Posts

Showing posts from March 28, 2021

Being Careful is Not Always Enough - but There Is Help

Image
  I recently renewed my Drivers Licence on line. I thought that I had this; but unfortunately I was on a site which mimicked the real site; not the genuine article. The real FLHSMW  site caught this and notified me by mail. They had noticed that my payment was from an 'Out of State'  Credit Card. Oddly enough the  mimic site had taken monies  from my Credit card and then forwarded my  info and payment to the real site. I am not out of pocket, and after a good conversation with  FHLSMW my license will be renewed for seven years.  FHLSMW will flag the licence so that should (for instance) I should lose the licence I will not be able to replace it on line, and will have to do so in person at the Sarasota County site. A good safeguard. In the meantime I have disabled the credit card, and a new one with a new number will be issued, This will leave the mimic site with my full name and address, and drivers licence #, and not much more.  I trust that they will not be able to do any fur

Back at Work Today

Image
  Zion and I were back at work today at Anchin Pavilion for the first time in over a year. Anchin is part of the AVIVA Retirement Communities on N. Honore Ave, Sarasota. Anchin has a memory unit; an assisted living unit; and a skilled nursing unit.  We were able to minister in the memory and assisted living floors; but not on the skilled nursing unit. The new receptionist was a bit dubious about our visit until a staff member passed by and exclaimed "Zion is back again". I said to the receptionist "now you know that Zion is famous here.  He was convinced! Z and I met some old friends who were glad to see us one year on.  But we were saddened to learn of the deaths (not necessarily as a result of COVID) one year on.

And Now This has Surfaced!

Image
  via my first cousin Janet's newly found trove of old photo's Back row l-r    Auntie Phyllis, married to Mum's brother Fred;  Mum; Auntie Irene; married to Mum's brother Wally. Front row  l-r      "The twins"     Elizabeth and me,   (with  the early version of my worried look!)

Zion and I will be back at work on Thursday 1st April: A tough gig.

Image
  I wish that this was not the reason for Thursday's Canine Therapy. Who can dare to imagine the deep grief of a family whose bright eight years old daughter sets off for school one morning, never to return?  Only those who have also lost a child at whatever age will know of the searing and deep grief, Pet Therapy Request - Tragedy at Brentwood Elementary Dear Pet Therapy volunteers, An eight year old girl died on Friday after being hit by a SUV while riding her scooter. According to the school counselor she was a Superstar. The school counselor is requesting Pet Therapy teams to comfort their students. The details are listed below. Here are the times we need support on Thursday, April 1st.  All classes will be outside and masks are required. 8:30 - 9:20 5th grade, Ms. Flynn’s class—approximately 22 students. (outside)  Zion and I plan to be there. Canine Therapy is not all peaches and cream.  Most likely I'll not say much. I'll leave Zion to share his comforting love. (I a

Gratitude (with all due credit) (REVISED)

Image
  I am grateful to have received my two Moderna Covid 19 vaccinations. On a world scale for Covid 19 vaccinations  I am one of the most fortunate.  With all due credit. Yes to former President Donald J Trump for Operation Warp speed; a governmental investment in the speedy development of vaccines. Yes to President Joe Biden for his acceleration of the speed and availability of the vaccines. C- to Florida's Governor DeSantis for the patchy (to say the least), and probably unfair  distribution of vaccines to Florida's 67 Counties.

"Rhubarb. Rhubarb" plus "What a Load of Cobblers"

Image
  It is alleged that in movies with a crowd scene in which the onlookers appear to be in animated conversation, they are in fact saying "Rhubarb, Rhubarb"  -  in the context words which make no sense, but give the appearance of a conversation. Thus it is in the U.K.  if a Professor  or a Preacher is droning on and not making much sense someone is sure to say "sotto voce" Rhubarb, Rhubarb. In like manner if a person recounts an experience (with exaggeration, or a shady regard to the truth); or tells an unlikely story the listener is wont to think, or to say "what a load of cobblers". For the derivation of "what a load of cobblers"  please do your own research.  I am toe embarrassed to tell you here and now.  (Hah!). These parts of my English heritage came together in my home today. I made a Rhubarb Cobbler! I like rhubarb, but it's often hard to come by. Fortunately my local "Farm Market"  (Detwilers) had some in stock today. They we

Leftovers.

Image
Waste not. Leftovers recycled from Saturday cooking came together  (with my help) for  a delicious one skillet dish. basmati rice;   diced onion;   chopped up home-made meatloaf;  fresh (!) red kidney beans; and a shake or two of chipotle pepper. Lunch yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

¡Olé, Huzzahs, Cheers, Yes! גדול

Image
Back to "work" this week Two years ago   Anchin Pavilion, North Honore Rd, Sarasota. After more than a year of inactivity  due to the pandemic, Mr. Z and I will return to our weekly ministry at Anchin Pavilion next Friday. Anchin is part of a large complex known as Aviva.   One very large building on the Campus is Kobernick , a very fine retirement community. Zion and I go Anchin , a separate building, where Rehab. Services; Assisted Living; and Memory Care are the focii. We look forward to spending most of our time in the Memory Unit.  ¡Olé, Huzzahs, Cheers, Yes!  גדול

It's Come to This: Old Man's Sandals with Velcro. (Gout and a Lord Chancellor of England)

Image
  Yes, I am an old man despite what my mind deceives me into believing. I can reckon with the age bit (I have no choice). But old man's sandals - that's another story.  Velcro fasteners?  They're  for really old men. There is a story.  The point where the joint of my left big toe meets my foot  i.e. "bunion territory" is highly inflamed and painful. So painful that on last Thursday night I woke myself up many times by yelling "ouch".  I bought the sandals today to relieve the pressure on my toe as I walk out with Zion. It helps. Tylenol is helping with the pain. I suspect that the toe is afflicted with gout.  Those who have or have had gout will testify as to the intensity of the pain. I will see my Podiatrist and/or my P.C.P. as soon as possible next week. Yesterday morning at Bayfront Park  I chatted with an English couple I see most mornings. The wife asked after my welfare, and I spoke about my probable gout. They expressed suitable sympathy. I respo