Whenever we had a power outage, Larry would ask this question. I think it was something that was a habit in his family, but I don’t know that as an absolute fact. The answer always was, “down in the cellar eating sauerkraut.” Yesterday, we had a relatively unexpected winter storm (it is, after all, May 20, five days after we could “safely” put in bedding plants); but, nevertheless, we had a wet, heavy, snow storm that lasted all day and into the night.
“I’m having the WATCHMAN procedure,” I say to friends. And, collectively, they say “Huh?” “It’s been advertised on TV.” “I’ve never seen it.”
WATCHMAN really has been advertised on TV, discussed as a procedure for the patient who has AFIB. A one-time procedure to eliminate the occurrence of stroke. (Anyone interested can find lots about the WATCHMAN on the web.)
It is important to note here that IT DOES NOT CURE AFIB. Understand that – it DOES NOT cure AFIB, but it is important to NOT HAVE STROKES. So, when Erin, my cardiologist, recommended it, it seemed practical for me. So, I chose to have the procedure. However, it is a bit more complicated that I first thought it would be.
I’ll tell you up front – this is going to be a rant! I cannot believe that it is happening. The first time I became aware of this practice was in Kearney, Nebraska. In a restaurant. At the Red Lobster, to be exact. I don’t know if it was the practice of that local business or if it is a practice throughout the organization. Then, it happened again, today, in a local restaurant that I frequent when I have an opportunity. When you live from hand-to-mouth, every penny counts.
Decisions …
How many decisions do we make in one day? Starting with the time we decide to get up and ending with the time we decide to go to bed. How many?
I’ve enjoyed this past week. I’ve had two visiting dogs, plus Lady. Paisley (the Australian Shepherd) and Katie (Border Collie). It’s been somewhat like a three-ring circus – three dogs. Three dogs to feed, water, exercise, pet, and send outside to the dog run. And, I’m having so much fun! I just need three hands for the petting.