Water Under The Bridge

My jaw dropped when I read this article in The Scotsman online newspaper this evening.

Taking the logic expressed in the study, not only would there be less of a drain on health costs; but any type of pension or Social Security would be expending less money. Who knows where there might be other savings?

My conclusion is that we should all eat, drink, smoke and be merry. The sooner we die, the more money will be saved for ?????

I think not.

PS. Upon reflection, I believe life should be lived to the fullest; and, perhaps, cut out the smoking.

The thoughts expressed in Daniel’s comment ring true; and prompt this PS.

In honor of this celebrated Scottish poet, here are the words of one of his favorite poems; To A Mouse.

Also, an excerpt from To A Louse:-
O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
It wad frae mony a blunder free us,
An’ foolish notion:
What airs in dress an’ gait wad lea’e us,
An’ ev’n devotion!

After returning from spending Christmas at Angels Camp, I was surprised to get a call from a friend with whom I had lost touch about 30 years ago.

Jim Malinowski, along with Joe Ward, Dan McNerney and myself were the foursome who founded the unofficial ‘Commonwealth Club’ which celebrated all notable holidays in Scotland, Canada and the United States; while we resided at a great boarding house run by the Jorgensens on Vernon Street in Oakland, California.

Jim is an American citizen; but his state of residence, Washington, bordering British Columbia, provides him co-opted membership. LOL. It was my honor to be best man at his wedding back in the early 1960’s. It is with regret that I do not even remember the date or the year. Shame on me. The last time we met was in the middle of the 1970’s.

The call was most welcome; especially since we had lost touch, all these many years. Thanks should be given to Jim Sibbring who had tracked me down some time back, was also a boarding house resident and was responsible for putting Jim Malinowski in touch with me.

During our phone conversation and out of the blue, Jim M. asked me if I had ever read this book, “How the Scots Invented the Modern World“. He was greatly surprised when I admitted that I had not and promised to send me a copy. True to his word, the book arrived the other day.

Hopefully, in the not too distant future, there will be a partial reunion of the Jorgensen boarding house gang. The last I heard from Joe Ward, he was in New Zealand and Dan McNerney may be reached through Jim Sibbring.

It is nice when lost friendships are renewed>

It is not too often I going shopping with Joyce; but when I do, I carry a book with me, find a seat in the store, mall or stay in the car and stay in touch via our cell phones, if necessary. Now, although this works in principle, Joyce is still aware that I am waiting; but, let me say, not impatiently.

Most of the time that we go shopping together is when she is not comfortable driving: but I am totally aware that Joyce would really prefer to be on her own to browse at her own pace and not be conscious that I am waiting.

These thoughts were brought to mind by an article in The Scotsman which, in essence, said that women prefer to shop alone. That is no news to me but confirms my feelings.

So , listen up y’all. When it comes to shopping, think twice before heading out together.

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.

On Wednesday night, we dined at the Guadalajara and were almost treated like royalty. Maybe the tips are too generous. LOL

We barely had time to sit down before Roberto dashed over to greet us; as Mama and Papa. It looks like we have been adopted. Although the language skills are limited on both sides, Roberto managed to tell us that his daughter had been in hospital for four days over Thanksgiving.

Again, we were invited over this weekend; not sure if it is for dinner or just a short visit. Anyway, Roberto has my cell phone number and will call me this Sunday. Hopefully, by using my laptop for translating my part of the conversation, we will be able to communicate better.

Actually, we are old enough to be Roberto’s grandparents and do not fully understand the - hmm - looking for the right word - fascination/connection/interest.