Visited with the heart doctor yesterday to get the results of 3 months of tests. The report is I am in good shape for a man of my age. Going to be 88 in 9 days. BUT. It’s that G.D. BUT that always comes into play.
The bottom line is my aortic valve stenosis has gotten worse. Now described as moderate to serious. May be heading for a valve replacement. Not yet, however. The other BUT problem is my heart stopped twice while I was wearing a monitor. Once for 2.5 seconds, the other for 1 second. May be heading for a pacemaker. A consultation being scheduled with a Cleveland Clinic expert on heart electricity.
It never ends. As long as remedial may be done assuring I do not end, so be it.
I have an endoscopy scheduled for next month to stretch my throat. It has been delayed to be sure I could undergo the procedure.
I feel sorry for those who only have Medicare. I have been retired since 71 years old. The AARP supplement covers everything else. Thank God I can afford it. I have reached the point where I am convinced medicine is a right. Socialized medicine the key. The opportunty to continue living should be available to everyone.
I stopped at Harpoon Harry’s for lunch after the doctor visit. Enjoyed pancakes. Delicious. Something I rarely partake of.
As I was leaving, it began to rain. Made it to the car in time. Poured like hell as I drove home.
Love the heavy rain summer brings. For a stupid reason. It washes the car. I’m laughing at the moment, but it’s true. My car will be bright and shiny when I get into it today.
No matter the final result with Russia, Putin has been diminished in power. His grip decidedly weakened.
Prigozhin will die in the near future. Putin’s reputation cannot handle the embarrassment he perpetrated.
The people of Moscow interviewed on TV are properly relieved. They do not want a war of blood shed on their streets. Can’t blame them. However, it means they will accept Putin regardless of what he does.
I have listened the past few days to Russian experts and their opinions. A few believe that the Russian people believe Putin’s reasons for invading Ukraine. Putin’s most powerful force seems to be his use of propaganda.
The United States a lucky nation.
On this day in 1829, James Smithson established the Smithsonian Institution.
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington is like nothing you would believe. And free. Available to adults and children alike.
It’s source an unbelievable story of generosity. In Genoa, Italy on 6/27/1829, English scientist James Smithson died after a long illness. He left behind a will with a peculiar footnote. In the event that his only nephew died without any heirs, Smithson decreed the whole estate would go to the “Unite States of America, to fund at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”
Today, 19 museums, 9 research centers throughout the U.S. and world, and the national museum.
My recommendation, take the children and grandchildren to Washington for a week and do the Smithsonian! You will all love it!
Today in 1939, a most famous Gone With the Wind scene was filmed. Clark Gable’s: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
Censors permitted the “damn” to remain, but fined producer David O. Selznick $5,000 for including the curse.
Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 B.C.
The Roman emperor Augustus condemned the scene of the crime a locus sceleratus, a cursed place. Historians lost track of the area in the centuries that followed.
It was rediscovered in the early 20th century. The site is known as the Sacred Area of Lanzo di Argentina. Now, for the first time, it’s officially open to visitors.
I’d love to see it! If I make another European trip, Rome will be on the agenda.
I’m going out tonight. To celebrate my “good health.” I’m not complaining about it, though it may seem so. It is the many tests and doctor visits.
Steve Thompson called. Wants me to join he and Cindy for Happy Hour at The Grand at 4. Why not!
Enjoy your day!