Blueberry Popover Day

March 10, 2023

I have eaten popovers (Yorkshire Pudding), but never with blueberries.

Video: Heart Surgery

March 9, 2023, First Anniversary of My Open-Heart Surgery

I created and then uploaded this video titled Open-Heart Surgery: 1st Anniversary (March 9, 2023) onto my YouTube channel.

In this video, I celebrate life and give thanks to my family members and to my friends, and for the strength I have slowly regained, on the first anniversary of my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery.

Besides my open-heart surgery, I would then have two reconstructive chest surgeries two months later:

On May 19, 2022, a different surgeon removed metal sternal plates because the screws became loose, plus he tended to a staph infection within my chest. The plates were holding my breastbone together, purposely broken for my heart surgery.

On May 25, 2022, a third surgeon closed my chest. He clipped off the tips of my ribs and reattached my chest muscle flaps to my body. He affixed seven sutures which left me with eight holes in my chest from my lower neck to my upper belly.

At the end of the video, I show a photo of myself in the Intensive Care Unit the day after my open-heart surgery, and a composite photo of my chest wound on three various days. There is a 10-second warning before the photos appear. If you do not wish to see them, turn off the video during this time.

https://youtu.be/a_iwc7TGres

Reminder: St. Joseph's Day

March 9, 2023

Reminder: St. Joseph's Day is usually on March 19. This year, it's on March 20 because the 19th is a Sunday.

Observation Through Study

March 9, 2023

Observation Through Study:

There are two basic qualities in a woman that a man requires: 1. Will she provide peace in his life?, and 2. Will she respect him? The so-called "weak"  woman is always the better choice. These "weak" women are only called weak by strong women. Men call these "weak" women "traditional," and they are far superior to those so-called "strong, independent" women who "don't need no man."

1 Year Since My Heart Surgery

March 9, 2023, First Anniversary of My Heart Surgery

PHOTO: Here I am in the Intensive Care Unit, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Boca Raton, Florida, March 10, 2022, the day after my open-heart surgery. As you can see, I am breathing supplemental oxygen. I have a needle (catheter) stuck in a vein in my neck with some sort of apparatus attached. I am being heavily monitored with electrodes stuck to my body. I also have two electrodes attached directly onto my heart with the wires sticking out of my chest. (My wife took this photo.)

In the comment section below, I have posted a composite photo of my chest wound on three various days. It will probably be blurred by Facebook. Just click/tap on "Learn more," then "See photo," and you will be able to see it.

***

I continue to celebrate life, having survived open-heart surgery and two reconstructive chest surgeries in less than three months last year.

Today is the first anniversary of my open-heart surgery. On March 9, 2022, I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery. My surgeon first removed part of a vein in my left thigh to be cut into four pieces and used for my heart surgery.)

After my heart surgery, I returned home after about a week in the Intensive Care Unit and in a regular hospital room. I started physical therapy and occupational therapy at home and then soon began cardiac rehabilitation at a nearby facility, using machines to strengthen my arms and legs.

I soon started to experience severe pain within my chest, so my wife took me to the hospital emergency room on May 13, 2022. I was admitted to the hospital, where it was determined that I required further surgery.

On May 19, 2022, a different surgeon removed metal sternal plates because the screws became loose, plus he tended to a staph infection within my chest. The plates were holding my breastbone together, purposely broken for my heart surgery. I think the plates were replaced with wire which is typically used to hold the pieces of the breastbone together for healing. My chest remained open for about a week, with a wound vacuum constantly sucking on my chest to further remove the infection and discharge.

On May 25, 2022, a third surgeon closed my chest. He clipped off the tips of my ribs and reattached my chest muscle flaps to my body. He affixed seven sutures which left me with eight holes in my chest from my lower neck to my upper belly.

I remained in the hospital but was soon transferred to a nearby physical rehabilitation facility on June 3, 2022. I remained there until July 21, 2022, the day before my wife's birthday, after a total of seventy (70) challenging days away from home (not including the heart surgery).

At the facility, I engaged in physical therapy and occupational therapy almost every day, plus wound care which involved the continuation of the wound vacuum continuously (24/7) sucking on my chest, which included excruciatingly painful dressing changes every two or three days. The vacuum was removed shortly before I returned home.

At home, I continued to heal and get slowly stronger with the help of a physical therapist and an occupational therapist ... and my wife's healthy cooking. I never returned to cardiac rehabilitation which was most likely the cause of my medical problems.

I have really only been able to feel some strength starting about three or four weeks ago. I no longer require a walker for support to maneuver at home, but I do still use a wheelchair for longer journeys. Obviously, my eight-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest is healed. The scar is epic. I have been experiencing more pain within my chest these days as my broken breastbone continues to heal. While my lower chest muscles are still sore, most of my chest is still numb. The area that is still numb is smaller than it was, but it is likely that I will never regain total feeling.

I would like to take this opportunity to generally thank everyone who has prayed for me and supported me throughout this rather challenging ordeal. I specifically thank my wonderful wife and my terrific mother for their unceasing love and help.

As for me, I don't require pity. I just wanted to tell you of my medical escapades from last year and to celebrate survival. I am certainly lucky, fortunate, and blessed to still be able to share my story with you.

What's Doin' Today?

March 9, 2023

In January 2021, both of my kidneys failed during a six-week-long daily regimen of intravenous antibiotic for osteomyelitis (bone infection) within my left foot. My kidneys became functional after six weeks of dialysis: four straight hours per day, seven days per week. The worst part was have a needle stuck in my neck for weeks.

March 9, 2023

Being half Italian, I do like meatballs. (Spaghetti and meatballs is an American invention and is not typically eaten in Italy.)

March 9, 2023

When I was a kid (preteen and teenager) in the 1970s, my parents, our neighbors, and I would chase crabs with spotlights and nets at night on boats on the Great South Bay, near West Islip, Long Island, New York, where we were living.

Today Is ...

March 8, 2023

I was a journalist from 1982 to 2017, so I have had many jobs (newspapers, magazines, newsletters, a wire service, and websites) where proofreading has been a major part of my job descriptions. I have also edited/proofread three books: two biographies (1. Johnny Cash and 2. Whitney Houston); and a book on bankruptcy law written by my fraternity brother Mark, whom I continue to extend many thanks.

(Yes, I proofread this post. In fact, I always run my longer Facebook posts through an online, spelling-and-grammar checker just to be sure.)

March 8, 2023

I suppose that I like peanut clusters.

What's Going On Today?

March 7, 2023

What's Doin' Today?

March 6, 2023

I sometimes enjoy the occasional Oreo or five, but I would definitely NOT consider it to be a true chocolate cookie.

March 6, 2023

I don't particularly like cheesecake.

Podiatrist Visit This Evening

March 5, 2023

My podiatrist made a house call this evening due to my lingering diabetic ulcers in both of my feet. They have been lingering for many years. I was going to appointments every two or three weeks, but I am still weak from my three surgeries last year, so he comes to our home, but a little less frequently.

I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2022, plus two reconstructive chest surgeries in May 2023.

This evening, as he usually does, my podiatrist cut and filed my toenails; carved both of my feet with a scalpel to remove calluses surrounding my two wounds (one in each foot); applied iodine into each of my wounds; applied antibiotic cream into my wounds; applied silver-infused medical foam pads onto my wounds; applied gauze pads over my wounds; and then affixed thick foam pads around my wounds with medical tape to relieve the pressure when I walk. I already wear padded, open-toed medical shoes with Velcro for more relief when I walk. He also prescribed a regimen of antibiotic pills due to Staph infections in both of my wounds. My feet are sore for two or three days after each carving.

My podiatrist has performed four surgeries on my left foot. Several years ago, he removed part of a bone due to osteomyelitis (bone infection). In 2021, he performed three surgeries: two surgeries to remove bone fragments due to osteomyelitis, and one surgery to remove a benign tumor that was growing within the diabetic ulcer.

ADDITION: As long as I'm listing my medical "fun" ... Also in 2021, I had double kidney failure followed by six weeks of daily dialysis due to a six-week-long regimen of intravenous antibiotic for cellulitis (infection) in my right foot; a white-blood-cell count near zero; dangerously low hemoglobin levels; pneumonia twice; covid; and congestive heart failure. I was also extensively tested for a possible TIA (mini-stroke).

Dinner: Root Beer Pork

March 5, 2023

My wonderful wife made this dish by applying a homemade spice rub (Omaha steak seasoning, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar) to pork chops, then seared with chopped onions, and then boiled in barbecue sauce and (regular IBC) root beer soda.

Today Is ...

March 5, 2023

Even though I do not like black licorice, I would like to try absinthe. However, I do like Anisette and Sambuca, both of which taste like black licorice. Absinthe was illegal/banned in the United States from 1912 to 2007. The photo below shows the traditional way to prepare absinthe: Drip drops of absinthe slowly over sugar cubes on a special absinthe spoon; let it drip into a glass; and then, enjoy.

March 5, 2023

🙂No comment.

😒No comment.

😆No comment.

LOL

March 5, 2023

Their taste is OK, but they are not really substantial. They are too puffy for me.

Don't Say This Word

March 5, 2023

If you say the word "disingenuous," I will turn the volume down on you because you are just spouting talking points rather than thinking for yourself.

Good News Here In Florida

March 5, 2023

This is VERY good news here in Florida.

Headline: "Florida Republicans seek new abortion restrictions amid broad rightwing push"

First Paragraph: "Florida Republicans are planning a broad rightwing legislative push, including new restrictions on gender identification, diversity and equity programs, abortion and press freedoms, and further relaxation of concealed weapons laws and the ability of courts to impose death sentences."

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/05/florida-republicans-push-rightwing-laws

In Support Of Musk

March 5, 2023

"These Men's Rights Activists Literally Worship Elon Musk"

I can relate to this bit of news on many levels. I have been a registered Republican since my 18th birthday on February 26, 1979. My religion has been Hinduism (Gaudiya Vaishnavism) since at least the early 1980s. I have been a Men's Rights Activist since the early 1990s, when I was in my early 30s. More recently, I support Elon Musk and his ability to add free speech to Twitter's former leftist agenda and former censorship of conservative thought. Of course, BuzzFeed News, the source of this story, is a blatantly leftist publication and is maliciously critical of this event.

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/pranavdixit/india-mens-rights-activists-siff-worship-elon-musk

F1: Penalty On Penalty

March 5, 2023

I love F1 racing. A driver just received a 10-second penalty for serving his 5-second penalty improperly. His first penalty was at the start of the race. Now, he received a third penalty for speeding in the pit lane. It's certainly not a good race for him.

Bahrain Grand Prix

March 5, 2023

It's 10 a.m. here in southeastern Florida, and I am watching a live broadcast of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 (on ESPN). This is the first race of the 23-race Formula 1 auto racing season for 2023. Today's circuit (track) is the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. There are 20 drivers on 10 teams (constructors). Formula 1 racing is the only sport that I actively follow.

Video: Formula 1 Racing

March 4, 2023

I uploaded another homemade video onto my YouTube channel.

Formula 1 Auto Racing (March 4, 2023)

Formula 1 Auto Racing, March 4, 2023

The first race of the 2023 Formula 1 auto racing season is tomorrow (March 5, 2023). Formula 1 is the only sport that I actively follow, so I am quite excited about it. In this video, I explain about the sport and then show you graphics of the drivers and teams (constructors), and the races and circuits (tracks) throughout the world.

https://youtu.be/Vfj6eTFjyt8

NHL: Good Results

March 4, 2023

good results this afternoon in the NHL !!!

F1 Drivers

March 4, 2023

Formula 1 auto racing is the only sport that I actively follow, so imagine my excitement with the first race of the 2023 season tomorrow: the Bahrain Grand Prix. Here are the 20 drivers and 10 teams for the 2023 season.

What's Going On Today?

March 4, 2023

I do not have a son, but I have been one since February 26, 1961.

March 4, 2023

GRAMMAR RULE: When making a word ending in "ss" possessive, the method is based on the first letter of the next word. For example:

the boss's chair

the boss' salary

the princess's castle

the princess' secret

Basically, you can have an "s" three times in a row, but not four times in a row. Did you know this rule?

(I was a writer and editor for print and online publications from 1982 to 2017. I am currently writing an autobiographical novel.)

March 4, 2023

I really don't like pound cake. In fact, Strawberry Shortcake is my least favorite dessert. I dislike yellow pound cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.

March 4, 2023

My father played saxophone in the University of Pennsylvania band in the 1950s. My wife played trombone in her high school band.

F1: 2023 Season

Friday, March 3, 2023

Formula 1 auto racing is the only sport that I actively follow, so imagine my excitement with the first race of the 2023 season this Sunday (March 5, 2023): the Bahrain Grand Prix. This season, there are 23 races. The races are in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Miami, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Canada, Austria, United Kingdom, Hungary, Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Qatar, Austin, Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. There were to be 24 races, but the Chinese Grand Prix was canceled and was not replaced. Also, this season, there will be THREE races in the United States: Miami, Austin, and a brand-new race in Las Vegas. In the recent past, there weren't any races in the United States. There are two races in Italy. As for the drivers, there are 20, two drivers on each of the 10 racing teams (constructors). Also, this season, there is a driver from the United States: Logan Sargeant from Fort Lauderdale. There was a long period of time with no race in and no driver from the United States.The last driver from the United States to complete a full F1 season wacott Speed in 2006. The driver Alexander Rossi had five F1 starts in 2015. Below is the 2023 F1 schedule with the configuations of the various circuits (tracks). As you can see, some circuits are more difficult than others, but each has its challenges.

Personal Trivia: The first F1 race I watched on television was in the early 1990s with my Austrian cousin Clemens in his home in Salzburg, Austria. I immediately became a fan.

What's Doin' Today?

March 3, 2023

Today is National Cold Cuts Day. My favorite cold cut is known by several names: hot (spicy) capicola; also, capocollo; coppa; gabagool. Here is an online photo.

March 3, 2023

I do like Glühwein.

Today Is ...

March 2, 2023

I prefer it with a graham cracker crust, chocolate pudding, and no whipped cream ... with sliced bananas, of course.

March 2, 2023

I certainly have a lot of that.

March 2, 2023

Thank You !!!

Lots Going On Today

March 1, 2023