Today Is ...

April 30, 2023, afternoon, Day 10, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

The main reason why I have had such little success with women in regard to romance is that I would never lie to them. I just prefer honesty.

April 30, 2023, afternoon, Day 10, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

While my dad served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years, and my mom worked for the Navy, I do NOT consider myself to be a military brat. I am just a generic brat.

April 30, 2023, afternoon, Day 10, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Bugs Bunny is one of my favorite cartoon characters. My other favorites are Pepé Le Pew and Ignatz (the mouse). Bugs Bunny was almost called "Happy Rabbit."

April 30, 2023, afternoon, Day 10, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

I somewhat enjoy bubble tea.

April 30, 2023, afternoon, Day 10, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

I sometimes eat oatmeal cookies, but I do not enjoy them all that much.

My New Medical Boot

April 29, 2023, afternoon, Day 9, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

As per my podiatrist, I just received my new medical boot in my hospital room from a guy from a prosthetics/orthotics company.

The boot will help with my severe and painful cellulitis infection within my right foot/ankle/leg and also help with my hairline fractures in both of my right ankle bones (tibia and fibula) due to two recent falls.

I also have avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply) in a bone or bones in my right ankle.

The boot will stabilize my right foot/ankle/leg, and it should help reduce my pain.

Visit From My Wife

April 29, 2023, afternoon, Day 9, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

My wonderful wife visited with me in my hospital room this late morning into early afternoon. She took this photo of myself resting in my hospital bed. (You can read my previous posts for my medical background information.)

What's Going On Today?

April 29, 2023, afternoon, Day 9, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

I enjoy Shrimp Scampi.

Installation: PICC Line

April 28, 2023, Day 8, evening, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

This afternoon, I had a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line installed in my left arm. It runs from a port in my left forearm 49cm (19 19/64 inches) through my veins and ends near my heart.

I have been receiving around-the-clock intravenous antibiotics for a cellulitis infection in my right ankle due to a lingering diabetic ulcer (wound), along with tendonitis (tendon inflammation). I have now been switched from two antibiotics to one antibiotic. I also receive somewhat strong oral pain medications.

A couple of days ago, a radioactive body scan determined that I have avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply) in a bone or bones in my right ankle due to one or two recent falls. The scan also discovered inflammation in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen. (Last year, I was diagnosed with gall stones, but this seems unrelated.)

There was mention of my appendix.

A recent MRI found that I have hairline fractures in both my tipia and fibula bones in my right ankle.

Even though there aren't any definitive signs of osteomyelitis (bone infection), my podiatrist still wants me to start a six-week-long regimen of daily intravenous antibiotics, hence my PICC line. He has mentioned concern about one of the toes of my right foot.

I will be administering the intravenous antibiotics every day by myself at home, with a nurse checking on me once per week.

I have been hospitalized many times during recent years with cellulitis infections within both of my legs, separately, due to lingering diabetic ulcers in both of my feet. I have done the six-week-long program several times by myself at home and also outpatient. When I did this regimen in early 2021, both of my kidneys stopped functioning. I required six weeks of dialysis (four straight hours, seven days per week) before my kidneys regained functionality.

I have had four surgeries on my left foot: one to remove a decayed bone due to osteomyelitis from a lingering diabetic ulcer; two to remove a toe joint and bone fragments due to osteomyelitis; and one to remove a benign tumor that was growing within a diabetic ulcer.

What's Doin' Today?

April 28, 2023, afternoon, Day 8, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Today is National Super Hero Day. When I was a kid in the 1960s, Cuckoo Man was my favorite super hero, and he still is my favorite super hero. He was part of the cartoon series "The Mighty Heroes" that ran for only one season in 1966, when I was five years old. I loved that show. The other super heroes in this coalition were Strong Man, Rope Man, Tornado Man, and Diaper Man.

Here is a link to the opening that introduces these super heroes:

https://youtu.be/KldhX_loq18

(Many of you are probably not surprised by my choice of favorite super hero.) 😉

April 28, 2023, afternoon, Day 8, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

I do like blueberry pie, especially with chocolate ice cream, which is the same way I enjoy all fruit pies.

April 28, 2023, afternoon, Day 8, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Almost all workers who die on the job are men.

April 28, 2023, afternoon, Day 8, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

I have written more than 300, since 1986, many of which have been published in national anthologies, mostly in the 1990s, including with The National Library of Poetry.

I am in the preliminary stages of self-publishing a book of my best and favorite self-penned poems. I am also writing an autobiographical novel. 

I am a lifetime Performing Member of The Poet Jervis Poetry Society in Port Jervis, New York, although I live in Florida. In February 1990, I performed (acted) two of my poems on stage at our televised anniversary show. I moved to a different town shortly after this show, so I never performed poetry on stage again. 

Some of my favorite poets are Rainer Maria Rilke, Arthur Rimbaud, Tristan Tzara, and Charles Simic.

Medical Update

April 27, 2023, evening, Day 7, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Medical Update

Yesterday's radioactive body scan test determined that I have avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply) in a bone or bones in my right ankle due to one or two recent falls. The scan also discovered inflammation in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen. (Last year, I was diagnosed with gall stones, but this seems unrelated. There was mention of my appendix.)

A recent MRI found that I have hairline fractures in both my tipia and fibula bones in my right ankle. I have been receiving around-the-clock intravenous antibiotics for a cellulitis infection in my right ankle due to a lingering diabetic ulcer (wound), along with tendonitis (tendon inflammation). I have now been switched from two antibiotics to one antibiotic. I receive somewhat strong oral pain medications.

Even though there aren't any definitive signs of osteomyelitis (bone infection), my podiatrist still wants me to start a six-week-long regimen of daily intravenous antibiotics. He has mentioned concern about one of the toes of my right foot.

I have been hospitalized many times during recent years with cellulitis infections within both of my legs, separately, due to lingering diabetic ulcers in both of my feet. I have done the six-week-long program several times, which requires the installation of a PICC line. When I did this regimen in early 2021, both of my kidneys stopped functioning. I required six weeks of dialysis (four straight hours, seven days per week) before my kidneys regained functionality.

I have had four surgeries on my left foot: one to remove a decayed bone due to osteomyelitis from a lingering diabetic ulcer; two to remove a toe joint and bone fragments due to osteomyelitis; and one to remove a benign tumor that was growing within a diabetic ulcer.

I had a chest X-ray today to check for pneumonia. I have asthma/COPD, so I have been receiving nebulizer treatments and taking an asthma pill, as I do at home.

My cardiologist visited with me today and told me that all is well in his regard. I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2022, followed by two reconstructive chest surgeries in May 2022.

Today Is ...

April 27, 2023, morning, Day 7, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

As a kid in the 1960s and 1970s, I never liked Devil Dogs because the cake would get stuck to the roof of my mouth. It was way too dry for me.

Body Scan

April 26, 2023, afternoon, Day 6, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Today's Medical "Fun"

I am in the midst of a rather long, involved body scan test today. I have had this done before, so I know what's going on.

This morning, after many painful needle pricks in my arms and right hand, enough blood was finally extracted from me for the test. Next, my blood was placed in a centrifuge to extract my white blood cells from my blood sample. Those cells were then made radioactive and injected back into me through my intravenous port at 1:05 p.m. Around 4:05 p.m., they will take me downstairs to scan my entire body. They will look for the radioactive cells that will be congregating at the exact location where my infection is. I was told that this will also determine which intravenous antibiotics will be most effective for me.

Since arriving at the hospital about six days ago, I have been receiving continuous infusions of intravenous antibiotics for a severe and painful cellulitis infection within a tendon in my right ankle due to a diabetic ulcer. I also have been receiving oral pain medications since I arrived.

I recently fell twice, so I am also dealing with the pain of a sprained ankle. It was determined via MRI that I have hairline fractures in both the tibia and fibula bones within my right ankle.

My podiatrist also wants me to have a bone scan to determined if I have osteomyelitis (bone infection) within my ankle bones.

I have been hospitalized many times during recent years with cellulitis infections within both of my legs, separately, due to lingering diabetic ulcers.

I have had four surgeries on my left foot: one to remove a decayed bone due to osteomyelitis; two to remove a toe joint and bone fragments due to osteomyelitis; and one to remove a benign tumor that was growing within a diabetic ulcer.

UPDATE: Before going for my scan, my cardiologist told me (in my hospital room) that I have a rare staph infection within my right foot/ankle and that I have tendonitis within my right ankle. I will ask my podiatrist about it.

What's Going On Today?

April 26, 2023, afternoon, Day 6, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

I do like salty pretzels (sometimes with yellow mustard), especially when I am in New York City and Philadelphia, which was long ago. I grew up Long Island, New York, in the 1960s and 1970s, often visiting New York City. In the early 1980s, I attended Villanova University near Philadelphia.

I haven't eaten one of them in quite a long time.

I also liked salty pretzels from that lady with the cart outside of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum after New York Islanders games, when I was a teenager in the 1970s. "Pretzels !!! Cold soda !!! Italian ice !!!" Do you remember her? She was out there hawking after every game.

Medical Update

April 25, 2023, evening, Day 5, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Medical Update

Since I arrived at the hospital, I have been receiving many infusions of intravenous antibiotics for a severe and painful cellulitis infection within a tendon in my right ankle due to a diabetic ulcer.

Also, I recently fell twice. It was determined via MRI that I have hairline fractures in both the tibia and fibula bones in my right ankle. My podiatrist wants me to now have a bone scan to determined if I have osteomyelitis (bone infection); continue around-the-clock intravenous antibiotics; and continue pain medications.

I have been hospitalized many times during recent years with cellulitis infections in both of my legs, separately, due to lingering diabetic ulcers.

I have had four surgeries on my left foot: one to remove a decayed bone due to osteomyelitis; two to remove a toe joint and bone fragments due to osteomyelitis; and one to remove a tumor that was growing within a diabetic ulcer.

Zucchini Bread & Phones

April 25, 2023, morning, Day 5, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

My wonderful wife makes delicious zucchini bread. She also makes delicious banana bread and delicious mango bread.

Hospital: Revisited (Video)

April 24, 2023, evening, Day 4, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

I created and uploaded another video onto my YouTube channel.

Hospital: Revisited (April 24, 2023)

https://youtu.be/Qh210Ycc-bg

I am back in the hospital yet again, as per my podiatrist. My wife drove me to the Emergency Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Boca Raton, Florida, on April 21, 2023. I was admitted that day with a severe, painful cellulitis infection in my right foot/ankle/leg.

I recently fell twice, so I thought that I had broken the two bones in my right ankle. X-rays at home proved otherwise. Apparently, it was just a sprain.

Since arriving, I have been receiving constant infusions of intravenous antibiotics at varying strengths and types. I have had a CT scan and an MRI of my right foot/ankle to determine if I have osteomyelitis (bone infection). I am awaiting the results.

I continue to receive many antibiotic infusions for my cellulitis; pain medications; insulin maintenance; and nebulizer treatments and supplemental oxygen for my asthma/shortness of breath.

My podiatrist told me that the infusions have been successful, but I require many more infusions.

I have been hospitalized many times during recent years with cellulitis infections in both of my legs, separately, due to lingering diabetic ulcers.

I have also had four surgeries on my left foot: one to remove a decayed bone due to osteomyelitis; two to remove bone fragments due to osteomyelitis; and one to remove a tumor that was growing within a diabetic ulcer.

Also, while I am here, my cardiologist prescribed an echocardiogram to determine the ejection fraction of my heart. It is now 40, which is up from 32 before my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2022, followed by two reconstructive chest surgeries in May 2022. It should be at least 50, so my cardiologist may require the installation of a defibrillator to increase the output of my heart.

Also, I was finally diagnosed with COPD, not just asthma.

I was in the hospital about a month ago with muscle spasms and shortness of breath, but at that time, I was diagnosed with cellulitis in my right foot/ankle. During last month's visit, my cardiologist took the opportunity to run a battery of cardiac tests as a one-year anniversary of my open-heart surgery. At the time, he told me that all is well.

UPDATE: MY cardiologist was just here. He told me that my heart and lungs sound good. I won't need a defibrillator. That's only for an ejection fraction 35 and lower.

Good Medical News

April 24, 2023, afternoon, Day 4, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

BIG NEWS, and it is GOOD NEWS !!!

New Medical Testing Results

CT Scan (right foot/right ankle) = NO fractures/breaks

MRI (right foot/right ankle) = NO osteomyelitis (bone infection), but YES to cellulitis (infection) in my tendon

Previous Medical Testing Results

X-rays (right foot/right ankle): NO broken bones

Course of Action: continuation of continual intravenous infusions of various antibiotics; continuation of oral pain medications

Pigs In A Blanket

April 24, 2023

I enjoyed these when I was a kid in the 1960s and 1970s, but I haven't eaten them much as an adult.

Morning Meds

April 24, 2023, morning, Day 4, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Morning Meds

8 pills; plus insulin injection; anti-blood-clot injection; nebulizer breathing treatment; continuous supplemental oxygen; and continuous intravenous antibiotic infusions

New IV Port/Medical Update

April 24, 2023, morning, Day 4, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

(PHOTO: my new intravenous antibiotic infusion port within my left arm)

(Medical Update Below)

Around 4 a.m. today, due to pain/soreness, I required yet again the replacement of my intravenous port for my continuous supply of antibiotics to cure a severe, painful cellulitis infection within my right foot/ankle.

I think this was my fourth port change. Another was changed due to leakage. Another was changed because I inadvertently yanked it out of my arm while sleeping; that was quite bloody.

My veins are so deep within my body, and I have had so many intravenous ports installed throughout recent years, it is extremely difficult to find viable veins to establish ports. This last time, I was stuck with needles in my arms for two hours with no positive results. Ultimately, an ultrasound guy was summoned to find a deep vein, which he did.

I continue to receive many infusions of various intravenous antibiotics for my cellulitis; pain medications; insulin maintenance; and nebulizer treatments and supplemental oxygen for my asthma/shortness of breath.

My podiatrist told me that the infusions have been successful, but I require many more infusions.

I have been admitted to many hospitals many times during recent years with cellulitis infections in both of my legs, separately, due to lingering diabetic ulcers.

Medical Update

no results yet from the CT scan and the MRI of my right foot/ankle. My ejection fraction of my heart determined by my echocardiogram is now at 40 percent, which is up from 32 percent before my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2022. It should be at least 50 percent, so my cardiologist may require the installation of a defibrillator.

I was finally diagnosed with COPD.

UPDATE: MY cardiologist was just here. He told me that my heart and lungs sound good. I won't need a defibrillator. That's only for an ejection fraction 35 and lower.

Today's Medical Update

April 23, 2023, afternoon, Day 3, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Today's Medical Update

Morning: MRI, right foot/ankle; severe, painful cellulitis infection

Afternoon: Echocardiogram and Electrocardiogram; follow-up testing by my cardiologist, as per my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2022, which was followed by my two reconstructive chest surgeries in May 2022

Continuous: infusions of intravenous antibiotics for my cellulitis; pain medications; and nebulizer treatments for my shortness of breath

Late yesterday evening, my podiatrist told me that the continuous infusions of intravenous antibiotics have been successful, but I require many more infusions.

What's Doin' Today?

April 23, 2023

I took an intensive Shakespeare course at Villanova University in the early 1980s. We read fifteen (15) of his plays in three (3) months.

April 23, 2023

I have certainly taken thousands of chances throughout my life, and almost all of them have ended in failures. I have attained some successes, and I continue to seek success.

April 23, 2023

I am not a fan of cheesecake, but I do like cherries.

Covered In Blood

April 22, 2023, evening, Day 2, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Well, that was quite a thrill, but not in a fun way. Basically, I woke from a short evening nap in my hospital bed to find that my right arm was covered in blood.

I apparently inadvertently yanked out my intravenous port that I was using to receive many bags of intravenous antibiotic infusions for the severe, painful cellulitis infection within my right foot/ankle/leg.

I have been admitted to hospitals MANY times during recent years with cellulitis infections in both of my legs, separately, due to lingering diabetic ulcers.

(photo: my new intravenous antibiotic infusions port within my right arm)

My New Intravenous Port

April 22, 2023, Day 2, Afternoon, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

The intravenous port within my left arm started to leak, so the nurse replaced it with a brand-new port within my right arm (photo), but not before severely painful attempts in both my left arm and my right arm. The new port is now in a better place to receive infusions of a variety of intravenous antibiotics.

I am again hospitalized for a severe, painful cellulitis infection within my right foot/ankle/leg. I am also dealing with shortness of breath.

UPDATE: I required a new port because I inadvertently pulled it out of my right arm with much blood.

Jelly Bean Flavors

April 22, 2023

My Favorite Jelly Bean Flavors:

Generic: cherry; orange; grape

Jelly Belly: buttered popcorn; mango; chocolate pudding; black pepper

Nebulizer; Infusion

April 22, 2023, Day 2, Morning, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida

Nebulizer Treatment: shortness of breath

Intravenous Antibiotic: cellulitis (right foot/ankle/leg)

Cashews !!!

April 21, 2023

Cashew is one of my favorite nuts.

1st Day At The Hospital

April 21, 2023

I am in a bed within the hallway of the Emergency Room of Boca Raton Regional Hospital with a severe cellulitis infection in my right foot/ankle/leg (photo) due to a lingering diabetic ulcer in my right foot. I received my first bag of intravenous antibiotic and then started my second bag, so I am already on the mend. I will be admitted to a hospital room later. I will require several bags of intravenous antibiotic. I had an ultrasound done of my right leg, during which I threw up into a special plastic vomit bag. Yes, I am quite ill.

I am also dealing with shortness of breath, so I just had two chest X-rays. I was admitted to the hospital about a month ago for shortness of breath, where I was issued yet another asthma medication, but there really has been no improvement. I am trying again this time, hoping for better results.

About a month ago when I was in the hospital, my cardiologist ran a battery of cardiac tests for the first anniversary of my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2022. All is well. In May 2022, I then had two reconstructive chest surgeries for the removal of loose sternal plates and an infection within my chest.

I have been hospitalized MANY times with cellulitis separatedly in both of my feet/legs during recent years. I have had four surgeries on my left foot, three of them in 2021: two surgeries to remove bone fragments due to osteomyelitis (bone infection) and one surgery to remove a tumor that was growing within a diabetic ulcer. Several years earlier, I had part of an infected bone removed within the outer side of my left foot.

Several times in recent years,  I have required six-week-long regimens of daily intravenous antibiotic for cellulitis using a PICC line. During one of these times in January 2021, I was not monitored properly, so both of my kidneys stopped functioning. I required six weeks of dialysis, every day for four straight hours. Thankfully, both of my kidneys' functioning returned.

A physician's assistant just visited me. I asked her for some pain medication for my right foot. She asked me if Morphine is OK. I immediately said, "Yes," but in my head was, "Dear wonderful lady. YES !!! PLEASE spare me from this constant, severe pain." Acetaminophen basically does absolutely nothing.

I am quite enjoying the Morphine that was administered though my intravenous port, but only after receiving an intravenous anti-nausea drug that was administered in the same way. The anti-nausea drug, of course, made me feel nauseated for about a minute.

Getting Closer: I was moved from the hallway into an actual room in the hospital's Emergency Room.

UPDATE: CT scan of right leg

UPDATE: in my hospital room

At The Hospital ... Again

Yesterday: Medical Update

April 20, 2023

(medical update)

Good News: I do NOT have any broken bones in my right ankle from two recent falls, as per the X-rays of both of my feet this afternoon at home. He had thought that I had broken two bones in my right ankle (tibia and fibula). It's a painful sprain, but there is more with which to deal:

Bad News: I must be admitted to the hospital to receive bags of intravenous antibiotic due to yet another serious cellulitis infection in my right foot/ankle/leg, which is causing more pain. I must also have another MRI done of my right foot/ankle; I had one done about a month ago with negative results. My X-rays last month were inconclusive, so my podiatrist requested extra X-rays for today.

I have recently been dealing with infections in both of my feet with oral antibiotic capsules. I obviously require stronger medication.

I have been admitted to many hospitals many, MANY times in recent years with cellulitis separately in both of my legs due to years of lingering diabetic ulcers in both of my feet. This has included many six-week-long regimens of daily intravenous antibiotic infusions using a PICC line. My podiatrist doesn't think that I will require that many bags of intravenous antibiotic.

The plan is for my wife to drive me to the Emergency Room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital tomorrow morning for admission.

My podiatrist made a house call yesterday evening. He carved the skin surrounding the infected diabetic ulcers in both of my feet with a scalpel and then bandaged both of my feet, as he has been doing every two or three weeks for many years.

I will put back on my wife's medical boot/air cast for support from when she fractured her ankle several years ago. It's slightly too small, but it still works well. It does help a little to reduce the pain.

UPDATE: I never put the air cast back on.

Today's X-rays At Home

April 20, 2023

X-rays at home this afternoon: both feet as per one-month follow-up from my podiatrist in regard to continuing infections within the lingering diabetic ulcers in both of my feet ... also, probable two broken bones (tibia and fibula) in right ankle from second of two recent falls.

My podiatrist made a house call yesterday evening. He carved the skin surrounding the infected diabetic ulcers in both of my feet with a scalpel and then bandaged both of my feet, as he has been doing every two or three weeks for many years.

He scheduled this afternoon's X-rays at home. He thinks that I may require ankle surgery to prevent arthritis or possibly just a regular cast. If I require ankle surgery, I would require clearance from my cardiologist, as per my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2022, followed by two reconstructive chest surgeries in May 2022.

I was wearing my wife's medical boot/air cast for support from when she fractured her ankle several years ago. It was removed to take the X-rays. I may leave it off because I am experiencing less pain without it.

Yesterday's Podiatrist Visit

April 19, 2023

My podiatrist made a house call this evening. He carved the skin surrounding the infected diabetic ulcers in both of my feet with a scalpel and then bandaged both of my feet, as he has been doing every two or three weeks for many years. Also, he thinks that my right ankle is broken in two places (tibia and fibula), probably from the second of my two recent falls. He is going to schedule X-rays at home, probably for tomorrow. He thinks that I may require ankle surgery to prevent arthritis or possibly just a regular cast. If I require ankle surgery, I would require clearance from my cardiologist, as per my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2022, followed by two reconstructive chest surgeries in May 2022. I am now wearing my wife's medical boot/air cast for support from when she fractured her ankle several years ago. It's slightly too small, but it still works well. Damn, this hurts.

Today Is ...

April 20, 2023

What's Going On Today?

April 19, 2022 - On this date in 1995, Timothy McVeigh killed 168 people in the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. (He was pronounced guilty and executed on June 11, 2001.) From 1992 to 1996, I was a writer, editor, and researcher for an international weekly magazine about the financial and technical aspects of the chemical industry. Shortly after the bombing, the FBI came to our office in the Financial District of New York City because McVeigh had a subscription to our magazine. At that time, I was writing about heavy and agricultural chemicals, including the fertilizer ammonium nitrate, which was the explosive chemical that McVeigh used in his truck bomb. I was NOT questioned by the FBI. After all of these many years gone by, it is still disturbing to be tangentially (remotely?) linked to someone that evil. He most probably read what I wrote.

April 19, 2023

I love Amaretto, an Italian almond liqueur. Long ago, I used to drink Bocce Balls (Amaretto mixed with orange juice; no vodka). I also like those Italian Amaretto cookies. Sipping Amaretto straight is nice, too.

April 19, 2023

Being half Italian, I absolutely LOVE eating garlic. However, my religion (Gaudiya Vaishnavism) forbids me from eating it. I still eat it. TRIVIA: The country that consumes the most garlic is South Korea.

What's Doin' Today?

April 18, 2023

I was a journalist from 1982 to 2017. During my first paying journalism job (1989-1990), when I was the founding editor of a weekly supplement to a daily newspaper (as a reporter, writer, editor, photographer, and page designer), I wrote a weekly opinion column.

Today Is

April 17, 2023

Eggs Benedict

April 16, 2023

I am quite partial to Eggs Benedict.

What's Going On Today?

April 15, 2023

My good friend (still) and I, while at university in the early 1980s (in my early 20s), went to a standardbred race horse auction. He suggested that I make the opening bid on this nice, small horse. So, I made the first bid, not knowing what it was. A few seconds later, the bid flashed on big boards: $30,000 !!! I obviously didn't have the money, and I had no place to stable the horse. So, my friend and I are laughing until a full five minutes passes without another bid. We start to panic a little. My friend said that he would drive the car home and that I would be riding the horse home. Thankfully, there was another bid. After a couple more bids, the horse sold for $75,000, which was a lot lower than we had anticipated.

April 15, 2023

I have had much success in my life by taking a wild guess, and then doing the opposite of my wild guess. Truth.

April 15, 2023

For lunch today, I enjoyed a bowl of pea soup that my wife made using pieces of the glazed spiral ham my mother served on Easter Sunday.