Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - July 10, 2011

It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off television topic post looking back on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. If you're looking for Big Brother live feeds news, try a search on "BB13 live feeds" in the blog and you'll be able to bring those posts up.

I don't really have a lot of photos this week. Although I'm getting outside practically every day, it's not like last week when a parade marched by!

So ... how's the knee? Compared with the recovery from the last one, it's a world of difference. But I would guess that if this were my first experience I might be saying how rough it is. Thankfully I have the hard recovery to compare it with and, just thinking of that, this one is a breeze so far!

I went to my first two sessions of physical therapy this week -- a shout out to Triston Glynos and his Joint Motion Physical Therapy in Scotch Plains! He knows how I went into PT the last time and even has the numbers and progress to compare. He's as surprised and happy as I am at how well the knee is coming along already.

On my first day my bend was 105 degrees on my own, 112 if he forced it as much as I could take it. That compares with 77/82 last time. I could also do revolutions on the bike first time and did five minutes. Last time, it was almost a month into therapy before I could complete a revolution of the bike pedals! We did overdo things the first day of therapy, though. I was exhausted and my knee was painful and swollen causing me to take it easy, ice and elevate most of Thursday.

The BB fans know the snafu on Thursday night with Blogger not working during the season premiere. I really didn't need that. My concentration and attention span is off and it was definitely an unneeded aggravation. But it was better than my Friday!

Friday started out fine. The bus got me to PT about 50 minutes early. My plan was to go to the nearby CVS, transfer my pain prescription there and refill it. Then I would lounge for a bit in the park with a frozen sweet unhealthy beverage from the nearby Quik Chek. I'd go across the street to PT, then my friend Barb would drive me to Bound Brook to my surgeon's office to remove an errant staple whic was hiding under a steri-strip. Then I'd walk the block and a half to the bus back to Plainfield. Since life slows down to nothing with a knee replacement, this was a big day if all went as planned.

Sigh.

Instead of things going smoothly at CVS, they held me up a half hour then told me my prescription would be ready in two hours. Okay, that would be about the time I'm out of PT and Barb should be coming.

The PT itself was good. Triston told me he was worried that we overdid it some on the first day. Although for the most part I did the same things with a few new exercise machines mixed in, this time wasn't bad and my knee actually felt better when I was done after the final icing. I also made an older woman feel much better about her own knee replacement recovery. Apparently she's been very down and defeated with her recovery pace. I showed her what my first knee can do and explained my own bad recovery. Both Triston's PT and the woman were thrilled she met me. That was good.

Go to CVS ... not ready yet? Sheesh! It took them THREE HOURS to fill my prescription even though I was already in their system as Barb and I stopped at another CVS for my pain meds on the way home from the hospital!

Then Barb was running late. Then, once I got to the surgeon's office, the skies let loose with excessive wind, lightning, thunder and torrential rain. Then I waited nearly an hour between the waiting room and examination room waiting for my doctor to fix his mistake! Now, I do like him and he's a fantastic surgeon, caring man and all, but my patience was really growing thin ... and the storm wasn't stopping.

I ended up getting soaked despite my umbrella while I walked to the bus stop. Parts of the street were under a foot of water, the sidewalks not that much better. I stopped for a while in the shelter of an overhang at a church across the street from the bus stop. While there's a bench at the bus stop, there is no shelter except trees. Since trees and branches were coming down with the wind and lightning strikes, that wasn't an option. I decided to wait until five minutes before the bus was due and then cross over. Chances are that it would run late.

So, five minutes before it was due, I went to the corner and there was the bus coming! Ack! I looked at the light. It had a green light, I had a red and traffic was steady. No way could I crutch it across the street on time. No one was standing at the bus stop to be picked up. Thankfully people did have to get off! And then the light changed, so I made it aboard. Once I hit Plainfield, things were easier until I got to my apartment. The power had flickered during the storm and that tends to break the elevator circuit. So I trudged up the stairs. I was tired, soaked, completely frustrated and not a happy camper.

Saturday I decided I wouldn't even venture out despite the beautiful day. I'd do my BB13 live feeds updates, listen to music, watch TV, read, relax, nap and snack ... between icing and elevating my knee. And that's just what I did!

I broke down and decided to use Peapod for a grocery delivery. I have enough canned goods around, but I'm getting low on my perishables and frozen foods. The nearby bodega is good for staples but I'm not keen on their selection of meats, vegetables and fruits. I've seen Peapod come here to the apartment building before so someone in the building uses them. I need to complete my order and and set delivery for Tuesday when I have no PT. I figure the elevator should be turned back on by then.

I finally got my first short term disability check this week. I've been spoiled with direct deposit at work, but luckily there's a branch of my bank right by my PT. I also got a catalog of gifts for my upcoming work big anniversary. Not bad stuff ... the prices seem to range from $150 to $300. I'd love the big gas grill, but I have no place to get it. I think I'll take the LCD TV ... yes, I have working TVs, but not an LCD one!

I also received correspondence from the HR people at corporate regarding my leave. It's approved for a work return of November 2? Really? I thought the doctor would tell them three months which would put me back mid-September. I won't complain. He must have taken the rough recovery last time into things and estimated the longer leave. Of course, I can always go back earlier if he signs a release. I'll see how things go. I have to be 100% going back as I have to go back full time and be able to get back and forth walking and riding trains.

I've blathered enough. Onto the photos for the week ...

Died waiting to get a staple removed.

He was just hanging around the examination room on Friday.

I love John's Meat Market!

They can be a bit pricey, but this is one fine meat market. In addition to my Peapod, I'm definitely stopping in here next week after PT. They're just a few doors away. I hurt too much my first PT day and the second was my ill-fated Friday.

I talked to a bird.

Nifty little blue flowers

These are growing along the bottom of an unkempt hedge on Berckman Street. I never noticed them before.

In the park across from PT

Fountain in said park

Weird flowers!

Oh. Scotch Plains doesn't remove the Christmas lights from their trees in the park adjacent to the Municipal Building.

Flowering trees on Berckman Street

Comfy Vincent

If I'm at my computer, he's either on me or in his chair I set up next to me. If I'm in bed, so is he. Wherever I am, there he is. I think he thinks he's a dog. I'm healed well enough to carry him around on my shoulder at times. He's in heaven!

How was your week?

Big Brother 13 Live Feeds Saturday Daytime 7/09/11

Look! Survivor Ralph's lost brother!

Except for a stray reference now and then, the hamsters have blocked Dick from their minds. They're too busy scheming and fussing about the latest Keith and Lawon debacle. Yep, it's moved from Keith and Porsche to Keith and Lawon. Now, I'm not saying that Keith and Porsche are tight, not saying that at all.

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Lonesome Losers:

• Dominic snores. Loudly.
• Keith thinks that Lawon is going around bad-talking him and stirring the pot.
• Lawon is definitely dropping dimes on folks, especially Keith.
• Keith approached Brendon calling out Lawon and making the plea for them to use the Veto.
• Brendon told Keith he wouldn't be walking out the door this week.
• Well, maybe.
• Porsche said that Jordan told her that she (Jordan) threw the veto comp.
• Daniele said, "Maybe she threw it, but she sucked at it more!"
• Despite the lack of numbers, it seems like the "veterans" are much more organized at getting the others on their side.
• The Newbies are not working as a team which Brendon, Rachel, Jordan, Jeff and Daniele are.
• Jeff is going around talking to everyone about strategy to feel them out.
• Practically none of the duos trust each other.
• The Newbies haven't meshed at all even though the Veterans have come together.
• Jeff figured Dominic is gunning for him, Brendon and Rachel.
• Dominic went around asking people who they'll vote for if the noms remain the same.
• Lawon told him he would keep his word and vote Porsche off (even though he's been throwing Keith under the bus).
• Dominic told Daniele he'd probably keep Keith as Keith has already made a target of himself. Less of a target on Dominic.
• Kalia is worried that Lawon's mouth will bring a target to her because she's his partner.
• Jeff told her several times she shouldn't worry.
• But we know that their eyes are opening about Lawon.
• Rachel and Brendon want a house meeting to air the dirty laundry between Lawon and Keith.
• Others, including Daniele, don't think they should because it's between those two and has no impact on them.
• Keith told Rachel that if she uses the PoV to save him, he would work to keep both Jeff and Jordan and Rachel and Brendon safe for two weeks.
• Dominic, Cassi and Lawon think that if Rachel saves Keith/Porsche with the veto, Lawon and Kalia will go on the block.
• They assured Lawon that Kalia would then be the target.
• I don't think so!
• I'm still getting confused if they only save one with the veto or the duo. They seem to be flipping back and forth when talking, too.
• Keith and Porsche had another long talk. I don't know -- he's got that street licking the lips and "know what I mean" thing going on -- so much different from his deacon image!
• Keith is sure that if the noms remain the same, he's toast.
• The Veterans think that while Lawon is a problem child, he's no threat in comps.
• Right now they all have me so confused that I'm not sure where things are heading.
• No one really likes Porsche -- point against her.
• Keith has acted outrageously -- point against him.
• I think the noms might indeed remain the same and Keith will leave.
• But don't make me wager on it.
  

Have Not Hamsters

Not as slick as he thinks.

Big Brother 13 Live Feeds Friday Night (7/08/11) Into Saturday Dawn

Better as a blond or brunette?

I can only hope that she will eventually implode.

Strange, strange season we have at hand here this year. Despite the departure of Evel Dick, the nominees stand (unless taken down by the PoV winning duo) and one of them will be evicted this coming Thursday. Dick's withdrawal (hee hee) will probably affect something down the road such as a double eviction which won't come to be for scheduling reasons. This duo bit isn't starting out that well, is it?

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Dickless Duos:

• Yeah, I'm going to play on that as much as I can. It's my inner child going tee-hee.
• Evel Dick has tweeted that he'll be making an announcement Wednesday -- check out @EvelDick.
• With the extended indoor lockdown, sheer boredom had them inventing games to play.
• As I posted earlier, Brendon and Rachel won PoV.
• Sigh.
• Brendon is worried because he thinks they're winning too many comps too early.
• Plus, next week only he, Jeff and Jordan will be able to compete for HoH.
• The PoV comp had something to do with spelling. Jordan didn't understand it. Maybe Jeff spelled technotronics! I just don't know.
• Jeff noticed that Shelly is already starting to count things in the house in prep for those kind of comps.
• That's good because I don't think Shelly is strong in physical comps.
• Jeff and Brendon said that Adam and Shelly will vote their way. If they keep the noms the same, it's now Keith as the target because his behavior has done him in.
• Surprise, surprise ... Dominic is the cleaning maven of the house so far.
• Cassi and Dominic told Keith he needs to go to Rachel, apologize for his behavior and plead his case to stay.
• For a while, Brendon and Rachel wore red unitards with purple belts from the Veto comp. After they took them off, they had to put them back on for a DR segment.
• BB gave them alcohol.
  
• This time Brendon himself showed him his funky toe which was the target of so much derision on his season.
• Dominic is still trying to convince everyone that he's 25. Hmm ... what is he really? 22? They tell him he's 17.
• Jordan conked out. I'm surprised that more didn't just collapse. They have hardly slept in two days.
• They played a Spin the Bottle kind of game asking questions. According to the game, Adam will win BB.
• That's better than Rachel!
• Kalia, Dominic and Lawon talked about how they'd like to nominate Jeff and Jordan, then turn around and backdoor Brenchel.
• They want to get Jeff and Rachel out as soon as they can.
• History repeats itself -- Brendon got all pouty mad because Rachel was discussing strategy with people and he wasn't a part of it.
• Finally the indoor lockdown ended.
• Dick would have been happy this summer, more smokers! Jeff, Adam, Cassi and Shelly all smoke.
• Shelly sucked up to the "vets."
• As I get this posted, most seem to be still awake. I think we can expect them to sleep away as much of Saturday as they can.
• Although there's been talk of using the PoV, I don't think it will be done. I think Keith (despite the fact he thinks the whole Dick disappearance is a set-up and claims he'll drop a bombshell at the PoV meeting) will remain the target until Thursday unless Porsche goes wild.
  

Instead of bored in the house, bored in the yard.

Keith seems to have lost that huge smile.

Big Brother 13 Live Feeds (late) Bulletin - PoV

Brendon and Rachel won the Power of Veto.

Big Brother 13 Live Feeds Friday Daytime 7/08/11

What is with the butt on the table, Dominic?!?!

More cleavage than I need to see, Kalia!

This is starting off to be the most discombobulated season ever of Big Brother! When those feeds came on late last night, it was pure chaos trying to figure out what was going on. But, I've gotten to the point where I kind of sort of know ... well, as much as can be known. Here's the daytime hijinks from that Big Brother House of the Vanishing Dick:

• Yes, Dick is not merely gone, he's most really sincerely gone.
• No, he wasn't evicted.
• It's supposedly some personal matter not with close family, so Daniele isn't affected.
• EXCEPT ... they gave her the Golden Key. So she is safe for a month.
• After the feeds returned after a huge FOTH (dating myself with that reference!), it turns out the house has some serious schemers.
• Virgin Boy Dominic seems to be dedicated to scheming.
• Keith and Porsche are still on the block, but the tide might be changing a bit from a Porsche target to Keith.
• I wouldn't doubt if Keith's deacon job might not survive his BB13 days. The guy is pleasant enough but way too raunchy to be a youth minister!
• He supposed showed Porsche his er, check out the "Vanished" reference above.
• But his hasn't vanished.
• Jeff is really getting along with all, but he's the first target of Dominic and Cassi (if indeed she's going along with Dom). Brendon is the second target.
• Oh, why won't someone PLEASE target Rachel? I could cope with Brendon sans Rachel!
• Rachel is getting along with the others better so far this season.
• But I still want her gone.
• Dominic referred to Adam as an 11-year-old in a 39-year-old body.
• He has a point there. Jersey Boy needs to calm things down a bit. It's like he's trying to be Mr. Super Personality and BB Reference Desk all the time.
• As when Survivor pulls this returning "favorites" $#%, things have pretty much developed into two camps.
• Mysteriously, no one seems to think of Jordan as a threat.
• Rachel is already thinking people are out to get her.
• I can only hope they indeed are!
• After being up all night, they all napped through the morning.
• Keith had some kind of off feeds blow up and now there's speculation that he's a "loose cannon."
• Dominic and Cassi think they're good with both sides of the house.
• Little do they know, but others are thinking Dominic and Cassi are a bit too close and shouldn't be trusted.
• The feeds were blocked for the PoV players pick.
• But we know anyway.
• Porsche and Keith, Jeff and Jordan, Brendon and Rachel with Adam hosting.
  
• Both Jordan and Shelly (separately) told Rachel this is her chance to change America's perception of her.
• Yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen!
• Daniele and the "veterans" are aware of Dominic's plan to bring all the newbies to the end game.
• So, the kid ain't too slick, eh?
• Daniele, though safe for four weeks, is upset that she can't compete in any competitions for all that time.
• I liked Daniele better as a blond.
• I just felt I had to say that.
• Porsche and Keith fought.
• And Porsche cried.
  
• I believe I've heard Jordan say that she thinks she's getting her period 154 times now.
• Stop it, Jordan!
• Power of Veto, always blocked to the live feeds, is on the slate sometime in the next few hours.
• Despite a Vanishing Dick, the game goes on.
  

No, he's not Keith. He's just tightening his shorts.

People do seem to be trusting Shelly. We'll see!