I dedicate this to my girl with the curls and the curves!!!
Friday, November 30, 2018
Volunteering is a Merit I Hope…
Tracy didn't arrive until almost 10:30 pm my time last night. I was beginning to worry about her. I called her on her cellphone and she said she was on the way and would be here in 20 minutes. Maggie went bonkers when she pulled into the driveway. Tracy embraced me at the door and welcomed herself inside. She said she was hungry so I fixed his some toasted shaved turkey sandwiches with a side of sour cream and onion potato chips and a dill pickle spear. She said it was delicious.
Later in the night, we were laying in the bed when she told me she knew I was going to be somebody special when I walked in and asked Mrs. Barbara if she needed any volunteers.
“You never miss and you show up on time and you don’t get paid for it,” she told me. “That’s dedication.”
I am still getting accustomed to having someone in the bed with me. Tracy wants to cuddle and spoon and it takes me a long time to fall asleep. I feel trapped for fear of waking her up so I just lay there on my side uncomfortable. I guess the old saying don’t look a gift horse in the mouth applies to this situation. It is just going to take some time and I wouldn’t trade her spending the night for anything else in the world.
Morning arrived when my cellphone alarm went off. Hit the snooze button Tracy said and I laughed. We laid there for a few minutes looking at each other longingly morning breath and all. Tracy then took a shower while I fixed breakfast. We had scrambled eggs and flaky canned biscuits this morning. Soon, it was my time to shower and then we both headed into the Humane Society.
The Animal Control officer showed up with a whole slew of new dogs to grace us. I muttered shit under my breath because that’s what I am going to be cleaning up. One was a Pitbull and I will have to keep an eye on him. I don’t care what anybody says they still scare me. All I can think of is the elderly Mrs. Pinkerton getting killed by a Pitbull in the middle of town while she was on her daily walk. Phil Pinkerton, her husband, was a friend of mine. He helped me keep my Chevelle running. The owner of the Pitbull received jail time.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Welcomed Guests and More to Come…
Charlie was telling me tonight that he doesn’t have to do so much for me these days now that I am in control of my medications. Charlie would always have to bring my meds on the holidays or when dad was at a ballgame or out of town for some reason. He would also bring me something to eat and drink as usual.
“I was telling your daddy the same thing tonight,” he said. “We both agreed it was a good sign that you're doing well.”
“I take those medications religiously these days, Charlie,” I replied. “I think I do better now than I have in years.”
Charlie agreed giving me many accolades.
“You are like a different person, Andrew,” he said. “You volunteer, you don’t drink anymore, you keep a tidy house, you’re dating somebody, and you take your medications.”
Horsefly was pacing the house as we talked. He then got fixated on all the myriad of colorful old computer parts I have on a shelf in the computer room. I can’t bring myself to throw them away – always thinking of making an old Windows 98 machine. He wanted one to take with him. I gave him an old network interface card. I hated to part with it, but it was my least desirable part.
“How is Tracy doing?” Charlie then asked me after he thanked me for accommodating Horsefly.
“My girl is busy,” I replied with a smile as I sat back down in the den. “She works a full day five days a week and goes to class Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights.”
“What is she going to school for?” asked Charlie.
“She wants to be a veterinary technician,” I replied. “She takes a lot of classes I couldn’t pass like chemistry. She’s pretty smart book wise.”
“You know that’s how I got my accounting degree,” Charlie said. “I worked in the mill during the day and took classes at night.”
“Well, we are headed to the bowling alley,” Charlie said. “Do you want to go bowling with us?”
“I better pass,” I told Charlie with a wink. “I am hoping some company will arrive tonight.”
A sly grin formed on Charlie’s face.
“Come on Horsefly. Let’s get you down at the bowling alley.”
Horsefly mumbled something incomprehensible and headed to Charlie’s car at the curb. Charlie gave me a hug goodbye and they were on their way.
Helen’s Soul Food Friday Meal #15
This meal was all about the creamed potatoes swimming in savory steak gravy. It looks ugly, but it was delicious. We also had cubed steak, summer squash, butterbeans, and jumbo green beans. Oh, and Helen’s crispy on the outside cornbread, too!
The Fickle Tides of Emotion…
“I loved the song you dedicated to me tonight. It was truly beautiful,” Tracy wrote to me on messenger last night. “You are so sweet.”
“You seem so down tonight,” Tracy then wrote worriedly. “Are you okay?”
“I am feeling this intense feeling of loneliness and discontent,” I replied.
“I almost drove over to dad’s house,” I furthered. “And spent some time with him.”
“I was afraid I would bother him, though. He would be watching some TV show no doubt.”
“Drive down here. You know you are always welcome any time of the day or night,” Tracy wrote.
“It is tempting, but I have to be at dad’s house in the morning for our visit time,” I replied.
“We watch trashy TV and dad let’s me drink my fill of diet Coke.”
“Do you want me to drive up there? You know I will,” she wrote.
“It’s too late. I would worry about you on the road this late at night.”
“I love you if that makes you feel any better. You hold the key to my heart.”
“It melts my heart. I love you, too!” I wrote to her in return.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Talking Music…
I was overjoyed to have found Luscious Jackson again after all these years. Their being an all girl band has always intrigued me over the years. The Beastie Boys gave them their big push into the limelight. I remember hearing that song Naked Eye on the radio and searched far and wide for the CD and couldn’t find it. I found their other albums, though, and enjoyed them immensely. I don’t post songs to the blog frivolously. They are songs I truly enjoy and like. I just want to share my enthusiasm for certain music.
Now, I am all smitten with Tracey Chattaway’s compositions. She’s put up a lot of music on YouTube and her songs evoke a lot of emotion out of me. Longing feelings for Tracy, joy to be alive, and wanderlust to just name a few emotions. I am going to purchase her new album Secret Garden in a day or so – gotta get up the courage to use the debit card online. I am going to get a copy for Tracy as well. I better call Papa and make sure it is okay, of course. I am listening to the album right now on YouTube as I write this, but I would also like to listen to it in my car and support Tracey’s efforts as well. It is truly a beautiful work of art. Her album Starlight is also a beautiful work of art. Might as well buy that when I buy the others.
Together / Your Hand in Mine (Radio Edit) by Tracey Chattaway
I just dedicated this song to Tracy by sending her the link via instant messenger.
Helen’s Soul Food Fridays Meal #14
This was a very nice meal. We had pork tenderloin, whole kernel corn, green beans, brussels’s sprouts, and cornbread. The pork tenderloin would just melt in your mouth is was so tender and it wasn’t the peppercorn kind much to my relief.
Trash Trucks and Dogs…
What is it about trashmen and dogs? Maggie woke me up at seven this morning sitting outside my bedroom window barking at the trash truck in the freezing cold. “No Maggie, no!” I exclaimed as I buried my face in the pillow. I didn’t have to be up for another hour. Maggie considers that trashcan to be our property and it tears her up when they mess with it. The trash truck came rolling down the street and Maggie barked with renewed vigor. I got out of the bed and sleepily collapsed in the recliner in the den. I then got on my tablet to check the news and what happened last night while I slept.
I was telling Tracy this morning about what Maggie did.
“We love Maggie,” she said. “But sometimes she can act bad at times. It is no different than Wheezy jumping on the bed at 6 am making biscuits, purring up a storm and wanting me to pet her and rub behind her ears.”
I laughed. What we do for our pets.
It Was a Little Shaggy Haired Mutt…
Animal control brought in a little dog today.I was glad we didn’t have a truckload of dogs as can sometimes be the case. The dog was docile and let me pick him up and carry him back to the kennels. The animal control truck hadn’t been gone an hour when a lady walked into the building.
“I’ve lost my dog,” she said. “Could I look and see if he is in the kennels?”
“Sure,” Mrs. Barbara said. “Andrew will help you.”
“You must be worried sick,” I told the lady empathetically.
“There’s my little Sadie!” The lady exclaimed loudly after looking into a few kennels.
The dog went nuts barking and showing affection – entirely glad to see his owner.
“He’s been gone a week. Can I take him home? I am so overjoyed to find him.”
Tears streamed down the lady's cheeks.
“Be my guest,” I replied. “I love a happy ending.”
I opened the kennel and handed the dog to the lady.
“Thank y’all for being so nice and helpful!” she said.
The woman walked out of the building cradling the dog in her arms. It is moments like this I live for where I volunteer.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Dusk Taken From the Window of My Laundry Room…
I was doing some laundry when I looked out the window and said that’s just beautiful. I ran back into the computer room to grab my camera and took this shot.
Helen Meals Gone Wrong Meal #13…
I took the foil off the top of this meal and everything had run down into the creamed corn making a mess. Those chicken tenders are going to throw up some canvas and set sail. The creamed corn should have been put in a bowl. Pictured are green beans, baked chicken fingers, sweet potato patties, fried okra, and biscuits.
My Ladies Get Me In and Out…
The setting was another injection. I had to be up bright and early at 8 am. I signed in and went to sit down when Rebecca opened the door to the examining rooms and called me back. Pat and Dee Dee had already greeted me when I walked in.
“How was your Thanksgiving?” Rebecca asked as she led me to the examining room.
“It was fair to middlin’,” I replied as we say in the South.
“How was your Thanksgiving?” I then asked Rebecca.
“It was okay,” Rebecca replied. “We drove to Birmingham to my parent’s house. I hated that long drive.”
We talked a long time about how the holidays can be hard on the infirm and mentally ill. Those kind of folks tend to get left out or marginalized.
“Big prick!” Rebecca then said as she inserted the two inch long needle.
I didn’t even feel it except for a little pressure as the fluid expanded within my gluteal muscle. I bid Rebecca farewell and told her thank you as always. I grabbed my next appointment card from Dee Dee and headed to the pharmacy.
“That was really quick!” my father exclaimed. “You were only gone twenty minutes.”
“My girls take care of me,” I replied with a thankful sigh and a grin.
I asked dad to step out from behind the pharmacy counter to tell him something in private.
“If you call on my home phone then let it ring twice and I will call you back,” I told my father. “It is best to call me on my cellphone. Tuleana is driving me crazy calling all the time and she thankfully doesn’t know my cell number.”
“Don’t you let her harangue you into carrying them around again,” my father said with great caution.
“I’m not,” I replied. “That’s why the two ring rule is going into effect. The 1st is Saturday when she gets her government money and she wants me to take them all around on their rounds paying bills, getting prescriptions and buying groceries at Walmart. It would be like a seven stop trip and they certainly won’t put gas in my car.”
I felt better with that little detail taken care of and I headed home to my Magster who was waiting in the window for me. My dear darlin’ of a dog.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Helen’s Soul Food Fridays Meal #12
I was so disappointed to get meatloaf this meal (sarcasm). We also had green beans, summer squash, creamed potatoes, and cornbread. Do you think Helen put enough creamed potatoes on my plate?
Let’s Get This Done!
I didn’t get in the bed until almost 3 am last night. I just couldn't sleep. I awoke this morning with a swimmy feeling in my head – a feeling of dire tiredness and responsibility due. Tracy left for the Humane Society 30 minutes earlier after breakfast. She slept well and was all chipper and happy this morning as I fixed us a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and cheese toast.
I stepped into the Society and Mrs. Barbara was at her computer as she usually is.
“Hey Sweet Pea,” she told me which is her pet name for me. “There is a fresh pot of coffee made.”
“Good morning,” I replied. “I think I will drink a mug of coffee this morning. Thank you.”
The black bitterness was somehow pleasing and comforting to me. I could soon feel the caffeine mingling with my brain cells giving me a renewed vigor.
I then went straight back to the kennels and got ready to work. I took off my shoes and slipped my rubber boots on and then tied on my vinyl apron. Cleaning kennels is dirty work. The power washer turned on with a whoosh and then a roar that was an affront to my tired ears. All I could think of was getting back home and going back to bed. I finished in a record two hours and headed home after spending some time with Tracy in the feline room. I helped her change the last few litter boxes and finished giving fresh food and water to the cats. It was my last gasp of activity.
I had a little cash on me so I stopped by Daniel’s and got four of their little crispy and well done burgers. I was starving and it hit the spot. I sat in the car eating them as I listened to Joni Mitchell’s Taming the Tiger album. I felt much better now that I was heading home. Respite was within my grasp.
Edit – I arrived home and took my medications. My brain was especially keen on them today and I felt 100% better within an hour of taking them.
Intimacy…
“Come on, let’s get you in the bed,” I said picking her up and carrying her to the bedroom.
“When are you coming to bed?” she sleepily asked as I put her in the bed and pulled the sheet and comforter over her.
“I won’t be long. I am just not sleepy yet. I took a very long nap this afternoon. Good night.”
“I want you with me,” she said deliriously.
“Give me thirty or forty five minutes and I will be there. I am going to take a shower and get on the computer for a little bit.”
I sat down on the edge of the bed and brushed her curls out of her face. She was asleep again within minutes. My girl with the curls and the curves.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Charlie? Meet Tracy! Tracy? Meet Charlie…
I was sound asleep when there was a loud knock on the door abruptly awakening me. It was a very rainy evening and the rain had lulled me to sleep earlier in the afternoon. I was so drowsy I could barely stay awake. Maggie was going bonkers so I knew who it was. It was dad and Charlie with my two pepperoni pizzas on this our Sunday night feedings.
“Andrew! How are you?” Charlie asked loudly as he stepped through my front door.
“Good to see you, Charlie,” I replied, giving him a hug.
Charlie went directly to gather all my trash and to give Maggie fresh food and water. He was all business tonight.
Then there was another loud knock on the door. “Who could that be?” I wondered. It was Tracy. She had a big duffel bag packed hanging from her shoulder signifying she was sleeping over. This was a surprise to me, but a very nice surprise. I welcomed her inside and told her things were busy at the moment.
“Hey Tracy,” my father said giving her a hug. “How are you?”
“I’m fine, Mr. John,” she replied shyly.
Charlie came walking out of the kitchen with trash bags in hand. During my slumber, I had forgotten to take out all the trash.
“You must be Tracy,” Charlie said putting down the trash bags to give her a hug.
“Tracy? This is my good friend and my father’s best friend, Charlie,” I told her.
“Nice to meet you, sir!” Tracy said.
“I’ve heard such good things about you,” Charlie told her. “You treat Andrew right!”
“You will hear more out of Charlie for sure,” I said with a laugh. “Wait till her finds out where you live and he will start feeding you!”
Charlie said, “Oh, hush!” and laughed.
Maggie was just beside herself during all of this. Tracy? Charlie? Papa? It was almost too much to bear and she happily went around greeting everybody and sniffing fingers checking ID’s.
Papa and Charlie soon left. They ran across the yard in the rain to Charlie’s car and drove off. Horsefly was awaiting his chicken tenders.
“Let’s get your car in the driveway and off the street,” I told Tracy as she handed me her keys. “Someone drunk will hit it in the night if we don’t.”
I braved the rain and pulled Tracy’s car in behind mine.
“You’re going to have to help me eat all this pizza,” I told her stepping inside and she said she was famished.
The pizza was piping hot as if just out of the oven making it doubly good and the cheese all gooey and stringy..
Tracy is now in the shower. We are going to watch Interstellar once she cleans up some and then go to bed. We both have early starts in the morning. Tomorrow is going to be a long day for Tracy. She has to work a full day and I think she has two classes tomorrow night.
Helen’s Soul Food Fridays Meal #11
Helen could cook the most tender pot roast. I was like eating your most delicious ribeye. This meal also had crowder peas and summer squash with Vidalia onions.
One Biscuit, Two Biscuits, a Diet Coke…
I woke up early today even after a late night of watching the nail biting ending of the LSU and Texas A&M game. Seven overtimes! Charlie arrived at 9 am and was in good spirits.
“How’s my Maggie dog doing?” Charlie asked stepping inside for a moment.
Maggie wiggled jubilantly and barked even more briskly.
“How can McDonald’s consistently run out of sausage?” Charlie asked me.
“Poor management I guess,” I replied.
“Well, you two get bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits this morning,” Charlie told me.
YES!!!
Charlie was soon on his way and Maggie and I relished our biscuits. The bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits taste so much better than the plain old sausage biscuits. Charlie loves us, but he is also cheap and sausage biscuits are only a $1 at McDonald’s. I think the bacon, egg, and cheese are over $2 dollars so we were living high on the hog this morning.
I then grabbed a shower and headed to my father’s house. He is all embroiled in the debate of Britain pulling out of the European Union. That’s all he watches on TV these days except football. YouTube is his candy store as far as videos on the topic go.
“The people voted 52% to 49%,” he said this morning. “They are pulling out. That will be 39 billion less pounds for the EU. Maybe this will stave off the recession Britain was heading into.”
I timidly asked for an extra pack of cigarettes this morning. I was running dangerously low with one pack left in the freezer which is my paltry reserves at the moment. Dad huffed and puffed and went back to his bedroom to get it. When my mother got aggravated with my father or they had a big fight she would always say loudly, “I hate you Johnny!” That’s what I said to my father when he walked back into the den for huffing and puffing. He laughed and laughed and laughed some more.
“You made me think your mother was alive and well and still with us,” he told me.
Comment Replies…
Beth said...
If you break your very hard-won sobriety for Tracy, you need to rethink the relationship. If it is a solid one, she will support you in maintaining your sobriety. You risk losing everything if you drink again, and you will regret it. You know this. Snap out of it.
November 25, 2018 at 1:43 AM
Andrew Replies…
I am snapping out of it Beth. Thanks for the wakeup call. It so easy for me to lose sight of where I once was in that miserable state of drinking, DUIs etc. Maybe Tracy and I need to have another talk.
Summer said...
Have you told her that you're an alcoholic?
November 25, 2018 at 7:19 AM
Andrew Replies…
Summer, she knows that I don’t drink and that I’ve had problems with it in the past. She knows about the mental illness as well. As long as I take my medications, you would never know I am schizophrenic and she has remarked on this even questioning if I am really mentally ill and misdiagnosed I seem so normal.
Saturday, November 24, 2018
A Panoramic Sunset From Long Ago…
I was just getting to know my camera when I took this amateurish panorama of a sunset out Spring road.
Helen’s Soul Food Friday’s Meal #10
Here we have a rare vegetable only plate. There are rutabagas, steamed cabbage, creamed potatoes, turnip greens, and cornbread. I remember Helen putting lots of vinegary and spicy hot sauce on my cabbage, turnip greens, and rutabagas. It was really spicy, but delicious.
Homeward Bound…
Tracy wants me to stay and for us to find a movie to watch and cuddle on the couch, but I am ready to head home. I feel exhausted by watching that game. I was planning on drinking tonight, but managed to subdue the urges yet one more time. Charlie will be coming in the morning with breakfast so I have to be there for him. I have to see about the Magster as well. So it’s au revoir dear darling of mine.
52–21 :-( Final Score…
Alabama has dominated every game they have played this season. God have mercy on the souls of those players that meet them for the national title game.
You Can Probably Put This One in the Books…
38-21 now with Alabama leading. They have very good field position and are looking to score again. You know what? Commercial timeouts suck! Touchdown Alabama 45-21. It is going to be a rout.
Darkness Falls In Both Ways…
I can’t believe this. This is so depressing. It is now dark outside and it is only 4:50 pm Tracy’s time. Alabama has scored twice more so it is looking bleak for Auburn at the moment unless we can pull a rabbit out of the hat. 31-14
War Eagle! Game Update…
The score is Alabama 17, Auburn 14 at halftime. I shamefully thought Alabama was going to run away with it for a moment there. Alabama fumbled and we made a crucial touchdown as a result. I crooned Touchdown Auburn as Tracy gave me high five. I just told Tracy she better slow down on the wine or she is going to be really tipsy by the end of the game. I’ve had my fill of pizza and cheese bread and feel uncomfortably bloated.
Party Time and Pizza Galore…
Soon, I shall travel down to Tracy’s apartment to watch the Auburn/Alabama game with much revelry. She is ordering my favorite pizza and that is Papa John’s. I am very excited to be on my way in a moment.
Tuleana called me at 9 am this morning waking me up. I answered the phone with a sleepy hello. I was expecting my father and our grocery dilemma. We still haven’t bought my groceries for the week.
“Roll Tide,” she said loudly and obnoxiously.
“War Eagle,” I replied loudly and tersely in return.
There is no mistake that Auburn and Alabama football is one serious rivalry – the Iron Bowl as they call it.
She was at her mother’s house nearby and kept dropping hints that she wanted me to pick her up and bring her back to my house.
“I sure would like to see you Jon-Jon,” she kept saying by her pet name for me.
I told my father this morning that I think Tuleana has the hots for me. She calls me at least twice a day these days. I have done nothing to lead her on I promise. Dad replied that I would be her ticket out of poverty and that’s why she likes me so much.
“Let’s run real quick to the Piggly Wiggly and get your groceries,” he then said.
“Dad, I’ve only been up an hour and haven’t showered or shaved,” I replied.
“What do you have to eat?”
“4 packs of Ritz and cheese crackers and a jar of creamy peanut butter,” I told him. “I will be fine until tomorrow. Tracy is ordering an extra large pizza and cheese bread for the game.”
He grumbled some, but said okay. He was soon leaving for my sister’s house in Alexander City to watch the game and wouldn’t be home until late tonight. I have a mind to just go buy my groceries after the game and suffer the consequences. What can my father do except to berate me and I have a thick skin these days. It is all so silly in my opinion – this incessant need to keep me in control and to control my spending.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Helen’s Soul Food Friday’s Meal #9
Here we have colored butterbeans, summer squash with Vidalia onions, creamed potatoes, fried cubed steak, and some very crumbly cornbread.
There is No Greater Thrill than What You Bring to Me…
I sent Tracy a pastel flower arrangement today. Tracy is one of those girls that loves to get them. My stodgy ex-wife always thought they were a waste of money.
“They just die in a few days,” she would say stealing my thunder.
Well, I just got a call and Tracy thought that was the sweetest thing I have ever done.
“Michael never sent me flowers even once when we were dating,” she told me. “You’re so sweet! They are absolutely beautiful and smell wonderful.”
“Michael was a fool not appreciating the good thing he had in you,” I replied.
“Aw, you’re so sweet,” Tracy told me. “I’ve fallen madly in love with you, you know that?”
I told her she was the answer to my prayers and that I was head over heels for her, too.
Blessed Be the Charlies of the World…
The phone rang waking me from a long nap this evening. I didn’t get much sleep last night in a strange and overly soft and quilted bed.
“I’m in front of the high school just driving past it,” Charlie told me. “Meet me at the road in 10 minutes and I’ve got you and Maggie some supper.”
I thanked Charlie richly and waited for his arrival. Soon, he came pulling up in front of my house. I walked out to greet him as Maggie went nuts at the screen door.
“I’m in a hurry to get Horsefly, but here is three Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and an extra large diet Coke,” Charlie told me. “Love you! I better be on my way. We’re going bowling.”
I couldn’t thank Charlie enough. I told him he was such a kind soul. These little surprises can really make your day. I was just famished and the thought of more peanut butter and crackers was abominable. Maggie had just been whining about and begging me for something to eat other than her dogfood. We were both tired of our usual fare and Charlie hit the spot. The chicken sandwiches were delicious and I absolutely savored and relished the gigantic diet Coke which was ice cold, bubbly, and coy in a way that there was an underlying taste that was hard to discern.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
No Pity Party Here…
I hadn’t been home an hour when my father and his cousin Jean pulled up in front of my house with a Thanksgiving dinner for me. I had all number of good things to eat. There was slices of roast beef, slices of turkey, dressing, the ubiquitous green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese casserole. sweet potato soufflé, creamed corn, and homemade rolls. Dad’s cousin had also brought a bag of her homemade walnut and chocolate chips cookies for dessert which are just sublime. I thanked Dad and Jean and there were many hugs to be had.
Tuleana then called me and wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. She talked and talked and talked. She and Richard were stuck out at the camper today and had no where to go.
“Couldn't your mom come pick you two up?” I asked.
“She said she couldn’t take all that today,” Tuleana said.
“Well, Happy Thanksgiving,” I replied sarcastically.
I got off the phone when the phone rang again shortly. It was my girl with the curls and the curves.
“Happy Thanksgiving Sweetheart!” she told me.
I told her what all I had to eat and she said I sounded blessed. I told her I went in and cleaned the kennels and she balked.
“I thought you were going to your brother’s house for Thanksgiving,” she said pensively. “That worries me.”
“It didn’t work out,” is all I said. “I needed something cathartic to do so I cleaned the kennels. I will have much less work to do tomorrow.”
“How was your Thanksgiving?” I then asked.
“Mom almost burned the turkey,” Tracy said giggling. “She got impatient and turned up the oven. It was taking so long to cook.”
I laughed jovially.
“I will be home tonight. Can I see you? I need to be with you. Will you please come and stay with me?” she then asked.
“You can count on it,” I replied. “I am dying to see you as well! I will get a bag packed.”
“Love you,” she said.
I reciprocated and we got off the phone.
I’ve already got a backpack packed with my sleep clothes and work clothes. My shaving kit is packed in as well. She’s going to call me when she gets home and I am driving down. It will be the first time I have slept over at Tracy’s apartment so this should prove to be interesting. Maggie’s going to have to fend for herself tonight and tomorrow until about noon. I am pretty sure she will be okay, but it is worrying me. I may get dad and/or Charlie to come over and check on her tonight. That would thrill her little soul.
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Helen’s Soul Food Friday’s Meal #8
Yes! Meat Loaf! The meal was rounded out with creamed potatoes, cornbread, mushrooms, English peas and carrots, and butterbeans. I severely miss these kinds of vegetables in my diet.
What am I Going to Do With My Electronical Skill Deficient and Phobic Family Members?
Charlie called me as I drove home from the Society. His big 65 inch television wouldn't come on.
“Simplest things first, Charlie,” I said. “Check the batteries in your remote.”
“I’ll put a fresh set in and call you back,” Charlie replied.
That didn’t work so I told Charlie to unplug the TV for 20 minutes and then plug it back in. Wait 5 minutes before hitting the power button on the remote.
“I’ll call you back in a little while,” Charlie said.
“If that doesn’t work, then I will drive out to your house and have a look for myself,” I told Charlie.
So, now I am awaiting his call back.
*****************************************************
I just drove out to Charlie’s house and the TV is kaput. The main power supply board has gone out. Charlie is driving to Walmart to see if it has a warranty. Janice saved the receipt thankfully. If it is out of warranty, then I am going to order the required part and install it to repair the television.
Comment Reply…
Rita said...
I think you going to college is a wonderful idea. It will be stimulating for your intellect. You are great with electronics. Does a local school have training for certification in something along those lines? You may not need to learn anything more along those lines. It makes me wonder if you could have your own business repairing people's electronics? There is nothing wrong with a degree in literature, but is there some way of using it to support yourself? Maybe that is not even a consideration.
Andrew Replies…
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Science confirms what the heart already knows: Hugs really do make you feel better…
Hug it out! A new study suggests that just reaching out and touching someone -- consensually, of course -- can reduce bad feelings associated with the typical ups and downs of our social interactions.
The study from the Department of Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, published this week in PLOS ONE, looked at the social interactions of more than 400 people over two weeks. A summary of their daily activities, moods and physical interactions revealed a causal link between emotional states, conflicts and the number of hugs a person gave or received.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/03/health/hugs-study-relationships-wellbeing-trnd/index.html
Possible College Reenrollment…
“I think I can do it now that I do not drink,” I told him. “I was drinking so heavy the last time I tried. I was showing up for class drunk.”
“Start slow,” my father replied. “Take only one class in the beginning.”
“I want to take World Literature with Professor Sands,” I told my father. “Dr. Sands taught me English in grade school. We have a rapport with each other.”
“We don’t have to rush things,” dad said. “You wouldn’t start till after New Year’s anyways.”
“You’ve given me something to look forward to. Thank you,” I told him. “Classes start the 7th of January.”
“What’s going to be your Major?” dad asked.
“English,” I replied. “I first wanted to be a social worker, but let’s be realistic.”
Dad chuckled.
“Well, we’ll talk about it some more as the time goes on, Chuck.”
I told my father goodnight and thank you once more.
Helen’s Soul Food Friday’s Meal #7
Here we have a fried veal cutlet, creamed potatoes, cornbread, spinach and boiled eggs, and rutabagas. Helen’s veal cutlet would just melt in your mouth and she always put lots of hot and vinegary cayenne pepper sauce on my spinach and rutabagas. I can remember Helen always complaining when we had rutabagas as she had a touch of arthritis in her hands and it hurt to cut them up and dice them.
A Moment of Endearment Last Night…
I was almost sound asleep last night when Tracy vigorously shook my shoulder.
“Andrew, what is that strange noise?” she asked.
I lifted my head off the pillow so I could hear with two ears.
“That’s Maggie,” I said. “She is snoring on the computer room bed.”
Tracy giggled.
“She snores like a freight train,” I told her.
“That is so cute!” Tracy exclaimed.
“Maggie!” I said loudly. “Shh!”
The snoring stopped.
“You need to go to sleep,” I told Tracy. “You have to work in the morning.”
The last thing I remember was her cuddling up close to me wrapping her arm around me spooning and I was sound asleep. My girl with the curls and the curves.
Morning Comes…
Tracy had to be up at six thirty her time to get ready for work. I begrudgingly got out of the bed and got in the kitchen to scramble some eggs, fry bacon, and make some buttery toast. We sat down at the kitchen table to eat. Maggie was begging for some bacon.
“Is it okay if I give her some?” Tracy asked.
“Be careful,” I replied. “She may try to take a finger as well.”
Tracy laughed.
My phone rang as I was cleaning up the kitchen from breakfast. It was my father and it was awful early for him to call.
“My iPhone is not charging,” he said in a panic. “I think the battery has gone out.”
He’s had a series of problems with it lately. He has a second generation (1st generation?) iPhone. It is time to trade up I told him. He said he was getting a shower and heading to T-Mobile. He's had his old phone for six or more years.
“Will I lose all my stored phone numbers?” he asked.
“I am pretty sure they can transfer them over to your new phone,” I told him. “They’ll just put your old simm chip into your new phone.”
That made him feel much, much better and emboldened about getting this new phone.
Monday, November 19, 2018
Making Preparations…
The house is picked up and clean and the computers have been sanitized of Andrew’s Mind Delvings links in Google Chrome and the browsing history has been cleared. I don’t want Tracy reading my journal for privacy reasons. She will probably bring her laptop anyways so I am worrying for naught. She should arrive at 9:30 pm my time after she drives from college. That’s 8:30 pm her time.
I'm showered, shaved, and dressed nicely. Thanks to Charlie my bathroom is spotless. Charlie told me jokingly last night to leave the lid up when women folk are around. The sheets and my comforter are neatly on the bed and pulled back slightly and the pillows are fluffed up. I think Maggie can sense my excitement as she has been very busy and affectionate tonight – like she knows we are going to have company.
Insecurity…
“I got so worried about you last night,” she said. “I called your phone probably ten times and it kept dumping me into your voice mail.”
“Dad and Charlie bring me supper every Sunday night and Charlie cleaned my bathroom in case you would spend the night. Things were busy. Dad and I then talked over an hour on the phone last night as well,” I replied. “Then I turned my ringer off and went to bed. I didn’t get in the bed until after midnight.”
“I thought you were avoiding me after what happened Saturday night. I thought I moved too fast.”
“Saturday was a wonderful night,” I said giving her a big hug. “I was still furiously smiling the next morning. Don’t you worry yourself at all sweetheart.”
“I almost drove up and got in the bed with you last night,” she replied. “I had picked out a night gown and everything. I wanted to see you so badly.”
“You should have come. I would have relished the company. Next time you just drive on up to the Valley.”
“Can I come and spend the night tonight after class?” Tracy asked.
“You most certainly may,” I replied excitedly. “I’ll see you tonight.”
I had to get busy cleaning the kennels and took my leave of Tracy as she began to tackle the cat room. I grew increasingly excited about tonight as the day progressed. Thankfully, I had planned ahead for the scenario of Tracy spending the night. My sheets, pillow cases, and comforter are all washed and clean. They still smell strongly of Gain fabric softener.
Curing the Crapper…
Mike the plumber called me on my drive home.
“Are you going to be at your house soon?” Mike asked.
“Mike, I just left work and will be home in thirty minutes,” I told him.
“I will see you in about an hour,” he said.
Charlie was right. It was the plunger. Mike installed a new plunger assembly and my toilet is no longer leaking and running every hour. I called Charlie at work and thanked him for doing that for me.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
I Doth Protest!
“I’m cleaning your bathroom in case Tracy comes to stay awhile,” Charlie told me with a sly smile.
I protested greatly, but to no avail. I hate for him to have to go to all that work on my behalf, but it’s Charlie’s way of saying he loves me. Dad got on the couch and watched Masterpiece Theater while Maggie vied for his attention.
“There’s a lot of noise going on in there,” dad hollered to Charlie as he cleaned. “You haven’t fallen in have you?”
“Oh shut up, John!” Charlie replied with a laugh.
“Charlie? My toilet tends to run once every few hours. What could that be?”
“Your plunger is not seating properly. You may need a new one. I’ll get Mike the plumber out here to see about it tomorrow,” Charlie replied.
Charlie cleaned for about 30 minutes until he was satisfied everything was spic and span.
“Are we ready to go?” dad then asked.
“Let me check Andrew’s trash,” Charlie said.
I had beaten him to the punch and carried out all the trash earlier in the day. There was a fresh bag in all the trash cans.
I hated to see them go as I was quite enjoying the company and activity going on in the house. Dad said I seemed down in the dumps tonight. He said I sounded that way earlier on the phone as well.
“The holidays are hard for people with a mental illness aren't they?” he asked me.
I didn’t say what I wanted to say, but I defeatedly said, “Yeah, they can be tough.”
Helen’s Soul Food Fridays Meal #6
Not only did Helen excel at soul food, she could grill a mean ribeye as well.
Love Has Many Faces…
I woke up in a panic. Had I overslept? I was just worn out from yesterday. Dogged tired. Charlie hadn’t arrived yet so that gave me some comfort. I looked at my cellphone and the time was 10 am. Whew!
“Maggie? Charlie’s coming!” I told my precious dog.
She got in the window on lookout. Charlie arrived at 10:30 am. Maggie started to yelp and whine loudly signifying he had arrived.
“Meals on wheels is running late this morning,” Charlie told me as he walked across my yard.
Maggie and I greeted him at the front door.
Charlie came inside after handing me two biscuits and a giant diet Coke. He got on the couch with Maggie who put on a grand show of affection. Maggie was feeling her oats this morning. She would playfully run around the den and jump back on the couch. Rinse and repeat. Charlie laughed and laughed.
“Look at her go,” Charlie said pleased.
It was going to be a busy morning. I had a date to meet dad at 11 am. If I don’t call him at 10:50 am he begins to worry and will call me instead.
Dad was enjoying his sausage biscuit and senior coffee when I arrived. Charlie just had left.
Politics and CNN was the viewing choice this morning. Trump (Little Daddy) has been really busy as of late. Politics bores me and I consider it a fool’s errand.
“You better sit out Thanksgiving this year,” my father told me. “There is going to be lots of champagne, beer, and wine. I’ll be sure to bring you and Maggie a big plate of food.”
I said okay a little bit disappointed. I always get left out on the holidays. It makes me think my father is embarrassed of me and that is his true motive for keeping me at home.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
The Longest Journey...The Sweetest Reward...
“Do you want to come?” he asked. “It’s Auburn’s last home game.”
“Can I bring Tracy if she wants to come?”
“Sure,” he said. “I look forward to meeting her.”
I called Tracy and she sounded so excited about going.
“I haven’t been to an Auburn game all year,” she said. “Let me start getting ready.”
“I’ll pick you up around 2 pm your time,” I replied.
Well, I picked Tracy up at two and she looked gorgeous. She was neatly dressed and had on perfectly and meticulously applied makeup. I remarked upon what a babe she was and she told me thank you and giggled.
“I want to make a good first impression with your father,” she told me.
“Get you a warm jacket and possibly some gloves as it will be really chilly by the end of the game,” I told her.
We headed to the game. I liked to have never found a suitable parking spot. Dad, my brother, and brother-in-law were already in their seats. Dad and my brother gave Tracy a big hug as I introduced her to them. I liked to have frozen my ass off the whole game I am so cold natured. I had brought some hand warmers from my camping days and they really came in handy. I handed some to Tracy.
Auburn won big. It was a rout. My father and brother were ecstatic and exuberant. There were many hugs and high fives. Tracy and I got in on the revelry.
“War Damn Eagle!!!” my father hollered as loud as he could as if it were a Comanche’s war cry of victory.
Tracy and I made our way back to my car which was still in one piece thank goodness. I was worried about it. We headed back to Tracy’s apartment amidst suffocating and stifling traffic. I finally pulled into her apartment’s parking lot and let loose a big sigh. It was pitch black dark outside now. I’ve told you all how I hate to drive at night especially in traffic such as that. Tracy let us in and I parked my butt on the couch. I was just exhausted from all of today’s exertions and orchestrations. Wheezy, of course, jumped up into my lap purring.
“She’s not going to bite you, you know?” Tracy said giggling some more. “You can pet her.”
I refrained from explaining to Tracy how cats make my eyes water and itch.
Tracy fixed her a glass of red wine and I drank a diet Coke which she had bought a 12 pack specifically for me and put it in the fridge. We talked about our day and my relatives.
“I just loved your dad,” Tracy said. “He’s so much fun and kind, too!”
Tracy really had a good time, but it was not my cup of tea. I didn’t tell Tracy this, though. Tracy is much more outgoing and much abler than I for such outings.
Tracy drank a second glass of wine and soon put the empty glass on the side table. She moved closer and closer to me until we were locked in an embrace and passionately kissing. She just laid one right on my smacker catching me by surprise. I could smell the alcohol on her breath and taste the red wine on Tracy’s tongue and it was a curious and pleasant sensation. I knew things were getting heated when she took her bra off. Curious fingers on both sides then began to explore previously forbidden places.
“I kept hoping you would make the first move, but I guess it was up to me,” Tracy told me almost breathless in a whisper and then she continued kissing me.
We finally and begrudgingly composed ourselves. Our clothes got put back in proper arrangements. I was ready to get home and see about my house and see about my Maggie. I had been gone all day. We passionately kissed one more time on her doorstep and then I was on my way home. I had a big grin on my face as I headed up the interstate. I keep telling myself to relish these first few weeks and months in our relationship. They are always the most exciting, vibrant and passionate.
Helen’s Soul Food Friday Meal #5
Helen could make the best mac and cheese. Couldn't you tell how much she loved me by how much she gave me on this plate? Here we have mac and cheese, a fried pork chop, brussels’s sprouts, and colored butterbeans. There is a story behind colored butterbeans emanating from the Deep South I will have to tell sometime.
Friday, November 16, 2018
The Harbinger of Things to Come?
I set about my shopping tasks upon arriving at Kroger. Dad would soon follow right behind me as he lives a little farther away. I knew what I wanted and where it was at. I ended up getting those sports drinks, A1 sauce, and ground chuck. My total was $69 dollars for the night – the highest in weeks.
“Are you getting enough to eat?” my father asked me. “Don’t be like your dear mother and overdo the diet.”
“I’m fine,” I assured my father. “I get enough extraneous meals from you to balance out my nutrition.”
“But you don’t have any real meals in your cart!”
I thought for a moment there it was going to be time for Lean Cuisines, but thankfully dad let the moment pass. I left him for he had shopping of his own to do.
“Nice truck!” I told the fella next to me as I loaded up my groceries.
He was loading up his groceries as well. He just started talking and talking away telling me the tale of the dent in his truck by a PepsiCo employee.
But I digress…
I subsist off of cheese filled Ritz crackers and peanut butter these days just eating when I feel hungry. You’d be surprised how a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter and a pack of crackers can make you feel full for quite a few hours.
Tonight is a respite for we shall eat, drink and be merry. I have that ground beef browning on the stove (Maggie’s rejoicing) and a few Gatorades are quickly getting cold in the freezer.
Groceries at 9:00 PM…
Helen’s Soul Food Friday Meal #4
This meal we had hominy, fried okra, fried ham, cornbread, and turnip greens.
Tonight’s Sunset…
This was a wonderful sight after all the days of rain and storms we’ve had lately.
Comrades in Arms Against a Tirade! (Hyperbole)
Tracey was the first to be berated today. I was standing in the lobby when Mrs. Barbara told her she was still putting too much cat litter in the litter boxes. I was next…
“Sweet pea,” she said to me. “Please leave the thermostat where I set it. Fiscally things are tight right now.”
I said yes ma’am and headed back to the kennels to finish my job for the day.
Later, Tracy walked back into the kennels to talk to me.
“Who pissed in her Cheerios this morning?” Tracy asked with a smirk.
“She told me later her nose is to the grindstone and her job is on the line.”
“What about my job?” Tracy asked worriedly.”I hope I don’t get a pay cut.”
“You’re pretty much irreplaceable in my opinion,” I replied.
“I had a really good time with you last night,” Tracy then told me with a sly grin as she gave me a hug and kissed me on the cheek. “You are welcome any time.”
“Are you nervous about your chemistry exam this evening?” I asked intrigued.
I wish I had taken my second chance towards school more seriously years ago, but I was going to biology exams drunk.
“Just a little bit,” she replied. “I’ve studied as much as I can, though. I never want to see the periodic table ever again.”
I wished her luck and then she went into the outside kennels to mingle with and check on the dogs this chilly day.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Maggie! I’m Home!
“I’ve got a lady friend, Maggie,” I told her as I turned on the television and took the shoes off my tired dogs.
I gave Maggie a big hug and then I told her I loved her as I scratched her back. That seemed to have settled her down some.
I had driven down to Tracy’s apartment tonight. Tracy was studying for a chemistry exam which was tomorrow evening and I watched The Outlaw King on Netflix at her home which I had been itching to see. It was okay. A little slow in places. I actually didn’t watch the ending as I gave up on it and got up to leave – ready to head home. Poor Tracy. I know I had to have been distracting, but she said she was really glad I was there.
“Drive safe, doll,” she told me. “Call me when you get home.”
We gave each other another tantalizing peck on the lips, a long embrace, and I disappeared into the night like a tomcat on the prowl.
One thing I am noticing about Tracy is that she tends to be a loner despite her bubbly personality. She is just not being overrun with girlfriends. I am not exactly running over with friends myself these days except for my blog friends and (gasp!) Tuleana and Richard.
Outlaw King Synopsis…
A true David vs. Goliath story of how the 14th century Scottish 'Outlaw King' Robert the Bruce used cunning and bravery to defeat the much larger and better equipped occupying English army.
Not Long Did I Linger…
“Do you want some coffee?” my father then asked.
“Not this morning,” I replied. “Thank you, though.”
I like my coffee cold brewed these days of the café latte and mocha varieties. The Califia brand.
Dad was acting funny this morning and it perplexed me. I asked him why.
“It’s not you I assure you,” he said. “I feel like I am coming down with a cold and I am going back to bed when you leave.”
I took dad’s trash out to the bin and then came back inside and got an icy cold diet Coke for the road as I like to call it.
“Love you, son!” dad said when I said goodbye.
I told him to get to feeling better and I drove home.
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