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 'george's'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:53:47 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983544&cid=t_299643_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=3961967&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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=3934606&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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=3767298&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fcar-culture.html Riding my bike to work is just not going to work.  It was a hectic and scary ride down busy highway 29 as cars honked at me and people hollered out their windows for me to get off the “f.ing” road.  I realized we live in a car culture with little respect given to bicycle riders.  I felt like the biggest schmuck in the whole world causing traffic problems as I peddled furiously to work this morning.  I also was a sweaty mess by the time I arrived at work and my exertions had overridden my deodorant.  I smelt strongly of underarm odor all morning and was extremely self conscious.  It didn’t help my anxiety any.  It is back to the car culture for me as well tomorrow morning.  I will just have to ride for exercise late in the afternoons when it is ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767298 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:31:00 +0100 3767298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3763045&cid=t_299643_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=3750254&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fits-five-and-im-alive.html I just can’t sleep past five it seems. I was wide awake this morning ready to go as the first light of the day was on the horizon.  Maggie was on the bed vigorously digging at her cooties which woke me up.  I decided to sleep on the bed for a change last night.  I was so exhausted I could’ve slept on the floor and got a good night’s sleep. Can’t Even Bake Cookies without Hell Breaking Loose… I stopped by mom and dad’s last night to get more of mom’s chocolate chip and walnut cookies.  They are addicting.  Dad hasn’t let mom cook in decades and she took it upon herself recently to bake cookies. Dad will say she will burn the house down trying to cook. My mother was always such a wonderful cook – her cornbread being the best I have ever tasted.&nbsp... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3750254 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:27:00 +0100 3750254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740809&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Feight-hour-day-tomorrow.html I drove over this morning to get my medications at 7:30 as dad and I had agreed last night.  Dad was not happy about it at all.  He said he kept hoping I would call him with a change of heart – to acquiesce.  Dad made me wait ten minutes to make sure I didn’t throw them up.  He didn’t say much to me to my surprising relief. I didn’t need a confrontation this morning or an argument before work or the anxiety that would ensue because of it. He sat eating his breakfast of toast and jam and watched the television as I sat and let the medications soak in.  He is really giving me the cold shoulder, though.  Dad can’t stand to be out of control of situations or me.  He controls pretty much everything my mother does and did for me as well for years.&nbs... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740809 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:21:00 +0100 3740809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737276&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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=3701802&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Ftrain-kind-of-day.html Yesterday, I sat all day in the hot sweltering sun down at the railroad museum next to the tracks watching trains.  I did have some shelter and shade from the tall wall behind me as the sun hung lower in the sky as the day progressed.  I was all set for a day of train watching.  I had sunscreen.  I had a little mini cooler of ice cold water.  Lots of Model Railroader and Wired! magazines to read while waiting on trains. Plenty of cigarettes. And I had packed a lunch of ham sandwiches, granola bars for snacks, and potato chips.  I sat on the bench behind the bank where Ferret would always sleep in the summer when he was homeless years ago.  I kept thinking of Ferret as I sat there wondering whatever happened to him.  Last I heard, his grandfather had ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3701802 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 10:40:00 +0100 3701802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595574&cid=t_299643_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FRlOh34uO_1k%2F By David RittgersSeveral people videotaped the arrest of a belligerent woman at the Preakness Stakes and posted it online. The woman assaulted another patron of the race and two officers during her well-deserved arrest. The criminalization of citizens’ recordings of the arrest, which culminates in the woman lying face down and bleeding, is a different matter. Toward the end of the video, posted on YouTube (warning: violence and language), a police officer approaches the person filming the arrest and says, “Do me a favor and turn that off. It’s illegal to videotape anybody’s voice or anything else, against the law in the state of Maryland.” Unfortunately, the officer was right. The Maryland wiretapping law makes it illegal to record a conversation without the conse... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595574 Mon, 24 May 2010 16:20:24 +0100 3595574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545614&cid=t_299643_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=3533818&cid=t_299643_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FLVuiMxBhw0E%2F By Roger PilonIn a piece at Politico today, David Rittgers raised a number of important points on the role of surveillance cameras in law enforcement, about which I blogged yesterday at Politico Arena and Cato@Liberty. To add still more to the subject, David is quite right: the cop on the beat, assuming he’s there, will be better than the camera at preventing crime. In at least two cases, however, cameras can fight crime not only ex post but ex ante as well. First, cameras monitored in real time — as private cameras often are in apartment buildings, casinos, warehouses, and elsewhere — can facilitate crime prevention by alerting monitors to suspicious activity. And second, would-be criminals who are concerned about being caught may think twice if they suspect they’re being ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533818 Tue, 04 May 2010 18:40:34 +0100 3533818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3530000&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fmy-thought-for-blogging-day.html View Full Album Charlie’s New Cat Charlie brought my medications last night.  Charlie also brought some diet Cokes and a fried shrimp plate from Merl’s diner.  He was in a super mood and was just laughing and laughing.  Dad is still having issues with his new computer system and had the tech guys at the store last night after closing.  “I’ve got a new cat,” he said. “For a few weeks, he has made himself at home.  Yesterday, he showed up with a collar with a bell on it.  It seems he has two homes now.” I laughed. It would be just Charlie’s luck.  The cat is a vagabond going where the grass is greener.  Charlie just laughed and laughed about it – so surprised when the cat showed up with a collar.   He had thought the cat was... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3530000 Tue, 04 May 2010 07:46:00 +0100 3530000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490854&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwee-bit-of-phone-tag.html Mom and I have played phone tag all evening.  Mainly about my powdered drinks.  She is obsessing over that.  I made the biggest mistake of my life telling her I decided I didn’t like diet Sprite.  “It’s too bubbly and coy,” I said to her dismay quoting a line from a movie.  I disarmed the situation some by lying and telling mom I had some pink lemonade drink mix left. That it was too acidic for me, but I would drink it.  “But it will only last you two days!” was her reply.  Sigh.  Sometimes in life you just can’t win.  You’ve got to know when to lay down your cards and fold ‘em.  This was one of those times for me.  I sighed, told mom I would drive us to Wal-Mart tomorrow, and hung up the phone.  Mrs. Florene cal... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490854 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:57:00 +0100 3490854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490855&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fyum-yum.html “Pull up a seat, baby, and eat a sandwich!” Helen said very happily at lunch today. She had made her chicken salad for mom’s lunch – one of my favorite sandwich salads she makes.  I watched as she stood at the sink and sliced a tomato for my sandwiches.  Mom was sitting across from me at the table eating some potato chips.  She had finished her sandwiches Helen had made for her.  “Your father called doctor K. to get me something to take to calm me down,” mom said blithely. “And???” I asked. “I’ve slept all day.  I am just dreading Mexican Tuesday’s with Mrs. Sandra.” Now this was back to normal.  It is normal for mom to dread activities and to not be constantly driving around running errands and spending money.  She was so hyper ye... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490855 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:09:00 +0100 3490855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463831&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmy-thoughts-at-end-of-blogging-day_12.html The highlight of my birthday today was a call from my brother tonight.  “Oh, I just got in a fight with an ER doctor over a patient that needed special care,” my brother told me when I answered. He was really telling me all his problems and I listened intently.  I want to be close to my brother.  I admire him very much.  He was my chief advocate when we were children and we were inseparable.  We slept in the same room.  Shared the same toys.  Joined together in pine cone fights with the neighborhood kids.  He’s a good guy and someone I want in my life. “Call him every day,” dad said. “If you can get over your phone and social anxieties.” “I can’t call long distance on my phone,” I replied, reminding dad of his self imposed predica... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463831 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:40:00 +0100 3463831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3449113&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fcrash-bang-boom.html I was just talking to Mrs. Florene on the phone when I heard a loud crash, squeal and boom.  It sounded like someone’s car had hit my house. “What was that?” Mrs. Florene asked. “That was loud.” “I don’t know,” I replied, stymied. “It sounded like something just hit my house.” I got off the phone and looked out every window until I got to the window in my back bedroom.  I saw my neighbor’s car sitting in the front yard across the street from his house.  His garage was mangled – the left side corner completely torn off and the garage door was laying in the driveway.  I called Mrs. Florene back. “My elderly neighbor that lives behind me just had a bad accident,” I told her. “He must have hit the gas instead of the brake when he was pulling ou... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3449113 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:40:00 +0100 3449113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3449116&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmy-thoughts-at-end-of-blogging-day_07.html A Very Busy Day… Breakfast this morning was awesome.  Mrs. Florene cooked scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese grits, and biscuits.  I ate two plates despite my trepidations with my bulimia.  I especially enjoyed Mrs. Florene’s creamy and rich grits.  She cooked them to perfection. “Baby?” Mrs. Florene asked me after our meal. “Will you take me to the grocery store?” I sat in the car and smoked while Mrs. Florene shopped at the Piggly Wiggly.  She said I reminded her of George doing the same thing. Noon found me sitting in an AA meeting in Lagrange.  Nothing notable happened except I shared.  It was a once in a blue moon occurrence for me.  I talked about wanting my parents to trust me more now that I am sober and going to AA. “Your parents... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3449116 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:50:00 +0100 3449116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3449120&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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=3420731&cid=t_299643_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=3411276&cid=t_299643_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=3366160&cid=t_299643_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fcity-hospital-system-board-member-fined.html Sometimes I think I have now seen every type of conflict of interest that could afflict health care, but then some amazing new variation on the theme comes along...Last year, the New York Times reported on an unusual deal between the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and a proprietary (for-profit) Caribbean medical school that attracts US citizens who were not admitted to US medical schools:New York City’s Health and Hospitals Corporation has signed a 10-year, $100 million contract with a profit-making medical school in the Caribbean to provide clinical training for hundreds of students at the city’s 11 public hospitals.The unusual deal, proposed by a member of the corporation’s board who has long worked for the Caribbean school, has been met by an outcry from New York m... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366160 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:23:00 +0100 3366160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342869&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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=3316234&cid=t_299643_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=3271182&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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=3248688&cid=t_299643_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=3247064&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fparty-sober-party.html Mrs. Florene just called me.  I was laying in bed listening to Taylor Swift sing about being fifteen and in love.  “What do you think about throwing a party for George’s fourth week of sobriety?” she asked me. “It would just be me, you, and George.  We would have hors’devours and sober punch.  I make a mean punch with carbonated apple juice!” “Let’s wait till six weeks,” I said, hating to burst her bubble.  “George told me he is still very shaky.  I don’t want to put pressure on him.” “Okay baby,” Mrs. Florene replied. “I am going to listen to you.  You’ve been there and done that.” We hung up the phones and I deeply smiled.  Mrs. Florene so loves George much like mom loves me.  They would both do just about an... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3247064 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:55:00 +0100 3247064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236071&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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=3212313&cid=t_299643_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZmp_ynDh4o4%2F By Jason KuznickiFrom the Washington Post: Travel along a two-block stretch of Central Avenue in Prince George’s County, and you’ll find a staggering 11 fast-food restaurants. For community activist Arthur Turner and state Sen. David C. Harrington (D-Prince George’s), the strip is evidence of the proliferation of burger joints and Chinese takeouts in the county, especially in poorer, inner Capital Beltway communities. Pointing to studies that rank Prince George’s residents among the least healthy in Maryland, Turner and Harrington want to limit new fast-food restaurants in the county, a far stricter approach than what has been enacted in such places as New York City and Montgomery County, which banned the use of trans fats in those establishments… “Our c... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212313 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:30:28 +0100 3212313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205099&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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_299643_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=3142815&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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=3123507&cid=t_299643_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=3105269&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fre-gifting.html Re-Gifting is pretty taboo and passe isn't it?  Well, I had nothing to get Mrs. Florene for Christmas and she has been so kind to me.  My sister gave me this GE griddle about five years ago for Christmas and I have never opened the box.  I just had no use for it.  Well, Mrs. Florene is getting it for Christmas from me.  Now, she can make four pancakes at a time instead of just one at a time!  I am getting George a six pack of Heineken, his favorite beer, for Christmas as well.   Aren't I terrible?  It would hurt my sister's feelings deeply to know I am doing this.  Oh, well. (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3105269 Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:33:00 +0100 3105269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101051&cid=t_299643_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=3084970&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fdodging-bullets-and-rain.html Imagine my horror when I walked into the bedroom late yesterday afternoon to find muddy footprints all over the sheets and comforter of the bed I sleep in.  "Damn-it to Hell, Maggie!" I mumbled accusingly.  Nothing a few cycles in the washing machine and dryer couldn't fix, though.  I wish she would realize she is doing this.  She is completely oblivious.  She looked at me while I started changing them like, "boy, these sheets sure are comfy now," as she lay on them.  I smiled as she wagged her tail.  You can't stay mad at that. I didn't feel like going to Mrs. Florene's to eat breakfast and have communion this morning.  George called me back after I left a message on his cell phone and then Mrs. Florene got on the phone trying to... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084970 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:31:00 +0100 3084970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3083182&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fdodging-bullets-and-rain.html Imagine my horror when I walked into the bedroom late yesterday afternoon to find muddy feet prints all over the sheets and comforter of the bed. "Dammit Maggie!" I mumbled accusingly.  Nothing a few cycles in the washing machine and dryer couldn't fix, though.  I wish she would realize she is doing this.  She is oblivious.  She looked at me while I started changing them like, "boy, these sheets sure are comfy now," as she lay on them. I didn't feel like going to Mrs. Florene's to eat breakfast this morning.  George called me back and then Mrs. Florene got on the phone trying to persuade me. "Baby, it won't be the same without you," she pleaded over the phone. I feigned mental illness, which was partly true, and settled in for a quiet... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3083182 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:31:00 +0100 3083182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071450&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fmagic-of-mrs-florene-biscuit.html First, you take her magical wooden bowl.  Magic! I tell ya! Flour is sifted and into the bowl it goes.  Next comes the secret ingredient: LARD!  You can only still find it in big red vats at the Piggly Wiggly.  Into this goes full fat buttermilk.  "It has to be full fat," she's said many times. This mixture is gingerly mixed.  "Too much and they will be tough!"  The biscuits are rolled out on wax paper and then gingerly cut - gingerly cut by a tomato paste can with the ends cut off. This makes the perfect bite-size.  All this goes into a 500 degree oven with loving hands - probably the most secret ingredient of all.  The magical biscuits can then be eaten with cheese, preserves, jam, etc. (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071450 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:51:00 +0100 3071450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3045009&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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=2950976&cid=t_299643_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_299643_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=2947115&cid=t_299643_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=2927546&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fshe-lady.html Last night Mrs. Florene called me.  Mainly about George, but then she asked me if I would take her to the grocery store, she would cook me a good supper.  I called dad and asked when he was bringing my medications and he said he was on the way.  Good.  We went to the Piggly Wiggly and I followed Mrs. Jones around as she shopped. "We're gonna have some cubed steak, rice and gravy, steamed broccoli, and biscuits," she told me.  "Let's cook some Brussels' sprouts, too!" I told her. She said she had cooked them only once in her life. "I remember cooking them with butter and lemon," she said. So that's what we did.  I also learned how to make true Southern sticky rice.  It was delicious with a heaping helping of steak gravy.&#... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927546 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:23:00 +0100 2927546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2883198&cid=t_299643_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=2879775&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fjourney-into-abyss.html George was working overtime this morning.  Mrs. Jones called me and asked me to take her to Wal-Mart so she could get a few things.   I was over at their house in 20 minutes ready to go. Well, walking into Wal-Mart for me is like stepping into over-stimulation land.  The dizzying array of products.  The bustling people shopping.  The glaring monitors displaying Wal-Mart commercials.  The elderly greeter that says hello as you walk in.  My addled mind was spinning. I followed Mrs. Jones as she toodled around with her shopping cart.  Our first stop was to get George some underwear and socks.  I smiled inwardly at this until I remembered mom recently bought me underwear and socks at Wal-Mart as well.  George and I are in the same boat it... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879775 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:27:00 +0100 2879775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865909&cid=t_299643_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=2824408&cid=t_299643_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=2809876&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Flove-puts-on-new-face.html I read the blog of this single Jewish lady in New York City.  She is one of the most gorgeous women I have ever seen.   I swoon when she posts a picture of herself like today. But... She has the most God awful personality and beliefs.  How can something be so beautiful in appearance be so ugly in personality and demeanor?  She writes of rabid conservatism and is constantly denigrating Muslims.  I want to swoop her up and reprogram her personality.   Mrs. Florene... Mrs. Florene finally cooked something I didn't like today.  It was a breakfast casserole with tator tots in it.  I hate tator tots.  I ate one serving and said I was full.  "Come on baby.  Eat some more," she kept saying. I felt terrible. Maggie...&#16... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809876 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:11:00 +0100 2809876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800678&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fkneading-that-dough.html Mom's been over here all day.  She's having a very hard time and doesn't want to be alone.  I am very happy to have her as I get lonely here all day with just me and Maggie.  Maggie sleeps all the time these days.   Last night went over like a lead balloon.  I don't want to say much as not to sully this blog post with all that junk.  I am to take my Lithium and I am to learn to like it! Mrs. Jones showed me how she makes her Southern buttermilk biscuits this morning.  I watched as she carefully and thoroughly cut in the shortening into the flour.  She them poured in the buttermilk from a measuring cup and kneaded it very sparingly before she cut the biscuits.  Let me tell you they were heavenly. "Knead it too much and your biscuits wi... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800678 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:51:00 +0100 2800678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2790403&cid=t_299643_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=2523744&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fnational-give-maggie-reason-to-bark-day.html Every Wednesday it's the same.  The trash men cometh and Maggie starts barking early in the morning.   I was laying in the bed around 6 AM this morning when Maggie started her muted cough routine.  *cough* *cough* Maggie would go as her ears pricked up.  She could hear them miles before I could.  Yesterday's MRI was akin to laying in a well air conditioned coffin.  "Oh shit!" I muttered to myself. "I am going to have a panic attack."  I closed my eyes and tried to dwell on good things.  Like the double quarter pounder with cheese that was waiting on me when I got home.  A funny part of the MRI was when the Nurse asked if I wanted to listen to 70's music or country music.  "70's please and thank you," I ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523744 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:12:00 +0100 2523744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458493&cid=t_299643_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=2326831&cid=t_299643_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=2035507&cid=t_299643_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=1097429&cid=t_299643_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fagainst-all-odds.html Ran into George's mom yesterday afternoon at the grocery store.  Mrs. Jones was dressed to the nines and looking pretty for a woman of eighty-five.  "How's George?" I asked her, almost shy in bringing the subject up. "Baby, he be doin' well," she replied after giving me a hug. She didn't tell me much about what was ailing George. I don't think she knew much with George probably hiding the worst news from her.  I later learned that George doesn't have full blown cirrhosis.  He is just at the early stages with a decreased liver function.  He has fatty deposits in his liver.  It seems George's carefree days of constant drinking have caught up to him.  I finally gathered all my shopping items.  A loaf of french bread, real butter, and the stuff to make a... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1097429 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 07:54:00 +0100 1097429