Another culprit reveals itself

Last Thanksgiving, my oldest friend and I had a wonderful dinner at Nine Fine Irishmen in the New York New York Hotel. The first course was corn and potato chowder, made with red pepper. It was delicious, and it made me soooo sick. Almost immediately.

You little bastards!

Today, on the way home from the vet -- where I bought a case of prescription cat food for Reynaldo -- I decided to treat myself to lunch. The little Italian restaurant near the bus stop had Saturday specials, including spaghetti carbonara made with ground black pepper. It was delicious. Guess what happened, as soon as I got home.

It was so unfair, because I'd been so happy. Lunch was great, the book I was reading was great. I had a whole day ahead of me with nothing more I had to accomplish. It was cold but sunny and dry. Kris Bryant was back in the lineup today, so I thought it would be great to wander around town with my headphones on, listening to the game and looking for bargains.

Instead I went to the bathroom and then to bed.

I'm feeling better NOW, of course. Now that the day is over. Oh well, I got my laundry done. And tomorrow is another day.

Call Me "Unremarkable"

I've had this Sinatra oldie running through my head ever since I read the report on my kidney ultrasound. 

They are of average size for a female. No swelling. No fluid pooling in the kidney tissue. My bladder is just fine, with no signs of cancer. In fact, I am, in the radiologist's word, altogether "unremarkable," except for ...

My kidney stone. It's a little too big to pass on its own, and way to small to call for surgery. I guess I'm just at that awkward age. The radiologist seems to be leaning toward "wait and see," as he uses words like "nonobstructive." That's my doctor's first choice, too. But she made it clear she's a GP and thinks I'd be better served by a urologist. She sent a referral. i don't want to be cut. I don't have anyone who will take care of me afterward.* I'll talk to the specialist, I suppose, but it will take some convincing to get me to let him carve me up. 

*That's not fair. Kathy would probably do it. So would John, though he hates cats. And Kathleen would, too, even though she has many family obligations and I'd feel too guilty about asking her.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Lowdown (1976)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) In this song, "the lowdown" is an unpleasant truth. Tell us about a time when you had to do like Boz and give someone "the lowdown." Seven years ago, I came upon a Facebook photo of my friend's daughter, then a high school freshman. She was out clubbing -- showing (non-existent) cleavage, sticking out her (green) tongue, drink in hand. I agonized about it, and then told my friend.

 

2) The lowdown Boz delivers is about the woman his friend is seeing. Specifically, she's gossiping about his finances. If you discovered something negative about a friend's romantic partner, would you share it with your friend? Or would you keep it to yourself? Depends on the circumstance. I'd prefer to keep it to myself.
  

3) Boz was born William Royce Scaggs, but in high school he was given the nickname "Bosley" -- later shortened to "Boz." His friends thought "Bosley" sounded nerdier than "Bill," and Scaggs was quite the music nerd. What is something you're nerdy about? The Lads from Liverpool. 

 
4) His son Austin Scaggs is a contributing editor at Rolling Stone. What magazines are in the room you're in right now? US Weekly, Allure, Glamour and Entertainment Weekly.
5) Boz and his wife own a vineyard in Napa. Do you prefer white or red wine? Wine gives me a headache.

6) In 1976, the year this song was popular, movie queen Elizabeth Taylor needed an escort to one of the nation's Bicentennial celebrations. Former Under Secretary of the Navy John Warner was asked to take her to the event, and within months he became her husband. Have you ever had a "blind date" that turned into a relationship? No.

7) Also in 1976, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple in Jobs' parents' garage. Does your garage serve as your office, workshop or studio? Or is it just home to your car? No garage.

8) The Bionic Woman premiered in 1976. Because of her "bionic parts," Jaimie Summers could run faster than most cars, had superhuman strength, and super-sensitive hearing. If you could have one of those qualities enhanced -- speed, strength or hearing -- which would you choose? Strength.

9) Random question: When you lean in for a kiss, do you tilt your head to the right or to the left? Right

 

April Challenge -- Day 28

Learn more

 

The word/phrase you use constantly

"Oh, shit," seems to spring forth from my lips from time to time. 😃

 

If you're interested in seeing the April Challenge prompts and joining in, click here.