This is not going to be very long, I am not feeling too good. For quite a while now I have had a pain/headache at the base of my skull. It felt better for two or three days after my last physical therapy session, but has now come back worse than ever, I have another appointment on Monday which I will keep, but if it doesn't get better I don't think I will bother with anymore.
I woke up this morning for a little while, then went off to sleep until 8 o'clock this evening. I've tried the headache pills I've got in the house, including prescription pain relief, and as they haven't done any good I thought they might be out of date, so went out this evening to the pharmacy for some new ones, which so far don't seem to be working.
Pattisue rang this evening because there is a firework display in town for the 4th July next week, but I told her I wasn't up to it, the pain is so intense I don't know what to do with myself. I wondered if I might have a brain tumour, she suggested that perhaps I am allergic to gluten.
Perhaps tomorrow I might feel better.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Friday 28th June
After all my activity yesterday I thought I had better stay in and keep my foot elevated, it needs all the help it can get to heal, so I've nearly finished my needlework project - I have in fact finished it but I am at the stage of snipping out stitches I'm not happy with.
And (how ungrammatical is this, starting a new paragraph with and) I have been channel hopping between the news and the current murder trial. Which is - to refresh your memory - young unarmed teenager is walking home, it's raining heavily, he is taking shelter where he can under the eaves of houses, and a self appointed neighbourhood watchman - who I've heard described as a wannabe cop - is suspicious. He calls the police who tell him to stand off, it takes six minutes for the police to arrive, and in that time the young lad and the defendant have a confrontation, the defendant has a bloody nose and cuts and grazes, and the young lad is dead on the sidewalk.
So the defence all hinges on who hit whom first, and which one of them was heard screaming for help. The defendant is alleging that the lad attacked him and he killed him in self defence. There seem to be lots of witnesses who heard the kerfuffle, and they have all been filing into court today, all witnesses for the prosecution,
but it doesn't look good for the defence, there is going to be too much 'reasonable doubt'.
The "star" witness is the young lad's girl friend who was talking to him on the phone when he was being followed by the defendant. BUT, she is a teenager, uneducated (she can't read cursive writing), she had no idea how to conduct herself in court, she made it very clear that she did not want to be there, there was a lot of rolling of her eyes, and it was very difficult for anyone to hear and understand what she was saying, and there is a cultural issue here too because she is - like the victim - African American. I heard it said that black and white people live in a different America, and I can see how true that is if one is poor, black and uneducated.
She started giving evidence on Wednesday or Thursday, but didn't finish before the court was adjourned for the day, and she was told she would have to come back the next day, she shouted WHAT!!!! Someone obviously took her aside and told her how to behave in court, she was a great deal more polite, there was a lot more "yes, SIR" when she came back the next morning.
As far as I can understand it so far, the defendant started following him, the young lad asked what his problem was, they got into a fight, and the lad was shot.
Who needs crime novels and whodunnits when it is all unfolding before you.
And (how ungrammatical is this, starting a new paragraph with and) I have been channel hopping between the news and the current murder trial. Which is - to refresh your memory - young unarmed teenager is walking home, it's raining heavily, he is taking shelter where he can under the eaves of houses, and a self appointed neighbourhood watchman - who I've heard described as a wannabe cop - is suspicious. He calls the police who tell him to stand off, it takes six minutes for the police to arrive, and in that time the young lad and the defendant have a confrontation, the defendant has a bloody nose and cuts and grazes, and the young lad is dead on the sidewalk.
So the defence all hinges on who hit whom first, and which one of them was heard screaming for help. The defendant is alleging that the lad attacked him and he killed him in self defence. There seem to be lots of witnesses who heard the kerfuffle, and they have all been filing into court today, all witnesses for the prosecution,
but it doesn't look good for the defence, there is going to be too much 'reasonable doubt'.
The "star" witness is the young lad's girl friend who was talking to him on the phone when he was being followed by the defendant. BUT, she is a teenager, uneducated (she can't read cursive writing), she had no idea how to conduct herself in court, she made it very clear that she did not want to be there, there was a lot of rolling of her eyes, and it was very difficult for anyone to hear and understand what she was saying, and there is a cultural issue here too because she is - like the victim - African American. I heard it said that black and white people live in a different America, and I can see how true that is if one is poor, black and uneducated.
She started giving evidence on Wednesday or Thursday, but didn't finish before the court was adjourned for the day, and she was told she would have to come back the next day, she shouted WHAT!!!! Someone obviously took her aside and told her how to behave in court, she was a great deal more polite, there was a lot more "yes, SIR" when she came back the next morning.
As far as I can understand it so far, the defendant started following him, the young lad asked what his problem was, they got into a fight, and the lad was shot.
Who needs crime novels and whodunnits when it is all unfolding before you.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Thursday 27th June
My, I've had a busy day. I knew the Kiwanis speaker, he is the worship leader at Carla's church in Shawnee. I didn't enjoy his talk though, I slipped out. He is a child abuse investigator, and as you know in Britain, no level of child abuse is acceptable, but in this country parents are allowed, to some extent, to hit their children, and he was detailing what is acceptable and what is not. So as I say, I slipped out, got a cup of coffee and watched the Tai Chi.
A bit later I went to Emmanuel for the discussion group, and four of us went to lunch at the nice restaurant/deli.
When I got home I was ready to take off my boot cast and elevate my foot. However I had just situated myself comfortably when I got a phone call from Visa Fraud. A bandit had hacked into my debit card from my local bank, and they were immediately suspicious. There were three fraudulent transactions. One of them, for $189 was for a parking fine in New York City, another was a shop in North Carolina, and I forget what they said the other was. When I confirmed they weren't mine they immediately stopped my card, and the transactions didn't go through to my account.
So much for my little rest. I had to put the cast back on and hot foot off to my bank to request a new card, and satisfy myself that the card hadn't been used locally, and nothing else was amiss in my account.
This is not the first time this has happened to me. On the last occasion I had bought some fuel from a local gas station, put the card into the pump (as you do) and it had been photographed (said gas station installed new pumps a few days later) so now I only use the same filling station which I think/hope is reliable, but the last time I filled up I had to use a different one, but then I noticed their pumps were brand new, so I don't know.
I must say I have tremendous admiration for Visa Fraud, they are certainly on the ball.
A bit later I went to Emmanuel for the discussion group, and four of us went to lunch at the nice restaurant/deli.
When I got home I was ready to take off my boot cast and elevate my foot. However I had just situated myself comfortably when I got a phone call from Visa Fraud. A bandit had hacked into my debit card from my local bank, and they were immediately suspicious. There were three fraudulent transactions. One of them, for $189 was for a parking fine in New York City, another was a shop in North Carolina, and I forget what they said the other was. When I confirmed they weren't mine they immediately stopped my card, and the transactions didn't go through to my account.
So much for my little rest. I had to put the cast back on and hot foot off to my bank to request a new card, and satisfy myself that the card hadn't been used locally, and nothing else was amiss in my account.
This is not the first time this has happened to me. On the last occasion I had bought some fuel from a local gas station, put the card into the pump (as you do) and it had been photographed (said gas station installed new pumps a few days later) so now I only use the same filling station which I think/hope is reliable, but the last time I filled up I had to use a different one, but then I noticed their pumps were brand new, so I don't know.
I must say I have tremendous admiration for Visa Fraud, they are certainly on the ball.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tuesday
I haven't felt too well the last couple of days. Worse than the foot at the moment has been a tension headache I just can't seem to get rid of. Yesterday and today I have been to a therapist who is working at releasing the very stiff muscles. Apparently when I fell adrenaline rushed in and my sympathetic nervous system closed down to protect me, and this is the result. Yesterday I just had a half hour treatment, today I had an hour, and her massaging and manipulating were really painful, but I booked another appointment for next week. I think it is working, I did actually feel a bit better when I woke up this morning.
Afterwards I took myself to the Red Lobster for lunch to reward myself. I've been wanting to try their latest deal of two specials and a side (with the ubiquitous salad) I chose shrimp and lobster pot pie, and shrimps in garlic butter, with a side of roasted vegetables. The topping on the pot pie was their Cheddar bay biscuit , and it was all very nice.
The house was beginning to look pretty dusty since I haven't been able to push the vacuum round, so I borrowed Rosalyn's good friend and housekeeper, Jay, who fed Bubbles for me when I was away. I felt better just seeing the house looking cleaner.
Perhaps tomorrow I will find something more than my aches and pains to write about.
Afterwards I took myself to the Red Lobster for lunch to reward myself. I've been wanting to try their latest deal of two specials and a side (with the ubiquitous salad) I chose shrimp and lobster pot pie, and shrimps in garlic butter, with a side of roasted vegetables. The topping on the pot pie was their Cheddar bay biscuit , and it was all very nice.
The house was beginning to look pretty dusty since I haven't been able to push the vacuum round, so I borrowed Rosalyn's good friend and housekeeper, Jay, who fed Bubbles for me when I was away. I felt better just seeing the house looking cleaner.
Perhaps tomorrow I will find something more than my aches and pains to write about.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Sunday 23 June
Went to the 9.30 service this morning at Emmanuel. The topic of conversation over the coffee and donuts before the service was the influx of snakes in gardens. Not that I've seen any - I am too nervous of the poison ivy to go out in the garden very much, the warnings about it in my pharmacy are DIRE.
Apparently the heavy rain is bringing the snakes up out of the gophers' tunnels. I tell you, what with gophers, armadillos, snakes and poison ivy, gardening is a whole new challenge here.
When I asked how they got rid of the snakes I was told that hitting them over the head with a hoe doesn't work. They shoot them. But for someone not brought up here in the Wild West, and not in possession of a firearm, that is never going to be the answer.
I had lunch today at the China Buffet with Pattisue, who is still bravely battling her cancer.
This evening I saw a really lovely programme on OETA, the local Oklahoma Network, I don't know if you have seen it in England. It was Prince Charles paying a tribute to his mother. The Queen and George VI were both very keen on photography, cine photography and still photographs. He showed us some photos from her albums, but mostly he showed family cine films of the Queen and Prince Phillip, himself and Princess Anne before his younger brothers were born. He was laughing and smiling and reminiscing, a side of him one doesn't often see.
As well as the family films he showed a few official ones of the Coronation, and talked about his memories of the day. And this one of his Investiture as Prince of Wales..
He was laughing at this one, saying she was doing up his clothes like she did when he was a child, and with the same look on her face.
As you know every Prime Minister gets to spend a weekend at Balmoral in August, joining in with whatever the family is doing, and this is Churchill who was PM when she became Queen, waving a piece of driftwood about, with Lady Churchill.
Apparently the heavy rain is bringing the snakes up out of the gophers' tunnels. I tell you, what with gophers, armadillos, snakes and poison ivy, gardening is a whole new challenge here.
When I asked how they got rid of the snakes I was told that hitting them over the head with a hoe doesn't work. They shoot them. But for someone not brought up here in the Wild West, and not in possession of a firearm, that is never going to be the answer.
I had lunch today at the China Buffet with Pattisue, who is still bravely battling her cancer.
This evening I saw a really lovely programme on OETA, the local Oklahoma Network, I don't know if you have seen it in England. It was Prince Charles paying a tribute to his mother. The Queen and George VI were both very keen on photography, cine photography and still photographs. He showed us some photos from her albums, but mostly he showed family cine films of the Queen and Prince Phillip, himself and Princess Anne before his younger brothers were born. He was laughing and smiling and reminiscing, a side of him one doesn't often see.
As well as the family films he showed a few official ones of the Coronation, and talked about his memories of the day. And this one of his Investiture as Prince of Wales..
As you know every Prime Minister gets to spend a weekend at Balmoral in August, joining in with whatever the family is doing, and this is Churchill who was PM when she became Queen, waving a piece of driftwood about, with Lady Churchill.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Saturday
I spent a good part of the day keeping my foot elevated, which is the best place for it. This afternoon though I went to the movies with Pattisue, she has been wanting to see Star Trek since it was released here about six weeks ago. I saw it with Jeremy the day it was released over there, and realised today that American cinemas are twice as loud as ours, I missed some of the film in Northampton because I fell asleep, but there is no way anyone could have slept through any part of today's showing, it was DEAFENING.
We were going to eat afterwards, but both of us felt a bit too tired, so we might go tomorrow.
From my pics
This is the east end of All Saints Church, Brixworth, near Jeremy. It is one of the oldest in England, built about 675 in the early Anglo Saxon period. The early Christian churches were all built like a Roman basilica with a rounded apse at the east end, and the entrance at the west, and I think they are still like that in Europe, but in England they are mostly laid out like the Celtic church, with a square east end, and the entrance in the south wall. It is all that remains of our Celtic past.
A rather nice modern glass porch has been set in the south wall here.
This church also contains a relic (most of them disappeared during the Reformation) said to be the throat bone of St Boniface.
It is said of St Boniface that when he chopped down the pagan Thor's oak at Geismar, he claimed a tiny fir tree growing in its roots as the new Christian symbol.
He told the heathen tribes This humble tree's wood is used to build your homes; let Christ be at the centre of your households - its leaves remain evergreen in the darkest days; let Christ be your constant light -its bough reach out to embrace and its top points to heaven; let Christ be your comfort and your guide.
So the fir tree became a sign of Christ amongst the German peoples, and eventually it became a world-wide symbol of Christmas.
We were going to eat afterwards, but both of us felt a bit too tired, so we might go tomorrow.
From my pics
This church also contains a relic (most of them disappeared during the Reformation) said to be the throat bone of St Boniface.
It is said of St Boniface that when he chopped down the pagan Thor's oak at Geismar, he claimed a tiny fir tree growing in its roots as the new Christian symbol.
He told the heathen tribes This humble tree's wood is used to build your homes; let Christ be at the centre of your households - its leaves remain evergreen in the darkest days; let Christ be your constant light -its bough reach out to embrace and its top points to heaven; let Christ be your comfort and your guide.
So the fir tree became a sign of Christ amongst the German peoples, and eventually it became a world-wide symbol of Christmas.
Friday, June 21, 2013
First Day of Summer
When I first came to this country summers were a novelty. I'd wake up every morning to blue skies, sunshine, and warm weather, and think it was wonderful. I couldn't understand the people who said they were tired of it, and longing for autumn (or fall, as they call it). But as time has gone by I find myself thinking wistfully of the damp, grey, environment I grew up in, and wonder why I didn't appreciate it.
It is not as if I am uncomfortable in the heat, I'm not an outdoorsy person, I am quite happy in the house with the air conditioning turned up and the ceiling fans going. I think it is just the monotony of every day being the same.
Phoenix, Arizona always looks the hottest place.
There is a lot going on in the news at the moment, you have probably heard about all the scandals, the careers that seem to be unravelling before our eyes. I am not sure what to make of it all, what I want to know is where the President was during the attack on the Embassy in Benghazi. I think everyone wants - or wanted - to know, but whereas everyone else has moved on to the other scandals, I am still waiting for an answer to this one, but there is just total media blackout on it.
An item which caught my attention today is a celebrity chef who has just been sacked by the Food Network for racist slurs. She was very popular, and on every day, but I didn't like her, she was too bubbly, and gushing, and irritating. I think she was from Alabama - one of the slave states - and apparently she organised a plantation themed wedding, I don't know if it was hers, but all the servers were black and dressed in white uniforms. Well....you just don't get more politically incorrect than that. I don't think this wedding was recent, and not the reason she was sacked, it is just one of the things that has emerged.
It is not as if I am uncomfortable in the heat, I'm not an outdoorsy person, I am quite happy in the house with the air conditioning turned up and the ceiling fans going. I think it is just the monotony of every day being the same.
There is a lot going on in the news at the moment, you have probably heard about all the scandals, the careers that seem to be unravelling before our eyes. I am not sure what to make of it all, what I want to know is where the President was during the attack on the Embassy in Benghazi. I think everyone wants - or wanted - to know, but whereas everyone else has moved on to the other scandals, I am still waiting for an answer to this one, but there is just total media blackout on it.
An item which caught my attention today is a celebrity chef who has just been sacked by the Food Network for racist slurs. She was very popular, and on every day, but I didn't like her, she was too bubbly, and gushing, and irritating. I think she was from Alabama - one of the slave states - and apparently she organised a plantation themed wedding, I don't know if it was hers, but all the servers were black and dressed in white uniforms. Well....you just don't get more politically incorrect than that. I don't think this wedding was recent, and not the reason she was sacked, it is just one of the things that has emerged.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Thursday
I didn't get to Kiwanis this morning, I took a couple of sleeping tablets last night, and felt very 'hung over' when I eventually woke up at 9.30. I had an e-mail from Fr Clark asking if I needed a lift to Emmanuel this morning, but I didn't get there either. I did surface though in time to go to Larry's Thursday service at the hospital chapel.
I don't know if I have mentioned that he is resigning as senior hospital chaplain, as from the 10th August. He said he has been there for thirteen and a half years, and now wants to concentrate on his church and mission work. His church is very involved in some amazing mission work in Malawi, the Amazon, Bulgaria, among other places.
He has never criticised the new, Catholic, administration of the hospital, or the direction it is going, he has always been careful to be very supportive of all the changes that are taking place, but I can't imagine that he is entirely happy about it, especially the fact that the hospital chapel is now part of the parish of the Catholic church in Shawnee, and no longer part of the hospital. I shall miss him, but have told him I don't want to lose touch, I'll come to his church sometimes.
In the news ....(this is what you get when I am in front of the television practically 24/7)
The Governor of Texas has signed into law a decree banning 'Merry Christmas' it must not appear anywhere, it has to be 'Happy Holiday'. So it is official. The war on Christmas has been won.
A jury of six women has been appointed to what is set to be the murder trial of the summer, which will begin on Monday in Florida. This is the trial of the neighbourhood watchman, who shot a 17 year old, allegedly in self defence. From my understanding of the incident the lad came out of a convenience store and was just walking home, but the neighbourhood watchman called the police and said he "looked up to no good" and by the time the police got there he'd shot him. The fact that the lad was black has caused an outcry in this very racially conscious country.
It has taken some time to select this jury, they have all had to be grilled and interviewed extensively, another jaw dropping aspect of
American jurisprudence. And unlike the murder trial in Arizona this jury is going to be sequestered. No phones, no i-Pads, obviously no television, no contact with their families for at least two months, we are told. I feel sorry for them. I hope they've got some good books.
From my pics....
The above is near Alfriston church, I've played pooh sticks there when my lads were young. That's why I wanted to revisit it while I was there.
The bluebells and wood anemones were out when I was staying with Pat.
I don't know if I have mentioned that he is resigning as senior hospital chaplain, as from the 10th August. He said he has been there for thirteen and a half years, and now wants to concentrate on his church and mission work. His church is very involved in some amazing mission work in Malawi, the Amazon, Bulgaria, among other places.
He has never criticised the new, Catholic, administration of the hospital, or the direction it is going, he has always been careful to be very supportive of all the changes that are taking place, but I can't imagine that he is entirely happy about it, especially the fact that the hospital chapel is now part of the parish of the Catholic church in Shawnee, and no longer part of the hospital. I shall miss him, but have told him I don't want to lose touch, I'll come to his church sometimes.
In the news ....(this is what you get when I am in front of the television practically 24/7)
The Governor of Texas has signed into law a decree banning 'Merry Christmas' it must not appear anywhere, it has to be 'Happy Holiday'. So it is official. The war on Christmas has been won.
A jury of six women has been appointed to what is set to be the murder trial of the summer, which will begin on Monday in Florida. This is the trial of the neighbourhood watchman, who shot a 17 year old, allegedly in self defence. From my understanding of the incident the lad came out of a convenience store and was just walking home, but the neighbourhood watchman called the police and said he "looked up to no good" and by the time the police got there he'd shot him. The fact that the lad was black has caused an outcry in this very racially conscious country.
It has taken some time to select this jury, they have all had to be grilled and interviewed extensively, another jaw dropping aspect of
American jurisprudence. And unlike the murder trial in Arizona this jury is going to be sequestered. No phones, no i-Pads, obviously no television, no contact with their families for at least two months, we are told. I feel sorry for them. I hope they've got some good books.
From my pics....
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Wednesday
I think most of you know by now I went to the doctor yesterday, Tuesday. She took another x-ray, but I haven't seen it. She told me to continue wearing the boot cast when I am walking, but mercifully I can take it off when my foot is elevated, because it is extremely uncomfortable. And I have another appointment for three weeks.
Fortunately it is my left foot, so I am able to drive. I didn't try until I had to go to the doctor yesterday, but it is no problem.
Being in so much discomfort it is difficult to concentrate, but I will come back in the morning when I get up, and see if I can add a bit more.
Fortunately it is my left foot, so I am able to drive. I didn't try until I had to go to the doctor yesterday, but it is no problem.
Being in so much discomfort it is difficult to concentrate, but I will come back in the morning when I get up, and see if I can add a bit more.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Monday 17th June
It is now definitely summer with consistent temperatures like this, up in the 90s.
I wondered how many there were locally, and it is no surprise it is so densely orange in Oklahoma. There are: - 24 in Oklahoma City - 3 in Shawnee - 7 in Norman - 3 in Midwest City and 3 in Moore.
Apart from absorbing facts like that on television I have just been reading, and working on my needlepoint. I thought my foot was feeling better today, although it's a bit painful this evening. I am going to the doctor tomorrow.
The holiday snaps......
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Father's Day 16th June
This morning I went again to Carla's church at Meeker, with Bruce and Rosalyn.
Rosalyn is also a friend of Carla - they were in the same local Choral Society - but she was unable to come with me last Sunday because she was playing the organ at Emmanuel, but wanted to celebrate Carla's new ministry, so she and Bruce kindly invited me to go with them this morning, and afterwards invited Carla and I to lunch. We went to a new Italian restaurant in Shawnee, and it was all very pleasant.
Afterwards Rosalyn sent me home with some homeopathic remedies for my injured foot, something to take by mouth, and an ointment for the foot, and some organic foods. It was so kind, I do appreciate them both.
On the subject of said injured foot, it actually looks worse, a lot more bruised. I wonder if the boot cast is too tight, and I am looking forward to seeing the doctor on Tuesday, but at the moment I am not feeling very optimistic that the foot is mending.
Medical costs in this country are outrageous. Not just outrageous as in "high", but as in "rip off".
For example: Tylenol - a pain relieving tablet - costs $1.49 on Amazon, for 100. A hospital patient is charged $1.50 EACH. A hospital patient is also charged $77 for a box of gauze pads. This is just two examples out of thousands.
A 64 year old woman in CT had chest pains, she was taken 4 miles by ambulance to the ER, to a hospital which is officially supposed to be "non profit". She spent three hours there, was told she had indigestion, and sent home. She was billed $995 for the ambulance; $3000 for the doctors, and $17,000 for the hospital. The CEO of this "non profit" hospital earns $1,860,000. The Chief Financial Officer receives $744,000.
The source of these figures is 'A Bitter Pill' by Steven Brill in the current edition of Time magazine.
With costs like these, imagine the cost of the surgery to my foot. Even if I was fully insured, or extremely wealthy, I would strongly resent this outrageous profiteering. 61% of all bankruptcies in this country are caused by medical bills.
Our NHS is far from perfect, but is wonderful compared to this.
I am still mystified by the fact that twice as many people are reading this blog, than read the previous one. Is it twice as interesting?
Rosalyn is also a friend of Carla - they were in the same local Choral Society - but she was unable to come with me last Sunday because she was playing the organ at Emmanuel, but wanted to celebrate Carla's new ministry, so she and Bruce kindly invited me to go with them this morning, and afterwards invited Carla and I to lunch. We went to a new Italian restaurant in Shawnee, and it was all very pleasant.
Afterwards Rosalyn sent me home with some homeopathic remedies for my injured foot, something to take by mouth, and an ointment for the foot, and some organic foods. It was so kind, I do appreciate them both.
On the subject of said injured foot, it actually looks worse, a lot more bruised. I wonder if the boot cast is too tight, and I am looking forward to seeing the doctor on Tuesday, but at the moment I am not feeling very optimistic that the foot is mending.
Medical costs in this country are outrageous. Not just outrageous as in "high", but as in "rip off".
For example: Tylenol - a pain relieving tablet - costs $1.49 on Amazon, for 100. A hospital patient is charged $1.50 EACH. A hospital patient is also charged $77 for a box of gauze pads. This is just two examples out of thousands.
A 64 year old woman in CT had chest pains, she was taken 4 miles by ambulance to the ER, to a hospital which is officially supposed to be "non profit". She spent three hours there, was told she had indigestion, and sent home. She was billed $995 for the ambulance; $3000 for the doctors, and $17,000 for the hospital. The CEO of this "non profit" hospital earns $1,860,000. The Chief Financial Officer receives $744,000.
The source of these figures is 'A Bitter Pill' by Steven Brill in the current edition of Time magazine.
With costs like these, imagine the cost of the surgery to my foot. Even if I was fully insured, or extremely wealthy, I would strongly resent this outrageous profiteering. 61% of all bankruptcies in this country are caused by medical bills.
Our NHS is far from perfect, but is wonderful compared to this.
I am still mystified by the fact that twice as many people are reading this blog, than read the previous one. Is it twice as interesting?
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Thursday 13th June
Well I managed to get out today, Cecil and Louise picked me up and took me to Kiwanis, where we had a very interesting speaker. She and her family are well known locally for growing and selling local produce which they sell at the Farmer's Market, and also have a fruit and vegetable shop downtown. I go in there sometimes, but Walmart is cheaper. I think they have a clientele though who are passionate at supporting local growers, I know quite a few people who will only buy locally grown produce.
Later on in the morning Fr Clark picked me up and took me to the discussion group at Emmanuel, then six of us went to lunch.
In the afternoon my foot had a well deserved rest.
Later on in the morning Fr Clark picked me up and took me to the discussion group at Emmanuel, then six of us went to lunch.
In the afternoon my foot had a well deserved rest.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Tuesday 11th June
It's official, my foot is broken. The doctor ran off a print of the x-ray for me. I kept staring and staring at it.
I marked the area of the fracture. As the doctor said, the bone snapped then sheared off. Ideally I would have surgery on it, but this isn't an ideal world, so I have got a boot like cast on it, and the doctor will see me next week
I had to take the boot off to drive home, now I can only take it off to bath. I am not sure how I am going to sleep tonight. I am certainly going to look for some sleeping tablets.
Before going home I went first to the Senior Centre and Kate has loaned me an absolute cadillac of a walker.
It even has brakes on it!! And a seat if I get tired of walking and want a rest.
I also went to my doctor, my new best friend, to thank her for fixing up my appointment with the orthopaedic doctor, it was a huge favour because she not only waived her fee, but didn't charge for the x-ray, or the boot either. I feel so blessed sometimes at the kindness and generosity of Americans willing to help me.
This evening there was a dinner given for the hospital volunteers, and held at Larry's church. Larry and his wife picked me up, it was a nice meal, and entertainment, it was very pleasant. Pattisue was there too. But I am now more than ready for my sleeping tablets.
Before going home I went first to the Senior Centre and Kate has loaned me an absolute cadillac of a walker.
I also went to my doctor, my new best friend, to thank her for fixing up my appointment with the orthopaedic doctor, it was a huge favour because she not only waived her fee, but didn't charge for the x-ray, or the boot either. I feel so blessed sometimes at the kindness and generosity of Americans willing to help me.
This evening there was a dinner given for the hospital volunteers, and held at Larry's church. Larry and his wife picked me up, it was a nice meal, and entertainment, it was very pleasant. Pattisue was there too. But I am now more than ready for my sleeping tablets.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Sunday//Monday 9th & 10th June
Normally I am very careful to avoid accidents, I deliberately tell myself not to rush because of the potential for an accident, but on Sunday morning - for some reason - I let my guard down and tripped over the cat.
I was getting ready to pick up the donuts for the 9.30 service at Emmanuel, then I was going on to Carla's new church in the next town of Meeker. I just didn't see the cat sitting in the middle of the bedroom floor and fell over her. As I fell and my foot awkwardly hit the ground I heard an awful, ominous crack.
When I got up it was intensely painful, but I got the donuts, I got to Meeker, and was glad I made it there. Carla's church is lovely, and she is obviously going to be very happy there.
I didn't get it in focus, but the board says First United Methodist Church.
A really comfortable church, as you can see, more so than our Anglican/Episcopalian.
When I got home I took the strongest pain relief I had, and dozed quite a bit of the afternoon.
This morning, Monday I went to the hospital first to let Larry know I wouldn't be able to do my chaplaincy round. He recognised I was in a serious situation with a potentially broken foot and no medical insurance. He is seeing what he can do for me. He did also tell me that on Thursday mornings there is a free clinic, so if I can't get anything done before then............ In the meantime I went to see the doctor I recently signed up with downtown; she might not have an MD but she is my new best friend. Her husband runs the office and reception and he started making some calls to help me. They fixed up an appointment for me tomorrow, Tuesday, with an orthopaedic doctor who said he will waive his fee. I'm prepared to pay for the x-ray, but am concerned at the cost of treatment or surgery I might need. I'll see how it all goes - the appointment tomorrow, what, if anything, Larry can do with the hospital management, or the free clinic on Thursday.
I didn't mention - I also went to the Senior Centre to let Kate know I wouldn't be there tomorrow afternoon, and she fixed me up with a walking stick, which is a great help.
The poorly foot......it does look a bit horrendous doesn't it.
Changing the subject ...... summer is here. it's official.
A child was left in a hot car and died....why do people do that.
The Weather Centre told us how quickly a car heats up when stationary in the sun.
With an outside temperature of 90 degrees, after 10 mins it will be 109 inside the car.
After 20 minutes 119.
30 minutes 124
60 minutes 133
90 minutes 138.
I was getting ready to pick up the donuts for the 9.30 service at Emmanuel, then I was going on to Carla's new church in the next town of Meeker. I just didn't see the cat sitting in the middle of the bedroom floor and fell over her. As I fell and my foot awkwardly hit the ground I heard an awful, ominous crack.
When I got up it was intensely painful, but I got the donuts, I got to Meeker, and was glad I made it there. Carla's church is lovely, and she is obviously going to be very happy there.
When I got home I took the strongest pain relief I had, and dozed quite a bit of the afternoon.
This morning, Monday I went to the hospital first to let Larry know I wouldn't be able to do my chaplaincy round. He recognised I was in a serious situation with a potentially broken foot and no medical insurance. He is seeing what he can do for me. He did also tell me that on Thursday mornings there is a free clinic, so if I can't get anything done before then............ In the meantime I went to see the doctor I recently signed up with downtown; she might not have an MD but she is my new best friend. Her husband runs the office and reception and he started making some calls to help me. They fixed up an appointment for me tomorrow, Tuesday, with an orthopaedic doctor who said he will waive his fee. I'm prepared to pay for the x-ray, but am concerned at the cost of treatment or surgery I might need. I'll see how it all goes - the appointment tomorrow, what, if anything, Larry can do with the hospital management, or the free clinic on Thursday.
I didn't mention - I also went to the Senior Centre to let Kate know I wouldn't be there tomorrow afternoon, and she fixed me up with a walking stick, which is a great help.
Changing the subject ...... summer is here. it's official.
A child was left in a hot car and died....why do people do that.
The Weather Centre told us how quickly a car heats up when stationary in the sun.
With an outside temperature of 90 degrees, after 10 mins it will be 109 inside the car.
After 20 minutes 119.
30 minutes 124
60 minutes 133
90 minutes 138.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Saturday
Did not have anything on today, I have just been trying to catch up on things at home.
I am also making an effort to get an Oklahoma driving licence, and in preparation for the driving test have been practicing the test questions which I can access online. I presented myself a couple or so years ago for a driving test and couldn't take it, because I didn't have my social security card, I'd lost it and was waiting for a replacement at the time. We don't have to send away for test appointments here, we just turn up and wait in line, so as soon as I can answer all the test questions a bit better than I am at the moment, I will go along.
I wonder how illegal immigrants get by in this country without social security cards, because they are needed for driving licences and motor insurance.
When I got back here from my trip there were all sorts of scandals going on. One of them, which seems to be dominating the news at the moment, is the fact that it has emerged that phone calls and e-mails are being monitored by the government - a national security agency - and it has been explained that this surveillance is necessary to combat terrorism. It doesn't worry me, but then Americans are far more hung up on their civil liberties than we are, and there are all sorts of angry debates going on.
But on the subject - I don't think they are just looking at e-mails and listening to phone calls, they are reading blogs as well. I have been very taken aback at the number of people reading my blog. I don't know who they are, I just get the statistics, and they are astonishing. Far more people are looking at the current blog, than the previous one. And there are more people in the US reading it than in the UK. From June 2nd until the 9th there were 70 people in the US, and 57 in the UK and - get this - 15 in Russia!! I think it must be because I am the new kid on the block and they will soon give up, my loved ones might like to know what I am doing but I can't imagine the rest of the population, especially in Russia, being very interested.
From the holiday snaps......
Tim, Nicky and Marie at the lunch Tim hosted for me.
Jeremy at Naseby, the decisive battle in the Civil War. I think this was taken from Fairford's lookout, the Commander of the Parliamentarian forces. Then we went on to Prince Rupert's lookout.
The Star Inn at Alfriston. I hadn't realised it was one of the oldest inns in the country, built in the 1260s, it was originally run by the monks of Battle Abbey - and called The Star of Bethlehem - for the pilgrims travelling between Battle and the shrine of St Richard at Chichester. I think it became an inn in the 1520s.
I am also making an effort to get an Oklahoma driving licence, and in preparation for the driving test have been practicing the test questions which I can access online. I presented myself a couple or so years ago for a driving test and couldn't take it, because I didn't have my social security card, I'd lost it and was waiting for a replacement at the time. We don't have to send away for test appointments here, we just turn up and wait in line, so as soon as I can answer all the test questions a bit better than I am at the moment, I will go along.
I wonder how illegal immigrants get by in this country without social security cards, because they are needed for driving licences and motor insurance.
When I got back here from my trip there were all sorts of scandals going on. One of them, which seems to be dominating the news at the moment, is the fact that it has emerged that phone calls and e-mails are being monitored by the government - a national security agency - and it has been explained that this surveillance is necessary to combat terrorism. It doesn't worry me, but then Americans are far more hung up on their civil liberties than we are, and there are all sorts of angry debates going on.
But on the subject - I don't think they are just looking at e-mails and listening to phone calls, they are reading blogs as well. I have been very taken aback at the number of people reading my blog. I don't know who they are, I just get the statistics, and they are astonishing. Far more people are looking at the current blog, than the previous one. And there are more people in the US reading it than in the UK. From June 2nd until the 9th there were 70 people in the US, and 57 in the UK and - get this - 15 in Russia!! I think it must be because I am the new kid on the block and they will soon give up, my loved ones might like to know what I am doing but I can't imagine the rest of the population, especially in Russia, being very interested.
From the holiday snaps......
Friday, June 7, 2013
Friday - update
Eventually emerged from the fog I was in, following my migraine.
Summer is here. The weather is hot. A thermometer I passed in town said it was 74, but it was lying, it felt like 90. And I need to take the car to Terry to make the air conditioning colder.
I set off on a little trip, just 13 miles to the next town, but for someone who seldom leaves Shawnee a little trip can be an adventure. I went to sus out Carla's new church, as I decided to go there on Sunday, her first Sunday there, and thought I'd find out how far, and exactly where it was.
I didn't see inside the church, but it looks lovely, very big. Carla was just coming out of the Parsonage next door when I pulled up, and she invited me inside and showed me round. Of course there were boxes piled up in all the rooms, she's just moved in, but I could see it was a really lovely, very spacious home, and with a big garden round it that she and her grandchildren are thrilled with. She is also thrilled to have a deck just outside the lounge, and said some garden furniture for it is going to be her first priority.
The church and Parsonage are on the edge of the country, beyond the garden there's a pond - also a source of excitement for the grandchildren - with trees and fields. I told her I'd be there on Sunday and I'm looking forward to it.
On the way back I stopped at the friendly Harvest Creek Store, and had a little lunch there. Have spent the rest of the day quietly reading.
The next big murder trial is lining up to start on Monday, picking the jury. They only have six jurors in Florida (unless it is a murder 1 trial, and this isn't, it wasn't premeditated) so it should be quicker, I'd have thought, to come to some agreement on a verdict.
The victim was a young lad of 17 walking home from a convenience store, wearing a hoodie, which is BAD thing, as usually only people up to no good wear hoodies, and they are very into stereotypes here. The defendant was a self appointed Neighborhood Watchman who called the cops and reported this young lad walking home, who seemed 'up to no good'. The police told him to back off, they would be there.
How would the following scenario have unfolded in Britain? The defendant would have backed off, the unarmed police officer would turn up in his patrol car, talk to the lad, talk to the defendant, send them both on their way, and the whole incident would have long since been forgotten. The kid would still be alive and the middle aged defendant would not be facing 20 years behind bars. Am I right?
But what happens in this gun crazy country? Defendant pulls out a gun, the kid is shot, and absolutely no one really knows what happened because there were no witnesses. The defendant - who has cuts on his head and face - said he was attacked and was defending himself with his gun. In Florida there is what they call 'a stand your ground rule' that is, anyone can pull out a gun and shoot dead anyone they think is threatening them. And obviously they do.
In the call to the police there can be heard the sound of someone in the background screaming for help. And this is a critical piece of evidence the judge has to decide on Monday whether to allow. Audio voice experts for both sides have listened to it over and over again, and can't agree - because it is too fragmentary - whether it was the victim or the defendant.
From the holiday snaps...
Jeremy and I in the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge.
Summer is here. The weather is hot. A thermometer I passed in town said it was 74, but it was lying, it felt like 90. And I need to take the car to Terry to make the air conditioning colder.
I set off on a little trip, just 13 miles to the next town, but for someone who seldom leaves Shawnee a little trip can be an adventure. I went to sus out Carla's new church, as I decided to go there on Sunday, her first Sunday there, and thought I'd find out how far, and exactly where it was.
I didn't see inside the church, but it looks lovely, very big. Carla was just coming out of the Parsonage next door when I pulled up, and she invited me inside and showed me round. Of course there were boxes piled up in all the rooms, she's just moved in, but I could see it was a really lovely, very spacious home, and with a big garden round it that she and her grandchildren are thrilled with. She is also thrilled to have a deck just outside the lounge, and said some garden furniture for it is going to be her first priority.
The church and Parsonage are on the edge of the country, beyond the garden there's a pond - also a source of excitement for the grandchildren - with trees and fields. I told her I'd be there on Sunday and I'm looking forward to it.
On the way back I stopped at the friendly Harvest Creek Store, and had a little lunch there. Have spent the rest of the day quietly reading.
The next big murder trial is lining up to start on Monday, picking the jury. They only have six jurors in Florida (unless it is a murder 1 trial, and this isn't, it wasn't premeditated) so it should be quicker, I'd have thought, to come to some agreement on a verdict.
The victim was a young lad of 17 walking home from a convenience store, wearing a hoodie, which is BAD thing, as usually only people up to no good wear hoodies, and they are very into stereotypes here. The defendant was a self appointed Neighborhood Watchman who called the cops and reported this young lad walking home, who seemed 'up to no good'. The police told him to back off, they would be there.
How would the following scenario have unfolded in Britain? The defendant would have backed off, the unarmed police officer would turn up in his patrol car, talk to the lad, talk to the defendant, send them both on their way, and the whole incident would have long since been forgotten. The kid would still be alive and the middle aged defendant would not be facing 20 years behind bars. Am I right?
But what happens in this gun crazy country? Defendant pulls out a gun, the kid is shot, and absolutely no one really knows what happened because there were no witnesses. The defendant - who has cuts on his head and face - said he was attacked and was defending himself with his gun. In Florida there is what they call 'a stand your ground rule' that is, anyone can pull out a gun and shoot dead anyone they think is threatening them. And obviously they do.
In the call to the police there can be heard the sound of someone in the background screaming for help. And this is a critical piece of evidence the judge has to decide on Monday whether to allow. Audio voice experts for both sides have listened to it over and over again, and can't agree - because it is too fragmentary - whether it was the victim or the defendant.
From the holiday snaps...
Friday 7th June
Have not felt too well lately. I had a migraine yesterday which prevented me from going to Communion and lunch at Emmanuel. I took something for it, and slept most of the rest of the day.
Perhaps I'll be back tonight.
Perhaps I'll be back tonight.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Tuesday 4th June
I was up and about early this morning wide awake at 5.30. I made some little fruit cakes for the Kiwani bake sale this morning. I had prepared the tins and ingredients last night, it didn't take long to put them in the oven.
I packaged them as English fruit cakes to give them a little more 'cachet', ha, ha. I knew Phyllis would not be in to fall about laughing. And the 'moist' comes from the tin of crushed pineapple in them.
I had intended making some little apple pie cakes, but I was glad I didn't, because, unusually, there were a lot of cakes left over today - the reason being that it was raining very heavily this morning, so there were far fewer people than usual in the Senior Centre. I was glad to see though that none of mine were left. Market them as 'English', that's obviously the secret.
Apart from making some soup for supper that was my cooking for the day. I had breakfast at the Senior Centre, and lunch at the hospital after my chaplaincy round in ICU.
I haven't really looked at the weather and television this evening, but I did hear that it was going to be quite bad on Wednesday, although we are not expecting tornadoes, or I would have been paying attention. I have been sorting through all the digital photos of my trip.
I had the following e-mail from my friend Paul in North Carolina.
The National Weather Service has upgraded the tornado that struck El Reno, Okla. on Friday to EF5, and with a width of 2.6 miles, it is now the largest tornado on record, packing radar-estimated winds of at least 296 mph
This is from my weather channel ...
You're a survivor!
Wow, he makes it sound like a badge of honour!! And the largest tornado on record, no wonder I was nervous.
I had intended making some little apple pie cakes, but I was glad I didn't, because, unusually, there were a lot of cakes left over today - the reason being that it was raining very heavily this morning, so there were far fewer people than usual in the Senior Centre. I was glad to see though that none of mine were left. Market them as 'English', that's obviously the secret.
Apart from making some soup for supper that was my cooking for the day. I had breakfast at the Senior Centre, and lunch at the hospital after my chaplaincy round in ICU.
I haven't really looked at the weather and television this evening, but I did hear that it was going to be quite bad on Wednesday, although we are not expecting tornadoes, or I would have been paying attention. I have been sorting through all the digital photos of my trip.
I had the following e-mail from my friend Paul in North Carolina.
The National Weather Service has upgraded the tornado that struck El Reno, Okla. on Friday to EF5, and with a width of 2.6 miles, it is now the largest tornado on record, packing radar-estimated winds of at least 296 mph
This is from my weather channel ...
You're a survivor!
Wow, he makes it sound like a badge of honour!! And the largest tornado on record, no wonder I was nervous.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Monday 3rd June
It has been a nice day, I noticed the temperature was 87 as I drove through town. I have really just been busy in the house, sorting out the computer. Phyllis stopped by for a chat.
Some of the photos I took while I was away I couldn't find, I planned to do a little presentation on Alfriston for Kiwanis and they were among the missing, but I was very happy today when they turned up.
I think the weather is going to be bad again about Wednesday with threats of thunderstorms.
This was very sad. The storm chasers are very brave, they are on the road, chasing the tornadoes and sending reports and video back from the ground to the Weather Centre, who are tracking it with their radar.
It seems in this case the vehicle they were in was lifted up into the vortex of the tornado, and just spun round and round. The debris from the car, the parts of it, were strewn across a half mile area. One guy was still inside, with his seat belt on, and the other two were sucked, or thrown out.
The remains of the car.
This is going to be short tonight. I need to go to bed to be up early for the Kiwani bake sale in the morning.
Some of the photos I took while I was away I couldn't find, I planned to do a little presentation on Alfriston for Kiwanis and they were among the missing, but I was very happy today when they turned up.
I think the weather is going to be bad again about Wednesday with threats of thunderstorms.
It seems in this case the vehicle they were in was lifted up into the vortex of the tornado, and just spun round and round. The debris from the car, the parts of it, were strewn across a half mile area. One guy was still inside, with his seat belt on, and the other two were sucked, or thrown out.
This is going to be short tonight. I need to go to bed to be up early for the Kiwani bake sale in the morning.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Sunday
The weather has calmed down and yesterday, Saturday, was a fine day which turned into a lovely, summer evening. I went out to dinner with Bruce and Rosalyn which was very enjoyable. We went to the Mexican restaurant in Tecumseh, which I like best of all the Mexican restaurants locally. I know I will always get something I like there without nervously wondering if it is going to be spicy.
Afterwards we went for dessert to a frozen yoghourt bar. Although Pink Swirls has closed there is still one left, Cherry Berry.
One starts off with a pot and selects the yoghourt, then the toppings in the first picture. And beside the checkout there is another counter with lots of dishes of chopped fresh fruits. It was all very nice, and a lovely evening after the traumas of the tornadoes.
This morning was the first day of the summer schedule at Emmanuel, with just one service at 9.30 which today was from Cranmer's Prayer Book of 1662, which all Anglican churches here and in England use at 8.30 - this gives the organist and choir at Emmanuel a little holiday on alternate weeks. Next Sunday follows the usual 10.30 Service, which I think here in the Episcopal Church follows a 1979 Prayer book. In England, in our main services, we have the Book of Common Worship which was launched in 2000.
My only other outing was to pick up a lunch from the Golden Corrall buffet. I have spent quite a bit of the day on the computer which I decided to take to Staples for a tune up. The tune up is free if there is nothing wrong with it, but I expect they will find something. I have been going through files, documents and photos deleting a lot, it is surprising how much unnecessary stuff piles up.
I was going to take the computer tomorrow, but I haven't finished, it might be more like the middle of the week. It is a bit of a departure for me, unplugging everything and carrying it to the store instead of a house call from the computer place down the road. I certainly needed house calls when desk top pc's were big and heavy, but this computer is very small and light, so I looked at the plugs at the back and thought I could probably draw a diagram of them, so I will know how to put them all back. Wish me luck.
Afterwards we went for dessert to a frozen yoghourt bar. Although Pink Swirls has closed there is still one left, Cherry Berry.
This morning was the first day of the summer schedule at Emmanuel, with just one service at 9.30 which today was from Cranmer's Prayer Book of 1662, which all Anglican churches here and in England use at 8.30 - this gives the organist and choir at Emmanuel a little holiday on alternate weeks. Next Sunday follows the usual 10.30 Service, which I think here in the Episcopal Church follows a 1979 Prayer book. In England, in our main services, we have the Book of Common Worship which was launched in 2000.
My only other outing was to pick up a lunch from the Golden Corrall buffet. I have spent quite a bit of the day on the computer which I decided to take to Staples for a tune up. The tune up is free if there is nothing wrong with it, but I expect they will find something. I have been going through files, documents and photos deleting a lot, it is surprising how much unnecessary stuff piles up.
I was going to take the computer tomorrow, but I haven't finished, it might be more like the middle of the week. It is a bit of a departure for me, unplugging everything and carrying it to the store instead of a house call from the computer place down the road. I certainly needed house calls when desk top pc's were big and heavy, but this computer is very small and light, so I looked at the plugs at the back and thought I could probably draw a diagram of them, so I will know how to put them all back. Wish me luck.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Tornadoes
It seems to be generally agreed that the tornadoes which came down yesterday, Friday, in central Oklahoma were the worst they have known. One factor was that the tornadoes were wrapped in rain clouds, which made it particularly difficult for those who were out, to see where they were going. Another hazard was that they touched down at rush hour, on a Friday night, and brought all the cars packed on the interstate to a standstill. A young mother and a child were sucked out of their car and thrown up in the air with the debris swirling around. So far there are 9 fatalities, hundreds of injured. Because of the heavy rain and flooding, and cars parked on the interstate, first responders weren't able to get to the injured, another unfortunate factor in this mix.
I watched the tornadoes touch down at El Reno, west of OK City, then advance along the interstate towards Shawnee, and I think that was one of the most nerve wracking experiences of my life. It doesn't help when they are screaming in the Weather Centre "if you live in this area, it is time to get into your safe place NOW, put on your helmet and shatter proof goggles, long sleeves and shoes". I'm thinking 'I hope no one sees me dressed like that'.
The tornado didn't reach Shawnee but we had a very severe thunderstorm all night, with the heaviest rain ever. And the ominous sound of - what sounded like - baseball size hail hitting my car - but I was relieved to see this morning that the car was alright.
I watched the tornadoes touch down at El Reno, west of OK City, then advance along the interstate towards Shawnee, and I think that was one of the most nerve wracking experiences of my life. It doesn't help when they are screaming in the Weather Centre "if you live in this area, it is time to get into your safe place NOW, put on your helmet and shatter proof goggles, long sleeves and shoes". I'm thinking 'I hope no one sees me dressed like that'.
The tornado didn't reach Shawnee but we had a very severe thunderstorm all night, with the heaviest rain ever. And the ominous sound of - what sounded like - baseball size hail hitting my car - but I was relieved to see this morning that the car was alright.
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