Well, This Hybrid Drive is Certainly Interesting...

$99 Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSHD 2TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive ST2000DX002

• Faster load times for non-stop performance and play 
• Performs up to 5X faster than 7200 rpm desktop hard drives 
• Up to 2TB of capacity to store 80x 25GB games 
• Boots Windows 8 in less than 10 seconds 
• Improves overall system responsiveness by 30% or more 
• Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty 
• SSHD (Solid State Hybrid Drive)

The Cavalry Arrived at 4:00 PM...

Charlie called me this morning and told me he would be here at 4:00 pm and he was true to his word. He arrived exactly at 4:00 pm. I like the way Charlie does things as they take out all the guesswork. Charlie, my dear mother, and I are all just alike. We take such things very seriously. I could be waiting for hours for my lackadaisical father to arrive in a similar situation. Lord help us if he gets on his cell phone with his cousin Johnny.

Charlie immediately began cleaning my house with Horsefly sitting in the car and the car was running out at the street. This worried me something terrible.

"You don't have to do that!" I exclaimed to Charlie entirely embarrassed. "When I don't feel well the cleanliness of my house can tell on me. It suffers."

"Now dammit," Charlie replied to me brusquely. "I can have you back to shipshape in just ten minutes."

Charlie was a whirlwind of cleaning fury and activity. He left my house carrying three bags of trash.

"I love you!" Charlie said as he walked across the yard to the trashcan.

"I love you, too, fella!" I told him back. "And thank you!"

Game Day...

"What are we doing about my medications and the Auburn game tomorrow?" I asked my father as he sat on my couch.

We had just completed tonight's medication ritual.

"Alright Martha!" he said loudly and started laughing in earnest.

"I swear I got the worst of the both of ya!" I exclaimed.

"It will be 12 pm if I bring them," dad said. "Your brother likes to get to the game early."

" Charlie will bring them about 4 pm when he takes Horsefly to the movies," my father then said.

"We better go with Charlie, shouldn't we?"

"That would be best," he said. "I don't want to get you too off schedule."

"You are just like your mother sometimes," dad told me laughing some more.

"The devil was always in the details for us," I replied with a harrumph.

Paramore No More?

Did they jump the shark?

I just download the newest Paramore album excited to hear their signature hard rock/punk sound. Hayley can really belt out the tunes.

Guess what? They completely changed their sound. They sound like an eighties band now. I had to make sure I downloaded the right album several times.

Pulling a Martha...

I was just looking at this photo of Maggie and realized how much gray hair she has on her face now. She's getting to be an old gal these days.

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

Dad called me a moment ago to see how I was doing. He was very jovial and we were both in good spirits joking and laughing with much banter back and forth.

"I am going to do you a favor tonight," he said. "I will be over there no later than 7:30 pm with your medications."

"I am up to taking them now if you want to," I told my father jokingly full of wishful thinking.

"No, we need to get back on schedule," he replied with a tone of seriousness in his voice.

Well, this thrilled me absolutely to death. I usually would have to wait until 9 pm or 9:30 pm on a day he doesn't work. He'll get on that cell phone and talk for hours.

"You pulled a Martha on me last night," dad said joking and laughing. "No sooner than I had stepped out of my car, you told me about Maggie's ingrown dew claw and how much pain she was in. Your mother would meet me at the garage door with similar issues."

I laughed and laughed as dad laughed as well.

"I know I did," I said with a chuckle. "I couldn't help it! Maggie is just miserable and I am so worried about her. That's got to be terribly painful."

"We'll take her out to the vet in the morning," my father told me. "You can hold her and I can drive."

Respite Comes in a Black Honda, Too...

I was so glad to see Papa tonight. He pulled up and I quickly ran some trash out into the trashcan. We walked inside and I gave him a big old hug -- the likes he probably hasn't had in awhile.

"You're feeling your oats," he said to me chuckling.

"You should have seen me at seven," I replied excitedly. "My computer clock showed seven and Mags and I knew the cavalry was on its way!"

"You're just ready for some medications," dad said jokingly.

I told him all about my busy day. The trains. Getting a snack at the convenience store. Almost taking Maggie to the vet. My adventures in computer hardware. Charlie stepping in dogshit.

"How much has the phone rang today?" dad then asked.

"It rang about four times when I was at home," I told him.

"Well, that's an improvement over twenty times a day," he said. "That lady was crazy!"

"Oh, you got another package from UPS," dad said. "It is some audio cables for your stereo. I set them on the piano."

My father was ready to go so we walked into the laundry room and fed and watered Maggie. She looked on with much approval before getting a bug up her butt and flying out the dog door barking up a storm. We must protect our family, the humans.

The Man with the Plan...

"I took a different route home this evening down hwy. 280 and up the interstate. I thought I would stop and get your favorite chicken sandwiches," Charlie told me walking across my yard. "You get Chick-fil-A tonight."

I thanked Charlie profusely and welcomed him inside for a moment. Maggie was putting up a fuss to see him.

Charlie then started looking for a stick and something to scrape his shoe with.

"What are you doing?" I asked Charlie as he sat down on my front steps.

"I just stepped in some goddamned dogshit in your yard!" Charlie exclaimed huffily. "Well, I'll be damned!"

It took all I could muster not to burst out laughing. It was the way Charlie said it. Charlie and my father have been known to have potty mouths.

"Well, it couldn't be Maggie as she only shits in the backyard," I replied not helping much.

Charlie took off his shoe and got to rubbing it in the grass until he was satisfied his loafer was clean.

"Bless your dear heart, Charlie," I said with a chuckle as he came inside to see Maggie.

Charlie's duties never end. Janice will have given Horsefly a bath this evening and they will soon be on their way to the bowling alley. They also have a stop at KFC for Horsefly's nightly chicken strips.

Lots to See Down At the Tracks Today...

I parked at the bank and walked over to the tracks as a train roared through downtown. Perfect timing. It had the traffic backed up quite a ways and I am sure a few people were cursing under their breath to be caught by this train. I always love it when that happens. Front row seat to a freight.

I was interested in the loading operation down by where the old cotton mill stood. They were loading gondolas with debris from the demolition. The build date on the gondolas was in the 1970's and they were quite beaten up looking like relics from another time with years of graffiti adorning their sides.

I noticed way down the tracks that the block signal had slowly turned from green, to yellow, and to red. Another train was on the way. I gave the tracks a wide berth as the engineer waved at me from the cab of the lead locomotive. I waved back vigorously. The second train was full of empty automotive carriers no doubt headed to the massive Kia automotive plant on the outskirts of town.

I was getting hungry so I walked across the highway to the new and nice independently owned convenience store downtown. I walked out with milk and several packages of cheese on wheat crackers. The Papas will ask me about this debit charge in the next day or so when he surveys his financial empire on his computer.

And There Was Storage On Andrew's Computer...

Like a kid at Christmas, I woke up early this morning before dawn and immediately rushed to my computer to gloat over my new hard drive and solid-state drive. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. Yeah, I need a life, but computers and computer parts are the most fun my life offers at the moment and always have. I have been just thrilled to death. 

The installation went without a hitch. I carefully installed the drives with my anti-static wrist strap attached, connected the data and power cables, and then turned on the computer with apprehension and crossed fingers. Everything booted up fine with a hearty sigh from me. Yes, I had to initialize and format the drives in disk management for them to be available for use. That was the first step I took when I didn't see them in the drive panel shown below. I then screwed the case cover back on and deemed this computer to be fit for use. 

Folks, We've Got Your Crazy All Here...

My great aunt still had one of these rotary phones.

Well, Tuleana called the pharmacy three times yesterday finally getting my father on the third call.

"Knock that shit off!" he told her bluntly. "You are harassing Andrew and I, and I want it to stop now!"

"She said she was only worried about you," dad told me. "She's only worried about having a free ride on the 1st when the government checks get deposited."

Dad's not one to mince words. The calls have dropped off to almost nothing, though. A call an hour at most. All that got my nerves bad and dad could tell it last night when he arrived with my medications. My hands were shaking and I couldn't make eye contact. There was a shakiness in my voice.

"Remember when I told you I had one of my best days mentally in a long time last Wednesday?" I asked him. "Well, today was one of the worse days in a long time."

"You can't take all the crazy shit going on," my father told me. "I think you've had enough crazy to last a lifetime."

I was so glad and appreciative to get my medications last night. Within an hour, I was feeling much, much better. I also had my diet Cokes last night and I could smoke with wanton abandon. I was in the bed by midnight and slept until noon today.

Christmas at Andrew's...

Dad gives me $250 dollars every year and I am throwing in my own $100 as well. I know it seems like a bit much, but I am ordering two of the mouse and keyboard. I don't want any more wireless keyboards and mice -- tired of charging batteries all the time. 

Bless My Lucky Charms!

My package of computer parts is in transit for delivery! I am so excited I about can't stand it! I just quickly called my father at work and told him to check the side door and front door to his house when he gets home tonight. He laughed at my exuberance. It will be a surprisingly small but very heavy package. The hard drive weighs about 3 pounds.

It should be a simple, pain-free install. The Samsung solid state drive is 2.5 inches in size. I have to install it with a 3.5-inch bracket I already have on hand. The 3.5 inch Seagate hard drive will fit right in the hard drive cage in my case. I have to screw them in and then attach the power cables and then the SATA III data cables and I am ready to go. I might have to format them in disk management, but hopefully not.

My Western Digital Velociraptor 600 Gigabyte drive is slam full of games, movies, and music and they will be moved over to my new overly spacious 4 Terabyte drive.

Jermaine Reemerges From Hiding...

"Don't look now," my father said with an air of caution. "But here comes Jermaine through the front door."

Jermaine shook my father's hand and then shook my hand telling us how much he had missed us. Jermaine is lumberingly tall and towered over my father and I. We were on our way out of Kroger.

"I started coming at midnight to avoid the crowds," Jermaine told my father as he took his seat on his Hov-a-round.

It was time for shopping Jermaine style.

Dad and I quickly bid Jermaine well and hurriedly headed to our cars. Our reunion was short and sweet.

"I can't believe you got that much groceries for $77 dollars," my father told me astonished as he helped me load up my groceries into the back of my Honda. "You must've gotten 10 Marie Callendar's meals."

"I didn't have to buy my $10 dollars worth of cereal this week," I replied to my father. "I still have last week's cereal to eat."

Dad also noted that I got the biggest bunch of green bananas that has probably ever graced Kroger's produce department.

"I got the value pack," I laughingly told my father. "I am helplessly addicted to bananas at the moment."

Can We Have a Little Decorum Around Here?

Come One Come All

Early this morning, I was sitting at my kitchen table eating bacon and yeast biscuits going about my peaceful and calm life when the phone rang. I walked into the computer room to answer it. It was Tuleana. I noted to myself that it was pretty early to be calling someone.

"Richard wants to know if you will take him to the pawn shop this morning. We are out of money," she told me. "We need to go to Walmart to get something to eat."

He bought Grand Theft Auto V for his PlayStation 3 the other day for $50 bucks and would probably get $10 bucks at the pawn shop for it. I don't know about you, but pawn shops conjure up images of theft and drug addicts to me. They prey on cash-strapped desperate people.

"Richard needs to quit buying expensive video games and Blu-Ray movies with your disability money," I told her very bluntly.

Everybody, meaning all my friends and family, had warned me of them, but I wouldn't listen. I learn my lessons the hard way in the school of hard knocks. I was just so desperate to have some interesting and neat friends.

Well, I told Tuleana I couldn't do that and hung up the phone. I then unplugged the phone from the wall when she kept calling back trying to reach me countless times. I was not putting up with all that crazy shit today. I had enough.

It gets crazier. Tuleana then called the pharmacy wanting my father's phone number saying she couldn't reach me. That was the coup d'etat of this friendship.

The Papas is Home...

On a whim, I drove over to my parent's house and rung the back doorbell late this afternoon. I didn't have any real hopes of my father really being home yet. Imagine my surprise when dad opened the back door and beckoned for me to come inside. We gave each other a big hug and were both so glad to see each other.

"I wish you could have gone," my father told me.

"My medication rituals would have been a logistical nightmare, though, on such a trip," I replied.

Dad regaled me in the ins and outs of their trip. Auburn won big (51 to 14) and that was a very appreciated bonus. Jovial spirits abounded as they all went to a local bar to celebrate. Dad said he didn't get in the bed until after two and their flight left at six in the morning.

"I closed my eyes and then it was time to get up again," he said.

Dad said he was fixing to touch base with Charlie and Sunday night fried chicken is going as planned. I saw Charlie parked at his house by dad's house with the garage door up. He must've been surveying his "loot" and other housely treasures lying within.

My Birthday Computer Parts for this Year...

How is this for a computer part name? You can easily guess the demographic they are catering to as well.

Patriot Memory 256GB Supersonic Rage 2 USB 3.0 Flash Drive. The part costs about $100 dollars which is my birthday allotment from my father. The advertised speed is 400 MB/s which is probably overly optimistic as well. Still, it is going to be nice to transfer very large files from one computer to the next with ease.

WD Blue 3TB Desktop Hard Disk Drive...

I am paying for this out of my own money. It will sextuple the amount of hard drive space in my spare browsing and gaming computer.

A Stymied Charlie...

Craving the Monster...

Yes, I had the most incredible beer cravings last night. More than I have had in years. I don't know what got into me, but I am sure glad I didn't drink. The last thing I needed this morning was a hangover or that wasted feeling you get after drinking a six pack the night before. I chalked it up to being vestigial in nature -- the old action packed alcoholic gene acting up.

What Are We Going to Do About Our George?

George, my neighbor, is in and out of his carport door all day loudly slamming it then locking it. It starts to wear on your nerves after awhile. He will then check to see if his alarm is engaged on his car. I hear that bleep of the horn all throughout the day as well. He seems like a man possessed. I think he is drinking a beer, having a smoke, and then going back inside.

Vittles at Ten and at One...

Charlie was here about on time with breakfast biscuits at 10 am this morning. Maggie was on the bed when I hollered Charlie was here! I saw him pull up as I sat at this computer. She came bolting off the bed and ran into the den barking up a storm. We were all glad to see him.

"At least, someone is glad to see me!" Charlie said laughing as I opened the front door.

"You're special," I reminded Charlie. "You are the beta dog -- second in command to Maggie's dynasty."

Charlie told me he would bring a lunch of Captain D's jumbo fish platter around 1 pm. I innocently asked if we could go ahead and take my medications and it sort of flustered Charlie which was not my intent. I didn't know my father would be back tonight.

"You don't want to wait until your daddy gets back?" Charlie asked a stymied me as well. "He gets back tonight."

"That might be 10 pm tonight," I replied sounding kind of pitiful and extremely worried.

"We'll talk about it when I bring your lunch," Charlie told me scratching his head in thought.

I told Charlie not to worry about it and that I was imposing on him, but he seemed intent on giving them to me before he left after lunch and our short discussion.

What Not to See at the Movies...

"What movie is Horsefly watching today?" I asked Charlie a few moments ago.

"He is seeing some movie about ninja Legos," Charlie replied.

I chuckled. Horsefly can pick the most terrible movies to watch. I can remember years ago when I took Horsefly to the movies. We watched an MTV production called Hustle and Flow about the rap industry. I walked out of the theater realizing I just wasted two hours of my life.

"My favorite movie and film critic called the Lego movie a two-hour toy commercial," I then told Charlie.

Charlie laughed as he handed me my medications.

"Now count your pills," he said to make sure they were all there. "I don't think Horsefly really watches the movies. He just enjoys the interesting noises and the ambiance."

Charlie brought a gallon of fresh brewed sweet tea that I will just relish today. Charlie also brought me a fried catfish plate from Merl's diner which I practically inhaled after Charlie left. Maggie put on quite a show of "song and dance" to get her one catfish fillet.

"You're getting fish tomorrow at lunch as well," Charlie told me before he left. "How does a Captain D's jumbo fish platter sound?"

I told Charlie that it sounded delicious. Charlie just spoils me rotten.

Giddy Up and Go...

500 GB solid state drive for games

My package left New Jersey and is in transit at the moment. It will most likely arrive in the LaGrange facility over the weekend which is just up the road from me. I know I won't get them until next week, but I am holding out all hopes for Monday. The Papas optioned for the free shipping which slows things down a bit.

Charlie called a moment ago and said he should arrive around seven with my medications, cigarillos, and diet Cokes.

"And yes, I am bringing you Arby's," he said with a laugh. "Don't eat something and ruin your supper."

Charlie talked about getting Horsefly to the bowling alley on time tonight and then got off the phone. I offered to take Horsefly bowling, but Charlie said it would interrupt his usual routines and Horsefly is resistant to change.

4 Terabyte drive for data storage

Happy Days Are Here Again!

My father and my brother fly out to St. Louis in the morning. Papa was very excited by that little adventure. They are going to see the Auburn vs. Mizzou game. Dad asked me if I wanted to go earlier in the week and I declined. That just wouldn't be my idea of fun -- all that travel only to see Auburn get beat.

Do you know what this means? I will be living on easy street as Charlie will be taking care of me for the duration of the weekend.

Charlie called me a moment ago after dad had left to find out what I wanted for supper tomorrow night. He knows that I love Arby's and laughed when I told him I wanted several roast beef sandwiches and some of those spicy, crispy, onion-infused curly fries.

Living Life in the Danger Zone...

I've had such a wonderful day mental illness wise. My mind was clear and my senses were sharp and acute. My injection was really doing its job after a short nap this afternoon. This a dangerous time in the lives of many schizophrenics as they think they are cured and no longer need to take medications. I am labeled as "notoriously noncompliant" with regards to that by my doctor.

This Day Just Gets Better and Better...

"Matt got your computer parts ordered," my father told me as we completed the medication ritual. "You have such rich tastes in computer parts. The total was $290 dollars."

Uncannily Quiet...

It was foreboding when I saw a new receptionist manning the lobby window this morning. I moaned under my breath -- malfunction junction most likely. I had to wait quite a little bit longer this morning than usual. It really is a sight for sore eyes when Rebecca steps out into the lobby and calls me back.

"Are you okay?" I asked my nurse Rebecca on this beautiful Thursday morning.

Rebecca was not her usual chipper and talkative self as I took a seat in the examining room.

"I am not very chatty today, am I?" she asked with a weak smile as she assembled my injection.

"I am the king of social gaffes and thought that maybe I said something wrong," I replied. "I also internalize other people's problems. It is just part of being me."

"My littlest one didn't want to go to preschool today and it is tugging on my heart. She cried and cried," Rebecca said. "I wish we could afford for me to stay home and take care of the kids."

The injection burned something fierce this morning, but I am a big boy and I can take the pain.

Computer Heaven...

"I got your email this morning," Matt, the pharmacy computer guru, told me when I walked into the drug store. "You must be having storage issues."

I was so glad to see Matt!

"I am about out of space on both the C and D drives in my main gaming computer," I replied.

"Well, your parts are on the way," Matt told me with an accomplished and smug grin.

I thanked him profusely and then took my leave of the pharmacy after handing my father my next appointment card. Matt further said he emailed me the tracking numbers for my order.

Chilly? No, Chili...

A Very Picturesque Chili Dog

I just adore it when my father brings culinary surprises like tonight. Papa brought me two chili dogs, potato chips, and some heavily doctored Bush's baked beans. The food my father cooks usually become culinary masterpieces if you can place a chili dog under that moniker.

"Go on and eat it while it is hot," my father told me as he was stepping out my front door.

We had just completed the medication ritual and Maggie's ritual.

Papa wasn't gone long until I had a mouthful of chili dog. You could also hear the crunch of potato chips in my mouth. The smells of chili dog heaven were driving Maggie absolutely crazy.

"You can't eat onions, sweetheart," I told my dear little companion.

I went and got her several slices of bologna and warmed them up some in the microwave. That made Maggie a happy little dog.

Imposition Boulevard...

Tuleana called me this morning wanting and begging me to take them to Walmart. I had barely crawled out of the bed when the phone rang and was nursing a milky and sweet cup of coffee in front of my computer. I've said it before, but Walmart is like Mecca to the Muslims when it concerns Rich and Tuleana.

"We go every Friday to get groceries now and Fridays only," I replied to her sticking to our agreement. "Call your sister about taking you and Rich."

Computer Bliss...

Ah, bless...

"Dad?" I asked tonight. "Can I order two computer parts? My hard drive on my gaming rig is almost out of space."

"How much is the order?" my father asked warily.

I winced as I told him it was $273 dollars.

"We'll get you some parts," my father told. "Email to Matt what you need in the morning."

Storm Clouds On the Horizon...

The Papas has left and in good spirits as well. He regaled me in an episode of what we begrudgingly call the "key disease". The whole family except my departed mother has it. It might have been what put my mother in her early grave. It drove her crazy. We continually lose our keys despite our best efforts to keep up with them.

"I had your mother's car key as I was driving her car," dad regaled me. "I stopped at McDonald's to get a sausage biscuit and Senior coffee. I got all the way to the drug store and realized the keys to open the drug store were on a different keyring hung up in the kitchen on the key caddy."

Dad had to drive all the way back to his house to get the keys and the pharmacy was 20 minutes late opening.

Shall We Be Weather Friends?

I had called my father earlier telling him stormy weather was on the way. The radar was lit up like a Christmas tree. He showed up at a record 8 pm tonight. I was overjoyed. He soon skedaddled on out of here to miss the swath of heavy rain and thunderstorms on the way.

My Doting Mother Hen and Good Days Come My Way...

I just called dad to tell him I hoped he would have a good day. He sounded jovial and in good spirits and we bantered back and forth for a few minutes in conversation. We were both having a good start to our day.

"Be thinking of me," I told my father. "It is going to be a long day until I get my medications tonight."

I've gotten so used to getting my medications around noon lately and it has been very nice. I've been spoiled. I am sort of afraid today in that I will experience withdrawal and be miserable. Today is going to be a test of my mettle and I also told my father this. It will be well over 24 hours since I took my last dosage of crazy meds tonight when my father arrives for the medication ritual. So far, I feel fine and dandy, and let's hope it stays that way.

"You can do it," dad replied. "Let's get back on schedule. Think good thoughts! Half of your problem is psychosomatic anyway."

I have no other recourse so it serves no purpose for me to worry and fret.

As soon as I hung up the cordless phone in its cradle, my doting mother hen, Tuleana, called.

"Hey, Jon-Jon. What did you have for breakfast?" Tuleana asked.

"I had some cheese eggs and some frozen yeast biscuits toasted in my toaster oven," I told her.

"Did you manage to get some gas?" she then asked worriedly.

"I've got a full tank so we have a green light to go Friday for getting groceries."

She sounded as happy as I felt this morning.

"I don't know what we would do without you!" she said. "Thank you!"

Sometimes it is the Little Things That Can Excite You...

I couldn't wait to get home and try the Liquid Plumber I bought for a bathroom sink that has been very slow to drain for years. Don't ask me why I haven't done this sooner, but I have to be very careful about my father with such regards. He will try to call our plumber, Mike, and I have to go on a mad cleaning spree before Mike gets here so he won't think I am a total slob. I just poured it into the sink so we shall soon see by morning if it works.

I conformed to a typical Papa pleasing Andrew shopping trip tonight. I got one pie, an Edwards turtle pie, which will be an interesting new pie to try. A big pack of $3.99 Little Debbie honeybuns were on the venue as something sweet as well. I got some Marie Callender meals and some cereal. I got four of the Marie's turkey and dressing meals which are my favorite as far as frozen meals go. I also couldn't leave without my 4 gallons of whole milk. Think frosted flakes. The total came to be just under seventy dollars which pleased my father very much.

"Let's get back to normalcy," he said to me hugging me as we walked across the parking lot. "You did good tonight."

The night got off to an auspicious start when my father still had not arrived at 9:30 pm and we also had to fill up our cars with gas as well. As I had surmised, my father got caught by his cell phone and was talking away to his cousin Johnny as time slipped up on him. He called me apologizing and told me to go ahead and head-out down to the Circle K. He would meet me there.

Peace Returns to My Formally Turbulent Little World...

The Pill that Works Wonders for My Anxiety...

Things seemed to have settled down and peace and quiet has returned to the land. I just had a long heart to heart talk with my father while I was getting my medications for the day.

"At least, Rich and Tuleana don't do drugs or drink alcohol," I told my father in their defense. "That has to be a big plus regarding my past problems with alcohol!"

I can't take things being amiss in my life anymore or all the turmoil that results from that. I am getting too old for strife for that matter as well.

"Don't forget about groceries tonight," my father told me as I stepped outside his back door. "I will see you at nine and we will go get you some gas as well."

Dad had me call him when I got home to make sure I was home okay as my low fuel light was on in my CR-V. He insists on paying for my gasoline. The low fuel light means I have 35 miles give or take of drive time until empty.

Damned if You Do and Damned if You Don't...

Dad told me he wasn't giving me my mother's car if I continue to carry Rich and Tuleana around. It was kind of an ultimatum.

"You're putting all those miles on your car and they don't give a shit about you," my father told me knowing nothing of their relationship with me and our friendship. He only knows that I give them rides and they are very poor (relatively speaking).

"I was just going to drive your mother's car and not buy me a new Accord sedan," is what he told me.

Well, I told Tuleana this morning that I can only carry them on Friday afternoons to go get their groceries and that's it -- it was a concession of sorts. I then called my father and left a message on his cellphone to tell him I am not getting my mother's car.

"I have just too soft of a heart and they need me," I told my father with a tear streaming down my cheek. "They are my friends and need my help."

I have yet to hear from my father about the message I left. He is out and about in his Honda so that means he is nearby and will probably be home soon. I have no earthly idea about how he is going to react.

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

Dad just called me a moment ago. 

"I am leaving that entirely up to you," he told me. "I am going to rely on your judgment, but don't let them use you. You are naive about the world, Andrew."

I keep thinking about the gang I hung out with at the Piggly Wiggly every morning years ago and Rich and Tuleana seem like pussycats in comparison. I don't tell my father this, though. I once lived a rough and tumble life myself -- drinking every day and raising holy hell. 

Do Your Participles Dangle?

Sunday night fried chicken has been served to the minions, Maggie and I. Charlie had to go run some nebulous errand for Horsefly so dad stayed with me while he was gone. I had worked for several hours to clean my kitchen and my father was really bragging on me. I do it for Charlie. He always feels compelled to clean my kitchen and I headed him off at the pass tonight. Charlie still always finds something to do, though.

Maggie and I were glad and gracious to get our supper. Maggie gets one chicken strip and I get two. I also always eat the biscuit firsthand as they are delicious fresh and hot, but horrid if they get lukewarm or cold. The biscuit was nice and buttery tonight. I will save the mashed potaters for later when I get hungry again. That's what microwaves are made for.

Tuleana called me shortly in good spirits before my father arrived. Richard was making spaghetti and meat sauce from the truckload of ground beef they buy every month.

"You and Rich are just alike about those video games and computers," she told me chuckling.

Don't Get My Dog Down...

I have never quite seen Maggie so glad to see Charlie this morning. It was really heartwarming to witness. She squealed extremely loudly and was letting me know that Charlie was here.

Maggie's not your average dog and quickly learned to nose the matt to the couch back in place. Maggie was on the couch when Charlie pulled up to the curb this morning. My "child" can surprise me at times and it surprised me when I walked into the den this morning to open the door. Maggie was carrying on like it was the second coming of Christ.

"How is my favorite nephew?" Charlie asked me jesting as he walked across my yard and handed me a large Coke and a bag of sausage biscuits.

I was having to keep Maggie from bolting through the door.

"I'm just fine uncle Charlie," I said with a relieved grin. "Step inside and see Maggie for a moment."

Magie was just beside herself to greet and welcome the beta dog into our home.

"I'll see you tonight," Charlie then said. "Do you want your usual?"

"Yeah, just get the chicken strips $5 fillup meal," I replied. "I've got to have my chocolate chip cookie and a large mashed potatoes and gravy."

I Got My Just Desserts...

I knew not to look at my recent comments this morning. I had supremely and correctly surmised what was written in them. Negativity always fosters negativity when it concerns my blog and blog comments. I had a dozen "good" writings before that and no one commented. I am a very sensitive fellow and it can really get to you at times, you know? I am not blaming anyone, but most of you are my friends and I have grown to adore many of you.

Coyote -- The Trickster, May Be at Play...

This post evoked thoughts of the Coyote, the trickster, in Amercian Indian lore. Has Maggie met her cerebral match?

Maggie can't get enough traction on my hardwood floors to jump onto the couch without the help of a little bathroom mat. The more she jumps up on the couch the further back she pushes the mat. Well, now she can't jump up on the couch. I am watching closely to see how Maggie is reacting to this. She wants me to move the mat back into position, but I want her to learn to do it herself. It is also nice to have her with me in the computer room for a change on the floor at this hour of the night.

Martha, My Mother, is Calling...

"Alright Martha!" my father exclaimed with a chuckle when I called and asked for my medications before he left home for the Auburn game.

"It is going to be before noon," he trepidatiously told me. "Don't you think that is too early?"

It probably is, but I don't want to wait until midnight to get my medications either. I am going to be a riverboat gambler and hope things turn out okay. Either way you look at it, it is a lose/lose situation.

"I will be fine hopefully," I then complacently told my father. "I don't think I can bear waiting until way late tonight."


Beautiful BLTs!

Charlie and my father were eating some very delicious looking bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches for supper when I arrived at my father's house last night. Charlie offered to fix me two sandwiches, but I declined not wanting to take my medications on a full stomach.

"I am moving back to the Valley (to his newly purchased house) and selling my house in West Point," Charlie told me excitedly.

I offered my help in moving and Charlie said he was going to take me up on that. I may be mentally disabled, but I am not physically disabled. I have a strong back and can help.

Dad had been drinking some wine and I didn't want him to drive over and give me my medications last night so I took the initiative and drove over there instead. Dad was still in his pajamas after a long afternoon nap. He was a little giddy as well from the wine acting silly talking about how relaxed his pussy (cat) was in her leather chair. Charlie just rolled his eyes at me which made me smile broadly and then laugh.

"Y'all better not be talking about my pussy!" dad loudly said from the den.

Dad was then clumsily giving me my medications when he dropped a pill.

"Where did it go?" dad asked perplexed looking all over the floor.

"It fell into one of your bedroom slippers," I explained.

Dad removed his slipper and out rolled a lithium pill.

I Felt Like Tiny Tim Forgotten and Abandoned...

Well, my doctor's appointment went swell (sarcasm). I didn't say one word other than the initial pleasantries as I walked into my doctor's office. Dad and I took our respective seats and soon the shenanigans began. Dad and my doctor got embroiled in a rolling and convoluted conversation about painkillers in the psychiatric and pharmaceutical world. They were talking shop as some would say.

"Don't look so slumped over and nervous like that," dad told me at one point trying to bolster me and my spirits. "You look pitiful!"

"I am nervous and I am having a lot of anxiety!" I protested as my doctor and my father continued their rolling conversation on painkillers.

I then very timidly and rudely said, interrupting the conversation, "I want to leave and go get Maggie's and my steak biscuits as our reward."

That was my father's cue to shake my psychiatrist's hand and tell him goodbye. I don't have to come back for another six months.

"I'm sorry," my father said on the drive home as we ate our biscuits. "I didn't realize how uncomfortable you were."

"I thought I was going to jump out of my skin for a moment there," I replied.

I Don't Wanna Wait!

Unfortunately, this morning is my visit with my psychiatrist which always equals a long, anxious and crazed wait in the lobby. It can seem like an eternity as patient after patient is called back and not us. My anxiety grows and grows as well to the point my hands soon shake. Dad and I will anxiously look at our watches as time passes. Dad and I both agreed to get the earliest possible appointment this time which is ten our time and nine Auburn time so hopefully, that will help.

One great caveat of this little venture is the two steak biscuits I get at Hardee's afterward. Those things are heaven on earth. Dad always gets a sausage biscuit and a Senior coffee.

"Now, don't say anything is wrong and you won't have to come back in six months," my father coached me over the phone this morning.

We were both trying to wake up, shower, and get dressed.

"What if something was wrong and I need help?" I argumentatively asked my father.

I had wanted to talk about how I cycle from day to night as far as my sleeping habits go.

"Then we will have to come back in two weeks after a medication adjustment or addition," my father replied sounding exasperated. "You don't want to have to come back in two weeks, do you?"

We Bring Tidings of Great Joy and Great Comfort...

Ah, the dear Papas has come and gone. All is safe and sound in our little world.

We had a good visit talking about me as a young man and as an un-medicated schizophrenic. Dad appreciated my honesty and the forthcoming answers to his questions.

"I was a sad drunk," I told my father of my time at college. "Beer was my medication then. I loved to drive around the deserted country roads, listen to music, and shed a tear or two in my beer."

Rickie Lee Jones, Joni Mitchell, and Steely Dan serenaded me on many of those nights.

"Just think how differently your life would have been with Risperdal," my father told me forlornly.  "They didn't have all these atypical antipsychotics back then!"

"I probably would have finished college, become a music teacher, and had a family," I sadly replied to my father. "Rachel and I would still be married."

"Come on and let's go feed and water the Magster," my father said closing out the conversation.

Maggie and I were so glad to see Dad tonight. I like it when he comes about half past eight and doesn't make us languish anxiously for his arrival until after nine and sometimes ten.

The Case of the Missing Bologna (Solved)...

Well, I found the missing bologna all ripe smelling, green, and ready for the trash. It was wedged between two big bags of Kroger frosted flakes still in the shopping bag. Sighs!

I didn't need the cereal just yet as I still had some from last week I was eating so I didn't notice it till I needed some cereal this afternoon.

Customer No Service!

Still! It was the customer service dude bagging my groceries. He should have put the bologna with all my other cold and frozen items. Not the cereal. Do you want any cheese with that whine?

Comment Replies...

Blogger Kran's Crackers said...

Is it almost time for your shot? How often do you get them?
- Sharon -

Andrew Replies...

Sharon, thank you! I get them every two weeks so I am good until Thursday of next week when it will be one more time for my injection. I have to go to see my psychiatrist tomorrow and that is about as fun as it sounds. At least, I get two Hardee's steak biscuits out of the deal. Dad is already coaching me on what to say to my doctor.

Oh, I've Got a Bad Case of the TVs...

Well, my television finally gave up its ghost. It was taking longer and longer to come on -- sometimes about 15 minutes or more. Charlie came by very early this morning to measure the spot my TV fits into my entertainment center so he will get the right size television.

"I'd rather have a nice computer monitor for that price," I told my father last night much to his dismay. "I rarely watch the television except for when I am eating."

"You can't go without a television," is all my television addicted father stalwartly said in return.

So, Charlie is getting me a television at Walmart this afternoon and I expect him to show up tonight to help me hook it up. At least, with Charlie purchasing my boob tube, it will be a nice TV. (I am hoping I can hook it up to my computer 😇)

Irma's Impacts on Central Alabama...

We came away pretty unscathed. We have a lot of trees down here, but we never did lose power. For that, I am very grateful. A very big tree fell in my father's yard over onto his neighbor's fence. That means my father has to pay to dispose of the tree and to fix Donnie's fence. He was grumbling about it yesterday when I was over at his house.

There is a huge limb down in my backyard that just barely missed my fence. Dad has a chainsaw and I am going to cut it up into manageable pieces and carry it to the road for pickup by the city.

The Case of the Missing Bologna...

I swore I bought a container of bologna last night. I have checked the car and the fridge twice hoping to find it. Kroger is bad about that -- not putting all your paid for items into your cart and leaving it to languish to the side. You have to watch your bagger closely. Sandwiches are what I usually eat at the end of the week when I have exhausted my more appetizing food -- a holdover if you will.

Pharmacy Be Gone!

It is after 7 pm and that means Papa is on his way home up Hwy. 29. I look forward to seeing him tonight and sharing his company with Maggie. Hopefully, he won't be too exhausted that he can't stay awhile (I will turn on the television 😁). Personally? I am feeling rather shaky tonight and will relish taking my medications and going to bed amidst clean, laundered sheets and an enticingly warm comforter. I actually had to turn on the heat for the first time this fall season. There is a nip in the air.

The Ever Busy Charlie Visits this Morning...

Opening my Fanta strawberry journal writing soda for the day...

"Just what are you doing?" I asked Charlie when he stepped inside my humble home with a plastic grocery bag full of stuff this morning.

Maggie was totally surprised and just delighted at this visit. She let it be known. Charlie sat down upon the couch and Maggie almost got into his lap she was so excited. Maggie's too big of a dog to be jumping into loved one's laps, though.

"Yes, I love you, too!" Charlie told Maggie in baby talk as he rubbed her vigorously.

"Frankly, your house smells of dogs and smoldering cigars," Charlie then said quite bluntly. "I brought you some Glade plugins and a couple of cans of Febreeze air freshener."

I smiled and then began to laugh. Charlie got to laughing as well. He's true. It does.

"I got you a plugin for every room," Charlie then told me. "Do you want to plug them in or do you want me to do it?"

I laughed again.

"Charlie, I will take care of it. You head to work, and thank you for looking out for me."

"It's nasty out there," said my father.,.

Well, we managed to get my groceries tonight. Loading and unloading was a test of my mettle -- the rain feeling like shards of ice cutting through your skin. The gale like wind was blowing the rain sideways compounding the pain and discomfort.

When I got home, I unloaded my groceries in record time. Maggie looked on upon the couch with an air of curiosity and great impudence. "Just what is he doing and at such great speed?"

Fruit juice was the theme tonight. I got all different kinds of fruit juices prompted by last week's impulse buy of apple juice. I really enjoyed that apple juice last week. I got mango, cran-grape, and guava for tonight's selection preferring the tropical side of the juice world.

My main expenditure tonight was ground chuck which was almost $20 alone. Yes, I am making my spaghetti once again. I braced for impact and derision upon the clerk ringing up my last item and the total was $77.00 dollars for which my father smiled. I sighed with relief and my mouth broke out into a big grin as well.

Ms. Irma's Ire...

I called dad and told him I was on the way to get my medications. This was about 1:30 pm.

"Take extra care," my father said. "It is getting really bad out there,"

"It is only going to get worse from here on out," I told my father. "That's why I want to go ahead and get my medications. I may not be able to get them any later."

I hurried to my car and the rain was icy and biting on my face blown about by the fierce winds. The car door shut with a thunk and I was in temporary sanctuary from nature's fury.

I didn't broach the topic of going to the grocery store tonight. It doesn't look like it is going to happen. I still have some loaf bread, mayonnaise, and Cotto salami to make sandwiches with and plenty of diet Cokes. I have cereal, but I just don't have any milk. There are two Marie Calendar meat loaf meals in the freezer I was saving to make sandwiches out of the meatloaf.

Like a Woman Scorned...

There was tons of debris on the roads on my drive to my father's house -- tree limbs and such. One tree was down on 8th avenue. The police were everywhere, but there was little traffic on the roads. I noticed the Piggly Wiggly was open along with Fred's super dollar (let those employees go home).

I Better Go Get My Medications...

Gusts to 25 MPH...

Amateur Meteorologist Andrew Speaking...

Hopefully, we will not lose power (crosses fingers), but we are under one of the first rain bands of now tropical storm Irma. The wind keeps coming in gusts wildly blowing about the trees. I fear the worst to come will be tonight when what is left of Irma's eyewall passes over or near us. It is now passing over the Florida/Georgia state line at the moment.

The Cleaning Machine...

I jumped out of the bed cleaning this morning. When I get in the these moods, I just have to roll with the punches. Charlie noted when he stopped by this morning before work how nice my kitchen looked. Charlie is not much one for idle praise.

Could You Add a Little Sausage and Mustard to that?

Charlie didn't stay very long today and was soon on his way again. I swear he is one of the busiest men I have ever seen. On top of that, he is 72 years old matching my father's age.

"Charlie's here!!!!" I hollered very loudly and excitedly from the computer room as he pulled up to the curb and I could hear Maggie go nuts in the den.

It put a big smile on my face about Maggie's enthusiasm for such events.

"And how are you?" Charlie asked me as he walked up my steps with the wind blowing his comb over wildly.

Maggie was barking so loudly we could barely hear each other talk.

"I am fine good sir," I replied. "Thank you for asking."

"I am headed now to your daddy's to give him his sausage biscuit," Charlie told me. "I love you and I will see you tonight."

It is Just Tropical Storm Irma...

They now have us under a tropical storm warning according to the National Hurricane Service in Miami. I used to would welcome this -- the interesting weather that is. I would get excited with giddy and glee. I just don't want my power to go out. Having zero power means having to do without my precious and beloved computers.

"I told you this would happen just like Opal," I said to my father earlier on the phone. "I bet there is not a speck of milk and bread at Kroger right now."

Dad chuckled agreeing with me.

"We will still be able to use our cell phones," I then told my father who sighed with relief. "All cell towers have electric generators these days."

I have never understood why people buy perishable food during events such as this. Get you a case of Chef Boyardee and you can just eat it out of the can. I have ten cans of Beefaroni in the cabinets back in the kitchen. I also have over half a case of military MREs or meals, ready to eat. They say the MREs can stay in cool storage for up to 10 to 15 years.