December 30, 2014 Tuesday Afternoon

The past week has gone from happy to uncomfortable.

Christmas this year was very good.  We went to Tony's brother's house (the brother that walks Rose) for Christmas Eve.  It was a little different having it at his home due to the divorce.  The wife, or should I say, ex wife was not at the Balistreri Christmas on Christmas Eve.  We got to his house around 6 PM and got home around 9 PM.  Had a very relaxed and nice evening.  Tony's sister drove up with her three kids from Illinois so it added to the fun.  They did not make the drive the past couple Christmas's.  Spent the rest of the night watching TV with the dogs until about midnight and then went to bed.  We did not buy anything for each other this year and to be honest I think it made for a happier Dave not expecting Tony to buy a gift.  I just said don't bother and it was much less stress for both of us.  We have everything we need. 

Christmas Day at 10:30 AM Tony's brother Tom came to our house so we could take the dogs to the dog park eight blocks north of our house, in between our house and Tony's shop.  This is the same dog park Tom takes Rose to daily and after all the talk at Christmas about how much fun Rose has there, we made a date.  I walked Casper, Tony walked Bo, and Tom walked Rose.  I was very impressed how Rose listened to Tom and how he made her wait at each intersection for him to say it was OK to cross the street.  Casper was skittish at first, but handle the walk due to Tony and Rose being along.  Got to the dog park and my heart was pounding.  This is out of my comfort zone.  Got into the block big park, one square block that is a field, and let the dogs run.  I was in tears.  You can see video of them at Rose and Casper on Facebook.  Casper ran like the wind.  Bo had so much fun with all the tennis balls, and Rose followed Tom all around the park.  There were about six other dogs at the park and at times I had to make Casper not play so rough.  It made for a best Christmas ever moment to be honest.  Walked them home after circling the park twice.  After a bit we left for my parents house, dog free, for the afternoon.  Had a nice Christmas with my family.  Did find out my mom is having serious back surgery the end of January.  Left around 4 PM for home and got home by 5 PM.  Spent the night watching a little TV and off to sleep after a round of lovin. 

Tony took Friday off and like the day prior Tom showed up at 10:30 AM and we again took all three dogs to the dog park.  The dogs again had so much fun.  Casper did pull his leg out of the socket once and I had to massage it back in place.  I have to be careful he does not play to rough due to his bones not being totally normal for a dog his weight and size due to being starved to death for his first two years.  He never had a chance to grow and now six months with us he is almost twice the weight and size.  Got home shortly before noon and then went to have lunch with the guys.  Took a short nap in the afternoon after lunch and spent the night watching movies.

Saturday was much the same as the prior day again.  Tom came at 10:30 AM and we again walked the dogs.  The weather in Milwaukee since Christmas has been around 40 degrees.  Very warm for this time of year.  Not going to last and very cold as I type this today.  Went out for lunch and after getting home spent the rest of the day with the dogs watching TV and movies.

Sunday we were going to spend the day in the house until Tom called around noon asking if we wanted to walk the dogs.  He loves Rose.   Figured it was the one thing we would do and soon we were walking the dogs again to the dog park.  Picked up some ham and rolls at a neighborhood deli and lottery tickets at the corner grocery on the way home.  Spent the rest of the day watching TV and movies with the dogs.

Since Christmas my left under arm has been having pain or feels inflamed.  By Monday it was to a point where it was time to call the doctor.  Was surprised I got a 9:30 AM appointment and showered and went to the doctor.  It feel like my glands or lymph nodes under or around my left armpit are swollen.  It is not painful as it is uncomfortable and causes numbness and pain in my arm and fingers.  Like I have said in the past, I know my body since finding out I was HIV.  I take note of everything.  Doctor felt me up and could not feel a growth.  Sent me down for an X-ray.  X-ray did not show anything so I have no other choice than to wait it out and see where it goes.  Figure it could be from the 10 pounds I have gained since Thanksgiving and maybe a fat tumor is pushing against a nerve, I decided it was time anyway for a serious diet and start working out.  The blood test results from the week prior told the story also.  My cholesterol levels are very high.  Dangerously high.  Higher than they even were last time.  So I do have to loose weight, lay off the candy, eat better and work out.  I am at 193 lbs that day and I need to get back down to 175 lbs.   I feel best at that weight.   My knees, back and now my armpit are feeling the weight.  Lets hope it is that.  I do go to my HIV doctor the second week of January and if there is still pain I will address with him since my doctor did talk to him also.  My doctor thinks it might be my shingles coming back.  Yah, wtf?   I found out 1 in 3 get shingles again.  Time will tell and I am waiting for the rash if it is.  I just feel like something is not right with my body, time will tell if I am right.  I had this same feeling when I pressed for an HIV test six years ago.  Yes, been six years this next month.

Today I spent most of the day setting up the basement to work out.  I have a tread mill, weight system and bike to get me loosing this weight and getting back in shape and I am going to do it.  I seriously have never used them and they are just siting unused in the basement.  Worked out dancing and stretching for a half hour.  Walked for a while on the tread mill and really felt good.  Worked out for over an hour to music, slowly, not over doing the first work out.  Still have the underarm pain but working out is the best 'coffee' one can do to make the body feel good.  So, I started my new work out system and even put a weight board to monitor my weight as I begin this journey to healthiness. 

Over the past week we have watched many movies.  We have watched Pride (very good), Dolphin Tale 2, The Interview (was just OK), Gone Girl (didn't understand the ending, but was very good), The Dark Place, Beneath, Devil's Due, and As Above, So Below.  The last few were horror movies and OK.  Best of the bunch was Pride and Gone Girl.

I hope to post a top five of my favorites in music, TV, movies and such in the next few days.

Happy New Year to anyone who follows my blog.  I hope we all have a safe, healthy and happy 2015.  Thank you for another year of memories.

December 22, 2014 Monday Afternoon

Another week or so has gone by since I posted.  You would think that with that amount of time going by I would have something, anything, to say ......

I did get the basement cleaned and organized last week.  I bought four shelving units at a Estate Sale last Monday and spent Tuesday cleaning the basement and getting all the 'crap' on shelves, hopefully ready to go out for a Rummage sale this Spring.  Also spent a day cleaning a couple closets and was happy with the results. 

I do try to plan on one thing each day so I feel a sense of accomplishment even though I do very little. 

Last Saturday afternoon Tony and I did go to Bayshore Mall to do a little Christmas shopping.  I had a $10 Boston Store cash coupon that expired that day and I was determined to use it.  Of course everything I wanted to buy, nothing really needed, it could not be used on the items.  I did end up buying a new spring jacket that Tony said looked nice on me.  We finally bought a couple pizzas to go home with and went home.  Christmas shopping done.  We will have a Christmas with no real gifts to exchange this year, which is fine with me. We have everything we want or need.  We have our dogs and each other.

Sunday we spent the day watching movies and only left the house to get lottery tickets and go grocery shopping for the week.

This week is Christmas.  Christmas Eve we will go to Tony's brother's house for his families Christmas.  We are in charge of bringing the canned cooked ham and two dozen rolls.  The brother got divorced this year so there will not be much of a spread of food in any way.  What we bring will probably be most of it since Tony for some reason refuses to ask the other brothers to bring things, even snacks.  I don't get it but I am just going to let it go, it is his family.  We all bring a $25 gift to swap out with each other in a game we play.   Christmas Day we will go to my mom and dads in the afternoon for a couple hours to exchange our presents.  We do buy token presents for each other.  Dad always gives us a nice size check.

I still have very little ambition.  Feel tired a lot and just want to sleep.  My lungs feel better.  Could be the lack of sun this time of year in Wisconsin. 

We have watched a lot of movies since there is little on TV.  Thankfully I have a lot of shows still in memory to watch.  We have watched This Is Where I Leave You, Sex Tape Speak No Evil 1 and 2, Skeleton Twins, Guardians Of The Galaxy and Good People, to name a few.  None were all that great that I would say 'go out and rent it'.  TIWILY was most likely the best of the bunch.  We also binged watched the HBO show Getting On, which I recommend both seasons to watch.  Great show.

The dogs are doing awesome.  I smile as I type that.  They really are my life and what makes me happy.  I am happy to be safe at home with them and when I look at them I smile.  Life could not be any better at this point with the dogs.  Tony still takes Rose to work for the morning.  I try to walk Casper at least every other day around the block, and Bo goes over to 'treat ladies' house a couple afternoons a week.  Casper is now walking past people and actually interested in them as we walk by which is a big step from when I got him and he was afraid of everyone and everything.  He still has his issues, but has come so far.  Rose loves going to work and stands by the door at 7 AM so Tony doesn't forget her, lol.   On the weekends we have to explain to her 'no work today'. 

If I had more going on in my life I would write more often.  I do have to go in for my 6 month blood test this week or next, some morning prior to coffee or food.  Another reminder of my HIV.  I will be coming up on 6 years this January.   I don't know where the time has gone, much less, cant believe I am still alive.  Life is good right now.

Merry Christmas to all who continue to follow me.  I hope someday we meet.  I wish you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and healthy and happy New Year.  Thank you for all your support and following my blog. 

December 11, 2014 Thursday Afternoon

I first off want to thank you for the comments from my last post.  It is because of comments like that I have been able to write this blog and will continue going forward.   Thank you.  You help me more than you know.

Not adjusting well to the cold here in Wisconsin.  Winter started very fast and we were below normal in temperatures for a long time.  We now have average December temperature but that is still below freezing and cold.  Thankfully the sun did come out today since we have not seen it since Sunday morning.  I still am fighting this lung infection thing.  Some days it is better than others.  Got my chest xray results back and they did not show anything / they were negative.  I still have a dry couch and feel tired most of the time.  In fact I spent more time in bed today then out of bed.  The inhaler I got as a prescription also helps.  I am so glad I quit smoking cigarettes going on a year and half now.  I still have this little voice telling me there is more going on with my lungs and I am wishing there was a way to check for lung cancer.  Most would say I am nuts but I am more in tune to my body than most people are due to the HIV.  When I finally MADE my doctor give me an HIV test I knew deep down something was seriously wrong and even had a feeling it was HIV from all I knew of the disease.  I feel this way with my lungs.  Something keeps telling me to go the next step.  I couch most of the day and my shoulder blades and chest hurt.  Lungs sometimes feel raw.  Not really couching up much.   Oh well, time will tell.

The dogs are doing great.  I could not be happier with the way this fostering of Rose and Casper has turned out.   All the dogs are together now all the time except for feeding.  Bo has taken to eating with the big dogs since he wants to be with and like them.  So I feed Rose, Casper and Bo in the kitchen and Vito and Kali in the dining room with a door baby gate closed while they all eat.  I can not express enough how much these two dogs have done for me, and for Tony.  I can not help but look at them and smile with a tear in my eye knowing how they came here, and now how happy they are.  They show us all day how happy and grateful they are to be here.  Tony still takes Rose to work in the morning and his brother walks her to the dog park rain or shine.  When I pulled up in front of the auto body shop to pick her up today Tony's brother came out with her  unleashed.  I just shook my head and told him I didn't appreciate it, and would rather she be on a leash due to another dog or a squirrel or something.  He was trying to show me just how good she is and I saw that.  She has come so far because of him so I just have to accept what I can and make sure I voice my concerns and hope for the best.  If I honestly though my dog was in danger due to any one's action I would step in.  Rose loves Tony's brother and goes nuts whimpering and tail wagging when he arrives each day.  She cries for him.  It is very sweet.  I think it has worked out well for the brother since his divorce just became final this last few months and he has not taken it well.  Rose and him have bonded and it is really sweet.  Tony and I now touch base each day around 11:30 AM to figure who is going to bring Rose home.  So the dogs have even helped Tony and I get closer.  The house is so different now with no fear of anyone getting hurt and all the gates down.  Honestly when it comes to the dogs, life couldn't get any better.  Kali still makes it from day to day but when she sleeps she has a hard time breathing and she is going on 17 years old.  I just feel blessed each day to still have her and know each day could be her last.  When Rose is at work I let Casper and Bo play - supervised.   Have to keep saying 'not so rough' and 'be good, no hurting each other'.  Casper is still learning how to play with a small dog, and Bo is learning how to play with a big dog that is not his Stella. 

We started binge watching the HBO show Getting On last weekend and I recommend it.  It is in it's second season and each season is only six half hour episodes.  So it is easy to binge watch and get caught up.  Very good show.  Lots of stars and each show is sad, happy, and funny weird all in one half hour.   My favorite new TV show this season is the show Stalker on CBS.   I love this show even more than How To Get Away With Murder.

I put the massage chair we bought months ago on Craigslist again yesterday and got a call on it today.  A guy came and looked at it and put $200 down.  I sold it for $700 so we only lost $100 on the bad purchase.  If you remember we bought this and was one of our most miscommunicated mistakes in 25 years, both thinking the other wanted it.  Tomorrow the guy comes to take it and pay the balance.  Will be so happy it is gone.

Picked up my monthly HIV meds today at the AIDS resource center downtown.  I feel very comfortable going to the center and never have felt like I have to look over my shoulder as I walk in the door.  The staff has always made me feel so welcome.  I am glad I quit the client board I was on because it just was time to move on and it gives me more time at home with the dogs. 

I am almost done Christmas shopping.  Tony and I have gone a few times to stores like Target and Big Lots.   Bought a few things to wrap but for the most part we have everything we need so there is nothing to buy.  I buy more for my family and Tony's than for each other.  The only things we buy for each other seems to be underwear, socks, flash light for at work ..... things we could buy any day.  I just wrap anything we buy for ourselves between Thanksgiving and Christmas and that is what we open on Christmas morning.  I will go to the mall the week of Christmas for the afternoon just to listen to the music and feel Christmasy.  I'll find an item or two for each of us.

Thanks again for any and all comments.  They are appreciated more than you know.  Nice to know I am not just talking to myself.  If you aren't already following us on Facebook check out our page named:   Rose and Casper.

December 2, 2014 Tuesday Afternoon

I think about posting on my site often, but actually logging in and making a post seems harder and harder lately.  I did think this afternoon .... why?  I came to the conclusion that even almost five years into knowing I have HIV, when I go to post, it is just another reminder that I am HIV or have AIDS.  I honestly thought I was beyond this point long time ago.  I think it has more to do with the fact that my life is much happier if I just don't think about the AIDS.  When I see a report on the news about AIDS or a commercial on TV I feel sad and it brings me down.  So it just seems easier to live not mentioning the words HIV and AIDS.  I take my med regularly and have only missed one dose in five years.  I feel healthy for someone with AIDS.  I do most I want to do but fear I could never hold down a full time job with a schedule due to not knowing how I will feel from day to day, what my energy level will be, or if I just need to sleep.  So, I came to the conclusion I have been avoiding this site because it reminds me of my HIV and AIDS and brings me down.  Maybe in the beginning when I started this site the high of knowing I was helping people got me through the low of the reminder?  I will continue to post and hope this is just a phase.   Maybe it means I am moving forward?  Just wish I could leave the HIV and AIDS behind.

Life has been good the last few weeks since I posted.  We have a very laid back life style and am in bed by 8:30 PM nightly.  I am up by 6:30 AM to feed the dogs and usually take a short nap in the afternoon sometime between 1 and 3 PM.  I try to schedule one thing to accomplish each day whether it be at home or having to get in the car and do the task.  If I plan on to much I feel overwhelmed.  The cold weather has not helped and makes me not want to leave the house.

We have watched a lot of movies in between our regular TV shows.  We have watched the gay themed movies Dorian Blues and Monster Pies (both great movies), along with Frozen (not sure what all the talk is about), Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, All Cheerleaders Die, And So It Goes and Deliver Us From Evil.  Some were better than others.

Met my new doctor last Friday for the first time since my regular general practice doctor quit.  I did like my past doctor and was scared to meet and start over with a new doctor.  Had to make an extra long appointment and she gave me an entire physical.  Even put the finger up the butt.  Walked out with the meds I needed but getting pain pills from this doctor is going to be like pulling teeth.  Might have to consider a different doctor if I have problem filling my current needs with her.  I am not going to go and beg for pain pill I need to get from day to day, week to week and month to month.  Thankfully I planned ahead and have a pretty good supply to last.  Tony also met her and had an appointment with her that same day. 

Thanksgiving came and went.  We went to my parents house and had a nice enough meal and time.  The cold makes me just want to not leave the house.

The dogs are all doing great, in fact all the fences are down and all the dogs now are together 24 /7 every day.  It all started last week and not a problem.  I do watch them and if I leave they do get separated and fenced in different parts of the house just to make sure a squirrel or something out the front windows don't stir them all up.  Rather be safe than sorry.

Started my little Christmas shopping I do for Tony and my family.  Tony and I don't really buy anything other than stuff we need.  Anything we buy for ourselves while shopping for others between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I wrap and we open as Christmas presents.  Its not like either of us need anything, and if we did we would most likely have it.  I have very simple needs and not many at that.  Just happy to be home with my husband and dogs on a daily basis is enough for me.

I am having some issues with death and dying again but that might be because of the three close deaths of Uncles and friends in the past weeks.  I wish I could find someone to talk to or a good book to read about fears of death and dying.

So there it is, another couple weeks older and happier?

November 18, 2014 Tuesday Afternoon

Last weekend we went to Gurnee Illinois and stayed at an indoor water park for the night.  There was a big gay event and private party.  I had planned this event early in the year and had everything set with the lady across the alley so we could leave for a night and she would take care of the dogs.
Saturday we left on scheduled at 4:30 PM and arrived by 5:30 PM.  When you walked in they had dancing boys placing Hawaiian Leis around your neck as you got a glass of Champaign.  They then walked you to the main desk to check in.  We were impressed.  Got to our room and unpacked and put on our swim suits to go to the water park.  We first went on one on the huge slides that tunnel outside.  Jeez, the water was so damn cold we ran to the hot tub.  After a little while in the hot tub we went on the inner tube ride around the park.  The water was warm enough but when you got out of the water it could have been much warmer.  In fact when you gave up your towel and walked out of the water park area to go to your room ... you froze.  FREEZING.  We ran to our room and by the time we got there Tony was shaking so much he got under the bed covers to get warm.  I soon went to get ice and when I got back to the room Tony was throwing up.  By 8 PM he was in bed sweating bullets, freezing, and done for the night.  I stayed with him for a while and then went out to play.  I did play in the water and on the slides until about 1:30 AM.  Was very depressing to be honest.  Being 53 years old and watching all the young studs dancing to the music in the water made me think back and wish I was young again.  Much less I knew no one.  I did all this when I was young but sure wish I would have known to enjoy it more because in time you get old and it just isn't the same.  Went back to the room with a slice of pizza an then tried to sleep.  Every hour I asked Tony if he was just ready to get in the car and drive home.  We both could not sleep.  I was too wound up and needed some weed.  No weed.  By 7 AM we packed up, grabbed a cup of coffee, checked out, and drove home.  We were home by 8 AM.  The dogs were fine and the lady across the alley did a good job of taking care of them.  I was disappointed in the weekend, but did make the best of it.  Getting or being old sucks. 

Today it is 18 degrees here in Milwaukee and I have already had it with this Winter and it is only November.  It has been so cold and the ground is covered with snow.  Its November for goodness sake.  This is January weather. 

November 11, 2014 Tuesday Afternoon

I am still alive, and doing well.  I have been having lung problems and will have to address them with a doctor if it does not get better soon.  Figured it was allergy but not getting better.  Feel like my lungs are full and need a cleaning.

I have done very little worth writing about.  I have the pond all Winterized and ready for the snow and ice, which should come this weekend.  The leaves are all cleaned up and the rain gutters clean and ready for the snow and rain.  The yard is clean.  The water hoses brought in and water turned off outside.  So I guess we are ready for Winter which is a good thing, because it is here.  It is 29 degrees right now as I type this.  I am not wanted Winter and the cold.

Last weekend we stayed in all weekend and did very little.  Saturday we never left the house and simply watched TV from the DVR and a couple movies.  Sunday we went grocery shopping so I would not have to venture out this week in the cold.  Ended up going on Monday for a quick trip to get more dog food for the little dogs.  They refuse to eat the food the big dogs eat called Taste of The Wild and I finally just decided to give in and feed them two different foods.  Better than the dogs not eating and not being about to give Vito his Insulin shot.  So they are back to their Purina Little Bites.

This weekend we go to the water park in Illinois for the night.  My neighbor across the alley is staying with the dogs and she has fed them a couple times and given Vito his shot, and I figure they will all be safe and good with her taking care of them for the one night.  Been looking forward to this event for a long time since we made reservations last Spring when the event was announced.  Big gay closed to the public event at Key Lime Cove Water Park.  I just wish I looked a little better and didn't gain so much weight but it is not like I am out searching for romance ... so I guess I am just going to have to deal with feeling a little over weight.   Half the Friday afternoon lunch guys will be at the party also so it should be a fun night.  I am bound and determined to have a good time and not worry about the dogs.  Told the neighbor I would not call and I know if something goes wrong she will call immediately and we can be home in less than an hour.  So I am going to have fun for the one night come hell or high water. 

The dogs are doing great.  I wish they would stop scratching so much.  Have them on allergy pills, special shampoo and giving them fish oil in their food and still they have dry skin.  Have to stop them from scratching because sometimes they scratch too much and leave a mark or bleed.  Even had to put a cone on Rose for a night last week.  Still waiting for the final paperwork on them making them ours. 

The holidays are coming and I have the Christmas cards all ready to be mailed.  Have my list of presents to buy and for who all written out and now I just have to buy the few gifts or get the cards with money all ready for the nieces and nephews. 

Hope to write next week and let you know how the water park went.  Will take some pictures and post them.

October 28, 2014 Tuesday Morning

Found out one of Tony's 89 year old uncles is in the hospice and will not be around much longer.  So Friday night instead of going to a play like we had planned we took his other 87 year old uncle to see his brother in the hospice.  It was priceless.  Both are not doing good and can not hear or remember much these days.  It took them 10 minutes to realize who they were to each other.  Then they were touching and all talking.  Not that either could hear the other.  We stayed for over and hour and then drove the uncle and his care taker home. 

Saturday afternoon Tony and I met my mom and sister at a fund raiser for Pit Bull dogs and foster programs.   Was nice to walk around with family and see all the dogs available to adopt.  Took a nap in the afternoon and went to a costume party Saturday night.   I went as a fork in the road, Tony went as Brawny man.

Didn't stay at the party long but was glad we got our butts off the couch and went to it and saw some friends.

 

Sunday afternoon we took Tony's uncle again to see his brother.  Stayed for about and hour and a half before taking him back home.  Uncle is doing OK but looked very puffy and we are told it is just a matter of time.  I spent the rest of the day doing things outside in the yard.

 

Spent all day yesterday doing things around the house, mostly outside.  I did do my usual Monday loads of laundry, but spent must of the day outside blowing and raking leaves.  By the end of the day I was exhausted.  It was a rare 75 degrees yesterday.  Today is in the 50s and we will not see 70s again this year.  Carved our pumpkins last night.  Here they are.

 

Today I think I will clean the basement.  I have been putting it off and I think today would be a good day. 

I have been a little depressed lately.  I am not sure why.  It once again has to do with death and dying and my end of my life.  I have said before I am scared to death of dying and getting old.  I feel like time is going by too fast.  No matter if I do nothing all day or keep myself busy, the day is over and another year goes by, closer to the end.  I truly am at the happiest point in my life so I don't know where these fears are coming from.  I feel like when I am happy, something bad is going to happen.  Walking on egg shells knowing Kali's days are numbered has not helped.  I have had to work at keeping her eating for the past week or so.  She eats half her food and that is if I feed her and talk to her while she eats.  She also has been breathing heavy from her tumors under her neck.  I know it is just a matter of time since she is over 15 years old.  Been down this path six times now and each time you just wait for the 'right' sign and hope you did the right thing.    The fear of death and dying has also been what keeps me at home.  Fear of getting in an accident or something happening.  Who would take care of my five dogs?   Even just updated our Wills and where the money will go.  So yes, I have death on my mind lately and it is getting me down.  Soon we will have to go to Tony's uncles funeral and they always come in threes it seems.  I just feel secure at home and don't like to venture far from it.  I am safe and have my dogs to talk to and keep me happy.  I know this might not be the best way to live and wish I could find someone to talk to about death and dying.  Anyone. 

Going to write a few emails and then get the day rolling.  Hopefully if I keep busy thoughts of death will not be what I think of.

 

October 23, 2014 Thursday Afternoon

This past week could be called the 'week of the vet'.  All five dog have gone in to the vet in the past week for their nails to be trimmed.   Rose also got her anal cleaned and Bo got a Rabbis shot and check up.  All are doing good and were very good at the vet and with the doctors and staff.  I remember the Beagles I had years ago and what a handful they were to take them to the vet.  I found them late in life and they were not trained well.  I can see the difference and I am so proud of my dogs and how they behave.  Rose and Casper are getting bigger with each day.  They are now both at 55 lbs.  They were 30 and 33 lbs five months ago when we got them.  Hopefully we will get the signed paperwork back and they will be ours.

Last week I called the replacement doctor I chose since our doctor quit.  When I called last week to get our names in with this doctor so if something happens we are not doctorless, I was told she was not accepting any more patients.  I begged and asked if she could ask the doctor to reconsider.  Went all this week without a call back from the nurse and finally called her yesterday to be told we are all set and she did take Tony and I on as patients.  Same office as our past doctor that quit.  I still have my HIV doctor, this is just our regular for aches, pains, and illness referrals.  Eventually we will meet her when I have something to talk about or an illness.  Will most likely be for refills on my pain pills with the new laws and no more monthly refills. 

Went for a couple walks down by the river this past week since the weather has been in the 50s and sunny.  Yesterday I was standing by the edge of the water putting my foot in the water and I slipped into the river.  I honestly saw my life flash before my eyes.  I kept slipping back in as I pulled myself out in the mud.  I was all muddy when I stood up.  I am proud of myself because when I saw how muddy I was ...  I broke out laughing.  I think that is the best way to handle such things.  I will not stand so close to the water again and figure it had to be funny if someone got on video.  There is rarely anyone down on the trails and I am sure no one saw.  I even continued my walk thinking ... oh well. 

Watched the movie The Purge Anarchy last weekend.  I did enjoy this movie a lot.  Not sure what that says for me.  It had you at the edge of your seat from start to finish.   Other than that we spend the time catching up on all the TV shows we DVR during the week.  Sometimes we are watching a show and three others are recording. 

Making Tacos for supper tonight.  A warm front comes through tonight with some rain.  Unseasonably warm 60s this weekend.  Will hopefully get a rain gutter cleaned and enjoy the time outside before Winter arrives, which will be soon.

October 14, 2014 Tuesday Morning

Another week has flown by and I have no clue where it went.  The dogs are all fine.  Tony and I are doing great.   In fact our marriage just finally became legal with the latest Supreme Court 'non ruling' and yesterday Scott Walker our Governor announcing all would be legal and the state of Wisconsin must recognize marriages between same sex couples.  If you were to ask me if I ever expected to be legally married in my lifetime to Tony I would say NO WAY.  It has always been a dream and now is a reality. 

Last Saturday afternoon I talked Tony into going on a long walk along the river trails north to Capital Drive and then to Culver's for a sundae, walking back home on the other side of the river.  This was the longest walk we have ever taken and I had so much fun.  Great trails going north from our house.  After the walk Tony was done for the day and we just spent the night watching TV from the DVR.

Sunday morning we picked up Tony's mom and went out for breakfast.  After we dropped her off we stopped at a farmers market and bought ham and rolls, fruit, and a couple pumpkins.  Will carve them hopefully this coming weekend.   Took all the dogs for a walk and spent the rest of the day at home watching TV.   The weather has been very nice here in Milwaukee and still can keep the side doors or windows open when the sun is out.

Yesterday afternoon around 12:10 AM I looked out the window to see a SWAT van and about 10 police cars all surrounding the apartment complex across the street that I complain about.  Had a couple hours of watching them break down a door and send in the K 9 dog units.  Ended up taking two people away in handcuffs supposedly about some robberies and shootings around the neighborhood.  Nice to know this scum is living right across the street.

It is raining today and I think I will soon finish getting things around the house done and then go to the hardware store for light bulbs and pick Rose up on the way home.  Rose has been so good at work for Tony.  Yesterday I was told his brother Tom took Rose to the dog park and she played with another Pit Bull.  I keep giving Tony and earful as to being careful and all the responsibility and things that could happen.  Tony keeps telling me not to worry. 

October 6, 2014 Monday Afternoon

Mid week last week we both got our flu shots for the year.  Went out for cheap hamburgers mid week also.
Last Saturday morning we got some estimates on new back doors.  The estimate was way too high and we will not be replacing the back doors any time soon.  Saturday afternoon we went to a fund raiser for the Brew City Bully Club here in Milwaukee.  Had a drink and talked with some people sharing photos of Rose and Casper.  Went out for food after and then spent the rest of the night with the dogs watching TV.
Sunday we had the best day.  My parents came to town and like each year we all went to the Brady Street Pet Walk.  Had a great time and went out for late lunch after the event.  Had a great few hours with my parents.  After we got home we decided to take Vito to a friends to see his biological father.  Vito's sister and mother died recently and we have talked about not letting this last opportunity pass and we had them see each other.  It was priceless and I think they did know each other.  They are both blind so it is hard at time to tell.   Spent the night watching TV.
Today Rose stayed home with a bad stomach.  Cleaned all day today.  Was happy to hear gay marriage is now legal in Wisconsin.  So I guess as of today my marriage to Tony is legal.

September 29, 2014 Monday Afternoon

Last weeks weather in Milwaukee was perfect.  Every day it was in the 70s and sunny.  It lasted until a couple hours ago when the cold front came through, the wind shifted, and now it is in the 60s and dropping.  The leaves are falling from the back tree and it looks like it is snowing there are so many leafs falling down to the ground.  So not looking forward to the snow and cold.

Spent last week enjoying the house, dogs and weather.  I went for a couple walks down by the river.  Went out for hamburgers Wednesday night.  Friday night we met a friend for a fish fry at a local bar.  It was our second time at this restaurant and was so happy the food was just as good as the first time.  Had a great dinner and conversation with a friend we have known for over 25 years. 

Saturday morning after we walked the dogs around the block we went to our tenants father's funeral.  Felt very sorry for our tenant.  He is 28, just started talking to his dad 2 years ago, he left when he was 1 year old, and now dies.  It has been hard on him all week and you can see it in his face how much pain this is causing.  His dad committed suicide and tried to call him a half hour prior.  Our tenant did not answer the incoming call.  So many unanswered questions.  Stayed at the funeral for a while and then came home.  Soon left to get some food at a local family restaurant.  After eating and going home, I talked Tony into going for a walk along the river trails.  It takes a lot of bargaining to get him to take this walk.  Hence the lovin before the walk.  Had a great walk along the river banks.  The animals are all out gathering food for the Winter and the trees are just starting to change colors.   When we got home our tenant and wife was home so we took a bottle of 25 year old Crown Royal upstairs and we all did three shots.  I did half shots and was surprised I even did them.  Spent the night watching the movie They Came Together.  As I type this I can not even remember what this movie was about so it must not have been very good.  Wow, that is scary, no clue or memory of this movie but I know we watch because I wrote it down in my notes for the week.

Sunday morning I made breakfast and we took the dogs for a walk.  Took some great pictures of the dogs at the neighbors house.  Here is my favorite.

Went for a long bike ride Sunday afternoon around the other side of the river.  Came home and spent the rest of the day and night with the dogs.  Ordered delivered pizza for supper and spent the night watching the CBS TV lineup.

Today started out warm and now it is cold.  The temperature has dropped close to 20 degrees.  Spent the day doing laundry and things around the house.  Took down the 6 foot high enclosure for Rose in the bedroom since she is now sleeping on the bed nightly.  I did still leave a chair and small fencing around it to contain her until I get the small dogs on the bed each night.  She then is allow to come up and snuggle on the bed next to a daddy.  Making a Hormel beef roast, potato and beans with a salad for lunch.  Will spend the night watching Dancing With The Stars.
 

September 22, 2014 Monday Afternoon

The week flew by again.  Last week I did get a few walks in along the river trails.   Spent the week doing things with the dogs and around the house.

Friday night we watched the movie Neighbors.  What a boring movie.  If it were not for Zac Efron and his chest the movie would have dragged on way too long and have nothing to watch for.

On Saturday we had an event in Milwaukee called 'Door's Open' where you can go in building usually off limits.  We decided to check out a couple new condo and apartment buildings and see what they were offering and how much.  Always nice to see how the rich live who can afford over $2000 a month in rent.  After we check out two apartments/condos we had lunch at a local bar.  Had a great hamburger.  After lunch we went to the Summerfest grounds for the Dog fest going on all day.  I swear there were thousands of dogs at this event.  I have never seen so many dogs at one event.  Was really cool.  Checked out all the booths and dogs and headed home when it started to rain.  After we were home and spent a little time with the dogs, we then locked them all up again and went to the bar street festival at the corner of our street.  Listened to a couple songs from the band and went back home.  Spent Saturday night watching shows off the DVR.  Cleared about 5 Penn and Teller:  Fool Us off the DVR.  I do like this show but get frustrated not knowing how they do the tricks.

Sunday morning Rose woke up around 5 AM and wanted to come up on the bed with the other dogs and Tony and I.  Rose still is not integrated and sleeps in an area next to the bed on a chair.  I let her come onto the bed and she was a happy girl.  She didn't even care about the other dogs.  Casper was so happy to snuggle with her.  Went out for breakfast with Tony's mom.  After we got home we went for a walk with the dogs and then went to Walgreen's to get a prescription for Tony and our flu shots.  The pharmacist was very busy and said the wait would be over a half hour for the flu shot so we decided to do it another day.  Picked up the prescription and headed home.  Spent the rest of the afternoon watching the movie Captain America.  I was bored and did not like the movie.   Spent Sunday night watching the CBS lineup which included Good Wife and Madame Secretary.  Went to sleep around 10 PM with Rose on the bed.  Rose slept all night on the bed.  Her first full night on the bed on her and Casper's four month anniversary of being with us.

This morning Tony took Rose to work for the morning.  I did things around the house, cleaning and eventually cutting the little grass we have.  Around noon I called Pick N Save and found out they had dog butcher bones so I walked to the grocery store and bought the dogs 20 bones.  Took Bo to get his nails cut at 3:30 PM.  Making a chicken I bought at the market this afternoon with some salads, beans and mashed potato.  Will spend the night watching Dancing With The Stars.

September 15, 2014 Monday Afternoon

Spent Friday night watching the movie Godzilla.  It was OK.  Not a big Godzilla fan.  In fact I did not know that Godzilla is a good monster vs the bad monsters.

Saturday morning we went to the pet store to exchange the two bags of dog food I bought the prior week.  When I went to open the bag I realized it was puppy food and not big dog food.  Thankfully the pet store exchanged them.  After the pet store we stopped at Sprint store to check on our contracts.  We both still have flip phones and are getting ready to make the jump into the new phones.  We are both out of contract and can either stay with Sprint or change.  Will look for deals on IPhones and move forward when I find a good deal.  After we got home and let the dogs out we left again and went to the Bayview street festival.  Walked around and had lunch.   Came home and after a bit we left again to go to the Eastside tomato throw.  A yearly event.  Always fun to watch from far away so you don't get tomato on you.  Came home and spent the night watching the movie Meth Head and Hell Baby.  Meth head was a good gay themed movie, Hell Baby was a horror spoof.   Both were very good.

Sunday morning we made breakfast at home.  A little before noon we walked Rose and Casper around the block stopping at the neighbors on the way home for treats.  We then walked Bo up to the farmers market and bought some muffins.  In the afternoon we met some friends to see the movie Love Is Strange.  Good movie.  Kind of slow at times but a very nice story of two older gay men.  Had a drink with the guys at a corner bar before we headed home.  Spent the night watching TV from the DVR, trying to clear it for the new TV season starting this week.

Today it rained all day.  I spent the day cleaning and doing things around the house.  Will start making supper after this post.

September 10, 2014 Wednesday Afternoon

Another week or so has gone by. 
We have made the most of this Summer, and it has been a nice one in Milwaukee this year.  We pretty much realized last weekend was going to be one of the last few good weekends left, so each day we made sure we spent time outside.  On Saturday afternoon we went down to the lakefront and had a margarita and hamburger as we watched the volley ball players.  We were going to ride our bikes down to the lakefront to first go to the kite festival.  We did get on our bikes, rode them around the block and when I realized I forgot something we went back home, only to them grab the car.  We did go to the kite festival and walked around.  Even bought an outdoor dog spinner.  After our hamburger and drink at the shanty on Bradford beach we spent the rest of the day at home with the dogs. 
Both weekend days we walked the dogs around the block, ending at the neighbors for a treat.  The dogs are really liking the treat more than the walk.  As they get closer to her house their pace picks up and by the time we get to her gate the dogs could be pulling a dog sled.
Watched a bunch of movies in the past week.  We have watched Love Or Whatever, Cabin Fever 3, Transcendence, and Hatchet 3.   The worst of the bunch was Transcendence, the best was Love Or Whatever.
Yesterday I went to ARCW to get my monthly food and drop off all the prescriptions the doctor wrote me a week or so ago for our last visit.  Will pick up the prescriptions next week on my monthly schedule. 
Today I went grocery shopping and spent a lot and saved a lot at the same time.  Shopped smart today and had coupons or sale items with coupons.   I think I saved over a third of the bill with coupons and sale items.   Making a nice steak, potato and salad for supper tonight.
Today the air conditioning went on again because it is very humid outside.  We get our first taste of Fall then tomorrow and Friday with highs in the 50s.
Health is doing great.  I was suppose to get a growth removed on the top of my head tomorrow at my dermatologist.  I chickened out and postponed the appointment for another 2 months.  I heard it hurts to freeze them off and I just don't want the pain.  Since I don't see it and it is on the top of my head, and is not cancerous, I will leave it alone for another two months or more.
Dogs are all doing great.  Rose and Casper continue to get stronger with each day.  The others seem to have settled into the fact that they now share a house.

September 2, 2014 Tuesday Afternoon

Had a very relaxing Labor Day weekend.

Friday night we spent the night watching TV.  Watched the final episode of True Blood and the current episode of The Leftovers.  Did the lovin thing and went to bed around 10 PM.

Rained most of the day on Saturday so we stayed at home and watched a lot of TV.  Took a nap in the afternoon and of course that led to a round of lovin.  After we fed the dogs supper we went to Saint Francis festival for the 'Saturday night ribs'.  Had a great rib dinner.  Might be why my stomach still is hurting as I type this now.  Ribs taste so good going down but do not like me once in my intestines or bowels.  Had a drink and listened to the band for a while before coming home.

Sunday morning we went to St Martins fair.  It is a street festival where they sell everything.  We try to go each year.  Since it was going to be a hot day weather wise we decided to go early.  Was a good thing because by the time we had reached the half way point both of us were hot, sweaty and tired.  Ended up buying a lot of dog toys and this and that like clips and cords.  Came home and after we showered we took a little nap.  Turned into another round of lovin.  Spent the rest of the day and night indoors since it was very hot and humid in Milwaukee.  Watched the gay themed movie called Oy Vey My Son Is Gay.  Was a funny movie.

Monday morning we made eggs, bacon and toast and spent the morning around the house.  Found Tony on the bed around noon and we did a round of lovin.  Been a good weekend for this.  After we showered we went to the Milwaukee lakefront for a strawberry margarita and a burger.  Actually had two margaritas.  Figured the huts on the beach would close after the weekend so sat and watched the hot volley ball players and enjoyed the breeze.  As long as Tony can have a beer or drink he is happy no matter where we are.  Came home and spent the rest of the day and night watching TV.  Watched the last hours of TV in bed and did the lovin thing one last time.  Not sure what got into us this weekend but after over 25 years together it is nice to be with someone you still enjoy having sex with, and often.

Today my stomach still is not feeling good.  I took Casper, and then Bo for walks this morning before I got in the car and picked up Rose at Tony's shop around 11:30 AM.  Took a nice nap with the dogs this afternoon.  Could have stayed in bed the rest of the day. Tired today.  Making Sweet and sour chicken with rice for supper tonight with a salad.  Will spend the night watching America's Got Talent.  Tony will come home stinky and go right to the shower since it is close to 80 degrees and very humid outside. 

I did drive my new car over the weekend for the first time.  I took my new 2010 Lincoln MKX to Pick and Save and Walgreens some time Monday.  Tony brought it home Friday night.  Looks like he even has a buyer for my BMW.  I do love the new car.  I do not like change and get used to where everything is.  I don't like driving new cars or other people's cars.  A new car is usually not something that makes me happy, but this one I love.  Love the map and destination features.  Also love the fact I can connect my IPod to the stereo.  Since Tony drove it with me in the passenger seat all weekend I felt bold enough to take it out for a spin.  Tony is good to me.

August 29, 2014 Friday Morning

Monday afternoon I did go to my doctor for the last time since she is leaving.  My 2 PM apt turned into a 3 1/2 hour apt after all the waiting.  Wasn't even taken into a room until 4:15 PM.  Was not happy but soon turned around when I got all the refills I asked for and even the new doctors name.  I now will have to make an apt to meet my new doctor.

Tuesday around noon we returned the TV we bought at HH Gregg on Sunday.  HH Greg would not give us a good deal on any other TV so we threatened and then did indeed go across the street to Best Buy.  We ended up buying a 55 inch RCA from them for $499.  Got it home and set up only to not like it, or I should say, it looked like the other TV we bought Sunday.  Spent the week doing adjustments and then finally broke down and asked my tenant who does AV work to come down and look a the TV last night.  Just as I was showing him the connections and stuff I noticed the blue wire of the three was not connected and when I connected the cable the picture looked great.  Thinking the first TV we bought would have also if the wire was on tight.  Oh well.  I do like the RCA better than the Haier as a name brand.  Last night I broke down and called ATT and upgraded to HD for another $10 a month.  I have to admit the channels and shows do look much better.  Now I will have to change all the settings for all the shows I record to record in HD rather than the lower end channels.

Wednesday night Tony and I went out for cheap hamburgers and French fries.  Had a nice double tall drink also.  Was nice to get out.

I also took a couple walks along the river trails twice this week.  I always have to push myself to get going on the walk but once I am walking and after, I am so glad and it clears my head.  I call it Dave time and stopped even bringing Bo with me on the walks.  Too many dogs along the way not on leashes so I am happy not bringing him.

Tony brought home our new (new to us) SUV this week that he bought smashed and has been working on to repair.  It is a 2014 Lincoln MKX.  It is done and now we need to sell my BMW.  I spent time this morning in the car getting to know the buttons and trying to get the navigation to work.  No luck but did learn a lot.  Still have not driven the car but I am sure I will this weekend. 

No plans this weekend.  There are a few festivals and we will most likely go to one or two.  Will spend most of the weekend at home with the dogs enjoying the house.

August 25, 2014 Monday Afternoon

I am still alive and doing well.  Another week flew by.  Very little happened in the past week.  Over the weekend we did go to HH Gregg and bought a new TV only to hate it.  It is sitting in the box ready to return.  We need a new TV in the living room since our current TV is fading fast.  Saw a 58 inch Haier on sale for $500 and thought we should get it.  Set it up yesterday after we bought it and it is terrible.  The picture is so fuzzy it looks like bad cable connected.  When I called HH Gregg to ask if this sounds right the sales clerk said 'I have heart that about Haier TV's, bring it back'.   Was going to return it today but it is raining and has to go in the back of the truck.  Will have to do it tomorrow.

In a little bit I leave to see my regular doctor.  Over the weekend we got letters from her saying this would be her last week because she is retiring.  This has caused me anxiety because I like my doctor and don't want to have to go through the crap of knowing a new one.  With my current doctor I can go to her with an illness and a list of my needs and wants and I walk out the door with everything I usually ask for.  I am not going to get this with a new doctor.  I made am appointment this morning to see her today to get one last refill on all my meds and find out who she recommends as a doctor going forward.  Being HIV this is important for all the meds I take and getting them refilled.

The dogs are doing great.  Still divided but it works.  Since Bo got bit last week by Casper I do not let Casper with the other dogs unless I am right there.  If I leave the room I make Casper come with me.  Bo is afraid of Casper now and really wants very little to do with him.  Bo hides or goes to the top of the couch when I bring Casper in the room.  Poor boy.  I feel bad but all I can do is make sure it never happens again.

Rainy day today in Milwaukee.  It is also very humid.  Looking forward to the cool front coming through tomorrow.

August 18, 2014 Monday Afternoon

Another week has gone by so fast.

Last Thursday afternoon the neighbors were working on our side of their house so I thought it best to leave for the afternoon so the dogs would not want to go outside and they could work.  Went with Tony to a junk yard about and hour away.  Spent an hour or so looking around for car parts.  I was in a good place and just enjoyed the nice weather as Tony looked over the picked apart cars for any parts he needed.  I was very impressed how he can see just a bumper or a piece of a car and know what it is.  Very impressive. 

Friday afternoon we had lunch with the guys like we do each Friday.  I still enjoy getting together each week for an hour of laughs with people who I can feel comfortable with talking about anything. 

Saturday night we went to the once a years demo car derby in Slinger.  Been going for years for this event because we always have a great time.  Tony's sister and nephew came along and we once again did have fun watching all the car smashes and crashes.  The race track is a figure 8 so it makes the races so much more fun to watch than just going around in circles.  They have different races, sometimes school buses, which end up in pieces by the end of the race.  One race is last man standing so to speak.  The track is a mess by the end of the night.

Sunday morning we went out for breakfast with Tony's mom and then went to Stein's Garden and the market for some ham and rolls on the way home.  I spent the rest of the day working in the side yard making a yard for the small dogs and a yard for the big dogs.  It is apparent they are not going to be together any time soon so making my life easier is the goal right now.   I can now leave the small dogs in the front of the house and let them out to pee in the side yard through the dining room.  The big dogs are in the back of the house and I let them out in their side yard through the kitchen doors.  Nice not having to worry and yet everyone is happy.

This morning Tony took Rose to work and I gave Casper a raw hide bone around 8 AM.  I took it away from him by 8:30 AM because he was swallowing pieces.  I fenced him off in the kitchen with his bone.  Well, after he had it taken away and the dogs were all together, I was sitting at the computer and heard a fight between Casper and Bo.  Ran screaming into the kitchen to find them apart but Bo obviously hurt.  I put Casper in his crate after a scolding and then looked Bo over for injuries.  At first I did not find any but in time I found 2 puncture wounds on his neck that were bleeding.  This is what I didn't want ever to happen.  Took me back a ways and now I once again have this 'what have we done' feeling when it comes to Casper and Rose.  Everyone is OK.  Tony brought Rose home from work around noon and I soon went for a walk along the river trails to clear my head and cry a bit as a release.  I did not take Bo or any dog and realized how much I miss MY walks and need to start taking some Dave time in the afternoon.   Had a good cry as I walk the woods and talk to ... whoever.  I like to think my grandma and spirit guide are listening.  Took an hour and a half walk and it did me good. 

The weather in Milwaukee continues to be awesome.  It is about 72 degrees and a slight breeze.  If it were not for the beeping from the machinery across the street it would be perfect with the windows open. 

August 12, 2014 Tuesday Morning

Rainy day today in Milwaukee.  We do need the rain and the weather this Summer has been so good it is hard to complain.  I honestly don't remember the last rainy day we even had this Summer it has been so long. 

Last Friday night we stayed in and watched the movie Open Grave.  It was a horror movie and very good.  Was glad I downloaded it and spent the night watching.

Saturday afternoon we ate lunch at a restaurant on the Milwaukee river.  The boats dock and you can eat right near the water.  Had a nice steak sandwich and a vodka lemonade.  We have been eating out a lot this Summer and doing it at restaurants we can sit outside and enjoy the weather and food.  Came home and I took a nap in the bedroom with the big dogs while Tony napped in the living room with the three small dogs.  Saturday night we watched the movie The Other Woman.  Good movie. 

Sunday afternoon we went to lunch at another outside restaurant and had a nice lunch and drink.  Spent the afternoon with the dogs taking them for a walk and then Bo for a walk to the farmers market a few blocks away.  Sunday night we watched a movie called The Employer.  It was another good movie in the horror vain. 

Yesterday I did all the bedding laundry which with the dog bedding and all it comes to five loads.  Took a nice nap with the dogs in the afternoon. 

Tony will bring Rose home at lunch time today.  I will make soup and some grilled cheese sandwiches and then we are going to vote since it is an election day in Milwaukee.  Figure you can not complain about who is in office if you don't vote.  I also then have a 2 PM vet appointment for Kali to get her nails trimmed.   Oh, Tony just called.  Guess Rose is not happy and Tony is bringing her home now.  We will then go vote and go out for lunch I guess.  Works for me.

August 8, 2014 Friday Afternoon

The past week or more has once again flown by.

Last weekend, on Saturday, was the street festival on the cross street of our house.  Fun to go to the festival all day and take breaks at home here and there.  The weather was great as it has been most of this Summer.  I do not like heat and this is the first Summer in a long time that we have not even hit 90 degrees.   I do have the air conditioning on when it gets above 74 for the dogs.  Otherwise they drool and the house smells like dog.

Yesterday Tony took the day off and we went to State Fair.  Went early morning and early afternoon.  Had  good time walking around at the festival and was glad we went early before the sun and heat would have been to much for us later in the day.  Bought the dogs some bones and they are loving them.  Here is a picture of Rose and Casper with their bones.

 I let them chew for a while and then take them away when I see they have chewed long enough.  Both give up the bones when asked.

Kali is still doing OK.  Each day I think might be her last.  She seems to be having some stomach problems at night and needs special attentions like last night.  Kali kisses and tummy rubs seem to work the best.  She did go in for her second antibiotic shot this week.  Each day is a blessing with Kali and she will be so missed when that day comes.  She did turn 15 just last month.   Here is a picture of Kali, Bo and Vito.

No plans this weekend.  I am sure we will just spend time with the dogs or go to the lakefront and enjoy the last of the Summer.  It will be over before we know it and Winter will be here.

Life is good.  Dave is happy.

July 28, 2014 Monday Afternoon

I can not believe my last post was almost two weeks ago.

Know I am well and the lack of posting is not because life is bad.  In fact life is very good. 
This Summer in Wisconsin has been awesome.  It has mostly been in the 70s and that is how I like it.  We have only had to turn the air conditioning on a handful of days all Summer so far.  I guess if I had a pool I would feel differently.  We spend a lot of time at home with the dogs and happy.

Last week Wednesday Kali came up to me in obvious distress.  She was panting and very hot.  Shaking like a leaf.  I called Tony and soon we had her to the vet.  I had a feeling it might be Pancreatitis because she has had it before and the symptoms seems similar.  The vet did a bunch of tests, pumped Kali with fluids, pain meds and antibiotics and took xrays and blood tests.  The bill was $500.  Kali came home and slept the night away from the pain shot.  I have been giving her pain meds up to today.  She has gotten better with each day and I think she is pretty much back to her 'old self'.  Kali is over 15 years old now as of this month.   I cherish each day knowing it could be the last.  In fact when we took her to the vet last week we took a blanket thinking and prepared for the worst.  Thankfully we dodged a bullet this time and I get more time with Kali.

Last Friday night was the 24 hour bike ride around our neighborhood.  A good night to get out and enjoy the neighborhood feeling safe with over 1000 people out and about biking.  Various activities going on around at the local bars also.  We did take our bikes out at 10 PM Friday night and rode around Riverwest.   Had a drink at one of the bars and just enjoyed the nice weather and people. 

Saturday we rode our bikes up for breakfast a couple blocks and sat and watched the bike riders go by.   In the afternoon we rode our bikes to a street festival on Brady street and walked around having a couple strawberry margaritas and food around the festival.  The weather was great again.  We were going to go back Saturday night but we were tired and stayed home and watched the movie Hunger Games Catching Fire.  Was good and now can't wait to see the next in the series.

Sunday morning we went out for breakfast at a local restaurant and sat outside enjoying the music from the church across the street.  In the afternoon we went down to the Milwaukee lakefront and watched the volleyball tournaments going on.  Had a drink and some nachos.  Later in the afternoon after we got home Tony watched TV and I still had a bit of energy.  Figured I would take down my ramp in the side yard I built last Summer for my scooter and make the yard a bit bigger for all the dogs.  Got it half un assembled before calling it a night. 

Today I finished taking down the ramp and extended the yard with the fencing to the pond for the dogs.  I do keep the pond fenced off so no one drowns in the pond.

Rose and Casper received two hand made blanket throws from a woman that makes blankets for foster dogs.  They are beautiful and too nice for the dogs.    Here is a picture of the dogs and their blankets.  People have been so nice to us regarding the foster dogs.  SO  nice with all the bad in the world you hear on the daily basis.

July 16, 2014 Wednesday Afternoon

Another week has gone by.  All the dogs are still alive and doing well.  Tony and I are doing OK also.

We went to a family pool party on Saturday.  It was cloudy and cool so neither one of us went swimming.  First time not swimming.  Actually miss it because it has always been one of the few times to go swimming and a pool.  Hour drive to the party, stayed for a few hours and then the drive home, was the longest the new dogs have been alone in their crates.  They were good when we got home and happy to be out.

Sunday we met Tony's sister at a local festival and spent a couple hours sitting on the lake front listening to music. 

Yesterday Casper got neutered, had a mole removed and 5 teeth worked on.  Got him back from the vet by 5 PM and spent the night by his side.  He cried and whimpered for hours.  Found out today it is more the pain meds than the pain itself.   Today he is doing good and even grabbed a bone to chew on for a while.  Rose still goes to work with Tony for a half day and I either pick her up or Tony drops her off at the house around noon.  Enjoy the mornings to clean with no fences and gates.

Was feeding and giving attention to a stray cat the past week or more.  Finally broke down and decided to catch it and give it a good home.  Of course we just did this yesterday and an hour ago the neighbor comes up to me asking if I have his cat.  No good deed goes unpunished.  Tony was not happy that he has to call this family back and get the cat from them since they fell in love with it immediately.  Wow.  No good deed goes unpunished.  I know I said it twice.

Making a pot roast for supper and will spend the night at home with the dogs since Casper needs to stay calm and recover from yesterday's surgery.  Tomorrow I have a skin doctor appointment to check the scabs I keep getting mostly on the crown of my head.  I wear hats when in the sun lately so I am thinking it is not the sun.  It was always my original diagnosis after the HIV meds of course. 

Life is the dogs lately.  Actually makes for a happy Dave.  I think I am at the happiest point in my life to be honest.  Have gotten rid of all the bad and just keep to myself and enjoy my house and home which seems to give me the most happiness. 

July 8, 2014 Tuesday Morning

The days go by so fast.

We had a great 4th of July weekend.  Spent the 4th close to home and then watched the fireworks that night from our back deck from the park a block away.  Very nice view and it is nice to be alone and snuggle during the fireworks and not feel like your in public and people are watching. 

Saturday afternoon we went to Summerfest for  a couple hours.  Big music festival on the Milwaukee lakefront.  Tony got free tickets so it was worth going to the festival for a couple hours.  Spent the night watching movies or TV from the DVR.

Sunday morning we went out for breakfast at a café on the east side and sat outside.  Was a very nice relaxed breakfast.  Spent the rest of the day with the dogs.

As you can tell most would think life is pretty boring.  Between taking care of the house, the dogs, Tony and everything that comes at one in life, I keep busy.  Tony and I are happy to stay home with each other and the dogs and just be content at home.  I think it is a nice place to be in life ...  others might have a different opinion, which brings me to todays rant ......

I do keep busy all day with the dogs and the three blogs I run.  Five dogs and an Italian husband that doesn't want to do anything after he gets home from work can keep one busy all day.  My bills are paid and I am very happy.   My social security and rental income pays all my monthly bills.  With that said on yesterdays Lawlessmilwaukeecouple picture and post my dad posted a comment:   Dave, if you have this much time on your hands to keep this going, I think you should get a job..    
I know my dad is old school and worked very hard as a dad to keep us all happy.  My problem is him thinking that just because I don't have a job I must not be happy or fulfilled?  If my bills are paid and we have a savings and live within our means,  why is getting a job so important?  To him having a job might mean happiness.  To me, staying home, doing what I want when I want all day, because I can, makes me happy.  We don't and have not been on a vacation for over 10 years and very happy to just stay home.  We don't have credit card debt and the house is paid off.  Why should I get a job because I have so much time on my hands?  I feel like dad thinks I am less a person because I don't work and I don't understand why one has anything to do with the other.  If I won the lottery would I still need to work to be happy in my dads eyes?   I guess the only way to know what dad is really thinking is to ask but I honestly think I know the answer ...  he thinks happiness comes from working hard and making money.  I did work hard.  I make money and pay my bills.  I am at the happiest point in my life.  Sad that at 53 years old what my dad thinks still matters and can hurt.

July 3, 2014 Thursday Afternoon

Tenants moved out on Monday.  They did a good job of cleaning and I gave them back their security deposit today. 

Posted my new numbers from Mondays HIV doctor appointment, and was happy with them.  My Tcell count went down just a bit, but my percent of good cells went up, which is important.  So between the two they balance themselves out and I am still doing great.

Been busy with the dogs and just keeping the house going.  Tony should be home soon.  No plans other than a car show and walking the dogs this weekend.

Our new tenants might come over this weekend to look at the apartment and do some painting.

Life is good.  Happy Forth Of July everyone.

June 30, 2014 Monday Morning

Was a busy week with the dogs.  All is good and I am happy to say no one has gotten hurt and everyone seems to be adjusting.  Rose is still kept separate from the other dogs.  She has her moments when I wonder what she is thinking and what she would do if she got to the other side of the fence.  Most times though they all walk past each other on the fence line with little care for each other. 

Watched a bunch of movies during the week that I downloaded.  Watched 13 Sins (great horror movie like the Saw movie series), Almost Human, Haunt, Wolverine, Burning Blue (very good movie about the witch hunts on gays during don't ask don't tell) and Scrooge and Marley ( a take off of the old Christmas classic with a gay slant).   All were good movies and would recommend any of them to watch. 

Today our tenants upstairs move out.  They have been loading cars this morning but was told a paid moving company comes at noonish today to move them.  I love how two people without jobs, who do nothing all day, have to hire a moving company to move their little bit of crap.  No money and take the system for all they can get, but too damn lazy to move their own stuff.  Heard her mother is paying for the moving company.  I have an appointment at 1:30 today with my HIV doctor so Tony is coming home to watch the house as they move out.  Otherwise we find things missing months down the road from the basement.  Last time both air conditioners went missing and other items from the basement.  Will be so happy tonight when they are finally gone.  Will do a happy dance.  The new tenants, a young married couple, move in on the 15th of the month.

Will post my blood test results later today when I get home from the doctor.  Always a little nervous to see my HIV doctor even after 5 years of this.  Always wonder what 'bad' might be waiting for me in my blood results.  Will hope everything keeps improving like the past.

June 24, 2014 Tuesday Morning

I can't believe it has been almost a week since I posted last.  Know that means things are good and I am busy with the dogs, Tony and life. 

Saturday morning Rose got her stitches out from her spay two weeks earlier.  She was so good and let the vet take them out and not a growl.  There was a lot going on around the city but the weather did not cooperate.  It was foggy and rained here and there during the weekend.  Saturday afternoon we did go to the North Avenue block party on the eastside.  Stayed for a while but every time we got to a new band stand they would be playing their last song and then go on break.  I even commented to Tony how people should not be with us if they want to hear music and see a band.  We also went and looked at and bought a new massage chair.  I don't even know where to start on this one.  Tony and I have been together over 25 years and we have never been so 'off' when it comes to a decision made by the two of us.  We have owned a massage chair for over 20 years.  It is worn and I have to replace the back sometimes as it wears through, but it does what I want on my back and I love it.  I can sit in it for two minutes and have it go up and down, crack my back, and I am better.  Tony has never used or liked the chair.  On Tuesday last week he hands me an add in the paper of a massage chair to call on and see what they want for it.  Tony said 'he wanted a new one and wanted the one we have out of the living room'.  I thought he now wanted a massage chair and was happy to go buy it, if that made him happy, and put mine in a spare room for the few times and need and use it.  I called, Saturday afternoon we went to look at it and ended up buying it.  Spent $800, got it home, in the house, and after we both sat in it for a while and used it I looked at Tony and said 'well, I hope you like it, I will put mine in the spare room because I like it much better'.  Tony looked at me and said 'I never liked a massage chair and bought it for you'.  WTF?   Honestly I could not believe we could be so far off on this decision and now we wasted $800.  I cut coupons for goodness sake, this is a huge chunk of money to me.  It honestly ruined the rest of my day looking at the chair sitting in the room.  Hopefully Tony will take it to work and sell it on Craigslist or to a friend and we will take a small loss.  I am still shaking my head as I type this and if it wasn't so wet, damp and rainy outside I would have him get the chair out of here now.

Sunday we went and had breakfast with Tony's mom.  Bought lottery tickets and ham and rolls on the way home.  Spent most of the day around the house.  We did ride our bikes to the lakefront to see the air show, only to get there and have the beach so fogged in the show was canceled for the second day in a row.  Lot of unhappy people in Milwaukee because of this.

Monday Tony took Rose to work with him for the morning.  She came home at noon and spent the afternoon napping.  I re arranged the living room furniture, basically flipping the room furniture for a better lay out for fencing off the dogs.  A package arrived late in the afternoon from another Rose and Casper fan full of toys and treats.  It is so nice to know there really are good people out there in the world when you see and hear about all the bad all day on the Internet.   I see a lot of abuse in animals lately since I have become involved with fostering Rose and Casper.  Some stories just make you wonder what the hell is wrong with the human race. 

The sun is out today (right now) and I think I will shower so I can take Casper and Bo for a walk before the rain comes back this afternoon.  I walk them separately, just easier, plus Casper gets spooked by noises and I need to keep a firm arm on him walking him.

June 19, 2014 Thursday Afternoon

Was all set to go in and get my blood drawn on Tuesday morning.  Not having any coffee for an hour or two is not good for me or anyone around me.  Got up Tuesday morning by 6 AM.  Right after I fed the dogs the power went out due to a storm that went through an hour earlier.  The power did not go on again until close to noon.  Thought it best not to go out and leave the dogs in a dark and quiet house so I decided to try again Wednesday morning.  Of course by this time the coffee Tony made an hour or more ago was cold and no microwave or power to heat the coffee.  Tony came home around 9 AM and started the gas generator he bought for Christmas the year before last.  We have never used it up to this point so I though it would be interesting to see if it works and what I can attach to it.  Got the coffee warmed in the microwave first.  Then moved the cord to the living room and got the stereo and TV going with the cable box also connected.  Just as I though things were good the generator ran out of gas.  Tony did say he was going to get more over an hour ago.  When I called the shop I was told he had a meeting and would be back home with gas around 11:15 AM.  He did and after 15 minutes the power went back on.  It was a very good test of the generator and I am happy I can connect the computer, TV, stereo and cable.  Life would go on.

Wednesday morning I did get my blood drawn.  Now I wait a week and a half until my doctor appointment to get my results.  Spent the day doing things around the house with the dogs.  Did go get my monthly HIV meds and food from the pantry on Wednesday also.  Last night we watched the movie Nonstop.  It was a good movie and I recommend it.

Today is four weeks since we picked up Rose and Casper in Waukegan Illinois and became foster parents for them.  Here is a picture comparing their look from the day we got them and this morning.

June 16, 2014 Monday Morning

Lately we seem to be getting up in the morning around 5 AM.  Once one dog needs to go outside they all seem to need to go outside and relieve themselves.  Tony usually starts his day with the small dogs in the living room with him and I lay on the bed with Rose and Casper for a while giving Rose some hugs and bed time since she sleeps in a cage all night.

Friday night we found our next tenants for upstairs.  They are a couple around 30 years old and both are employed.  They were very nice and Tony and I could tell they would be a great tenants.  They filled out the paperwork and dropped off half month rent on Saturday.  I took down the for rent sign and consider the upstairs rented as of July 15.  We will loose a half months rent but worth it to get these two as tenants. 

Saturday we were up by 5:30 AM.  I first feed the big dogs in the kitchen while the little dogs are in the living room.  As they eat I prepare Vito's Insulin shot.  When they are done eating I put them out the kitchen side doors to the side yard and then bring the little dogs into the kitchen to feed them.  It is a constant shuffle and keeping what gates are open or closed in your head can be quite daunting at times.  Took the dogs all for walks in the morning.  Around noon we went to Walgreen's to pick up some of Tony prescriptions and then to the pet store to return some items and of course buy twice as much as we returned.  Went to lunch at Taco Bell after the pet store.  Spent the afternoon at home with the dogs.  Saturday night we went out to eat and had pizza.  Spent the rest of the night watching the movie Grand Budapest Hotel.  I thought it would be better than it was from all I had heard.  Was not very good and boring to be honest. 

Sunday morning we took Bo, Casper and Rose for a walk around the neighborhood.  First time walking all three and it worked out OK.  I still like having one dog to control, not two.  We left the house around noon to go to my parents house for Father's Day.  Had a great afternoon with the family and the two dogs were angels.  Here is a picture of my mom and sister with the two dogs.

Got home around 4:30 PM and spent the rest of the night watching TV from the DVR and then a movie on some off channel.  Don't even know what the movie was called and fell asleep soon after it started.

This morning Tony was up at 5 AM, I stayed in bed with the two big dogs for an hour longer while he had the small dogs in the living room with him.  Already have cut the grass and trimmed some over growth in the back garden.  Glad I got it done because it is getting hot and humid outside and I just turned on the central air conditioning.  Looks like it will be on for the next few days.  Soon I will leave for the pet store again to exchange and return some harnesses and a muzzle.  Need a smaller muzzle.  I should just take the dog with me so I get the right size.  How I feel when I walk out the door with tell me if I am bringing her.  She rides nice and I could save myself a lot of time just getting one that fits her mouth.  Figure with a muzzle we might be able to bring her in with the small dogs during TV time at night?   Going to be hot and humid the first part of this week so I will most likely spend a lot of time indoors.  I do have to get my blood drawn this week Wednesday or Thursday morning.  Just want to get it over with and hate not having coffee in the morning until the blood is drawn.

If I do not post every day it simply means I am very busy with the dogs and all is well.  Guess no news is good news in this case.  I do have to admit I think I am in a very happy state of life right now.  I hope it lasts.

June 13, 2014 Friday Afternoon

Spent the week taking care of Rose from her Monday spay. 
Last night we took Rose and Casper with us to Stonefly bar and grill for supper.  They were perfect angels and sat and watched us eat, no begging or crying. 
This morning Rose licked her stitches off her leg so I have spent the entire day making sure she does not lick and keeps her cone on.
Will take the two dogs to my parents house on Sunday for Father's Day.

June 11, 2014 Wednesday Afternoon

Rose got spayed on Monday and all went well.  Picked her up at 5 PM and she slept the rest of the night near me.  I slept on the floor that night with her in the bedroom.  She snuggled next to me all night.

Today I went grocery shopping and returned a cone / collar the vet gave us for the dog since it cost $15 and we are not using it due to having many and her not licking with me keeping an eye on her.  Figure the rescue could use the money since they are paying for most of this with the dogs still.

Rained all day today and I just did things around the house making sure Rose did not lick her wound.

Life is good.  Next week I do have to go in for my 6 month blood draw.  Last year at this time I had Shingles.  Remember well how horrible it was.