Setting the Mood...

Oh, Poor Dear Papa!

I am sitting here in the computer room with Enya's The Storms in Africa emitting from my speakers. The tinkle of Maggie's rabies tag can be heard over the din of the pleasant music as she scratches her neck after eating her supper. It is cootie vanquishing and grooming time! Maggie will soon decide whether or not she wants get in the bed and go to sleep.

My father is gone. He gave me my medications, we fed and watered the Magster, and was on his way home after working 10 hours today. He says he can't afford his current lifestyle without working. He also said losing mom's teacher's retirement was a huge blow to his finances.

"Your sister called me today and she could immediately tell I am down in the dumps," my father told me as he poured venison and brewers rice nuggets in Maggie's fresh paper bowl. I filled her water bowl in the kitchen sink as well.

"Well, you lived with mom for 46 years so I think you can have a little down time." I replied. "This has all been so cuttingly sudden and uproarious for us all."

I was washing my tennis shoes this afternoon and this would've been prime Andrew and Martha time.

"Use the OxyClean I gave you," she would say. "And I will hunt you down tome more white shoe laces."

Ms. Maggie Got A Grooming...

Now she is only a normal sized furball instead of a large sized furball. She's a little self conscious about it as well. 

I Shop and I Eat When I am Nervous...

Hot damn! I've been anxiously waiting days for this to arrive. Free 5 to 7-day shipping is for the birds. This is my spanking new Radeon RX 480 video card. If you remember correctly, I also got an Radeon RX 480 for Christmas. I've got both cards installed and the video cards are linked by what is called CrossfireX theoretically doubling the speed, but there is some overhead with the coupling.

The old Crossfire required a ribbon cable to connect the two cards.  Now, all communication is handled via the PCI-Express bus.

Up with George this Morning...

I got a full night's sleep for the first time in several long days. I feel as if I could rip the arms off a Gundar (Star Wars tip of the hat) or conquer the whole world single handedly. My body just grows tired of a lack of sleep and then we just finally crash. The cycle is complete. You may proceed with your life. Maggie just absolutely adores this arrangement. She was grooming herself beside me in the bed when I awoke. Strange bedfellows who keep strange hours and all of that.

George just has driven by my house on his way to the Waffle House to get his pork chop breakfast. Dad asked me last night how old I honestly thought George was. His brown colored hair can be very misleading.

"I am pretty certain he's in his eighties," I told my father.

I noticed yesterday that when he took out his trash and picked up the daily newspaper that he looked so very, very frail. He's a good guy, though, and there are not enough of those in the world today.

Food Fantasies Come to Fruition...

The Agenda today? Eating a large slice of Hershey's chocolate creme pie along with a large glass of whole milk. We're also going to eat some makeshift meatloaf sandwiches for lunch.

Boston Market also sells a two ribs in barbecue sauce meal that I can never find at Kroger. Well, I finally found two meals last night. we going to have Andrew's version of a McDonald's McRib sandwich tomorrow.

Okay, Here's the Skinny...

This is what I am dealing mental illness wise lately. I like to sit in my recliner many times during the day as I take little breaks from life. I love to see the cars pass on the road down my street. I am dealing with the paranoia that my neighbors (the RV people) are mocking me and thinking I am sitting there in the window watching them. It is disconcerting to say the least. This paranoia is encroaching on something I very much enjoy doing.

Homo Habilis? How are you?

A few million years ago, I would be hunting prey with my fellow hunters and gatherers on the tall grass savannah plains of Africa. Now? We all just go to Kroger to socialize and procure our sustenance with pieces of paper and digital cards that all have an imagined and perceived worth and value.

Praise Worthy? Not Quite...

Dad immediately noticed my attire and my state of cleanliness plus order when he stepped inside tonight.

"You ought to dress that way every day and you will have a girlfriend, and also throw those damnable baseball caps away while you are at it," my father told me as I cracked a grin. "You really are a nice looking man when you fix up."

I told my father that I felt naked without my Auburn Tiger baseball cap.

"My scalp is getting cold," I then told him laughing.

The dust cleared and my father and I began the nightly medication ritual. We also fed and watered the Magster. We then braved the cold as we were off to do some Krogering.

Odds and Ends...

Dad only needed one thing tonight and those were some more file folders for all my Social Security paperwork and receipts. The ones at home are filled to the brim. So-Sec paid for it.

Zachary was bagging groceries tonight and he didn't look to be a very happy camper. His main job is doting over the self-checkout lines and this diversion must have been beneath him.

I bought exactly what I did last week and it was $10 higher this week. The prices must fluctuate fluidly depending on supply and demand.

I did get enough Kroger fuel points to give me ,20 cents off each gallon at the gas pumps.

Sour Grapes...

When I first walk into Kroger, I go straight to produce and get my two big bunches of green bananas. Jermaine saw me but his mouth was too full of grapes for him to give me a hearty hello. Just tasting the grapes before I buy them he finally told me. I chuckled as I headed further on my way to get Little Debbie fudge brownies -- the very same brownies that Maggie has a fit over and I will never let her have any.

Mr. Bombastic...

I am all duded up as my dear great aunt, Annie Mae, would often say about a well-dressed man. I am shined to a spit and polish. My father says I usually look like a homeless man in my regular attire and he cringes when we go out in public. Well, I just took a shower, blow dried my hair and donned the nicest clothes in the house for tonight's grocery shopping sojourn. My father's jaw is going to drop to the floor when he sees me tonight.

One Grocery For You...Two Groceries for Me!

I haven't been eating much lately. I still have a bag of Frosted Flakes and the accompanying milk and it is a Monday. I also have a half loaf of bread and some shaved deli-style turkey. I can't ever remember that happening. It makes me want to be adventurous with my shopping tonight.

"Do you want to come and eat breakfast with me?" my father asked when he called around 9 AM. I had just woken up after sleeping only a few hours. "I am baking some blueberry muffins in the oven."

That sounded delicious, but I explained the situation to my father -- the situation that I don't have much of an appetite these days. I blamed it on my depression after losing mom -- my Chief Advocate General.

"I am just going to have a big steaming mug of milky sweet coffee," I told my father.

"It was those frozen meals," my father adamantly and excitably said. "They helped you make it through the week!"

You should have seen me roll my eyes, but I certainly didn't have a meal left. I ate them all and I must've gotten ten last week.. I told my father that Marie Calendar's had changed their recipe for their meatloaf and mashed potato meal and that it was delicious.

"Be sure to get more of those tonight," he said as we got off the phone. "I'll see you around 9 PM and we'll take your medications before we go."

Curb Meet Entourage...

I had never been so glad to see Papa and Charlie pull up to my curb. I know I have said that many, many times beforehand, but tonight was somehow different. It was after dark and the sun had long set. The house has just been cold and quiet today and I have dealt with the maelstrom that is my mind all day until medication time. My mother would have also called me several times today as well. I missed her very much and shed a few tears in her memory -- what tears I could muster.

"Popa and Charlie are here!" I hollered to Maggie as she was sleeping on the sofa.

Immediately barking ensued.

I can already tell some effects of my medications 30 minutes after Papa and Charlie left Casa de Andrew. After the full hour, I will probably be melting into the fabric of this chair. The full hour will expire at 8:26 PM.

Dauntless Charlie cleaned the kitchen some tonight as my father and I performed the medication ritual which included my father's addiction to the television. He said I left him without much of a job as he headed through the den and out of the front door to throw what little trash I had away. Now, that is what I wanted to hear. Charlie told me I was sloppy like his oldest son and his son's wife a few weeks ago. I have redoubled my efforts in keeping my kitchen and house clean.

This is How Life Unfolds Sometimes...

First off, have you been outside in the Southland today? The wind is just howling something fierce. A cold front must've blown through overnight. It is overcast and very dreary.

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

"Where are y'all?" I asked my father over his cellphone after unsuccessfully trying to get him on the home phone.

It was 2 PM in the afternoon.

"Charlie and I have driven to Columbus to get your sister-in-law some antique furniture. Charlie's in my truck with Horsefly and I am following in his Caprica with Jen."

"What do you need Chuck?" dad then asked with a very pleasant tone to his voice.

"I was just wanting my medications and my sodas," I told my father. "I am feeling some withdrawal today. We have been taking them around lunch every day lately and I have gotten spoiled."

An aside, my father has been very lenient with my medications lately and I wonder when it is going to end.

"I put your Cokes and cigars on the chair outside the back door," my father told me. "I hope that helps. I will give you your medications when I get back in town."

Ah, yes! My cigars! How could I forget you? I got in my car and the yellow light signalling I am about empty on gas was glowing. I headed to the Circle K to fill it up with gasoline making sure to get a receipt.

I pulled into my parent's driveway and could hear Samantha crying loudly. I walked up the steps to find her crying and cold in her cat bed on the back porch.

"Are you cold?" I asked the poor cat as I rubbed the nape of her neck. "I can't open the door as I may set off the alarm and I do not know the new code."

I came home and called my father to tell him his pussy was cold. My father chuckled. I also had ulterior motives as I wanted to know their progress. The prognosis was dismal.

I Love the Way You Say Good Morning...

Well, it is 3:30 in the morning and I am feeling like something the cat drug in. Yes, I am cycling mental illness wise and cannot sleep -- an eye-blearing lack of sleep. It will take me a few days to get back on track and that is sleeping at night again. Maggie's got the right idea and is snoozing on the computer room bed at the moment.

Charlie will be here in a few hours with breakfast. I have discovered that I dislike McDonald's biscuits (something is lacking) but I love the sausage encapsulated within. I am going to make some Andrew's sausage toasters this morning with toasted loaf bread from my toaster oven. I still have a pretty fresh loaf of Sunbeam thin sandwich bread. I will toast 4 slices and then spread on some mustard and mayonnaise and then add two sausage patties. Anything's got to be better than those McDonald's biscuits.

A few blog changes are in order and no, they weren't forced upon me. This is a completely voluntary choice. I am only going to post photos taken from my very own origin or my digital camera. I hope it will get me back in the hobby and encourage me to use my camera. Blog template? I am just going to keep spinning the roulette wheel till a land on a number I like.

To My Favorite Blog Author and Friend Extraordinaire...

I am so sorry for what happened on your trip through town towards Atlanta. I wanted to meet you and Josh so badly. I panicked and the social anxiety monster got me. It was not your fault. You will always be a cherished friend of mine and I hope I still am the same to you.

--Andrew --  

My Selfish and Self Indulgent Selfie Of the Day...

Pundits For Pizza...

"The Girls and I are eating Johnny's New York Style Pizza downtown," my father just said. "Do you want us to bring you something? Were going to have lots of leftover pizza or I could get you some lasagna or spaghetti with meatballs."

"I will take both!" I tentatively said as I laughed.

"I am such a glutton," I thought as my father laughed along as well.

"The kids and I are coming to see Maggie in a moment so get your house straightened up some."

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

Well, the Grand Kids are officially in the ranks of Maggie's pack. We just have to think of official Greek alphabet names for them.

"So, these are what is called kids among you humans?" Maggie seemed to impart. "I usually just bark at them."

She was really eating up the attention -- going to and fro each of us for a pat on the head or a belly rub and a back scratch. Maggie then got in her dog bed in the den and looked thoroughly pleased with herself and her earlier arrangement.

Johnny's Rocks...

My father brought several Italian-sausage and pepperoni pizza slices, and ample portions of some delectable lasagna, and a vanilla milkshake. I also felt kind of self-conscious as the girls watched my father give me my numerous amounts of crazy meds.

"This dog is eating venison and rice!" Lilly said from the laundry room. "That's gross!"

Dad and I both grinned as the Grand Kids performed Maggie's feeding and watering ritual as we guided them on what to do.

A Late Night With Two Nieces...

"Come over here!" my father excitedly said after the phone rang. "Your nieces want to see you!"

It must've been 9 PM by then. I excitedly donned a jacket and headed to Casa de Papa in an icy cold car. It took forever for my car to warm up. It was getting warm about the time I was pulling in my parent's rear driveway.

Olivia came running into the den, "Uncle Andrew!" and gave me a big hug which I relished! She is the sweetest child!

I stayed up to 11:00 PM helping my niece Lilly make up a batch of Nickelodeon slime. The only ingredient we were missing was green food coloring.  The recipe called for all kinds of crazy things like shaving cream and Borax (which Lilly brought).

"Do you mind running up to Kroger to get it?" my father asked of the food coloring. "I am going to stay here and watch the girls."

"Can I take mom's Honda?" I excitedly asked of the car that will soon be mine.

"I will be right back," I told my father as he handed me the keys.

I headed up to Kroger which is about a ten-minute drive from my parent's house. I noticed how mom's car purred like a kitten.

"Where is your food coloring?" I asked Zachary upon entering Kroger.

"It is at the end of the baking aisle," he replied.

I just knew he would know. I grabbed a multi-pack of food coloring, paid at self-checkout, and headed home to make truly green slime.

George Calls Me Bud and Papa Calls Me Chuck...

George was toodling down his driveway with the gait of an 80-year-old man. Maggie ran out and started to bark at him. I stuck my head out the back door to stop the barking.

"Hey Bud!" George said carrying today's newspaper down from his driveway.

He was hunched over (that osteoporosis look) and looking quite frail.

Maggie was barking furiously as I don't think she had ever seen George in a very vibrant colored article of clothing. His jacket was a very bright turquoise blue.

"Maggie! Hush! That's your neighbor!" I told her very loudly and sternly.

She ambled back inside, sat on the couch, and did her cough-bark routine.

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

Dad swung by about an hour ago smelling extremely strongly of aftershave. I was ecstatic at seeing him pull up in front of the house. He was sporting some suave "secret service" sunglasses. He gave me my medications and gave me a big hug and said something about my mother's death certificate that I didn't catch.

"It's hard to believe she is gone," he told me morosely of my mother as we watched the lake effect snow coverage on The Weather Channel.

I just nodded my head and said I think it is hitting all of us about now that she is gone. My sister said it hit her yesterday.

"You and I are going to take a trip north and experience lake effect snow for ourselves," my father told me on a very happy note.

That would be incredibly awesome!

Dad was also carrying Maggie's new ear infection medications. The other drops just weren't working so Dr. Thomas pulled out the big guns.

"Ten drops in the offending ear," my father told me. "And keep the drops in the refrigerator."

Grandfathered In?

http://www.campaignzero.org/

"Hey Chuck," my father said when he realized it was me on the phone.

"Can I come and take my medications?" I sheepishly asked with a  pitiful tone to my voice and then a nervous laugh as well.

I sounded quite desperate and was having just one of those afternoons that can frequent me at times.

"This early? I am doing some things about your mother's estate," he said. "I will call you back in a minute."

Dad and I talked for a moment about my mother's teacher's retirement and specifically her health insurance. I then quickly got off the phone.

The 9 'O'Clock Shuffle...

Maggie and I both were sitting on the couch and anxiously looking out the window tonight. It was almost 9 PM. Papa time! We were both listening for the distinctive noise my father's Honda's engine makes. We were also looking for him to turn down at the corner way down from my house. His headlights are distinctive as well.

"Guess who?" I said loudly to Maggie as I saw my father's car turn at the far end of our street.

Maggie turned and jumped up on the back of the couch as she yelped extremely loudly and joyously her little tale wagging a mile a minute.

I wish I could bottle Maggie's love for my father and Charlie as the world would be a much more pleasant place to live.

Where To Go For Batteries?

I thought! Let's head to Kroger as you will have to wait thirty minutes to checkout at Walmart. Plus Walmart is a much longer drive and you will have to hunt for the batteries without help.

"Dad?" I asked before I stepped beyond my front door. "I am going to debit some batteries at Kroger."

"Just don't buy beer!" my father said and we both chuckled.

Seriously? The last thing I would want tonight is a beer and the accompanying headache it always gave me.

I was interested in thwarting the power company. I was going to put a new 9-volt battery in my alarm clock. The next time the power went out, my clock would remain unaffected. I have been meaning to do this for years and years.

Zachary was manning the self-checkout lines tonight with his little iPad thingy.. I scurried to a self checkout after I got two 9-volt batteries.

"Oh, I don't have to worry about you," Zack said with a smile. "You and your father are old hats with these machines."

It was good to see his sardonic soul. Soon, I was soon headed out the door with two fresh 9 volt batteries.

Malfunction Junction...

As I opened my eyes, my bedside clock was blinking 12:00 and the sun shone brightly through my window. Oh shit! The power must've gone out overnight! I ran over to my computer, booted it up and realized I had 10 minutes until time to make it to my injection. Dad had forgotten to call me as well. It was a perfect storm of events as far as my injection is concerned.

I grabbed a baseball cap to cover my disheveled hair and I was out the door still wearing my sleeping gear -- sweat pants and a t-shirt. I did manage to grab a coat hanging on the coat rack by the piano. It was chilly this morning. I got on busy Hwy 29 and headed for the pharmacy at great speed. (thank you, Honda)

"Thank you for being on the ball about that," my father told me remorsefully and with a grimace as he noticed me walking in. "I forgot all about calling you!"

He immediately got to working on filling my prescription as the pharmacy technician pitched in.

By some miracle, I sat down in the doctor's office lobby at 9:15 AM. My appointment was for 9:00 AM.

"I was beginning to worry very much about you," Rebecca, my nurse, said almost immediately. "Come on back."

I had never been so very glad to see someone in my whole life. I looked up grinning! My anxiety I was experiencing about this process melted away. She hugged my neck, told me sorry about what happened to my mother, and immediately began to prepare my injection which went without a hitch.

Pat had my next appointment set up as I came out of the examining room.

I returned to the pharmacy and gave dad my next appointment card and received two large Sprite sodas for my efforts.

"Don't forget your Cokes!" my father decreed as I turned to ask him a question in front of the soda cooler..

"Rebecca asked how long you and mom were married," I told my father.

"We would've been married for 47 years next December 21," my father replied.

As Calm Enveloped the Land, the Sadness Began....

http://www.tattoostime.com/

I called my father and asked him to please call me in the morning to make sure I am up. I have my Risperdal Consta injection early in the morning. Usually, I am up by that time, but I just wanted to be sure. The early bird catches the worm as far as my injection goes. Early in and early out.

"I'll call you, son," my father replied dourly.

"Are you okay?" I asked my rather morose father. "You sound rather despondent."

"It's your mother," he replied, "I am missing her antics tonight. She drove me crazy, and yet I loved her just the same."

"Do you want me to come over and sit awhile with you?" I asked my father. "I am sure we could laugh as we tell and think of old Martha stories."

"I'll call you if I do," dad replied. "I love you!"

A Softer, Gentler, and More Benign Father...

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Dad's cell phone was out of service today so I took a gamble and called the landline. That's mom's territory. He immediately picked up the phone to my relief.

"I don't know what the hell is wrong with my phone today!" he said sounding frustrated and agitated.

He was like a babe lost in the woods.

"Can I come and get my Cokes?"  I asked my father rather timidly with lots of hope,

"Sure! Come on over," he said, sounding very congenial. "We'll take your medications as well."

"Could it be that easy? That was easy!" I thought to myself gobsmacked.

Dad was fixing to leave to go talk to his lawyer about my mother's legal matters. This didn't stop us from having a good and lengthy conversation beforehand. Dad was talking about sex today and wanted to know the first girl I slept with and how old I was.

"It was Denise," I told my father rather embarrassingly. "And I thought she hung the moon. I must have been 17 years old."

Mayhem at Med Time!

http://www.i-am-bored.com/

Two cats started loudly fighting in the backyard as soon as my father pulled up in front of my house tonight. Maggie went tearing out the dog door to stop all that nonsense oblivious of my father's arrival.

"What's wrong with the Mags?" dad asked alarmed as he walked in my front door.

"She heard some cats fighting in the backyard," I replied to my father as I rolled my eyes.

Dad laughed and laughed, and was still chuckling as he gave me my medications.

"Get those pussies girl!" he hollered loudly cackling like the evil Emperor from Star Wars.

"Maggie?" I said over her loud barking as I stepped out on the back deck. "Papa's here!"

Maggie came tearing back inside to a more important agenda and that is seeing Papa."

"You don't let those pussies fight in your yard!" dad said rubbing and petting her with a grin.

She sat smugly on her haunches in the den as she panted vigorously. The Magster looked quite proud of herself.

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

It really was so good to see my father tonight. I almost had a panic/anxiety attack I got so excited. I was glad to get my Klonopin as that would stop that anxiety nonsense as well. My medications meant bedtime and rest for this weary old soul today.

"I can't stay long you two," dad said to the Magster and I. "It is prime recliner and TV time."

The Countdown to Company...

http://kenwestphal.com/

I was just craving company today. I am used to mom busily calling me several times a day. The house has been so eerily quiet.

Maggie's mainly slept her day away as well unless I appear out of the kitchen holding food or have food wrapped in crinkling wrappers. She's learned that sound means treats are in order. I was eating some Little Debbie fudge brownies today and Maggie was so disappointed when I didn't give her any.

The phone rang several times this afternoon and finally, I hesitantly answered it.

"Answer that damn phone dammit," my father snarled at me with a laugh. "I am getting you another cell phone!"

"Don't forget your injection is this Thursday," my father then told me. "I just wanted to give you a heads up as I know you don't like surprises."

"Thank you, Sir," I replied to my parent.

"I also left your sodas on the back porch this morning," my father told me doing mom's old job. "Drive over and get them. It'll be a treat for the afternoon."

"Most definitely!" I told my father excitedly.

I thanked my father very, very profusely.

"I will be over about 8:30 to 9:00 PM," he then told me and we got off the phone. "I bet you are ready for your medications."

There's Food In Them Thar Hills Again...

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"Maggie! I don't know what chili will do to your little stomach," I told my determined and desperate little dog.

Maggie sat on the floor by my recliner vigorously wagging her tail. It was dad's chili left over from last night. Maggie saw me crumble some cornbread into my chili and it about sent her into orbit. She couldn't understand why I didn't share in the bounty.

I gave her some of her Pup-Peroni dog treats and she seemed to be placated for the time being. I washed out my bowl and headed straight to the computer this morning. I hadn't been up for very long.

A Nasty Addiction...

"Didn't you get addicted to Benedryl one time?" my father asked over the phone this morning.

"It was way worse than quitting drinking and quitting smoking when I quit taking it," I replied to my father. "A very physical and extremely awful withdrawal."

"You could get 36 capsules at Walmart for .88 cents," I then told him.

"Your mother was taking it pretty hardcore before she died and I wonder if that had something to with it. She was popping those Aleve PM left and right and they have 25mg of Benedryl in them."

Mom's official cause of death was cardiac arrest (like Carrie Fisher) and Benedryl raises your heartbeat and your blood pressure.

You've Got a Fast Car...

...I have a plan for getting us out of here. We'll get jobs and live in the Suburbs...

-- Tracy Chapman

Dad arrived early tonight about 8:30 PM. He had a big Tupperware container of his homemade chili and some freshly baked cornbread which just thrilled me to death. My father is a cook of the highest order.

"Let's take your medications and then we will head to the grocery store," my father said as we sat on my sofa and Maggie vied for our affections.

My first plan of attack tonight was buying my three "journal writing" sodas as my father affectionately calls them. We can't leave without them. We've forgotten them before only to have to turn around, head back to Kroger, and purchase them. They are that important to me. I got three Sunkist tonight -- Sunkist has caffeine and Fanta Orange doesn't.

Dad's job tonight was to buy cleaning supplies like Fabuloso, Windex, Febreze, and Clorox spray cleaners. We are both going to get our houses in ship shape order this upcoming week.

"What did I spend?" I anxiously asked my father as we walked out of the store.

"You spent a little over $70 dollars," he told me with an accomplishment well done grin.

I have been placating him by buying those frozen meals, and if you choose the varieties you get carefully, then they are not half bad.

Are All Neighbors Nosey?

As I was unloading my car in the front yard next to my front door, I noticed my neighbors across the street, the RV people, looking through their blinds and windows. I smiled and got a good chuckle out of that. George already knows what I do every Monday night, but I don't think my neighbors across the street do.

"Come here Ethyl, look at this!" I could hear my dear neighbors say in my mind's eye. "Now he is unloading frozen lasagna!"

Peace and Quiet is Starting to Return...

http://www.istockphoto.com

Things are finally starting to settle down around here. The smoke is clearing and normalcy is returning.

"I want some peace and quiet," my father told me this afternoon with a grimace -- echoing my own thoughts and feelings about the matter.

"Is Charlie going with me or are you going with me to buy groceries tonight?" I asked my father early this evening.

Dad is not answering his cell phone and I have learned to knock on the kitchen window to get him to the door. It is just escalating the number of people texting him when I was over there.

"I am going shopping with you," my father said. "Be working on a thrifty grocery list."

Dad's iPhone then chimed signaling another text had arrived.

"Your cousin is asking about you -- wondering if you are today. She says she loves you," my father replied.

I am very looking forward to shopping with my father tonight. We have some of our best and most cherished conversations while doing so. Even if I am badgered about being thrifty.

The Chicken King...

http://www.businessinsider.com/

"Andrew?" What do want for your Sunday evening meal?" Charlie asked me last night.

"Just get me what you get," I told Charlie trying to make things easier on him.

Mom's evening meal would have entailed a diversion.

Charlie had already given me my Cokes and medications for the day when we were commiserating with my father earlier.

Well, I got a big box of KFC and exactly what Charlie was having for himself and Janice.  3pc. meal with mashed potatoes and slaw.

As the Thunder Rolls...

Strong storms with embedded tornadoes are west of us and heading this way. I pray the power doesn't go out. I might (gasp!) have to read a book by candlelight. And computers? Aw man! I better load up some movies on the iPad and fast.

I like stormy weather. I just don't like tornadoes. When the warning sirens go off, Maggie and I are in the basement hanging out with the lawnmower and the gas can. They say if you don't have a basement or storm shelter, then get in the tub and pull a heavy quilt over you.

What's that? A train's horn passing and blasting through downtown during a storm? These two phenomenon never fail to coincide with each other.

The Serendipity Society...

Dear Charlie was here with breakfast at nine. His sister nearby complained that her biscuits were always cold. Charlie, the  kind and accommodating soul, was doing double time when he stopped by here before visiting with his sister. He couldn't fuss much as Shelby and Polly make all his cakes and pies.

Andrew's Blog: Thunder and Lightning Edition...

I didn't see this one coming so it is nice to revel in the weather before bedtime. 

The Maid From Hell...

http://www.prettylittlegrub.com/

"Now dammit!" Charlie exclaimed to me tersely, sounding aggravated. "I can't just sit down and visit! I have to be doing something!"

Charlie said this after my asking him to come sit awhile, rest, and talk. I haven't had much company today and was eager to reveal and revel in what I did all afternoon.

"Where's dad?" I then asked Charlie about his solo visit as he vigorously cleaned and polished the stainless steel sinks in my kitchen.

"He had other obligations," is all I could get out of Charlie. "It smells like cooking bacon in here. Have you cooked?"

Things sounded clandestine and plans had certainly been changed. I told Charlie I cooked breakfast for supper.

Charlie brought me all kinds of goodies tonight. A ex-large coke without ice as I like them.  My usual 6-pack of diet Cokes and a pack of original Swisher Sweets. A Zaxby's dinner plate full of chicken fritters and french fries. This was all rounded off with giant packs of toilet paper and paper towels which I needed badly. Charlie seemingly read my mind about about those last two items.

Can I express in words how happy I was to see Charlie pull up in front of my house? I was ecstatic and the Magster was as well.

A Southern Breakfast For A Southern Supper...

https://www.pinterest.com

"I am going to go get the fixin's to make breakfast for supper," I told my father a few hours ago. "You're welcome to come. I promise I won't go wild with the shopping -- just some eggs, bacon, cheese, and toast. I already have enough grits and some butter."

My father was very fine with it -- almost enthusiastic. So I headed out and did some shopping. He said he was already fixing himself some supper as well and was going to bring me a plate much later during the medication ritual. .

Eating supper an hour ago made me ask perplexed with myself, "Why did you stop buying breakfast foods?"

Supper was delicious and really hit the spot on this cool evening. Hot grits just have a way of warming your belly and sticking to your bones.

It's Mrs. Pamela to You...

Mom's sister stopped by much earlier today to see how I fared and if I was holding up. We've always been really close and she must have hugged me five times calling me her buddy. They were on their way back to Tupelo, Mississippi after staying in the Valley for a few days after the funeral. Her new husband was very nice, but didn't say much while they were over here. I am just everlastingly glad my house was reasonably clean. I wan''t expecting visitors at all.

"Why don't you get on Facebook anymore?" Aunt Pam asked me.

"I talked about my mental illness in a public forum and it embarrassed me," I told her which was the truth,

I Am Moved By You...

Vulcans, Spock, etc. of Star Trek fame couldn't feel or show emotions. It is hard for me to fathom that Leonard Nimoy (the original Spock) is dead.

"May you live long and prosper!"

I couldn't shed a tear for him either.

One devastating and crippling impact of my psychotropic medications is that many mental health medications can severely blunt your emotions and feelings. I want to cry for an event and I want to lament, but it just won't happen. I just get that 1000 yard stare of extreme complacency going on.

"Each to his own," I told my father about my demeanor. "We each and all mourn in our own special way."

Dad had said to me today that I had a very cavalier demeanor about my mother's death. I explained to him what was happening and then he was fine with it and very understanding. A lot of people, like me, are besieged by a lack of sexual drive as well (we won't go there, though). There is certainly a price for sanity to be paid with many of these modern atypical antipsychotics.

Bracing for Strong Storms...

http://www.cookingclassy.com/

Yes, we might have a few rumbles of thunder and a flash of lightning in a few hours. It is a needed diversion for me as I love to keep up with the weather. We are also under a severe drought and need the rain badly. I fear my front and rear lawns are already dead.

I cooked my own version of spaghetti and meat sauce this afternoon. While very good to me, my father has me beat in that department. I need mom's recipe with that small amount of chili powder in the recipe.  My father also wouldn't have liked the minced garlic I added to the sauce today as well. Each pot is like a hodge podge of ingredients like a chemistry experiment.

My biggest battle and hurdle today was the phone ringing off the hook with people giving me their condolences.

"Just unplug the phone," my father kindly told me earlier. "We need to get you an answering machine."

In the heyday of cellphones, do they still even sell such things?

A Blast From the Past...

May Nourishment Be Found For All Our Dear Souls...

http://www.mariecallendersmeals.com/

Dad and I were making our rounds through Kroger's produce section as I picked up two huge bunches of green bananas -- my latest food obsession.

We then headed to the frozen food aisle after I picked up some boxes of Little Debbie fudge brownies (guilty pleasure) and a loaf of fresh Sunbeam old fashioned bread.

"I don't like those meals," I told my father as he showed me the Marie's Swedish meatballs meal.

"The meatballs are always too salty and way too dense," I continued.

"How about this?' my father said holding up some four cheese/three meat lasagna.

"Now, those are pretty good," I replied to my father. "They take 12 minutes to cook, though."

Soon, we had a whole cadre of frozen meals in my shopping cart.

I then stopped in the dessert aisle and by some weird twist of fate they had the pies I wanted. I got one Edwards lemon meringue pie and one Hershey's chocolate creme pie.

"Don't forget your journal writing drinks," my father told me as we were about to checkout.

It made me smile knowing my father knew that little detail about that cherished ritual of mine. I grabbed some Sunkist sodas, we checked out, and then we headed home. Mission accomplished..

Did Someone Say Bananas? Why Yes, They Did!

"Now, we are getting your groceries tonight," dad told me during a short phone call this afternoon."We're getting things back to normal around here. I need some normalcy as well. Wash your hair and spruce yourself up some. Don't wear sweatpants and a t-shirt!"

I smiled. Things are already getting back to normal. I told my father I would be washed, cleaned, sharply dressed and ready to go by 9 PM. I can't wait to try some  new and interesting pies for my piehole.

My other splurge is going to be some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I can hear my father say now that my mother and I have the tastebuds of a small child.

Quiet Time! The Eulogies Have Been Said...

Andrew's Honda

"I am really glad you came over," my father excitably told me as he hugged me tightly. No man hugs today. "The phone is ringing off the hook and I am laying low and not answering my calls."

It does feel like the calm after a turbulent storm. It was so quiet in my father's house. It was bedlam for the past few days causing all of us much consternation and secret strife.

Dad has more food than he knows what to do with. He walked downstairs to get a poppy seed chicken casserole in the basement fridge that he knew I would love. I also got another breakfast casserole.

"Mrs. Reeves cooked that and she is wonderful in the kitchen."

"I am giving you your mother's car and we are going to give Mrs. Sandra (mom's best friend) your Honda," my father then said stunning me and surprising me.

Mom's car only has 28,000 miles on the odometer and is practically brand new as she drove like a little old lady. I am sure going to miss my CR-V, though. I have mixed feelings about all of this.

Charles In Charge...

Charlie and I just made a mad dash to Taco Hell to get me three burrito supremes. There was a lot of good hearted and good willed banter about my mother on the drive to fast food row.

"Your mother never did leave Horsefly home if y'all were going to the pool or whatever," Charlie told me. "He went wherever y'all went."

We decided to forego Kroger and grocery shopping as I frankly just wasn't up to the task. It has been a long day with me out of my element. They also seemed pretty busy as we drove by headed to Taco Hell down busy highway 29.

"I stay up to midnight every night," Charlie told me. "So, don't hesitate to call me if you change your mind and decide to go to Kroger."

We took my crazy meds to keep me on an even mental keel. One pill, a Klonopin, fell to the floor escaping our grasp and we never did find it. Charlie was extremely worried it was something essential to my mental health.

"It just makes me sleepy for the most part," I told Charlie trying to assuage his worries. "It's to calm my anxiety and my nerves."

"Maggie? Darling? We are now doing your ritual!" Charlie exclaimed as Maggie fervently followed us into the laundry room.

Finis, Goodbyes, and Farewells...

http://www.wisegeek.com/

Mr. Bradshaw, the minister at the funeral service today, quoted my somewhat interesting words regarding my mother and heaven. Dad loves to hear me say it as well. He says I have an insight to my mother's actions and thoughts that they are clueless about.

"John's eldest son said god has a new secretary today and there are appointments to be made in heaven."

I can imagine my mother looking at her celestial and heavenly calendar making appointments. I told dad we are going to have to pencil in his heartworm medications as well. LOL! Mom was always so stalwart and fastidious about Maggie getting her medications.

Groceries? There is absolutely nothing to eat in this house. I am hoping Charlie will call me and then we will head to Kroger. I am not brave enough  just to go get them and use my debit card. Dad doesn't need any more hassles or worries today as well. 

Beta Dog Brings Gifts...

http://www.bettycrocker.com/

Janice cooked a delicious breakfast casserole this morning and Charlie knows I absolutely love casseroles. I was sitting at the computer which overlooks the front yard when he pulled up. I was expecting McDonald's' breakfast McBiscuits. There was a big heaping helping of casserole on a paper plate and a big sigh of relief from me.

"I've got to run," Charlie said. "Sorry I couldn't visit for longer."

Charlie gave me a hug and then he headed to Dadeville for a half days work.

Funeral @ 3 PM Eastern Time Tomorrow...

Danger Will Robinson! Danger!

Visitation was almost more than I can bear and I was more of a wallflower than anything occasionally shaking hands. Charlie said so as well - socially overbearing to the extreme. I have never seen so many people gather at one place except for an Auburn football game in Auburn's Jordan-Hare stadium.

I arrived home and put my jacket on my coat rack and sat silently and quietly for a moment of introspection as I loosened my tie and sighed. I still can''t believe my mother and my Chief Advocate General is gone.

Soon, Charlie came by to give me my medications around 9 PM. We forwent buying groceries tonight and will do so tomorrow night. Charlie was so exhausted after going and coming all day.  Maybe my father will go with me tomorrow night I hope. I would spend too much if Charlie went with me with Charlie playing a big role in my gluttony.

"I know you're tired Charlie," I told him sincerely as he hugged me and I told him to head on home.

"I will bring you and Maggie some more McDonald's biscuits in the morning before heading in to work," Charlie replied to me.

"I have to go anyway to get Horsefly's morning sausage biscuit,"Charlie then said when I protested him going to such trouble.

I felt he had gone far above his calling and duty during this ordeal.

It Is Just Not Time For the Bed Yet...

On a good note, I slept like a baby last night. I couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Ah Bless...

Maggie saw and heard Charlie pull up to the curb and alerted me promptly last night.

"He's here! He's here! Beta dog!" Maggie seemed to impart to me excitably.

I looked on my computer and the time was 11 PM -- an hour till midnight. The medications do not stop for anything. I then looked out the door's windows to see for myself. After confirming it was Charlie, I walked out in the yard to help Charlie get everything inside. He had brought me a Zaxby's chicken tender plate and some of his wife's, Janice's, potato salad which I so adore. There was also some pickled beets, two lonely biscuits, and green beans cooked Southern style with fatback.

"We're going tomorrow to get you some nicer clothes for the funeral," Charlie told me.

It is not what I wanted to hear, but it needs to be done. I also need some more dressy shoes as well.

Charlie was also keeper of the medications last night.. He made me count each one of my crazy meds before I swallowed them all down with a gulp.

"Do you still feel up to buying your groceries tomorrow?" Charlie asked me. "Give me a call tonight and we will go."

"It wouldn't take me but 15 minutes to do my shopping," I told Charlie to make the prospect a little easier and less taxing sounding.

Nana, Papa, and the Grand Kids...

The Last Time I Saw Her She Was Smiling...

My mother was also badgering me not to forget my Cokes and a couple of cigarillos as I headed to the back door through the kitchen. Little did I know that she would be dead 15 minutes later.

About a month ago, my mother told me  that she wanted to be cremated. I don't know how we got on that tangent one day. I told her that I did as well.

Dad's leaving it up to us "kids" to plan the funeral. My brother and sister want a traditonal visitation at the funeral home with a graveside service in god's country, Waverly, Alabama. I am going to follow my two siblings lead and not make waves.

My parent's house is also a mayhem of madness. I took a shower and put on some dressy clothes and gulped really hard as I grabbed my steering wheel and drove over. Of course, my extroverted father was in his element. I just wanted to make an appearance and then leave. Dad made me shake everybody's hand and introduced me to everyone.

"Do you know?" I told my father last night. "If there is a god, then he's got a new secretary tonight and Jesus will have all is appointments covered."

Life's Hurdles Can Be Hard Sometimes...

I was just over at my parent's house getting my diet Cokes and cigarillos for the day. Mom and I had a short conversation and I told her to call me if she needed me. She was complaining about her feet hurting her today. I got in my car and drove home. Well, my father just called and said my mother collapsed to the floor in her bedroom and just died. I am just shocked and stunned at the moment.

Let's Take Care of This Hunger First...

https://speakzeasy.wordpress.com

I awoke with an utter immediacy which is unlike me. Maggie was curled up beside me and looked up in angst at what I was doing. Usually, it is slow slide out of unconsciousness into the awoken world. I headed for the kitchen after putting on some shorts and tennis shoes.

I could hear the pitter patter of Maggie's feet on tile floor behind me as she followed me into the kitchen. I was looking into my fridge on the wings of  hope and a prayer that I had missed something to eat over this past week. There was one Marie's turkey pot pie, but that would take too long to cook -- eleven minutes in the microwave.. My hunger was very immediate.

What I really wanted was not in my fridge, though. I wanted a banana and there was two left on the kitchen counter quickly growing overripe. So I ate two bananas at one sitting in total gluttony.

Maggie was badgering me for a bite, but looked at me with disdain when I put a piece of banana on the floor as she sniffed it. She had her hopes set high that I was eating something she would like very much.

Negativity Fosters Negativity...

I truly believe that negativity fosters more negativity. I took a post down today that I thought was too negative -- a post about my father getting on to me for wanting a part time job. I felt it was too harsh on my father's reputation as he is a good man. He truly only wants what is best for me, but he can be a little overbearing at times.

A Tumultuous Taco Time!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/

The humble hard shell taco is my mother's latest food obsession it seems. For the longest time, it was a Wendy's double stack and a Frosty.

"Do you want me to take you to get some tacos?" I kindly asked my mother on our last call.

Our Taco Hell is on hyper busy Hwy 29 and that highway is off limits for my mother to drive upon. Mom was caught in quite a taco supreme quagmire and conundrum.

She has been driving me nuts all day about going to Taco Hell and getting Tacos next Sunday for our Sunday supper. Maggie and I were trying to schedule in a nap except we were having contradictions in our schedules. I would go lay down and soon as I got settled with Maggie and comfortable in my bed my mother would call again. It was entirely maddening, but what could I do? I would hate to hurt my mother's feelings.

"What would you eat?" my mother asked me on one brief call.

"I prefer two burrito supremes," I replied to her.

"Oh, those sound good," my mother replied. "Maybe I will have that as well Sunday night."

Medicinal Care Awaits Us...

Some Men Are Growing Breasts

I really don't want to do this injection ritual this morning. I begrudgingly got in the shower and then dressed in Risperdal Consta appropriate garb (easy to pull my pants down) namely denim shorts. I will be heading to the pharmacy at 8:50 AM to be there at 9 AM. Amazingly, I was already awake when it dawned on me that my shot was today. I called my father and he confirmed it until Mom hijacked the phone to urge me onwards.

"I know you grow tired of getting that injection every two weeks," my mother told me from the bandstand.

9:10 AM -- Slow As Molasses and Impetuous Me...

First, at the pharmacy, the pharmacy tech was having trouble running my prescription through Medicare Part D. You could only submit the prescription after nine she told me. Dad finally walked up front to hand me my dose pack and we were finally off to the races. I thought I would never get the go ahead to drive to Kamath Medical.

"Can I get a candybar with my Cokes?" I eagerly asked my father before I left.

I grabbed a king sized PayDay bar off the counter. I needed a sugar rush to keep me going. Dad told the receptionist to charge my drinks and candy to his account and not mine.

Rebecca, my nurse, was running behind as well even through Dr. Kamath was at a wedding in Bombay, India for the week. That is also his hometown. Can you imagine having to fly two to three whole days to get somewhere? That certainly would do a number on my patience.

"I am so sorry this took so long," Rebecca told me hurriedly. "I was running behind getting here this morning."

You Only Have 30 Minutes of Sunlight Left For the Day...

I screwed up bad about the Kroger brand V-8 juice. I forgot to shake the bottle vigorously (Duh!) before pouring myself a glass. That's why it tasted so bland, watery and uninspiring. It now tastes just as awesome as regular V-8 and it saves you over a dollar and a half as well at the Kroger in Valley.

Accolades From a Stern and Stoic Fellow...

"Despite all the odds he faces, he never complains," my father told my brother last night on his cellphone. "He never complains about all the medications he has to take as well."

I was in the kitchen getting a bottle of cold water out of the fridge to take my medications with.

Well, that statement just made me beam with pride. I smiled as I stood up straight after closing my refrigerator door. I very rarely get accolades like this from my father. Very rarely! I've told my father a dozen times that you can catch more flies with honey and not with vinegar when it concerns myself. I have good days and bad days like all of us. Let's just be glad the good days outnumber the bad days by far lately.

"You've been drinking!" I told me father as I walked back in the den with my water.

"I swear I haven't," my father reparteed back letting me smell his breath.

I then asked to feel his forehead as he must be coming down with some illness. I wanted to see if he was running a fever. My father laughed nervously.

"It is just you never say much to me about my life like you just said to my brother," I told my father.

Like once in a thousand times before, my father and I took my medications and then gave Maggie fresh food and water. My father was soon on the way home after working a ten hour shift.

Food Blunders?

http://pennypinchinpaul.com/

Remember that Kroger vegetable juice I purchased from Kroger last Monday night? Well, it is a horrible and most terrible concoction. There is not nearly enough sodium in it and it tastes watery --bereft of enough vegetables.. I was so disappointed this morning as I poured a glass along with some very spicy Kroger hot sauce and sat down in front of the computer. No wonder the $3.99 V-8 was so much more expensive than the $2.69 Kroger version.

I Am a Very Nosey Neighbor, Too!

http://www.bankrate.com/

I was getting out of my car this afternoon. I just made the short journey from parent's house and picked up some drinks and cigarillos. George walked over to me with a walking cane. He was kind of hobbling in a way. Was this the reason for his absence? Did he take a tumble and had rehab?

Well, today his roots were showing badly and he needed to color his hair.

"I'm curious," George said as he stood next to me. "Why do you always park your car in the yard on Monday nights?"

"I go grocery shopping with my father every Monday at 9 PM and I always park close to the front door to make unloading all those groceries easier. Of course, I have to keep Maggie corralled as well."

Comment Replies...

Rita said...

In 1983, I was living in Williston, ND. Christmas Day, it was -50 degrees actual temperature, and the wind chill was -200. If your car was not in a heated garage, it did not start. People who drove to the grocery store in the days around that cold spell, left their cars running when they went shopping.

January 9, 2017 at 11:10 PM

I feel like such a wimp after reading Rita's comment! Andrew

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

My friend, Christina, raised an important question yesterday and that is what will happen to Horsefly when Charlie departs us? Horsefly has an older brother, Alan, who doesn't show much interest in his life, though. It will probably fall upon my brother and I about taking care of Horsefly. We both have always been an integral part of Horsefly's life. My brother and I will always give him a loving and caring home.

Typing With Numb Hands and Even Colder Fingertips...

http://ipcblog.org/

But we have warm hearts abounding here...

I just looked at the National Weather Service's webpage and they are showing 28° degrees. It feels much colder than that tonight and that made loading and unloading groceries quite uncomfortable to say the least. Factor in the windchill and you have a regular arctic scenario. My Auburn hoodie saved the day wrapped around me with its warmth and shielding me from the icy wind.

"Go ahead and do your shopping," my father told me after our arrival at Kroger in separate cars.. "I am going to use my fuel points and get some gas.

I had already finished my shopping when my father walked inside Kroger and gazed at what I bought tonight.

"Good! You got some meals! Marie is going to treat you right! Those big chicken and turkey pot pies look delicious."

I spent $77 dollars tonight which is a reasonable expenditure I think. My biggest expense was some creme filled puff pastries in the bakery dept. I also got some Mrs. Grissom's regular chicken salad and the sandwich fixings to go with it.

My biggest impulse buy (and probably my biggest blunder) was purchasing two large bottles of Kroger brand vegetable juice. I usually just get the V-8 branded kind, but they were out of stock. I hope this stuff isn't just gross as all get out.

And the Winner is... Taco Hell...

https://quesarahsera.wordpress.com

Move over Montezuma! lol

"It was your mother's request," my father told me as he stepped through the threshold of Andrew's Casa. "I got you two burrito supremes or supreme somethings and two hard shelled tacos."

I later learned that my father got a hot and ready Little Caesar's pizza, and Charlie got fried chicken along with Horsefly's chicken tenders -- a very complicated order to fulfill. That's why they were so tardy by arriving at eight.

"You know I don't eat pizza and Mexican food," Charlie declared from the kitchen.

This from the man who used to be in the Air Force and ate only bananas when he was stationed in Thailand during Vietnam.

Yes, we had another Sunday marathon and feeding visit from Pops and Charlie as Charlie preceded to thoroughly clean my kitchen once again. He gave my stainless steel sink and very good scrubbing. Charlie also gave the Ms. Maggins fresh water and kibble.

Comment Replies...

diane said...

What is the wattage of the computer you wish to install 2 Graphic Cards?

January 8, 2017 at 12:58 PM


Diane, It is a Corsair AXi version 860 watt unit. I learned long ago to never skimp on your power supplies, I do hope that will give me enough wiggle room in the power department to install two video cards, Andrew

Dear Snowmen Everywhere...

http://www.pressconnects.com/

The National Weather Service had us under a hard freeze warning till lunch today.

"You were right last night about the cold," Charlie told me this morning hurriedly walking to my front stoop. "I just didn't believe it would get this cold."

Charlie was busy trying to carry the breakfast biscuits and keep his hair from flying about wildly. I was snickering a little bit, but not noticeably. It was quite comical.

Charlie also remarked about the jacket I was wearing.

"Hey, I gave you that jacket for Christmas!"

Charlie was wearing one just like mine, but in a darker charcoal color. Mine is a lighter grey.

Charlie handed me our biscuits and came inside to see and greet Maggie -- to not do so would be a travesty. The Magster was in ecstasy and put on a fine welcome home show for Beta dog. Poor Zeta dog which is me -- I always get left out.

"Your daddy's driving over to the pond in god's country to see if it froze over," Charlie then told me.

The last time it froze over was in 1983.

"What do you want for supper?" Charlie asked before we parted ways.

"Mom wants Taco Hell and I  thought I will want the same," I replied to Charlie.

Curse the Heavens and Let's Dodge Hell...

https://commons.wikimedia.org

It was 18° bone chilling degrees this morning as I drove to Walmart. There seemed to be nothing stirring as far as any life was concerned. I almost thought my car wouldn't crank as my battery struggled so to fire my frigid engine into life.

George was heading to the Waffle House, as he does at 6 AM every morning, and gave me a hearty wave hello. It was too cold for mingling and socializing, though. I still haven't found out for sure what happened to George that month he was gone. I guess don't ask and don't tell is the best policy on that. I am pretty sure it had something to do with drinking and driving or so my father says.

"We all bowl a gutterball sometimes," Horsefly will say about such matters as he often does.

"I can't believe I am doing this," I muttered to myself as I slowly backed out of my driveway -- my hands and fingers quickly going completely numb from the cold. "Those better be some mighty fine tasting bananas."

I drove by Kroger down Hwy 29 and they looked like they finally had just opened for the day. They used to stay open all night. I didn't take any chances in this cold this morning and headed to Walmart which would be a sure bet about being open.

Walmart looked like the retail holocaust had happened. There wasn't an employee in sight. I looked at some prices around the store and then meandered over to produce to get my bananas with my carryall in hand. I grabbed two large bunches of bananas and headed to checkout hoping an employee was now manning a register.

Charlie will be along in a few hours. Maggie, I am sure and I both are ready for a hot breakfast this morning. Charlie will curse the cold as well as I did leaving a little while ago. Horsefly must have his morning sausage biscuit rain, shine, or snow.

We've Got a Green Light and a Go For Crossfire...

It really lights up like that!

"Pops?" I just asked my stingy conservator at my parent's house as I sat at the kitchen table. "How much do I have in my account?"

Dad had just finished eating a toasted smoked turkey and sliced tomato sandwich. He then got up and walked into the kitchen when my mother said she wanted a sandwich as well.

"You will just want to spend it on computer parts!" he said smiling and laughing. "I better not tell you or tempt you for that matter."

"You see, there is this video card on Newegg that I want extremely badly. It is the same as the one I got for Christmas. I can join them together to increase frame rates and performance."

"See?" dad said interrupting me. "You love that Newegg!"

"Johnny! Let him get his computer part!" my mother said from the den -- a room away.

"Are you going to pay for it Martha dearest?" my father then asked my mother.

It got really quiet in the den or in the bandstand I should say with no reply.

"Didn't you just get a video card for Christmas?" my father then asked. "I believe Matt told me that."

Dad then started to spoon his homemade chili they had last night into a tupperware bowl for me to take home.

"Go order it," my father told me warily. "This goes against my better judgement. Just don't let this become a habit."

AMD CrossFire (also known as CrossFireX) is a brand name for the multi-GPU technology by Advanced Micro Devices, originally developed by ATI Technologies.[1] The technology allows up to four GPUs to be used in a single computer to improve graphics performance.[2]