cya later KFC and the Colonel. ! Mom had made a special request for my father and Charlie to get us all Captain D's. I love the jumbo fried fish platter and it is sitting atop my stove as I wait the customary hour to eat after taking my crazy meds.

Feliz Navidad!

http://chefmom.sheknows.com/

Things are winding down here after a busy family centric day. I am so glad to be home at Casa de Andrew. Home sweet home!

I gave Maggie a big snugly hug as we sat tonight on the couch with the television on and as I changed into much more comfortable clothes. I feel as if I had run a marathon both socially and emotionally. I had a few moments of introversion and anxiety, but they weren't show stopping and crippling. Maggie was like, "Just where have you been young man?" She thoroughly sniffed my discarded clothes that were laying on the floor of my bedroom.

We had mom's side of the family in town today. They came from here, there, and some came from far away. My sister-in-law made crunchy fish tacos and beefy burrito supremes. Jennifer had a food bar of sorts for condiments and second helpings.

"Put some extra sour cream on mine," I told my sister-in-law as she smiled and complied.

I am a burritos supreme type of guy myself preferring spicy ground beef. I never warmed up to the fish taco fad. They were delicious, though, and something unique and different for a Christmas themed meal.

Earlier...

"You need to go," my father said pressuring me on the phone this morning. "These kids (my nephew and nieces) are going to grow up so fast and they will not get to know their uncle when they are grown."

"Pick me up at five this afternoon," I told my father nervously as I relented.

I immediately got to doing laundry so I would have something decent to wear.

"You ready?" my father asked a little later after my shower and shave. "We'll pick you up in about 30 minutes."

The Days of Christmas Past...

I would have to say my most exhilarating holiday was when a got a train set for Christmas. My neighbor, Todd, had a train layout in his basement and I was captivated. I was so ecstatic after picking it out of the Sears catalog (remember those?). Mom acted like it was too expensive, but I kept my hopes up. I thought Christmas day would never get here -- the days passing by at a snail's pace.

We had to eat Christmas dinner in god's country, Waverly, with my grandmother and her two sisters as we did every Christmas. My father about couldn't tear me away from my train set. This led to my discovery of the very endearing magazines Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman. I was forever hooked on model trains.

And the Cornucopia Floweth Forth...

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/

With the medication ritual done and behind us, the world is now my oyster -- computer and soda time till midnight, then off to bed. Yes, Papa John brought crazy meds and leftover vegetable soup tonight. He smelled kind of boozy, but not that bad. Thus continues his love affair with white Zinfandel.

There is also no words able to describe the deliciousness of my father's vegetable beef soup.As soon as my father left, I had it in the microwave for 5 minutes.

"Sorry about not having any cornbread," my father told me very apologetically. "I realized when I got back from the grocery store that I was almost out of cornmeal. I didn't have the heart to go back and get it."

"Shelby, Charlie's sister, made me a chocolate cake today and I will bring you some tomorrow after we cut it for the first time. It looks decadent."

I told my father to get a carton of full-fat Bavarian style buttermilk for his cornbread, but the caveat is that the evil empire of Walmart is the only place where you can go to get it in town. I told him he could send me in on a recognizance mission.

"It will make your cornbread taste absolutely heavenly," I told Big Papa John.

Sam, I Am!

Mom and dad's new cat has really made herself at home. She's one of the gang now with all privileges due.

"Did you get a litter box yet?" I asked my mother.

"She lets us know when she needs to go outside," mom replied.

"That would be awesome not having to deal with and use a stinky litter box."

Samantha then decided to check me out as she daintily and carefully jumped up into my lap.

"I've never heard a cat purr that loud before," I said with a broad smile as I pet her. "And she is so very soft. I am used to Maggie's wiry hair."

"What would my Maggie think?" I then asked my father who was sitting across from me,

"Maggie would eat that cat alive!" Dad said laughing and I laughed as well.

My main goal when I drove over is to get my sodas and a couple packs of cigarillos. It was a gamble driving over before calling on the phone. You cannot get my parents to the door most times. Luckily, mom came to the door after I rang the back door bell.

The Christmas Spirit Embodied.,.

http://www.wwgdb.com/

"I got you some more ornaments for your Christmas tree," Charlie told me as he stepped inside last night and handed me a big Arby's bag of food. "I also got you a Reuben sandwich from Arby's and some curly fries."

"Dad told me you were on the way tonight," I replied. "I was hoping to see you and Horsefly!"

"Horsefly is being unsociable until we go to the bowling alley. We've yet to go bowling tonight."

"I ate a few of your curly fries," Charlie then said. "Those things are extremely addictive."

I just smiled broadly and then laughed. Maggie was about to go nuts until Charlie acknowledged her, though.

"You're going to have to greet and pet the lady of the house," I told Charlie about Maggie. "Then we may proceed."

http://dayna.tdgservices.com/

"How's my Maggie Lou doing?" Charlie told my Maggie with a big back scratch all the while talking in babytalk.

The Magster looked in pure ecstasy and her dream was fulfilled for yet another day.

"Look at this!" Charlie said as he then pulled a stark white crocheted angel out of a bag. "That goes on the top of your tree."

"Thank you Charlie," I replied. "We always had one of those angels on the Christmas trees of my youth.

Pass the Baton...

http://storiesfromtheroad.typepad.com/

I've had a quiet, dreamlike, and pleasant afternoon mostly listening to old music minidiscs I've recorded in the den over the years and reading old Model Railroader magazines as well. Maggie spent her time policing pedestrians on the road in front of my house. The time just flies when I do that. Then?

Unleash the hounds...

It was good to see my father pull up in front of my humble abode this evening. Maggie's been sitting and looking out the den window and she alerted me to his arrival.

"Has your mother called you today?" my father asked after ingressing into my home. "I am hoping for a soft landing when I arrive at my garage. She's been suspiciously quiet today."

My father was heading home from the pharmacy he once owned. He worked 10 hours today and he gives me my medications every night on his way home from work and his day's off as well. I like it when he gives them to me after work as he seems much more prompt on those days. He is not mesmerized by the television -- the contraption he can barely tear himself away from.

"Mom called and asked me what the time was this afternoon," I replied. "I told her to look at the clock on her bedside table, but she said she didn't trust it."

Dad smiled generously and shook his head amusedly.

"Your mother's a pistol," my father replied. "Just like her mother was before her."

"Leta (mom's mother) could out-do them all!" my father said chuckling and laughing.

I always called Leta in the kitchen and my mother as well with an affliction called "bake and hate". They will get Christmas dinner ready, but they would resent you for it as well -- slamming kitchen cabinet doors disgruntledly. Dad loves for me to talk about that affliction as I was the grandchild who came up with the phrase.

"Charlies coming next," my father warned me with a grin. "Things are about to get busy at your house and you know he will have something good to eat as well.

I'll Meet You At McDonald's...

Now, I would enjoy breakfast much more if McDonald's had their full menu all day instead of just breakfast all day. I was hungry for and wanted a Big Mac and french fries this morning.

http://www.businessinsider.com/

"You ready to go?" my father chirpily asked over the phone this morning at 8 AM. "I'll meet you at McDonald's in ten minutes."

I had barely just awoken and gotten dressed and then I was on super busy Hwy. 29 jockeying for position. It was a rude awakening. Again, it felt like another crazy NASCAR race that I was competing in. I thought to myself that my elderly mother certainly didn't need to be driving in traffic like this. This is why she is banned from driving on 29.

Dad was sitting in McDonald's eating his sausage biscuit, having a cup of coffee, and looking at the weather on his iPhone when I walked inside. He handed me a ten dollar bill and told me to order some breakfast.

"Are you okay?" my father asked. "You are acting like a space cadet this morning."

"I'm fine," I said. "Just 30 minutes ago I was sound asleep in my bed, though. You have to also realize my medication levels in my bloodstream are also low."

I ordered two sausage biscuits and a large Coca-Cola reminiscent of all the Sunday mornings Charlie brought me this meal.

There was a brand new Porsche Carrera convertible sitting in Kamath's Medicals' parking lot this morning as I walked inside the doctor's clinic to get my injection.

"Who's is driving the metallic-silver Porsche?" I nosily asked my nurse Rebecca. "Is it Dr. Kamath?"

Rebecca had no idea, but she said Dr. Kmath drove a silver Mercedes. She walked out into the parking lot to take a gander.

There Are Many Things On My Plate Tonight...

http://www.easy-outdoor-decor.com/

The photo of the house is not mine, but I thought it was beautiful. 

Various things are going on tonight at Casa de Andrew. I finished installing all my outside lights with quite a big scare on my step ladder as I had almost fallen. I realized then if I wasn't more careful then I would spend Christmas in a cast or a wheelchair which wouldn't be very fun. It is hard to build and install computer parts when you can't get out of a wheelchair.

Flash Forward to Tonight...

"Oh, I love your lights!" my father said very excitedly and proudly as he walked across my front yard on his nightly visit. Maggie was barking like crazy when she only gave us a lackluster and sleepy greeting last night -- nary a bark out of her and she was plainly ready for bed.

"You're are almost the only one on your street that decorated this year!"

Dad bought me 8 boxes of 100ct. multicolored lights and I used them all.

The phone rang once as soon as Dad and I got in the house good. That was my cue to call The Secretary back at home. Dad's biggest pat peeve of his with me is the way I handle the phone and monitor my phone calls.

"Don't forget to give Maggie her flea and heartworm medications," the secretary then said over the phone. "Your father should have them in a Ziploc bag in his pocket along with a can of Vienna sausages."

Vienna Sausages is a treat for Maggie being a good girl and talking all her medications without a fuss. She relishes the stuff after I warm it for about 30 seconds in the microwave.

"How many antibiotics does Maggie have left?" my father asked me planning ahead for the holidays.

"There are three left in the bottle," I told my father.

"Magie looks so much better and I proud of you for handling that like a responsible pet owner."

We then took my medications. I am praying that Klonopin I take will help me fall asleep early since I woke up today at 3 PM. I still don't know why I slept so late today.

"Your injection is in the morning," my father told me again.

"Shit!" I muttered under my breath.

"Do you want me to call you and wake you up?" he asked.

"Do it as a failsafe measure," I replied.

"Come on, let's get in my car and drive around the block to see what your Christmas lights look like from the road," dad said as he coerced me into his car.

Looking Ahead to the Holidays...

"Christmas parties are for extroverts," I told my father very carefully last night not wanting to offend anyone. "I am mostly an introvert these days."

"I understand those are hard for you," my father replied. "If you change you mind then you can ride with us to Auburn."

My feelings were that I felt guilty for not going. My mental heath comes first, though. I want to enjoy Christmas rather than being at some frou-frou party. Charlies having a Christmas party as well. Maybe I can get up the gumption to go to that party. It is more of a close-knit affair.

The Christmas Puzzle...

The last piece of the puzzle has been put in place for me as far as Christmas gifts go. I got Matt at the pharmacy to order the video card I have been wanting That's going to be my prized piece of Computer gear this year.

This is a Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 480. These cards got stellar reviews and at a very extremely competitive price ($250).

Honestly? I don't play many computer games these days, but I want to be ready if I decide to play them once again. I am pretty decidedly a retro-gamer now.

Nuzzles, My Nuzzles...

Maggie woke me up at 3:00 pm. I certainly had slept enough -- not meaning to sleep so long. She had sleep enough as well -- enough where she decided it was time for both of us to be awake. Maggie was very theatrical about the whole affair being so bold at to nuzzle my armpit with her moist and cold muzzle.

Miracles Do Happen...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spock

"There are no such things," as Spock of Star Trek fame would say of miracles.

Welcome to America's miracle network and we don't mean Benny Hinn (that scheister).

Dad has steadfastly complained each night that Kroger was out of so many things. I am sure others have. too.  Well, they were stocking the store at 9 PM tonight which was encouraging and found me an excitable happy-go-lucky guy. I am easily amused most times.

I was able to buy everything on my grocery list tonight. Things like store brand frosted flakes and Vienna sausages. I haven't been able to get some of these items for over a month.

After a drought of these many things, I was also able to get my delicious creme filled and chocolate iced Krispy Kreme donuts as well. It is $3.99 for a box of six so it better damn taste good.

The End Times...

"I would  have never run my business that way," my father told me in a Deja Vu moment tonight again as we walked to our cars.

https://www.pinterest.com

It was pouring rain, cats and dogs, this evening as I was loading up my groceries into my CR-V. I got soaking wet tonight and a hot shower after arrival home had to suffice. I thought I would never got all my groceries in from the car with water dripping off the bib of my baseball cap.

"I would help you," my father said as he climbed into his Honda. "But I feel a head cold coming on."

"You would catch the death of you out here," I told my father. "Don't worry about it."

My father was earlier remarking how little food I had in my cart upon checkout. The tally came out to be $75 which silenced the critics.

Rinse and Repeat...

Do you really have to wash your hair twice as it says on the bottle? Rinse and repeat?

The Danger Zone...

Dad told me this afternoon that my getting six gallons of milk last week embarrassed him. Tonight is our grocery store visit and my father was coaching me on what to get. I still have one gallon of milk from last week and it was kind of nice, ya know? I love the stuff.

"It was kind of excessive don't you think?" he then coaxed me into replying about the milk and asked me so with anxious and angry looking furrows in his brow.

He has to be careful around me and he tiptoes around my feelings. I am certainly a wildcard on these regards.

"Yeah, I guess so," I replied crestfallen.

"It is only $2.99 for a gallon, though," I interjected.

I've learned to choose my battles wisely and we will just get 4 gallons of milk tonight and I will buy some later if I need it. That way it won't embarrass my father.

There wasn't much I could say. Dad is now off to get me Christmas lights for yard and the outside of the house. It was causing me a bunch of anxiety so he took charge and told me he would get them. He offered and I accepted. He also seemed quite excited about the whole affair. I am quite excited about this as well and I will probably still be out at dusk still putting up lights.

That White Boy Sho Could Eat Some Fried Chicken...

https://www.japantoday.com

I thought Charlie and Papa would never get here tonight. They were down on the great plains in Auburn visiting with a very good friend who has prostate cancer. In a moment of less stoicism, Dad got choked up telling me about J.L.They had both lost track of the time which is understandable. I always suspect car troubles when this happens or organizational mishaps. If there is a flat tire in the family, then I am the first one called.

Charlie stayed down in Auburn while my father took charge, drove back to the Valley, and got us all our meals which is quite a gargantuan task for two folks let alone just one. My father was flying solo without his trusty wingman tonight.

My father is also a very snazzy dresser due to Charlie's guidance/influence and had on a very colorful and stylish Christmas sweater tonight which befitted him. I complimented on it which put a big smile on my father's face. He's like the rest of us and enjoys some flattery as well.

Evoke Auschwitz Mantra

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Dad got me the default 3 piece chicken meal from KFC. No complaints here. I was just very hungry and was very glad to get it. I made two big toasted chicken sandwiches out of chicken from my two breast pieces. The slaw had an extraordinarily strong kick of horseradish which I enjoyed as well.

I've put my father to the task of getting me more Christmas lights for the yard and outside the house. He gladly asked which prompted this and said he would get some tomorrow. I told him to get me a few extension cords as well. We are going to light up Casa de Andrew.

Just Another Sunday Morning in Andrew's Humble Casa...

http://www.memoryamerica.com/

Charlie's been by my house this morning  He was spreading Christmas joy from McDonalds around to all his friends. I was the proud new owner of four very hot sausage biscuits.

I was asleep as Maggie ran to the front door joyously barking. I was jolted awake by the Magster's antics.

"I don't have anything on but my briefs and a t-shirt," I told Charlie from the other side of my closed and locked front door.

I could hear Charlie chuckling on the other side of the door. Charlie didn't mind. He's seen me in my birthday suit before.

"Janice's computer is on the fritz again," Charlie told me before he left.

"Tell her to reboot it and if that doesn't help then I will come right over this afternoon," I told my good buddy, Charlie.

"How do I reboot it?" Charlie asked.

"Press and hold the power button until it turns off and then start it up again with the same power button," I told Charlie. "Firstly, make sure it is plugging up."

In computer repair, always try the simplest things first. This is also an excellent example of why you don't buy a $300 eMachines at Walmart. It is antiquated as soon as when you pull it out of the box. Janice has had nothing but problem after problem with her computer and mainly uses her nice Dell laptop which is her saving grace. She is a big Facebook junkie.

Björk - I See Who You Are

By Hell's Heart in Hades, I Shall Have Some of Your Supper...

https://foodirl.com

Tonight was the Christmas party for the pharmacy and crew. I was surprised when my mother stayed at home (faux pas). I was invited by my father's co-pharmacist but politely declined. Even though I had done laundry all day, my excuse was that I didn't have anything to wear. (little white lies maybe?)

"I appreciate the invite Angie, but I don't have anything to wear," I replied.

Maggie and I anxiously waited for my father to arrive at Casa de Andrew for the Medication ritual. We both took our perches on the back of the couch. I was almost hoping that Charlie would be by like the cavalry tonight bringing Christmas joy and possibly an Arby's roast beef or two for everyone.

I grew hungry as the hours passed and was eating some Chef Boyardee beefaroni I had just nuked in the microwave -- the kind that comes in the big and convenient microwavable bowls. It is mediocre fare, but it stops the hunger pangs economically yet lacklusterly.

Well, the Magster went absolutely nuts when she smelled that pasta dish. I have never seen her beg so much with me for food. It dawned on me fifteen minutes later that she wanted some of that pasta as well. By this time, she was barking at me. I don't much care for the ravioli I had in the cupboard so I put some in a paper bowl and warmed up some before giving it to the Magster. She was quite happy and proud of herself that I finally got with the program and she ate every last morsel out of her paper bowl.

We'll Soon Have Christmas After a Long Nap...

Dad is putting the final touches on his very pretty Christmas tree this afternoon. Dad had colored lights this year which I wholeheartedly approved of and the grandkids will like it too. White lights are so passé it seems to me.

Dad and I are going later to get Charlie's Christmas tree up and rolling. Janice, Charlie's wife, is going to cook all of  us a southern style supper. Dad also said she had some spiced tea on the stove simmering when he was over there.

"The whole house smelled of cloves, cinnamon, and citrus," my father said.

"Where is Santa's little helper?" I then asked my father of my mother noticing my mother was nowhere to be seen.

"We're having a little too much Christmas today and she had to go lay down," my father said laughing.

I had to smile as well.

Welcome to a Xanax Sponsored Christmas...

http://www.paperepiphanies.com/

Well, mom did it -- the colossal task. My father and I thought it couldn't be done. She got her old dosage of Xanax reinstated after her doctor had cut the dosages in half. Dad said she called and raised hell with Dr. Backshi -- that her panic attacks were making her miserable and that they were coming back in full force.

"I almost didn't believe it at first, but she is back to taking 3mg per day," my father told me.

That's the secretary. Me? I wouldn't have the chutzpah to do what my mother did yesterday. Especially doing it over the phone.

Once in a Blue Moon...

On Christmas Eve 2015, we had our first (that I know of) Christmas snow in my lifetime. Maggie and I were so elated. The odds were astronomical and stacked against us, but it happened. There was snow covering the ground on Christmas day and you know it had to be magical for all the kids in the South and Alabama specifically. Maggie couldn't quite figure out what this what stuff was. I would've made a snow angel,  but it would have messed up my hair.

No snow here this Christmas, but the pervading cold is creeping in from the great northern and frozen wastelands (Canada). It is supposed to get down to 24° degrees tonight. It is already uncomfortably cold outside. I am fixing to drive down to for a few 79 cent drinks, get on the internet while I drink them, and then soon I will be headed for bed.

Settle Down Now! Settle Down!

It is getting close to my bedtime and everything seems frenetic and full of energy this evening. Charlie bought by some Christmas tree preserver to pour in the Christmas tree's water bowl to make it last longer. He also brought a Mickey D's Big Mac combo meal.

"Your father was complaining about your Christmas tree being a fire hazard and drying out before Christmas so this could help," Charlie told me after a man hug.

My father was hot on the heels of Charlie. Dad brought me some more leftovers to eat tomorrow. We also took my crazy meds or behavioural modification medicines as I like to call them.

Downtown Welcomes Christmas As Well...

I just drove through downtown on my way home from my parent's house. The city went all out and downtown looks beautiful this year. Moreso than last year's meager attempt.

I am so excited about Christmas and I can feel it in my bones that the holidays will be good for most and especially me after some rough Christmases in my past. I might even join in on any family get togethers defying any social anxiety I might experience.

Dad and I were standing in their kitchen a moment ago.

"Your fly is open," my father just notified me of my clothing mishap.

My father was getting us a hotplate ready for supper.

"Sheesh," I told my father. "I hope I didn't just go into Fred's looking like that."

I turned red with a blush as I zipped up my pants. Dad got a very hearty laugh out of that.

Dad was cooking cube steak w/gravy, steamed broccoli, and buttery sticky rice. I look forward to my plate of food later this afternoon. Dad cooks the cube steak so very tender you can cut it with a fork.

Family Dynamics...

http://everyinvestor.co.uk/

"Dad's on his way home from the medication ritual and my house," I told my mother over the phone. "He has just left."

Mom loves it when I give her a little heads up like that. She says that waiting on my father to get home drives her crazy. He can come at 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM -- you never know. The pharmacy closes at 7 PM.

"Oh good!" my mother replied with a perky tone to her voice. "I missed him today. I'll be glad when he is officially retired."

"A little friendly advice from someone who has lived on both sides of the fence," I began to say.

"Let dad get settled down in his recliner with the TV on, and with his glass of Zinfandel in his hands before you drop any hard questions on him."

"I was going to talk to him about Connie and going back to Soft Tissue Therapy," my mother replied chirpily.

"Now's not a good night," I told my mother rather apologetically. "He is tired so let him relax and talk to him on his day off tomorrow. You will probably find him much more amenable in the morning."

Road Blocks to Christmas Gifts...

I emailed Matt (my father's computer guy at the pharmacy) and sent him what I wanted from Newegg for Christmas. My father actually instigated this and not I which is interesting and surprising to me. Matt sent me back an email and wrote that he would take care of it.

I then got a phone call from the pharmacy...

"They are sold out of the speakers you want to get. Do you want to try another set of speakers?" Matt asked me.

Dammit!

"We will wait a few days to see of those speakers come back in stock," I told Matt. "I had my heart so set on those Logitech speakers."

Retail Therapy...

Mom was calling me early today wondering if she should get back to visiting her soft tissue therapist (sports medicine).  It has been about 3 years since she last went to see Connie. Just another road traveled on my mother's hypochondria fueled highway. My father will roll his eyes when she talks about it.

"What if they don't call me back?" my mother fretted something fierce as she asked me over the phone.

She had just called them and left a message. They seem to be closed on Thursdays.

"Will you drive me to Auburn?" mom then asked me.

"They will be glad to get the business," I replied to my mother putting out a worrisome wildfire of hers that soon would escalate and spread. "And yes, I will be glad to drive you to Auburn. We will eat lunch at Chick-fil-A or Jim Bob's."

I put the phone back in its cradle and then it rung again.

"I just put your Cokes and some cigars out on the porch," mom then said. "I had to make up a batch, but they are out there."

"Thank you so much," I very appreciatively told my mother.

Fred's and Piggly Wiggly were next on my journey to get my sodas this morning. Our Piggly Wiggly is spotless compared to Kroger I noticed today. It is as neat as a pen. I got a large family sized box of frosted flakes, 2 jars of pickled sausages, and a 6 pack of Vienna sausages at the Piggly Wiggly. I then got some more ornaments for my Christmas tree at Fred's.

Fred's had yet another new cashier this morning. She must've been flexible. She was a slim motherly looking lady with bleached blonde hair.

What? Dusk Was Hours Ago...

I can't express how much this suckage sucks with the time change. It got dark at 5 PM this afternoon!

Maggie knows after dark fall is when things around here can get pretty interesting. She had slept all day on the computer room bed and was primed for some action tonight. Firstly, Charlie, Beta dog, stopped by with a big bag of Arby's roast beef sandwiches. Does Charlie ever get tired? He worked all day and then spent some time with the Mags and I.

"I got you lots of Arby's sauce," Charlie told me much to my appreciation. "You will need to warm the sanwiches up in a little while before you eat them."

"That's what microwaves are for," I told Charlie with a smile and a pat on his back.

Charlie loved my tree and the way it made my house smell like cedar or spruce.

Maggie and I then both settled into our favorite places on the couch to wait for Papa after Charlie was on his way home -- no doubt to get Horsefly out of the bed, situated, and fed. Horsefly will say, "I love my covers."

"Your daddy is on the way," mom told me after one ring and I called her back.

"I love it when you do that!" I told my mother very appreciatively.

No more nebulous waiting without knowing what's up. Papa, Gamma dog, arrived to much fanfare from the Magster as always. We then took my medications.

"What computer parts do you want for this Christmas?" my father asked as if he could read my mind as we sat on my couch.

I was very disappointed with my expensive coffee maker last year so I decided to get something that was more failsafe great and amenial for me.

"It is $219 and consists of speakers and a sound card for one of my computers," I told my father.

"Email Matt at the pharmacy your items and we will get that ordered tomorrow," my father replied.

My Den in the Dark...Shine On!

Charlie is Beginning to Feel Christmassy As Well...

Derelict Computer Parts Wreath!

"Your daddy said you got your Christmas tree up today," Charlie said driving home from work in Dadeville this evening. "I might need you to help me get mine up this weekend."

Charlie also has a gigantic 100lb frou-frou artificial Christmas tree in his basement. Inside his house at Christmas would look magical to a kid.

"I sure did," I replied quite boastfully to Charlie. "I will be glad to help you this weekend. My tree looks mighty pretty lit up if I do so say myself."

"Dad is outside putting up the Christmas lights on the front of their house right now."

"Dammit! I told him to wait for me to help him!" Charlie exclaimed. "Oh well!"

"What do you want for supper?" Charlie then asked me. "I have to always get Horsefly his KFC chicken tender meal every night as you may well know."

"Dad gave me more chicken and dumplings an hour ago when I went to get my sodas for the day," I told Charlie.

"I will be right over to look at your tree when I get back in town," Charlie said. "I might just get you some Arby's and you can eat it later."