I can't look at DVD's on my computer

I have a DVD player on my computer, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to make it work.

I'm sure I had a guide book (long gone!) to help with such things, but like most guide books, I never read it.

I'm awful like that.

Like when you buy something that has to be assembled and there are step-by-step instructions--I just dump the parts out and try to discern how to put them together.

I really wish I could watch a DVD I have called "Bloodline" for the class I'm going to do next month on Mary of Magdalene.

Alas, I can't.

I learned to type on a typewriter--computers confound me.

Alas and alack....

 

What to do with all this time?

 I don't have to go to Milton again until a week from Wednesday.

This coming Sunday I am off and I cancelled Wednesday's Bible Study.

So I have 9 free days.

What to do with all that time?

Well, I do have to prepare for Wednesday's next Bible Study on Mary of Magdala--but I've done it before.

And I should see my orthopedic doctor about my knees and hip.

But I'm afraid he'll suggest surgery.

And I'll read and sleep and drink white wine.

Not a bad way to live for 9 days.

 

Problematic emails and Scam calls

I get two kinds of emails that drive me crazy.

The first kind are from the Democratic National Committee--several a day.

They all ask me to fill out a survey about things that matter to me--racial justice, the supreme court, voting laws, abortion, stuff like that. And no matter how many I fill out, at the end they ask me for money.

I already give a generous donation each month to Act Blue--the DNC's donation place--but each email asks me for money anyway.

Next one I get I'm going to reply--STOP ASKING ME FOR MONEY? IF NOT, STOP EMAILING ME. 

The second are job offers, a couple a day--from everywhere from Target to Spirit to UPS.

I'm a 74 year old retiree with bad knees, why do you say I meet your criteria?

Every knows there's an employee shortage here in the US because of the pandemic. Every retail store in Cheshire is hiring. 

But I'm not who you want, I promise you.

And scam calls! Oh, my Lord! Most of the calls I get on my cell and on our land-line are scams. My I-phone even labels them for me.

Yesterday, Bern got a call that began: "Grandma, it's me, your grandson...."

We only have grand-daughters, so she knew it was a scam.

Then she read on-line about a group of young people calling old people to claim it was their grand-child needing money!

Many people probably send it.

Bern said if these kids would stop the scam and spend their time and cunning in school, they could get Ph.D's.

Probably so.

I give enough money to the DNC. I don't need a job. I don't want to be scammed.

Enough already.

 

Today

I went to my urologist today.

(Bern complained the other day that I had 'so many specialists" and she had none. I think she should be happy!)

But here's the thing. My urologist is Dr. Wong and she looks a lot like my daughter-in-law, Cathy Chen.

Ponder that for a moment.

Someone looking at your private parts that looks like the mother of 3 of your granddaughters. 

It went ok.

But I need to go back in January so she can look in my bladder!

Do you realize what that means. Have you ever had it done?

They put a tiny camera up your urinary track (and you surely understand where the entry point is!) then fill your bladder with water and film your bladder.

Not the most pleasant thing in the world.

But even worse when the person who's doing it looks like you son's wife!

Ah, well, I have a couple of months to dread it....

 

That one is over

Yesterday we finished "Reading the Gospels Side-by-Side" up at Trinity, Milton.

Week after next we move to a study of Mary of Magdala and her gospel. That will include looking at other non-biblical gospels as well plus the legends surrounding this woman, who was the only one in all four gospels that witnessed the resurrection. In some of the gospels there were others, but Mary was always there.

A companion of Christ.

And since she took the message to the others, she was the first evangelist.

An amazing group of legends about her.

I look forward to leading it.

The people at Trinity who attend Bible study are insightful, deliberate and extremely bright.

God love them.

 

 

It's not that bad

My post yesterday was written in depression about getting older.

But it did end with "it's not that bad".

And it's not.

A lot better than the alternative.

I still have a full life at 74. I love my wife of 50+ years, my children and their families, our friends and all the churches I've served. Plus, I love my dog.

Cheshire is a dog-friendly town. Our three neighbors on this side of the street all have dogs. So do two of the three across the street and the one that doesn't had her dog die a few months ago.

Brigit is amazing. But she has a growth on her belly we thought was a nipple until Bern took her to the vet today. Next Wednesday they're going to remove it and clean her teeth while she's asleep from the surgery. She was a rescue from Georgia and her teeth are not good. She also is over-weight and we're cutting back on her food and treats.

Who isn't overweight during the Pandemic?

Me, that's who. When I visited the cardiologist my weight was 187. It was 219 a year or two ago.

I don't know why. I don't think I'm eating as much.

Anyway, that's good.

Lots in my aging life is very special and very good.

And even what isn't is better than the alternative.

 

OK, I get it...

This month I've had a blood test, an MRI, seen my Allergist, my Cardiologist, and will see my urologist on Friday, plus the two shots I get every month at Waterbury Hospital.

Next week I see two doctors and have another MRI about a heart valve issue.

OK, I get it--I'm getting older by the day.

I haven't wanted to admit it, but the evidence is clear.

I always take a book to the doctor's office since they are often so slow.

The Cardiologist is different. As soon and you sign in they take you to a room for blood pressure and EKG and the doctor comes in before I can read three pages.

I guess Cardiologists have to work fast.

I also use a cane every day.

I'm an old man.

It's hard to admit.

But I admit it.

I admit it.

It's not all that bad....