Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Brian, you’d think I’d remember a cough that cracked a rib–a muscle strain seems more likely to me. But it could be something else. I’m doing an ultrasound of my abdomen today. Dr. Jo wants to see what’s going on inside of there.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/November/2023 @ 6:15 am
Kev, yes, I still have hills to climb. Maybe I’ll try tomorrow.
The West differs from the South, but most country folk are down-to-earth and good neighbors. There are genres within country music, just like with rock-n-roll. I can enjoy some but not all of the country music offerings.
McQueen really did have an amazing life, short though it was. I vaguely recall watching “The Sand Pebbles,” but I’d be hard-pressed to tell you what it was about.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/November/2023 @ 6:00 am
Nice dad joke, Brian!
Yep, not 100% yet, but I’ll get there.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/November/2023 @ 5:52 am
Dan, I am currently taking vitamin B in the morning. I’ll look into the other remedies you mention.
I’m about as dumb as they come when it comes to smoking. I didn’t smoke in my teens and twenties (well, other than pot) but started around 30 (had a girlfriend who smoked, so I would join in). Anyway, twenty years of 1 to 2 packs a day took its toll and permanently damaged my lungs. All I can do now is try to keep it from worsening.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/November/2023 @ 5:56 am
Not serving beer and heaven in the same sentence is a contradiction of terms. Sounds more like hell.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/November/2023 @ 5:49 am
Thanks, Goldberg. There is no easy fix for my lung damage–that’s on me for twenty years of smoking. My nasal surgery concern is about going under general anesthesia, but I checked when I was last in Thailand, and they put you out there too.
I’m trying to remain confident that I’m on the road to recovery. I appreciate your support and concern.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/November/2023 @ 7:22 am
Kev, thanks for the interesting link. I also took the three quizzes offered to see where I stacked up on the alcohol abuse scale. I passed two with flying colors (meaning no indication of addiction). On the third, I scored twelve points out of forty (lower points being the good end of the scale), but that one said I might have an abuse problem. Then I saw it was from the World Health Organization, which has zero credibility with me.
Now, I acknowledge that I do drink every day, and I consume several drinks when I’m out. Is that a problem? Well, given that I’m drinking low-alcohol beer, that I usually don’t get classic drunk, that I confine my drinking to a narrow window of fewer than four hours, and I rarely drink at home, I feel like I’m in control and don’t have a drinking problem. Regarding health, I do not see cause and effect. Yeah, if I’m boozing it up with whiskey or other hard stuff, the impact would likely be evident. My six to eight Zeros contain less alcohol than two or three stiff liquor drinks. I usually know when to say when and rarely come home drunk. I’d say the beer helps my mental health and provides about the only social interactions I have these days. Bottom line, I feel like I’m in control of my drinking, and drinking doesn’t control me. I enjoy it and don’t want to stop. That’s different than not being able to stop.
Regarding the oxygen tank I borrowed, I offered to buy it from her, and she declined, my impression being that she considers it helping out a friend. So, once it is empty, I will ask her again: do you want it back, or should I buy a new one? I like having a backup tank in case of emergency.
Heh, I never even thought of the “is” versus “are” in that meme. They both sound right to me.
Yes, the views from my place are amazing. Makes it harder to be depressed when you are surrounded by beauty.
I did hear about several China-funded projects being canceled. I wasn’t sure who initiated that. Either way, though, I agree that the less China, the better!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/November/2023 @ 7:16 am
Dan, good point. I did have a chest x-ray, and no one said anything about pneumonia.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/November/2023 @ 4:12 pm
“But at least -yet- you haven’t been classically scammed by a south-east Asian pick-up artist in a pink bikini with sleek golden curves yum yum.”
Dan, that’s my dream!
So far I’m still maintaining my daily bar visit routine, but getting there on foot is infinitely more difficult. I’m trying to remain confident that this will pass soon. But yes, it is good to have Netflix to fill those otherwise sober hours. And I have beer in the fridge in case of emergency!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/November/2023 @ 7:46 am
None of the docs I’ve seen have mentioned pneumonia specifically, and I hadn’t even considered the three variants it uses to attack the lungs. If the antibiotics don’t work, I’ll have to consider other options. I don’t currently have a fever, for whatever that’s worth.
Kev, I finished “Beef” last night, and you are right; the two main characters were both losers in their own right. The reconciliation and awakening to their faults was the fuel for the tenth and final episode. I generally enjoyed this one.
In addition to the upgraded antibiotic, the pulmonary doc altered several of the drugs/inhalers I’ve been using since I was first diagnosed. The surgery ain’t happening until I’ve stabilized.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/November/2023 @ 7:42 am
Thanks for the viewing tips, Brian. That will come in handy as I explore this brave new world named Netflix.
Yes, the pulmonary doctor I saw yesterday confirmed that surgery in my current condition is a no-go. He believes the meds he prescribed will clear up my lungs by early next week. Here’s hoping!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/November/2023 @ 7:29 am
Kev, yes, Dr. Jo has prescribed an antibiotic based on believing I’m experiencing a respiratory infection. I’m hoping that’s the case (and the drugs work) because otherwise, I’ll have to deal with this being an exacerbation of my COPD.
Thanks for the introduction to Alan Watts. I read his Wiki entry and found links to lots of other videos. A fascinating man. He died when I was in high school, but you’d think I would have heard of him given my involvement in the counterculture. Or maybe I just got stoned and missed it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/November/2023 @ 7:05 am
Thanks for the tip, Brandon. I’ve got Beef in the queue.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/November/2023 @ 6:57 am
Brian, short beds make sense when you think about it. It’s bound to be easier on the lungs for nighttime breathing. Jefferson AND Lincoln…I guess that establishes a president! (Sorry!)
Yep, I want to feel normal again as soon as possible…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/November/2023 @ 6:57 am
The “I’m curious why you think I’m incurious” line was my failed attempt at humor. I understand what you are saying and can’t dispute the fact that I’ve grown increasingly lazy intellectually over the years.
I’ve read and commented on both reviews now and apologize for the oversight. In a weird way, my appreciation of your reviews proves your point–I’d rather read your take on a film than invest the time and energy to actually watch it in most cases. There are exceptions, though, the most recent being The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
I did look up Kabbalah to see what it was, but reading the Wikipedia entry is likely as far as my study of this subject will go. More evidence to support your contention that my lack of curiosity is indisputable.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/November/2023 @ 7:19 am
“then why you keep fucking me”?
That’s hilarious, Soju!
People go swimming off the floating bar all the time (so do the girls who work there), but I can’t say I’ve seen anyone swim to shore. It might be a good way to get out of a tab full of lady drinks, though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/November/2023 @ 9:14 am
Thanks, Goldberg. I have a caregiver-helper and she handles the chores I can’t do when I’m ill, including the dog walks. She also does the heavy lifting at the grocery store; my job is to pay. She’s not qualified to assume my role as keeper of the bargirls, so that’s on me.
I really have almost zero interest in religious topics. Although for some reason, though, I’ve been speculating about heaven lately. The Biblical heaven seems like hell to me, and I’m thinking perhaps heaven is tailored to suit the individual. In other words, when we pass from this life, we get to choose our own heaven. I’ve thought that perhaps the heaven I would choose would be a “do-over life.” I’d go back a relive my life knowing what I know now and avoiding some of the mistakes and fuck ups. Of course, I’m quite certain there would be new ways to screw things up, but that’s life, right?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/November/2023 @ 8:16 am
Kevin, thanks as always for your insights and suggestions. I’m curious: why do you think I’m incurious? Seriously, though, there is more I could be doing with my life, and travel is one of the things I had intended to do much more frequently in my retired life. Once I get back on my feet, that will be a priority.
I think I’ve slowed down and lost some of my curiosity as I’ve aged. I used to read books all the time; now, I can’t even remember the last time I turned a page. Same with movies and other media that make you think–I just don’t have the patience and attention span to make it through most of them anymore. I guess when I retired, I shut down my curiosity.
Oddly enough, I don’t feel a lot of emptiness or boredom. My routines may be mundane, but they are mostly satisfying. My typical day consists of getting up between four and five in the morning and spending a couple of hours reading the news via my favorite blogs. Then I walk the dogs. If I’m going to cook, I’ll throw something in the crockpot. Then, I hike for a couple of hours, either alone or with the group. I take a one-hour nap around noon, then spend a couple of hours writing a daily post here at LTG. Then, I shower and prepare myself for my evening on the town, which sometimes includes dinner in addition to the bar visits. My bar time starts after 4 p.m. and ends around 8:00. I’m almost always in bed by nine.
So, this life of mine might be shallow, but for the most part, it is satisfying. In fact, this recent bout of incapacitation has made me appreciate the routine and mundane things I’m not currently able to do. I see pictures of people walking the paths through the hills I used to enjoy, and I really miss those times. As Joni Mitchell sang long ago, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone…”
I’ve always been impressed with your energy and curiosity levels. Watching all those videos on YouTube that cover a universe of subjects would fry my brain, I fear. It might just be a case of “to each his own.” Anyway, for me right now, recovering my health is my first priority.
Thanks again for your thought-provoking comment.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/November/2023 @ 8:07 am
Kev, yeah, that’s my biggest fear–reaching the stage your friend is at would suck all the pleasure and meaning from my life. That seems like a fate worse than death.
I would love to regain the cardio stamina to engage in sexercise on a more frequent basis. The health benefits would be nice too.
Dr. Jo didn’t really say much about the COPD. I don’t think my symptoms are that consistent with the progression of that ailment. The pulmonary doctor who saw me adjusted some of my COPD meds, which she thinks will be more effective.
Yep, one step at a time. I’ll get there or die trying.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/November/2023 @ 7:51 am
Thanks, Brian. Here’s hoping!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/November/2023 @ 7:43 am
HaHa! I am touched that you would think I might notice a “comma stutter.”
Not having the energy to get out and about has made me realize what an important part of my life walking has become. I really miss being on trail. I’m with Morrie; I don’t want to be dead.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2023 @ 6:33 am
Thanks, Brian. I’m still in the fight!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/November/2023 @ 6:13 am
Kev, the tallest building in town is six floors. Lots of hills around of course. At this point I’m just working on things like pursed lips breathing to increase the oxygen flow as I move about.
Dr. Jo prescribes some antibiotics to help clear the mucous in my lungs. That will be a big help.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/November/2023 @ 5:23 pm
“Where can I grab a beer in Barretto?”
Brian, I’ve been told the owner supports a “high-end” clientele, transporting rich folk in from other locations like SBMA. So yeah, the local market will not be attracted to this expensive venue and the elite won’t have to deal with us lowlifes intruding on their fantasy time.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/November/2023 @ 6:19 am
The girls aren’t free, but you can negotiate a fair price.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/November/2023 @ 10:41 am
Oddly enough, I didn’t visit any of them on Saturday. Never even left the house. I’ll post about my day from hell later.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/November/2023 @ 6:32 am
Yes, I’m aware of all that. Gonna manage things as best as I am able.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/November/2023 @ 1:12 pm
If he bites anyone in the yard, they are someone who is where they shouldn’t be…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/November/2023 @ 8:55 am
Kev, well, he’s out of the house–out of sight, out of mind. Anyone who might want him is welcome to him. I honestly think Lucky is too stupid and too aggressive to be trained like the dogs in those videos. Maybe if I had started as a pup, but after five years with me, he still hasn’t figured out I’m the boss. And there are no shelters around here–dogs are just abandoned and left to fend for themselves on the street. I can’t reduce myself to that level of cruelty. As for access to the bed, he snuck in while the door was open and then didn’t want to leave.
Yes, in the early days, my condition was much worse. That’s why this recent upsurge is so concerning. I think maybe my issue isn’t related to COPD per se but rather a virus that exacerbates the situation. I’m taking some meds that will hopefully help. However I am destined to die; I hope that it does not involve gasping for air.
As for the clock, the sun’s long afternoon shadows tell me when beer o’clock has arrived!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/November/2023 @ 9:00 am
«« Back To Stats PageDan, you need the shit days to make the rest of them more appreciated. Lucky has always been a bad combination of rebellious and stupid. Quite the opposite of Buddy.
As for the street dogs, I have fantasized about different ways to kill them. I’m not familiar with the “Macafee” method, though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/November/2023 @ 8:52 am