METAMORPHOSIS ...continued. WONDERS OF TESTOSTERONE, VIAGRA, GOUT, AND MASSAGE

     The first part of my return to the USA is completed.  Testosterone Replacement Therapy, Dental Implant, Gout Attack, Colonoscopy, Angioplasty, Sonograms,  Dermatologist Cancer Check, and Adjustment of Prescriptions.   I'll be a new man or a dead man.
      The Testosterone Therapy revived my Libido and contributed most to becoming a new man or a remake of the old one.  A new outlook on Dating for sure.  Back in the Saddle. The Game is afoot.  The Hunt is on. The performance is little improved.  There is only so much you can do with a rusted out, broken, wreck of what once was.  To quote a famous nomad:  Attitude is Everything....or at least a start.   I can think young, feel young, and wish I really were BUT you can't turn back time.
      I decided to cut to the chase.  Craig's list is out thanks to our Puritan ethic...but Adultfriendfinder is in.  Being side lined for over six years due to radiation treatment for Prostate cancer reminds me of my friend Doug's remark after he hit the 80's: "I really have no desire for sex anymore...NONE!"  I took that not as a death sentence but a life sentence.    My life was not going to be side lined.
     Hilda was a start.  A multi-widower who enjoyed massaging naked men until they enjoyed a "happy ending".  Her modest home was in Sun City 55+ community along with a lot of Hilda's that looked like "Hilda's".  Bleach blonde, overweight, tanned (?), all business, and very accommodating but only gave...did not receive or participate except to administer.  Unfortunately my libido had me prepared for an hour of debauchery that turned into a frustrating futile humiliating failure.  Cash on the line ...no refunds.   I thanked Hilda and scurried out the back door with my "tail" between my legs.
      A drink was in order.  Brenda greeted me with a smile...".the usual David?" I wish, but not to be. I'll have a Japanese Whiskey!   I returned home to reassess my situation and have a Mexican Tequila, top shelf.  That night, my enemy woke me with needle like pain in my big toe.  GOUT.  Perfect ending to a futile day. No Chair Exercise at Senior Citizen Center today. Four days later I can walk finally.  Should I give up diuretics or hard liquor or both.
   I will stick to the wine and lay off the meds for a while.  Happy Hour today.
   
    Time goes by.  My trip to NY ended the first day with a detached retina, operation, long visit with my cousins who chauffeured me to hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacys etc, etc.  I took the train back to Buffalo after dropping the car at the Albany airport.  My child, grandchildren and great grandchildren visited me at the hotel near the airport for 2 days before I took the return flight back to to Phoenix for another operation down the road to remove the oil from my eye and hopefully regain my eyesight.

      It took a couple months for that to happen.  Meanwhile I started exercise 4 days a week and ping pong one day with happy hours with Meetup groups in between.  The heat was oppressive and the hottest summer on record.  Jeannie my neighbor, bought Saul and Bobbie's condo (my other neighbors) while I contemplated selling mine next year and moving in with Bruce for the short time I
come to Phoenix for Doctor, Dentist, Friends and Family visits.
    Meanwhile I got a urologist to monitor my Testosterone Therapy rather than the ED Clinic.  This was because my PSA rose from .5 to 1 and the thought of cancer returning worried me.  Plus, the Summit Clinic, as professional as it is, was no up on Prostate Cancer but their prices were up.  My treatments went from $300 to $100 without large visitation and testing fees at the urologist.
      My first visit I explained my situation and the Doctor was hesitant to support my endeavor to get my libido back because of the strong possibility that the cancer would return.  I assured him that if my PSA got up to 2, I would cease the treatment.  He agreed and asked that I take a current blood test to determine what my PSA and Testosterone level was at.  I made an appointment to go over the results but when I arrived, his Nurse Practitioner informed my my results of 5000 for Testosterone level was off the charts and they suggested I get another Doctor!  Traitors.  Still they wanted another in house test to verify.  The next day the level was normal and they called to apologize.  I don't trust any of them but I am continuing the TRT for now.

      Today I get the oil removed from my eye and in three weeks, I will be back in Oaxaca for 2 months. 

METAMORPHOSIS @ SCOTTSDALE SHADOWS CALIFORNIA VISIT

         This last few years have challenged the direction of my thinking.  Mexico and Oaxaca especially turned me inward to question myself and my former beliefs that created who I am. I am torn between living nearer to nature or close to everything with friends nearby.
       Vietnam was the first transformation that led to the next ...and so on.  Without Vietnam... I am not sure I would have ever had the confidence to become myself.
          Losing my family was another transformation.  Getting to know my new family with 8 great grandchildren is another.  Life is full if we take the time to embrace it...good and bad.
       Well, to get to the point, the last few years have had me vacillate between Mexico and Scottsdale.
I thought about selling, renting my condo out full time, or fixing it up to stick around when I couldn't be in Mexico.  I decided on the latter.
     This last weekend was shared with my family in Lake Elsinore California.   It was good to see everyone and catch up with Heather.  We had dinner at her home that night.  She cooked Sloppy Joes, Salad, Asparagus....it was really good.  I unpacked some camp gear and other books and thing for the children that I wasn't going to be using that they might.  Heather had to rise early to study and work.  I could relax and watch a little TV but after driven 6 hours...I fell asleep.
         I had the Free Continental breakfast at the hotel and ended up at Heather's around 11:30 so fixed some eggs and spinach to round out my breakfast.  Chase, Ellie and I tried a game of Mexican Dominoes they seemed to catch on quick but didn't have a patience for another round...we played one out of 13.

I don't think they care for board games.   Heather came home and we all kind of "hung out for a while".  I enjoyed leftover Sloppy Joe on a Salad with Asparagus. Then went home.  Heather picked me up later when we visited Brian , her ex husband, to drop Chas off for the next few days.  Heather and I were taking Ellie to the airport at 5 am the next day. I really enjoyed seeing and talking to Brian.  He has his own home now that is beautiful and a great piece of property with a nice yard and porch.
     I went to bed early just to hear the alarm at 5 am.  Heather and Ellie arrived on time and we were off to the LAX Airport. 

 I parked the car while Heather and Ellie checked in.  Heather had to accompany 14 year old Ellie to the gate because she was a minor in addition to paying extra $200 for her ticket.   I waited next door watching the the people coming and going it this truly INTERNATIONAL Airport.

       We drove into LA to the Science Museum but when we realized we had been there before, we decided to have breakfast at the Bird's Nest then go to the Autry Museum. 

 The Breakfast was good and the Autry Museum even better.  We spent a big part of the day there before returning to Lake Elsinore.

We stopped for a mid afternoon snack at Organic something.  It was really filling.

      I returned to freshen up then Heather had a salad waiting for me while we chatted some more.
Rents are going up at her complex as well as gas prices and inflation.  It is difficult to raise a family emotionally and financially. I gave them all their once a year one and only present for their Birthday.
I have 21 of them to keep track of so I changed the system to one present a year..at the same time for all.
        The return drive seemed better than the one over.

       I have ideas now that we have a top floor full of owners instead of renters at Scottsdale Shadows.   We should get to know each other but in order to respect each other's privacy, it seems it would be a once a month dinner at each other's place with responsibility for the wine/dinner/apps/ be rotated around each month.  If someone couldn't make it...fine.  Rotate any responsibility to the next person.  It is a way to know each other.   I see Tales of the City or of Scottsdale Shadows.
          Jeannie and I dined at the Roaring Fork tonight to celebrate her recent acquisition of her very own Penthouse Apartment at Bldg 22 5th floor.  We are all pleased as she has been a big part of the transition that took place within the last few years.  The loss of Artis , Paul, Elenore, Bobbie, and Saul...all to old folks homes...except for Bobbie...she's a step up.
        The new owners have proved to be a part our community.  David and Rene were the first with his sons.  The sons moved on and if I know them...they are still moving.  Born travelers.  David is getting ready to retire and start enjoying his hobbies.  Rene looks forward to that I suspect.
      Rick and Reed took two spaces as did David and Rene.  Paul left for nursing care after a stroke and Eleanor stayed on hoping he might return.  He didn't so she downsized and sold before she moved with the others.
      The new couple Rae and I don't know his name yet.  They really gutted the entire place and doing it over completely.   Jeannie will be moving into Saul and Bobbies old condo next month.  Saul is in a nursing home and Bobbie past on.  Some one will be moving into Jeannie's soon as "Life at Building 22 Fifth Floor" moves on.

    There is no more until I post my trip to NY.  Adios until August.
   












 

MID MAY AND TREADING WATER....FOR A WHILE

     Well I've been busy with the usual check in and check up , check overs, and the worst when my colonologists??  sent me a reminder that my colonoscopy was due.  Wow...10 years.  I have managed to not lie but couldn't remember the date when my PCP , both of them, inquired as to my last time in the stirrups.  Thank God for Computers, Calendars and reminders...they put money in the Doctor's pockets at limited cost and insure a packed house.  I put it on my calendar .  I want everything behind me and freedom to enjoy the last of this roll of toilet paper before it runs out.
     Today I visited the local market after watching Food.Inc , a doc on Netflix, I'm never going to go to a supermarket if I can get it at a neighborhood market.  I also took the day to try out my new Pixel 3a phone.  The big reason I traded my Moto X in was not the rebate they gave me for returning it in good condition.  It was the reviews on the Camera.  I think I now have a point and shoot computer in touch with the world, movies, music, etc, etc.  I only keep my camera for special trips now.  You be the judge...my day at the market:

WHEN I LEARN HOW THIS PHONE CAMERA WORKS, I'LL DO SOME MORE.

  Well now it's MID JUNE...Father's Day last week.   I've been watching a new version of "Tales of the City" by Armistead Maupin.  I think he was a former columnist for the San Fran Chronicle.   He did a weekly serial in the newspaper that later was a play/film on PBS about the lives of the people living at Barbary Lane in San Fran at that time.  Now they have a sequel with Olympia Dukakis and a group of great actors that paid rent to her as tenants on Barbary Lane.   Now some are returning, some new tenants, some old still there...and she announces she is selling and they, after years of living in this city within a city , have to find a life.  

      They tried to figure out what the reason was so maybe they could resolve it and status quo.  A meeting of the tenants was held and different hypothesis were suggested.  One was...maybe at 90 she wants to go off to Costa Rica or even OAXACA to retire.  Not SMA or Lake Chapala...Now it's OAXACA.  Well I hope they do and I'm looking for a roommate/caretaker?

          Cardiovascular Surgeon wants to do a CAT Scan and some Radiology....I suspect that might be for my heart and lungs in case he wants to do an operation I have to be in shape.  I'm getting too old for those.    I now have 3 more appointments over the next two months.

         I headed for Whole Foods.  It would be my second visit since King Jeff became owner. They had what I went for ....Bob's Red Mill Potato Flakes.  I was so elated I bought some Hayen Mills Crackers and Cholula Hot Sauce to replace Frank's...goodbye Western New York...no more Buffalo Wings.  

          I stopped at the "Scottsdale Quarter"   for my first Happy Hour with 50

+something or other Charlotte Rose.  First time in years but didn't see anyone I knew...must be an exclusive Happy Hour?   I spied a wealthy Oriental lady in line for the opening at 4 pm.   Most had used the "free Valet" service....the last one I used cost me $10 so . I just parked my own and walked.  

        There was an elderly Oriental lady sporting a "Betty Boop" purse and a wide brimmed stylish hat....I liked her.  The doors opened and we all head right for the bar...along with me and surprise...the Oriental lady sat next to me. 

The bartender had her beer 2 seconds after she sat and 5 minutes later the Chef delivered this platter of Calamari.  They all knew her well and took turns coming over to say hello.  My take was that she was very accomplished wealthy Thai or Chinese business woman that lived not far away.  She finished the beer when the waitress brought her a glass of "my" red wine.  Later she boxed the leftover Calamari for late night.  I would have done the same...then she reached over and passed a complimentary Mini Toll House Chocolate cookie to me on a silver tray on a pedestal and offered it to me while explaining she can't have sugar.  

        I'm glad I went out.  Makes my third Happy Hour this week.  Yesterday I met a lovely lady from Iran but Steve, my new acquaintance was being possessive so I gave her a card in hopes we could meet again.  I left PF Chang's early.

She emailed me a few days later and we have a date today.

       The day before that I attended Evo's Happy Hour where I ran into the same bartender that I met just after EVO opened over a year or two ago.  He was one reason why I liked the place.  He was studying Microbiology and I'm interested in how that effects us and believe it is one of the "keys" to LIFE.  

          Monday I attended the Thirsty Lion Happy Hour...(yes there is a theme here..many of us do this to keep sane....or we play Texas Holdem at the Casino in the afternoon).  It is something you can count on.  We need socialization as we get isolated in old age.  Most drink Ice Tea.  I have 1 or 2 glasses of Red Wine along with some of the Bar Snacks which can be dinner.  Renee arrived and sat next to me. I was immediately drawn to her smile and lovely persona, so I gave her my card.  I find I'm going to have to get THEIR CONTACT NUMBER.  Women don't call men.  She didn't.

       One day for a quick fix I headed for one of my favorites...The Back Door.  They pour a good wine and the Pastrami Sliders with Cheddar are to die for...or may be the reason I die.

         A few weeks back, I attended an Opening of a new exhibit at the Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum along with SERVAS and Active International members. Rene was the only one I recognized.  I wore my AI T-shirt and one other man approached me so I introduced him to Rene who was leading another walk through of the exhibit.

Had to have a Gelato while there.  The owner attended Gelato school in Milan, Italy.

         Jeannie, my neighbor, wanted to visit her friend in Vegas and I wanted to see Mike and Danny, the Travelin Piano Man,  so I drove us up and took a room at the Day's Inn after dropping off Jeannie at Merry Maid that her friend owns.

      I stopped next door at In and Out for a burger and fries.  So good.  I had no desire to go to my usual New Orleans Poker room down the street.  I watched a movie and slept.  Awoke and went for free coffee at Denny's in the Day's Inn casino before meeting Mike for breakfast. 

We talked for hours.  It was a real pleasure to see him.  A good friend is special and I needed that.   He drove, so I invited him up when he dropped me off and we talked another 2 hours.

He is running for Chef of the Year at the Chef's Association.  He had been nominated 9 times and now he is retired, he decided to accept the nomination.

       I left to meet Danny at Ester's Kitchen but when I arrived they stopped serving brunch and only had a Pizza, bar type menu...so when Danny and Mo, his dog , arrived, we decided to go next door to a nice Mexican restaurant.

We had a nice meal and conversation with the waiter.  Danny took me around his neighborhood to take some photos and we stopped in a gallery where he had some of his photos hung for sale.

 He introduced me to the lady that runs a car shop and fixed his truck for nothing....then took in next door to be detailed for him because he helps others and gives to the community.

I got a tour of his one tiny room apartment.  A challenge with both of us in the room at the same time but it works for him.  I bid him goodbye and headed for New Orleans to try my hand at Poker but when I arrived I noticed single deck blackjack everywhere on the floor of the casino....so....two hours later after losing $50 I stopped for Chowda.

 I visited Canes on the way home for Chicken Fingers to go with my wine.  I slept well, checked out when Jeannie arrived and drove the long road back.  It was a great weekend.

   We carpool to visit our friends occasionally on a weekend. I suggested we celebrate our non-stop return trip with a call to Bruce to meet us at O'conners for a wee pint.  When we arrived I recognized one of the first Irish from the past that was an old and good man to share a drink with.  John Corcoran , one of the originators of the St Patrick's Day Parade in Phoenix, also a Grand Marshall, and not to mention Irishman of the Year for sum fuckin ting.  He was sitting in his corner at the bar with Steve to his right and a familiar bartender waiting to pour my Guinness.  Things were coming back to me as I looked around an all to familiar bar scene.  All the usual suspects.  It was warm and welcoming.  Old friends and really good times together.  The Bus Junkets from O'conner's early in the morning where a not so true but very hearty Irish Breakfast was to carry us over until  Dazzo's Hot Dogs in Wikieup Az....with a few Bloody Marys ...Guinness...Jamisons,...or Powers..then ending in Laughlin Nevada with all of us at the poker tables playing against each other...having a really great time.  Jimmy, and Laura made the trip up and back so fun while serving drinks and hosting gambling fun games on the way.

    It was such a pleasure to see an old friend and aquanice when Laura , the former barteress that still fills in two days a week.   It was like home week.  Bruce finally showed up with his ex ...Karen.  It was good to see them both but we wanted to get home. Miss those neighborhood pubs.

               

A couple days later I had Happy Hour at Weft and Warp....a ART Bar/Kitchen in upscale Anzi Resort in Snobbsdale.  Very Posh...almost ordered the Oaxaca old fashioned but for that price I'll wait and get 3-4 of them in Oaxaca. The $16 dollar price on the Oaxacan drink is highlighted in Gold.  Not the most or least expensive but the "House Recommended" ...who's buying?

           I had an appointment today for a  CRT scan to monitor the  circulation in my legs. They inject radioactive iodine into your blood then film it as it flows through your system from the neck on down to your little toezies. You can feel the heat rush through your body as the CAT Scans you as it flows through.  OK....now my second CD to take my Cardio Vascular Surgeon for a new evaluation.  The last one I tried to view in my computer and it wouldn't accept the format.  Doctor's format.  I am going to ask for a David's format or a print out in English. 

       On the way home I stopped at the Dubliner.  It was down the street and Thursday at the Dub.  Alan greeted me from "His" Seat.  Each regular has a certain seat or area that is respectfully theirs.  Calum got a brass plate at his that was inherited by his wife Karen.  She allows others to sit there but maybe NOT when she walks in.  

        Karen snuck up behind me while I waited for "Harry", to finish pouring my Guiness.  Pat, the owner came over to shake my hand and extend his welcome.  His uncle, Frank from County Meath whose mother was from Chile, helped with the purchase.  Then Frank's wife Edi died.  He was old himself but found a young 70 + lady to fill his time up.   Edi would have approved.  

        Paul walked in and took the seat to my right.  He is from the neighborhood.  We played together or against each other in Dart tournaments. His company was always a pleasure, as was his wife, whom I think left him.  He was himself and I was feeling like I should have moved to North Phoenix instead of Snobbsdale.  We have few "Neighborhood" Pubs.  

        It is now July and I will be leaving for N.Y. to visit family, so will end this long blog Post.