Monday July 31, 2023

The Doctor appointments have been put in the past.  Still waiting on lab results, they should be in today, but you never know with this bunch.  Curious about my blood A1C results.  It tells how well I have been doing with controlling my blood sugars.  I expect that to not be very good.  It's been a struggle this last year.  They have also scheduled me for an MRI on my neck(spine) due to all the issues I have with it.  Once that is in it, will be sent to someone that will do the injections.  The Urologist was pleased with my numbers and I should only have one more year for checking for return of prostate cancer.  I am considered cured, but there is always a chance for return with cancer.  I am grateful for what it is now.  'K' is at the Doc today for her annual.  Hoping that all goes well for her.

The African dust has subsided.  I am not convinced it is gone completely.  Even the pups were coughing and sneezing last night.  But we did go for a walk/exercise early this morning and there appear to be no ill effects.  It was nice to get out despite it being pretty warm and the pups loved it.  

Don't have much else, nothing has really changed with my Mom.  Although she is complaining more (about everything) than before it seems.  I need to go see her.  It's been quite a while and the reasons I have talked about I won't go into again.  I really don't look forward to seeing that 'look' in her eyes when she sees me.  Having 'K' along relieves a lot of that so I won't go without her.

Happy Trails 

Doctor Concerns

Heading out or a blood draw/labs in the next few minutes.   At the doc appointment they expressed concern about some episodes I have had the last couple months that appear to be low blood sugar or dehydration.  I am leaning toward dehydration.  I just don't drink enough water and that's not good, especially for a diabetic.  We dehydrate much easier than nondiabetics.  When I test my blood at home the sugars are not low. But those meters are not super accurate.  

I will also get scheduled for an MRI of my neck.  I have three compressed disks that make it difficult to sleep.  So we will probably look to get injections.  They will use the MRI to determine where exactly.  I don't know much about these injections and will need to learn more.  But if it helps me avoid surgery it will probably be a go.

I will see the urologist tomorrow.  I've already seen the blood results.  No detectable cancer.  Always good news.

Happy Trails

Same Ol' Same Ol'

It's that time of year that nothing really changes, especially the weather here in this part of Texas.  Even the weather guessers talk about how the forecast never changes and are running out of new things to say.  They will grasp at any hint of a shower to talk about no matter how slight the chances are this time of year.  It's July and it rarely rains then.  Of course there have been some exceptions and those will always happen.

And nothing much is going on with us either.  Just staying out of the heat for the most part and running a very few errands.  I do have a couple of appointments with my Primary Care Doc and my Urologist this week and next.  This includes labs for each.  There should be no surprises but then you never know for sure.  It will be my yearly Wellness exam with the Primary care doc and I have a few questions to ask, so I have made a list.  Turned 70 this year and it's like a switch was flipped on several bothersome things that I want to talk about, nothing major but I do want to talk about a heart issue.  My diabetes has been harder to control since I had Covid last year.  Numbers are rising and sensitivity to foods has increased.  The appointment with my Urologist is a follow up to my prostate cancer 9 years ago.  He also manages my 'T' levels.  I think one more year and he will release me.  Should be fairly painless.  

I really don't have much else and this wasn't much either so I will say:

Happy Trails

Tires(again) and Tomatoes

Just got back from Discount Tires.  Another 3 tires put on the Explorer.  I have actually bought cars for less lol.  The fourth tire was replaced a couple months ago due to it having had to many flats(3) and they would not repair it again.  I always purchase Michelins.  I immediately noticed a better ride and quieter too.  The tires that were on there were on it when I purchased the car.  A brand I never used before and never will again, Hankook.  

The tomatoes are slowing production.  Picking one or two every other day now.  We are getting a little tired of eating so many lol.  Take a look at this bad boy: (Click the pic to get a close up)

1.42 lbs of fresh tomato deliciousness.  I made a quart of salsa with some of his little brothers the other day.  The recipe calls for 5 Romas.  They are less juicy and considerably smaller.  I used 3 of what my gardens produce including a couple of my small onions.  It made much more than I anticipated and much juicier.  I can say the ones I have grown this year are much juicier and as you can see much bigger.  They do have a draw back, the meat can be a little grainy but it's not enough to make them bad.  I have eight or nine sitting on the counter waiting for me to eat them before they go bad.  I try not to place them in the fridge, the consistency changes considerably and I don't like them much at all.  They get a little too cold and almost freeze from what it looks like even though I had the temp set at 37*.

Mantis stepped up and will trade me out the laser cartridge I got stuck with and is sending me a 9mm.  I had to buy the 9mm and when I get the other one sent back to them they will refund the purchase.  The other one arrives today and I hope to get the one I need to send back sent out tomorrow.  I need the get some packaging and  tracking number.

I need to go mess with the Granddaughter while she is here.

Happy Trails

 

A Little PEW PEW Practice...or So I Thought

July is starting out weird.  I got a pretty neat present from 'K' for Christmas.  Have you seen those Mantis Laser kits?  They allow you to practice with your firearm using a laser that is inserted in the barrel through the breach not the end like some are.  You can get them in several calibers.  'K' heard the advertisement on the radio and thought it was a great gift for Christmas.  I was aware of them but never paid any attention to it.  I just wouldn't spend that on myself.  

I finally got it out and planned to practice with it and get 'K' out there too.  I was setting up in the garage where we would have adequate room and the neighbors couldn't see and freak out.  Tried to insert the laser cartridge and it isn't working.  As you can see from the above photo the laser cartridge (brass thing) appears to be next to the 9mm on the right.  At least that is what I thought.  I look at the cartridge itself and oops, 40mmSW.  That won't fit in a 9mm and I don't own a 40mm anything.  After a few back and forth emails Mantis and their suggestions about getting in touch with the gun store (gone out of business) it was purchased from they asked for the UPC code on the box.

Ugh, 40 mm SW.  I apparently am out of luck.  I thought it had been packed incorrectly.  Not so.  The gun shop screwed up by giving 'K' a kit for 40mm and she bears no fault.  I probably would have done the same just looking inside and not the UPC code.  So this thing is an expensive door stop unless I buy another laser cartridge.  I would have bought at least another caliber to go long with the 9mm I have or maybe two to use in my other firearms.  I hadn't planned on 3.  Maybe one for now so I can at least use this thing.  

Lesson?  When you get a gift, check it out and verify what you got is correct and useable.  

July 4 is our 48th Anniversary and we will head over to the preacher's house where anyone from our church is invited.  Hot dogs, hamburgers and every kind of desert you can imagine is on the menu.  They do this every year (except) for the pandemic years.  There is always a great turn out.  It will be hot but I don't plan on moving around much and make sure I have cold drinks.  I can always go home early too.  This is what 'K' wants for our anniversary so she gets what she wants.

Happy Trails