Water Under The Bridge

To all those Scots and other informed folk, a Happy Hogmanay and New Year to you all. May your New Year be happy, healthy and prosperous.

The traditions of Hogmanay are still carried out by me; even though I have been away from Scotland for 52 years. At least four of the aspects are fulfilled; dark haired man is first across the threshold carrying something to eat, something to warm the house and spirits to ensure good health.

In reflection, I do remember my father refusing to let someone in the house because they were the first and did not meet the criteria; and my mother cleaning the house.

Another tradition that is followed is to be sure that all available bills are paid; and, yes, it does help to have the money.

The tradition of First Footing associated with Hogmanay and New Year has pretty well died out since most people are driving these days and the combination of alcohol and driving are taboo.

Note that the emphasis is on the Footing. People would walk from door to door with friends and even strangers on New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) and continue into the wee hours of New Year’s Day; always with a bottle of whisky. Drinks were exchanged in each house. Food was always on hand .

It was an evening and morning of general merriment, shouts of “Happy New Year” and attempts at singing; as well described in the referenced link above.

Fond memories.

Well, after three years absence, today it was return to work for me; ever so briefly.

Toward the end of November, I volunteered to assist my prior employer in the stuffing and mailing of organizers by the end of the year. It is not a big job; nor is it overly taxing (there’s a pun there). The project is being done a bit at a time.

Despite me volunteering, imagine my surprise to be told that my services warranted a paycheck. It will not be much but the gesture is totally appreciated.

It’s nice to have people who care.

This is going to be a very short but relative post.

Briefly, you know who your friends are when your back is against the wall and they are there for you.

I’ve been on both sides of that fence.

That’s it.

Last night the sleepies caught up with me.

Starting out at 11:00 PM on Friday, in order to help Joyce regulate her insulin pump deliveries, it was necessary for me to check her blood sugar levels every two hours until 7:00 AM on Saturday.

It is easier for me to stay awake than set an alarm for each two hours. Consequently, I indulged myself by playing online games at Pogo (www.pogo.com) through the night. Pogo provides, depending on one’s choice, some idle amusement in non-brain-taxing games.

Based on the readings throughout the night, it would appear that the basal rates are properly set; but only her diabetic doctor will determine for sure.

By the way, Joyce is a very deep sleeper and was barely aware that her fingers were being pierced to draw blood.

After the 7:00 AM reading, I set the coffee for the morning, set out the morning medicines for us both and used my COPD inhalers before hitting the sack.

My sleep only lasted until 10:30 AM; and, despite a quick nap in the afternoon and another in the early evening, sleep took hold of me around 9:15 PM. There was no way that I could keep my eyes open.

It was a good sleep and now I feel refreshed to take on the challenges of the day. Like watching foot ball. LOL

As a follow-up to my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon, a prescription was filled for Lidocaine patches to be applied to my neck.

When I picked up the prescription, there was a moment of stunned silence as the price was rung up. $182.04 !!! Yikes !!

The one saving grace is that, per the doctor, the patches may be cut in two and will last twice as long.

Reflecting on the situation and aware that, despite the initial shock, I could reasonably afford the cost; it crossed my mind that those less fortunate must have a major struggle in managing health care.

This is not a promotion for universal health care.  I experienced that in Scotland where the health care has its pros and cons. It is a comment for an understanding of those who are less fortunate and appreciation by those who can manage the cost.