Good News
Always up for a bit of good news. Gas price war! It seems to be just in our
little city as prices are higher in surrounding areas and much higher in
Cheyenne.
Not Good News
On the darker side, Weld County, where I live, is the 20th
largest oil and natural gas producer in the USA. Between the climate change
idiots led by our (P)regressive governor, and the world wide turmoil in the
energy market, we may see some serious employment problems soon.
This will probably mean an uptick in my delivery of mortgage
dunning letters. I like the money but don’t relish the pain of my neighbors.
People Coping?
I needed to pick up my Metforman prescription. Two drive up
lanes at the drug store had six or more vehicles in line. Parked, went inside, and
was the only customer at the inside counter. The store had tape laid down on
the floor six feet apart in all aisles. Social distancing?
Noticeable Impact
The stay at home order by the Governor seems to have cut
down on traffic. My work is considered “essential” financial activity so I’m
not affected. I do make sure I have my work briefcase with me at all times.
My middle son works in a factory that makes medical
equipment components so he hasn’t missed work. His employer gave all employees
a “note” to show police.
My oldest son, a 49 years old high functioning autistic man,
lives in Seattle. He is having a difficult time with the isolation. I recently
got him a better smart phone that he uses to email me, frequently. You never
stop being a parent.
Out My Front Door
Preparation
From my three years as a medical courier I have an ample
supply of hand sanitizer. I’ve gone back to the routines I used on that job,
and wear cotton gloves. I have some twelve pairs of cheap brown cotton gloves
(a year ago Harbor Freight had a special). Each evening the day’s gloves go
into the wash.
Dog Life
We are now closing in on five months together, Banner the
dog and myself. He does chase away any tedium in my life. We start each morning
with a five to ten minute wrestling session which always puts a smile on my
face. Then it is the walk around the building while he takes care of dog
business. Next stop is the commons room to meet up with the “treat” lady (she
who is the leader of the Coven). After that, it is on to the elevator, our
hall, and then the apartment and breakfast! After that I’m allowed my first cup
of coffee for the day.
Do we ever change from our “raising”? I was raised to take
care of the livestock before I took care of myself.
Our ongoing adventure involves his interaction with the
other residents. This is a 90 unit building of 65+ seniors. Most are very poor
and receive subsidized rent. I’m one of maybe twelve who pay “full sticker”.
Many are sick – lots of wheelchairs and walkers are seen. Many are withdrawn
and profoundly depressed. Along comes Banner and you see smiles. He gets
petted, a lot. Even a hardened cynic like me finds it uplifting. My sister
calls him a therapy dog, and says I’m the one who gets the most therapy. She
may be correct.
Because of him I interact with the other residents much more
than I did before I got him.
It isn’t all smooth sailing. Most of the dogs in the
building are yappy little ankle biters, and most don’t like him. He is such a
wuss – hides behind me as they yap at him.
He rarely barks, doesn’t chew on anything in the apartment,
and has never had an “accident”. He does snore!
Weather permitting I take a mile walk each day with him. The
walk is for my benefit as I continue to drop 5-10 pounds a month. Two to three
times a week I take him to the dog park. He knows the route and starts getting
excited when he sees the direction we are going.
He came from a house with two other dogs that kept attacking
him. The family decided he was easier to adopt than the other two dogs. She had
him for seven years, from the time he was a pup, and I’m sure giving him up was
difficult. We exchange emails about once a month.
I tell others I feel I’ve won the dog lottery.
Life’s Shit
Sandwiches
A friend is going through a family shit storm. One sister is
in a hospice with Stage 4 cancer. Her alcoholic brother is soon to be in the
hospital. Suffering from dementia, among other problems, he is rapidly losing
weight. The weight of dealing with the VA, the insurance companies, etc. falls
on her. She is a strong woman with her own serious health issues. Another
sister refuses to become involved with anything involving her siblings.
From me she gets hugs
(forget social distancing), and an ear when she needs one.
We all know life isn’t fair, don’t we?
Tis a Privilege To
Live in Colorado
On clear mornings I see this as I take the dog out for his
dog business. Never fails to raise my spirits.
