October 31, 2013 Thursday Afternoon

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Vito is doing good.  He is eating like he should and getting around fine.  He sleeps a lot but that is normal after surgery and with the pain medicine.  It rained all day today which does not give me energy to do much.  I did go to Walgreen's this morning to pick up a prescription and then went to Home Depot to buy a door stopper.  Was on the Internet and phone with insurance help from the Affordable Care Act.  The Insurance guy was little help and made this whole thing so overwhelming I was in tears by the time we got off the phone.  I have no clue what they are saying about donut holes in my part D and wrap around policies and what they all cover.  I used to be able to run a store.  Now my mind can not even compare two insurance policies or follow simple instructions as I am talking to someone on the phone and working on the Internet.  It was so frustrating and overwhelming.  It has to be the meds I am on which really was noticeable today as I tried to do simple things and make decisions.  Broke down and called my counselor at ARCW and she returned my call within the hour.  She is going to help me with all this new insurance and what ADAP will cover next week when we meet.  My fear is that as of January 1st I will have no health coverage or meds coverage and how will I afford over $1000 worth of HIV meds for one month much less the monthly premium for the policies?   Laid in bed with the dogs for a while to clear my head and stop the anxiety.  Making a Oncore pork roast, mashed potatoes and corn with a salad tonight for supper.  Will most likely spend the night catching up on the past two episodes of American Horror Story or one of the other 30 or more shows on the DVR. 

October 30, 2013 Wednesday Afternoon

The vet called a little before 4 PM to say Vito was ready to be picked up.  I called Tony at work and he came home to pick me up and go get Vito.  One of us has to hold the dog and the other will have to drive.  They brought Vito out and he was so happy to hear my voice and get into my arms.  It is times like that that make me feel needed.  Everything would be OK if he is in my arms.  Paid the $1300 for the surgery and headed home.  Being diabetic we had different instructions depending on how much he ate for supper and breakfast.  Of course he ate good and got 4 units of Insulin instead of his usual 5 units as we were told.  (since they gave him some Insulin during the day).  Spent the night with Vito at my side on the couch.  Watched the movie Bridegroom from Sunday night on Own network.  What a great movie.  Everyone should see this movie if they have any doubt why gay marriage is important.  So sad and we were both in tears many times during the movie.  Shame on those parents who didn't let him go to his partners funeral.  Watched a little TV in bed and went to sleep around 10 PM.  Couldn't sleep and ended up listening to Cher on my IPod for a while.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Got Vito off the bed and fed the dogs, gave him his shot.  Spent all day just laying around with Vito keeping him next to me and not moving around much.  Will make sweet and sour chicken and rice for supper tonight.  I am sure we will just spend the night with Vito by our sides watching TV.  Here is a picture of Vito and his two tumors removed.  He is going to have quite the scars.  He also had six teeth removed. 

October 29, 2013 Tuesday Afternoon

Stayed in bed this morning until 7 AM.  Got up and the dogs wanted to be fed but had to wait.  Around 7:15 I gave Vito his antibiotic and 2 units of Insulin and took him to the vet.  Dropped him off and then went to McDonald's for a bagel and Tony dropped me off at home.  I then called the vet to have them check a large mass on the right side of his back about half way down.  Figured it might be a good time to get an xray while he is under.  The vet called back a little while later and said that mass will have to be removed also and she is concerned it might be cancer.  This removal wasn't even part of the $1000 estimate.  Told the doctor to do what needs to be done and call me when Vito is ready.  Around noon I was called to say he made it through surgery and is sleeping.  Was told with a laugh that he will have the perfect costume already since he has a big line of stitches across his back.  I will get a picture on here tomorrow.  Told the doctor my little boy will not be out trick or treating this year due to his surgery.  We both laughed and then she said she would call me back when he is awake and ready to be picked up.  They are also shaving him all over so his hair will be down to the skin.  We will never get another chance to get his face trimmed so we had them do it while he is under.  He will look so different when I get him.  Still waiting for the vet to call and it is going on 3:30 PM.  Got salads for supper all made and in the refrigerator.  Will just make a frozen pizza or something to go with the salads.  Will spend the night next to Vito making sure he stays calm and sleeps most of tonight.  I know what they are like after surgery and he will not be able to jump or climb stairs until tomorrow.  Don't want him falling off the couch so he will be by my side the rest of the night.  Was cloudy and in the 50s today.  I took a nice nap with the other three dogs this afternoon.  They were all over me.  Stella on one side and Kali and Bo against me on the other.  I could hardly move.  They miss their brother Vito and know something is going on.  They will know when they smell him and see the scar.  Will spend the night watching TV with Vito by my side.  Suppose to rain all day tomorrow.  Will be a good day to clean since I did so little today.

October 28, 2013 Monday Afternoon

Friday late afternoon I drank two big glasses of water.  Held off going to the bathroom as long as I could and then when I finally did go I heard this 'ping' noise and the pee was flowing.  So I think it was a stone and I got it out.  Pain was gone then also.  Spent Friday night watching movies.  Watched the movies Shame and Shortbus.  Watched Shortbus in bed.  Both were very good movies and Shortbus had some sex scenes so after the movie, since we were already in bed, we did the lovin thing.  Went to sleep shortly thereafter.

Saturday morning we woke up in each others arms and we did the lovin thing again.  Wow, felt like we had just met.  Nice after 24 years together to still enjoy sex together.  Soon got up and fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  After we read the newspaper and I made some eggs and bacon for breakfast we headed outside and did some leaf blowing and cleaning of the rain gutters.  Took a nap in the afternoon with the dogs.  Got up again and we both showered, fed the dogs and went out for supper.  Went to a restaurant we used to enjoy.  Was not good and they changed their theme to a sports bar since we were there last.  Had an OK steak sandwich.  We then went to the Pumpkin patch in Whitefish Bay were they have hundreds of pumpkins carved, a band, food and kids carving more pumpkins.  We make a point to go each year to keep the Halloween spirit alive.  Had a hot chocolate and listened to the band for a couple songs before we headed home.  Spent the rest of the night watching the movies Shank and Handsome Harry.  Both were excellent movies.  Both gay themed movies and very good.  Handsome Harry movie had me up all night thinking about life.  Went to sleep around midnight.

Sunday morning we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Read the morning newspaper and soon showered so we could go get Tony's mom and go have breakfast.  Had a nice breakfast at our usual spot and then went to Big Lot's to do some shopping.  Really didn't need anything but it gives Tony more time with his mom or we would just drop her off and go home.  Soon we were on our way home after we dropped mom off and we stopped at a fruit market for ham and rolls and some fruit.  On the way home I mentioned to Tony how I didn't sleep well last night thinking about the movie Handsome Harry.  Funny how he looked at me and said, 'that movie had me up all night'.  Basically it was about a bunch of guys that made a bad decision 30 years ago because of homophobia.  Was sad that all the guys wasted the rest of their lives living with the horror of what they did and how it affected their lives.  Got home and tried to take a nap while a Halloween movie was on and ended up watching the movie rather than napping.  Spent Sunday night watching Amazing Race, Good Wife (love this show), and Mentalist before going to sleep.

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Tony soon left for work.  Did some laundry in the morning but spent most of the morning talking on the phone with health care questions and then going on the website to do some planning of what policies I will choose.  Still waiting for a call back to find out which policies will be covered by the AIDS Assistance ADAP.  Can't sign up for anything until I find out what they will or not cover.  Making me a little nervous since time is moving and my insurance ends as of January 1st.  Thank you Scott Walker for making this health care problem worse and not easier.  Was told not to panic and that all should work out fine, just be patient.  Not a good skill of mine.  Took a nap with the dogs this afternoon since it is in the 40s and cloudy.  Good day to sleep.  Making ribs, potatoes and beans with a salad for supper tonight.  Will spend the night watching Dancing With The Starts and Castle before going to sleep.  Tomorrow morning I have to have Vito to the vet at 7:30 AM for his surgery.  Poor little guy.  I will make it Vito day when he gets home giving him all my attention.

October 25, 2013 Friday Afternoon

Was up this morning by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Laid around all morning feeling chilled.  Could not get warm.  It is only in the 40s but I have the heat on to 70 degrees in the house.  Took a shower and went to have lunch with the guys.  Had a good lunch but started feeling pain in my bladder area.  Came home and spent the afternoon just trying to stay warm and dealing with the pain.  I feel like I have to pee and then I do, but I only seem to half empty and have to go again within a half hour.  Hoping I don't have another bladder infection since I have had them many times since being HIV and on these meds.  Will take it easy tonight and just watch a movie.  Hopefully this pain will pass.  I am praying anyway.  If it does not I will call the doctor first thing on Monday if I make it until then.  No plans this weekend so I will just lay low and get a lot of sleep and drink a lot of liquids.

October 24, 2013 Thursday Afternoon

Last night before going to sleep Vito's wart / growth on his back started bleeding.  It has been two years since we notice this wart or skin tag type thing and the vet has been keeping an eye on it.  Last night I noticed it was not looking good and when I touched it it leaked fluid and then blood.  Got the bleeding to stop and went to sleep around 10:30 PM.  Here is a picture of Vito and his growth.

 

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Called the vet at 7:45 AM and they had an opening for 8:30 AM to see a doctor about his growth.  Tony and I took Vito to the vet and scheduled surgery for Tuesday to have it removed.  While he is under we will have his teeth cleaned and hair cut short to the skin.  Last time he had surgery she cut his hair so nice and it is the only time he will let you, when he is under.  The vet bill with blood test and his eyes tested was $296, the surgery on Tuesday is estimated to be $850 - $1300 depending on what they find and how bad thing go.  So we will dig into savings again for the dogs.  I figure he is 10 years old, blind, diabetic and has no sense of smell anymore that this is the last big cost for him.  I will have to not feed him on Tuesday morning yet give him 2 units of Insulin.  He usually gets 5 units.  And have him to the vet by 7:30 AM.  The doctor also put him on an antibiotic starting today just in case the growth is infected.  Got home by 10 AM and spent the day just watching TV, listening to music, and doing things around the house.  A nap would have been nice but I had too much on my mind to sleep.  Tonight Tony's nephew / employee is coming over to see me feed the dogs, give Vito his shot, and have supper with us to see how the dogs get along and their behavior.  Hopefully they will like him and someday soon we can go on a trip for a day or more.  Will spend tonight watching TV from the DVR and maybe a movie with the nephew.

October 23, 2013 Wednesday Afternoon

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Went grocery shopping in the morning at the upscale Pick N Save in Shorewood.  Came home and spent the rest of the day catching up on magazines and doing things around the house.  It was in the 20s when I got up this morning and only got into the low 40s today and was cloudy.  Went from Summer to Winter very fast this year.  Making left over spaghetti for Tony for supper tonight.  I will just have a pot pie and salad.  Ended up making way to much spaghetti yesterday and Tony will be eating it tonight and Friday.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR as the machine records tonight's TV.  Not a very exciting day, but that is sometime a good thing.

October 22, 2013 Tuesday Afternoon

So around 4:30 PM yesterday I go upstairs to see if we are still on for Lasagna since she just asked us the prior day.  I wanted to make sure before I made a huge salad for the four of us.  She opens the door and no food made or cooking.  I asked her if we were still on for supper and she said 'sure, I was just on my way to the store to buy the stuff and then I will make it'.  I looked at her and said that since it is already past 4:30 PM I did not see time to make it today since prepare and cooking time would be more than an hour or so?  We ended up agreeing to put it off and do it another time.  What a nut job.  I swear she is bi polar or something is wrong with her.  Who forgets they invited some one for dinner the day before?  Ended up making salads and a frozen pizza for supper.  Spent the night watching Dancing With The Stars and Castle before doing the lovin thing and going to sleep.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  About 8 AM I was about to get into the shower because I had a 10:30 AM dental appointment.  The phone rang and this appointment I have been waiting for to get a cavity fixed six months now, canceled due to the dentist being sick.  This happens more than you would want it to at ARCW.  I know it is very inexpensive dentistry but it seems they cancel almost every other appointment the day of for some reason or another.  Was not happy and needed to rethink my day.  Showered and headed out the door by 10 AM and went to McDonald's for some breakfast and then Big Lots for some curtains for the new hallway window.  Figured if I didn't find anything at Big Lots I would break down and go across the street to Walmart.  Found the perfect rod and sheers for the window.  Bought a couple other items and stopped off at Tony's shop to say hi.  Made dinner plans with his employee / nephew for Thursday night so we can start him getting to know the dogs so we can go away for the wedding or anything else before then.  Didn't stay long and headed home to put up the sheers.  They look great.  Was happy with my purchase.  Spent the day doing things around the house.  It was in the 20s this morning when we got up and only got to 42 degrees today in Milwaukee.  Cloudy and cold.  Winter is going to be here in no time.  Making spaghetti for supper with some salads and bread.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR as the machine records tonight's shows.  Downloaded the new Katy Perry CD today and listening to it now.  I love it.

October 21, 2013 Monday Afternoon

Saturday morning we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Around 9 AM I was petting Bo and I noticed this growth we had been watching had gotten bigger since the last time I looked at it a couple days ago.  Looked like a skin tag or a pumpkin seed.  Called the vet and brought him in to find out it was a tick.  Never saw a tick up close.  Vet tech took off the tick and I even took it home in a zip lock bag.  After we got home Tony kept insisting the skin tag on Stella was a tick also, I did not think so, and we ended up taking Stella to the vet to find out it was not a tick.  By this time it was noon so we decided to go to the new pawn shop here in Milwaukee.  Never been in a pawn shop and watch the shows on TV.  Figured we could see what they have and then have lunch.  Ended up buying a monitor for Tony's shop's cameras and a stereo receiver for his shop music along with a really nice Harley Davidson jacket.  Guess he broke the receiver recently also.  Had lunch at a Mexican restaurant we go to often for cheap food, but great food.  Came home and Tony suggested he take a Viagra for some fun in a little while.  I agreed and within an hour we were in the bedroom doing the lovin thing.  Spent Saturday night watching TV from the DVR actually taking a big chunk of them off the DVR. 

Sunday we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the morning reading the newspaper.  Went to lunch at noon and met some friends for a Birthday get together.  Had a great lunch and fun with friends.  Spent the rest of the afternoon watching TV from the DVR and the movie This Is The End.  What a strange movie.  But it was good.  Spent the rest of the night watching The Good Wife and then went to sleep.

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the early morning reading the newspaper and soon headed outside to get some work done since we are to have a deep freeze tonight.  Drained the hot tub since it is getting too cold to go out in it.  If I want a hot bath I can fill the bath tub.  Took down the second pond pump and lights around the pond getting it ready for the Winter and the floating heater in the middle.  As I type this the guys from construction project across the street are all heading to their cars to end the day.  Here is what it looked like as of Friday.

As you can see they are starting the second row of town houses.  Not liking it at all.  Our tenants are making Lasagna and asked if we wanted some.  Of course they don't have a dining room table so I was soon informed she would bring it down and we would all eat down here.  Guess I am selling my soul for home made Lasagna, LOL.  Will then spend the night watching Dancing With The Stars and Castle before going to sleep.  Tomorrow morning I have a dental appointment.  I do not like dental appointments and not even sure which problem she is going to work on.

October 18, 2013 Friday Afternoon

Spent last night watching the first two episodes of this season of American Horror Story.  Each episode goes by so fast because they are so good.  If you missed the first two seasons of American Horror Story you have to rent or find them.  Each season is separate from each other so you don't have to see one season to know what is happening in the next.  They are the same actors but they play different parts and the story lines will freak the heck out of you.  Jessica Lang is awesome in both seasons.  This season started off just as good and I think Kathy Bates will be a great addition to this season.  Went to bed around 9:30 PM and after a little lovin we went to sleep.

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the morning reading the newspaper, doing my Friday movie downloads, and put another coat of stain on the upstairs windows.  Going to need at least one more coat of stain.  Had a great lunch with the guys and spent the afternoon listen to the new Cher CD.  I love every song on her new CD.  It is so good.  Making some salads and a frozen pizza for supper tonight.  No plans this weekend.  Suppose to rain tomorrow most of the day so I think it will be a good day to carve the pumpkins and watch a bunch of TV from the DVR.  Was cold, cloudy and only in the 50s today in Milwaukee.  Not a very nice day to be outside.

October 17, 2013 Thursday Afternoon

Before I write a new post I always check the blog and the prior posts to see if there are any comments.  Had to shake my head today when I saw I did not post yesterday.  Trying to think what I was doing later in the afternoon that made me forget to post.  Drawing a blank.  Wow, that kind of scares me.  Anyway.  I went to Walgreen's, the post office and then to Pick N Save in Shorewood in the morning.  Put a coat of stain on the tenants new living room and bedroom window frames in the afternoon.  Will need another coat or two.  Got a note on the mailbox later in the day that our water would be turned off due to maintenance starting at 8 AM Thursday because of the construction project across the street.  Made some canned stew, a couple bagels and salads for supper.  Spent last night watching TV from the DVR and Law And Order SVU before going to bed and watching CSI in bed under the covers with Tony and the dogs.  Went to sleep after the local news.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Got the morning routine done early and was in the shower by 7:30 AM due to the water being turned off by 8 AM according the notice we got yesterday.  Water was off by 8:30 AM and did not come on until 3:30 PM this afternoon.  Went to my monthly client advisory board meeting with the AIDS resource center here in Milwaukee.  Picked up my monthly HIV meds and food at the pantry after the meeting.  Spent the afternoon watching the city workers work on the water out in front of the house.  Even thought the water just went on a little while ago there is still a crew outside working.  I heard they did not get done what they needed due to a city mistake marking a house's water, so we might have to go through this again tomorrow or another day.  Making hamburgers, mac n cheese and salads for supper tonight.  Tonight I think we will watch the first two episodes of American Horror Story that are on the DVR since the neighbor wants to talk to me about this season and the storyline.  Drizzled most of today and only go to the mid 50s.  I still don't feel so good and can't wait to go to bed tonight.  If it were 10 PM I would be happy to go to sleep right now. 

October 15, 2013 Tuesday Afternoon

Windows were done being installed around 5 PM.  They turned out great and I love them.  It is nice to spend a big chunk of money and be happy with what you paid for.  The windows will add value to the house and make the upstairs apartment look even bigger.  Spent last night watching Dancing With The Stars and then Castle before going to sleep.

Got up this morning at 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Still not feeling very well today and I definitely have a cold.  Put a coat of stain on the new back hallway window frame and painted the new kitchen window frame with white mildew paint.   Got two coats on the windows by noon.  Went to Home Depot around noon and bought the tenants a new dining room light since the one they had they broke the pull string part and now it does not work turn on.  More than just the string and must be the pulley part in the light.  Bought them a nice light and also a can of stain for the bedroom and living room windows that will match the wood work in those rooms.  I will stain them tomorrow or the next day.  Took a nice two hour nap this afternoon but woke up even feeling worse.  Going to be an early night to bed tonight.  I did manage to put the last coat of paint on the kitchen window and one more coat of stain on the hallway window.  I will have to put one more coat of stain on the hallway window frame tomorrow and then that window and the kitchen window, will be completely stained or painted, and finished.  I stopped at Wendy's on my way home from Home Depot and bought a small chili and French fries.  Making a can of beef stew and bagels with some salads for supper.  I will most likely just eat the salad since I am not hungry and honestly just want to go to bed.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR since it is piling up and we have over 40 shows now on the DVR to watch.  Rained most of today.  A light rain and was in the 50s.  Didn't bother me much since I was working inside and felt sick today anyway.  More rain tomorrow I think.  I feel sick.  I hate being sick.

October 14, 2013 Monday Afternoon

Saturday Tony's sister showed up around noon and dropped off just one kid, our 9 year old nephew Anthony.  Saturday afternoon Tony, Anthony and I went to the Discovery World science museum.  Spent a couple hours there and had a great time.   We never go to places like this unless we have a nephew or two so it is nice to have them once in a while.  After we got home we watched the movies Despicable Me and Super Buddies as we ate a delivered pizza.  Around 9 PM Tony's sister showed up at the house a little tipsy.  I have no patience for drunks any more and thankfully she was not as bad as in the past we have seen.  Stayed up and talked until about 10:30 PM and then we all went to sleep.  Around 12:15 AM the upstairs tenant lady was banging on the back door so we could move the sisters car so she could leave with the baby.  It's 12:15 AM for goodness sake.  Tony moved the car and we went back to bed so see the boyfriend come home, walking 10 minutes later.  Guess she left before him.  At 12:30 AM the boyfriend calls us to ask if we know where his girlfriend is.  WTF?   These two are going to be a handful. 

Sunday morning Tony's sister had us up by 7:30 AM to say she was getting ready to leave for the two hour drive back home with Anthony.  Said goodbye and spent the rest of the morning reading the newspaper.  Around noon Tony and I went for a long bike ride along the bike paths north to Estrabrook Park.  Had a nice bike ride and ice cream at Culver's.  Took some nice pictures along the river.  Will post one hopefully tomorrow.  Spent last night watching Amazing Race and Good Wife before we did the loving thing and went to sleep. 

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Woke up feeling like I am getting sick or a cold.  Sinus is full and draining down my throat.  Feel tired.  The window guys showed up at 9:30 AM to start the window insulation that was to take place last Thursday.  It is going on  1:30 PM and they are still working on the trim.  They look great.  I will get some pictures.
Going to go to the couch and relax, maybe try to take a nap for a bit until they knock on the door to say the windows are done.  Will spend tonight watching Dancing With The Stars and Castle.  I think I am getting sick.  I hate being sick.

October 11, 2013 Friday Afternoon

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot. Tony left for work around 7:30 AM.  I quickly read the morning newspaper and started my Friday movie downloads and then started setting up a plan I cooked up in my head last night laying in bed on how to propose to Tony.  Used my laptop and camera and got it set up in the dining room perfectly so it could see us sitting in two of the chairs.  Had the lights on high so there was enough light.  Called Tony and asked him to come home around 10 AM to help me move something.  He said he would be right home.  Took the phone off the hook because you know darn well it will ring the minute I start proposing.  I soon saw Tony pull up in the back yard on the cameras and when he got to the back door he turned and jumped over the side fence now heading into the house through the dining room where I have the cameras all set up.  He had forgotten his keys.  I knew this wasn't going to go over very well or how I pictured it in my head.  He came in the house and after he said hi to all the dogs and we got them settled I asked Tony to sit down and started the computer recording.  I had my speech all written out and practiced it for the past week.  When it came time to propose I could hardly get a word out and had to hold back my tears as I talked.  Got the whole speech out and looked at Tony, got down on my knee and asked him to marry me.  He looked at me and said .............................. 'sure'.  He left soon back to work.  Oh well, got that off my shoulders.  I honestly did not expect much more.  This is just to make it legal federally, we had a big Holy Union 20 years ago.  Went and had a nice lunch with the guys.  This afternoon I took a long walk along the river trails enjoying the weather as long as I can.  It was again in the 60s today and sunny.  Very nice and would love if it was always like this.  Thinking tonight we will go out for a fish fry and enjoy a nice meal out together to celebrate the proposal.  Tomorrow Tony's sister is coming into town with two of her kids and Tony and I are taking them to the Science Museum here in Milwaukee.  They have been looking forward to going for a long time.  Will be fun.  Tony's sister might spend Saturday night here at the house if she decides not to drive back to Illinois at the end of the day.  Sunday we have no plans and will play it by ear as the day unfolds.

October 10, 2013 Thursday Afternoon

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Tony soon left for work.  The new windows upstairs were to be installed today and should have arrive between 8 and 10 AM.  They arrived by 8:30 AM but after they looked over all the windows and what they had to do they went out to their van and made a very loud phone call and then came back in to tell me that someone measured wrong and they don't have anything that would fit in the window holes and supplies to finish the job.  WTF?  Feldco came out and gave me the estimate, came out a week later to take measurements again, and today the windows were to be installed.  I have had Wasco and Window World windows put in the house and never had a problem like this.  I am still waiting on the company to call me to reschedule and get the job done.  I paid them more than half for the project already.  Went for a nice long walk along the river trails stopping at some points to just sit back and think.  Not feeling 'complete' lately.  That's a good word.  I feel like something is missing.  I think I need to get out and find something outside the house so I feel needed and have a purpose.  Going to look into volunteering somewhere if I can find somewhere close to home.  Feeling mad at the world.  Maybe it is the economy and what is happening in Washington, or all the crap people have been dumping on Tony and I lately, not sure, but something is not good and I am not as happy as I feel I could be.  I don't need anything material, I need a purpose and feel needed I think.  I know I am rambling, but that is why I have this blog.  Took Bo to get his nails trimmed this afternoon and heard him crying in the back room for 10 minutes.  Vet tech said Bo even nipped him once and marked it on his chart.  Might need a muzzle next time.  Bo is such a baby and cried the entire ride to the vet and it is only a mile away from home.  Making a frozen Lasagna for supper with garlic bread and salad.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR as the box records tonight's TV. 
I also still have this wedding proposal hanging over my head to Tony.  I wish I could come up with something and just get it over with.   I am not good at keeping secrets and I keep looking at this envelope with the airline and hotel information in it waiting to be handed to Tony so he can sign the Intention To Marry form.
It was 70 degrees today in Milwaukee and sunny.  It has been like this for a long time and I should be reminded of this nice weather in the middle of Winter.  Should last a couple more days before it gets a bit colder daily and Winter gets a little closer.

October 9, 2013 Wednesday Afternoon

Yesterday flew by very fast.  I did take a nice long walk through the river trails in the afternoon.  In fact I was standing under the Locust Street bridge on the river bank when a huge coyote walked past me about 25 feet from me.  I watched it and didn't move.  I have never seen a coyote in the trails but heard that they have been seen.  It was bigger than a large German Shepherd dog.   I waited for a while before heading farther down the trail and the coyote followed me for a while up on the hill.  At one point I was talking on the phone to Tony telling him about the coyote and it was sitting there scratching and looking right at me.  Finished my walk and came home.  Wished I had my camera on me.  Made an Oncore dinner for supper last night and spent the night watching the CBS TV line up.  Did not watch them too good because Tony finally, 50 days after his accident, got hold of the police office from the scene to find out why we still can not get a copy of the accident report through our insurance company.  They have requested it three times and paid for it.  The police officer pulled up the report while Tony and him were on the phone and we could not believe he had the nerve to admit he does not see anywhere on the report that any tickets or citations were issued even through she didn't have a valid driver license or insurance.  WTF?  What did we wait for the cops for then?  She turned in front of Tony going through a green light with no insurance and no drivers license and doesn't get any ticket of any kind?  We were both up pacing the house for hours last night we were so upset.  This will not have to go on our insurance and it will go up being the sixth one in 2 years. None our fault and every one the other had no insurance. 

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Tony left for work by 7:30 AM.  Went to Pick N Save and got into an argument with the lady in front of me as the clerk cut out each and every coupon for her because she was too lazy to do it herself.  It did not go well at all.  I spoke my mind and she went off on me.  Didn't end well at all and she said she was calling the police.  I left as she was taking down my license number.  I am really getting tired of people and the government acting like jerks.  When you call people out on their bad behavior they turn it around on you.  Went for a nice long walk this afternoon.  It is 70 degrees today and was in the 50s when we got up.  Sunny and very nice outside.  I think we will go out for burgers and drinks tonight.  I need a drink, or two. 

October 7, 2013 Monday Afternoon

Spent Friday night watching TV from the DVR.  Went to bed around 10 PM after a bit of lovin.

Saturday morning we were up by 7:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Around 11 AM we left the house and went to the bank and then a church selling pumpkins.  We both picked out a pumpkin.  Went to Walgreen's and got our flu shots for the year and then went to George Webb's for lunch.  Had a double cheeseburger and chili.  Came home and spent the afternoon doing things around the house.  Rained hard late in the afternoon and around dinner time.  Spent Saturday night watching the movies The Possession and The Purge.  Both were good movies but I liked The Purge best of the two.  Went to sleep around 11 PM.

Sunday we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the early morning reading the newspaper and then showered.  My mom and dad came into town at 11 AM and picked Tony and I up to go to the annual Brady Street dog parade and blessing.  Had a great time at the dog parade and then watched the dogs get blessed.  After the blessing we went to Buca's for lunch.  Had a great Italian lunch with the folks.  When lunch was over they drove us home.  Spent the night watching Amazing Race, The Good Wife and The Mentalist before going to sleep.

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs, gave Vito his shot and soon Tony left for work.  I spend the morning doing laundry and cleaning the bedroom while I re arranged the furniture.  Did five loads of laundry today.  Was able to get in a nice walk along the river trails this afternoon.  Was in the 60s and sunny today in Milwaukee. Will spend tonight watching Dancing With The Stars and Castle before going to sleep.

October 4, 2013 Friday Afternoon

Was up this morning by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Tony left for work around 7:30 AM.  I spent the morning reading the newspapers and doing my usual Friday movie downloads.  Was thinking about proposing to Tony at lunch today with the guys so one of them could record it but soon that fell apart when Tony said he would not be making lunch today due to being at a junk yard getting parts.  Had a nice lunch with the guys and then came home and took a nap.  It is raining today in Milwaukee and in the 60s.  The back yard is full of leaves from the rain beating them down and off the tree.  I hate this time of year in the back yard due to this tree.  The little leaves are everywhere and I end up spending all day picking them up when they come in on the dogs feet.  Making left over spaghetti and salads for supper tonight.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR.  Only plans this weekend are to hopefully get our flu shots on Saturday and then on Sunday my parents come to town for the annual pet parade walk and blessing on Brady Street.  We will then go out for lunch after the walk like we do each year and have for about 5 years now.  I do enjoy seeing about a hundred dogs in costume all getting along much less it is a great excuse to see the folks.  Suppose to rain most of Saturday and then be cooler, but no rain on Sunday.

October 3, 2013 Thursday Afternoon

Went out to eat with Tony's sister and sister in law for supper last night.  Was nice surprise when Tony's nephew and their family showed up for supper at the bar also to meet us.   At one point when some were outside smoking I went outside to tell them my wedding plans only to find out two of them would like to be in Maine for the event.  Also Tony's nephew's son, who works for Tony at the shop, said he would love to spend the weekend at our house taking care of the dogs when we go to Maine to get married.  I could not believe it.  That would work out perfectly.  I won't have to have the tenants involved at all letting the dogs out while we are gone if I have Tony's relative staying here.  Had a great dinner and came home.  Spent the night watching TV and after the local news we went to sleep.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Tony soon left for work and I got online and booked the airline tickets for the wedding in March in Maine.  So, it is a done deal and now I have to figure out a cool way to propose to Tony with paperwork in hand for the wedding.  Went to the hardware store around noon and then took a short nap in the afternoon.  It was in the 70s today but rained this morning and will rain more tonight.  Making chicken cordon blue and rice with a side of corn for supper tonight.  Will spend the night watching TV from the DVR so we can fast forward through the commercials.  Was proud of myself I finally bought the tickets and now I can not back out from this vacation / anniversary / wedding.  I am feeling pretty good about it now that I know a family member will get to know the dogs and stay here while we are gone.  So I guess I will be a legally married man by the end of next March.

October 2, 2013 Wednesday Afternoon

Spent last night watching TV and deleted Marvels of Shield and The Goldberg's from my DVR record schedule.  Just did not like either show so they are the first to go off the record schedule.  I gave them both two shows and didn't like either episode.  Went to sleep around 10 PM after watching Lucky 7 on TV.  I do like this show but I fear it will not last due to bad ratings.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the early morning reading the newspaper and watching CNN news.  Went grocery shopping around 10 AM stopping at McDonald's for 2 steak egg burritos.  Around 1 PM I went for a nice long walk along the river trails.  Tony will be home soon to shower and then go meet his sister and sister in law for supper at a local bar a couple blocks down the street.  Will then spend the rest of the night watching TV from the DVR before going to bed.  Was in the 70s and sunny today in Milwaukee.  Started out in the 40s but quickly got nice outside.  I do love Fall and Spring.  I think I am going to book the flight tomorrow for the March wedding.  Everything else seemed to fall into place and I have no excuse not to.

October 1, 2013 Tuesday Afternoon

Stayed up late last night watching CNN and the other news channels, using the remote to get to each one as they ran commercials, to watch the country shut down.  Stayed up until about 1 AM and then I had had enough of listening to the Republicans try to spin the shut down in their favor.  Give The Affordable Care Act a chance!
About 2 AM Kali and Bo needed to go outside and soon Kali was throwing up all over the living room.  Spent time cleaning the mess and then went back to bed.  Kali slept next to me the rest of the night which she usually does not.  I slept with my arm holding her or hand on her back.  I know her stomach was hurting.

This morning I was up at 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Kali ate fine and kept her food down.  Spent the morning doing things around the house like cleaning the pond pumps and putting the netting up over the pond since the leaves are starting to fall into the pond.  Ordered a new netting today online since the one I am using is about four years old and is torn in so many places I don't even think it will last the month in the wind.  Went for a nice long walk along the river trails since it got to almost 80 degrees today in Milwaukee.  Very rare for October to have 80s so I figure I better enjoy them.  Have had the windows open all day and the dust from the construction is building up everywhere.  As I sat at the computer and wiped my hand across the desk I could not believe the layer of dirt and dust since yesterday.  Spent the rest of the afternoon watching CNN and making spaghetti for supper tonight.  Will spend the night watching TV from the DVR.  Getting closer to booking the tickets for the big wedding.  Talked with another friend from lunch today and he said he could take care of the dogs if all else failed.  So now I honestly have no more excuses.  I talk to my friend on the phone this Friday morning and will go through everything.  Might even be buying the tickets by the end of Friday.  I notice today when I was at Walgreen's, (oh yah, went to Walgreen's this morning to pick up a prescription and some sale items) that in two weeks or so it is Sweetest Day.  Maybe I will propose on that day if I can get a plan together and the tickets purchased.