Later............................Dave
A sidewalk and steam grate level view of homelessness in Baltimore, Maryland; with an attempt to emphasize the "UP" side of 'Life On The Streets', those 'Random Acts Of Kindness' that enable me to survive another day as I battle demons both Psychological and Chemical. Also my theraputic journal, and rants, raves, and ramblings.***COMMENTS WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED***FEEDBACK IS GOOD*** or E-mail me at d_funkwriter@hotmail.com
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
"Cool, Calm, And Collected...................... At Last!!............"
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
"Top Of The World..Ma!!!...................."
Monday, June 28, 2010
"Sire, The Peasants Are Revolting" ..................... "They Certainly Are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"...................
I have not had much of an appetite due to the heat, I have been drinking loads of Powerade Zero though to stay hydrated, last week at Jenn's I realized I was on the edge of heat exhaustion/dehydration because I was not drinking enough. It is not a fun feeling. Yesterday I did not eat until I hit the Starbucks and someone gave me two sandwiches, which I performed open heart surgery on, grafting the turkey, lettuce and cheese from one onto the ham and Swiss on panini bread of the other, (the operation was a success, even though the patient died....but that is the good thing about being a 'food doctor', you can eat and cover up your successes and failures....LOL), and a couple pastries and a bagel.I grabbed an OJ from the Giant around 9:00 pm. and filled my water bottles at the gas station. Now I am hydrated, but since I am taking a diuretic mixed with my BP meds....I can't stop peeing.....lol!Alright, that's it for now, plans are still in limbo for today, but I have to bathe somehow, somewhere......
Back later......................Dave
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"Boiled In THe Shell.......Poached.......And ...........Scrambled!!......"
Saturday, June 26, 2010
"Red Hot, White Knuckled, And Blue........"
Friday, June 25, 2010
"Back To The Wilderness............................."
Thursday, June 24, 2010
"Help Me.....I'm Melting..............................."
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
"If You Can't Stand The Heat....Head Into The Kitchen!..........................................."
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"Waiting For A Cold Front..........Or For HELL To Freeze Over!......."
Monday, June 21, 2010
"They Shoot Horses...Don't They.....................?"
I have to leave and get something to eat anyway, today's diet so far of instant coffee and Tums is not very nutritional, filling, nor satisfying. So...out into the heat I venture. As much as I hate the cold, at least I don't start to sweat and feel so damn dirty as soon as I walk out of doors.Unrelated to any of that, I had a visitor from South Africa to the site, who spent about 20 minutes reading and viewing. The SiteMeter identifies countries by posting little icons of their flags, which can be enlarged for better viewing.....The Republic Of South Africa new/recent flag is really cool and very colorful!Later...........Dave
" Heat Stroke...................."
In the last post I was commenting, (...syn: complaining, bitching and moaning.....lol), about not getting invitations without a first contact from my side, well, Jenn and Tom and the kids were going to his mother's house for Father's Day for a cookout and Jenn decided to invite me and Rachel along as a Father's Day present. Well.....at first I was pleased and interested in going up to his mom's house, but the more I considered it the less appealing it became. As I also mentioned in the last post, I had had more than enough problems dealing with MY spouses' (plural!) immediate and extended families, and I am really in no shape right now to deal with my daughter's spouse's family. Especially in a situation where I would be way out in the wilds of northern Baltimore County with no means of escape if , no...when the inevitable anxiety/panic attack came. I declined and told her thanks but no thanks, and that what I had really been planning was to ask her if Rachel and I could spend the day at the apartment while they were out.
Which is what we did. Rachel was dropped off by her mother about 2:00 pm., (after they had left so Ed and Devin did not get sidetracked from getting ready and leaving to play with Rachel), and we had a lovely afternoon and early evening. We played Candyland..I lost 2 out of 3 games..lol..., and watched TV, and cooked dinner, and had dessert. Jenn had found some very nicely priced Filets wrapped in bacon on sale at ALDI and while we cooked them off in the oven we finished off the rest of the shrimp that I had saved in the freezer. For dessert Jenn had made a mousse/parfait like concoction with fresh and very ripe blueberries and strawberries and raspberries, (this year seems to be a banner year for berries, in price and flavor and quantity!), which we spooned into sponge cake shells and topped with a dollop of this sweet and creamy cream cheese based dipping sauce for fruit...very decadent! I have a wonderful 6 year old with a varied and discriminating palate. She is willing to try any food and likes a whole lot of things most 6 year olds have never even heard of much less tasted, and, like her father, mother, and older sister, is learning and developing kitchen skills early, and enjoys creating new, unique, and sometimes odd flavor combinations. And she also already has the manners and decorum needed to be taken to AND appreciate a good restaurant. The hell with Taco Bell, she wants Tio Pepe!..........LOL! She is not going to be a cheap date later on....LOL!
She brought me a photograph of herself in a clear plastic frame/cover with a magnet on the back to stick onto a refrigerator or whatever metal is around me. I had mentioned recently that I no new photos of her and she got her mother or grandmother to print this one up for me. She hid it in her shirt, (the same one she wore in the picture, a black tee with a sequin Hello Kitty face on it...lol; both daughter's, 22 years apart are Hello Kitty fans, and Devin, my granddaughter, has one too, though she is somewhat ambivalent about her....lol), when I came outside to get her from the car. When I picked her up to give her a hug, (nearly breaking my already broken back in the process, she is getting big!), I could feel it through our shirts, and the grin on her face gave her away when I asked if she had something in her shirt...she gets way too excited to keep a secret...lol! We really had a great low key, no pressure, cool and comfortable Father's Day, and I am extremely grateful to and for her and Jenn and the 'ex' for making it possible.............Thanks!!!!
I ended up leaving Jenn's about 9:00 pm. last night, (Rachel left about 7:30 pm.), just after they got home, and caught the bus up to Pikesville where I sat in front of First Watch and read for a few hours and drank the can of beer I had picked up Thursday and forgotten about in the back of Jenn's 'fridge, (I don't drink there out of courtesy and respect), and then stopped at the gas station when I started falling asleep and nodding out in the middle of sentences. I went in the shed about Midnight and tried to air it out and cool it down some by fanning the door. I think it is mostly psychological....lol. I was first awakened by the heat about 8:00 am. and as I lay there struggling with the ascent of the cliffs of consciousness out of the depths of sleep into the murky haze of pre-coffee awareness, then psyching myself up for the daily surge of dizziness, pain and adrenaline that I experience when I make the attempt to transition from the horizontal to the somewhat vertical position I was serenaded by a chorus of jackhammers less than 20 feet from my head. Not exactly what I wanted or needed first thing in the morning, but one hell of a lot more effective than the alarm on my cell phone!!! I went into the Giant and used one of my Starbucks 'VIA' instant coffee packages, (I gotta admit, they got it right, when properly mixed and sweetened you cannot tell it is instant!). I was going to buy some food for a sandwich, or some breakfast of some sort but it so hot out that it is way too hot to eat outside, even in the shade, and I am worried about spoilage. I decided to see what and where I'll be doing and going today before I shop, and to tell the truth the heat, even the short walk from the shed to the Giant to the library tends to affect the appetite. And walking and waiting for a bus after eating in this heat is no fun either. If I go to the Starbucks in Mt. Washington I may hit the Whole Foods, I don't really want to because the FoodStamps are very low and they are an expensive place, but....who knows? I am down to my last $8.00 and eating out is not an option. I am also out of minutes on both phones for the foreseeable future, most likely until the 2nd of next month unless I get a windfall or get one of those overpowering hunches that occasionally occur, telling me to spend a buck on the Keno numbers I play, (Yeah I know...... and I usually DON'T play if I am this short, but every once in a while the feeling comes over me so strong to do so, and when I have in the past, it has been about 95% correct and a quick $25.00, so I go with the flow when it hits the flood stage...lol!), or someone buys me a phone card as an unnecessary but appreciated thank you gift. I have meds through the end of the month, when I have a doctor's appt. to get them refilled. I have 'bupes' to last me until Friday and I'll have to come up with some cash some how in the next few days to deal with that because Monkee will be out until after the 1st and I'll have to hustle up some from one of my alternative 'street level' sources, which means cash in hand and nothing 'on the arm', (that means on credit in the vernacular).
With this nasty, hot and humid weather that is forecast for at least the next 5 days I am open to any invitations or suggestions to spend some times and sleep somewhere indoors in the A/C, and I am not averse to sitting in a restaurant for a while and eating and talking if I can find a way to swing that. I was thinking last night of how I could find a place other than the library to spend as much of the daylight hours in as I could, someplace that won't wake me, roust me, hassle me, or throw me out to snooze in and then sit up all night outside when the temps. are a bit more reasonable and just read and/or watch the DVD player all night, (I have found a place to charge it while I sit at a picnic table and read that is fairly secluded and safe...but only if there is no precipitation). I am most likely spending this Thursday night at Jenn's again, as an enforcer for the inmates..aka, the grandmonsters...as she and Tom both have plans that night. That leaves me free before and after though....hint...hint....hint.....lol!
Okay, that's about it for now, back to Louis L'Amour for while, Later...........................Dave
Saturday, June 19, 2010
"Since my phone still ain't ringing............. I assume it still ain't you"..................."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
"The Big Issue:..... Helping Homeless People To Help Themselves....A Magazine, A Social Business And A Charity......."
"Caveat Emptor"
"Insane In The Membrane.....Insane In the Brain.........Or.............Call Me Candy Bar, I'm Half Nuts!............."
Good Morning;
I was up at 7:25 am. this morning, only because the alarm on my phone went off, to get up and out to meet Liz for a ride to the head doctor and my interview. If I had not set the alarm, or even if I had hit the snooze button...you would not be reading this now. I was deep in the middle of REM sleep, after staying up until after 3:00 am. when I finally fell asleep.The psychiatrist turned out to be the same one I saw when I got this far along in the process when I file for S.S.I. 3 or 4 years ago (my memory is getting fuzzier and fuzzier about dates and time-lines each and every day). He did not remember me and it must not have been in his records, since he is not part of the decision making process and has no contact of information once he turns in his observations and evaluation. Of course he probably sees at least a dozen patients a day referred to him by S.S.A. and they have to run together in one amorphous mass. The questions were pretty much a standard depression and anxiety checklist with some memory and concentration quizzes thrown in, and a soupcon of schizoid and paranoia traps. The doc seemed to be able to do this in his sleep, the routine embedded into his mind and muscle memory as he asked and entered the results into his laptop. I did get the feeling I was being subconsciously 'led' slightly into the proper frame of reference for a positive evaluation, at least I hope so.
We talked about some of the physical issues I deal with and their affect on my mind and mood, and the combined affect on day to day activities. The phrasing of some of his questions leads me to believe that this interview may, for a change, actually be biased IN my favor. Instead of saying ,"..'DO' you have trouble with, so and so"...he would state,"..'AND' you have trouble...", with an inflection of query, and seemed to be making entries to that effect even before I began to answer. as I said earlier, 'I hope!'. Anyway, I guess we'll see in a few..??..weeks.. months..??, when the board reviews and decides, I assume when they get the physical exam results also.I am heading to Jenn's some time between now and 5:30 pm. this afternoon, depending on the heat, whether I get fed up here at the library....Watch out here comes another tangential digression!!Speaking of getting fed up, I think anyone coming to this country to live should have to go through a mandatory course entitled:"Meet Mr. Deodorant;""The Wonderful World Of Personal Hygiene"Also, some one show me where in the Torah the almighty declares: "Thou Shalt NOT Shower!" ?And of course it would be required reading for all:"Mr. Toothbrush and Mrs. Toothpaste Meet Our Old Friend Listerine"It is hell having to type with one hand while the other covers my nose!And Now; Back To Your Blog, Which Is Already In Progress!...or if I want to deal with the kids before this evening, and how hot it feels outside and whether the wind is blowing too hard to eat 'al fresco'. I'd like to look some things up on the Internet, but mt eyes feel as if they were filled with burning sand scraped off the beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast, and I keep nodding out on the keyboard and have to delete line after line of gibberish, (yeah, yeah, yeah, I haer you,......how can I tell the difference from the normal content....hah, hah, very funny!), thank the blessed Saint Gates for spell check....lol.
I'll see you later, maybe tonight, maybe Friday. I am trying to find some cash, (and I'm going to need to see Monkee about meds by saturday also), to take Rachel somewhere this weekend, INSIDE!!, maybe a movie matinee and then some ice cream. Possibly I'll see what Jenn has planned and if she wants to go to her pool in the apartment complex.
Later..........................Dave
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
"So That's Why They Call It A...................'Love Seat'................"
Tomorrow, (Thursday), I have a 9:00 am. appointment to see the contract shrink for the State of Maryland who does the mental health evaluation phase for the S.S.I. application. The anxiety is building and intensifying, but I am at or near the high point of my depression cycle, (of course, why make it easy!!), so I do not know what to expect of this visit. Why could it not be 2 weeks ago when I was going full goose gonzo and wanted nothing more than to swallow a "Smith and Wesson Souffle"?
Liz is picking me up on the corner near the shed, where I'll be sleeping...maybe... tonight. I do not know whether he will consult with her or not, I hope so because she got the full benefit of one of the paranoid/schizo/panic attacks that plague me. Well I'll see what's what tomorrow I guess.
Next after this is the physical exam in mid July. I have an appointment around the 4th of July to see my doctor at Jai, (if I have not switched yet), and get my refills on prescriptions. I know most of the details and results of the medical issues I deal with, it's the mental ones that frustrate me. I guess it's all part of the 'Catch 22'....'You can't be going nuts if you think you are going nuts'.
Okay I'm out of here for now I think, I may be back tomorrow after the psychiatrist, depending on the weather. I am again monstersitting the grand kids tomorrow evening so I may head over to Jenn's right after the meeting since she is just on the otherside of Reisterstown Road Plaza from the doctor's office, so I may not be back until Friday. (I'm not real comfortable using their Laptop for much else than checking my e-mail).
Later...........Dave
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"Reality Shows Are Just A Crutch For People Who Can't Handle REALITY!!!!"
The show looks as it has potential as entertainment and as a way to open the eyes of the people who do not and can not 'see' the homeless right in front of them...(in England anyway, the worst they have shown so far is still paradise to what you can see in Baltimore on any given day!)...but as 'reality'......ahhhhh, maybe not!
It looks to be as interesting as any other 'reality series', and I hope it can remain true to the ideals of the man who is backing it, (the 'Big Issue' publisher).
I gotta run now, I just stopped in to escape the kids awhile, (and grab a beer...lol), I am helping Tom with some things when he returns from a DJ gig soon, so it's off to the bus and back to Jenn's
Back Tomorrow................................Dave
Monday, June 14, 2010
"Where The Hell Have You Been Storing Those Bananas?....................."
I just got an e-mail from Jenn reminding me I am supposed to watch kids tonight. I think she has a meeting in the morning too, so I guess I get another night inside with A/C by default......lol! (At least I hope so.....I forgot about their meeting tonight, I was planning on coming over after the monster's were asleep....lol!)I went to RiteAid and picked up the Anti-Fungal/Steroidal creme for the Jungle Rot/Creeping Crud that is again starting it's Summer crawl up my leg....lol. While I was in there I saw a display of powders and cremes and ointments for preventing and treating heat and sun related discomfort. The one that particularly caught my eye was the container of:
"Anti Monkey Butt Powder"
I guess it is for something similar to 'swamp-ass'?.........LOL, really, this is an actual product, would I lie about something like this? I wonder if there is any connection with the cans of 'Spotted Dick', (which has a warning on the label to 'cover can with a towel when opening due to possibility of spurting'), they sell with the British foods at the Giant in the foreign foods aisle?.........ROTFLMAO! (What can I say, You know I have a twisted sense of humor...lol)
I guess that is it for today, I guess I'll be back tomorrow afternoon or evening.
Later.........................Dave
And don't forget today is 'Flag Day', commemorating the bombardment of Fort McHenry, and Francis Scott Key's penning of our National Anthem, (set to the tune of an old drinking song.....nice going Frank!..LOL), and the repelling of the British fleet. Thereby securing our right to freedom of the seas, and never having to eat dishes such as 'Spotted Dick', 'Toad In The Hole', or 'Bangers And Mash', or drink warm beer!
Friday, June 11, 2010
"Eat Me---Drink Me........ OR ............Down The Rabbit Hole Again........"
Thursday, June 10, 2010
"The Queen Is Dead............God Save The Queen".....................AKA.................."Send Out To The Bullpen For A Relief Pitcher"
Later......................Dave.
Response to comment on "Cheese and Missiles Revisited"
Sometimes is better to combat and expose a liar and bully to world ridicule, and to use black humor to humiliate them rather than respond with force and violence if the hypocrisy of their actions will be shown.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
"Cheese And Missiles Revisited"
"Foiled Again Plankton!...Ha Ha Ha, You'll Never Get The Recipe For Me 'Krabby Patties..OR..I've Been Watching WAY TOO MUCH SpongeBob Squarepants...."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"The 'Homeless Gourmet'............... OR..............................'I Got The Hookup!' ..........."
In other news....6300 hits as of 3:30 pm today on the blog....Thanks!
The O's have a new manager and won a game!
Due to a soon to be negative cash balance, my much needed and desired 'Road Trip' is postponed indefinitely, this is not to say I am not still trying for a 'mini cruise', or a 'there and back'
.....I can buy the food if you can drive!!!
Anyway, time's up for now and I'm heading to the coffee shop over in Mt. Washington, after I pay me fines here so I can get some reading material, (and the 2010 Grants Directory..more on this idea soon). It looks to be a perfect night to sit outside and read.
Later......................Dave
Flotilla Choir presents: We Con the World.......AKA...."Truth In Packaging At Last!"
Warning:
Satirical Political Content
Read At Your Own Risk
Sunday, June 6, 2010
"Hot + Humid + Homeless = HELL"
It is really bad outside today, I feel as if I took a bath in the Gulf Of Mexico! I am going to sit here for a while and then get back on the bus and then the light rail, maybe stopping at the coffee shop in Mt. Washington for a bit.I saw a sign in the long John Silver's for a $1.00 Fish Taco, ....!! Best !! fast food dollar I ever spent! It was really enjoyable.Okay, times up........later............Dave