Well, I finally have a date for the surgery--Jan. 12th. Of course preceding that there is the blood work and the cardiac work up d/t my leaky valves---joy, oh joy!! I will be off work for at least 3 months--I will not know how to act! He said I will be in the hospital @ least 2 days then home to rehab. Yipee---No nursing home (yet). I wish I could get rid of the restless leg problem---hope it doesn't jerk during the operation! More later.

What is Funny?

I never thought Michael Richards was that funny.

On the other hand, Mary Richards was uber funny.

Thanksgiving Almost 30 Years Ago

They sure don't make 'em like they used to.

A Holiday Intervention

A timely cartoon.

http://www.xoverboard.com/cartoons/2003_10_22.html

Head Count

Just checking to see how y'all doing; making sure there were no strokes or accidents yesterday.

Go Bucks That's "Go Bucks" in webdings. thought that was interesting---------

Alarming

Its a glorious Friday morning. Is Thanksgiving really next week. My god!!!

This story gave me a great vibe this AM:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/17/ape.alarm.ap/index.html

We have in the past done so little to understand these beings. We owe them such a great debt due to our insults and abuses.

Speaking of critters, my girls are growing. One month ago I had two kittens. I now have two panthers.

They are sleek, strong and very active.

A Two Kitty Night

Its the coldest day of the season so far here in Houston. The noon temp was around 55 with a strong north wind ~ 20 mph. Chilly, even in my apt.

I have been getting over the after-effects of a bug and have been at real low energy. After lunch, I laid down for a rest and quickly nodded off. I awoke to find Izzy curled up on my chest, her nose near my ear. Merry was draped across my waist, snoring. I do not think I have ever heard a kitty snore.

Just like the old days with CC and Tappy, cold days equal lots of snuggling.

Follow Up

Say Rita

So how's the soap and new cologne doing for ya?. I use the Vita Bath both as shower gel and bubble bath. And yes I use the woman's version of Obsession Night.



In General

Considering my previous posts: I do have a strong spiritual componet to my thinking. It is somewhat influenced by a nature-based mysticism. (Think of a subtle Native American influence)

You should recall that I spent more time exploring the natural environs of our home area than y'all combined. That was my entertainment and a good deal of my social life until age 16. I have always felt good in the company of old trees.

Divine Comedy, Maybe

One of my goals over the last 9 months has been to improve my social networking environment. As much as I am not a joiner, I recognise that it is really important to strengthen my list of contacts. I have had more trouble doing this than I thought that I would have. Weird.

I have a plan B. Something that I have been playing over in my mind ever since my stint in the hospital. Are you sitiing down?

Spiritual communities.

One day, in the middle of my hospitalization, I was feeling very lonely and Arthur and Eddie who through out were nothing short of miraculous were busy with their own issues. And older man and woman, members of a loosely organized and progressive gay spiritual community, stopped by my room just to say "hi" and drop off a rose and some snacks. We talked about home and cats and as they left, I could barely say "bye" through greatful tears.

They were not there to recruit and for the longest time, I have equated all spiritual communities with the worst of the bible thumping butt-heads. Therefore, I have not really pursued the issue.

But hey, a tool is a tool. Two sets of needs are in the forefront of my thinking as of late. I want to contribute to my community and bring my unique talents, such as they are to help make things better for others.

And then, realizing the benefits in support and contacts that are part of the very DNA of such a group would also be very important to me.

Just...just...just.... No hocus pocus and they must do happy hours!

As Time Goes By

In the news headlines this week is the assertion that newly infected AIDS patients can expect to live up to 24 years. That’s great. I have been living with AIDS for around 20 years, so certainly I am not a new patient.

This means that it is likely that I will be dead before a couple of years have passed. I form this notion not just from the news, but from seeing what is happening to my friends in the community.

Well, whatever. I have been taking this time, potentially my twi-light, to re-examine and re-align some of my priorities - such as they are.