Rick's Quote for the Day

Thought I'd share a comment that I put on someone's blog:

"It’s better for our minds to marinate in our good qualities than in what we could be or worse yet “should be” in comparison to others."

Hopefully you'll get a little something out of it.

Happy Post Fourth

Yesterday's weather was beautiful. Finally. We had a cookout celebration and at night attended fireworks. They were quite good.




Not made apparent by my cell phone pics but nonetheless you get the point.

Bandit enjoyed himself. Chris' brother's family stayed over and Bandit finally had someone to continually play fetch with. Though he even tuckered out the five year old. "Your turn Uncle Rick. I'm tired."

Anyway, today's a yard day...just loving the sun!

Celebrating Friday on a Thursday

God I can't believe I haven't posted in almost a week. Today is "my" Friday; I have tomorrow off for Independence Day.

I've been so busy at work I haven't had time to do much of anything these past couple of weeks but the vacation season approaches which means less people in the office, meaning less meetings. In fact, yesterday I had only one meeting. It was like a vacation day for me. I got caught up on all sorts of stuff. Today's schedule is morning-heavy but then I have time this afternoon to finally sort through emails from April and May. (Yesterday I actually got through all of June's.)

This weekend is especially long. I'm taking a vacation day on Monday. Woo hoo! Other than a cookout/birthday celebration on Saturday, I have nothing planned. It's been dreadfully rainy and cloudy here for over a month. If the pattern continues this weekend (which looks like there may be pockets of thunderstorms) I might go see the new exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum - Dutch Seascape paintings. I've heard it's excellent. Otherwise I want to be out enjoying the sun.

This past June has been one of the worst on record. We had 22 cloudy days. 75% of the time it had been crappy! Hopefully July will fair better though so far not so good.

Tonight is Salem's weekly (until the fall) Farmer's Market. Bandit and I walked down last week but got their too late - everything was sold out. They have all sorts of stuff from flowers and vegetables to pottery and lobster. They also had a band playing music. It was a lot of fun. We met a cute little Australian Terrier. She was a pup. Bandit was keen on her. She looked just like a Cairn. I had never seen one before.

Well off to start my Friday.

Losing Michael and Farrah

Upon hearing of Michael Jackson's death, I was reminded of a post I wrote a couple years ago. I talked about how I felt bad for him. I still do.


And on the same day to lose Farrah Fawcett - her situation so sad.


Yesterday was certainly a strange day. I heard about Farrah's last rights being read to her in the morning while I was waiting for my car at the Volvo dealer. During a meeting, while I launched the Internet in the boardroom and MSN flashed up we all let out a sigh as we read the headlines: Farrah Fawcett Dies at 62.

Later that night, while I was catching up on the morning paper and enjoying a glass of wine, Chris was on the computer. "Michael Jackson is dead?" He said questioning the headline. "He should sue people for writing such garbage about him."

I asked which ridiculous RSS feed was he getting that from. "CNN," he said.

I ran over to the computer to read the headlines.

My Life's a Production

It's summer. You'd never know it. It's been raining constantly for almost two weeks. It's cold and cloudy. It feels like I'm back in Seattle.

Yesterday was the annual Cancer Walk. The weather was dismal but we didn't let that stop us. Bandit even joined us. It was only 6.5 miles but by the end he was lagging behind. His usual pulling ahead on his leash just wasn't happening. We came home, showered and then off to what was going to be a cookout but wound up being an indoor birthday/Father's Day celebration.

After a weekend of errands, cancer walks and parties, I finally had nothing to do.

Don't get me wrong; I enjoy my downtime. However, I usually enjoy using it to somehow be productive. I suppose one could say that's counter intuitive. Yet during these time you can find me writing, reading, meditating, working out or even logging into the office -- doing something that is producing output or I feel is bettering myself or my situation. When I'm not doing one of these things I feel lethargic and anxious -- one of the reasons I don't watch a lot of television, unless it's educational or news oriented.

So back to last night...

After feeding Bandit and making lunches, I didn't know what to do with myself. I sat in front of the television to watch 60 minutes. Didn't like it. Started flipping. I felt guilty for sitting on my ass when there's so much stuff I should be doing. Yet I really didn't want to log into the office and catch up on emails. I knew that would just make me more anxious. So I sat. We flipped around the 100 or so television stations we pay $140 a month for and never watch. I found nothing of interest and then went onto the computer but had already read all my emails and caught up on my favorite blogs. There wasn't much else to do. It was then I realized I have a problem in doing nothing. Finally around nine, I went to bed with a book (at least educating myself). I read a couple of pages and then got sleepy.

Several hours later here I am. Now it's off to work to be more productive.

Sometimes I wish I could just slow down.

A Quick Update, Charity and Some Pictures

Using my laptop has become an exercise in frustration.

This morning I tried logging into it to check e-mail and write a post. A half hour later I found myself still struggling to get in there and cursing as it hang up every 5 minutes or so. I was trying to upload pictures but gave up seeing that it would take me around 5 minutes a picture to get them posted.

I've moved to the upstairs computer which is much faster and actually more convenient. Why I still use that hunk of junk from 2002, I'll never know. I've been complaining about it for years but have yet to retire it.

Anyway, now that I've got that out of my system. I thought I just give you a quick update. Things have been so busy I haven't had a lot of time to write.

As we did last year, my company sponsored a home makeover for a family in need. Yesterday I spent the morning digging up a backyard and putting down sod for an 1850s home in need of some sprucing up.

I like doing this charity stuff. It makes me feel good at the end of the day.

As for more charity, this weekend I'm walking, once again, in the Cancer walk. If you'd like to sponsor me you can visit my page at: http://www.firstgiving.com/rickbettencourt. Pretty please!

Okay, so here are the pictures that I was originally trying to upload:

Chris and me in front of our new mansion (okay a Newport mansion)

Boston Pride 2009

Miss Kitty Litter

Loved this mint condition VW Beetle (ca. 1979)

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick

Loved his t-shirt (click to see larger image)...though could spare the tire

Another weapon against us and a reason why I don't like these parades

Why I like these parades

Another reason why I like these parades!

Interesting costume

Another interesting costume

Stop off for an adult beverage before heading home

Eye candy at the bar (a bit out of focus as you can't be too obvious with boys)

Okay, that's enough. Till next time.

Gay Pride

I've posted this picture from Rambling Along in honor of the Gay Pride month.


I like this picture not only for gay flag and beautiful sunset but for the Amerian flag in the background. I find it to be a perfect match.

This Saturday is Boston's Gay Pride. This year I do intend to head into town for the festivities. I don't normally go and haven't been in a few years. It's never really been me. Over the last few years things have changed: Most of New England has recognized gay marriage and homosexuality is beginning to be seen by others for what it is, normal. I'm interested in seeing how normal we've become at these parades.

I don't want to sound like a prude but in years past I've found gay pride parades to be too in your face, over the top. Flashing your gonads and tits in front of the camera just became fodder for conservatives to prove their point against us - a bunch of perverts.

Well, I'm sure they'll still be some of that, which is fine, but we'll see what other more family-oriented activities there are. Anyway, happy Gay Pride!

Still Blogging After 885 Posts

I've been reading other blogs that are celebrating their blogging anniversaries. It's hard to believe I've been blogging since 2005. While mine isn't until November, I'd figured I'd take a moment to recognize where I've been. I'm coming up on my 4th year anniversary and while probably forget to mention it when it happens.

Geez does time fly! My life has done a complete turnaround since those dreary days living alone in that big old house. Bandit and I trying to make a new life for ourselves.

Somethings stay the same; for me getting up early hasn't changed. I still find morning blogging best for me. When I first started blogging I would write from the warm confines of my bed. I haven't done that in years.

Each place I have lived since I've eventually got into a routine with its own little blogging spot. Year 1, as I mentioned in my bed in the master bedroom of my old house.

Year 1's Blogging Locale (corner bedroom above the porch)

Year 2, after my divorce and selling of the house above my sister and brother-in-law took me in. Each morning you could find me at their dining room table with a cup of coffee from her individual cup maker and I'd be writing about my simple little life. I have good memories of living with them.

Year 3, I blogged from my new apartment. This was at the complex that had a catastrophic fire just as Chris and I found our new house. At that apartment, you could find me writing in the little side office. That was a great apartment despite not being very fireproof. The complex has survived three fires.

As viewed from my old apartment.

And now Year 4, I blog from my own dining room table. Though I have an office on the second floor with a much better laptop (Chris'). I still use this old clunker (with it's missing X key and flickering screen...one of these days I'll break down and get a new one). I connect with an old wireless card to the router upstairs.

The New Digs

So that about covers the last 3.5 years of blogging. To 3.5 new more...

I'm Looking Over...

While walking Bandit the other day, I found a four leaf clover! What luck. And wouldn't you know, or is it a mere coincidence, the very next day I got a windfall of $400 for overpayment of insurance. Apparently during the re-fi, the outgoing mortgage company paid my policy as did the incoming one. Cha-ching!

Cheers to a good weekend!

Back to Boot Camp

I re-started my exercise regime. Yesterday was the first in another six weeks of boot camp. Recall, through my office, I did these semi-personal training sessions last year and even into this winter. I stopped with the goal of going to the gym instead.

One important thing about setting goals; you have to be specific. SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals. At this I failed. My going to the gym goal was more MAR than SMART. However, I did attain it. During my boot camp hiatus, I went to the gym. Once.

Settled

Looks as if my blog traffic has dwindled. I'm not surprised. Posting only once or twice a week has led to my old regulars going elsewhere to find more entertaining material. The drama of years past, luckily for me, has subsided. My reads now I admit are a bit dry. "Today I cut the grass. Yesterday I went to Target. Right now I'm drinking coffee."

I have settled down. But I am happy.

So what's going on in this little world of mine?

Last night we spent the evening in - typical for us as of late. We had steak tips on the grill and a couple of cocktails. We walked around the yard and talked about what perennials should go where. (I find it exciting.) Bandit with his never ending stamina to play followed us around with his squeaky ball (a gift from Uncle Bob...thank you Bob). Toss. Ten seconds later back at my feet. Toss. Repeat. Toss Repeat. To the point of ad nauseam.

Rewind this picture three or four years ago and I'd be out shopping the gay clubs. Dancing. Meeting guys. And playing ball with Bandit. That never changes.

No thanks...I'm all set with that.

So what's on the agenda for today?

This morning I woke up to the sprinkler system running. I went outside to catch an early morning (5 am) breather and noticed the bee balm I planted yesterday strewn all over the driveway. Apparently critters like to eat it. Damn things! Or, now that I think of it, maybe they were trying to get at the creatures underneath it. I had to cut that landscape fabric in order to plant it. Perhaps I unearthed worms or something.

Anyway, back to my coffee.

Up, Up and Away...

...in my beautiful, my beautiful balloon.

Last night I saw what has quickly become one of Rick's most favorite movies. Up. I predict this Disney/Pixar animation will be a classic, feel good movie that both children and adults will watch for decades. I haven't felt this touched by a movie since I first saw "It's a Wonderful Life". You must see! I blubbered like a baby.

After the movie, and me wiping away the snots from my face, we went to The Grapevine for dinner. This is a wonderful little restaurant that I tend to overlook when wanting a good meal. I don't know why. I've never been dissatisfied and last night certainly did not displease. We had a fabulous meal. We first had a drink at the bar joined by my sister and brother-in-law who happened to be in the area. They had already eaten at the Salem Willows so didn't stay for dinner.

After they left we were seated at quiet little table in the back dining room, which I like better than their front room. We snacked on brocolli rabe spring rolls...delicious! And Chris had the kale soup with pimento beans which I sampled and loved. For the main course I couldn't decided between scallops alfredo with their homemade fettucini or the eggplant ravioli special so the waitress was kind enough to help me make my decision: She gave me half portions of each and I honestly couldn't tell you which I liked better. Fantastic meal! Also, their X-rated martinis are wonderful. They're made with a splash of grapefruit juice which had I known I wouldn't have ordered; I don't particularly like grapefruit juice but a friend had highly recommended them. Three later and I'm a fan.

A perfect way to round out my vacation week.

Oh, I neglected to mention we spent the bulk of the week in Newport, Rhode Island. We toured the mansions, did Cliff Walk, had great meals with wonderful conversations and good wine. A nice romantic get away


Newport was a lot of fun but coming home was nice too. Bandit missed us. We had a friend house sit.

Bandit is doing so much better since his surgery. The so called "skin allergies" that his other vet diagnosed have vanished. Apparently his scratching was him trying to get at the bladder stone pinching inside him. Poor thing must have been in a lot of pain. (Don't know why he just didn't tell me about it.)

Okay, over and out...

Oldie but Goodie

I love this skit. Cracks me up whenever I hear it.

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Other Stuff

Just a few snippets...

I'm on vacation! Though promised to check e-mails and voice mail at least once a day.

I woke up this morning with the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy song going off in my head. Not quite sure why but I'll take it as a good sign.

I'm ordering a couple of books from Amazon: Fag Hag by Robert Rodi and Blue Heaven by Joe Keenan.

Going to buy a power washer today so that I can wash down the shed before we paint it.

The lawn is looking fabulous. The fertilizer and TLC I've put into it is beginning to show.

Bandit's looking good. He's trimmed down quite a bit from his new bladder stone diet. Speaking of which I've still yet to receive the results from his urinalysis over a month ago. But no more accidents.

I'm loving my new king size bed. The mattress is big and firm. Comfy!

The past couple of days has been really hot...80s - 90s. Today is cool. Proud that I've yet put on the air conditioners.

Energy savings alert: Got my new gas bill. It was only $47.01! Down from a high of $400-500 during the winter. I'm excited about that.

Signed up for Boot Camp again. Recall that's were the trainer comes to my office and beats the sh*t out of me from 6-7 am. I quit in April telling myself I would go to the gym instead. I've been once!

Glad Denis came by to install lighting in first floor bath and fixed my gutter.

Pining for Chris Pine

Last night I saw the new Star Trek movie and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found the back story of the fleet coming together both entertaining and well thought out.

This sudden rash of prequels in film industry is quite interesting. I guess the new Terminator, which opens today, is doing the same thing; though, I have no interest in seeing that.

Chris Pine as Capt. Kirk is quite a hottie! Woo. And the guy that played his father was beautiful as well. I was sorry to see him go only 10 minutes into the film.

After the movie, we went over to the Old Spot for dinner. They have great burgers. By the time we finished, it was well past my bed time. Going to bed on a full stomach and waking up burping burgers is not very becoming.

Well today is Thursday. I'm looking forward to the long weekend and my week off!

Vacation 'Round the Corner

I got my new bedroom set this weekend. It's wonderful, nice and big. The set is named the Louis Provincial - sounds a bit formal but is simply elegant and works well in the space. They had difficulty getting it up three flights of stairs but after my agreeing that if they scuffed the wall I wouldn't freak out they forced it up. I had to break out the left over paint to cover up some dings but nothing major. The thing weighs a ton; the headboard itself is up to my shoulders.

I also spent Saturday weeding the upper lot. It looks a lot better. Once I was done I sprayed a whole bottle of Round Up (I can hear the environmental police cringing now) to get at the remaining weeds and to prevent future growth. Eventually I want to have some loam delivered and plant a bunch of ground cover ivy and a few shrubs but all in good time. There's still a lot of other things to do.

This is my last week of work before vacation! Yeah! Next week I'm off the entire week and will be spending a few days in Newport, Rhode Island. I could use some rest and relaxation. I'm exhausted.

Busy Weekend

This weekend I mowed my yard for the first time this season. It felt good to do so yet I almost forgot how to maneuver the gears. It's a little awkward to keep the throttle open whilst operating the automatic push but after a strip or two it came right back to me.

We also dug up the irrigation control box for the sprinkler system and put in a new box set a bit higher than the old one. We want to get the backyard graded so that the water drains away from the house but that would have meant burying the box. So now it sits a bit higher. The landscaper should be coming next Friday to regrade and seed the back lawn (where the previous owner had a small pool).

We also saw an excellent play at the Stoneham Theatre. It was called Strangers on a Train. The lead actor, Robert Serrell, was absolutely phenomenal. The way he took his character from an overly talkative alcoholic to a twisted psychotic was chilling.

After the show we had a fantastic meal here at Melissa's Main Street Bistro. It's a quaint little restaurant right next to the theatre.

So that was Saturday.

Yesterday we took the mother-in-law (well sort of) out for brunch and then we came back to the house to move furniture. I hate moving furniture but our bedroom set is coming Saturday. So we took the futon set that was in the guest bedroom over to Chris' goddaughter's and then our current bedroom set down to the second floor. Now our bedroom is completely empty. We have to sleep downstairs till Saturday. It's actually quite a comfortable room. It even has a tv in it. In my entire life I've never had a bedroom with a television in it. Of course we watched a bit before falling asleep last night.

Well, busy work week. Till later...

Rick

P.S. Bandit says hi. He's lost a couple pounds being on his new diet. He looks good. Got his haircut on Friday.

Accidents No More...I Hope

"Would you like to pay for this now or wait till the results come back?"

"I'll take care of it now," I said now regretting my decision. Why plunk down $120 for something I've yet to receive but being someone who likes to tidy things up, including finances, I opted to pay upfront.

Bandit's doing well; though I have yet to get back the results of his urine culture that the veterinarian did last week. Recall this was because he had had a couple of accidents in the house which, thankfully, he hasn't had since.

I'm not going to call and follow up - not just yet anyway. I'm going to wait and see how long it takes for them to get back to me at which point I'll demand a refund. The purpose of the analysis was to determine if he needed an antibiotic to quickly get into his system to stop an infection from spreading. Apparently it has rectified itself.

Hopefully I'm not jinxing myself here. Watch. I'll come home from work today and find a big puddle on the floor and a sheepish looking Bandit. Then I'll see the answering machine blinking with a call from the vet.

Down Time

I love my down time. This morning the sprinkler system woke me up at 4:45 as I heard the sound of water being forced from its heads. Since I went to bed early (9pm), I decided to get up. Early morning hours relaxing, blogging, surfing the net and putzing, as I call it, are an oasis to me in an often crazy world.

Yesterday wasn't too bad work wise. I only had a handful of meetings and was able to keep pace with the morning's batch of e-mails though I'm still behind on last week's e-mails and even the month...I mean week before that.

I also had a lunch time dentist appointment. My hygienist is so sweet. She wants me to find a gay couple to buy the house next to her. "It just needs two gay guys to fix it up. It's lovely." So if you know anyone wanting to rehab a quaint Victorian in the sea-side village of Magnolia (gorgeous area by the way), let me know.

Tonight is the Bridge Street Revitalization Committee's public meeting. This is the town's working group that I've been apart of for the last month or so. We're meeting with the community to elicit input from the area's residents and business owners for improvement ideas. There's a lot of exciting opportunities occurring. For example, the old Salem Jail a beautiful late 1800s Gothic building, which has been rotting since the early 90s, was recently purchased and development has begun to turn it into an upscale restaurant with luxury apartments. We're also repaving the streets, putting in new sidewalks and period lighting.

The Old Salem Jail in a State of Disrepair

Bandit's doing well. He's had no more accidents since taking him to the vet. I wondering if he was just getting used to his new bladder. He loves his new food. Though I still need to find a good homegrown recipe for him.

Well, I've got another hour to do some more putzing. Over and out...

Rick

A to Z Me

I borrowed this from Charles over at ShadowVoid. Thought it might be fun to do.

--------

A - Age: 21...okay I lied. Double it!

B - Bed size: Queen for just the next couple of weeks and then our king size set will be delivered.

C - Chore you hate: cooking...I appreciate the food but don't have the interesting in learning how to do it really well. My specialty is hard boiled eggs and toast. That goes to show you my skill level.

D - Dog's name: Duh, Bandit!

E - Essential start your day item: Coffee!!!!!

F - Favorite color: Blue

G- Gold or Silver: Gold but as of late I'm partial to white gold.

H - Height: 6'

I - Instruments you play(ed): Does singing count?

J - Job title: You name it!

K - Kid(s): Does a seven year old Cairn terrier count?

L - Living arrangements: With my boyfriend of nearly three years

M - Mom's name: Shirley

N - Nicknames: Ricky

O - Overnight hospital stay: I'd rather not discuss. Ugh!

P - Pet Peeve: People not being responsible.

Q - Quote from a movie: "You ruined it! You ruined it!" Bette Midler from The Rose. (It's what I was thinking. I'm sure there's more profound.)

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: One brother, one sister

T - Time you wake up: Between 4 and 6 am

U- Underwear: Cotton briefs but only with dress slacks, otherwise...

V - Vegetable you dislike: Can't think of any

W - Ways you run late: distracted on Facebook or blogging

X - X-rays you've had: Dental x-rays every couple of years

Y - Yummy food you make: See "C" above

Z - Zoo favorite: Not a big zoo fan but if pressed I'd probably say the monkeys and gorillas

May Day Blabberings

It's 7 am on a showery Saturday morning. I'm sipping a cup of Bokar Blend Eight O'clock Coffee, the bag of which I just registered on the rewards section of their website. I'm such a fan that I've already received an Eight O'clock mug and am now racking up points for a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate.

Tonight we're going to see Adele. I bought Chris tickets for his birthday. It seemed so long ago when I purchased them. Now here it is. I love her song Chasing Pavements. She won a Grammy for best new artist of the year.

I have a million things to do this weekend including preparing a presentation for work next week. I've been swamped at the office. I was supposed to go to a birthday party on Sunday but am too far behind at work. I'm also taking this year's first vacation day (actually a couple of days) at the end of the month. We're heading down to Newport, Rhode Island for Memorial Day weekend. I need to get caught up now so that I'm not slammed when I get back. Well, that's probably inevitable but I can at least try to mitigate as best as possible.

Bandit's stone and polyp results came back. The polyp is benign (phew!) and the stone is the calcium oxalate type which is the worst kind because this means he's predisposed to having them come back. We need to monitor his urine every couple of months and follow up with x-rays to ensure no new formation ($$$$$). Good God! I have to swing by this morning to pick up his new prescription food. The one he has been on is for the wrong type of stone. I'm researching homemade diets now. He also had to go back earlier this week because he kept having accidents. We suspect an infection but haven't gotten the culture ($$$) back yet. He's been fine the last couple of days. The poor thing would be happy and all playing with a ball or something then all of a sudden he'd squirt all over the floor, hunker down as if he were going to be scolded then head to the door. Like I said, he's been fine the last few days so hopefully it's gone.

Well, I need to pick up the dry cleaning, get Bandit's prescription, go to Home Depot, pick up a few groceries (or not) and then head back to do some yard work before my handyman friend comes over to finish up some repairs he couldn't get to last weekend. He's fixing the outside faucet that had froze and burst last fall. (I didn't even know it was on.) It's connected to the underground sprinkler system which we've never used. He's going to see if he can't get that running too but I know there are a ton of broken heads -- like the one I mowed over last summer.

I bought a rare Winsch Halloween postcard this week on eBay. I have several Halloween cards in my collection but none by John Winsch. I don't know a ton about him other than he's very collectible and considered one of the better postcard artists from the early 20th century. Most of my Halloween cards are by Ellen Clapsaddle. Anyway, I won't bore you with the details. It's the stuff only a deltiologist would find fascinating.

1913 John Winsch "Hallowe'en Faces"

Another Random Post

It's going to hit 80 degrees this weekend! New England isn't known for smooth transitions when it comes to the weather. One day it's snowing, the next you've got the air conditioner on. Regardless I'm looking forward to being out in shorts, a t-shirt and sandals.

The buds are blooming. The grass is green. I've called a couple of landscapers to get quotes on mulching and re-seeding part of the lawn. I can't wait to make it look nice. I love landscaping. Well, not the physical work of it but the after effects of being "landscaped". Additionally, my friend Bob is coming over on Sunday to give me suggestions on various plantings. We're going to have our first cookout of the year.

Work has been utterly exhausting. I feel as if I'm drowning but whose complaining? Okay I am.

Bandit is doing much, much better after his bladder stone surgery. He's back to his old self. He has his final check up this morning and we should get the results of the type stone. Hopefully it's the one that doesn't keep coming back but I tend to doubt it. The only other type is more prevalent in females. We'll see.

I have lots and lots of errands to do today including going to get a new bedroom set. Is that really an errand? We refinanced the house on Thursday. Once we did so we told ourselves we would finally get the new bedroom set we've been planning on since last fall. The one we have now is a queen and while fully functional isn't big enough for two men and a dog. The old set will go perfect in the guest bedroom.

I did a few more edits to my book this week. Last year I flagged sections of the hard copy that needed a little tweaking. I'm about half way through now. Writing this book has been the longest process, especially when you only get to spend a couple hours, at best, a week on it.

Well Bandit's outside barking at squirrels. I should go get him in.

Looking Past Tuesday

For the first time in nearly twenty years I finally feel stable and really like my life. There's little turmoil. I'm comfortable. I enjoy my little routines as simple as they are -- like reading the newspaper at night, writing in the morning, doing errands on Saturday, bringing my lunch to work etc. For so many years, because of a variety of things, I couldn't plan past Tuesday. Now I feel complacent and at the same time look forward to the future.

I don't want to sound like Pollyanna. Some of us have taken a lot of hits during this recession. I'm not saying everything is perfect. We could all use a little more money in the bank, stand to lose 10 pounds or be a little nicer to the little old lady that's going 15 miles an hour when you're running late for work but those things are minor.

The only really purpose of this post is to reiterate that life is good and to be grateful for it. There are certainly a lot of shitty things to focus on but my philosophy has always been why dwell on the negative. By constantly focusing on crap you're only going to get more of it.

Take a few minutes. Find something good and enjoy it.

Bandit Post-op

Bandit is doing well though a little sore. The doctors said everything went well. They removed a stone unlike anything they've seen before. It was nearly the size of a quarter with all ragged spikes on it. The spikes apparently what was causing the blood by scraping against his bladder. Additionally, while in there they found a polyp which they believe to be tissue build up from the abrasiveness of the stone against the bladder wall. They think the stone had been in there for over three years.

They're sending both the stone and the polyp out for analysis. The type of stone will determine what sort of diet he'll need to be on so that it doesn't recur; the polyp they want to rule out anything pre-cancerous.

I was concerned for up until about 10 minutes ago he hadn't urinated since I picked him up. The doctors said he had gone shortly after surgery but when I got him home and he would try to go he would yelp from the pain. Even this morning letting him out he'd start to go and then jump back as a zing of pain hit him. I took him for a short walk for I know it's hard for him to resist marking his territory. Finally, he went. Five in the morning, walking the dog. That's dedication.

Anyway here he is shortly after he got home yesterday, all nestled up on his favorite chair with his favorite sweatshirt.

Bandit Going in for Surgery

Today Bandit goes under the knife. I'm a little nervous. And of course he's mad at me because I didn't give him breakfast but he's not supposed to have anything after 10 last night. He looked over at his bowl then at me as if I was some big meany.

Well, off to the vets. I'll keep you posted.

Spring Clean Up

My yard is a mess. Over the winter, the snowplows dug up part of my front lawn. I need to patch that up. Of course last year's mulch is gone I need to order more. And there are bare spots all over the grass and then leaves that fell after I did the fall raking. Luckily this weekend looks as if it's going to be nice so I should have time to tend to some of it. Unfortunately Bandit will be recuperating from his surgery so he's going to be vying for my attention.

My friend Bob, former landscaper, is going to come over and give me some suggestions on what to do for landscaping. The prior owner had planted some bushes along the boarder of the backyard but two of the bushes have died. I want to replace them but have no idea what they are. Also on the upper lot, as I call it, over by the shed I want to do something interesting. Perhaps wisps of prairie grass and ivy, or something instead of just weeds and sprigs of grass amongst the trees. I'm not very good with picking plants. He'll know what to do.

Good God, can you believe it's already April 15th? Where has the time gone to? Somebody slow it down! I love this time of year though - at least when the weather cooperates. Usually by May early June the New England weather is really warm and then before you know it stifling hot.

Spring is springing. The tulips and bulbs I planted last fall are starting to rear their heads. I can't remember all that I planted but hopefully they'll all come up.

My street is still dirty from the city trucks sanding the hill. Of course, being at the bottom of the hill it all washes in front of my house during the rain. There's a big pile of dirt out front. This weekend I'm going to sweep it clean. Waiting for the city to do it, I'll be waiting till Christmas.

Christmas. At the rate this year is flying I should start my shopping now. Speaking of which, the new Nordstrom opens this Friday.

Stoneham Theatre's Picnic

Last night I saw William Inge's Picnic performed at the Stoneham Theatre. This was my first time at this small intimate theatre, the building of which was converted from an old movie house into a first class, professional equity playhouse. With the North Shore's old staple, the North Shore Music Theatre, now gone I'm glad I stumbled upon this little gem of a theatre.

The performance was first class. The sorrow and emptiness of spinster schoolteacher Rosemary, as played by Sarah Newhouse, pulled at my heart. "Please," she whispered, asking to be married to the man she'd been dating. It was a tender moment in which the ballsy typing teacher bares her soul.

Sarah Newhouse as Rosemary Sydney in Stoneham Theatre's Picnic

Other strong players included Emily Graham-Handley as Millie and Dee Nelson as the mother. While Millie's teenager-like fidgets initially annoyed me, I was glad to see them lessen as the performance went on. Nelson's performance was rock solid from the moment she graced the stage, mending her daughter's gown, to the final moments seeing her life reflected in her daughter's rebellion.

I'm looking forward to seeing Stoneham's final two shows of their ninth year, Strangers on a Train and Dear Miss Garland.

Good Night

Finally, I had a good night's sleep. It had been over a week.

C's been sick and nearly every night would wake, nearly up every hour or so, in a spasm of coughing. I felt bad...at first. And then it just drove me crazy. I'm not good with sympathy. He finally went to the doctor and got on an antibiotic and picked up a cough suppressant.

Plus I've passed a major milestone on one of my projects so I don't have that hanging over my head anymore. There's nothing worse than walking up in the middle of the night (to the sounds of coughing) and then trying to fall back to sleep whilst documents, deadlines, meetings and spreadsheets dance in your head.

A week from today, Bandit is going in for surgery, to remove his bladder stones. They tell me he should be fine within a day or two but to keep him inactive for about a week. That's going to be a chore. That means no walks, no playing and no running around. He's going to go stir crazy. It's also going to cost me about $1,400. That doesn't include the ultrasound he had, his medicine and his new prescription diet.

My wireless Internet connection is terribly slow. I should get going before I get too frustrated. Besides it's getting late and I need to get in the shower.

Longing for Warm Ocean Breezes and Other Irrelevant Stuff

I love walks along the ocean. The warm breeze gently nudging me along and my feet splashing in the water. I'm not sure why this thought occurred to me. Maybe it's because lately it's been so damn cold and damp that I'm longing for the warmer weather. Well tomorrow is supposed to be a bit better - sunny and in the high 50s. Still not walking the beach with your feet in the water weather.

Alright here's a bunch non-sequential, irrelevant mumbo-jumbo:

I used to be a good speller. Now I'm so reliant on spell check that when I'm not in front of a computer I forget the simplest of words. It's awful. I've now pledged that going forward, if I spell a word wrong and the system tells me so, instead of right clicking for the answer I'm going to type out the correct spelling until I get it right. At least that way I'm not getting so lazy. My biggest mistakes tend to be conjugating words with double consonants like occurred, assess, access, supposed. For whatever reason, being in such a hurry, I'm doubling or not doubling letters in the wrong spots. Anyway, just thought you'd like to know. Don't you feel better? Well, I do.

My other half kept me up all night. He's been sick all week and while his cold is getting better it's at the point where it's breaking up. Last night I suffered (and I suppose he did too but as you know it's all about me) with his post nasal drip making him cough about every 15 to 20 minutes. Finally at 2 am I made him take some Nyquil. After about a half hour I felt like the lady in that old commercial: "I'm glad one of use can sleep". He's still sleeping. I've been up since 7.

Today Bandit is getting the last batch of his annual shots. I'm also going to schedule his bladder stone surgery. Dreading to find out the cost.

Yesterday I got a notice for jury duty. It seems like I just went. I forget how long it's supposed to be good for. I dread going. Actually I went exactly three years ago. I just did a blog search for it. I knew I wrote about it. Geez couldn't they wait another year or two? With my memory as poor as it is, I'm glad I have past blog entries to rely upon.

Anyway, I hear Bandit and C rumbling upstairs. Over and out...

Rick

...Out Like a Lamb

In early March I wrote about how the weather had been so dreadful. On March 2nd, we got pounded with about a foot of snow. Well today's forecast is calling for a sunny spring like day in the 50s. While the weather has been raw and cool, I guess we can officially say March is going out like the old adage says. And for this I am grateful.

In harmony with today's weather, I'll be taking part in a new community project. I am working with the city's Planning and Development department on a new board to help revitalize the city. We've hired a consulting firm to foster creative solutions in bringing new life to an area hit by a spat of foreclosures and businesses hurt by the economy. We'll be doing a walking tour of the area today.