Oh-My-Gosh! Yippee!

They finally had my lemon meringue pie in stock! I almost got heart arrhythmia and fainted when I opened the freezer door and pulled it out with my chilly, clammy hands. It was like holding the Holy Grail of frozen pies. Into my cart it went. I am now wishing I got two of them, but I was trying to be budget conscious.

I thought I had gone way over budget on my groceries tonight and I ended up spending only $54 dollars. That worried my father deeply -- my misjudgment. I got what I thought was a lot of expensive sandwich meat, but I guess it wasn't that expensive after all. I also got Hebrew National jumbo franks for hot dogs which I so adore. Those things are pretty pricey as well.

"Do you want to go back in and get some Marie's meals?" dad asked me urgingly as I loaded my Honda up with groceries.

"I will be fine," I reassuringly replied to my father. "I will just have to be very judicious with the food I bought tonight."

"Well, at least you got your journal writing sodas," dad said with a chuckle. "Priorities, right?"

I didn't know if he was joking or being serious.

Dad told me he was going to cook a pot roast with the trimmings, his mother's macaroni and cheese, and rattlesnake beans towards the end of the week. He assured me that would help tide me over till next Monday and yet another grocery store visit.

A Night Out On Grocery Town!

Yes, it is grocery day and the only things I have left from last week are one can of Vienna sausages (saved for Maggie), a loaf of bread, and some cereal and milk. I've been eating tomato sandwiches today made from the sliced tomatoes Charlie's wife sent me last night. They have been delicious and I even had some potato chips to go with them. Blessings have been bestowed upon us!

I know I am going to cook my spaghetti and meat sauce again. Old Fuss and Feathers won't like this, but I am addicted to the stuff and I seem to have perfected the recipe according to my tastes. The hard part is waiting for it to cook down and get all thick, meaty, bubbly, and delicious. It will be almost time to cook the noodles and don't forget the Parmesan cheese!!!

Last week, I managed to score an Edwards Key Lime pie (the last one) and I hope to repeat that performance. If they have Edwards Lemon Meringue pies that I will just swoon into the arms of Kroger. I haven't been able to get one for months. People? These pies are terrible for you! Go away! Don't eat them! He he.

Feeling Taxed Already...

Tomorrow is the big day. Just the thought of organizing all of this is mind boggling. I take my new found friends on a trip of mercy and sustenance. Tuleana has asked me a hundred times if I am going to be able to make it. It is very, very important to them.

"Be sure to set your alarm clock today," she told me earlier on the phone. "Remember! We leave at eight!"

I about can't understand what she is saying over the phone which bumfuzzles my phone phobias -- some kind of strange Southern brogue and she talks a mile a minute.

The leaving time is 9 AM my time as they are on central time. That gives me an extra hour to sleep in the morning. Lord, I slept until 11:30 AM this morning. My mind was racing again last night which delayed sleepy time. I had to get in my recliner in the den and unwind while I watched traffic pass by on the main road. That always settles me down.

We have to run by Charter bank to get some money. Then, I have to take Tuleana to Greene's Super Drugs to get her prescriptions filled. She says she has to get her "nerve" pills and insulin pens. Then, we go to Kroger so my friends can buy their groceries. Hopefully, I can then take them home and then head that way my self.

"You're going to get yourself messed up mentally," my father told me this morning. "You can't take all that social stuff! And what if these people have drugs on them when they are in your car? The police could seize your car!"

I blew off old fuss and feathers. They can't afford drugs.

It is going to be taxing, but I think I can do it. I want to pay back some of the blessings I've received in my life and they need my help badly. Extra gracious miles and beyond as I like to say.

Charlie Burgers

Never Fear For Charlie is Here...

"I am running very late," Charlie said sheepishly as he hurriedly walked across my yard.

His combover went flailing up in the wind in the way we have all become accustomed to. Ala Trump Style. Charlie fought to keep it back down.

The clock read 10:45 PM which was a pretty common arrival time in my opinion. Maggie and I are just glad to get it. Maggie squealed with joy when Charlie stopped in front of the house.

"McDonald's was bonkers and I liked to have never gotten out of there!" Charlie told me as he handed me the bag of McDonald's biscuits and a large Coke.

"Now, don't forget I am bringing you burgers this evening," Charlie said. "I've got a whole crowd of folks coming over for Horsefly's birthday party, but I am not going to forget about you."

Sunday Morning Vittles...

A fickle and stubborn Magster decided to sleep on the couch in the den last night and I couldn't sleep without her. No amount of cajoling could convince Maggie that the bed was a better place to sleep. My dearly departed grandmother would die if she knew I was sleeping with that dog in the bed with me.

I finally fell asleep around 3 AM and my body decided to awaken me at 7 AM. You'll have to excuse me if I look and sound a little bleary eyed. I have the most aggravating issues with regards to sleep. My long time readers probably grow tired of me writing about it. I assume it can be painful and aggravating to read.

"Bacon, egg, and cheese or sausage biscuits?" Charlie asked me yesterday.

"I would love the bacon, egg, and cheese," I told Charlie.

"I'll see you about ten tomorrow morning," Charlie said and we got off the phone.

Mein Charlie should soon be here. I also told him last night on the phone that I would love an orange juice and he said "make it so" like Captain Picard on Star Trek. I got a big laugh out of that. Charlie was laughing as well.

I thought Charlie was bringing supper last night and I waited and waited until I gave up around 11 PM. He is cooking out for Horsefly's birthday today and not yesterday I soon learned. I got the days mixed up. I can taste those Charlie burgers right now marinated in Lea and Perrin's Worcestershire sauce. It is kind of a coy taste, but delicious none the less and intriguing.

I woke up with several Facebook messages from Rich and Tuleana along the lines of "please talk to us", "are you okay?" "are you mad at us?" and "where are you?" I am not a big Facebook messenger fan and I hope they learn this. Just because I am not chatting doesn't mean I do not care or that I am "mad at you". It all ties into my phone phobia issues and frankly it is tedious to type a message and then to have to wait up to a minute or more for their reply.

For My Frumpy, Furry Faced, Pipe Smoking Friend...

Good Grub...

The end result of Andrew making spaghetti and meat sauce.

I Am Being Remiss...

Brother, Horsefly, Sister

In not telling you that today is Horsefly's 46 birthday. The doctors and specialists said he wouldn't live past 18 and boy did he prove them wrong.

I just called Charlie and told him to be sure to tell Horsefly Happy Birthday and that I love him.

"Get your ass over here and eat some hamburgers," Charlie admonished me. "I cooked too many!"

I told Charlie what I did today and told him I was all pooped out socially. Charlie will invite everyone and their extended family as well. He said he would be by in a little bit with a big plate of food. Oh, joy! I hope Janice made her potato salad.

Maggie Adores Some Birthday Cake!

Good Folks...

Score 1 for Andrew

Score 0 for Social Anxiety/Social Phobias

Well, I made it there and back. It was easier to get there by the interstate according to my trusty internet map program. It took 10 miles to drive there for which I was relieved. I only had to drive on that crazy Hwy. 29 for a few miles.

Rich and his wife, Tuleana, both had severe cabin fever so we got out and about the town. I can't imagine not having a car. I drove us up to Pizza Hut and we had pizzas and Pepsi, my treat. I ate a whole large supreme pizza to myself I was so hungry. They are both just good people fallen on hard-times and I think I have found two new friends. I told Rich that I was a goof ball but I am a loyal and caring friend. He seemed to appreciate that. He assured me he was a bigger goof ball than I. I laughed.

Old fuss and feathers (my father) really worried about me, though. He worries I am naive of the world and will be taken advantage of by poor people like that. If he only knew me during my hard drinkin' Piggly Wiggly gang days. He underestimates my street smarts. He gave me a long lecture over the phone earlier after I had arrived home all the while he was working in his yard huffing and puffing.

"How do you know they are not crackheads?" my father asked. "There is a reason why they don't have a car."

"Crackheads wouldn't have a nice wide screen television in their den," I exasperatedly told my father.

The Trial Run...

Mrs. Maggie decided that 10:30 AM was a good wake up time. I woke up with her whining next to the bed and she also scratched my arm. She was hungry and lonely. I warmed up some pastries in the microwave and that was breakfast. Maggie got a cheese danish and I got the apple. I've got to remember to get up some eggs on my foray out of the house today. I want my grand breakfast in the morning. Strike that. Charlie is coming with biscuits in the morning. I forgot it is Saturday.

Today, around 3 PM to 4 PM, I am driving down to Rich's mobile home on a trial run to see if I can get there. He lives on county road 388 just off of Hwy. 29. It is a pretty good drive, but I have a full tank of gas which is reassuring (might need to skedaddle out of there). My social phobias are screaming for relent at this point, but I am going to give it a good college try. They act like they are just absolutely desperate and starved for visitors and a friend. From what I've read so far, they seem to live in abject and destitute poverty.-- living solely on the meager disability income of Rich's wife.

Rich's wife just texted me asking me if I am up and still coming. I wrote back wanting to know the number of their mobile home. I also wanted to know where we are going Tuesday which seems so paramount.

If I told my father I was doing this, he would be screaming bloody murder! "What if they are crack heads or drug fiends?" I don't think they could afford it. I wonder what will happen if he comes over today and I am not at home? He's going to be immediately worried. He will also search my home looking for malfeasance such as empty beer cans.

Can I Please Have Some Male Friends? Let's End this Drought...

One of Laura's (long story/old date friend) old boyfriends named Rich has kept in touch with me via Facebook. He messaged me today to see if I would help him get to the doctor next Tuesday. He is on disability like me and can't afford a car. I gave him my phone number and said I would help him out with his lack of mobility. Well, his wife called me and we talked awhile, and she then put Rich on the phone and we ended up talking an hour about various things. I have been complaining to my father about being lonely and lo and behold a friend arrives. Amazingly? I didn't have any problems with my phone phobias tonight during that call. It was fluid with no uncomfortable silent stretches. I warned Rich that I may have to suddenly get off.

I also have my high school friend Mark who wants to go to lunch sometime and I am very excited about this. He said he was excited as well. He reads the journal so he knows full well what I am like and my loves and dislikes. Let's hope we can get together soon and catch up on old times. He says I am going to be surprised at the similarities of our lives.

Thunderhead on the Horizon...

Thunderhead on the horizon near Columbus, Georgia to our southwest. We didn't get any storms, but at least I got to see one. We should have a light show after dark if it holds together. The weather is so fickle here this time of the year.

Comment Replies...

Blogger glittermom said...
Did you get your rain? We haven't had a good summer storm for a long time.

Andrew Replies...
I jumped the gun and we didn't get anything. It all fizzled out before it got here in the county above us. I haven't been this weather disappointed in a long time! It has stayed overcast and dreary all day here.

What I Want Breakfast to Be Like Tomorrow...

I am already scheming about tomorrow's breakfast...buttery grits, buttery toast, scrambled eggs and sausage or bacon. Gotta go buy me some eggs...

Excitement Superbly Ensues...

I took those two Papa provided Klonopin last night and was asleep at midnight sleeping like a baby with the Magster breathing rhythmically under my arm. I woke up this morning at 9 AM so very thankful for a good night's sleep. This most likely means I will stay on a normal sleep schedule despite sleeping all day yesterday. I bet my eyes will be burning from lack of sleep come about midnight tonight when I crawl into the bed once again.

I scrambled the last of my jumbo eggs this morning. I burned the toast accidentally not paying attention to my toaster oven. I smelled burning bread and it was too late to save them. There went in two more buttery slices and I got it right this time.

"I should have cooked yeast biscuits this morning," I said to myself as I sat down to eat in the kitchen.

Dad's got me on these yeast biscuits that you buy frozen and they taste just like homemade when you cook them in the oven. Tasty! Hindsight is always 20/20. I will be having bacon, yeast biscuits, and strawberry preserves for breakfast tomorrow morning.

Maggie's eggs didn't last ten seconds on her plate. She scarfed them down as if she were starving. She had just had a big bowl of freeze dried turkey and venison an hour before.

"You didn't even taste it," I whined, dismayed at my faithful little friend.

Let it Rain! Let it Rain! I'm Doing My Rain Dance!

I am very, very excited this morning. A big shield of soaking rain is headed this way and it looks like it may hold together and rain for hours. I love it when the weather is interesting like it is this morning.

"Have you seen the radar?" I asked my father who is my cohort in weather obsession. "A big shield of rain is on the way. It is now entering Randolph county."

Dad said he was going to get on the computer and check the radar when we got off the phone.

Comment Replies...

Blogger Kran's Crackers said...
I thank goodness for the calendar on my cell phone. It gives me reminders of everything I program in there, especially doctor's appointments. It's a good idea, if you have a smartphone with a calendar app, to program this kind of thing. Just a suggestion. Feel better soon!
- Sharon

Blogger Dragon Master Andrew said...
Sharon, thank you for the advice. My iPhone is now set to remind me of my next injection. Bless you, for such a simple solution.

Good Bye to Johnny Otis and Good Night...

"Guess who's here?" I asked the Magster a phrase she knows very well and she went nuts after looking out the window.

She stood her ground by the front screened door until Papa could ingress and get settled on Maggie's couch.

"You get seven cokes tonight," my father told me."One from last night fell out its sack into the car."

I was getting my second wind when my father pulled up tonight. I was truly feeling my oats. Dad and I were laughing and having a good time together. We were really "shooting the shit" as my old friend George would say.

"You do so well these days," my father said bragging on me. "You're are a different person and I appreciate you being so responsible about your injections,"

I told my father that Gittermom had a hand in all that transpired today. She's a dear journal friend I had to explain to him.

Well, I was just eating up the attention. My father doesn't commend me very often like this.

I was telling my father of Maggie's little SNAFU earlier in the evening.

"There was this little black fluffy dog busily sniffing around in the yard and Maggie mistook it as a cat. Well, you have never heard such a commotion over a mistaken dog -- much and such vicious barking. If Maggie could've only sniffed its butt, then all would be well," I told my father.

My father roared with laughter at my last remark.

I only do this once in a blue moon, but I asked my father for two more 2 mg Klonopin to help me get to bed at a decent hour after sleeping all day. I don't want to get back to a nocturnal existence as it taxes me so. He begrudgingly agreed while admonishing me. We walked out to his car to get the extra medications and he headed home. That was the only mar on a great evening with my parental unit.

Par for the Course...

Super Big Kudos go out to Glittermom for helping me remember this!!!

"What are you doing?" my father asked me as I walked into the pharmacy this early morning at nine.

The pharmacy is off limits to me except on injection day. Dad doesn't like me coming in and getting sodas all the time as I have been known to do -- imposition as it is.

"It is time for my injection," I replied to him with a big toothy grin.

Dad fawned all over me for remembering when he forgot. It was amazing I got it all together this morning as I woke up not feeling very well mentally. I slept with the alarm blaring for another hour until 8 AM.

"Thank you so much for remembering," dad said with more fawning. "It hadn't even dawned on me that your shot was due. I am going to do something neat and nice for you in return."

I had to wait for a few minutes while they filled the prescription and then I was on my way to Kamath Medical.

I was signing in when my nurse, Rebecca, stepped into the lobby and told me to come on back.

"That was fast!!!" I exclaimed to Rebecca excitedly.

"We aim to please," she said with a chuckle as I grinned feverishly.

We talked mainly about her kids and the summer, and then heading back to school. Small talk is easy with Rebecca because of her children when it usually stymies me normally.

"Now, I've injected your right butt cheek for the past six to eight weeks," Rebecca admonished me. "We are going to do your left butt cheek today before you start getting scar tissue."

Dee Dee had my next appointment card sitting on the reception counter as I grinned some more as I told her I loved her. If a black lady could blush then she would have been blushing.

I arrived back at the pharmacy and dad was standing up front waiting on me. I handed him my next appointment card and got something in return.

"Here is $10 dollars," he told me. "Go get you your ham and cheese omelet you so love up at the Waffle House."

I asked for $15 and he pulled out $5 more dollars.

"I've got to tip well, you know?" I said with another sly grin.

I got a familiar waitress today. She asked me if I wanted my usual breakfast.

"Add an extra order of buttery toast," I told her.

I finally arrived home and crashed for the day. I always sleep all day the day of my injection. It makes me so very drowsy. Maggie just adores it when we do this. I slept all day until 5 PM this afternoon.

Comment Replies...

Blogger glittermom said...
Is it time for your injection tomorrow? 👩🏼‍⚕️💉

Andrew Replies...
Yes, it is and I almost forgot. Thank you, sweetheart. I've got my alarm clock set to wake me up at 7 AM. Let's hope I can fall asleep at a decent time tonight.

A Tad Bit Early For Medications...

"I am going to get you!" Papa said laughing of my earlier joke walking across the yard. "I am going to get your goat good! Two can play that game!"

Maggie was jubilantly barking on the other side of the screen door completely surprised by this visit.

He will, too, regarding a good mischief causing joke! He is just as cunning as I am about such matters and will surprise me with a good ruse.

Now, if I were to ask for my medications this early then my father would balk and bitch and act like I was putting him out. It is advantageous for him today as he is already out and about and convenient that he doesn't have to make two trips. He will fiddle fart around until late many nights to give them to me usually.

Financially Speaking...

I asked my father how self sufficient I am as we sat on Maggie's couch. Maggie sat between us and she was our consultant -- a very attention seeking consultant.

"The only thing I pay for is your car insurance, registration, and your car tag," he told me. "You always do really great on your utilities. Your water bill runs around $20 a month. Your groceries sometimes eat up half of your disability check. They are your biggest expenses."

No wonder dad bitches about keeping my grocery bill low. That made me feel better about the whole arrangement. I certainly don't want to be a burden financially on my father. He tells me more honestly about this kind of stuff than he used to would do.

Good For Me -- Bad for You...

I was going to play a seemingly sadistic joke on my father and it all went terribly, tragically wrong...

"Dad? They keep calling here from the pharmacy wanting you to come in for work," I told my father over the phone with a dour tone to my voice.

"I know," my father said. "I am driving to the pharmacy right now but I only have to work 3 hours. What could I say? Angie needs me."

What are the odds that could happen when my father never gets called in?

"I was just joking dad. They haven't been calling me," I replied. "I feel terrible now."

"I will see you at five and we will take your meds and I will bring your sodas," he then told me not saying anything about my joke/tragic blunder.

"Sounds great to me," I told him excitedly and also feeling unworthy of such kindness.

I felt like such a supreme goober. That's what I used to call Kevin "The Homeless Guy" Barbieux. He was a goober, too, as we affectionately call such people in the South!

A Message I Just Left On My Father's Phone...

"Dad? I don't know if you've left the pharmacy yet, but will you bring me something for heartburn? I am having a terrible time with heartburn tonight. It is driving me crazy!"

"Boy, was I mad as hell at you last night. I could've pickled your goat I was so mad. I love you too much to stay mad at you though. Love you and I will see you tonight." 

My phone rings with my father laughing loudly...

"You said you could've pickled my goat?" dad asked laughing hysterically. "I love you son. I had fallen sound asleep in my recliner with my pussy in my lap! Our lights were out! I will bring you some Tums and some Prilosec."

A "Shield" of Rain...

It has been raining all morning and they've got flash flood warnings out for our area. The poor Magster just had to potty something terrible and this rain is just not acceptable. She whined and whined as if I could change the weather and finally shot out into the backyard and came flying back in. I got a big chuckle out of that until she used the couch as a towel then there was a big frown on my frowny furrowed face. Maggie has put that couch through hell. It is but a shadow of its former self.

Stay Off the Sauce, Please?

I heard a big commotion last night on George's carport as I was putting my groceries away in the kitchen. It sounded like a fight was underway. I grabbed a flashlight off my computer desk and headed out my side door -- the one facing George's house. I thought there was criminal mischief underway. Maggie was loudly sounding the alarm as well. George had fallen and was bruised up just a bit.

"Are you sure you are okay?" I asked George as he stood up. "Do I need to call the paramedics?"

"The only thing really hurt is my pride," George told me which was a very honest answer. "I was just going to sit out here for awhile and listen to the katydids."

I helped him get inside his spartanly furnished home and he plopped down in his recliner. I told him to be sure to lock the door after I had left.

Ragu Old World Traditional...

The meat sauce is on the stove. I have a simple recipe these days. I brown the ground beef and then add a big cup of water and let it bubble away and get tender. Once the water has boiled down, I add two small cans of Hunt's tomato paste (oregano, garlic, and basil), one can of Hunt's tomato sauce, and one large jar of Ragu Old World Traditional style pasta sauce (not as sweet as the other brands). This will cook for about three or four hours until I boil the thin spaghetti noodles al dente. These will be mixed into the sauce.

There is nothing like curling up in your favorite chair after adding a little Parmesan cheese to this cherished treat of mine. It is even better with some crusty and toasted french style garlic butter bread.

I am Royally Peeved at You!

"You're mad at me for being so late tonight aren't you?" my father asked me as we traversed the aisles of Kroger last night.

"You know how I hate those self-check out lanes!" I spat at him angrily.

I was also giving him the silent treatment.

"How can I be mad at you?" I finally acquiesced after telling my father I was royally peeved at him. "You do so much for me."

Dad chuckled and laughed, seemingly taking pleasure from this discourse.

Comment Replies...

Blogger Summer said...
Is there a reason why your father won't shop at the Pig?

Andrew Replies...
Summer, he likes the Kroger card discounts (we saved $10 dollars last night), Kroger fuel points, and the Piggly Wiggly is also closed at 10 PM when Kroger stays open to 1 AM. Sometimes our shopping will pass 10 PM as he likes to go late so he won't get "caught".

Oh, Woe is Me...

the best meal out of the bunch by far

I was going to go grocery shopping tonight at the Piggly Wiggly until my father called me earlier in the day saying he was going shopping with me this evening. He plainly said he missed our little shopping soirees together and I told him I did too. Hell, to be honest, I need the help.

Each Monday night shopping trip is preceded with the medication ritual and Maggie's ritual. Once that was accomplished then we were on our way.

Don't Always Think the Worse, Andrew...

My father didn't show up until 10:30 PM tonight to go shopping. I panicked! We usually go at 9 PM. I thought he had been in an accident or even worse, gotten a DUI. His phone was dumping me into his voicemail as his phone does when it is turned off. I kept expecting Mein Charlie to call me with bad or horrible news.

I can be kind of persnickety about how my life is organized and ordered and I had the mother lode of anxiety attacks as we were shopping. The store started to spin as my heart raced in my chest. I leaned on my cart and trudged forward when I wanted to leave the cart, exit Kroger, and drive the hell home. I've done this before and my father found my cart, purchased my items and brought them to me.

"Lean on me," my father said. "We'll get through this together."

I did manage to get $74 dollars worth of groceries. I was pleased as punch that we are having my spaghetti and meat sauce for lunch and dinner tomorrow and we also, almost miraculously, got a lot of Papa pleasing Marie Callendar meals.

Shall We Dine Alone?

No, that's where Maggie comes in. Maggie will eat just about anything including still wiggling animals and ailing insect eating bats which was the meal du jour today as she recycled that little packet of protein and vitamins/minerals.

I feel a breakfast themed shopping trip is going to happen tonight. I just called my father and he said we will go at nine. I just drank my last glass of milk a moment ago. I did pretty well this week of conserving my groceries even though I had to resort to two toasted mayonnaise sandwiches for lunch. That's what Maggie is having right now for supper.

I also want my spaghetti and meat sauce for another week and dad is going to sho nuff bitch at me about that choice. "You are going to run out of food again like you did the week before last," I can hear him say. Why does he have to be so stringent and aggravating about this kind of stuff? Is it sadism?

I Abhor Knocks on the Door...

A few days ago, it was the Morman missionaries knocking loudly on my door. This sent me into a tizzy. Maggie found them as distasteful as did I and raised hell. I hunkered down behind my computer monitor until they headed back to the street to get on their bikes and peddled away.

This morning was another harbinger to loud knocks on the door. I looked out the window and sighed in relief when it was just Lopez and his yard crew.

"Pull your car out and I'll mow your backyard," he said in easy to decipher broken English.

In my haste, as I was backing out of the fence, I pulled a Martha (mom) and hit my right side mirror on the fence. I got out and looked at it to find it wasn't broken. I sighed again in relief.  This day was off to a very auspicious and convoluted start.

Comment Reply....

Blogger glittermom said...
I thought your father said he was giving your car to your mother's friend she went for Mexican food with every week. I guess he changed his mind. I hope she doesn't think she's getting the car now.

Andrew Replied...

She didn't know she was getting it. I guess I am being selfish for wanting to sell it, but that opportunity doesn't come often as far as my upgrading my computers is concerned. Dad will probably override me and give it to her anyway so it is probably a moot point.

Criminal Minds...

I clean up for Charlie so he won't have to do it for me, and my father and Charlie were on the way with medications and supper. I was hurriedly carrying my trash across the yard to put it in the bin by the road when George walked out to talk to me.

"Well, they got your car and then they got me last night. Sons a bitches!" George told me drunkenly. "They stole eighteen beers off my porch sometime last night. When I went to eat breakfast at six this morning they were gone."

George's face was beet red from his exertions.

I told George I would call the police and get them to step up patrols. That seemed to placate him somewhat. I got online to get the police department's phone number. The nice lady on the phone assured me there would be a patrol car passing about every hour tonight through the neighborhood.

"I can't believe you used the phone to actually call the police," my father told me over the phone. "That took a lot of chutzpah for you to do considering your phone phobias."

"Necessity can sometimes be a big motivator," I told my father. "I am like George. I am tired of all that shit."

We're Not Building Igloos Here...

I pulled on some shorts and hurriedly headed to the front door after very loud knocking. Moments earlier I was in dreamland -- dreaming of model trains and locomotives.

"Charlie's here! Charlie's here!" Maggie seemed to be saying as she briskly ran in circles around the den and barked jubilantly. She was like a little hyperactive child on Christmas morning.

I opened the door to a downtrodden Charlie standing on my doorstep.

"I screwed up!" Charlie told me. "I let them put ice in your Coke."

I laughed a big hearty laugh.

"Charlie! I am just glad to get whatever you bring!" I told my very wonderful and special friend. "Sometimes ice is a good thing. I will enjoy it none the less."

Charlie wanted to see my new cell phone and I showed it to him.

"They seem to get bigger and bigger," he said. "You are really rating for your father to buy you an iPhone."

"What do you want for supper tonight?" Charlie then asked me.

"Just get me the chicken strips $5 dollar fill-up," I told him. "I want that chocolate chip cookie they put in those meals."

Selling My Car...

Time is quickly approaching to when my father hands me the keys to my mother's car. He got it washed and detailed last week. Now, we just have to get the paperwork in order.

I want to sell my car to get up the cash to build a new powerhouse computer. Kelly Blue Book says the value of my car is around $2500. I want to at least get $3500 for the car. I am going to ask my father if we could park it nearby the pharmacy with that amount on the windshield.  Maybe we will get a bite. Who knows?

Comment Replies...

Blogger Jane said...
Maybe you need a dose of that medicine in the morning and evenings so that you don't have those few hours each day where you feel so bad?

Blogger glittermom said...
What would happen if you took your meds early every day? If your fathers working you could go to the pharmacy and pick them up...at least you'd be on a regulated schedule...

Andrew Replies...

Yes! Yes! Yes! You all have excellent and right ideas. They are actually prescribed to be taken three times a day with different dosages and medications at breakfast, lunch, and supper. I would love just to be able to take them in the morning and enjoy the mental benefits all day long and not late in the evening before I go to bed. I fear by the time I've woken up, the benefits have waned overnight. I've been telling my father for years that taking my medications in the morning would be optimal for me. He usually just scoffs.

One of my biggest drawbacks to making this come to fruition is that I take Klonopin -- a highly addictive medication along with the lines of Xanax and Valium. If you take a handful of this medication then you will feel quite a mental buzz and then sleep all day. I take it because it subdues my anxiety and my anxiety attacks I get occasionally. My father is afraid I will abuse this medication without oversight from him.

Shots in the Dark...

Just Call Me Chuck...

I called my father this afternoon just as he was about to lie down for a nap. He is really resting this weekend as my mother would call taking long naps. He actually answered the phone with me calling which startled me.

"What are you doing, Chuck?" he asked.

"I just woke up and panicked thinking I had missed yesterday's eclipse," I told him.

"The eclipse is in August and we are going to do our darndest to go see it," my father then said. "We're taking a road trip. We are also going by Falling Creek."

"That movie Dunkirk got stellar reviews," I told my father. "Christopher Nolan directed it."

Are you familiar with the incident called Dunkirk? The Germans had forced the British Army all the way back to the English Channel with nowhere to turn. The whole British nation mobilized to get them home before they were killed or captured by the Germans. Even the smallest rowboat was used to bring the troops home across the English Channel.

"We'll watch it when it comes out on Netflix," my father told me.

Dad was sounding awful sleepy so I decided I better let him go. I asked him the question that makes him not want to answer the phone when I call. I am just a pest it seems.

"Can we take my medications in an hour or two after you've had your nap?" I asked.

"Sure, Chuck. I'll call you when I wake up," my father surprisingly replied. "You can get your Cokes as well."

Is it so awful to ask? Is it that terrible? I know I shouldn't take them so early, but it sure does make my afternoon more pleasant. All dad has to do is walk out to his car to get my medications and bring them inside. The hardest part is making up my plastic sack of six colas for the day.

This is Me to a T...

Blessed...

Papa's been by and administered my medications. Maggie has a full belly and is contently laying on the floor licking her front paws. I still have three more diet Cokes to drink. I am enjoying reading things on the internet and writing as well. The caveat? Big storms are on the way. This is an Andrew evening made in heaven.

There Has Got to Be Something in the Water Today....

"ANDREW!" Charlie said excitedly over my new cell phone I got this afternoon. "I bought another house today!"

It has only been a few months since he bought some apartments to renovate.

"I am coming to get you and we'll ride over to look at it!" Charlie then told me happily.

Dad was in the car with him (Kimosabe and Tonto) and told him to wait until I've taken my medications.

"It is getting close to time," I heard my father tell Charlie.

"We can give him his medications right now," Charlie snapped at my father. "I have a dosage in the car."

Dad bought me the cell phone today and a nice one it is. I enjoy looking at weather updates with it. It can even emulate some old games I enjoy playing.

"You always keep that phone on you. Especially when you are driving," my father said.

"Now don't put this on Facebook just yet," Charlie then warned me about his new house. "I don't want the whole Valley knowing all of my business!"

Close Encounters of the George Kind...

It was kind of early in the day for George to be so drunk. I was opening my fence to get the car out when he asked me from his carport what I was doing. He sounded like he had marbles in his mouth and it took several tries to enunciate his sentences.

"I am headed to the Piggly Wiggly to buy some milk," I told him. "Do you need anything?"

"Oh no!" George said slurring his words. "I am going to stay at home today."

That statement made me grin as I didn't ask him to go with me.

"Okay," I then said. "You have a good day George."

"What is it with all these temptations to drink lately?" I asked myself.

George stumbled on his feet a little bit and plopped back down on one of the wrought iron chairs I had given him.

It is refreshing to step into the Piggly Wiggly to do some shopping. The store is so cool, clean and brightly lit. That $24 dollars I had in my wallet is quickly disappearing. Especially after that trip to the Waffle House yesterday.

The End of a Journey is Not Always as Sweet as the Ride...

"You need to be careful with that cellphone," I told my father tonight. "I could hear everything clear as a bell to what Charlie was saying here sitting next to you. You don't want any hurt feelings."

"I forgot Charlie's prescription," dad said looking miffed with frustrated furrows in his brow.

Dad had just left the pharmacy, swung by his house for my sodas, and stopped by my house for the medication ritual when Charlie called.

"Come on," I told my father. "I will ride with you and give you somebody to talk to. Let's go get Charlie's medications."

"That would mean so much to me," my father said. "Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Let me change my shirt and we will go," I told him.

I had on a stark white cotton t-shirt and it always makes me feel like I am wearing my pajamas out in public when I am wearing them. They are my sleeping shirts.

Dad and I headed back to the pharmacy as the sun was setting in the West. I sat out in the car as dad turned off the alarm and went inside to fill the prescription. Soon, dad was in the car and we were headed back up busy Hwy 29.

Dad and I had a really good conversation on that trip. It took us about an hour to make it back to Charlie's house to deliver the medicine.

"You know Charlie would drive across the country for us if we needed him," dad said. "That's the least I could do for him in turn."

Lunch in All of its Glory...

A ham, cheese, and mushroom omelet with hash browns with extra onions.  Guess who was there? Yep, George. We spoke for a moment and then I let him get back to his pork chop lunch. I had to get out and buy Maggie more dog food so I decided to treat myself. Also, backing my car out of the fence was much less a hassle than I thought it would be. "This is going to work," I said to myself as I pulled out into the road and put the transmission in drive. 

It's Embarassing....

I don't know what possessed my father to paint the house this color. It looks like a diarrhea orange. Some people love it and thought it was avant garde and most hated it. This is the current color in juxtaposition to the old color in last night's post. This was taken spring a few years ago.

Crinkly Wrappers...

Well, Papa just left at 10 PM. I was off an estimated hour and the wine factor was in full effect. "One more glass of wine and I will go take care of Andrew's medications." I know the game very well. I used to play it all the time myself. "One more beer and I will head back to my dorm room."

"Why don't you let me drive you home?" I asked my father. "If you get pulled over, you are going to get a DUI. You will go to jail for the night, and Charlie will have to bail you out in the morning."

"I haven't had that much to drink!!!" he snapped at me like an insolent child.

"All that money you have in the bank and that $260,000 dollar house will be gone if you get caught in a reckless driving lawsuit."

That didn't faze him one bit. He got in his car and drove home. He gets that from his father who was quick to fight and even quicker to take a drink. It must be all the Irish blood in them. I've got my fair share of it in me as well.

And Now to a Much Lighter Subject...

Maggie just adores crinkly food wrappers. I dropped an empty fudge covered Twinkie wrapper on the floor and she has had the best time with it. She's gone now and found another I dropped by my Laz-E-Boy and is having a ball. I am listening to Mozart's Requiem with a background of crinkly Twinkie. She's on her back now on the floor with the wrapper between her paws like an otter. It makes me want to go over there and pat and tickle her belly.

The Game is Once Again Afoot...

Dr. Watson and I were just sitting in my computer room. I was just showing my dear Watson how far it is to Papa's house.

"I'd say that is a short 4 miles," Watson said.

"Yes, Dr. Watson, we will soon find out if Papa comes at 8 PM. 9 PM, or 10 PM, and yes, we are factoring in the wine factor which will cause my father to be much, much later," I replied.

"Should you call to find out his current level of inebriation?" Dr. Watson asked inquisitively.

"Oh no!" I said to Watson alarmingly. "That would provoke the beast within and cause much anger and insolence!"

"Taking into account all factors I say my father will be here around 9 PM Watson."

"Ah, the law of averages is being used," said Dr. Watson astutely.

"You are quite correct my dear Watson."

Attack of the Brewskis...

It has been several years since I drank a simple beer. I remember the last one I drank gave me a vicious and pounding headache. George had given me a six pack. My neighbor, George, is outside drinking beer as we speak in this heat. I hear the characteristic sound of beer cans being periodically cracked open. I can amazingly hear it from this back computer room.

I sat here a  moment ago and noted to myself that an ice cold beer would suit me just fine at that moment (danger! boredom was setting in). That's all it takes to start back drinking. I counted the cash in my wallet and I had $24 dollars to spend.  And then I thought of that last beer I drank many years ago and the vicious headache that resulted. "Maybe, I won't have that beer," I said to myself. There was a collective sigh heard echoing throughout the ethos at that moment. One of them being me. I dodged the proverbial bullet once again. If I were smart, I would call right now for my medications, but my father probably wouldn't answer.

Honey? Let's Make a Concerted Effort to Sleep Until 1 PM...

Maggie and I both slept until 1 PM today and what a wonderful sleep it was. We both needed it after our early morning yesterday. Maggie slept with her back against my chest and our breathing would become synchronous. My dear departed grandmother would have just had a fit and died. "You let that dog sleep with you?" She didn't believe in cats and dogs in the house (but she believed in Noah's Ark). Memaw cooked the best macaroni and cheese so I never told her not to believe in old wive's tales such as that. Maggie is just one of the family with all intents and privileges within.

Lotsa Crooks Around Here Lately...

Did I tell you how much that shoplifting fellow affected me the other day? Boy, was the adrenaline pumping and flowing. It was a true fight or flight moment for me. I realized in hindsight I should have run out there and got his license plate number for my friends at Fred's. I could've just wrote it on my hand with the pen in my pocket. Everything just happened so fast. Imagine my and Maggie's adrenaline levels when someone outside your window answers his ringing cellphone and says he can't talk right now. Holy SHIT!

Ye Olde Puff and Stuff...

It is rather sad when you try to call your father and he doesn't answer his phone anymore. It happens a lot lately. I will call and get dumped into his voicemail. He never goes without his phone. He thinks I want something out of him or that I need something like my medications. If my sister were to call, he would immediately answer with "Hey darling." I would be lying if I didn't say it hurts my feelings. Doesn't he remember I am so reliant on him for so many things? And not by choice? There ends my sanguine moment...

Dogged Tired...

I am one tired pups tonight. I am pooped out. Even my father's incessant talking and warnings were getting on my nerves tonight. I felt an anxiety attack began to well up in the pit of my stomach. My own father was giving me an anxiety attack!

"Sleep tight tonight!" I told my father as I shut the door and sighed.

Maggie's pooped out, too, as well. She has collapsed at my feet on the cool hardwood floor as I sit at this computer. I have to be careful not to step on her. It's aggravating, but I let her do it.

It is 9:45 PM now and the medications take effect at 10:30 PM. Maybe, I will feel better then. I am sure they will put me to sleep -- that 4mg Klonopin and all.

I did talk to my father about my starting to take control of the medications.

"One thing at a time young grasshopper," he told me and I laughed for him to use that euphemism. "Let's see how you do with the grocery shopping first."

Shadow Plays...

Looking out from my yard to the vacant lot on the corner. I just like the play on shadows and light in the waning hours of the day.

I Succumbed to My Father's Wishes. My Car is in the Fence...

Watch Johnny Otis drive by my house tonight and think I am not home. I am sure I will be getting frantic phone calls tonight with him trying to find me. 

Willy Nilly...

"Now, you've got to stick to a night to go buy your groceries like Monday night," my father told me this morning as he stopped by on the way to work. "You can't just go willy nilly. There's got to be some order to all of this."

Dad also wanted my receipt from last night to see what I bought and to keep for Social Security.

"You got a lot of food for the money," he told me appreciatively.

I told him to go look at my kitchen counters.

"I asked the cashier when they stocked the shelves at the Piggly Wiggly last night and they stock overnight Saturday and Sunday nights," I told my father. "That's why I want to go on Monday nights."

Kroger stocks on Mondays nights overnight. That's why they never have anything when we do our shopping there on our traditional Mondays. They are about out of everything and it was the only good night for my father to go with me.

Dad wanted me to start pulling my car inside the fence after my incident early this morning, but I told him it would be too much trouble.

"I'd have to keep Maggie in the fence by locking the dog door for the procedure and it would be such a hassle. I would worry about her getting out of the fence."

"I bet they wouldn't go in your car again with Maggie to greet them," my father aptly said.

I did chuckle when I told my father that my phone ringing would be just what would happen to me if I were an interloper, too. I'd make a terrible crook.

Dad left and I went back to bed and slept until 2 PM this afternoon. I was pooped out after what had happened last night.

I Liked this From Sharon...

Blogger Kran's Crackers said...

In Jewish families, bacon wasn't kosher so they would render chicken fat from the chicken skin and store it in jars and cans to use the same way. They would not only cook with it, but I've heard they would spread it on toast or crackers and eat it like butter. Oh, and they would eat the crispy chicken skin they rendered the fat from like it was bacon! This was before my time, but I can imagine their cholesterol levels must have been through the roof!

Startling...

Maggie woke me as she was grooming on the end of the bed very vigorously. I looked at the clock and it read 5 AM then I heard someone's phone ring right outside my window by the bed! Then, I could feel Maggie's hair bristle as she as she lay next to me. She took off outside and started barking up a storm. Startling? Heart stopping! I immediately turn all the outside lights on. Now, I am awake and can't go back to sleep. Bumbling idiots? Crooks? Drug slangers? Gang bangers? It is 5 AM. Go to bed! And stay the hell out of my car!

Neater, Cleaner, Quieter...

If dad is going to let me go on my own now, then I am going back to the Piggly Wiggly. They have a much neater, nicer and much cleaner store than Kroger. The main thing is that they had everything I needed which was refreshing. I finally got my first Edwards lemon meringue pie in months. I also got a big can of Poss' Brunswick stew which Kroger doesn't carry. It was also nice not having to unload my groceries under the cover of darkness as well. Dusk had just started when I arrived home and unloaded my groceries.

You know what? I missed having my father along anyways. We've always had our best talks and best bonding moments shopping for groceries up at Kroger. I know it is strange, but we get stuck in old ways, habits, and old customs.

Not Always the Prodigal One...

Dad was driving back up the interstate from Auburn when he called me a moment ago.

"How did you do?" he asked. "I was worried about you all evening."

"I did fine," I told him, "but I missed you."

"How much did you spend?" he then asked me.

"I stayed under seventy dollars," I told him proudly.

I started regurgitating what the Piggly Wiggly had that Kroger didn't.

"Maggie's also having some Vienna sausages at the moment," I told my father and he laughed.

Andrew Unleashed...

"If you have continuing education in Auburn," I asked my father over the phone. "Then who is going with me to do my grocery shopping? Charlie? Remember it is almost Monday night?"

"You're on your own," my father told me. "This is going to be your big test. Try to keep it under $75 dollars, okay? Don't let me down. I transferred some money into your account when I was at the bank today."

I was ecstatic. The day had finally arrived.

"Are you telling the truth?" I asked flabbergasted. "This is the first time I have bought my groceries without supervision in years!"

I could see me father grinning at my excitement in my mind's eye.

"I am already dressed for shopping and as soon as this rain lets up then I going to head to the Piggly Wiggly and get my groceries."

Dad told me to just be sure and keep my receipt. "Sir! Yes, Sir!"

Code Red...

"Are you up for taking your medications?" dad asked about last hour.

He sounded like he was in a Nascar race, but it was only Hwy 29.

"Honestly?" I said. "You and I both know I shouldn't take them so early, but I would love to take them."

"I can relax all afternoon," I then further told my father.

"I am walking into the bank right now and then I will be over there in about an hour," my father told me. "I've got continuing education for pharmacists tonight down in Auburn."

We should've got Charlie to bring them in hindsight I realized. My impetuance always gets me in trouble.

Dad finally arrived...

"Did you know you are supposed to have your Lithium levels constantly monitored?" dad asked. "We need to talk to your doctor the next time we see him. If the levels are too high it could damage your liver."

Lordy, I don't need any more doctors. problems or procedures is what I was thinking and I expressed this to my father.

"It will just be a simple blood test you can get at Kamath Medical I assure you," my father told me.

That made me feel much, much better. The ladies at Kamath Medical know how to take good care of me.

A Five Finger Discount...

I had an interesting occurrence in Fred's Super Dollar Store a few hours ago. I just wanted some mixed nuts which is my name sake. A rangy looking fellow set off the anti-theft alarm at the door and then took off running like a bullet to his car.

"Sir! Come back here!" the cashier said loudly and frustratingly in vain.

She couldn't leave the register unattended.

The manager walked out into the parking lot trying to stop him, but to no avail. That fellow was long gone out of the parking lot with a chirp of his tires. 

The Sunday Night Fried Chicken Express...

"Chop, chop," dad said to Charlie. "I want to eat my chicken while it is still hot."

"I've still got to polish Andrew's stove top," Charlie said looking like a lost puppy.

I had cleaned it earlier just for this reason, but a haze had formed over the top. Charlie was going to use some of that glass top stove polish I had in the cabinets above the stove.

"Love you, son," dad said as Charlie followed him out my front door with a bag of trash.

I got the $5 dollar fill up chicken strips meal tonight. I love the soft-baked chocolate chip cookie they add to those "fill up" meals.

A Few Words of Wisdom From Glittermom...

glittermom said...

Years ago that's what people used to fry everything in. Everyone had a container of bacon grease. I don't think there was any cooking oil sold. Maybe Crisco in a can was it.

Crazy Kitties...

It was almost 11 PM. I was just knocking on dad's back door when his cat playfully tried to attack my leg.

"Stop that you little shit," I told it. "NO!"

It attacked me some more anyway.

"I'm the boss around here!" she seemed to be imparting to me.

It took my father forever to come to the door. I was almost leaving when I heard dad unlock the door. He still hadn't woken up for the day. I felt terrible.

"Let me let you go back to bed," I told him.

"How many times have I woken you up over the years late with your medications?" he told me chuckling. "Come inside."

Dad's cat shot through the back door like birdshot out of a shotgun. She was hungry. I could hear her crunching on her "nibbles" as dad and I sat down in his den.

"Did Charlie bring you breakfast?" dad asked.

"He was very late this morning but he brought Maggie and me bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits," I told my father. "I answered the door in my underwear and Charlie got to laughing."

As I was leaving, dad told me to take the cooler full of Cokes and Sprites home with me that was out on the back deck. Well, that just thrilled me to death. There must have been 30 drinks in that cooler that are now safely in my fridge. It was like it was Christmas in July.

Yay For Bacon Grease!

Blogger Summer said...
It's bad, I know, but I fry my green tomatoes in bacon grease. Sooo good!

July 16, 2017 at 7:22 AM

Andrew Replied...

I bet that is sooo delicious. Did your mother ever keep a little canister of bacon grease on the stove? My Memaw did (Dad's mom!). She would use it to fry pork chops and whatnot and they would be so rich and delicious.

"Well Shit!" My Father Said...

"When I leave here, I have to go fill an emergency prescription down at the pharmacy," my father told me. "They are very good customers of ours."

The pharmacy closes at noon on Saturdays. I gave him my condolences.

"I thought I was home free, but checked my phone messages and someone needs my help," my father furthered.

"Do you want a companion?" I asked. "I will ride with you and sit out in the car."

"You just stay home. You seem to be doing very well today and it makes me happy," my father told me. "I don't want to upset your good equilibrium in any way."