Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Tuesday Ramble


Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.

John Ruskin Read
Needless to say, yesterday was one of those days that made you really wish that you had called in sick. It was downright 'nasty' in the morning. The rain was coming down in torrents making early morning travel quite treacherous, especially the sidewalks in front of those homes that hadn't been shoveled. The slush had become quite icy, and I found myself hanging onto fences with one hand and the cane with the other. No matter where you live there is always some who are inconsiderate of others and refuse to shovel. 

Take the house next door to my building, for example. Actually I was kind of surprised.  After all, they not only own a big three-story house in which they rent out two apartments, but they also have a parking lot next door which fits about eight cars...so we know that they are raking in the dough. Yet, not one bothered to shovel. Heck, if they didn't want to do it, why not pay some kid $25 to do it. It's not that they are not out there trying to earn a buck. I know that there are some who are elderly or disabled who cannot afford to pay someone to do it. In that case, wouldn't it be nice if the neighbors chipped in to help? That would be the kindly thing to do. 

The old man who lived upstairs from me in my old home used to do that.  A rare breed, he always shoveled for our shut-in neighbor, and he was almost as old as she was. He was nice that way, but also had his idiosyncracies.  I'll never forget when he rang my bell and told me I should store my garbage in my freezer.  He was always offering such odd advice as that.  But, then he passed and his irresponsible addict son took over and the war began between he and my landlady, each trying to put me in the middle. I read where they sold that house in January.

Went for my cat scan yesterday. Now I will be on pins and needles until the 21st when I see the pulmonologist.  When the radiologist wished me 'good luck' yesterday as I was leaving, immediately I thought that he had found something. My next stop will be the needle in my thyroid to draw out the fluid and biopsy it.  OMG, will I be glad when all of this is over.  I also stopped yesterday at the clinic to see my doctor, but found that she doesn't work on Monday.  I've developed a fairly constant tickling in my throat which has caused a chronic cough...almost always when I am at rest....in bed, in my rocking chair, even seated at my desk at work.  On the train, people look at you like you have the plague, and I don't blame them. 

One morning I was watching Fox news and their regular doctor came on and began talking about how some blood pressure medications can cause this.  I looked it up and sure enough, my Lisinopril will cause this.  For a couple of months I have been racking my brain and blaming just about everything...sinuses, thyroid, post nasal drip...and now I know.  And, as I recall it began when she raised my dosage. 

Wow, I am certainly pretty long-winded, aren't I?  I only started out to say a few things, and I wrote a chapter in a book.  Sorry about that.  Speaking of books, I cannot seem to put "On the Right Path" down.  The more I read, the more I see myself...from her disillusionment with Christianity, to having your childhood friends turn against you, to her smoking and drinking days of her early twenties. Like the author says about herself, after having led such a sheltered life, "I was like a child exploring life for the first time" and did not know how to act. My gosh, this book could have been written about me. It has me totally mesmerized. 

Well, have to run now.  Gonna be late if I don't get a move on.  Remember...

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

Aristotle Onassis

8 comments:

  1. I love your morning ramblings - don't stop. You seem to remember the little things (that aren't little to you) just like I do. I remember the guy in the first floor apartment who shoveled out my car (I was newly divorced, and had no help.) People can be surprisingly generous. I hope the 21st comes quickly and it's filled with good news. Until then, keep busy. By the way, have you read Patti Smith's biography called "Just Kids"?? I think you might like reading about her life in NY with Robert Maplethorpe. Not to mention she is a brilliant writer.

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  2. Oh good morning my friend! Please do not worry about your tests. I have found as it was pointed out to me, if it is bad news, they will call you before an appointment. So no news, IS good news. I know that isn't going to stop you but if you think about it, you will know it is true. you need to get a hold of the Post Office and get a pair of their ice grippers. They are totally awesome, they are heavy rubber with studs in them for walking on the ice. I got a pair of them when I lived in Anchorage and had a throw route. I only had to buy one pair they last forever.
    It amazes me how people will stand and watch someone struggle with something like a heavy door or a wheelchair trying to get into a building instead of just walking over and helping out. How long would it really take to shovel a sidewalk. I used to do mine and the neighbor because they were elder.
    Wishing you a stress free week!

    (((HUGS)))

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  3. Yes, I had to switch from a certain high blood pressure medication because of such a cough. It can be a common side effect but it shows that you need to take something else.

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  4. The meds can cause all kinds of side effects these days Mary. It's sort of ironic when you see thier magazine adds. One page for the product and four pages for the side effects. Hope your weather turns better. X.

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  5. Glad you make it, to work and back, safely. This is bad time, for walking and getting around. Ugh... Best of luck, with this "season."

    Tests and waiting results. The pits, as they say.

    Lots and lots of hugs...

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  6. Believe me I know about waiting for test results. It can really drain you. You just have to find a coping mechanism that works for you.
    Bless your heart hanging on to fences to walk. I hate icy and snowy walking. Hopefully this will be the last of wintry weather for you there in NYC.

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  7. Med. issues can be so scary even when we're not sure of their cause. You're taking every step to insure you'll have a healthy life, Mary when so many others would be in denial and not see Dr.'s. You know so many of us are sending prayers and blessings your way for increased health.

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  8. Good morning Mary. I, too, take lisinopril....and I also have a little cough. Although mine is not nearly as bad as it used to be. I think that will correct itself in time. Also...that book sounds so interesting...I'm go to get myself a copy.

    xo

    Jo

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