When Family Isn’t Family

     The brother gets married tomorrow, I suppose 3 times is the charm? We won’t be attending. He has basically ignored me the last 5 years, made promises that weren’t kept, I can handle that, I’m a big boy. What I can’t excuse is what he did to the wife. Her dad died a year and a half ago, because we didn’t call and invite him to the viewing and funeral, he didn’t come. Keep in mind we can just about see his house from ours, travel was not an issue. It was in the paper, we put it on Facebook, hell, my aunt and uncle are in their 80’s and made the trip from Harrisburg!  That’s not even the worst part. I sent him a text the evening of the funeral questioning why he wasn’t there, that’s when he told me he didn’t know the details, we didn’t send them to him. That’s when it happened. He told me, and the wife, on the evening of her fathers funeral, each via text, never to contact him again. I sent him a text about a year ago when my nephew was hospitalized asking if he was ok, he replied yes, nothing else. He knows nothing about what’s going on here, where I am in my slide. I don’t know about you but I think it took incredibly huge balls to even invite me!

Twilight Zone Dentist, Friends That Offer To Help

I love the world, always something to see, never gets old. Went to the oral surgeon yesterday, 8am on a chilly Baltimore morning. Sitting there with the wife, in she walked! I want you to try and picture this with me, I saw it and still can't believe it. 2 or 3 of us surgical candidates in the waiting room when in she walked. High heel shoes, lime green leggins, a purple bowler hat, and her top measurement had to go 48 GGGGG! Normally I don't discuss these things in this forum, but this time I felt compelled to share.  Oh, did I mention she had string bikini top on? The wife wouldn't let me ask her if I could take a selfie with her, so I took a snap of her license plate, FETTISH1. Man I love this town!

Had a friend and his wife come by today to replace the crank mechanism on two of our windows. I went to school with both of them, nice to have contact with old friends, 34 years since we got out of school, hard to believe. He wants me to make a list of all the little jobs, and not so little ones too, get them taken care of all at once. My strong suit isn't asking for help, that's why it's so nice when it's offered.

Gimme Drugs, and Handicapped Parking Abuse

Went to see the pain management doctor today, he told me I probably wasn't a candidate for the spinal injections anymore.  I said I wanted a second opinion, he said ok, you're ugly too!  But seriously, we are going to try and manage the back pain with oxycontin, party at my house.  Not crazy about drugs as the only option, but he's right, the last few injections only gave me short term relief, sometimes as little as one day.  I guess I should be happy there is something else to try, but at the same time saddened by the fact I'm at the end of my options.

When I got to the hospital today there were no handicapped spots open.  Here in Baltimore everyone and their brother has the hanging blue tags.  I never voice an opinion as to whether someone should have one, not my place, and I don't like it when people question me, but today burned my britches!  Three of the spots had the drivers sitting in the car, reading the paper, sleeping, waiting for their people to come out.  The plum was a young guy waxing his truck!  He must have felt guilty, told me he had brought his grandmother to the doctor, I didn't ask.  Common sense people, please.  You drop someone off at the door, don't take one of the spots, and don't wax your truck, no matter how shady it is.

The Kids Have Jobs, And Medical Marijuana Law In Maryland A Joke

Both my minions, both the kids, have full time jobs, both with benefits, both excited to leave the house today.  My first job was running numbers when I was 5 with my grandfather, I'd run into the High's store to get a brown paper bag and a cookie, but I digress!  I hope the boy turns this into a career and that the girl sees she needs to finish her education.  A father can hope?

Doctors appointments are on my horizon, making up for not having insurance since January.  Going to ask about medical marijuana for the pain?  MD just past laws reducing the penalty for patients that use it with a doctors blessing, saying it's OK to use and possess it, but if you get caught buying it you are subject to arrest.  Wait, let me read that again... Yep, that what it say!  So it's still not illegal to smoke marijuana in MD, and it's OK to possess it MD, it's just still illegal to buy it!  Wouldn't it be easier to just let me go to Walgreens pick it up with a KitKat bar?

Koon's Chevy Salesman From Hell

So it's new car time, a time I put up there with taxes, surgery, and spending time with that one relative... you get my point. I HATE IT! When did reliable used cars get out of the $1,000 range? I know as much about cars as I do about nuclear fission, just enough to get by, but I do know I don't like old time car salesmen. We had one yesterday. We called Koon's Chevy right down the street about a car we saw in their inventory. Salesman told us yes, we have that car, it's a fine car, but someone is coming to look at it at 7, could you come down now, if not it may be gone? Told the wife, bell #1!

We go down, nothing else happening on a 100 degree day, let's go look at cars. We get there and our sales dude says he has to go find the keys, takes us out to the wrong car, and proceeds to tell us this long yarn. The car someone else was going to beat us too is in another city, not even in Baltimore. He forgot that part. He has this car that is comparable in all ways, except it has 100,000 MORE miles than we wanted, cost $4,000 MORE than we wanted to spend, and we can't drive it because it has some "DIFFICULTIES"! all I have to say about it is this guy must be one of the Koon's kids, no other way you'd keep him around!

NFL Does A Horrible Job With Farve And Game Cancelation

The NFL made a few great decisions this week. First was them canceling the Sunday night game because it was dangerous for people to go to the game, thanks. So if the game next week in Buffalo has snow, and I decide to go and get in an accident, I can sue the NFL for not postponing the game, sweet! Second was fining Farve his pocket change for not cooperating with the investigation into HIS misconduct. Suspend him a game, let him lose the $687,530 he would lose for not playing. They said they couldn't determine if it was a picture of his body parts he sent to the young girl? I bet Mrs. Farve knows!

Who Cares What Luke Scott Thinks About Obama, Maybe He Should Be Working On Hitting A Curve Ball Instead

I'm confused about something, actually many things, but for today this. Why would I give a hoot in hell what Luke Scott thinks about the president of the United State? Because he can hit a curve ball...wait, he can't hit a curve ball, OK, a fast ball, that makes him a political analyst? It's all over the news, local and national, Luke doesn't think Obama was born in the United States. Why would any credible journalist ask him that question, he knows about as much about that as he does about having a period! We took our eye off the ball, Luke regurgitated Ted Nugent and it's line one news. Hey, I've got an idea, have the guy doing the interview ask the sports guy if instead of hunting everyday, shouldn't Luke be working on hitting that curve?

Passenger Refuses Scan and Pat Down, Why Wasn't He Arrested?

So I see there was an airline passenger that refused to be scanned or have a thorough pat down. Cool, people are comparing him to Rosa Parks, the big difference being she got arrested. They should have locked his ass up, banned him from flying, and give him the maximum fine! When he refused to have either the scan or search he became an enemy combatant, he should have been treated as one. I'm all for free speech, but it comes with a price, that's why it's so precious.

Ravens Dancing More Than Playing Football

I wonder if Fabian Washington has a planned dance when he gets burned on a play? I'd say no, seen him get burned twice for touchdowns today and he just slanked off the field. He did make a tackle on a 1 yard pass, did a little 2 step, then posed, cool! If I were the Harbaugh I would fine him, fine anyone that is already auditioning for dancing with the stars instead of playing football. Time to watch it on the radio.

Sex at the Rec Center, and Harris-Kratovil Still Not Responding To My Question

It was another beautiful day here, took my chair and went to the park, met a friend and sat. We had a good time, talked about our thoughts on life, had a few laughs. Time to head home I have to go past that little parking lot I had the problem with the other day and of course there's a car parked there again. They weren't in a handicapped spot, they were just having a sexual encounter in the middle of the day, FYI, your windows aren't that tinted!

Resent my emails to Harris-Kratovil today, still no answer. This is what I sent.

Sent to Kratovil, cc'd to Harris

I am resending this question as I have not yet heard any response, I look forward to your response.

Andy

I saw one of your ads last night, it claimed Harris is in favor of
raising the sales tax to, or by 23%. My question is when did he say it,
in what context, and where can I find it? I eagerly await your answer.

Andy

Sent to Harris, cc'd to Kratovil

I am resending this question as I have not yet heard any response, I look forward to your response.

Andy


I am trying to figure out an ad I saw last night, it was a Kratovil ad
claiming you were in favor of raising the sales tax to, or by 23% . My
question is did you say it, or do you know what the Kratovil camp is
talking about? I eagerly await your answer.

Andy


Once again, you would think the one telling the truth would respond?

Harris-Kratovil Political Ads Are Lies, But Which One is Lying

I try not to do politics here, and this isn't intended to be one side or the other, but somebody is lying. Just saw a Kratovil ad that said his opponent Harris favors a 23% sales tax increase, even going as far as giving the Harris web address, so I went. Harris says it's not true, he never said it, it's a lie. OK, one them is telling the truth, one of them is in fact lying! That's just the tip of it, every contest has the same ads, we are in trouble.

What Does a Yellow Curb Mean?

Are yellow curbs universal? Does a yellow curb mean no parking in Abilene, or Spokane? It used to be mean that in MD, but they must have changed that to I'll only be a minute so I'm not parked? People are ignorant slobs, the only good people being the ones that read my blog! People of Baltimore, pay attention! Rules do apply to you, all of the time, even when you're in a a hurry! And you people that leave your car running with your kids in while you illegally park at an ATM are going to the 3rd level of hell!

Beautiful Day, Ugly People, and Lame Answers

Had a very frustrating day. It was absolutely gorgeous here in Baltimore, too much so to stay inside. Against my better judgment, I loaded up my chair, took my lunch, and went to my secret spot. OK, my secret spot isn't so secret on a Saturday afternoon, there were 5 billion there! I was there, so I may as well stay, so I went to park, so began the fun. There are only 5 parking spots there, all of them handicapped spots, and a big sign that says no stopping anytime. Of course that means there were cars everywhere, in the spots and stacked up blocking the spots.

I went to sit by my bridge, random humans everywhere, so I ate and went to leave. More cars, more random humans, so I called Baltimore County non emergency police number. Figured it would take a while, so I left down the road. The cop passed me on the way out, so I hung a Uey and went back up, well the cop was already leaving! I asked him why, he said there didn't seem to be anyone parked illegally? I said hello, no stopping! Just about then 2 of the guys that were parked illegally came up, and get this, the little guy had a big mouth.

This little dude starts mouthing off about how I've been up there for hours, taking pictures of the kids, being a pain to all the people at the park. I told him he was full of shit and still illegally parked, I know! The cop tells me I have to leave, the balls in his court now. I told him that was cool, showed him my badge, told him when he was finished I'd be waiting at the end of the street to have a talk with him. He came up apologized for the way it went, said tickets didn't seem to work, told me how busy he was. I don't like humans very much.

Idiot at Walmart, and The Boy Got His Lerners Permit

Almost got hit by a car today, subsequently almost got in a fight. Leaving Walmart today, I know, destroying the local small business community, but their toiletries are cheap, in the cross walk, a guy passes all the cars blowing his horn just missing me. Thanks, I'm fine, but I was pissed, what a jerk. Went down and told him so, kind of had his van blocked in so he had to listen, that and I'm still a rather imposing figure, scared the hell out of him! Felt good, forgot for a minute a 9 year old girl could probably beat me up.

The boy is riding the wave right now, 300 game, 800 series last night, got his learners permit today, happy guy, things are looking good. Took him out to drive tonight, he does a real nice job. Keep with the insurance people how that will all work, and we are off! I may never drive again, all of the chauffeurs at my disposal.

Female Hiker Released...So What, and Acupuncture a Bust

Saw that the American woman being held in Iran was released today, and that's good, but what was she doing there? I'll usually will be the first one to tell you I don't know what I'm talking about, probably don't here, but why was she "hiking" in a country we are at war with? She was hiking in a war zone, along the border with Iran? How much money has been spent trying to fix her freedom of choice mistake, and is she going to be responsible for paying it back. Hope the 2 guys get freed as well, but not if my kids have to go there to make it happen.

Think I might be done with acupuncture? It doesn't appear to be doing that much for me, not on a long term basis anyway. It doesn't hurt, it's rather relaxing, but it isn't worth the money or the time since it doesn't last. The wife won't let me go by myself, so each time she is going too, and we only have 6 visits left that are covered by insurance. Biggest thing is I have to sit and take it easy the day I have it, and then it hurts the next day anyway.

The Fall, MS and Tripping, and Sump Pump Hell

Years from now, when the dust all settles, and people have resumed their regular daily grinds, locals will remember the events of 12 August, 2010 simply as "The Fall". You may not remember the day, where you were, what you were doing, but I will, see, I'm the "Faller". Sounded like someone felled a bull moose, house shook the same too. People around these parts don't always say exercise is good for you, especially when you trip over a recumbent exercise bike at 3 in the AM. I now know what it's like to fly!

On the serious side of this, almost broke my ass in the middle of the night. Tripped over that damn bike that somebody moved so it wouldn't be in the way! Tore the right most 2 toes off my foot on the bike, as I launched myself forward I thought, not the glass top coffee table, then not the secretary, then lastly, Lord, not the floor. I fell with all the grace and agility one would expect from a guy with my physical problems, stature, and luck! Thought I broke both arms, lay there for a bit, laughed, cried, and thought, this was because of the bike, right?

I was up at that crazy hour because I was scared, scarred, afraid to go to bed. We had a lot of rain last night, the sump pump didn't work properly, it wasn't shutting off, and it wasn't pumping water. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's a problem? Not long ago I asked a guy to take a look at it to see if the screen was clogged and he told me they don't have screens, he looked at it and said it was fine. Like the moron I am, I said OK, and did nothing. So last night as the well filled I'd lay on the floor, reach in and wipe the mud and goop off of that screen that didn't exist and the pump would drain that well in nothing flat.

Facebook Deactivated, Horrible Day Shopping, and Rude People Everywhere

Deactivated my FB account, realized a countdown was a little, just a tad self centered, like, I'm gonna jump! It was time, too many opinions, too many beliefs, time to go back to what I know, being in charge. I like it here, nobody bothers me here, gets on my nerves, they ignore me like they do in person, so I'm home. I will miss the games, and meeting up with old friends, but the real FB experiment will be if I can keep the ones I already remade.

Went out the other day, was going to run some errands, out amongst the humans. I'm still able to do it, not as well as before, but at least I still can. It was a disaster of typical proportions. First stop was Lowes, looking for light bulbs, pool chemicals, and a bat house. No chemicals, or bat house, but I was able to get light bulbs, though I'm scared to get the compact florescent ones, ya ever see what you have to through if you break one, scary.

Next I was off the Richardson's chicken farm, they just built a huge, beautiful new store adjacent to the very tiny old one. They have everything! Great chicken, obviously, locally grown veggies, baked goods, honey, a buffet of fresh cooked foods, really a treat to visit. Let me correct that, a treat during the week, not on a Saturday morning. There were humans everywhere! You'd of thought we were in the depths of famine the way people were grabbing supplies. I started to worry I'd missed the announcement of the invasion? I wrestle a head of Romaine away from an elderly woman, and left.

My last stop was to get the wife a fountain soda, she likes those better than she likes me. Was going to get one at the farm market, but you couldn't get near the machine for the hoards of people. No biggie,we have tons of places, and I needed gas anyway. So I stops up to the Royal Farm, fill up, and go inside, masses of humans there too. I get the soda, get in line, and patiently wait my turn. Suddenly this woman walks into, knocking the soda from my hand, it hitting the ground like a grenade, and are you ready for this? She tells me to watch where f@#$% I'm going! Proof that some people are alive simply because it's against the law to kill them.

We All Do Dumb Things, and Kids Are A Lot Of Work

The Caps lost tonight, too many men on the ice, the goalie started off, then went back! Thought the coach's head was going to explode. Glad I don't have a coach to yell at me when I do stupid things, I tend to do them quite frequently. For instance, threw a light bulb into a fire one time, wanted to see if it would melt. Laying there watching, the thought came to me, light bulbs, they are filled with something, what was it? POP! Oh yeah, gas. Hot embers, little pieces of glass, not my finest hour, but also not my worst! Don't yell coach, at least it wasn't a light bulb.

Had the blues today, worried about the boy and school. Maryland has that damn HSA test, you have to pass the test to graduate. The entire school year means absolutely nothing. Pass everything, all 4 years, fail the test, don't graduate. The boy isn't a test taker, but does so we in the other parts he does fine, but the HSA is always there. He didn't pass them, so he had the option to do projects. You can should see these projects! I'd like to give them to the teachers to see if they could do them. This wasn't in the manual, but we will keep him, because after this, school, there won't be anything for us to worry about, right?

Grasmick's Joke, Another Snowy Day, and Flomax vs. DDAVP

I am in full blown Poppa bear mode, protecting his cub. This damn high school assessment test is one of the biggest farces I have seen in years. The students can pass all of their academic classes, but if they don't pass the HSA, they can't graduate. We have a child that has difficulties taking tests, so we find ourselves at odds with the school board. We are looking into other options from the bridge plans that can be completed in place of passing the test. This is like cruel and unusual punishment for kids that are have a tough time. Got the father involved, he still has mojo with the school board.

Snowing to beat the band here, the girls morning class already canceled, got an email from Bob, the literary professor. What happened to the days of schlepping down to the school, only to find out the teacher blew it off. No word on the boy's school yet, they are always one of the last districts to make the call. The boy needs to introduce himself to Mr shovel tomorrow, not the wife. I just hope they can shovel quietly, I'll be sleeping in the morning.

Started Flomax last night, I think the name says it all? That must have been a fun meeting, coming up with that name. I'm the opposite of the tv ad, mine is a going problem, not a growing problem. The doctor made sure of that, she lost 2 rings and a rather bulky bracelet, but got them back the next morning! Worried about all the warnings with flomax, don't want a new problem because I was tired of going to the bathroom nonstop. I may ask about DDAVP tablets, shuts you kidneys down for the night, letting you get a good nights sleep. We shall see, and we'll see fast.

Feral Cats, Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise, and Pizza Commercials I Don't Get

It's been like Mutual of Omaha'a wild Kingdom around here! We suddenly found ourselves inundated with feral cats. Called the humane society, they delivered a trap for us to use. We were successful the last 2 nights, catching one cat each night. I'm not much of a pet person, but love animals, can't figure out how people can just let their animals go free. I hope there is special place for people like that, have a feeling there is.

Bought a recumbent exercise bike off Craig's List a while back, $25 or so, don't remember. I'd like to start using it to get some much needed exercise, see if I can drop some tonnage, and see if it helps my legs. My problem is my back. I have to get this whole back thing figured out, but I'm also scared to do too much, having stopped the medicines. I think I should wait so I know if I have leg issues from the lack of meds, or if it's my tour de France training.

I think I may be odd? I watch commercials, things that people get paid lots of money for, and I think I wouldn't buy air from these people! Papa John drives his dream car around, delivering pizza, and saying Papa's in the house. What the hell is that, and why would that make me buy his pizza. It makes me think he's made too much money, almost like he's saying, look what I have.