It's a new year and I wanted to keep this blog upbeat and optimistic, for a very rare change.
As if I had enough problems, about an hour ago - - I found out I have covid. I'm not surprised. This is the most chaotic, unsanitary place I've ever been. It scares the jeeters out of me. People coming in and out of my room constantly - - coughing, sneezing.
I felt horrible during Christmas Eve and Christmas. Then the symptoms seemed to diminish. It flared up around New Year's Eve. Mostly fever, fatigue, and cough.
I don't know what the heck to do. This place is so unorganized that it's incredible.
I lied about my progress. I never know when a physical therapist will show up....or who. They come and go like farts in a bean eating contest.
I could reveal a LOT of horrifying things....but I'll spare you.
Remember one of my previous posts, when I described all the magnificent food I prepared long ago for New Year's Eve?
Well, prepare for a jolt.
THIS is what they gave us for dinner on New Year's Eve. I HAD to take a picture.
A piece of greasy ham and some horrifying inedible corn bread. That's it!!!
I thought I was on Rikers Island (look it up).
I had half a package of Chips Ahoy cookies in a duffle bag and ate them.
I will admit that we had a fairly good breakfast here on New Yrs Eve day. Eggs, sausage, French toast....coffee (very rare), orange juice (very rare). And a banana!!!! When I was in Cookeville I ordered a banana every day for breakfast.
(a nurse just came in and gave me cough medicine)
I mostly spent New Years Eve texting my oldest and dearest friend. Linda and I were raised in Southern Calif. and knew each other since we were children. We went to high school in Corona - - back then a tiny rural town, population 27,000.
Today Corona has a population way over 150,000.
One of our beloved teachers, Mr. Tindall, still lives in Corona. He's now in his 90s. Linda was in his English class, I was in his journalism class. And he still remembers us!
Linda and I are exactly the same age. She is one week older than me. We share all of our secrets (and I have plenty). I used to take her to ballets and operas at the L.A. Music Center. We saw Nureyev dance at the Shrine Auditorium. Marx Brothers film festivals in Hollywood. Renaissance Fairs.
Linda has as many health issues as I do. Her drug addicted husband left her long long ago.
She now lives in Santa Rosa (Northern Calif.) near her two children and grandchildren.
Thanks to texting and email we still share everything.
So what else to say?
I paid my property taxes. The Tennessee website didn't work on Google Chrome, so I downloaded Firefox and it worked there.
Paid all my bills. Broadband/landline phone is $90. In Texas the exact same thing was $55.
Did you know I have an ancient Egyptian scarab, I got from an archaeologist. Possibly way over 1000 yrs. old. Mounted on a copper frame in the 1920s.
I put it on a chain and keep it in a velvet bag.
Well, I've said enough.
Jon 💙
grim start to a new year
I'm glad you still have Linda in your life. It sounds like you need her. What a time you're having. I so wish I could waft you safely home.
ReplyDeleteWe exchange all of problems, and we both have plenty of them.
DeleteI'm severely depressed, and I no longer care what happens to me. I've been through too much.
That sucks about the Covid and almost everything else. I’m glad you have Linda and that you continue to blog. ❤️
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised about the covid diagnosis. This place is disgusting.
DeleteWhat a blow, that Covid diagnosis! Thank you for letting us know about your and Linda's extraordinary friendship; I'm so glad you have her in your corner.
ReplyDeleteMy friendship with Linda seems like a span of a thousand years. We often marvel at the fact that we're still alive.
DeleteSo sorry to read that on top of everything else, you now have COVID, my husband has been sick since Christmas, I'm convinced he's picked up COVID again....
ReplyDeleteThank goodness that you have a connection with your lifelong friend, it truly means a lot to be able to share your problems with someone who has actually shared so many memories, and moments.
Happy New Year dear friend, and continued best wishes.
Jo
I started feeling sick around Christmas, too, and I suspected it might Ibe covid, due to the appalling conditions here.
DeleteLinda and I remember so many things in Southern Calif. that are no longer in existence and we shared so many things. Old friends are treasures.
I meant to comment on your Egyptian Scarab, it's absolutely amazing !
DeleteKeep it safe Jon.
~Jo
Thank you, Jo!! I didn't think anyone noticed. The scarab gives me a strong positive feeling.
DeleteThat place sounds as bad as Signature....or worse? At least there's no Dragon Lady! Or is there? The Covid diagnosis sucks. Most health care facilities are petri dishes of germs/viruses....just a fact. I was sicker when I worked in hospitals. The pic of that slab of worn-out ham and dry cornbread was enough to make one anorexic. At least breakfast (sort of) made up for it.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice Linda is there for you....and you for her. Friendships get us through.
I hope things will eventually get on the upswing. Damn it! Is the mobility issue
improving any? Hang in, on and around the best you can, Jon.
Paranormal John
John, Signature was like the Ritz compared to this place. When I saw what it looked like, I knew trouble was ahead. I was actually STUNNED when I saw that New Year's dinner. Who the hell thought that one up??
DeleteUnfortunately, my mobility issue isn't improving.....without a regular P.T.
All I hope is that I can get out of here alive.
It's good to have a Ride or Die Friend like your Linda. As for that place, that Dinner was ridiculous, I'm glad you put them on Blast and photographed it!!! It can be difficult to remain Positive, I tried to start my New Years Posts Positive and Uplifting, I can't say I actually succeeded, but, I am trying! *Smiles* Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I do Hope you get better from the Corona Virus... so much horrible stuff is making its rounds, staying Healthy is hard enuf, when you're already having Health Problems, you don't need the added layer of illness!!!! Or exposure.
DeleteI'm not surprised that I got covid here - - everything about this place is disgusting. When I look at those horrifying so-called "meals" and everything else, I wonder if the health dept. doesn't raid the place and shut it down.
DeleteHope your new year has all bright and positive things.
They showed a bunch of The Twilight Zone
ReplyDeleteepisodes over New Years on tv.
Do you remember
Queen of the Nile?
Lady used Egyptian scarab
to remain young.
Lisa✨Posh✨Whiteface
salemslot9 journal
That's an interesting way to spend New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, I'm in the Twilight Zone.
DeleteI vaguely recall the scarab episode. Sure wish mine could return my youth.
Big hugs to you and the kitties.
Jon,
ReplyDeleteDamn! That cornbread looked scary! One more reason I hope I never end up in a "facility." I couldn't take the food. I like my own food thank you.
Here we go with another year. I don't know if I told you, it looks like my prostate cancer might have returned (my PSA score almost doubled from last year.) I'll get a PET-SCAN and another blood test in June just to make sure before I decide even if I get treatment. At 84 years old we're not talking about a lot of good years left for me and what I have left I want to be of somewhat quality and not bedridden and sexless growing breasts suffering through incontinence and hot flashes.
Life goes on, for now anyway.
Ron
I've been reading your blog, and I appreciate the updates. Being trapped in the medical maze is a never ending nightmare....there truly is no way out.
DeleteTake care, Ron, and hang in there.