And, I'm off...

 

Yeah, I know: most people would say, "About half a bubble."

We are up at OMG:30... another shower with the stuff they gave me at the hospital, nothing to eat or drink (So, I guess we aren't swinging by Mickey D's on the way to the hospital), and Rufus set up with a feeder for the day.  Feels weird not using deodorant and missing the whale tail necklace that is always with me.

Joan packed me a little bag last night so we wouldn't forget anything.  I'm not planning on staying there long.  Not much else for me to do.

I'm ready.  Let's get this taken care of so I can move on.

Hope to be back here soon.

And, they're off...

 

This shit is getting serious, now.  The process has begun.

Joan made me a nice, but not too much, breakfast this morning... all the things I like, including bacon.  I have a better understanding of a condemned man's last meal.

I just drank the bottle of magnesium citrate - the medical terminology is: poop juice.  This is the start of the "cleaning out" process.  The effects are supposed to kick in at 30 minutes to 3 hours.  That is quite a wide timeframe.  No matter, I am not leaving the house.

The stuff is available in different "flavors" - when Joan gave me options, I went for lemonade.  Have you ever bought lemonade from a kid's stand and they put way too much sugar?  To the point where it was a shock to your taste buds?  Yeah, after downing that bottle, I may never drink lemonade again.

The dosage is vague.  Joan bought 3 bottles.  Looking on the internet, one of the FAQ regarding this stuff is: "Should I drink the whole bottle?"  The answer: "Only if you never want to leave the toilet."  I recall being told, "Drink it until what comes out looks clear."  You've got to be shitting me.

Sorry for all the "shit" word usage here; it's kinda foremost on my mind right now.  15 minutes and no twinge.  Regardless, I plan to finish this post with a certain bit of urgency.

I've been accused of TMI from time to time.  No shit.  The surgeon told me that she won't be opening my bowels, but she will need to "move them out of the way" to get at my prostate.  Now, that is TMI.  I want her to do a good job, I want to wake up from the surgery, don't need all the details.

I have been cut on a time or twelve before.  I understand that I am putting my life in their hands.  Today, as I anxiously await the start of the results of what I just drank, may be the shittiest part of the process.

We'll see.

No photos to accompany this post.  You're welcome.

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It took over 6 hours before the poop juice started working; cramped up something awful.  Joan said, "Cramps?  You've never had a period."

No shit.  Literally.  I did exercises.  Walked around the house and up and down the street (not too far).  I finally got my bike out and pedaled around close by.

Once things started... um... flowing, the cramps subsided.  That's how I spell relief (Rolaids commercial from the 70s).  "Oh, look - there's that MatchBox toy car I swallowed when I was 4... and three quarters... and a metal whistle."  I'm kidding - it was two quarters.

Deep...

 

Not talking about the water here.  Nor any of the posts on this blog.  Well, this one, once again, is that big furry boy, fast and hard asleep...

 

Yes, I have posted photos of this big furry boy sleeping.  The boy has... gusto.  Not much about him is subtle; I like that.  When he head-butts me, it is like a firm punch in the chin.  When he snuggles in, you know you are being cuddled.

And, after a good nap, he is refreshed and alert...

When you talk to him, he looks you right in the eye, like he is hanging on every word.  "Like"?  I think he is.  'Cause... he's a good boy.  ;-)

I wish I could sleep like that.  What's that?  Yeah, I am sleeping decent.  Sunday night will be the end of that, considering what's coming early Monday.  I am feeling positive about the surgery, but, damn, that is an early morning.

I get to eat what I want today.  Joan made us a great omelette sandwich this morning, I am I thinking some turkey noodle soup and apple crisp with vanilla ice cream sounds good later.

Maybe some outdoor decorating, if the weather holds.  Here's how the tree looks...

Joan has it set up on a Smart Plug so I can just say, "Alexa, turn on the tree."  Easy.  :-)

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Joan got out all our outdoor lights; there are a bunch.  In years past, I have run multiple strands of lights across the deck railing... it looked like a waterfall of lights.  One of the lights we bought last year are icicle lights: LED lights that blink and flow down the "icicle."  Not particularly bright, so you couldn't differentiate these due to all the other lights.

I decided to go understated this year - a lighted wreath in the middle, the icicle lights on the railing, and white rope lights outlining the edge of the floor of the deck.  We have some other net lights for wrapping the palm tree in front; for another time.

Waterworks...

 

Nothing to do with plumbing.

Steph called this morning, wailing and tears flowing.  Snot sobs.  We weren't worried that it was something bad, because Joan had the tracking information.  I could hear the sobs from across the room and asked Joan to put her phone on speaker... she hit the wrong button and hung up on Steph.  Steph called back in a nanosecond (thank you, "favorites"), still sobbing, "Thank you, Momma!  It is so beautiful!  I love it so much!"

The Christmas tree wall-hanging quilt that Joan made arrived.  It was supposed to get there on Tuesday, but spent a couple days in a Post Office close, but apparently not the facility that gets packages to Steph's neighborhood.  Joan didn't tell Steph it had been shipped.  Steph knew that Joan was making it for her, and had only gotten a few glimpses of the process.  Joan wanted some element of surprise in the gift she was making.  There are a lot of very personal elements in the design.

I don't know how many hours went into this project, but I saw the constant progress.  There was a deadline of sorts, since this is a Christmas tree design.  Steph and Dan have rarely put up a tree because of their cats, certainly not because they don't have the Christmas spirit.  This is a large wall hanging (they have tall walls in their home), and will be a nice focal point... that the cats won't bother.

The photos don't do it justice.

The quilting throughout is detailed and lovely.  There are cat shapes quilted into the lower corners of the background.  Cat ornaments sewed on.  Christmas tree shapes in the small green corner inserts.  It is made especially for our cat-loving daughter and husband.  The back needs some kind of fabric on it - Joan picked this...

Lots of cats - I think it may have been Steph's favorite part, even though it is something that will rarely be seen.

A lot of love went into making this...

The phone call this morning was special.  We know it meant so much to Steph.

Steph sent us these photos...

Trying to wrangle the cats to get a photo of it on their wall, with the cats.  Reminds me of bygone days doing family photos for Christmas.  ;-)  The big boy in the middle is Alfie, and he isn't having anything to with this...

But, Tasha (the big girl on the left, who incidentally likes Joan best) and Tango (the smaller boy on the right who is the newest family member and actually does like Steph best) did set nice for a photo.

Definitely, a feel-good moment to start the day!

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It's beginning to look a lot like...

A friend on Facebook posted something about decorating early for Christmas; I commented that, considering what a shit-show 2020 has been, it seemed like a good idea.  Most years, we start our Christmas decorating on Dec. 2, to mark our anniversary.  I may be home from the hospital on the 2nd, but I probably won't feel up to trimming a tree.  We had already decided to do some decorating today and tomorrow.

Since Joan put on a Christmas movie before noon, it was sunny on the deck by the time the show was done, so we started our decorating inside.  Joan bought a tall, slender artificial tree, that saw its first use last year.  We both liked that a lot, so it is doing Christmas duty once again.

The fun part of this is looking at all the ornaments... we start with the sentimental ones, taking time to reminisce; then, we add some generic (but pretty) ornaments that add more sparkle.  The tree came with programmable LED lights.  No fuss, it looks nice, and fits the space.

We have photos of each of the cats that have been a part of our family.  There is also the obligatory "cat in a Christmas hat" photo that goes on display this time of year.  Rufus's photo is the only one that doesn't have that "Why would you do this to me?" look on their face...

I love that photo - the big furry boy looks rather dashing.  I may be biased.  :-)

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Speaking of that handsome boy in the photo above, Rufus and I were out walking for about a half hour this evening.  Sometimes I can get a few exercises in while he looks for the right blade of grass to munch; tonight, he was all about the walking.  In that time we were out, two individuals and one couple out walking commented on "that beautiful cat."  But, wait - there's more: two golf carts (a couple in each) and two different cars stopped to roll down their window and comment.  One guy said, "That is the best looking cat I've ever seen!  Bless you for teaching him to walk on a leash!"

I believe that is the most in one outing.  I had to finish my exercises at home.

 

The smells...

 

It may not be a gathering with family and friends, but the house has that delightful Thanksgiving Day smell.  Joan made apple crisp this morning (love that smell), and the smell turkey breast has filled in any olfactory sensors that didn't get a work-out earlier.

It is just the two of us people and one big furry boy.  Rufus doesn't get people food, but he knows something is up.

We watched the parade (Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade) this morning, I visited with my brother-in-law John (in Iowa), and we had a nice visit with Steph.  Not the same as being face-to-face, but it is good to hear their voices.

Joan and I will say what we are thankful for across the table she has already set.

In the back of my mind: a call from the hospital yesterday to let me know to be there are 5:45 Monday morning.  Mine is supposed to be the first surgery of the day for this procedure.  Yeah, that's early... the hospital is about an hour away.  I think I'm going to need a nap Monday afternoon.  ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours.  If you are reading this, you have made it through everything 2020 has thrown at us all, so far.  There is hope on the horizon with the vaccines, and I am hopeful that people will get beyond the divisiveness and come together once again.  I wish you all the best, and stay safe out there.

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A new survey found that 80% of men claim they help cook Thanksgiving dinner. Which makes sense, when you hear they consider saying "that smells good" to be helping.  ;-)

Joan did a great job with our Thanksgiving meal.  Yes, I got a bit verklempt when we said what we are thankful for.  I am married to a great woman.  We have a wonderful kid.  Oh, and Rufus - he's a good boy.

We ate 3 hours ago, and the house, once again, is full of great smells.  You notice even more so when you come back in from taking Ruf for a walk... Joan already took some of the turkey, boiled the bones for soup stock, and turkey noodle soup is in the making.  I am still stuffed (get it - stuffing reference) from the main meal, so I'll probably just have half a sandwich and some soup.  Then, probably another nap.  Or just straight to bed for the night.

And I hepped...

 

For those of you who don't speak Southern, that last word is "helped."  If you said, "Shake & Bake commercials from the 60s and on," you get 20 bonus points.

No, we weren't making fried chicken today.  The plan: Joan was going to do some cooking and baking for our Thanksgiving meal tomorrow; I would go for a ride on the Vespa and stay out of her way.  We'd get together again for a late lunch.  It almost worked out that way.

I got home before she was done making the pumpkin cheesecake deserts, and the "family recipe" ham dip.  The ham dip is made from "potted meat"... to me, that is rather non-specific... on the side of the can, it said chicken and pork... it looked to me like it was probably pulverized pig tongue and chicken feet.  Joan told me, "You need to learn to make this in case I ever become incapacitated."

Yeah, I'll order out.

Another family tradition: some kind of pumpkin dessert for Thanksgiving.  Yeah, I know: that's everyone's family tradition.  In our family, there is only one of us (and it isn't Stephanie or me) who likes pumpkin.  Steph and I try to heap enough whipped cream on it so you can't taste the pumpkin part.  Somehow, it always comes through.

Instead of making a pumpkin pie, Joan decided to make a pumpkin cheesecake single serving dessert cups.  Since I was back from my ride before she was done with this culinary stuff, she asked if I wanted to help... picture me saying, "Sure," while shaking my head no.

I got to lick the cheesecake bowl part of this, so I really couldn't say no...

 

If you look close at that tray above, the two desserts on the right side in the photo have significantly less pumpkin - those are mine.  ;-)  She put whipped cream and cream cheese in with the pumpkin - definitely makes it more palatable.

I was on for a late lunch.  Pasta from Russo's.  Not easy to order from them, because they seem to ignore their phone, but the food is tasty.

Speaking of all this food stuff, I visited with our neighbor Susan while out on my bike ride this morning.  I asked her about their Thanksgiving plans... "We decided to do something appropriate for 2020: we're going to make grilled Spam-burgers."  That was a good laugh.  She wasn't kidding.  Her plan is for all the fixin's, just no turkey.  Home-made burger buns.  Cranberries.  A green-bean casserole.  This is an unusual year; that makes sense to me.

Waiting again...

 

It could have been done easily on FaceTime or Zoom.  Well, most of it.  OK, the "visiting with the doctor" part.  Not the pre-surgery visit at the hospital.

The doctor visit was an hour drive to get there, waiting an hour and 15 minutes to go from the big waiting room to a small exam room.  Then another 15 minute wait for the doctor.  This is somehow different from waiting to hear the "good news, bad news" talk.  I'm committed.  The doctor asked if I had any questions, told me about the "homework" I'd need to do the day before: drink this stuff, then shit 'till it comes out clear.  Oh, and the "here's what to expect" talk.  Surprise - you get to have a bag for about 10 days.  No driving or riding the scoot during those 10 days... something about "Not wanting you to tear a catheter out..."  That drives the point home.

With that done, it was 3 hours before my pre-surgery appointment at the hospital.  The doctor said, "Unless you have something else to do, I'd suggest you go there right now - they should be able to get you in ahead of your scheduled time."

Surprisingly, that did work out.  Less than a 5 minute wait in Reception, then on to do the paperwork (making sure they'll get paid).  The lady that did my paperwork took us to the surgery check-in, and another 5 minute wait until I was taken to an exam room, where one nurse asked me a lot of really personal questions ("How are your bowel movements?"  "Fine, thanks, how are yours?"), and another nurse took blood and administered an EKG.  When she took the probes off, I asked, "Is this the part where I'm supposed to scream 'Kelly Clarkson'?"... apparently, she did see The 40 Year Old Virgin.

The last thing was the Covid-19 test.  Yep - up the nose.  You feel it, but it wasn't as bad as some have said... the nurse told me that a lady cried when getting her nose rammed this morning... she felt bad.  I was able to hold in the tears, mostly so she wouldn't feel bad.

All of that at the hospital took about an hour.  I have instructions on where to go on Monday when I come back for the surgery.  Expect two days in the hospital.  Expect to be up and walking around soon after the surgery.  I'm hoping not to expect all the things you have to sign off for acknowledging: "If your guts fall out on the floor and someone steps on them, you will not hold us responsible."  So, who is responsible for that?  And, how often does that happen?  I mean, it must have happened at least once if they have to tell you about it.  Yeah, I'm kidding.  Apparently, it happened more than once.  Kidding aside, there was quite a list of all the bad shit that could happen.  They don't tell you this stuff until after you're already invested in getting the surgery done.

We had planned on going to the motorhome between these medical visits, so we picked up a Jimmy John's sandwich and went to the coach after.  Joan had a few things to put back in the coach, I juiced up the battery on the boat, then we sat at the dinette in the motorhome and ate our sandwich.  We were done with all that at the motorhome before the time we were originally scheduled for the pre-op check-in. 

Home in time for Rufus to adore us.  Joan did check our security cameras while waiting, to look in on Rufus and make sure his noon feeder opened on time.  Because... he's a good boy.

I get to go back to life until Sunday after breakfast... apparently I won't want to be more than a step or two away from the bathroom after drinking the go-shit stuff.  Not to be confused with the "special soap" they gave me at the hospital: "Put this all over yourself Sunday night and Monday morning."

"All over myself?"  I think details may be important here.

"Well, not on your face or your privates."

That is an important distinction from "all over yourself."  And, how do you rinse it off without it... um... running downhill?

You don't get details like this on the doctor/hospital shows on TV.  Oh, and yes I am aware that Al Roker went back to work 2 weeks after this same robotic surgery... he was out walking around New York the day after he got home.  For the record, I haven't walked around Manhattan since 2009, so I'm a bit out of practice.

Here's what's happening in your neck of the woods.  (cut to local)

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One unpleasant thing to hear today: no riding for at least 10 days after the surgery.  That's an estimate on how long I'll have a catheter.  No driving during that time.  I specifically asked about riding... "No."  I'm hoping I'll be able to get some riding in before Sunday - it will have to hold me for a while.  I have a new Vespa I'd like to wear out before considering the next one.

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Rufus does his best walking on the leash around sunset.  He got nose-to-nose with a couple large dogs; all was well until the bigger of the two dogs curled its lip... he made a slight lunge towards Ruf and Rufus took a swing with those razor claws.  The big dog saw it coming and pulled back.  No harm, no foul, no contact.  Ruf didn't back down.

We continued our walk.  A car and a golf cart stopped while passing by and asked about Rufus.  He seems to be enjoying the attention and looks right at the people when they are talking to him.  Added bonus: he's a good boy.  ;-)

We had this evening view between houses while heading back home...

 

Ever get that run-down feeling?

 

I had it twice this morning.  Our community has monthly fees we pay that covers, among other things, lawn mowing.  It is nice to not have to worry about mowing that small bit of grass that we have, especially when we are out and about for several months at a time.

The mowing used to be done by our own employees, but our board of directors decided to outsource it a couple years ago.  The company they first had did a nice job, so someone felt the need to replace them.  The second company was less than great.  We are on the third company now, and the look of the lawns is hit and miss: they use weed-eaters in some areas, where (my opinion) mowing that same area would look better.  It sometimes looks like a bad haircut.

But, no, I don't get run-down from the look of the grass.  They use a riding mower that apparently will exceed the 15mph speed limit in our community, and frequently come darting out between houses or from behind bushes.  I got to see that up close and personal this morning while riding my bike.  Twice.  It happened once a couple weeks ago, as well.

The possibility of getting your body chopped into tiny pieces adds a new challenge to the bike ride.  Frankly, I'm OK with just being out of breath.  ;-)  I can see where it might be hard to see me: I was wearing an neon green shirt with reflective stripes (like what highway workers wear).

Hey, it's 2020.  Speaking of which... one week from today, there will be more cutting.  Assuming I don't get run over by the lawn mower before that.

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High Key...

Back in our studio days, we had different sets and shooting areas, one of which was a high-key cove.  It's how photographers get that shot with an all white background, but still have good saturation on the subject (or product).  It can be done with white seamless paper or an area with a sweep-type background, painted white.

Rufus has his version of a high-key cove...

Yeah, it's the shower in my bathroom.  Sometimes, he will go in there and "clean up"... cat kinda cleaning up, with a tongue bath, not taking a shower.  Other times, he sits in there while I'm shaving, so he can keep an eye on me.  He's a stylish boy.

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I worked on some vocal tracks again today; that's about 10 days in on this song.  I switched some things around - swapped out one of the dynamic mics and went with a large diaphragm condenser mic.  Yeah, that gave me more of the sound I was looking for on this particular vocal.  Mark had sent me a nice piano track, which inspired me to work some more on the vocals.  It's coming together.

Yellowstone...

 

Not talking about my second favorite National Park (What?  Grand Teton National Park is my favorite).  I'm talking about the TV series Yellowstone, with Kevin Costner.  We've been binge watching over the last few days.  Season 3 is current and we're not up to that.

Sometimes Rufus will sit with me and watch, too...

 At the end of season 2 today, it was time to get out on the scoot and blow off some stink...

No, Rufus didn't go with me.  Judging by traffic on the causeway and island, there are people coming in for the holiday week.  Yes, we are getting all the same warnings about not traveling or getting together in large groups for the holiday.

World Class...

 

Rufus?  Yes, he is a world class good boy, but that's only kinda what this post is about.

When I got back from my bike ride this morning, Joan and Rufus were waiting for me out on the deck.  While I was putting my bike away, Rufus was calling for me: "My Daddy's home!  My Daddy's home!"  What can I say - he is my furry boy and I am his person...

I sent those photos to Steph; she said, "His tongue is huge!"  He is a big boy.

The three of us sat out on the deck; Joan had a nice fruit plate ready for each of us - very refreshing after a bike ride.  We sat out on the deck and enjoyed the glorious day.

I showed her the photo I took of my buddy Mike's new boat while on my ride...

That is a World Cat... that boat is a serious (as in: world class) fishing machine.  After breakfast, I went over for a tour.  Mike showed me around the boat and we discussed some of the systems on the boat.  This is a spectacular boat.  Not my style, even if I had the money, but this is a fisherman's dream.  This should keep him busy for quite a while.  ;-)

Beachy...

 

After taking a few minutes to make another Staying at Home video, I took the scoot out.  Another beautiful day here in the Tropical Tip: blue sky, upper 70s, light breeze.  I make a run across the causeway, mostly just to admire the beautiful water of the Laguna Madre.  No video today, but I did stop for a short bit at a beach access to get off the scoot and take a peek at the Gulf...

 Plenty of parking at this beach access, and not another vehicle to be seen...

Not a lot of traffic on the streets, but the restaurants had plenty of cars in their parking lots.  As you'd expect, people are being urged to avoid crowds as we come into this holiday season... not seeing much of that happening around here.  That is not a political statement, just an observation; I am avoiding people as much as possible - 10 days until I go into the hospital.  I'd like to go in, and come out, Covid free.

Back to the latest Staying at Home video: another Beatles' song, All My Lovin'...

Drums keep pounding a rhythm...

 

... to the brain.

If you said, "The Beat Goes On, by Sonny & Cher, 1967, written by Sonny Bono," you get 50 bonus points.

Mark and I have been working on a song for a couple weeks now.  Not everyday, but kicking ideas back and forth.  I recorded several different drum tracks in the last week, but wasn't satisfied with any of them.  As Mark says: "Tracks are cheap - record as many as you want."

This morning, while Joan went to the grocery store, I went into my music room with another drum idea in mind.  One take.  It felt better to me than any of the others.  I sent it off to Mark.  Yesterday during a conversation with him, he mentioned "... maybe a hand-drum track?"  After sending the first file off, I went through the drum sounds on this new set and came up with conga/bongo/scratcher sounds I liked.  Yep, I shipped off a new set of tracks, because... tracks are cheap.

This song may never see the light of day beyond Mark and me, but it has been a different experience working on one song over this amount of time.

How you doin'?

 

If you said, "Joey, from the TV series Friends," you get 3 bonus points.

Today, the answer to that question is: Feeling Alright.  If you said, "Dave Mason, 1968, when he was with the band Traffic," you get 50 bonus points.

Which brings us to another Staying at Home video...

Hope you enjoy it.

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Mark and I spent about an hour on the phone today.  Some of it was talking about the song we are working on (finally got a vocal track I can live with), much of it about the new guitar he bought yesterday.  In between Rufus walking on me because it was getting close to his supper time.  Yes, I'm able to multi-task.

 

Security...

 

We live in a gated community.  There is a security building at the gates.  Over the years security procedures at that gate have changed: we used to have two security guards on-duty at all times, and the gates were opened/closed by the guard at the gate while the other guard made patrols around our village.  A couple years ago, a change was made for an electronically controlled gate, windshield sensors on owners' vehicles that activate the gate.  A visitor's gate has a call box where the owner can be contacted and use their phone to open that gate.

That usually works.  Payroll was reduced, with our board of directors and village manager deciding that only one guard would be necessary, considering the electronic gates.  That often doesn't work... if there is a problem with the gate not opening and the guard is out doing rounds, there can be angry owners at the gate, waiting to get through.  Because there are a significant number of rentals within the village, access for those folks needs to be addressed.  It is not unusual for renters to be unaware of rules within our community (OK, sometimes intentionally) and security needs to visit with them.  There are times when 2 guards are necessary (weekends, holidays).

Politics and budget get discussed as the board looks for ways to keep things secure and all residents satisfied that their HOA fees that pay for security are being smartly utilized.

But, that isn't the security I see on a daily basis.  Rufus handles my personal security.  When I use the bathroom, he stands on-watch at the door.  Really.  His back to the doorway, keeping a watch up and down the hallway to make sure no one gets through while I am... occupied.  I am happy to report that there have been no security breaches since Rufus self-appointed himself to that position.  I am able to pee, poop, shower, shave, and brush my teeth without concern.

While he hasn't had to put it to use, he does have cat-like reflexes (duh), can be stealthy as a ninja, and has claws of death.  I asked him, "Would you take a bullet for me?"

He said, "What?  Oh, hell no!"  But, I know he cares.  It might be just to make sure I am able to feed him on schedule... but I know this big furry boy loves me.

Sometimes the appearance of security is enough.

Been a while...

 

We got out on the scoots today.  No, that hasn't been a while; I ride almost everyday since we brought the new Vespa home.

I got the scoots out and ready to roll (part of the valet service I offer)...

 No destination, just out riding around.  We rode out "Ain'ta Mountain Road" to enjoy the smooth road and the light traffic... it sure isn't for the curves.  ;-)

We rode out past the Wildlife Refuge, stopped in one of the parking areas for some re-hydrating.  And, a couple photos...

I brought a small twisty tripod, in case we stopped - we can both get in the photo...

Joan suggested I wrap it on a nearby fence for a different angle...

The long sleeves are for the sun protection - it was in the upper 70s.  Joan wanted to stop at the store on the way home... this was the thing I haven't done in a while: I haven't been in a grocery store since we left the Black Hills.  She does the shopping; she says it is so I don't have to be around crowds... it may be so she gets to decide what to buy without input from others... and by "others"... yeah, me.  I did get some input today when we went into H.E.B. - Tillamook ice cream, because there is more to a snack than fruits or vegetables.  ;-)

She took a bag of groceries in the under-seat storage on her Xmax; I put two bags of groceries in the top case on the Vespa.  It has also been a long time since we have done any shopping on the scoots.  We don't do the "pick up a few things every other day" kind of shopping anymore; when Joan goes on her own, it is for at least a week's supply.

I was like a little kid: "Oh, look at that!"  Maybe that's why she leaves me home when it's time to shop?  ;-)

No, I didn't give up...

 

On the blog, that is.  It is rare that I go two days without a post... so, this is a post saying I didn't make a post.  ;-)

We're doing fine.  Staying away from everybody and everything to stay healthy before surgery.  Two weeks from tomorrow.  There is a food drive in our village today, with people gathering and door prizes.  We left off a bag of canned and boxed goods, but won't be taking part in the gathering today.

In the meantime, I am making music, taking the scoot out, walking Rufus, and enjoying each day.  Joan has been very occupied with the wall-hanging she is making for Steph and Dan; I am amazed at the number of hours this project is taking.  It has really taken shape in the last couple days, but there is plenty of hand work to go.

And, Rufus?  He is a good, good boy.  Seems he is quite happy having us around.  Yes, I can tell when my furry boy is happy; he has great expressions.  Our neighbor David was walking Tessa, their large golden-doodle when I was walking Rufus this afternoon.  Rufus likes Tessa, so he walked right up to her... barely comes up to her knees.  Tessa's idea of playing is hopping around, so Ruf gives her some room when she does that.

We had a nice phone visit with Steph this afternoon.  Remember the old AT&T commercials: it's the next best thing to being there.  Yep.  Great to hear her voice.  I miss seeing her face... we'll FaceTime next time.

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We are watching the launch of the Space-X mission this evening.  Perfect launch and first stage drop, second stage firing.  Eight minutes since the launch and still watching the live coverage on MSNBC.  I get that same lump in my throat as when watching the launches when I was a kid in the 60s.  God speed, crew.  On their way to the International Space Station, where they will spend six months.

Messing about...

 

"Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."

If you said, "from the book Wind In the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame," you get 50 bonus points.  Our boat is still in our storage unit, where it will stay until I get beyond the surgery at the end of this month.  But, the same thing applies to... scooters.

I messed about with scooters today.  Nothing major, just messing with 'em.  Oh, I did take the Vespa for a ride.  Dropped off some food items for a local food drive.  It just feels good to be out and about on it, even on this Friday the 13th.

Not superstitious?  Me, either... knock on wood.  ;-)

 

How long will that take?

 

It’s a lot like: “Are we there, yet?”

Joan got a filter and some oil in yesterday so I can change oil in her Xmax.  This morning is the time... and Joan asked the question in the title.

When I said, “Two and a half hours,” she was incredulous.  If everything goes smooth, it is less than a half hour.  That doesn’t include time to get tools out and make a place in the driveway where I can do the work.  Our HOA doesn’t allow for doing this sort of thing in your own driveway... I guess they are concerned that someone will start an auto repair business out of their house.  Yeah, digressing.

Neighbors will come along and want to visit while you are in mid-project, so add another 45 minutes to an hour for that.  Then, a half hour to take the used oil to the city recycle shop.  Then, time to clean up and put stuff away.

The oil change went fast and easy, until I determined I slightly over-filled it (yes, I was careful about the measurement going in).  I couldn’t fit a tube in the oil fill opening to suck out just a bit, so I had to remove the drain plug for just a couple seconds.  I call that: a blood-letting.  I do try to come in 100ml less than full, then top it off.  That didn’t work out this time.  The rest of it went according to schedule.

The thing that took the longest was resetting the oil trip-meter.  I understand the premise: hold the button for 3 seconds until the oil odometer flashes, then hold the button again for 15 seconds.  I remembered it was fussy from the last time, but I couldn’t remember why.  I held it for 15 seconds... nothing.  I held it for 20 seconds... nothing.  I looked in the owners manual to see what I was doing wrong... the oil odometer reset procedure isn’t in there.  Last resort: look on the internet.  Ah, yes, there IS a technique: the meter doesn’t reset to zero until you release the button; hold it for 12 to 15 seconds... 11 is too short, 16 is too long.  Release the button during that magic time period and it will reset to zero.  I went back out to the bike and... yep, that works.

Hey, on the bright side, there was no mess in the driveway.  The only “blood-letting” was on the bike when I eased out the drain plug.  I lost no skin, nor any of my blood - I’m calling that a successful maintenance experience.

On another bit of “how long will that take”: my MacBook Pro is out for delivery today.  We’ll see if UPS comes through.  In the meantime, the iPad Pro has been working fine for me... certainly easier to type on the fold-out keyboard on this than having keys fall out of the other.

------------

And, the laptop is home.  Pretty impressive: just a bit over 3 days from my call to Apple, then getting the box, shipping it to them, getting the keyboard repair done, and shipping it back to me.  THAT is how customer service should be done.  The keyboard is like new - all the letters stay attached, and the letters that had worn off but still worked were replaced as well.

Nice!

Even faster!

 

I got an e-mail from Apple this morning at 6:31... “We have received your device and the repair is being evaluated currently.”  Yes, the laptop I shipped to them around 3:30 yesterday afternoon.  On their dime.  Just after 4:00 this afternoon, I got a notice that the repair was complete and a UPS label was being created.  It should go out today.

We’ll see if UPS is as fast as FedEx.  The notice from UPS said it was 2-day shipping.  We’ll see how that plays out.

Oh, and yes, my Vespa is fast.  Out and about today with no destination in mind.  The water color of the Laguna Madre was a beautiful blue as I rode over the causeway.  I did snag a photo for the “Scooter Tag” game... shirtsleeve weather for riding today.  Nice!

That was fast...

 

My Vespa?  Yes, it is fast, but not what this title is about.  Yesterday, I called Apple to see about getting my MacBook Pro serviced (problem with letters on the keyboard); they said I should have a box to ship the laptop back to them in two days.

When I got back from a scooter ride, FedEx pulled up to the house as I was putting the scoot away.  I thought it was something Joan ordered, but... it was the box to ship back my laptop!  Suck it, Amazon Prime - Apple knows how to ship stuff quick!  It is rare that we get anything Amazon Prime in the “two days” they say.  I rack that up to living on an island at the edge of the country.

I was also told I should get my laptop back in “5 to 7 days,” so we’ll see how that plays out.  I took the box to our local pack & ship place, and the guy told me it was an express ship, so they should have it in two days.  I have a receipt with a tracking number, so I can follow along.

Apple gives you instructions on what you need to do with the laptop, regarding your firmware password, backing up everything on the laptop (I did that yesterday), and turning off “Find my MacBook.”  They even give you tape strips to seal the box.  Peel off their label, and your label to ship to them is underneath. They do make it easy.

I do almost everything photo/video/internet related on my MacBook Pro.  Right now, I am posting on my iPad... I know this thing is very capable (I use it mainly for music related stuff), but it is different.  On the bright side, the “t” key doesn’t fall off this iPad Pro.  ;-)

Yesterday’s post with the photo of Rufus was done with the iPad - just so I could getting into using it.  In the not so distant past, posting photos into the blog with the iPad was clumsy - pretty much the same as using the laptop now.  It takes a while to get used to “touching the screen”... an iPad is Joan’s main device... if we are looking at something together on my laptop (like when checking out RV park reviews), I have to pull the screen away to keep her from touching it.  And, there’s no trackpad on this iPad.  Ain’t technology grand?

I am Rufus...

 

Hear me roar!

Rufus has a mild manner (most of the time), but he is a very vocal boy.  If he wants something, he will tell you.  He is a big-time snuggler.  And, he will tell you when he is not happy; as in: “No more pictures!”

Just kidding.  Joan took that photo when he was in mid-yawn.  The boy has some big fangs.  But... he’s a good boy!  ;-)

Update...

 No, nothing to report on the home front.

Joan gave me a phone # and printed out info for a service issue with the MacBook Pro.  My model is covered under this service issue.  Now, I will admit: I wear ‘em out.  Besides needing ever more powerful processors and more memory, I wear the letters off the keys on the keyboard.  I’m an OK touch typist, but with this current MacBook Pro, once the letter wears off the key, the key itself seems to wear out... to the point that the key falls out.  Well, it doesn’t actually fall out (since I am not typing upside down), but it sticks to my finger and pulls out.

I spoke with an Apple rep this morning, and they are sending me a box to send the unit in for repair.  The guy said, “Be sure your computer is backed up.”  So, this morning, I started that process... it takes time; I have a lot of stuff on there.  And, it has been a couple months since I last backed it up.

Today has been “update” day.  My phone and iPad had update notices.  Well, I might as well... dang, update them all at the same time, and you have nothing to get to the internet!

I have been working on a scratch track on my Spire Studio the last couple days.  This particular song has been a challenge, but that is digressing.  The company that makes the Spire, iZotope, sent a notice for an update last week.  I did that... and, it took away some “features” that I like.  I contacted iZotope - they don’t talk to you in person, so you have to deal with their online chat or e-mail.  When I finally got through to someone who knew what I was talking about, he agreed with me that they need to do a better job with explaining changes with an update.  This afternoon, there was another update from them... it fixed my issues with the previous update.  Now, I can’t say it was because of my complaint, but I’m guessing I wasn’t the only one.

In the meantime, I am inputting this post with my iPad... the phone and the laptop are still updating.   These things take time.

She works hard...

 

... for the money.

If you said, "Donna Summer, 1983," you get 30 bonus points.  If you thought: "Joan and how she takes care of you and Rufus"... well, that isn't a paid position, other than the love and adoration she gets from me and the big furry boy.

If you said, "What is it about that song?" - thanks for asking.  I said I wouldn't make this blog all about my current medical situation, and I'm trying not to.  Taking the testosterone inhibitor, let me just say it is a man's prerogative to change his mind.  ;-)  If you were picturing me dancing around in my underwear this morning, singing "She Works Hard for the Money," you have a very vivid imagination.  (Picture the opening scene with Hank Azaria in Birdcage.)

That is absolutely incorrect.  I was singing "I Feel Pretty."

My sense of humor is intact, and I'm doing fine.

Sometimes it works...

 

Talking about my 360 camera.  Actually, it works all the time when I am riding solo.  For some reason, when Joan is along, the camera acts up.

We had a nice ride today - the temperatures were in the 70s, sunny, light breeze.  I mentioned how nice the water looked as we rode across our swing bridge.  Joan asked, "Do you want to ride across the causeway to get some video of the Laguna?"

Our plan was to ride out to Bayview (which has no view of the bay), past the orange and grapefruit groves, find some other back roads, and just enjoy some time on the scoots.  Running across the causeway was a chance to enjoy the pretty water of the Laguna Madre... and still head out to Bayview.

I turned the camera on as we started up the causeway.  I tried to turn it off part way across (planning to just get snippets along the way) - nope.  Coming back across the causeway, it appeared to have turned off and wouldn't turn back on.  Heck with it, let's just enjoy the ride.

Bayview hasn't changed much since we've been through there last (a couple years); we went down a few back roads, a couple that ended with gravel or dirt.  Some interesting homes.  Finally making it to Ain'ta Mountain Road, then heading back.  We rode through the golf course area in Laguna Vista - more nice homes.  A stop for me to top off my fuel tank (66mpg - getting worse), then back home.

No photos along the way, but the 360 camera yielded more causeway video than I thought - I may need to do a firmware update.  In the meantime, here's a short video of what I did get...

But, the riding was good!  :-)

This is like Christmas...

 

Well, that's what Joan said to me when UPS rolled up.  On Wednesday, someone was recording with the Spire Studio and bumped it over, breaking a connection on the cord for my Bose headphones.  Bose being Bose, the connection to the headphones is proprietary... Joan ordered me another cord but I had no idea it would get here this fast.

The other thing is another farkle for the Vespa.  For those not familiar with the term "farkle," it is a term motorcyclists use to describe things they buy for their bikes.  Farkle is generally functional, often performance, items, where "bling" is fancy stuff... if it is chrome, it is generally bling.  Joan encouraged me to order this: a cover plate for the top case.

The top case has a cover plate that can be changed out to match the color of the rest of your bike.  Sorta.  They have red, silver, glossy black, and blue.  The one I have is a textured black - it went fine with my black Vespa.  Since my classy blue beauty has black on it, the top case wasn't awful with it; oh, it didn't have the same pizzazz as the rest of the bike, but it was OK.  I couldn't find a photo anywhere on the internet showing what the blue color of this cover plate looked like.  The description was: Burgman Blue.  Burgman is a model of a Suzuki scooter, and they have had different shade of blue over the years.  I found one place in my search that had a blue cover plate... I think that model of top case is being discontinued.  I went for it (they even had it marked down $10).

I held my breath when I opened the box and... it is a really, really close match!  I took it out and held it against the Vespa... nice!  I brought the top case in so I could work on it in air conditioned comfort and at a comfortable standing height (the kitchen island).  The way it looked...

And, how it looks now...

I think it dresses that top case up nicely.  I took the scoot for a ride to get some photos in the sunlight...

I like it.  A lot.  Really, I think I'm done adding stuff to this new scoot.

Oh, one other bit of cheer: as I settled in to load these photos, I got a call from the doctor... my bone scan is normal; no sign of spread.  My situation is pretty similar to Al Roker's (from the Today Show) - he just announced today that he has prostate cancer, an aggressive diagnosis, and is having surgery to have his prostate removed.  He was able to get in sooner than I am.  But, the take-away: a clear bone scan.  👍

Them Changes...

 

If you said, "Buddy Miles, 1970," you get 200 bonus points.  If you said, "Isn't that the song you generally opened with when you were in the Flippers?" you get an additional 500 bonus points.

This post isn't about some good ol' music; this change is a "seat of the pants" kinda thing.  Well, not actual pant, because I am wearing shorts today.  I really like the OEM seat that came on my Vespa... it is kinda flat, with not much raise from the rider to the passenger portion.  It is also surprisingly light weight.  No, I don't carry it around, but you notice that light weight when you raise the seat to get at the storage under there.  It is also a bit taller than the seat position on my previous Vespa with the Corbin custom seat on it.

I did keep the Corbin seat (put the OEM seat back on the bike when I traded it), in case I wanted to use it on the new scoot.  Today was seat swap day.

Every change you make affects other things down the line.  I had AF1 Racing swap out the windshield from my old bike to this one.  The different seating position put my head about an inch higher, and it is just enough to make more noise in my helmet.  I considered getting new attachments for the Laminar Lip on that windshield, to raise it an inch.  I did a lot of experimenting with that Laminar Lip before committing to the position.  If I change the position of that Laminar Lip, will it change the wind flow from the windshield?  Them changes.

Will the Corbin seat position me lower on the bike?  Time to find out.  The swap-out is easy: two bolts.  Adjust the seat alignment to make sure the latch works - time to take it for a test ride.

The OEM seat is all black; the Corbin has a diamond weave leather in the seating area, black on the sides.  I wasn't sure if I'd like the "distressed bomber jacket brown" of the leather with the blue, but I think it looks sharp.

I ran the scoot across the causeway and back, so I'd have the chance to get it up to 60mph or so.  The seat height difference is enough that the wind roar in my helmet is pretty much gone.  Win/win.

My needs are pretty simple.  ;-)

Sleeping hard...

 

Having trouble sleeping?  No, I am talking about my big furry boy - Rufus goes all out when he sleeps...

 

His mouth hangs open, a bit of those big fangs poking out - it is the sleep of a secure cat.  He will often roll over onto his back...

This one was last night, where he starts out on my lap and then snuggles onto my side...

Joan says that is his "happy place," snuggled in like that.  Makes me happy, too.  Yes, that is a smile on his sleeping face.

This morning, while playing music for Joan and Rufus, when he was done getting brushed, he came over to tell me thanks for the music...

The boy likes his morning music time.  He's my boy.  :-)

The Waiting Game...

 

The election?  No.  It's going to be some old white guy.  Lots of puffery, but not much will change.  Supporters will believe things will change.  They won't.  But, it's OK to have hope.

Today's Waiting Game is about getting a bone scan.  "Your appointment is for 9:00 am, be here no later than 8:30."  They don't fool me: we got to the hospital at 8:29.  An hour and 15 minutes later, I got to see someone to get checked in.  "Checked in" means: they already have all your information; they just need to run it by Medicare to make sure they will pay.

That wait done, we were escorted to the Nuclear Medicine wing.  Another check-in, then sit and wait; this one was shorter, only 10 minutes or so.  A big guy (my new best friend, Keith) called my name and took me back to where they give the radioactive injections.  I looked around for a spider to bite me so I could at least come out of this with some super-powers.  Didn't happen.

 

My new friend, Keith, asked, "Is this a new prostate cancer diagnosis?  Don't be concerned about this test - it is pretty much standard procedure with any cancer diagnosis, and very rare that any cancer has spread with your type of cancer."  Nice of him to say.  He also told me I have "good veins"... I bet he says that to all the guys.  He tied off my arm and had me injected right directly.

"We'll have you come back in 3 hours and do the full body scan - that part will take a half hour or so."

Yeah, more waiting.  We had breakfast, then made a couple shopping stops.  Joan had ordered on-line, so it went quick.  While she went into one store, I went to a nearby Freddy's for a small order of cheese curds... yeah, I felt like treating myself.  Then, out to the coach, where we can wait in comfort.

The time passed quickly while in the motorhome; certainly a lot faster than in the hospital waiting area.  Back to the hospital and we went directly to the Nuclear Medicine wing.  Only a 10 minute wait until a young lady took me back to where the scan would be done.  My buddy Keith was waiting for me.  Empty pockets and take off my belt (metal buckle); I didn't have to don one of those stylish gowns with my ass hanging out.

The scan machine looks like a cot on rollers being shoved through a big ring, and a big plate that moves down... first towards your face.  "You are going to stop that thing before it smashes my head, aren't ya, Keith?"

"Yes, sir."  It was close.

They put my arms in a ring of fabric that holds them at your side; laying on my back, head on a pillow, a cushion under my knees.  Not as comfortable as it sounds, especially when they tell you: "Hold still."

Twenty minutes or so in, laying on my back, I could feel the need to clear my throat... "Oh, shit, I am going to choke on my own spit!  Maybe it's someone else's spit?"  Nah, no panic; just funnin' you.  To make sure I would be less comfortable, they had me take my arms out of the sling-thing and cross them over my chest... pretty sure this is how they pose you in a casket.  Another series of the big plate thing going by my head, then on the sides.

"Now, put your arms out over your head."  Pretty sure they're just messing with me, now... "Let's see if we can pose him like 'Walk like an Egyptian'."  More moving plate stuff.

And then, Keith said, "OK, you are done."

I asked, "I don't suppose you are going to tell me anything?"

"No, sir.  We will send these to your doctor - do you have a follow-up appointment?"

"Not until the 24th," I told him.

"Give it a couple days, then call them if you haven't heard from them."

Yeah, more waiting.   On the bright side, I can get rid of the body adornments they gave me this morning...

At home, I turned off the light in the bathroom... no, my pee isn't glowing.  No photo.

Is it live or is it...

 

Memorex?  If you said, "A commercial from 1974 featuring the voice of Ella Fitzgerald shattering a glass," you get 100 bonus points.  The ad was for Memorex cassette tapes.  If you said, "What's a cassette tape?" get off my lawn ya damn kids.  ;-)

Mark and I have kicked around some recording ideas.  I wrote a song recently, but it is outside my normal genre.  I sent it on to Mark to see if he could spruce it up a bit.  Joan wasn't a fan of that song, but she did suggest an interesting version of a Little River Band song.  I've heard the song, but never played it.  Mark said he could get onboard with it, leaving the start-up for it in my hands.

I learned the song today and spent some time with some test tracks.  Midway through that, my Spire Studio decided to act up, thanks to an update... it is really annoying when an "update" makes something worse.  I fussed with that for a while, including wasting time online with iZotope, the company that makes the Spire.  No phone support and the guy I got on the on-line chat was painfully slow.  It took a half hour of waiting for his responses before he determined he would refer me to "someone who knows more about the Spire Studio."  Yeah, that would be good.  Never heard from the "next person."

I worked on some tracks, but nothing I'd want to share.  Bass, drums, guitar, and vocals... sounded like none of the tracks were playing the same version of the song.  I'll be working on this for some time to come.

Joan said that I may have other things on my mind... apparently referring to tomorrow's bone scan.  She gives me credit for thinking stuff.  Fooled her.  ;-)

By late afternoon, I took some time for a short ride on the Vespa and taking Rufus for a walk.  Not at the same time.  Better use of time than working with the Spire Studio earlier this afternoon.

Island Scooting...

 

Joan is hard at work on her current quilting project.  After getting the USB ports installed on the Vespa this morning, I was anxious to get out and about on the scoot.  And, having plenty of power for my phone and camera.

I got caught at the bridge off our island when a tug/barge came through.  I'm guessing the captain called the bridge a bit early because it was open for over 15 minutes before the tug started through.  While sitting there, I decided to make this "Island Scooting" video...

It is a 4 minute look around, while scooting here in South Padre Island and Port Isabel.

It is really nice to have the USB ports again.  :-)

 

 

It's Electrifying!

 

If you said, "You're the One that I Want, from the musical Grease, John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, 1978," turn in your man card.  What?  Yes, I still have a man card.  ;-)  OK, 10 bonus points.

I may have mentioned that I really, really like my Vespa.  This new one has a USB port in the glove box.  If you need to plug anything into that USB port, it would have to stay in the glove box.  Why?  A USB cable... don't want to shut the glove box door on a cable, and I sure don't want to cut a notch in the door.

"Why do you need to plug something in," you ask?  Thanks for asking.  I use my phone a lot while riding.  No, I'm not talking or texting.  I use Waze as my GPS/mapping.  I use the camera apps to control my various cameras to get video while we're riding.  No, it isn't distracted riding: turn it on and let the camera do its thing.  Those things are a significant drain on the phone battery.  And, yes, I have used my phone for music through my helmet communicator speakers while riding.  And, I have answered my phone hands-free with that same set up.

I had a USB connection built into the left knee-pad cover on the previous Vespa.  I kept that, but the wiring harness on it isn't compatible with the new Vespa.  Fortunately, ScooterWest in San Diego makes an adapter so you don't have to cut/splice wiring.  It was in our mailbox this morning.

I went to work on it...

The cover is that black part, just left of center.  When you take the cover off, you see this...

You have to cut the bottom part of that to get access to the wiring...

I couldn't quite reach the connection I needed from there, so I opened the glove box and moved the fuse box to get at things...

Much better; here is the connection that you bridge into...

Route the wiring up to the cover plate, connect it all up, test that it is working, then put things back together.  Getting the screws that hold the fuse box back in took the most time... not much room for fat fingers in that tight space.

End result...

 It works!  I am happy; my phone is happy; the Vespa is happy.  :-)