I took my digital still camera that will video 30 second videos to the supermarket today. The quality is horrible so I MUST buy a video camera. I downloaded it to Youtube and here it is for you viewing pleasure. That’s my voice narrating. Imagine what I could do with a video camera. Remember,  the quality is poor but the possibilities are endless if I can save for a video camera. I could take you guys everywhere with me. It only lasts 22 seconds before I panicked thinking the video police would arrest me.  My still camera is rather large. I need one of those new really small video cameras.  “Candid Camera” here I come.

I’m writing this story per request of my sister, Barbara, and Wendy at Life With Buck.

This is a true story. It happened 25 years ago in my town, in my solar system, in my galaxy (we live in the Milky Way Galaxy).

My sister lived in town at this time and I was driving to her house to watch a movie for the evening. As I entered Main street I saw in the sky, over the ocean, flashing lights. I had never seen lights in the sky like this before in my life. There was something odd about the way they traveled across the sky, almost leaping, irregular patterns.

As soon as I got to my sister’s house I told her to come with me quick I had to find the lights again. In the car I explained to her what I saw as we headed to the beach. We were both filled with excitement at the prospect of seeing a real UFO. We then started a discussion on what we would do if the aliens gave us a chance to go with them, you know, nice aliens not reptilian scary dudes. Would we, could we, leave our families to travel the universe, see other worlds if given a choice? Could we leave our children for a once in a lifetime trip to the far reaches of the universe? It’s a hard question.

Meanwhile we finally see the lights again.

THIS IS NOT AN ACTUAL PHOTO. WE DIDN’T HAVE CAMERAS. THE FLASHING LIGHTS DIDN’T EVEN LOOK LIKE THIS. I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY I PUT THIS HERE.

My sister is awestruck. We can’t believe what we are seeing. At one point the sky goes dark and we see them a few seconds later more to our left. This is really happening we say. We do our best to follow them along the water getting more excited by the second but at the same time wondering why cars aren’t pulled over watching them. We can’t be the only ones to see this spectacular vision but no one else seems to care.

Now they are heading towards us. I stop the car and my sister and I get out. We look above us and see flashing lights that read “Vote for Joe Mahoney” hanging off the tail of a two seater airplane.

Oh the bitter disappointment. What happened? WTF happened? We were on our way to new worlds and then suddenly going to the voting polls.

I put in a search for a meme and found this one at grannyhall’s blog. I did leave her a comment that I was stealing it and hoped she didn’t mind. I’ve done a similar one but this one has a few more questions plus I already forgot how I answered the duplicate questions so we can see how my thoughts change in a short period of time.

1. What time did you get up this morning?

When my eyes opened. About 9:30 as usual.

2. Do you prefer diamonds or pearls?

No question, diamonds. Hell, I get them for free from the daughter.

3. What was the last movie you saw in a cinema?

Indiana Jones, though so far this summer Iron Man is the bomb.

4. What is your favorite TV show?

Obviously, “Heroes” because I have watched 23 episodes in the past few days. I also love
“Jericho” , “Torchwood”, “Lost”. There are probably more that I have forgotten.

5. What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Jimmy Dean lite breakfast sandwich. 5 points and filling because of all the protein.

6. What’s your middle name?

Ann with an E. If you throw in my confirmation name you can add Elizabeth after my mother.

7. What food do you dislike?

Well, you don’t get fat disliking too many foods but I do have a couple. Pickles and olives, oh, and cucumbers.

8. What’s your favorite CD at the moment?

Don’t really buy CDs anymore. I just listen to my playlist on the computer. Of course today I’m listening to Boz Scaggs.

9. What kind of car do you drive?

Whatever they leave me in the driveway which includes a 2003 Subaru Outback LL Bean Edition (my favorite because it has Sirius Radio), a 1999 black Nissan Altima, (actually my old car which I put in my daughter’s name) a 1991 BMW (the wasband’s car).

10. What’s your favorite sandwich?

Grilled Ham and cheese. Now I use WW bread and cheese and measure out 2 oz. of ham but it still tastes good.

11. What characteristic do you despise?

Dumbasses!!

12. What’s your favorite item of clothing?

Anything that actually fits me at this point. Right now I have 4 pair of capris, 2 pair of jeans, and 3 t-shirts. That’s my whole wardrobe. FOR NOW!!!!

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?

England. I want to see the countryside of England and Stonehenge.

14. Are you an organized person?

Not even a little to my daughter’s chagrin. She’s told me she wouldn’t even cook in my kitchen the way I have it set up. I don’t know what she is talking about. I can find everything.

15. Where do you want to retire to?

I am retired. So I assume this is it. Cape Cod, not bad though.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday?

My most recent birthday. Dumbass question. It’s the only one I can remember.

17. What are you going to do when you finish this?

Certainly, not anything to do with cooking or cleaning. Don’t forget I just had a facet block. I guess I can’t milk that one anymore. My back feels fairly decent. Plus I’m alone today so there’s no one to give me sympathy about anything. But I’m still not cooking or cleaning. I will be watching more episodes of “Heroes”. I’m going to watch all two seasons if it’s the last thing I do.

18. Furthest place you are sending this?

Dumbass question!!!!

19. Person you expect to fill it out first?

2 dumbass questions in a row.

20. What’s on your bathroom counter?

We don’t have a counter but we do have a thing in there that you put stuff in and on. I’ll go take a photo. Be right back.

KEEP IN MIND WE STILL DON’T HAVE WALLS IN THE BATHROOM BECAUSE NO ONE SEEMS TO BE IN THE MOOD TO PUT THEM UP.

21. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

NIGHT OWL!!!!

22. What’s your shoe size?

Good lord, I haven’t worn a pair of shoes in 30 years. I even wore Birkenstocks to my daughter’s wedding. They are a European size 36. I started wearing Crocks this winter. My daughter got them for me. I don’t even know what size they are. She was afraid I would fall on the ice in my Birks.

I THINK I NEED NEW ONES BUT I’M LOSING WEIGHT IN MY FEET TOO SO I’M GOING TO WAIT. AND YES, THE RUG NEEDS VACUUMING. I DON’T DO WINDOWS OR VACUUM. I LEAVE THAT TO OTHERS.

23. Any pets?

My three kitty boys, Yoda, Red and Blue.

24. Any new & exciting news you’d like to share?

I share everything here as it happens. You guys really do get a blow by blow description of my life as it happens.

25. What did you want to be when you were little?

A teacher.

26. How are you today?

Like I try to be everyday. Awesome, happy and chillin’.

27. What’s your favorite flower?

Today, Lilies of the Valley.

28. What’s the next date you’re looking forward to?

If my eyes open up in the morning that’s the date I’m looking forward to.

29. What are you listening to right now?

Low Rider by War. I am rockin’. Next is Janice Joplin on my playlist then Buffalo Springfield.

30. What’s the last thing you ate?

Last night when I came home from the concert I had some garden vegetable crackers.

31. Do you wish on stars?

No. But there are things I do wish for, mostly having to do with my son.

32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Sort of a dumbass question but I’ll answer it anyway. I would be yellow.

33. How is the weather right now?

74 degrees, 80% humidity and cloudy. YUCK!!!

34. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?

Someone who works with Sarah reporting that they can’t work tomorrow which is Sarah’s day off and I hope she doesn’t have to work because she and her hubby are on their mini vacation on the Island staying in her apartment right above the store.

35. Favorite soft drink?

Hansen’s diet ginger ale. Yummy. They don’t use aspartame. They use Splenda which is a little better.

36. Favorite restaurant?

I rarely eat out. I guess I would say the British Beer Company, on the water in Falmouth, Fishmonger’s on the water in Woods Hole and Shucker’s Raw Bar, only open in the summer because it is outdoor eating in Woods Hole. Fishmonger’s considers itself a natural food restaurant. They serve both vegetarian and meat dishes. Great atmosphere.

THE FISHMONGER’S RESTAURANT.

37. Hair color.

Brown and gray.

38. What was your favorite toy as a child?

My Barbie Doll. I got the first one the first year it came out

1959 the first Barbie.

39. Summer or Winter

Autumn, it should have been included.

40. Do you like your hair?

Yes

41. Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate but I love the smell of vanilla extract.

42. Coffee or tea?

Coffee

43. Do you prefer your friends e-mail or call you?

I only have two friends that call me and I like talking to them. I love talking to my family on the phone and probably do it for a couple of hours a day even though they either live with me or live one street over.

44. When was the last time you cried?

I honestly can’t remember. I don’t cry these days like I used to. Thanks Zoloft.

45. What’s under your bed?

Don’t know, don’t want to know.

46. What did you do last night?

Went to see Boz Scaggs. DUH!!!

47. What are you afraid of?

Something bad happening to my children.

48. Salty or sweet?

Salty, though I keep away from salt now because of blood pressure. I don’t like sugar all that much but I love starchy foods.

49. How many keys are on your key ring?

Dumbass question. Who Cares?????

50. How long have you been at your current job?

Yea right.

51. Favorite day of the week?

Every day.

52. Do you make friends easily?

Yes, too easily because I prefer not hanging out with non family members too often though I do have an extended family. People who aren’t related to me but I consider family like most of my daughter’s friends. They can pop over anytime and I am always happy to see them. My best friends Cindy and Nancy I consider family.

53. How many brothers & sisters do you have?

One of each.

54. Are your parents still married?

I guess so. They were married when they died so I guess if there is a heaven they are up there together. Though I’ll bet my Dad is flirting with all the young ladies.

55. Do you like finding little details about your friends?

I know everything about my friends at home but I love finding out about my blogging friends. That’s the fun in getting to know them. Some hold back more than others but that’s OK. The internet can be a scary place to let it all hang out like I do but I don’t give a shit who knows what about me.

The wasband just called me and got tickets for the three of us (me, his girl, and himself) to see Boz Scaggs tonight. I am so excited. I wanted to go to a concert this summer because I can fit in the chairs now. It’s at the Melody Tent in Hyannis. The best concert I ever saw when I was young was Boz Scaggs, The Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac. Barry and I were talking about that concert last night. I leave you with a video of Boz.

Yes, Ladies and Gentleman, I lost 3.4 pounds this week for a total of exactly 80 pounds. Hoo Rah!!

I keep thinking that I should look down at the floor and I’ll actually see the fat that I’ve lost. There should be trails of it all over the house. To have it just disappear is not fair. I want to see it first, a big 80 pound pile of fat. It would encourage me to keep going and make the pile bigger. I’ll keep going anyway because I can imagine what it would look like.

NOW THIS IS AN 80 POUND PUMPKIN. OF COURSE, 80 POUNDS OF FAT WOULD BE DENSER AND TAKE UP LESS SPACE BUT 80 POUNDS IS 80 POUNDS. IMAGINE TRYING TO LIFT THAT SUCKER! I JUST NOTICED THAT THE WOMAN IS HOLDING A SIGN THAT READS 1075 POUNDS. SO I THINK WHOEVER LABELED THIS PUMPKIN PHOTO AS BEING 80 POUNDS SCREWED UP. DAMN, I THOUGHT I LOST THAT WHOLE PUMPKIN.

THIS IS AN 80 POUND PUMPKIN!! OOPS!! IT STILL TOOK TWO PEOPLE TO CARRY IT!!

THIS IS DR. LAWTON HIMSELF. I COULD ALWAYS TRY THIS IF ALL ELSE FAILS. SERIOUSLY, THERE REALLY IS A SUCKER BORN EVERY DAY BECAUSE ONLY A SUCKER WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THIS.

JUST HAD TO THROW THIS OLD AD OUT TO YOU. THORAZINE: It is principally used in the treatment of schizophrenia, though it has also been used to treat hiccups and nausea. I BETTER GET CONTROL OF MY CANE. I DON’T WANT TO BE FORCED INTO TAKING THIS CRAP.

I thought I was going to be alone all weekend but the wasband showed up last night. He tried to drive us to see the fireworks but we left too late. I did get to see the last 45 seconds though. It was beautiful. His girlfriend came down this morning and is staying the weekend.

I TOOK THIS SHOT THIS MORNING.

They are off to the beach right now. Tonight we are all going out to dinner. Poor wasband can’t get a word in edgewise when she and I are together. I really like her a lot and she’s very smart and funny. I’m not just saying that L because I know you’re reading this. It’s all true.

I found this photo of me last night. It was taken on Christmas 1953. I would have been 4 1/2. They used to call me Noni.

SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS. CHECK OUT THIS OLD AD FOR CIGARETTES.

That’s all I’ve got for today. I still have many episodes of “Heroes” to watch.

First of all I would like to thank everyone for their well wishes. They were really appreciated. I love knowing there are people out there that have never even met me but really care about me. And know this: I care right back at you!!!

You’d think I was having a quadruple by-pass or having my head sewn back onto my body. I told you I was going to milk this as long as I could. That’s one of the perks of getting older. I so milked it when I got home.

I was very lucky. I wore pants with an elastic waist just hoping and praying they wouldn’t make me wear an awful hospital gown. It worked. The Doc just pulled them down a tad, pulled up my shirt a tad and we were ready to go.

I TOOK THIS PHOTO MYSELF JUST BEFORE I CLIMBED ONTO THE WHATEVER YOU CALL THOSE BEDS. THAT”S THE X-RAY IMAGER THE DOC USED TO MAKE SURE HE DIDN’T MESS UP WHERE HE STUCK THE NEEDLES.

I warned him not to F*** it up. I had my cane with me. I couldn’t get the nurse to take a photo of the actual procedure. BUT…

THIS IS MY ACTUAL SPINE WITH A COUPLE OF THE NEEDLES IN IT. THE NURSE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LET ME SNAP A QUICK PIC.

The actual sticking of the needles probably only took 15 minutes. There was a little pain if you can call it that. Mostly it was my anticipation of having pain that was the worst part. I kept waiting for something painful to happen and it never really did. I’m glad I couldn’t see what was happening though.

The best part was when I got home. I never watched the TV show “Heroes” when it was on. I missed two seasons of it. I was going to buy the first season DVD soon. The Doc said to stay in my chair the rest of the day so of course I did. I checked “On Demand” to see if there were any good movies on and I came across every episode of “Heroes” from seasons 1 and 2. I watched 12 episodes yesterday back to back.

THEN I FOUND OUT IT WAS COSTING ME .99 CENTS AN EPISODE. NOT QUITE WHAT I EXPECTED. TOO LATE NOW.

The Doc said I couldn’t even go pick up Sarah at the boat in the evening so my brother-in-law did it for me. When Sarah came home there was a pile of dishes in the sink which I had actually meant to do before I left but forgot. She did the dishes for me. YES!! They told me to chill out today too so I am going to watch another 12 episodes of “Heroes” or more if I have time. The hell with the .99 cents an episode.

I did put a pork roast in the crock pot this morning so Obie and Barry would have supper tonight. Yes, Barry is finally home after 2 weeks traveling around with his girlfriend “birding”. They had a great time. He’s just staying 2 nights and then going back to her house for who knows how long. I’m just glad he has found someone that makes him happy.

I just wanted to write a quick post to let everyone know I was doing great. I don’t want to get too excited here but I would almost swear my back feels better than usual this morning. They say you can have quick results or it can take up to two weeks or it might not work at all. They also say it might work for a short time and that’s it or it might work for a long time. Lot’s of choices here.

Oh, and the nurse assured me it won’t affect my appetite and there will be no extra weight gain. YES AGAIN!!

Well, I have to get back to my lazy girl chair in my air conditioned room and watch Heroes. Gotta do what the Doctor ordered. I’ll spend time tomorrow at all your places.

Well I am having the “Facet Block” today on my back. I looked it up online and it is a relatively simple procedure.

” Facet joints are paired joints on the side of the midline at each level of the spine. A facet block is a procedure in which a needle is placed into the facet joint under imaging guidance for the nerve root block injection of a local anesthetic and/or steroid. A facet joint injection may be performed at one or multiple levels and on one or both sides (right/left) of the spine.

The facet block is a diagnostic test to localize the source of your pain by
determining if your pain responds to the injection of medication. Alternatively, this procedure is used to treat symptoms arising from facet joint arthritis.

The precise location for the needle placement is determined with imaging guidance. You may experience brief, temporary sensations of pain or an electric shock sensation down the leg. Iodinated contrast is injected to confirm the location of the needle tip”

I’ll be having 4 needles as far as I can tell not including the ones they give you so you, hopefully, don’t feel pain. My sister is going to bring me and pick me up. I don’t have to cook supper. I could make the family think this is more of a big deal than it actually is to get out of cooking for a few days but my Catholic guilt would certainly overcome me. Plus we’d have nothing to eat because I know no one else would cook.

OK, I just read this stuff. OOPS! I hope none of these happen especially increased appetite. I would be so pissed.

Potential risks and complications

As with all invasive medical procedures, there are potential risks and complications associated with facet joint injections. However, in general the risk is low, and complications are rare. Potential risks and or complications that may occur from a facet joint injection include:

• Allergic reaction. Usually an allergy to x-ray contrast or steroid; rarely to local anesthetic.
• Bleeding. A rare complication, bleeding is more common for patients with underlying bleeding disorders.
• Infection. Minor infections occur in less than 1% to 2% of all injections. Severe infections are rare, occurring in 0.1% to 0.01% of injections.
• Worsening of pain symptoms
• Discomfort at the point of the injection
• Nerve or spinal cord damage or paralysis. While very rare, damage can occur from direct trauma from the needle, or secondarily from infection, bleeding resulting in compression, or injection into an artery causing blockage.

In addition to risks from the injection, some patients will experience side effects from the steroid medication, such as:

• Transient flushing with a feeling of warmth (’hot flashes’) for several days
• Fluid retention, weight gain, or increased appetite
• Elevated blood pressure
• Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, insomnia
• High blood sugar-diabetic patients should inform their primary care physicians about the injection prior to their appointment
• Transient decrease in immunity
• Cataracts-a rare result of excessive and/or prolonged steroid usage
• Severe arthritis of the hips or shoulders (avascular necrosis)-a rare result of excessive and/or prolonged steroid usage

” In general the risk is low” What does that mean exactly? Do the risks outweigh the pain? No! I am so tired of my back hurting I will try anything at this point.

Personally, I think the worst part is wearing those silly hospital gowns. They never have my size.

The above is the new universal hospital gown that is supposed to fit everyone. It better damn well come with instructions because I know I will never figure it out on my own. When they say it fits all, do they really mean it? I’ve tried clothes on that are supposed to fit all and they don’t freakin’ fit me.

I’m bringing my camera. Maybe I can get a nurse to take photos.

I’ve got 48 minutes to write a post on this last day of the month before the clock turns to Midnite, July 1st. The pressure is almost too much to handle. OK, I can do this.

The daughter and I went to two movies this weekend. Sunday we saw “The Incredible Hulk and today we saw the Indiana Jones movie. We both like Sci Fi and fantasy type movies so these were right up our alley. I really couldn’t pick which one I liked best because I liked them both though I love Edward Norton. What a fantastic actor.

What really pissed me off were the rude people in the theater who deserved canings more than any people I have come across in a while. They must have said at least three times on the screen to put your cell phone on silent. Of course during Indiana Jones someone’s phone actually goes off. Obviously the owner was a moron or deaf and blind. I’ll go for moron because I doubt too many deaf and blind people go to theaters.

MORON

During the Hulk movie my daughter who would usually never do this, shushed the kids behind us, Usually I’m the one who shushes. Actually I just yell out “Shut up”. I assume she shushed them to beat me to the punch. Sometimes I embarrass her. During today’s movie a couple behind us talked loudly throughout the movie as if they were in their living room. Fortunately I didn’t hear them because I was so into the movie and my ass was hurting. They were lucky.

What the hell is wrong with people? Where has common sense gone and just plain old thoughtfulness.?
“In-seat complaint button being tested.

ANTIOCH, CA — In one Bay Area theater, Regal is testing out an in-seat device to alert theater employees of a disturbance within the theater:

Loud talking, chair kicking and other movie-theater annoyances may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to a new device similar to the flight attendant call button on airplanes. Moviegoers at the Regal Deer Valley Cinema complex are testing devices that will alert a theater employee when a fellow patron is behaving badly.”

I would have my finger on that button all the time. The little kids behind us today trashed the place with popcorn and they were with their parents.

Is it just me? When I took my kids to the theater when they were little they never talked. They knew if they did I’d pull them out in the middle of the movie. I can’t get started on this kid thing I’ve only got 18 minutes left.

We did enjoy the movies though. I also enjoyed hanging out with Sarah. There are lots more movies coming up that we want to see. OK, Done.

I rarely go out at night. Last night Sarah and her hubby went to the local pub, Grumpy’s because one of their favorite bands was playing, “The Dancing Dogs”.

She called me around 11PM and asked me if I wanted to meet them at the pub. So I drove myself to town and met them. Three of the members of this band are also members of the band “Pumpkin Head Ted”. Pumpkin Head Ted was the band we hired for Sarah’s wedding. Not your typical wedding band but everyone at the wedding commented about how much fun they were and everyone danced all night.

Last night I only had one drink but I did make Sarah dance with me once. I wish I had brought my camera. I could only really stand there banging my cane on the floor but it was fun. Obie went home early because he had to work this morning but Sarah and I closed the place down. It was so sweet because one of the band members came over to me to make sure I was having a good time. Sarah’s friend Dan was there and he got up and played drums with them for the last set. Then the lead singer Tom came down and gave me a hug. I felt like the belle of the ball.

Now I have to confess that I gained 1.4 pounds this week. I did some emotional eating which has always been a problem for me but I got through it. It only lasted a couple of days. Who knew you could put on a pound so fast. Thank goodness there is always next week to do better. I was going to try and weasel out of the meeting because I knew I had gained but I went and faced my demons.

Today I get to face “The Incredible Hulk”

We are going at supper time so hopefully it won’t be crowded. Then we will come home and grill teriyaki turkey burgers at least for Sarah and me. Obie’s having a steak. We are going to grill vegetables too. All weight watcher’s approved. I am even sneaking my own popcorn into the theater. I have to get back on track.

I got this from CuriousC over at Idea Jump.

• A ass (I’m glad I still have one. I’m serious if this pain keeps up I’m having my ass removed)
• B Barbara (my sister)
• C chicken (high protein, low fat)
• D Damon ( I love my son)
• E energy (because I actually have some lately)
• F friends (you gotta have them)
• G gems (without them my daughter wouldn’t have a job and I would have to work)
• H help (sometimes you just need it. You just have to know when to accept it)
• I idiots (without them I wouldn’t seem so smart)
• J Jupiter (I love to look at Jupiter with my telescope)
• K kids ( I love my kids)
• L love ( sappy but true, you gotta have it and you gotta give it)
• M Mom ( I loved my Mom and still do)
• N Nancy ( my best friend since I was 10)
• O Oort Cloud (where all the comets come from)
• P Papa ( actually no one called my dad that but I used up the letters D and G. We used to call him Dad or Gubby.
• Q questions (without questions we’d have no answers)
• R rain ( I love rain, especially at night. The sound can put me to sleep. I also love the smell of rain.)
• S Sarah (what would I do without her)
• T treats (everybody has to have treats once in a while)
• U Uranus ( OK we can look at this two ways. I love planets and we’re back to my ass again)
• V vent ( we all need to vent sometimes, thank you for letting me do that here)
• W Wasband (we may be divorced but he is the best ex-husband ever)
• X xylophone (I had a little one when I was a kid and loved it)
• Y Yoda (the best cat in the world)
• Z Zen (very calming)

I was going to put photos but then I looked at the first one (the A one) and thought Nah!!!

Ok, I just can’t do a blog without at least one picture

THIS IS THE ASTRONOMY ALPHABET. THESE ARE ALL PHOTOS OF OBJECTS IN THE UNIVERSE PROBABLY TAKEN MOSTLY BY THE HUBBLE TELESCOPE. THE FOUR CORNER ONES ARE JUST PHOTOGRAPHS OF ME IN THE DARK. SO CHECK OUT THE UNIVERSE’S ALPHABET.