Robotic Surgery

Since my hernia surgery is impending, I've spent some time examining the procedures, my surgeon's qualifications, and found robotics will be used for my surgery. It's a laparoscopic procedure, but instead of the surgeon manipulating instruments manually, they use 3D imaging, and robotic instruments are manipulated as the surgeon operates at a console. It's like the robotic deep sea ROV's without the currents, curious fish, and the possibility of a large wave influencing the operation. I'm hoping my surgeon has a good night's sleep before the procedure, and nobody creeps up behind him and pops a balloon while he's working. 

Paying for Dreck

 I was thinking of how so many media outlets now charge a fee to see their dreck. It's bundled with other dreck, and for the little actual worthy content, the trade-off is the dreck is financed regardless of the harm it causes, or the ignorance that is expounded by pretty faced people that are as clueless as a bucket of horseshoes. You can have it streamed on your phone, and social media is filled with whatever piece ( however chopped up) that supports whatever distorted view is being promoted. 

Waiting is the Hardest Part

My hernia surgery is scheduled for September 1. I wanted it sooner, but the surgeon is booked. While my hernia isn't a constant source of pain, I have good, and bad, days with on all days, I can feel it. I've found weed-whacking is hardest on the hernia, so that has to be metered out, instead of all on one day. Why this is so hard on the hernia is beyond my understanding. Lifting doesn't bother it at all. 

A brother-in-law found out his chest pain, and shortness of breath, will require a heart valve replacement. He's been haphazard with medication for his hypertension over the years, and it finally caught up with him. From what I know, that type of surgery has far fewer risks than even a decade ago, and after recovery, lead to decades of life afterward....if the patient is willing to go through the paces required to keep healthy habits. Whether that happens is to be seen. His siblings are worried. Me? Not really. It's up to him, and the wake-up call should be a stern warning. 

The heat has been steady, but the three digit highs have mostly been avoided. We're not in official drought, but if we don't get some substantial rain, we will be. The trees are already showing signs they're becoming stressed, and the yard is starting to have some dead spots. 

Local cities are making noises about budget shortfalls, and the possibility of tax increases. This translates into a guarantee of higher taxes, and with property values decreasing with age, and the fact people are moving out of the city limits, the main problem of excess spending will never be handled. All cities are run mostly by those that shouldn't be allowed to run a watermelon stand. 

The dog star is peeking above the horizon right before sunrise, so the dog days of summer are officially here. It won't be long before that real cold front passes through, and I can have some relief from the high electric bills that come during the summer.

Tomorrow morning early, I plan on cleaning my outside AC coils. Cutting the yard, and the dust it creates, have made the cleaning necessary. It shouldn't take long, and my air conditioner should be more efficient.

Sort of an Anniversary

 Fifteen years ago, and over three million visits later, I started this blog. A lot has happened since then: My mother, and three siblings of four died; I was divorced, and remarried; I've had seven skin cancers removed; I've moved; I've retired; had two colonoscopies; carpal tunnel release on both wrists, and an ugly lipoma removed from my forehead. During that time, many have commented, and shown me there are still some good people out there. That, and that bots can fill visit counts by over 10,000 in a matter of hours. So, as long as I can, I will continue. Thoughts cross my mind constantly, and this is where they can escape. You have been warned.

I Wish I Had Asked

Years ago, my father would occasionally grill what he called a "poor boy filet". Two hamburger patties were seasoned, a slice of cheese, and a slice of onion, were placed between the patties, with the larger patty wrapped with a slice of bacon. I've tried to duplicate the meat, but the seasoning has never been right. When I could, I didn't ask how he seasoned the hamburger. I wish I had.