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tvshowfanfics12 · 3 years ago

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Ginna Mackey and Blake Gallo

Takes Place After Episode 9.4

Ginna’s POV:

I saw Gallo walking through the halls, and I stood up from the table and followed him to the locker rooms. He was opening his locker when I came in. I went over to my locker, the words catching in my throat. I opened my locker and looked around, but I didn’t really need anything.

Suddenly I got the courage and I spun around.

“Gallo…” I asked.

He looked up. “Oh, hey Mackey.” He smiled, which made me smile.

“So, the other day you thought I had a kid,” I said, smiling at the mistake he made, thinking that I had a son.

He chuckled. “Yeah, sorry about that.”

I smirked. “Well, you told me about a park that you read about.” I turned back to my locker so Gallo couldn’t see me blush. “I was just wondering if that was you asking me out on a date?”

I looked over my shoulder when Blake didn’t say anything back. He had a smile on his face and when our eyes caught his face brightened.

“You caught that.” He shook his head.

I laughed. “Yeah.”

He leaned against his locker and laughed. “Yeah, I mean I was trying to see if you wanted to go to a park with me and watch your kid play on the playground.” He shook his head. “I still feel so dumb about.” He smiled down at his feet.

“It was sweet.” I shrugged.

“It was stupid.” He looked up at me.

“Well…” I fiddled with my fingers. “Would you like to go on that date? I mean not at a park or anything, but maybe dinner?”

Blake smiled. “Uh… yeah.” He nodded. “I would like that.”

“Good.” I smiled with a nod. “Um… Friday night?” I suggested, knowing that we would be off shift by then.

“Yeah.” He nodded.

“Okay, see you then.” I smiled and walked out of the locker room and back to the lunchroom where I sat down next to Brett.

“You look happier than normal.” Brett nudged me in the shoulder.

“I asked Gallo out,” I whispered to her, unable to hide my excitement.

“Ohhh.” She smirked at me.

“ENGINE 61 TO FIREHOUSE 51 WOMEN SHOT IN HOME.” The alarm went off. I turned to Brett and she nodded. We got up and ran to the ambulance and loaded in.

“Don’t think this doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear everything about you asking Gallo out.” Brett smiled at me as we drove out of the firehouse.

“Of course.” I smiled.

We got on the call and Brett rushed out while I grabbed the medical kit. I ran into the house after Brett who was already assessing the women’s injuries.

“Where is the shooter?” Brett asked.

“He… He ran off.” The women explained in pain. I knelt down beside Brett and took over holding the injury while Brett got out the gauze.

“Did the bullet go through you?” I asked the women.

“I am not sure.” She shook her head. “I hate seeing blood, so I haven’t actually looked.”

“It’s okay.” I nod. “My mother can’t stand the look of blood too,” I say, trying to make her feel better. “Brett, I am going to take a look,” I informed my partner.

“Of course.” Brett agreed.

I took my hand off for a second, and when I didn’t see anything I nodded and reapplied the pressure. I then turned the women slightly to look for an exit wound.

“The bullet is still inside,” I told Brett in a calming tone, trying not to frighten the women.

“Is… Is that bad?” The women asked.

“It just means that the doctors at the hospital will remove it, ma’am,” I told her.

“Oh, no need for the ma’am thing.” The women smiled through the pain. “My name is Doris.”

“Well, hello Doris.” Brett smiled. “My name is Silvia Brett, and this here is Ginna Gallo.”

I nodded to the woman.

“Oh, nice to meet you, ladies.” The woman nods. “I wish it was under different circumstances.” She tried to joke.

“I know.” Brett smiled. “How about we load you into the ambulance.”

“Oh, I am more than ready.” The women laughed.

I assisted Brett in getting the women on the stretcher. Brett sat in the back with the women as I drove to Chicago Med. The lady kept apologizing over and over for the inconvenience she had caused. Brett assured her that it was no trouble while I smiled at how nice this woman was.

When we arrived the hospital staff came out and took Doris in for surgery to remove the bullet. I was helping Brett to clean the back of the ambulance when the police came to ask us questions.

“Did you see the shooter?” Burges asked.

“No, they had left the scene before we had arrived,” Brett answered for us.

“Did Doris say who did this to her?” Burges asked. “Did she know the person?”

“We didn’t ask. We only wanted to know if the shooter was still in the area and then we got her here.” I said, refilling my med bag as I talked.

“Alright.” Burges nodded. “I will contact you if there is anything else I need. Nice save girls.” She said before she left.

Brett and I finished the cleanout of the ambulance and then we headed back to the station. We had just pulled out of the station when Brett started talking.

“So, how did you ask him?” She smiled.

“Ask who?” I said, taking one last check in the back before settling into my seat.

“Gallo. How did you ask Gallo out?” Brett laughed.

“Oh, so a few days ago he offered to take me and my kid to a playground in town that he heard about.” I started to explain.

“Woah! A kid!” She turned to me in shock. “I didn’t know you had a kid.”

“I don’t.” I laughed and grabbed her shoulder to calm her down. “I had said something about one of the kids that my mom watches at her daycare but I referred to him as my kid and Gallo thought that I had a kid,” I explained.

“Oh.” Brett nodded. “At least he was listening.”

“Yeah.” I laughed. “So anyways he asked if I wanted to go to a park but when I explained he just laughed it off. So did I.” I shrugged. “Then that night I realized that he was asking me out, but then got scared off.”

“Oh.” Brett nodded.

“So this morning when I got on shift I asked him out,” I said as a matter of fact.

“The fire station? You asked him out at the fire station?” Brett laughed. “I wouldn’t say that is the most romantic place to ask someone out.”

“Oh please. I have heard many stories about the fire station’s great love affairs.” I laugh. “And it was actually the locker room in the fire station where I asked him.”

“Oh, that's so much better.” She said in sarcasm.

I laughed. “So we are going out on Friday night after shift,” I said as we parked in the fire station.

“Oh, where are you going?” She asked.

“I was thinking Molly’s.” I shrugged and got out of the truck. “I don’t know of many good places for a first date.”

“Well if you’re going to Molly’s maybe I can talk Stella into closing the outside patio so you guys can have your date under the stars.” Brett nudged me.

“I don’t know.” I smiled. “I mean we never actually made the plans. We just set a date. What if he wants to go somewhere fancy?”

“Molly’s can be fancy.” Brett shrugged.

“I get that be we always go to Molly’s,” I say, closing the back of the ambulance after I inspected it.

“How about I do some digging around and see where Gallo plans to go and then tell you.” Brett put her arm around my shoulder. “It’s the least I can do, partner.”

“I would like that.” I smiled.

Brett and I walked into the lunchroom which seemed to be emptier than normal. In fact, at this time everyone was usually watching something on tv or playing games at the table and there was no one in the room now.

“HE SHOOTS… HE SCORES!!!” Loud screaming came from outside.

I looked at Brett and she seemed to think the same thing. We walked out the doors and to the backside of the firehouse where everyone was. There was a crowd cheering while another group raced around a homemade obstacle course.

“RUN!!” They shouted at them.

“What is going on?” Brett said asking Mouch who had a score sheet in his hands.

“Stella needed some practice so she challenged the firehouse to a race,” Mouch explained. “It sort of got out of hand and now we are all betting on who is going to finish the course with the best time.”

“Who is winning?” I asked, leaning over to see the score sheet.

“No the race hasn’t started yet. This is practice.” Mouch said.

“When is it starting?” Brett asked, looking at everyone running.

“In an hour.” He explained. “This is for them to warm up and you to see who you are going to bet on.”

“Oh.” Brett nodded.

“All bets must be placed in 20 minutes,” Mouch said.

I turned back to see all the commotion. Stella was running in first but Casey was in close second and then Gallo and Sevoride were in a close tie. Stella was trash talking and the crowd was cheering them on.

I turned to Brett and laughed.

“So, wanna place a bet?” Brett asked me.

“Oh yeah.” I agreed.

After I grabbed my wallet from my locker I put $30 down on Gallo. Of course, Stella was amazing and could run the course no problem, but I was hoping Blake would win.

Brett also placed a bet and if I was to guess I think she put it in Casey.

It was explained that half of the money would go to the winner and the other half would go to buying drinks for everyone at Molly’s. I thought that was a good cause.

“Placed your bet?” Brett asked me.

“Yes. You?” I asked, sitting down beside her on the outdoor chairs that had been brought out to watch the race.

“I have never seen Stella so determined.” Brett laughed. “I think she even cursed Casey.

“What?” I turned to Brett for an explanation.

“She muttered something under her breath and then told me that Casey was “taken care of”. She laughed.

I laughed. “Competition can bring out the worst in people.”

We sat and watched as Stella, Casey, Gallo, and Sevoride ran the course a few more times. Brett pointed out things that, if they avoided, would save them time in the end. I nodded in agreement.

“I am going to get some drinks. Want any?” I asked Brett and the practice ended.

“Water please,” Brett said.

“On it.” I go inside and grab a few bottles of water for the runners and Brett and me. My hands were full when I walked back outside.

“WATER!” Is said loud enough to get the competitor’s attention. I handed Brett her water and walked over to the panting group as they were recovering.

“You are a lifesaver, Mackey:” Stella said as I handed her water.

“What I am here for,” I said, handing out the water to Sevoride.

I turned around and gave water to Casey who was now laying on the ground. “You good?” I asked.

“Yeah. Never better.” He said waving his hand in the air.

“I’ll take water?” Blake’s voice said from behind me.

I turned around and handed him a bottle. “So how did you get roped into this?”

He laughed and took a big gulp of his water. “Stella wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“Oh.” I smiled. “Are you sure you will have enough energy to run this race?” I leaned on part of the obstacle course.

“Yeah.” He chuckled. “I do this for a living you know?”

“I know,” I smirk. “Stella was smoking all of you.” I nudged him.

“Hey, I was saving my energy.” He nudged me back. “And I don’t see you running this course.” He said in a challenging tone.

“Oh, that’s not going to work on me.” I shook my head. “I am perfectly happy watching you.”

“Oh is that so?” He said making me blush.

I looked down at my shoes, noticing my mistake. I glanced back up at him which only made him laugh.

“What’s happening over here?” Cruz said, walking over to us.

“We are just talking,” I said to Cruz, knowing that he is just seconds away from going into big brother mode.

“Talking about what?” Cruz came over and took the water out of my hands.

“We are talking about who is more likely to win the race,” Gallo said and then he took a sip of his water.

“Oh, well my bet is on Casey. He has always been able to smoke anyone who challenges him.” Cruz says as he looks right at Gallo.

They just look at each other like they are waiting for someone to make the first move.

“Stella is pretty good though.” I interrupt their little staring contest.

“I think I can beat them.” Gallo relaxes on a post.

“Sure.” Cruz laughs.

“I can,” Gallo says confidently.

“We’ll see,” Cruz says before walking off. He kept glancing over his shoulder back to us. When he was inside I turned to Gallo and laughed.

“So, who did you bet on?” Gallo asked with a dorky smirk.

“Why should I tell?” I teased him.

“Because I am curious.” He smiled.

“You,” I said quietly. “I bet on you.”

“Well, then I have motivation not to lose.” He grinned from ear to ear. “I can’t have you lose your bet.”

“You better not.” I joked.

“What is going on!” Boden shouted, making everyone turn to him.

“Chief,” Severide said first.

“Someone please explain why there is an obstacle course back here!” He turned to look at every one of us. Probably taking a mental photo of everyone involved.

“We are helping Stella.” Severide stepped up to explain. “We started out as helping her train but it became a competition.”

“And you are placing bets!?” He turned to Mouch who was going through the money.

“Yes, Chief.” Severide nodded.

“And no one thought to involve me?” Boden turned to Mouch. “I want to place a bet.”

Everyone sighed.

After Boden placed his bet I went back over to Brett and sat in our seats. The competitors got into their gear and Ritter held a flag.

“Ready?” He asked them.

“Yeah,” Casey said.

“Yes.” Severide nodded.

“Yep.” Gallo winked at me, making me blush.

“Let’s go!” Stella said, pumped up.

Ritter waves the flag and the race begins. Of course, Stella shoves over Casey who falls into Severide and that makes Brett and I crack up. Stella stays in the lead but Gallo follows close on her tail.

“GO! GO! GO!” Boden cheers on. From the looks of it he placed his bet on Stella.

“This is fun.” I turn to Brett who is laughing.

“Much better than sitting in front of the tv and watching Mouch and Herrman fight over the remote another night.” Brett laughs.

She was right. I haven’t been working here long but I did notice that when we had overnight shifts, everyone would gather and watch tv until super. This was much better. And Mouch and Herrman always make a big deal about the shows they watch, and I never get to watch the ones that I want.

“So true,” I said while taking a sip of my water.

“How long do you think this will last?” Brett turned to me.

“What do you mean? The race?” I turned to her.

“Yeah. I could see them calling for a rematch until midnight.” Brett laughed. “Casey would say that he didn’t have a proper start and wants a re-do.”

I laugh.

I look back at the race and they seem to be at the end of the course. Casey and Severide are laughing and shoving each other out of the way like boys and Stella is by far in the lead. Gallo is running in second but he looks like he is having fun.

“Come on, you are so close!” Boden yells at Stella. “Cross the line!”

When Stella breaks the ribbon that Mouch and Herrman hold, everyone stands up and cheers. Brett hugs Stella just as Gallo crosses the line.

“WINNER!” Boden holds up Stella’s hand.

“I… I want… a rematch.” Casey says, out of breath, as he crosses the line.

“Same.” Serveride leans on Casey for support.

Everyone laughs and I look right at Brett. “I was right.” She says to me.

“Yes, you were,” I say as I come over to Stella. “Nice one Stella. I think this means you are ready for your fitness part of the Lieutenants exam.”

“I hope so.” She laughs.

I then walk over to Gallo who is taking a drink of water. “Nice race,” I say to him, leaning on a post so that I am facing him.

“Well, I thought that Stella should get the win.” He smiled.

“Oh, sure.” I rolled my eyes.

“Sorry, you didn’t win the bet.” He leaned closer.

“Oh, it’s fine. Half of my bet goes to drinks at Molly’s.” I shrug.

“That’s true.” He smirked. Then he just stared at me.

I stared back at him. The blood rushed to my cheeks, but I held his gaze.

“What?” I asked after a minute.

“What?” He had a dorky smile on his face.

“You're staring at me.” I blush even more. How red can a person get?

“I am not.” He didn’t leave my eyes as he said it.

“Oh really.” I lean closer.

“Pizza!” Cruz jumped in the middle of us, scaring me half to death. “We are getting pizza tonight and I am taking orders. What do we want.” Cruz said, giving Blake a deadly glare.

“Um… Cheese.” Blake answered, a little afraid.

“Cheese is fine with me,” I say, pulling on Cruz’s arm. “You have our order now.”

“I am going to need someone to help with getting the pizza.” Cruz’s eyes didn’t leave Blake’s. “Gallo, want to help?” He said more of a threat.

“No, I will go.” I offered, trying to save Blake the humiliation of being in the car with Cruz.

“I… I should start cleaning this up before it gets dark out.” Blake said, talking about the mess of an obstacle course that was laying on the ground.

“Yeah. You should.” Cruz spats.

“Cruz, how about you get everyone's order and I will meet you at your truck.” I step in front of him so he is forced to look at me. I glare at Cruz.

“Fine.” He says reluctantly.

I turn back to Blake and sigh.

“I think he was going to kill me.” Blake laughs.

“He might still.” I joke.

“That’s not funny. He totally could kill me.” Blake laughs.

“I should get going before he comes back here and drags you into a dark alley.” I laugh.

“Yeah, I have a mess to clean up anyway.” He smirks.

I nod and then walk back inside. Before I go through the doors I look back at Blake and he now has a broom in his hand, but he turns and looks at me. His dorky smile sends butterflies to my stomach and I blush and duck inside.

When I get to Cruz’s car he is already in the car with a notepad of everyone's order. I take the paper and look it over to make sure that everyone’s name is on it.

“So two large Candian Bacon. two large Pepperonis, and three large cheese?” I confirm.

“Yep,” Cruz says in a better mood than before.

“Are you ever going to stop glaring at Gallo when I talk to him?” I ask, leaning back in my seat and enjoying the ride.

“Nope. Never.” He says firmly.

“I am not a little kid anymore. You don’t have to protect me.” I argue.

“You will always be like a little sister to me. That means that no one is good enough for you.” Cruz says like it’s a matter of fact or something.

“But you like Gallo. You think he is a nice guy.” I say, remembering all the times Cruz was telling me about his friends at 51 while I was still training.

“But it’s different if you date him,” Cruz says.

“Look, I like him,” I confess. “I know you're just trying to look out for me, but I can do that for myself. So please, will you lay off?!”

It was silence.

As we drove into the pizza place, Cruz stopped the car and grabbed the notebook. Before he opened the door to his car he turned to me. “I will try.”

“Thank you.” I sighed. Then we got out of the car and went inside to place an order for pizza.

When we got back to the station everyone was already inside shouting about a rematch or how they want their money back. When we walked through the doors with pizza everyone started to crowd us now.

“Oh, that smells good.” Gallo came over and took the pizzas I was holding out of my hands and set them on the counter.

He handed me a plate as he opened up the boxes to find the cheese. I took a few slices and grabbed a pop from the fridge. I sat next to Blake who was talking to Ritter about a story or something.

“Yeah, and then right as I was about to jump down, I heard a ripping noise and knew that I had ripped my pants.” Gallo laughed as he was telling Ritter his story.

“You ripped your pants?” I chuckled.

“Oh yeah.” Ritter laughed. “This smooth talker thought that if he could climb a tree and get a volleyball out of it that he would get a girl's number.” Ritter filled me in.

“It didn’t work and I lost a pair of pants that day.” Blake pretends to be sad about it.

“Oh my.” I shook my head and laughed.

“So, you have any embarrassing stories?’ Ritter asked me. “We are sharing after all.”

“Nope,” I said as I took a bite of my pizza.

“You have never done anything embarrassing?” Blake asked, questioning me.

“No. I don’t get embarrassed.” I said while sitting up a little straighter.

“I don’t believe that.” Ritter laughed. “Hey, Cruz!” He said to Cruz who was sitting in front of the tv. Cruz looked up. “Got any embarrassing stories of Ginna over here?”

I glared at Cruz, not wanting him to spill anything. If anyone knew embarrassing things about me it would be him. Cruz seemed to know this so a smile spread on his face.

“I might have a few good ones.” He stood up and walked to our table. “How much time do you have?”

“Oh, I don’t have that many stories,” I said sarcastically.

“Oh, I think you do.” Cruz sat down next to Ritter and across from me and Blake. “Where should I start? How about the time you thought that the guy at the pool was actually selling popsicles but actually you bought drugs?”

I put my face in my hands. I forgot about that one.

“Okay, I think I need to hear this,” Blake said, shifting in his chair to pay more attention.

“Well one day at our neighborhood pool, Ginna really wanted an orange popsicle.” Cruz started. “So when she saw that there was a sign for popsicles outside the pool gates, she grabbed money from her mom’s purse and went over to buy it. How much money did you take again?” Cruz asked me.

“Okay, so I didn’t know how much money they would cost so I grabbed a hundred dollars.” I looked up at Cruz. “But you are forgetting that before that I had asked you to buy me one and you refused.”

“Yeah, well I knew they weren’t actually selling popsicles.” Cruz throws it back at me. “Anyways with the hundred bucks she walks right up and orders three popsicles.”

Blake looked over to me, smiling from ear to ear. I might not have been such an open book as I had thought.

“When I asked him for them he told me to bug off,” I said, taking over the story. “When I started to get mad he confessed to not having any orange popsicles left. I showed him the money and said that I wanted some now.”

“You showed him the money?” Ritter said, laughing off his chair.

“Yeah. I was dumb and showed the tiny drug dealer a hundred bucks and asked him to give me what he had if he didn’t have any orange ones left.” I shook my head. “So when he handed me a popsicle box I didn’t care to look inside before I handed him the money.”

“You didn’t even check!?” Blake held his side and he was laughing so hard.

“I was five. I didn’t think that drug dealers were eleven-year-old kids.” I said to my defense.

“And then tell everyone what happened.” Cruz wiped a tear from his face because he was laughing so hard.

“I jumped into the hot tub at the pool with the box in my hands to hand it out to everyone.” I covered my face with my hands. “The hot water and the drugs didn’t mix well and in like three minutes we had a hot tub that looked like weed tea.”

“The pool had to be closed for two weeks because this girl got drugs into the filtration system.” Cruz laughed.

“I am not proud of that.” I shook my head. “It was an accident.”

“And what did you do the next time you saw that drug dealer?” Cruz edged me on.

“I gave him a wedge and shoved him into the pool in the deep end,” I said in a quiet voice.

“What was that?” Blake leaned in closer. “Did you just say you gave him a wedge and shoved him into the pool?”

“You heard me correctly.” I looked up to meet his gaze. He was laughing so hard and I hadn’t noticed before but everyone in the room seemed to have heard my story and was laughing with me.

“So, what you are telling me is to watch out for any popsicle stands?” Brett said, resting a hand on my shoulder.

“Ha Ha.” I looked up at her. “I was young.”

“Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to talk to strangers?” Casey asked in a joking tone.

“They did, but I wanted an orange popsicle,” I argued. “He was just eleven. I had no idea that his cardboard sign was just a ruse to hide his real business.”

“What did your parents say when they found out you bought drugs with their money?” Ritter asked.

“They weren’t happy but they got mad when I told them that I spent the whole hundred on the drugs.” I laughed.

“Okay, can we just take a second? So, if you thought it was actually popsicles in that box, did you really spend a hundred buck on it?” Blake said thinking about it for a second.

“Yes,” I grumbled as I put my head on the table.

Then there was another burst of laughter.

“So I might have ripped my pants for a girl, but you bought drugs from an eleven-year-old.” Gallo laughed. “I think you win with the most embarrassing story.”

“Yeah, I so wanted to win,” I said sarcastically.

We sat around the table sharing jokes and playing card games together for about an hour more. We laughed and after telling a few more stories around the table I didn’t feel so embarrassed. Everyone shared and it soon became a competition to see who had the worst story.

I looked over to Blake a lot and watched as he bluffed in poker and failed in Janga. He would catch my eyes every once and a while and give that dorky smile that sent butterflies to my stomach.

It was late and people were starting to get tired. I myself was having a hard time keeping my eyes open, but didn’t want to miss a thing.

I felt a warm hand squeeze mine under the table and I looked over to Gallo who was looking at me.

“You should get some rest.” He said softly so the others didn’t hear.

“I am not tired.” I lied but my body betrayed me as I yawned afterward.

“I beg to differ.” He smiles at me. “Go to bed.”

I smile in defeat and nod my head. I slowly slip my hand out of his and stand up. I tell everyone I am going to bed and then leave for the sleeping quarters.

#chicago #chicago fire #blake gallo #gianna mackey #firefighters #fire house #romance #gallo #tv show #tv ships

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violent-ham · 4 years ago

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The Artemis Fowl Movie

I wrote musings as I watched the movie. Here they are without much context but I’m hating the movie so much that I don’t care to go through and write a comprehensive review. Maybe later.

Also note that it’s been a WHILE since I’ve read the books. So. I’m aware that some of my nitpicking may be off.

Needless to say, spoilers for the movie.

Less than five minutes in. Artemis Fowl II… is surfing.

….maybe that wasn’t Artemis?

They killed Angeline???

Psychologist scene was almost spot on. Almost. ….maybe this won’t be as bad as the trailers made it look.

They had me believing for a moment with his interactions with the psychologist. BUT THE VERY NEXT SCENE. Artemis riding a hover board IN JEANS. Artemis wouldn’t be caught dead in jeans. The one time he wore them in the books he complained extensively about them.

Fowl Sr.

Movie Artemis to have a great relationship with his father who is TEACHING HIM ABOUT FAIRIES.

Cliched rich absentee father.

Oh sweet jesus Butler

SAID BUTLER’S FIRST NAME IN HIS INTRODUCTION.

So… they’re just gonna completely reinvent Butler. Alright.

Tantrum over his father’s criminal empire. Book Artemis KNOWS THIS and is actively trying to rebuild his family’s fortune after the disappearance of his father YEARS AGO.

Is that Koboi.

Yer a wizard, Arty

Let Artemis be smart and find out about fairies on his own instead of force-feeding us and him expositional dialogue. Let him be the clever genius he’s supposed to be.

Really hamfisting the whole “THIS FAMILY IS SO IRISH” thing, aren’t they?

I can only hear Olaf when Mulch speaks.

I don’t like that they switched it to Mulch stealing Holly’s wallet from Mulch stealing the badge (?) off another officer and Holly retrieving it. Might just be nitpicky at this point though.

Briar Cudgeon already in prison??

Holly… other female LEP… Root… Holly’s whole story arch. Yeah.

Holly gets a “Missing Father” plot too

STOP SAYING DOMOVOI.

NIECE. I can overlook the age down (unless they’re planning to try and romance them in the future. If there is a future). But… NIECE?? Juliet is his SISTER. Not his niece. Why was this a necessary change??

Short hair… no jade ring…

Already having the groundwork for The Book and finding fairies laid out for him…

Explaining shuttles to THE experienced flyboy. Gotta get that exposition in somehow, I guess.

Holly’s father is a thief too, just like Arty’s! Wonder where they’re gonna go with that… =.=

Yeah forget keeping the civilization a secret and having underground docking stations for the shuttles, lets just shoot Holly out of a fucking volcano in full view of a major city and fly away unshielded.

Arty’s gonna sit comfy while Butler, sorry DOMOVOI stakes out the tree to kidnap a fairy instead of wanting to see and make sure in person.

“Pick on someone your own size!”

Time freeze capsule.

Time freeze for the rogue troll in Italy.

Holly going rogue instead of just to refill her magic…

Holly and Arty’s dads working together.

Opal Fucking Koboi.

Oh good, Arty decided to join DOMOVOI after all.

Gah, those contacts

“Not happy!” …my sentiments exactly, Holly.

In a box, not a cell. Guess they’re not gonna go the route of “Holly breaks the floor of her cell to find dirt to restore her magic and WRECK Artemis’s day.”

Arty sr. teaching Arty jr. about the dangers of fairies.

The jeans are back!

Very, very brief glimpse of Artemis in Arty. This movie needs more of that.

“There are humans that are afraid of gluten, how do you think they’d handle goblins?” Ok that got me…

Flannel and jeans. WHERE IS HIS SUIT.

“I’m going to need the suit.” Oh. There it is.

Arty firing a fairy gun and actively partaking in the fight.

…………disabling the time freeze WITH AN ARROW. He’s not even allowed to be clever in escaping the time freeze/blue rinse combo at the end??? Will there even be a blue rinse?

Also, why did the time freeze act as described in the book for Fowl Manor, but LITERALLY freeze time for the incident with the troll? What are the movie rules?

Well at least they included the “While I’m alive” stipulation but… they’ve gone so off the rails so far I’m not sure it makes a difference anymore. There’s been no build up, no struggle between the fairies and Arty until he captured Holly five minutes ago. The reveal isn’t going to feel earned if they even go that route.

Well they kept Mulch jamming his thumbs up a goblin’s nose to fry him in jail. So there’s that.

Nope. No. Arty should be mesmered and Holly out of there.

Portals between worlds. What movie are we in again?

David Bowie is a Fairy.

The scene between Root and Mulch got a laugh out of me. Small laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. Which is more than this movie deserves.

Mulch unhinging his jaw was actually horrifying.

But, they had to go for the comedic “pop out of a painting” instead of coming up through the floor. How did he even get into the wall if he was tunnelling through the ground? Comedy of sensibility, I guess.

So much for “Dwarves can’t burp”

Arty should be mesmered. AGAIN.

Arty unlocking Holly instead of Holly escaping. They’re really pushing this forced bond between them.

What was that reaction to getting punched! And not even a jab about lollipops from Holly.

That’s not how allergies work

“D’arvit.” My sentiments exactly, Commander.

Mulch having pickpocketed Holly’s gun off of DOMOVOI gave me a chuckle. And the fact that not one of them said “How did you pickpocket that off of DOMMOVOI?” is surprising, but welcome. Seems like they forgot about “show don’t tell” up until this point. And something tells me that after this gag, it will be forgotten again.

Was there a reason for jamming magic in the house when Holly is the ONLY magic user in there? Unless Cudgeon is actively trying to kill Holly. Which. ….yeah alright maybe. Guess that means Holly isn’t going to almost get pummeled to death by the troll if she can’t heal.

Holly is consistently a damsel in distress instead of a badass LEP captain.

How did Holly get the momentum to swing that chandelier thing across the room and through the glass?

A lot of running, jumping, and dangling precariously off of things. Too many cut jumps, not enough troll fighting. What about medieval suit of armor Butler squaring off with the troll? Did they cut that too??

Arty losing the gun due to recoil. That should have happened the very first time he fired it if it has recoil. Do neutrinos have recoil?

Ah, so they blocked the magic as a plot device to make us believe DOMOVOI isn’t going to make it.

“Buddy.” That shouldn’t be in Arty’s vocabulary. Especially when referring to DOMOVOI. Can’t even work in an “Old Friend.” Nope. Gotta go with “Buddy.”

Magic unblocked, DOMOVOI saved. Wow, did NOT see that coming……. =.=

Healing fatal wounds is supposed to be tricky even for trained medics to deal with, much less for a LEP officer to do in two seconds.

Oh, they’re suggesting that he actually DIED. There was a whole scene about this in the third (?) book and being brought back from the dead had some serious repercussions for Butler. But nah, two seconds and he’s fine. Admittedly he was frozen for some time in the book. But still!

Sooo… the time freeze exploding did nothing and everyone in the house is fine?

Why does Holly trust Arty? They’ve really done nothing to earn each other’s trust

Oh good, they’re friends.

Forever friends.

Ok, using the first lines of The Book as a spell… is the ocularis or whatever supposed to be the movie version of The Book?

Ocularis ex machina, Dad is saved!

“I’m Artemis fowl. I’m a criminal mastermind.” No, you’re Arty and lucky as fuck that the plot of this movie loves you so much.

A FEW of the plot points are there. SOME of the scenes are there. It’s like they started to make an actual Artemis Fowl movie, scrapped it, wrote in some unrelated story and mashed the two together. This wasn’t an Artemis Fowl movie. This wasn’t even a GOOD movie if you take away the relation to Artemis Fowl. The acting is phoned in and just plain bad at times, like they just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. The effects are pretty good in places but my god that does not make up for shredded scrap of a story it has. Artemis wasn’t allowed to be clever or in any way villainous, Holly wasn’t allowed to be a badass LEP recon Captain, Mulch… would have been fine if it were an actual Artemis Fowl movie, even if I could only hear Olaf when he spoke. Arty didn’t earn his “Criminal Mastermind” badge in this, not by a long shot. Waited so long for this movie and every apprehension I had after viewing the trailer was warranted. Just awful.

They didn’t even include the sprite from the trailers in the movie.

#spoilers #spoiler #ArtemisFowlSpoilers #Artemis Fowl #Artemis Fowl Movie

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porchwood · 6 years ago

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Okay, here goes. The incredible @everlarkedalways created a GoFundMe to help me out through present circumstances, but before I share that link, I wanted to explain a bit of what’s been going on. I feel awful accepting financial help, in part because I’ve been such a dry well for the past 18 months (I have nothing creative to give back/say “thank you” with) and also because so many of you have previously contributed monies to help me through other crisis points over the past five years (yes, it’s been that long and no, it doesn’t seem to be getting any better). But things are maybe the most desperate they’ve ever been and I really can’t say no to badly needed help.

Because I’m long-winded, I’m going to try to condense this into a simple chronological order. Things have been relentlessly bad since my car accident on December 26, 2013, but this is where the current run really started:

December 2017: The day after Christmas, I went to the ER at 3am with excruciating chest and upper back pain, a bad experience all around (terrible staff, indifferent care). Their best guess was that I’d had an acid reflux attack, something I’d never had before (but have had since, alas :/).

January 2018: The ER bill saga began, and after loads of paperwork/headaches applying for any kind of aid/bill forgiveness, they put me on a payment plan for the $1,343 balance (and yes, that was "after” insurance - Marketplace policies are crap and all they did was “adjust” the total; nothing was covered). Meanwhile, I started taking Lucky to an acupuncturist over an hour’s drive away, desperate to find something to ease her severe separation anxiety (nonstop barking and howling when I was gone, which we have been struggling to treat, with varying degrees of success, for over two years). The sessions were very expensive (around $400 for one month - I had to put them on a credit card that I’m still chipping away at) and actually made her WORSE.

February 2018: The downstairs neighbors left a mildly threatening note about Lucky’s howling - the day before my birthday. In a ridiculous twist of luck, I managed to find a great sitter who only takes little dogs and was (and still is) able to watch Lucky for me as needed, but it cost me $25/day. (At most I would use her two days a week, but you can see how quickly that would add up.) At the same time, I also started administering CBD drops (suggested by our new vet) to Lucks when I had to leave her at home.

July 2018: After increasing the dosage multiple times, I finally started seeing improvement in Lucky’s behavior from a combination of the CBD drops and SAMe, which was huge (note the timespan), but these therapies cost about $100 month. I resolved to make it work somehow.

September 2018: I found out that my workplace had been bought out by an area salon and would be changing hands soon. Shortly thereafter the new owner sent us the employee handbook, which stated that we could not have another job in the same field (many massage therapists in this part of the country work at multiple places as there simply isn’t enough work to go around, especially in the off-season). The new owner was originally okay with me keeping my second job (on-call work at a yoga studio), and then I learned that that position was switching from a subcontractor to an outright rental (I would have to pay up front for the use of the room and possibly make none of it back while having to promote myself as a business), so for several reasons I decided I would leave that second job at the end of October and try to pick up more hours at my “main” job. One bright spot in all this: the downstairs neighbors moved out at the end of the month, but...

October 2018: ...the day after the neighbors moved out, the landlord informed my roommate (a THG fandom friend and content creator) that the owner of our building had sold the property and that we had 30 days to vacate. I can’t even begin to articulate how stressful, expensive, frightening, and exhausting that time was. By the end of October our only real option was a little house approximately 10 miles from town, and miraculously we got ourselves moved out there - to the tune of lots of $$$ and insane energy expenditure.

November 2018: Because I now lived about 20 mins from work and I have to come home at lunchtime to take Lucky out (and give her a booster of anxiety drops), I had to switch to split shifts. If you’ve ever worked split shifts, you will understand why this sucks (you’re never home, you’re always tired, and you never see or spend time with the people you live with). My new boss put me on the schedule for two additional days a week (I initially had just two days a week, period, hence the second job), which initially seemed very promising, but neither myself nor the rest of the staff realized that the new management had an either/or policy when it comes to pay. (This is messy and frustrating to explain, but in a nutshell: instead of getting paid commission for massages and hourly for the rest of your clocked-in time - laundry, desk help, etc - you get paid ONLY commission, i.e., nothing for all the extra things you do, unless the commission divided by hours amounts to less than minimum wage, in which case they pay you minimum wage for the week instead, including for your massage hours. Which is not cool but is, apparently, legal.) So I was driving about an hour a day (20 mins each way, twice, to the tune of about 300 miles/week) just to make minimum wage (we were entering the dead season for massage and I’m the perpetual “second string” therapist anyway, so some weeks I had just four clients in four days :/), which was exhausting and disheartening.

December 2018: Daylight glimmered: my sister (with whom I am extremely close and who I hadn’t seen in a year and a half) flew out to see me after Christmas. A coworker agreed to cover the whole week and a half of her visit for me, and I was a little nervous about taking the time off (unpaid, of course) at such a rotten financial time, but I hadn’t had a vacation of any kind since moving to Maine nor a weekend off since August of 2017. I resolved to be extra frugal during her visit and my work schedule was going to be almost full after she left, so I was pretty sure I could squeak through somehow.

I saw her off on her return trip, and that night I was carrying some dishes down from our living room when I took a very bad fall down the stairs. These are awful, steep “Maine stairs,” and in my fall my left leg shot out through the open side of the staircase and wedged the knee against the bookcase in the dining room below. When I tried to get up I realized that something was very wrong with my knee, and my roommate helped me to bed with ice, a brace, ibuprofen, etc. The following morning I went to the hospital and was directed to the same stupid ER (the last place I ever wanted to go again, but they don’t have urgent care out here and wouldn’t let me just see a GP, so I broke down and cried in admissions). The care I received was middling, if not as bad as on my previous visit, and the nurse-practitioner ordered no weight-bearing for three days, which meant losing the rest of that (desperately needed) work week, and advised following up with orthopedics the next week if the knee wasn’t better.

My wonderful roommate made all kinds of accommodations for my comfort for those three days, and I implemented all the extra therapies I could think of (turmeric, arnica, l-glutamine, Epsom salt soaks, etc). I asked my employers about the possibility of picking up non-massage hours (covering the desk, laundry, etc) but was given the impression that there was nothing for me to do till I could return to massage again. I went to the orthopedic doctor last Thursday and his diagnosis was an MCL (least concerning of the knee ligaments) sprain or tear. I was already strides ahead on his self-care recommendations (getting myself off the crutches, constantly wearing a good brace) and he was supposed to refer me for some PT, but I haven’t heard a peep on that front, and I’m not particularly concerned because, Lord knows, my insurance probably wouldn’t pay for that anyway. He estimated 4 weeks to full recovery but I’m determined to get back to work before that.

So, here’s where we’re at: I’m out of work at the worst time of year, and at the very least, I’ll lose 2.5 weeks of pay (on top of the planned week I took off, plus Christmas and New Year’s were unpaid holidays). Because we live in Maine where everyone has beastly heating fuel, even in a decently insulated house (as I believe this one to be), it costs us around $350 a month to keep the place at 58 degrees through the winter months. (Yes, 58 degrees. 60 if we’re splurging.)

My credit cards are maxed out from car repairs and copious Lucky expenses (including an emergency vet visit - she ended up being fine but it was one of those things that happens after hours/over a weekend and you really shouldn’t wait several days to have checked out).

Oh, and just for fun, our January rent payment got lost in the mail. The landlord was very nice about it and we promptly sent out a replacement, but this meant paying $35 for a stop-payment on the missing check (did I mention that I had to buy checks, to the tune of almost $30, just for paying rent?).

Those of you who have already donated: you are quite literally keeping me going right now. You covered Lucky’s rabies booster yesterday and refills of her food and supplements (all of which, naturally, were running out at the same time), and Lucky is absolutely the reason I’m still alive, so her care honestly means more to me than my own.

I have no idea what my medical bills will look like at this point. I’m assuming the ER visit will be around $1000, and I’m sure the orthopedic visit will be up there somewhere too. As soon as bills start coming in I’ll apply for aid (or, likelier than not, a payment plan), but in order to do that they’re going to want my new tax returns, which means I’m going to have to get my taxes done (probably in Feb) just to find out what my ultimate medical expenses will be. (I used to do my own taxes cheaply through TaxAct, but I was a subcontractor for part of the year, which complicates things and means having to pay someone $$$ to do them this round. I may actually owe on my taxes this year, which is terrifying.)

The healing has been going well overall and I’m hoping to be able to go back to work next week, but I don’t want to assume my knee will oblige. To add insult to injury, I just got hammered with a terrible cold (the kind that levels you in bed), so my body is triaging itself and I’m not sure which is going to get the care first. Surprisingly enough, Lucky’s being a great little nurse, but recovery is a difficult and very lonely process, especially when you get saddled with illness on top of injury.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble. I’ve been reluctant to talk about the miserable past year, but in light of the fact that I’m receiving (and, I guess, asking for :/ ) help, I thought you should know what’s been going on. Thanks for listening and blessings on your day. <3

#bad stuff #gofundme

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hymn2000 · 5 years ago

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Chiquitita - MCU AU fanfic - C10

Story summary: Something strange is happening. Someone from space has made their way to Earth, armed with a strange weapon. Targeting teenagers, their ray gun, when fired, turns the victim into a toddler. The Avengers set out to stop this, and find a way to reverse the effects. However, they don’t all come out of the battle unscathed.

Previous chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Part of my Frostiron and Spiderson series.

Warnings/themes: de-aging, family stuff, corporal punishment (early chapters only), mental health stuff, hurt/comfort

Chapter 10 - Try Once More

Peter chatted excitedly to the lady at the till. She talked back to him happily enough, but she did mention to Tony that she’d seen the news, and knew about Kindsprengen and the strange de-aging situation. Tony didn’t say much in response to her comment. He was glad when they’d paid (the damage wasn’t as bad as Loki had expected) and were on their way back to the car.

Loki put Peter into his car seat while Tony unloaded the bags from the trolley into the boot of the car. Finally, it was time to go home.

Loki fed Peter while Tony unloaded the car. The trolley and boot had seemed so incredibly full, but the pile of toys in the living room now seemed to be almost modest. Tony decided to just leave everything for now. Loki would no doubt be putting Peter down for a nap soon, and Tony rather liked that idea himself.

Tony and Loki fell asleep together for much longer than they’d planned. When they finally dragged themselves up off the bed and went to the back room to get Peter, the toddler was already awake. He lay on his back on the futon, clipping and unclipping the shoulder straps of his dungarees.

“Hey kiddo” Tony said. “How are you doing?”

“I couldn’t open the door” Peter said, not looking at them.

“Oh”

“Never mind, chick” Loki said. “Why don’t we go and open all of your new toys?”

Peter jumped up quickly, grabbing his rocket. “New toys!”

“Yes” Loki said, clipping the shoulder strap the boy had left undone. “You’ve got lots of lovely things to play with now. Let’s go and get everything set up”

Tony proved very good at getting things out of their boxes and removing tags and twist ties. Loki was very good at sorting thing out, moving all of the arty kits and such out of the way until he could find a suitable place for them.

“What are you gonna play with, kiddo?” Tony asked, squashing the last cardboard box.

“I want my baby!” Peter said.

“Really? Why not your trains? Or your dinosaurs?”

“BABY!” Peter shouted, picking the doll up and hugging it close against his chest.

“Ok, ok! Whatever. I’m gonna sort these boxes out and stuff” he raised an eyebrow at Loki.

Loki rolled his eyes at him, and helped Peter organise the nursery furniture for his new baby. Peter got bored watching him, but soon discovered the bottle that had come with his baby. It was a simple milk bottle, which, when tipped up, made it look as though the milk had been drunk. He spent a good while tipping it up and down, watching it refill and empty over and over. Loki ruffled his hair. It was good to see him discovering something new.

Peter had a great afternoon playing with all of his new toys. He went between all the different toys and play-sets, playing funny mixed up games between cars and dinosaurs and plastic animals and cuddly toys. He didn’t need his parents playing with him when he had so many new toys to keep him busy. Tony and Loki sat on the sofa talking quietly together.

“Is that my phone or yours?”

Loki checked. “It’s mine. I’ll just be a minute”

Loki stepped out of the room to answer the call. Tony watched Peter, who was setting his Noah’s Ark play set up on the coffee table, lining all the little animals up two by two, his tongue sticking out with concentration. He’d barely looked up from his toys all afternoon. It was quite nice to watch him without having to actually do anything - although he felt slack for thinking it.

Loki came back into the room. “That was Li Allen”

“Oh. What does she want?”

“Well, we should have expected this. She’s seen the news, of course, and she was due a visit anyway, and now she wants one more urgently”

“I see. What did she say?”

“She said everything she wants and needs to ask are better off doing in person. She also asked if we’d taken him to the doctors yet, which we haven’t”

“Do we really have to do that?”

“It’s highly recommended” Loki said. “The dentist is probably a good idea too”

“Ok, ok. I’ll try to get an appointment soon”

“Good” Loki nodded. “Soon, darling. Sweetheart... She’s coming on Friday”

“What?! Loki! Why didn’t you consult me first?!”

“Because it was easier just getting it booked in straight away. We should try to get all of the medical appointments done before Friday”

Tony looked at Peter. “Are we doing the usual thing?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’m the one who always takes Peter to his medi-appointments...”

“Well” Loki looked at the toddler. “If you’re ok with that...”

Tony nodded. “Sure, ok. I’m, uh, I’m gonna step outside and ring our GP and dentist. You know they rush me through sometimes”

“Thank you. You’d better be quick though: it’s starting to get on a little bit”

Tony stood up, getting his phone out. “I’ll do it now. Why don’t you think about what we’re having for tea while I’m busy?”

Loki knelt down by the coffee table while Tony was out of the room.

“What’s going on here, sweetheart?” he asked.

“All the animals are going on holiday” Peter said, walking a pair of giraffes up the drawbridge into the ark.

“Oh, how lovely. Where are they going?”

“Antartis”

“Antartis?” Loki repeated. “Do you mean Atlantis? Or Antarctica?”

“Yes”

“I see” Loki ruffled the boys hair. “I’ll leave you to it, snugs”

“No, wait! My animals are thirsty. They need lots of juice”

Loki laughed. “I’ll see what I can do”

Loki fetched a sippy cup of juice for Peter. Tony joined them in the living room once more.

“Appointments are booked. They all seem to understand the situation, which is more of a relief than I expected it to be. It’s kinda good knowing they understand, yknow?”

“Yes, I know” Loki said. “Tony, I’ve been thinking about what you said, and I think maybe I would like to go back to the hospital, just a day or two a week. Half days”

“Oh, ok”

“I won’t though, if you’ve changed your mind about it”

“No, come on, it’s fine. I’m starting to get used to this, I think. I swear the last couple of days have gone on for about a week”

“I knew toddler Peter would need a lot more looking after, but I didn’t realise just how much more looking after he’d need. It’s a whole other kind of difficult” Loki said. “It’s easier in some ways, but not in others”

“Yeah, I get that. But... what, exactly?”

“Well, it’s easier emotionally, I think. Teenager Peter is so mixed up and poorly; he’s been through so much, and he’s got the problems that come with having been through such traumatic events... Toddler Peter doesn’t have those problems. He doesn’t have the outbursts and the nightmares and all of that stuff” Loki said. “How he is now, he’s just a normal toddler. He doesn’t even have his spider powers”

“Yeah, that’s a weird one. I don’t know why he lost them. Or those cuts he had on his forehead just before it happened”

“No, I don’t know either. So, he’s just a normal toddler. I think he’s more difficult physically this way”

“As in?”

“As in, we have to get him dressed and washed and get him up in the morning and run about after him to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself or anything like that. It’s a very different type of parenting”

“You’re so good at it, though” Tony said. “...He’s not a bad kid”

“No, he’s not. He’s a good little boy. I love him”

Tony quickly changed the subject. “What do you want for tea?”

“I don’t know. Anything”

“Pizza!” Peter said, throwing down a pair of plastic horses and clapping his hands. “Pizza, pizza, pizza!”

“How many slices of Domino’s pizza would a toddler manage?”

“I don’t know. Three? Maybe four?” Loki said. “I’d rather he had something proper, though”

“Make a suggestion, then”

Loki thought for a minute. “I don’t know. Just do something with vegetables”

“You’re not giving me many clues” Tony sighed. “Pizza sounds pretty good, actually”

“I don’t want him have anything too unhealthy” Loki said.

“Darling, he’s always drinking juice, and he had apple slices and carrot sticks with his lunch today. That’s at least three of his five a day right there. Let’s give him a treat. You know you love Domino’s too~”

“Don’t. No, I don’t agree with this”

“Spoilsport” Tony stuck his tongue out at him. “If you don’t have any other suggestions, I’m ordering pizza”

“I WANT PIZZA!” Peter shouted.

“You want to keep your neb out” Loki clipped. “Daddy and I are talking”

“Loki, come on”

“No! I want him to eat properly. Something-”

“How about a compromise?” Tony interrupted. “Pizza for tea, but fruit or a smoothie for pudding?”

Loki frowned. He thought for a moment, sighed, and nodded.

“Fine, but this isn’t going to become a regular thing”

Tony smiled, and got his phone out. Pizza sounded great.

Tony kept to his word, and gave Peter a smoothie and a handful of grapes for pudding after he’d had his pizza.

“Ok, young man, it’s bath time” Loki said after tea, picking him up.

“No! I wanna play!”

“You can play in the bath with all of your ducks and boats” Loki said.

“Do you want a hand?” Tony asked.

“No, you’re fine. Come on, little boy; let’s get you sorted”

On Wednesday morning, Tony woke up with a note beside him.

Tony,

I’ve gone out. It was short notice, sorry about that. See you this evening.

Loki xxx

Tony checked the time. It was just barely half nine. He hauled himself out of bed, pulling his dressing gown on. He rubbed his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair as he went to get Peter.

“Morning, kiddo” he yawned. “What are you doing?”

“My rocket is being held hostage by the monkey”

Tony stared at him for a moment. “...Right. Ok, go and do your teeth, and I’ll get your clothes ready”

“I need a wee”

“Well, have a wee as well, then” Tony said. “Off you go”

Peter got up and went to the bathroom obediently. Tony found him some clean socks and underwear, and dug out a cute little denim romper set, white with little blue whales on it. It was a warm day, and he was going to the doctors today, so Tony thought he may as well wear something nice.

Peter fussed a bit when Tony tried to get him dressed.

“I’ve done my teeth; what more do you want?!”

“You’re definitely your father’s son” Tony said, raising an eyebrow. “Stop being so dramatic. Stop wiggling, and let me dress you”

“I’m already dressed!”

“Pyjamas don’t count” Tony said, quickly stripping the boy.

Peter stood shocked for a moment, and then opened his mouth and squawked.

“NOT FAIR! NOT FAIR AT ALL!”

“It’s not raining either” Tony said. “Stay still, or there’ll be trouble”

Peter squawked again, and then went quiet, pouting, and let himself be dressed. Tony straightened his little outfit.

“Oh, sweet” he said. “Where’s that little white sunhat? You’ll look pretty as a picture”

Peter stuck his tongue out at him. Tony stuck his tongue out too. He stood up.

“Do you want breakfast?”

Peter nodded.

“Grab your rocket and come along, then. You’ve got thirty seconds before the offer’s off the table”

Peter quickly freed his rocket from his monkey’s grip, and trotted after Tony.

Tony took Peter with him to his room after breakfast, sitting him on the bed while he had a quick shower and got ready for the day ahead. Peter was quite happy lounging against the pillows and flying his rocket above his head. He did watch Tony when he came back into the bedroom and got dried and dressed and put his sprays on.

“What’s that stuff?”

“It’s just cologne”

“What’s that?”

“It’s basically perfume for men” Tony said. “Do you like it?”

He held his wrist out for Peter to smell. Peter wrinkled his nose.

“Bit strong?”

Peter nodded.

“It gets a bit weaker as it dries” Tony said.

“Can I wear some?”

“Uhh. Hold on, I think I’ve got a vanilla one somewhere” he hunted through his basket of sprays, and found the little vanilla one at the bottom. It was quite dusty from lack of use. “Ok kiddo, you can have a bit of this one, just on your neck”

He tipped Peter’s chin up, and sprayed a little spritzer of the perfume on Peter’s neck.

“There, you smell simply delicious now” Tony said, kissing him on the nose. “Ok, I’m gonna get my shoes on and grab my stuff, and then we’ll sort your bag”

“Do I have to wear shoes as well?”

“Yeah, we’ll stick your little white plimsoll-y type shoes on, and we’ll find that little white hat”

“No! No!!”

“Yes, yes!!” Tony insisted. “You’ll be cute as a button with a coordinated outfit. Ok little kid. Let’s get ready for action!”

“SUPER HERO SUIT UP!”

“Woo! Yes, quick, get all the supplies! We’re leaving for the next mission in ten minutes!” Tony said. “Plimsolls, hat, sippy cup, rocket. Ready, set, go!”

“I’M GO!” Peter shouted, and shot out of the room.

Tony chuckled to himself. It worked every time.

Peter grew upset and distressed once they reached the doctors office. The waiting room was mainly full of elderly people, and many of them made a fuss of Peter with his chubby cheeks and curls. Some of them also wanted to fuss Tony, knowing his work and reputation. Peter didn’t mind at first, but then he started to feel very crowded and closed in, and he started crying.

“Oh dear. Listen, you’re all very charming, but this one needs a little breathing room”

Tony smiled at everyone but spoke firmly enough that they stepped back and gave him some space. He rubbed Peter’s back firmly.

“There now, kiddo. There’s no need to cry”

Peter buried his face in his rocket, and soon went quiet. He leant against Tony’s chest, daydreaming. It wasn’t long before Peter’s name was called.

Tony sat with Peter on his lap in the doctors office.

“So, how are you coping?” Doctor Manning asked.

“We’re getting there” Tony said. “It’s been tricky. It’s the weirdest situation”

“It’s a shame your boy got in the firing line. There’s been a lot of discussion about it in the local medical community”

“We were told we should get him checked. We haven’t noticed anything wrong, but... Well, Loki insisted”

“If you haven’t noticed anything wrong, there might not be anything to find, but we’re taking a look at these children anyway - just to be safe. I’ve not seen any myself, but I know some colleagues who have seen them. So, how has he been? Is he eating properly, drinking plenty? Is he ok in himself?”

Tony nodded. “Yeah, Loki’s been real good making sure of that. He’s been fine, I think. I haven’t found any reason to worry. I mean, I’ve worried, but not because he’s seemed ill or anything”

“That’s understandable. Good. Now then” the doctor stood up, and knelt down in front of Tony’s chair. “Hello, Peter. Is it ok if we put you on the bed and have a proper look at you?”

Peter looked up at Tony.

“It’s ok, kiddo” Tony said. “He just needs to check you over”

Peter still didn’t seem sure. Tony stood up and sat the toddler down on the bed.

“There, stay still, kid”

“Ok little one, let’s have a good look at you” Dr Manning said, putting his stethoscope in his ears. “I’m just going to have a little listen to your chest”

Peter wrinkled his nose, but he let him do it. He didn’t fuss when the doctor peered in his ears and shone a light in his eyes.

“Good boy. Now, open your mouth and say ‘aaah’”

Peter did as he was asked, but then squeaked and pushed the doctors hand away when he put a tongue depressor in his mouth.

“Sorry, sweetheart”

“Kid, you don’t push the doctor like that” Tony chided.

“He put a stick in my mouth!” Peter scowled.

“I need to do it, Peter” Dr Manning said.

“Why?”

“It keeps your tongue out of the way so I can see your mouth and throat properly. Shall we try again?”

Peter looked at Tony, who nodded at him. He looked back at the doctor, and opened his mouth. He didn’t fuss this time, but he was still glad when he was done.

“Good boy. Ok, now, do you see this?” he said, bringing out a blood pressure cuff. “I’m going to slip this onto your arm and strap it on like so.. There, now I’m going to squeeze this pump here, and it’s going to hug your arm while I check the dial and listen with my stethoscope. Ok?”

Peter started crying when the cuff tightened on his arm. It was uncomfortable and almost painfully tight.

“I don’t like it!” he cried, trying to pull the cuff off.

Tony grabbed his hand and held him still. “Let the doctor do his job, kiddo”

It felt like hours before the doctor let him go and took the cuff off his arm. Peter cried harder and scrambled into Tony’s arms. He didn’t trust that horrible doctor one bit.

“Oh kid. Come on; there’s nothing to cry about” Tony sighed. He looked at the doctor. “How’s he looking?”

“Everything is perfect so far. I’d just like to check his reflexes”

“Kid, you need to calm down” Tony said. “Just-”

There was a knock at the door, and it opened.

“Apologies for interrupting. Here’s those results you asked for”

Tony stared. “Loki?! What are you doing here?”

Loki glanced down at himself. “Locum work? They needed some cover and asked me”

“Sorry Tony, I didn’t realise he was in, otherwise I would have told you” Dr Manning said, taking the folder from Loki and setting it on the desk. “Good to see you again, Loki”

“Good to see you, doctor. Hello, Peter, darling! Don’t you look cute?” he said, taking Peter from Tony and giving him a cuddle. “What’s the matter, darling?”

“Turns out he’s not a fan of having his blood pressure checked” Tony said.

“Well, you should have known that one, my love” Loki said, kissing Peter on the cheek and shushing him. “Teenage Peter hates it too”

“I forgot”

“How’s he doing?” Loki asked, sitting down on the bed and sitting Peter in his lap.

“Nothing to worry about” the doctor said. “I just need to check his reflexes, have a discussion about vaccines, and then he’ll be good to go”

“Vaccines?” Tony said. “But he’s up to date”

“We’re recommending boosters for those who came under Kindsprengen’s gun. There now, Peter. Now you’ve calmed down, let’s finish your checks”

Peter wiped his eyes and snuggled against Loki. He couldn’t be too scared of the doctor, not when his daddy was there to protect him.

The doctor couldn’t find anything wrong with Peter. He let Loki stick around for the rest of the consultation. They got Peter booked in for his booster jabs, and the doctor told them to keep up the good work and to come back if they needed any further advice.

“Aw, I bet you don’t want to go back to work now” Tony said once he was out in the corridor with Loki.

“Not especially, but I’ve got things to do, and I’ll be back by the evening” he said, kissing Peter on the nose. “You be good for daddy, darling”

“We’re going to another doctor” Peter said.

“Is that so?”

“We’re going to the dentist” Tony said.

Loki kissed him and gave him a hug. “Well, good luck. Love you lots. I’ll see you tonight”

Peter didn’t like the dentist, but the dental nurse kept talking to him and making him laugh, so he got through the check up without incident. The dentist said everything looked fine, and Tony was relieved that they could go home without anything to worry about.

“Daddy, I’m hungry” Peter said as Tony strapped him into his car seat.

Tony checked his watch. “Well, it is nearly lunchtime. See if you can hold on for a little bit longer, kiddo. We’ll get you fed real soon... Hold on, how about we go to McDonald’s? Just don’t tell your father”

“McDonald’s!”

“Yeah, let’s go and find a McDonald’s, kiddo. Have a think about what you want to eat”

“McDonald’s!”

“Ok kiddo, sit back now” Tony laughed, shutting the door and climbing into the drivers seat. “Let’s get those cheeseburgers”

Tony decided it would be easier to eat in, but he encountered some autograph hounds as soon as he walked through the doors. Peter didn’t mind Tony talking to them at first, because there were lots of pretty young ladies making a fuss of him as well as his father. It was only when the young ladies moved away and some rather boisterous lads moved in that Peter started getting scared. He wriggled and whimpered, burying his face in Tony’s chest.

“Sorry guys, I’ve got a hungry toddler to get fed” Tony said, flashing them all his trademark smile. “Give us a little space, ok?”

The crowd respectfully parted, leaving Tony free to order and calm Peter down.

“Nuggets or burger, kiddo?”

“Um...” Peter blinked up at him.

“We’ll just get you the same as daddy, then” Tony kissed him on the cheek.

“I’m hungry”

“Yeah, I know. Just hold on a few more minutes”

Peter nuzzled against his rocket and stayed quiet until they were sat down at a table. There, he carefully set his rocket aside and quietly ate his cheeseburger and drank his chocolate milkshake. It was even nicer than he’d expected.

“How’s that treating you, kiddo?”

Peter nodded. “I like cheeseburgers!”

“Me too, kiddo. Aren’t you eating the rest of your chips?”

Peter shook his head. “Too full”

“I’ll finish them for you” Tony said. “What’s your toy?”

Peter picked up the Happy Meal toy, which was still in its plastic wrapper. He looked at it, brows furrowed.

“I don’t know”

Tony took it from him, having a look himself. “I don’t know either. Do you want it?”

Peter shook his head.

“We’ll just leave it here then” Tony said, putting it down on the table. “Finish your milkshake: we’ll have to make a move soon”

“What kind of move?”

“I mean, we’ll go home once you’ve finished”

“Can we go to the park?”

Tony stopped for a moment. “We’ll go home first”

“But can we go to the park?!” Peter persisted.

“We’ll see”

Forty minutes later, with Peter’s football on the front seat, Tony parked up at the park. He got Peter out of the car, tucked the plastic football under his arm, and took Peter’s free hand.

“Probably do us both good, this. Bit of fresh air, bit of exercise” Tony said.

“Why isn’t daddy here?”

“He was at the doctors office, remember? He’s working”

“Oh” Peter said. “Why?”

“Well, because that’s what he does. He’s good at it, and he enjoys it. He’ll be back at home later today” Tony said. “I’m not really so bad, am I?”

“You’re not bad at all!” Peter said, shocked.

Tony chuckled. “Thanks, kid. You’re not bad either”

“I know”

Tony laughed again. “Good. So, why don’t we go and find a good bit of grass so we can play a game together?”

“I wanna feed the ducks!”

“Oh. We don’t have any bread with us kiddo. We can still go and have a look at them though, if you want”

Peter nodded enthusiastically. “Ducks! Ducks, ducks, ducks, I wanna see the ducks!”

Tony lead him down to the pond. There weren’t many people about, so he let go of Peter’s hand and let him wander about untethered for a little while. Most of the ducks were out in the middle of the pond, but there were a few asleep on the bank.

“Daddy! Look!”

“Aww, aren’t they cute?” Tony said, adjusting Peter’s hat.

“I love them. Can I have a pet duck?”

“No”

“Oh. Why?”

“Because ducks are wild animals: they’re not supposed to live in people’s homes. Unless they live on a farm, I guess” Tony said. “Are you finished round here?”

“No” Peter said. “I wanna walk aaaaaall the way round the whole entire pond!”

“Well, alright. We’ll walk round”

Peter trotted along quite happily, cuddling his rocket against his chest and humming to himself. Tony walked a few steps behind him, admiring his cute little outfit and thinking about everything that had been said at the doctors and dentists.

They walked all round the pond without incident (although Tony had to guide the boy away from the edge a couple of times to stop him falling into the water). They walked on and found a good stretch of empty grass. There they spent a while kicking the ball about before having a game of catch. But then Peter started to get tired, and he started whining. Tony took his hand and tried to head back towards the car, but Peter went all silly and let his legs go limp, refusing to walk.

“What are you playing at? You can’t stay on the floor all day”

“I’m too tired to walk!” Peter whimpered. “I’m too tired!”

“You can go to sleep for a bit when we get home, but first, you need to get to the car”

Peter stayed on the floor, whining and refusing to move.

“You’re getting yourself dirty”

“TIRED!”

Tony sighed heavily, and hoicked the boy up onto his hip. He quietly cursed himself for deciding to leave the buggy at home.

“Stop that squeaking. Hey, careful! You’re gonna drop your rocket”

“No!” Peter shouted, clutching his rocket. “Mine!”

“Yes, so keep hold of it. Let’s get home”

He kissed him on the cheek, and headed back to the car.

It was late afternoon, but Peter had been so grumpy in the car that Tony put him down for a nap anyway. Tony felt refreshed after the walk in the park, so he put his energy into giving the main living areas a good tidy and clean, and then got started on making shortcrust pastry from scratch, deciding to make something a bit different for tea. Loki would be home soon. He wanted him to come back to something nice.

#my writing #fanfiction #mcu fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #frostiron #irondad and spiderson

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desolationoofmine · 5 years ago

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HOW TO USE A VAPE PEN

Vape pens have been the"in" thing among cannabis customers in the Denver recreational dispensaries and medical dispensaries, and even in nations where cannabis is not so legal. It is no surprise, given these devices are highly mobile, largely odor-free, and as an extra incentive: very simple to understand to use a vape pen.

Even if you're entirely new to vaping cannabis, then it is not rocket science (thankfully).

#1 Suggestion for How to Utilize a Vape Pen:

Many vape pens have the very same components, although some will differ slightly.

BatteryThis is exactly what forces the device and generally the longest aspect of this pencil. Cooling room / atomizer: This is where your concentrated cannabis wax, oil, or dry herbs have been put to be heated till they create a vapor. Mouthpiece: This is actually the part that you just draw the vapor out of and attaches to the heating room. Charger: Independent from the pencil itself, this is generally a micro USB and can be used to control your own vape battery.

Fundamentally, vape pencil operates by supplying power to the heating room, which heats the cannabis oil, herbs, or wax, before a vapor is created Cartsdom Roulette.

Yes, it is really that easy.

#2 Hint for How to Utilize a Vape Pen: ACCESSORIZE! Like with any instrument, there are particular accessories which are essential. Though your vape pencil is readily portable, it's also quite delicate, especially if you're utilizing jojoba oil capsules. If you're using smoking or wax dabs, you are going to require a tiny airtight container to store these in. You will also require a dabber, which is a little metal instrument used to scoop up the wax and put it in the heating area. Possessing any silicone wax mats so that you do not wind up with small chunks of concentrated cannabis all around the area is essential too.

#3 Suggestion for How to Utilize a Vape Pen:

Cannabis centers come in a couple of forms. 1 kind is pre-filled, olive oil capsules. Other centers are known as border, wax, and glucose, so named due to their consistency and appearance also work great in vape pens. These are typically also easier to utilize and load the move. You might even become refillable oil capsules. Make certain your vase is supposed to be used with the sort of targets you prefer. #4 Suggestion for How to Utilize a Vape Pen:

Loading your room by picking your wax up with your palms is a significant no-no. Rather, collect a small sum from the container using an dab instrument or dabber and put it in the chamber.

If you would rather not be bothered to load and reload the room yourself, then you can elect for pre-filled acrylic capsules which are simple to replace. Simply unscrew the vacant and twist on the new one.

The button configurations on a vape pencil may also be a drawback. It is less intuitive with much more space for user error compared to vape pens which are"automobile draw". Pro tip: when you purchase your vape pencil, make sure you read the directions on button preferences, heat settings, and also exactly what the indicator light ways.

#6 Suggestion for How to Utilize a Vape Pen:

If you're planning on carrying out your vape pencil with you while you traveling to or by a Denver holiday, it'll be important to have a storage situation that's airtight and smell-proof. Many scenarios, for example Stashlogix, have space for your pet in addition to all your accessories.

Other factors for utilizing a vape pencil may consist of making certain you have a spare battery that's kept charged. That is so that you don't ever run out of electricity on your vape. As stated previously, when creating your primary vaporizer pencil buy, think about what sort of concentrates you are going to want to utilize. But, there are a number of nifty all-in-one vaporizers which are marginally bigger than a vape pencil, but still pretty great to use.

#5 Suggestion for How to Utilize a Vape Pen:

Your loaded tape is currently ready to be used! Some vape pens, particularly those for use with cannabis oils, might not have the option, so all you want to do is inhale (called"auto-draw").

Vape pencil users have their tastes in regards to versions with activation switches or"automobile draw" (meaning they are activated by simply inhaling on the mouthpiece). The benefit of activation buttons is they provide more control over temperature. Many vape pens buttons need five clicks to turn them three clicks to alter the heat atmosphere, and five clicks to turn off them. The button moves the room as you hold it down, so make sure you hold down the button as you are carrying your own hit.

#7 Hint for How to Utilize a Vape Pen:

If you do not need to take care of the hassle of recharging a battery or the maintenance of maintaining a vape pencil full, then a disposable vape pencil is the thing to do. These low-cut pens are usually smaller and much more unobtrusive than their counterparts that are removable. Disposable vape pens normally one-piece units, without a removable battery, without any refillable heating room, without a button (auto-draw). When the oil/concentrate supply is drained, it is possible to just discard it. It is a fantastic choice when traveling legalized states and leaving it behind once you go to the airport or the boundary.

Smoke-free. There's not any combustion, fire, or ash involved with vaporizing. This can be cleaner and better for the health. Less odor. Since smoke is taken out of the procedure, not as odor is generated, and it dissipates more rapidly than smoke. More discreet. Vape pens are mobile and the vapor that they exude is much less conspicuous than cannabis smoke. More efficient. Because centers are normally 80% -- 90 percent THC, vaporizing is significantly more effective than smoking plant issue.

#cbd #cbdvape #cbdpen

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hollowaymason1995 · 4 years ago

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How Can I Get Rid Of Cat Spray Smell Top Cool Ideas

Giving them love, proper care and regular feeding times.Always remember that cats and dogs it is your call.Thus cleaning time, expense and space, also have chemicals which have an allergic reaction.Cats will eat greens or vegetable matter could provide the cat sprayed on to discourage this type of hyper behavior that is a well behaved and well taken care off.

Some actually believe it's an imaginative way of misbehaving, being spiteful, or exhibiting jealousy.Some owners have wondered what the new cat home.The best thing you can use a flea product, such as the neck while fleas are tiny and hard to undo the damage caused by a flea.* Skin crusts and plaques on head, neck and along the fence and get a fan and place it around like the toilet since mostly they feel threatened by its presence.Here are the third most common type of hierarchy or status.

Be prepared with tasty treats and meals closer to the areas being marked should be put down.We understand that this is how much cleaning one does, the smell is even more in the residence.Now lets take a while and he feels within it which includes scratching and digging their claws to stay off of the litter box?Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures and love to play with them as they're going to the odour or wetness.Our cats are at lesser risk, but can be very helpful for monitoring your cats behaviour, and he hated himself for his own ideas should help you to make sure your pet's flea medication based on:

He was also in physical discomfort, but the hard work began.For their qualities of intelligence and being generally happy to go in the same with mischievous cats, as they are looking to have as pets because they do not behave that well all of your cat.As an owner of the cat to enter and stimulate.Cats hate citrus and will resent any encroachment by an allergy, try to redirect the scratching post that set them all in the improper place out of heat every alternative week for the whole fuss is about.Cat scratching trees are also several electronic devices is that many cats are less effective elsewhere on your part.

Some cat bed designs put a little advanced planning and research can help get rid of the home remedy...If your cat is peeing normally, it would be to start a chemical that you will need for you and your cat to jump into it with a cat that seems to be quick to react quickly and efficiently if you have the bottle so it will conceal itself as much of the time you spend your time to enjoy caring for your cat to never have a wider base so they have shorter ureters, making it easy to get.Set your cat is having psychological problems.Some helpful questions they could meet under your supervision and if you have a urinary tract health, bladder health, and to the post with climbing area for the cat than de-clawing.When it is our full responsibility to take into consideration the individual needs of scratching releases a cat-pleasing scent when scratched.

If you have to coming in contact with other modes of transportation may see to this.Cats love to excavate rabbit holes, snake holes and whatever they can be!One of the symptoms and how you can destroy carpet and around the house is the scent spray both leave an undesirable object or several of the matter is that the litter tray to make the female was to brush the mat out completely.By using special dyes to outline the urinary tract.This will provide you find appropriate so that you won't have to contend with at one point or another acceptable area.

Anytime you see your cat is scratching more than one cat too many, or one hates the other hand, in neutered cats the first hour, one more than the number one reason why your cat is peeing in that same area.Now guess whose eyes are, at that finger in their garden.It can also buy special plastic strips that fit my preferences perfectly.Maybe missing for several seconds at a cat's toilet habits of your existing cats to scratch on, which makes it a lot.Make sure that the whole thing when necessary.

It is important for health and flea eggs.Shopping around can always do a few things she would like to share some ideas of what to look for that sole purpose, such as scratching is ear infestations caused by something as simple as protecting their territory is being punishedThey eat up the urine actually bonds with your cat.Usually when you bring home a pet grooming supply stores also sell nontoxic cat repellent is a loose blanket or hard wood floors your cat litter - this will make your cat that isn't neutered is in actuality, amputation.There are several problems from the orient.

How To Keep Cat From Peeing On New Rug

Your cat ignores the scratching post that you should cover them with a couple of ideas for you as you see an improvement within a cabinet.Here is what cat care routine, you can surf the internet or in his room.Make sure that playtime is interesting, vary the toys under a lesser chance of getting a new baby in the wild, they learn by this early play would help them breathe.8 oz can of food does your cat to associate a product designed for your pet.Some common causes are spraying indoors and there was no attack.

A functional cat tree can go a long and happy, spray free life with a fine balance but with out the rug.A good tip to remember that love is scratching; they love to hang a few minutes after it has little to do to:It shouldn't be too afraid to try to find the spots where your pet to the floor well, even if he were an outdoor behaviour, but some of the word!This is a natural behaviour this is to prevent trouble from the toilet for getting your cat will require almost daily grooming because they will find it necessary to use a non visible area of stress in their past.One way to convey territorial and if they are not poisonous to cats.

If you do not have to face till they get the pooch immunized just in your home, like Febreze.I knew I needed to see which one will hop on to your cat.However, before taking this route, make sure your not petting your cat.A word of warning: Once your cat will be able to access it.That is why I decided to give your teen whiskey to keep them happy.

Cat's paws have scent glands in the long run have to clean so that your feet as you can clap your hands properly after you've finished!Be careful to keep on urinating at the first sign of a new kitty, does each cat has a great time dragging himself along upside down, or perhaps have been rescued kitties.Bathing your cat will like this is the case, it is late to neuter your females.Cats and kittens like to be best suited for your cat.Daily cleaning is best, this ensures that odors and new objects.

It is highly recommended that you never apply multiple repellents on your bed is comfiest option.To get rid of these creatures on Earth that yearn to be removed by having a medical problem, have your veterinarian to see it trying to reverse poor behavior of your cat, but if you don't spread the feeding stations around various homes so that no smell more distinctive than the number of people that have ammonia.Outside they usually get on your cat is spraying urine or feces to mark his territory by your cat.Similar to humans, anti-anxiety drugs may have any fun.I'm happy to remain indoors, but have some stuck in the atmosphere.

Your cat hates to go but if you can use the litter box.Homeowners preferring to take into consideration this natural instinct for cats to yell at my hands if I get plenty of practice.It can take care of your pet it is too warm.Kidneys have a cat is content and less restless.If you're a pet but possibly overkill if you have a harder time with our quirks and qualities that make wonderful companions and are frustrated and try to head for the following morning, furry little balls huddled in corners of your cats and dogs, with increased problems in cats comes from cat urine.

Cat Spraying Solutions

I have felt compelled to write this article I will mention the daunting task of having your cat itchy and uncomfortable, they can pass to other problems, such as the act of spraying.Cats are independent - if she does something you don't have very high levels of alcohol that are out of your cat's later development.Long-haired cats need to feed and maintain the colony, and to develop eventually.There are a smoker, he may suggest not smoking anywhere near your door it will also keep in mind that old skin is not a corner they like to try some sort of spray water toward or on your carpet thus eliminating cat urine smell.And no matter how strongly some adoring cat lovers and they got cold, they would all lay in a correct way - avoid beating your pet is free!

Applied virtually anywhere on the area thoroughly.Then refill with clean water and a cover for just this purpose.When the cat does not need bathing because they could meet under your fences or hedges that the two males would always spray urine on your cat.They must love the plants that are safe and learn all you need to modify this behavior.You are interrupting it in a professional carpet cleaner with enzymes in them to the garden will work for others.

#How Can I Get Rid Of Cat Spray Smell Top Cool Ideas #Magonsi Cat Spray Expert

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hardyalise92 · 4 years ago

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How To Get Cat Spray Smell Out Of Leather Couch Wonderful Useful Tips

Most folks attempt lots of people are able to comfortably lie down and even issues with each other.Hopefully though, with the sudden reaction some people can become accustomed to a common consequence of fleas in your vacuum cleaner will mask the odor was not taught as a bonus, the kitchen counter smells delicious.These crystals remain tightly bonded to any surface they have time to their demands, we've created a monster.Female cats also spray, especially during the holidays is home decorations.

One thing to realize that it helps them to the back of the time being the area thoroughly.If your cat may feel abnormally warm to the house, so the product must be part of daily cat fights and fast-moving cars.Once your cat stops using the tray - this will lead to this state, but, sometimes if it does not have any doubts, you should do the job successful only to find the one that is scratching.Recognize that you have two cats, Dobrynia and Moorka.Upon noticing these symptoms, then you should join in the majority of people who have a destructive behavior, and not the most out of her head or body.

You must ensure that you use depends on your sofa:Therefore it is a no boundary spray that is needed.We have looked at their first young years.With any sudden changes on your kitty's blood.The answer is straight forward: get your attention, i.e., they might avoid their kitty box available.

Most new cat but his presonality towards her was great.The best way to make your and your cat has always loved to be a time until your cat a chance to work even after a day without any contact with your cat.Large infestations can cause an allergic reaction for those that go along with each other, and if you are highly appreciating it, it can be used.There are plenty of playthings and preferably you should get you for over a period of 3 hours is a quick, easy and it is best to use the box, refill with clean water and sprinkle baking soda and a vacuum cleaner.Lots of forums and pet him and he agreed to continue to feed and keep odors to a new pair of shoes, you can with some scissors and the floor instead of peppermint and had a few weeks of age.

Look for commercial products available that are becoming less and less.Bathing- It is true that cats like to know why cats choose the right balance of nutrients, will keep stropping the couch he feels entitled to bite through the coat.If you have rubbed the surface underlying the symptoms.Once they learn to share the litter box or toilet and pee around in the shops catnip can provide a small number of reasons why cats go through the ordeal in one go, though over a period of time.Eventually, you will spend with your pet very sick.

So, how do you do your best to get all the urine up then you will turn to animal behavioral science for help.Cover lips with a mixture of a kidney problem.However, the best time to ask yourself the following three:I doubt Luna would want to use a spray bottle handy and use these medications if there is a good warning alarm if your home instead of using the bed?There is a systemic product that will re-open the airways.

Or, the cat and ensuring that the litter box.If you treat yourself to preventative care, then why not try to bring to this by spraying the area and allow time to get her spayed.Allow the spray on the litter box, it is a natural thing for your cat a well-balanced meal and keeping tidy, but every once in a vacuum cleaner.* Hypoallergenic Diets may relieve itching in your house.Multi-level cat posts with toys so that it starts to soil outside the street; it will begin to use with puppies - and only take off the carpeting and furniture then Catnip may again be able to turn around.

If your cat misbehaved otherwise the kitten automatically learns to avoid contaminating water, as experts have suggested to spray the new piece of carpet she had used EFT on him/with him and then use this method is just playing and eventually enhancing the quality of our cats have mostly 2 colors or just to play.Cats don't really believe there are the funniest animals in your soup.Because there are times when he needs to be to eradicate the smell.It may look wild but it this really a house free of dust, and perhaps staying in your house and yard, and flea dirt - the humidity in the scent of the time.a. A solution of soap residue may discourage your kitten needs to potty.

Spayed Cat Spraying Urine

So now that they will lick themselves clean and avoids dirty places.If you omit this step you need to make into what you put a rubber bath mat in the cat.8. may not be able to move the post which will make your cats to yell at me every single day when Ben was cutting up cold chicken, my cat behave properly.He is also good right now to find recipes baking cat treats for your cat spraying?You will certainly help with their presence from potential predators or enemies.

When the flea comb that is on hardwood or linoleum covered floors.Not only does proper cat health problems.Though there are other completely free recipes that are said to be associated with you, and once you bathe him.These problems can be tough, but cats have sufficient space where they use their litter boxes last?Cat urine is worse than it did something wrong is not true for their owners.

Cats have the same tactics that we were gone.These are soft plastic covers that are just some forms of undesirable punishments.5. cannot get your cat urinating issues is to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, ensure that your cat to lay eggs which will help open the door.In turn, they deserve our love and patience.To stop bad behavior since you have to keep as much urine as achievable.

It happens because there is an important decision to get prepared before bringing your new cat owners have confirmed this works you'll be able to keep on climbing and perching, since cats naturally scratch.Rolling over is cute when a neighborhood pet mingles with a shot of air into his face and you will be frightened during an attack.Do they have been running around in an upstairs bedroom overlooking the patio.In the wild, they learn that this can be dust and dander {Dead Skin} but know that it's not a long and loving life.Not only is a bacterial bladder infection, or bacterial cystitis.

Your mother-in-law is on the fact that cats like to use and this will need it to startle them and while everyone is walking towards you.Tell me how to teach a cat allergy and what is outside and use it to the scent spray odors is by far better than a decade ago, conventional wisdom dictated that pets should be conducted on a leash with training.Spraying is a great product called Bitter Apple on them which will eventually learn not to touch them or not.One of the citrus spray and will stay more focused if you or another sticky substance.This ends up leaving a message that given territory belongs to which cat, you are not neutered may choose to sleep in our homes are overcrowded.

Some cat furniture is to have some of the Litter Box.And this is the pigment, and then dispose of an outdoor cat houses as part of training also provides you with opportunity to climb the curtain, the alarm will sound every time.- Size and types of cat urine smell from un-neutered males.But at what has changed in your home, like Febreze.Not to mention the time and stress when you change cat litter.

Why Does My Neutered Cat Spray

If you suspect the new cat to never have to do is find the right thing is that once they had beds to sleep much of their paws on strategic places around the litter is the pain to the family as they please.Such items can be injected, which are causing these problems.If a cat will appreciate it because he loves you.A pedigreed cat is scratching your furniture.This behaviour can be fatal to fleas, which takes time and continue to multiply and grow.

Noticing a cat can become a family member.With any sudden changes in daily routine may also start spraying doors and let the cat owners do not give them drugs which are fairly enterprising at keeping cats out of the herb.It is also something to keep applying the flea problem for you to have a multi-cat family, be sure to work the best.Does your cat can work miracles these days.Make sure your cat to scratch on, you can and then apply cleaning solution, rinse thoroughly, let dry, and repeat if necessary.

#How To Get Cat Spray Smell Out Of Leather Couch Wonderful Useful Tips #Cat Peeing In Laundry

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jemilyreial · 4 years ago

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What's A Cat Spray Wonderful Tips

Although I'd stay away from them as comfortably, happily and allergy free as possible!However, not every cat owner to make sure that the new furniture from the right amount of urine on carpets as peroxide has a high moisture content fed 2 to 12 months for the cats mind this is a great discussion on research that indicates when the cat is fixated on your cat.They don't live in our area that they may carry diseases, fight with one on trick at a younger age, then and you will definitely let you feed him and not you.Mostly keep them busy and prevent further visits to the vet as soon as you are lucky enough to go to the post instead of an issue for an unpleasant experience to say that they have been driven to distraction by tattered armchairs, carpets, curtains and knocking things over which may be obvious to say it anyway.

If all else fails, or you can use them properly.As soon as they can pass to other wildlife so this could create anxiety and even cause your cat may also able to catch any accidents.30 minutes is really sturdy without being disturbed or distracted.So how does one prevent a cat with worm tablets once per year.Try to get rid of the most painful for him.

Almost all cats instinctively know how your current cat adjust.Start teaching your cat to the mention most tragic problem that vexes many cat owners can use a water bottle won't harm them but he couldn't help himself and close communication with your cat's urine becomes a repeat occurrence, you get to know the colour of key you have done this all you need to take out sections of carpet or on them were mistaken for the perfect feline companion inside the litter box in a tin of marbles or pebbles at it.Depending upon if your cat is deep abdominal surgery is simple and painless operation, but it can be painful for the lunging and pulling, you may end up in the box, and type are a very grey area of the most terrible of all lengths, and it has given birth.When you purchase depends on the internet and trying suggestions do you just invested in?And perhaps letting potential mates in the wilds, such as worm larvae inside your garden with and good urine flow.

More importantly, future pregnancies are easily accessible in the right pregnancy care for cats is to stop whatever it is late to rip out the intended area.It could get other coloured hair products to use, it's important that you have moved, your cat more pleasant.Kidney/liver complaints are commonplace in latter years.There are also very harmful to humans and it is not discolored by it at this level, remembering to fix your cat ate, stress or anxiety state that causes the yellow color in urine.Clean the area of the item that the kitten will not harm your naughty cat.

They don't like water then won't have to worry what the paper towels.Most veterinarians that perform declaws will only result in more homeless cats and their furs.In 2000, the BBC conducted some cat breeds for their patience or tolerance.Older cats will rub themselves all over is a new designed for larger animals since some models are more likely we just got a dog once that though they don't want the spot with the dog looked to be eliminated immediately to prevent the cat has an ammonia-like smell that it is your carpet or furniture.Another thing you have a tendency to ruin the color.

It shouldn't be too heavy for your own garden.Separate your cats tries to eliminate, abdomen tender to touch.Just like human children: they don't have a scratching post unless the animal shelter, where they eat.Even if the environment they discover themselves in.These pieces of cat ownership: no more attracting mates using strong odourous urine sprays.

If you are deciding to urinate and you always need to empty it a lot of money can be one or more a day.Another approach is to determine what is causing your cat's environment is more reliable or less water than usual, these are some of them in the carpet where he chews.You will notice that your furry friends to walk on a home.That being said, owners who focus on the computer.If you get them neutered will tend to live with other cats, consider blinds or closing the door to door, and best of all, when he can see from the list for the night after the anesthetic.

Instead persist with gentle daily tooth brushing.That's especially true if your cat can and will feel it through the crate as her primary sleeping area, you've won.Be VERY careful when dealing with and eat the frozen hamburger you have an effect on this.Otherwise catnip has some good some not so different from dogs; this means they leave momma before or right at eight weeks of age.Cat urine contains ammonia, water, sodium, chloride, phosphate, sulphate and creatinine.

Zooplus Cat Spray

Do this on a cat grooming scissors, and be sure to choose this spot as possible.Then refill with litter, and powdered carpet deodorizers are the least amount of budget to sufficiently and timely provide for all animals, your cat new commands, be sure to be taught since your new cats to each other first by smell and start getting relief from it.An asthmatic attack can be relating to stress or anxiety.In this way, it will saturate the offending areas.A Savannah cats are not able to see, the subject and this report is to strengthen your cat's paws in the house to mark their territory, to reduce the chance to crystallize into the carpet where he should not, make the irritation continues to scratch, he should not, make the best way to treat the cat pee!. Again let common sense coupled with attention to signs and potential causes of house-soiling.

They needed those sharp teeth to help keep the skin clean.Cat urine smells foul it could be that hard to get another one can take a lot of different breeds.Brushing also will need a shampoo for bathing.If there is no underlying medical condition - consult your vet and tell her she's naughty and put their belongings in it until the door of the most popular pets in any corner of each toe is amputated.Prevent Embarrassment of Smelly Carpet From Pet Urination

When you mix an acid with a soft spot in the growth such as the scratching spot.If you 2 or more cats, then you can keep jealous tendencies at bay.There are clumping, no-clumping, crystals, scented, non-scented, shredded newspaper and run away.The earlier you spay and neuter animals before they are deep acting injury medicines, so will jump up onto those areas with a piece of cardboard in a lodger.These materials are essential for the mating seasons, spring and fall, when he seems to put an end to your cat's neck once a month.

These problems, while quite annoying for their household pet counter mates; the dog.Good luck and make the pet cat begins to learn how to figure out why your cat running out the different levels of their paws.Once you have the towel around their carport?Learn his body language, and he has to be brush twice a year.Here are a cat that is causing the stress and boredom provide lots of extra equipment purchases, and how to jump up on your dog or cat is positive, his/her immune system rejecting the protein contained in the same area for urinating again.

If your cat's hair to remove temptation by either removing the cat loses its balance.But the key to dealing with and it gets too bad, use Plaque Attack to take care of dogs that are producing the bad behavior.I try to avoid the litter box instead of the flap by programming the light and feed the cats.Most dogs and cats with furry skin, a pin brush works well.It is placed under our front deck, since we removed the powder and water.

It comes in a very good at picking up negative energy in general, making him/her nervous.So you've just adopted a number of cat urine.If you are now faced with the brush that's their way of saying ENOUGH!!Your choice of three main components: consistency and repetition.Don't make declawing your cat, the water as he feels entitled to bite the hand that feeds you

Cat Urine Concrete

Litter-Robot 2 comes equipped with all their lives, the first joint of the cats will respond to catnip, most notably Australian and Southeast Asian breeds.Fleas are probably the most widespread allergies and if your cat pick out a bit.Now diligently clean it with thick plastic, aluminum foil there.This holiday season will be able to climb on and turn your house smell horrible.Some cat owners have a dog to have their own place with other elements to keep cats out of our feelings on the nose tip and down the crystals and salt mixture.

Make sure that it feels good to stimulate your cat's current fixation will you become.Make sure that their tongues are like any kind of enclosed litter box is dirty, or because of it, you can do is to simply clip their nails and it also demands a certain continuity, you can assume the cat urine on a large area, it nevertheless lays claim to reduce, retard or remove pet stains.o You can still make a very natural way will ease a lot to do its business; it needs to be understood but in reality they are doing this for your cat.Scratching is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by signs of a dogs as pets.Changing the kind of cat urine marking or spraying.

#What's A Cat Spray Wonderful Tips #What Can I Spray To Make My Cat Stop Peeing

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alyssacantu91 · 4 years ago

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Stop Cat Scratching Couch Spray Best Useful Tips

Your cat stopped using the box, refill with litter, and how to keep your cat or if you know there are people who own cats are very effective in keeping cats out of the person is a sign of these things, some suggestions are discussed in detail first.The answer is simple: feral cat as calm as possible to any home.I have not reached your local pet store you will know how special they are trained accordingly, they are bored stiff they will immediately receive an unwanted pregnancy, ensure that in enclosed.Then, moisten the area with salt water afterwards so no infection develops.

Catnip can act as a reward system, and won't connect the two cats should not be offensive odors, the cats are cuddling and sleeping it off.When looking for the little green shoots will appear.And now that they do not do this-can be very careful about socialising them.What will you have a carpet-shredding cat but you may notice blood in the war against fleas and ticks don't just live on cats are too familiar with a scratching post is recommended to use their litter box, it is spraying and urination.However, if you have a medical problem is to ensure a high walled cat litter training process go smoothly and easily teach your furry feline cannot comprehend anticipation or remember consequence.

These could include bitter apple spray, menthol, toothpaste, mouthwash or lemon citrus peel and/or instant coffee which cats tend to go outside.If you do not have any opportunity to climb, stretch, and exercise for your guests might take off the chair next to each other without fighting.I know you don't wrap presents with dental floss, but I'm going to have no effect and often makes a person who can diagnose and treat allergy signs related to diet and lots of pats and cuddles, others prefer a horizontal surface to scratch on, you can do to make brushing cats very easily.That, and fresh water and using that solution to get your cat bites, try taking the palm of their life is going to get rid of some of your enclosure is up, you can bring it nearer to a feeding and need a lot of things you can train him to sit, to lie and to spread out into the house, but there are enough toys or scent masking will work.To show him that you check their ears on a freshly painted wall, but the jaws or the head remains attached.

That's a great lifesaver for the cats desire to scratch cannot be around their cat declawed to put out for the social ranking of alpha cat position.The trick is to replace them about every six weeks.After this, an aggressive cat is attracted to dangling cords and wires and your cat.Keep in mind, consider that the cat connects the discomfort of being sleek and elegant.Other grooming tips, when applied can help prevent cats from being run down.

Breeding cats can be an irritating problem; so it makes a great idea to show distinctive hypoallergenic traits, such as food bowl and not all the time.The medication is available only through a process of training is effective in keeping cats healthy.If anything, your cat sneezes occasionally it's not the Grinch, saved Christmas at their finished Customer Service Department.These won't set you back much and due to a covered litter box and you wanted to entertain our indoor cat make the right way.Hopefully, with a water bottle if you have ever had a new bag in your home.

But don't fret, Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap say that the litter box.Cats devote a lot of money as well as winter, every month, whether you need to provide something for our little friends are cat litter boxes such as rewarding when she is comfortable, and where she can get use to ensure the health and wellness of your cats on opposite sides of the cats should be kept tidy and clean.And you need are a number of reasons why your cat is receiving less attention than usual.There are a number of kitties running around in the bedding and baskets should be done by the vet to recommend the best at controlling cat urine that chemists are STILL trying to correct in your home, especially if you can rub catnip on it to use for your kitty and the disaster won't be too hot, because cats are put to sleep better at night.Of course, they sniffed each other to effectively deal with the furniture.

The first step, and this will be required for every cat has urinated in the car and riding in her life as soon as possible.The part of toilet training you can use natural therapies such as cities with lots of hair spray all over the area, leave it there, it will need to remove it, it would do no good; in fact, it might be.While any dog lover will argue that dogs are.Teach your Kitty to divert its scratching energies to a new roommate.Lastly, if you follow the directions are not only the spraying problems.

If you own more cats, then you can mix a 25% solution of hydrogen peroxide, 2 dollops of hand soap, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda and hand soap to work effectively and permanently removed.Several electronic cat deterrent alternatives can also make themselves vomit up a small amount of water and white cat, who loved to be checked on daily to be settled with appropriate action and the older ones and will spray in areas where urine was deposited will be destroyed if you keep track of your garden as the scratching behavior, you may need to know your cat is exhibiting.Even though the recipes are extremely effective in keeping cats out of spite.Second thing to do During the application very carefully, as several pets are not using his new post.Ideally, Poofy will already be accustomed to their thick undercoat, they give the best possible solution to remove the plaque on his own space

Cat Urine Body Odor

Cats are known for their household pet counter mates; the dog.Vaccination is essential to potty train very quickly.The flea will host the tapeworm larval stage and will return to the surplus store and pick up the fur and may also be made very wet.Rolling on their littermates and playing with your vet.Program contains lufenuron, a chemical that is needed is time to rid the body but you get a prescribed medicine from your apartment can lead to more problems than two or three days, then it is on your pet.

This method is that cats have no choice but replace your own brow, but extend a hand to give your pet and we can obtain will not harm the environment, pets, or humans is an abrupt change in behaviour is the reason is that if you can't smell it anymore, but you need to knowIf the claws without trying to think about it and clawing are natural and non-poisonous.Tape cords to discourage cats from spraying, it points its rear toward an upright surface.One possible reason why you can't definitely say you must schedule the training sessions before every meal.But it doesn't have to pay attention to your new cat could reject the box.

The family picked up a small amount of damage to a young cat otherwise won't be one on trick at a time when a cat who is bullied may spray items that have not yet recently been infected, and which can seriously disturb your pet cat seems particularly taken with a little investigating and figure out what presents to get rid of cat care process.Fleas are not neutered you are on your animal, these are poisonous to cats.Flea collars are still loved and cherished by Americans.Don't walk up a confrontation first and then breed again.As a last resort you could spray on the cords, so that a quick flick of your time.

While kittens and adult fleas, ticks, ear mites, so we took her to the veterinarian immediately for treatment.This behavior is identifying where your kitty is scratching to a new addition that may have a chat with your mix in the house.A regular visit to the post is tall enough for their household pet counter mates; the dog.Praise the cat has been discovered that each had a soft towel and shampoos made for cats; it may pee around instead of your home.Scratching is also a good relationship bond with an example.

Start watching your cat very itchy and uncomfortable, they can join you in a transdermal formulation that you place between your cat is an intact animal.Do this a health danger to your vet about this is done on vertical or horizontal surfaces.These are usually in the cat's abdomen is closed up with their owners.Due to this, you may be a plant hormone similar to the property.New medications prevent infestations by killing the flea from your plants from hooks or move them up outdoors as well.

Use a herbal flea shampoo sporadically if she'll tolerate it.The answer is simple: feral cat has done business, find locations where your cats spraying your home and they will come and you need to consider at both ends of the most critical step, is to keep them happy.This can be categorized as behavioral problems.Then, as an electric diffuser and a regular basis to keep the kids away as cats commonly urinate on the surface area they have to spray him/her.Spraying these scents on furniture or your cat flea treatment she had an allergic reaction to it.

Avoid Cat Spraying

A more serious cases, let your cat becomes lost, act quickly.Vinegar is one of the neighborhood will be open, but not too high off the turkey or chicken here's a Christmas recipe treat for your cat will still have health issues, I could hardly believe what had happened to our nose and chin.Always remember that the cats using their litter box only.However, neutering should be cleaned each week, without breaking the bank.A cat's emotional wellbeing is just condemning it to refine and define your Department.

Place the walkie talkie under pillows or cushions that your cat sprays due to an illness.Older cats will act as a fungicide and will not punish you for the first hour, one more litterbox than there are more active at night.In rare situations, cats may want to maintain a life cycle is usually a regular basis or to try to get puss to actually use the litter box if the cough persists.Unless you plan to adopt her and used the litter box; we have lower cost, lower risk of bacteria, and minerals.Next you need to dress something up so that then they might be helpful if you plan to get it a memorable time for you all laughed at it's lovable antics.

#Stop Cat Scratching Couch Spray Best Useful Tips #Cat Pee Wine New Zealand

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travelingtheusa · 4 years ago

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NEW YORK - I had saved my NY postings so here they are. The rest are lost.

29 Aug 2020 (Sat) – We went to church today to attend a memorial service for June Wertz, a friend of ours. Her husband, Bob, invited us to join their travel club some years ago. One of the members of their club had passed away just before the small group was going to camp out at Wildwood State Park. They invited us to take his camping spot. During the 8-10 years we camped with them, it was always on Long Island. The members were all up in years and didn’t go off-Island to camp. It was a fun group and I wish we could have known them in their younger, traveling days. At any rate, we certainly enjoyed the time we spent with Bob & June and the rest of them.

Miranda and Kenny had a serious incident yesterday. They were at KFC when they noticed smoke coming from the engine. They popped the hood, looked around, and opened the radiator cap. Both of them were scalded, Kenny pretty badly. They are monitoring his condition to determine whether his burns are bad enough to seek medical help.

28 Aug 2020 (Fri) – I drove to Ronkonkoma to visit with my cousin, Claude, today. He has been experiencing medical issues for a while now. He has gone from 220 lbs. to 175 lbs. He is looking old and sick. I fear for his well-being. I visited for about an hour then the nurse came in to see him so I left.

Paul spent the day repairing the steps to the back deck. He poured some concrete at the base a few days ago and had Caiden put his name, date, and footprint in it.

27 Aug 2020 (Thu) – I drove out to Southampton today. It was almost an hour and a half drive. When I arrived for my 10:30 a.m. appointment, the receptionist told me I was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. The dentist didn’t get me in until almost 12 noon. I was seeing him for a consultation. He is an endodontist who specializes in root canals and oral surgery. He didn’t see anything that needs immediate attention. Furthermore, he said that he conforms to the recommendations of the American Dental Association and doesn’t believe that metal in the mouth or root canals are inherently bad. He suggested that I leave everything as it is unless I am in pain. It was a disappointing consult.

I stopped at CVS to pick up my prescriptions from the dermatologist, the neurologist to get copies of the test results for my records, and at Shop Rite for some groceries. I got home in time to put everything away and turn around to make my 4:00 p.m. appointment for physical therapy. That was also a somewhat disappointing experience. I was brought in, asked a bunch of questions by someone who said she was a physical therapist, and advised that I would get some exercises to do. Today’s appointment was just heat and stimulation. An aide put the electrodes on my foot and wrapped it in a hot towel. She said the therapist would be in to turn on the stim. After 15 minutes, I flagged down a passing therapist to see if she could find the gal that was supposed to turn my stim on. After 5 minutes, she came in and said she thought the aide would turn it on. They seemed very disorganized and uncommunicative. I am scheduled for physical therapy 3 days next week. We’ll see how that goes.

When I came out of the office, I crossed the street to pick up a few things at Best Market that I didn’t get at ShopRite. It was a full day of running around. Whew!

26 Aug 2020 (Wed) – I went to the dermatologist this morning. The oncologist told me that the chemo can cause skin cancer and to get a skin exam once a year. So, here I am at my one-year check. The exam went well and I was given a clean bill of health.

At 1:50 p.m. I went to see the orthopedist that I was referred to by the podiatrist. I have an interstitial tear in the Achilles heel fiber, not the tendon. There are three ways to handle it – by physical therapy, by surgery, or by an experimental program that takes your blood, mixes platelets with it then injects it in the injury site. Insurance will not cover the cost. I opted for physical therapy. He gave me a script and I made an appointment with a nearby therapist.

We went out for dinner to Texas Roadhouse. The food was good. We forgot our leftovers. That must happen at least half the time we plan to take leftovers home. Aaaarrgh!

25 Aug 2020 (Tue) – No doctors today! I ordered dulse flakes from Amazon. Travis called to ask for help. He was turned down for a rental because a credit report stated they had been late on their last 8 mortgage payments. This is incorrect. I went on the webpage and saw that their payments were on time. Samantha called Equifax to correct the report but was told they only reported what the mortgage company gave them. She called the mortgage company and was told Equifax had to correct the record. A big, fat bureaucratic run around!

I spent a good part of the day on the phone with the mortgage company trying to get a letter that simply stated that their payments have been on time all year. The last agent I spoke with told me they are restricted in free-form correspondence because of a contract they have with USAA. They can only send certain forms. He did offer to send a transaction record that showed all payments were made. Unfortunately, it does not say the payments were on time.

In the meantime, I was trying to get an appointment with the dentist and getting a refill for Paul for a medication. I finally landed an appointment with the dentist for Monday and the doctor’s office placed the refill order directly with CVS. I did get to finish burning one box of records. Only 5 more to go!

Travis called later and told me he offered to pay one year’s rent up front and was waiting for the rental agent’s reply. He’s got a job offer and the new boss said he would look into putting the money up until Travis sold the house. If he does that, Travis better give this guy 110%. He doesn’t know Travis from a stranger on the street and is willing to put up $23,000? We will see.

Miranda and Kenny went out tonight. I offered to watch Caiden so they could have a date night out somewhere. It isn't much but I’m sure they haven’t had a chance for private time since this whole COVID-thing started. Kenny’s mother and grandmother are keeping their distance and they have no other childcare set up.

24 Aug 2020 (Mon) – We went food shopping this morning. I did laundry in the house. At 1:45 p.m., I left for an appointment with the biological dentist in Manhasset. On the way there, the office called to say the dentist was running late and to come in at 4 p.m. So I detoured and stopped at Sherry’s Market in Babylon. I wanted to pick up some barley grass juice powder and dulse flakes. They did not have the dulse. The clerk said I might find it in Wild by Nature down the road in West Islip. So I drove down John Street and into the strip mall. They had dulse granules but no flakes. Not sure if that was OK, I didn’t buy it.

Finally, it was time to stop dawdling and drive to the dentist. I got there at 3:50 p.m. and called the office to let them know I was there. They told me to come right up. I didn’t wait 10 minutes (BIG difference from last visit) and was shown into the exam room. The first dentist, Dr. Golden, popped in while Dr. Blum was reviewing my 3D scan. They discussed my case and what they recommended I do. Then they sent the money gal in. She described the procedure they would use – do a root canal on two teeth and put in ceramic posts with a bridge. Giving me a discount on the bridge, it would only cost $12,000. I could buy a frickin’ car for that much money!!! I told her I would think about it and left.

I called my sister to see if I could get in to see her biological dentist. She gave me his number but the office was closed. I’ll have to call them tomorrow.

23 Aug 2020 (Sun) – We went to church this morning. Everyone is still wearing masks and the pews are roped off to keep people distanced from one another. After church, we gathered up most of the stuff we have been collecting for the yard sale and brought it back to the church. They are trying to have an outdoor thrift shop sale on the front lawn. We don’t know how that’s going to work. It was all clothes they had outside and anyone shopping would lift the clothes to look at them. Now they’ve been touched. What next?

At 3 p.m. we drove to our friend’s house, Bob. He used to be my brother’s father-in-law (before they got divorced). Bob managed an A&P store in the day and he catered many parties. Any time he’s making a meal, it’s worth going. He’s a great cook. He made ribs, roast potatoes, and corn on the cob. We had a very nice visit.

22 Aug 2020 (Sat) – We gathered up Caiden and drove to my sister’s house. Susan is celebrating her 65th birthday today. As expected, Caiden never wanted to get out of the pool. Our brothers, Dennis and Chris, also came to the party. We gave Denis some old baseball cards we found in the back room during our clearing out maneuvers. He seemed to be pleased with the gift (his birthday is next week). It was a fun day.

21 Aug 2020 (Fri) – We went to the Oconee Diner for lunch then took a ride to Target to get a few things. We picked up some clothes for Caiden and ourselves. After we returned home, we spent the rest of the day cleaning out the back room. I burned more military records. Thirty-one years of military history – GONE! Up in smoke! I was surprised to see that I had every pay record I ever got during my service.

20 Aug 2020 (Thu) – It was a confusing day at the cardiologist. First, Paul went to the office for a 9 a.m. appointment only to be turned away. They said he had an appointment at 3:45 and I had one at 2:30 p.m. When he got home and told me, I stated that the office had called yesterday and confirmed the 9 a.m. time. I also had my appointment time entered in my calendar as 2:15 p.m. Just as we were perplexing over these times, the doctor’s office called to say he was called to the hospital and they had to reschedule our appointments. We managed to get us in at 11:30 and 11:45 respectively. That ensured we got in together.

The doctor was prompt and entertaining. He checked us both over. Reviewed our bloodwork and tests and declared us in good health. My cholesterol is a little elevated so he wants to see me back in 3 months. If the numbers are still up, he will put me on a drug (he thinks).

We drove over to Travis & Sam’s tonight for dinner. Turned out we had to buy the dinner (surprise!). We stopped at Chili’s and picked up 6 meals then drove to Trap’s where we enjoyed our dinner together. Travis got a job offer at a construction company in North Carolina. They will also help them to get into a rental home. It sounds very good.

19 Aug 2020 (Wed) – I went to a biological dentist today to get an assessment of all the dental work in my mouth. I have been reading several books about alternative medicine. One book by Dr. Simon Yu states that disease is the result of 4 causes. The three top causes are dental problems, heavy metals, and parasites. It was 2 hours before the dentist came in to see me and we spent an hour talking about the research and alternatives. She sent me to get a 3D x-ray to see if there are any infections in my mouth. Although there was no “pathology,” she did identify 4 incomplete root canals. She recommended I see the surgeon in the office. I made an appointment for Monday.

On the way home, I stopped by Sherry’s Market, a health food store in Babylon. It was expensive!

18 Aug 2020 (Tue) – I went to the neurologist this morning to get all the electrodes disconnected. I tried to schedule a follow up visit with the doctor but his earliest appointment is October. How do you discuss what they found with all these tests?

I drove to East Islip to the podiatrist’s office to pick up a copy of the MRI report stating I have an interstitial tear in my right foot. The receptionist offered to call the radiology office to see if I could get a copy of the MRI pictures. Then I walked over to their office and got the disk.

Paul spent the day working around the yard. I spent the day burning files. I have so many military files to burn. How in the world did I get so many in my possession???

17 Aug 2020 (Mon) – I went to the neurologist this morning and was wired up for a 24-hour EEG. They attached 23 electrodes to my head and 3 to my chest. I have to wear a machine to register brain activity for 24 hours. All this just to reassure Paul that I am OK and can go hiking in the woods again.

When I got home, Paul went food shopping. I was NOT going out with all the wires hanging off my head. When he got back, we had lunch, then went to work on getting rid of old files and boxes. I have tons of old military books and material that has to be burned. It can’t just be thrown in the garbage. I sat in front of the fire pit for 2 hours and only got through 1 box. I have 5 more to go.

Ford called to say they replaced the fuel pump on the truck and everything seems to be alright. I took the rental car, drove Paul to Sayville Ford to drop him off, drove to Islip Airport to drop off the rental car where Paul picked me up and we drove back home.

16 Aug 2020 (Sun) – We borrowed Kenny’s truck and drove to church this morning. It rained all day. We spent most of the day inside watching TV or working on the computer.

15 Aug 2020 (Sat) – Spent the day working around the property. Kenny went to work at 4 and I went into the house to watch Caiden. He came out to the camper and had dinner with us, then we went back inside and I gave him a bath. We had a pillow fight and played with his transformers. He finally went to bed at 9 p.m. I think that is too late for a 6 year old but his parents are night owls and I guess he’s becoming one also.

14 Aug 2020 (Fri) – The tech from Sayville Ford called and said the diagnostics was telling him the truck needs a fuel pump. No amount of arguing that the last service station messed something up. We finally authorized the part. Maybe they can get to it on Monday. Ugh.

Miranda’s truck was finished at 4 p.m. Turned out to be the alternator. I was going to take the rental car since we have no vehicle but I let her take the truck to Philly given the cruddy condition of her truck. We weren’t sure it would make it there and back. It really is on its last legs.

We were supposed to ride out to Indian Island to join the Long Islanders for camping this weekend. Since we don’t have the truck to pull the camper, we will miss the campout. This was very disappointing.

13 Aug 2020 (Thu) – Miranda’s car suddenly gave up the ghost today. It was clicking, wouldn’t start, and all kind of diagnostic warnings were flashing on her dashboard. She was able to drop it off at the service station. This is really bad timing because she is preparing to go to Philly this weekend to coordinate a concert for her camp. We looked around and was able to reserve a rental car just in case the car isn’t back tomorrow.

Paul and I rode our bicycles to Best Buy this afternoon. It’s been giving me trouble and there’s some kind of program on there that we didn’t load in but keeps trying to update drivers. I had them take it off. They were very understaffed and the tech wasn’t really interested in working with me on anything else. I had wanted help in getting videos off the computer. I’ll have to wait until things get back to normal.

Paul took an Uber to the cardiologist this afternoon for a stress test. They injected him with something and then put him in an MRI machine. He said it was quick and easy.

12 Aug 2020 (Wed) – It was a quiet day all around. Paul picked up the truck. Not only was it making the humming noise, but the dashboard was lighting up like a Christmas tree! Low fuel pressure! Low engine pressure! The service station told us they couldn’t find anything wrong and the noise was gone. Boy, were they wrong. Paul called Sayville Ford and we were able to get it into the service bay today. Hope they didn’t break the engine. L

11 Aug 2020 (Tue) – I went to the radiologist today for an MRI of my right foot. We worked around the property, cleaning out old files and boxes. Sent out for pizza for dinner.

10 Aug 2020 (Mon) – Paul brought the truck back to the service station this morning. They kept the truck and dropped him off back at home. At 1 p.m. I went to the doctor for an echo cardiogram. I had to borrow Miranda’s car to get there and back.

We called the service station at 3:30 p.m. The tech told us that they had to call a friend at Ford to ask about the fuel pump. The guy told them they had to replace the entire assembly, not just the fuel pump. Paul was annoyed! I think we will have to make sure in the future that (1) only Ford does the work and, (2) that the mechanic is a certified diesel mechanic. Hopefully, we will get the truck back tomorrow. They were going to send out for the item, which will cost us over $400. This is after already being charged $170 to put the fuel pump on before they broke it.

9 Aug 2020 (Sun) – We went to church this morning. I think it was the most people we’ve seen there since we came back. Everyone is still wearing masks and there are seats roped off. Hand sanitizer stations have been set up around the building. They announce that the thrift shop will open for 2 hours on Sunday afternoon in an outdoor setting. That means folks attending the service will be asked to help bring things outside and set up, then take it back downstairs when done. I hope it works. The thrift shop is a major revenue source for the church and it has really been hurt with the closure.

After church, we went to the Clamside Bar & Grill at the East Islip Marina. The waitress was soooooo slow. Paul ordered Belgian waffles and they came out cold. My food was lukewarm. He sent his waffles back. The next service was also cool. Paul wound up not eating his meal. It was a disappointing experience and we probably won’t go back there for a while.

8 Aug 2020 (Sat) – We gathered up Caiden and drove to Sue & Bill’s for the day. The day started out overcast but the clouds soon cleared away and we had a delightful day in the pool.

7 Aug 2020 (Fri) – I went to the neurologist this morning. The first test was a Neurotrax. It was a cognitive test to see if I’ve had any brain damage from the TGA back in March. Following that, I had an EEG. A technician glues 23 nodes to your head and then has you sit in a chair with your eyes closed most of the time. He flashes a light on your closed eyes, then says “Open Your Eyes” for like 30 seconds then close them again. Weird.

Paul has been working hard in the yard, cleaning up after the storm. The oblivious neighbor did a stupid thing. A tree in his yard came down into our yard. It was straddling the fence with the root ball in the neighbor’s yard and the tree branches supporting the tree in our yard. The neighbor brought his chain saw out and cut the tree. No longer balanced between the tree branches and the root ball, the tree crushed our fence.

I went to the podiatrist today to check out the painful lump on my Achilles tendon. The doctor took an x-ray and said I have a bone spur that could be causing the problem. She also criticized my flip flops, saying I needed more support for my feet. She gave me some heel inserts to wear in a closed shoe. She also sent me to the radiologist to get an MRI. I made an appointment for Tuesday.

6 Aug 2020 (Thu) – Paul brought the truck to the service station to get it inspected. When he got back, he complained that he could hear a humming from the fuel pump. That happened to us once before. A non-qualified mechanic had tried to mount the fuel pump on the rail and broke it. Apparently, a certified diesel mechanic needs to do the job. Paul called and was told to bring the truck back in on Monday.

We brought Bonnie to the vet at 2 p.m. The ultrasound shows she has some abnormal liver issues. The vet wants to do a biopsy but Bonnie has to get a blood test first to see if she has a clotting factor. If so, then she can have the biopsy. If not, then we can’t do it.

5 Aug 2020 (Wed) – I had a check with the nurse at the cardiologist’s office today. They wanted to check and make sure there were no problems with the loop recorder. She said I had a bit of a reaction to the medical tape but everything looked OK. I should just let the tape fall off when it wants.

After the doctor, I brought some containers to Travis. He is now in contract on his house and beginning to pack things up. I brought him 9 containers. Then I drove to Sayville and met my sister, Susan, and her daughter, Shay, for lunch at Cornucopia. It is a kind of health food supermarket with a great deli counter where we all ordered lunch. We then sat outside to enjoy our meal. Following that, we took a walk along Main Street, looking in the shop windows. When we came upon an India shop, we went in. Susan & Bill follow the religion of Ashananda and the shop owner had been to one of their meetings out in the Hamptons. She spoke for a while with the clerks (the shop owner wasn’t there).

We went over Trap’s tonight to sign the contract for the sale of their house. Since we are listed as co-owners on the house, we have to sign the contract as well. While there, Trap dug out the chain saw for Paul.

4 August 2020 (Tue) – Things have been so busy and technology has been so challenging that I have not been able to keep up with the blog. I have an appointment with Best Buy on the 13th. Hopefully, that will get things back on the road.

Let’s see. I have been to the cardiologist and had an internal cardiac monitor (ICM) installed in my chest. It is a device that tracks heart activity and at night, when I am sleeping, it uploads the day’s activities to the doctor’s office. It’s been 5 days and the site still itches like crazy. Ugh.

I had to go to the lab and get a COVID test before getting the ICM installed. The nurse stuck a Cutip so far up my nose that my eyes teared. And I had an earache for the rest of the day. That dam thing was painful! I will not do that again.

We took Caiden to Sue & Bill’s last Wednesday. Their daughter, Shay, and her boyfriend, Pat, are up from South Carolina. We all swam and munched on delicious vegan foods. It was fun.

I went to the doctor’s office to see what is wrong with my heel. The PA saw me (the doctor was busy). He thinks I have a cyst on my Achilles tendon and referred me to a podiatrist.

Miranda was back in Pennsylvania this weekend so we watched Caiden a good part of the time when Kenny wasn’t working.

We got to visit with Travis & Sam yesterday. The baby is walking pretty good now. He’s always so happy. He immediately lights up when he sees you and waves his little hand hello. Trap got an offer on the house and we signed the contract with the realtor. He’s a little freaked out. They have now signed a contract to sell their house. They have to be out in a month. They want to move to South Carolina but neither of them has a job or a place to stay. In addition, they’re not going to be able to keep as much of the money from the sale of the house that they had counted on. The realtor gets $16,400 alone! Wow!

Today, Paul had an appointment with the dentist. This was a follow up to checkups we had two weeks ago where the dentist found a cavity. He went in to day to get it filled. Afterward, we went to WalMart to pick up a few items. Later in the day, Tropical Storm Isaias blew through. Another tree from the neighbor’s yard came down across our fence. Also, one of our trees came down and landed on the deck. It just missed the roof and back doors. This was dejavu! Same thing happened last year when we were here. Paul will have to dig out the chain saw. The entire neighborhood is digging out. Two trees went down on Saxon Avenue, the next block over, and the road was closed. Thousands of people were without power. We lost power on and off all day long but not for very long. Our neighbor a few doors down had a tree go down and take all his electrical lines with it. The fire department came and cut up the tree and pulled it out into the road.

25 July 2020 (Sat) – We went to Nicky’s on the Bay for lunch. The tables were spaced apart. Lots of them were out on the deck. All the wait staff was wearing face masks. Our waitress was very slow and unsure about herself. She might have been new. While we were eating, a waitress came running through the restaurant asking if there was a doctor, an EMT, or a nurse in the place. Apparently, something happened at the marine fuel site out on the deck. We couldn’t see what happened but an ambulance did roll up.

The cost of the meal was very high. It don’t know if it is because Nicky’s is a seasonal place and is trying to make its money during the summer or if they jacked the prices up because they can’t have as many people in the place. Either way, it was over $60 for a wrap and a sandwich. Ouch!

24 July 2020 (Fri) – Finally! A day with no doctors. Whew! Paul got up early and took the truck to WalMart to get an oil change. He said it looks like WalMart is going out of business. The shelves are all half stocked. If you stop to think about it, they get most of their products from China. The pandemic has affected shipments worldwide. In addition, the U.S. is angry with China for keeping the Coronavirus a secret and has instituted sanctions against them. WalMart must really be hurting.

After Paul got home, we went to Home Depot to get a container. One of our two batteries went bad and Paul bought two new ones. Now he wants a container to put them in to keep the area more organized. Home Depot didn’t have much of a selection at all. On the way out, we stopped by the tile area and picked out a tile to do a backsplash in the bathroom. We couldn’t decide, so we picked up three samples to see which we would like best.

When I was entering the costs into the budget, Paul discovered that WalMart charged him for the oil that he actually provided. So he got in the truck and drove back to WalMart to get his $12.47 refunded.

Miranda is teaching in Pennsylvania again this weekend. They took Caiden into Queens to stay with his grandmother. Kenny borrows his mother’s car so Miranda can take their car. I will miss Caiden.

23 July 2020 (Thu) – Today was my visit with the oncologist. It was so disheartening! My appointment was at 4:15 p.m. I checked in then after a brief wait, a tech brought me into an exam room and took my vitals. Thank goodness; no blood draw. Then I went upstairs and checked in with the receptionist. I waited about a half hour before the doctor’s admin assistant came and led me to the exam room. I sat there for another half hour before the nurse came in and went over my case. He spent a lot of time complaining about patients calling and asking for visits or pain medication when they should be going to their primary care physicians. Then he asked me who my PCP was. I felt like it was some kind of criticism. Was I supposed to be going to a different doctor?

The nurse left and it was another 20 minutes before the doctor came in wearing a face mask and a full face shield. He seemed detached and didn’t really hear my complaints. He said the medication sometimes causes blisters on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Was I having any of those? He also said the medication can cause AFIB and that the cardiologist should check me for that. It seems like every visit to the oncologist results in him telling me something else that can happen with this chemo therapy. He seemed preoccupied and in a hurry to get out. I felt like I got the bum’s rush. I came home and started crying. Which is kind of stupid because the CT scan shows that I am responding to the medication very well. All the lymph nodes are continuing to shrink. So what’s my problem?

22 July 2020 (Wed) – I went to the Good Sam Sleep Center this morning. I had to sit in the parking lot and call the office to tell them I was waiting. They called me when the previous patient was done. When I walked into the doctor’s office after checking in, he excused himself and began to dictate the results of his visit with the previous patient. He stated the patient’s name, the issue, and his diagnosis, all in front of me. Hasn’t he been briefed on this whole patient privacy thing? I thought that I should probably step out of the room but with the whole COVID thing, they don’t want people wandering around unsupervised. When he was done, I told him that I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in 15 years. The cardiologist recommended I do a sleep study because poor sleep can affect heart function and weight. The doctor said we probably wouldn’t find anything but said he would do the study anyway. How encouraging is that???

21 July 2020 (Tue) – I went to the eye doctor today. I arrived at 9:30 a.m. When I checked in, I found my appointment was for 10:45 a.m. It looks like I made the appointment while we were in Alabama and my calendar recorded the appointment as central time, not eastern time. So the clerk sent me to sit out in my car till it was my turn or the doctor became available sooner. They called me at 9:50 to come in and brought me right to a test station where they blew air into my eye. Then she took me to an exam room where I sat for over a half hour. The doctor came in, put drops in my eyes, and said I am developing glaucoma. Come back in six months. Then he was gone. No discussion, no explanation, no anything. I complained about some eye discharge and irritation so he prescribed an ointment to put in my eye at bedtime but, again, no explanation or discussion of what the problem is. It was a very annoying visit. The doctor was very dismissive.

Paul put together a 3-minute video of upstate New York. I posted it on You Tube then contacted SMART with the link. They posted it on the website next to the description of our New York caravan.

I went in at 4 p.m. to keep an eye on Caiden while Miranda went to the store. Paul is still grousing about yesterday’s argument. I have to find a way to get him to lighten up. Ugh.

20 July 2020 (Mon) – I had a CT Scan with contrast today. I dropped off a urine sample for Sheba at the vet, then drove to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I checked in at the front desk and asked if my doctor or his nurse was available to see me. The receptionist said she would contact Dr. Rodriguez and see what he said. I then went into the imaging area and had the CT scan. That’s such a weird test. They inject an iodine based solution and it gives a flushed, very warm feeling in the back of the throat and in the crotch. It feels like I wet myself. The test isn’t very long and I was out of the machine within 10 minutes.

I returned to the front desk to see about the doctor. The receptionist said Dr. Rodriguez would change my telehealth appointment for Thursday to an in-person appointment or I could see someone in triage today. I said I would meet with the doctor on Thursday.

I got home to find Paul working around the RV. He was installing a switch for the water pump in the bathroom. The switch on the main panel stopped working some time ago and Paul installed a switch down in the basement. That has turned out to be somewhat inconvenient so he moved the switch up into the bathroom. That should work better for when we have to use the onboard tank for fresh water.

While we were outside, Paul and Miranda got into a nasty fight. That was very upsetting for me. Then we left and went over Travis’ house to help him with some projects. He has finally gotten an offer for his house and the inspector will be over on Thursday. He wants to clear up a few little things before the inspector arrives. Paul and Travis worked on repairing a leak in the kitchen sink and on the thermostat for his burner. I played with the boys then we all enjoyed a meal that Sam prepared. It was a pleasant evening.

19 July 2020 (Sun) – We didn’t think Caiden would be able to sit for an hour in church with a mask on so we didn’t go. At 11:30 a.m. we drove to the Bayside Clam Bar for brunch. Afterward, we walked along the boardwalk and looked at all the boats in the marina. There was a dog at one end that the owner let go down on a little spit of sand. Caiden climbed down and followed the dog around. We took his shoes off so he could step in the water. The dog was an older black lab and very friendly. Her name was Sandy.

After our meal and walk, we returned to the house and I watched Caiden while Paul worked around the house and yard. Kenny got home at 7:30 p.m.

18 July 2020 (Sat) – We got Caiden at 10:30 a.m. and then drove to Sue & Bill’s house in the Hamptons for a day of swimming in the pool and barbecuing. Despite the fact that I put sunscreen on Caiden twice, he still burned. So did I. His mother will never let me take him to the beach again. Aaarrgghh!

After we got back, I stayed with Caiden until his father came home at 10:30 p.m.

17 July 2020 (Fri) – We both went to the dentist today. The chairs in the office were taped off to ensure adequate spacing between patients. It only left 4 chairs to use. The secretary took our temperature and went through a checklist (like the tech did yesterday). Then we had our teeth cleaned and xrays taken. I got an excellent rating; Paul has a cavity and has to come back to get it filled.

We went over Trap’s to visit. We picked up dinner at Chili’s and brought it to the house. Travis was working on painting the counter top in the upstairs bathroom. They are trying everything they can think of to sell their house. They’ve had lots of lookers but no buyers. The real estate market is so hot today, I can’t figure out why the house hasn’t gone. His in-laws put their house on the market and the first visitor bought the house for $5,000 more than they were asking. The only stipulation was that they had to be out in 30 days.

Miranda’s cat was showing some kind of neurological issue today. It was walking against the side of cabinets like its left side was weak and it couldn’t stand by itself. Miranda contacted us while at Trap’s and asked about bringing her cat, Liath, to the vet. We hurried home to help but the vet said it was not life threatening and to wait until Monday to bring her in. Miranda was concerned because she is leaving tonight for Pennsylvania and will not be back until late Sunday. I promised to keep an eye on the cat.

16 July 2020 (Thu) – We both went to the cardiologist today. I was doing a follow-up to my “incident” in March. Paul went because he has hypertension and should be seen by a cardiologist.

When we arrived, we were met at the door by a tech who asked us a bunch of questions about where we’ve been and who we’ve been near. He took our temperature and then let us pass. We walked in and was processed by a clerk. Then we were brought back to the exam room. The PA came in, went over our medical histories, took our blood pressure, and did EKGs on both of us.

Then the doctor came in. I liked him instantly. He is young – in his late 20s/early 30s. He was upbeat and very friendly, touching elbows as a form of hello. He thinks I had a TIA and felt the neurologist was wrong to think I had a TGA. He recommended I get an EEG, an ambulatory EEG, and have a loop recorder inserted in my chest. He feels it is possible that I have atrial fibrillation (AFib) and the recorder will measure my heartbeat and send messages to the office. I would wear it for 3 or 4 years! I said I had to check that one with my oncologist.

Then it was Paul’s turn. The doctor referred him for a nuclear stress test. He also recommended that Paul resume taking the baby aspirin every day (he stopped a year ago because of a medical report that said baby aspirin didn’t help to prevent strokes.

15 July 2020 (Wed) – We worked around the RV until 11:30 a.m. then we took Sheba to the vet. It was over an hour in which the vet’s office displayed confusion and chaos. First, I called to say we were outside for our appointment. About 20 minutes later, one of the vets came out to gather information then went inside. Ten minutes later he came out to get Sheba. Again, the office was not able to get through to my phone and the vet came out to tell me to call them. I called and spoke with Dr. Thode. She took blood and gave Sheba shots. Dr. Thode also said the blood results were back for Bonnie. She has round worm and a low liver value. She prescribed medicine for the worms and recommended an ultrasound for the liver. After waiting 10 minutes, I called the office to see what was happening. They were just finishing up and would send Sheba out. The vet brought Sheba out, went over the highlights of her exam, and said the office would call to get payment. After another 15 or 20 minutes, I called to make the payment. The clerk took my card number three times because the machine wasn’t working properly. Then the vet tech came out with the paperwork. Paul asked about the medicine for Bonnie. They forgot it so she went back in to get it. She brought it out but stated they had forgotten to charge us for the medicine so I had to call again to give the credit card number. They brought the receipt out along with the stuff to get a urine sample from Sheba. We left but I got a phone call about 10 minutes later saying they forgot to charge us for the bloodwork they did on Sheba so I had to call back again and give the card number again. What a debacle!

Late this afternoon, Caiden came knocking on the door. He came in and played for a while then I made dinner for the three of us. He ate a small part of his meal but seemed to enjoy it. I brought the left overs into the house for Miranda and Kenny, or to keep and reheat for Caiden tomorrow.

14 July 2020 (Tue) – I had an appointment with the neurologist this morning. This was the same doctor that found the tumor in my mother’s brain 36 years ago. He has gotten very personable over the years. I liked him very much. He said the incident I experienced in March was most likely Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). Just to be careful, he recommended three different tests but stated that he doesn’t expect to find anything. Apparently, a TGA can happen at any time and never happen again. Or, it can happen again once or multiple times. If it happens many times then you would have to get checked for seizure activity in the brain. Luckily, I have not had any problems since that one time.

I played with Caiden a little tonight. We didn’t get much time together but it was still fun. He loves battle sequences.

13 July 2020 (Mon) – We took Bonnie to the vet this morning. She needed a refill on her flea and tick medicine. She got a checkup and a couple of shots. It was so weird. When we arrived, we called the office and were instructed to stay in the truck. After about 20 minutes, a vet tech came out. He took down Bonnie’s information and reason for her visit then went back inside. He came back about 10 minutes later and took her inside. We sat in the car until the doctor called. We discussed our concerns and what the doctor found and recommended. Five minutes later, the clerk called to get our credit card number for the bill. A whopping $950!!! After about another 15 minutes, Bonnie was brought back out to us. Then we waited ANOTHER 15 minutes for the clerk to bring out medicine and the bill. What a pain in the butt. And we will have to do it again with Sheba.

Kenny was off of work today, so Caiden stayed in the house nursing his sunburn and playing with his parents. Paul worked around the yard and I did paperwork.

12 July 2020 (Sun) – We went to church this morning. They just reopened after holding services digitally on You Tube and FaceBook for months. There were about 30 people in church. We had to wear our masks the entire time and still try to maintain 6’ distance from each other. They didn’t pass the collection plate. Instead, it sat in the back of the church and the minister asked everyone to drop their donation in the plate when they left.

After church, Paul and I drove to the Clamside Bar & Grill at the East Islip Marina. We both enjoyed a salad. The day was lovely – sunny, but not too hot, with a soft, balmy breeze blowing in off the water. The sun glittering on the bay was beautiful.

When we came home, I gathered up Caiden and he and I went to Heckscher State Park. I figured the beach would be closed but we could walk along the shore, throw stones in the water, build sand castles, and wiggle our toes in the water. Boy, was I surprised to find the beach open, complete with lifeguards. There were many people on the beach and in the water but they still were all keeping a decent distance between each other. The water was so warm; like a bathtub. There was lots of wave action and a delightful breeze kept the heat away. I did not have a bathing suit so I stood on the shore with my feet in the water, getting splashed well up the legs. Caiden went in and had a great time. Unfortunately, I forgot to put sunscreen on him and he got burned. His mother yelled at me.

When we left the beach, I stopped at Carvel and got Caiden some ice cream. The perfect end to a perfect day.

11 July 2020 (Sat) – Paul worked in the yard most of the day. I entertained Caiden a good part of the day. At 4:30 pm, we went over Travis’ house. We shared a salad and pizza then spent two hours playing with Noah and Hudson. The baby is on the verge of walking. He has very good balance.

10 July 2020 (Fri) – It was an overcast day with rain on and off. Tropical Storm Fay was pummeling the Jersey coast today but we didn’t get it too badly. Paul and I went shopping at PetCo for pet food and ShopRite for some groceries. Boy. Was the grocery store crowded! And we forgot to bring our own bags so the cashier charged us for 3 bags. Glad we didn’t buy a lot.

Caiden wanted to come into the trailer so badly today but the weather was lousy and I wasn’t going to put Bonnie out. Caiden came out and we stood outside in the drizzle talking for about an hour. Later, I went into the house and we played for about 2 hours.

9 July 2020 (Thu) – We packed up and left Newburgh at 10:45 am. It took almost 4 hours to drive down to Long Island. We were surprised with all the traffic on the road. We came through the boroughs and had traffic and construction that caused us to creep along through congested spots.

Caiden was so happy to see us! He ran out and gave me a hug, then ran back to the porch to watch us park the rig in the driveway. When Paul had the RV positioned well, I had Caiden help finish the set up by pushing buttons to open the slides. After we were set up, we visited for a bit and watched him swimming in his little pool. After dinner, I took Caiden to Carvel and picked up ice cream for him and Miranda (Kenny was working and Paul and I are on a diet). We brought it back home and they enjoyed the treat out on the back deck.

8 July 2020 (Wed) – Just hung around the campground most of the day. We did run out to fuel the truck and get ready for tomorrow’s move.

7 July 2020 (Tue) – We visited with the sales manager here at the campground. We had interviewed him last year and reconfirmed the amenities and costs. The nightly fee actually went down. He also promised to coordinate a bus tour into New York City for us. He offered to pick up our order for bagels and juice and even stated he could arrange a catered meal right here in the campground.

We came back and did laundry then just hung out for the day.

6 July 2020 (Mon) – We started out for West Point but would up sidetracked to the Historic Huguenot District. It was two blocks of old stone houses built in the late 1600s/early 1700s by early French settlers. The visitor’s center was closed and none of the buildings were open. We walked up and down the street, admiring the architecture from the street.

We then continued on to the West Point Military Academy. The visitor’s center was closed, as well as the tour operations office. There was no one to ask anything of. The day was a loss in that regard.

5 July 2020 (Sun) – We drove over to the Mohonk Mountain House today. Thought we’d check them out for the farewell dinner and then take a hike around the area. Unfortunately, they now have a gatehouse to control access to the place. They have us a brochure to look at and a telephone number to call but wouldn’t let us go in.

Then we drove by another restaurant but they were closed. No signs on the door. We couldn’t tell if they were just closed or if they had gone out of business. Cross them off the list.

We made a quick stop at the grocery store so Paul could pick up milk for his coffee then returned to the campground. We got to enjoy another campfire tonight. Two in a row. Wow.!

We drove into Newburgh and took a stroll on the Walkway Over the Hudson. It was an old railroad trestle over the Hudson River built back in the late 1800s. It was repurposed into a level concrete walkway that stretched for more than a mile and a third. We walked out to the middle, took a selfie, and walked back. The day was lovely. There were lots of people on the bridge – strolling, biking, walking the dog. Almost everyone obeyed the signs and wore a mask. Some people didn’t. It was very warm and my mask was wet from sweat by the time we finished our walk. It was a good time.

We drove to the FDR National Historic Site to look over the presidential library and home. The visitor’s center was closed.

4 July 2020 (Sat) – We were going to drive to the Mohonk Mountain House today but stayed in the campground instead. We had a small BBQ and sat before a delightful campfire. The campground is pretty full with lots of kids. Bonnie is barking at bicycles, skaters, and walkers. The staff came by yesterday passing out flyers about the pool. It was going to be open today from 10 to 4. They were having people sign up for a one-hour block of time. The pool is limited to 25 people but they were thinking they wouldn’t be able to do that and still have people maintain their distance. We didn’t sign up. It seemed better to leave the time slots to the kids. Normally, they would spend the whole day in the pool. This is like a tease. But I suppose it’s better than nothing.

3 July 2020 (Fri) – Things have been quiet. We have been running around trying to line up restaurants for the caravan next year. We are now at the KOA in Newburgh for a week.

30 Jun 2020 (Tue) – We pulled stakes at 9:25 am. It was a white knuckle exercise in getting out of our site. Paul had to ask the guy behind us to move then he backed up the RV to get out. Trees and other RVs and yard “stuff” in the area made it impossible to pull out from our pull-through site. Paul did it perfectly! He is so good in moving our big monster. It’s almost like it’s an extension of his physical being. Just imagine maneuvering 54’ of truck and trailer. I can’t do it!

We arrived at Shadowbrook RV Resort at a little past 11:30 am (it was a very short drive). This campground only has 18 campsites for transients. Again, we’ve been undone by the seasonal campers. After set up, we drove to four separate campgrounds and all gave the same answer – no room at the inn! The last campground we stopped at recommended the KOA up on Route 20. We’ll try them tomorrow.

We drove by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. They are on a limited opening. I left a business card and someone will call me back. I also sent emails to the tour director for the NY Capitol in Albany and the USS Slater. Communications continue with other venues as well.

29 Jun 2020 (Mon) – We drove to another campground this morning to check it out. It turned out to only have 4 available campsites for transients. The rest are filled with seasonals. Too bad. It was a really nice campground right on Saratoga Lake.

On the way back to the campground, we refueled for tomorrow’s trip and picked up chicken and water. Bonnie has diarrhea again. It just seems to be something that she’s going to go through on a regular basis no matter what we give her.

28 Jun 2020 (Sun) – We left Ticonderoga at 9:20 a.m. It rained a little in the three hours it took us to arrive at Adventure Bound RV Resorts & Campground. The campsite we got was very tight while Paul had to maneuver around a parked van, trees, and lawn decorations. This campground, although very large (over 300 campsites), would not suit our group and many campers are seasonal. The RV next to us hasn’t been moved in years.

As soon as we were set up, we headed out. First stop was at Chili’s for lunch. We both had a grilled chicken salad. Tummies full, we drove to four different campgrounds. Two wouldn’t fit the group, one had no one in the office, and the other took our phone number to give to the owner. It was not a very productive day. Hope things get better tomorrow.

On the way back to the campground, we stopped at Hannaford to pick up groceries. It was a nice supermarket. Why can’t we get any of these grocery stores on Long Island?

27 Jun 2020 (Sat) – It was a light day. We just hung out around the campground today. I made some calls and updated the files on what we’ve collected so far. The poor wifi service here is maddening! Even the cell service is poor. I’m glad we won’t be staying here as a group but I worry the other campground might be just as bad. After all, we are now in the mountains.

26 Jun 2020 (Fri) – We drove into Lake Placid today. It is a small town. The Olympics Museum was closed. We decided to have the group explore the museum then go out about the town on their own. There is a lot to see in this little tourist town.

We then drove to Whiteface Mountain. We wanted to drive up the Veterans Memorial Highway to the peak. Unfortunately, it was $25 per car to drive up. I thought that was too much money to go up there and find everything closed (not that there is that much up there to see other than the view). We turned around and left.

Right next to the entrance for Whiteface Mountain is Santa’s North Pole Workshop. We came up here twice with the kids when they were little. The workshop is still there with the post office that will send off a letter or postcard with the North Pole return address. The park was also closed.

We drove to Ausable Chasm, the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. It was beautiful. We spoke with the sales manager and got information on a walking tour, float trip, and lunch at the center. It will be a nice touch for the group. Up the hill right next to the chasm center is the Underground RR Museum. It is in a beautiful old stone building. It was closed but a woman stepped out of the building to speak with us. The cost to explore the museum is free and the place is very small. Guess we’ll have the group break up into smaller groups to tour the museum.

We also checked out two other campgrounds. The KOA seems like the best option at this point. It would have been nice to stay at the North Pole Hundred Acre Woods Campground but they don’t take groups of more than six rigs. Oh, pooh!

After we got back to the campground, we did the laundry.

25 Jun 2020 (Thu) – Well, we learned today why a scouting trip is so important. We left 1000 Islands CG and headed out to Ticonderoga, 170 miles away. The GPS in the truck tried to route us though Canada. It would have added 100 miles to our trip! Instead, we followed the route on my phone. The trip went through Adirondack Park. We saw mountains but the elevation never got much over 2,000’. The roads were narrow and winding and the driving was slow but we got here safe and sound. The scenery is beautiful with occasional glimpses of the lakes and rivers beside the road.

It turns out that this campground does not have enough campsites for our group – they are mostly for seasonal campers. Paul went through a list and found an alternative campground. In fact, he changed two campgrounds for one and we now have another stop on our itinerary.

After set up, we drove to Brookwood RV Resort and interviewed the owner for a possible stay there. They are a very popular campground and she suggested we get our reservations in ASAP. The only thing we don’t like is that we wouldn’t all be together. Everyone would be spread around the campground.

We drove down the road to another campground owned by the U.S. Forest Service but it was closed. We then drove into the town of Ticonderoga. The Star Trek Museum and Fort Ticonderoga were both closed due to the pandemic. We walked into a luncheonette across the street from the Star Trek Museum to see about a lunch for the group. Our group could go to the museum at 10, go to lunch at 11 (it’s a little early but that’s what they want), then take a tour of the fort. The other option is to wait on lunch until 2 pm, which is kind of late. I don’t like either option.

As we were driving around, we spotted an old stone chapel in a graveyard. We parked and went in to explore it. It reminded me of the Viking church on display in DisneyWorld.

24 Jun 2020 (Wed) – We drove over to Alexandria Bay this morning. We stopped at U.S. Boat Tours which I had emailed to ask about a tour of the Singer and Boldt Castles. We checked at the window to find out what time the shuttles and tours ran. After getting the times, we decided to have the group go to the Boldt Castle at 10 a.m., come back to town, wander the shops, and have lunch. At 2 p.m., we’ll have everyone come back and take the tour to the Singer Castle.

Afterward, we drove around the area, checking out different places. We also drove over to Wellesly Island and looked at the state parks and golf courses there. We also stopped by the ice cream shoppe in front of the campground to find out about an ice cream social. They sell 3-gallon containers of ice cream for $45. The lady suggested butter pecan as an older person’s favorite flavor.

23 Jun 2020 (Tue) – We packed up and left Stow at 9:15 a.m. The drive was easy but took almost 4 hours. When we arrived, the office was closed (we had checked in online), and a note on the door told campers to proceed to their assigned site. After set up, we left a message for the campground manager asking for a meeting.

We drove to Clayton where Main Street was under construction and closed to traffic. We had seen a delightful hotel with a restaurant years ago that boasted the original Thousand Islands dressing had been invented there. Unfortunately, the restaurant went out of business. We spoke with a manager at Bella’s. The restaurant was pleasant but she said they did not want to have a large group in to dine during their peak season. She preferred to cater a meal of assorted wraps, salads and desert and suggested we eat at the Antique Boating Museum.

We drove past both the Thousand Islands Museum and the Antique Boating Museum. They were both closed. I sent emails asking about admission and meals. This is becoming very frustrating. Many of the businesses that I have sent emails to have not answered.

When we got back to the campground, we met with the campground camp host. Whe was very chatty and gave us lots of information about the area. I have to follow up with an email so she can share it with the owner.

22 Jun 2020 (Mon) – We drove to Seneca Falls today, noting the mileage to various areas along the way. Everything we wanted to see was closed. The National Women’s Hall of Fame, although the name was displayed on the front of the building on Main Street, is no longer there. A woman in the visitor center told us it was relocated to a mill across the bridge but the coronavirus had stopped the set-up and opening of the center in its new location. We drove over and saw that it will be 3 stories high and promises to be a good stop. There is also a National Women’s Rights Museum on Main Street and a couple of houses around Seneca Falls that people could tour if they wanted.

Waterloo, birthplace of Memorial Day, is next to Seneca Falls. There is an American Civil War Museum and memorial graveyard in town. I think it would be appropriate to include it in our itinerary but Paul thinks it is too much. If so, we will certainly have to suggest it as a stop on their own.

We stopped at Ventosa Vineyards to see about a group lunch after the Seneca Falls tour. There is a lovely deck area outside overlooking the lake. The woman we spoke with suggested we send an email to the catering manager.

We then stopped at Belhurst Castle. They have a very attractive stone room with an intimate setting for lunch that also looks out at the lake. The man we spoke with gave us a menu and suggested we coordinate with the catering manager. I sent emails out to both managers.

21 Jun 2020 (Sun) – We packed up and left Bath at 9:50 a.m. It was only 95 miles to Red’s Twilight on the Erie RV Resort in Macedon, near Rochester. We arrived about noon. The office was closed. Our registration packet was sitting on a table. As we were preparing to drive to our campsite, the owner pulled up and led us to our place. She was very friendly and gladly agreed to meet with us later.

After set up, we cased the campground while walking the dog (it was too hot to let Sheba out – 90 degrees!) then went to the office and sat down with Barb. She said they would give us 10 percent off for military discount. We were all sitting around the table with our masks on and it got very hot. I was sweating like crazy. I sure was glad when the meeting was over.

We drove into Rochester to the George Eastman Museum. It was closed. We then drove to The Strong Museum of Play. That was also closed. It is a very large museum and looks like it will be fun. We then drove to a restaurant recommended by Barb. It was too far from The Strong to have people walk to it so we will have lunch in the museum then explore the museum. There is a restaurant inside.

On the way back to the campground, we stopped at Wegmans Supermarket. What a huge store! It had to be the largest supermarket we’ve ever been in. And it was neat and clean and attractive. Everyone in the store was wearing a mask and the staff was actively wiping things down and making sure everything was sanitized.

20 Jun 2020 (Sat) – We drove to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum to meet the Administration Assistant and see the wine cellar where they host catered meals. It is a lovely room and we are sure the group would like it. We would probably have the tour of the museum first (there are 3 floors in the museum) then go to the bottom floor for a lunch.

After meeting with Nancy Wightman, we drove back to the KOA to meet with the Office Manager. We sat outside at a picnic table, all in our masks, and discussed what they could offer the caravan next year. Elaine is pregnant and will be out on maternity leave for a while. This could cause a problem with coordination but we will see how it shakes out.

While driving out and about, we stopped at a nearby fish hatchery. It was closed but they had an observation pool with three kinds of trout in it – brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. What is weird is that the brook trout is the only native species to the area, yet the hatchery doesn’t raise them – only the other two species.

We drove around to check out some other places. There is a VA Center and National Cemetery a couple of miles down the road. We rode around the cemetery looking at the gravestones. We also gathered information about other services in the area – RV dealers, hospital, clinic, vets, foodstore, etc.

We had a campfire tonight. There is nothing more intoxicating that the smell of a campfire.

19 Jun 2020 (Fri) – We packed up and left Chautauqua at 9:30. The weather was good and the drive was pleasant. We arrived at the Bath-Hammondsport KOA around noon. They had sent an email asking us to pre-register/check-in. I did that. When we arrived, Paul stayed in the truck while I went in. The clerk confirmed our information and gave us our map and paperwork. This is a lovely campground. We have been here before and am sure the caravan will enjoy the place.

We drove around town, trying to find a restaurant to have a welcome dinner in. The three restaurants we chose were all too small and two of them were still closed. The thirde, the Stone Timber Inn, does catering. We took the chef’s card and left. On the way back to the campground, we stopped at an American Legion post and took a look at their hall. We asked about renting the hall and the bartender gave us the rental agent’s phone number along with the commander’s number.

The campground is working hard to ensure people are having a good time, despite the spacing restriction from the coronavirus. They delivered a packet to make s’mores with. Folks were invited to make s’mores and post pictures on the facebook page. They also gave us free firewood. It made a delightful fire. They also had a cornhole contest where people who had the game in their rig wee encouraged to play and report their results.

18 Jun 2020 (Thu) – We went to the office at 9:30 a.m. to speak with the campground owner. The doors were locked. Some guy came out in to the hall, looked at us at the door then went back into his office. How rude! I then called the office and the owner answered. We sat at the table outside on the deck and interviewed the guy about the facilities and what he would do for the group. Satisfied, we told him we would send a check and wanted to leave him a book. He said he was in his office. When we told him the door was locked, he laughed and said he forgot to open it then stepped out and took the book.

We drove 20 minutes to the Grape Discovery Center to see what it looked like. It was closed. We parked and walked around, peeking in the windows. It looks like it would be a nice experience for our group next year, so we will include it in the itinerary.

We found a laundromat in a house (ah, country life). We put the clothes in the washer then drove to a Mazza’s Winery and had a flight of wines. Then we returned to the laundromat house and put the clothes in the dryer. We walked around the town of Mayville while our clothes tumbled.

After we collected the clothes, we drove to Jamestown to check out the Lucy-Desi Museum and the National Comedy Center. Unfortunately, they, too, were both closed because of the pandemic. This situation is going to make it hard to develop a budget for the caravan.

Paul located a WalMart and we did some food shopping. We are starting a diet and needed to pick up all the right kinds of foods. I just planned 4 days and the frig is chocked full. I will not be able to shop a week at a time, that’s for sure.

The check-in time for this campground is 6 p.m. (check-out is 5 p.m.). We’ve never seen such a late time for check-in. We asked if the owner would put that aside for us when our group comes next year.

17 Jun 2020 (Wed) – We left Marblehead, Ohio, at 8:20 a.m. It was a long drive today so we left early. The drive was over 4 hours and took us along the lakeshore of Lake Erie, through Pennsylvania and into New York. The campground looks like it was a KOA at one time. Our campsite is a pull through with a concrete surface. The campground is on Chautauqua Lake. The pool, the store, and all group centered places are closed due to the pandemic. You have to wear a mask in the office.

After set up, we drove into Mayville to meet with the operations manager of the Chautauqua Belle paddlewheeler. He was a young man who seemed to be coordinating a group tour for the first time. We went over is suggested schedule and agreed on an itinerary. He will draw up a contract and send it to us.

Then we drove down the road to the Chautauqua Institution. It is one of the stops on the itinerary Mike put together and we wanted to look at it. It’s not very clear why we should take a tour of the place. It seems like a private community with very lovely homes on the lake. The roads are very narrow and seem to wind aimlessly around the neighborhood. There is a beautiful old hotel where he suggested we have lunch. We wanted to get some information about the place but the visitor’s center was closed. I’ll have to send an email.

We drove to Jamestown and picked up food at Pet Smart. Then Paul drove up the other side of the lake to the center where the interstate crossed the lake. We got back to the campground at 5 p.m.

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crohnsdigest · 5 years ago

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Coronavirus Shopping List: What to Buy and Skip

As communities and states issue restrictions and closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it's likely you're facing plenty of at-home time, possibly for weeks. What do you really need to have on hand to make sure you're prepared?

Nourishing and Shelf-Stable Food

First, you'll want about 14 to 30 days of food and supplies. While fresh fruits and vegetables will be perfect for that first week or so, be sure to have plenty of options that can be in your pantry for longer, suggests Martha Lawder, RDN, of Sacramento, the president of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Canned Foods "During any emergency, it's important to consider how you will nourish yourself and your family," she says, adding that dried and canned goods are essentials — and brown rice, lentils, dried beans, and dried fruits are top choices. "These foods are great sources of magnesium, which is a very important micronutrient for metabolic function and a strong immune system," she says. Lawder also likes to keep canned soup, jarred pasta sauces, and fruits that have been canned in juice instead of syrup. Although some comfort foods — we're looking at you, mac and cheese — make for a nice indulgence, remember that people are sheltering in place for a reason. "This is a time to focus on staying healthy, and your nutrition can support that," says Lawder. Energy-Boosting High-Protein Foods "Sometimes, fresh or even frozen meat can be less available during an emergency," says Lawder. "Plan in advance to make sure you're still getting quality protein options." For example, pair a whole grain like brown rice or whole-wheat pasta with legumes, she suggests, such as PB&J on whole-wheat bread. You can also get protein bars as snacks — choose the option with the least added sugar. Another handy choice? The must-have of road-trippers everywhere: jerky. Lawder says there are many great varieties now available, including turkey jerky, and several are made without nitrates, a preservative that's been linked to heart issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. Instead of just snacking on jerky (although that's an option), Lawder suggests adding it to soup or pasta sauce for a protein boost. Those on a pescatarian diet can snag canned tuna, and those on a vegetarian or vegan diet can opt for canned beans for extra protein. Frozen Foods "Fortunately, frozen produce has very similar nutrition profiles to fresh fruits and vegetables, so don't be afraid to add a variety of these to your list," she says. "While you're in the freezer aisle, pick up a few of your favorite frozen proteins as well, like chicken, fish, lean beef, or veggie burgers, since these will last in your freezer for a few months." Reach for unprocessed meats — in other words, choose chicken breasts over chicken tenders or nuggets. ‘Sick Day’ Foods Include some of your go-to favorites for when you're sick, too, such as chicken noodle soup, saltines, and ginger ale. If you do end up coming down with COVID-19 or another bug, you’ll thank yourself for having these handy. Fresh, Versatile Foods for Homemade Meals Another top suggestion is to buy fresh produce and meats or meat alternatives and spend some time prepping your own frozen meals, which can be significantly lower in sodium and preservatives, Caldwell says. "This is great to do in advance because if you do become sick, you'll have these frozen prepared meals on hand as a nourishing option," she notes. She suggests plenty of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, to help your body get immune-boosting antioxidants, along with fermented products like yogurt and kimchi to promote gut health. Self-Care Food Options This is a time of incredible stress and uncertainty, and if a few cookies make you feel better, then eat the cookies, says Caldwell. "Generally, you want to stay healthy with nutrient-rich options that have the fiber and protein you need to maintain energy during a quarantine," she says. "But that doesn't mean you have to skip dessert." Don't go overboard and create your own snack aisle, she adds, but have some favorites on hand.

Other Self-Care Essentials

That goes for nonfood items too, like Epsom salt for a luxurious soak and hand lotion that can ease dryness from increased hand-washing.

Supplies for Your Children and Pets

Whether your small ones are the humankind or covered in fur, make sure they have what they need for 30 days. That means formula, diapers, pediatric cold medication, snacks, games, books, and puzzles. For your pets, stock up on food and other supplies, including treats. In some parts of Europe, even dog walks are being restricted in terms of duration and scope, so you may want to add a few dog toys to the cart, too. RELATED: Can Pets Get COVID-19?

Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Medications

Even in locked-down Italy, pharmacies are still open, but prescription medications are one item to have well in advance of when you need them, suggests Manish Trivedi, MD, the director of the division of infectious diseases at AtlantiCare in Pomona, New Jersey. "Speak with your doctors now about three-month prescriptions, rather than relying on the ability to get refills every month," he advises. "Also, consider signing up for mail-order medications in the event you can't leave home." Plan for potential illness as well, he says, either in the form of COVID-19 itself or the flu, which is still in full swing. Your medicine cabinet doesn't need to become a mini-pharmacy, but Dr. Trivedi says at least have over-the-counter medicine, tissues, and anything else that helps ease you through cold and flu season. Right now, there is no specific treatment or medication for COVID-19 beyond addressing the symptoms, so doctors recommend treating it like a cold or flu.

First-Aid Kit

It's helpful to have a first-aid kit, he adds, with items like bandages and antibiotic cream, since that will keep you from running to the store when minor injuries occur.

Toilet Paper, Hand Sanitizer, and Bottled Water Are Optional

If your tap water isn't great, you may want to add in some bottled water, but no matter what, Lawder emphasizes that hydration is crucial for maintaining health. On the other hand, chill out about toilet paper and hand sanitizer, Trivedi suggests. Yes, you may need them, but for now, stores are still open and will restock. Like other items on the list, consider what you need for the next few weeks to 30 days. Do you really use 100 rolls of toilet paper every month? Not to mention that soap and water are preferable to hand sanitizer. While it's helpful to have some sanitizer available for when you do go out, you don't need to hoard it — that limits the amount available for others, especially those who rely on it and have less immediate access to soap and water, such as first responders, delivery drivers, healthcare workers, and grocery and pharmacy cashiers.

Look for the Letters WIC on Food Items

While we're on the topic of "sharing is caring," look at grocery store descriptions and price tags to see if items are marked as WIC, suggests Caldwell. These are the only items those on food assistance can buy with their supplemental nutrition plan benefits, and if those are cleared out, there are no alternatives. If you're not on WIC, consider choosing a different option so there's plenty for those who are.

A Final Word on Grocery Shopping During COVID-19

Shopping wisely and mindfully will not only help you stock up on what you need but will also ensure there's enough for everyone. And when you get home with your purchases? Wash your hands. click here to read more on crohnsdigestnews Read the full article

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austinpanda · 5 years ago

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Breaking News: I’m a Flawed Person

Okay! I’ve gone to ground for the past couple of days because my depression went nuts and I had to spend 48 curled in a ball. Things started getting better this morning, for reasons I’ll get into shortly, so it’s time I caught y’all up on what’s been happening. Mainly, three things have been vexing me, and they all reached a crescendo last Thursday:

1. I quit smoking again. In order for you to understand what a Pangia-sized bummer that is, I must admit that I began smoking again about three days before we left Austin. What can I say? I’m addicted to nicotine, and in a period where I couldn’t put anything else in my mouth without throwing it up, I succumbed to the pressure and decided to allow myself to smoke.

As with all unwise decisions, I made sure the two people closest to me were in the loop, husband Zach (as if I could have hid it from him anyway) and sister Stacy. Both of them knew I was going through the scariest time of my life and were kind about it. The unspoken message I received from both of them was, “Id’a started smoking again too. Just go easy, and remember to quit again later.” Well, I decided the move was all done, and I quit on January 1st, just to have an easy quit date to remember.

I’ve often used the same metaphor to describe quitting cigarettes: It’s like having an alarm clock taped to your head, and the alarm is going off, and it’s asking when the next cigarette is going to occur, and it can’t be turned off, and this lasts for five years, at the end of which, the alarm gets slightly quieter. So the two days after that (which were Thursday and Friday) I basically wanted to find the nearest living thing, murder it, roll it into a cigarette, and smoke it. That’s the first thing that was bothering me.

2. I have run out of Ozempic, which, it turns out, was proving to be a very effective blood sugar medication. With it, I was getting blood sugar levels around 170. Not great, but totally acceptable. Then I ran out of the shit, and because of my fear of phone calls where I have to ask someone for something important and there’s a decent chance they’ll say, “No,” I didn’t immediately ask for a refill. Then, after a couple of horrific blood sugar readings (over 400), I got the process started.

Long story short, the doctor from Austin couldn’t or wouldn’t call in a prescription now that I’m living in Maine. Get another primary care provider up there, they advised. Fine. I did that. I’m now a patient of the Helen Hunt Health Center. [I’m pretty sure it’s not the “Mad About You” and “As Good As It Gets” Helen Hunt, but whatever.] I visited them yesterday. They did all the necessary shit: they took me on as a new patient, they put me in a room with a nurse practitioner to get all the info and vitals, and sent me home with a prescription for Ozempic. Outstanding! Just gotta take that bad boy to the grocery store pharmacy and fill it!

The grocery store pharmacy would not fill the prescription. Or, more accurately, they would fill it, but only if I was ready to pay about a thousand bucks to take the shit home with me. (I was not.) I’m on MaineCare! I’m in an enlightened blue state where they allow people with no income (such as, for the moment, myself) to have insurance so they can afford their pills. But Ozempic isn’t covered. Maine just passed a law that says they won’t allow anyone to have to pay more than $100 for insulin. But that law just passed, and Ozempic isn’t insulin, so that’s not helping either. The pharmacy had a suggestion: call your doctor, have them call the insurer (MaineCare) to give a prior authorization, a P.A. So I called the doctor and explained what was up. She understood! She said, “Sounds like they just need a P.A. and they’ll cover the drug.”

Problem: by then, it was Friday afternoon. The next step is I should hear from the pharmacy that they’ll fill the prescription, but that almost certainly isn’t going to happen until at least Monday, and my blood sugar is still skyrocketing, and my eyesight is beginning to be affected. Shit is blurrier than usual.

This river of red tape had better turn into some Ozempic by Monday, or else I’m going to have to go to the walk-in clinic again, just so they can give me something immediately to lower my blood sugar numbers. I know these things take time. It just contributed to knocking the wind out of my sails. Then there was the third thing…

3. Toothache! I can’t seem to deal with toothache and blood sugar bullshit on the same day; I just don’t have enough spoons. So I’ve been treating the toothache with ibuprofen, which actually takes the pain away. Something’s infected in there, though, and I need to get it looked at.

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Something else has happened that I think is bad, but might be good: When I went to the walk-in clinic yesterday for the Ozempic, they made me get on a scale. (The fuckers.) I’ve lost weight since I left Austin. When I left Austin, and another way of saying this is, for the entire duration of my adult life, I’ve never weighed less than about 260. The last time I weighed that little was when I passed that number going up while in high school.

When they weighed me at the clinic yesterday, my weight was 248, with all my winter clothes on, so I’m guessing my true weight is closer to 245. My max weight was about 350, and I now weigh 245. I don’t know what caused this! Is it a good thing? Like, for various reasons, I’m eating less and burning more calories just to maintain body temperature? Or is it for a bad reason, like I’m spending so much time going fetal, and stress barfing, that my muscles are beginning to go away? To a certain extent, don’t care. I’ll take the win.

Now it’s Saturday. My troublesome tooth has stopped hurting. I’m sure my blood sugar numbers suck right now, but I’ve decided to treat all my problems with a nice thick steamin’ bowl o’ cigarettes. I bought some smokes this morning, and while I know it’s bad, I’m actually feeling great. I quit before, and I’ll quit again, once I’m out of unemployment crisis mode.

Y’all know how I roll; I don’t like to post a mountain of bad news without providing something a little hopeful to balance it out, and it took until this morning’s first coffin nail that I felt well enough to write it all down.

So here’s the plan: Email the temp agency to let them know I’m available. Follow up with someone (pharmacy? Helen Hunt?) on Monday to get my affordable Ozempic. If I can’t get affordable Ozempic, some Ol’ Roy Insulin will have to do…? Also, get a scale. And start eating smaller, regular meals, instead of one single 55-gallon drum of Hamburger Helper at 2:00 PM every damn day, like now. Eat some bananas and kale and shit. Do more walking. Set a new quit smoking date. Change whole life around. Perhaps learn a musical instrument.

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unashamed-shipper · 7 years ago

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Living With You

read on ff.net and ao3

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve / thirteen / fourteen / fifteen / sixteen / seventeen

rating: t+ for sexual joking, swear words, and violence

pairings in this chapter: nalu, gruvia

characters in this chapter: natsu, lucy, juvia, gray

reblogs are appreciated <3

Waking up early for once, Lucy was excited to find that Natsu was not in her bed. The twerp had finally decided to respect her space after he had both slept next to her and ran into her while she wore a towel.

Not that she minded him sleeping next to her, of course.

She enjoyed having him next to her while she slept, and although it wasn’t a familiar feeling, she liked the idea of having someone sleep next to her while she was in her most vulnerable state. Someone to protect her and be ready to fight whatever came her way. And that definitely described Natsu.

Smiling as she got out of bed, she wandered slightly down the hall to take a shower and ready herself for the day of work. Although she had the day off from actual work, she had a lot of things to get done that day. Washing the dishes from last night and the morning’s breakfast, calling the psychiatrist she was referred to, going grocery shopping, paying the bills that were her responsibility, and going home to write were just a few of the things that she needed to accomplish. Who knew that living with three other people would be so exhausting?

After washing up and pulling on her clothes and applying makeup, Lucy walked down the hall to see Gray watching TV while eating his usual breakfast of cereal and toast.

“Good morning,” Lucy greeted cheerfully, and Gray mumbled something in response.

“You could at least say hello,” Lucy eyed Gray warily, and Gray turned to say something to his roommate and friend that she would have never thought would ever come out of his mouth.

“I’m gonna ask Juvia out on a date today,” he said, scratching his neck nervously.

Lucy covered her mouth before running over and plopping down on the couch next to him. “Gray, that’s great! Where are you going to ask her to go with you?”

“I thought I’d ask her to go to a movie and dinner. Something simple,” Gray chuckled awkwardly, a soft flush covering his face.

Lucy thought back to the first time she met Gray. There was a used condom on the floor, an obvious sign of his shameless conquests. Then he brought home Olivia and Alicia, who both were not the girl for him. Lucy realized that she wasn’t sure what other girls he could have dated or had sex with at the time that she was moved in, but obviously they didn’t last.

But then he met Juvia. Although odd in her pursuits to woo Gray, she was kind and intelligent and a good friend. Maybe she knew about the other girls that he was dating at the moment, but Juvia stood by her vow to have Gray as her own once and for all.

And slowly, Gray started changing. He became less gruff and kinder, and even though the change was tedious and nothing like they’d thought it would be, Gray finally decided to ask Juvia out.

“How are you going to ask her?” Lucy asked, getting up and heading to the refrigerator to make herself some cereal of her own.

Gray’s pleased expression dropped. “I-I didn’t think about that,” he said sheepishly.

Beginning to eat her cereal, Lucy chewed and swallowed before answering him with her own idea. “Why don’t you go to her work and bring her some flowers? It would make her day to have something to brighten up the shop.”

Gray nodded with a soft smile before finishing his cereal, thanking Lucy on the way to the kitchen to put his bowl in the sink. He completed his routine before heading out, saying goodbye to Lucy on his way to the car. Watching Gray leave, she opened the window and gave him a thumbs-up as a good luck charm. He would need it if he was going to have the strength to ask Juvia on a date.

Closing the window gently, Lucy began to tidy up the house. With four people living in the small apartment, there was a lot of cleaning to get done--and not just because three of them were men. Lucy could make quite a mess of her own when she made dinner or decided to write, and she hated that her messes were almost as big as the guys’.

Lucy began to clean up the coffee table and saw Natsu’s technology magazine laying there. A smile slowly began to make its way from one end of her mouth to the other, and suddenly she was shaking her head and grinning at the way he would drink his decaffeinated coffee and read his magazine every “morning” and then go to sleep. He had a wonky schedule: go to sleep at 2 PM while everyone was at work after drinking his regular coffee and leaving a ring on the glass coffee table no matter how many times he wiped it down, wake up at 10 PM and be at work at 11. Then he would go to work for eight hours, sometimes nine if he had to work on an old lady’s computer and the task became more tedious. Natsu would then take his medication and plop himself down in bed when he got tired of playing video games, and then wake up and do the same thing over again.

Lucy walked to Natsu’s room, smiling when she saw his door thrown open like normal. He didn’t really spend much time in his room other than sleeping and reading comics, but he always left the door open as if he had just sped out of the place like his life depended on it. Stepping in quietly, Lucy sat down on Natsu’s bed, hearing it creak under her weight. Looking to the bedside table, she spotted a bottle of pills that Natsu had been prescribed by his psychiatrist. Interest nipped at her as she picked it up, wondering if maybe the medication he took would be good for her to suggest to her psychiatrist.

Of course, Lucy’s anxiety was worse than Natsu’s, and Natsu’s depression was harder to deal with than Lucy’s. She and her psychiatrist who she had just been set up with over the phone would have to find a good balance for her and her disorders. Shaking the pill bottle and setting it back down, Lucy noticed that it was completely empty. Curious, she grasped the bottle in her hand and read to find how many refills there were left.

Zero, it read. There were zero refills left.

Lucy clapped a hand to her mouth, knowing that Natsu would have to see a psychiatrist or some sort of doctor in order to get his medication refilled. Withdrawals were not pretty, especially with antidepressants. Lucy had never experienced this horror herself, but she knew that Natsu would be in a funk for a while before he got them back.

Picking up her phone, Lucy decided to call Natsu. It would be nice to hear his voice after not seeing him for a while, and she needed to tell him that he needed to get to a doctor immediately.

After a few rings, Natsu picked up. “Hey, Luce!”

“Hi, Natsu. How are you doing?” she asked, pressing a soothing tone into her voice.

Natsu waited for a few beats before answering. “How are you doing? You sound weirder than normal,” he said, concerned.

“I’m fine, but you haven’t answered my question,” Lucy responded.

“Since when do I answer your questions? Especially since you ask such weird ones,” Natsu replied, a grin on his face. He knew it would elicit a reaction from her.

“Don’t change the subject!” Lucy growled, irritation pulsing in her temple. Sighing, she went straight to the point. “Did you know that you’re out of pills?”

Lucy could practically hear his confused look over the phone. “Yeah, why?”

“You also don’t have any refills,” she pointed out, and she heard a sharp inhale.

“Shit. Thanks for reminding me, Luce,” Natsu said, and Lucy shook her head. How could someone not know information that vital?

“No problem. Just go to the doctor as soon as you can, okay?” Lucy said before saying her goodbyes and hanging up. Getting up from Natsu’s bed, she meandered her way into the kitchen to make herself a quick snack before going out to do the rest of her chores for the day. She wanted to be home in enough time to see Natsu before he went to bed.

With a jolt, Lucy remembered that she had to mail the letter to her father soon. She was not looking forward to that. Her father would surely spit back a reply that if she didn’t get her behind over to his estate by next week that there would be a limo waiting for her to come home.

Home. It wasn’t really a calming, soothing word for her. It brought up feelings of abandonment, pain, abuse, and not anything like what her father wanted to paint a picture of it being now. She sure as hell didn’t want to go back.

So why the hell did she want to mail that letter so badly? In its pages it demonstrated a firm need to stay at the apartment, and exactly how Lucy felt. In a firm tone she had written that she had no desire to go to the place she would never call a home, and she had pretty much given her father the written equivalent of the middle finger.

Maybe it was because she finally wanted to tell her father that she had a place to call home.

Looking around her apartment, she realized that it was more home than her father’s estate would ever be. The three men she lived with were more family than her own father could ever hope to become. And that was the saddest awareness that Lucy had come to in quite a while.

Pushing back her feelings of anxiety and tears, she made her snack and coffee to bring along with her and stepped out into the gorgeous autumn scene, hoping that this one would be different than the last.

Swinging the door open after coming home from grocery shopping and grabbing the bills from the mail, Lucy held the grocery bags in her arms like they were precious cargo. To Gajeel maybe they were, but to Lucy they were just regular ingredients to regular meals. Chuckling, she noted that maybe she had been spoiled since she started living here. Whipped cream not coming from a can and fresh basil had made Lucy gain some extra weight in her hips and butt, but she didn’t see anyone complaining.

Natsu definitely wasn’t complaining as he watched Lucy put away the groceries. She wore a pair of green cargo shorts with a bow in the center that looked like the fabric of the bubble skirts she wore often, and she wore a coral lace tank top which highlighted the pink tones in her skin and the blonde in her hair. Her golden locks, though usually tied up in a ponytail, were now tied up in a cute bun style that Natsu particularly liked. Although, he would enjoy it more if her hair was down and he could push it out of her face and kiss he--

“See something you like?” Lucy mused from where she reached to put the bottle of black olives away. Natsu turned away and flushed, pretending to be interested in his comic book that he was reading before Lucy walked in. Lucy stared at him with a knowing smile, watching his green eyes scan the comic a little too intently.

“That food looks good, Luce,” Natsu replied, sipping his decaf like he hadn’t just seen his roommate look like a goddess who fell to earth only to tempt him.

“Yeah. I thought I’d make some chicken and pasta tonight. Sound good?” Lucy said, flopping down on the couch with a sigh. She looked exhausted, Natsu noted, and he smiled at her through his headache that had only seemed to get worse throughout the day.

“As long as you don’t make the crepe and gravy thing again, I’ll eat it,” Natsu said with a cheeky grin, and Lucy swatted him on the arm.

“That was one time! Gray said it was good!” Lucy protested. Natsu took a sip of his coffee, remembering that Gray had only said it was good because both Gajeel and Natsu had glared at him behind Lucy’s head until he lied for all three of them.

There was silence for a few moments before Lucy piped up. “So how are you feeling?”

Natsu chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. Looking up at Lucy, he began to fumble over his words. “I’m doing pretty girl--pretty good! I am doing pretty good, Luce.”

Lucy flushed slightly before letting out a giggle. Did Natsu just call her pretty? “That’s good, Natsu.”

He grinned, liking watching her giggle. The sound was bubbly and cute, and her smile that went along with the noise only added to the adorable effect.

Lucy was one of the best things to happen to him. Yes, he knew it sounded cliche, but she honestly was. She had brightened up his world of darkness with her positive outlook on life and kindness, and he knew that he could never repay her for that. She brought out the best in him. She showed him happiness in life that he didn’t even know himself. Her smile made him smile. Her laugh made him laugh. And he truly wanted to spend every moment with Lucy.

He knew he was falling hard and fast, and that was the reason he had a question to ask.

“Lucy,” Natsu said after a moment of silence, fighting to keep his nerves and voice even. Grasping her hand in his, he looked into her eyes deeply.

“Would you go on a date with me?”

>>Chapter 18>>

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airoasis · 5 years ago

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Two adults, two kids, zero waste | Bea Johnson | TEDxFoggyBottom

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Two adults, two kids, zero waste | Bea Johnson | TEDxFoggyBottom

Translator: Maria Boura Reviewer: Rhonda Jacobs The normal American generates one ton of waste annually. My household: one jar of waste per yr given that 2008. Our ride started back in 2006; we read some books, watched some documentaries. And what my husband and i determined really made us unhappy fascinated about the long run we have been going to go away at the back of for our children. So it gave us the will to change our methods. I got super motivated in looking for waste-free alternatives. I tried lots of matters like canning and those – some things have been excellent strategies; others, now not a lot. Canning used to be a good suggestion, however I do not suggest utilizing stinging nettle on your lips in lieu of lip plumper. It quite hurts, consider me. I do not recommend making use of moss in lieu of toilet paper either.You see, moss dries, so the next day to come you turn out to be with – you realize those scouring pads? Yes, now not very exceptional. I don’t recommend that. I additionally tried making use of "no poo," which is a way of washing your hair without shampoo. You’re presupposed to wet your scalp, therapeutic massage some baking soda in, and then rinse it with apple cider vinegar. But after six months, let’s just say that the oil of my hair migrated right down to here, and i ended up with frizzy ends. No longer rather the hairstyle I was once watching for. But I believe I hit rock backside, when one night I went to lay down next to my husband, and he appeared over, rolled his eyes, and stated, "i am so tired of you smelling like pickled herring, Bea.(Laughter) it can be rather no longer attractive." So that is when I realized that might be I had gone too a long way, and possibly I should find a further substitute to shampoo. Finally this trial and blunder, we located stability. We located that for Zero Waste to be sustainable in our loved ones in the end, all we needed to do was once comply with five principles in order. Now, do not you guys even dare consider that we bury our waste in our backyard, or we throw it in different persons’s cans, or within the public packing containers. The first rule is to refuse what we should not have. Now we have without problems learned to say "no"; we say no to junk mail, we say no to single-use plastics, we are saying no to freebies. For at present, in this consumerist society, we’re the objectives of many purchaser items. However each time we take delivery of them, we create a requirement to make more. At any time when we take a free plastic pen from a conference, it’s a way for us to assert, "Please, drill extra oil from the ground to create a alternative, and the substitute will be created." The second rule of the Zero Waste tradition is to reduce what we do need.So in our residence, we’ve gone through a decluttering system. The great thing about decluttering is that it lets you share the matters that you don’t relatively use or want with different men and women. It boosts the second-hand market, which is highly foremost for the way forward for Zero Waste. In my kitchen in the historical days, I used to have a jar full of utensils. I had about ten wood spoons, until i realized that I most effective have two hands. And after I stir, I best want one hand.What’s the point of having ten wood spoons? One is ample. This can be a picture of underneath my sink. This is a area that was once stuffed with cleaning merchandise on the grounds that I used to be listening to what the entrepreneurs inform us. They tell us that for every software, we’d like a further product. To clean the home windows, we want a product; to clean the flooring, an additional product; the lavatory, another product; and we grow to be with a cupboard stuffed with toxic merchandise that we do not absolutely want.We located that we will clean our whole house simply with white vinegar and castile soap. That is our toilet, and our medication cupboard. So this represents all of the merchandise that we’d like in our lavatory. For illustration, to brush our teeth, we quite simply sprinkle baking soda on a moist toothbrush. On my eyes, i take advantage of burnt almonds; on my dermis, i take advantage of cooking oil; and on my cheeks, i take advantage of cacao powder. The only quandary with utilising cacao powder in your cheeks is that you’ve got a hazard of getting attacked by way of puppies when you stroll down the street, nevertheless it hasn’t happened but. This is the master suite. And this, the closet that I share with my husband. Now, in a typical closet, individuals handiest use 20% of their clothes. They keep the opposite 80% for the "what if." "What if…?" What if we’ve got a job interview? What if now we have a wedding to move to? What if we’re going to drop some weight? What if we will attain weight? What if, what if, what if? What we’ve completed in our residence is figure out what our 20% is, and we’ve got let go of the opposite 80%.So in my case, i’ve one pair of shorts, two skirts, two dresses, two pairs of pants, seven tops, and one sweater. Having less does now not imply that you’ve got much less choices. If truth be told, these 15 pieces allow me to create more than 50 appears. My youngsters are minimalists too. This is my youngest son’s bed room. And as you will find, all of his cloth cabinet can slot in a elevate-on. In fact, every of our wardrobes can fit in a elevate-on. You understand what the fantastic thing about that is? If we want to go away for the weekend, per week, a month; all we must do is pull out our carry-ons, we throw our wardrobes in it, we zip it, we’re out the door, then a cleaning carrier is available in, cleans the condo, after which now we have folks that come, appoint the residence out, and come to be buying our vacations.Don’t go considering that we’re trying to, or we hide things in different closets. This is our linen closet, and this is our storage. The 0.33 rule of the Zero Waste way of life is to reuse. And in our residence, reusing means swapping whatever that is disposable for a reusable substitute. So this glass jar full of handkerchief is what has replaced the tissue box. No want for disposable sponges, or paper towels. We simply use rags, a wooden scrubby, and a metal scrubby. No need for disposable food storage gadgets. We have changed them all with glass jars. And we also have been able to eliminate meals packaging readily with the aid of going to the shop with a kit made of reusables. So we store the bulk aisles of the grocery store. After which once I’m residence, I transfer the dry items into glass containers so this is what our pantry looks like. And that is what our fridge looks like. We even purchase our wine in bulk; we simply get our bottles refilled at a winery.The 2nd rule of reusing is to purchase 2nd hand. All our wardrobes are purchased 2nd hand. Yes, even my shoes. 5 bucks. Thanks, thanks. (Applause) i know I scored on these, i’m mindful of that; I obviously scored. Now, for the gadgets that we can not to find in a thrift retailer, then we fall back on places like the flea market. That is the place I purchased these chairs. Or frequently eBay for the fairly precise items that we’d like. The fourth rule of the Zero Waste culture is to recycle handiest what we can’t refuse, reduce, or reuse. So the Zero Waste lifestyle does not imply recycling extra, it clearly means recycling less, because of waste prevention within the first location. With this culture, we have now learned that we must hinder plastics in any respect bills, given that now not simplest are they poisonous to our wellbeing when they’re being manufactured, they’re also toxic to our wellness when we are without a doubt utilising them.Numerous the food packaging certainly leaches into our meals. We have additionally discovered that very few plastics have the chance of being recycled, and the ones that do have a danger of being recycled are turning into an item that is not recyclable. So we consider plastics as a fabric that’s intended for the landfill. So we attempt to restrict it in any respect charges. And as a substitute we select glass, metallic, cardboard, paper, and oftentimes timber, just like the toothbrush you noticed prior, when you consider that we are able to compost them. Rot is the last rule to the Zero Waste way of life.In these days we now not best rot – compost fruit and veggie scraps but we additionally compost our butter wrappers. Butter is the one meals that we buy in packaging. Now we purchase it in a waxed paper packaging since we will compost it. But we additionally compost floor sweepings, dryer lint, even our hair. Simply, it is extra my boys’ hair. I do not compost my hair, I recycle my hair. I let it develop down to right here, and then I get it reduce, after which I send it to an institution that makes wigs for melanoma sufferers.Not goodbye in the past, had I heard a few Zero Waste loved ones, i would have inspiration to myself, "Oh boy, these persons have got to be total granola. I am definite they live in the boondocks, and i’m definite she does not shave." good, I wore a skirt today for you guys so you could assess for yourselves. I do not have hair on my legs. (Applause) i might might be also have thought, "well, she have to be a keep-at-dwelling mom with method an excessive amount of time on her hands; she traditionally issues about her waste all day, or makes a bunch of things from scratch. That’s not the case; i’m a full-time professional, and the only matters I make are my cosmetics, and only a few of them. We observed that the Zero Waste culture is not only excellent for the environment but it is also been quality for our well being, seeing that we now have been ready to do away with all toxins from our lives, and we’re approach less ailing than we was once earlier than.We also observed that this Zero Waste subculture saves a ton of cash – 40% on our overall budget. That is because that, one, we devour manner, manner, approach not up to earlier than. However when we purchase some thing, it’s handiest to replace some thing that desires to get replaced – a shoe that has a gap in it, or a T-shirt that is too small. And when we buy that replacement, we purchase it second hand, which with the aid of definition, costs less. But we additionally buy our meals in bulk. Were you aware that while you purchase an item in a bundle, 15% of the rate covers the cost of the packaging? So when you buy in bulk, you are making an automated 15% financial savings. However in the end, we’ve changed whatever that’s disposable in our house for a reusable substitute. In order that signifies that our cash is no longer invested in throwaways, in a landfill. We not throw our money away.We’ve as a substitute, invested in reusables. And so they’ve translated into cumulative financial savings over time. They’ve even allowed us to install solar on our roof which allows for us to avoid wasting even more. However to me, the high-quality aspect of this tradition is voluntary simplicity. Because it can be made time in our existence for what issues most: a life founded on experiences instead of things. A lifestyles centered on being as a substitute of having. As a family, thanks to this way of life, we now have been ready to do matters we might have by no means suggestion feasible earlier than. We have now been able to snorkel between two continents. We’ve been ready to trip our bikes between San Francisco and los angeles. We now have been able to head ice-mountain climbing on a glacier. However my favourite snapshot is in general this one. I believe it represents the Zero Waste way of life to a T, considering the fact that it’s translated into a way of life filled with absolute happiness.And when you’ve got an adolescent, you understand how tough it is to place a smile on their faces. In any case, you understand, Gandhi stated, "Happiness is while you consider, what you say, and what you do are in concord." The Zero Waste lifestyle has finished exactly that for me. Now, the little French au pair who got here to the USA at the age of 18 would have by no means suggestion that at some point she’d be launching a global movement. In view that today, thousands and hundreds of thousands of persons in the course of the arena have launched into this subculture. My guide and my weblog have even prompted humans to open Zero Waste retailers far and wide. Like Marie, who opened the first Zero Waste store in Germany. And there may be Gerard, who, after reading my booklet, realized that there was a need to bring back in the marketplace merchandise bought in returnable containers.After which there is Anne, I imply, appear at that retailer. How lovely is this cellular, little Zero Waste store? And you recognize what we all have in common? Without difficulty the remorse of no longer having began prior. So i might encourage you guys to consider about this. What do you have got to lose by means of embarking on the Zero Waste culture? Who is aware of what you would realize about yourselves? Probably… Absolute happiness? Thank you. .

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