MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'gang'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:29:58 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841429&cid=t_334965_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FdPEE57zMGPY%2F By Ilya ShapiroThis morning I outlined the stakes of today’s seminal cloture vote on Goodwin’s Liu’s nomination to the Ninth Circuit.  Well, now we have a result: cloture failed 52-43, with Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) joining all voting Republicans except Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) against cloture. Three Republicans plus Max Baucus (D-MT) were absent, while Orrin Hatch (R-UT) voted present because of his previous strong position against filibusters. This is the first judicial nominee filibustered since the Gang of 14 brokered an agreement on President Bush’s nominees in 2005, forestalling then-Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s use of the so-called nuclear option (changing Senate rules to eliminate the judicial filibuster).  That agreement, to the extent it&#821... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841429 Thu, 19 May 2011 19:21:57 +0100 4841429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4545144&cid=t_334965_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F03%2Fyork-university-researchers-identify-genetic-process-that-may-underlie-ovarian-cancer-chemoresistance%2F York University researchers have identified a genetic process that may allow ovarian cancer to resist chemotherapy. York University researchers have zeroed in on a genetic process that may allow ovarian cancer to resist chemotherapy. Researchers in the York University Faculty of Science & Engineering studied a tiny strand of our genetic makeup known as a microRNA [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4545144 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:05:55 +0100 4545144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983544&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fcycles.html Mom stayed over at my house all day Saturday. Dad went to the Auburn ballgame after watching football all morning. Mom cycles. She is on one of her low ebbs at the moment and is sleeping a lot. How she can just lie in the bed for hours all day after sleeping all night is beyond me. I kind of cycled myself and slept a lot as well – not leaving me with much to write about. It was the sleep of ages for me – having got caught up on some much needed and missed sleep after a few weeks of getting adjusted to working nights. Work is very slow tonight. I’ve had one customer in hours and he was just a gawker, gawking at all our television display models. I hate to answer a hundred questions and not make a sale. It seems like such a waste of time, but maybe he will be back to buy a TV tomorrow ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983544 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 07:55:00 +0100 3983544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3982106&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fneither-borrower-or-lender-be-they-say.html “Can I borrow $20 bucks?” George asked me as he arrived at work this morning. “What for?” I asked warily, sounding like my father. “It’s for sodas and lunch,” George replied. “Momma is being chitzy with her money fearing I will drink on it. I can’t wait for payday.” I pulled out my wallet and gave George $20 bucks. He thanked me profusely and headed back out to get busy bringing in the carts. I think Mrs. Florene and I are both warily anticipating payday – fearing George will go back to his old ways. A pretty new liquor store opened up just a mile from Mrs. Florene’s house and it both worries us. George could easily walk down and get a drink. It would be a matter of days before his parole officer downloaded the data off his monitoring device and it would be a go bac... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3982106 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:26:00 +0100 3982106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3980988&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fneither-borrower-or-lender-be-they-say.html “Can I borrow $20 bucks?” George asked me as he arrived at work this morning. “What for?” I asked warily, sounding like my father. “It’s for sodas and lunch,” George replied. “Momma is being chitzy with her money fearing I will drink on it. I can’t wait for payday.” I pulled out my wallet and gave George $20 bucks. He thanked me profusely and headed back out to get busy bringing in the carts. I think Mrs. Florene and I are both warily anticipating payday – fearing George will go back to his old ways. A pretty new liquor store opened up just a mile from Mrs. Florene’s house and it both worries us. George could easily walk down and get a drink. It would be a matter of days before his parole officer downloaded the data off his monitoring device and it would be a go bac... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3980988 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:26:00 +0100 3980988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3980990&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fi-guess-its-over.html Stacey came storming into the house last night saying we needed to talk. I knew exactly what that meant when a woman says that. “This is just not going to work,” she told me with a furious look on her face. “I never get to see you and when I do, you are sleepy and tired.” “What can I do about it?” I asked, flummoxed. “I have to go to work! I have to support myself!” “I think we need some time to just think about where YOU want to take things!” “Fine,” I said complacently and she left after staying only a few moments. I had already cooked supper and set the table. I sat and ate alone last night. I guess it’s over. I haven’t heard from her since. I am thinking I jumped into a relationship too soon into my recovery anyway. I felt an odd sense of relief last night a... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3980990 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:25:00 +0100 3980990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973095&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Ftaste-of-fall.html “It’s cold as a witches’ tit outside!” George was saying this morning as he walked into electronics. I was busy putting away boxes of new DVDs and Blu-Rays that just had arrived. I pulled out my Crackberry and browsed to my favorite weather source and the temperature said 58 degrees. “Ah fall,” I mused mainly to myself. George was entirely not dressed for this weather – having on a t-shirt under his smock and some light pants. I gave him the keys to my car and told him to go get the pullover I had put in the trunk the previous evening just for such occasions. He thanked me and left. It was slow night at work. I only had a handful of customers all night. I spent most of yesterday sleeping after working on the template for my blog for a few hours. I keep trying new templates ho... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973095 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:54:00 +0100 3973095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965665&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fman-of-my-own-heart.html “Can I help you?” I asked enthusiastically as a young man walked into my apartment around midnight. “I need help!” the young man said with a warm smile. “I want a small LCD television and want to hook up all my televisions and cable Internet in one room using the single cable line coming in from the floor.” “I can help you with that!” I replied, getting to work. We walked over to the aisle with all the cables. I got him a five way 2400 MHz cable splitter and plenty of RG-6 shielded cable line – perfect for keeping the integrity of his cable Internet signal. “What kind of TV are you looking for?” I then asked as we walked over to all the display models. “Something around 27 inches to 32 inches,” he said. “I don’t mind spending money. I want something nice with ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965665 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:51:00 +0100 3965665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3961967&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fobsessive-auburn-fans.html “Your father has watched the Auburn game three times today over and over,” mom said as she walked in my house. “He is just obsessed!” “What are you doing?” I asked, smiling at mom’s exasperation and also surprised at mom’s unannounced visit. “I just couldn’t take it any more and came over here to be with you where it is quiet. Your father is going deaf and turns the TV up so loud it is maddening.” I went back to toodling with my computers as mom lay on the bed in the computer room talking about all her problems which she seemingly has many.  Caramel was sleeping on the couch and Maggie jumped up on the bed to be with mom. “I finally got my pain pills,” mom told me as she lay there on her side. “I was determined not to hurt anymore.” “Have they helped?�... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3961967 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 22:52:00 +0100 3961967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3960064&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Freunion.html Mrs. Florene cooked George’s favorite meal last night. Pot roast with potatoes and carrots, Southern style sticky rice and gravy, green beans, and biscuits. She also cooked a chocolate pie which is also one of George’s favorite desserts. “You would think you were on death row and it was your last meal,” I told him laughing as I ate a piece of pie myself. Mrs. Florene smiled so proudly as she cleaned up the kitchen after supper and George and I talked as we sat at the table drinking glasses of delightfully sweet tea. “It is hard to describe,” George said. “This prison thing. I thought I would go crazy every day with nothing to do. I’ve been to county jail before, but state prison was a whole ‘nother world.” “You wrote to me a lot about prison gangs,” I replied. “Wa... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3960064 Sat, 11 Sep 2010 18:10:00 +0100 3960064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3958050&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Flazy-afternoon-in-south.html I was just standing in mom and dad’s kitchen as Helen cooked supper.  We finally had something fried this evening much to my elation.  Helen was cooking English peas with carrots, fried Swiss steak, baked potatoes, fruit salad, and biscuits.  Dad had just arrived home and changed clothes into his pajamas. “Mr. John?  Are you going to bed?” Helen asked as dad passed through the kitchen to survey Helen’s meal. Dad laughed. “I am going out on the porch to read for awhile until supper is ready. I am just getting ready to relax.” Dad and I don’t say much to each other these days. We just chose to disagree about the course I am taking with my life. Dad worries about my retirement and disability ending in May. I finally got him to go online to read all the guidel... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3958050 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:23:00 +0100 3958050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3954463&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Ffree-at-last-free-at-last.html Well, I got a call late last night before work. I was fixing my lunch and had just finished ironing my khaki pants.  It was Mrs. Florene.  They had just arrived home from Atmore.  It was a long day she said fraught with worry and anticipation – a nerve wracking process that I was somewhat relieved that I didn’t have to experience.  It was the first time she had seen George in months. “So, what’s the news?” I asked excitedly and with great trepidation.  I had been waiting all day.  I had trouble sleeping for worrying myself.  I am just exhausted tonight at work. “George got parole!” Mrs. Florene exclaimed, almost starting to cry. According to Mrs. Florene, George is to be transported to a county jail today to be fitted with an ankle alcohol m... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3954463 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 07:12:00 +0100 3954463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946670&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fyou-get-what-you-pay-for.html I have a lot of misgivings about selling the eMachines computers at work.  And they are popular.  People think, “Hey! A $500 dollar computer! I am getting a bargain!”  You get what you pay for – a neutered machine that is only good for basically browsing the web.  I sold one tonight to a lady whose laptop had gone kaput. “What kind of things do you do with your computer?” I asked her. “Online banking, email, and FaceBook,” she told me. I guess an eMachines computer will work for her, but I strongly suggest you spend the money and buy a much nicer computer from Dell or Gateway. Tonight was a busier night with the video game cabinet keeping me busy.  We keep all our Wii, PS3 and XBox games locked behind a glass partition.  I have a key and have to ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946670 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:38:00 +0100 3946670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946671&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fthat-shifty-guy-in-aisle-three.html I learned long ago working in convenience stores and in a retail pet store that if a customer is spending a lot of time watching the clerk, then he or she is most likely up to something no good.  A man was in my department early this morning and every time I looked up from my laptop he was watching me to see if I was watching him.  Fortunately, almost all items in the electronics department have RFID (radio frequency identification devices) chips in them.  Anything he would steal would set off the alarms at the front doors as he walked out.  This didn’t stop him from eyeing me closely, though. “Do you need any help?” I finally asked him. “Oh, I am  just browsing,” he told me looking passingly at all the cellphones we had on display. I finally ignored him ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946671 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:51:00 +0100 3946671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942995&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fpiece-of-puzzle-falls-into-place.html “I called your best friend’s old supervisor at the distribution center in La Grange,” my former supervisor told me this morning as I was getting off. “He said he was one of his best workers until one night he just didn’t show up. He had never missed a night before.” “That’s when he got his DUI,” I replied. “He worked for almost two years without any lapses.” “I am going to go out on a limb hiring a convicted felon, but his old supervisor and you have swayed me,” my previous supervisor told me. “When do you think he will be able to start work?” “I am hoping next Monday if he gets parole,” I replied now grinning vigorously so excited. “You better not let me down,” she said giving me a big hug. “I don’t want another disaster like I often have trying t... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942995 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:06:00 +0100 3942995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938482&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fsecond-chance-for-george.html My old supervisor arrived about as I was getting ready to leave. She was dressed very prettily this morning before putting on her Wal-Mart smock. The first shift had taken over and I caught her in customer service. We walked outside in the cool dawn air to talk for a moment as I told her I had something I wanted to discuss. “How was your first night?” she asked me first very excitedly. “It went fine,” I told her in reply. “I didn’t have any problems. Things went smoothly.  I was just extremely sleepy and nervous, though, all night.” “You will adjust,” she said as she put her arm around me and gave me a strong hug – waves of her perfume wafting over me. “You were way too overqualified for the job you worked for me. It has been bananas trying to fill your position.... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938482 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:13:00 +0100 3938482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3934606&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Ftoday-is-big-day.html Tonight, I start a new journey – a nightshift job with much better pay and actual benefits for a change.  I will be all alone all night in my department, though, and that makes me nervous.  What if I get a cantankerous customer? What if the register goes haywire?  lol  I will just hope for the best and do my best.  I think my worst anxiety attacks are in my past these days, even though I want to knock on wood with saying that.  I seem to never know what lurks around the corner for me anxiety-wise.  My greatest hopes last night were to stay up all night and sleep during the day today.  That didn’t work so well.  9:30pm rolled around, two hours after my normal bedtime, and I was so sleepy I could barely stay awake and I hadn’t taken a Ambien... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3934606 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:42:00 +0100 3934606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3934607&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fdisconcerting-news-for-mrs-florene.html “I am not going to be able to make it to George’s parole hearing Thursday,” I told Mrs. Florene over the phone during my lunch break. “I just can’t get down there during the day and work at night, too.  I just can’t afford to take time off from work Thursday night with this new position.” “Oh, sweetheart,” Mrs. Florene replied. “He was so looking forward to seeing you.  I was hoping you would be the cornerstone of our hearing with you being a white man giving him a job.” I sighed very deeply.  It was one of the harder phone calls I have had to make in a very long time – much harder than the many squabbles my father and I would often have over my medications.  “Tell him he is in my mind and heart,” I told Florene. “I will be thinking of him.... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3934607 Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:46:00 +0100 3934607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913281&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Ftime-for-day-off.html Dad grilled steaks last night for him and mom.  He brought me by a plate around 7:00pm.  I had just called him warning him storms were on the way. “You were right,” dad said always so excited about the weather. “The heavens opened up just after you called.  I had just got the steaks off the grill.” It is hurricane week on The Weather Channel and it is hard to get current and local weather information.  Dad is still finding it hard to adjust to using the Internet as a weather resource like I do.  And our favorite local weather television station is broken again as usual.  Dad couldn’t keep up with the weather last night. “The Weather Channel is just going to die as far as weather fans go,” dad said with a sigh. We both have lots of misgivings abou... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913281 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:58:00 +0100 3913281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3795040&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fthermal-matters.html I left work at nine and drove directly to Auburn to buy some thermal compound for my processor.  I thought I had a full tube of Arctic Silver, but it was empty.  I couldn’t install my processor without it.   I reluctantly came back to the Valley to start the job at my Benefactor’s house.  I really wanted to come home and play, but work beckoned.  Installing my processor would have to wait.  As I  had expected, it was a hot and sweaty job requiring lots of physical exertion.  I earned every bit of the $50 dollars my Benefactor paid me. “You work hard and very fast,” my Benefactor told me at one point as he stood in the backyard nosily surveying my efforts. “I can’t wait to get home,” I told him. “I have a new toy to play with. Com... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3795040 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:12:00 +0100 3795040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772441&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fs-e-x.html I was sitting down in the park late last evening drinking my two sunset brews and talking to Kim on the phone.  We were talking about how long someone should wait before sleeping together for the first time after starting dating. “I slept with Rachel within days of us meeting,” I told her. “You know how that ended.  Divorce.  We moved way too fast.  Before I knew it I was married.” “I slept with Bill on our first date,” Kim told me of her ex-husband. “We seem to be moving at a much slower pace,” I replied, relieved.  I wasn’t quite sure I was ready for the big commitment yet. “The other night in your car was so hard, though,” she told me. “I wanted you to come inside and for us to make love.” “There will be plenty of time for that,” I ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772441 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:33:00 +0100 3772441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3764280&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fbroken-sleep-and-day-off.html Strange dreams kept plaguing me last night.  I dreamt of Neil Young’s song Old Man over and over – trying to sing it and remember the words in my sleep.  I also dreamt I was still married and Rachel and I were fighting.  Some things never change. 7:30am found me at dad’s sitting in the den.  I watched as he handed me my handful of medications.  He yawned sleepily as he asked me how my night was. “I had my first passionate kiss in years last night and it was wonderful,” I replied. “Who?” dad asked shockingly surprised. “A woman I’ve met at work.” Dad didn’t know what to say.  He looked kind of confused.  For years, I wasn’t dateable and suddenly I am.  I don’t think dad knows how to handle it.  For years, I have been lik... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3764280 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:17:00 +0100 3764280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3763045&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fmidnight-in-chattahoochee-valley.html I couldn’t sleep last night after sleeping for about four hours.  I was wide awake at midnight.  I had two Klonopin to take which usually make me sleepy as they are very sedating, but I knew to save them for the next afternoon – ever mindful of that anxiety that always hits the most late in the day.  I got online and applied for countless fast food jobs just for the hell of it – interested in if I would get some calls.  I also applied for a job opening as a grocery clerk at Kroger -- putting feelers out there.  The assessment tests on these online applications were interesting in what they would ask – only a moron would answer incorrectly the questions were so obvious in their solutions.  I wandered down to the convenience store well after midnight.&nb... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3763045 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:56:00 +0100 3763045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3758081&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fits-something-to-think-about.html “There’s going to be an opening soon in electronics,” the androgynous Derrick told me this morning. “You would be perfect for the job with what you know.” I thanked Derrick for the insider info, but I think I will stay at pulling in shopping carts.  That way I don’t have to deal with the public much which will be easier on my anxiety.  Also, I would hate to cause my supervisor distress.  She has a hard time finding people to do my job at the rate it pays, the hours, and with the heat of summer.  She has been so nice and accommodating to me and my disability I would hate to let her down. Work was very slow again today.  I have come to realize this is the norm.  Those busy days when I first starting working were a fluke.  I am content to spend t... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3758081 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:06:00 +0100 3758081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754059&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fgreat-sodium-conundrum.html “Does Crystal Light have sodium?” a little elderly lady asked me as I was gathering carts in the parking lot early this morning. “I just can’t drink plain water anymore.  I am tired of it.” “I am not sure,” I replied with a friendly supervisor pleasing smile. “Let’s go inside and look.” I was feeling exceptionally helpful today for some reason – feeling so mentally well after a full eight hours of sleep and my morning two Klonopin.  Today was also payday and I was so excited to get to the bank and open an account.  I was in a very good mood.  It was my first real paycheck in a very, very long time.  I felt so accomplished.  I felt like a self supporting man for the first time in years.  A few weeks ago, I could barely leave the house... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754059 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:26:00 +0100 3754059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746964&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fregarding-sunset-brews-and-my.html This seems to be this biggest source of contention with my readers on the blog these days – my drinking of my nightly sunset brews.  I have received more well intentioned advice and concern on this subject than more than anything in years.  I am trying to emulate the homeless Albert Vanderburg's nightly routine on Waikiki beach of this same ritual.  If you’ve known me for long, then you know I love rituals and routines. I also tend to romanticize the homeless lifestyle, and this routine seems so masculine, worldly, and helplessly homelessly romantic to me.  George will love reading about it in the blog posts I am mailing him each day.  He will live vicariously through my words and I have him in mind many nights when I drink them.  We both lived a pseudo ho... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746964 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:25:00 +0100 3746964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3743709&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fregarding-sunset-brews-and-my.html This seems to be this biggest source of contention with my readers on the blog these days – my drinking of my nightly sunset brews.  I have received more well intentioned advice and concern on this subject of more than anything in years.  I am trying to emulate the homeless Albert Vanderburg's nightly routine on Waikiki beach of this same ritual.  If you’ve known me for long, then you know I love rituals and routines. I also romanticize the homeless lifestyle, and this routine seems so masculine and helplessly homelessly romantic to me.  George will love reading about it in the blog posts I am mailing him each day.  He will live vicariously through my words and I have him in mind many nights when I drink them.  We both lived a pseudo homeless existence for... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743709 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:25:00 +0100 3743709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742395&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fthink-before-you-smoke-dummy.html   “I hate to get on to you. You’ve done so well, but you don’t need to be smoking as you bring the carts in from the parking lot,” my supervisor told me this morning.  “Smoke off to the side of the store near the oil change area. You’re doing an awesome job, though.  That’s my only complaint with what you are doing.” “Sorry!” I replied, feeling like crap. I am so sensitive – really a perfectionist at heart. I can’t take much criticism.  “I just wasn’t thinking. It won’t happen again.” “It just looks bad,” my supervisor said. “Remember you are representing the store and you are usually the first Wal-Mart employee customers see besides the greeter.” Work was routine other than that. I trained the new guy – a big bustling black guy... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742395 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:07:00 +0100 3742395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737276&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Froutines.html I am excited about work this morning.  I feel so good and I slept so well last night.  I woke up at six feeling so refreshed.  I was in the bed by eleven. I’ve been sleeping on my couch and found I sleep more soundly there than I do on my big queen sized bed.  My couch is so soft and you just melt into it when you lie down.  I like to go to sleep to the soft drone of my television in the den.  You should see me and Maggie huddled on the couch, though.  Both of us just about can’t fit, and Maggie insists on sleeping with me.  We are such the pair! Routines are important to me again after year’s absence.  I found myself in the kitchen a moment ago cooking some eggs and toast and then quietly sitting at my kitchen table eating.  I then t... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737276 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:44:00 +0100 3737276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733275&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fpossible-parolee.html “George might be eligible for parole in October!” Florene told me over the phone very animatedly and excitedly tonight. “I talked to him on the phone late this afternoon.  He said he is going to have to wear an alcohol monitoring device for months, though.  Possibly a year.” “How did he feel about that?” I asked excited, but worried about my friends tendency to drink without thought.  The urge to drink can be all encompassing for an alcoholic at times.  “He said he was willing to do anything to get out of jail,” she told me. “He promised me.  He said he would gladly give up drinking for his freedom. Andrew, he sounds so miserable!” I can only hope my dear best friend gets home before Christmas.  October would be a boon. If George doesn’t ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733275 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:32:00 +0100 3733275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714420&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fpig.html The trains just weren’t running today.  I saw only two long freight trains and one short local in the two hours of sitting on my favored bench behind the bank. I sat reading my Model Railroaders and smoking.   I did get to see an old dilapidated GP-38-2 from the seventies pick up a string of pulpwood cars in the wood yard. That excited me as the GP-38-2 is my all time favorite diesel locomotive.  Disappointed, I finally walked up to the Piggly Wiggly which is just up the street.  I parked on a bench, ate some cheese and wheat crackers, and began people watching.  There was an interesting little altercation when the police were called when a man had been found to be stuffing steaks down his pants.  I couldn't help but laugh and feel sorry for the young H... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714420 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:08:00 +0100 3714420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710768&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Ftracks-as-central-nexus.html The railroad tracks near my home run behind Kroger and several poor neighborhoods.  They are often used as a thoroughfare to between these neighborhoods and the grocery store.  A trail of sorts.  Often, I will see poor people walking the tracks carrying a twelve pack of beer from the grocery store on their way home including me as one of the poor souls this morning sans beer.  This morning was no different.  I sat on my bench around eight watching trains as one fellow walked down the side of the tracks.  I immediately put out my cigarette putting my pack in my pocket as they always ask for one and it is an awkward social moment for me. I am not exactly exuding cigarettes these days.   I was wrong today when the man reached into his pocket and pulled ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710768 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:25:00 +0100 3710768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545614&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fbusy-morning-so-far.html I got up at 3am and cleaned and cleaned until my house was almost spotless.  The cleanliness of my living environment is a direct reflection of my mental health.  My house can go to hell if I am feeling mentally interesting.   Dad came by about seven before work and gave me my morning dosage of Risperdal and exclaimed, “Dear God! This looks so good!  You can really do things when you set your mind to them!”  My house does look nice.  I am tired from doing all that this morning, but it feels good.  I don’t want to live in the filth I did when I was married to Rachel.  We constantly fought over cleaning.  My mother says she was sloppy and a slob. Next on the agenda was Maggie’s walk.  We took a quick 45 minute jaunt around the ne... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545614 Sat, 08 May 2010 13:50:00 +0100 3545614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524442&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fmy-thoughts-for-blogging-day_02.html Don’t Drop the Soap…That distinctive ring of my phone happened last night.  It was Mrs. Florene calling.  I didn’t have time to talk for an hour so I let my answering machine pick up.  Mrs. Florene left a long rambling message about George.  It seems George is very unhappy with prison food.  Mrs. Florene said they didn’t even salt the vegetable soup for lunch and the loaf bread served was stale and old.  I was thinking that was the least of George’s worries.  George is not a fighting type of man and prison is a rough place.  I worry about my friend getting shanked or beat up.  “Don’t drop the soap,” was all I could think of when I thought of prison rape.  The whole situation is sad and can depress me when I dwell upon it.&nb... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524442 Sun, 02 May 2010 09:56:00 +0100 3524442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3449120&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fafternoon-update.html “Baby, will you keep the cars going until George gets out of jail?” Mrs. Florene asked me this afternoon.  “I want you to come to breakfast every morning as well.  I am just a lonely old lady it seems.” My heart went out to her.  She went on to say she felt lost without George.  She didn’t have anything to do now, but sit in the house, talk on the phone, and watch TV.  I assured her I would keep the batteries in the cars charged, the oil changed, and keep them gassed up.  “I have trouble getting going in the morning, but I will try to make it for breakfast,” I replied. “Well, it would mean a lot to this old woman if you would.” “I’ll see you in the morning, but you are going to make me fat again,” I said laughing.  “Your food is... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3449120 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:02:00 +0100 3449120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3441039&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmy-thoughts-for-blogging-day_06.html A Tarnished Twitterer… I am quickly becoming un-enamored with Twitter.  It seems everyone on there is an attention whore.  I am guilty of it myself looking for replies in what I write.  I don’t want to be that kind of person – seeking attention at the sake of my dignity.  Most people talk about wildly uninteresting things to me.  TV. Pop culture.  Obscure and crappy music.  Etc.  I unfollowed over 200 people yesterday in my quest to make my twitter stream a better place. Tonight, I didn’t even open Twhirl and join in.  All the Kiwis post this time of night and they seem to only talk about New Zealand pop culture and television.  I want to get to know a person.  I want someone to share some feeling and emotion with me.  I h... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3441039 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:20:00 +0100 3441039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3441043&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fthoughts-on-george.html (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3441043 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:09:00 +0100 3441043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437906&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fgeorge-update.html George is in Jail for a driving under the influence charge he got last night about 3am in the morning.  Mrs. Florene says he has a hearing this afternoon to see whether they will allow him bail or not.  George has had four or five previous DUI’s and I fear he may be in jail until his court date in a few weeks.  Mrs. Florene sounded beside herself. She doesn't know what to do. I just told her that I am always there for her and will talk to dad to talk to the judge when he goes to court.  Dad got me out of several DUI’s over the years by calling the judge.  Dad knows everyone and has sway in this little small town.  I would hate to see my friend go to jail for a long time for a stupid mistake.  It was bound to happen again, though, as George had a bad p... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437906 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:57:00 +0100 3437906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437908&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmy-thoughts-for-blogging-day_05.html Treating Symptoms, but not a Cure… I was thinking this morning how most of the medications we take treat symptoms and do not cure our ailments.   The only cures I could think of were vaccines for like polio.  I take Risperdal.  It controls the symptoms of my schizophrenia to a certain degree, but it doesn’t cure the disease.  Many people take medications to LOWER their cholesterol and not to cure what is causing the problem.  It was just food for thought and I don’t know what got me to thinking about this this morning. I thought is was interesting, though.  Big Pharma must love this – to keep us on medications.  They wouldn’t make much money if the ailment could just be cured.  (Oh, that sounded conspiratorial and paranoid schizophreni... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437908 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:46:00 +0100 3437908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3436396&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmy-thoughts-for-end-of-blogging-day_03.html Mental Wellness Arrives… I got to feeling better and better mentally as the day progressed after a rough start last night and this morning.  I managed to get a shower, shave, and cook a very, very good supper this afternoon.  I cooked a pan of delicious cornbread and made some vegetable beef soup.  I have also straightened the house up some despite dad being gone – doing little odds and ends like taking out the trash and sweeping my hardwood floors.  I wanted the house to look good for Charlie to come.  Maggie has also been blissfully on the porch all day barking at anything that would walk by.  It is comforting to know she is out there and looking out for the house and I.  I had all my doors open and screened in porch wide open as well so anyone coul... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3436396 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 21:01:00 +0100 3436396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3433142&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fbreakfast-by-george.html George just called me. He was driving home from work in Lagrange. “Are you going to be okay?” he asked. “Your pops leaving might make you want to drink.” I smiled. My good friend. My dear good friend. “I will be fine,” I replied assuredly. “I am actually excited about it.  I am going to let myself go for a few days.  It’s a vacation for me.” George laughed. “Get me some breakfast,” I then said in hungry anticipation. “What do you want?” George asked. “You ought to just eat breakfast with me and mom. She’s cooking cheese grits, bacon and biscuits this morning.” “I am craving two sausage biscuits and two hashbrowns from McDonalds.” “And just how are you going to pay me back for this?” George asked jokingly. “I will wash the Caprice.  J... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3433142 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:36:00 +0100 3433142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429423&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fda-sexay-is-getting-old-i-need-break.html “You need raunchy wild sex with a big black woman,” George told me this morning very matter-of-factly after drinking two of my precious Cokes. “Now Pookie!  She used to ride me like a bitch in heat.  She would get all jiggly, wiggly, and giggly on top of me.  Used to get me so excited.  I would bust a nut all up in dat shit.” “Great!” I thought. “I am getting a raunchy lecture on sex from George with Pookie as the protagonist.” “George, you can be so vulgar sometimes,” I replied disgustedly. “WHAT!?” George exclaimed and asked as he followed me into the kitchen. I was getting a soda. “You need to get laid. It would solve a lot of your mental health issues.  Men screw.  It is what they do.” I couldn’t help but laugh and giggle like... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429423 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:59:00 +0100 3429423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420731&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fgood-ole-george.html “Momma’s driving me crazy so I coming over here with you,” George said a minute ago. “I’ve been off of work two nights in a row sick and momma’s bout to nag me to death.  It makes me want to drink a gallon of bourbon.” I laughed. “Come on in!” “Let’s order a pizza for lunch,” George said. George had brought a case of Cokes and I began to drool.  What a nice surprise!  I ordered the pizzas online and we are now waiting on them to arrive.  George is laying on my bed smoking a cigarillo.  He is using a cup of water as an ashtray which is sitting on my bedside table.  He has his legs crossed and looks comfortable.  I am doing “computer shit” as George puts it. LOL! “If you watched porn, what kind of porn would you watch?” Georg... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420731 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:54:00 +0100 3420731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411273&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fhe-called-me-buddy.html “I thought black people don’t get sick like white people,” I told George a minute ago. He busted out laughing.  “This flu I’ve got is a plot by white people to keep a good black man down!” I smiled as George handed me a 12 pack of diet Pepsi.  All joking aside, George has really got a bad case of something nasty.  I told him he went father than I ever would by working last night. “I am headed home for the bed and I don’t want any shit out of momma!” George said. “No poker tonight?” I asked sheepishly. “Are you kidding? But maybe a good drink will kill whatever is ailing me,” George said with a sly grin. I smiled back. It was good to see my friend this morning.  I told him if there was anything I could do then all he had to do is ask.  It i... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411273 Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:06:00 +0100 3411273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411276&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmy-thoughts-for-day_27.html George is Sick… “I’ve gone three days without drinking,” George told me last night on his way to work.  He had called me on his cellphone on the drive to Lagrange. “I am so sick, though.  I almost called into work.” George had a coughing fit on the other end.  I cringed.  He sounded terrible. “Call in sick and go to bed,” I told him, worried.  “Did you go to a meeting tonight?” George asked ignoring my last statement. “I went to the afternoon meeting in Lagrange,” I told him. “I just can’t go to those meetings,” George told me much to my dismay. “I just don’t believe in all that Godspeak.” I could only just hope and pray.  The rest is up to George. I can only lead by example. George coughed again and sniffled. “I’ll see ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411276 Sat, 27 Mar 2010 10:09:00 +0100 3411276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390971&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Ffriend-in-need-is-friend-indeed.html “I am fixin’ to hit the bed,” George told me after stopping by for a moment after work.  He yawned loudly stretching his arms in the process. “Here!” he said, handing me a bag of Sprites and some candy bars.  “I didn’t think you would want any caffeine after yesterday’s attack.” “Thank you!” I told him with the utmost of sincerity. “What are you feeling today?” he asked. “Just scared,” I replied. “Just scared those attacks will start back.  I am so nervous and it feeds upon itself.” “Well, don’t you have some medications to take?” “I have my clonazepam,” I replied. “My psychiatrist prescribes twenty extra per month for emergencies on top of the two I take nightly.” “Take them then!” George exclaimed.  “Get to feeling... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390971 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:10:00 +0100 3390971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390973&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmy-thought-for-end-of-blogging-day.html Good Vibes! George is doing exactly what I would be doing if I bought an old car and had some expendable income.  Today, he bought a mechanical buffer and spent the afternoon buffing his paint job on the Caprice.  It looks really good and he may not even need to repaint it. “You should have come with me last night!” George said of yesterday’s poker night out.  “We had a good time.” I’ve told George many times I’ve always felt uncomfortable being the only white guy there and I always have this feeling that the shot house is on the verge of being invaded by the police.  It is a den of unsavory sorts and illegal opportunities.   Charlie’s been by with my medications.  I gladly took them.  I had told him yesterday of my new love for Sni... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390973 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:14:00 +0100 3390973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3387040&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fno-thanks.html I heard the unmistakable rumble of George’s Caprice pull up last hour.  I was sitting at my computer listening to last night’s Coast to Coast AM.  “Come go to poker night with me!” George pleaded after our usual pleasantries.  “I will front you some money so you can play!” “I can’t go out of the house,” I replied. “What do you mean you can’t go out of the house?” I pointed to my cranium and shook my head no. George got the hint. George sat down in my den taking over the TV’s remote control.  He talked very excitedly about his night ahead. “Can you at least come and eat supper with me and mom tonight?” George asked. “I am grilling some of mom’s hamburgers.  She is cooking French fries as well.” “I can’t,” I replied solemnly... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3387040 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:55:00 +0100 3387040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370649&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmidday-report.html “I can’t sleep. We’re going to get something to eat and I won’t take no for an answer,” George said at lunch. I laughed. Oooo-kay! George got his Caprice back this morning from getting a dual exhaust installed and it is loud, but not redneck loud. I was relieved. We went rumbling down the street to the Waffle House. The V8 sounds very throaty. ************* “I get tired of momma’s cooking,” George told me as he drove. “She be having chicken salad for lunch.” “BLASPHEMY!” I thought. George needs to walk in my shoes filled with microwave meals for a few weeks. He would be begging his mother to fix some of that fried cubed steak or fried chicken. He is spoiled. ************** George and I pigged out at the Waffle House after arriving. I ordered a ham and cheese ome... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370649 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:50:00 +0100 3370649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366408&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmy-thoughts-for-day_15.html George is Jumping on the Work Bandwagon… “What is your biggest obstacle to returning to work?” George asked me last night as we sat in my den smoking cigars. “Anxiety/Panic attacks,” I replied. “Nothing would scare me worse than getting caught at work and having one.  They are a horrible, extremely physical experience.” George looked deep in thought for answers.  George, as do I, wants me to be independent.  He thinks my father is a bad influence upon me.  He thinks dad is a control freak and it is none of his business what a grown man does with his life whatever it may be.  “I wish we could get you something to take when you get like that,” George finally said.  “We could dope you up and put you to work!” He laughed. I haven’t had a ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366408 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:18:00 +0100 3366408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366411&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmy-thoughts-for-blogging-day_14.html Lucky is a he I found out today.  I thought it was a she.  Lucky walked away from me after eating tuna to reveal two of the biggest gonads I have ever seen on a cat.  Those have got to go.  Snip! Snip!  Lucky also got in a big fight last night.  It awoke me and Maggie and I went and turned on all the outside lights. I was still very groggy from all the beer I drank.   I could see Lucky by Joyce’s house.  Hair bristling.  And screaming like a banshee.  He’s got a nasty scar on his face to show for it.  Getting fixed will stop all that I hope.  If I can only get him to trust me and off to the Vet he will go. George left in time to get his mother to church.  We both had beer for breakfast in characteristic alcoholic fas... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366411 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:55:00 +0100 3366411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350543&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fall-backed-up-as-george-says.html “You’re talking all crazy,” George told me this morning handing me a twenty dollar bill.  “You need to be gettin’ laid.  You be getting backed up.” I smiled at this turn of events.  I was delirious from my lack of sleep last night though.  “Go to the shot house.  Ask for Dontelle and tell her George sent you.  She will fix you up.” “$20 bucks is all a whore costs?” I asked astonished. “$20 bucks for a crack whore,” George replied. “Twenty bucks is a good high.” “What about sexually transmitted diseases?” I asked, concerned. George reached into his front pocket to pull out a string of four condoms.  He tore one off and handed it to me. George got out of my car and walked to his mother’s house.  I drove home and thoug... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350543 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:31:00 +0100 3350543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350545&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmy-thoughts-for-end-of-blogging-day_09.html It Pains Me… It pains me to see my mother struggle with her mental illness.  She has had a rough past few months with lots of ups and downs.  I thought maybe it was me – that all she does for me puts too much pressure on her.  Thus my conversation with her yesterday.  She is terrible at handling stress and pressure.   Tonight, she called me fretting over her meal tonight with her friend and going to get my groceries tomorrow.  She said she had been driving back and forth down through the Valley endlessly in worry.  She didn’t know if she could do all that, but she couldn’t bring herself to cancel.  Mom and I have two distinctly different modus operandi as far as when our mental illnesses flare up.  Mom gets hyper, manic and super s... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350545 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:54:00 +0100 3350545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342869&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmy-thoughts-for-day_08.html Food Situation Rectified and Dad’s Obsession… I went to bed last night at eight.  I was just exhausted from the previous week. George woke me up at ten with a knock on the door.  He had a vegetable and cornbread plate from his mother on his way to work in Lagrange.  On it was a cauliflower, broccoli and carrot medley with a lemon butter sauce, creamed potatoes, and white creamed corn.  There was also three pieces of Mrs. Florene’s scrumptious cornbread. “I know you,” George said. “You are thinking this is charity.  Just enjoy the meal and call momma in the morning and tell her how good it was.  You would thrill her soul and she loves you to death.” I promised George I would call Mrs. Florene and let her know how much I appreciated this meal.&#... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3342869 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:35:00 +0100 3342869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339796&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fconfessional.html “I outta go ever there and kick your father’s skinny ass!” George exclaimed when I told him about me having run out of food and having to wait a day for more.  “He would never be doin’ that to your haughty taughty doctor brother and sister!” I told George everything as we sat in his Caprice, listening to the radio and smoking.  The mental illness flare up.  My bingeing constantly on food.  The pacing of the floor till I was exhausted.  Smoking until my throat was raw.  The drinking of two large bottles of wine until I was blitzed.   I shouldn’t have told all I told, but I needed a friend to talk to.  And isn’t that what friends are for? “I drank a pint of whiskey two weeks ago,” George then told me, catching me off guard. “... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339796 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3339796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318635&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fin-puff-of-black-smoke.html “You’ve got to get all the old gasket off the intake manifold,” I told George insistently. “If the carburetor doesn’t make an airtight seal, it will run too lean if at all.” “I’m trying! I’m trying!” George exclaimed, scraping away with a paint edge. After one more trip to the auto parts store for a fuel filter and a PCV filter and valve, I installed the carburetor – hooking up the accelerator and fuel lines.  I put the air cleaner back on and screwed it down. “Give it a crank,” I told George who was sitting in the car with a big cigar hanging out of his mouth.  The car cranked and cranked, and then the engine roared to life belching rich black smoke out the exhaust pipe for a short moment.  I sighed with relief as the Caprice settled into a smooth... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318635 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:47:00 +0100 3318635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318637&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fthoughts-for-day.html Just Call Me Flaky… Just file this under the “it’s always something” title.  I’ve been using Head and Shoulder’s Intensive Care dandruff shampoo for years now.  Well, this week it decided to no longer work and I’ve had an especially acute breakout of dandruff.  Mom looked at my head last night and excitedly said, “You’ve got to go to the dermatologist!”  She loves doctor’s appointments. Dad groaned. This comes on the heels of me relenting and deciding to get this troublesome wisdom tooth pulled on the condition I go to a dentist down in Columbus, Georgia that uses anesthesia.  I want to be put under for the procedure.  Well, mom is geeking out about all the appointments. She is like a kid at Christmas.  She loves this stuff and love... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318637 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:07:00 +0100 3318637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3316234&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Feye-opening-experience.html George had to run to Lagrange this morning for something so he asked me to take his mother to Sunday School and big church.  Once again, I stayed up all night with my toothache and didn’t feel like breakfast.  George says I am using my tooth as an excuse to be a recluse.  He’s probably right on a subconscious level.   Well, I took Mrs. Florene to Sunday School and dropped her off.  I sat in the parking lot for a few minutes smoking and listening to my radio – making sure she got inside okay.  I have never seen so many well dressed ladies and dressed to the nines.  All the flamboyant hats reminded me of the Queen of England and her usual public attire.  One fellow walking past even had on a dress coat with tails.  It looked like someth... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3316234 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:47:00 +0100 3316234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3316237&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fthoughts-for-day_28.html Nothing Exciting Here Last Night… George spent his night off with me last night.  Normally, Saturday night for George would have been poker night filled with debauchery.  Instead, it was a night spent at my kitchen table with lots of fast food and sodas while I worked on George’s carburetor. “I had a bad drinkin’ dream yesterday,” George told me as I looked up from putting a new fuel level float in the carburetor.  “I dreamed I had drank a fifth of vodka and was trying to hide the smell from the police after getting pulled over.  I couldn’t breathe.” I smiled. “I’ve had many drinkin’ dreams over the years,” I told him. “The brain works in mysterious ways.” “You wake up wanting a drink, though!” George exclaimed. “It’ll pass,” I rep... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3316237 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:03:00 +0100 3316237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298573&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fgeorges-morning-rant.html “Niggas think they own the road!” George exclaimed after sitting down in my den early this morning after work.  “Black people walk on the sidewalk, but niggas get out in the road and won’t get off.” I laughed, wondering where this was going. “What happened?” I asked as I took my morning dose of Tylenol with a soda George had brought me. “Two niggas were just walking in the street and I had to slow down to miss them,” George said, perturbed.  “They gave me the stare niggas give when they are fronting you.  I honked my horn, rolled down the window, and hollered, ‘Get out of the road, niggas!’” I laughed again.  I hadn’t seen George this animated since the day we talked about my “needs” and I told him I was chemically castrated by my medicat... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298573 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:30:00 +0100 3298573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3298575&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fno-company-here.html   “I’ve driven by three times waiting on your company to leave,” George said over his cell phone.  “I’ve got two sodas and some of those chili cheese Fritos you are always looking for, but can’t find.” I laughed. “Come on!” I said, excited. “That maroon Cadillac out front is just some stranger who broke down.” George brought me the sodas and the big bag of Fritos.  I thanked him profusely.  He had made my day.  My friend Liz calls these “little joys”.  Next?  Mom is bringing Arby’s and two Cokes from the pharmacy.  More little joys.  Maggie is already sitting in the front window whining – knowing our Monday night routine.  Mom is her second favorite person behind Charlie.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3298575 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:24:00 +0100 3298575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3294791&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fthoughts-for-day_22.html We just had a spring-esque line of storms move through around 3:30 AM.  The thunder woke me up.  I love it!  I also saw my first Robins and daffodils yesterday. Robins were everywhere as if in a mass migration.  I was telling dad about it and he said, “It’s about time.  They are a little late this year.”  Could Spring be on the way?  It certainly is.  In just about 30 more days, the South will be in bloom.  My camellia in the front yard has flower buds that are just about to burst.   It got up to 67 degrees yesterday according to my wireless weather station.  One Poptart too Many? Maggie was moping around this morning so I decided to give her a treat to perk her up.   She loves sweet foods.  I gave her a whole... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3294791 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:21:00 +0100 3294791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287992&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fshadetree-mechanic.html A strange car pulled up in front of my house a little while ago.  Immediately my paranoia was piqued.  Did I have to answer the door?  Was I going to have to fool with strange visitors?  I turned off my loud stereo and stood in the kitchen, hiding, waiting for the inevitable knock on the door.  Then came the knock.   And another louder, more persistent knock.  “Hey! Andrew!  It’s George! Come to the door!” Phew! I was about to have an anxiety attack for a moment there.  “I bought a new car,” George said.  “It’s a fixer upper.” In front of my house was a 1984 Chevrolet Caprice Classic.  It looked in good shape for such an old car.  The paint was in fair condition and there was no body damage that I could see.&... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287992 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0100 3287992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287994&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsometimes-i-get-lonely.html It gives me no more joy than to sit in mom’s bedroom as she lay in the bed talking.  That’s what I did for most of the afternoon.  Mom also lets me drink all the soda I want while I am there.  The fridge in the basement is full of it and all kinds of interesting varieties.  We mainly talked about her frets and worries. “I was out of it last night,” mom told me. “I don’t think I am ever going to get over this cold.” “You’ve had the flu,” I replied. “But I’ve had both of the flu shots!” “You had a variant that the shot didn’t cover.” “I couldn’t even remember my own granddaughter’s name last night,” mom told me chuckling. “Your father was like, ‘Martha!!!’” “Well, I forgot her birthday,” I replied feeling shameful trying... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287994 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:06:00 +0100 3287994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280177&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Flectures-from-george.html “You’re drinking Cokes like you used to drink beer,” George told me this afternoon after stopping by for awhile. “You’re obsessed.” I had called George asking for a favor.  I wanted a 12 pack of regular Coca-Cola from Kroger.  George was the only person I could turn to.  “You know? Normal people don’t drink 12 Cokes in a row,” George furthered, admonishing me. “Or in a day for that matter!” I laughed nervously. “I’m not normal,” I said in my defense. “Did you even realize yesterday was my fifth week of sobriety?” George asked. “I certainly did,” I replied, proudly. “Your mother called me about it.” George lit up a cigar and looked deep in thought.  He grabbed the remote and turned it to channel 59, Cop TV.  He didn’t stay ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280177 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:39:00 +0100 3280177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3271182&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fding-dong-manifesto.html “Mom’s cooking!” George said excitedly as I walked in the front door of Mrs. Florene’s house this Sunday morning. “She’s been baking Valentine’s cookies all morning for Church.” The house smelled wonderful.  There was the sweet scent of baking sugar cookies intermingled with the savory aroma of frying sausage.  My stomach protested that it must be filled and filled soon.  “Come on!” George said. “I’ve got a website I want to show you!” We walked into the den as George sat down at the computer desk waking his sleeping computer.  “I found it yesterday,” he said. “I am addicted.” George showed me this chat and webcam webpage were people were showing their private parts.  I couldn’t help but laugh.  I knew this would happen ev... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3271182 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:22:00 +0100 3271182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267186&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fhamburger-helper.html Commercials work.  Dad asked me last night about letting Helen cook Hamburger Helper today for our Friday Helen meal. “I keep seeing the commercials for it,” dad said. “And it looks good and easy to fix.” I was secretly disappointed.  I wanted my Southern soul food.  I usually get to pick the meals, but I can’t argue with my father.  It is futile.  He is paying Helen dearly for these meals after all.  “Have her doctor it up good,” I told dad trying to save a desperate situation. “Get cheeseburger macaroni and add extra ground beef and real cheddar cheese.” I didn’t want to tell dad how bland Hamburger Helper can taste.   It is sawdust in a box in my opinion.  Mom the Commissary… Mom’s mental illness intrigues me some d... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267186 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:48:00 +0100 3267186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251375&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fpoisoned-apple.html One comforting aspect of George’s drinking over the years was that I always knew I could get a drink if I needed one.  I could call George and he would be over in fifteen minutes with a case of beer thrilled to have the old times back.   Now?  Dad would be more likely to buy me a beer than George.  For some reason, this bothers me, and has for weeks.   I guess that old saying about you always want what you can’t have is true.  The same goes for my Diet Cokes.  I never thought much about Diet Cokes in my younger years.  I could always just drive to the store and buy some.  Now, I am obsessed.  I am only allowed six a day (three are caffeine free) and it drives me crazy.  Dad and I got in a fight over them last night. ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251375 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:18:00 +0100 3251375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248687&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fi-have-no-needs.html This morning George and I were standing outside having a cigarette in the freezing cold after breakfast. “You have ‘needs’, don’t you?” George asked me speaking of sex. “George,” I said. “Your getting neurotic in your sobriety.  You ask me this all the time and I tell you the same thing.  I rarely have ‘needs’ as you put it.” When George quit drinking, he broke up with his long, long time love object; that crackhead Pookie.  I’ve said it many times that Pookie was the only obese crackhead I have ever met and she was a vile woman; terrible for George.  I did a victory dance when George broke things off.  When George has needs he goes to prostitutes at the shot house.   He's often offered to pay for one for me as well.   He... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248687 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:51:00 +0100 3248687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248688&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Flocked-and-loaded.html Hardee’s used to have this “loaded” breakfast biscuit that was delicious and I am sure it was full of everything you shouldn’t eat for breakfast.   Well, Mrs. Florene had her version of Hardee’s loaded breakfast biscuits this morning.  She cut her biscuits extra large and extra thick and in the biscuit was a fried ham cutlet (salty!), scrambled eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese.   It was delicious.  She also had homemade hashbrowns and they were delicious as well.  I like mine with lots of onion and that’s the way Mrs. Florene fixes hers.  “Momma went to a lot of trouble to prepare those hashbrowns,” George told me approvingly. “You can tell it,” I replied hungrily as I ate. Tomorrow, George will have been sober for four weeks.&#... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248688 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:24:00 +0100 3248688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236071&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsober-man-three-weeks.html George stopped by at lunch with a sack full of Krystal hamburgers.  He wanted to thank me for hooking up his computer and getting him online. “It’s no problem,” I said modestly. “Well, you’ve been sober three weeks,” I said changing the subject. “How does it feel?” “Does the urge to drink ever go away?” he asked. “I get beside myself for a drink some days.  I want to come over here with you when I get like that.” “Yes,” I said, trying to sound kindly. “It lessens over time.  I never hardly ever think of drinking anymore these days.” “Been to any meetings?” I then asked. “I can’t get around the ‘being powerless over alcohol’ thing,” George replied.  “I do have power.  I choose not to drink.  It makes me feel sorry... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236071 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:54:00 +0100 3236071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227986&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fchoices-and-ramifications.html I had been homeless for about six months when I called my mother from my deceased grandmother’s house.  I had a key from when I lived with her.  Mom, her usually fretting self, immediately went into action.  She turned on the heat and made me a bed. “You’re not going to be homeless,” she told me. My father wasn’t too pleased, but what could he do?  Cast his son aside despite all his faults and drunkenness? I had planned on going to Nashville to live.  From reading “The Homeless Guy” I knew I could get a place to sleep, three meals a day, and social worker help.  I would also have my full disability allotment to drink with.  I wouldn’t have any expenses other than cigarettes and beer.   It was sad, though, that my life had come t... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227986 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:25:00 +0100 3227986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227987&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Femotional-basket-case.html You may have noticed a lot of photos on the blog lately.  Well, mom and I went to the bookstore, and I got a Dummies for Digital Photography.  And a Dummies for Photoshop cs3.  It has reignited my zest for photography. Last night, I told dad I am emotionally fragile; that I couldn’t take any shit out of him.  I can be an emotional basket case around the time of my injection and it is Tuesday.  “I’m sorry,” he said. “I forgot.” All was forgiven and we are cool again.  He held my hand the whole time he was here to give me my nightly medications. George called me this morning and he is chomping at the bit for me to come and hook up his computer. “I got the nicest one Wal-Mart offered,” he said. Today, the cable company also comes to hook up his ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227987 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:20:00 +0100 3227987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216819&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fto-porn-or-not-to-porn.html One day, George and I were sitting down at the shopping center drinking our beers hidden in paper sacks.  George said to me, “I want a computer.  I want to download pictures of black women with big butts!”  I died laughing.  I was already half drunk and he was three sheets to the wind.  He never said anything about computers ever again until today. “I want a computer,” he told me over here last hour. “I have the money now that I am not drinking.” “What are you going to use it for?” I asked warily, worried Mrs. Florene was going to walk in on him looking at obscene websites. “I heard you can play poker and gamble online, and other stuff,” George replied. I sighed with relief.  George gambling was the least of my worries.  I lectured Geo... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216819 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:44:00 +0100 3216819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3216820&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fwalk-is-walk-is-walk.html I reset my odometer on my car this morning on the ride to get my Cokes.  It is exactly 2.5 miles to mom and dad’s house.  I thought, “Hey, me and Maggie could just walk that every morning for our daily walk.  I could get my cokes and Maggie could get her exercise.”  Of course, I will wait until the sun is up and it warms up some.  I can’t stand the cold; absolutely abhor it.   I also drove down to George’s and Mrs.. Florene’s house from my house while I drank a cold coke and it was 2 miles.   There is really no need to use my car anymore other than every other Tuesday when I get my Risperdal injection.  Dad’s pharmacy and the doctor’s office is in another town. George called me this morning from work hoping I would be up. �... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3216820 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:19:00 +0100 3216820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208660&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2F900-am-sharp.html Helen arrives at my parent’s house at 9:00 AM sharp every morning.  I have learned to drive over at this time and Helen will give me extra cokes (Can you tell I am coke obsessed?  It’s just part of my obsessive compulsive nature).   Mom usually doesn’t stir till around lunch so I can get away with this.   Well, today I had a close call with my addictions.  I had to use the bathroom so I used dad’s.  Curiosity killed the cat as they say and I looked in his medicine cabinet.  OH MY!  There were Lortabs, Oxycontin, Aprozolam, Etc.  It was a literal cornucopia for an addict.   It was the hardest thing I have ever done to resist taking a few pills; just enough where he would never notice it.  I walked out of the bath... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208660 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:40:00 +0100 3208660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205096&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fburning-midnight-oil.html I asked George what he thought of working third shift this morning. “It’s alright,” George replied. “I have little supervision.  I see my supervisor maybe twice a night.  It’s nice to be able to goof off when I want to.” I laughed heartily. “I worked third shift for a year and never did ever feel awake,” I told him. “I was in this hazy fog all the time.” George told me the hardest part was when he got off work.  That would be the time he would hit his car and take a giant drink to get a buzz on the ride home. “Makes for long rides home just listening to the radio,” he said. “I’m amazed at you,” I told him. “You really are doing so well.  The shakes are gone, your eyes are bright, and I’ve never seen your mother happier.” George blush... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205096 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:08:00 +0100 3205096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205099&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fshameless-self-promotion-for-dad.html We had finished eating breakfast, Mrs. Florene, George and I.   Suddenly Mrs. Florene started to feel dizzy and flushed. “I think I forgot to take my blood pressure medication last night.  I am almost out,” she said. “Go ahead and take another, mom,” George chimed in.  I watched as Mrs. Florene slowly made her way to her bedroom.  This really alarmed me and it did George too. She walked back in in the kitchen and took the pill with a glass of water. “You should really trade with dad,” I told her. “You could have called him even on a Sunday to see what to do.  You couldn’t do that with Wal-Mart.” “You can really call your dad on the weekends?” Mrs. Florene asked surprised. “Of course,” I replied. “The number is listed.  Dad wi... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205099 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:04:00 +0100 3205099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201888&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Floneliness-is-state-of-mind.html I sat two hours yesterday talking to mom.  I get so lonely in that house of mine despite Maggie. Maggie went with me and lay on the floor beside me listening to every word and watching the cat on mom’s bed warily.  Mom was in the bed with her cat Muffin on top of her. We talked mainly of small talk; a subject I am still mastering.  It was good practice.   It also gave me a good excuse to drink all the cokes I wanted.  Every time I would run out of a drink, mom would suggest I get another out of the fridge.  Bliss!  That doesn’t happen often.  “Mom, do you think I am doing better?” I asked at one point. “You’re still obsessive compulsive, but your doing better than you ever have before,” she replied. That made me feel better. ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201888 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:39:00 +0100 3201888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185608&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fgod-bless-martin-luther-king.html Today marks George’s first week of sobriety.  Honestly, I would have never thought he would make it this far.  George was such a heavy drinker; its tendrils entwined in every aspect of his life. George brought a 12 pack of Coca-Colas this morning instead of a case.  We talked mainly about Martin Luther King and segregation in the South. “I was too young to remember segregation,” George told me. “But momma remembers it well.” “What does she say about it?” I asked, extremely interested. “She’s always talking about how hard it was to find a negro bathroom when traveling in the South.  They always kept a roll of toilet paper in the car and would often have to go in the woods on the side of the road.  She said it would be around Kentucky before you sta... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185608 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:45:00 +0100 3185608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182352&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fbright-lights-from-welcoming-windows.html The sun was setting and it was drizzling.  Maggie was on her leash and we had just stopped at a stop sign to read the neighborhood canine news.  A few hundred more yards and we would be at Mrs. Florene’s house.  I walked down with my “wife” and could see Mrs. Florene in the brightly lit kitchen window most likely washing the dishes after supper.  I knocked on the door and she welcomed us both inside. “I’m here to see my sober buddy,” I told her grinning feverishly and excitedly. “He’s in the den watching TV.  Go on back and see him,” Mrs. Florene replied smiling, glad I had come. George immediately stood up grinning upon seeing me walk in the room.  He shook my hand vigorously. “How are you?” I asked eyeing him carefully. His color looked... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3182352 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:36:00 +0100 3182352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3180395&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fof-george.html I’m hesitant to write about George in that I might jinx things. I’m afraid I will write he is six days sober and he will run out tonight to a poker game and get drunk.  He’s back at work and I asked him over the phone this morning how he handled that. “I kept reaching in my coat pocket for my flask of whiskey,” he replied. “Thankfully, it wasn’t there.” I have yet to see him, but he sounds good.  Mrs. Florene says he is still shaky in his hands and doesn’t know what to do with himself.  He’s watching a lot of bad television. “Urge him to go to a meeting,” I told her. “He will listen to you.  Tell him I will go with him.  We will go to a Narcotics Anonymous where there are other black people.” Mrs. Florene thanked me and said she would tr... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3180395 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:18:00 +0100 3180395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172184&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fwe-think-he-is-comfortable.html Mrs. Florene called me this afternoon asking if I had heard from George. “I thought he would call you first!” I said. “I’ve lost the pass-code to call him,” she replied stymied. I guess no news is good news.  I bet they have him heavily sedated like they did to me when I went into detox.  Mrs. Florene went on to tell me she had scoured the house, the garage, and yard for liquor bottles.  She found three half empty bottles in his bedroom and George had even hidden one bottle in the reservoir of the toilet!!!  “Sounds like something I would do when I was drinking,” I told her. “Par for the course.  When I was married, I hid a bottle of Southern Comfort in the Christmas Tree!” Mrs. Florene couldn’t help but laugh at that last statement. &#160... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172184 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:11:00 +0100 3172184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159960&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Ftaking-slow-train-to-birmingham.html I was frying the bacon this morning as Mrs. Florene watched an egg timer that was timing the poached eggs that were steaming on the stove. “Are they going to take George outside to smoke?” she whispered, speaking of the hospital. George was sitting at the kitchen table across the room reading the morning newspaper. He couldn’t hear what we were discussing.  “No,” I whispered back. “They will give him the nicotine patch though.” “Well, don’t tell him that or he won’t go,” Mrs. Florene replied quietly. “He thinks he is going to be able to smoke.  He stuck four packs of cigars in his night bag last evening.” A bed opened up overnight on the detox floor.  They called early this morning telling Mrs. Florene to bring George to be admitted as soon as poss... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159960 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3159960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156655&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fbrave-new-world-begins.html Mrs. Florene called me late last night excited.  She had worked all day on getting George into detox.  George is to go into detox at Carraway Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama as soon as a bed is available. His insurance will only pay for four days though.  The logistics of it all proved interesting.  Mrs. Florene wanted me to drive George to the hospital and offered to pay for gas and food for the trip.  I called dad to ask if I could and he said no – that it would be too much on me and that I was feeling shaky after my failed caffeine experiment.  I hated having to call Mrs. Florene back and telling her I couldn’t do it.  Well, as luck would have it, George’s cousin Monte offered to take him - getting involved. Mrs. Florene is having to pay h... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156655 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:54:00 +0100 3156655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153609&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fhesitant-to-get-excited.html I’m no stranger to addictions.  I’ve known many personally during my lifetime. I know how hard they can be to quit. Well, George told me last night that he was going to stop drinking. Imagine my shock and also my wary nature came into play.  Could George actually stop? “Momma started crying hysterically last night when I came home drunk and pissed all over myself,” George had told me.  “I broke her heart.  I am going to quit!” “Don’t do it alone and don’t do it for your mother. Do it for yourself,” I told him. “Get some help. Go to detox and they will help you get through the first week of quitting. You will get rest, good food, and medications.” George told me he was going to lean on me for awhile and that I would see a lot of him in the next fe... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153609 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:13:00 +0100 3153609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142809&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fmy-friend-and-i.html George and I are both buzzed.  Me from my shot this morning.  George from the flask of Jack Daniels he is sipping on.  George was in my Lazy Boy and I was sitting on the couch a moment ago. “I can talk in Ebonics, you know?” I told George grinning, giddy and silly as can be. “Talk like a nigga to me,” George said, bursting out laughing. I did my best rendition of boys in da hood.  George just died laughing and almost spilt his flask of liquor. “You sound like you are retarded,” George told me. “Next thing we know you will be listening to that crap, rap music.” I died laughing and just had to come in here and write about this.  I feel so much better.  I realized my Risperdal had been run out for days.  Keep in mind that George is African A... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142809 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:16:00 +0100 3142809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142815&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fflorene-express.html George called tonight and I told him I was feeling mentally ill.  I am candid with George about my mental illness.  Well, Mrs. Florene thought a good meal would help me.  Bless!  George ran it by an hour ago.  The turnip greens and black eyed peas are left over from New Year’s.  The fried porkchop and cornbread were divine.  Friends make the world go round and I do feel better after some good ole soul food.  Mrs. Florene also sent me some ham salad not pictured and a gallon of her sweet tea.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142815 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:16:00 +0100 3142815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3136710&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsomeone-pass-gas.html “I think he just pooted,” my sister said  of my little 8 month old nephew, laughing as she turned to me. “It’s a stinker!  You’ve been known to poot a few times yourself!” “Oh, Andrew can blow all of us out of the room!!!” Dad said looking at me for my reaction and laughing uncontrollably.  My sister, the hematologist and oncologist – the doctor of internal medicine that reverts back to a silly teenager when she comes home to be with my mother and father. I laughed. “What have you been feeding him?” I asked as my sister checked his diaper. “It’s good to let a good one blow sometimes,” my dad chimed in, cavorting.  My mother started to laugh hysterically as well.  It was all so much fun.  Who thought a little baby passing gas cou... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3136710 Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:02:00 +0100 3136710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126788&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fworking-man.html George has had his job at Wal-Mart distribution for over a year now.  Nobody could be more surprised than I.  I always worried he would get too drunk to make it in to work and get fired.  He’s been late a few times, but his supervisor lets him get away with it being kind and understanding. George arrived in the dark this morning after getting off of work early with a 12 twelve pack of cheap beer and a bag from his mother to me.  He knew I would be up.  He had called on his cellphone to make sure.  “It’s just some leftover fresh vegetables and ranch dip from Christmas,” George said. “I won’t eat that rabbit food and momma says she can’t chew them good with her dentures.” “I sure wish I had some of your mother’s sweet tea,” I replied wistf... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126788 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:26:00 +0100 3126788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3123507&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fchristmas-with-jones.html "Merry Christmas baby!"  Mrs. Florene said as I stepped through her door to the warm and inviting inside of George's house this afternoon.   "We are having a simple Christmas today.  We are having hors d'oeuvres and we will open presents." Mrs. Jones got busy in the kitchen preparing the food as I asked George, "What's wrong with your mother?  She was going to cook a big meal." "She's not feeling well she says," George replied. "She says it's her nerves." I guess I wasn't the only one letting Christmas get the better of them.  I was so worn out and tired mentally after yesterday.   Mrs. Florene had also cooked a huge meal Christmas day for lots of family members.   She is, I believe, 74 year... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3123507 Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:00:00 +0100 3123507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115269&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fplot-thickens.html "Your neighbor's dealing drugs," George told me this morning as he looked out my den window while gulping an ice cold Milwaukee's Best Ice beer.  "I just know these street kind of things." "What makes you think so?" I then asked. "I've counted ten cars that have come by and left this morning," he said. "A'int nobody so f.in' popular as to have ten friends come by at 7:30 in the morning." "And look at that Jaguar with the $2000 dollar chrome rims," George then said with a frown.  "That's a drug dealers car.  And his house sucks.  Nigga drug dealers always have crappy houses and nice cars." "That explains the police detective's car sitting in the driveway for an hour yesterday," I replied back... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115269 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:53:00 +0100 3115269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101051&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fgreat-cirrhosis-boondoggle.html About 4 or 5 years ago, George was very, very sick.  He was telling everybody he had Cirrhosis of the liver.   I asked him about it yesterday and he hem hawed around the issue not telling me the truth - vaguely saying something about pain in his abdomen.  This morning, just a moment ago, Mrs. Florene called me about breakfast and the weather. "George gets off at seven and we will eat about seven thirty. I am cooking pancakes and sausage," she told me over the phone. "Sorry Mrs. Florene.  I can't come," I told her. "It is raining buckets and I don't have an umbrella." She told me she was getting me an umbrella for Christmas.   I laughed jovially and thanked her.  She so wanted me to come for breakfast and told me so.&#160... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101051 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:51:00 +0100 3101051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3097044&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fthrowing-care-to-wind_17.html George is here sitting in "his" Lazy Boy.  I just heard him chuckling loudly at something on the TV.  I thought they saved the funny stuff for prime time?   George has a taste for very terrible television.  He is sipping on an ice cold Milwaukee's Best Ice beer and enjoying himself. "I'm gonna let you drink inside," I told him sternly an hour ago with a worried look on my face.  "You just can't tempt me, though, man.  I can't stand it.  Any beer left in the fridge will drive me batty.  All alcohol is to leave with you when you head home." "I'm cool, man," he replied happily with a Cheshire grin. "Welcome home old friend," I thought as I escaped to my computer room to write about this excitedly.&... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3097044 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0100 3097044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092912&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Ftemptations-i-do-not-need.html My only side effect from my medications and the schizophrenia these days is constant drooling like a baby.  I will be sitting at the computer and drool will just pour out of the corner of my  mouth and down my shirt.  I will quickly grab a tissue and wipe my face.  It can be very disconcerting and aggravating.   It is the lessor of other evils as far as my schizophrenia goes, though. George stopped by yesterday for the first time in weeks.  He doesn't come by anymore cause I won't let him drink inside.  He asked me yesterday why I was so militant about it.  He loved to sit in my Lazy Boy and drink while watching TV until he was well oiled. "I don't need the temptation," I told him yesterday.  "I would love nothing more than t... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092912 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:43:00 +0100 3092912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3045009&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fmississippi-where-salvation-lies.html I ate breakfast with George and Mrs. Florene this morning.  At one point, Mrs. Florene pulled me to the side.  "Have you found a treatment center?" she asked. "I found one in Mississippi that was free, but you have to work in their thrift store." "What's the problem?" she then asked me. "It is faith based," I replied. "You and I both know Georges opinion on religion. I don't think George would go and it is a nine month program." Mrs. Florene looked so despondent.  I assured her we will eventually find something. (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3045009 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0100 3045009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974193&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fclark-brothers.html Yesterday morning I ate breakfast with George and Mrs. Florene.  She fried that wonderful Clark Brother's sausage.  I must have eaten eight pieces. Mrs. Florene kept telling George that if he started to go to church, he would find a good and kind woman. "Hush momma," George finally said. "I'm not going to church!" I chuckled to myself.  Mrs. Florene made a good point and anything was better than Pookie. I guess I need to heed her advise as well.  Fred's Super Dollar Store isn't exactly the best place to pick up a date.  Music has been my passion these past few weeks.   I can spend hours sitting in my Lazy Boy and listening to various albums.  It is like I've discovered an undiscovered country for the first time.  (Source: T... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974193 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:04:00 +0100 2974193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2970403&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fspurned.html George stopped by for a short while this afternoon.  He was being nosey and just had to find out what I was up to.  He quit coming over in the mornings because of my new edict of no drinking in the house. "I could've gotten laid the other day," I told him grinning.  "You haven't gotten laid in a year!" he exclaimed. "Don't remind me!" I smirked. I told George all about my flirtatious encounter.  "I'd have a better relationship with Pookie if she didn't keep stealing the money out of my wallet," George replied with a constipated look on his face. I didn't say anything that I haven't already said a hundred times.   (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2970403 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:28:00 +0100 2970403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950794&cid=t_334965_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F02%2Fthe-situation-of-gang-rape%2F * * * In the wake of the horrific story about a 15-year-old girl gang-raped in a schoolyard during a homecoming dance.  The girl was brutalized for more than two hours and, if that wasn’t disturbing enough, there are reports of as many as twenty people stood by and watched, without even calling authorities.  The story raises the question about how so many could do so little to help.  Were they all monsters or is there some other explanation? On that topic, two Situationist Contributors have been interviewed to offer a situationist perspective.  We’ve excerpted parts of both interviews below. From ABC News, here are excerpts from an article, titled “How Could People Watch Alleged Gang Rape ‘Like An Exhibit’?,” by Radha Chitale, interviewing Situationi... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950794 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:01:02 +0100 2950794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950976&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fdastardly-teetotaler.html A "no whiskey" and "no beer" in the house edict goes into effect in the morning.  I am tired of being tempted, and I've been very weak of will lately.  George is going to hate this as one of his favorite drinking spots is my Lazy Boy recliner while we "shoot the shit."  It may be the end of George's almost daily visits.   Mrs. Florene is wise not to let him drink inside and I am following her cue.    (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950976 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:01:00 +0100 2950976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950977&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fnot-brightest-idea.html I've been giving Maggie a bath every week.  She spends so much time in the bed that I feel this is necessary.  Well, Maggie has grown to think this not such a hot idea.  As soon as I begin to run the bath water, she is sneaking out the dog door to the safer outdoors.  I will be patient and wait for her to slink back inside.  Then I nab her!  It is kinda funny in the way she acts like a small child. I ate lunch with Mrs. Florene and George.  Mrs. Florene had cooked this mushroom chicken casserole with homemade dinner rolls.  I can't describe how delicious this was.  The mushroom sauce had sour cream and lots of butter.  Dad has been worried about me going overboard with the weight loss.   With meals like this, he doesn't have to wo... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950977 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:20:00 +0100 2950977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948468&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fh-i-l-r-i-o-u-s.html George came back by to get his whiskey. "I poured it out!" I told him. He wasn't pissed, but he was perturbed. "Why are you dressed like that?" I asked of George's khaki pants and Polo shirt. "I'm dressed as a white guy for Halloween," he said with a big toothy grin. I burst out laughing. It was the funniest thing I had ever seen.  George relished the attention. "Momma said I should dress this way more often," George replied. (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948468 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:16:00 +0100 2948468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2947115&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fdamn-that-george.html George was sipping from a flask of Southern Comfort this morning.   Southern Comfort was about the only hard liquor I drank during my drinking career and I have a weakness for it.  I wasn't feeling well this morning when George left the house and also left that flask of Southern Comfort sitting on my piano.   George is going to be pissed as I went directly and poured that expensive liquor out.  I just didn't want to deal with the temptation today.  I awoke with an abscessed tooth.  Nothing a regimen of antibiotics won't cure.  Dad is bringing some after lunch.  My gum is swollen twice it's size.  Mrs. Florene also called me this morning.  She wanted to know if I was participating in Halloween candy giving.  I told her I had... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2947115 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:24:00 +0100 2947115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944073&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fcamouflage.html George wanted me to ride with him to get gas tonight. I wanted a "leaded" Coca-Cola so I tagged along. We were passing the elementary school just down the road from my house when a bunch of kids in dark hoodies walked across the road in front of us. George slammed on the brakes and said, "Damn! Those little niggas be camouflaged!" I died laughing. I thought it was the funniest thing I had heard in weeks. "If dey don't watch out, dey gonna be little grease stains on the highway," George furthered. I was rolling in the floor. George never fails to make me laugh. I've missed him and was glad to find him no worse for wear tonight. (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944073 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:06:00 +0100 2944073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923453&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Ftrain-of-morning.html I drove into West Point this morning hoping to see Big S.  I hadn't seen him in months and George had said he was hanging out at the shopping center across the river.   No Big S.  It was just too cold at 52 degrees.  I did notice the train signal had just turned yellow meaning a train was on the way.   I turned around, parked at the bank, and sat on the very same bench where Ferret used to sleep when he was homeless.  How he could get any sleep on that cold concrete I will never know, but he did.   Soon, a train came roaring through downtown.  This always perks me up and I get excited.  The train must have been a 100 cars long as it took forever to pass.  I always like the myriad of graffiti on the cars as they roll by.&#160... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923453 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0100 2923453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923456&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fgeorge-has-left-building.html George just disappeared.  It has been three mornings since I've seen him.   Pookie got out of  jail and George went gallivanting through the underlife of our town.  I know exactly what happened.  George took Pookie to the crack house while he drank and she smoked up.   All on George's money.   She will no doubt steal his money again via his wallet after an amorous, but dangerous encounter de lah tey.   I am sure Mrs. Jones is worried as am I.  I hope he's going to work.  It would be a disaster for him to lose that good paying job with Wal-Mart. I am no stranger to such things.   When I was married, I would get up some beer money and gather all my camping gear.   I would head to our woods in God's coun... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923456 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:14:00 +0100 2923456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894757&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2F6-beers-gone.html George came and drank his beers this morning after the nightshift.  "I was about to pour them out!" I told him tersely.  "They were driving me crazy." "Do you think you will ever be able to drink a beer again?" George then asked. "I miss you having a beer with me." My only reply was that I am an all or nothing fellow.  I will drink zero or I will drink twenty.  My world has always been black or white.   Even Tylenol is rationed in my corner of the woods.  I had a slight headache this morning.   I had to call mom to put two Tylenol in a ziplock bag and to leave them on the back porch so she could go back to sleep.   Dad's in Atlanta today and I was tempted to drive down to his pharmacy and just ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894757 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:08:00 +0100 2894757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886720&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwhat-in-name.html I asked George this morning why his mother didn't name him a more traditional African American name.  "Why didn't she name you something like Cornelius or Orenthal?" I asked laughing.  "You're named after a country music singer for Christ's sake!" George burst out laughing in between sips of beer. "You just don't know how much hell I catch from other brothas about being named George Jones!" he replied chuckling. We both laughed and laughed.  At least, George has a sense of humor about it all!  I love that dear man.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886720 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:53:00 +0100 2886720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2883198&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fgrits-that-rivaled-my-father.html I managed to eat breakfast with Mrs. Florene and George before the rain started.  Mrs. Florene was cooking,  George was watching the morning news in the den,  and I was sitting at the kitchen table. "He didn't come home at all last night," Mrs. Jones said of George as she fried some bacon. "He was at the shot house playing poker," I replied. Mrs. Jones grumbled and mumbled something under her breath that I couldn't hear. Soon, we sat down for breakfast.  My favorite thing was the grits.  They were so buttery and creamy.   It takes a real knack for Southern food to cook good grits.  Most people's grits are runny and watery.  Like what you would get at the Waffle House.  Mrs. Jones fixed an extra paper plate of food for M... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2883198 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:24:00 +0100 2883198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876337&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fheavens-shine-forth-upon-george.html This morning I was outside trimming my shrubbery in the front of the house.   It is a task I loath, but it needed doing.  George came pulling up just as I was carrying a bunch debris out to the road.  He had the biggest smile upon his face. "I won a thousand dollars on a scratch off ticket!"  George exclaimed as he climbed out of his car.  "No shit?" I asked. "No shit," George said.  Me and him both were both grinning vigorously.  George grew up in the school of hard knocks and it was nice to have something so fortuitous to happen. "What are you going to buy?" I asked. "I'm gonna spend it on my car," George replied.  "I want an alarm and a new stereo." "You should give to your mo... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876337 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:28:00 +0100 2876337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876339&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fshiny-things-are-good-things.html "Look at it!" George said proudly as I stood at my front door this morning. We both walked out to look at George's Buick. "I even detailed the engine," he said opening the hood. "It looks like a new car!" I replied.  "Momma said I should keep it that way since she bought it." I chuckled.  It did look brand new. "I spent hours of sweat and toil on that thing yesterday afternoon," George said. George got in his car and drove off with a proud grin on his face.  ***** Just a 12-pack.  Not a king's ransom... "Mom?" I asked on the phone this morning. "Will you get me a 12-pack of regular coke?" "I don't know," mom said with a somber tone. "Your daddy says I need to keep your grocery costs ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876339 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:01:00 +0100 2876339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865909&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fcue-gilligan-island-theme-music-three.html Mrs. Florene called me early this morning.   I was just putting the finishing touches on a bowl of crunchy raisin bran.  "Do you have anything planned for today?" she asked me. "I rarely do," I replied. "Let's go to Clarke Brother's Meats and do some shopping for breakfast," she told me. I licked my lips in anticipation of Clarke Brother's breakfast sausage.   Clarke Brother's is one of the few true butchers left in the area.  They grow their own animals.  Meats are prepared when purchased to order.  And I have this terrible weakness for their sausage in casing.   Mrs. Jones brought an incredible amount of meat to adorn her freezer at home.  I was surprised as she is so frugal.   Personally, ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865909 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:24:00 +0100 2865909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857571&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fpizza-is-no-go.html George stopped by this morning looking defeated.  He didn't want to go home with his mother doting over him.  He just wanted to crash in front of a TV and drink beer.  I can't even imagine drinking beer so early in the day now.   I used to would wake up in the middle of the night and quickly drink three beers so I could go back to sleep -  my hands would have the shakes so badly. "I went by Papa John's pizza," George told me.  "They want to check my driving record and my license is revoked.  I so had my heart set on delivering pizza." They are building a new Kia automobile plant in town.  The production starts soon.  I suggested to George that he try and apply.  He is an incredible mechanic after all those years he ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857571 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:50:00 +0100 2857571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855819&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fitchy-and-scratchy.html Maggie has gotten into something in the backyard this morning.  She has scratched continuously since she came in.  She gets the funniest look on her face as she furiously digs at her cooties.  Her tongue sticks out.  Her eyes close.  And she is prone to falling over in bliss when she hits an especially scratchy spot.  I picked her up and put her in my lap to give a thorough flea check.  No fleas were found.  It must be chiggers.   And now my legs are itching something terrible as well.  What ever Maggie has is contagious and catching. ***** T-minus Ten Days to Disaster... I found out this morning that George's longtime crackhead girlfriend gets out of jail in ten days.  Just ten more days of  "normal" George and I w... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855819 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:32:00 +0100 2855819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855820&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fi-hope-there-pimento-cheese-in-heaven.html George came by with a food care package from his mother this afternoon.  In a plastic sack were all the things needed to make tomato and pimento cheese sandwiches.   I couldn't wait to eat and fixed a pimento cheese sandwich while George drank a beer. "What is the secret to your mother's pimento cheese?" I asked George as I greedily consumed a sandwich. "She puts a tablespoon of  Worcestershire sauce in it," George replied. "It's good isn't it?" George told me he his looking for a 2nd job to make some extra money to buy a Honda Accord.  "Deliver papers," I suggested.  "You can sleep in the morning and deliver in the afternoons." "I was actually thinking about delivering pizza," George replied. "... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855820 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:16:00 +0100 2855820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846606&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fgeorge-does-good-deed.html Picture this!  George and I were coming back from Wal-Mart. George was talking excitedly while he drove like he normally does.  We were just passing Aaron's Rent-A-Center when George spotted this elderly black lady with heavy looking bags walking on the side of highway 29. "We're going to give her a ride if she will take it," George said. She wasn't your average looking hitch hiker.  George pulled over in front of her and she came hurrying up to the car. "Where ya goin'?" George asked. "Shawmut," the lady said. "To my daughter's house." "Get in!" George said smiling and we took off. The lady just talked and talked as we rode the short distance up the highway to Shawmut.  She directed us to her daughter's house and hande... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846606 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0100 2846606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824408&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fhey-maggie-lou.html Me and Maggie have a new ritual!  Maggie will come running and jump on the couch with me.  She will snuggle up to me and raise her rump.  The whole time I am a saying in baby talk, "How's my Maggie Lou!  Hey Maggie Lou!  I love you Maggie Lou!"  I say it over and over.  Maggie wants me to scratch her back and I put some lovin' on her, and she is just in ecstasy while I do it.  It is so endearing to me and makes me feel good.  Everybody needs a good dog sometimes. This morning I puffed up my chest for courage, put on my good clothes, and headed to George's for breakfast.  I was kind of feeling like a fool after the other day.  Well, Mrs. Florene welcomed me in with open arms.  She is such a sweetheart.  This mornin... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824408 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:39:00 +0100 2824408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814681&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fgeorge-wisdom.html I told George over the phone earlier about my bout with racism today. "Aw shit," George replied. "See? There is a difference between black people and niggas.  Niggas will steal yo shit in a heartbeat.  I would be suspicious too!  That son of a bitch would be a nigga if he didn't have a car or had a stolen one.  Niggas love to talk on cellphones, too.  Always scheming and shit.  Trying to steal yo valuables." I laughed.  I shouldn't have, but it struck me as funny.  George can be so candid with me sometimes.  It can surprise me.  And he can get away with saying stuff like that being a black man.   I feel better, but it still worried me.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814681 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:43:00 +0100 2814681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809877&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwee-hours-of-morning-george-visit.html All my house lights were on at four in the morning.  I was up listening to Joni Mitchell on the computer.  I couldn't sleep.  I looked up out the window and saw George pulling up.  He just happened by and saw the lights on.  He figured I was up.  "Why do you have your hazard lights flashing on your car?" I asked George standing at the door as he walked up. "Oh shit!" George exclaimed and he ran out to turn them off. That was like a police magnet and George had certainly been drinking.  He wasn't drunk.  Just tipsy. "That kind of stupid shit is going to get you in jail again," I said admonishing him.  George sat in my lazy boy and went on and on about Pookie and her imminent release from jail.  He was telling ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809877 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:35:00 +0100 2809877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804206&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fgiant-case-of-tp.html George surprised and shocked me this morning when he told me his hourly wage at Wal-Mart Distribution. "I am paying all momma's bills these days," he told me. And he should! Florene Jones has been his saving grace for years.  She has kept George up for most of his adult life.     Mom looked so nice today.  She really looked ten years younger. "I got my hair done," she said with a smile. "But your daddy asked what that is going to cost if I get my hair done three times a week." "Bah humbug!" I though of dad doing that. Mom is my commissary.  She keeps me well stocked with staple items.  In a sack today were 12 diet cokes, a can of shaving cream since I have been shaving with soap.  In the backseat of mom's... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804206 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:13:00 +0100 2804206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2790403&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fgourmet-gift.html I gave Mrs. Jones her coffee this morning.   She was very, very appreciative and it made me feel good.  I have grown to love her like a grandmother and she means the world to me.  George was kind of quiet this morning.  He was running low on money and Sunday arrived before he could buy some whiskey.  It's the Bible belt and they don't sell alcohol on Sundays around here.  I am sure Mrs. Jones was elated in that her son's drinking embarrasses her.  I have a long day today.  I am feeling kind of strange this morning mentally and am biding my time till mom and dad wake up and I can get my medications.  I am berating myself for putting up that video of me yesterday.  It was silly and I look silly.  I have noticed that many blog wri... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2790403 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:13:00 +0100 2790403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734000&cid=t_334965_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2FsM9KcAS5_K4%26amp%3Brel%3D1%26amp%3Bcolor1%3Dd6d6d6%26amp%3Bcolor2%3Df0f0f0%26amp%3Bborder%3D0%26amp%3Bfs%3D1%26amp%3Bhl%3Den%26amp%3Bautoplay%3D0%26amp%3Bshowinfo%3D0%26amp%3Biv_load_policy%3D3%26amp%3Bshowsearch%3D0 One of my favorite movies is 1776, the musical. In July 1776, Congress was working on the Declaration of Independence. A rather controversial undertaking with far reaching implications. In July 2009, Congress was tackling another controversial undertaking with far reaching implications. I am speaking of course about health reform. The parallels, and lessons learned, are striking. Today, health reform has its Gang of Six (Senators Max Baucus, Jeff Bingaman, Kent Conrad, Charles Grassley, Michael Enzi, and Olympia Snowe). Congress in 1776 appointed a Committee of Five (John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman) to assist with the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. President Obama observed that during July and August “everybody in Washington ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734000 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:56:51 +0100 2734000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523741&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fhot-days-and-even-more-sultry-nights.html Charlie is cutting my grass in this heat and it is making me feel guilty.  Here I am in my cool home, sipping ice cold orange drink, and listening to Maggie whine.  Maggie loves Charlie and hopes he will come in soon. George stopped by for a brief while this morning.  I had a wicked sense of humor this morning and was giving George a hard time.  "Are all whiteboys as goofy as you?" George asked. Mrs. Jones, George's mom, was cooking liver and onions for lunch.  I was almost tempted to invite myself.  Oh, how I love liver and onions.  The high today is supposed to be 98 degrees.  The hottest day of the year so far.  I've got my fingers crossed that we may get a few heat induced thunderstorms this evening.  If so, I am going to st... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523741 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:22:00 +0100 2523741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523743&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fsometimes-you-just-have-to-say-no.html George bought a new air conditioning compressor today.  He wanted me to help put it on on a day that was going to be the hottest day of the year so far.  That wasn't the only reason I said no. "I'm scared of the high pressure lines in a car's air conditioner," I told George. "I am always afraid I am going to blow my face off." "Pussy!" George replied. "Let me go see if I can get this thing on." This morning I arrived at mom and dad's when Helen arrived. "Baby?  Why will your momma only let you have 6 cokes at a time?" Helen asked. "She says I will drink too many of them and I will," I told her. "I have little to no self control." It was kind of embarrassing to talk about in a way.  Far be it for me t... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523743 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:10:00 +0100 2523743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523745&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ftests-today-and-tomorrow.html I had to head to the hospital for tests this morning.  Mom followed me in her car to make sure I went.  I have been known to take u-turns on the way and head back home.  The anxiety during such ordeals is nerve wracking to me. They stuck needles all in the muscles of my left leg and sent in a current of electricity.   My leg was flopping around like a fish out of water near the end.  It seems I may have a pinched nerve near or in my knee.  Oh joy!  I hope this doesn't mean surgery and rehabilitation.  Mom has already mentioned the S word, too.   George came by at lunch.  He was still awake since he slept during the day yesterday.  He had to be worn out.  "How does it feel to work for the evil empire?" I asked... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523745 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:31:00 +0100 2523745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2474155&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fmore-woes-for-george-car.html George pulled up at my house this morning as his car was making this God awful and extremely loud squealing noise. "Turn off your air conditioner," I told him loudly as he rolled down his window.  "What is it?" George asked. "Your air conditioning compressor is locked up and the drive belt is slipping." George said a variety of not so nice words and got out of his car. "You are going to need a new compressor or a compressor clutch," I then told him. I got worried that maybe my and George's little shade tree mechanics session the other day had ruined the compressor.   You need to add a lubricant when you put in the freon.  It usually comes in the can with the refrigerant.  Sometimes you have to add it separately for certain ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2474155 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:37:00 +0100 2474155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458493&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fbreakfast-with-george.html George has a new job.  He is working 3rd shift at the local Wal-Mart distribution center. "I liked to have never stayed awake all night last night," he told me this morning.  This morning I was over at George's to put freon in the air conditioning system in his car.  He was afraid to do it without help. "Where did you get the freon?" I asked George You learn something new everyday. "Got at Fred's dollar store for a dollar a can," George replied to my shock.  George's mom cooked sausage, gravy, and biscuits.  It was a thoroughly decadent breakfast for this modest southern man.  George's mom even sent Maggie home leftovers from dinner the day before.  Cubed fried steak.  I was almost tempted to eat it myself, but my lov... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458493 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:23:00 +0100 2458493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376791&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fbad-breath.html George's boss got onto him about smelling alcohol on his breath today at work. "At least I wasn't drunk," George told me and laughed. George laughed and laughed and thought it was the funniest thing. "He doesn't know that," I replied of his boss, wishing George would take the occurrence a little more seriously. I still have to have my cup of coffee and my Little Debbie donut sticks every morning thus my reason for being there. I left Fat's and took a long drive down through the valley.  Something I never do because of my anxiety attacks.  It felt good to be "free."  Without a care in the world as the early morning air blew through my cap-less hair with the window rolled down.     (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376791 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:43:00 +0100 2376791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326822&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fno-bourbon-for-you.html "If you go to AA, are you allowed to drink on a moderate basis after you've been sober awhile?" was the curious question George asked me this morning. "Abstinence," I replied. "You are supposed to never drink again." "That sucks donkey balls," George said frowning. I couldn't help but laugh.  It was an innocent enough question. "You thinking about going to AA?" I then asked. "Hell no," George said. "They're a bunch of religious, brainwashed kooks." George might be opposed to AA, but he always asks me questions about it.  He has this fascination with the subject.  I didn't tell George this, but I rarely go as well these days.  Every time I go, Phillip, the local AA patriarch asks me if I am sober and ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326822 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:37:00 +0100 2326822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326829&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2F3-dollars-richer.html George was back at work this morning.  I had just been by mom's to get my $3 dollars and my sodas.  "What did you think of mother's pot roast?" George asked as I sipped on some very hot coffee.  "I swear your mother is the best Southern cook I have ever encountered," I replied honestly.   George just beamed with pride.  "She loves you to death," George said. I still hadn't walked Maggie so I told George goodbye after only one cup of coffee. "Where have you been???" Maggie seemed to say when I got home. "It's cold girl," I told her as if she could speak. "You owe me a big favor for us walking in this." The thing I noticed most on our walk this morning was all the birds calling and singing.  It... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326829 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:53:00 +0100 2326829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326831&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fincorrigible-george.html George kept going out to his car to get a drink.  "Excuse me," he would say and then would come back in reeking of bourbon.  Mrs. Jones doesn't let him drink or smoke inside.  "I wish he would stop that drinking," George's mom told me with a scowl and a sigh as I was in the kitchen watching her cook. Lunch was delicious.  My favorite thing was Mrs. Jones' homemade biscuits and gravy.  Every time I would eat my two, George's mom would put two more on my plate.  I must have eaten ten.  They literally melted in your mouth. George and I got on a discussion of the differences between black and white churches after lunch. "Black people go to church for hours," George told me. "And black preachers are really theatrical and dr... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326831 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:35:00 +0100 2326831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326832&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fdisheveled.html George was a wreck this morning at Fat Albert's.  He looked like he had been up all night.  Red shot eyes.  Disheveled clothes.  "Don't even ask me how I made it into work," he told me. It made me feel so grateful that I don't drink these days.  "Mom wants you to came and eat Sunday dinner with us tomorrow," George said. "I was going to call you." Mrs. Jones is one of the best Southern cooks I have ever encountered.  I am unsure if I will go, but the thought was nice.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326832 Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:45:00 +0100 2326832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2300307&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fdevelopments-at-casa-de-andrew.html Day two of feeling well started out with more feelings of euphoria.  I almost feel like I am high.  It is intoxicating. George was having a hissy fit this morning because the anti-lock brake light came on in his car.  The dealership wants $800 to fix it. "They said I was going to need a new master cylinder," George told me. "I told them to kiss my black ass." Maggie and I missed our walk this morning.  She woke me up at four, but it was storming outside. "Sorry, girl," I told her.  She went for a car ride instead.  I needed cigarettes and cokes.  I noticed mom had 5 cartons of my cigarettes in her closet. "Mom, that is $300 dollars worth of cigarettes," I told her worried. "Did you pay for those?" &quot... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2300307 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:11:00 +0100 2300307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190463&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fcurious-george.html I lay on the floor of my den balled up like a fetus in the womb and cried, "Please dear God!  No more house cleaning!"  What followed would be a cigarette and then the thought of doing more terrible chores.  There was a lot more thinking about cleaning than actual cleaning getting done.  I am not very domestic.  My 4 AM in the morning guest to-be was George.  I went for a morning cup of coffee at Fat's.  George said, "Why didn't you answer your door?" "Dude! It was freakin' four in the morning," I told him. "You 'bout gave me and Maggie a nervous condition." "You always used to get up early anyway," George said in his defense.  He wanted to borrow money.  I had two dollars to my name.  One... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190463 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:41:00 +0100 2190463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2132234&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fconvo-with-dad-at-lunch.html "Your mother says you're seeing that George character again," Dad said with a scowl on his face.  "Is he still doing all that drinking and drugs?" "I only see him at his work," I said defensively.  I had told mom yesterday jokingly that George was going to get me hookers and beer, and we were going to throw a party.  I was jesting; making small talk.  "George is like valet parking for the underworld of Andrew-ville," I told mom. "He can get you everything and anything." It was actually rather sad that I was boasting about having a friend with such connections, and that was what I was doing: boasting.  I then berated mom for telling dad that, and then felt like a total schmuck. "I promise you I am not going to... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2132234 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:36:00 +0100 2132234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2131260&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fhookers-and-beer.html "I know what would help you!"  George said this morning after my tale of recent woe and my first cup of Fat Albert's coffee.  "You need to get laid!" I burst out laughing and then said, "Do I look that hard up?" "You've got a backup in your plumbing dear friend," George continued. "We'll get some hookers and some beer." I am still smiling after that little exchange with George this morning.  I seriously doubt that is going to help what ails me mentally.  It was fun seeing the spry look in George's eyes, though, as he exclaimed that.  I am up early this morning.  Weather watching.  It is supposed to rain all day and I have been watching the radar.  Wait!  I just heard drops of rain on my windows,... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2131260 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:01:00 +0100 2131260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121463&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcrazy-misfits.html I drove by the shopping center this afternoon.  It was a late evening setting sun.  Skies were cloudless and blue.  It just looked cold and I shivered in response.   Nobody was to be seen.  No Big S. No Dexter.  The cold had chased them inside, or the lack of benches chased them away.  I sometimes miss that crazy group of misfits I called the gang.  I don't miss the hangovers, though. I am still not up to snuff.  My mind is a tangled emotional mess of wants, needs, and desires.  I keep telling myself I should be so thankful for what I have now.  It took homelessness and a near death bout with alcoholism for me to find gratitude about such things.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121463 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:36:00 +0100 2121463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2086808&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fclose-calls-of-george-kind.html I noticed something amiss with George's car when I pulled up to Fat Albert's this morning.  A headlight was out and the quarter panel was badly dented. "I hit a deer," George said, startling me, as he came outside to smoke a cigar. "And pigs fly," I thought to myself.  I couldn't see any blood or animal hair.  "What are you addicted to these days?" George then asked me to change the subject. Misery loves company. "I was addicted to Benadryl for awhile," I told him. "Does it get you high?" "Just makes you sleepy and dull," I replied. "I'll stick with my bourbon and beer." I drank several refills of coffee until I was growing to feel guilty for not paying.  I told George good bye and drove home wonde... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2086808 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:55:00 +0100 2086808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073769&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fcrazy-kooks-of-aa.html George gave me a long lecture today about how people who go to AA are crazy, religious kooks.  I just smiled and shook my head in disagreement.  George is the poster child for needing AA.  Had something happen on the way back home from Fat Albert's.  An extremely disconcerting bout of vertigo while driving.  I was never so glad to be home. Not doing anything for New Year's.  Just a quiet evening at home as Maggie cowers from all the loud fireworks.  Glad to be sober today and to have somewhat good mental health.  (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073769 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:14:00 +0100 2073769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073772&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fdear-george.html George was in a surly mood on this morning's jaunt for coffee. "It must be nice having a father who takes care of everything," George told me sounding really spiteful.  "George, you shit.  That is rich coming from you.  Your mother takes care of everything for you.  You don't even have to pay a bill," I replied scoffing.  George grinned devilishly and asked me if I wanted another refill on my coffee trying to play it off. I then swung by mom and dad's house.  They were taking down their Christmas decorations.  It made me feel sad.  Often, when I was a child my mother would yank down the decorations a day after Christmas.  It would usually end up in a screaming match between us.  "You going to take down your tree ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073772 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:53:00 +0100 2073772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2060825&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fbitterly-cold.html My car barely cranked this morning at 5:00 AM in the dark.  It was 19 degrees outside. Don't ask me why I was up at such an ungodly hour.  I couldn't sleep and I was out of cigarettes.  I asked mom to put my cigarettes on the back porch the night before so I wouldn't wake them when I arrived.  It barely climbed above freezing today for the rest of the day.  I so wanted to go watch trains, but was only down there for 30 minutes before the cold and chill chased me back to my car.  I saw one mixed freight come rumbling by and that was it. I did swing by Fat Albert's to see George and for coffee early this morning.  He was all disgruntled to have to work on Christmas day. "Effing slave drivers," was today's catch phrase.  Convenience stores s... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2060825 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:33:00 +0100 2060825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2035507&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Ftoday-at-fat-albert.html George was busy printing out lottery tickets as I walked in Fat's.  "These lottery people are crazy!" he exclaimed to me after it had slowed down some.  "Dad always says the lottery is a tax on people who are bad at math," I replied. George laughed and laughed. "You know? That is kinda true!" he told me, grinning. "Do you still see Pookie?" I asked George. Pookie was George's long time girlfriend.  She is the only overweight crack addict I have ever met. "She in jail," George replied and I felt terrible for asking.    George continued on to tell me his mother has been asking about me.  Mrs. Jones, despite her age, is one of the best southern cooks I have ever encountered.  "Tell her I send ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2035507 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:07:00 +0100 2035507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2032976&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fbathroom-break.html I was getting a big laugh out of Maggie this morning.  It was cold and she so wanted to go outside.  She would stick her head out the dog door and then have second thoughts.  She turned to look at me like, "But I gotta pee!!!"  I was in the kitchen baking blueberry muffins for breakfast. I swung by Fat Albert's for a cup of coffee again early this morning.  Mom's three dollars she gives me everyday is proving to be a blessing both mentally and physically.   "Ride with me out to the lake when I get off," George said. I knew any ride with George would involve drinking and driving.  "Maybe some other time," I replied, drinking my coffee. The alcoholic in me really wanted to go.   I wanted to get rip roaring dr... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2032976 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:34:00 +0100 2032976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2032978&cid=t_334965_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fat-least-he-has-cut-down.html "How did you quit drinking?" I asked George down at Fat Albert's this morning. I expected a long diatribe dissing AA as George thinks the people that go to AA are crazy, brain-washed, nuts. "Oh, I still drink," George said with a grin. "I drink a six pack of malt liquor every afternoon when I get off of work." "Your mom still won't let you drink inside, will she?" I asked. George grinned and said, "I drink them in my Buick." At least he has cut down.  I never could moderate my drinking.  I would always drink till I passed out or fell over.  This lessened drinking is the key to George holding his current job. "You still drink?" George asked me. "I haven't had a drink in over a year," I proudly reported back... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2032978 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:38:00 +0100 2032978