Scammers, Bricks, Shingles Shot, New York City Rec

             As I was going to post this entry online I first got a call from the “credit card people” on lowering my interest rates. I was not in the mood to play too long with them so I just played on what charge card they were calling about. When I kept saying for them to read out the card number to me and I’ll tell them if it was the right one, they finally hung up on me.

Then I got a call from Windows telling me how my computer is downloading Malware and viruses. It was a strange connection so I did not play around too long with them. I said how I was not allowed to download anything on this computer, only my boss could. The sticky note with my “boss’s” name (Peter Brown) and phone number (01279311416) is on hand for just such occasions! The Youtube explains it all!

 

 

 

 

Life can sure be funny. It was 40 years ago so many of my high school friends were getting married. Graduation from high school in 1970, four years of college and then marriage: That was the expected schedule. The summer and fall of 1974 was that of weddings. Sadly, too many of those marriages did not survive the test of time.

Now I’m again being bombarded by wedding announcements. Only these announcements are for same sex weddings. I can’t believe this. I’m witnessing changes I never thought I would see in my lifetime. My good friends Seth and Jody are tying the knot in San Francisco in a few weeks. Much to the dismay of the Post Office I sent out their present Monday afternoon, Nelsonville Sidewalk bricks!

I have a reception to go to Saturday night for Paul and Jason who have been together since before my move south in 1998. Their bricks will be in a robins egg blue Tiffany Bag!

 

I have gotten to where I don’t like to be around people of my age because invariably the conversation rolls around to what medications they are on and what happened on the last doctor visit. I went through doctor stuff two years ago as far as exams and tests go.  My mother was a WWII Army nurse and growing up we only saw the Doctor for life threatening things. That mentality has stuck with me. I try to take care of my health and enjoy my excesses in moderation.  Last nights supper was a perfect example as I had fettuccini Alfredo (heart attack on a plate) in order to use up the heavy cream before the expiration date. I love this so, but I only cook up 4oz of pasta so I really don’t over indulge.

I was straightening out my files which entailed shredding information documents from some five years ago. It is frightening to think I’ll be signing up for Social Security next year. Where has the time gone? Since I don’t use the prescription benefit of my health care I’m not sure how it works. I had my last physical before I turned 60. Sixty is the magic age where the shingles vaccine is recommended. Many months back I inquired through my Blue Cross Blue Shield plan how much of this would be covered. They were never able to give me a direct answer without a doctors visit and prescription, etc.

In my files I discovered the send out and card for the new prescription plan our old coverage was merged into. I just called them up and my co-pay on a shingles vaccine should be in the neighborhood of $35.00. Checking with Walgreen’s I can walk in for the shot and they will take care of insurance etc. That is my mission for today, get vaccinated for shingles. I have had many friends go through agonizing pain from that rash. If I can save myself that kind of aggravation it is well worth it.

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mily: ‘Bookman Old Style’;”>My computer sound system nearly did me in. When I was experimenting with my “fono-plug” attachment I discovered I was only getting sound from one channel of my speakers. I tested the cables and speakers and thought the problem had to be in the back connection. There is a splitter plug which taps into my sound system so I can hear the internet through that. Bypassing that plug gave me both channels. Checking the splitter plug over I discovered it was a MONO plug not a STERO one!! How many years have I been missing that channel and never realized it?! It was a quick fix and I’m a happy boy now!

Now to play catch up a bit: Tuesday, October 15.

Once again I luxuriated in that wonderful Hotel Wellington shower. What a way to start the day. I was famished from not eating that much Monday. There was a breakfast place just down 7th Ave from the Hotel that was pretty good. Not too crowded, sit down, nice and relaxing. Check out at the Hotel in noon which was a Godsend for me.

Billy and I walked to the Port Authority for him to catch the 11:00 bus to Wayne. Got his ticket and situated him to the right platform. Then I went back to the hotel, checked out, and headed to the “Y”. It is like being home checking in here! I was too early for a check in, so was able to store my bag in the storage room.

The most memorable event of the afternoon occurred on 7th Ave around in the 30’s. I was waiting to cross the street when this Pedi-cab came flying down 7th ave, it ran the red light making a left turn onto the numbered street. There was a sound like a gunshot and the pedi-cab came to a quick stop. The driver was at the rear right wheel examining the now shredded tire. The passenger was noticeable pissed as he paid his fare. A pedestrian to my side and me both chuckled. I said to him, “Karma is a bitch; run a red light and get a flat tire!” I hate to laugh at somebody else’s troubles but sometimes I can’t help it!

Got back to the “Y” and checked in. My room was on the 9th floor and it had a mini fridge! You never know what you will end up with! Walked up 2nd Ave to the supermarket and got a box of cookies, a roast beef sandwich, and a six pack of Brooklyn Lager. This is how I do New York City on a budget!

Walked over to Times Square for a cheap theater ticket. I was told there has been a lot of new material added to Newsical The Musical. I really enjoyed this last trip so decided to do a repeat.

Mercifully the “puppet people were nowhere to be seen. My last encounter I thought I was accosted by a Smurf. One of my noters explained how it might have been a blue Elmo! That sounds more like it as the Smurfs are really old school now!

I arrived a bit early and enjoyed a beer in the lounge. The bartender was Nick who is originally from Huntsville, AL! The musical was very good, but I’m thinking the run of the show is winding down as there were no Playbills.