Vacation is over

I did have fun in Mammoth.  I did not have time to seek out a zipline ride.  I pulled out my cameras that I could find.  I'd forgotten how to set them up, so I lost the first day, but figured it out that evening when I was able to look at footage once the cameras were properly set.  I did enjoy having bro & fam over.  I have forgotten how to make my videos.  

I attempted a couple sketches.  My landscape watercolor still sucks (of course, it's my first attempt.)  At first the fall colors looked washed out so I added ink.  Then the darkness of the ink took over, I don't like it.  I'm going to try working it over again to darken the watercolor.  If that doesn't work, I'll work over it in acrylic, not that I've ever had any success at landscape in acrylic either.  That's the plan.  I'll be referring to the photos I took on site.

RETIRED!!

I still can't believe it.  I worked my last day yesterday, though I still have hopes of going back as a 1099 contractor.  So I'm not taking social security yet, we'll see what 2026 brings.  Meanwhile, I have 2-3 weeks to get the house ready for a new little niece. I finally have time to make the calls for medical appointments to get off hold on the transplant lists.  

Among the retirement presents, 3 new canvases and a gift card to Michaels.  I was just saying I was going to be pissed if someone 3-5 years at the company gets a pizza party and I didn't at least get a cake.  I did get the big cake and presents, too.

Still here

 Wow, has it really been over 6 months since my last entry?

Just got out of hospital stay.  If Sunday was day 1, out on Wednesday...so 4 days. My BP was really really high and I felt like there was a spear going from my back under the right shoulder blade coming out my chest under my right breast.  I had a cold starting at the beginning of June then next day shingles started.  What the heck?  I'm fully vaccinated for shingles.  It was one of the requirements to get on the transplant list.  Next day, I had dialysis and that doctor sent in the prescription for shingles meds, so I got on it pretty quick.  I was told to keep my next day appintment with my PCP (primary care physician).  She confirmed the shingles & gave me medicine to help with the cold...for wheezing.  But the shingles anti-viral is strong and I wasn't eating enough so I was throwing up from both ends until I found the energy to get Mexican bread.  I'm still coughing but nobody gives the cough syrup with codine anymore.  I didn't get night sleep while in hospital because there was a screamer across the hallway from me.  I got my sleep in the daytime & binge watched the Harry Potter series.  One of the few movies I don't get enough of.  I don't subscribe to cable at home anymore.