It’s Another Day in Paradise

Today I took our car in for routine maintenance. My husband planned to drive our second vehicle for a drop-off but was in too much pain. Knowing the fluid changes would take several hours, I took advantage of the auto shop’s free shuttle service, but not for the twenty minute return home.

At my request the fellow drove me a short distance to an expensive gourmet grocery store. Feeling I deserved a treat, I purchased a few items including selections from their salad bar and a nice sushi platter. My lunch in Dorothy Lane Market’s free seating area was most pleasant as I looked upon passersby entering through steady dismal rain.

After eating I sent a message to my friend Scars, who lives nearby. He and his father didn’t need any grocery items but a visit would be nice, Scars replied.

It turns out my proximity was fortuitous. He admitted overdoing physical activity and suffering more extreme pain than the day after his hip replacement. It was sad witnessing this (lessening!) agony and rare (begrudging) request for assistance. I gladly bestowed his minor appeals and enjoyed seeing him and his dad. It’s a shame their shy kitty didn’t check me out while I saw to her basic needs.

Anyway, I am happy to report that my husband plans to see a specialist for his ongoing issues. Plus both our friends Scars and Phoenix are getting excellent care despite their setbacks. As a side note, I stole my title from Scars. “It’s another day in paradise” is his sardonic reply whenever someone asks how he’s doing, which speaks volumes about his stalwart nature.

My food photographs are not so good. lol Instead, here are some other fun photos from the market.

Entrance to where I ate lunch...

It seems wedding season approaches...

The butterfly drew my attention...

What riotous design options...

K & R were a monogram theme throughout...
Perhaps R and/or K are employees.

I wonder how much of these are edible...

 Aren’t these cake designs wild? Would you choose one for your special event?

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Buzz, Buzz

For all the kind folks interested, my friend Scars came through hip replacement surgery well and is already home. He hasn’t asked for any assistance so far. Phoenix, while frustrated by the setback from another fall, got cleared for better pain maintenance regarding his amputated leg.

I’m still busy taking care of my husband due to back pain. Busy as a bee, one might say. On a funny note, Phoenix smoked a lot during our outing and I still have a nicotine buzz headache hours later./span>

I must say, all these guys are appreciative. And I met some nice folks today.

One lady held the door for a couple leaving the spinal care center the man replied, “We moved here two years ago from Philadelphia and I’m still not used to all the kindness local people show.”

That woman and I agreed any interaction should include some little kindness and/or simple uplifting words. I don’t care if it’s praising a person’s outfit or hairstyle, aiding someone seeking a grocery item, or perhaps just smiling I think positivity spreads, as shown in the film “Pay it Forward”.

Have heard the saying “ misery likes company”? Don’t you agree that positivity is a better force?

END

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A Mishmash of Hopes, Wishes, and Appreciation as My Favorite Men Fall Apart

My 55th birthday passed uneventfully as my husband somehow hurt his back. ~pout~ Since February 15th he remains in agony despite his doctor’s cortisone shot, prescribed muscle relaxants, and ibuprofen. I don’t know how or when but hope things improve.

Today my friend (AKA ‘little brother’) Scars underwent a hip replacement. His father said he came through well. I can only wish upon him some relief from his lifelong juvenile arthritis pain. Minutes ago he sent photos; the guy is a hero to me.

The same goes for our friend Phoenix who once again fell and wounded the site of his amputated leg. ~sigh~ At least he didn’t end up spending two weeks in hospital this time.

On a brighter note, I’m much healthier than my favorite guys and have free time. I’ve been making a point of lifting weights, swimming laps, or hiking.

Every few hours my husband needs various assistance due to the difficulty he suffers standing. This Friday I’ll be accompanying Phoenix to see his pain therapist. The poor guy can neither wear his prosthetic leg nor balance to get his walker in and out of the car.

Scars and his elderly father may need the understandable help I’ve offered, as well. We shall see. They’re all amazing men.

How are you and yours?

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A Trio of Ironies

A longtime pal called the other day. K complained about the overly chatty guy at her hair salon. Funny enough, I could not get a word in edgewise. But she needed to vent and I try to be a compassionate listener.

It's no chore. And I cannot complain. K's parents, who always treated me like another child, continue declining health-wise.

My friend also shared an anecdote. Her youngest daughter S is working toward a hairstyling license yet fears cutting peoples' hair. This fundamental service seems to me as way simpler than the science of hair dyes.

~shrugs~

While it seems unrelated, I have seen this aspiring young hairstylist's childhood bedroom strewn with discarded candy wrappers and dirty snack plates. Her unrepentant sloppy nature is legendary among family and friends.

Therein lies another paradox as S complained to her mother about assistants leaving messy countertops. Even with it being a place of business, the incongruous statement left her mother speechless.

Hearing this and K reiterating her taciturn responsive "Huh", I laughed until tears squirted. Poor young S has probably been told my reaction.

Do you know the rather morbid story behind the iconic barber's pole? Isn't it amazing that veterinarians historically treated humans, and would you agree it's likely a great option in dire circumstances?

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A Movie Review – & – Mixed Signals

Having heard stellar reviews regarding “Godzilla Minus One”, this childhood fan planned attending solo; my husband hates reading subtitles. Our friend Scars, not really a movie fan, surprised me by offering to attend.

I found headlining actor Ryûnosuke Kamiki
enthralling in more ways than one... Heh...

The film featured some of my favorite elements. A simple tale enhanced by historical reality, interesting character development, and lack of obvious computer generated imagery provided me great entertainment.

Unable to hang out afterward and talk, I’m unsure if Scars would agree as wholeheartedly. He needed to go home and treat increasing leg pain from his lifelong battle with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. That would certainly distract me from entertainment, not to mention the fact he’s facing another joint replacement surgery.

Before we parted he did, however, urge I attend a local self/public defense training course with a nationally renowned instructor he’d like me to meet. Flattered, I explained the prohibitive cost. He replied that this would be his gift for many past birthdays and Christmas’s we missed.

I decided leaving my comfort zone and the course itself would benefit me and, after talking to my husband, offered an agreement. In lieu of monetary compensation I would occasionally assist him and his father following surgery. Then last night Scars sent a text message that the simulated confrontations could be stressful. And his niece might attend, he added.

Would such an exemption make you offended or glad? Should I press for this new adventure?

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Puzzling & Reprogramming

I recently got addicted to on-line puzzles thanks to talented creators like our friends at Eastside Cats and 15 and Meowing. Yesterday I even submitted a few like the one below. The only problem is that manipulating the mouse with my right thumb tensed nonstop resulted in minor pain.
120One of Nature's Cutest Killers
So I’ve loosened my hold which, of course, seems to have triggered discomfort around my shoulder blade. * ~sigh~ I’ll find the right balance between technique and limiting my time on Jigsawplanet. Meanwhile, I’ve started using my left thumb to hit the space bar. Reprogramming how I type takes effort.

Isn’t it annoying when favoring one body part causes issues elsewhere? Can you believe that my hobbling around on a mildly sprained ankle resulted in injuring the other?

* Update and duh moment: The back/neck discomfort is not from changing my grip. ~shakes head~ It is due to the fact I am using the mouse for unprecedent periods.

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My Taste of History

Okay, I must confess to not following the entire recipe Max Miller shared. It was time consuming and very sticky. So I skipped the part where he added day of the dead decorations. After all, I’d already used two entire eggs and five (!) egg whites.

Mr. Miller prepared fancier pieces...

I did brush the risen bread with an egg white wash before baking. That extra yoke and the five white parts made a fine lunch.

Heh…

In addition, after a taste test I decided against the final steps of adding a cooked flour past and two dustings of sugar. We fat folk have diabetes in this house! Lastly, I ended up with seven little loaves that melded together and froze five.

Now I’ll respond to dear blogger friend Strayer, who expressed her curiosity. I did not taste the orange blossom water beforehand. The strong scent, while nice, decided me against it.

I feared the loaves hadn’t risen as described and would be like bricks. Nope. They are delicious! While light, there is chewiness that’s a nice change from most breads we buy/bake. I also enjoyed the hint of yeast and the mild sweetness with its floral undertone. Those all balanced beautifully with anise infused water and orange zest.

If this recipe failed the bottle suggested it as a hot tea additive. I don’t think that will happen. I’m wondering if I should have frozen so many for later.

Do you like citrus? Have you ever tasted a fruity sauce paired with meat?

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Fake Snake in the Grass, Another Bug, Not a Bug, & In the Doghouse After Checking on Our Friend

I went through a regretful phase in the nineties decorating my house Southwest US style. ~groan~ Most of it’s in storage but this clay rattlesnake, now relegated to summertime outdoors, was a flea market purchase. It once scared a grown man doing work in our basement.

Hiss...

As freezing weather approaches I’m bringing such breakable items into the garage. This fellow spent summer near the mailbox and when I moved it, I discovered a tagalong wooly bear underneath.

Why is an inchworm called any sort of bear?

After visiting our friend Phoenix, who is yet again in hospital, I saw this interesting berry laden plant. I found it quite beautiful.

I thought the pink berries were flowers at first glance...

Unfortunately, our friend got released from the rehabilitation facility on Sunday and then fell going into his home. Even three strapping nephews couldn’t keep him upright. He landed on the amputation site which has developed a hematoma. We can only hope he need not risk further surgery; time over the next day or two will tell. I tried insisting he stay with us for a while but he’s stubborn and independent.

As for being in trouble, I scraped a sharp curb on the way to see Phoenix. While I’m glad the tires weren’t destroyed my husband is angry about cosmetic damage. As I type toward twilight outside he hasn’t spoken to me since we left the hospital.

And while I’ve joked about losing a cat being the most egregious divorceable offense, Terra snuck outside while I started setting up my laptop. I’m so thankful she let me pick her up.

Why do you think “being in the doghouse” is an idiom for angering someone? Wouldn’t cuddling in a warm space with a family pet be preferable to getting the cold shoulder? And isn’t that another odd idiom?

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Resilience in the Face of Misfortune

Our friend Phoenix has once again landed in hospital. Another surgery meant to repair circulation in his right leg failed. Alas, doctors saw no option other than amputation.

On our way to visit him yesterday my husband and I followed a young man and little boy through the corridors for a bit. We joked about being lost. When we two finally found the correct room tucked in a corner, the others were already inside. They happen to be our friend’s nephew and great nephew. It was a joy meeting them.

Even better, the entire family seems to share our rather dark sense of humor. After a discussion over his health insurance and prosthetic limb options, it was decided that he would end up with a peg leg. So, his nephew stopped at a Halloween shop and bought pirate costume accessories.

His nephew is supporting Polly parrot...

The unfortunate man is suffering phantom limb syndrome. Whenever walking, he feels the old pain in his right foot. The worst is when he wants to cross his legs, he said. But his main complaint was that the missing knee had been replaced. A nurse is actually lobbying for the metal joint returned to him but I can’t imagine that one can be used on his left leg. My Internet search didn’t turn up any answers.

Have you heard of mirror therapy for his syndrome? Can you think of a reason other than money that this non-invasive, drug-free treatment is a last resort?

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