Blood, the Bonnies, Bob’s Market, the Bills, and a poem
By Chuck Wiser, I Write the words to share what my eyes see and my heart feels
As this Wrambling title indicates, we are still swamped with bees frequenting the Hummingbird feeders causing some hesitation of the birds to stop by and eat having to dodge those pesky/pesty little creatures. I too have to use caution whenever going near the feeders. I would sooner allow the Jones Memorial Hospital (JMH) to puncture a vein for a 6-tube blood draw than to suffer one “little” bee sting. On that topic I have been a little disappointed with the finesse of the last two technicians that did just that. I am no stranger to pain as my well attested, one doctors, descriptive title for me as “An Arthritis Machine” illustrates. My bodily joints are heavily afflicted by this condition and I am by now so used to it that even NSAIDs are no longer required, or useful.
The second reference to “B’s” in my title refers to the resurrection of NFL (National Football League) action, particularly that of the Buffalo Bills. Can this be THE year? That of course, refers to a return to the scramble for the Super Bowl honors. I survived the 4 in a row presence of the Bills in the Super Bowl back in the 90’s. They were contenders in ’91, ’92, ’93 and ’94 but lost every single one, mostly having had a great chance to win all, but lost all. The most heart breaking was the 1991 loss when they missed a 47-yard field goal attempt, “wide right.”
I will once again watch every single game unless something more compelling draws me away. One such would be if there was a conflict with the third “B” that being a “Bonnies” (St. Bonaventure University) basketball game. I am not a TV watcher reserving any interest, what-so-ever, to just Bills and Bonnies games. Every year I tell myself, “self…this is the year you have to get a Bonnies basketball season pass,” but then the only thing that holds me back is Wednesday night games, and a conflict that I have. Many of the Bonnies home games are played on Wednesday nights. I also have Wellsville; NY Grace United Church choir practice every Wednesday night. My choir singing enjoyment, and commitment to my presence, is more important to me than a basketball game, even if it is with my “beloved Bonnies.”
Oven Canning vs Boiled Canning Jar pot is due to be tested out this year. My wife is famous for her family learned fall task of traditional “canning.” In that process 8 or so quart jars are boiled in a huge, white speckled blue canning jar pot, on a stove top. The long-time process of that huge pot boiling on the stove top is not convenient.
Recently, my wife found a process similar to that except the long process involves placing the jars on a cookie sheet and “baking” them for a period of time, then turning the oven off and letting the jars continue to “cook” in the cooling oven for 4 hours. Still not ideal but a little more convenient.
Last year we experimented with freezing the tomatoes instead of canning them. That wasn’t too bad, but in a way, not as good, results and taste wise as the canning process. The tomatoes seemed to not be quite as flavorful having been frozen.
Even as I continue to write this my mind keeps flipping back to the “recall process.” In my wakeful overnight moments, as I often do, I mentally composed my Wrambling writing, I came up with four or five words with the starting letters all the same that was kind of like a pre-set prefix. My mid-night thoughts told me I should get up and write them down. “Nope,” I told myself, you’ll be able to remember them without any problem. Problem!…”I Can’t!”
Yesterday, Thursday, my normal Wrambling writing day, was spent running around coordinating and executing some medical related activities attached to a routine annual Doctor’s visit with Dr. Steven Collins. The doctor wanted to have a few things “checked out” regarding my currently described recent physical health. Nothing major, just a recent condition that warranted some “follow up”checking. In my travels and subsequent visits between his office and JMH I had the opportunity to deal with his office staff and the medical technicians at JMH in the Lab. This visit as most with JMH personnel, went very well. All staff members are excellent, performance wise and personality-wise. This update favorably changes my 1st paragraph sentiments.
Of course, as a nearly 80-year-old “fart” is wont to do, I shared the history with them regarding past experiences. I did, however, wait until AFTER they executed their task to share my stories. I didn’t want to expose them to the Wiser Jinx. My story involves a “blood draw” episode related to a short hospital stay back in about the ‘80’s. When a blood draw was ordered the nurse attempted to locate and puncture the appropriate vein. Finding the vein in my arm is not a problem as they normally stand out visibly. The problem is they seem to be tough and like to “roll around” resisting the puncture. In this instance the nurse/technician (Ms. “S” as I recall) couldn’t access the vein and eventually gave up, passing the task to another. When the second nurse accomplished the task she asked me who the nurse/technician was who had been the first to try. When I told her, she looked incredulous and stated that “S” was the one who taught all of the others how to do the process. Not that day! 😉.
The poem I will share at the conclusion of this writing was written after a stay at the Coudersport hospital following a surgical process there. The thoughts and sentiments expressed therein are not applicable only to those nurses. My experiences with all other hospitals, and their staff, regardless of role or job, for the most part, can be shared. We, the public probably don’t express our thoughts and gratitude often enough, or publicly enough to express our gratitude. We are truly blessed, in this remote area of this state, to have access to the quality and professionalism of so many. I’m sure there are some personal “nightmare” experiences, but in my judgement, they are few and far between.
Roadside vegetable stands and places like Bob’s are at, or nearing the end, of their seasonal sales performance. I have had the luxury and pleasure of visiting quite a few. Without exception my purchasing (and eating) experiences this year are at the very top of the list of past experiences. Bob’s corn has been the best ever!
With the recent closing of the Olean Rite Aid Pharmacy, a very pleasureful decades long service draws to a close. From the early days with manager Bill Martin managing the Wellsville store to the most recent dealings with staff members Christy and Cheryl, in Olean, along with one other whose name escapes me, despite even having passed her in Walmart in Olean the other day. we had, indeed, been blessed. I hope a new encounter pans out as well.
My recent experiences with the Olean CVS Pharmacy have been “not bad,” and pleasant enough, to maintain my appreciation…so far.
If you have any comments, questions or concerns please email me at IM.Wiserdad@gmail.com.
