Today I received my order from http://www.internetsmokes.com/.
I order several cartons (a month's worth) at a time. I've been doing this for years now. I no longer smoke my Carlton 120's, just can't afford them, and as far as I know Internet Smokes only sell Native Made ciggies.
But I have found several ultra-light 120's 'brands' that I like at Internet Smokes.
I admit, at first it is a 'hassle', you have to FAX or mail them proof of age, and if you want to use eChecks, set up an account with them. Otherwise you have to send them a Money Order (Thanks to the gov for NOT ALLOWING me to use my 'Plastic' as I WANT on the net to buy ciggies! But that is a whole other Blog Article...), then the order/receive process takes much longer.
But once you get yourself set up and order on a regular basis, you will find it is well worth the initial effort, financially and otherwise.
Anyway, All brands sold at Internet Smokes are 'Stamped by the Taxing Authority of the Seneca Nation of Indians'.
The people are terrific. The service is A+, there is even a phone number to call if you have a problem, which in all these years, has never happened!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Raccoons!
Last night I was in bed listening to the radio, just starting to doze off when I heard what I thought were strange, furtive type noises on the patio. The Sisters were both right there in bed with me, sleeping soundly, so I was not concerned. Besides, I was 'locked' in and my outside area is well lit.
Then I heard the CRASH of a potted plant hitting the patio floor, and since this has been happening all too frequently of late, I got up and went to the Living Room, without turning on any lights, to see what I could see.
What I saw, kept me up quietly watching from the dark behind almost fully closed blinds. It kept me enchanted and entertained for about two hours in the middle of the night!
There was a 'troupe' or 'family' of 5 Raccoons (It looked like two parents and 3 half growns) using my patio for a playground! They were big, healthy looking, with clean smooth coats. And beautiful black bandit masks! I knew we had plenty of 'city' skunks and possums; I had not a clue about the Raccoons!
The Raccoons chased each other around the potted plants on the patio floor, sometimes taking a 'shortcut' across the top of a plant, almost tipping over the heavy plants in the process. Then they would switch partners, play hide and seek around the larger pots. I have 'stick toys & adornments' in almost all my potted plants (plants like to 'look pretty' too!). Many of these decorative items are mobile in some way or another. The Raccoons would sit up on their hind legs and sniff, try to eat, bat these adornments, then watch or run away for a little ways in what seemed to be a 'mock fright' when they got them to spinning or moving. Then they would tackle another.
It was a magical event! I am so glad I got out of bed and watched the show! On the other hand, one could lose a lot of sleep this way...
Then I heard the CRASH of a potted plant hitting the patio floor, and since this has been happening all too frequently of late, I got up and went to the Living Room, without turning on any lights, to see what I could see.
What I saw, kept me up quietly watching from the dark behind almost fully closed blinds. It kept me enchanted and entertained for about two hours in the middle of the night!
There was a 'troupe' or 'family' of 5 Raccoons (It looked like two parents and 3 half growns) using my patio for a playground! They were big, healthy looking, with clean smooth coats. And beautiful black bandit masks! I knew we had plenty of 'city' skunks and possums; I had not a clue about the Raccoons!
The Raccoons chased each other around the potted plants on the patio floor, sometimes taking a 'shortcut' across the top of a plant, almost tipping over the heavy plants in the process. Then they would switch partners, play hide and seek around the larger pots. I have 'stick toys & adornments' in almost all my potted plants (plants like to 'look pretty' too!). Many of these decorative items are mobile in some way or another. The Raccoons would sit up on their hind legs and sniff, try to eat, bat these adornments, then watch or run away for a little ways in what seemed to be a 'mock fright' when they got them to spinning or moving. Then they would tackle another.
It was a magical event! I am so glad I got out of bed and watched the show! On the other hand, one could lose a lot of sleep this way...
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Smoking & Obesity
What if EVERYONE who stopped smoking gained 20 pounds?
What would that do the the 'fat' statistics of America? The World?
You can NOT have it all, you know!
What would that do the the 'fat' statistics of America? The World?
You can NOT have it all, you know!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Nifty old unmatched bowls and saucers
Today when taking out the trash I found a small stack of one-of-a-kind bowls and saucers. Well they were just what I was needing! I was even thinking of going to one of the thrift stores to browse for exactly these items!
I use these things for burning candles, incense, under potted plants, candy dishes, whatever. The thing is, they are glass and are breakable, which is exactly why I don't have any right now!
I use these things for burning candles, incense, under potted plants, candy dishes, whatever. The thing is, they are glass and are breakable, which is exactly why I don't have any right now!
Flood, Fire, Are Locusts Next?
It has been 12 days since the water pipe broke in the kitchen wall. After days of fans, blowers, heaters going, today the reconstruction work finally started. They might even finish up tomorrow. It will be nice to have my kitchen back.
Then there's the wildfires. Other than air quality and many offices, services and businesses being closed (and the threat of the electric grid going down at any minute), I am not personally affected (unlike the kitchen situation).
At this point, I AM waiting for that 'other shoe' to drop, wonder if it is gonna be locusts???
Then there's the wildfires. Other than air quality and many offices, services and businesses being closed (and the threat of the electric grid going down at any minute), I am not personally affected (unlike the kitchen situation).
At this point, I AM waiting for that 'other shoe' to drop, wonder if it is gonna be locusts???
Monday, October 22, 2007
Now THIS is what I call second hand smoke!
Something like 11 fires going in San Diego County. The first two seemingly caused by power lines broke and blown down by the current Santa Ana Winds. (What? They are not blaming an errant smoker?)
Herded by the winds, flames are marching across the county towards the Pacific Ocean.
Across the county, city after city, community after community are being put under mandatory evacuations; 26,000 from this town, 48,000 from that town. Really amazing stuff.
And over us all, even those not in the line of 'fire' is the particle and ash filled smoke. In some places, the ash is falling like snow.
People are trying to stay inside, or going to clean-air malls. Others are wearing masks, holding wet cloths over their faces, and with no choice, breathing in the chemical laden gunk.
(This time, unlike during the wild fires of 4 years ago, the air in my immediate area, the local air quality is bad, but not terrible.)
One day of this (or the air pollution near any wildfire) is probably equivalent to a lifetime of smoking ciggies.
Wonder if the C.A.V.E. (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) People are having panic attacks and hysteria.
Or perhaps they are giving that little ‘fake cough’ and waving hands in front of delicate noses?
And what about all those people that claim to be allergic to smoke? (Which by my guestimate, is half of San Diego County) Why aren’t people dropping like flies, from their claimed ‘allergy’ to smoke, and being rushed to hospitals in ambulances?
Herded by the winds, flames are marching across the county towards the Pacific Ocean.
Across the county, city after city, community after community are being put under mandatory evacuations; 26,000 from this town, 48,000 from that town. Really amazing stuff.
And over us all, even those not in the line of 'fire' is the particle and ash filled smoke. In some places, the ash is falling like snow.
People are trying to stay inside, or going to clean-air malls. Others are wearing masks, holding wet cloths over their faces, and with no choice, breathing in the chemical laden gunk.
(This time, unlike during the wild fires of 4 years ago, the air in my immediate area, the local air quality is bad, but not terrible.)
One day of this (or the air pollution near any wildfire) is probably equivalent to a lifetime of smoking ciggies.
Wonder if the C.A.V.E. (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) People are having panic attacks and hysteria.
Or perhaps they are giving that little ‘fake cough’ and waving hands in front of delicate noses?
And what about all those people that claim to be allergic to smoke? (Which by my guestimate, is half of San Diego County) Why aren’t people dropping like flies, from their claimed ‘allergy’ to smoke, and being rushed to hospitals in ambulances?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Camping Out in the Living Room
EATING 'STATION' I SET UP BEHIND LOVESEAT
First thing this morning, they work on the apartment was started. The first thing they did was move my refrigerator into the living room, and install plastic sheeting blocking off the Dining Room and Kitchen.
And the reason I am able to remain in my own apartment is because the apartment immediately behind me is empty! Fortuitous, as they can do most of the work from there, needing little access through my own apartment.
I spent most of the day outside on the sidewalk with my coffee, and astray atop a little white plastic patio table, as they tore down all the dry wall, cabinets, etc. I also had my crochet and my eBooks on my PDA. The Sisters hid in the bedroom, seemingly terrified.
Although I had taken out what I thought I would need, there was much stuff I did not think of grabbing; utensils, toaster, can opener, broom, vacuum, etc. So now I just have to live without this stuff for a few days...
Just before dinnertime, the big dryers, heaters, blowers were hooked up behind the plastic.
I find myself ‘camping out’ in my own living room. What a mess...
And the reason I am able to remain in my own apartment is because the apartment immediately behind me is empty! Fortuitous, as they can do most of the work from there, needing little access through my own apartment.
I spent most of the day outside on the sidewalk with my coffee, and astray atop a little white plastic patio table, as they tore down all the dry wall, cabinets, etc. I also had my crochet and my eBooks on my PDA. The Sisters hid in the bedroom, seemingly terrified.
Although I had taken out what I thought I would need, there was much stuff I did not think of grabbing; utensils, toaster, can opener, broom, vacuum, etc. So now I just have to live without this stuff for a few days...
Just before dinnertime, the big dryers, heaters, blowers were hooked up behind the plastic.
I find myself ‘camping out’ in my own living room. What a mess...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The Homeless Population
I went to Downtown San Diego today for an errand, by Horton Plaza actually. (Though I did not go to Horton Plaza, one of my fav places – no money, not even for a coffee!).
It has been several months since I have been there. I do not know if it was because it is a Saturday, or what.
But it seemed to me that there were so many more homeless, mostly male, than there used to be.
They range in age from late teens to elderly, usually unshaven, unkempt hair of various lengths, marginally to very dirty, and dressed in old clothes that are either too tight or too baggy.
Though it was early afternoon, there were people pushing carts, or with backpacks & bedrolls, all over the sidewalks, sitting, sleeping, sometimes gathered in 2 and 3’s.
Do they come in from colder climes for the mild San Diego winter weather? Or are all these folks ‘residents’ of San Diego?
Though I always give away a ciggie or two, and whatever change I have when asked, (being grateful that I am not on the street!) today I had nothing to give.
Homeless people, homeless animals; it is enough to break your heart, if you have one.
I do NOT understand why America cannot find an acceptable job, something the person is capable of doing, for each of them. And a place to live...
It has been several months since I have been there. I do not know if it was because it is a Saturday, or what.
But it seemed to me that there were so many more homeless, mostly male, than there used to be.
They range in age from late teens to elderly, usually unshaven, unkempt hair of various lengths, marginally to very dirty, and dressed in old clothes that are either too tight or too baggy.
Though it was early afternoon, there were people pushing carts, or with backpacks & bedrolls, all over the sidewalks, sitting, sleeping, sometimes gathered in 2 and 3’s.
Do they come in from colder climes for the mild San Diego winter weather? Or are all these folks ‘residents’ of San Diego?
Though I always give away a ciggie or two, and whatever change I have when asked, (being grateful that I am not on the street!) today I had nothing to give.
Homeless people, homeless animals; it is enough to break your heart, if you have one.
I do NOT understand why America cannot find an acceptable job, something the person is capable of doing, for each of them. And a place to live...
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Another Water Leak
I have lost count of how many I have had in the years I have lived in this apartment. But I have learned to check often, and to not store anything that could be damaged by water on the floor or near the walls!
Late last night, I went into the kitchen, and one of The Sisters, Ethel, went with me. As I was nuking a cuppa de-caf, I noticed that Ethel seemed to be ‘stalking’ something in the far corner. When I checked, I found water down the entire length of the floor, from the cupboard, under the plastic shelves, down to and under the cat dishes.
I spent the next half hour looking for its source, and I could find nothing. So I put in a call for maintenance. He checked and initially could not find the source of the water either. Luckily, for all, he was persistant.
Eventually, he found, under the kitchen sink, that the wood was all ‘mushy’ and in the far back corner, by the wall, there was actually a hole THROUGH the wood of the cabinet, and water under.
He was able to fix the slow leak, but said the damage was extensive and that someone would be here Monday to evaluate what needed to be done.
Probably another fine mess at the Coves!
Late last night, I went into the kitchen, and one of The Sisters, Ethel, went with me. As I was nuking a cuppa de-caf, I noticed that Ethel seemed to be ‘stalking’ something in the far corner. When I checked, I found water down the entire length of the floor, from the cupboard, under the plastic shelves, down to and under the cat dishes.
I spent the next half hour looking for its source, and I could find nothing. So I put in a call for maintenance. He checked and initially could not find the source of the water either. Luckily, for all, he was persistant.
Eventually, he found, under the kitchen sink, that the wood was all ‘mushy’ and in the far back corner, by the wall, there was actually a hole THROUGH the wood of the cabinet, and water under.
He was able to fix the slow leak, but said the damage was extensive and that someone would be here Monday to evaluate what needed to be done.
Probably another fine mess at the Coves!
Friday, October 12, 2007
San Diego County IHSS Advisory Committee
Today I attended me second meeting. I asked the ‘secretary’ and they had received my ‘application’. No other comment was offered by anyone.
After this second meeting, I am not sure that this is the most advantageous use of my meager ‘volunteer’ time and energies. Would my participation in this ‘top heavy’, county run committee be of any actual help to anyone?
I have not committed myself yet, time remains to evaluate it further...
After this second meeting, I am not sure that this is the most advantageous use of my meager ‘volunteer’ time and energies. Would my participation in this ‘top heavy’, county run committee be of any actual help to anyone?
I have not committed myself yet, time remains to evaluate it further...
Thursday, October 11, 2007
No Smoking! In Your Own Car!
No Smoking! In Your Own Car!
California has done it, (Perhaps the FIRST state to do so? I do not really know.) passed a law effective January 1, 2008, that it is ILLEGAL to smoke in your own car IF ANYONE in the car is under 18!!!
Now they say you can not be ‘stopped’, ‘pulled over’ for this violation, but if you are stopped for any ‘other’ reason and you are smoking with a minor in the car, you will be ticketed. But I am sure it will not be long before that changes!
This in the face of study after study that ‘second hand smoke’ does not pose a significant danger (do some Google research folks!)
But that, or even smoking is not the point – the point is government in our private lives. What ever happened to ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness’? Or ‘Live & Let Live’? Or even, ‘Mind Your Own Business’?
When, ohhh when, are people going to revolt against the government telling us what we can do ON/IN OUR OWN PROPERTY?
You can bet your bippy that within ten years, big brother is gonna be telling you what you can eat at the fast food place, where & when you can travel in the US, that you HAVE to have immunizations and mammograms, and perhaps even be telling you what you can do in your own bedroom.
(Remember, this all started with the FIRST no smoking laws: No smoking in elevators, & movies. Then it moved on to ‘grocery stores’). Then came the ‘seat belt’ laws, the ‘helmet’ laws, and now it’s escalating beyond belief.
Wake up people! When did Americans turn into a bunch of sheep?
California has done it, (Perhaps the FIRST state to do so? I do not really know.) passed a law effective January 1, 2008, that it is ILLEGAL to smoke in your own car IF ANYONE in the car is under 18!!!
Now they say you can not be ‘stopped’, ‘pulled over’ for this violation, but if you are stopped for any ‘other’ reason and you are smoking with a minor in the car, you will be ticketed. But I am sure it will not be long before that changes!
This in the face of study after study that ‘second hand smoke’ does not pose a significant danger (do some Google research folks!)
But that, or even smoking is not the point – the point is government in our private lives. What ever happened to ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness’? Or ‘Live & Let Live’? Or even, ‘Mind Your Own Business’?
When, ohhh when, are people going to revolt against the government telling us what we can do ON/IN OUR OWN PROPERTY?
You can bet your bippy that within ten years, big brother is gonna be telling you what you can eat at the fast food place, where & when you can travel in the US, that you HAVE to have immunizations and mammograms, and perhaps even be telling you what you can do in your own bedroom.
(Remember, this all started with the FIRST no smoking laws: No smoking in elevators, & movies. Then it moved on to ‘grocery stores’). Then came the ‘seat belt’ laws, the ‘helmet’ laws, and now it’s escalating beyond belief.
Wake up people! When did Americans turn into a bunch of sheep?
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
A new Second Hand Smoke Law?
Today I made a call to a utility company. My business required that I waited long periods while I could hear a keyboard clicking on the other end of the line.
I finally lit up a ciggie, inhaled gratefully. Almost immediately, the guy on the other end of the line, gave a little cough!
“Ohh No,” I said to him, “don’t tell me that my smoke here is bothering you there!”
He was silent for a second, and then he started chuckling. Then we were both laughing uncontrollably.
No doubt the C.A.V.E. people (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) will soon have such a law (no smoking while on the telephone), in front of legislators all over the world!
BTW, my utility problem did NOT get resolved...
I finally lit up a ciggie, inhaled gratefully. Almost immediately, the guy on the other end of the line, gave a little cough!
“Ohh No,” I said to him, “don’t tell me that my smoke here is bothering you there!”
He was silent for a second, and then he started chuckling. Then we were both laughing uncontrollably.
No doubt the C.A.V.E. people (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) will soon have such a law (no smoking while on the telephone), in front of legislators all over the world!
BTW, my utility problem did NOT get resolved...
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Incident Follow Up
First thing today, I got on the phone, calling both the office and the police about last night’s incident. The office had no report of it, and they will not get the security guard’s report until Monday.
The police said I should have called 911, and if something similar happens again, I will. The police also said I should get one of those ‘security doors’, but I do not have the $ for that. They also asked if there was anyone that disliked me, or did I have any enemies! (HA, just most of the HAMS that hang around Art Bell, or HamFanz in one way or another! A roll of toilet paper would not be long enough to list the names!)
This afternoon, the maintenance man came and checked my front door, the door was kicked to hard, and there is actually a spot where the ‘shoe’ of the kicker left a small sole print, this is about ¾ inch each way! He also fixed the second lock on my patio door, got me wood dowels for my windows (though I did have the ‘thumb-screw locks’).
Now all I need is an aluminum baseball bat, a can of mace, and a pearl handled .22!
The police said I should have called 911, and if something similar happens again, I will. The police also said I should get one of those ‘security doors’, but I do not have the $ for that. They also asked if there was anyone that disliked me, or did I have any enemies! (HA, just most of the HAMS that hang around Art Bell, or HamFanz in one way or another! A roll of toilet paper would not be long enough to list the names!)
This afternoon, the maintenance man came and checked my front door, the door was kicked to hard, and there is actually a spot where the ‘shoe’ of the kicker left a small sole print, this is about ¾ inch each way! He also fixed the second lock on my patio door, got me wood dowels for my windows (though I did have the ‘thumb-screw locks’).
Now all I need is an aluminum baseball bat, a can of mace, and a pearl handled .22!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
My 'baby' is getting old...
Today was Jon Robert’s 39th birthday; my youngest child, almost ‘over the hill’! I had sent him a card, but I called him this evening also.
No wonder I have not heard from him in ages; he has a beagle almost a year old named Lucy, and a ‘girl friend’...
No wonder I have not heard from him in ages; he has a beagle almost a year old named Lucy, and a ‘girl friend’...
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Prednisone & Plaquinil
This afternoon I had an appointment with my Rheumatologist, in Hillcrest, thank goodness! On reviewing my last CRP (higher than the last one), and almost 50% less need for insulin, she increased the prednisone to 7.5 mg day. I know it’s a ‘problem’ medication with many long term ‘dire’ side effects; but I just feel so much better when taking it, less pain, less fatigue, lower insulin requirements, etc.
She may have solved the lowered blood sugar, and needing less insulin mystery! She said that sometimes, inflammation CAUSES the blood sugar to elevate; so treatment of the inflammation process can LOWER IT.
So I will be taking the 7.5 mg a day, at least till I see her again in 6 wks. She also increased the Plaquenil to 300 mg day, adding ½ a tab at bedtime. And I went over to Mercy Lab for another CRP.
While in Hillcrest, I ran some errands, even though I had a bad headache.
After that, I attended my 3rd weight loss seminar. This time for Pacific Bariatrics, (they are now doing the Lap Band). Maybe the third time is the charm. I was impressed with Dr. Zorn, who was the one that did the presentation. And two of my other docs have recommend him. So I have a whole folder of stuff to read and fill out for that!
It was well after 7P when I got home absolutely exhausted; the Sisters were upset at having been left alone for so long (I even forgot to leave the radio on for them), but I was in ‘survival’ mode...
She may have solved the lowered blood sugar, and needing less insulin mystery! She said that sometimes, inflammation CAUSES the blood sugar to elevate; so treatment of the inflammation process can LOWER IT.
So I will be taking the 7.5 mg a day, at least till I see her again in 6 wks. She also increased the Plaquenil to 300 mg day, adding ½ a tab at bedtime. And I went over to Mercy Lab for another CRP.
While in Hillcrest, I ran some errands, even though I had a bad headache.
After that, I attended my 3rd weight loss seminar. This time for Pacific Bariatrics, (they are now doing the Lap Band). Maybe the third time is the charm. I was impressed with Dr. Zorn, who was the one that did the presentation. And two of my other docs have recommend him. So I have a whole folder of stuff to read and fill out for that!
It was well after 7P when I got home absolutely exhausted; the Sisters were upset at having been left alone for so long (I even forgot to leave the radio on for them), but I was in ‘survival’ mode...
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
San Diego Pet Assistance
This afternoon a person from Pet Assistance came over to ‘orient’ me, and give me a notebook full of info for my soon to start volunteer telephone position with Pet Assistance. Their calls will be forwarded to me one afternoon per week.
I now have a HUGE loose leaf notebook full of stuff to learn, in order to handle phone calls and make referrals, thereby helping someone and some animals. I’m wondering if I’ll ever learn all that stuff, am feeling overwhelmed. I will though; I want to help the animals, they can't help themselves!
I now have a HUGE loose leaf notebook full of stuff to learn, in order to handle phone calls and make referrals, thereby helping someone and some animals. I’m wondering if I’ll ever learn all that stuff, am feeling overwhelmed. I will though; I want to help the animals, they can't help themselves!
Monday, October 01, 2007
Breathing
Tonight, I again had trouble breathing when I went to bed. Just as I fall asleep, I wake up not breathing, my heart beating fast, adrenaline flowing. This happened 3 times before I finally fell asleep. It happened a couple of nights in a row last week too. Wonder if it has anything to do with a much-lowered dose of prednisone? As of today, I am down to 2.5 mg day.
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