Uber rides, medical wonders, Dan Jordan, and a poem
By Chuck Wiser, I write the words to share what my eyes see and my heart feels
As I started to write today’s Wramblings I did a search for historical programming that included anything related to a Range Rider to give reference to it. As soon as I attempted to copy the paragraph that follows, so I could insert it where needed, Microsoft advised that I did not have enough storage space to continue. I “frogged” around, (by way of explanation of that term it is a substitute for another “F word” not socially acceptable) and discovered a couple of ways to clear up storage space. For a future day, or time, after I finish today’s writings, I will need to explore a more in depth cleaning and or solution to that problem.
Not actually included in this topic, a short clip explaining the term “Range Rider” was presented by Google Search. The Range Rider is an American Western television series that was first broadcast in syndication from 1951 to 1952.
My play on words introduces the actual intended topic of obtaining or “arranging” transportation to and from medical facilities of URMC in Rochester and in the neighboring Chemung and Steuben County region including Arnot Ogden.
Given my age and inherited proclivity for Arthritis, getting the required assistance in and of itself has been a challenge, but also is compounded by the availability of transportation when the medical assistance related medical issues, includes the stipulation that I will not be able to drive myself home following the planned procedure. The doctors and other medical staff have been very understanding and helpful in arranging schedules and or processes such that the transportation issue is minimized. I have had many offers from both friends, and even just casual relationships, but I hesitate to burden or inconvenience those generous individuals who typically offer up their help not needing or expecting compensation. I can’t thank them enough for their generosity. I prefer to arrange transportation, at an affordable cost, to avoid over taxing friends or relatives.
Normally family and/or friends would be available to assist in this manner, but I have outlived my previous “best friends,” and any available “family” have commitments or situations of their own, limiting their availability. Early on I investigated Uber as a source of transportation. In March of 2023 I used my first Uber ride and met a lady who has now become a “friend” as well. Their availability is often limited, as many of them are “Uber-ers” as a sideline to their other, full-time jobs. In that consideration I have faced the challenge of arranging my medical scheduling, allowing for their availability. Uber costs are reasonable, and I don’t mind paying. A trip from Hornell to Painted Post or Rochester via Uber costs less than $100 one way. One complication arising lately is the limited scheduling status of my Occipital Neuralgia treatments, in that the doctor only does these procedures on Fridays at the facility of choice. The Sawgrass URMC facility in Rochester, NY, is the only place he does this surgery. I recently had to postpone one treatment originally planned for early October, and now rescheduled for mid-November.
The Uber driver I now consider a friend, has recently offered to drive from the Chemung County area to my home in Scio, transport me to URMC, wait the two hours my procedure takes, and then return me back home to Scio. I gladly maneuvered the medical schedule to facilitate her schedule.
We have been blessed, so far at least, with above average seasonal mild weather. This past week has provided 70° temperature days which are great for wrapping up late summer activity projects, and presumably a later migratory pattern for the Aviary population. Yesterday I went from window to window counting the number of Robins in my neighbors, and my lawn. It wasn’t quite as difficult as “herding cats” as they say, but you had to count fast, as opposed to half fast, to get the proper count of 20 or so Robins. We have only had one mild frost, not even enough to kill the foliage necessitating complete leaf cleanup. My plan this year was to run my lawn sweeper every couple of days to gather up smaller accumulations. Yesterday’s heavier than recently normal winds, pretty much filled my lawn with the final hurrah of leaf gathering. That is going to be an all-day job, but it won’t start until after I submit this Wrambling for publication.
Chipmunks, Red Squirrels and Mice have been abundant this year and yesterday we caught what was likely a slow learner mouse in our “rat trap.” The reason I think it was a slow learner is his seemingly forgotten return trip to the peanut butter we use on one trap. A couple of weeks ago we found the tail of a mouse next to the tripped trap. Yesterdays “catch” was of a mouse with no tail. I guess the title of that saga could be “A Tail of Two Citings.”
I felt a little bit like Dan Jordan yesterday as I sighted a pair of Eagles circling in the sky near Cuba, NY. It looked like an adult (fully colored) and perhaps one of this year’s broods not yet showing any white coloration. Wouldn’t you know…Not only didn’t I think to take my camera with me, but I had also even neglected taking my phone as well. Another complication of that short-sightedness was my wife being unable to call me to add to my Walmart shopping list. She went to a local store while I was gone, and we both commented on how busy the stores were for a Tuesday.
My love of music and especially singing that music is well known by those reading more than a couple of my Wramblings, for whom I might add, I am most grateful. This time of year, musically is especially rewarding. The Genesee Valley Chorus, of which I am a charter member, and the Wellsville Grace United church are now beginning to work on Seasonal and Christmas music for their weekly or planned concert performances. These choruses/choirs’ seasonal repertoire typically includes the old standby songs, either as written or re-arranged, as well as some more modern or contemporary offerings. I will provide additional information regarding the timing of the Genesee Valley Chorus performance a little closer to “time of.” If you’ve been a member or are interested in joining or re-joining either of these vocal groups, now is the time to do it. I can provide additional information on time and place if you reach out to me at IM.Wiserdad@gmail.com . That link will also provide access to me if you wish to comment or discuss any of my writings.
Given my recent medical opportunities I have been asked to maintain a record of my daily “blood pressure” (BP) readings. Having been presented with a friend’s experience of having to monitor his (BP) over a period, reminds me of situation with his monitoring. He would occasionally take the reading in both arms just out of curiosity. Noticing a significant difference in the readings from one arm to the other, he mentioned it to his Primary Care Physician (PCP) and concerned, they investigated further.
It turns out he had a very real problem and ultimately underwent a double bypass surgery to correct the “accidently found” affliction. I sometimes check both arms and have only noticed an insignificant difference. What is most noticeable to me is taking repeated readings over a short interval in the same arm and getting significant differing readings each time. Having reported that to my PCP and/or the office nurse, they don’t think there is enough difference to be concerned. I find it odd that the directions attached to the BP testing cuff suggest that you rest for 15 minutes before taking your blood pressure. I find that odd, especially seeing the “swings” between my readings. If you’re going to have a heart, or circulation problem, it is more likely to occur when you are active. Oh Well… They are experts.
With all the controversy not only in politics, but worldwide, and now especially as a controversial Presidential election loom, I would like to share a poem which also ties in somewhat seamlessly with an earlier paragraph covering church choirs and choruses. This was, or could have been, a focus on the passing of a couple of singing friends no longer with us.
