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09/01/2005 Entry: "The Mid-Week What For, and Crazy Dreams"

Monday was kinda ho-hum. Not much there.

Tuesday had something cool happen. My sales rep from Clear Channel had four tickets to see ZZ Top in Augusta. So Jim, Patrick, Patrick's wife Susan and I headed out to see the little band from Texas. To start the evening off right, we had supper at Longhorn Steakhouse. I had chicken and ribs, and it was delicious! The ribs were muy tender, and the chicken was tender as well, with great flavor. I think perhaps they brined it or marinated in a little something. It came with a side of jalapeņo slaw and fries. Everyone reported their food was good. By the time we hit the Civic Center, it was about 8:15, I guess. The opening act had just finished. I had wanted to see at least a little of them, but the food was so good I didn't mind. I'd rather of had the good and missed the opener. When the band started, the sound mix was not so great. It was very bass heavy. My pantlegs were flapping in the breeze created by the low end, no joke. And it was boomy, muddy low, not tight and funky. Only two of Frank Beard's cymbals could be heard, and those were the two directly beneath the overhead mics. Good things about the concert? Well, they played some of their old, good tunes, and not only their big hits. Yes, they played "Legs" and "Sharp Dressed Man," but they also played "Waitin' for the Bus," and one of my all time favorite Top tunes, "Fool for your Stockings." I'm glad I got to see them, but the show was a little too slick. I dug the simultaneous walks and stuff, but I'd rather see the Mingus Big Band blowin' for all they're worth in a smaller venue. Or Poncho Sanchez. On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 6.5. Good show (especially for free), I'd probably go see 'em again, but I wouldn't drive to Boston to see them.

Wednesday. At the office, drinking coffee, and Mom calls. She tells me Dad is acting all funny, his eyes are glazed looking, and his pulse is racing. They're going to call the ambulance, and she'd like me to meet her at the hospital. I finished my coffee, and still beat the ambulance to the hospital. Dad was conscious, but barely. He seemed like he was gasping for breath through his mouth. He hurt all over. Even the nurse putting the blood pressure cuff on made him cry out. After a battery of tests (taking almost the whole day), the figured out he had pneumonia, and that was causing a fever (almost 103), and that was causing his problem. At one point, they were discussing giving him ice chips. Mom was cold, so I, living nearby, offered to run home and get her a sweater. I told Dad I was leaving, and he said "If it's icy out, have the sheriff call me when you get home so I know you're safe." Even in his haze he was concerned for me.

Wednesday night. I had this dream that in order for Dad to be admitted to the hospital, he needed to have a resume. So I was working on updating his resume and converting it to PDF format. Part of his resume needed by the hospital was a meal menu on what Dad would eat while he was in. The file I had though had Dad's meal menu from yesterday. I woke up, nervous, looking all around. Susan asked me what was wrong.

"I need to update Dad's menus," I said.

She said "Go back to sleep."

Thursday. Not much going on at the office. Art, one of our part-timers is taking vacation. Paddy is too. So I worked on the tech floor all day. I called the hospital about 9, and got to talk to Dad. He was doing soooo much better. He was taking, saying he wanted to go home. It appears the antibiotics they gave him were working. In the afternoon I had a physical. I hadn't been to the doc's since '98. Blood pressure was 124/80. Weight was 265, which was less than I thought it would be. Dr. Steele says I'm basically healthy, but I should get more exercise (which I know I should, and Susan and I are trying to take more walks). Since it was nigh on 5pm by the time I was done, I didn't go back to the office, and went and saw Dad. He looked good, and had had many visitors. He was tired, so I didn't stay long--maybe 20 minutes. When I got home, Susan was cleaning the kitchen. After she was done, I made supper. Put the boys to bed, and now I write for you.

Harvey, I hope this was worth the wait!

Posted by Harvey @ 09/01/2005 09:54 PM EST

Glad to hear your Dad is feeling better. I am with you bro.

Posted by Paddy @ 09/02/2005 10:09 PM EST