Groundhog's Day 2006

So the beast Phil saw its shadow. That's the groundhog, not Dr. Phil. Easy to get confused.

Yesterday finally got mother to the doctor. She's being treated for pneumonia although it's inconclusive whether she's actually got it or not. Since she's already COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), such things aren't welcome. She had some lower back spasms too which she described as worse than labor pains. Now let's keep in mind she's been sick almost two full weeks. Let me warn readers that old people, especially parents, make for lousy patients. She got a chest x-ray that was sent off for further analysis and did a breathing treatment. I used to do those as a kid for my asthma. I've even got a photo of me with my mask on, the luggable respirator on the kitchen counter. Those were the days! It's probably surprising I survived at all considering I lived in a house with three chain smokers. So before I get too deep into memory lane, I was talking about the wonders of managed health care. The pharmacy missed one of the prescriptions because it'd been written up on the address line. I had to go back to waiting. I'd already been in the building three hours and my head was pounding. Finally bored with the lumpy jeezer in a "Look Better NAKED" T-shirt's comments to complete strangers, I got back in line and I decided if they didn't have it ready when I got back to the counter I'd need to start taking hostages. It was ready so I didn't make the evening news.

Mother seems no worse today, perhaps a bit more chipper but narcotic pain killers can do that to you.

The cat and fish are fine. I'm a bit screwed up and off schedule. I'll deal.

The pending newborn nephew hasn't been born just yet. Well as of Wednesday anyway. If he doesn't escape by Monday, labor will be induced. Somehow I still don't care. I mean, it's good for him I guess. Duckie won't believe what his name is going to be. His dad has a birthday coming up in the next several days.

I'm having coffee. Me! Coffee! That's a sign of the Apocalypse, surely. What's the world coming to?