10 October 2024
It was a good news day on the health front. My friend Chris is doing much better and so is my friend Tom. Even I had a good day by walking a mile this morning, opening all the hurricane shutters, putting patio furniture back and cleaning the pool.
Holley and Jim tag teamed Tom at Hollywood Memorial and found him in high spirits. Jim had his own appointments and left Holley for a while. She’s been indefatigable in her devotion to Tom, Kurt, Chris and Judith.
I picked Judith up around 1 pm and we headed to Broward Health to see Chris. We stopped at Starbucks in the hospital and loaded up with coffees and pastries and we even shared some with Chris. Judith treated us. It was good to see him back to his old self.
I returned Judith home and headed to the house. I was beginning to drag and I suspect it’ll be another early night.
Chris called and we caught up with each other since we didn’t do movie night this week. Tucker was devastated but he got over it with a treat or two.
Wade in San Francisco also called and we caught up with each other. He’s been diligent to check up on me as has Ron in Miami.
Tomorrow, I’ll check on Chris and Judith and try to make it to Hollywood Memorial to see Tom. I haven’t seen him the last two days and I miss his repartee.
Hurricane-wise, we made out OK. I don’t think anyone lost power in Broward County. The big issue was tornados. I think over 117 were reported over the state, many quite damaging. We don’t usually get strong tornados here: mostly F0 or F1 but I suspect these were much stronger.
Just when you thought the coast was clear, a new low is coming off the coast of Africa, 94L. Here’s the spaghetti model from Cyclocane.com.
The straight line is line of best fit for all the models. I don’t like its direction.
I got a letter from the VA today that states I may be eligible for expanded benefits from the VA based on my exposure to toxic substances in the Coast Guard while aboard the CGC Reliance. Of course the forms to fill out are several pages and it calls for all kinds of proof.
We had an abundance of asbestos on the ship and I was constantly coming in contact with that. In addition, I often had to help chip paint and prime with red oxide which is hazardous if you inhale the fumes or get it on your skin (I’m a messy painter).
If I find time, I’ll fill out the forms. I know three shipmates I’m in contact with that will verify I was exposed and can get letters of confirmation. I’m not sure what “expanded” benefits they are talking about but it may be worth it to see.
Stay tuned!
