November 12, 2013 Tuesday Afternoon

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Tony left for work by 7:30 AM.  Read a little of the newspaper and then headed to the shower so I was clean for my 9:30 AM dermatologist appointment.  Saw the doctor and was told to stop the current cream and antibiotic since they are not doing anything to help with the skin rash on my face.  She said we could either try another cream or do a biopsy on the rash and see if we get more information.  Well, a biopsy on my face and stitches does not sound like fun so I went with trying the other cream with a steroid in it.  Stopped off at Walgreen's on my way home and picked up the new cream.  If this new cream doesn't work she will do a biopsy on my next appointment scheduled for the week before Christmas.  Was home for a while and then decided to drive to Menard's and return two pair of insulated jeans we bought that don't fit and the flooring I bought last weekend.  Returned everything fine and then bought a new garbage disposal (ours died the day before yesterday) and some new and different flooring I thought might be a good fit for the kitchen floor.  Got it all home and unloaded.  Started laying some of the tile down to see how it would look and got a good section laid out.  Soon Stella walked into the kitchen and when I saw her almost slide on the tile because it is so slippery I packed it all up and now I have to return this tile flooring.  Not sure what I am going to do with the kitchen floor.  I should have done a better job the first time and the tile wouldn't be coming up.  Should have put a new sub floor down first.  I am going to have to just rip out all the tile, sand the floor and start over I fear.  Laid on the couch with the dogs and listened to Lady Gaga's new and past music.  I didn't like her new Artpop CD at first but it is starting to grow on me each time I listen to it.  Made some salads and will put a frozen pizza in the oven for supper tonight.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR as the TV records tonight's shows.  It got cold here in Milwaukee.  Winter is here.  The pond froze over last night and I was glad I got the heater in it the day before, just in time.  I don't think it even got above freezing or 32 degrees today.  I hate Winter and wonder every year why we live here.  I hate the cold.  I do like the snow, but hate the cold.  I just don't know where we would move since I don't like real hot humid weather either so down south is not an option either.  Middle of the US has too many tornadoes.  I will probably die here in Milwaukee. 

November 11, 2013 Monday Afternoon

Friday night we went to a friends house for a couple drinks, good conversation and listening and watching a roaring fire outside.  Stayed for a couple hours and had a good time.  Came home and after we watched a little TV we went to sleep.

Saturday morning we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the morning reading the newspaper.  Around 11:30 AM we left the house and went to Menard's to look at some flooring options for the kitchen and ended up buying other house items and supplies we needed.  Had lunch at Chili's and headed home.  Spent the rest of the day just watching TV with the dogs.  Around 4 PM we did find time to do a round of lovin.  Hadn't all week.  Jeez, doesn't last long when you wait a week.  Going to have to get back to daily if I want more than 5 minutes.  LOL.   Spent Saturday night watching TV from the DRV getting caught up on the past four episodes of Glee.

Sunday morning we were up again by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Our ceiling fan in the living room does not work on the Winter setting direction so I took it down and had Tony install one we got from my parents a long time ago.  It is a nice ceiling fan but after we installed it we realized the only way to turn it off and on is the light switch on the wall which also controls the outlets for the computer and TV.  So we have to buy a ceiling fan with strings to turn it on and off so the on and off switch can stay in the on position for the TV and computer.  Took the newly installed ceiling fan down and boxed it up.  Decided to go to a lighting store downtown and look at ceiling fans since now we have to buy a new one.  I am not planning on spending more than $100 on a fan unless I found one that was way cool and different.  We did not find one that was within our price or one we wanted.  We then went to a Mexican restaurant for a late lunch.  Came home and spent the rest of the day watching TV from the DVR.  Went to bed around 8 PM and did the lovin thing.  Was planning on watching Good Wife and Mentalist but fell asleep and missed them. Thankfully I did record them and will watch them another night.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Took Vito to the vet at 10:15 AM to get his stitches removed.  Got him back home and spent a couple hours in the basement cleaning the basement and going through Christmas decorations to see what I have for this year.  Did a couple loads of laundry and watched the snow fall.  Yes, snow fall.  We got our first snow today.  They also started the last 8 unit section of the apartment development across the street.  Here is a picture of it from my front window.  They started the foundation today:

Tonight we will watch Dancing With The Stars and Castle before we go to sleep.  I have a dermatologist appointment tomorrow morning for the rash on my face that won't go away and I think it if from one of my HIV meds.

November 8, 2013 Friday Afternoon

Last night about 8 PM I was watching TV and Tony was in the shower when I heard this loud crash noise outside.  Something about a car crash noise you hear and then just know something is not right.  I got off the couch and looked out the window to see a car had slammed into the construction digger that was on the side of the road across the street.  For a second you look at the situation and try to analyze since it is not what you should see when you look out the window.   I ran to the back of the house to tell Tony there is an accident outside and ran outside to see if I could help.  I was the first to get to the woman in the car. She was dazed and wanted to know if she hurt anyone.  I said 'lady your the only one in the crash, are you ok?'   She said she was fine but just didn't seem all together.  I asked if she had been drinking and she said no.  The neighbors soon called the police and they arrived in about 10 minutes.  We spent the next hour watching the situation from the front window and were so surprised she never even got tested to see if she was drunk.  I think she was.  I found out this morning from a neighbor that she knew the lady and the lady knows the cops, hence no ticket for the accident or being drunk.  Gotta love Milwaukee police department.  Went to bed around 9:30 PM and after a little TV we went to sleep.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Got an email from the guy in Maine we were going to visit in March saying he totally understands if I cancel the trip.  I soon was on the phone with Southwest airlines and cancelled the tickets and got a complete refund.  My friend will cancel the hotel and said there will be no fees.  I felt like someone took a ton of bricks off my back when I was done canceling the trip.  Something will come along and we will do something that weekend closer to home.  We will still go somewhere but I will be close enough to home that if there is a problem we would be home in a matter of hours.  I will feel better this way and have fun.  I would not have fun worrying about my dogs for three days on the other side of the USA.  Had a great lunch with the guys this afternoon.  After lunch I went to Walmart and spent $170 on household items.  Had a lot of coupons and Walmart is the cheapest.  Tonight we are going to the friends house that helped me the day I found out I was HIV.  His partners birthday and a small get together with close friends.  Will be a nice laid back affair with a nice fire in the fireplace.  The guys from lunch will all be there too so it will be a great group of friends.  No plans this weekend.  Will be cold and hope we just stay home most the weekend except for getting some food.  Was cloudy and in the 40s today.

November 7, 2013 Thursday Afternoon

Yesterday I never left the house.  It rained most of the day and I spent most of the day just laying around watching TV with the dogs.  Did a couple loads of laundry and little things, but for the most part it was a waste of a day.  Made spaghetti for supper with some salads and garlic bread.  Spent the night watching last Sunday's Revenge and The Walking Dead, before we went to the bedroom and watched CSI in bed with 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.  Although it was not raining and the sun was out it was cold outside today.  Our coldest yet this season.  So I never left the house again today.  I started cleaning out a hallway closet which then turned into cleaning out the drawers.  That led to cleaning the spare bedroom closet and the main bedroom closet.  Got rid of a lot of clothes that we will never wear or fit us in our lifetime again.  Was then able to move some things around in the spare bedroom and then move some plants into that room, freeing up the dining room of the plants.  So I spent the entire day today cleaning and organizing the house.  Moved a lot of stuff to the basement which will be on my list next week to reorganize and clean.  I will then get out the Christmas decorations that go outside and maybe get some of them out, but not lit until closer to Christmas or after Thanksgiving.  Going to make fried left over spaghetti for Tony tonight with a salad.  He likes the left over spaghetti fried with butter to a crisp.  Like a pancake and almost burnt.  I will have a TV dinner and a salad.  Will most likely spend the night watching more TV from the DVR. 

Tony and I had a talk the other day and we are considering canceling the trip to Maine in March to get married.  I am having stress already over the thought of leaving the dogs and being so far away.  The cost of the airline tickets was $1600 and soon enough, Illinois will be granting gay marriage and the border is only an hour drive.  So I am thinking we might just go on a short over night stay for our anniversary in March and then get married in Illinois when it is legal there.  Just the thought of leaving the dogs or the house and not being able to drive back home starts to give me panic and anxiety.  I know, I am crazy, but I am just being honest.  I feel most secure at home and am happiest at home with my dogs.  It's just that simple.  So happiness is the most important and since Tony is happy to cancel the trip for now, I think we might. 

November 5, 2013 Tuesday Afternoon

Spent last night watching a few episodes of The Walking Dead.  Almost caught up by the time we went to bed, one episode left. 

This morning I was up by 6 AM.  Put on Dancing With The Stars from last night since it was preempted.  Recorded it at 1:30 AM when our local station played it.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Drove to Walgreens around 11 AM and picked up a prescription and then picked up a double cheese burger at McDonalds.  Went to my 1 PM appointment with ARCW to discuss my Health Insurance options.  The meeting was helpful but it is so sad their hands are tied when it comes to recommending a health insurance policy or what we should do since it then would seem like they are working for that company.  It makes it even harder when they are not sure what ADAP will or will not cover when it comes to the policies.  Came home with a bunch of information.  Thankfully my ex partner is an insurance agent and we talked and he is going to get me through this, hopefully.  Picked up my monthly food at the pantry and my turkey for Thanksgiving.  Dropped the turkey off at the shop so Tony could put it in their freezer.  I have no room at home in the freezer for a 12 lb turkey so I had to leave it at the shop freezer.  Grabbed his insurance paperwork my ex gave him a week ago since it was buried under paperwork on his desk, to bring home and fill out..  Came home and spent the remainder of the afternoon going over paperwork and reading up on Medicare and the different medigap coverage.  I just don't get it.  Why can't them make a policy that includes everything, put it in front of my face to sign and move on.  Jeez.  I can hardly pick out the 'right' size or 'kind' of food when I am grocery shopping.  How am I suppose to figure out what insurance policy is best.  And was told ADAP would only cover the basic policy so I will have to pay for all the 'riders'.  Riders?   WTF?  So it is going to cost me because ADAP don't pay for the riders.  Thank you Scott Walker for all this bullshit.  If he would have just taken the federal money and worked with the system it would not be this hard.  We are one of the very few states with this much problems because he is bowing to the tea party favorites hoping to line Scott Walkers pockets.   Making left over tacos and a big salad for supper.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR before we go to bed.  Have to get Tony to fill out his insurance paperwork tonight also.  I filled out most of it but he needs to sign and give me some more information before we can turn it in to our insurance agent and find out what new policy he will have and have to pay for as of January 1st.   I think 2014 is going to be an expensive year in our budget paying for healthcare. 

November 4, 2013 Monday Afternoon

Friday night we decided to go to a costume party.  I went as a 'Sugar Daddy' with my bag of sugar in a baby carrier, Tony went as 'a person going to a sleep over' with his teddy bear and blanket.  Had a drink at the party and then walked home.  Still was in the mood to be out so we got in the car and went to a local bar a friend owns for another drink in our costumes.  Here is a picture of us in our costumes.

Saturday morning we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the morning reading the newspapers and watching TV.  In the afternoon we went to see the movie Gravity in 3D.  I loved the movie.  On the way out as we walked past the ticket person she asked how we liked the movie.  I said 'I loved it'.  Tony said 'it was boring'.   I stopped dead in my tracks, looked at him and said 'really, did we just see the same movie'.  Oh well.  I enjoyed the movie Gravity.  Came home and spent the rest of the day watching TV from the DVR.  Ordered a pizza delivered for supper and watched more TV.  Went to bed around 11 PM.

Sunday morning we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Went out for breakfast around 11 AM.  When we got back home we went for a walk along the river trails.  I had to promise Tony this would be the last walk this year.  I figure it was a safe bet since it is getting cold outside and Winter will be here soon.  Spent the rest of the afternoon after we got back from the walk raking and blowing leaves around the yard and cleaning out the rain gutters again.  We did it last weekend and they needed it again from the tree in the back yard.  Spent Sunday night watching Amazing Race and Good Wife before we turned off the TV and did the lovin thing before going to sleep.

This morning I was up again by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs, gave Vito his shot and soon Tony left for work.  Spent the morning cleaning the dresser drawer in the bedroom.  I realize there were things in three different drawers that should be in one.  Even threw a couple items out which is good for me.  Around noon I went grocery shopping at Pick N Save near downtown.  Haven't been to that Pick N Save in a long time and I really like the store.  Much cleaner and nicer people.  Spent the afternoon watching TV with the dogs on the couch.  Making Tacos for supper tonight.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR since Dancing With The Stars is preempted in Milwaukee for a sports event.  It is on at 1:30 AM and I will have the DVR record it for Tuesday night watching.  Was in the 40s this afternoon today.  Partly cloudy and very windy.  Not liking the cold.

November 1, 2013 Friday Afternoon

We contemplated going out last night in costume.  I did have a costume all in mind.  I was going to go as a sugar daddy wearing a shirt that says sugar daddy, a kid carrier with a bag a sugar.  Still might go out Friday night but I doubt it.  It is so hard to get outside after 9 PM at night when you are all snug and comfortable in the house.  It rained all yesterday and last night so going out last night would have been very wet.  Watched SNL Halloween special, Grey Anatomy and then went to bed to do the lovin thing before watching Chelsea Handler's show Chelsea Lately.  I love her show.  Just started watching a couple months ago and we find ourselves sitting here laughing out loud at times.  Went to sleep around 10:30 PM after the news.

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Only one movie to download this week, Grown Ups Part 2.   Will watch it one day.  Had lunch with the guys and went to the bank afterwards.  Came home and took a short nap with the dogs as I listened to the rain fall.  Another cold rainy day in Milwaukee.  It was only in the low 40s today.  There is a Halloween costume party at a neighborhood bar tonight that we might go to.  It seems more likely we will just order a pizza and stay home and watching TV from the DVR.  No plans this weekend.  Will most likely spend a lot of time watching TV or movies since it is getting cold outside and the weather does not look good.

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. 

September 30, 2013 Monday Afternoon

The weather over last weekend was great.  It was close to 70 each day and sunny.  Saturday afternoon we went to the Urban Ecology Center for their grand opening.  We rode our bikes to it.  It is on the other side of the river, directly across the other side.  Was nice to ride around and learn about all they have done and are doing to make this area around our house a little 'central park' like place for people and animals along the river banks.  After we left the Ecology Center we went to a street market and then had a slice of pizza and a drink at a new pizza restaurant that was on the way home.  Saturday night I made soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for supper.  We spent Saturday night watching TV from the DRV.

Sunday morning we took Bo with us to get lottery tickets and then the farmers market a couple blocks from our house.  Bought some fresh bakery and walked home.  We then took Stella and the other two dogs for a walk.   Kali was a half walk since she is old and Vito just around the alley since he is blind and only smells stuff and bangs into things.  He still loves to go outside.  We then locked up the dogs and took another bike ride longer than the prior day.  We rode our bikes down the bike trials to the lake front, biked across the Milwaukee lakefront north and then up the hill and back home the long way through the upper east side.  We stopped for a coffee at a little coffee shop and bought a foot long sub at Subway on the way home.  Got home around 3 PM and spent the rest of the day doing things around the house.  We did go out for supper to a rib and steak restaurant and had a great supper.  Leftover's tonight for supper.  Watched Amazing Race, Good Wife and Mentalist before going to sleep.

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Took Kali to the vet at 11 AM to get her nails trimmed.  She shook like a leaf the entire time until we got back in the car after the appointment.  Bought a $1 double cheeseburger and French fries for lunch and headed home.  Took a nice long walk along the river trails this afternoon and then did some mixing and editing on the new music mix I am currently working on.  It is almost finished.  Tonight we will watch Dancing With The Stars and Castle before going to sleep. 

I read the posts from Friday.  I agree 100% and will put Tony and myself first above the dogs for once.  I did call the Clerk Of Courts office in Maine today and got all the answers I needed.  So far no road blocks and no excuses for not going through with the wedding and trip.  Thanks again for the comments.  I do read and need them to sometimes knock me into thinking correctly.  The worst that is going to happen is the pee and poop up the house.  They are safe and I have to do this trip.

September 27, 2013 Friday Afternoon

Spent last night watching Grey's Anatomy and then went to sleep after the local news.  Slept like a baby and didn't get up until 5 AM to go to the bathroom for the first time.  I am usually up at least twice by then. 

Got up and out of bed this morning around 6:30 AM.   Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Tony was soon out the door to go to work and I started reading the newspaper and doing my usual Friday movie downloads.  Around 10:30 AM I went to St Mary's pharmacy to pick up the cream my dermatologist prescribed that Walgreen's said was not covered and would cost $64.  Got it for $4.96 at the St Mary's pharmacy.  Came home and was on the Internet for a while before I had to go and meet Tony and the guys for lunch.  Had a great lunch and even sent Tony back to work early so I could tell the guys my plan for our 25th anniversary that I have been planning and firming up the plans the last few days.  More on this later.  Left lunch and went to Walgreen's to pick up another cream the dermatologist prescribed that had to be sent from another store.  So now I have all my prescriptions and hopefully in time my rash on my face will clear up.  The antibiotic I got yesterday is called  Doxcycline.   Guess it will help clear up my face?  Spent the afternoon re mixing the mix I made yesterday.  Listening to it now but I don't think it turned out as good as the day before and will most likely try again next week.  If the beats don't match I am not happy.  Takes at least 80 minutes to make a full CD mix and that means recording in one taping and then editing if there are small miss beats.  I think I might be best to scrap most of this mix and start over.  Will most likely spend the night watching TV from the DVR since it was recording all the new shows all week.  Tony did mention he would like some lovin tonight so maybe we will get that over and out of the way after his shower and before the TV for the night.  Only plans this weekend are to go to the nature center here in Riverwest for their grand opening and tours of what they all planted along the river bluffs.  Other than that will just take it as it comes.

So back to my plan I mentioned earlier for our 25th anniversary.  A friend in Maine that came and visited me a few months after my diagnosis works at a resort in Maine.  I had this bright idea to fly to the resort and get legally married in Maine since Wisconsin will not allow it yet.  He thought it was a great idea and would love to help make this dream come true.  So I have already check flights and clerk of courts information and their state laws and I think it is actually going to happen.  I figure I will propose to Tony and hand him the flight information when he says yes.  My friend in Maine's motel is on the ocean and he says he knows the perfect beach spot for the wedding.  If all falls into place we could be legally married, by the federal government, not our state government, by the end of March next year.  Sucks we even have to play these games to get married after being together for almost 25 years.  We already have engagement rings from our Holy Union 20 years ago so I figure if Tony accepts the flight and reservation paperwork he is saying yes.  Will have to get it all recorded when I do propose.  Tony proposed for  our Holy Union so it is my turn for the wedding in Maine.  Now if I can just get comfortable about leaving the dogs.  I will some how have to make this right with leaving them and have fun.

September 26, 2013 Thursday Afternoon

Spent last night watching Law And Order: SVU.  Went to sleep after the local news.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Tony soon left for work and I spent an hour reading today's newspapers before I took a shower.  Left the house at 10 AM for my dermatologist appointment.  Nice enough doctor and she does not think the rash on my face is because of the HIV meds.  She seems to think it would be all over my body more and not just on my face.  She gave me some prescriptions for creams and one for an antibiotic.  I have not picked them up yet but will leave soon to get the antibiotic.  I guess one of the creams, according to Walgreen's, is not covered by my insurance and the other cream they will have to order and have sent to the store.  I have them calling my doctor back to pick a different cream than the one not covered.  Will pick up the antibiotic today and hopefully tomorrow the creams will be available for pick up.  Thinking I will go get the prescription around supper time so I can pick up a $5 Little Caesar's  Pizza on the way home.  Will most likely spend tonight watching Grey's Anatomy before we go to bed since it is a 2 your episode tonight while the DVR records shows on 3 other channels.

September 25, 2013 Wednesday Afternoon

Was up by 6:30 AM this morning with an upset stomach.  Ended up throwing up bile in the sink for a while before I even got to feeding he dogs.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Read the morning newspaper and then showered so I could go to McDonald's for a breakfast sandwich and then Pick N Save for the weekly grocery shopping.  Was home by 10:30 AM.  Spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon cleaning the sun room windows where the hot tub is.  Took my time and got it done by 3 PM.  Listened to some music while I washed the windows.  They look so nice now.  I had to wash them since I cleaned the inside windows yesterday, when you looked into the sun room the windows looked horrible in comparison to the washed windows.  Made a yellow cake with vanilla frosting after I was done with the windows.  I had three eggs I had to use or throw away soon.  Making meat loaf and mashed potato along with a salad for supper tonight.  Will spend the night watching the new TV shows that recorded the past two nights while new shows record.  I can get through them all and see how I like them all if I fast forward through commercials.  Did not like two of the comedies we watched last night.  I think one was called Goldberg's and the other Trophy Wife.  I liked TW better of the two but if they don't get better they will go off the DVR record list.  Tomorrow morning I have an appointment with a dermatologist to look at the red rash on my face that has appeared since I switched from Truvada to Epzicom.  I am praying I don't have to switch my meds again and it is not the Epzicom.  Hopefully I can get a cream or a pill to clear up the rash on my face from the dermatologist tomorrow.   Will let you know.

September 24, 2013 Tuesday Afternoon

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs, gave Vito his shot and soon Tony was walking out the door to go to work.  Spent the early morning reading the newspapers.  Around 9 AM I started cleaning windows.  Cleaned and washed the kitchen, dining room and living room windows, inside and out.  With the sun coming through they looked like they need a good cleaning.  Made a peanut butter and honey sandwich for lunch and then went for a nice long walk along the river trails.  Got home around 2 PM and spent the rest of the afternoon mixing music.  I have a CD full of songs and am working on my Summer 2013 mix.  I am almost done, now I just have to polish it off and make the beats all match.  I do love mixing music.  Thinking we might go out for $1 tacos tonight since I don't feel like cooking and I do feel like a strawberry margarita.  Will then spend the night watching TV from the DVR while it records all the new shows on all the network stations.  I am recording most of the new show and will watch the first few episodes and then decide if we will continue watching the series.  Was in the 40s this morning and got into the 60s this afternoon.  Was sunny all day and felt great outside.   I only wish the days would stop getting shorter.

September 23, 2013 Monday Afternoon

Friday night we went to a play at the LGBT Center in Milwaukee called Jerker.  It was an interesting play and well done.  We both enjoyed it.  Came home and after we watched the news we went to bed for a little lovin before sleep.

Saturday morning we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  This weekend was an event in Milwaukee called Open Doors where buildings and places in Milwaukee are open to the public like they are not usually.  I had a plan of what I wanted to see and our first stop was the Court House to get tickets for a tour later in the day at Jones Island Water Sewage Treatment Plant.  Got there at 10 AM and the line was around the building for tickets to the various events that had special tours.  Since Tony had forgotten his reading glasses that he would need for the other places we decided to go home and get his glasses.  Got the glasses and headed back downtown.  As we passed the Court House we could see there was no more line and we parked, went in, and got tickets for a 3:30 PM free tour.  Left the Court House and headed to the Global Water Center.  It is a seven story old warehouse converted into water research.  Was a great tour of all the research going on with water here in Milwaukee.  In fact I was surprised to hear that Milwaukee is actually the leader in water research and technology.  Got some great pictures.  Here is one of Tony and I on the sixth floor.

Then got a great picture of me on the seventh floor roof with the city of Milwaukee in the back ground.

We then left the Global Water Center and went about a mile towards the lake front and went for a tour of the University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee School Of Freshwater Sciences.  I didn't know this building existed either in Milwaukee and all the students and people there working on degrees were out in the hallways and rooms showing off their research.  I at one point said to one 'you guys are like the guys on Big Bang Theory only with water'.  The guy never heard of the show Big Bang Theory.  After we went through the university and saw the research and such we went out for lunch at a local Mexican restaurant.  We then headed home to let the dogs out and after a half hour left again for a tour of the Sewage Treatment Plant on Jones Island on the Milwaukee lake front.  Great bus tour around the facility and then a walk through tour of the fertilizer part of the facility where they make Milorganite.  Was a smelly tour to say the least.  Tony walked around covering his nose with his shirt then entire walk through the fertilizer plant.  Was an hour long tour and very informative.  Was glad we did the tour.  Headed home and spent the night ordering a pizza for delivery and watching a few movies.  Watched the movies Scary Movie 5 and No One Lives.  Both were good movies.   Went to bed around 10 PM.

Sunday we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Left the house by 9:30 AM to go get Tony's mom and take her out for a Sunday morning breakfast.  Had a great breakfast.  Dropped her off and after stopping at a couple store with no luck buying what I stopped for, we headed home.  We then took Bo for a walk to get lottery tickets and then to the farmer's market a block farther down the street.  Bought some fresh lettuce.  Came home and got Stella and we then took her for a short walk around the block with Bo.  Stella needs the walking to keep her knee working and hopefully we can avoid surgery like the other knee.  Spent the rest of the day napping and then doing things around the house.  Spent Sunday night watching the Emmy's.  Went to bed after the Emmy's and fell fast asleep after another round of lovin.

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs, gave Vito his shot and got Tony out the door for work.  Spent the early morning reading the newspaper and then headed outside to do some yard work.  Put Weed N Feed on the front lawn and other work outside.  Was a great day in the 60s today and sunny.  Got a couple loads of laundry done and after I post I will start supper.  Making salads and hamburger helper chili mac.  Will spend the night watching Dancing With The Stars and Hostage before we go to sleep.

September 20, 2013 Friday Afternoon

Yesterday afternoon I had a board meeting with ARCW.  Was a shorter meeting than usual and after the meeting I picked up my monthly HIV prescriptions and my monthly food from the pantry.  Came home and spent the afternoon playing with the video security system and cameras Tony brought home from his shop that he is not using.  I could not figure why one of the video systems wouldn't work with a certain monitor and after doing everything under the sun from switching cables to switching plugs I still can not figure out why the security systems do not like a certain monitor.  It is a computer monitor just like the others I am using.  No difference.  Tony was home early from work and I ended up making some salads and a half a pizza for supper.  Spent the night watching the final of Big Brother that we DVR'd from the prior night.  Was happy with the winner.  Spent the last hour in bed watching the Valerie Harper story.  She really shows how one should be in the end.  Standing so strong.  Went to sleep a little after the local news.

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the morning playing with the security system and monitors again only to get very frustrated by the fact the problems I can not fix make no sense or rhyme or reason.  Showered and met the guys and Tony for lunch.  Had a great lunch as usual.  Came home and spent the afternoon playing with the cameras figuring out which ones are broken and which ones even work.  Still have not figured out the big problem I just can not solve with the monitors.  Will just make some salads and TV dinners for supper tonight.  If Tony has an energy we talked about going to a play tonight at the LGBT center here in Milwaukee.  If we do not go we will just end up staying home watching TV from the DVR.  This weekend is the Open Door's Of Milwaukee event.  Lot of places you can not usually enter are open to the public.  We do have a few on our list to go to. 

September 18, 2013 Wednesday Afternoon

Yesterday I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the day doing things around the house.  I did go for a nice long walk late in the afternoon.  Ended up going to a car show and then Taco Bell for supper last night.  On the way home we got stopped by the police about a half mile from the house.  Guess the cop had nothing better to do than stop us to check out our monster truck and see if it was legal.  Guess Tony should have Hobbyist plates on the car and not the ones he has.  The cop was a dick and finally just let us go.  Heck, it has been safety inspected and all the paperwork has been filled out.  You would think they would have better things to do with all the crime and shootings lately around the city.  Not sure where the day went yesterday but it sure went by fast.  Spent last night watching America's Got Talent Final.  I hope the magician kid or the comic kid wins.  Went to sleep around 10:20 PM after the local news.

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Talked on the phone for a while with my mom in the morning.  Spent the morning reading the newspaper and doing things around the house.  I laid down for a while in the afternoon and soon Tony was home with a 47 inch smart TV in hand that he bought from someone on the street.  I have no use for this size TV.  We already have a bigger TV in the living room and the 32 inch TV's around the house fit where they are and a bigger TV would not fit.  Tony kept saying how it is a 'smart TV'.  I don't need a smart TV.  I have Internet and all I need right now.  I don't use Amazon or the Internet to buy TV or movies.  Heck I download them for free.  So the $270 he spent on this great TV was really a waste.  Will most likely sell it or keep it as a back up TV if our 65 inch TV dies.  I did go grocery shopping this morning but bought very little since we have gone out to eat so much and I have cooked so little.  I even think tonight we will go out to eat and have $1.50 hamburgers and French fries at the local bar.  Tonight is a full night of TV from the Big Brother final to America's Got Talent final.  There are also shows recording on two other channels.  Was in the 60s most of today and sunny.  Tomorrow it is suppose to get to almost 80 and humid before another cold front comes through for the weekend.

September 16, 2013 Monday Afternoon

Friday night we spent the night watching the movie World War Z.  I loved the movie but then again I love zombie movies.  Was everything I wanted and then some.  Went to bed around 10 PM and after a little lovin we went to sleep.

Saturday morning we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the morning reading the newspapers and doing things around the house.  Around 12:30 PM we rode our bikes about a mile away to see the street festival and art show and buy some flowers on the way home to take to Tony's relatives house tonight for a cook out.  Was a nice bike ride and we were home in about two hours.  Spent some time with the dogs and watched a little TV before we got back on our bike to go back to the street festival for the 4 PM tomato romp / throwing.  We have gone to this in the past years and it is so fun to watch about 100 people get into a cage about 6 inches deep with tomatoes and just start throwing them at each other.  We learned after our first year of watching to stand far away because the tomatoes fly outside the cage and if your even 15 feet of the cage you are covered in tomatoes.  Had a fun time watching and seeing all the people covered in tomato slime.  Rode our bikes back home and fed the dogs.  After a little while we then left to go to Tony's niece's house for a cook out.  Stayed for about an hour and ended up buying her walking tread mill for $25 that she was throwing out.  We figured if we gave her $25 we would never have to hear in the future that she 'gave' us a tread mill.  Funny how you learn these life lessons as you get older.  Got home around 8 PM and spent the night watching TV from the DVR.   Spent the night watching horror movies on Chill channel.  Actually was up until 2 AM watching horror movies in bed.

Sunday morning we were up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Sunday was a raining day, all day.  I spent the morning moving TV and camera monitors around so that a bigger monitor was in the kitchen.  Had to change the wiring and it turned into a bigger project than I originally thought.  Got it all done and showered by noon.  We then went to George Webb's for breakfast even though it was after 12 PM.  Came home and spent the afternoon watching the movie Mud.  I did not follow the movie well and did not like it.  It never caught my interest.  Didn't help that our tenant came down to cry on our shoulders about how her boy friend hit her and the fight they had the night before.  I thought I had heard something going on but did not hear a fight.  She told us way to much and I am not feeling good about this tenant relationship at all now.  Her boy friend then came down without his shirt on, first time seeing him with his shirt off.  I think he did it to throw us off from the conversation,  lol.   Anyway.  We let her know we did not think he should be hitting her and would never take his side if it happens in the future.  She then soon left after her boyfriend came down and it got awkward.  He only stayed for a couple minutes and made an excuse to leave.  Wow, 'keep my distance'.  I should have taken all your advice a week or more ago.  Sounds like he gets drunk and then verbally and physically abusive to her.  I know it takes two, but no one should hit anyone.  Tony and I have been there a couple times in a very heated fight.  We even took fists to each other once about 23 years ago, in our first year.  It never happened again and we made a firm rule that 'if anyone in this relationship is stupid enough to ever hit the other, they better be prepared and will deserve to get hit back TWICE as hard'.  It has kept us from ever having a heated fight like that again knowing that if your stupid enough to throw a punch in a heated argument, you will get hit harder back and deserve it.  Spent Sunday night watching the movie The English Teacher.  It was OK from what I remember, I fell asleep a little ways through the movie and then it was over.  Went to bed around 10 PM. 

This morning I was up by 7 AM.  Fed the dogs, gave Vito his shot and Tony soon left for work.  Spent the morning doing the bedroom laundry.  Dog blankets, bed blankets and sheets along with the comforter.  Three loads of laundry in all.  This afternoon around 2 PM I went for a nice long walk along the river trails.  Had a great walk.  Had to push myself out the door to get it started, but once I got through the park and into the river trails I was so glad I was out walking.  Going to call Tony soon and find out when he will be home.  Thinking we might go to a car show tonight while we still can it is warm enough and light enough outside for them still.  It is getting dark by 7 PM now already.  Hate the fact it gets dark so early in the Winter.  Will then spend the night watching Dancing With The Stars and then Under The Dome.  It was in the 40s this morning when I woke and got up to 60 degrees this afternoon.  A little chilly but I am not complaining.

September 13, 2013 Friday Afternoon

As I sit here to type about what I did yesterday my mind is blank.  I did do some work out in the yard in the morning and took a nap in the afternoon.  Called my parents in the afternoon and spoke with both mom and dad.  Of course we didn't talk about the email because ..... well, it's like a father son saying they love each other.  You say it once and move on.  I guess that is how I can make sense of it.  Either way, the email will be cherished and I know better where we stand if Tony and I do indeed someday get legally married.  Made spaghetti for supper and spent the night watching TV with Tony and the dogs.  Went to bed around 10 PM for a little lovin and then went to sleep. 

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Spent the morning reading the newspaper and doing my usual Friday morning movie downloads.  Had lunch with the guys and came home.  It was in the 60s today and sunny.  I do love the 60s and decided to go for a nice long walk through the river trails.  I have not walked the trails for a long time and it felt so good.  Met and talked with four homeless people or road people under the Locust street bridge.  They are on there way to North Dakota to pick snow peas.  Must be a hard life on the road.  They had four dogs with them and I felt so sorry for the dogs.  I could see them scratching like crazy because of the fleas they must have.  Finished my walk and after a little bit I packed up a big bag of dog dry food, four cans of dog food and a box of dog treats and headed back down to the trails to give it to the homeless for their dogs.  I did throw in some crackers for them also.  I was happy to hear one of the guys say 'the dogs eat better than we do'.  I figure the dogs didn't choose the street life so they should eat better.  Felt good to give them about $10 worth of dog food and they did appreciate it.  Walked back home and soon after I started posting Tony walked in the door home early from work.  Have to finish this post and get him in the shower.  Since he is home so early we will go out for a Friday night fish fry that Wisconsin is famous for.  Have a couple parties to go to over the weekend.  Sunday looks like rain all day so we will spend most of the day indoors watching movies.

September 11, 2013 Wednesday Afternoon

This morning I was up by 6:30 AM.  Fed the dogs and gave Vito his shot.  Someone from the window place for the new upstairs windows was to be here between 10 and noon to measure all the windows.  A little before 9 AM I got a call saying he would be here in 20 minutes.  Early but OK.  Got through the window measuring and was out the door by 10:30 AM to go grocery shopping.  Bought way too much food and now I wonder why since I will have to cook it all.  The frig and cabinets are stocked.  I shouldn't have to buy anything but milk and fresh produce for a long time.  Everything looked so good today and of course it was all 'on sale'.  Took a short nap with the dogs this afternoon as I reflected on an email I got from my father today.  My parents have not always been supportive of my lifestyle or relationship.  They have come a long way.  Today I got the following email from my father:

Good morning Dave,   I went to a meeting last night and found it very interesting. It was held
at our church but it was for the Oconomowoc community  There were about 75 to 80 people
there.  The subject was "Fostering Understanding Creating Awareness"  It was for Parents
of children who are LGBT..I found it very interesting, and wish I would have understood and attended a panel discussion like that 25 years ago. I would have had a better understanding and
awareness of your issues. I have always been against same sex marriage, but after last nights
meeting I have a greater understanding, how two people of the same sex or not, if they
have love in there heart and are happy being together that is the important part of life. After hearing
some of the stories of how these parents had to deal with understanding there children and
how the children were so afraid to come "out of the closet" not knowing how things would turn
out..I am happy for you and Tony and have a much greater understanding of your values in life.
(mom did not go with me and I wish she would have} 
Thanks Dave for being you.   with love to you and Tony     Dad

Wow.  My reply to him was 'the next thing your going to tell me is that your a democrat'. 
For all those out there who continue to say 'it gets better'.  It still gets better even when you are 52 years old.  You don't have to be a kid in high school to feel the joy of a parent telling you in writing he took the time to understand your relationship.  I honestly cry every time I read his email.  It made my day and I will cherish it until the day I die and remember him after he is gone.  Making sweet and sour chicken with a salad tonight for supper.  Will spend the night watching Big Brother, X Factor and America's Got Talent results before going to sleep.  It was again hot and humid in Milwaukee today.  To hot to open the windows and the air conditioning has been on all day.  Hopefully tomorrow the humidity will be less and it will be cooler so I can open the windows.