Multiple Surgeries On The Calendar

We spent almost two hours with my new heart surgeon today.

Good news and bad news!  Wait!!!  There is no good news!  Unless you figure the statistical odds of something going wrong is less than 1 in 500.  That’s not much.

There were three people in the waiting room this morning on what was described as a ‘slow day.’  They see patients 5 days a week.  That probably means they have seen an average of about 25 patients a week since January 1^st (about 14 weeks).  That would make it about 375 patients. 

Breaking the odds down from 1 in 500 to 1 in 375 means (assuming I know what the hell I’m calculating) the odds are 2.6 in 375 of something going wrong with my upcoming surgeries(s).

Yes, ‘Surgeries.’  All serious, and all life-threatening unless fixed.

Here’s what my blockages look like.

The first surgery is Tuesday of next week to repair my Carotid Artery.  I go to the hospital tomorrow for the ‘pre-op’ stuff.  Probably just some blood work and legal forms.  It was determined that my Carotid Artery has upwards of a 75% blockage.  It needs to be fixed first.

The week after the carotid artery surgery I’m to be scheduled for open heart surgery to repair five blockages ranging from 80% to 90%.  That should keep me alive and ticking for awhile.

Then, they will determine when I should return for aortic valve replacement.  But it should be done within two years.

He was complimentary of my being in good shape, my heart being strong, and he was blown away surprised that I was still able to lift 100 pound stones during landscaping projects.  He even said he liked my shoes and wanted to know how I kept them looking so well.  (Mineral Oil).

I asked him if changing my lifestyle would help slow the blockage build-up, and he looked at me oddly before saying “no.”  Judy thinks the odd look was because he is fixing me back to 100%.  And it took 78 years to get to this point in my health.  It’s not likely that I can attain this level of blockage again before I die of old age. 

So in celebration we went to a favorite high-calorie restaurant, Abita Café in Abita Springs, and had some high-calorie lunch.  And I may have a Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla and Fireball Bourbon Float for dessert later today.  Hey!  If I’m gonna live, I’m gonna live good… Know what I mean Vern?

Now you know the latest.  

I may have that Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and Fireball Float now.  Seems like as good a time as any.

Life is Catching up to Me

Well, after 77 years and 11 months, my life is finally catching up to me.  And if things don't go right in the next few weeks, it might just pass me up.

Yesterday I underwent an 'exploratory angiogram.'  It was initially scheduled to see why I had what appeared to be a 77% blockage in my carotid artery.  It turned out to be only a 50% blockage.

But my cardiologist decided to check my other arteries while I was there.  And he was quite surprised to find that all four heart arteries had 80% blockages.  He was surprised because I had undergone a stress test last year and I was fine.

Obviously something has to be done about it, so we contacted a recommended heart surgeon and I have an appointment day after tomorrow.  It's more of an introductory meeting but I'm sure to be scheduled for open heart surgery within the next two weeks.

I know open heart surgery is pretty common these days, and has a very high success rate, but this time it's me who will be on the operating table.  Instead of having a one-in-a-million chance of something going wrong, I see it as a one-in-one chance of something going wrong.  At that moment, all the millions of success stories mean nothing until my surgery is over and I'm up walking around.

I already know some things will need to change in my life, lifestyle among them.  Food intake is surely on the list, as is exercise and restful sleep and etc, etc, etc.......

I'll try to keep my blog updated but it too may end up being a casualty to the need for change.

Wish me luck.

Eggheads Visiting La Maison des Poulets

During the past few weeks we've had a flock of visitors to La Maison des Poulets (aka Chicken Ranch).

First there was Gene 'Crimson Gator' Skillin and his friend Tim from Florida.  Gene was on his way to compete in a steak-cooking event in Katy, Texas.  Tim is a certified SCA Judge and was serving as a Judge at the contest.

I posted about their visit below on February 17th along with a video of Gene cooking Waygu steak for dinner.  But here's the video link if you missed it:  https://youtu.be/TKqUL-S47fI

Then came Jay "SSN686" and Kathy Taylor from Florida.  Jay was serving as a Judge at a BBQ event in Hammond, Louisiana, just a few miles west of us.

While here, Jay cooked some of his famous Shrimp Burgers.  They are definitely a crowd-pleaser.  Here's the link to the video of him cooking them: https://youtu.be/fL-LKG9SElk

And no sooner than Jay and Kathy left for home on Sunday, Pete 'Celtic Wolf' Benac from North Carolina arrived towing his RV trailer, Wolf Den.  He parked it at a nearby RV park and 'camped out' there the whole week before heading to Florida.

Pete came ready to cook some Lamb Chops for us. And I made a video of that cook as well.  Here's the link to it: https://youtu.be/q2LKr_gxQAI

We had a feeling we would see a few old friends now and then.  After all, we're on the East/West route.

Terra Mariae Mardi Gras Parade

I've said many times how much we love living here in Terra Mariae.  And although it is a small community, we still like to have a good time.  Since this time of year is pretty much anything Mardi Gras, there's no better way to have fun than to have a Mardi Gras parade.

It helps to dress the part...

It doesn't have to be a big and noisy parade .  In fact, small and quiet is perfect for us.  After all, we residents are all over 55, some by a long shot, and noise no longer excites us.

But we all like to have a good time.  That's why a parade is perfect.  Especially one like we have.

I put together a little video so you can watch our parade from start to finish.  Don't worry, it takes less than ten minutes, unless you enjoy it so much that you want to watch it again.

So kick your feet back and watch the video.  You'll be glad you did.

Here's the link: https://youtu.be/Cp1Ckveco-E

Wagyu Steak

Well, I finally had me some Wagyu Steak. And I want some more. It is wonderful.

All thanks to our long-time Egghead friend, Gene Skillin (aka Crimson Gator), from Jacksonville, Florida when he and his friend, Tim, stopped here for the night on their way to a steak cook-off contest in Katy, Texas. He stopped at a place in Pensacola and bought the steaks from someone he knew had good steak.

I thought at the time, if his entry in the cook-off is anything like what he fed us, he'll win. Just a couple of weeks ago he won the state championship in Florida, so he would definitely be the one to defeat.

Alas, he came in 3rd. First place winner was a former World Steak Cooking Champion. Yes, I can only imagine....

They drove all the way back to Covington for the night, arriving here about midnight. We left the door unlocked for them.

I'll never be a competitor on the food-cooking circuit, but I enjoyed learning what it takes to be a good judge at cooking contests. Tim has been doing it for a long time and is well respected by competitors and other judges alike. He was kind enough to say my Magnum Loads had everything the judges look for in a contest for snacks and "would win hands-down." He definitely ate a mess of 'em.

New Coop is sure getting a great workout, and we're loving it. Here are a few photos of their visit.

























































































Here's the video of it:  https://youtu.be/TKqUL-S47fI

Sad Day

We received some sad but not unexpected news that our friend and neighbor, Harold T. (Tom) Morris, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.  We were neighbors for over 20 years in Spring, Texas.

Here's one of my all-time favorite photos taken of Tom and Pam in July 2005 with their dog, Sassy.

Pam said he asked to be cremated and his ashes spread on the waters near Bolivar Peninsula near Houston.

Tom quickly became a good neighbor when he bought the house next door.  But he gradually became a great neighbor and close friend as he got settled into the neighborhood.

Then he married Pam, and he really opened up.  She also quickly became fast friends, and the four of us made it a fun relationship, usually built around food.

Tom won a Big Green Egg and bought another one so we could cook and share our culinary successes.  But we also visited restaurants together frequently.  Mexican food was a favorite, and every Wednesday at 4:44 Judy would arrive home from work and immediately get in their waiting car for the short drive a couple of blocks away.  The restaurant crew knew us well.  And we always had a good time there.

And now he's gone, except for a lot of good memories and photos.

RIP Tom...

Cataract Surgery Recovery Over

I'm happy to report that I've completed the three weeks of eye drops after my eye surgery.  I know it was necessary, but I'm glad that part is over. 

Thanks to My Sweetie, all drops were 'dropped' on a timely and expertly basis, including an extra bottle of drops to lower the pressure in my eye.  The pressure seems to be completely under control.

My next follow-up visit is in about a week.  I expect my eye chart test to be at least 20/25.  That's right, 'No Glasses' needed. 

Now I can go back to being myself:

I'm anxious to see (pun intended) how well I can drive at night.  A ride through the neighborhood after dark a week after the surgery was a bit of a challenge, even with the street lights helping light up the street.  If night driving is still a problem I will just continue with my 'daytime driving only' policy.  No use stretching my luck.

A Truly Wonderful Day

I just had to share this joyous moment.

For at least three years, when I wanted to see what the time was on my stereo receiver for the TV, I had to get up real close (about 3 ‘) and bend over to see the blue ¾” tall numbers on the device.  Even then, it wasn’t very clear.  Here’s what it looked like from that angle.

It was usually easier to verbally ask Alexa (my Amazon home info device) what time it was.

This morning, this is where I could stand and read the numbers clearly.

I think I will be happy all day.  Probably tomorrow too.  In fact, lots of tomorrows.

Cataract Surgery Follow-up

Wow!  Things are so bright and clear!  I can see for miles and even see the small letters on my computer screen.  And that's with just one eye.  I'm thrilled, not to mention relieved.

Yes, the surgery to remove my cataract was a success.  But there were some issues that only showed up during surgery.  Namely, astigmatism.  Because of it being a major factor, I had to have a toric lens instead of the regular lens.  Pretty routine, especially in my situation with lots of scar tissue from the RK surgery a quarter century ago.

And the additional $800 made a deep dent in my wallet.  But it was worth it.

My follow-up visit to my ophthalmologist the next morning was great.  I could read the 20/25 line and a couple of letters on the 20/20 line.  He said my vision would be even better after the swelling goes down.  I can't even imagine what 20/20 vision is going to be like.  But I'm sure looking forward to it.  Maybe I won't be so nervous about driving now that I can actually see the road LOL...

The only problem was some pressure in the eyeball itself.  Very common, he said.  But it was giving me one heck of a headache.  He put some drops in to lower the pressure and the headache started to go away almost immediately.  I'm to take the drops for a few more days and return next week for a pressure check.  My headache is gone, so I'm not worried.

I was pretty sure that by choosing 'distant vision' as opposed to 'close vision' I would have to wear glasses to read.  Imagine my surprise when I sat down at the computer late the second day and I could read the small print on the screen of my laptop.  It's even easier on my desktop computer.

Now I can focus on my diet.  I gained two pounds celebrating my successful surgery.  Got that to lose, plus ten more pounds before I brag about my success at dieting.

Right now I'm one happy guy...

Cataract Surgery

I've had problems with my vision all  my life.  I think I got it from my Mom.  She had vision problems too.

Although it has been mostly a costly nuisance, the worst thing was when I lost my vision in my right eye due to staph immediately after surgery to implant a 'Crystal Lens' to supposedly 'give me crystal clear vision the rest of my life.' 

This is what I looked like right after the surgery in 2005.

Now 14 years later I'm about to go to surgery again.  And I'm reminded that although rare, there could be complications.  With only one good eye that has a worsening cataract, I hope I'm not the 1 in 10,000 who has complications.  Especially if it results in the loss of my vision altogether. 

My ophthalmologist assures me that he fully understands and appreciates my nervousness, but that he expects no problems. 

Yesterday I was measured for the proper size lens to replace my bad one.  That was easy.

My surgery will be on January 22nd with a routine follow-up/checkup visit the following morning. 

Then drops in the eye for three weeks.

That's assuming all goes well.

As they say, "We'll see."

2019 Has a Nice Ring to It

We're already near the end of day 2 of the new year.  Time flies....

So far, here's what 2019 looks like.

That's good for now.  We'll dress it up a little better after we get used to it.  But so far, so good.

Not much on the agenda yet.

Well, there's that long-postponed cataract surgery on my good eye.  I get measured for the lens tomorrow.  The actual surgery will be sometime later this month.  I'm a little nervous because of my last experience with eye surgery.  I've only got one to lose.  Should I become the '1' in 10,000 again, finding a 'dark place' to take a nap won't be hard.  And I'll be pretty upset.

We've pretty much got our Christmas decorations put away.  The last thing is the 9' artificial tree.  We plan to bag it up, lights and all, and roll it to the garage elevator and into the attic.  If it goes as planned, putting up the Christmas Tree will be as simple as riding an elevator. 

It's Judy's idea, and it goes back to the 1980's.  She even wants a Christmas Tree Closet to be designed into all houses and apartments.  Yes, totally dedicated to the Christmas Tree.  But if someone doesn't want an artificial tree, they can use the closet to store the ornaments.  She's got it all figured out.  Now lets see if it works.  Here are some photos showing the 9' tree going into the attic.

It worked!

We've lived here in Terra Mariae for 13 months.  And we've taking a real liking to it and the residents here.  They are friendly and comfortable to be around.  That's what we were looking for when we moved here from Texas.  They can't run us off now.  This is 'Home.'

Happy New Year

Christmas 2018

It's hard to believe but this is our second Christmas in our new home here in Covington, Louisiana.

And this year it really looks like Christmas.  Judy did a great job decorating the tree and yard.  I helped a little by getting the boxes out of the attic.  There were lots of boxes.  The elevator performed perfectly.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  We're joining up with Sister and Brother-in-law, Joyce and Allen, to ride with them over to New Orleans to celebrate with Nephew # 1, David and his wife, Michelle.

It will be a double celebration because David just landed an Assistant Manager job at Rouse's, everybody's favorite chain of food markets in South Louisiana.

We will be home by dark unless traffic is heavy.

Then I will put a 4 pound rump roast in my Sous Vide immersion cooker.  It will cook in a bag, under water, @ 137° until Christmas morning when I will remove it from the bag and put it on the Big Green Egg to smoke for a neighbor.  She brought it over today so I could do some trimming and prep work.

It is sealed in the bag, and all the air has been removed.  The seasoning is inside the bag with the roast and will eventually be distributed throughout the meat.  It will be cooked through and through, all at the same temperature of 137°.  When it is ready, I will remove it from the bag, dry it off, and place it on the Big Green Egg to smoke until just before Noon, about four hours.  I'll take it off, wrap it in foil, and deliver it to the neighbor to serve a hungry crowd.  It should not only be very flavorful from the seasonings, but also from some Hickory smoke she asked me to use.

Soon after I take it off the Big Green Egg, we will be cooking some nice prime steaks for Joyce and Allen, and Judy and myself.  That's pretty much enough to make me want to take a nap.

It all sounds like fun.

Merry Christmas

Terra Mariae Christmas Quarterly Luncheon

It has been a great year for Terra Mariae residents who enjoy the Quarterly Luncheons. 

The last one of the year was held on December 7th at Keith Young's Steakhouse in Madisonville.  They are well known for their steaks, but their other dishes are equally outstanding.  And their service is fantastic.

Everyone brought a gift to be distributed to someone else.  Pretty cool... No one went home without a gift.

But Judy and I wanted to do more.  After all, these are now our friends and neighbors.  Plus, we wanted to show our appreciation for the work done by the luncheon organizer, and for the leadership provided by our Homeowners Association President.

So we made Christmas Birdhouses for them. 

One was to serve as our gift to be distributed to whomever.  The second birdhouse was to be a 'door prize' to whomever had the winning ticket.  The third birdhouse was to go to the event organizer for her efforts, and the fourth birdhouse was to thank the HOA President for her leadership efforts in keeping Terra Mariae the wonderful place it is.

I took photos and have combined them into a YouTube video which I shared on Facebook and by email to all residents who have access to computers.

This was a great way to end a great year.

Here's the video:  Terra Mariae Christmas Luncheon

Forty-Fifth Anniversary

Over the years I must have told a million people that I won my Sweetie in a poker game in New Orleans back in 1973.  I think half those people believe me and the other half hasn't fully decided if the story is true or not.  Most don't doubt it could have happened considering my past life.  I was a rascal, for sure. 

No matter, because we celebrate the day, December 1st, 1973, as the official day we were legally married, in both the Eyes of God and The State of Louisiana.

I have to say, it was a good move as evidenced by 45 years of absolute love and devotion to each other.  We wouldn't change a thing, even if some of it could have been made easier if we planned our life together better.  But instead of being wealthy in money we are wealthy in memories and friends.

It could not have worked out any better.  She is the main player on this team. 

We both wish for 45 more years, but knowing that it may not happen, we are thankful for every moment we have shared together all these years, and for any and all of the years to come.

Thanks also to all who have grown with us and wish us more of the same.  We can handle 45 more years with easy grace but forty-five years from now we may not know who the people are helping us celebrate it.

Leroy   AKA Mr. Judy.

Easy Thanksgiving

We had some delicious turkey on 'Turkey Day" but we didn't have to cook it.  Brother-in-Law, Allen cooked it..  It was tender, juicy and delicious.  He cooked it 'Spatchcocked' style on the Big Green Egg.  It was his first time cooking turkey Spatchcocked style and he likes it much better than the traditional method. 

My Sweetie, Judy, and her sister, Joyce, cooked all the side dishes.  There were many and all tasty.  No photos.

I mostly sat around and watched.  I think I like doing that on Thanksgiving.

We arrived back home before dark, full as ticks, and ready for bed.  But we stayed up to watch the Saints win over the Falcons.  Brees is awesome.!

Now we wait for Christmas.  Except we also celebrate our 45th anniversary in 8 days.  It also calls for food.  At this rate I'll always be a few pounds overweight...

Halloween Party a Success

Well, the long awaited Halloween Party went off without a hitch, and turned out really well.

The only possible 'hitch' was the weather.  Predictions for bad weather held off until well after the party, giving us time to clean up the decorations and put away the leftovers.

And as of today, all the stuff is in boxes in the attic for when it is needed again.

I took some photos and borrowed a few from others, edited and assembled them into some kind of order and made a video.  It's worth watching if you like to see how 40 neighbors can get along, have fun and even act a little crazy.

Here's the video...   Halloween Party

Updated on 11-10-18:  On a sad note, one of our guests fell and hit his head a few days after the party.  He did not survive the fall, and will be buried next week.  He was the Pirate in the red pirate suit.  His wife was dressed as the Pirate's Woman.  He also celebrated his birthday at the party.  He was a Veteran, and lost an arm in Afghanistan.  He and his wife had just moved into their new house in Terra Mariae a few months ago.  He said a number of times that he really enjoyed the party.  RIP Henry.

Halloween Party in the Works

Yes, there's another party brewing at La Maison des  Poulets.  This time Judy and I are getting ready to host a Halloween Party for residents of Terra Mariae.

Crazy huh?  A little, but think about it.  Halloween  has established itself pretty well as the first of many 'holiday season' events.  And this one is especially great for children of all ages to have some fun.  Plus, the weather is usually better for getting out after dark.

No, there won't be any little children at this party.  But I'm sure there will be plenty of 'sweets & treats' for everyone.

If you didn't see it, here's the Video Invitation sent to all Terra Mariae residents.  Those without access to the Internet received their invitations via 'tube mail.'

The video is kinda cute.  Video Invitation

Yes, it's from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on October 31st (Halloween Night)

Meanwhile, preparing for the party has taken on a life of its own.  Judy and I are working fast and furious to get things looking 'Halloweenie.'  And some of those who said they were coming said they were dressing up and bringing snacks and beverages to share.

There could be 50 to 75 party-goers here.  We just hope the rain holds off.

Yes, there will be a lot of pictures taken and possibly made into a video to show those who couldn't be here what they missed.

Happy Halloween

Surprise Birthday Party

A couple of months ago a neighbor approached Judy about having a surprise 70th birthday party for her husband.  She asked if we could host it at our house to keep it a surprise.  She would take care of all the details and all we had to do is just open our house to those attending.

Of course.  We would be happy to do it.

But then she said a neighbor and friend was also celebrating his 70th birthday about the same time.  So could it be a surprise birthday party for two?

Of course.  We would be happy to do it.

But since keeping it a secret might be difficult, the party would be announced as being a Congratulations for Defeating Cancer party for the wife and another neighbor.

Well, secrets kept, days of good planning, and last minute details taken care of paid off wonderfully.  The two honorees were totally surprised.

And while at the party another neighbor was also surprised to be celebrating with them.

There was lots of food and beverages, and some nice gifts. But most of all, it was friends and neighbors enjoying the moment.

I made a video that pretty much tells just how much fun we had.

Surprise Birthday Party

New Coop is Almost Finished

On May 20, 2018 we began bringing in the lumber to start building our new outdoor kitchen, referred to as New Coop until a better name comes along.

On September 11, 2018 we finished up the last major detail of what we wanted it to look like.

114 days... 

Not all of them were productive, and some were slowed considerably by the oppressive heat and occasional rain.  But we wanted it done right so 'how long' was not the issue.  We wanted it to be a really special place, and we definitely got what we waited for.

We've already started cooking in it, but the real test comes when everything is in place and works well for us.  So far we are tickled pink with how comfortable it is. 

The last project was to set the salvaged "Katrina Windows" in place to make it look like a bistro.  We finished those yesterday and they really tie everything in to the Bistro look we want for the space between New Coop and New House.  We've got lots of plans to make it even nicer.

But as of now, we have an outdoor kitchen worthy of showing off and fun to cook in.  What more could we ask for to round out our new life here at Terra Mariae in Covington, Louisiana.

Here's a short video as it was late yesterday when we put away the paint brush.

New Coop on 9-11-18

First Long Cook in New Coop

Now that New Coop is 'operative' I've been trying to catch up on some cooking.  Yesterday I decided to cook a small pork butt that we found on sale at our neighborhood Walmart.  

But I also wanted to try some rub seasoning we bought at the Abita Springs Farmers Market last week.  It was our first time there and we really like what we saw.  We'll be going back.

It was raining and we had to get some stuff from Lowes, so we didn't stick around long.  But we did get to meet one of the vendors and try some of his BBQ.  And we were impressed enough to purchase a bottle of rub and a bottle of his BBQ sauce.

Anyway, it was a good day for cooking so that's what I did.

Here's a video of the cook.

https://youtu.be/6dvF09Rt8Ks

First Cook in New Coop

We moved into New House on November 1st, 2017.  Our first priority was to get settled well enough to function.

Then we built the attic elevator to help store some of the items we just couldn't get to fit anywhere.

Then two months ago we started building New Coop, our outdoor kitchen.

We aren't finished with it yet but we're far enough along that we can cook in it.  And that's what we did yesterday.

I made a video of the that long awaited moment.

First Cook and Tour of New Coop

Maybe now you can better understand why we worked our asses off in the heat to get New Coop up and running.  

Life will definitely be more fun around here.