Tuesday December 31, 2024

For those so inclined, The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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Another eight hour sleep.

Awaking to a rainy, muggy ,day.

Frustrating.

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I think I'm noticing a pattern. After searching for info online I think my stubborn blood glucose reading has something to do with my stubborn bowel movements. When I have regular complete bowel movements the blood glucose tends to stay within range. When I'm backed up, (constipated) which describes this week, the blood gluucose stays above range. My next clinic appointment with Dr. Obi is February 5th, at which I'll discuss this with him.
Update on previous statement. Ive been constipated since last Monday. I had to rush to the bathroom about midnight Saturday for an epic dump that finally cleared my bowels and I think was a contributing factor to the blood glucose reading of 110 on Sunday morning. Starting Monday morning I was backed up again and the blood glucose reading made a steady rise until reaching 133 this morning. After several failed attempts to get thngs moving again I relyed on the method whereby I straddle the toilet grab the towel bar, arch my back, and well, whoosh a1l over the toilet and floor. soaking the towels in as mkeshift diaper bucket and making a few trips to the washer.  On the last trip back to the bathroom to finish wiping up I tripped over my left foot and fell to the floor face first. It took nearly an hour to get off the floor. All this happened an hour or so ago. I still have discomfort in mmy back, but can tske a deep breath now without pain. For the first hour or so it hurt like hell to do that. I didn't black out when hitting the floor (carpetted) nor did I experience any dizziness, so I'll not add to the usual confligration at the emergency room. Emergency rooms are just that. If one isn't bleeding, have a broken bone, or in imminent danger of dying, get out of the way of people who are.  I will bring this up with Dr. Obi at my next appointment.

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For those so inclined, The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Monday December 30, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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Except for the thirty minutes or so on the phone with Linda Gana after I had just about fallen asleep I slept for twelve hours last night.

It's starting out on the nippy side this morning.

I'm aout over this!

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For those so inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Sunday December29, 2024

For those so interested; The Daily Office Morning Payer

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I slept for ten hours last night.

It's going to be a chilly one today.

Finally!

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I'm looking forward to the 0830hrs Mass this morning. We'll be using the 1928 prayer book, which is like an old friend from my teen years. I didn't really pay that much attention to the words being read and said until in was in the adult choir during my teen years. After having it all explained by Fr. Duff during confirmation classes I became especially fond of it, and worship.

I'll bring that copy with me this morning. (Even though the font size is so small these od eyes can't read the words anymore.)

Willliam called yesterday to let me know he'll be staying home with a cold today.

The 0830 Mass was like visiting my childhood/teen years If it happens again I'm going to have to double the joint pain natural remedies. The stand up  sit down, kneel, sit pewrobics are taking a toll on my knees that I don't recall paying back then.

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For those so inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Saturday December 28, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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I slept eight hours last night.

Another warm and rainy day is on tap.

And I'm still struggling to get this number within the targeted range.

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Well, at least the winning ticket for the billion dollar Mega Millions prize was purchased in California. Checking the value of the tickets I bought on Thursday against the change from the twenty dollars I put in the machine I was one ticket short. The draw tickets sometimes don't come all the way out of the slot, and if one doesn't search the bin to see if there's still a ticket that hasn't made it all the way out the next player will find a freebie in the slot. If that's the case from my visit to the "big green money machine" I hope whomever finds it gets a big prize.

I know it doesn't sound like a big accomplishment, but I mananged to bring the trash bin in off the street (it's been there since last Monday) and take out all the trash and Mr. Mistofellees bucket to the bin. It takes three trips in and out of the house with the cart up and down the ramp. There was a severe weather alert this afternoon that included a tornado watch/warning for communities just north of here. As is usually the case the weather commentators on all three network channels managed to block the view of activity south of Houston. The wind and thunderstorms in this locale were pretty fierce.

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For those so inclined, The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Friday December 27, 2024

For those so inclined, The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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I slept twelve hours

It looks like it'll be another dreary day

I woke around midnight and ate a pint of butter pecan ice cream. Yes, I know better

I accomplished nothing today. For those so inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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It's Friday at 1718hrs and the neighbors accross the street have already cranked up the volume on their radio. The thump, thump, thump of the base and the announcers voice are already penetrating my environment. One day they'll need hearing aids. When my nephew was alive and still lived next door, he became so enraged by the weekly disturbance he stormed into their residence and (my brother says turned down rheir radio) kicked in their stereo system. The neighbors called the police, had him arressted for tresspassing and criminal mischief. My sister-in-law said it doesn't help to call the police to complain about the noise because the neighbor's friends live down the street and call them when they see the police turn into the neighborhood. She also claims they all have connections with the Mexican Mafia. 

Thursday December 26, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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I slept nine hours last night.

It looks to be another rainy Geezer Breakfast Day.

And, again, if following a zero sugar low carb diet doesn't improve this number. ...

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Wednesday December 25, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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I slept about twelve hours last night

Thunderstorms woke me several times throughout the night

All I had to eat yesterday was a salad for breakfast, another salad for lunch, and a cheeseburger on Keto toast for an early dinner. And still ...

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I received text Christmas greetings from Linda Caffey this morning. She's up this early because she has to go to work, another reason to be nice to hospitality workers. This is why I won't be going anywhere today (like I need a reason).

The sarcasm dripping voice in my head is taunting all the kiddos who received bikes from Santa and will have to wait until tomorrow to ride them.

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For those so inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Tuesday December 24, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer"

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I slept for nine hours last night.

It looks like we've a rainy day in store.

As we can see the brownie didn't make it until Christmas day.

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My favorite brain movie has been playing in my head for a week or so. It's not an out of body experience. It's a daydream memory. It was the first Christmas I was back with my parents in Connecticut after being released from the VA hospital and we were treated to a white Christmas eve and day. Just as before the army I was again in the choir at St. John's. Just as before I left for the army I brought my cassock and surplice home to be laundered and "made like new" by my mom. It was a short walk from my parents house to St. John's and while the sidewalks on Main Street had yet to be shoveled the street was being repeatedly plowed. In my mind's theater I see myself from above walking on the compressed snow, my choir vestments slung over my shoulder, on my way to Midnight Mass. It was the first year "back in the world." It was the year my older brother and his wife (Anglican) attended church with me. My parents stayed home with their toddler (ages three and four) boys.It was the last year when everything was "right in my world."

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I finally prepared the last Christmas card for mailing. It probably won't arrive until well after January 1, 2025. Whatever.

I've been thinking I may just risk the lives of fools driving new vehicles equipped with blinding white headlights and go to Midnight Mass tonight. Maybe the streets will be as vacant at 2200hrs on Christmas eve as they are at 0600hrs on Sunday mornings.&bsp;If it's raining I'll wait and go to church on Sunday.
For those so inclined, The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Monday December 23, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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I managed nine hours of sleep last night.

It didn't even get cold enough to turn on the heat.

This disaster is the result of pizza (even thin crust) for supper. It may aso be a contributor to nine hours of sleep.

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Here's a random thought from a late night trip to the bathroom. "I notice that with the inauguration of Donald Trump on the horizon the fright wing media isn't trying to distract and divide with panic stories of a war on Christmas. Feeling a bit manipulated?"

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Yes, it is a large tip. Consider, however, that the taxes the driver pays on his wages contribute to the disability commpensation I receive from the Veteran's Administration and it's Christmas!

I ate half the pizza for supper last night, the other half is to be served cold for breakfast. I've really got to stop ordering pizza, what with the increase in price of Alka Seltzer Heartburn Chews. The sandwich is for lunch today and tomorrow (each half is 390 calories) and the brownie is my Christmas treat - if it makes it until then. The bottom line is that $51.00 provides two days of the main courses for meals. There're are bagged salad ingedients in the fridge.

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I called my brother in Massachusetts and the one next door to wish them Merry Christmas.
For those so inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Sunday December 22, 2024

For those so inclined, The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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I can't sleep past seven hours tonight.

It's maybe going to be just nippy enough to wear my Holy Cross hoodie.

I had absoltely no sweets yesterday and stil, ,,,

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At least my feet made it through the night without giving me fits. The swelling on the toe of my right foot has has finally gone down and I can walk without pain.
For those so inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Saturday December 21, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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I almost slept in this morning.

It looks like a chilly weekend is in store!

This reading is way too high. If I don't get my act together I'm going to end up losing my toes.

The clinic waiting room has become much more informative and pleasant since the television programming has been replaced by Power Point presentations.

Yesterday I was distracted after the clinic visit and thought that Mary Fuchs' funeral was scheduled for 1500hrs. I cut short a visit with John Paul and went to the church whhere I learned the funeral is (was) today. I was awakened from a nap by a call from William (he's going to church tomorrow) and realized I missed the funeral. This confusion (lack of attention) is getting embarrassing. I didn't know Mary and only know her husband Ken from seeing him at vestry meetings or at the 0830hrs Mass. Serously, as member of the vestry myself, I should have been present at the funeral.

I didn't purchase muffins or turnovers at Walmart yesterday. The muffins haven't even been openned and the veterans end up taking them home on Tuesday evenings. Even though I have issues with the Salvation Army, I decided, on a whim, to donate that twenty to the red kettle drive instead this week.
For those inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Friday December 20, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily
Office Morning Prayer

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Busy day today. I've an 0900hrs appointment at the clinic in Lake Jackson, that I did not reschedule. The appointment is for lab work. It is not a good thing that my blood glucose reading is so high. I had planned on having breakfast at Denny's prior to the apointment because the tests are no longer fasting. If I can get ready and leave on time, I probably will go ahead and do that. What's a few more points when my three month average is probaably through the roof anyway?
For those so inclined; The DAily Office Evening Prayer

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Thursday December 19, 2024

Ror those sop inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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I didn't have the patience to crawl on the floor looking for the phone I dropped - the one I use to take a screenshot of the time and temperature display next to the bed. It was 0232hrs and the outdoor temperature was 52°f. It's a toasty 70° here in the office and 69° in the rest of the house. The thermostat for the central system is set to heat mode with a temperature setting of 64°.

The blood glucose reading is heading down, but still seven points too high. Hopefully I will have the willpower to forego all the Christmas candies and pastries.
And once again it's best I crap out of Geezer Breakfast with Ronnie.The baby toe on my right foot has not recovered from being stubbed and putting a shoe on that foot just isn't working today.

I couldn't locate the generic letter of reccommendation I use for veterans graduating from Veteran's Court soI wrote a new one for one who is scheduled to graduate in January.
Quoting, "To Whom It May Concern: My acquaintance with (insert name) is limited to his participation in the “In The Zone” meetings for participants in the veteran’s court program. His participation and regular attendance at these meetings have demonstrated a commitment to fulfilling the requirements for graduation from the program. He has been an attentive listener to the conversation of other veterans. His contributions to those conversations have led to positive outcomes for all present in understanding the complexities of transitioning from military to civilian life. While it’s impossible to predict the future, facing it with the shared lessons learned via participation in court programs, and meetings with other veterans, will provide the tools (insert name) can use as a guide to his way ahead. It’s my opinion (insert name) will, indeed, make good use of them.

I also went online to order breads, bagged salads, croutons, and Uh-OH cherryy turnovers and three pints of ice cream.
I called Cecile and let her know I can't make Geezer breakfast.
I am seriously thinking of enjjoying a cherry turnover for breakfast and then listening to Christmas music and napping the day away.Decidedly cheaper than turning on the heat.

Wednesday December 18, 2024

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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Blood Glucose popped back up. I'll take another reading at the twelve hour mark. I ate cookies I brought home from the veteran's meeting last night just before going to bed. when I go in for the lab appointment this Friday I'll have to reschedule the follow up appointment. The one scheduled for the twenty seventh was cancelled by the clinic. The bottle of metformin that recently arrived in the maail indicates no more refills.

I called the Lake Jackson clinic, as instructed, to reschedule the appointment for December 27. I was told they're booked through until February, so I was given at 1300hrs slot on the fifth which is a Sunday. I'm pretty certain the clerk meant the fifteenth so I've put a post it note in my scheduler for Wednesday the fifteenth of February. There's no reasion to panic as I'll receive a corrected notice via snailmail prior to the appointment.

The bottom of myright foot is giving me fits (diabetic neuropathy) today.
At 1752hrs -

For those so inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer

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Tuesday December 17, 2024

For those inclined; The Daily Office Morning Prayer

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It goes without saying I'm finally pleased with the blood glucose reading this morning. Maybe it's because I also learned to spell glucose.
At 0740hrs I just returned from a quick trip to Kroger to get a gift ard for the Teerminix technician. On the way back I stopped at the cluster box only to discover there was nothing in there but snailmail spam from Blue Cross Blue Shield. There's plenty of fire wood across the street from the cluster box, however.

Sarcasm aside it takes the city workers forever to pick up heavy loads and hurricane debri. That pile has been there for months.
Today is PTSD Tuesday. I'm going to have Eloy give me a ride to the meeting. I hope he's not going to bring another aricle about substance abuse and monopolize the meeting reading material designed for instruction of professional therapists. While interesting the articles refer to material that is not available to the group.Browsing YouTube this morning, This stood out! as an example of more GOP infighting taking seed in the cabinet and department chief position nomination process for the incoming administration.

The veteran's meeting was productive.
At 8029hrs. For those so inclined:The Daily Office Compline

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